r. (Counting.) The young master, the lady
(correcting herself), no, the lady on the sofa and the young master
here (points to a chair), Miss Clara here and the fourth cup ... I
suppose some one else is coming with the young master?

AUNT CLARA. Yes, and don't ask so many questions! Come here and hold
the light, I want to light the chandelier.

LENE (comes with the candle). Light the chandelier? Why, it's almost
daytime.

AUNT CLARA. Do as I say. When the young master arrives, it will still
be dark.

LENE (hands the candle up to her). Wonder whether the young master'll
stay long?

AUNT CLARA (has lighted the lights of the chandelier, one after
another). Wait and see. (About to get down.)

LENE (extends her hand to her). Now don't you fall, Miss!

AUNT CLARA (gets down from the chair carefully). Now then!... One does
realize, after all, that the years are coming on! When I was of your
age, I jumped from the straw stack. You girls of today! you have no
sap, no vim! A girl as strong as a bear, and afraid of going to pieces.

LENE (admiring the chandelier). Oh my, but now it's beautiful, Miss
Clara! The young master will be pleased when he comes.

[AUNT CLARA stands before the chandelier with folded hands,
engrossed in thought. The hall is now brightly illumined. Only
the remotest corners remain in a shadow.]

INSPECTOR ZINDEL (comes in again from the right with a lighted lantern,
stops in astonishment). The deuce, Miss Clara! You're up to the
business. I do say, the world must come to an end, in grand style! (He
puts down the lantern beside the fireplace.)

LENE. Anything else to do, Miss?

AUNT CLARA (absent-minded). You may go now. If I need you I'll call.

LENE (departing). All right, Miss, the water's been put on for the
coffee. (Goes off to the right.)

INSPECTOR ZINDEL. I was out on the road. Miss. Not a sound yet.

AUNT CLARA (starts from her dreams and points to the chandelier). For
ten years it has not been lighted, Zindel! Ever since Paul has been
gone!

INSPECTOR ZINDEL (approaching from the fireplace, mysteriously). Do you
know, Miss Clara?

AUNT CLARA (with a start). Goodness!... What is it?

INSPECTOR ZINDEL. I say, Miss Clara? You'll put in a good word for me
with the young master? A fellow does want to know where he's at.

AUNT CLARA. Yes, yes. (Listens toward the outside.)

INSPECTOR ZINDEL. Especially now that the old master is dead, and the
young master doesn't