Olga and Karl
OLGA
[Angry and almost crying, crossing to door.
Doctor Miller.
[DEVIL enters.
My—my letter.
DEVIL
Ah, pardon me, Madame, a thousand pardons, I quite forgot. The only excuse I can offer is that there are some letters which ought never to be delivered.
[Takes letter out of his pocket
OLGA
[Takes a step towards KARL, looks at DEVIL over her shoulder, shivers slightly.
Who is that man?
[Silence, KARL looks at DEVIL, OLGA is terrified.
[DEVIL crosses, gives the letter to KARL with a smile.
[OLGA, quickly, to KARL.
Tear that letter up.
[KARL tears up letter.
Put it in the fire.
[KARL crumples up the pieces and throws them in the fire. As he does so, OLGA makes an involuntary movement with her hand as if to stop him, but he does not see it as his back is turned. The DEVIL sees it, however, and smiles
DEVIL
I sincerely regret if my forgetfulness has caused any inconvenience
KARL, at alcove, pointing to door R
[Offensively.
Pray don't let me detain you—
DEVIL
My train doesn't leave for an hour. Once more a thousand pardons.
[Crossing to C., turning to both.
If I could have foreseen what terrible distress the non-delivery of this letter——
KARL, firmly
You may be quite sure it contained nothing—er—nothing—
[At a loss for a word.
DEVIL, looking at OLGA
Nothing.
KARL, at large chair
You will miss your train.
DEVIL, to OLGA, bowing
Madame—
[To KARL, offering hand.
[KARL turns his back.
Good-bye, a thousand pardons.
[Exit DEVIL at door to hall.
OLGA
I would have given anything in the world if you had not burned that letter.
KARL
Why—you told—me—
[OLGA shrugs her shoulders as if to say, "What can one expect of a man?"
What does it matter anyway, whatever it is? I would rather hear it from your lips.
OLGA, firmly
No! The letter is burned; it is nothing but ashes—it is dead—no human power can bring it back to life.
KARL
But, Olga!
OLGA
A moment ago I would have given all I possessed to save it from the fire—and now—
KARL
What has happened?
OLGA
I can't tell you. I only know I am glad—I'm glad.
[OLGA here seems to have suddenly become composed, almost happy, as if something had been settled, though not as she had wished, still it is a relief.
KARL, takes her hand
Olga, do you mean you will never—
OLGA, smiling
I mean you will never know what was in that letter—it is as if it had never been written—it has ceased to exist, and we are past the day of miracles.
KARL, impatiently
Miracles?
OLGA
No, no! Only the devil himself would re-create that letter from its burnt ashes. Good-bye, Karl. I'm going now—I shan't see you again.
[Shakes hands naturally.
[At word "Devil" the DEVIL enters silently from hall door. He has his fur coat on. He smiles wickedly, and at OLGA'S words "re-create that letter," pulls OLGA'S letter out of his pocket, and stands so that the chair hides him from KARL and OLGA, who are close to studio door.
KARL
Olga, you are afraid of something. What is it?
OLGA
I'm afraid of—myself—good-bye!
KARL
Good-bye, Olga.
[They turn and see the devil.
[To DEVIL, angrily.
I thought you'd gone!
[Goes abruptly into the studio, OLGA stands as if hypnotized.
DEVIL, to OLGA
I beg your pardon, I am so upset to-day—
[Holding out letter.
I made a mistake—I gave you my tailor's bill instead of your letter—here is your letter!
[DEVIL gives the letter to OLGA, who snatches it from him in a frightened manner and tears it open. She recognizes her letter.
OLGA
Karl! my letter! I have my letter—
[She runs into the studio.
[The DEVIL goes to the door of the studio, smiles diabolically, listens a minute at the door and rubs his hands as if he was very pleased with himself.
DEVIL
Voilà!