Antoinette (puts her arms around him). Here on your brow, my lover! Are you content? (She kisses his brow.)
Paul. Content in life or death. (He gets up, sits down beside Antoinette and looks at her). Are you weeping, sweetheart?
Antoinette (lowers her head, gently). Why, you are, too, Paul!
Paul (passes his hand over his eyes). All over! Tell me what you think now, dear!
Antoinette (also controlling her tears). It is this, dear, our time is short. I rode away from my husband! He was riding ahead of me in the sleigh. I had told him that I would follow and I mounted my horse and came to you.
Paul (puts his arms around her). Courageous soul! Rode through the forest?
Antoinette. Right on through the forest. The sun was already going down, when I set out.
Paul. The sun of New Year's Eve ... Did you see it too?
Antoinette. When it was down, the gloaming afforded me light, and later the snow.
Paul (sadly with a touch of roguishness). Dearest, when the sun is down, there is nothing left to give light.