ELIS. But things are not as they were. I seem to be in complete disgrace now.
CHRISTINE. There is no disgrace in undeserved suffering. Don't be impatient. Be equal to the test, for it is just another test. I feel sure of that.
ELIS. Can a year for Benjamin become less than three hundred and sixty-five days?
CHRISTINE. Yes, a cheerful spirit makes the days shorter.
ELIS [Smiling]. Blow upon the burn; that heals it, children are told.
CHRISTINE. Be a child then, and let me tell you that. Think of your mother, how she bears everything.
ELIS. Give me your hand; I am sinking. [Christine reaches out her hand to him.] Your hand trembles.—
CHRISTINE. No, not that I know of—
ELIS. You are not so strong as you seem to be—
CHRISTINE. I do not feel any weakness—