MRS. ATKINS. (_peremptorily_) Wheel me in there this minute. I don’t want him to see me looking a sight. I’ll lay down in the room the other side. You don’t need me now and I’m dead for sleep. (RUTH _wheels her mother off right. The noise of the motor grows louder and finally ceases as the car stops on the road before the farmhouse._ RUTH _returns from the kitchen with a lighted lamp in her hand which she sets on the table beside the other. The sound of footsteps on the path is heard--then a sharp rap on the door._ RUTH _goes and opens it._ ANDREW _enters, followed by_ DOCTOR FAWCETT _carrying a small black bag._ ANDREW _has changed greatly. His face seems to have grown highstrung, hardened by the look of decisiveness which comes from being constantly under a strain where judgments on the spur of the moment are compelled to be accurate. His eyes are keener and more alert. There is even a suggestion of ruthless cunning about them. At present, however, his expression is one of tense anxiety._ DOCTOR FAWCETT _is a short, dark, middle-aged man with a Vandyke beard. He wears glasses_). RUTH. Hello, Andy! I’ve been waiting---- ANDREW. (_kissing her hastily_) I got here as soon as I could. (_He throws of his cap and heavy overcoat on the table, introducing_ RUTH _and the_ DOCTOR _as he does so. He is dressed in an expensive business suit and appears stouter_) My sister-in-law, Mrs. Mayo--Doctor Fawcett. (_They bow to each other silently._ ANDREW _casts a quick glance about the room_) Where’s Rob? RUTH. (_pointing_) In there. ANDREW. I’ll take your coat and hat, Doctor. (_As he helps the_ DOCTOR _with his things_) Is he very bad, Ruth? RUTH. (_dully_) He’s been getting weaker. ANDREW. Damn! This way, Doctor. Bring the lamp, Ruth. (_He goes into the bedroom, followed by the_ DOCTOR _and_ RUTH _carrying the clean lamp_. RUTH _reappears almost immediately closing the door behind her, and goes slowly to the outside door, which she opens, and stands in the doorway looking out. The sound of_ ANDREW’S _and_ ROBERT’S _voices comes from the bedroom. A moment later_ ANDREW _re-enters, closing the door softly. He comes forward and sinks down in the rocker on the right of table, leaning his head on his hand. His face is drawn in a shocked expression of great grief. He sighs heavily, staring mournfully in front of him._ RUTH _turns and stands watching him. Then she shuts the door and returns to her chair by the stove, turning it so she can face him_). ANDREW. (_glancing up quickly--in a harsh voice_) How long has this been going on? RUTH. You mean--how long has he been sick? ANDREW. (_shortly_) Of course! What else? RUTH. It was last summer he had a bad spell first, but he’s been ailin’ ever since Mary died--eight months ago.