Jerome. Where are the rest of his friends, Father Aloysius? Bartley and Colman ought to be with him when he is like this.
Aloysius. They are resting, because, when he has given his message, they may never be able to rest again.
Jerome. [Bending over him.] My poor Paul, this will wear him out; see how thin he has grown!
Aloysius. He is hard upon his body. He does not care what happens to his body.
Jerome. He was like this when he was a boy; some wild thought would come on him, and he would not know day from night, he would forget even to eat. It is a great pity he was so hard to himself; it is a pity he had not always someone to look after him.
Aloysius. God is taking care of him; what could men like us do for him? We cannot help him, it is he who helps us.
Jerome. [Going on his knee and taking his hand.] He is awaking. Help me to lift him up. [They lift him into a chair.
Aloysius. I will go and call the others now.
Jerome. Do not let them come for a little time, I must speak to him first.
Aloysius. I cannot keep them away long. One cannot know when the words may be put in his mouth.