MINNIE. There wasn't anything providential about it. I took the six o'clock train to Newcastle this morning. Not that I had any notion of staying there. I ran into Prag at the station. I nursed his wife, you know--and he started in to tell me how he was coming up to Foxon Falls to shoot Mr. Pindar because he'd closed down the works rather than recognize the union. I knew that Prag was just about crazy enough to do it, because I've heard Dr. Jonathan talk about the mental disease he's got. That was about ten, and the train for Foxon Falls was leaving in a few minutes. I ran into the booth to phone Dr. Jonathan, but the storm had begun down there, and I couldn't get a connection. So I caught the train, and when it pulled in here I saw Pray jump out of the smoking car and start to run. I couldn't run as fast as he could, and I'd only got to the other side of the Common when I saw him walk into the house. 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.