Martha.
That was it? Now I understand why you came. But he will want you back again, Lona.
Lona.
An old step-sister—what can he want with her now? Men break many a tie when happiness beckons to them.
Martha.
That is true, sometimes.
Lona.
Now we two must hold together, Martha.
Martha.
Can I be anything to you?
Lona.
Who more? We two foster-mothers—have we not both lost our children? Now we are alone.
Martha.
Yes, alone. So now I will tell you this—I have loved him more than all the world.
Lona.
Martha? [Seizes her arm.] Is this the truth?
Martha.
My whole life lies in the words. I have loved him, and waited for him. From summer to summer I have looked for his coming. And then he came—but he did not see me.
Lona.
Loved him! And it was you that gave his happiness into his hands.
