_All become thoughtful. The Count steps away to the window and looks out, nervously twitching his mustaches. Maurice has moved aside and, as before, stands at attention. Jeanne stands a little distance away from him, with her shoulder leaning against the wall, her beautiful pale head thrown back. Lagard is sitting at the bedside as before, stroking his gray, disheveled beard. The General is absorbed in gloomy thoughts._ COUNT CLAIRMONT _Turning around resolutely._ I am a peaceful man, but I can understand why people take up arms. Arms! That means a sword, a gun, explosive contrivances. That is fire. Fire is killing people, but at the same time it also gives light. Fire cleanses. There is something of the ancient sacrifice in it. But water! cold, dark, silent, covering with mire, causing bodies to swell--water, which was the beginning of chaos; water, which is guarding the earth by day and night in order to rush upon it. My friend, believe me, I am quite a daring man, but I am afraid of water! Lagard, what would you say to that? LAGARD We Belgians have too long been struggling against the water not to have learned to fear it. I am also afraid of water. JEANNE But what is more terrible, the Prussians or water? GENERAL _Bowing._ Madame is right. The Prussians are not more terrible, but they are worse. LAGARD Yes. We have no other choice. It is terrible to release water from captivity, the beast from its den, nevertheless it is a better friend to us than the Prussians. I would prefer to see the whole of Belgium covered with water rather than extend a hand of reconciliation to a scoundrel! Neither they nor we shall live to see that, even if the entire Atlantic Ocean rush over our heads. _Brief pause._ GENERAL But I hope that we shall not come to that. Meanwhile it is necessary for us to flood only part of our territory. That is not so terrible. JEANNE _Her eyes closed, her head hanging down._ And what is to be done with those who could not abandon their homes, who are deaf, who are sick and alone? What will become of our children? _Silence._ JEANNE There in the fields and in the ditches are the wounded. There the shadows of people are wandering about, but in their veins there is still warm blood. What will become of them? Oh, don't look at me like that, Emil; you had better not listen to what I am saying. I have spoken so only because my heart is wrung with pain--it isn't necessary to listen to me at all, Count. _Count Clairmont walks over to Grelieu's bed quickly and firmly. At first he speaks confusedly, seeking the right word; then he speaks ever more boldly and firmly._ COUNT CLAIRMONT