He'll not stay queer. If he gets that girl in his head there won't be room for anything else—for a while anyway. He'll be worse'n you ever was. You let me manage it, Hiram.
(Philo is heard coming up the stairs. They listen in silence until he enters. He is talking, not quite audibly, to himself, and doesn't see them. Goes to table and stands by machine.)
Philo
Here—at last—I have caught the word ... the word of the stars.
Mrs. W.
Philo!
Philo (looking up)
Mother!... Father!... (In alarm.) You haven't touched anything here?
Mrs. W.