I am wiping away Philipp's kisses.

You are laughing.

But ask your wife, Desfoso--does she want the life of the man who kissed her before you?
Ask all women who love--even the old women! We never grow old in love.

We are born so, we women." Haggart almost believes her.

Advancing a step forward, he asks: "You urged me?
Perhaps it is true, Mariet--I don't remember." Mariet laughs.
"Do you hear?
He has forgotten.