How late it is getting! I think there must have been some misunderstanding here. I can scarcely suppose that we have _purposely_ been forgotten. Well, if you cannot suppose that, I must say that your knowledge of life and men is grossly deficient. I am surprised. We ourselves are rich, but---- Hark! I think I heard some one call us. 'Twas only your fancy. _No one_ has called us. I feel it my bounden duty to remark that I cannot conceive how we ever came to permit ourselves to patronize a house which possesses such a dubious reputation. Of a surety we ought to pick and choose our acquaintances more carefully. [_Enter a footman, who cries aloud: "The Man and his Wife request the honour of their guests' company at supper." Upon this the Guests resume their conversation with a sigh of relief._] What a splendid livery! So the Man _has_ invited us, after all! I knew it was only a misunderstanding. The Man is _so_ goodhearted! In all probability he and his party themselves have not yet sat down to supper. I _told_ you a lackey would be sent to summon us. What a magnificent livery he wore! They say the supper is equally magnificent. Oh, nothing is ever badly done in the Man's house. What music! What an honour to be one of the guests at a ball given by the Man! How persons must envy us who have not been accorded that honour! How rich it all is! How sumptuous! [_Repeating these ejaculations over and over again, the Guests begin to depart. Only one couple of dancers continue dancing; the rest follow the Guests in silence. For a little while the last couple continue their diversion; then they hasten to overtake their companions. Nevertheless the musicians play with unabated vigour._ [_Presently a footman enters, and extinguishes all the lights save the furthest lustre. For a few moments afterwards the forms of the musicians are still distinguishable through the gloom as they sway themselves and their instruments to the music; but eventually nothing remains visible save the tall figure of the Being in Grey. The flame of the candle in his hand is now flickering heavily, yet its light remains strong and yellow, and throws the strong face and chin of the Being into sharp relief. Presently, without raising his head, he makes a slight turn towards the audience. Then, lit up by the glare of the candle's rays, he crosses the salon with slow and soundless footsteps, and disappears through the doorway by which the Guests and the dancers have made their exit._] CURTAIN ACT IV--RUIN AND BEREAVEMENT