What can be behind all this?
FORESTER (has gone to the door of MARY'S room; releases the latch).
Thanks be to God!
[Listening.]
I hear her breathing. Oh, she sleeps a peaceful sleep. I am oppressed with a world of cares, and she takes them from my heart with her breath. Do you hear, Pastor, do you hear?
STEIN.
The unfortunate man! His delusion is returning.
PASTOR (after an anxious pause, during which the FORESTER has not taken his eyes from the PASTOR'S face).
I hear nothing. That is your own heavy breathing that you hear.
FORESTER (begins to collapse again).