Think of that, Hood--“everything she could pick up.” PROFESSOR Young weeds, tender grass and the like. LIVINGSTON Young weeds--ah, yes, of course. Yet in spite of her diet, there is something quite impressive about dead things, isn’t there? PROFESSOR (_Eyeing it_) They have a dynamic power. LIVINGSTON Exactly. You see, Mr. Hood, a dead tree, that has in its time given shelter and substance, fights to be left standing. It resists the alien ax. Its roots go as deep as when they flowed with sap. They also fight to prevent themselves from being torn up. They don’t like to be disturbed--any more than this animal did in its cold clayey comfort. (_To_ PROFESSOR) You say it took seven years? PROFESSOR (_Not understanding_) Yes. We were afraid of hurting it if we were careless. LIVINGSTON You were right to be careful: one shouldn’t hurt the dead. What is its scientific significance? PROFESSOR Nothing but a further proof of the slow processes of evolution. LIVINGSTON (_With a smile_) I am a utilitarian. I see another significance. Possibly she was dug up, a thousand centuries after she died, just to give _you_ an occupation. PROFESSOR I can’t accept that as a working hypothesis. LIVINGSTON Just think, Hood. Several million years dead! There it stands for man to look upon! Possibly that was _why_ it existed, after all: for us _three_ to look upon. (_He glances pointedly at them._) Mr. Hood is thinking of introducing a bill in the Legislature to increase the wings of the Museum. PROFESSOR That’s very kind of him. We have many boxes still unpacked in the cellar for lack of room. But, unfortunately, this museum is under the control of the city, not the state. LIVINGSTON (_Smiling at_ HOOD) Indeed? BESS (_Rising impatiently_) It’s getting late. LARRY (_Re-entering_) I only counted sixty-three. PROFESSOR (_Emphatically_) But there are ninety-seven. LARRY All right. I won’t argue it. PROFESSOR If you’ll come with me, I’ll show you the Tyrannosaurus. They were carnivorous and the greatest fighters of them all. LARRY Say, this is a fine place to be showing a fellow who’s just back from France. BESS (_Sweetly_) Young man, I’d like to shake your hand. I see you have all sorts of lovely decorations. May I ask how you got them? LARRY (_Embarrassed_) Oh, I was careless and they pinned a rose on me by mistake. BESS You must be very proud of them? LARRY Sure I am. (_Looking at the_ BRONTOSAURUS.) But that lizard kinder takes the pride out of a fellow. BESS But _I_ admire bravery--whenever I see it. I’d like to hear about how you really got those decorations. LARRY Would you? (_The gong in the distance rings._) PROFESSOR (_In back_) If you want to see the Tyrannosaurus before we close.... LARRY Oh, all right. (_To others_) Gee, I’ll be glad to get out among the live ones. BESS (_Smiling at him_) So will I. LIVINGSTON (_Coldly_) You should have gone to the Follies, young man. LARRY