Part 30 (1/2)

_Hal._ But daddy did and you bet if anybody makes me sore I'll fight too.

_Mrs. Hamilton._ No, my boy--daddy didn't want to fight----

_Hal._ Then why did he go?

_Mrs. Hamilton._ Hal, you're a little boy and wouldn't understand--but just remember what your mother tells you: Don't be selfish--be tolerant, honest and charitable to all the peoples of the world, the big and the small alike. (_Enter pa.s.ser-by who stops to look over plants. After Mrs. Hamilton has shown several and given him prices, he picks up the box of mignonettes._)

_Man._ I'll take this box.

_Mrs. Hamilton (confused, not knowing whether to tell stranger about that particular box of flowers or sell it, as she sorely needs money.

Then she picks up another plant to show it.)_ Here's a very st.u.r.dy plant, sir.

_Man._ But I want this one. (_Pointing to box of mignonettes._) How much is it? I'm in a hurry.

_Hal (goes to stranger and takes box from his hands)._ You can't have them--they're daddy's.

_Man (pus.h.i.+ng him to one side)._ Get away from here, you little ruffian.

_Mrs. Hamilton._ That's my son, sir--he's not a ruffian. His father has not returned from the front and that----

_Man (interrupting)._ Oh, yes--yes--we hear those stories every day now on every corner--it's the beggar's capital. (_He walks away hurriedly, but Hal starts after with clenched fist._)

_Mrs. Hamilton._ Hal! Hal! What did mother tell you a few moments ago?

_Hal (coming back)._ But he made me sore.

_Mrs. Hamilton._ What's the news--(_Hal hands her a paper, kisses her and starts up street._)

_Hal._ Paper--extra--paper! (_He disappears._)

_Mrs. Hamilton (is attracted by headlines in paper and begins to read aloud)._ ”Fifty men return to-day from the front to be placed in the asylum.” (_She buries her face in her hands._) Better that he were dead. (_Sound of footsteps is heard. Enter detachment of ten men in uniform in charge of a sergeant. They swing corner of flower stand and Mrs. Hamilton watches every man and there is a tense silence. Suddenly Mrs. Hamilton rushes toward them._)

_Mrs. Hamilton._ John! John! My boy! (_They halt. Mrs. Hamilton swoons. Sergeant goes to her and a.s.sists her to bench in front of stand. She becomes calm and goes toward husband with out-stretched arms._) Don't you know me? Claire, your wife! (_He stares at her, but shows no signs of recognition._) You remember Hal--Hal, your own boy--our little boy--John! (_He just looks at her and smiles foolishly. Sergeant takes her gently by the arm to lead her away, thinking her hysterically mistaken as many others have been._)

_Sergeant._ Are you quite sure, madam, that he is your husband?

_Mrs. Hamilton._ Yes--John Hamilton--have you no record----

_Sergeant._ Not yet. But time will clear away any doubts----

_Mrs. Hamilton._ Time--time! I've waited long enough on time. He's mine and I want him. (_Turns toward husband._) You want to stay here with me and our boy--don't you, John? (_Pause._) Sergeant, let me have him.

_Sergeant (trying to hide his emotion)._ You're quite sure, madam--(_Mrs. Hamilton nods and sergeant takes John from ranks. John just stares. Mrs. Hamilton leads him tenderly to seat. Sergeant starts others to march._)

_Sergeant._ I'll return for him after delivering these men. (_Mrs.

Hamilton takes no notice of his remarks and they march off._)