IRENE.

We see the irretrievable only when--

[Breaks off.


PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Looks inquiringly at her.] When---?


IRENE.

When we dead awaken.


PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Shakes his head mournfully.] What do we really see then?


IRENE.

We see that we have never lived.

[She goes towards the slope and descends.

[The SISTER OF MERCY makes way for her and follows her. PROFESSOR
RUBEK remains sitting motionless beside the brook.