WIFE

They have forgotten what they knew, and ceased to love what they loved.

MAN

They might have remembered me a little longer, a little longer.

WIFE

I saw a young artist near that house.  He studied it carefully and made a sketch of it in his sketchbook.

MAN

Ah, why didn’t you tell me that before?  It’s highly significant, highly significant.  It means that my ideas are accepted and handed down by others, and even if I am forgotten, my ideas will live.  It is tremendously significant.

WIFE

Yes, my dear, you are not forgotten.  Do you remember the young man who bowed so reverently to you on the street?

MAN

Yes, that’s so, wife.  He was a fine, very fine youth.  He had such a nice young face.  It’s good you reminded me of his bow.  It has sent a ray of brightness into my heart.  But I feel sleepy.  I must be tired.  I am old too, my dear little gray wife.  Have you noticed it?

WIFE

You’re just as handsome as ever.

MAN

And my eyes are bright?

WIFE

Yes, your eyes are bright.

MAN

And my hair is black as pitch?

WIFE

It’s so white, so like snow that it’s even more beautiful.

MAN

And no wrinkles?

WIFE

Yes, there are little wrinkles on your face, but—­

MAN

Of course, I know I’m a beauty.  To-morrow I’ll buy myself a uniform and enter the light cavalry.  Yes? (His Wife laughs)

WIFE

There, you’re joking too, as in olden times.  But lie down here and sleep a little.  I’ll go to look after our boy.  Don’t worry, I won’t leave him.  I’ll call you when he wakes.  You don’t care to kiss an old wrinkled hand, do you?

MAN (kissing her hand)

Go, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.

WIFE

And the wrinkles?

MAN

What wrinkles?  I only see a dear, kind, good, sensible face.  Nothing else.  Don’t take offence at my stern tone.  Go to the boy, watch him, stay with him like a quiet shadow of gentleness and love.  And if he is disturbed in his sleep, sing him a song as you used to do.  And put the grapes nearer, so that he can reach them.