_Katrina_.
Mary!
_Mary_.
Let us go home now: help me there, Katrina.
_Katrina_.
Yes, dear, but are you ill?
_Mary_.
No: let us go home.
_Katrina (to Jean)_.
Come, Jean. Did you not hear her gasp? We must
Be with her on her way home.
_Jean_.
You go then.
I've not lookt half enough at these. Besides--
[MARY _and_ KATRINA _go_.
Well, sir, how dare you speak to girls like that,
When they're alone?
_The Man_.
You needn't be so short;
I guess you're one to take fine care of yourself.
_Jean_.
Yes, and I'ld choose a better-looking man
Than you, my chap, if I wanted company.
_The Man_.
Come this way, you'll see better.
_Jean_.
Impudence!
Who said your arm might be there?
_The Man_.
O, it's all right.
_Jean_.
And what do you think of the rebels now they're dead?
III
_Mary lying awake in bed_.
O let me reason it out calmly! Have I
No stars to take me through this terror, poured
Suddenly, dreadfully, on to my heart and spirit?
Why is it I, of all the world I only
Who must so love against nature? I knew
Always, that not like harbour for a boat,
Not a smooth safety, Love would take my soul;
But like going naked and empty-handed
Into the glitter and hiss of a wild sword-play,
I should fall in love, and in fear and danger:
But a danger of white light, a fear of sharpness
Keen and close to my heart, not as it proves,--
My heart hit by a great dull mace of terror!
* * * * *
So it has come to me, my hope, my wonder!
Now I perceive that I was one of those
Who, till love comes, have breath and beating blood
In one continual question.
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