Page:Representative American plays.pdf/838
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WILLIAM VAUGHN MOODY
821
Annie. Pa! Play crack with me! Just once, to see how it goes.
Beeler. Go in and ask your mother if she'll let you.
(Annie, her eggs in her apron, opens the hall door. About to pass out, she stops, drops the eggs with a scream, and runs back, gazing towards the hall as she takes refuge behind Rhoda's skirts.)
Annie. Pa! Auntie! Ma's walking!
(Mrs. Beeler enters, walking uncertainly, her face full of intense exaltation. Michaelis comes just behind her, transfigured by spiritual excitement.)
Beeler and Martha. (Starting forward.) Mary!
Rhoda. Aunt Mary!
(Mrs. Beeler advances into the room, reaching out her hand to Annie, who takes it in speechless fright. She bends over and kisses the child's head, then stretches out her other hand to her husband.)
Mrs. Beeler. Mat, I'm cured! The Lord has heard our prayers, for His saint's sake.
Beeler. Why, Mary, I can't believe this—it's too—it's not possible!
Mrs. Beeler. (Looking at Michaelis.) It is written that he who has faith, even as a grain of mustard seed—. I have had faith.
Martha. Law, you've had faith enough any time these five years, Mary. There was something else wanting, 'pears to me.
Mrs. Beeler. There was wanting the word of true belief, saying, "Suffer no more! Stoop and drink of the waters of mercy and healing."
(Outside, the shrill soprano of a woman is heard, taking up a hymn. At the sound Michaelis goes to the window. He stands rigid, listening to the hymn to the end of the verse, when other voices join in the chorus. The fog has partially cleared.)
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.)
Michaelis. No.—I have waited so long. I have had such deep assurances.—I must not fail. I must not fail.
ACT SECOND.
It is 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 must n't excite yourself. You must keep your strength.
Mrs. Beeler. I shall be strong enough.—