AUGUSTA. What do you mean?
DR. JONATHAN. An unselfish motive. She went because she thought she could help someone by going.
AUGUSTA. Why—do you discuss this with me?
DR. JONATHAN. Because I've come to the conclusion that you know something about Minnie's departure, Augusta.
AUGUSTA (again on the verge of tears). Well, then, I do. I am responsible for her going—I'm not ashamed of it. Her remaining here was an affront to all right thinking people. I appealed to her, and she had the decency to leave.
DR. JONATHAN. Decency is a mild word to apply to her sacrifice.
AUGUSTA. I suppose, with your extraordinary radical views, you mean that she might have remained here and married George. One never can predict the harm that a woman of that kind can do.
DR. JONATHAN (rising). The harm that a bad woman can do, Augusta, is sometimes exceeded only by the harm a good woman can do. You are unfortunately steeped in a religion which lacks the faith in humanity that should be its foundation. The girl has just given you the strongest proof of an inherent goodness, and you choose to call her bad. But if you will not listen to Moses and the prophets, how will you listen to Christ?
AUGUSTA. Jonathan! Where are you going?
DR. JONATHAN. To find Minnie Farrell and bring her back to Foxon Falls.