THE OLD MAN.

Martha and Mary are beside the poor dead child. The peasants were to make a litter of leaves; and I told the elder to come warn us in all haste, the moment they began their march. Let us wait till she comes; she will go in with me…. We should not have looked on them so…. I thought it would be only to knock upon the door; to go in simply, find a phrase or two, and tell…. But I have seen them live too long under their lamp….

Enter MARY.

MARY.

They are coming, grandfather.