the right and soon disappear among the lower clouds. Keen storm-gusts hurtle and whistle through the air.
[The Sister of Mercy appears upon the stone-scree to the left. She stops and looks around silently and searchingly.
[Maia can he heard singing triumphantly far in the depths below.
Maia.
I am free! I am free! I am free!
No more life in the prison for me!
I am free as a bird! I am free!
[Suddenly a sound like thunder is heard from high up on the snow-field, which glides and whirls downwards with rushing speed. Professor Rubek and Irene can be dimly discerned as they are whirled along with the masses of snow and buried in them.
The Sister of Mercy.
[Gives a shriek, stretches out her arms towards them and cries.] Irene! [Stands silent a moment, then makes the sign of the cross before her in the air, and says.
Pax vobiscum!
[Maia's triumphant song sounds from still farther down below.
