Why Marry? Part 22

[_A pause._

ERNEST

[_bored, but trying to hide it_]

The ones who deserve your praise are the four who died to prove that theory.... [_He smiles._] Of course, you all know their names.... [_He looks at JOHN, who looks at JUDGE, who looks at LUCY, who looks at THEODORE. He takes up his cup._] Delicious tea.

THEODORE

Ah, but they didn't do it for fame, for money--that's the beauty of the sacrifice.

ERNEST

[_with a smile_]

Quite so.... That's what Congress told us when we suggested a pension for the widow of the first victim.

ALL

What! Did Congress refuse the pension?

ERNEST

[_finishes his tea_]

They finally voted the sum of seventeen dollars a month for the widow and no less than two dollars a month extra for each of his children....

LUCY

Is that all?

ERNEST

No.... We pestered Congress to death until, a few years ago, they replaced the pension with an annuity of one hundred and twenty-five dollars a month--though some of them said it was a very bad precedent to establish. [_Returns cup to LUCY._] No more, thanks, delicious.

[_And turns to admire the wide-sweeping view of the farm, hands in pockets._

JOHN

[_after a pause_]

Well, I think our scientists might well be called philanthropists.

ERNEST

Hardly! You see, every one _knows_ the names of philanthropists....

Better let it go at "scientists."

JUDGE

He's right. Philanthropists don't give their lives, they give their names--have 'em carved in stone over their inst.i.tutes and libraries.

[_JOHN approaches and joins his guest._

ERNEST

Charming little farm you have here.

JOHN

Doctor Hamilton, America kills its big men with routine. You are too valuable to the nation to lose--the trustees think you need a year abroad.

ERNEST

That's strange, I came out here to suggest that very thing.... Somebody has been saying kind things about me in Paris. Just had a letter from the great Metchnikoff--wants me to come over and work in the Pasteur!

Chance of a lifetime!... You didn't have to jolly me up to consent to that!

JOHN

[_pacing terrace with his guest, arm in arm_]

By the by, my sister is rather keen on science.

ERNEST

Best a.s.sistant I ever had. You can pile an awful lot of routine on a woman. The female of the species is more faithful than the male....

She's over there already. We can get right to work.

JOHN

She'll be back before you start.