is
heard without, the brakes going on, etc. MINNIE, who has got as far
as the doorway, upper right halts and stares.)

AUGUSTA (excitedly). What is it?

MINNIE. An automobile. Oh, Mrs. Pindar--it's him--it's George!

(She draws back from the doorway, her hands clasped.)

AUGUSTA. George! (She hurries toward the doorway, speaking as she
goes.) Where is he?

Why doesn't he come in?

MINNIE (staring out). He can't. Oh, I'll get Dr. Jonathan!

(She is speaking as AUGUSTA goes out.)

(Mingling with other voices, ASHER's resonant and commanding voice
is heard.)

ASHER (without). Bring him in through the library--it's easier for you,
George.

(MINNIE who obviously cannot now escape through the doorway, upper
right, without GEORGE seeing her, after a second's resolution dashes
across the room and out of the door, lower right. A moment later
GEORGE is brought in through the doorway, upper right, leaning
heavily on Dr. FRYE, a capable looking man, whose well fitting
business suit and general appearance indicate a prosperous city
practice. GEORGE is in uniform. He is much thinner, and his face
betrays acute suffering. His left arm hangs helpless at his side.)

(ASHER and AUGUSTA follow, ASHER with a look of pain which has been
increased by an incident which occurred at the automobile, where
GEORGE refused to allow ASHER to help support him.)

(GEORGE gets a little way into the room when he stops, sways a
little, and spasmodically puts his hand to his heart. ASHER, in a
frenzy of anxiety, again approaches to help him, but GEORGE repulses
him.)

GEORGE (protesting with what strength he has, as if in fear). N--no,
dad, I'd rather not--I--I can get along.

(ASHER halts and gazes at him mutely, and then looks at AUGUSTA.)

DR. FRYE. You'd better sit down here a minute and rest, Captain Pindar.

(ASHER starts to pull up an armchair, but AUGUSTA looks at him and
shakes her head, and pulls it up herself. GEORGE sinks into the
chair, leans back his head and closes his eyes. AUGUSTA hovers over
him, smoothing his hair.)

AUGUSTA. Is there nothing we can do, Dr. Frye? A little brandy--?

Dr. FRYE (who is evidently trying to hide his own concern by a show of
professional self-confidence), I think I'd wait a few moments.

GEORGE (murmuring). I--I'll be all right, mother

(DR. FRYE stands gazing down at him a few seconds and then comes