The Americans Part 93

We will.

CHRIS KNUDSON.

There ought to be A public funeral so the men could march.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

I'll speak to Mr. Egerton.

FIRST STRANGER.

(_Indicating Anderson_)

That's him.

(_The two workmen go out_)

HARVEY ANDERSON.

Stop by the cabins and tell Buck. Good-night.

(_He shuts the door and walks about, stopping occasionally by the stove, absorbed in thought_)

SECOND STRANGER.

He'll hardly use us now.

FIRST STRANGER.

Probably not.

(_They take up pieces of the ore_)

FIRST STRANGER.

(_To Anderson, who is walking about_)

How much does this a.s.say?

SECOND STRANGER.

He didn't hear you.

EGERTON.

(_Enters with the Doctor and speaks with him aside_)

Drive down a mile or so and wait for me.

(_Mrs. Egerton and the Nurse come in. Both are dressed for travelling_)

MRS. EGERTON.

(_Walks toward the outer door, then suddenly turns_)

O Donald, Donald, this is Christmas Eve!

Think of this night in years gone by!

EGERTON.

(_Tenderly_)

Mary!

NURSE.

'Thy will be done.'

HARVEY ANDERSON.

It's all right, mother.

MRS. EGERTON.

Harvey!

(_She embraces him and goes out with the Nurse_)

EGERTON.

(_To the Doctor_)

And you'll attend to everything?

DOCTOR.

Yes, Colonel.

(_The Doctor goes out. Egerton shuts the door and stands for a moment apparently waiting till those who have just left get farther from the cabin. He then starts pacing to and fro as though he were undecided what to do. As he walks left toward Harvey Anderson his brow darkens. But as he turns right and draws near the bedroom the hard lines of his face relax. It is clear that a terrible struggle is going on within him_)

EGERTON.

(_To Harvey Anderson_)

You here alone?

HARVEY ANDERSON.

Yes, Mr. Egerton.