en.

ROGER.
How, indeed! Does thee know, Elizabeth, that in so quiet a room as this
I can scarce believe that a great city lies about us? 'Tis so still
that I can hear the ticking of the clock.

ELIZABETH.
For myself, I am glad of a little rest after our journey up from
Brookfield to the city. I find myself scarce used to city ways.

ROGER.
No more do I, Elizabeth, no more do I. I cannot think this lavish life
is seemly. This table, now! Does thee note its profusion? More bread
and honey and cheese and chicken pie than we can eat. Sheer waste--
unless we can share it. If there was but some poor traveler in this inn
whom we might bid to supper, and----

[A knock on the door leading to hall.

ELIZABETH.
'Tis William, the inn boy, with tea cakes.

[Elizabeth opens the door. William enters with tea cakes on tray. He
deposits the plate of cakes on table.

ROGER.
As I was saying--if there was but some traveler in this inn to share
our evening meal--some one with pockets that were well-nigh empty----

ELIZABETH.
Perhaps the inn boy knows of such a one. (To William.) Does thee not,
William? Some one whose purse is not too over-burdened?

WILLIAM
(sturdily).
Aye, that I do. A lad came here this noon from Boston. A journeyman
printer so he says he is, and I'll warrant he has not above four
shillings with him. (To Roger.) He's come to search for work in
Philadelphia, and says he was directed to this tavern by a--by a
Quaker, sir.

ELIZABETH.
Directed here by a Quaker--! (To Roger.) Then, Roger, all the more
reason why we should bid him in. What is his name?

WILLIAM.
He says his name is Franklin.

ROGER.
Then ask friend Franklin if he'll sup with us. Tell him we, too, would
hear the news from Boston--that he'll confer a favor if he'll come. And
mind, no hint about an empty purse! I fear at first I put the matter
clumsily. Give him my later message. That is all.

WILLIAM.
I will, sir.

[Exit, with a flourish, right background

ROGER. I hope he comes.

ELIZABETH
(fondly).
'Tis ever like thee, Roger, to have a care for the friendless and
forlorn.

WILLIAM
(knocking, opening door from hall, and announcing).
Benjamin Franklin, Journeyman!

[Enter Franklin, shabby, travel-stained, and boyishly appealing. Exit
William.

ROGER
(stepping hospitably forward).
I bid thee welcome, friend Franklin. I hear thee is from Boston, and
come to search for work in Philadelphia. Will thee not sup here? We are
ev