k.

_She draws him down and speaks mysteriously._

It is not real flowers at all!

_Song rises outside--faint and distant._

MICHAELIS.

What is it to you?

MRS. BEELER.

It is like--it is like some kindness in the air, some new-born
happiness--or a new hope rising. Now you will think I am--not quite
right in my mind, as Mat does, and Martha!

MICHAELIS.

Mrs. Beeler, there is such a perfume about us this beautiful Easter
morning. You perceive it, with senses which suffering and a pure soul
have made fine beyond the measure of woman. There is a kindness in the
air, new-born happiness, and new-risen hope.

MRS. BEELER.

From whose heart does it rise?

MICHAELIS.

From mine, from Rhoda's heart, though she knows it not, from yours, and
soon, by God's mercy, from the heart of this waiting multitude.

_The song, though still distant, grows louder. Mrs. Beeler turns to
Michaelis and gazes intently into his face._

MRS. BEELER.

The light has come into your face again! You are--you are--Oh, my
brother, what has come to you?

MICHAELIS.

I have shaken off my burden. Do you shake off yours. What is pain but a
kind of selfishness? What is disease but a kind of sin? Lay your
suffering and your sickness from you as an out-worn garment. Rise up!
It is Easter morning. One comes, needing you. Rise up and welcome her!

_Mrs. Beeler rises and goes to meet Rhoda, entering from the
porch._

RHODA.

Aunt Mary! You are walking again!

MRS. BEELER.

He told me to arise, and once more my dead limbs heard.

RHODA.

God in His mercy be thanked!

MRS. BEELER.

I rose without knowing what I did. It was as if a wind lifted me.

RHODA.

Yes, yes. For good, this time!

MRS. BEELER.

So different from yesterday. I was still weak then, and my limbs were
heavy. Now I feel as if wings were on my shoulders.

_She looks toward the outer door, and listens to the singing, now
risen to a more joyful strain._

I must go out to them.

_She turns to Michaelis._

Say that I may go out, and give them the good tidings of great joy.

MICHAELIS.

May the Lord be with you as you go!

_To Rhoda, who starts to help her aunt._

Alone!

MRS. BEELER.

Yes, alone. I want to go alone.

_She takes a lily from the vase, and lifting it above her head,
goes out through the porch, which is now flooded with sunshine. As
she goes out she says:_

The Easter sun has r