Dr. Thorne (bitterly). A stranger in a strange place am I, indeed. You are the first inhabitant of this country who has troubled himself to speak to me. Thank you for your politeness, sir.
The Man-Spirit. I was commanded. These (waving his hand toward the groups of spirits) were not.
Dr. Thorne. You look like a person more fitted to give commands than to receive them. I fail to understand that word—commanded. I am—at least, I was—a sovereign citizen of America. I was not born or trained a subject.
The Man-Spirit (smiling). And I was subject of an English sovereign—in fact, an officer of the royal court.
Dr. Thorne (without smiling). And this nation? Is it an autocratic monarchy you have here? What is your political system?
The Man-Spirit. It is a simple one—a pure theocracy.
Dr. Thorne (indifferently). Oh, theocracy? That is a system into which I have never studied. I have been a busy man. I was a physician— (Abruptly.) Would you favor me with your name?
The Man-Spirit. I was a healer of the sick in my time. My name was— (Whispers his name.)
Dr. Thorne (starts with pleased surprise). The great Harvey? And you discovered the circulation of the blood? How wonderful! Why, I thought you had been mould and clover these two hundred and fifty years! It never occurred to me that you were alive.... What an extraordinary fact!
Harvey (turns away wearily). I did not think to find your education so limited. I understood you to be a man of superior powers.