Read-Aloud Plays Part 21

WALTER

Sit down, mother. It's very jolly here.

MRS. EVERITT

Thank you, Walter. How many years since I've enjoyed a real fire, like this!

WALTER

Oh, there isn't enough wood. Just a minute--(_He goes out_)

ALICE

You look tired.

MRS. EVERITT

I'm all right, dear.

ALICE

No you're not. Why won't you tell me?

MRS. EVERITT

But Alice, there's nothing to tell. I do feel a little tired, but then, I shall be all right in the morning.

ALICE

I wish--(_Walter enters with more wood_)

WALTER

Well, Alice, are you still thinking about that dance?

ALICE

Why no, I'd forgotten all about it. Who could dance in such a rain? It would make the music seem artificial. I'm getting tired of boys, too. They don't really _feel_ things--like rain, and fire.

MRS. EVERITT

What's that noise,--Harold?

WALTER

No. It's the men in the bar room.

MRS. EVERITT

I'm sure it's Harold.

ALICE

I'll go see. (_She goes out_)

WALTER

Mother.

MRS. EVERITT

What, Walter?

WALTER

I must be an awful coward--

MRS. EVERITT

Why, what do you mean?

WALTER

I mean that when I really want something, and ought to say so, I go along without saying it. I don't mean that I'm _really_ afraid to say it, but I always feel somehow that other people ought to know what I want, and save me the trouble of asking it. No, not _trouble_ exactly--but you know what I mean.

MRS. EVERITT

Yes, Walter, I'm afraid I know exactly what you mean. Lots of us are cursed with the same instinct. I am, and sometimes I believe your father is, too. It ought to be that when one sees a thing clearly in his own mind, and knows it is best, others--at least those near to him--should somehow be aware of it. But they usually are not.

WALTER

No. And it's those nearest one that it's hardest to say things to. But to-night, somehow, I don't feel that way.

MRS. EVERITT

Tell me.

WALTER

It's this architecture. You remember when I used to play with water colors all the while, and say I was going to be an artist?

MRS. EVERITT

Yes, but--

WALTER

Father always said I would get over it. But when I didn't, then it occurred to him that if I learned architecture I could help him in his building.... I thought architecture would be the same. But it isn't. I can't see any art in it at all--it's nothing but engineering.