"The Lord hath arisen, and His enemies are scattered!"
Michaelis.
His enemies are scattered! Year after year I have heard His voice calling me—and year after year I have said, "Show me the way." And He showed me the way. He brought me to this house, and He raised up the believing multitude around me. But in that hour I failed Him, I failed Him. He has smitten me, as His enemies are smitten.—As a whirlwind He has scattered me and taken my strength from me forever.
He advances into the room, with a gesture backward through the open door.
In yonder room a child lies dead on its mother's knees, and the mother's eyes follow me with curses.
At the news of the child's death, Mrs. Beeler has sunk with a low moan into a chair, where she lies white and motionless. Michaelis turns to her.
And here lies one who rose at my call, and was as one risen; but now—
He breaks off, raises his hand to her, and speaks in a voice of pleading.
Arise, my sister!
She makes a feeble gesture of the left hand.