Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/378

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

Professor Rubek.

Yes—at a little distance——

The Inspector.

Aha! Then I think I can explain the mystery, Professor.

Professor Rubek.

Well, what was it then?

Maia.

[Simultaneously.] Was the Professor really not dreaming? The Inspector. [Suddenly whispering, as he directs their attention towards the background on the right.] Hush, if you please! Look there—Don't speak loud for a moment. [A slender lady, dressed in fine, cream-white cashmere, and followed by a Sister of Mercy in black, with a silver cross hanging by a chain on her breast, comes forward from behind the hotel and crosses the park towards the pavilion in front on the left. Her face is pale, and its lines seem to have stiffened; the eyelids are drooped and the eyes appear as though they saw nothing. Her dress comes down to her feet and clings to the body in perpendicular folds. Over her head, neck, breast, shoulders and arms she wears a