PETER. [Putting his hand in his pocket.] We'll go. You may buy the tickets, William—two front seats. [FREDERIK re-enters with a floral catalogue.
MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. [Apart to REV. MR. BATHOLOMMEY—looking at PETER.]
Somebody ought to tell him.
WILLIAM. [Getting the money from PETER.] I'm going! I'm going! [Dances.] Oh, Mr. Grimm, there ain't anyone else like you in the world. When the other boys laugh at your funny old hat, I never do. [Pointing to PETER'S hat on the peg.
PETER. My hat? They laugh at my hat?
WILLIAM. We'll have such a good time at the circus. It's too bad you've got to die, Mr. Grimm.
There is a pause. PETER stops short, looking at WILLIAM. The others are startled, but stand motionless, watching the effect of WILLIAM'S revelation. FREDERIK doesn't know what to make of it. There is an ominous silence in the room. Then MRS. BATHOLOMMEY, whose smile has been frozen on her face, takes WILLIAM'S hand and is about to draw him away, when PETER lays his hand on WILLIAM'S shoulder. MRS. BATHOLOMMEY steps back.
PETER. [Kindly.] Yes, William, most people have to. … What made you think of it just then?
WILLIAM. [Points to the DOCTOR.] He said so. Perhaps in twenty minutes.
REV. MR. BATHOLOMMEY. [Quietly but very sternly.] William! [WILLIAM now understands that he should not have repeated what he heard.
PETER. Don't frighten the boy. Only children tell the truth. Tell me, William—you heard the Doctor say that? [WILLIAM is silent. He keeps his eyes on the CLERGYMAN who is looking at him warningly. The tears run down his cheeks—he puts his fingers to his lips—afraid to speak.] Don't be frightened. You heard the Doctor say that?