Chapter I: Part 1

THE FLUTTER OF THE GOLDLEAF

AND OTHER PLAYS

BY
OLIVE TILFORD DARGAN

AND
FREDERICK PETERSON

NEW YORK
CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS
1922

COPYRIGHT, 1922, BY
CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS

PRINTED AT
THE SCRIBNER PRESS
NEW YORK, U. S. A.

CONTENTS

PAGE

THE FLUTTER OF THE GOLDLEAF 1

BY OLIVE TILFORD DARGAN AND FREDERICK PETERSON

THE JOURNEY 49

BY OLIVE TILFORD DARGAN

EVERYCHILD 75

BY FREDERICK PETERSON AND OLIVE TILFORD DARGAN

TWO DOCTORS AT AKRAGAS 103

BY FREDERICK PETERSON

THE FLUTTER OF THE GOLDLEAF

A PLAY IN ONE ACT

BY

Olive Tilford Dargan

AND

Frederick Peterson

CHARACTERS

PHILO WARNER, _a student_
HIRAM WARNER, _his father, the village grocer_
MARY ANN WARNER, _his mother_
DR. BELLOWS, _the village physician_
DR. SEYMOUR, _a city specialist_
REBA SLOAN, _a neighbor's daughter_

THE FLUTTER OF THE GOLDLEAF

SCENE: _Laboratory in the attic of the Warner cottage. At right, toward
rear, entrance from down-stairs. A rude partition, left, with door
in centre. Window centre rear. Large kitchen table loaded with
apparatus. Shelves, similarly loaded, against wall near table, right.
Wires strung about. A rude couch, bench, and several wooden chairs._

_Time, about 8 p.m. Lamp burns on table._ MRS. WARNER _comes
up-stairs, puts her head inside the room nervously, then enters and
looks about._

_Mrs. W._

Such a mess! And the doctors will be here in half an hour! (_Tries to get busy but seems bothered. Crosses to table and looks at a little machine that stands upon it._) _That's_ what's driving my boy crazy! If I only dared to smash it! The right sort of a mother would do just that! (_Looks at machine with dire meditation._)

_Warner_ (_without, roaring up the stairs_)

Mary Ann!

_Mrs. W._ (_jumps_)

Yes, Hiram!

_Warner_ (_entering_)

Where's Philo?

_Mrs. W._

In the orchard. I watched my chance, and thought I'd redd up a little. He won't let me touch anything when he's here.

_Warner_

Just about lives up here, don't he?

_Mrs. W._

Day and night now, since he's been too sick to go to the store. And I can't have Dr. Bellows bring in that specialist from New York with things lookin' as if a woman had never come up the stairs. (_Dusting and rattling._)

_Warner_

Philo's not onto what the doctors are after, is he?

_Mrs. W._

He thinks they're coming to look at his machine mostly--and see what's keepin' him awake nights. But maybe he knows. He's awful sharp.

_Warner_

Sharp? Wish he knew enough to sell eggs and bacon. He's ruinin' my business. Weighs a pound of coffee as if he was asleep. I can see customers watchin' him out o' the tail o' their eye. They're gettin' _afraid_ of him! Mary Ann, the boy's going to be a shame to us. He's crazy!

_Mrs. W._

Don't you call _my_ boy crazy. I won't hear it, Hiram.

_Warner_

No, you'll wait till the whole village tells you! They're all talkin' now!

_Mrs. W._

It's none o' their business!

_Warner_

It'll be their business if he flies up and hurts somebody.

_Mrs. W._

Philo wouldn't hurt anything alive. He got mad at me once for killin' a spider.

_Warner_ (_scornfully_)

Showed his sense there, didn't he?

_Mrs. W._

If Philo's queer it's not from my side of the house. You know what your mother was like--wanderin' round nights starin' at the stars with that old spy-glass Captain Barker gave her.

_Warner_

She was a good mother, all the same.

_Mrs. W._

Couldn't cook at all. Your father only kept alive by eating at the neighbors occasionally--and as for sewing and mending, you children went in rags till your Aunt Sary came to live with you.

_Warner_

Mother thought a heap of us, though. I remember how she cried because I wouldn't go to school and went into the grocery business. And she cried a lot more when I married you. I couldn't understand her--_then_....

_Mrs. W._

Humph! She'd been shut up fast enough if your father hadn't been the softest-hearted man alive.

_Warner_

Maybe the boy does take after her, but he's worse'n she ever was.

_Mrs. W._

She didn't have any books--or college education--to turn her head.

_Warner_

Nothing to read but the _Weekly Mirror_. It was a good paper, though, all about crops and stock, and what the country people were doing, and a love story on the inside page. Father subscribed on her account. She told him her mind had to have _something_ to work on. But she didn't take to the paper, and he had to read it himself to get his money's worth.

_Mrs. W._

A good thing she didn't have a library to get at like Philo. All those books he brought home didn't do him any good. He began to get queer about the time he was reading that set of Sir Humphry Davy's Complete Works, with so much about electrics and the stars, and that sort of stuff. If we could only get him to quit this studyin' and stay out-o'-doors....

_Warner_

S'pose we clear out this hole--burn the books, and get rid of all these confounded wires and jars and fixings. I don't believe he saves a penny of the wages I give him for helpin' to ruin me. All he makes goes for this truck. We'll clear it out.

_Mrs. W._

I've thought of that, but we oughtn't to go too far. They're his anyhow, and I'm afraid----

_Warner_

Well, I'm not afraid! And I'll begin with this devil! (_Pauses over machine. Starts suddenly._) What's that? He's coming!

_Mrs. W._ (_listening_)

It's only Alice going to her room.

_Warner_

Perhaps we'd better see what the specialist says first.

_Mrs. W._

I know Dr. Bellows wants us to send Philo away. But I'm against that, first and last.

_Warner_

You wouldn't be if you'd listen to Bellows awhile. You know what he told me when I met him this morning? "Why, Warner," he says, "I never go to see the boy without taking a pair of handcuffs in my pocket. It's the quiet ones that go the wildest when they do break out."

_Mrs. W._

Oh, Hiram, it's not going to be so bad as that. Don't let him set you against your own flesh and blood. Just let me manage awhile. He needs to get stirred up about something--get his mind off this. I wish I hadn't stopped those letters he was getting from Reba Sloan when she went off to school two years ago.

_Warner_

But you said you'd rather see him dead than married to Sloan's girl.

_Mrs. W._

I meant it, too! But seeing your child dead is not so bad as seeing him crazy--and if Reba can save him----

_Warner_

How in thunder----

_Mrs. W._

She's a taking girl, Hiram--since she got back. If Philo gets his mind fixed on _her_, she'll soon have him forgettin' this. Why,--you remember for three months before we were married you couldn't think o' nothing but me.

_Warner_

Good Lord! Is that so, Mary Ann?

_Mrs. W._

I had to hurry up the weddin' to save your business. You were letting Jabe McKenny take all your trade right under your nose.

_Warner_

Sakes 'a' mighty! If I could come out of a spell like that, there's some hope for our poor chap.

_Mrs. W._

That's what I'm telling you!

_Warner_

But Reba's father--you going to have old fiddler Sloan in the family?

_Mrs. W._

He's come into some money now, and any gentleman can take an interest in music.

_Warner_

And the mother was that foreign woman.

_Mrs. W._

But she's dead. It's just as well Philo won't have a mother-in-law.

_Warner_

Reba'll have one, all right. If Philo stays queer it'll be hard on the girl, won't it?

_Mrs. W._

He'll not stay queer. If he gets that girl in his head there won't be room for anything else--for a while anyway. He'll be worse'n you ever was. You let me manage it, Hiram.

(PHILO _is heard coming up the stairs. They listen in silence until
he enters. He is talking, not quite audibly, to himself, and
doesn't see them. Goes to table and stands by machine._)

_Philo_

Here--at last--I have caught the word ... the word of the stars.

_Mrs. W._

Philo!

_Philo_ (_looking up_)

Mother!... Father!... (_In alarm._) You haven't touched anything here?

_Mrs. W._

No, my son. I've just put the place to rights a bit. Dr. Seymour is coming, you know.

_Philo_

Yes. (_Walks the floor, meditating._)

_Warner_

You must come out of this dream, Philo.

_Philo_

It is not a dream! I am the only being in the world who is awake!

_Mrs. W._

My son!

_Philo_

Man sleeps--like the rocks, trees, hills--while all around him, out of the unseen, beating on blind eyes, deaf ears, numbed brain, sweep the winds of eternity, the ether waves, the signals from the deeps of space!

_Warner_

Hey, diddle, diddle!

_Philo_

Sleep-walkers all--the people in the streets, the shops--the mad people with their heaps of gold!

_Mrs. W._

Now don't work yourself up, Philo, with the doctor coming. You want to tell him about your machine.

_Philo_

Yes. He is a great man. He has studied these things. I will talk to him. He will not laugh.

_Warner_

Mary Ann, don't you think we'd better bring up some cider? It'll look more hospitable like.

_Mrs. W._

That city doctor won't care anything about cider.

_Warner_

My cider's good enough for anybody! And Dr. Bellows'll be sure to ask for it.

_Mrs. W._

Well, wait till he does. (_Looks uneasily about room._) Don't you think, son, that if you're going to take to having visitors here I'd better move some furniture up? You could have the haircloth sofa--the springs are broke anyway--and Alice says she don't want the wax flowers in the parlor any more. They're turnin' yellow, but you wouldn't notice it up here.

_Philo_ (_clinching his hands_)

Do what you like, mother, only don't take anything _out_. If anything happened to my work I believe I'd go crazy!

(_The parents look at each other._)

_Warner_

Thought your work was tendin' the store.

_Philo_

Brother Will is more help there than I am, father.

_Warner_

You're right about that. Will's got a head on.

_Mrs. W._

You'd better go down, Hiram, and meet the doctors.

_Warner_

Alice'll show them up.

_Mrs. W._

Where's that strange smell comin' from? Do you work in the other room, too, Philo? (_Goes in, left._)

_Philo_

Father ... I'm sorry about the store ... I wish I could tell you ... but what's the use? You won't believe!

(_Re-enter_ MRS. W.)

_Mrs. W._

Gracious! I couldn't breathe in there! Got to clear _something_ out before Reba comes up here. She'd have no respect for my housekeeping.

_Philo_

Reba?

_Mrs. W._

Reba Sloan. She's been asking if she couldn't come. She's just wild to see your machine.

_Philo_

Don't you ever let her up here, mother!

_Mrs. W._

But she asked me, Philo--and a neighbor's daughter, you know----

_Philo_

I thought she was away from home.

_Mrs. W._

Been back a month--walks all about right under your eyes. You ought to be _civil_, Philo.

_Philo_

I want to see Dr. Seymour. I should like to have him know what I'm doing. But if you're going to turn the whole village in here, I'll bar the door, that's all.

_Mrs. W._

My son, if you'd only interest yourself a little----

_Philo_

I'm not interested in anything nearer than thirty-five million miles!

_Warner_

What did I tell you, Mary Ann?

_Mrs. W._

I hear the doctors! Now, Philo, if you can't talk sense, don't say _anything_.

(_Enter_ SEYMOUR _and_ BELLOWS.)

_Bellows_

Good evening, Warner. How d' do, Mrs. Warner! My friend, Dr. Seymour.

_Warner and Mrs. W._

How do you do, sir!

_Bellows_

Philo, I've brought Dr. Seymour around to have a talk with you. He's down from New York for a day or two. Been sleeping any better?

_Philo_

Too much. I need all my time. I'm very glad to see you, Dr. Seymour.

(_All take seats._)

_Mrs. W._

I hope you'll excuse the looks of the room, doctor.

_Seymour_

It looks very interesting indeed to me, Mrs. Warner. The workshop of a student, and a busy one. (_To_ PHILO.) You've been working too hard, I see.

_Philo_

I'm tired, perhaps, but I am well. When a man makes a momentous discovery he is apt to be overwrought. He may not eat or sleep well for a time. He may even appear to be strange or mad.

(MRS. W. _coughs suddenly._)

_Mrs. W._

I'm afraid that's not a comfortable chair, Dr. Seymour.

_Seymour_

Quite comfortable, Mrs. Warner.

_Mrs. W._ (_rapidly_)

Philo is my oldest boy, and I never could keep him away from books. Will, my second son, is as steady in the store as his father himself, and Johnny is just fine on the wagon. As for Alice, there's not a neater all-round girl to be found anywhere. They're healthy, sensible children, every one of 'em, and don't care what's inside any book in the world--but Philo was just bent on going to college----

_Seymour_

A very natural bent for an ambitious boy.

_Bellows_

Tell us about the discovery, Philo, my lad.

_Philo_ (_rising and walking slowly up and down the room_)

I think I will. It will be another experiment. I know what the effect will be on Dr. Bellows. He is an old friend of mine--but you, sir, are a stranger. I should like to try your mind and see if you are awake or asleep.

(BELLOWS _winks toward_ SEYMOUR, _who takes no notice, but gives_
PHILO _careful attention._)

_Seymour_

I hope I shall not disappoint you.

_Philo_

I believe we have some points of view in common, for your profession needs to take note of many problems connected with both evolution and electricity. I have been a reader of general science for many years. The fact that on the earth we have had a slow evolution from a monad to a man contains a promise of further development of man into--let us say an angel.

_Bellows_

Not very soon, I guess.

_Philo_ (_sharply_)

Hardly in your day, doctor. You needn't worry about the fashion in wing-feathers.

_Seymour_

Go on, Mr. Warner.

_Philo_

In others of the many millions of globes about us in space, a similar evolution is going on, and in some the evolution is less advanced than in ours, in others incomparably more advanced.

_Seymour_

We may admit that.

(BELLOWS _looks to_ WARNER _for sympathy, and shakes his head._)

_Philo_

We have reached a stage when we have begun to peer out into the stellar depths and question them. We are beginning to master the light and the lightning, to measure the vastness of space, to weigh the suns, to determine the elements that comprise them, to talk and send messages thousands of miles without wires. Each year uncovers new wonders, infinitely minute, infinitely great.

_Seymour_

True,--all true.

_Philo_ (_becoming more repressed and tensely excited as he goes on_)

The dreams of the alchemists are being realized. That machine yonder detects the waves from a millionth of a millionth of a milligramme of radium.

_Seymour_

What!

_Philo_

I have invented a tuned electroscope that would be destroyed by such waves, so sensitive as to react only to waves from an inconceivable distance, beyond thirty-five million miles.

_Seymour_ (_trying to take it in_)

Thirty-five million miles!

_Philo_ (_with great tension_)

Three weeks ago I made this instrument, and ever since then, at regular intervals, there have been rhythmic flutterings of the goldleaf, regular repetitions, as if it were knocking at the door of earth from the eternal silences. I have watched it--the same measured fluttering--two beats--then three--then two--then four and a pause! It is a studied measure! It has meaning! When I first noticed it--the faint flutter of the goldleaf--and knew that any waves from a nearer point than thirty-five million miles would utterly destroy so delicate an instrument--my hair stood on end. I have watched it three weeks--alone--and you ask me why I do not sleep!... Look!

(_The doctors spring up electrified, and stare at the instrument._)

_Philo_

There it is again! Two beats--then three--then two--then four--now it is over!

(SEYMOUR _continues to stare at the instrument._ BELLOWS _subsides
into a chair, looking foolish._)

_Seymour_ (_to himself_)

Impossible!... (_To_ PHILO.) What was it you were saying? What did you see?

_Philo_

I saw what you saw--signals from a distance farther than the distance of the nearest planet to our earth.

_Seymour_ (_shaken_)

But I saw nothing. At least a slight movement in anything so sensitive might be due to many causes....

_Philo_

Yes! It is always the old story. Truths must be hammered into humanity! Branded in with flame, or driven in with sword and bullet!

_Bellows_ (_starting up alarmed_)

Hadn't we better be going, doctor?

_Philo_

Oh, no! Wait till you've talked me over. Decide whether I'm mad or not! If I'm a menace to the community! If I must be locked up! My father and mother are waiting to know. Don't go! Finish your work! (_Rushes into room, left._)

_Bellows_ (_triumphantly to_ SEYMOUR)

Well?

(SEYMOUR _hesitates, looks at the father and mother, then at_
BELLOWS, _and takes out his match-case._)

_Bellows_ (_making a conquest of the obvious_)

Warner, a little of that fine cider of yours would just finish off our chat.

_Warner_

Nothing better! (_Starting out, whispers to_ MRS. W.) Where's grandma's silver pitcher?

_Mrs. W._

I'll get _that_.

(_They go down-stairs._)

_Bellows_ (_laughing_)

She never lets him go to the cellar by himself.

_Seymour_

Not a drinker, is he?

_Bellows_

Oh, no! The pattern of a deacon. But she keeps her hand on.

(SEYMOUR _lights a cigar thinkingly._)

_Bellows_

No use to go over this case. It's clear enough. We'll have our cider--it's worth waiting for--then go to my office and fix up the commitment papers.

_Seymour_ (_rubbing his hand slowly over his forehead_)

To talk with such a patient sometimes bewilders the brain. He seemed so clear in his utterance--so rational----

_Bellows_

Funny, wasn't he? I almost believed it myself for a minute.

_Seymour_

It might be true.

_Bellows_

Hey?

_Seymour_

Perhaps we are all somnambulists moving about in this dream-world we call practical life. Behind this tough matter that takes so many shapes and colors, what strange secrets are hidden, just beginning to reach our dull senses--X-rays, radium emanations, wireless waves.

_Bellows_

Oh, they're natural enough now. Common sense has adopted them.

_Seymour_

Yes, we are easily satisfied. Give a mystery a name and that's enough for the most of us. But here and there are minds that must explore further; and if they discover something beyond the comprehension of us who stay behind, we call them mad.

_Bellows_

Well, none of your mind-puzzles for me. Give me something clear cut, like typhoid, or measles, an amputation, or new babies, something I can fix my eyes on. You can take care of the madmen--except when they're in my own village. I'm not going to have a boy like Philo gibbering around ready to break out wild any time.

_Seymour_

It's true he may be led into frenzy, or even self-destruction, but it will be from overwork and loneliness. I must have a talk with the parents----

_Bellows_

What do you expect _them_ to do? They're asking us for help. And _I'm_ willing to give it to them.

(_Re-enter_ WARNER _and_ MRS. W. _He carries pitcher, she carries
tray with glasses._)

_Seymour_ (_to_ BELLOWS)

We'll see. As I say, the boy has been losing sleep, and giving his mind no rest.

_Mrs. W._ (_holding tray while_ WARNER _pours cider_)

Just what I say, doctor. He's studied himself sick.

_Seymour_

You must get him out of here, Mrs. Warner. (_Sipping cider._) Excellent, indeed!

_Mrs. W._

I'm doing my best.

_Warner_ (_to_ BELLOWS, _who has drained his glass_)

You're at home, doctor. Just help yourself.

(_He does._)

_Seymour_

What is his age?

_Mrs. W._

Twenty. He went early to college.

_Seymour_ (_musingly_)

The usual age. Twenty. (_Sighs._) The age of visions and enchantments. "The thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts."

_Bellows_

What are you saying, doctor?

_Seymour_

Just thinking. It's a healthy family, isn't it?

_Mrs. W._

I should say! Why, Will and Johnny and Alice----

_Bellows_

Best sort. The thoroughbreds of the town. Temperate, thriving, regular at church. Warner here was once county supervisor. (_Clapping him on shoulder._) Never had a better one.

_Seymour_ (_to_ WARNER)

And your parents?

_Warner_

Father was a sound, practical man. Stood flat-footed, I may say.

_Seymour_

And your mother?

_Mrs. W._

Law me, Hiram Warner thinks there was never anybody in the world like his mother. And there never _was_!

_Seymour_

That's good to build on. It is clear that your boy is ill, and the burden of his knowledge, whether truth or delusion, is far too great for him to bear. If you could interest him for even a brief time in ordinary life--(_smiling_) miracles that are too common to be disturbing--throw him with young people----

_Bellows_

You don't mean you won't sign the commitment papers!

_Seymour_

Just that. I shall not sign them.

_Mrs. W._ (_gratefully_)

Oh, doctor!

_Bellows_

After what you saw here with your own eyes? He's completely gone off!

_Seymour_

The boy may be right. Under this tiny consciousness of ours lie vast fields of subconscious intelligence as yet unexplored. Beyond our earth are still greater mysteries, unimaginable, unthinkable.

_Bellows_ (_in disgust_)

And I counted on your common sense!

_Seymour_

Common sense is itself too frail and uncertain a thing to be a criterion of sanity. The common sense of yesterday is to-day's folly, and our present common sense will be the madness of to-morrow.

_Bellows_

Well, I'll be--I'll wait for you down-stairs, doctor. (_Exit._)

_Seymour_

The lad ought not to be in there alone. (_Goes to door._) Philo, my boy!

(PHILO _comes out. He is extremely pale, his black hair pushed
from his forehead, and his eyes burning, but his manner is calm._)

_Philo_

Well, am I a free man?

_Seymour_

You are free, Philo.

_Philo_ (_perfunctorily_)

Thank you, doctor.

_Seymour_

But you must have rest from this work. These subjects are too overwhelming for a sane brain to carry without harm. This attic is gloomy and the atmosphere unhealthy. You must have a complete change.

_Philo_

I see. That is your answer to my discovery. (_Turns suddenly to_ WARNER.) And what do you think of it, father?

_Warner_

I don't seem to get hold of it, somehow, Philo. (_Crosses to machine and stares at it._) What's the good, anyhow? They're too far away. 'Twouldn't help business.

(PHILO _gives a queer laugh._ WARNER _opens door._)

_Warner_

I'll see you down-stairs, doctor. (_Exit._)

_Philo_ (_turning to_ MRS. W.)

And you, mother?

_Mrs. W._ (_bustling up and gathering tray and glasses_)

I've got to set my bread. (_Crosses to machine and stares at it, holding tray._) What'll we come to if folks in the stars begin pesterin'? We've got enough to 'tend to right here. (_Goes out muttering._) Got to set my bread.

(SEYMOUR _and_ PHILO _look at each other and smile._)

_Seymour_

Won't you come down, Philo?

_Philo_

No. It's livelier for me up here. More to think about. But don't worry about me, doctor. I know this is the end. If I can't convince you, then all the world must think it hallucination.

_Seymour_

I'm not unconvinced. I simply don't know. And I'm deeply interested. But you can't stand it, Philo. Get out of this. Be young. This is for older heads. You'll have plenty of time. Get out--do anything. Fall in love--fall in love--that will give you mysteries enough for a while. Yes, I mean it--and don't forget, my dear boy, that you've interested me.

(_Shakes hands with_ PHILO _and goes down._ PHILO _listens until
he has reached the foot of the stairs._)

_Philo_

The heavens open--the suns speak--and he is--interested! (_Closes door._) Alone!... Fall in love! Light the candle and put out the stars!... (_Returns to his instrument._) ... It is still.

(_Steps are heard on the stairs, then a knock at the door.
He crosses softly to door and shoots the bolt._)

_Voice_ (_without_)

It's Reba, Philo! Won't you let me in?

(_He is silent, and steps retreat._)

_Philo_ (_crossing to centre_)

Reba! That folly's done with, thank God!... (_Begins walking._) Seymour.... I didn't know how much I was hoping from him.... It is hard, hard to go on alone. But I _must_! I can't turn back from that call. When a child cries we turn, and listen, and help. And this--_this_ is the voice of a world!

(_A knock is heard at door._)

_Voice of_ WARNER

Philo!

_Philo_

Buzz, buzz, old bee!

_Voice_

Come down, son!

_Philo_

Please leave me alone, father. I can't bear anything more to-night.

(_A pause, and_ WARNER _goes down._)

_Philo_ (_coming to table_)

I will work--work--work! (_Busies his hands._) Not a voice to help me--not a smile of hope--not a touch of sympathy. (_Sits still and despairing._) ... Perhaps the time is not ripe for larger knowledge. Nature and the Divinity that guides her must protect their new evolving creatures. A too sudden revelation and they might perish from sheer wonder.... Yes, truth must come softened, as a dream, to the man child's brain. Its naked light would sere and blind him forever.... But to me it has been given to see--to hear--and keep sane in the light. Oh, from what planet is the call? From what one of the hundred million spheres? How many centuries has it been sent outward to the deaf, the dumb, and the blind? And what is the word? Is it Hail? Help? Hope?... Or is it an answer? An answer to some signal of mine? How shall I know?... How shall I know?

(_There is a noise outside the window._ PHILO _does not look up._
REBA _appears and leaps lightly through the windows. Advances centre.
Her dress is of clinging black, relieved by a floating scarf of
cloudy white. She has a mass of blonde hair, and all the charms
properly belonging to her age, which is eighteen._)

_Reba_

Philo!

_Philo_ (_turning_)

Reba!

_Reba_

Don't be angry.

_Philo_

How did you get here?

_Reba_

The window. Don't you remember--you showed me how to climb up once--with a ladder--the tree--and the shed roof? Oh, the things you've forgotten, Philo!

(_He goes to door and unbolts it._)

_Philo_

You must go down, Reba. (_She does not move._) What will mother say?

_Reba_ (_laughing_)

She held the ladder for me.

_Philo_

Mother?

_Reba_

You've frightened her so. You mustn't bolt the door again. She's afraid you'll do something dreadful.

_Philo_

You were not afraid to come.

_Reba_

I like to take risks. Life's dull in this village.

_Philo_

How you've changed, Reba!

_Reba_

It's taken you long enough to find it out. I've been back a month.

_Philo_

You'd better go down. I'm very busy, and I've had a long interruption this evening.

_Reba_

I'm going to interrupt some more. Dr. Seymour says it's good for you.

_Philo_ (_angrily_)

Dr. Seymour knows you've come?

_Reba_

Yes. He said you might like the surprise. Don't you like it, Philo?

(_Comes near him._ PHILO _turns away and busies himself about
the table and shelves as if he meant to ignore her utterly._
REBA _watches him, then goes to window and takes a large apple
from the ledge. Comes back._)

_Reba_

I brought you an apple--such a love of an apple. There's a whole summer of sunsets in it. I climbed the tree myself.

_Philo_ (_not looking_)

Thank you; I don't eat.

_Reba_

Don't eat! Well, there it is! (_Throws it on the table. He jumps to protect his instrument._) You can _lick_ it when you're hungry!

(_He sits down and begins to work. She walks to other side of table
and picks up a book._)

_Reba_

Oh! Our old "Swiss Family Robinson"! The very one we read together! With our names in it! You've kept it all the time! (_Hugging it._) Dear old book! (_Turns the leaves._) Why--the leaves are half gone!

_Philo_

They're handy for cleaning my wires.

(_She throws the book down, and stands uncertain._)

_Philo_

Going, Reba? Good night!

_Reba_

No, I'm not going. This is my last chance. You'll bar the window to-morrow.

_Philo_ (_determinedly_)

Yes, I will.

(_He bends closely over his work. She lies across the table opposite,
watching his movements intently. He fumbles for a tool._)

_Reba_

The little one? Here it is!

(_Hands him a small wire tool. He stares at her face so near his
own, then takes the instrument and works confusedly. Jumps up and
tries to reach a jar on one of the shelves._ REBA _leaps onto a
chair, takes the jar and hands it down. He stares, and takes jar._)

_Reba_ (_as he returns to table_)

Ugh! These jars are so dirty, Philo. May I wash them for you?

_Philo_

Heavens, no!

_Reba_

Oh, _that_ makes you sit up! (_Hums a little, leaps down and begins to move the things on the table._) I'll make the table tidy for you, Philo.

_Philo_ (_grabbing her hands_)

Stop!

_Reba_ (_sings, swinging his hands across the table_)

"All around the mulberry bush----"

_Philo_

Let go!

_Reba_

Why, you're holding _me_!

(_He drops her hands and goes to window, as if intending flight.
She becomes subtle._)

_Reba_

Dr. Seymour says you've done something wonderful, Philo. Won't you show me your machine?

_Philo_

No.

_Reba_

But I _care_! I care more than anybody! I _want_ you to be great. I could sit by you all my life just watching you being great. (PHILO _smiles. She twirls over to him._) And I don't _like_ to be still, either.

_Philo_

But suppose people began to laugh at you as they do at me?

_Reba_

I wouldn't care. Show me the machine, Philo.

(_Takes his arm and they move back to table._)

_Philo_

There it is.

_Reba_ (_hovering over it_)

This is it. (_Throwing her head back._) Tell me about it.

_Philo_

Reba--your throat is--so white.

_Reba_ (_bending suddenly over machine_)

There's something moving.

_Philo_

So white.

_Reba_

Two--one--two, three----

(PHILO _goes to door and flings it open._)

_Philo_

Reba, go down!

(_She crosses to door, shuts it, and stands with her back against it._)

_Reba_

Not till we've had a talk, Philo. I've a right to it after what you said two years ago--when I went away to school. Have you forgotten it? Shall I tell you what you said?

_Philo_

No!

_Reba_

You said you loved me, Philo. And I believed it for two years. When I came back you were silent. I've tried to make you speak--I've got in your way--I've done everything nice girls don't do--because--I love you as much as you love _that_! (_Waves her hand toward the machine._)

_Philo_

Don't say it. It can't be true. No woman could love so much as that. (_Goes back to table._)

_Reba_ (_following him_)

I don't ask you to love me. But let me come here and sit by you sometimes. I could be happy then--though I don't _like_ to be still. I was going to a dance to-night.

_Philo_

A dance!

_Reba_

But I knew you were up here alone--and I had heard--oh, my dear!--that they were going to send you away. I couldn't bear it. I _had_ to come. Oh, Philo, they shall not send you away! Dr. Seymour says all you need is a new interest.

_Philo_

To dance, perhaps!

_Reba_

Well--why not? It is fun. We were to be in fancy dress, and I was going as Night. See--(_waving her scarf_) this is my cloud--and my hair is the moon! I washed it to-day so it would be fluffy. Just see how soft it is!

_Philo_ (_touching her hair_)

How fine! Will you give me a lock, Reba?

_Reba_

Oh, yes! Where are your scissors? Here! (_Takes scissors from table._) You cut it, Philo. (_He takes scissors._) Anywhere. It's curly at the neck and temples.

_Philo_ (_cutting lock_)

I don't want a curl. (_Puts hair carefully in table drawer._) I'm making a new machine and I need long hairs for some of the parts.

_Reba_ (_raging_)

You sha'n't have it! You sha'n't!

(_Tries to open drawer. They struggle. She gets her arms about his
neck._)

_Philo_ (_pushing her off_)

Your throat----

(_Kisses it. She clings to him, and he sits down, holding her on his
knee._)

_Reba_

I knew! I knew! Oh, Philo, you _haven't_ forgotten! You remember--everything!

_Philo_

Everything!

_Reba_

That day we went fishing and----

_Philo_ (_laughing_)

Forgot the tackle!

_Reba_

And that last evening in the orchard, when you said----

_Philo_

I love you!

_Reba_

Oh, you look just as you did then--so happy! I nearly died when I came home and saw the change in your face. It seemed to shut me out, like a great iron door. Philo.... You won't forget again?

_Philo_

Never!

_Reba_

And I may come every day?

_Philo_

Every day!

_Reba_

I'll help you, Philo. I'll give you all my hair. (_Lays her head on his shoulder._) And I'll let you work and not think of me at all. You can live with your stars----

_Philo_ (_kissing her_)

There are no stars!

_Reba_ (_laughing_)

I'll never be jealous again! (_Gets up._) Come! Let's see what the dinky thing is doing!

(_Goes to table._ PHILO _watches her, slowly repeating her name._)

_Reba_

What a little thing it is! And--there _is_ something fluttering!

(PHILO _crosses, still seeing nothing but the girl._)

_Reba_

See--I'm trying to count--two--three----

(_He looks down, and becomes transfixed._)

_Philo_

Oh, my God! They've changed the signal!... Look, Reba! Count the beats! Count for me! Count!

_Reba_ (_confused_)

Two--three--no, four----

_Philo_

Can't you _count_? Get away! (_Pushes her aside._) Two--three--four--three-- They have _changed_ it! Oh, I must answer!

_Reba_

Philo----

_Philo_

Go down!

_Reba_ (_clinging to him_)

I won't--I won't----

_Philo_ (_putting her in a chair_)

Sit there, then. And for God's sake be still! (_Returns to machine and counts under his breath._) It is true--it is true--and I am not ready! I am dumb, like all the world! I cannot let them know! (_Walks the floor, muttering_) But I will--I must. (_Crosses to window._) I must do it!--think of nothing else--nothing! I shall not sleep till it is done!... But they will call me mad--lock me up before I have finished, God, before I have finished!

_Reba_

Philo, listen!

_Philo_

It's the world's way ... to beat the spirit down ... the eager spirit, superbly sane, daring to pierce the barriers between heaven and earth!

_Reba_

I'll not sit here! (_She sits nevertheless._)

_Philo_

Oh, Truth-driven martyrs, seers of visions, prophets of the old world and the new, born out of your time to suffer by fire, by sword, and prison bars!

_Reba_ (_cooingly_)

Dear Philo!

_Philo_

I too shall join you! Forerunners of the waking spirit of the world!

(REBA _gets before him as he walks. Completely absorbed, he puts
her aside, absently but gently, as if she were a kitten he did not
wish to hurt._)

_Philo_

I must finish it--I must--before they beat me down! (_Pauses by machine._) There is no one but me to do it. If I fail they may have to wait another million years--out there--working, waiting. (_Resumes walk._) I shall not fail. I have gone too far. God will take my part now. Be it His own eternal sign, I will answer it!

_Reba_

I'll make you see me!

(_Runs to table, leaps upon it and begins a dance among the wires
and bottles. He is stunned for a moment, then rushes to her, seizes
her waist with both hands, lifts her up, and flings her to a chair._)

_Philo_

Sit there, you dragon-fly! Or I'll crush you! (_Goes to window, as if for breath and air. Recovers poise._) Let them think me mad. Up here I shall work it out. And I shall not be alone. Earth will not hear me, but the heavens will listen. (_Holds his hands toward the stars._) My only friends!

_Reba_

Crush me! (_She steals up to the table, seizes a large book, and brings it down with utter destruction upon his machine._ PHILO _turns and sees. They face each other. She shrinks, terrified._) Don't, Philo! (_Kneels, throwing back her head, showing the long line of her throat._) Forgive me! It was driving you mad! I wanted to save you! Don't look like that! Forgive me, Philo!

_Philo_

Your throat--is--so white!

(_Seizes and chokes her. As he seizes her she gives a cry of terror._
WARNER, MRS. W., SEYMOUR, _and_ BELLOWS _rush up the stairs and
enter._ PHILO _takes his hands from the girl's throat and stands
apart. She lies motionless._)

_Warner_ (_roaring_)

You've managed, Mary Ann!

_Bellows_ (_excitedly_)

Who's right, now, Seymour?

(SEYMOUR _bends over_ REBA, _listening for her heart-beat._)

_Warner_ (_choking_)

A hanging in the family!

_Mrs. W._

Is she--dead?

_Seymour_

No. It is chiefly fear. (_Works over her body._)

_Philo_ (_to himself_)

Poor little bird! Poor little bird!

_Bellows_ (_taking a pair of handcuffs from his pocket and offering them to_ WARNER)

Better clap these on him. We're none of us safe.

_Philo_

Handcuffs, doctor? I'll make no trouble.

(_Holds out his hands and_ BELLOWS _fastens handcuffs._)

_Bellows_

It's for your own good, Philo.

_Seymour_

Our mistake--our mistake! Poor boy!

_Bellows_

Poor _girl_, I should say!

_Seymour_ (_lifting_ REBA)

I'll take her down-stairs. (_Carries her to door._) I shall need you, Mrs. Warner.

(MRS. W. _follows, weeping and looking back at_ PHILO.)

_Philo_

I'm all right, mother.

_Mrs. W._

_All right._ Oh, God help him! (_Exit._)

_Bellows_

Clean mad!

_Philo_ (_crosses, and looks down on the wreck of his machine_)

Silent ... but I have heard! The divine whisper has reached me!

_Bellows_

That's still on his mind, you see. Better leave him up here till morning. Seymour and I will fix up the papers and take him off to-morrow. I'm sorry, Philo, but you know it's for the best.

_Philo_

I'll make no trouble. Don't worry, doctor.

_Bellows_ (_to himself, going_)

Lord, he's cool! (_Advising_ WARNER, _in cautiously lowered tone._) That's the way with the worst of them. (_Exit._)

_Warner_

Want me to stay with you, Philo?

_Philo_

No, father.

_Warner_ (_relieved_)

Good night, son. (_At door._) Mother'll send up some blankets. (_Exit._)

_Philo_

Blankets!...

(CURTAIN)

THE JOURNEY

BY

OLIVE TILFORD DARGAN

CHARACTERS

PRINCESS WONG FE, _bride of Yu Tai Shun_
SO SIU, _her friend_
PRINCE CHING
MAKURO, _of Japan_
YU TAI SHUN, _of all nations_

THE JOURNEY

SCENE: _Room in a farmhouse above Siangtan, where the Siang flows among
hills. The rear of room has wide exit to a porch, beyond which show
the tops of pear and peach trees in full bloom. Steps lead down to
the orchard, and the orchard slopes to the river._

WONG FE _and_ SO SIU _present._

_Wong Fe_

My lily So Siu, has not the dishonorable color left my wretched cheeks? Is not my face like the dough before it goes into the oven?

_So Siu_

Oh, my golden Fe, pearls in the dawn are no fairer!

_Wong Fe_

But these cow-girl's tatters! Would not my gown of meadow-green mist with the peach-gold underrobe make me less haggard?

_So Siu_

When your lord, Yu Tai Shun, returns from the hills he will say----

_Wong Fe_

Oh, what will he say?

_So Siu_

That the fairies have been your friends. They wove for you this robe of rose-leaves, and threw over you a gray cloud from the Witch's Mountain.

(WONG FE _trips gaily, then with sudden surrender begins to weep._)

_So Siu_

Have no shame, beloved of miserable So Siu. Water must follow the fire. I am only a maid, but I know that when the honeymoon is without tears two pigs have married. Ah, wet my sleeve, my dear one, and not thine that will lie on the neck of the golden lord, Yu Tai Shun.

_Wong Fe_

When I awoke this morning the sunlight was on my pillow, but Yu Tai Shun was gone. All day I have not seen his face. And now the last swallow has left the sky.

_So Siu_

Why did Prince Ching and the young Japanese choose this day to be guests of Yu Tai Shun? It is sad for the wife when the friends of her lord find her alone. Yu Tai Shun will beat his doorstep for not calling him.

_Wong Fe_

He will! Prince Ching is almost his father. May his age climb as the hills, always nearer the sky!

_So Siu_

Indeed, you would be sitting alone in a cloud of sighs, not fast wedded to the bringer of dawn, Yu Tai Shun, if Prince Ching had not won his way to your brothers, the mighty princes, Wong Li and Wong Sen.

_Wong Fe_

I kiss his honorable dust! He shall live with my ancestors! And Makuro, the young Japanese, I shall love him too, for he is most dear to Yu Tai Shun. Do they still sit in the orchard?

_So Siu_

They have not moved, nor paused in their talking. Do you not hear? Like bees that cannot choose their flower. It may be that they have brought news to Yu Tai Shun, and his gloom will pass.

_Wong Fe_

No, I feel it was their coming, like a far cloud, that shadowed him. Oh, my So Siu, it will be darker now!

_So Siu_

I have sent tea and cakes to the orchard.

_Wong Fe_

It shall not be dark. Do not the fairies of the sun weave a white world out of the threads of midnight? I will pray to them. We must be merry, my lily So Siu.

_So Siu_

And why not?

_Wong Fe_

I shall dance to-night before Yu Tai Shun. (_Tripping._) Is it not good to have feet? My honorable and glorious mamma weeps when I dance, but it is because she was born too soon and they crippled her beloved feet.

_So Siu_

How glad I am that the old world is gone when only the painted flower-girls could do the happy things!

_Wong Fe_

And it was my own lord, Yu Tai Shun, who made the earth new again!

(_She listens, suddenly still._)

_So Siu_

He is here!

_Wong Fe_

My darling So Siu....

_So Siu_

I go! (_Darts from room, right._)

_Wong Fe_

I would be dancing, but I cannot move. There are anchors of fear on my toes.

(_Enter_ YU TAI SHUN, _left. He is dressed in gray flannels, of
American pattern._)

_Shun_ (_stopping before_ WONG FE)

I left a witch-cloud on the hills, and it has dropped down before me.

(_She courtesies to the floor. He snatches her up._)

_Shun_

No! I want my Western bride to-night.

_Wong Fe_

But this is a Chinese orchard, and it is springtime. Let me worship a little.

_Shun_

Never, my mountain bird!

(_Draws her to the steps, where they sit._)

_Wong Fe_

You are weary, beloved?

_Shun_

Not now. I have my rest. To-morrow you shall go with me.

_Wong Fe_

Up the mountain?

_Shun_

I will show you where I dropped the storm in my heart.

_Wong Fe_ (_timidly_)

Will it come again, Yu Tai Shun?

_Shun_

Nothing can wake it again.

_Wong Fe_

Then indeed I am your bride!

_Shun_

Heart of my body art thou, Wong Fe!

(_Holds her to his breast a moment, looking distantly out. Suddenly
sees his friends approaching._)

_Shun_

We have guests?

_Wong Fe_ (_quickly springing up_)

Forgive me! Your friends are here. Prince Ching, and Makuro, from Japan.

_Shun_

Makuro?

(_He throws up his right hand. In a moment_ PRINCE CHING _and_
Makuro _are seen advancing from the orchard_.)

_Wong Fe_

They have had my welcome. I leave you. (_Crosses to right, reluctantly._)

_Shun_

Return to us soon, my gold of the morning.

(_She goes out_. CHING _and the Japanese enter._)

_Ching_

We have waited, Yu Tai Shun. We knew that the setting sun would turn a bridegroom home.

_Makuro_

Master!

_Shun_

My friend! What brings you to China?

_Makuro_ (_with steady gaze_)

You know. I have come for you.

_Shun_ (_stubbornly, as if chidden_)

My work is done. China is free.

_Ching_

Her slavery is only beginning. You may hide your body but you cannot bury your mind under peach-blossoms.

_Shun_

The republic is established.

_Ching_

But not a democracy.

_Shun_

My work is done. Twenty years have I given to the cause of the people. Now until I die I will toil and sing in the fields of my fathers.

(_They have gradually come to centre of room, which servants have
lighted_. WONG FE _silently returns, but at a sign from_ CHING
_she retreats and remains by wall, right, participating in the
scene that follows, though_ YU TAI SHUN _and_ MAKURO _are unaware
of her presence._)

_Makuro_

Do you remember when I stood here once before, Yu Tai Shun?

_Shun_

Can you ask me that, Makuro?

_Makuro_

Why not, when you seem to have forgotten all that passed between us? I went from that meeting with an imperishable fire in my heart. I return, and the light that kindled mine is dark. We stood here, and the words you spoke were brighter than the lamps of Siangtan that we looked down upon. Shall I repeat them, Yu Tai Shun?

(_Shun is silent._)

_Ching_

I would hear them, Makuro.

_Makuro_

The master said: "Forty centuries has China been content to plough, to sow, to reap, and with her harvest support one-quarter of the human lives on our planet. Drudgery has been her lot, frugality her virtue. Only so had she lease of breath. Now she is to unlock her mines, build ships, and roads of commerce, and with the magic of machinery set her people free. If that magic is owned by a few, there will be no freedom, but a slavery whose agony no man can tell. Every owner will be a monarch greater than the Son of Heaven to whom we bowed. We cannot shut them out by war. We can do it solely by making China a true democracy where the people themselves own the magic tools and the great ways to the markets. To do this is the work of all who love Freedom, and I know no other goddess." Were these your words, Yu Tai Shun?

_Shun_

Yes ... my words.

_Makuro_

That was five years ago. From all parts of the earth come powers fulfilling your fear. Leagued with our own purblind princes and dwellers in the dusk, they hover over China, waiting for war and bribery to dismember her. And you say your work is done. Yu Tai Shun, where have you buried my master?

_Ching_

In the heart of the Princess Wong Fe.

_Shun_ (_rallying_)

May we not be too stern in our judgment of the lords of steam and iron? Lei Kung Sang and the British minister of the So-nan mineral beds have built houses for the people.

_Ching_

And have taken their land. Men who plucked their own fruit, and took food from their own gardens, now cannot eat until they have torn new treasure out of the earth for the kind Briton and the good Lei Kung Sang.

_Shun_

Their days of work were always long and weary.

_Ching_

But they toiled as free men in the sun, and as free men sang from the river-boats when the moon rose. In America, where there is still much land and few people, there are places where children go down into the mines and never see the sun except on the day they call "holy." How will it be with China's four hundred millions, when there are not even waste places where those who would flee may gather? For even her great untilled spaces are being covered by the foreign hand.

_Makuro_

Slavery will be born again with depths the ancients never knew.

_Shun_

But the spirit of brotherhood is growing.

_Makuro_

Power has no brothers! It was you who taught me that, Yu Tai Shun.

_Shun_

Do you forget that we built our republic with the aid of these same princes of power?

_Ching_

We forget nothing. They let us beat down the throne because they could not use it--a rigid tradition--but the republic--_they_ are the republic!

_Shun_

Can we not trust a little? In our greatest need, alien hands have reached out to help us. And we have true hearts among our Chinese lords. Not all have joined with the invader to herd the people into slave-yards. Pei Chen-Ping and Sa Yi are most liberal. You, Prince Ching, and those you gather to you, have hearts like the rising sun. And the noble princes of the house of Wong--have they not given me my bride?

_Ching_

Ay, when your sighs had blown around the world for seven years, they yielded her. You were a power to be checked, and they set a woman in your path.

_Shun_

No!

_Ching_

It was a Japanese from the Fushun collieries, a Russian prince of the Northern railways, a French buyer of Yunnan copper, a British ship-baron of Hongkong, and the Chinese owners of the unworked gold veins of Szechuan, who went to the brothers of Wong Fe and said: "Give Yu Tai Shun his bride."

_Shun_

It was you who spoke for me!

_Ching_

You had no father, and in my heart you were my son. I spoke for you because I believed in you. I did not think that any bribe could lure you from us. Yours was a soul that we thought would be a torch to every nation of earth. And you choose to go out like a candle in the breath of a woman.

(YU TAI SHUN _is bowed and silent._ MAKURO _touches his sleeve._)

_Makuro_

Come with us, master.

_Ching_

In half an hour the boat will stop at the orchard pier for Makuro. He starts for Japan. It is there you are needed.

_Makuro_

I come from our friends with their summons. Japan's oligarchy of traders, with every means known to power--school, religion, racial pride and hate--is fostering the spirit of war. All the seeds of the jungle are being deliberately sown once more in men's hearts. They are preparing Japan to hold the largest share of an industrially broken China and weld her millions into one instrument of hate against the West.

_Shun_

A pigmy's dream!

_Ching_

A dream that will come true if our giants continue to sleep.

_Makuro_

It is the menace of America that Japan holds before her people till their hearts roll with fear, their brains grow sick with rage. America, who has insulted us with exclusion--who has snatched an island chain from our Eastern waters, and shot, starved, imprisoned thousands ignorant enough and brave enough to resist her. _That_ is the America my people are taught to believe in. But you know a different America, where people love honor and hate war--whose religion is love thy neighbor as thyself. Come, teach them of that America! You are known in a million homes of Japan. You have taught us to love you, and where we love, we listen.

_Shun_ (_with great effort_)

I cannot go. If I part from Wong Fe the blood will leave my veins and flow back to her.

_Makuro_

Then take her with you.

_Shun_

You know what this journey means.

_Ching_

Yes, you must go free. With such a weight you would be useless. I will take Wong Fe to her brothers.

_Shun_

I shall hold her forever!

_Ching_

You think joy can last so long? (_To_ MAKURO, _shrugging._) A boy yet!

_Shun_

In Japan you have my young scholar, Onoto. All my knowledge I have given him. In his heart is my purpose, his eyes hold my vision.

_Makuro_

Onoto!

_Shun_

His years are younger, his flame will leap higher. I am only one who fails you. In every nation our numbers are growing. Do not fear for humanity. Our brothers are everywhere.

_Makuro_

You say Onoto?

_Shun_

He has the gift of the shining word--the word that draws the heart as a full moon at sea draws the eye. I can turn my back on the world and rob it of nothing, for I have given it Onoto.

_Ching_

How long have you been chirping here like a cricket under a leaf, with no news from the roadside?

_Shun_

It is three weeks to-day since I brought Wong Fe to the door of my fathers.

_Ching_

Three weeks! On the very day of your joy Onoto was thrown into prison.

_Shun_

They would not dare!

_Makuro_

They did dare.

_Shun_

In prison--Onoto!

_Makuro_

No, he is not now in prison.

_Shun_

Free?

_Makuro_

The enmity of the powers was bitter. Everywhere he was sowing the seed of peace. In many a house the ancestral sword was broken at his bidding.

_Shun_

But he is free?

_Makuro_

Yesterday (_glances out at the stars_), at this hour, he was shot.

_Shun_ (_slowly comprehending_)

Then I have been twenty-four hours dead.

(_He steps uncertainly out to the little porch. They gaze at the
floor, respecting his grief_. WONG FE _makes a motion to follow
him._ CHING _stops her with a gesture, and she shrinks back._ YU
TAI SHUN _re-enters._)

_Shun_

Your mercy, friends. (_Crosses left, to exit._)

_Ching_

You will go with us now?

_Shun_ (_turns and hurls the word_)

No!

(_An instant of silence follows his exit, then_ WONG FE _comes
forward._)

_Wong Fe_

Peace to your hearts, honorable friends of Yu Tai Shun! He will depart with you.

_Ching_

Not yet. We must wait. Invisible chains cannot be broken. But they will disunite of themselves. Then he will come.

_Wong Fe_

I will send him with you to-night.

_Ching_