JOHN

Shall I remember?

ALI

No.

JOHN

If I want to do anything different to what I did, how shall I remember when I get back there?

MARY

Don’t.  Don’t do anything different, John.

JOHN

All right.

ALI

Choose just before the hour of the step you desire to change.  Memory lingers a little at first, and fades away slowly.

JOHN

Five minutes?

ALI

Even ten.

JOHN

Then I can change one thing.  After that I forget.

ALI

Even so.  One thing.  And the rest follows.

JOHN

Well, it’s very good of you to make me this nice present, I’m sure.

ALI

Sell it not.  Give it, as I gave it, if the heart impels.  So shall it come back one day to the hills that are brighter than grass, made richer by the gratitude of many men.  And my master shall smile thereat and the vale shall be glad.

JOHN

It’s very good of you, I’m sure.

MARY

I don’t like it, John.  I don’t like tampering with what’s gone.

ALI

My master’s power is in your hands. 
Farewell.

[Exit.]

JOHN

I say, he’s gone.

MARY

O, he’s a dreadful man.

JOHN

I never really meant to take it.

MARY

O, John, I wish you hadn’t

JOHN

Why?  I’m not going to use it.

MARY

Not going to use it, John?

JOHN

No, no.  Not if you don’t want me to.

MARY

O, I’m so glad.

JOHN

And besides, I don’t want things different.  I’ve got fond of this little house.  And Briggs is a good old sort, you know.  Cater’s a bit of an ass, but there’s no harm in him.  In fact, I’m contented, Mary.  I wouldn’t even change Aunt Martha now.