Part 76 (1/2)

No, thanks. It's too hot to carry it. I'll get one when I really need it, maybe.

NATHANIEL

Well, here's something for you.

[_He offers him a five dollar bill._

Five dollars! No, thanks. If I had that much money I'd lose it maybe. Give me two bits and call it square.

[_Nathaniel hands him a quarter._

Thanks.... Well... good-bye.... I'm glad your back wasn't broke.

JONATHAN

Good-bye, Hank.

HANK

Good-bye, Mister.... I'll see you next year maybe, when it's warm.--Say, kid, I'd like to see that _Zen.o.bia_ show again:--”Hail, n.o.ble duke,” ”All's well, Irene.” ”Not very well, n.o.ble duke.”

[_He goes out, chuckling to himself._

_Aunt Let.i.tia enters. As usual she has something to keep her hands busy.

She seats herself comfortably in a chair that custom has evidently made her very own. In her work she shows the effect of time upon her eyes and she may feel a tiny draught that causes her to close the doors behind her and draw her scarf a bit more closely about her. Never has Aunt Let.i.tia seemed more successfully the poor relation._

LEt.i.tIA

I thought you were out with John.

NATHANIEL

No.

[_Jonathan is looking at the ma.n.u.script._

LEt.i.tIA (_to Jonathan_)

How do you feel, dear?

JONATHAN

Fine;... I think I'll go in the house and read this.

(_To Nathaniel_)

I'm glad it isn't true.

[_He goes out._