Act 2 Scene 4

(start)

We got the census today. I started to fill it out but I didn't know what to put under your profession?

Astronomer is my profession

Alright

Astronomer

With a capital "A". And how are we doing today?

You know the worst part of this? Sitting still.

For you, I'm sure it is. How's the pain.

Not bad today.

But relaxing bothers you?

You can't order someone to relax and have it be relaxing.

Would you like to read some news?

I can't take anymore war news. Did they send another astronomy circular?

You'd think a world war would make the stars seem trivial.

You'd think the stars would make war seem trivial. I have never felt so helpless.

You're not helpless

I write all these letters and no one answers. These, men, colleagues, all using my work, but they wont let me near it. Useless. Helpless.

You're getting upset

...and what does that mean?

It could mean that we're all helpless. And alone. And because you can't connect everything yourself that nothing's connected. Or. It could mean that you may not know how you might matter to people right now, and you cannot know how you will matter in the future. But if you are already connected- and you already matter. Because what you do outlasts you. Sometimes. Am I helping or hurting?

I can't tell. But thank you. And... I want to explain.

Oh you've tried explaining it I'm just too thick.

Not stars. Something like... souls.

Henri...

I just know that you worry about those things. And I don't want you to think that I don't believe in anything. I do, just a different kind of... faith in... grand observation.

Which is comforting?

Which is... nimble. And it is comforting. My heaven? Is a cosmos deep in a gorgeous void.

A void?

Full darkness-

Not all darkness-

Mottled with immaculate combustion-

But the stars are-

Hot gas in a lonely-

not lonely-

broad, airless-

Don't say airless-

Deep, vast, dark-

Stop it. Just stop it. Alright I know we don't speak plainly about this but... What where does my heaven go?

Maybe it doesn't

Henri

I'm going first, I'll tell you who's right.

You cannot say that. Not to me.

I've made peace with that part.

I haven't. And what other part is there?

The part of meaning something.

You mean everything to me.

But you have your babies, your music, you... like church.

You can't compare us.

You have a life.

And you have a legacy.

Work I can't finish.

That's what a legacy is. The way I see it, and this is just how I see it. You asked God a question and he answered. That's the meaning of meaning for most of us. (doorbell) Now relax before I drug you.

(leave come back)

how about some mail?

fine

and messengers

(annie) Margaret dear! Thank you again for keeping Henri so comfortable and close by. To have her just blocks away with all these new girls and their temperaments and their outfits-

Uh huh

ANNIE You would not believe their shoes

probably not

(wiil) not for long you're not.

Alright you ladies chat. I've got dinner for us. You'll both stay I insist.

(henri) oh my goodness

henri!

(will) like mighty oaks!

Oh that's wonderful. Congratulations

(will) I know all the slogans

Oh. I'm not really-

(annie) you should join us. both of you.

(beat) I'll read the pamphlet.

It's a great pamphlet

Glazed ham for dinner. I should get it ready.

...(peter reading poem)

so he's not a marauder then? Williamina had me worried.

Margie, this is Mr. Peter Shaw

The Peter Shaw?

(peter) a pleasure to meet you

You'll stay for dinner?

(peter) oh no I shouldn't-

And yet you will. We have much to discuss, Famous Mr. Shaw

(henri) and margie is a wonderful musician. Maybe you and annie can sing for us

Oh yes!

...(henri) You're singing

How nice!

(peter) I've learned just not to argue with women

That's correct. Dinner is on the table. We'll be there in just a moment.

(henri) and you must tell will and annie immediately.

about what?

...(henri) you knew about him

I did

You knew about him the whole time

I did. That many letters?

(annie) it is. everything.

How do you celebrate measuring the universe?

I have no idea

I have cookies?

...(henri) do what right now?

what are we doing?

(annie) you're coming too

Me what? Wait.

(henri) no i can't really go anywhere

She's not really supposed to.

...(henri)... But let's just sit down, have a nice dinner-

Leave the ham. Get in the car.

(henri) Margie

Henri. Relax