[Exit the Woman.
Reënter Dr. Thorne at 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 see me. 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 if you opened 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 long enough to say— (Reflects.) Mary Fayth went back to see Fred. Nothing prevented her—
(Mrs. Thorne throws open the window. Leans out and looks about.)
(Maggie is seen moving about the lighted room.)
(People in the street pass.)
(Mrs. Thorne hastily 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. What wouldst Thou with me? Where gainest 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:—