NICK:

Come on, Dan. Let's go!

NAN:

Come on, Dan!

NAT:

Good jump

DAN:

Come on, Nan!

NAN:

Watch me!

NICK:

Atta girl! Come on, Nan.

DAN:

She'll hardly make a ripple.

NICK:

A big splash. Come on!

NAT:

That's called a cannon ball.

DAN:

It wasn't much.

EMIL:

Are you kidding?

TOMMY:

That was practically a tidal wave.

DAN:

Nick, you saw us. Who's is bigger?

NICK:

It's pretty tough to beat a cannon ball, Dan.

NAN:

Yes, I win!

NICK:

Now, hold on. Nat still has to jump. Come on, Nat!

EMIL:

He's so yellow. He won't he make a ripple.

NAN:

Come on, Nat!

EMIL:

You can't do it.

NAN:

Yes he can. Come on. You can do it, Nat.

NICK:

First time doin' somethin's always the hardest. I can tell by that look in your eyes, you're gonna lick this thing today.

NAT:

I am?

NICK:

You bet.

JACK:

Chicken! Ah, he won't jump.

NICK:

All you gotta do is take a deep breath, clench your teeth, and dive.

JACK:

He's a chicken.

EMIL:

A yellow-bellied chicken.

NICK:

Come on, Nat. Concentrate. Punch forward and push off.

JO:

[Walks up to Nat.] Nat, only jump if you want.

NICK:

He wants to. Right, Nat?

JO:

You can try again another day.

NICK:

No time like the present.

NAT:

[Beat.] Maybe I'll try again tomorrow. [He backs away from the edge of the bridge, then inwardly scolds himself for not having the courage to jump. He knows how it looks to the other kids.]

JACK:

Chicken!

DAN:

Aw, come on, Nat!

NICK:

[To Jo.] He was just about to do it.

JO:

There's no need to pressure him, Nick. He'll do it when he's ready.

MARCUS:

[To Dan.] Careful. I just put on another coat.

DAN:

What does that make now? Twelve?

MARCUS:

I don't want it to chip.

NICK:

Of course not. You're a craftsman. [Hands Marcus part of his train.]

MARCUS:

Thanks, Nick. You fixed it.

NICK:

No problem.

DAN:

He's been working on this thing for weeks.

MARCUS:

Mrs. Jo, when I'm finished, would you display it in the parlour?

JO:

I think that would be lovely, Marcus.

NICK:

[Marcus coughs.] Are you all right?

JO:

[Checks Marcus.] He looks flush.

ASIA:

Who's that hacking?

JO:

It's Marcus. He's warm.

ASIA:

Let me see. [Examines Marcus.] Uh, oh.

JO:

What?

ASIA:

He's got it all right.

JO:

He's got what, Asia?

ASIA:

The measles.

JO:

The measles?

ASIA:

[To Marcus.] You must have brought it back with you from Boston.

DAN:

Yeah, you'll feel real sick and start to itch like you've never itched before. I've already had it.

ASIA:

Anybody else ever have the measles before?

NICK:

Nope.

NAT:

No.

JO:

No.

ASIA:

Well, then get ready, Mrs. Jo, because these measles are gonna sweep through here faster than a bunch of locusts.

DR. P.:

Open wide. Let's have a look inside. [Marcus opens his mouth.] Ah, yes. Most definitely measles.

ASIA:

I told you.

DR. P.:

You see the tiny white spots there on the lining of his cheek…

NAN:

[Stepping into the room.] Let me see.

JO:

Nan, stay out.

DR. P.:

You're right, Mrs. Bhaer, but the disease is most contagious before the rash appears. I suspect that she and the rest of the children - well, all of you, in fact - have already been exposed. Now extended treatment: plenty of rest, lots of fluid, and medicine reducing his fever -

ASIA:

Catnip tea'll do the trick.

DR. P.:

Well, yes, it has been effective. Keep the curtains drawn if his eyes get sore, and, let me see… [Pulls a bottle from his medical bag.] Yes, this salve should relieve the itching.

JO:

So what are you saying, doctor?

DR. P.:

Well, unless you've had the disease before -

DAN:

Yeah, that's me.

DR. P.:

Or you've developed some kind of natural immunity over the years -

DAN:

That's me.

DR. P.:

Or you're just plain lucky.

NAN:

That's me!

DR. P.:

Then I guess you may undoubtedly come down with it.

JO:

My son and some of the other boys, they don't share a room with Marcus.

DR. P.:

That doesn't matter. You all live in such close proximity here.

JO:

Still, they haven't shown any signs or symptoms. Maybe I should send the other ones home.

DR. P.:

No, Mrs. Bhaer, you don't understand. They can't leave. No one can. And from now on, no one can come in either, not until the disease has run its course.

JO:

That sounds like a quarantine.

DR. P.:

Precisely. If left unchecked, measles can reach epidemic proportions.

NAT:

What’s a quarantine?

NICK:

It means we gotta stay locked up here.

NAN:

For how long?

DR. P.:

Well, I'd say about two weeks. Now, Mrs. Bhaer… [Pulls Jo aside.] In most cases, one may only experience fever, fatigue, some coughing and sneezing and horrible discomfort; however, I must tell you that measles can be extremely dangerous. Pneumonia can set in, inflammation of the brain… Now, I'm not saying that it's going to happen here. Those cases are far less common. In all likelihood, you'll weather this strain without complications. I simply want you to be aware.

JO:

Thank you. [Dr. Pierce prepares to leave.] Dr. Pierce, is there nothing else we can do?

DR. P.:

Just wait, Mrs. Bhaer. Try not to worry. I'll check in on you often.

JO:

There you are. You should be in the guest room resting.

MARCUS:

I just came for my train. A little more paint and then it'll be done.

JO:

It's going to be a beautiful train. It already is.

MARCUS:

Thanks.

JO:

How are you feeling?

MARCUS:

All right, I guess. The rash, it's on my hands and arms now.

JO:

Well, it's bound to spread all over, I'm afraid. Does it itch?

MARCUS:

A lot.

JO:

All right. Well, we'll try some of that salve Dr. Pierce left us. Marcus, I've gotten word to your parents. They send their love. They're so sorry that they can't be with you through this.

MARCUS:

Thanks, Mrs. Jo. Tell them not to worry. I've got you to take care of me.

JO:

That's right. That's what I'm going to do the whole time, anything you need, but right now, back to bed.

JO:

Meg will be our lifeline to the outside world. She said to make a list of anything else we need.

NAN:

[Examines an odd vegetable.] What's this?

ASIA:

Parsnips for my soup, which reminds me, tell Nick we need two chickens. Have you folded those sheets already?

TOMMY:

Sure did.

ASIA:

Good, now pin the wet ones up. [Tommy exits with Nat.]

JO:

Meg's informed all the parents. We've plenty of food and supplies. Wood, we need plenty of wood.

JACK:

Nick's already stocking the pile.

ASIA:

You heard Mrs. Jo. Now tell him we're fightin' the measles here. Now go on.

EMIL:

Yes, ma'am. [Exits with Jack.]

ASIA:

What would you do without me.

JO:

I don't even want to think about it.

JO:

Nan, did you bring up those was cloths?

NAN:

Yes, ma'am. They're in the cabinet.

JO:

We're going to need plenty of cold compresses. What are you reading?

NAN:

Medical books. I found them downstairs in the parlour.

JO:

Those were my husband's. He was interested in so many different subjects.

NAN:

Is it all right I look at them? I've been real careful, Mrs. Jo.

JO:

Of course it is, Nan. You can help yourself to those books anytime you want.

NAN:

Thanks. I want to know as much as I can about measles, that way we'll be prepared for anything.

JO:

We can have our own resident expert.

NAN:

"Ru-be-o-la" it's called. Officially, I mean.

JO:

Rubeola. I think I prefer "the measles".

NAN:

Yeah, it doesn't sound as scary. Listen to this: "People experimented with a variety of homemade remedies to help relieve symptoms." Some use plants even.

JO:

That's interesting. What else does it say?

NAN:

Well… [Beat.] People can die from measles?

JO:

Yes, that's true in extreme cases when complications set in, but Dr. Pierce has assured me that we should all weather this strain without much discomfort. We'll cough, we'll sneeze, we'll itch. Then we'll be fine.

JO:

You should be resting.

MARCUS:

I've gotta finish, Mrs. Jo. Besides, it keeps my mind off the itching.

JO:

The salve isn't helping?

MARCUS:

I guess a little.

JO:

Here. Drink some tea.

MARCUS:

I've got tea coming out of my ears.

JO:

It helps keep the fever down.

ROB:

[Enters.] Did you do the caboose yet?

JO:

Rob!

MARCUS:

Of course I didn't do the caboose yet. You promised to help me with it, didn't you?

ROB:

Nick said you've gotta find just the right colour of red.

JO:

[Tousles Rob's hair.] I guess it doesn't matter if you're in here.

DAN:

We're trapped in here. Being quarantined is like being in prison.

JACK:

Yeah, I mean, think about it. We can't go out hiking or riding into town or go swimming.

DAN:

We're just sittin' here for ages just waitin' to get sick.

EMIL:

Chicken there's the first one to go. [Referring to Nat.]

JACK:

Yeah, you might as well put a sign on your head: "Measles, come and get me!"

DAN:

Lay off him.

EMIL:

You gotta admit, he's always getting sick.

DAN:

Yeah, well, he ain't getting sick this time.

NAT:

You can't just decide, Dan.

EMIL:

I can. I've made up my mind. No measles for me.

JACK:

I'm not getting them either.

JACK:

Have you finished reading "Pilgrim's Progress" yet?

EMIL:

I'm not finished yet.

JACK:

You know, the report's due tomorrow.

EMIL:

It is?

JACK:

Oh, yeah.

NAN:

[To Franz.] Are you all right?

FRANZ:

Yeah, I'm fine.

NAN:

You look really flushed.

FRANZ:

Not at all, I was just up late preparing lessons.

DAN:

You got the measles, don't you, Franz?

FRANZ:

[To the students.] Class… is cancelled today. [The children scatter, except for Tommy and Stuffy.] You, too?

DAN:

Hey, come on, I'll race ya!

NICK:

[To Nat.] Short day.

NAT:

Yeah, Franz is sick.

NICK:

Are you all right, Nat?

NAT:

So far, but I'm next.

NICK:

You don't know that.

NAT:

I always get sick. You know what? They're probably right. I'm a chicken.

NICK:

You shouldn't listen so much to the other boys. You're tougher than you think.

NAT:

No, I'm not. I didn't jump. Remember?

NICK:

You'll jump when you're ready.

JO:

There's no reason to stay separate and alone anymore.

TOMMY:

Yeah, Marcus. We can suffer together.

NAN:

[Looking at Marcus's temperature.] Two hundred and one?

JO:

A hundred and two. It's warm, but under boiling.

MARCUS:

When's my cough going to go away?

JO:

You're wheezing. Does your chest feel tight?

MARCUS:

A little.

JO:

Okay, we'll get word to Dr. Pierce. We'll get him to prescribe something to you.

TOMMY:

Yeah, and tell him to get better stuff for this itching, too.

JO:

Asia, that soup smells delicious.

ASIA:

I'm makin' it a little more spicy. It helps clear the sinuses.

JO:

Are you feeling all right?

ASIA:

Of course I am.

JO:

Asia…

ASIA:

I thought the measles couldn't get me.

JO:

I'm so sorry.

ASIA:

No, I'm sorry, Mrs. Jo. I just don't know how you're gonna do all this by yourself.

JO:

Well, I'm not by myself. The children are here, and Nick will help. And you need to go on and rest and not worry.

ASIA:

I've got to finish my soup -

JO:

I'll finish the soup. Now, go and rest.

ASIA:

You'll just add too much salt.

JO:

No, I'll restrain myself. Go on.

ASIA:

And keep your hands off my pepper mill, too. Okay?

JO:

I'll check on you in a bit.

JO:

Nick.

NICK:

Asia said she ran out.

JO:

Well, Asia's just come down with the measles.

NICK:

I thought she said she was immune.

JO:

Apparently there's a crack in her armour.

NICK:

Sorry to hear that.

JO:

That makes nine now. I'm afraid it's just the beginning.

NICK:

Let's hope it's over real quick.

JO:

You know, I know that the boys upstairs would love to see you, especially Marcus.

NICK:

Uh…

JO:

Perhaps you could spend some time with them, help keep their spirits up.

NICK:

Sure, yeah. Look, I gotta lot of work to get done. It's gonna be dark soon.

JO:

Of course. [Nick leaves.]

MEG:

How's Marcus this morning?

JO:

His fever's still high, Meg, and he's very congested. Dr. Pierce says he has pneumonia.

MEG:

He promised to stop by tomorrow. In the meantime, he's prescribed laudanum. It's on the top there. It should relieve Marcus's airwaves, relax his breathing. I wish I could come in.

JO:

I wish you could, too. But the last thing we need is for you to become sick, or for you to bring it home to the twins.

NAT:

Asia?

ASIA:

Don't tell me you've been messin' in my kitchen.

NAT:

You gotta eat, too, don't you?

ASIA:

I guess I could do with a little something. What do you got here?

NAT:

Tea, toast, and there's that marmalade you like, and scrambled eggs.

ASIA:

[Lifts her fork from the runny eggs.] Ain't that sweet. And tea? [Tastes of the tea.] Nat, you did strain the tea, now?

NAT:

Strained?

ASIA:

That's okay. I like my tea chewy.

NAT:

Is the toast how you like it?

ASIA:

[Bites into the hard-as-rock black toast.] Perfect.

JACK:

So, how can a bunch of weeds stop folks from itching?

NAN:

They're plants and herbs, Jack, and they work, according to these books. There. That's a goldenseal. It's got pointed leaves and a thick yellow stalk.

JACK:

Is this supposed to be a plant?

NAN:

[To Emil.] And you, that's a burdock. It's got purple flowers. I need the root.

EMIL:

The root? I'm not diggin' around in the dirt for this stuff.

JACK:

You better. You're gonna start scratchin' pretty soon.

EMIL:

No, scratching's gonna be your specialty.

NAN:

I have patients waiting. [Beat.] Well, move!

JO:

Okay, Rob. Let's see. Open. [He opens his mouth.] You've got it. [Jo checks his neck.] Let's see back here, and over here. Just like Marcus.

JO:

Time for your medicine.

NAT:

It makes him real sleepy.

JO:

Yes, it does. [Gives Marcus a spoonful of laudanum.] Can I get you anything?

MARCUS:

Train.

JO:

You want to paint your train?

MARCUS:

The engine. I just want to hold it.

DAN:

[Hands the engine to Marcus.] You better get well quick. That thing needs another coat.

EMIL:

Is it supposed to turn green like that?

NAN:

It's even more without the dirt. [?]

JACK:

What difference does it make?

JO:

Nan, I appreciate your trying, but that odour.

NAN:

The stronger it smells, the better it works.

JACK:

It'll work all right. On an elephant.

EMIL:

It's awful, Nan. Who's gonna let you put this stuff on them?

NAN:

Hold still, Tommy. It'll stop the itching.

JACK:

Ew, that's really drippin' right off him.

NAN:

I've gotta make the next batch thicker. I have to figure out how. There. How do you feel?

TOMMY:

Wet.

NAN:

Besides that.

TOMMY:

Sticky.

NAN:

Are you still itchy?

TOMMY:

Uh-huh. [Starts to scratch.]

FRANZ:

I made this batch myself with extra honey. Careful now, it's hot.

JO:

[Enters.] Franz, what are you doing?

FRANZ:

I'm fine, Aunt Jo.

JO:

You have the measles, Franz.

FRANZ:

A mild case.

JO:

A mild case that will not get better as long as you are running around out of bed.

FRANZ:

I'm not running around. I'm just trying to help out.

JO:

Well, you can help out as soon as you get well.

FRANZ:

Aunt Jo, so many of the boys are ill. Asia, now Rob. It's too much for one person.

JO:

I'm not alone. The healthy children have been wonderful. We have everything under control.

FRANZ:

You have such spirit and strength. These past few months, with all you've been through, I just want to do what I can to help you.

JO:

I know, Franz. I appreciate your concern, but you're sick, and if you don't get back in bed, you'll only worry me more. And that will not help me at all. [Franz exits. Jo goes to Stuffy's bedside.] How are you feelings?

NICK:

More already? I can hardly keep up with you, Nat.

NAT:

Yeah, well folks are getting chilled, right? [Beat.] Nick? I heard Mrs. Jo and Asia talking about Marcus having pneumonia. That's really bad, isn't it?

NICK:

It can be.

NAT:

I hear folks can die from it, right? [Beat.] Do you know anyone that died from it?

NICK:

Yeah.

NAT:

I was thinking maybe you can go upstairs and help Marcus with his train later. He's holding it real close.

NICK:

Nat, I've got a ton of work to do out here. Don't forget all these chores aren't getting done because you boys are sick, so you tell Marcus I'm thinkin' of him, and I'll be in when I can.

NAT:

Sure.

JO:

He's burning up. Get some cold compresses. Hurry! [Nan runs out to get the compresses.] I've got to get Dr. Pierce.

JO:

Nick! Nick!

NAT:

Mrs. Jo, he just went into the forest to get some more wood.

JO:

Dr. Pierce! Dr. Pierce! Stay back. I may be carrying the measles.

HENDERSON:

Mrs. Bhaer, you're under quarantine.

DR. P.:

Mrs. Bhaer, what are you doing here?

JO:

It's Marcus.

DR. P.:

His pulse is very weak. We have to get his fever down. Now!

JO:

[Frantically.] It's okay, Marcus. Let's get your gown off. Up you go. Come on, Marcus, stay up. Come on, Marcus.

DR. P.:

[Feeling for Marcus's pulse.] Mrs. Bhaer…

JO:

Come on.

DR. P.:

It's too late, Mrs. Bhaer.

JO:

Come on, baby.

DR. P.:

We've lost him. He's gone.

JO:

Marcus's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carter…

DR. P.:

I know the family. I'll speak with them.

JO:

If only I came sooner. We might have brought his fever down. We might have -

DR. P.:

Mrs. Bhaer, you did all that you could. You treated Marcus well, but once pneumonia sets in, I'm afraid the fever and infection overwhelm the patient very quickly. Clearly, this is a particularly strong strain of the measles. You must be especially vigilant in treating it now.

JO:

I will.

DR. P.:

You must be terribly tired. It's a wonder you haven't fallen ill yourself, but if you do catch the measles now in your present weakened condition…

JO:

I won't.

DR. P.:

You need to rest, Mrs. Bhaer.

JO:

I'm all right.

DR. P.:

Now, more than ever, everyone who's healthy needs to help here.

NAT:

Mrs. Jo! There are people at the gate.

MEG:

Jo…

JO:

Meg, what's going on? Sheriff Webster?

SHERIFF:

I'm sorry, Mrs. Bhaer, for your troubles here, ma'am, but I understand you came into town today.

JO:

I had no choice.

SHERIFF:

You are under quarantine.

JO:

A boy was sick.

HENDERSON:

And that's why you keep 'em out here. You can't bring a disease like that into town.

JO:

I'm afraid you don't understand. One of the boys had pneumonia.

MEG:

Had?

JO:

Marcus Carter… died today.

MEG:

Oh, Jo!

HENDERSON:

A boy died from it. We've got to post a guard out here, keep our children safe.

JACK:

I don’t believe it. I can't believe he's gone.

JO:

Marcus was a wonderful boy, and we'll all remember him for his kind and gentle manner, the way he took such care of everything that he did. I know you're scared. Those of you who are ill are especially scared. [Rob coughs.] Rob…

ROB:

My chest feels funny.

JO:

Oh, sweetheart, let's get you back in bed. I've got some medicine that will help your breathing.

ROB:

It didn't help Marcus.

JO:

You're going to get well. You all are. I promise.

NICK:

It's all right, Nat. You've been workin' real hard.

NAT:

Yeah, well, there's a lot to do.

NICK:

How are things goin' inside?

NAT:

Fine.

NICK:

How's Rob?

NAT:

Why don't you go and see for yourself?

NICK:

I will. Soon.

NAT:

Sure, you will.

NICK:

Nat, wait a minute.

NAT:

Nick, if you're so scared, just say so. Don't make excuses.

NICK:

Nat, I lost my parents in an influenza epidemic, my kid sister, too. I guess, seein' everyone so sick and then Marcus… It brings back memories.

NAT:

Yeah, I lost my family, too.

NICK:

I guess it's easier just to not get too close.

NAT:

But, you see, that's why I'm getting close because I already lost one family, and I wanna make sure I don't lose this one too.

DAN:

How's Rob's fever, Mrs. Jo?

JO:

It's cool now, Dan. Thank you.

DAN:

He's gonna be fine. Mrs. Jo, you need your rest.

JO:

Not quite yet, Dan. Not just yet.

DAN:

I can see the rash, Mrs. Jo. You're sick.

JO:

I just need to get some fresh air. That's all. I'm going to go get the sheets off the line.

DAN:

I'll do it.

JO:

No, Dan, please. I need you to stay with Rob right now, okay? Just stay with Rob. I'm going to be fine.

NAT:

Mrs. Jo!

NAN:

Mrs. Jo, wake up.

DAN:

Mrs. Jo?

NAT:

Nick, is she gonna be all right?

NICK:

Yeah. [Nick lifts Jo into his arms and carries her back towards the house. Looking at Jo.] I've got ya.

NICK:

Easy now, Jo.

JO:

Where's Rob?

NICK:

Dan's with him. His fever's down.

NAN:

Rob's fine now, Mrs. Jo.

JO:

If anything happens to me…

NICK:

Nothing's gonna happen to ya. You're gonna be fine.

NAT:

[Enters with an empty bottle.] Nick, it's empty.

NICK:

What?

NAT:

There's no more laudanum. Mrs. Jo must've gave Rob the last dose.

JACK:

What can we do now?

TOMMY:

What are we gonna do?

NICK:

Get some.

HENDERSON:

Now, hold it right there. Not too close.

NICK:

The lady of the house is sick.

HENDERSON:

You're all sick.

NICK:

She's got trouble breathing. You've gotta get to Dr. Pierce. Tell him we've run out of laudanum.

HENDERSON:

We can't leave our posts.

NICK:

No one's breaking quarantine. One of you has got to -

HENDERSON:

Hey, I don't wish the lady any harm, but the Dr. Pierce says nothing can be done. This thing just has to run its course. Now, you can forget about running through that forest. I've got men posted all over.

NAT:

Nick, what happened?

NICK:

The damned fools are so scared they won't leave their post. We've gotta get that laudanum ourselves. It's gonna take an army to get around all these guards around here.

NAT:

Or a kid. [Runs off toward the front gate.]

DAN:

What's he doin'?

NICK:

I don't know.

MAN:

What are you doin'? Get back here now!

NAN:

Franz, what are you doing? You should be in bed.

FRANZ:

I'm feeling better. How is she?

EMIL:

Not good.

DAN:

Nick got out. He's run for the doctor's.

NAN:

Did you hear that, Mrs. Jo? Everything's gonna be okay.

EMIL:

How did Nick get out?

DAN:

Nat tricked the guard.

JACK:

Good goin', Nat.

DAN:

You should've seen him.

EMIL:

Hats off to you, Nat.

NAT:

What else can we do for her?

FRANZ:

Pray.

NICK:

What do you mean you've run out?

DR. P.:

I set Nina Chandler's leg this mornining, and Mr. Forbes' lumbago was acting up. I gave them all I had for their pain.

NICK:

People are dyin', Doc!

DR. P.:

Dr. Blanchard. He's got laudanum. He's in Bedford.

FRANZ:

Easy there, Rob. Easy. How are you feeling?

ROB:

Thirsty. [Franz hands Rob a glass of water.] Where's my mother?

FRANZ:

She's resting.

NICK:

Dr. Blanchard! It's an emergency.

DR. B.:

[Opens the door.] Who are you? What do you want?

NICK:

Nick Riley, sir. I need laudanum.

DR. B.:

I beg your pardon.

NICK:

I've come from Concord. Dr. Pierce, he's run out. My employer, Mrs. Jo Bhaer, is in desperate need with pneumonia.

DR. B.:

I can't hand out laudanum to some stranger in the street.

NICK:

Then ride back with me to Plumfield.

DR. B.:

Plumfield?

NICK:

It's a school.

DR. B.:

You're under quarantine! [Dr. Blanchard closes the door on Nick.]

NICK:

Dr. Blanchard, please! She's very sick.

DR. B.:

[From behind the door.] I'll have you arrested!

HENDERSON:

Well, here he comes.

MAN 2:

Where is he? There's no one on the horse.

NAT:

Nick! You made it.

NICK:

Thanks to you. [Giving a spoonful of laudanum to Jo.] Jo, laudanum. Good.

EMIL:

She's going to be better now, right?

NICK:

Yes, she will.

JO:

[Awakens.] Nick… Did I scare you?

NICK:

Yeah, you did.

JO:

I'm feeling better.

NICK:

I'm sorry I didn't help you before. I should've come in right off, but I lost my folks. Seein' everyone here get sick… It scared me.

JO:

You're here now.

NICK:

I'll let the kids know you're feeling all right.

JO:

Nick, thank you.

ASIA:

Well, today's the day.

JO:

Finally! Dr. Pierce said he'd be here by noon to make it official.

ASIA:

In the meantime, I want all this sick air out, and all these dishes clean.

NICK:

[Enters with the kids. They are carrying Marcus's train.] Jo?

JO:

It's so nice to see you all well again. What's wrong?

DAN:

Mrs. Jo? We… Well, Nick helped us and we went ahead and finished Marcus's train.

ROB:

Do you think he'll like it?

JACK:

We were all wondering if we could display it in the parlour, like Marcus wanted.

NAT:

If that's all right.

JO:

That would be fine with me.

NAT:

Let's go set it up.

DAN:

Come on. [The children head back to the parlour.]

DR. P.:

Congratulations, Plumfield. It is over. [To Nick.] I spoke to Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Riley, and under the circumstances he has agreed not to press charges, though he still intends to bill you for his door.

NICK:

I'll fix it myself.

DAN:

Hey, Nick. Can I see that? [Breaks the sign.] We're free!

JO:

How should we celebrate?

NICK:

All right, steady, Nat.

NAN:

Come on, Nat, let's go.

JO:

Come on, Nat.

NAT:

[Jumps.] I did it!

NAN:

Are you gonna get in, Mrs. Jo?

JO:

Not today.

NICK:

No time like the present.

NAT:

Come on, Mrs. Jo. The water's beautiful!