On the patio of the Stewarts' home the next morning. Philip is drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. Ellen comes onto the patio to join him.
Ellen:	Good morning. What a wonderful morning! Don't the flowers smell wonderful?
Philip:	Good morning, Ellen. Yes, they do. That's why I'm reading my paper and having my coffee on the patio this morning. [He takes a deep breath to smell the flowers.] Ah, it does smell sweet. How was your school-board meeting last night? You must've come home very late.
Ellen:	Did you find the sandwich I made for you?
Philip:	[He nods yes.] Thanks, dear. I was so tired I didn't even finish it.
Ellen:	Philip, I've been working on this special project with the school board, and I'd like your opinion about it.
Philip:	What is it?
Ellen:	I've been trying to find a way to encourage reading.
Philip:	[He laughs.] Good luck!
Ellen:	Well, I think I may have found a way to do it.
Philip:	Tell me about it. I work with families every day, Ellen. I see how people spend their leisure time—young and old.
Ellen:	Mostly watching television. Well, that would be OK if, and I repeat, if people took the time to read.
Philip:	I couldn't agree with you more.
Ellen:	The question is, how do we get them to read more?
Philip:	I think you're going to give me the answer to that question. You have that look in your eye.
Ellen:	I do have an answer, Philip. Or at least I think I do.
Philip:	Well, tell me about it.
Ellen:	The plan is a simple one. Involve the entire family in a reading project.
Philip:	In the home?
Ellen:	Yes, in the home. But first in the school-rooms.
Philip:	Hmm, interesting. But how do you plan to do that?
Ellen:	By arranging with the public schools to schedule one hour a week—to start with. During that time parents are invited to attend—and to read along with the children—their children.
Philip:	It can go beyond the school system, Ellen.
Ellen:	Really?
Philip:	I guarantee you it would go very well in the hospitals. My patients—mostly kids—would love to read and be read to.
Ellen:	You think so?
Philip:	I know so.
Ellen:	Maybe we can experiment with your patients and see how the plan works.
Philip:	I love the idea. Would you work with me on it?
Ellen:	I would love to, Philip. [She sits on his lap.]
Philip:	And that way, we'll spend more time together, Ellen. We just don't see each other anymore.
Ellen:	You and I are very busy these days. This is true. We need to find time to be together more, to do things together more—you and I. This would be a wonderful way to accomplish that.
Philip:	I have a question.
Ellen:	Yes?
Philip:	What do we read?
Ellen:	To the patients in the ward?
Philip:	Yes.
Ellen:	Well, let's you and I talk about it. What would you like to read to them? [They both think.]
In the hospital a few days later. Philip and Ellen are preparing to read a poem to some sick children in the ward.
Philip:	Mrs. Stewart and I will read a poem by Robert Frost.
Ellen:	It's called "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening".
Philip:	Would you begin, Ellen?
Ellen:	All right. "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost. [She reads the poem.] Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though: He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow.
Philip:	[He reads.] My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year.
Ellen:	He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sounds' the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake.
Ellen & Philip:	The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.
Grandpa:	[He enters the children's ward with Robbie.] You two belong on stage! That was wonderful!
Ellen:	Grandpa!
Philip:	Dad ... Robbie. When did you come?
Grandpa:	We've been listening to you both. These are lucky kids.
Robbie:	Do you enjoy reading together?
Philip:	Well, we may read together aloud at home.
Grandpa:	You were right, Robbie.
Robbie:	[He smiles.] I know.