Read-Aloud Plays Part 25

Well, do you remember my quarrel with Charlie Fisher?

MRS. EVERITT

Yes. Why?

EVERITT

Because, you poor child, that letter was written to him.

MRS. EVERITT

To him!

EVERITT

Yes, Charlie Fisher. I found that he was going with Annie Pratt and I had it out with him one day in the barn. I told him if he didn't quit his foolishness I'd tell his people. We nearly came to blows--he was drinking too much, too--and I found that letter on the floor afterwards. I meant to burn it up, but I forgot it. And you thought I was the Charlie!

MRS. EVERITT

G.o.d forgive me!

EVERITT

But why on earth didn't you come right out with it?

MRS. EVERITT

Oh! You can't realize how crushed I felt. I wanted only to run away, like a wounded animal.... And then I couldn't bear to quarrel, for the sake of Walter. So it's been festering in me all this time.

EVERITT

So that's it. Well, thank heaven! (_He starts to embrace her_)

MRS. EVERITT

But that letter you picked up so quickly to-night--was that from somebody else?

EVERITT

Lord, I'd almost forgotten it.

MRS. EVERITT

There! And I was almost happy!

EVERITT

For goodness sake, read it!

MRS. EVERITT

From your bank.... I don't understand it.

EVERITT

It's simple enough. They won't make me another loan.

MRS. EVERITT

Well?

EVERITT

Between the unions and the new inspection--well, I can't finish the Broadway contract on time, and I'm done.

MRS. EVERITT

Done?

EVERITT

Done. Smashed. I might save ten thousand dollars, that's all. My life's work....

MRS. EVERITT

You mean money?

EVERITT

I mean the lack of it.

MRS. EVERITT

Is that all? Thank heaven!

EVERITT

All! But do you realize it means giving up the house, and beginning all over again on ten thousand dollars?

MRS. EVERITT

I don't care. I was never happy there anyhow. And now I could be happy doing my own work in a tenement.

EVERITT

I think I could be happy as a carpenter again by the day. But the children. It's going to be hard for them. Walter's architecture.

WALTER