MICH. (_speaking in a very calm voice_). Those of you who are filled with idle foolish curiosity, come and look in. (_They fall back._) Those of you who have been moved by the awful lesson of this morning, go to your homes, ponder it in your hearts, so that all your actions and all your thoughts from this time forth may be as open as the day, as clear as crystal, as white as snow. (_They all go away gradually. MICHAEL comes away from the window, leaving it open, goes to MARK._) MICH. Mark! (_Cordial handshake._) You've come to stay, I hope? MARK. A few days. You have a little business here? (_Glancing at the group of ROSE, ANDREW, and Sister._) MICH. It's nearly finished. Leave me with them for a few moments. MARK. I'll get rid of the dust of my journey and come back to you. (_Exit MARK. MICHAEL turns towards ROSE with great tenderness._) MICH. Poor child! (_She comes towards him with evident effort; the Sister brings a chair and she sinks into it, sobbing._) MICH. (_bending over her with great tenderness_). I know what you have suffered this morning. I would willingly have borne it for you, but that would not have made reparation to those whom you have deceived, or given you peace in your own soul. (_She continues sobbing._) Hush! Hush! All the bitterness is past! Look only to the future! Think of the happy newness and whiteness of your life from this moment! Think of the delight of waking in the morning and knowing that you have nothing to hide! Be sure you have done right to own your sin. There won't be a softer pillow in England to-night than the one your head rests upon. (_She becomes quieter. MICHAEL turns to the Sister._) Watch over her very carefully. Keep her from brooding. Let her be occupied constantly with work. And write to me very often to tell me how she is. (_Turns to ROSE._) The carriage is ready. It's time to say good-bye. ROSE. Good-bye, sir. Thank you for all your kindness. I've been very wicked---- MICH. Hush! That is all buried now. ROSE. Good-bye, father. (_Throws her arms round ANDREW'S neck, clings to him, sobs convulsively for some moments in a paroxysm of grief. MICHAEL watches them for some moments._) MICH. (_intercepts, gently separates them_). It's more than she can bear. Say good-bye, and let her go. ANDR. (_breaking down_). Good-bye, my dear! (_Kissing her._) Good-bye--I--I--I---- (_Tears himself away, goes up to window, stands back to audience._) MICH. (_To ROSE._) No more tears! Tears are for evil and sin, and yours are all past! Write to me and tell me how you get on, and how you like the work. It will bring you great peace--great peace. Why, you are comforted already--I think I see one of your old happy smiles coming. What do you think, sister, isn't that the beginning of a smile? SISTER. Yes, sir. I think it is. ROSE. Good-bye, sir--thank you for all your goodness. I--I---- (_Beginning to sob again._)