ROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Drily.] Indeed? Must I? Thank you! [Turning to the INSPECTOR.] The fact
is, I got up last night--I couldn't sleep--and I wanted to see what sort
of night it was--

THE INSPECTOR.

[Attentively.] To be sure--and then--?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

I looked out at the window--and caught sight of a white figure in there
among the trees.

MAIA.

[Smiling to the INSPECTOR.] And the Professor declares that the figure
was dressed in a bathing costume--

PROFESSOR RUBEK. --or something like it, I said. Couldn't distinguish
very clearly. But I am sure it was something white.

THE INSPECTOR.

Most remarkable. Was it a gentleman or a lady?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

I could almost have sworn it was a lady. But then after it came another
figure. And that one was quite dark--like a shadow--.

THE INSPECTOR.

[Starting.] A dark one? Quite black, perhaps?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Yes, I should almost have said so.

THE INSPECTOR.

[A light breaking in upon him.] And behind the white figure? Following
close upon her--?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Yes--at a little distance--

THE INSPECTOR.

Aha! Then I think I can explain the mystery, Professor.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Well, what was it then?

MAIA.

[Simultaneously.] Was the professor really not dreaming?

THE INSPECTOR.

[Suddenly whispering, as he directs their attention towards the
background on the right.] Hush, if you please! Look there--don't speak
loud for a moment.

[A slender lady, dressed in fine, cream-white cashmere, and
followed by a SISTER OF MERCY in black, with a silver cross
hanging by a chain on her breast, comes forward from behind
the hotel and crosses the park towards the pavilion in front
on the left. Her face is pale, and its lines seem to have
stiffened; the eyelids are drooped and the eyes appear as
though they saw nothing. Her dress comes down to her feet
and clings to the body in perpendicular folds. Over her head,
neck, breast, shoulders and arms she wears a large shawl of
white crape. She keeps her arms crossed upon her breast.
She carries her body immovably, and her steps are stiff and
measured. The SISTER's bearing is also measured, and she has
the air of a servant. She keeps her brown piercing eyes
incessantly fixed upon the lady. WAITERS, with napkins on
their arms, come forward in the hotel d