_The two stand face to face for a moment. For Nathaniel it is the first moment of a new relationship. For Jonathan it is a moment of uncertainty.

He has heard himself called "Poor Jonathan" and he is facing another male relative._

_Jonathan looks first at Let.i.tia, then at Nathaniel and then at Let.i.tia._

LEt.i.tIA

Jonathan, this is your Uncle Nathaniel. Nathaniel, this is Emily's boy.

NATHANIEL (_Holds out his hand which Jonathan takes very shyly_)

Jonathan!

JONATHAN

How do you do, sir?

NATHANIEL

How tall you are!

JONATHAN (_quite conscious of his short trousers_)

Yes, sir.

NATHANIEL

I didn't take you away from any studies, did I?

JONATHAN

No, sir.... I was just writing something when Susan called me.

NATHANIEL

May I ask what you were writing?

JONATHAN

Yes, sir....

[_He swallows._

... A play.

NATHANIEL

A play! _Zen.o.bia_?

JONATHAN (_Looks quickly for some indication of laughter in Nathaniel's eyes_)

Yes, sir.

NATHANIEL

It's a tragedy, isn't it?

JONATHAN

Yes, sir.

NATHANIEL

In ten acts.

JONATHAN

There may be only eight.

NATHANIEL

Then I know who you are! (_Jonathan looks at him in surprise_) You are the celebrated dramatist, Alexander Jefferson, Sr.

JONATHAN

Did Aunt Let.i.tia tell you?

NATHANIEL

No, sir. I read it on the billboards. (_Jonathan laughs with a catch in his breath_) And I should like to attend a performance, Mr. Jefferson.

JONATHAN

It isn't finished yet.

NATHANIEL

Well, when am I to see this theatre?

LEt.i.tIA

Your Uncle Nathaniel and I shall come together.

JONATHAN

You've seen all the plays.

LEt.i.tIA

That doesn't make any difference. I'd like to see them again.