The Flutter of the Goldleaf; and Other Plays Part 7

_Seymour_

The lad ought not to be in there alone. (_Goes to door._) Philo, my boy!

(PHILO _comes out. He is extremely pale, his black hair pushed from his forehead, and his eyes burning, but his manner is calm._)

_Philo_

Well, am I a free man?

_Seymour_

You are free, Philo.

_Philo_ (_perfunctorily_)

Thank you, doctor.

_Seymour_

But you must have rest from this work. These subjects are too overwhelming for a sane brain to carry without harm. This attic is gloomy and the atmosphere unhealthy. You must have a complete change.

_Philo_

I see. That is your answer to my discovery. (_Turns suddenly to_ WARNER.) And what do you think of it, father?

_Warner_

I don't seem to get hold of it, somehow, Philo. (_Crosses to machine and stares at it._) What's the good, anyhow? They're too far away.

'Twouldn't help business.

(PHILO _gives a queer laugh._ WARNER _opens door._)

_Warner_

I'll see you down-stairs, doctor. (_Exit._)

_Philo_ (_turning to_ MRS. W.)

And you, mother?

_Mrs. W._ (_bustling up and gathering tray and gla.s.ses_)

I've got to set my bread. (_Crosses to machine and stares at it, holding tray._) What'll we come to if folks in the stars begin pesterin'? We've got enough to 'tend to right here. (_Goes out muttering._) Got to set my bread.

(SEYMOUR _and_ PHILO _look at each other and smile._)

_Seymour_

Won't you come down, Philo?

_Philo_

No. It's livelier for me up here. More to think about. But don't worry about me, doctor. I know this is the end. If I can't convince you, then all the world must think it hallucination.

_Seymour_

I'm not unconvinced. I simply don't know. And I'm deeply interested. But you can't stand it, Philo. Get out of this. Be young. This is for older heads. You'll have plenty of time. Get out--do anything. Fall in love--fall in love--that will give you mysteries enough for a while.

Yes, I mean it--and don't forget, my dear boy, that you've interested me.

(_Shakes hands with_ PHILO _and goes down._ PHILO _listens until he has reached the foot of the stairs._)

_Philo_

The heavens open--the suns speak--and he is--interested! (_Closes door._) Alone!... Fall in love! Light the candle and put out the stars!... (_Returns to his instrument._) ... It is still.

(_Steps are heard on the stairs, then a knock at the door.

He crosses softly to door and shoots the bolt._)

_Voice_ (_without_)

It's Reba, Philo! Won't you let me in?

(_He is silent, and steps retreat._)

_Philo_ (_crossing to centre_)

Reba! That folly's done with, thank G.o.d!... (_Begins walking._) Seymour.... I didn't know how much I was hoping from him.... It is hard, hard to go on alone. But I _must_! I can't turn back from that call.

When a child cries we turn, and listen, and help. And this--_this_ is the voice of a world!

(_A knock is heard at door._)

_Voice of_ WARNER

Philo!

_Philo_

Buzz, buzz, old bee!

_Voice_

Come down, son!

_Philo_

Please leave me alone, father. I can't bear anything more to-night.

(_A pause, and_ WARNER _goes down._)