DANIEL. What is the use of idling through life, frittering away your youth, I repeat, frittering away your youth, when you might be working to achieve some great and noble end? (OLIVER _embarrassed_) You, Oliver, you might in time be a great inventor, and know all about the insides of the most complicated machines. You, Evangeline (EVANGELINE _rises, poses by fireplace, one hand on mantel._ JOYCE _laughs--she pulls her hair_), might develop into a great poetess; your mother tells me that you already write verses about the moonlight. They all start like that, only unfortunately some of them stay like it. (_She sits again._) You, Bobbie, you are artistic, too, you might without undue strain become a world famed composer, artist, actor. (BOBBIE _rises, moves down_ L., _posing as actor._) Sylvia, for you I foresee a marvellous career as a decorative designer. You already arrange flowers and jumble sales--and last, but not by any means least, little Joyce (JOYCE _hangs her head, polishes her nails_), now on the very threshold of life. What are you going to do with yourself? Sit at home and wait for a nice husband with mediocre prospects and perhaps an over-developed Adam's apple? Never, never! You too must rise and go forth--the world is calling to you. Do what you will. I can't think of a career for you at the moment, but no matter. I only want to impress upon you all the necessity of making good at something--make good, make good, make good! And the one I consider has done best for himself and the family name, to him--or her--I will bequeath every penny I possess. (_Goes up four stairs._) OLIVER } (_rising and all talking at once_). But look here---- EVANGELINE.} Uncle dear, of course---- BOBBIE. } How in Heaven's name are we to---- SYLVIA. } Really I don't quite see---- JOYCE. } It's going to be very difficult---- (_All looking towards_ DANIEL, _the positions are now as follows:_ --DANIEL, _up four stairs._ MRS. DERMOTT _extreme_ R. SYLVIA _up_ R.C. OLIVER _down_ R.C. EVANGELINE _down_ C. JOYCE _up_ L.C.. BOBBIE _down_ L.) DANIEL (_holding up his hand._) Please--couldn't you possibly speak one at a time? Sylvia? (_Motions to her._) SYLVIA (_stepping forward_). What we want to know, uncle, is how on earth are we to start? (_They all nod._) DANIEL (_smiling benignly, arms outstretched_). I'll leave it to you! _All turn to audience open-mouthed as the_ CURTAIN _descends._ ACT II.