The Stage Manager tells Emily that she can go back to Tuesday, February 11, 1899. He reminds her of the events that occurred just before her birthday. Her father was returning on the early-morning train after having been away for several days in Clinton, New York, to make a speech at Hamilton College, his alma mater.
The scene opens on the town as it was. Emily delights in memorable landmarks, but expresses surprise to see Howie Newsome and Constable Bill Warren because she knows that they are now dead. It is early morning and the milkman, paper boy, and constable appear on the streets. The constable reports saving a man from freezing to death in the snow.
Emily's mother calls the children to breakfast. Emily is surprised at how young her mother looks. She overhears trivial conversation. Her parents discuss Mr. Webb's trip as well as Emily's birthday. More in wonder than grief, Emily cries out: 'I can't bear it. They're so young and beautiful. Why did they ever have to get old? . I can't look at everything hard enough " Emily comes downstairs; her mother remonstrates: "Birthday or no birthday, I want you to eat your breakfast good and slow " Emily's reply is filled with emotion: "Oh, Mama, just look at me one minute as though you really saw me . " Emily's mother gives her a birthday gift and describes her brother's gift. Then Emily hears her father's voice calling her.
