MARTHA. The Bishop is an old rogue. I know what he tells you--"Edward, the only reason I so much as mention Armageddon is because you and your good wife are worth a hundred ordinary preachers."

MINISTER (sullenly). He only said ten.

MARTHA. "...Now, that little town is a blot on the Church's record the size of a...of a--"

MINISTER. Silver dollar.

MARTHA. "No minister has ever stayed there from one dawn to the next. I wouldn't go there myself. But in view of your truly miraculous achievements--"

MINISTER. He did say a few nice things about our work in Bora-Bora.

MARTHA. That was something, wasn't it.

MINISTER. Rather out of the ordinary.

MARTHA (gloomily). So you accepted right away.

MINISTER. What could I do? He had the steamship tickets in his pocket. (He looks at his watch.) It's after one (rising), what do you say we get moving? Are you rested?

MARTHA (sighing). Plenty, thanks. Let's get started. I'm so anxious to see the people--that's always been the nicest part of our work. I want to see how they eat, and what they wear--how they make their children behave....

MINISTER. Of course. We'd better get there soon if we expect to find a place to stay. When it gets dark, it'll get dark fast.

MARTHA (as they exit, left). Oh, Edward, I do hope at least some of them are friendly.

Both exit.

SCENE II