Inspiration East

Revised Scene 2 The Sowerberry Funeral Home

Mr. Sowerberry: Mrs. Sowerberry, would you please have the goodness to come here?

Mrs. Sowerberry: Yes, what is it? Dear, dear, what have we got here? All skin and bones, I dare say! (examines Oliver, turning him around)

Mr. Sowerberry: Mrs. Sowerberry, I do believe that once the boy is fed and gets his rest, he'll look much better in a few days. The thing is, Mr. Bumble and I have struck an agreement to buy this workhouse to help with the shop and the children's funerals. Give him some time, and he'll fit in perfectly.

Mrs. Sowerberry: Oh, he'll fit in perfectly, on our vitals and on our drink! These workhouse brats are always more trouble than they're worth!

Mr. Sowerberry: Nonetheless, Oliver, Mrs. Sowerberry and I are very glad to have you join our family. Hopefully, by now, Noah has explained to you in detail what your job will be. Are there any questions?

Oliver: No, Sir.

Mrs. Sowerberry: Charlotte, get this workhouse boy something to drink and leftover scraps left out for the dog, before he keels right over.

Charlotte: Yes, m'am. There, take these scraps and eat quickly so Noah can show you where you can sleep. Better not cause any trouble, hear?

Oliver: Yes, Miss. Thank you, Miss. (gobbles down the food with great haste)

Charlotte: Oh, aren't you the perfect gentleman? Hello, Noah, take this here brat and show him where to put his things.

Noah: Be glad to, Charlotte. So workhouse, you're going to sleep amongst the coffins and there ain't no complain'in as there's nowhere else to sleep. This place can be a little spooky, but it sure beats the workhouse.

Oliver: What's the black box for?

Noah: Don't you know?

Oliver: NoÐ'.....

Noah: (smiling) It's where you sleep.

Oliver: No it's not!

Noah: Sure it is!

Oliver: I've heard it's forÐ'...

Noah: Dead people?

Oliver: Well, erÐ'....

Noah: Oh, don't worry! They won't bother you!

Oliver: They?

Noah: (Peeking into the closed coffin) Oh, it's just Mrs. Peabody. Come on, I'll help you get in. All you have to do is move her over a littleÐ'.....(begins to grab Oliver)

Oliver: I'm not sleeping in there with a Ð'....

Noah: I'll help you get in!

Charlotte enters and tries to assist, laughing at Oliver's reaction. Oliver and Noah begin to scuffle on the floor. Charlotte pulls Oliver off of Noah. Noah begins to insult Oliver.

Noah: So, think you're feisty, eh Oliver? Is that why you're all alone? Your mother left you all aloneÐ'....the workhouse left you aloneÐ'.....nobody wants youÐ'...Ð'...

Charlotte: That's right, Oliver, you better behave yourself around Ð''ere. From now on, you're under me and Noah Claypole.

Oliver: