_A song rises outside, loud and near at hand--Michaelis listens, his expression gradually changing from passionate excitement to brooding distress._
_Vaguely, as the music grows fainter and dies away._
_He grasps her arm in nervous apprehension._
For God's sake, tell me.--Are there many people--waiting--out there?
_The hall door opens, Dr. Littlefield and a Clergyman, the Rev. John Culpepper, enter. The latter stares inquiringly from Michaelis to the Doctor, who nods affirmatively, and adjusts his glasses._
_Behind them comes Mrs. Beeler, supported by her Husband. At the same moment Martha enters from the kitchen, with tea; Uncle Abe and Annie follow._
_Mrs. Beeler, as if without hearing this protest, gazes at Michaelis, and advances into the room with a gesture of the arms which causes her supporter to loosen his hold, though he follows slightly behind, to render aid if necessary._
Tell me that I may go out, and stand before them for a testimony!
_To Michaelis, with a nervous, despairing gesture._
Speak to them! Explain to them! I am too weak.
_There is a sound of excited voices outside, near at hand, then a sudden trample of footsteps at the entrance door. As Beeler goes hurriedly to the door it bursts open and a young woman with a baby in her arms crowds past him, and stands looking wildly about the room._
You can't come in here, my friends! Stand back!
_The woman gazes from one to another of the men. The old negro points at Michaelis. She advances to him, holding out the child._
Don't let my baby die! For Christ's sake, don't let him die!
_He examines the child's face, touches the mother's head tenderly, and signs to Rhoda to take them into the inner room._
_She leads the woman out through the hall door._
Tell them to wait until to-morrow at sunrise.
_Mr. and Mrs. Beeler move toward the entrance door; some of the others start after, some linger, curious to know what will happen to the child. Michaelis turns upon them with a commanding gesture._
_The room is cleared except for Littlefield, who goes last, stops in the doorway, closes the door, and approaches Michaelis. He speaks in a friendly and reasonable tone._
I heard you. I want to say a word or two first. For your own sake and for that woman's sake, you'd better listen. You can't do anything for her baby.