ASHER (turning on DR. JONATHAN). You're not trying to play on my—my superstition,—at a time like this!
DR. JONATHAN. I'm not dealing with superstition, Asher, but with science. If George revives, he will wish to talk with you.
ASHER. When?
DR. JONATHAN. Probably this evening—or never. I ask you the question—will you yield your convictions?
(ASHER bows his head. DR. JONATHAN gazes at him for a moment,
compassionately.)
I'll go back to him now. I think he'd better be moved to his room, and put to bed.
(Exit DR. JONATHAN, left. For a minute ASHER remains alone, and
then DR. JONATHAN and Dr. FRYE reappear, carrying GEORGE. The
blanket is flung over his knees, and he seems lifeless. They are
followed by MINNIE, carrying the phial and the glass, and by
AUGUSTA. They cross the room and go out, lower right. ASHER walks
behind them as far as the door, hesitates, and then goes out.)
(THE CURTAIN falls and remains down a minute to indicate a lapse of
three hours. When it rises again night has come, the lamps are
lighted and the window curtains drawn. ASHER and AUGUSTA are
discovered standing together. ASHER has a black, leather covered
book in his hand, with one finger in the place where he has been
reading. Both show the effects of a strain.)
AUGUSTA (who has been speaking). And when we took him upstairs, I was sure he was going to die—it seemed to me as if nothing could save him. He's been sitting up and talking to us—of course he's pale and weak and wasted, but in spite of that, Asher, he seems to have a strength, a force that he didn't have before he went away. He isn't a boy any more. I can't describe it, but I'm almost afraid of him—!
ASHER. He—he hasn't mentioned me?