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]