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John (Sternly).—Not another word! (Pretense of kindness as he comes nearer—). Come along. Johnny-papa’s big boy.

Johnny.—That’s all I get for being papa’s big boy! Other boys have papas too, and they can stay as long as they want to.

John (Entering through the gate).—Is that you, Fable? Good evening. (The band plays a lively march.) Just listen to that! That is in honor of the First Voters’ League. (Angrily) Do you know what the manager said? He said that the prcession could not pass this way because it would be contrary to the law that was in force long before the state granted the charter. When I told him that the old man was counting on it, that he stayed awake all night in anticipation like a child, and that he had a right to be humored, seeing that he financed the scheme, he said that he had high respect for the old man, but that it could not be helped. It was settled. I am sure the whole damn league will vote against us! . . . But, what’s the matter here? You all act as if you had seen a ghost!

Ann.—Perhaps you will look that way too, doctor, when you learn.

John.—What is it? What’s happened? Can’t you speak,—someone?

Fable.—I came to tell you that a . . a . . guest . .

Ann.—Who is standing on the very threshold . . . .

John.—A guest? From a distance?

Ann.—From the other world, doctor.

John.—From the other world, you say? Then it must be . . . Hans . .

Ann.—Yes, doctor, it’s Hans. He had written Mr. Fable that he was coming soon, and instead he is already here. Our Granny heard him in the woods this evening.

Julia.—It is strange that you should have guessed so easily, brother-in-law. It was to be expected that you would be the very last one to believe, and yet you do not even say, “impossible.”

John (Moved).—Why should I say it when you are telling me here that he is sending messages, that you have actually seen him (Chainging abruptly.) No time for that now. (Assuming joy.) You say that Jan is back? My dear cousin Jan! Where is he, let me embrace him!

Ann (Quietly to John).—No use. John; you can’t keep that mask on for long. We know now that he is still on earth, but