'There'll only be a scene; don't be foolish, child! There's not a moment to lose!' He turned angrily to the boy and girl. 'Don't you hear, you youngsters!--run away!' As the children moved aside, frightened at his violence, and bewildered by the strangeness of their mother's manner, he gripped the woman's arm more firmly, beginning by sheer force to hurry her off. 'Come, Doris,' he exclaimed, 'don't be an idiot!'
The Stranger, who had been sitting on the grass, stood up and faced them.
'Rather be wise. There still is time. What is it you would do?'
The interruption took the pair completely by surprise. The man stared angrily at the Stranger.
'Who are you, sir? And what do you mean by interfering in what is no concern of yours?
'Are you sure that it is no concern of Mine?'
The man endeavoured to meet the Stranger's eyes, with but scant success. His erect, bold, defiant attitude gave place to one of curious uncertainty.
'How can it be any concern of yours?'
'All things are My concern, the things which you do, and the things which you leave undone. Would it were not so, for many and great are the burdens which you lay upon me. You wicked man! Yet more foolish even than wicked! What is this woman to you that you should seek to slay her body and soul? Is she not of those who know not what is the thing they do till it is done? It is well with you if this sin, also, shall not be laid to your charge,--that you are a blind leader of the blind!'
The Stranger turned to the woman.