The Americans Part 55

They don't concern me. We are far away With quiet all about us and the woods.

(_The silence is intense_)

GENERAL CHADBOURNE.

(_Rehearsing his speech_)

... And it gives me pleasure to announce to you Upon the occasion of the opening Of your new mansion, Colonel Egerton, This bit of news, sir, from the military; And I offer it with our congratulations: The strike is over; The men have yielded and have gone to work.

And all's been done without one----

(_Enter the Butler hurriedly_)

GENERAL CHADBOURNE.

Here I am.

BUTLER.

(_Pa.s.sing him_)

For Mr. Egerton.

GENERAL CHADBOURNE.

No!

BUTLER.

(_In a low voice over the crowd_)

Mr. Egerton!

GENERAL CHADBOURNE.

Isn't that Captain Haskell?

BUTLER.

Mr. Jergens.

(_Egerton comes forward, making his way through the crowd_)

GENERAL CHADBOURNE.

Butler!

(_The Butler goes to him and they talk_)

RALPH ARDSLEY.

(_Calls after Egerton as he goes out left_)

Good luck!

(_Calls to Chadbourne_)

This probably ends it.

GOVERNOR BRADDOCK.

What's your opinion of these mysteries, Bishop?

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

I'm one of those that simply stand and wait.

GOVERNOR BRADDOCK.

You don't believe in modern miracles.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

There are miracles and miracles, Governor Braddock.

I try to keep elastic in these things, Steering a middle course with open mind.

RALPH ARDSLEY.

(_Calls to Chadbourne_)

Needed just this to crown the time we're having.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

We are living in an age in many ways Without a parallel. I sometimes think-- If I may say it not too seriously-- Of those last days we read of when the world Goes on its way unconscious of the end.

We give and take in marriage, eat and drink, And meet our friends in social intercourse, And all the while a Spirit walks beside us, Enters our homes and writes upon our walls.

There are whispers everywhere if we could hear them; And some of them grow louder with the days; And pools of quiet ruffle and show storms.

You, Governor, feel the popular unrest As it manifests itself in politics, The s.h.i.+ft of parties and of principles, Rocks that we used to think would never change.

And brother Egerton in industry; He feels it.

EGERTON.

(_Appearing at the door, excited, and keeping back so as not to be seen by the people_)

Chadbourne!

(_The General joins him and they disappear_)

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.