Helena. No.
Nana. Well, then, burn them.
Helena. (Throwing the first sheet on the fire) What would you say, Nana, if this was money and a lot of money? And if it was an invention, the greatest invention in the world?
Nana. (R. of fireplace) I’d say burn it. All these new-fangled things are an offense to the Lord. It’s downright wickedness. Wanting to improve the world after He has made it.
Helena. Look how they curl up. As if they were alive. Oh, Nana, how horrible!
Nana. Here, let me burn them.
Helena. (Drawing back) No, no, I must do it myself. Just look at the flames. They are like hands, like tongues, like living shapes. (Raking fire with the poker) Lie down, lie down.
Nana. That’s the end of them. (Fireplace slowly out.)
Helena. Nana, Nana!