[The murmur of prayers has gradually drawn nearer. Part of the crowd invades the garden. Dull steps heard, running, and low voices speaking.] THE STRANGER (_to the crowd_). Stay here;... do not go near the windows.... Where is she?... A PEASANT. Who? THE STRANGER. The rest ... the bearers?... THE PEASANT. They are coming by the walk that leads to the door. [The old man goes away. Martha and Mary are seated on the bench, with their backs turned to the windows. Murmurs in the crowd.] THE STRANGER. S--t!... Do not speak. [_The elder of the two sisters rises and goes to bolt the door...._] MARTHA. She opens it? THE STRANGER. On the contrary, she is shutting it. [_A silence._ MARTHA. Grandfather has not entered? THE STRANGER. No.... She returns and sits down by her mother.... The others do not stir, and the child sleeps all the time.... [_A silence._ MARTHA. Sister, give me your hands.... MARY. Martha!... [_They embrace and give each other a kiss._ THE STRANGER. He must have knocked.... They have all raised their heads at the same time;... they look at each other.... MARTHA. Oh! oh! my poor little sister!... I shall cry too!... [_She stifles her sobs on her sister's shoulder._ THE STRANGER. He must be knocking again.... The father looks at the clock. He rises. MARTHA. Sister, sister, I want to go in too.... They cannot be alone any longer.... MARY. Martha! Martha!... [_She holds her back._ THE STRANGER. The father is at the door.... He draws the bolts.... He opens the door prudently.... MARTHA. Oh!... you do not see the... THE STRANGER. What? MARTHA. Those who bear.... THE STRANGER. He hardly opens it.... I can only see a corner of the lawn; and the fountain.... He does not let go the door;... he steps back.... He looks as if he were saying: "Ah, it's you!"... He raises his arms.... He shuts the door again carefully.... Your grandfather has come into the room....