MICHAELIS.

_Turning slowly to Rhoda._

Who are they?

RHODA.

Sick people.

MICHAELIS.

How did they find out I was here?

RHODA.

It was known you were somewhere near.--They have been gathering for days.--They saw the boy, just now, in the village.

MRS. BEELER.

_Comes a step or two nearer Michaelis._

Your great hour is at hand!

_He looks distractedly about. The light has faded from his face, giving place to strong nervous agitation, resembling fear. He speaks as if to himself._

MICHAELIS.

My hour!--My hour!--And I--and I--!

_He puts his hand over his eyes, as if to shut out some vision of dread._

MRS. BEELER.

You will not fail them? You cannot fail them, now.

_Michaelis looks at Mrs. Beeler, then for a long time at Rhoda. He gathers himself together, and gazes steadfastly before him, as at some unseen presence._

No.--I have waited so long. I have had such deep a.s.surances.--I must not fail. I must not fail.

CURTAIN

ACT II

_Late afternoon of the same day._

_Mrs. Beeler sits in a low chair near the window. She has ceased reading the Testament, which lies open in her lap._

_Uncle Abe sits on the floor with Annie. They are playing with building blocks, piling up and tearing down various ambitious structures. Rhoda enters from outside, with hat and cloak, carrying a large bunch of Easter lilies._

RHODA.

_Kissing her aunt._

Still sitting up! You're not strong enough yet to do this. See, I've brought you some Easter lilies.

_She hands one to Mrs. Beeler. As she takes off her things, she sees the old Negro gazing at her._

Well, Uncle Abe?

UNCLE ABE.

I's awake an' a-watchin', honey!

_He turns again to the child, shaking his head as at some unspoken thought, while Rhoda arranges the flowers in a vase._

MRS. BEELER.

Rhoda!

RHODA.

Yes, Aunt Mary?

MRS. BEELER.

Come here.

_Rhoda approaches. Mrs. Beeler speaks low, with suppressed excitement._

What is the news, outside?

RHODA.

You mustn't excite yourself. You must keep your strength.

MRS. BEELER.

I shall be strong enough.--Are the people still gathering from the town?

RHODA.

Yes, and they keep coming in from other places.