The Americans Part 53

EGERTON.

It's something, gentlemen, that we all have need of.

MRS. ORR.

Dear, if you ever dare tell Donald this And pa.s.s this ghastly whisper to his heart, I'll be the Secret Lady of the Pines; I'll whisper something. What if Donald knew Who's kept the strike afoot? The great unknown Contributor to the Citizens' Relief?

Who had twelve hundred dollars in the bank, A present from a Christmas long ago?

Twelve hundred and twelve hundred----!

MRS. EGERTON.

It can't be!

MRS. ORR.

We bankers' wives----

MRS. EGERTON.

A mere coincidence.

MRS. ORR.

It's not; he's checked it out. So! If you care Nothing for Donald's happiness, I do.

(_She leaves Mrs. Egerton standing near the pines. Other ladies have begun to come in_)

RALPH ARDSLEY.

What's underneath the forest?

MRS. ORR.

(_With a strange smile, calling back_)

I really will.

EGERTON.

You give it up?

MRS. EGERTON.

My n.o.ble, n.o.ble son!

GENERAL CHADBOURNE.

He's waiting, gentlemen, till he finds the mine.

EGERTON.

The man of parts!

SEVERAL.

Of course.

EGERTON.

That's why I can't Take you down now. But when I find the mine And get the gold to puddling in the pots, If I can find me plastic metal workers That I can mould and hammer while they mould And hammer out my vision on the walls, I'll show you through some subterranean chambers Will set your eyes a-dazzle. In the dark, Lit by the torches in the miners' caps, You'll see the world of metals moving up Through human hands as here you see the tree.

That's why my bas.e.m.e.nt isn't finished yet.

CRIES.

Good luck! Good luck!

EGERTON.

I hope you'll be alive.

(_He leaves the group and comes forward_)

GOVERNOR BRADDOCK.

Magnificent conception.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

A great man.

EGERTON.

(_To the Butler_)

Call them in, Charles. Have all of them come in.

GOVERNOR BRADDOCK.

Metals, then trees, then mills, then books and pictures.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

Raw matter on its spiral up to spirit.

EGERTON.

While we're at riddles, gentlemen----

(_Ladies come in, centre and forward right_)