Dr. Thorne (gradually loosening his hold of Norah’s hand, speaks, but not to Norah, 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 to Norah. Retraces his steps down the narrow path). Come what may, I will not 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.)
(Norah reaches 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 clasps Norah’s hand; draws her up.)
Norah (looking back). Doctor!
(Norah vanishes.)
(The pass grows dark. Figures at the summit dim.)