_Philo_
They"re handy for cleaning my wires.
(_She throws the book down, and stands uncertain._)
_Philo_
Going, Reba? Good night!
_Reba_
No, I"m not going. This is my last chance. You"ll bar the window to-morrow.
_Philo_ (_determinedly_)
Yes, I will.
(_He bends closely over his work. She lies across the table opposite, watching his movements intently. He fumbles for a tool._)
_Reba_
The little one? Here it is!
(_Hands him a small wire tool. He stares at her face so near his own, then takes the instrument and works confusedly. Jumps up and tries to reach a jar on one of the shelves._ REBA _leaps onto a chair, takes the jar and hands it down. He stares, and takes jar._)
_Reba_ (_as he returns to table_)
Ugh! These jars are so dirty, Philo. May I wash them for you?
_Philo_
Heavens, no!
_Reba_
Oh, _that_ makes you sit up! (_Hums a little, leaps down and begins to move the things on the table._) I"ll make the table tidy for you, Philo.
_Philo_ (_grabbing her hands_)
Stop!
_Reba_ (_sings, swinging his hands across the table_)
"All around the mulberry bush----"
_Philo_
Let go!
_Reba_
Why, you"re holding _me_!
(_He drops her hands and goes to window, as if intending flight.
She becomes subtle._)
_Reba_
Dr. Seymour says you"ve done something wonderful, Philo. Won"t you show me your machine?
_Philo_
No.
_Reba_
But I _care_! I care more than anybody! I _want_ you to be great. I could sit by you all my life just watching you being great.
(PHILO _smiles. She twirls over to him._) And I don"t _like_ to be still, either.
_Philo_
But suppose people began to laugh at you as they do at me?
_Reba_
I wouldn"t care. Show me the machine, Philo.
(_Takes his arm and they move back to table._)
_Philo_
There it is.
_Reba_ (_hovering over it_)
This is it. (_Throwing her head back._) Tell me about it.
_Philo_
Reba--your throat is--so white.
_Reba_ (_bending suddenly over machine_)
There"s something moving.
_Philo_
So white.