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_Mutters to Littlefield._
Nonsense! Sacrilegious nonsense!
LITTLEFIELD.
_Same tone._
I've done my best.
_Behind them comes Mrs. Beeler, supported by her Husband. At the same moment Martha enters from the kitchen, with tea; Uncle Abe and Annie follow._
BEELER.
_On the threshold._
Mary, take another minute to consider.
_Mrs. Beeler, as if without hearing this protest, gazes at Michaelis, and advances into the room with a gesture of the arms which causes her supporter to loosen his hold, though he follows slightly behind, to render aid if necessary._
MRS. BEELER.
_To Michaelis._
Tell me that I may go out, and stand before them for a testimony!
LITTLEFIELD.
As a physician, I must formally protest.
CULPEPPER.
And I as a minister of the Gospel.
MRS. BEELER.
_To Michaelis, with a nervous, despairing gesture._
Speak to them! Explain to them! I am too weak.
_There is a sound of excited voices outside, near at hand, then a sudden trample of footsteps at the entrance door. As Beeler goes hurriedly to the door it bursts open and a young woman with a baby in her arms crowds past him, and stands looking wildly about the room._
BEELER.
_As he forces the others back._
You can't come in here, my friends! Stand back!
_The woman gazes from one to another of the men. The old negro points at Michaelis. She advances to him, holding out the child._
MOTHER.
Don't let my baby die! For Christ's sake, don't let him die!
_He examines the child's face, touches the mother's head tenderly, and signs to Rhoda to take them into the inner room._
MICHAELIS.
Take her with you, I will come.
RHODA.
_With gentle urgency, to the woman._
Come with me.
_She leads the woman out through the hall door._
MICHAELIS.
_To Mrs. Beeler, as he points outside._
Tell them to wait until to-morrow at sunrise.
_Mr. and Mrs. Beeler move toward the entrance door; some of the others start after, some linger, curious to know what will happen to the child. Michaelis turns upon them with a commanding gesture._
Go, all of you!
_The room is cleared except for Littlefield, who goes last, stops in the doorway, closes the door, and approaches Michaelis. He speaks in a friendly and reasonable tone._
LITTLEFIELD.
You're on the wrong track, my friend.
MICHAELIS.
I asked you to go.
LITTLEFIELD.
I heard you. I want to say a word or two first. For your own sake and for that woman's sake, you'd better listen. You can't do anything for her baby.
MICHAELIS.
Is that for you to say?
LITTLEFIELD.
Yes, sir! It is most decidedly for me to say.
