The Faith Healer Part 33

RHODA.

I think I never was so tired in my life.

MARTHA.

Worry does it, more'n work. Better try and doze off, Rhody.

_The hall door opens, and Annie enters. She comes to Martha, and clings nervously to her skirts._

ANNIE.

Aunt Martha! I want to stay with you. You're the only person in this house that ain't different. What's the matter with Mamma?

MARTHA.

She's cured, I reckon.

ANNIE.

How did she get cured?

MARTHA.

You can search me!

ANNIE.

Did that man cure her?

MARTHA.

That's what she says, and I don't hear him denyin' it.

ANNIE.

_Whining._

I don't want her to be cured!

MARTHA.

Annie Beeler! Don't want your mother to be cured?

ANNIE.

No, I don't. I want her to be like she always has been. She don't seem like my Mamma at all this way. What's the matter with all those people out there? Why don't we have any supper?

_She bursts out crying and clings feverishly to Martha._

Oh, what's going to happen to us?

MARTHA.

There, Annie, don't cry.

_She looks at Rhoda, throws a cover over her knees, and draws Annie away, speaking low._

Come out in the kitchen, and I'll give you your supper.

_Exeunt. The singing grows louder and nearer. Michaelis enters from the hall. His hair is dishevelled, his collar open, his manner feverish and distraught. He looks closely at Rhoda, sees she is sleeping, then paces the floor nervously, gazing out of the window in the direction of the singing. At length he comes to Rhoda again, and bends over her, studying her face. She starts up, confused and terror-stricken, from her doze._

RHODA.

What--what is the matter? Oh, you frightened me so!

_Michaelis turns away without answering._

What has happened? Why are you here?

MICHAELIS.

You had dropped asleep. You are weary.

RHODA.

_Collecting her thoughts with difficulty._

I was dreaming--such a strange dream.

MICHAELIS.

What did you dream?

RHODA.

I thought it was morning; the sun had risen, and--and you were out there, in the midst of the crowd.

MICHAELIS.

_Excitedly._

Go on! What happened?

RHODA.

I--I can't remember the rest.

MICHAELIS.