LADDIE (_stops on the path, irresolute. Frowns a little in pretty, childish perplexity; makes as if he would go back; looks at the two again. Then suddenly darts forward; cries_). Why, that’s my Mamma! (_Springs to her; clutches at her white robe, pulls at her hand._)
HELEN THORNE (_recognizes the child instantly, despite his larger stature; she cries out_). Why, my little boy! Mother’s baby boy! Oh! _you_ again, ... you, too! My little, little boy. (_Catches him to her; kisses him wildly; holds him, and releases him, and holds him again. Murmurs half-intelligible words brokenly._) Mother’s baby!... Mother’s beauty!... Oh, mamma _missed_ you, sonny-boy--
(DR. THORNE _does not speak. His face is shining. He holds his wife within his arms as if he feared to lose her if he loosened them._)
(THE CHILD, _laughing softly, fondles his mother. The three stand clinging together rapturously._)
VOICES (_from beyond the rose thicket chant_).
“As it was in the beginning, is now, And ever shall be, World without end. Amen.”
(_Chorus of spirits from the region of the Temple on the Heavenly Hill very softly sing._)
“O Paradise! O Paradise! The world is growing old. Who would not see that heavenly land, Where love is never cold?” ...
(_As they sing, the fair country brightens subtly, and all the heavenly scene is radiant. The moving groups of spirits seem to be joining in the song._)
(DR. THORNE _and_ his Wife, _turning, look into one another’s faces. They do not speak._)
(_Now, delicately, it shall be seen to darken on the bright land, and a holy half-light touches every outline._)
(The Child _leaves his parents. He walks a few steps away, shading his eyes with one hand, as if he saw invisible glory; in the other hand he carries the annunciation lily._)
(_Vaguely at first, then more definitely; slowly and solemnly_,)
(_The_ Sacred Figure _advances towards the_ Man _and_ Woman, _who are unconscious of the approach. Its hands are stretched in benediction. It stands for a moment, mutely, and unseen by them._)
(The Boy _runs towards it fearlessly; seats himself upon the meadow-grass at the feet of the_ Figure.)
(_The_ Sacred Figure _stirs towards the child. All the light in the scene now falls from the_ Figure.)