ASHER. This seems to be Jonathan's speciality,—science. But I never give my word half heartedly, my boy, and I'll back you to my last dollar. Be prepared for disappointments,—but if you accomplish something, I'll be glad. And if you fail, George,—any failure for a man's convictions is a grand failure.
GEORGE. Well, it means life to me, dad. I owe it to you.
ASHER (turning toward DR. JONATHAN). No, you owe it to him,—to science.
(He puts one hand on GEORGE'S shoulder, and the other, with an
abrupt movement, on DR. JONATHAN'S.)
And if science will do as much for democracy, then—
GEORGE. Then, you're from Missouri. Good old dad!
ASHER (huskily, trying, to carry it off, and almost overcome by emotion at the reconciliation). I'm from Missouri, my boy.
DR. JONATHAN. Then you're a true scientist, Asher, for science, too, waits to be shown.
(ASHER goes out, lower right. Dr. JONATHAN, evidently in support
and sympathy, goes with him. GEORGE and the committee look after
them, and then GEORGE sits down, and smiles at the men.)
GEORGE. And we've got to be scientists, too. Are you fellows willing to take your share in the experiment?