ACT III
SCENE: Same as in Act I, the library of ASHER PINDAR'S house.
TIME: The following day, early afternoon. A storm is raging, with wind
and rain and occasional bright flashes of lightning and heavy peals
of thunder. ASHER is pacing up and down the room, folding and
unfolding his hands behind his back, when AUGUSTA enters, lower
right, her knitting in her hand. There is a flash and a peal of
thunder.
AUGUSTA. Oh! Asher, did you know that the elm at the end of the Common was struck just now?—that splendid old landmark!
ASHER. All the old landmarks are being struck down, one after another.
AUGUSTA (going up to him and putting her hand on his arm). I've been so nervous all day. Do be careful how you go about during this strike. Those sullen and angry groups of men on the street this morning—
ASHER. Oh, they wouldn't dare touch me. If we only had a state constabulary we'd soon break that sort of thing up. But the Legislature trembles whenever a labour leader opens his mouth.
AUGUSTA (sitting down and taking up her knitting). If only I could be of some help to you! But it's always been so.
ASHER. You've been a good wife, Augusta!
AUGUSTA. I don't know. I've kept your house, I've seen that you were well fed, but I've been thinking lately how little that is for a woman—for a human being.