Augusta (a little baffled by Dr. JONATHAN’s self-command, sits down and begins to knit).  I must get these socks finished for you to take with you, my dear. (To Dr. Jonathan) I can’t realize he’s going! (To George) You haven’t got all your things in your bag!  Where’s the life-preserving suit I sent for?

George (glancing at Dr. Jonathan).  Oh that’s gone, mother.

Augusta.  He always took cold so easily, and that will keep him warm and dry, if those terrible Germans sink his ship.  But your presents, George!  (To Dr. Jonathan:) Made for him by sisters of his college friends.

George (amused but embarrassed).  I can’t fit up a section of the trenches as a boudoir.

Augusta.  Such nice girls!  I wish he’d marry one of them.  Who made you the wristlets?  I hadn’t seen them.

George (taking of the wristlets and putting them in his bag).  Oh, I can’t give her away.  I was—­just trying them on, to see if they fitted.

Augusta.  When did they come?

George (glancing at Dr. Jonathan).  Er—­this morning.

   (Enter Asher and Timothy from the study, left.  Asher is evidently
   wrought up from his talk with Timothy.)

Asher.  Remember, Timothy, I rely on sensible men like you to put a stop to this nonsense.

Augusta.  Asher, here’s Jonathan.

Asher.  Oh! (He goes up to Dr. Jonathan and takes his hand, though it is quite evident that his mind is still on the trouble in the shops).  Glad to see you back in Foxon Falls, Jonathan.  I heard you’d arrived, and would have dropped in on you, but things are in a muddle here just now.

Dr. Jonathan.  Not only here, but everywhere.

Asher.  You’re right.  The country’s going to the dogs.  I don’t know what will straighten it out.

Dr. Jonathan.  Intelligence, open-mindedness, cooperation, Asher.

Asher (arrested:  looking at him).  Hum!

Dr. Jonathan (leaving him and going up to Timothy).  You don’t remember me, Timothy?

Timothy.  Sure and I do, sir,—­though you were only a little lad.  You mind me of your father,—­your smile, like.  He was the grand, simple man!  It’s happy I am to see you back in Foxon Falls.

Dr. Jonathan.  Yes, I’ve been ordered to the rear.

Timothy.  The rear, is it?  I’m thinking we’ll be fighting this war in
Foxon Falls, too.

Dr. Jonathan.  Yes, much of it will be fought behind the battle lines.

Augusta.  You think the Germans will come over here?

Dr. Jonathan.  No, but the issue is over here already.

   (Dr. Jonathan picks up her ball of wool, which has fallen to the
   floor.)