Mills and mill-work -- Management -- Drama; New England -- Drama; Veterans -- United States -- Drama; World War, 1914-1918 -- Drama
(MINNIE who obviously cannot now escape through the doorway, upper
right, without GEORGE seeing her, after a second's resolution dashes
across the room and out of the door, lower right. A moment later
GEORGE is brought in through the doorway, upper right, leaning
heavily on Dr. FRYE, a capable looking man, whose well fitting
business suit and general appearance indicate a prosperous city
practice. GEORGE is in uniform. He is much thinner, and his face
betrays acute suffering. His left arm hangs helpless at his side.)
(ASHER and AUGUSTA follow, ASHER with a look of pain which has been
increased by an incident which occurred at the automobile, where
GEORGE refused to allow ASHER to help support him.)
(GEORGE gets a little way into the room when he stops, sways a
little, and spasmodically puts his hand to his heart. ASHER, in a
frenzy of anxiety, again approaches to help him, but GEORGE repulses
him.)
GEORGE (protesting with what strength he has, as if in fear). N--no,
dad, I'd rather not--I--I can get along.
(ASHER halts and gazes at him mutely, and then looks at AUGUSTA.)
DR. FRYE. You'd better sit down here a minute and rest, Captain Pindar.
(ASHER starts to pull up an armchair, but AUGUSTA looks at him and
shakes her head, and pulls it up herself. GEORGE sinks into the
chair, leans back his head and closes his eyes. AUGUSTA hovers over
him, smoothing his hair.)
AUGUSTA. Is there nothing we can do, Dr. Frye? A little brandy--?
Dr. FRYE (who is evidently trying to hide his own concern by a show of
professional self-confidence), I think I'd wait a few moments.
GEORGE (murmuring). I--I'll be all right, mother
(DR. FRYE stands gazing down at him a few seconds and then comes
forward into the room to join ASHER.)
ASHER. For God's sake tell me what it is, doctor! Why did you leave New
York with him when he was in this condition? Was it because?
Dr. FRYE (speaking more rapidly than is his wont). He was surprisingly
well, considering everything, when we left New York, and the army
medical men advised taking him home. I thought an automobile better than
a slow train. I tried to telephone you, but the storm--
ASHER. I know.
Dr. FRYE. I sent you a wire.
ASHER. I didn't get it.
DR. FRYE. It was impossible to get a good nurse on account of the
influenza epidemic. In fact, I didn't think he needed one--but I thought
you'd feel more comfortable if I came. He seemed extraordinary well,
even cheerful until we got right into Foxon Falls. We were passing your
shops, and a big crowd of men were there, making a noise, shouting at a
speaker. Is there a strike on here?
ASHER. Yes. You say he got like this when he saw the crowd?
DR. FRYE (indicating GEORGE). As you see. He fell back on the cushions
as though he'd been hit--it all happened in a second. I have the history
of the case from the army people--he had an attack something like this
abroad.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account