At each street bend Mister Joseph and Cathy are thrown from one side to another. After a couple of such bends Mister Joseph turns to Cathy.
MISTER JOSEPH
I hope that at least you remain unbroken. In that case please don't forget my memorial plaque. Though it will be difficult to determine precisely the place to put it.
CATHY
Don't worry, Mister Joseph. He seems a skillful driver.
MISTER JOSEPH
Missy, I rely rather on the shortness of runs than on the drivers' skill. — You see, dear young lady, if this gentleman were my client, I even wouldn't know what to do: to help him with all my heart, or to throw him out? Although so many years have passed since then, I remember that the same thing happened with the first mate on the steamship liner when I crossed the Atlantic...
CATHY
But you said...
She stops talking in order not to offend Mister Joseph.
The bus stops in the first bus stop. The door opens. Nobody gets in. The bus starts moving again.
MISTER JOSEPH
(yet offended)
I said, what?
CATHY
Never mind.
MISTER JOSEPH
You have nothing to say, still you interrupt me. Bad habit! Forgive me for speaking so bluntly.
CATHY
What was about the first mate?
MISTER JOSEPH
I just said that when I crossed the Atlantic Ocean, long time ago, in my youth, the first mate used to behave now like a gentleman, then like an ass. He had a damn craze...
The street no longer winds, but goes strait. The houses here are more close to one another; one can see shops intermittently, but they are all closed.
MISTER JOSEPH
...Imagine that he hated unfolded empty long chairs on the deck. Some one sufficed to leave, just for a few minutes, his chair to cast a glance over board, and on coming back he found his long chair folded back and leaned against... against... (Mister Joseph tries to remember the right word but he cannot.) ...You know, against the railing or something like that. But otherwise, when the first mate invited you to the lunch, he managed to do it in a very polite manner, so to speak. He used to pass between long chairs and speak to each one personally: "Sir, the lunch is ready." To the ladies — to some of them, of course — he even kissed the hands...
The bus stops again. A few passengers get in.
MISTER JOSEPH
So, that's what I was telling you, missy. In one's life one meets all kinds of people. I don't advise you to stay away from weird people, but I warn you that it wouldn't by easy clear to up things with them. Besides, after so many voyages you've had, I don't doubt you know yourself all these things very well.
CATHY
Weird people entertain me, Mister Joseph.
MISTER JOSEPH
(suspiciously)
Really? Do you have somebody particular in your mind?
CATHY
I don't have anybody particular in my mind. All weird people entertain me, that's all.
Mister Joseph gazes out the window.
MISTER JOSEPH
Take a look, the houses have become closer. What delights me the most is that there are many shops around here. Although, as you know, I only recently settled in your city, I suppose there are also big shops downtown. Though I remain to my old opinion that only in a small shop can you feel really good. — I'm looking out the window and what do I see? Closed shops, it's natural indeed on a feast eve. You'll probably not believe me, but a closed shop has always been worthy of regard to me. Maybe even more than an open one. If I became a merchant, dear missy, it was also, perhaps, because long time ago, in my childhood, if you can believe I ever had one, too, I used to wander along the streets late in the night and stop before shop windows. And sometimes I wondered: what could there possibly be behind pulled down blinds? — You know, in that time roller blinds were still in fashion.
CATHY
Yes, I know.
She takes Mister Joseph by the hand.
MISTER JOSEPH
Do you think that, judging by what one can see out the window, we are downtown now?
CATHY
We are close to it, Mister Joseph.
She leans, tired, against Mister Joseph's shoulder.
Here we are in the fairy-like lit downtown with its many streets adorned for the New Year feast. Mister Joseph interestedly stares out the window.
The bus stops at a bus stop, then starts moving again. But a few seconds later the traffic light turns red and the bus stops again in the crossroads. Next second, on the adjacent lane, right on the side where Mister Joseph sits, a small truck stops at the traffic light; it is loaded to the brim; the load is bound with a rope to prevent it from dropping. There one can see in the truck old worn pieces of furniture and other old worn objects: rolled up carpets, a refrigerator, a stove, a vacuum cleaner, etc.
Mister Joseph becomes suddenly excited at what he sees, all the more that on the top of all this heap of old lumber, on a couch, is an old man looking like a vagrant, who lies flat, his hands under his neck; he wears a thick home-knitted woolen sweater, out at the elbows, an undone muffler around his neck, one end of it carelessly thrown over his shoulder, a woolen cap on his head, with a tassel on its top. However, the old man doesn't seem to feel shy of his appearance. On the contrary, he seems to feel proud to show himself to the bus passengers' eyes. Because, here he is...
...Smiling. One could not say whether to Mister Joseph alone or to everyone in the bus.
MISTER JOSEPH
(turns amazed to Cathy)
Dear missy, pinch me to make me sure I'm not dreaming.
Cathy also looks out the window and sees the old man...
...Who, turning himself on one side, raises a bottle of beer, one cannot say whether to Mister Joseph and Cathy or to everyone in the bus, then thirstily drinks.
The traffic light turns green. The bus starts moving and, at the same time, the truck, faster, overtakes it and disappears in the traffic.
MISTER JOSEPH
He didn't give up his bad habit.
CATHY
What bad habit?
MISTER JOSEPH
That bottle... You saw it, didn't you? I could swear he swiped it somewhere.
CATHY
Who did, Mister Joseph?
MISTER JOSEPH
(pompously)
Well, dear young lady, the gentleman you just saw up on the truck... I think he was my cipher-brother.
With joy, Cathy claps her palms.
MISTER JOSEPH
Don't be so happy, missy, I'm not very sure. — Besides, I don't see any reason for your being happy! You know what he did to me! I ask myself, what did he spend the money he has stolen from me if he has now come to the position he has to use that miserable furniture that I hope you noticed, too. I wouldn't accept something like that even for anything. While he, you just saw him, rode on his high horse! In sight of everybody!
CATHY
But, Mister Joseph...
MISTER JOSEPH
(angrily)
But, what? — I can't believe you're trying to take his side after all he did to me! After he denied giving me a hand in mending the shop, till it came to look wretched, as you know very well it did...
CATHY
I just wanted...
MISTER JOSEPH
(in an exaggerated anger)
Keep silent! I don't want to hear a single more word, young lady! I could have had a peaceful life with the money I managed to put aside...
Mister Joseph and Cathy begin to draw the passengers' interest.
MISTER JOSEPH
...But he, the thief, chose to run with it, moreover to waste it for all kinds of trifles and, as I hope you could sure yourself, he kept his bad habits! Drinking beer lying down on a miserable couch in a truck! — Having the mind to move out right on a New Year's Eve! Nobody but my cipher-brother Stanley could do that! Perhaps it wasn't him, I admit that. Though he looked damn like him. But that only he could do!
In the bus, the passengers began to have fun on account of the two.
MISTER JOSEPH
(remembering that Cathy wanted to say something)
Hem! — Yes? — You wanted to tell me anything, dear young lady?
CATHY
I wanted to tell you we have to get down! Hurry, Mister Joseph! Hurry up!
MISTER JOSEPH
Dear me! You're telling me that only now?
In a hurry Mister Joseph and Cathy make their way through the passengers to the bus door.
CATHY
I was trying to tell you!
MISTER JOSEPH
Sure! Hurry again! It doesn't suffice that I have been in a hurry all my life long!
The door opens and they both get down; Cathy holds the bottle of beer.
MISTER JOSEPH
...And where did I get to after all? Haste is of use but when aiming at a precise target in one's life, mind you. Otherwise it brings nothing but troubles, please believe my word.
Mister Joseph looks around. High buildings, lit windows, the street almost empty, music coming from one of the windows upstairs.
CATHY
Does the area seem familiar to you?
Mister Joseph looks around again while they walk along the street: no, the place doesn't seem familiar to him.
MISTER JOSEPH
I'm sorry, missy, but in my business trips I found so many places that I can't remember all of them. In this beautiful city I can tell you I know but your house and my little house, simple I'd say, but which I hastened to buy with my little money left, in order to be next to you, dear young lady.
CATHY
But we are quite near to my house, Mister Joseph.
MISTER JOSEPH
Could be, I cannot be sure. I'm ready to follow you, dear lady. When I'm with you, I don't have to worry.
Cathy laughs with her whole heart and turns the corner to a narrow street which goes down. On the slippy sidewalk Mister Joseph can hardly stand.
Mister Joseph and Cathy have already covered a portion of the path. Mister Joseph tries hard to avoid falling. Cathy tries to prop him, but Mister Joseph refuses her help.
MISTER JOSEPH
At least you try to keep standing. You don't even figure how much I want to keep that bottle safe to the end.
CATHY
Even if I wanted to, I couldn't break it any more. 'Cause, here we are at home.
In the next moment Cathy slips and falls by a gate: it's precisely the gate which opens to the courtyard in front of the house where she lives. Mister Joseph is very frightened and presses his hand against his heart.
MISTER JOSEPH
Dear me, young lady! Are you OK?
CATHY
I'm OK.
MISTER JOSEPH
And the bottle?
CATHY
It's OK, too, Mister Joseph.
Cathy deftly rises.
Mister Joseph and Cathy get in the courtyard.
MISTER JOSEPH
What a bad habit you have, dear lady. You endlessly play with my health. You forget I'm a person a little bit aged, so to speak, and I have to avoid strong emotions.
Cathy stops and makes a nostalgic look at the cellar door, which remained open.
MISTER JOSEPH
Now what did you stop for? Don't you think we have born enough cold?
CATHY
What about closing that door before getting in?
MISTER JOSEPH
Oh, stop bothering me with your doors, indeed! Do you think I have a mind for doors now? I'm head over ears, and you catch up at trifles! Forgive me for speaking so bluntly.
Quickly Cathy climbs the main entrance stairs and waits for Mister Joseph to catch her up. Then she opens the door and they both go into the house.
MISTER JOSEPH
I would like to know how would you cope now.
CATHY
What do you mean?
MISTER JOSEPH
(points with his head at Cathy's looking)
You know very well what I mean.
The entrance hall. Through the open door of the guestroom they can hear the guests' voices and laughter with a music background.
MISTER JOSEPH
Yet it's strange, dear young lady. — Please believe me it's for the first time in my life when I feel I could give up my... You know... I mean my pills against strong emotions.
CATHY
You are not in any more danger of slipping here, Mister Joseph. Would you hold this bottle for a second, please? (Mister Joseph takes the bottle.) Thank you.
Cathy takes off her jacket and hangs it on the peg. Then enters the kitchen.
GEORGE
At last! (Noticing what Cathy looks like.) My goodness! Are you all right? Was it such a great adventure to get down to the cellar?
CATHY
It was, pretty much...
GEORGE
Didn't you take the flashlight along?
CATHY
Yes, I did.
GEORGE
And where is it? (Cathy shrugs.) And the bottle? Did you fetch me the bottle of beer?
Mister Joseph emerges in the doorframe and shows the bottle raised high.
MISTER JOSEPH
I think this is what you are interested in, George.
GEORGE
Oh! What a surprise! Good evening, Joseph. I'm glad to see you in good health! Lately you have avoided us pretty much.
MISTER JOSEPH
Well... you know. Business affairs, George.
GEORGE
(takes the bottle that Mister Joseph hands him)
You still do... (Ironically.) ...business affairs, Joseph? Isn't it time for you to rest a little?
MISTER JOSEPH
I tried, George. But please believe me trading catches you forever. You simply can't give it up. You don't have the right to give it up!
GEORGE
Whatever. I hope you know what you say.
He starts on noticing the unfamiliar label on the bottle.
GEORGE
Take a look! What's this?
MISTER JOSEPH
First class merchandise, George. Trust me. Ten dollars for you!
Utterly appreciating the joke, Cathy cheerfully claps her palms.
GEORGE
Ten dollars!
Margaret gets in the kitchen.
MARGARET
Joseph's never-failing jokes! (She notices, too, what Cathy looks like.) Jesus, Cathy! Your beautiful dress! You have destroyed it! Look at you!
MISTER JOSEPH
First of all, Margaret, allow me to tell you how glad I am to see you again. Though I know you would have some reasons to be reticent, so to speak, in respect.
GEORGE
Let's not stir up the past.
He removes the bottle cap and pours in two glasses.
GEORGE
Margaret... and Joseph... In a couple of minutes it's New Year, for goodness sake.
He stretches a glass to Mister Joseph.
GEORGE
Joseph, I hope you won't refuse to drink a glass of beer with me.
MISTER JOSEPH
(taking the glass)
I never denied a beer, George.
GEORGE
By the way, Joseph, where did you get this bottle. 'Cause I don't remember to have this brand in my house.
MISTER JOSEPH
Your curiosity is worth praising, George. I'm interested, too, in all kinds of things. Among others, I'm interested in the latest theory about the origin of oil. But, you see, there isn't a pleasant answer to all questions.
Mister Joseph and George touch the glasses and drink: "Cheerio." — "Cheerio."
GEORGE
Huh! Excellent beer, George. — Margaret, when you go shopping next time, look around, maybe you'll find this brand.
MARGARET
Speaking of questions without answers, Joseph. I would like to know why my daughter looks so ragged. You, too, of course. But I suppose you have no answer for this question, either.
MISTER JOSEPH
As usual, you're right, Margaret.
MARGARET
(turns to Cathy)
And the flashlight?
Margaret turns to Mister Joseph.
MARGARET
This, too, belongs to the same kind of questions without answer?
MISTER JOSEPH
You should admit, Margaret, that unfortunately, it's a very wide kind in this wide world.
MARGARET
I don't see why you say "unfortunately" when I'm sure it would better suit you more to say "fortunately."
Man Guest 1 appears in the kitchen doorframe bringing with him the festal air of the guestroom.
MAN GUEST 1
Hey! What's going on here? (He sees Mister Joseph and cheerfully starts.) Joseph! What a pleasure! Hale and hearty, as usual!
He turns to the hallway and shouts to the guestroom.
MAN GUEST 1
Hey! Come on everybody! Our friend Joseph is here!
The guests crowd to the kitchen door, some of them get inside assailing Mister Joseph, shaking his hand, tapping him on the shoulder: "Hey, Joseph, I haven't seen you for years!" — "Business affairs first!" — "What business affairs? Still Jonathan apples?" — "I don't know a more blessed kind."
They all leave the kitchen — except George, Margaret and Cathy — and their cheerful voices can be heard while they cross the hallway to the guestroom.
"All kinds of vitamins, that's why you've remained young, Joseph!" — "Not only, a moderate life!" — "A moderate life, you!" Etc., etc.
In the kitchen.
MARGARET
(to George)
I didn't know he's so popular.
GEORGE
As Joseph says: many questions have no answers.
They both leave the kitchen following the guests. Cathy remains alone.
The bottle of beer is on the table with a little beer left at the bottom, surrounded by all kinds and colors of dainties — slices of bread and liver pie garnished with small slices of cucumber and red bell pepper, garden lettuce leaves rounding the tray with a nice brown turkey, bowls with caviar, red herring, etc., etc.
Cathy stares at the bottle of beer and, while cheerfulness in the guestroom rises in crescendo, smiles at her memories.
The cooking oven ventilation hood begins to exhale a black (locomotive) smoke cloud that overruns the table with the dishes.
The moment of passing to the New Year has come; Cathy can hear the distant guest chorus counting the seconds: seven, six, five, four, three, two, one... And a cheerful burst, while she can also hear, coming from a distance, two whistles, the first short and the second long, released by the small locomotive from the old times.
The sounds of a moving train. The bottle of beer shakes on the table. The shaking grows stronger, while red apples roll across the kitchen floor. Cathy bends down and picks up one of them. She stares at it with love and then presses it against her cheek while smiling at the memories.
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