TEDDY.

It sounds stupid to me, like Sunday all the week. Besides, papa won't have any office there, and what'll he do without an office?

ELSIE.

Isn't it awful. (_Sob._) Poor papa!

TEDDY.

(_Swallowing a lump._) Don't cry!

[_There is a slight noise overhead._

ELSIE.

O Teddy! What was that?

TEDDY.

(_Trembling._) Don't be afraid!

(_He puts his arm comfortingly around her, and they sit in a huge arm-chair together._)

ELSIE.

What is it like to be dead.

TEDDY.

It's like school all the time, never letting out, and no recess.

ELSIE.

(_With another sob._) Poor papa! Are you afraid of him now?

TEDDY.

No----

ELSIE.

Do you want to go up and see him?

TEDDY.

No. That isn't him anyway upstairs!

ELSIE.

Yes, it's him; only his soul isn't there.

TEDDY.

Do you believe it? Say, if that's true, how did his soul get out?

ELSIE.

I've thought of that. This is what I believe: When people die, G.o.d kisses them, and their soul comes right out of their lips to G.o.d's.

TEDDY.

I'll never play be dead with you, anymore.

ELSIE.

No, I don't want to, either.

TEDDY.

G.o.d might think I really was dead, and I might lose my soul.

ELSIE.

You can't make believe with G.o.d.

TEDDY.

That's so; I forgot. I say, Elsie, I'm never going to be wicked again in all my life.

ELSIE.

Nor I.

TEDDY.

Oh! girls never are wicked. I believe when we die Death comes along and pulls us by our feet; that's why our souls go out. They're afraid of Death.

(_Elsie shudders, and nestles closer to her brother._)

TEDDY.

Don't be afraid; I won't let him catch you.

ELSIE.

Poor mama, she cries all the time.

TEDDY.