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So that’s it.  Well, thank heaven! (He starts to embrace her)

MRS. EVERITT

But that letter you picked up so quickly to-night—­was that from somebody else?

EVERITT

Lord, I’d almost forgotten it.

MRS. EVERITT

There!  And I was almost happy!

EVERITT

For goodness sake, read it!

MRS. EVERITT

From your bank....  I don’t understand it.

EVERITT

It’s simple enough.  They won’t make me another loan.

MRS. EVERITT

Well?

EVERITT

Between the unions and the new inspection—­well, I can’t finish the Broadway contract on time, and I’m done.

MRS. EVERITT

Done?

EVERITT

Done.  Smashed.  I might save ten thousand dollars, that’s all.  My life’s work....

MRS. EVERITT

You mean money?

EVERITT

I mean the lack of it.

MRS. EVERITT

Is that all?  Thank heaven!

EVERITT

All!  But do you realize it means giving up the house, and beginning all over again on ten thousand dollars?

MRS. EVERITT

I don’t care.  I was never happy there anyhow.  And now I could be happy doing my own work in a tenement.

EVERITT

I think I could be happy as a carpenter again by the day.  But the children.  It’s going to be hard for them.  Walter’s architecture.

WALTER

Father!

EVERITT

Good gracious!  Where did you come from?

WALTER

I came back from the office....  I heard what you were saying.  So that’s all right.  But you needn’t worry about my architecture.  I was telling mother to-night.  I don’t like it—­it isn’t my work.  I only wanted you to feel as I do about it.  Just feel that I really want to paint—­to be an artist.  Even if I have to work at something else for a long time, I’ll feel easier, knowing you realize what I want.  I love color so.  And I want to let my imagination go.  I’ll help in any way I can, naturally.  I’m glad too.  I mean, I had rather live in the country like this than in New York.