Dr. Jonathan.  But no court of law would convict her on that.

Augusta.  And she had an affair with George.  Oh, I can’t talk about it!

Dr. Jonathan.  I’m afraid that George will wish to talk about it, when he comes back.

Augusta, She’s been corresponding with George—­scheming behind my back.

Dr. Jonathan.  Are you sure of that?

Augusta.  She confessed to me that she had had letters from him.

Dr. Jonathan.  And that she’d written letters in return?

Augusta.  What right have you to catechize me, Jonathan?

Dr. Jonathan.  The same right, Augusta, that you have to catechize Minnie.  Only I wish to discover the truth, and apparently you do not.  She left me a letter, too, in which she said, “Don’t try to find me—­I wouldn’t come back if you did.  Mrs. Pindar was right about me, after all—­I had to break loose again.”  Now, Augusta, I’d like to know what you make of that?

Augusta.  It’s pretty plain, isn’t it?

Dr. Jonathan.  If the girl were really “bad,” as you insist, would she say a thing like that?

Augusta.  I’m afraid I’m not an authority on Minnie’s kind.

Dr. Jonathan.  Well, I am.  The only motive which could have induced her to leave my laboratory and Foxon Falls—­her father—­is what you would call a Christian motive.

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.