(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 been reading.  Both show the effects of a strain.)

Augusta (who has been speaking).  And when we took him upstairs, I was sure he was going to die—­it seemed to me as if nothing could save him.  He’s been sitting up and talking to us—­of course he’s pale and weak and wasted, but in spite of that, Asher, he seems to have a strength, a force that he didn’t have before he went away.  He isn’t a boy any more.  I can’t describe it, but I’m almost afraid of him—!

Asher.  He—­he hasn’t mentioned me?

Augusta.  No, my dear—­and since Jonathan warned me not to, I’ve said nothing about you.  Why is it?

Asher.  Jonathan’s the master now.

Augusta.  In spite of what I’ve felt about him, he has saved George for us.  It seems a miracle.

Asher.  A scientific miracle.

Augusta (indicating the book Asher holds).  And yet you were reading the
Bible!

Asher.  I just took it down. (He lays it on the table, and touches Augusta, with an unwonted tenderness, on the shoulder).  I think we may hope, now, Augusta.  But before we can be sure that he’ll get well, there’s something else to be done.

Augusta (anxiously).  What?

Asher.  Go back to George,—­I’ll tell you later.  It seems that we must trust Jonathan.  Here he is now.

   (Enter Dr. Jonathan, lower right, as Augusta departs.)

Dr. Jonathan.  George wants to get dressed, and come down.

Asher.  You think it wise?

Dr. Jonathan.  Under the circumstances yes.  The heart is practically normal again, we have done all that is physically possible.  One half of the experiment seems to have succeeded, and the sooner we try the other half, the better.  Are you still willing?

Asher.  I’m prepared.  I’ve carried out your—­instructions—­sent for the committee.

Dr. Jonathan (looking at him).  Good!

Asher (with an effort).  Jonathan, I—­I guess I misjudged you—­