Here, give this to Noejd. And my mother must not know
anything about all this. Do you hear?
[Nurse goes out, Laura opens drawers in desk and takes out papers.
The Pastor comes in, he takes a chair and sits near Laura by the
desk.]
PASTOR. Good evening, sister. I have been away all day, as you
know, and only just got back. Terrible things have been happening
here.
LAURA. Yes, brother, never have I gone through such a night and
such a day.
PASTOR. I see that you are none the worse for it all.
LAURA. No, God be praised, but think what might have happened!
PASTOR. Tell me one thing, how did it begin? I have heard so many
different versions.
LAURA. It began with his wild idea of not being Bertha's father,
and ended with his throwing the lighted lamp in my face.
PASTOR. But this is dreadful! It is fully developed insanity. And
what is to be done now?
LAURA. We must try to prevent further violence and the doctor has
sent to the hospital for a straightjacket. In the meantime I have
sent a message to the Colonel, and I am now trying to straighten
out the affairs of the household, which he has carried on in a most
reprehensible manner.
PASTOR. This is a deplorable story, but I have always expected
something of the sort. Fire and powder must end in an explosion.
What have you got in the drawer there?
LAURA [Has pulled out a drawer in the desk]. Look, he has hidden
everything here.
PASTOR [Looking into drawer]. Good Heavens, here is your doll and
here is your christening cap and Bertha's rattle; and your letters;
and the locket.
Pages:
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73