Laskowski (sobered at the sight of her). Why dearie, where have you been? Have you had a long talk with Paul?
Antoinette (extends her hand to Paul). Good-by, Doctor!
Paul. Good-by, madam! We shall see each other again! (He looks squarely into her eye.)
Antoinette (significantly). We shall see each other again.
Laskowski. Shan't we go, dearie? Why, it's almost evening. Antoinette. Yes, almost evening. I am ready. (She walks over to the right calmly and goes out. The guests prepare to go.)
Hella (has been standing silently witnessing the scene, and now approaches Paul). What does this mean, Paul?
Paul (about to go, frigidly). A woman whom I knew in the old days!... Good-by. (He leaves her and goes out at the right with the guests.)
Hella (partly to herself, partly calling after him). Paul! What does this mean?... Paul!
ACT IV
Afternoon, two days later. The banquet hoard and oleanders have been removed, every trace of the funeral has been carefully obliterated. Clear sunlight comes in from the garden windows in the background and lights up the spacious, sombre hall. The bushes and trees of the garden are coated with ice. The fire is burning as usual. Toward the end of the act the sunlight gradually vanishes and a light, gray dusk fills the hall. Aunt Clara stands at the fireplace with her arms folded over her waist, and looks into the fire.