Dr. Thorne. In the name of Him who strove with thee, and conquered thee—whither goest thou, Azrael?
(Azrael pauses. He looks over his folded wing at the man; regards him steadily; does not speak; moves on again. Dr. Thorne utters an inarticulate exclamation. He follows the Angel. Halfway down the path he stops, perplexed. His expression is anxious. Azrael moves on. He does not again look back; glides to the edge of the ravine. The scene darkens. The Angel does not pause, but can be seen to cross the gulf fleetly. He does not fly, but appears to tread the air across the space.)
[Vanish Azrael.
(Dr. Thorne stands alone in the gloom. His eyes are fixed upon the spot where the Angel disappeared. A low, rushing sound, as of water, can now be heard.)
Dr. Thorne (shudders; speaks). It seems like an underground river. Horrible! (Calls.) Azrael! Tell me thine errand—in this fearful place!
(Azrael neither replies nor appears. It grows very dark. The perspective of the Heavenly City fades. The rushing of the river can be heard. Now, through the unearthly gloom, upon the hither side of the gulf, slowly grow to form the outlines of a Woman. She stretches her arms out with the motion of one feeling her way. She moves with difficulty, tripping sometimes, but regaining her footing bravely. Her robe is light. Her face cannot be recognized.)
Dr. Thorne (on whose sensitive countenance falls the only light in the scene, shows an unaccountable emotion. He murmurs). It is a woman—alone—exhausted ... and a stranger. As I serve her, so may God send some soul of fire and snow to serve my dear wife—in her hour of mortal need! (He advances towards the woman with a chivalrous sympathy.)
(The Woman moves on steadily; weakens; reels, but holds her ground. It can now be seen that her eyes are closed. She falls. She does not cry out.)
Dr. Thorne. How brave you are! Keep courage. (Catches her before she touches the ground. She lies in his arms in a faint or collapse.)
(Dr. Thorne carries her along midway of the scene.)