Augusta (after a pause).  Minnie, you’ll stay here now?  Your father needs you—­I—­I should never forgive myself if you left.

Minnie.  Tell me, Mrs. Pindar,—­have you heard anything more from George?

Augusta (hesitating).  Yes—­Mr. Pindar got a telegram this morning.

Minnie.  He’s coming home!  When will he get here?

Augusta.  I—­don’t know.  Oh, I’m afraid he may never get here—­alive.

Minnie.  Don’t say that!  George will live—­he’s got to live.

Augusta (gazing, at her).  What makes you think so?

Minnie.  Because he’s needed so in the world—­in Foxon Falls.

   (She starts for the doorway, upper right.)

Augusta.  You’re not going?

Minnie.  I couldn’t stay here—­now.

Augusta.  Why—­why not?

Minnie (in tears).  I should think you’d know why not!

Augusta.  You mean—­you care—­you care that much?

Minnie.  I’m going.

   (She turns to leave the room when the sound of an automobile 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.