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Rita.
Oh, it's not that bell I mean. All day I have heard it ringing in my ears.—Now it is ringing again!
Allmers.
[Going up to her.] You are mistaken, Rita.
Rita.
No, I hear it so plainly. It sounds like a knell. Slow. Slow. And always the same words.
Allmers.
Words? What words?
Rita.
[Nodding her head in the rhythm.] "The crútch is—flóating. The crútch is—flóating." Oh, surely you must hear it, too!
Allmers.
[Shaking his head.] I hear nothing. And there is nothing to hear.
Rita.
Oh, you may say what you will—I hear it so plainly.
Allmers.
[Looking out over the railing.] Now they are on board, Rita. Now the steamer is on her way to the town.
Rita.
Is it possible you do not hear it? "The crútch is—flóating. The crútch is"
