h you try not to. Even Uncle Abe
sees it. Just when Mr. Michaelis most needs his strength, weakness has
come upon him.

MRS. BEELER.

You mean--?

_She hesitates._

You mean--because of you?--Rhoda, look at me.

_Rhoda avoids her aunt's gaze; Mrs. Beeler draws down the girl's
face and gazes at it._

Is there anything--that I don't know--between you and him?

RHODA.

I--I must go away.--I ought to have gone before.

MRS. BEELER.

My child, this--this troubles me very much. He is different from other
men, and you--and you--

RHODA.

_With passion._

Say it, say it! What am I?

MRS. BEELER.

Don't be hurt, Rhoda, but--you have a wild nature. You are like your
father. I remember when he used to drive over to see sister Jane, with
his keen face and eagle eyes, behind his span of wild colts, I used to
tremble for my gentle sister. You are just like him, or you used to be.

_Rhoda breaks away from her aunt, and takes her hat and cloak. Mrs.
Beeler rises with perturbation, and crosses to detain her._

What are you going to do?

RHODA.

I am going away--I _must_ go away.

_Martha enters from the hall._

MRS. BEELER.

_Speaks lower._

Promise me you won't! Promise me!

MARTHA.

To look at that, now! Seein' you on your feet, Mary, gives me a new
start every time.

MRS. BEELER.

_To Rhoda._

You promise?

_Rhoda bows her head as in assent._

MARTHA.

Doctor's in the parlor. Shall I bring him in here?

MRS. BEELER.

No. I think I will rest awhile. He can come to my room.

_She walks unsteadily. The others try to help her, but she motions
them back._

No. It's so good to feel that I can walk alone!

MARTHA.

It does beat all!

MRS. BEELER.

I'll just lie down on the couch. I want to go out, before dark, and
speak to the people.

_Mr. Beeler enters from the kitchen and crosses to help his wife.
The others give place to him._

Oh Mat, our good days are coming back! I shall be strong and well for
you again.

BEELER.

Yes, Mary. There will be nothing to separate us any more.

MRS. BEELER.

_Points at his books._

Not even--them?

_He goes to the alcove, takes the books from the shelf, raises the
lid of the window-seat, and throws them in._

_Mrs. Beeler points to the pictures of Darwin and Spencer._

Nor them?

_He unpins the pictures, lays them upon the heap of books, and
returns t