Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/498

 ''At the right is a cottage where the old man is now living in retirement. There are three windows opening towards the audience, and a door approached by three broad steps, opens upon the garden.''

''At center is a shady chestnut. Beneath it a small table and a rustic seat.''

''The left is the sunny side of the garden. Here are some racks for the drying of herbs. This side is open, as the picket extends beyond the left wing.''

The Karvan home is beyond the right wing, and a walk passing under the old man’s cottage, curves off right.

''The East is on the left hand. West on the right.''

''It is June 24, 8 P. M. The sun has just set in a crimson and gold halo. As the curtain rises. Julia is discovered seated under the chestnut, embroidering on a frame. is drying herbs at left.  enters dressed for an outing with exaggerated elegance.''

John (Approaching ).—Well. Andrew, how is it coming? Karvan’s pulmonary tea, the ninth essence of famous forest flowers? Good, only add a wee bit rose leaf, just enough to give it the faintest scent.

Andrew.—But, my dear Mr. Mayor

John.—Now Andrew, mayor at the city hall, but here just druggist. I have told you often.

Andrew.—Excuse me, sir. But I was about to say that there is very little of this rose stuff. None of the herb women know where to find it, and so we have only the little that our old Granny brings in.

John.—Just so there is enough of this Bohmer bloom, see? (He pinches the petals and smells them.) Just a little more sun in the morning not enough to crumble them again. Just so they are not gathered green. They can’t be mouldy. (Goes to and sits beside her.) What our Latin labeled jars cannot yield, our granny must find in the woods. To be sure I am a modern Pharmacist, and yet I cannot afford to throw away such a well established traditional patent remedy; particuarly when it has been handed down for generations. (He whistles lightly, takes a straw, and tickles on the neck.) And how is the doctor’s lady today?

Julia (Rising).—Please, brother-in-law, don’t do that to me again! It’s all I can stand to have you around, but to touch me I felt as if a spider had fallen down my neck. (Sits.)

John.—Now, now, now!