Mary. Yes, yes. Uncle Dan wants it. (Kate fetches a tattered volume from the dresser and hands it to Daniel. Daniel opens it, and reads while the two girls peer over his shoulder.)
Daniel (reading slowly). "The Child's Educator. A series of conversations between Charles and his father regarding the natural philosophy, as revealed to us, by the Very Reverend Ezekiel Johnston."
Kate. (much interested). Aye. Just go on till you see Mr. Dan. Its the queerest conversation between an old lad and his son ever you heard tell of.
Daniel (reading). Ah! "The simple forms of machines. The lever, the wedge, the inclined plane—Father—and here we come to further consider the application of this principle, my dear Charles, to what is known as the differential wheel and axle. Um Charles—Father—Charles. Father." (He looks up despairingly at Mary.) No good, my dear. Out of date. (He, however, resumes reading the book carefully.)
Kate (nudging Mary, and pointing to door into rooms). She's going into all the cupboards and drawers, and looking at everything. (She turns to go back and opens the door to pass through.) I never seen such a woman.
Mary (raising her voice so as to let Sarah hear her). Just keep an eye on her, Kate, and see she doesn't take anything.
Daniel. I might get something out of this. Atmosphere. Pressure.
Mary. Uncle Dan. (He pays no attention, but is absorbed in the book). Uncle Dan, I'm going down the loaning a pace. Alick said he might be back, and I think—(she sees he is not listening, and slips back to look over his shoulder.)
Daniel (reading). Charles. And now my dear father, after discussing in such clear and lucid terms the use of the barometer, and how it is constructed, could you tell me or explain the meaning of the word "pneumatic."