The Americans Part 62

They're calling up To know about it!

GEORGE EGERTON.

(_Starts for the room, then stops_)

What shall I tell them, father?

GLADYS EGERTON.

O have them come back, papa, have them come back!

EGERTON.

(_Keeping his eye on Harry_)

Tell them what you please.

(_George goes out_)

HARRY EGERTON.

Father, buy Jergens out.

GLADYS EGERTON.

(_Calling into the room_)

Tell them it's all right, brother, that it's nothing.

HARRY EGERTON.

Give him his price and let him go his way----

EGERTON.

(_Calling toward the room_)

A misunderstanding.

HARRY EGERTON.

And let me run the mill.

And let us see, my father, you and I, If we can't make that place of work down there As famous for its harmony as this house.

A land is not its timber but its people, And not its Art, my father, but its men.

Let's try to make this town a place of peace And helpfulness. What do you say, my father?

EGERTON.

And that's your life work!

(_Gladys goes into the room_)

MRS. EGERTON.

(_Approaching him_)

Donald----

EGERTON.

Go away.

MRS. EGERTON.

You've asked me why it is I cannot sleep.

It's that, Donald, it's that! Give him the mill.

They're human beings, Donald, like ourselves.

EGERTON.

And you've been planning this!

HARRY EGERTON.

I had hoped, my father, That things would so arrange themselves that I-- That you would make me manager of the mill.

MRS. EGERTON.

Donald, it's your n.o.bler self you hear.

EGERTON.

(_Looks at him a long time_)

What a fool----

(_Turns away_)

what a fool I've been!

(_Walks about_)

VOICES OF GEORGE AND GLADYS.

The mine! Father!

(_They come running in_)

The mine! A rumor that the mine's been found!