IN)

Scene II: Same room as before. Night. Virginia sits motionless in
the dim firelight. Mrs. Clemm comes softly down the stairs)

Mrs. C. Virginia?

Vir. Naughty mamma! You said you would sleep. What a story to
tell your little girl!

Mrs. C. (Advancing) The rain--wakes me. (Comes to fire) Did Edgar
take his cloak, dear?

Vir. No, mother.

Mrs. C. Are you not cold in that dress, darling?

Vir. O no--quite comfortable--and Edgar likes me in white, you
know. (A window rattles. Both look anxiously toward the
door)

Mrs. C. What a gust!... I wonder what winter is like at the north.
(Virginia looks at her quickly, and both drop their eyes)
... To think of him out on a night like this! And he has
not been well lately. Had he no purpose? Did he say
_nothing_ when he went out?

Vir. He said he was going to seek Truth.

Mrs. C. And what does he mean by truth, Virginia?

Vir. O, I don't know. When he is talking I understand, but when
he is gone it all fades and I know nothing about it.

Mrs. C. Nor does Edgar, mark me, dear. He is trying to know things
that the wise God decreed should remain unknown to mortals.
That is what makes him so unhappy.... Did he eat his
breakfast this morning, Virginia?

Vir. No, mamma.

Mrs. C. Did he take any food yesterday?... Tell me, daughter. I
can not help you if I do not know. (Virginia begins to
sob) There! there, darling! A little patience and we'll
get him over this.

Vir. O, mother!

Mrs. C. Come here, my little girl. (Takes Virginia in her arms)
Now tell me! Don't let the heart go heavy when mother ears
are waiting.

Vir. He ... goes out at night ... and I follow him because it
kills me to think of him wandering alone. We were on
Burney hill last night.

Mrs. C. Five miles!... Then that is what these pale cheeks and
dark eyes mean! And Edgar let you go!

Vir. No! I _go_! I am not a child, mother. Ah, I knew you would
not understand!

Mrs. C. Yes, yes, I do, Virginia. I know he suffers, but you--

Vir. Don't speak of me! You shame me! Were I to lie down on
those coals my torture would be less than his. Remember
that, mother. When you doubt, as you surely will, reme