You must go, since you have realized
that my intellect is as strong as my will, and since you will not
stay and acknowledge it.
[The Captain goes to the table, seizes the lighted lamp and hurls
it at Laura, who disappears backward through the door.]
CURTAIN DROP.
ACT III.
[Same Scene. Another lamp on the table. The private door is
barricaded with a chair.]
LAURA [to Nurse]. Did he give you the keys?
NURSE. Give them to me, no! God help me, but I took them from the
master's clothes that Noejd had out to brush.
LAURA. Oh, Noejd is on duty today?
NURSE. Yes, Noejd.
LAURA. Give me the keys.
NURSE. Yes, but this seems like downright stealing. Do you hear him
walking up there, Ma'am? Back and forth, back and forth.
LAURA. Is the door well barred?
NURSE. Oh, yes, it's barred well enough!
LAURA. Control your feelings, Margret. We must be calm if we are to
be saved. [Knock.] Who is it?
NURSE [Opens door to hall]. It is Noejd.
LAURA. Let him come in.
NOEJD [Comes in]. A message from the Colonel.
LAURA. Give it to me [Reads] Ah!--Noejd, have you taken all the
cartridges out of the guns and pouches?
NOEJD. Yes, Ma'am.
LAURA. Good, wait outside while I answer the Colonel's letter.
[Noejd goes. Laura writes.]
NURSE. Listen. What in the world is he doing up there now?
LAURA. Be quiet while I write.
[The sound of sawing is heard.]
NURSE [Half to herself]. Oh, God have mercy on us all! Where will
this end!
LAURA.
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