MICH. Forgive me, Uncle Ned--I'm ashamed of this. I shall get over it. I'll talk with you by and by. I will submit myself. I will be ruled. Father, come to me. You nursed me yourself night after night when I was delirious with the fever. I was a child then. I'm a child now. Talk to me about her. Talk to me about Audrie! (_AUDRIE'S face, wasted and hectic, appears just over the doorstep, coming up the steps at back; during the following conversation she raises herself very slowly and with great difficulty up the steps, leaning on the wall._) MICH. I've heard nothing of her. Where do you think she is? In England? I think I could be patient, I think I could bear my life if I knew for certain that all was well with her. If I could know that she is happy--No, she isn't happy--I know that. SIR LYOLF. Michael, I've had some news of her. MICH. News! Good? Bad? Quick! Tell me. SIR LYOLF. You can bear it? MICH. She's dead? And I never went to her! I never went to her! She won't forgive me! SIR LYOLF. She's not dead. MICH. What then? SIR LYOLF. You promised you'd go to her if she sent for you. MICH. Yes. SIR LYOLF. She has sent for you. (_Sees her entering._) MICH. She's dying? (_She has gained the door, just enters, leaning back against the post. MICHAEL'S back is towards her._) AUDR. I'm afraid I am. (_MICHAEL looks at her, utters a wild cry of joy, then looks at her more closely, realizes she is dying, goes to her, kisses her, bursts into sobs._) AUDR. (_putting her hand on his head_). Don't cry. I'm past crying for. Help me there. (_Points to seat._) (_He seats her; looks at her with great anxiety._) AUDR. (_laughing, a little weak feeble laugh, and speaking feebly with pause between each word_). Don't pull--that--long--face. You'll--make me--laugh--if you--do. And I want to be--serious now. MICH. But you're dying! AUDR. (_with a sigh_). Yes. Can't help it. Sir Lyolf, pay--coachman--(_taking out purse feebly_) outside--No, perhaps--better--wait--or bring another sort--of--carriage. But no mutes--no feathers--no mummery. SIR LYOLF. I'll send him away. You'll stay with us now? AUDR. (_nods_). So sorry--to intrude. Won't be very long about it. (_Exit SIR LYOLF by door and steps; MICHAEL is standing with hands over eyes._) FATHER H. (_coming to AUDRIE_). Can I be of any service, any comfort to you? AUDR. No, thanks. I've been dreadfully wicked--doesn't much--matter, eh? Can't help it now. Haven't strength to feel sorry. So sorry I can't feel sorry. FATHER H. There is forgiveness---- AUDR. Yes, I know. Not now. Want to be with him. (_Indicating MICHAEL._) _SIR LYOLF re-enters by steps._ SIR LYOLF. Come, Ned---- AUDR. (_to FATHER HILARY_). Come back again--in--few minutes. I shall want you. I've been dreadfully wicked. But I've built a church--and--(_feverishly_) I've loved him--with all my heart--and a little bit over. (_Exeunt SIR LYOLF and FATHER HILARY, door left._)