Bernick.
True, true. And for that very reason—it is settled, Lona, is it not?—you won't leave Betty and me?
Mrs. Bernick.
No, Lona; you must not!
Lona.
No; how could I think of going away and leaving you young people, just beginning life? Am I not your foster-mother? You and I, Martha, we are the two old auntsWhat are you looking at?
Martha.
How the sky is clearing; how it grows light over the sea. The Palm Tree has fortune with it
Lona.
And happiness on board.
Bernick.
And we—we have a long, earnest day of work before us; I most of all. But let it come! Gather close around me, you true and faithful women. I have learnt this, in these days: it is you women who are the pillars of society.
Lona.
Then you have learnt a poor wisdom, brother-in-law. [Lays her hand firmly upon his shoulder.] No, no; the spirits of Truth and Freedom—these are the Pillars of Society.
THE END.
