THE FLUTTER OF THE GOLDLEAF
Scene: Laboratory in the attic of the Warner cottage. At right, toward rear, entrance from down-stairs. A rude partition, left, with door in centre. Window centre rear. Large kitchen table loaded with apparatus. Shelves, similarly loaded, against wall near table, right. Wires strung about. A rude couch, bench, and several wooden chairs.
Time, about 8 p.m. Lamp burns on table. Mrs. Warner comes up-stairs, puts her head inside the room nervously, then enters and looks about.
Mrs. W.
Such a mess! And the doctors will be here in half an hour! (Tries to get busy but seems bothered. Crosses to table and looks at a little machine that stands upon it.) That's what's driving my boy crazy! If I only dared to smash it! The right sort of a mother would do just that! (Looks at machine with dire meditation.)
Warner (without, roaring up the stairs)
Mary Ann!
Mrs. W. (jumps)
Yes, Hiram!