Morning in a business street down-town. Many people are passing, among them thePriest, theSuburban, and theLoafer. A crowd thickens before the bulletin boards of “The Earth,” a prominent daily newspaper. At the extreme left are the headquarters of “The Universe,” a rival paper. Not far from “The Earth” building can be seen the modest sign of the eminent physician:—
Morning in a business street down-town. Many people are passing, among them thePriest, theSuburban, and theLoafer. A crowd thickens before the bulletin boards of “The Earth,” a prominent daily newspaper. At the extreme left are the headquarters of “The Universe,” a rival paper. Not far from “The Earth” building can be seen the modest sign of the eminent physician:—
DR. ESMERALD THORNE.Office Hour 12-1 o’clock.
DR. ESMERALD THORNE.Office Hour 12-1 o’clock.
(A door opens within.Dr. Thorneappears in the entrance to the corridor.)
EnterDr. Thorne(upon the sidewalk.Standing irresolute, he seems to wincefrom the daylight and the morningair; he mutters).
Now it is light, I can find my way to Helen. (Steps slowly along the sidewalk; shades his eyes from the sun. He wears no hat, and his pallor has increased. No person addresses him.)
(On the bulletin boards of“The Earth”can be seen the following announcement:
War with the Island of Borneo.Borneo Lays Down Her Ultimatum.The President has Called for Volunteers.Panic in Stock Street.Santa Ma Fallen 30 Points Since Yesterday.Dissension at the City Hospital.Rumors of Accident at the West End.)
EnterDr. Gazell(a short, blond, thick-set,suave man of middle age)andDr.Carver(a very young man; the latterreading a fresh copy of“The Universe”).
Dr. Gazell(with emotion). Shocking!Shocking! I cannot express—I am overcome!
Dr. Carver(without emotion). Yes. It is very sad. You’ll be apt to find these things in “The Universe” before “The Earth” gets them. I wonder if he—
Dr. Gazell.No. Never. He was above reproach. A hard man to get along with—willful, but above reproach. I am greatly shocked!
Dr. Thorne(stepping out into the crowd). Ah, Gazell! Good-morning. I am—I am very glad to see you, Dr. Gazell (pathetically).
(Dr. Gazellcontinues reading his paper. He does not look up.)
Dr. Thorne(with embarrassment). Gazell! (He moves directly in front of the office of“The Earth.”At that moment a new bulletin flashes in large letters, over the heads of the crowd, these words:—
Rumor Confirmed.Shocking Accident!Terrible Tragedy.Runaway at the West End.Mrs. Frederick Fayth Dangerously Hurt.The Eminent and Popular Physician,Dr. Esmerald Thorne,Killed Instantly.)
(Dr. Thornereads, and reels; stares about him appealingly.)
(Murmurs are heard from the crowd.)
Enter twoOffice Girls.
(First Office Girlstarts, and points to the bulletin.)
Second Office Girl.Oh! Oh! (She bursts into tears.)
Suburban.Too bad! He was a clever fellow. He saved my little boy’s life last summer.
Loafer.He took a t’orn out av me eye onct and divil a cint did he charrge for ’t.
Priest.Pater Noster in Cœlo—gone without absolution, poor soul! An attractive heretic—merciful to the poor of my parish.
Dr. Gazell.He drove too fast a horse. And he drove the horse too fast. I always told him so. But I am greatly agitated by this!
Dr. Carver(reading aloud). Now “The Universe” had it already in type: “Dr. Thorne was dragged for some distance before the horse broke free. He was found near the buggy, which was a wreck. The robe was over him, and his face was hidden. Life was extinct when he was discovered, which was not for an unaccountably long time. His watch had stopped at five minutes past seven o’clock. He was not immediately identified. By some unpardonable blunder the body of the distinguished and favorite physician was taken to the morgue.”
Dr. Gazell.That accounts for it.
Dr. Carver(reads on). “It was not until nearly midnight that the mistake was discovered. A message was dispatched to the elegant residence of the popular doctor.Mrs. Thorne is a young and beautiful woman, on whom, with their only child, an infant son, this blow falls with uncommon cruelty.”
Dr. Thorne(utters a long, heartrending moan. But no person hears the sound. He stretches out his hands. The crowd shrinks from but does not see him. Staring at the bulletin, he stands apart. He raises his clenched right hand in the air; speaks). It is a dastardly lie! It is one of those cursed canards manufactured to harass men—and—break the hearts of women. God!—She has seen it by this time. Let me pass! Let me go to her! You may killherwith this, but you can’t kill me. Gentlemen, make way for me!I am Dr. Thorne!
(The crowd pays no attention to this outcry.)
EnterNewsboy(shrilly piping).
Newsboy.“Earth!” “Universe!” Latest—8.30. All about the accident! Dr. Thorne killed instantly—Mrs. Fayth still breathin’—“Earth,” sir? Two cents, sir.
(Dr. Thorneclutches the newsboy by the arm, and would tear the paper from him.Dr. Thorne’sfingers grope over it—touch it. He tries several times to obtain it. The paper remains in the hands of the boy.)
EnterBrake,the broker.
(Dr. Thornestaggers againstBrake,who is reading“The Universe.”)
[Exit theSuburban,consulting his watch.
Dr. Thorne(more gently; addresses the loafer). Jerry! Is that you, Jerry! Tell these gentlemen, will you, that I am Dr. Thorne? I should take it—kindly—of you, Jerry.
Loafer(stares; mutters). Divil a cint did he charrge me for ’t.
Dr. Thorne(addresses the broker). Oh, Brake! I am glad to see you! I couldn’t get down to save my Santa Ma. Butthatis of no consequence.... I’ve been hurt—an accident—and I am confused. I am suffering from hallucinations. They havegot beyond my control. I wonder if you wouldn’t call a cab for me? I thought Dr. Gazell would take me home in his carriage,—but he didn’t seem to hear me when I spoke to him. If you’ll call a cab, I’ll get home—to my wife.
[ExeuntDr. Gazell,Dr. Carver,andBrake,without replying.
(Dr. Thornewatches them with a piteous expression; stands back and apart from the crowd.)
End of Act I.
A small ward—the women’s ward—in a hospital; several cots with patients in them are visible. One patient is in a wheeled chair. Screens stand by the cots. There are plants, pictures, the cheerful features of the modern hospital. Two nurses are seen busy with patients.
A small ward—the women’s ward—in a hospital; several cots with patients in them are visible. One patient is in a wheeled chair. Screens stand by the cots. There are plants, pictures, the cheerful features of the modern hospital. Two nurses are seen busy with patients.
EnterDr. GazellandDr. Carver.
Dr. Gazell(seats himself by one of the patients; speaks blandly). And how do we find ourselves to-day?
Patient(turning her face, on which can be seen traces of tears). Bad enough—worse. I’ve been so upset by—
Dr. Gazell. Yes, yes. I know. It is truly shocking!
Dr. Carver(addressing one of the nurses). You become your cap to-day. Youhave an uncommonly good color—I mean to operate on No. 21.
Nurse.Do you really? We thought her improving. She’s nervous to-day—on account of Dr. Thorne.
Dr. Carver.Yes. Thorne had things all his own way here, as usual. I mean to operate,—if Dr. Gazell can manage her.
Nurse(coquettishly). You are so expert,—such an easy surgeon. You don’t mind it more than a layman would carving a Christmasgoo—oose. And what would you operate for—on No. 21?
Dr. Carver.Appendicitis, of course.
Nurse.Really? You are so clever on diagnosis. Now, I hadn’t thought of appendicitis—in her case. Do you know—I thought it more like pleurisy?
Dr. Carver(looks keenly at the nurse to discover if she is making game of him; speaks pompously). The nurse, as you have been taught in your training-school,can have no opinions. Now, the physician—
Nurse(demurely). Oh, of course. I wouldn’t have you think I’m presuming to set up mine. She might have measles, or the grippe, for anythingIshould know.
Dr. Carver.Now you speak very properly indeed.
Dr. Gazell(at bedside of No. 21). Is the pain more severe on the right?
Patient.I didn’t say I had any pain—now.
Dr. Gazell(soothingly). Increasing toward night? Paroxysms? Or is it steady?
Patient.I said I’d got over the pain. That has all gone. It is the weakness—the deadly weakness.
Dr. Gazell.Just so. That weakness is a most significant symptom—I think you said it was accompanied by nausea?
Patient.No, I didn’t. Not a bit.
Dr. Gazell.Just so. Dr. Carver? Here a moment? (To the patient.)I’m sure we can relieve all that. Just a little operation—a very pretty little operation—would set you right again in a week or two.
Dr. Carver(coming to the cotside of No. 21; speaks eagerly). It is such a beautiful operation! Why, I’ve known patientsbegfor it,—it is so beautiful.
Patient(beginning to cry). Dr. Thorne said there was no need of anything of the kind.
Dr. Gazell(stiffening). Dr. Thorne was an able man—but eccentric. His professional colleagues did not always agree with him.
EnterDr. Thorne. (He has wasted sincehis last appearance; looks outcast,wan, and wretched; is splashed withmud; still hatless; stands at thelower end of the ward, gazing blindlyabout.)
Patient No. 21.Dr. Thorne used to say that if we had better doctors, we shouldn’t need so many surgeons. He said the truetreatment would prevent half the surgery in the city.
(Dr. Thornestarts, and moves towards the patient.)
Dr. Gazell(soothingly). Yes. Just so. Dr. Thorne had great confidence in himself.
Patient(rousing). No more than his patients had in him.
Dr. Carver.Irritable! Very irritable! A significant symptom, Dr. Gazell. In my opinion, this extreme irritabilitydemandsan operation for appendicitis.
First Nurse(listening, laughs; addressesSecond Nurse). Now, if one could only apply that! Take a cross man,—any cross man,—say a brother, or a husband, or even a doctor, and if he carried it too far, just call on Dr. Carver. Why, it would revolutionize society. And he is so expert! He doesn’t mind it any more than carving agoo—oose. Yes, sir! I’m coming. (Demurely obedient; hurries toDr. Gazell.)
(Second Nursemoves to the rear of the ward to a patient behind a screen.)
(Dr. Thorneadvances slowly; stands in the middle of the ward, unnoticed.)
Patient No. 21(louder). I say, when a man’s dead is the time to speak for him. And I’ll stand up for my dear dead doctor as long as I live.
Voice from another cot.And so would I,—and longer, if I got the chance.
Another voice.He doesn’t need anybody to stand up for him. His deeds do follow him. And he rests from his labors.
(Dr. Thornesmiles bitterly; stands with his face towards the speaker. He knots his hands in front of him, and thus advances with a motion so slow as to be almost stealthy.)
Voice from another cot.He wouldn’t care so much for that. It’s Bible. He was not a religious man. But he was askind to me! (Weeps.)
Other voices.And to me! Oh, yes, and to me,—askind!
Patient in the wheeled chair.Icouldn’t move in my bed when I came here. I’d been so three years. Look what he’s done forme. (Sobs.)
Dr. Thorne(in a low tone). Miss Jessie? Don’t cry so. You’ll make yourself worse. Go back to bed, Jessie, and—see. I’ll tell you a secret. Don’t tell the others just yet. I wasn’t killed, Jessie. That was a newspaper canard.I’m a live man yet.See! Look up, Jessie. Look at me,—can’t you? (Pleads.) Won’t you, Jessie?
Patient in the wheeled chair(stares past him atDr. GazellandDr. Carver). And to think of the likes of them,—in his place! What ever’ll become of this hospital withouthim?
Dr. Thorne(with trembling lip). You don’t hear me, do you, Jessie? Well—well. I must have met with some cerebral shock affecting the organs of speech. It is a clear case of aphasia. I can’t make myself understood. It—it’s hard. Jessie? (Louder.) I can’t see things go wrong withyou,—no matter how it is with me. You’ve been in that chair long enough for to-day. (Imperiously.) Jessie, go back to bed! Stop crying about me, and go back to your bed.
(Jessiewavers; shades her eyes with her hands; stares about her; slowly turns her wheeled chair and moves away.)
[ExitJessie.
Dr. Thorne(moves more naturally and rapidly; stands by the cot of No. 21; speaks). Good-morning, Mrs. True. I meant to have seen you last night. I was—unavoidably detained. I hope you’re not worse this morning?
Patient(with tears). I’ve cried half the night.
Dr. Thorne.That’s a pity. But you won’t cry any more. I’ll take care of you now.
Patient(looks up wearily; turns her face on her pillow and sobs).
Dr. Thorne.Clearly aphasia. She does not understand a word I say. Dr. Gazell! Gazell! Dr. Carver?
(The two physicians murmur together.)
Dr. Thorne.Gazell? What’s that? The knife? For Mrs. True? Excuse me, but I cannot permit it.
Dr. Carver.It would be such a pretty little operation. The students are getting restless for something. I told them—
Dr. Gazell.It is well-defined appendicitis.
Dr. Thorne.Well-defined appendi—fiddlesticks! It is nothing but pleurisy. I tell you, Gazell, I will not have it!
Dr. Gazell(looks around uncomfortably; speaks with hesitation). Of course, Thorne would not have agreed with us.
Dr. Thorne(gripsDr. Gazellby the arm). I tell you it would be butchery, Gazell! What are you thinking of?Gazell!
Dr. Gazell.But he was a very opinionated man,—everybody knew that.
(Dr. ThornedropsDr. Gazell’sarm and walks away with a gesture of distress.)
Second Nurse(toFirst Nurse;moves out from behind the screen). Very invigorating day!
First Nurse(toSecond Nurse). Father Sullivan’s late with the Sacrament. I hope Norah, yonder, won’t get ahead of him. She’s ’most gone. (Approaching the cot of the patient behind the screen.)
Second Nurse(moves away). Yes. She’s been unconscious half an hour.
EnterPriest. (He advances to offer Extreme Unction to the dying patient.)
First Nurse.Lovely morning, Father.
Dr. Thorne(standing in the middle of the ward). They used to call my name when I came in. “Oh, there’s the doctor!” “The doctor’s come!” It ran from cot to cot—like light. And everybody used to smile. Seems to me some of them blessed me. Now—
(Sobs from the ward.)
Dr. Thorne(tremulously). My patients! Isn’t thereoneof you who knows me?Doesn’tanybody hear me? Don’t cry so! All the symptoms will be worse for it.
The dying patient.Doctor? Doctor?
Dr. Thorne.That sounds like Norah.
Priest(recites behind the screen atNorah’sbedside the prayer for the passing soul). “Proficiscere, anima Christiana, de hoc mundo, in nomine Dei Patris omnipotentis, qui te creavit; in nomine Jesu Christi Filii Dei vivi, qui pro te passus est; in nomine Spiritus Sancti”—
Dr. Thorne(softly). Thank you, Father. (Stands silently with bowed head.)
Reënter the patient in the wheeled chair.
Jessie(happily). I’ve had such a lovely dream! I thought Dr. Thorne was here—in this ward. Oh! (With disappointment.)
Dr. Thorne.Jessie!
Jessie(sadly). It was such a lovely dream! (Droops and turns away.)
(Dr. Thornewalks apart; stands drearily, with downcast eyes.)
EnterMrs. Fayth. (She looks pale andagitated, but quite happy. She isdressed as before, for the street, buther head is bare; is wrapped fromhead to foot in her long, pale, dove-coloredopera cape. She goes straighttoDr. Thorne,and touches him uponthe arm; speaks softly.)
Mrs. Fayth.Doctor?
Dr. Thorne(starts). Oh! Mary Fayth! You? (He grasps her hand with pathetic eagerness.) Oh, I never was so glad! You are the first person—the only one—nobody else seemed to know me. I might have knownyouwould. Where’s Helen? Isn’t she with you? And you weren’t hurt at all, were you? I have been—anxious about you. Those cowardly papers said—I tried to get right over and see you. And, after all, you’re not hurt. I thank— (Looks around confusedly.) Ah, what shall I thank?
Priest.Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
(Dr. Thornelistens with troubled interest, like a child learning a hard lesson.)
Mrs. Fayth(smiling). I can only stay a minute. I must get back to my poor Fred.
Dr. Thorne.Don’t leave me.
Mrs. Fayth.Oh, poor doctor! Don’t yousee? The carriage overturned. I was badly hurt. I only died an hour ago.
Dr. Thorne(gasps, and stares atMrs. Fayth.He tries to speak, but can only articulate). You died an hour ago? And I? AndI?
Mrs. Fayth(still smiling, with her sweet, mysterious smile). Don’t take it so hard, doctor. I came to ex-plain it to you. Why, it’s the most beautiful thing in the world! (Glides away slowly, but smiling to the last.)
Dr. Thorne(throws up his arms in anguish). I am dead! My God!I am a dead man!
(His face falls into his hands, his whole body collapses slowly, he drops.)
End of Scene I.
It is night on a street in the West End of the city. At the right stands a church, dimly lighted for a choir to practice. An anthem on the organ can be heard. At the left appears Dr. Thorne’s house, viewed from the outside. It has high stone steps, and lights are in the window. One window on the ground floor has the curtain raised. The interior of the library can be seen through the window,—glimpses of the books, the pictures, the table, the lamp with the white lace shade. The room is empty. Into it—
It is night on a street in the West End of the city. At the right stands a church, dimly lighted for a choir to practice. An anthem on the organ can be heard. At the left appears Dr. Thorne’s house, viewed from the outside. It has high stone steps, and lights are in the window. One window on the ground floor has the curtain raised. The interior of the library can be seen through the window,—glimpses of the books, the pictures, the table, the lamp with the white lace shade. The room is empty. Into it—
EnterMrs. Thorne. (She is dressed indeep black. Her face is drawn withgrief. Her hands are clasped in frontof her. She paces the room drearily.She is alone. She seats herself by thetable; tries to read; lays the bookdown, and rises; paces the room.)
[ExitMrs. Thorne.
EnterDr. Thorneat the far end of thestreet near the church. (He is dressedas before. He is still pale. His mannerhas increased in agitation, but anew resolution gives more firmness tohis wasted countenance. He speaks,meditatively.)
Dr. Thorne.After all, thereisanother life. I really did not think it. (Stops and passes his hand over his eyes; muses.) God knows—if there is a God—how it is with me. If I have never done anything, or been anything, or felt anything that was fit tolast, I have loved one woman, and her only—and thought high thoughts for her, and felt great emotions for her, and I could forget myself for her sake—and I would have had joy to suffer for her, and I’ve been a better man for love of her. And I have loved her,—oh, I have so loved her that ten thousand deaths could not murder that living love! (Falters.) And I spoke to her—I said to her—like any low andbrutal fellow, any common wife-tormentor—I went from her dear presence tothis. (Brokenly.) ... And here there is neither speech nor language. Neither earth nor heaven, nor my love ... nor my shame ... can give my famished eyes the sight of her dear face,—nor my sealed lips the power to say, Forgive!
(The organ can be heard from the church.)
Dr. Thorne(without noticing the anthem). I will not bear it. No—no. Iwillnot! Iwillgo to her! (Starts to rush up the street, whose familiar precincts he seems for the first time to recognize.) Why, there is my own house! She can’t be two rods away. I wonder if a dead man can get into his own home?Helen?(His feet lag heavily; he moves like one who is wading in water. He makes the motions of one who withstands a strong blast or an invisible force. He is beaten back. Suddenly he raves.) You are playing with me!You torture a miserable man. Who and what are you? Show me what I have to fight, and let me wrestle for my liberty! Though I am a ghost, let me wrestle like a man! Let me to my wife! Give way and let me seek her! (Slowly recedes, as if beaten back; bows his head. The man sobs.)
Choir from the church(chant).
“God is a Spirit.God is a Spirit.And they that worship Him”—
“God is a Spirit.God is a Spirit.And they that worship Him”—
“God is a Spirit.God is a Spirit.And they that worship Him”—
(Choir breaks off. The organ sounds on.)
(Dr. Thorneseems to listen, but with a kind of anger. He slowly recedes, as if pushed back.)
[ExitDr. Thorne.
Enter theVeiled Woman. (She standsmutely and wretchedly. Watches thehouse. Wrings her hands, but makesno sound.)EnterMrs. Thorne. (Within the house;can be seen plainly from the streetthrough the window. She advancesand draws the shade still higher;stands close to the window, pressingher hands against the sides of hereyes; looks out.)
(TheVeiled Womanshrinks at the sight ofMrs. Thorne.)
[Exit theWoman.
ReënterDr. Thorneat the other end of the street. (He speaks shrewdly.) It is nearer at this end. And perhaps, if I didn’t have to get by that church— (Hurries up opposite the house. Suddenly he sees her.) Oh, there’s Helen! God! It is my wife. I—see—my—wife. (Brokenly.) Dear Helen! (Pushes toward the house. At the foot of his own steps he falters and falls, still as if beaten back. He struggles as a man would struggle for his life. The veins stand out on his face and on his clinched hands. He cries out.) I’m coming, Helen! It is only I, my girl.Don’t be frightened, dear! I wonder would she be afraid of me? Perhaps it would shock her. Live people and dead people don’t seem to understand each other. But I’ll risk it. Helen would go alone and lie down alive in a grave at midnight, and never look over her shoulder—if she thought she could seeme. I know Helen. I’ll try again. (He pushes and urges his way onward. But the invisible Power restrains him, as before. He stretches his arms towards the lighted window.) Here I am, Helen! I can’t get any farther, somehow.... Come and open the door for me, my girl,—the way you used to do. Won’t you, Helen? With the boy in your arms? Perhaps ifyouopened the door,—I could get in. I ... (After a silence.) I won’t stay very long. I won’t trouble you any, Helen. I know I don’t belong there any more. I won’t intrude. (Wistfully.) Helen! I was cruel to you. I have been ashamed of myself. I thought if I could get in longenough to say— (Reflects.) Mary Fayth went back to seeFred. Nothing prevented her—
(Mrs. Thornethrows open the window. Leans out and looks about.)
(Maggieis seen moving about the lighted room.)
(People in the street pass.)
(Mrs. Thornehastily shuts the window.)
Dr. Thorne(piteously). Helen!
(The organ sounds from the church.)
Dr. Thorne(turns suddenly, as if turning on an antagonist). What art Thou that dost withstand me? I am a dead and helpless man.Whatwouldst Thou with me?Wheregainest Thou thy force upon me? Art Thou verily that ancient Myth that men were wont to call Almighty God? (He lifts his face to the sky; holds up his hands as if he held up a question or an argument.)
Choir from the church:—
“God is a Spirit.God is a Spirit.They that worship HimMust worship Him in Spirit”—
“God is a Spirit.God is a Spirit.They that worship HimMust worship Him in Spirit”—
“God is a Spirit.God is a Spirit.They that worship HimMust worship Him in Spirit”—
Maggie(opens the door. The lighted hall is seen behind). There’s nobody here, Mrs. Thorne.
(Mrs. Thorne,wearing a slight, white shawl which falls from her as she moves, comes to the open door; motionsMaggieaway.)
[ExitMaggie.
Mrs. Thorne(softly). Esmerald? He might be out there in the dark. Who knows what spirits do? Esmerald? Would God that I had died for you! Oh, my dear!
Dr. Thorne.Helen!
Mrs. Thorne.If he were there he would answer me if it cost him his living soul.
Dr. Thorne.Helen, I answer you, for Iama living soul.Helen!(He struggles mightily; crawls up the steps, reaches with the tips of his fingers the fringe of her white shawl, which has fallen down the steps, and lies there unnoticed.) Helen, look down!Down.(He clutches the white fringe to his lips. He kisses it wildly.)
(Mrs. Thornelifts her face to the sky.)
Dr. Thorne. I can’t get any higher,—not any nearer, dear.
Mrs. Thorne. There is no one here. (Weeping.) There is nothing here. (She shuts the door slowly and reluctantly; remembers the shawl, which she draws in with her.)
(Dr. Thorneclings to the shawl in vain. Moaning, he kisses the doorsteps of his own home where the garment had touched them.)
End of Scene II.
A narrow defile or pass between high mountains. The light is dim. The pass winds irregularly, and is often rough, but is always upwards. The scenery is unearthly. No sign of life is to be seen. A distant storm can be heard.
A narrow defile or pass between high mountains. The light is dim. The pass winds irregularly, and is often rough, but is always upwards. The scenery is unearthly. No sign of life is to be seen. A distant storm can be heard.
EnterDr. Thorne(slowly, holding astaff; he is robed in purple, a flowinggarment, not unlike a talith or a toga.His face, still pale, is heavily lined;but more with anxiety than with resentment;its expression is somewhatsofter. He speaks).
Dr. Thorne.I wonder what is to be done with me next? I see no particular reason for climbing these mountains. There seems to be nothing for a dead man to do but to obey orders. Well (candidly), I’ve given my share of them in my time. I suppose it’s fair enough to turn about and take a few—now. (He smiles. After a pause, climbing slowly.) I must say I can’t call this an attractive country—so far. Its main features are not genial.
(The storm increases; there is thunder and cloud.)
Dr. Thorne(looking about). It seems to be in the cyclonic belt. There’s a storm of some sort,—I should say two of them fighting up in these hills. Hear them closeand clinch! Like a man’s two natures; civil war all the time. And no truce! (Muses.) It’s not a social region, certainly. I don’t know that I recall, really, ever being in a place that was so desolate. There isn’t so much as a wild animal, nor a bird flying over. It reminds me of—what was it? I can’t recall the words. It seems to me my mother taught them to me when I was a little lad. But they have quite gone. Beautiful literature in that old Book! It’s a good while since I’ve dipped into it. I’ve had too much to do. What was it?
“Though I walk—When I walk”—
“Though I walk—When I walk”—
“Though I walk—When I walk”—
(He breaks off; climbs stoutly. The storm darkens down. For the first timeDr. Thorne’sface expresses something like alarm. He looks about like a man who would call for help, but is too proud to do so. He speaks.)
This is really growing serious. I wish I could remember those words. Now I thinkof it, we were on our knees. A most unnatural posture! My mother was a sweet saint,—rest her pure spirit! (It lightens as he says this.)
Voices from beyond(softly chanting).
“And when I’m lost in deep despairBe thou with me....Until life’s daylight ended be,Be thou with me, with me.”
“And when I’m lost in deep despairBe thou with me....Until life’s daylight ended be,Be thou with me, with me.”
“And when I’m lost in deep despairBe thou with me....Until life’s daylight ended be,Be thou with me, with me.”
Dr. Thorne(lifts his head to listen). There’s a good musical taste in this country, at all events. That’s something. What were those words? Ah, I have it.
“Though I walk through the Valley of the ShadowThou shalt be with me.”
“Though I walk through the Valley of the ShadowThou shalt be with me.”
“Though I walk through the Valley of the ShadowThou shalt be with me.”
It went in some such way. (Repeats perplexedly.)
“Thoushalt be with me?”
“Thoushalt be with me?”
“Thoushalt be with me?”
(Sadly.) A beautiful superstition.
(The storm comes on heavily, with darkness and lightning. Through the gloom his solitary form can be seen manfullyclimbing. He exhibits no panic, but his evident bewilderment grows upon him. He mutters.)
The desolation of desolations! I shall be glad when I get out of it. What solitude! Of all the people I have known—dead or living—there is not one to stay by me.
Voices from beyond.
“Be Thou near him!”
“Be Thou near him!”
“Be Thou near him!”
Enter, on the pass above him, a younggirl repeating prayers on a rosary.She is a plain, unattractive girl, foldedin a dull gray gown that wraps herloosely. Her face is earnest and devout.
Dr. Thorne.Why, Norah!
Norah(looking back). Oh, it is the Doctor.
Dr. Thorne.I can’t overtake you, Norah.
Norah.And I’ve only died the day.
Dr. Thorne.But you’ve got the startof me, Norah. You are higher up. I am glad to see you, Norah (eagerly). But I can’t reach you.
Norah(holds down her hand). Come up, Doctor! Come up! I’ll help you, Doctor.
Dr. Thorne(gratefully). Thank you, Norah.
Norah.It’s to Purrgatory I’d be goin’. But you’re the herretic, Doctor. Which way do you be goin’?
Dr. Thorne(shakes his head). I don’t know, Norah. You are wiser than I am—in this foreign place.
Norah(holds down her hand). The dear Doctor! Ye were that kind to me, Doctor,—at the hospital, and forninst the house where I was worrkin’. It’s niver a cint I had to pay yez for yer thruble. If I’d been a pretty lady with a purrse of gold, ye never could have put yerself about more than ye did for the likes of me. It’s not meself that would have died the day ifyou’dbeen there. Doctor? Would yez mind, if I should—bless you, Doctor? There’s kindness onto kindness, and mercy goin’ after mercy that ye did me, all hidin’ in a poor girrl’s heart to rise and meet you here. I was sick an’ ye did visit me.
Dr. Thorne(melting). When did I ever show you all that kindness, Norah? I don’t remember—
Norah.And I don’t forget. Take my hand, now, Doctor, do. It must be lonesome down below there by yersel’. (Touches her rosary. Her lips move in prayer.)
Dr. Thorne(climbing on, graspsNorah’shand). Thank you, Norah (gently).
(There is a lull in the storm. It grows lighter.)
(Dr. Thorneand the Irish girl climb on together silently.)
(It brightens at the brow of the mountain. Dim outlines of figures are faintly seen at the summit. They waver, and melt away.)
Dr. Thorne(gradually loosening his hold ofNorah’shand, speaks, but not toNorah,bitterly). Now stop a moment. Where will all this end? Rebelling, I obey; and obeying, I rebel. I am become what we used to call a spirit. And this is what it means! Better might one become a molecule, for those at least express the Laws of the Universe, and do not suffer. I don’t incline to go any higher. (Drops back.) Every step is taking me further away from my wife.
Norah(anxiously). Doctor? Doctor! (She climbs on, but looks back, beckoning.)
Dr. Thorne(pays no attention toNorah.Retraces his steps down the narrow path). Come what may, Iwillnot go any further from Helen. I’ll perish first, in this unearthly place. (He continues to descend; stands lost in thought. The storm darkens round him, but lightens beyond him. At the summit dim outlines can be seen again. These brighten faintly.)
(Norahreaches her arms towards them; climbs on.)
Dr. Thorne.It was something to be in the same world with Helen. (Muses.) Oh, hot in my anger I went from her. And cold, indeed, did I return. (Still descending.) I will go back. I will get as near the old system of things as I can. I will not put another span of space between myself and Helen. Poor, poor girl!
(Dr. Thorne,doggedly descending, does not look up.)
(White-robed forms at the summit brighten. Arms are stretched downwards through a mist. Hands beckon. One of them reaches down and claspsNorah’shand; draws her up.)
Norah(looking back). Doctor!
(Norahvanishes.)
(The pass grows dark. Figures at the summit dim.)
(Enter, from a darkness in the mountains,theWomanin flame-color. Her ashenmantle is now thrown back, but stillclings to her. She stands mournfullyregardingDr. Thorne.She does notaddress him, but slowly extends herarms.)
(Dr. Thornedoes not observe theWoman.She does not obtrude herself upon his attention.)
[Exit theWomaninto the darknesswhence she came.
Dr. Thorne(with frowning face descends; he murmurs). And a few days ago I was troubled because I had lost a few thousanddollarsin Santa Ma.... I saved upmoney! (Scornfully.) I would accumulate afortune. Oh, the whole of it, ten hundred thousand-fold the whole of it, for one hour in a dead man’s desolated home! (Pushes downwards, suddenly and silently.)
EnterAzrael, Angel of Death. (Thepass blackens. The mountain summitis wrapped in darkness.)
(Azraelstands tall and resplendent. He is a white-robed figure, winged and powerful. The light falls only uponAzraeland upon the man. It can be seen that this gleam comes from a sword held in the hand of the Angel. Without a word he lifts the flaming sword, and with it bars the narrow pass from side to side.)
Dr. Thorne(in a ringing voice). Azrael!
(Azraeldoes not reply.)
Dr. Thorne(under his breath). Azrael, Angel of Death! (Falls back.)
(The two figures confront each other in silence.Dr. Thornedesperately flings himself towards the Angel. Without a touch he is beaten back.Azraelstands immovable. His face grows solemn with pity.Dr. Thorneretreats; advances again; raises his staff, and strikes it upon the Angel’s sword. The staff flames up, burns, and drops to ashes on the ground.)
(Dr. Thornerecedes a few steps; shadeshis eyes with his hands; regards the Angel blindly; wavers, turns. Slowly, with bent figure, he weakly reascends the mountain; stumbles and falls; regains his footing; climbs on alone, and now without his staff; does not look back.)
(Azraelstands immovable, with drawn sword.)
Voices from beyond(sing so softly that they seem rather to be breathing than singing):—