Joe. No, I hardly think the doctor will need to come again.
Harriet. Why, how gratifying. I am so glad.
[Joe closes his eyes wearily.]
Lydia. Aunt Harriet, Joe was just about to go up to his room, but he asked me to read something to him from the Bible first. I opened to this passage. Won't you read it to him?
Harriet. Yes, I will indeed. It gives me great happiness, Joe, to see you really showing a desire for the holy word of the Scripture.
[Harriet takes the Bible from Lydia and stands in the light by the French door. She faces slightly away from Joe. Lydia walks to the rear door and stands directly beneath the portrait. She conceals a smile and looks expectantly toward her aunt.]
[Reading]: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I——
Joe [sitting erect and interrupting]. Many mansions—many mansions—Lydia, Aunt Harriet—who said I couldn't build hou—houses—in——
[He sinks back. Harriet does not look at him, but shuts the Bible with displeasure and moves forward to place it on the table.]
Harriet [coldly]. That is positive sacrilege, Joe.