Lene (extends her hand to her). Now don't you fall, Miss!
Aunt Clara (gets down from the chair carefully). Now then!... One does realize, after all, that the years are coming on! When I was of your age, I jumped from the straw stack. You girls of today! you have no sap, no vim! A girl as strong as a bear, and afraid of going to pieces.
Lene (admiring the chandelier). Oh my, but now it's beautiful, Miss Clara! The young master will be pleased when he comes.
[Aunt Clara stands before the chandelier with folded hands, engrossed in thought. The hall is now brightly illumined. Only the remotest corners remain in a shadow.]
Inspector Zindel (comes in again from the right with a lighted lantern, stops in astonishment). The deuce, Miss Clara! You're up to the business. I do say, the world must come to an end, in grand style! (He puts down the lantern beside the fireplace.)
Lene. Anything else to do, Miss?
Aunt Clara (absent-minded). You may go now. If I need you I'll call.
Lene (departing). All right, Miss, the water's been put on for the coffee. (Goes off to the right.)
Inspector Zindel. I was out on the road. Miss. Not a sound yet.
Aunt Clara (starts from her dreams and points to the chandelier). For ten years it has not been lighted, Zindel! Ever since Paul has been gone!