Within the Gates by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward

It is night on a street in the West End of the city. At the right stands a church, dimly lighted for a choir to practice. An anthem on the organ can be heard. At the left appears Dr. Thorne's house, viewed from the outside. It has high stone steps, and lights are in the window. One window on the ground floor has the curtain raised. The interior of the library can be seen through the window, -- glimpses of the books, the pictures, the table, the lamp with the white lace shade. The room is empty. Into it --

_Enter_ MRS. THORNE. (_She is dressed in deep black. Her face is drawn with grief. Her hands are clasped in front of her. She paces the room drearily. She is alone. She seats herself by the table; tries to read; lays the book down, and rises; paces the room._)