g on a stool by the
door, reckoning on his fingers what he will buy with his
money._]

A YOUNG M. [_to_ Another]. He will not be satisfied till we dispute
with him. [_To the_ WISE MAN.] Prove it, Master. Have you seen them?

WISE M. [_in a low, solemn voice_]. Just now, before you came in,
someone came to the door, and when I looked up I saw an angel standing
there.

A YOUNG M. You were in a dream. Anybody can see an angel in his dreams.

WISE M. Oh, my God! It was not a dream! I was awake, waking as I am
now. I tell you I was awake as I am now.

A YOUNG M. Some dream when they are awake, but they are the crazy, and
who would believe what they say? Forgive me, Master, but that is what
you taught me to say. That is what you said to the monk when he spoke
of the visions of the saints and the martyrs.

ANOTHER YOUNG M. You see how well we remember your teaching.

WISE M. Out, out from my sight! I want someone with belief. I must find
that grain the Angel spoke of before I die. I tell you I must find it,
and you answer me with arguments. Out with you, out of my sight! [_The_
YOUNG MEN _laugh._]

A YOUNG M. How well he plays at faith! He is like the monk when he had
nothing more to say.

WISE M. Out, out, this is no time for laughter! Out with you, though
you are a king's son! [_They begin to hurry out._]

A YOUNG M. Come, come; he wants us to find someone who will dispute
with him.

[_All go out._]

WISE M. [_alone; he goes to the door at the side_]. I will call my
wife. She will believe; women always believe. [_He opens the door and
calls._] Bridget! Bridget! [BRIDGET _comes in, wearing her apron, her
sleeves turned up from her floury arms._] Bridget, tell me the truth;
do not say what you think will please me. Do you sometimes say your
prayers?

BRIDGET. Prayers! No, you taught me to leave them off long ago. At
first I was sorry, but I am glad now, for I am sleepy in the evening.

WISE M. But do you not believe in God?

BRIDGET. Oh, a good wife only believes what her husband tells her!

WISE M. But sometimes, when you are alone, when I am in the school and
the children asleep, do you not think about the saints, about the
things you used to believe in? What do you think of when you are alone?

BRIDGET [_considering_]. I think about nothing. Sometimes I wonder if
the linen is bleaching white, or I go out to see if the cows are
picking up the chickens' food.

WISE M. Oh,