You see, one speaks in spite of oneself.... And the sorrow is lost in the details;... but otherwise, if I go in alone, at the first words, knowing them as I do, it would be dreadful, and God knows what might happen.... But if we speak in turn, they will listen to us and not think to look the ill news in the face.... Do not forget the mother will be there, and that her life hangs by a thread.... It is good that the first wave break on some unnecessary words.... There should be a little talking around the unhappy, and they should have people about them.... The most indifferent bear unwittingly a part of the grief.... So, without noise or effort, it divides, like air or light.... THE STRANGER. Your clothes are wet through; they are dripping on the flagstones. THE OLD MAN. It is only the bottom of my cloak that dipped in the water.--You seem to be cold. Your chest is covered with earth.... I did not notice it on the road on account of the darkness.... THE STRANGER. I went into the water up to my waist. THE OLD MAN. Was it long after you found her when I came? THE STRANGER. A few minutes, barely. I was going toward the village; it was already late, and the bank was getting dark. I was walking with my eyes fixed on the river because it was lighter than the road, when I saw something strange a step or two from a clump of reeds.... I drew near and made out her hair, which had risen almost in a circle above her head, and whirled round, so, in the current. [_In the room, the two young girls turn their heads toward the window._] THE OLD MAN. Did you see the two sisters' hair quiver on their shoulders? THE STRANGER. They turned their heads this way.... They simply turned their heads. Perhaps I spoke too loud. [_The two young girls resume their former position._] But they are already looking no longer.... I went into the water up to my waist and I was able to take her by the hand and pull her without effort to the shore.... She was as beautiful as her sisters are. THE OLD MAN. She was perhaps more beautiful.... I do not know why I have lost all courage.... THE STRANGER. What courage are you talking of? We have done all man could do.... She was dead more than an hour ago.... THE OLD MAN. She was alive this morning!... I met her coming out of church.... She told me she was going away; she was going to see her grandmother on the other side of the river where you found her.... She did not know when I should see her again.... She must have been on the point of asking me something; then she dared not and left me abruptly. But I think of it now.... And I saw nothing!... She smiled as they smile who choose to be silent, or who are afraid they will not be understood.... She seemed hardly to hope.... Her eyes were not clear and hardly looked at me.... THE STRANGER. Some peasants told me they had seen her wandering on the river-bank until nightfall.... They thought she was looking for flowers.... It may be that her death.... THE OLD MAN.