he woman
kneels beside her, her face hidden on the chair arm._

You must keep up your courage and your trust. That will help more than
anything.

MOTHER.

I'm afraid!

RHODA.

Think of those others out there, who are waiting too, without the
glimpse of comfort you've had.

MOTHER.

_Bursts out._

I ain't had no comfort! When I heard him pray for my child, I--I don't
know--I kept sayin' to myself--"O God, it's me that's stretchin' out my
hands to you, not him. Don't punish me for his cold words!"

_Martha, who has been listening, shakes her head significantly._

RHODA.

Cold words!

MOTHER.

Yes, I know it's wrong. I'll try to feel different. It's because I
ain't had nothin' to do with religion for so long.--If my baby gets
well, I'll make up for it. I'll make up for everything.

_The woman rises. Rhoda kisses her._

RHODA.

I shall be here if you want me. And I shall--pray for you.

_The mother goes out. Distant singing is heard. Martha comes to the
mantelpiece with matches, which she arranges in the match tray. She
looks at Rhoda, who sits with closed eyes._

MARTHA.

Guess you're about dead beat.

RHODA.

I think I never was so tired in my life.

MARTHA.

Worry does it, more'n work. Better try and doze off, Rhody.

_The hall door opens, and Annie enters. She comes to Martha, and
clings nervously to her skirts._

ANNIE.

Aunt Martha! I want to stay with you. You're the only person in this
house that ain't different. What's the matter with Mamma?

MARTHA.

She's cured, I reckon.

ANNIE.

How did she get cured?

MARTHA.

You can search me!

ANNIE.

Did that man cure her?

MARTHA.

That's what she says, and I don't hear him denyin' it.

ANNIE.

_Whining._

I don't want her to be cured!

MARTHA.

Annie Beeler! Don't want your mother to be cured?

ANNIE.

No, I don't. I want her to be like she always has been. She don't seem
like my Mamma at all this way. What's the matter with all those people
out there? Why don't we have any supper?

_She bursts out crying and clings feverishly to Martha._

Oh, what's going to happen to us?

MARTHA.

There, Annie, don't cry.

_She looks at Rhoda, throws a cover over her knees, and draws Annie
away, speaking low._

Come out in the kitchen, and I'll give you your supper.

_Exeunt. The singing grows louder and nearer. Michaelis enters from
the hall. His ha