The Americans Part 51

MRS. EGERTON.

Yes; Harry says that some are without bread.

And we here--and the music and the lights.

MRS. ORR.

(_In utter astonishment_)

Why, Mary Egerton! You do not mean-- You cannot mean that that suggested this, That vulgar thing, this beautiful idea!

MRS. EGERTON.

If one could only help them, only help them!

MRS. ORR.

The hunger of a lot of stupid men Who wish to tell your husband what to do, And he with a brain like this, and they with claws!

MRS. EGERTON.

It all depends upon such little things, Things that we've never earned----

MRS. ORR.

(_Mysteriously_)

Harry, you say?

MRS. EGERTON.

That fall right at our feet we don't know how.

The chance of birth! What right have I to this Who've never done one thing to help the world, While they who work their lives out----

MRS. ORR.

'Help the world!'

MRS. EGERTON.

Can't even have the food and clothes they need.

People have asked me why--that's why it is I've done my shopping in the city lately.

You meet them in the stores and on the streets.

And they're so thin, so worn with the long strike.

Just think of children crying for mere bread!

It's horrible. I thought this afternoon As I stood at the window looking out-- Through the first snow the motor cars came up.

I don't believe they even noticed it.

It means so little to them. It's just snow.

But in the workers' homes--I just can't think Of G.o.d as looking down with unconcern.

I couldn't love Him if I thought He could.

MRS. ORR.

I don't know what we're ever going to do.

MRS. EGERTON.

If only some strong, gifted man would come And show us how, show us all how to live.

We'd all be so much happier than we are.

MRS. ORR.

I wish to goodness I could shut my ears And never hear that 'Help the world' again.

You can't pick up a book or magazine, Even a fas.h.i.+on journal, or go out To see your friends, it seems----

(_The men are seen coming down the stairs, the Governor and the Bishop on either side of Egerton. They are all laughing and having a good time_)

MRS. EGERTON.

I'm very sorry.

It isn't the place. But I've been so distraught.

Let us go in and put it all away.

And you must never mention it. I can't bear To think of people talking.

MRS. ORR.

Hear them laugh!

I wouldn't live with such a wicked man.

MRS. EGERTON.

That isn't kind in you.

MRS. ORR.

In twenty years We'll all be wearing grave-clothes.

MRS. EGERTON.

Sylvia!

MRS. ORR.

There'll not be one retreat where we can go, We ladies of the _ancien regime_; We'll all be out, with not a single place Where we can make the tables ring with cards And laugh and just be gay. Even the pines, The beautiful pines, are tainted, and the snow.

The winter long I'll never dare go out.

I'll be afraid I'll catch this 'Help the world'

And come home hearing things. You precious goose!

You just shan't give way to this silly mood.

And at the moment when you have about you The money and the best names in the State; Just everything that mortal heart can wish.