STRAWMAN. And for like cause— The fascination of the town—it was; But when a little money had come in, And the first pairs of infants, twin by twin, She quite got over it. FALK [_sotto voce to_ STRAWMAN]. Bravo, you able Persuader. STRAWMAN [_nodding to him and turning again to_ ANNA]. Now you’ve promised me, be stable. Shall man renounce his work? Falk says the Call Is not so very slender after all. Did you not, Falk? FALK. Nay, pastor— STRAWMAN. To be sure—! [_To_ ANNA. Of something then at least you are secure. What’s gained by giving up, if that is so? Look back into the ages long ago, See, Adam, Eve—the Ark, see, pair by pair, Birds in the field—the lilies in the air, The little birds—the little birds—the fishes— [_Continues in a lower tone, as he withdraws with_ ANNA. [MISS JAY _and the_ AUNTS _return with_ LIND. FALK. Hurrah! Here come the veterans in array; The old guard charging to retrieve the day! MISS JAY. Ah, in exact accordance with our wishes! [_Aside._ We _have_ him, Falk!—Now let us tackle _her_! [_Approaches_ ANNA. STRAWMAN [_with a deprecating motion_]. She needs no secular solicitation; The Spirit has spoken, what can Earth bestead—? [_Modestly._ If in some small degree my words have sped, Power was vouchsafed me—! MRS. HALM. Come, no more evasion, Bring them together! AUNTS [_with emotion_]. Ah, how exquisite! STRAWMAN. Yes, can there be a heart so dull and dead As not to be entranced at such a sight! It is so thrilling and so penetrating, So lacerating, so exhilarating, To see an innocent babe devoutly lay Its offering on Duty’s altar. MRS. HALM. Nay, Her family have also done their part. MISS JAY. I and the Aunts—I should imagine so. You, Lind, may have the key to Anna’s heart, [_Presses his hand._