he shops, meeting you once more,
a repetition came of what happened when the shell struck him. Certain
glands fail in their functions, the heart threatens to stop and put an
end to life. If my theory is correct, what I have given him may tide
over that danger, but only on one condition can he continue to live and
become a useful member of society.

ASHER. What condition?

DR. JONATHAN. That the mental conflict, the real cause of the trouble,
he resolved. The time has come, Asher, when you must make your choice
between your convictions and your son.

ASHER. Speak out.

DR. JONATHAN. I mean that you must be prepared to tell George, if he
recovers, that you have abandoned your attitude toward the workmen, that
you are willing to recognize their union, settle the strike, and go even
further than in their ignorance they ask. You must try the experiment in
the democratization of industry on which George's heart is set.
Otherwise I will not answer for his sanity, I cannot even give you the
hope that he will live.

ASHER. I never heard of a mental conflict producing such a state!

DR. JONATHAN. Remember, you have said that you will make any sacrifice
to save George's life.

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 bee