denying that. There was a time when people had to go to church--they
weren't decent if they didn't. Now you have to wheedle 'em in. The church
needs funds in these days when a college professor is openly saying that--
[_Her voice breaks._] the Star of Bethlehem was a comet. [_Weeps._

REV. MR. BATHOLOMMEY. Control yourself. I must insist upon it, Mrs.
Batholommey.

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. [_Breaking down--almost breathlessly._] Oh! If I said
all the things I feel like saying about Peter Grimm--well--I shouldn't be
fit to be a clergyman's wife. Not to leave his dear friends a--

COLONEL LAWTON. He _wasn't_ liberal; but, for God's sake, madam, pull
yourself together and think what he ought to have done for me!--I've
listened to his plans for twenty years. I've virtually given up my
business for him, and what have I got out of it? Not a button! Not a
button! A bible. Still _I'm_ not complaining. Hang that chimney, Frederik,
it's smoking. [COLONEL LAWTON _stirs the fire--a log falls out and the
flame goes down. The room has gradually grown darker as the night
approaches._

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. [_Turning on_ COLONEL LAWTON.] Oh, you've feathered your
nest, Colonel! You're a rich man.

COLONEL LAWTON. [_Enraged, raising his voice._] What? I never came here
that _you_ weren't begging.

FREDERIK. [_Virtuously--laying down the paper._] Well, I'm disgusted! When
I think how much more I should have if he hadn't continually doled out
money to every one of you!