Part 22 (1/2)

[_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.