Who appears restlessly praying at Mary Dempster's bed?

The character who appears restlessly praying at Mary Dempster's bed is Amasa Dempster. In "Fifth Business," Amasa is depicted as a deeply troubled and devout man, whose faith is challenged by his wife's condition. His presence at her bedside praying reflects both his desperation and his failure to accept the reality of Mary’s situation. This moment highlights his complex relationship with Mary and underscores the theme of the intersection of faith and doubt throughout the novel. Amasa's prayerful demeanor captures the emotional turmoil he experiences as he grapples with loss and seeks solace in his beliefs.

The other characters do not share the same direct connection to Mary in this context. Leola, while significant in other aspects of the story, is not involved in this scene. Dunstan Ramsay, the protagonist, has his own journey regarding Mary’s influence, but he is not depicted praying at her bed. Diana's connection to the narrative does not place her in this moment of prayerful lamentation either. Thus, Amasa's restless praying becomes a poignant and symbolic representation of the struggles between faith, love, and the complexities of human relationships in the novel.