She goes to the door. Turning for a last look at him, shesees that he is dropping off to sleep.

RAINA [at the door] You are not going asleep, are you ? [He murmurs inarticulately: she runs to him and shakes him]. Do you hear ? Wake up: you are falling asleep.

THE MAN. Eh ? Falling aslee– ? Oh no: not the least in the world: I was only thinking. It’s all right: I’m wide awake.

RAINA [severely] Will you please stand up while I am away. [He rises reluctantly]. All the time, mind.

THE MAN [standing unsteadily] Certainly. Certainly: you may depend on me.

Raina looks doubtfully at him. He smiles weakly. She goes reluctantly, turning again at the door, and almost catching him in the act of yawning. She goes out.

THE MAN [drowsily] Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, slee– [The words trail off into a murmur. He wakes again with a shock on the point of falling]. Where am I? That’s what I want to know: where am I ? Must keep awake. Nothing keeps me awake except danger: remember that: [intently] danger, danger, danger, dan – [trailing off again; another shock] Wheres danger ? Mus’ find it. [He starts off vaguely round the room in search of it]. What am I looking for ? Sleep – danger – dont know. [He stumbles against the bed]. Ah yes: now I know. All right now. I’m to go to bed, but not to sleep. Be sure not to sleep, because of danger. Not to lie down either, only sit down. [He sits on the bed. A blissful expression comes into his face]. Ah! [With a happy sigh he sinks back at full length; lifts his boots into the bed with a final effort; and falls fast asleep instantly].

Catherine comes in, followed by Raina.

RAINA [looking at the ottoman] He’s gone! I left him here.

CATHERINE. Here! Then he must have climbed down from the –

RAINA [seeing him] Oh! [She points].

CATHERINE [scandalized] Well! [She strides to the bed, Raina following until she is opposite her on the other side]. He’s fast asleep. The brute!

RAINA [anxiously] Sh!

CATHERINE [shaking him] Sir! [Shaking him again, harder] Sir!! [Vehemently, shaking very hard] Sir!!!

RAINA [catching her arm] Dont, mamma: the poor darling is worn out. Let him sleep.

CATHERINE [letting him go, and turning amazed to Raina] The poor darling! Raina!!! [She looks sternly at her daughter]. The man sleeps profoundly.

ACT II

The sixth of March, 1886.