He is in no danger if he keeps quiet. He will be interned in a concentration-camp. I’ll write to my people and ask them to see that he is well treated.... I say, I see on your table one of those Cattleyas which were rather sickly before I left. How are they doing? THE BURGOMASTER I believe they’re saved. I found out under the microscope what it was that was making them wither. It’s a tiny fungus which no orchid-grower had located before and against which all the ordinary methods of vaporizing and fumigation are quite useless. I’ve contrived a new blend; I’ll give you the prescription; it has done wonderfully well so far. I’m worried about my poor hot-houses, on which I’ve spent the best part of my life and nearly half my fortune. If only this war doesn’t turn them into broken glass and scrap-iron! As you know, they contain nearly half a million valuable flowers; and their destruction would be an irretrievable disaster, for it would take a whole lifetime to build up a collection that could compare with mine. OTTO Have no fear, there will be no battle or bombardment in this direction; and while the occupation lasts I shall be able to protect the house of my wife and my father-in-law, or at least to see that it is protected. THE BURGOMASTER Here is Isabelle. (_Enter_ ISABELLE.) ISABELLE (_Pausing for one moment on the threshold and then rushing into_ OTTO’S _arms._) You! Is that you? You here; and I did not know! OTTO (_Embracing her._) Isabelle! ISABELLE You’re not wounded? You haven’t been ill? OTTO No; and you? I heard you were not very well. ISABELLE It’s nothing; it was the horror of everything that has happened and the anxiety of knowing you to be constantly in danger from the enemy.... THE BURGOMASTER What enemy? It’s he and his friends that are the enemy; and he runs no danger in the midst of them. But I will leave you to yourselves. Call me when you want me. (_Exit._) ISABELLE It’s true. I no longer know where I am. I call enemies all who wish you ill; and that means all the people I love. It is too much for a woman’s heart to bear. But it is over now, I hope; and the worst is ended. OTTO No, the worst is beginning. But I was sure of you and that you at least would not condemn me unheard. ISABELLE I condemn the others, but I know that you are no more to blame than I am. Besides, what does it all matter, when I find you the same as you were? But shall I have you with me for a few days? That will be something to set against this awful war! OTTO I have no idea. I may have to go away to-morrow.