SCENE IX

CONVENT

[The refectory of an ancient convent, resembling a simple
whitewashed Romanesque church. There are damp patches on the walls,
looking like strange figures. A long table with bowls; at the end a
desk for the Lector. At the back a door leading to the chapel.
There are lighted candles on the tables. On the wall, left, a
painting representing the Archangel Michael killing the Fiend.]

[The STRANGER is sitting left, at a refectory table, dressed in the
white clothing of a patient, with a bowl before him. At the table,
right, are sitting: the brown-clad mourners of Scene I. The BEGGAR.
A woman in mourning with two children. A woman who resembles the
Lady, but who is not her and who is crocheting instead of eating. A
Man very like the Doctor, another like the Madman. Others like the
Father, Mother, Brother. Parents of the 'Prodigal Son,' etc. All
are dressed in white, but over this are wearing costumes of
coloured crepe. Their faces are waxen and corpse-like, their whole
appearance queer, their gestures strange. On the rise of the
curtain all are finishing a Paternoster, except the STRANGER.]

STRANGER (rising and going to the ABBESS, who is standing at a
serving table). Mother. May I speak to you?

ABBESS (in a black-and-white Augustinian habit). Yes, my son. (They
come forward.)