Part 24 (1/2)

_Rosie_

What is it?

_Everychild_

You'll see. Maybe you'll dance out of the window.

_Mary_

Are you going to take her away?

_Everychild_

Yes, I shall keep her with me until she is well. Then she will return to you.

(_Takes out of the bag the rosy lamp and waves it. Throws aside her cap and pulls off goggles, wig, and beard. The back wall moves away, revealing the first scene with the same strains of music and the dancing children in the orchard._ EVERYCHILD _leads_ ROSIE _out to join them._ BILLIE _and_ TOM _move after them calling: ”Let us go with you! Take us with you!”_)

_Rosie_

Oh, please take Billie and Tom!

_Everychild_

Yes, I want them, too. Come along, boys!

(_They shout and run after_ ROSIE _and_ EVERYCHILD.)

_Mary_

Oh, Jim, is this a dream? Or am I awake at last?

_Jim_ (_putting his hand to his head, dazedly_)

Perhaps this is what it ought to be for all the children of the world.

(CURTAIN FALLS)

SCENE IV: _Interior of a coal-mine, lit only by lamps on the heads of three men and two boys, about twelve and fourteen years, the men busy at work getting the coal down with picks, the boys shovelling coal into a car. They work a few minutes. Distant m.u.f.fled sound of a steam-whistle. They immediately drop tools and go to corner and pick up each a can, paper bag, or small basket, and sit down to eat._

_One Man_

Lunch-time. It feels good to rest half an hour in this bloomin' hole.

(_Takes a drink from a bottle he brings from his pocket and hands to another._) Have a swig, Jack?

_Jack_

Don't care if I do. (_Takes a swallow._) I'll bring some next time, Joe.