[_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.
ERNEST
Hardly! You see, every one _knows_ the names of philanthropists....
Better let it go at "scientists."
JUDGE
He"s right. Philanthropists don"t give their lives, they give their names--have "em carved in stone over their inst.i.tutes and libraries.
[_JOHN approaches and joins his guest._
ERNEST
Charming little farm you have here.
JOHN
Doctor Hamilton, America kills its big men with routine. You are too valuable to the nation to lose--the trustees think you need a year abroad.
ERNEST
That"s strange, I came out here to suggest that very thing.... Somebody has been saying kind things about me in Paris. Just had a letter from the great Metchnikoff--wants me to come over and work in the Pasteur!
Chance of a lifetime!... You didn"t have to jolly me up to consent to that!
JOHN
[_pacing terrace with his guest, arm in arm_]
By the by, my sister is rather keen on science.
ERNEST
Best a.s.sistant I ever had. You can pile an awful lot of routine on a woman. The female of the species is more faithful than the male....
She"s over there already. We can get right to work.
JOHN
She"ll be back before you start.