Plays Part 28

SMITH: Why-yes. I suppose he would like that.

SILAS: (going out) You bet he'd like it. Wouldn't you, old boy?

SMITH: Your son is fond of animals.

GRANDMOTHER: Lots of people's fond of 'em-and good to 'em. Silas-I dunno, it's as if he was that animal.

FEJEVARY: He has imagination.

GRANDMOTHER: (with surprise) Think so?

SILAS: (returning and sitting down at the table by the young man) Now, what's in your mind, my boy?

SMITH: This town is growing very fast, Mr Morton.

SILAS: Yes. (slyly-with humour) I know that.

SMITH: I presume you, as one of the early settlers-as in fact a son of the earliest settler, feel a certain responsibility about the welfare of-

SILAS: I haven't got in mind to do the town a bit of harm. So-what's your point?

SMITH: More people-more homes. And homes must be in the healthiest places-the-the most beautiful places. Isn't it true, Mr Fejevary, that it means a great deal to people to have a beautiful outlook from their homes? A-well, an expanse.

SILAS: What is it they want to buy-these fellows that are figuring on making something out of-expanse? (a gesture for expanse, then a rea.s.suring gesture) It's all right, but-just what is it?

SMITH: I am prepared to make you an offer-a gilt-edged offer for that (pointing toward it) hill above the town.

SILAS: (shaking his head-with the smile of the strong man who is a dreamer) The hill is not for sale.

SMITH: But wouldn't you consider a-particularly good offer, Mr Morton?

(SILAS, who has turned so he can look out at the hill, slowly shakes his head.)

SMITH: Do you feel you have the right-the moral right to hold it?

SILAS: It's not for myself I'm holding it.

SMITH: Oh,-for the children?

SILAS: Yes, the children.

SMITH: But-if you'll excuse me-there are other investments might do the children even more good.

SILAS: This seems to me-the best investment.

SMITH: But after all there are other people's children to consider.

SILAS: Yes, I know. That's it.

SMITH: I wonder if I understand you, Mr Morton?

SILAS: (kindly) I don't believe you do. I don't see how you could. And I can't explain myself just now. So-the hill is not for sale. I'm not making anybody homeless. There's land enough for all-all sides round. But the hill-

SMITH: (rising) Is yours.

SILAS: You'll see.

SMITH: I am prepared to offer you-

SILAS: You're not prepared to offer me anything I'd consider alongside what I am considering. So-I wish you good luck in your business undertakings.

SMITH: Sorry-you won't let us try to help the town.

SILAS: Don't sit up nights worrying about my chokin' the town.

SMITH: We could make you a rich man, Mr Morton. Do you think what you have in mind will make you so much richer?

SILAS: Much richer.

SMITH: Well, good-bye. Good day, sir. Good day, ma'am.

SILAS: (following him to the door) Nice horse you've got.

SMITH: Yes, seems all right.

(SILAS stands in the doorway and looks off at the hill.)

GRANDMOTHER: What are you going to do with the hill, Silas?

SILAS: After I get a little gla.s.s of wine-to celebrate Felix and me being here instead of farther south-I'd like to tell you what I want for the hill. (to FEJEVARY rather bashfully) I've been wanting to tell you.

FEJEVARY: I want to know.

SILAS: (getting the wine from the closet) Just a little something to show our grat.i.tude with.

(Goes off right for gla.s.ses.)

GRANDMOTHER: I dunno. Maybe it'd be better to sell the hill-while they're anxious.

FEJEVARY: He seems to have another plan for it.

GRANDMOTHER: Yes. Well, I hope the other plan does bring him something. Silas has worked-all the days of his life.

FEJEVARY: I know.

GRANDMOTHER: You don't know the hull of it. But I know. (rather to herself) Know too well to think about it.

GRANDMOTHER: (as SILAS returns) I'll get more cookies.