Paul. Oh, yes. With the friendliest kind of an air, they told me not to take it into my head that I know how to farm.
Aunt Clara. Why, Paul. You only imagine that!
Paul. The good neighbors. At bottom they are right! How should an old man be able to learn the things that call for the efforts of a whole life, just as any other career does! Ridiculous! Why that simply must have lurid consequences.
Aunt Clara (impatiently). I should never have thought that you would act this way, Paul!
Paul. Act what way? I am only checking over the possibilities. Every business man does that! And I tell you, the prospects are desperately bad! I can fairly see Laskowski establish himself here after I have lost the place! (He has slowly walked over to the garden window on the right and looks out into the garden.)
[Silence.]
Paul (after a time). What a beautiful day! The snow is glittering in the sunlight. The trees stand so motionless.
Aunt Clara. Awfully cold out-doors, my boy!
Paul. I know it. Aunt Clara, but the light is refreshing after all of the dark days. The old year is shining forth once more in its full glory.
Aunt Clara. The days are getting longer again.