You see, I’ll never get all this cleaning done if some one doesn’t help me. And there’s nobody to help me: they’re all losing their heads.... It’s a terrible job, a death in the house! You know that as well as I do. A good thing it doesn’t happen every day.... Monsieur Gustave will make a fuss if everything isn’t clean and shining when his guests come through here.... He’s not easy to please.... And I still have all the brass to do.... There, turn the tap; that’s right.... Bring me the pail.... Aren’t your feet cold? Tuck up your gown or it’ll get wet.... Mind the wreaths; put them on the stool.... That’s right, that’s capital. (_SAINT ANTHONY brings her the pail_.) Thanks, you’re very kind.... I want one more. (_A sound of voices and of chairs being pushed back._) Listen! What’s that? I’ll go and see. (_She goes to the glass door._) Hallo, the master has got up! What can it be? Have they quarrelled?... No, the others are eating.... Joseph is filling up the Rector’s glass.... They are finishing the trout.... The master is coming to the door.... Why, I might speak to him as he comes out and tell him that you.... SAINT ANTHONY Yes, do, please; tell him at once. VIRGINIE Very well. Put down the pail; I don’t want it. Here, take this broom. Not like that! You’d better sit down again. (_SAINT ANTHONY obeys and sits on the two wreaths lying on the stool._) Hi, what are you doing? You’re sitting on the wreaths! SAINT ANTHONY I beg your pardon. I’m a little short-sighted. VIRGINIE Clumsy! They’re a pretty sight now! And what Monsieur Gustave will say when he sees those two wreaths!... Thank goodness, they’re not so bad after all! We can put them right. Sit down over there; take them on your knees; and keep quite quiet. (_She goes down on her knees before the SAINT._) I have a favour to ask you. SAINT ANTHONY Speak, don’t be afraid. VIRGINIE Give me your blessing, while we are by ourselves. When the company comes out, I shall be sent away; and I sha’n’t see you any more. Give me your blessing for myself alone. I am old and need it badly. SAINT ANTHONY (_Rises and blesses her. His halo lights up._) I bless you, my daughter, for you are good, simple of heart and mind, faultless, fearless, guileless in the presence of the great mysteries and faithful in the performance of your little duties. Go in peace, my child. Go and tell your masters.... (_Exit VIRGINIE. SAINT ANTHONY sits down again on the stool. Presently the glass door opens and GUSTAVE enters, followed by VIRGINIE._) GUSTAVE (_In a harsh and angry voice._) What’s all this? Who are you? What do you want? SAINT ANTHONY (_Rising humbly._) I am Saint Anthony. GUSTAVE Are you mad? SAINT ANTHONY Of Padua. GUSTAVE What sort of joke is this? I am in no mood for laughing. Have you been drinking? Come, what are you here for? What do you want?... SAINT ANTHONY I want to raise your aunt from the dead. GUSTAVE