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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The First Man, by Eugene O'Neill
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The First Man
+
+Author: Eugene O'Neill
+
+Posting Date: June 4, 2009 [EBook #4026]
+Release Date: March, 2003
+First Posted: October 12, 2001
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FIRST MAN ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Franks, Robert Rowe and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team. HTML version by Al Haines.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+"THE FIRST MAN"
+
+A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS
+
+
+BY
+
+EUGENE O'NEILL
+
+
+
+
+
+CHARACTERS
+
+
+  CURTIS JAYSON
+  MARTHA, his wife
+  JOHN JAYSON, his father, a banker
+  JOHN, JR., his brother
+  RICHARD, his brother
+  ESTHEE (MRS. MARK SHEFFIELD), his sister
+  LILY, his sister
+  MRS. DAVIDSON, his father's aunt
+  MARK SHEFFIELD, a lawyer
+  EMILY, JOHN JR.'S wife
+  RICHARD BIGELOW
+  A MAID
+  A TRAINED NURSE
+
+TIME--The Present
+
+
+
+
+
+SCENES
+
+
+ACT I
+
+Living-room in the house of CURTIS JAYSON, Bridgetown, Conn.--an
+afternoon in early Fall.
+
+ACT II
+
+CURTIS' study--morning of the following day.
+
+ACT III
+
+The same--three o'clock in the morning of a day in early spring of the
+next year.
+
+ACT IV
+
+Same as Act I--three days later.
+
+
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+
+SCENE--Living-room of CURTIS JAYSON'S house in Bridgetown, Conn. A
+large, comfortable room. On the left, an arm-chair, a big open
+fireplace, a writing desk with chair in far left corner. On this side
+there is also a door leading into CURTIS' study. In the rear, center, a
+double doorway opening on the hall and the entryway. Bookcases are
+built into the wall on both sides of this doorway. In the far right
+corner, a grand piano. Three large windows looking out on the lawn, and
+another arm-chair, front, are on this right side of the room. Opposite
+the fireplace is a couch, facing front. Opposite the windows on the
+right is a long table with magazines, reading lamp, etc. Four chairs
+are grouped about the table. The walls and ceiling are in a French gray
+color. A great rug covers most of the hardwood floor.
+
+It is around four o'clock of a fine afternoon in early fall.
+
+As the curtain rises, MARTHA, CURTIS and BIGELOW are discovered. MARTHA
+is a healthy, fine-looking woman of thirty-eight. She does not appear
+this age for her strenuous life in the open has kept her young and
+fresh. She possesses the frank, clear, direct quality of outdoors,
+outspoken and generous. Her wavy hair is a dark brown, her eyes
+blue-gray. CURTIS JAYSON is a tall, rangy, broad-shouldered man of
+thirty-seven. While spare, his figure has an appearance of rugged
+health, of great nervous strength held in reserve. His square-jawed,
+large-featured face retains an eager boyish enthusiasm in spite of its
+prevailing expression of thoughtful, preoccupied aloofness. His crisp
+dark hair is graying at the temples. EDWARD BIGELOW is a large,
+handsome man of thirty-nine. His face shows culture and tolerance, a
+sense of humor, a lazy unambitious contentment. CURTIS is reading an
+article in some scientific periodical, seated by the table. MARTHA and
+BIGELOW are sitting nearby, laughing and chatting.
+
+BIGELOW--[Is talking with a comically worried but earnest air.] Do you
+know, I'm getting so I'm actually afraid to leave them alone with that
+governess. She's too romantic. I'll wager she's got a whole book full
+of ghost stories, superstitions, and yellow-journal horrors up her
+sleeve.
+
+MARTHA--Oh, pooh! Don't go milling around for trouble. When I was a kid
+I used to get fun out of my horrors.
+
+BIGELOW--But I imagine you were more courageous than most of us.
+
+MARTHA--Why?
+
+BIGELOW--Well, Nevada--the Far West at that time--I should think a
+child would have grown so accustomed to violent scenes--
+
+MARTHA--[Smiling.] Oh, in the mining camps; but you don't suppose my
+father lugged me along on his prospecting trips, do you? Why, I never
+saw any rough scenes until I'd finished with school and went to live
+with father in Goldfield.
+
+BIGELOW--[Smiling.] And then you met Curt.
+
+MARTHA--Yes--but I didn't mean he was a rough scene. He was very mild
+even in those days. Do tell me what he was like at Cornell.
+
+BIGELOW--A romanticist--and he still is!
+
+MARTHA--[Pointing at CURTIS with gay mischief.] What! That sedate man!
+Never!
+
+CURTIS--[Looking up and smiling at them both affectionately--lazily.]
+Don't mind him, Martha. He always was crazy.
+
+BIGELOW--[To CURT--accusingly.] Why did you elect to take up mining
+engineering at Cornell instead of a classical degree at the Yale of
+your fathers and brothers? Because you had been reading Bret Harte in
+prep. school and mistaken him for a modern realist. You devoted four
+years to grooming yourself for another outcast of Poker Flat. [MARTHA
+laughs.]
+
+CURTIS--[Grinning.] It was you who were hypnotized by Harte--so much so
+that his West of the past is still your blinded New England-movie idea
+of the West at present. But go on. What next?
+
+BIGELOW--Next? You get a job as engineer in that Goldfield mine--but
+you are soon disillusioned by a laborious life where six-shooters are
+as rare as nuggets. You try prospecting. You find nothing but different
+varieties of pebbles. But it is necessary to your nature to project
+romance into these stones, so you go in strong for geology. As a
+geologist, you become a slave to the Romance of the Rocks. It is but a
+step from that to anthropology--the last romance of all. There you find
+yourself--because there is no further to go. You win fame as the most
+proficient of young skull-hunters--and wander over the face of the
+globe, digging up bones like an old dog.
+
+CURTIS--[With a laugh.] The man is mad, Martha.
+
+BIGELOW--Mad! What an accusation to come from one who is even now
+considering setting forth on a five-year excavating contest in search
+of the remains of our gibbering ancestor, the First Man!
+
+CURTIS--[With sudden seriousness.] I'm not considering it any longer.
+I've decided to go.
+
+MARTHA--[Starting--the hurt showing in her voice.] When did you decide?
+
+CURTIS--I only really came to a decision this morning. [With a
+seriousness that forces BIGELOW'S interested attention.] It's a case of
+got to go. It's a tremendous opportunity that it would be a crime for
+me to neglect.
+
+BIGELOW--And a big honor, too, isn't it, to be picked as a member of
+such a large affair?
+
+CURTIS--[With a smile.] I guess it's just that they want all the men
+with considerable practical experience they can get. There are bound to
+be hardships and they know I'm hardened to them. [Turning to his wife
+with an affectionate smile.] We haven't roughed it in the queer corners
+for the last ten years without knowing how it's done, have we, Martha?
+
+MARTHA--[Dully.] No, Curt.
+
+CURTIS--[With an earnest enthusiasm.] And this expedition IS what you
+call a large affair, Big. It's the largest thing of its kind ever
+undertaken. The possibilities, from the standpoint of anthropology, are
+limitless.
+
+BIGELOW--[With a grin.] Aha! Now we come to the Missing Link!
+
+CURTIS--[Frowning.] Darn your Barnum and Bailey circus lingo, Big. This
+isn't a thing to mock at. I should think the origin of man would be
+something that would appeal even to your hothouse imagination. Modern
+science believes--knows--that Asia was the first home of the human
+race. That's where we're going, to the great Central Asian plateau
+north of the Himalayas.
+
+BIGELOW--[More soberly.] And there you hope to dig up--our first
+ancestor?
+
+CURTIS--It's a chance in a million, but I believe we may, myself--at
+least find authentic traces of him so that we can reconstruct his life
+and habits. I was up in that country a lot while I was mining advisor
+to the Chinese government--did some of my own work on the side. The
+extraordinary results I obtained with the little means at my disposal
+convinced me of the riches yet to be uncovered. The First Man may be
+among them.
+
+BIGELOW--[Turning to MARTHA.] And you were with him on that Asian
+plateau?
+
+MARTHA--Yes, I've always been with him.
+
+CURTIS--You bet she has. [He goes over and puts his hand on his wife's
+shoulder affectionately.] Martha's more efficient than a whole staff of
+assistants and secretaries. She knows more about what I'm doing than I
+do half the time. [He turns toward his study.] Well, I guess I'll go in
+and work some.
+
+MARTHA--[Quietly.] Do you need me now, Curt?
+
+BIGELOW--[Starting up.] Yes, if you two want to work together, why just
+shoo me--
+
+CURTIS--[Puts both hands on his shoulders and forces him to his seat
+again.] No. Sit down, Big. I don't need Martha now. [Coming over to
+her, bends down and kisses her--rather mockingly.] I couldn't deprive
+Big of an audience for his confessions of a fond parent.
+
+BIGELOW--Aha! Now it's you who are mocking at something you know
+nothing about. [An awkward silence follows this remark.]
+
+CURTIS--[Frowning.] I guess you're forgetting, aren't you, Big? [He
+turns and walks into his study, closing the door gently behind him.]
+
+MARTHA--[After a pause--sadly.] Poor Curt.
+
+BIGELOW--[Ashamed and confused.] I had forgotten--
+
+MARTHA--The years have made me reconciled. They haven't Curt. [She
+sighs--then turns to BIGELOW with a forced smile.] I suppose it's hard
+for any of you back here to realize that Curt and I ever had any
+children.
+
+BIGELOW--[After a pause.] How old were they when--?
+
+MARTHA--Three years and two--both girls. [She goes on sadly.] We had a
+nice little house in Goldfield. [Forcing a smile.] We were very
+respectable home folks then. The wandering came later, after--It was a
+Sunday in winter when Curt and I had gone visiting some friends. The
+nurse girl fell asleep--or something--and the children sneaked out in
+their underclothes and played in the snow. Pneumonia set in--and a week
+later they were both dead.
+
+BIGELOW--[Shocked.] Good heavens!
+
+MARTHA--We were real lunatics for a time. And then when we'd calmed
+down enough to realize--how things stood with us--we swore we'd never
+have children again--to steal away their memory. It wasn't what you
+thought--romanticism--that set Curt wandering--and me with him. It was
+a longing to lose ourselves--to forget. He flung himself with all his
+power into every new study that interested him. He couldn't keep still,
+mentally or bodily--and I followed. He needed me--then--so dreadfully!
+
+BIGELOW--And is it that keeps driving him on now?
+
+MARTHA--Oh, no. He's found himself. His work has taken the place of the
+children.
+
+BIGELOW--And with you, too?
+
+MARTHA--[With a wan smile.] Well, I've helped--all I could. His work
+has me in it, I like to think--and I have him.
+
+BIGELOW--[Shaking his head.] I think people are foolish to stand by
+such an oath as you took--forever. [With a smile.] Children are a great
+comfort in one's old age, I've tritely found.
+
+MARTHA--[Smiling.] Old age!
+
+BIGELOW--I'm knocking at the door of fatal forty.
+
+MARTHA--[With forced gaiety.] You're not very tactful, I must say.
+Don't you know I'm thirty-eight?
+
+BIGELOW--[Gallantly.] A woman is as old as she looks. You're not thirty
+yet.
+
+MARTHA--[Laughing.] After that nice remark I'll have to forgive you
+everything, won't I? [LILY JAYSON comes in from the rear. She is a
+slender, rather pretty girl of twenty-five. The stamp of college
+student is still very much about her. She rather insists on a superior,
+intellectual air, is full of nervous, thwarted energy. At the sight of
+them sitting on the couch together, her eyebrows are raised.]
+
+LILY--[Coming into the room--breezily.] Hello, Martha. Hello, Big.
+[They both get up with answering "Hellos."] I walked right in
+regardless. Hope I'm not interrupting.
+
+MARTHA--Not at all.
+
+LILY--[Sitting down by the table as MARTHA and BIGELOW resume their
+seats on the lounge.] I must say it sounded serious. I heard you tell
+Big you'd forgive him everything, Martha. [Dryly--with a mocking glance
+at BIGELOW.] You're letting yourself in for a large proposition.
+
+BIGELOW--[Displeased but trying to smile it off.] The past is never
+past for a dog with a bad name, eh, Lily? [LILY laughs. BIGELOW gets
+up.] If you want to reward me for my truthfulness, Mrs. Jayson, help me
+take the kids for an airing in the car. I know it's an imposition but
+they've grown to expect you. [Glancing at his watch.] By Jove, I'll
+have to run along. I'll get them and then pick you up here. Is that all
+right?
+
+MARTHA--Fine.
+
+BIGELOW--I'll run, then. Good-by, Lily. [She nods. BIGELOW goes out
+rear.]
+
+MARTHA--[Cordially.] Come on over here, Lily.
+
+LILY--[Sits on couch with MARTHA--after a pause--with a smile.] You
+were forgetting, weren't you?
+
+MARTHA--What?
+
+LILY--That you'd invited all the family over here to tea this
+afternoon. I'm the advance guard.
+
+MARTHA--[Embarrassed.] So I was! How stupid!
+
+LILY--[With an inquisitive glance at MARTHA'S face but with studied
+carelessness.] Do you like Bigelow?
+
+MARTHA--Yes, very much. And Curt thinks the world of him.
+
+LILY--Oh, Curt is the last one to be bothered by anyone's morals. Curt
+and I are the unconventional ones of the family. The trouble with
+Bigelow, Martha, is that he was too careless to conceal his sins--and
+that won't go down in this Philistine small town. You have to hide and
+be a fellow hypocrite or they revenge themselves on you. Bigelow
+didn't. He flaunted his love-affairs in everyone's face. I used to
+admire him for it. No one exactly blamed him, in their secret hearts.
+His wife was a terrible, straitlaced creature. No man could have
+endured her. [Disgustedly.] After her death he suddenly acquired a bad
+conscience. He'd never noticed the children before. I'll bet he didn't
+even know their names. And then, presto, he's about in our midst giving
+an imitation of a wet hen with a brood of ducks. It's a bore, if you
+ask me.
+
+MARTHA--[Flushing.] I think it's very fine of him.
+
+LILY--[Shaking her head.] His reform is too sudden. He's joined the
+hypocrites, I think.
+
+MARTHA--I'm sure he's no hypocrite. When you see him with the children--
+
+LILY--Oh, I know he's a good actor. Lots of women have been in love
+with him. [Then suddenly.] You won't be furious if I'm very, very
+frank, will you, Martha?
+
+MARTHA--[Surprised.] No, of course not, Lily.
+
+LILY--Well, I'm the bearer of a message from the Jayson family.
+
+MARTHA--[Astonished.] A message? For me?
+
+LILY--Don't think that I have anything to do with it. I'm only a Victor
+record of their misgivings. Shall I switch it going? Well, then, father
+thinks, brother John and wife, sister Esther and husband all think that
+you are unwisely intimate with this same Bigelow.
+
+MARTHA--[Stunned.] I? Unwisely intimate--? [Suddenly laughing with
+amusement.] Well, you sure are funny people!
+
+LILY--No, we're not funny. We'd be all right if we were. On the
+contrary, we're very dull and deadly. Bigelow really has a villainous
+rep. for philandering. But, of course, you didn't know that.
+
+MARTHA--[Beginning to feel resentful--coldly.] No, I didn't--and I
+don't care to know it now.
+
+LILY--[Calmly.] I told them you wouldn't relish their silly advice. [In
+a very confidential, friendly tone.] Oh, I hate their narrow small-town
+ethics as much as you do, Martha. I sympathize with you, indeed I do.
+But I have to live with them and so, for comfort's sake, I've had to
+make compromises. And you're going to live in our midst from now on,
+aren't you? Well then, you'll have to make compromises, too--if you
+want any peace.
+
+MARTHA--But-compromises about what? [Forcing a laugh.] I refuse to take
+it seriously. How anyone could think--it's too absurd.
+
+LILY--What set them going was Big's being around such an awful lot the
+weeks Curt was in New York, just after you'd settled down here. You
+must acknowledge he was-very much present then, Martha.
+
+MARTHA--But it was on account of his children. They were always with
+him.
+
+LILY--The town doesn't trust this sudden fond parenthood, Martha. We've
+known him too long, you see.
+
+MARTHA--But he's Curt's oldest and best friend.
+
+LILY--We've found they always are.
+
+MARTHA--[Springing to her feet--indignantly.] It's a case of evil
+minds, it seems to me--and it would be extremely insulting if I didn't
+have a sense of humor. [Resentfully.] You can tell your family, that as
+far as I'm concerned, the town may--
+
+LILY--Go to the devil. I knew you'd say that. Well, fight the good
+fight. You have all my best wishes. [With a sigh.] I wish I had
+something worth fighting for. Now that I'm through with college, my
+occupation's gone. All I do is read book after book. The only live
+people are the ones in books, I find, and the only live life.
+
+MARTHA--[Immediately sympathetic.] You're lonely, that's what, Lily.
+
+LILY--[Drily.] Don't pity me, Martha--or I'll join the enemy.
+
+MARTHA--I'm not. But I'd like to help you if I could. [After a pause.]
+Have you ever thought of marrying?
+
+LILY--[With a laugh.] Martha! How banal! The men I see are enough to
+banish that thought if I ever had it.
+
+MARTHA--Marriage isn't only the man. It's children. Wouldn't you like
+to have children?
+
+LILY--[Turning to her bluntly.] Wouldn't you?
+
+MARTHA--[ Confused. ] But--Lily--
+
+LILY--Oh, I know it wasn't practicable as long as you elected to wander
+with Curt--but why not now when you've definitely settled down here? I
+think that would solve things all round. If you could present Father
+with a grandson, I'm sure he'd fall on your neck. He feels piqued at
+the John and Esther families because they've had a run of girls. A male
+Jayson! Aunt Davidson would weep with joy. [Suddenly.] You're
+thirty-eight, aren't you, Martha?
+
+MARTHA--Yes. LILY--Then why don't you--before it's too late? [MARTHA,
+struggling with herself, does not answer. LILY goes on slowly.] You
+won't want to tag along with Curt to the ends of the earth forever,
+will you? [Curiously.] Wasn't that queer life like any other? I mean,
+didn't it get to pall on you?
+
+MARTHA--[As if confessing it reluctantly.] Yes--perhaps--in the last
+two years.
+
+LILY--[Decisively.] It's time for both of you to rest on your laurels.
+Why can't Curt keep on with what he's doing now--stay home and write
+his books?
+
+MARTHA--Curt isn't that kind. The actual work--the romance of
+it--that's his life.
+
+LILY--But if he goes and you have to stay, you'll be lonesome--
+[meaningly] alone.
+
+MARTHA--Horribly. I don't know what I'll do.
+
+LILY--Then why--why? Think, Martha. If Curt knew--that was to
+happen--he'd want to stay here with you. I'm sure he would.
+
+MARTHA--[Shaking her head sadly.] No. Curt has grown to dislike
+children. They remind him of--ours that were taken. He adored them
+so--he's never become reconciled.
+
+LILY--If you confronted Curt with the actual fact, he'd be reconciled
+soon enough, and happy in the bargain.
+
+MARTHA--[Eagerly.] Do you really think so?
+
+LILY--And you, Martha--I can tell from the way you've talked that you'd
+like to.
+
+MARTHA--[Excitedly.] Yes, I--I never thought I'd ever want to again.
+For many years after they died I never once dreamed of it-- But
+lately--the last years--I've felt--and when we came to live here--and I
+saw all around me--homes--and children, I--[She hesitates as if ashamed
+at having confessed so much.]
+
+LILY--[Putting an arm around her--affectionately.] I know.
+[Vigorously.] You must, that's all there is to it! If you want my
+advice, you go right ahead and don't tell Curt until it's a fact he'll
+have to learn to like, willy-nilly. You'll find, in his inmost heart,
+he'll be tickled to death.
+
+MARTHA--[Forcing a smile.] Yes, I--I'll confess I thought of that. In
+spite of my fear, I--I've--I mean--I--[She flushes in a shamed
+confusion.]
+
+LILY--[Looking at her searchingly.] Why, Martha, what--[Then suddenly
+understanding--with excited pleasure.] Martha! I know! It is so, isn't
+it? It is!
+
+MARTHA--[In a whisper.] Yes.
+
+LILY--[Kissing her affectionately.] You dear, you! [Then after a
+pause.] How long have you known?
+
+MARTHA--For over two months. [There is a ring from the front door bell
+in the hall.]
+
+LILY--[Jumping up.] I'll bet that's we Jaysons now. [She runs to the
+door in the rear and looks down the hall to the right.] Yes, it's
+Esther and husband and Aunt Davidson. [She comes back to MARTHA
+laughing excitedly. The MAID is seen going to the door.] The first wave
+of attack, Martha! Be brave! The Young Guard dies but never surrenders!
+
+MARTHA--[Displeased but forcing a smile.] You make me feel terribly ill
+at ease when you put it that way, Lily. [She rises now and goes to
+greet the visitors, who enter. MRS. DAVIDSON is seventy-five years
+old--a thin, sinewy old lady, old-fashioned, unbending and rigorous in
+manner. She is dressed aggressively in the fashion of a bygone age.
+ESTHER is a stout, middle-aged woman with the round, unmarked,
+sentimentally--contented face of one who lives unthinkingly from day to
+day, sheltered in an assured position in her little world. MARK, her
+husband, is a lean, tall, stooping man of about forty-five. His long
+face is alert, shrewd, cautious, full of the superficial craftiness of
+the lawyer mind. MARTHA kisses the two women, shakes hands with MARK,
+uttering the usual meaningless greetings in a forced tone. They reply
+in much the same spirit. There is the buzz of this empty chatter while
+MARTHA gets them seated. LILY stands looking on with a cynical smile of
+amusement. MRS. DAVIDSON is in the chair at the end of table, left,
+ESTHER sits by MARTHA on couch, MARK in chair at front of table.] Will
+you have tea now or shall we wait for the others?
+
+ESTHER--Let's wait. They ought to be here any moment.
+
+LILY--[Maliciously.] Just think, Martha had forgotten you were coming.
+She was going motoring with Bigelow. [There is a dead silence at
+this--broken diplomatically by SHEFFIELD.]
+
+SHEFFIELD--Where is Curt, Martha?
+
+MARTHA--Hard at work in his study. I'm afraid he's there for the day.
+SHEFFIELD--[Condescendingly.] Still plugging away at his book, I
+suppose. Well, I hope it will be a big success.
+
+LILY--[Irritated by his smugness.] As big a success as the brief you're
+writing to restrain the citizens from preventing the Traction Company
+robbing them, eh Mark? [Before anyone can reply, she turns suddenly on
+her aunt who is sitting rigidly on her chair, staring before her
+stonily like some old lady in a daguerreotype--in a loud challenging
+tone.] You don't mind if I smoke, Aunt? [She takes a cigarette out of
+case and lights it.]
+
+ESTHER--[Smiling.] Lily!
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[Fixes LILY with her stare--in a tone of irrevocable
+decision.] We'll get you married, young lady, and that very soon. What
+you need to bring you down to earth is a husband and the responsibility
+of children. [Turning her glance to MARTHA, a challenge in her
+question.] Every woman who is able should have children. Don't you
+believe that, Martha Jayson? [She accentuates the full name.]
+
+MARTHA--[Taken aback for a moment but restraining her
+resentment--gently.] Yes, I do, Mrs. Davidson.
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[Seemingly placated by this reply--in a milder tone.]
+You must call me aunt, my dear. [Meaningly.] All the Jaysons do.
+
+MARTHA--[Simply.] Thank you, aunt.
+
+LILY--[As if all of this aroused her irritation--in a nervous fuming.]
+Why don't the others come, darn 'em? I'm dying for my tea. [The door
+from the study is opened and CURT appears. They all greet him.]
+
+CURTIS--[Absent-mindedly.] Hello, everybody. [Then with a preoccupied
+air to MARTHA.] Martha, I don't want to interrupt you--but--
+
+MARTHA--[Getting up briskly.] You want my help?
+
+CURTIS--[With the same absent-minded air.] Yes--not for long--just a
+few notes before I forget them. [He goes back into the study.]
+
+MARTHA--[Seemingly relieved by this interruption and glad of the chance
+it gives to show them her importance to CURT.] You'll excuse me for a
+few moments, all of you, won't you? [They all nod.]
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[Rather harshly.] Why doesn't Curt hire a secretary?
+That is no work for his wife.
+
+MARTHA--[Quietly.] A paid secretary could hardly give the sympathy and
+understanding Curt needs, Mrs. Davidson. [Proudly.] And she would have
+to study for years, as I have done, in order to take my place. [To
+LILY.] If I am not here by the time the others arrive, will you see
+about the tea, Lily--?
+
+LILY--[Eagerly.] Sure. I love to serve drinks. If I were a man, I'd be
+a bartender--in Mexico or Canada.
+
+MARTHA--[Going toward the study.] I'll be with you again in a minute, I
+hope. [She goes in and shuts the door behind her.]
+
+ESTHER--[Pettishly.] Even people touched by a smattering of science
+seem to get rude, don't they?
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[Harshly.] I have heard much silly talk of this being an
+age of free women, and I have always said it was tommyrot. [Pointing to
+the study.] She is an example. She is more of a slave to Curt's hobbies
+than any of my generation were to anything but their children. [Still
+more harshly.] Where are her children?
+
+LILY--They died, Aunt, as children have a bad habit of doing. [Then
+meaningly.] However, I wouldn't despair if I were you. [MRS. DAVIDSON
+stares at her fixedly.]
+
+ESTHER--[Betraying a sudden frightened jealousy.] What do you mean,
+Lily? What are you so mysterious about? What did she say? What--?
+
+LILY--[Mockingly.] Mark, your frau seems to have me on the stand. Can I
+refuse to answer? [There is a ring at the bell. LILY jumps to her feet
+excitedly.] Here comes the rest of our Grand Fleet. Now I'll have my
+tea. [She darts out to the hallway.]
+
+ESTHER--[Shaking her head.] Goodness, Lily is trying on the nerves.
+[JAYSON, his two sons, JOHN and DICK, and JOHN's wife, EMILY, enter
+from hallway in rear. JAYSON, the father, is a short, stout,
+bald-headed man of sixty. A typical, small-town, New England
+best-family banker, reserved in pose, unobtrusively important--a placid
+exterior hiding querulousness and a fussy temper. JOHN JUNIOR is his
+father over again in appearance, but pompous, obtrusive,
+purse-and-family-proud, extremely irritating in his self-complacent air
+of authority, emptily assertive and loud. He is about forty. RICHARD,
+the other brother, is a typical young Casino and country club member,
+college-bred, good looking, not unlikable. He has been an officer in
+the war and has not forgotten it. EMILY, JOHN JR.'s wife, is one of
+those small, mouse-like women who conceal beneath an outward aspect of
+gentle, unprotected innocence a very active envy, a silly pride, and a
+mean malice. The people in the room with the exception of MRS. DAVIDSON
+rise to greet them. All exchange familiar, perfunctory greetings.
+SHEFFIELD relinquishes his seat in front of the table to JAYSON, going
+to the chair, right front, himself. JOHN and DICK take the two chairs
+to the rear of table. EMILY joins ESTHER on the couch and they whisper
+together excitedly, ESTHER doing most of the talking. The men remain in
+uncomfortable silence for a moment.]
+
+DICK--[With gay mockery.] Well, the gang's all here. Looks like the
+League of Nations. [Then with impatience.] Let's get down to cases,
+folks. I want to know why I've been summoned here. I'm due for
+tournament mixed-doubles at the Casino at five. Where's the tea--and
+has Curt a stick in the cellar to put in it?
+
+LILY--[Appearing in the doorway.] Here's tea--but no stick for you,
+sot. [The MAID brings in tray with tea things.]
+
+JOHN--[Heavily.] It seems it would be more to the point to inquire
+where our hostess--
+
+JAYSON--[Rousing himself again.] Yes. And where is Curt?
+
+LILY--Working at his book. He called Martha to take notes on something.
+
+ESTHER--[With a trace of resentment.] She left us as if she were glad
+of the excuse.
+
+LILY--Stuff, Esther! She knows how much Curt depends on her--and we
+don't.
+
+EMILY--[In her quiet, lisping voice--with the most innocent air.]
+Martha seems to be a model wife. [But there is some quality to the way
+she says it that makes them all stare at her uneasily.]
+
+LILY--[Insultingly.] How well you say what you don't mean, Emily!
+Twinkle, twinkle, little bat! But I'm forgetting to do the honors. Tea,
+everybody? [Without waiting for any answer.] Tea, everybody! [The tea
+is served.]
+
+JAYSON--[Impatiently.] Stop fooling, Lily. Let's get to our muttons.
+Did you talk with Martha?
+
+LILY--[Briskly.] I did, sir.
+
+JAYSON--[In a lowered voice.] What did she say?
+
+LILY--She said you could all go to the devil! [They all look shocked
+and insulted. LILY enjoys this, then adds quietly.] Oh, not in those
+words. Martha is a perfect lady. But she made it plain she will thank
+you to mind your own business.
+
+ESTHER--[Volubly.] And just imagine, she'd even forgotten she'd asked
+us here this afternoon and was going motoring with Bigelow.
+
+LILY--With his three children, too, don't forget.
+
+EMILY--[Softly.] They have become such well-behaved and intelligent
+children, they say. [Again all the others hesitate, staring at her
+suspiciously.]
+
+LILY--[Sharply.] You'd better let Martha train yours for a while,
+Emily. I'm sure she'd improve their manners--though, of course, she
+couldn't give them any intelligence.
+
+EMILY--[With the pathos of outraged innocence.] Oh!
+
+DICK--[Interrupting.] So it's Bigelow you're up in the air about? [He
+gives a low whistle--then frowns angrily.] The deuce you say!
+
+LILY--[Mockingly.] Look at our soldier boy home from the wars getting
+serious about the family honor! It's too bad this is a rough, untutored
+country where they don't permit dueling, isn't it, Dick?
+
+DICK--[His pose crumbling--angrily.] Go to the devil!
+
+SHEFFIELD--[With a calm, judicious air.] This wrangling is getting us
+nowhere. You say she was resentful about our well-meant word to the
+wise? JAYSON--[Testily.] Surely she must realize that some
+consideration is due the position she occupies in Bridgetown as Curt's
+wife.
+
+LILY--Martha is properly unimpressed by big frogs in tiny puddles. And
+there you are.
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[Outraged.] The idea! She takes a lot upon herself--the
+daughter of a Wild Western coal-miner.
+
+LILY--[Mockingly.] Gold miner, Aunt.
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--It makes no difference--a common miner! SHEFFIELD--
+[Keenly inquisitive.] Just before the others came, Lily, you gave out
+some hints--very definite hints, I should say--
+
+ESTHER--[Excitedly.] Yes, you did, Lily. What did you mean?
+
+LILY--[Uncertainly.] Perhaps I shouldn't have. It's not my secret.
+[Enjoying herself immensely now that she holds the spotlight--after a
+pause, in a stage whisper.] Shall I tell you? Yes, I can't help
+telling. Well, Martha is going to have a son. [They are all stunned and
+flabbergasted and stare at her speechlessly.]
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[Her face lighting up--joyously.] A son! Curt's son!
+
+JAYSON--[Pleased by the idea but bewildered.] A son?
+
+DICK--[Smartly.] Lily's kidding you. How can she know it's a
+son--unless she's a clairvoyant.
+
+ESTHER--[With glad relief.] Yes, how stupid!
+
+LILY--I am clairvoyant in this case. Allah is great and it will be a
+son--if only to make you and Emily burst with envy among your daughters.
+
+ESTHER--Lily!
+
+EMILY--Oh!
+
+JAYSON--[Testily.] Keep still for a moment, Lily, for God's sake. This
+is no subject to joke about, remember.
+
+LILY--Martha told me. I know that.
+
+JAYSON--And does Curt know this?
+
+LILY--No, not yet. Martha has been afraid to tell him.
+
+JAYSON--Ah, that explains matters. You know I asked Curt some time
+ago--and he said it was impossible.
+
+EMILY--[With a lift of her eyebrows.] Impossible? Why, what a funny
+thing to say.
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Keenly lawyer-like.] And why is Martha afraid to tell him,
+Lily?
+
+LILY--It's all very simple. When the two died years ago, they said they
+would never have one again. Martha thinks Curt is still haunted by
+their memory and is afraid he will resent another as an intruder. I
+told her that was all foolishness--that a child was the one thing to
+make Curt settle down for good at home here and write his books.
+
+JAYSON--[Eagerly.] Yes, I believe that myself. [Pleased.] Well, this is
+fine news.
+
+EMILY--Still it was her duty to tell Curt, don't you think? I don't see
+how she could be afraid of Curt--for those reasons. [They all stare at
+her.]
+
+ESTHER--[Resentfully.] I don't, either. Why, Curt's the biggest-hearted
+and kindest--
+
+EMILY--I wonder how long she's known--this?
+
+LILY--[Sharply.] Two months, she said.
+
+EMILY--Two months? [She lets this sink in.]
+
+JOHN--[Quickly scenting something--eagerly.] What do you mean, Emily?
+[Then as if he read her mind.] Two months? But before that--Curt was
+away in New York almost a month!
+
+LILY--[Turning on EMILY fiercely.] So! You got someone to say it for
+you as you always do, Poison Mind! Oh, I wish the ducking stool had
+never been abolished!
+
+EMILY--[Growing crimson--falteringly.] I--I didn't mean--
+
+JOHN--[Furiously.] Where the honor of the family is at stake--
+
+LILY--[Fiercely.] Ssshh, you empty barrel! I think I hear-- [The door
+from the study is opened and MARTHA comes in in the midst of a heavy
+silence. All the gentlemen rise stiffly. MARTHA is made immediately
+self-conscious and resentful by the feeling that they have been
+discussing her unfavorably.]
+
+MARTHA--[Coming forward--with a forced cordiality.] How do you do,
+everybody? So sorry I wasn't here when you came. I hope Lily made
+proper excuses for me. [She goes from one to the other of the four
+latest comers with "So glad you came," etc. They reply formally and
+perfunctorily. MARTHA finally finds a seat on the couch between EMILY
+and ESTHER.] I hope Lily--but I see you've all had tea.
+
+LILY--[Trying to save the situation--gayly.] Yes. You can trust me as
+understudy for the part of hostess any time.
+
+MARTHA--[Forcing a smile.] Well, I'm glad to know I wasn't missed.
+
+EMILY--[Sweetly.] We were talking about you--at least, we were
+listening to Lily talk about you.
+
+MARTHA--[Stiffening defensively.] About me?
+
+EMILY--Yes--about how devoted you were to Curt's work. [LILY gives her
+a venomous glance of scorn.]
+
+MARTHA--[Pleased but inwardly uneasy.] Oh, but you see I consider it my
+work, too, I've helped him with it so long now.
+
+JAYSON--[In a forced tone.] And how is Curt's book coming, Martha?
+
+MARTHA--[More and more stung by their strained attitudes and
+inquisitive glances. Coldly and cuttingly.] Finely, thank you. The book
+will cause quite a stir, I believe. It will make the name of Jayson
+famous in the big world outside of Bridgetown.
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[Indignantly.] The name of Jayson has been--
+
+JAYSON--[Pleadingly.] Aunt Elizabeth!
+
+LILY--Aunt means it's world famous already, Martha. [Pointing to the
+sullen JOHN.] John was once a substitute on the Yale Freshman soccer
+team, you know. If it wasn't for his weak shins he would have made the
+team, fancy!
+
+DICK--[This tickles his sense of humor and he bursts into laughter.]
+Lily wins! [As his brother glares at him--looking at his watch.]
+Heavens, I'll have to hustle! [Gets to his feet.] I'm due at the
+Casino. [Comes and shakes MARTHA's hand formally.] I'm sorry I can't
+stay.
+
+MARTHA--So glad you came. Do come in again any time. We keep open
+house, you know--Western fashion. [She accentuates this.]
+
+DICK--[Hurriedly.] Delighted to. [He starts for the door in rear.]
+
+LILY--[As if suddenly making up her mind.] Wait a second! I'm coming
+with you--
+
+DICK--Sure thing--only hurry, darn you! [He goes out.]
+
+LILY--[Stops at the door in rear and catching MARTHA's eye, looks
+meaningly at the others.] Phew! I need fresh air! [She makes an
+encouraging motion as if pummeling someone to MARTHA, indicating her
+assembled family as the victim--then goes out laughing. A motor is
+heard starting--running off.]
+
+ESTHER--[With a huge sigh of relief.] Thank goodness, she's gone. What
+a vixen! What would you do if you had a sister like that, Martha?
+
+MARTHA--I'd love her--and try to understand her.
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Meaningly.] She's a bad ally to rely on--this side of the
+fence one day, and that the next.
+
+MARTHA--Is that why you advised her to become a lawyer, Mr. Sheffield?
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Stung, but maintaining an unruffled front.] Now, now, that
+remark must be catalogued as catty.
+
+MARTHA--[Defiantly.] It seems to be in the Bridgetown atmosphere. I
+never was--not the least bit--in the open air.
+
+JAYSON--[Conciliatingly.] Oh, Bridgetown isn't so bad, Martha, once you
+get used to us.
+
+JOHN--It's one of the most prosperous and wealthy towns in the
+U.S.--and that means in the world, nowadays.
+
+EMILY--[With her sugary smile.] That isn't what Martha means, you
+silly. I know what she's thinking about us, and I'm not sure that I
+don't agree with her--partly. She feels that we're so awfully
+strict--about certain things. It must be so different in the Far
+West--I suppose--so much freer.
+
+MARTHA--[Acidly.] Then you believe broad-mindedness and clean thinking
+are a question of locality? I can't agree with you. I know nothing of
+the present Far West, not having lived there for ten years, but Curt
+and I have lived in the Far East and I'm sure he'd agree with me in
+saying that Chinese ancestor worship is far more dignified than ours.
+After all, you know, theirs is religion, not snobbery. [There is a loud
+honking of an auto horn before the house. MARTHA starts, seems to come
+to a quick decision, and announces with studied carelessness.] That
+must be Mr. Bigelow. I suppose Lily told you I had an engagement to go
+motoring with him. So sorry I must leave. But I'm like Lily. I need
+fresh air. [She walks to the study door as she is talking.] I'll call
+Curt. [She raps loudly on the door and calls.] Curt! Come out! It's
+important. [She turns and goes to the door, smiling fixedly.] He'll be
+out when he's through swearing. [She goes out, rear.]
+
+JOHN--[Exploding.] Well, of all the damned cheek!
+
+ESTHER--She shows her breeding, I must say.
+
+EMILY--[With horror.] Oh, how rude--and insulting.
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[Rising rigidly to her feet.] I will never set foot in
+this house again! JAYSON--[Jumping up to restrain her--worriedly.] Now,
+Aunt Elizabeth, do keep your head! We must have no scandal of any sort.
+Remember there are servants about. Do sit down. [The old lady refuses
+in stubborn silence.]
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Judiciously.] One must make allowances for one in her
+condition, Aunt.
+
+JAYSON--[Snatching at this.] Exactly. Remember her condition. Aunt
+[testily] and do sit down. [The old lady plumps herself down again
+angrily.]
+
+EMILY--[In her lisp of hidden meanings.] Yes, the family mustn't
+forget--her condition. [The door from the study is opened and CURT
+appears. His face shows his annoyance at being interrupted, his eyes
+are preoccupied. They all turn and greet him embarrassedly. He nods
+silently and comes slowly down front.]
+
+CURTIS--[Looking around.] Where's Martha? What's the important thing
+she called me out for?
+
+ESTHER--[Forcing gaiety.] To play host, you big bear, you! Don't you
+think we came to see you, too? Sit down here and be good. [He sits on
+sofa.]
+
+EMILY--[Softly.] Martha had to leave us to go motoring with Mr. Bigelow.
+
+ESTHER--[Hastily.] And the three children.
+
+CURTIS--[Frowning grumpily.] Hm! Big and his eternal kids. [He sighs.
+They exchange meaning glances. CURT seems to feel ashamed of his
+grumpiness and tries to fling it off--with a cheerful smile.] But what
+the deuce! I must be getting selfish to grudge Martha her bit of fresh
+air. You don't know what it means to outdoor animals like us to be pent
+up. [He springs to his feet and paces back and forth nervously.] We're
+used to living with the sky for a roof--[Then interestedly.] Did Martha
+tell you I'd definitely decided to go on the five year Asian expedition?
+
+ESTHER--Curt! You're not!
+
+EMILY--And leave Martha here--all alone--for five years?
+
+JAYSON--Yes, you can't take Martha with you this time, you know.
+
+CURTIS--[With a laugh.] No? What makes you so sure of that? [As they
+look mystified, he continues confidentially.] I'll let you in on the
+secret--only you must all promise not to breathe a word to
+Martha--until to-morrow. To-morrow is her birthday, you know, and this
+is a surprise I've saved for her. [They all nod.] I've been intriguing
+my damnedest for the past month to get permission for Martha to go with
+me. It was difficult because women are supposed to be barred.
+[Happily.] But I've succeeded. The letter came this morning. How
+tickled to death she'll be when she hears! I know she's given up hope.
+[Thoughtfully.] I suppose it's that has been making her act so
+out-of-sorts lately.
+
+JAYSON--[Worriedly.] Hmm! But would you persist in going--alone--if you
+knew it was impossible for her--?
+
+CURTIS--[Frowning.] I can't imagine it without her. You people can't
+have any idea what a help--a chum--she's been. You can't believe that a
+woman could be--so much that--in a life of that kind--how I've grown to
+depend on her. The thousand details--she attends to them all. She
+remembers everything. Why, I'd be lost. I wouldn't know how to start.
+[With a laugh.] I know this sounds like a confession of weakness but
+it's true just the same. [Frowning again.] However, naturally my work
+must always be the first consideration. Yes, absolutely! [Then with
+glad relief.] But what's the use of rambling on this way? We can both
+go, thank heaven!
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[Sternly.] No. SHE cannot go. And it is YOUR duty--
+
+CURTIS--[Interrupting her with a trace of impatience.] Oh, come! That's
+all nonsense, Aunt. You don't understand the kind of woman Martha is.
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[Harshly.] The women I understand prefer rearing their
+children to selfish gallivanting over the world.
+
+CURTIS--[Impatiently.] But we have no children now, Aunt.
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--I know that, more's the pity. But later--
+
+CURTIS--[Emphatically.] No, I tell you! It's impossible!
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[Grimly.] I have said my last word. Go your own road and
+work your own ruin.
+
+CURTIS--[Brusquely.] I think I'll change my togs and go for a walk.
+Excuse me for a second. I'll be right down again. [He goes out, rear.]
+
+EMILY--[With her false air of innocence.] Curt acts so funny, doesn't
+he? Did you notice how emphatic he was about its being impossible? And
+he said Martha seemed to him to be acting queer lately--with him, I
+suppose he meant.
+
+ESTHER--He certainly appeared put out when he heard she'd gone motoring
+with Big.
+
+JAYSON--[Moodily.] This dislike of the very mention of children. It
+isn't like Curt, not a bit.
+
+JOHN--There's something rotten in Denmark somewhere. This family will
+yet live to regret having accepted a stranger--
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Mollifyingly--with a judicial air.] Come now! This is all
+only suspicion. There is no evidence; you have no case; and the
+defendant is innocent until you have proved her guilty, remember.
+[Getting to his feet.] Well, let's break up. Esther, you and I ought to
+be getting home. [They all rise.]
+
+JAYSON--[Testily.] Well, if I were sure it would all blow over without
+any open scandal, I'd offer up a prayer of thanks. [The Curtain Falls]
+
+
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+
+SCENE--CURTIS JAYSON'S study. On the left, forward, a gun rack in which
+are displayed several varieties of rifles and shotguns. Farther back,
+three windows looking out on the garden. In the rear wall, an open
+fireplace with two leather arm-chairs in front of it. To right of
+fireplace, a door leading into the living-room. In the far right
+corner, another chair. In the right wall, three windows looking out on
+the lawn and garden. On this side, front, a typewriting table with
+machine and chair. Opposite the windows on the right, a bulky leather
+couch, facing front. In front of the windows on the left, a long table
+with stacks of paper piled here and there on it, reference books, etc.
+On the left of table, a swivel chair. Gray oak bookcases are built into
+the cream rough plaster walls which are otherwise almost hidden from
+view by a collection of all sorts of hunter's trophies, animal heads of
+all kinds. The floor is covered with animal skins--tiger, polar bear,
+leopard, lion, etc. Skins are also thrown over the backs of the chairs.
+The sections of the bookcase not occupied by scientific volumes have
+been turned into a specimen case for all sorts of zoological,
+geological, anthropological oddities.
+
+It is mid-morning, sunny and bright, of the following day.
+
+CURTIS and BIGELOW are discovered. CURTIS is half-sitting on the corner
+of the table, left, smoking a pipe. BIGELOW is lying sprawled on the
+couch. Through the open windows on the right come the shouts of
+children playing. MARTHA's voice joins in with theirs.
+
+BIGELOW--Listen to that rumpus, will you! The kids are having the time
+of their lives. [He goes to the window and looks out--delightedly.]
+Your wife is playing hide and seek with them. Come and look.
+
+CURTIS--[With a trace of annoyance.] Oh, I can see well enough from
+here.
+
+BIGELOW--[With a laugh.] She seems to get as much fun out of it as they
+do. [As a shriek comes from outside--excitedly.] Ah, Eddy discovered
+her behind the tree. Isn't he tickled now! [He turns back from the
+window and lights a cigarette--enthusiastically.] Jove, what a hand she
+is with children!
+
+CURTIS--[As if the subject bored him.] Oh, Martha gets along well with
+anyone.
+
+BIGELOW--[Sits on the couch again--with a sceptical smile.] You think
+so? With everyone?
+
+CURTIS--[Surprised.] Yes--with everyone we've ever come in contact
+with--even aboriginal natives.
+
+BIGELOW--With the aboriginal natives of Bridgetown? With the well-known
+Jayson family, for example?
+
+CURTIS--[Getting to his feet--frowning.] Why, everything's all right
+between Martha and them, isn't it? What do you mean, Big? I certainly
+imagined--but I'll confess this damn book has had me so preoccupied--
+
+BIGELOW--Too darn preoccupied, if you'll pardon my saying so. It's not
+fair to leave her to fight it alone.
+
+CURTIS--[Impatiently.] Fight what? Martha has a sense of humor. I'm
+sure their petty prejudices merely amuse her.
+
+BIGELOW--[Sententiously.] A mosquito is a ridiculous, amusing creature,
+seen under a microscope; but when a swarm has been stinging you all
+night--
+
+CURTIS--[A broad grin coming over his face.] You speak from experience,
+eh?
+
+BIGELOW--[Smiling.] You bet I do. Touch me anywhere and you'll find a
+bite. This, my native town, did me the honor of devoting its entire
+leisure attention for years to stinging me to death.
+
+CURTIS--Well, if I am to believe one-tenth of the family letters I used
+to receive on the subject of my old friend, Bigelow, they sure had just
+cause.
+
+BIGELOW--Oh, I'll play fair. I'll admit they did--then. But it's
+exasperating to know they never give you credit for changing--I almost
+said, reforming, One ought to be above the gossip of a town like
+this--but say what you like, it does get under your skin.
+
+CURTIS--[With an indulgent smile.] So you'd like to be known as a
+reformed character, eh?
+
+BIGELOW--[Rather ruefully.] Et tu! Your tone is sceptical. But I swear
+to you, Curt, I'm an absolutely new man since my wife's death, since
+I've grown to love the children. Before that I hardly knew them. They
+were hers, not mine, it seemed. [His face lighting up.] Now we're the
+best of pals, and I've commenced to appreciate life from a different
+angle. I've found a career at last--the children--the finest career a
+man could have, I believe.
+
+CURTIS--[Indifferently.] Yes, I suppose so--if you're made that way.
+
+BIGELOW--Meaning you're not?
+
+CURTIS--Not any more. [Frowning.] I tried that once.
+
+BIGELOW--[After a pause--with a smile.] But we're wandering from the
+subject of Martha versus the mosquitoes.
+
+CURTIS--[With a short laugh.] Oh, to the deuce with that! Trust Martha
+to take care of herself. Besides, I'll have her out of this stagnant
+hole before so very long--six months, to be exact.
+
+BIGELOW--Where do you think of settling her then?
+
+CURTIS--No settling about it. I'm going to take her with me.
+
+BIGELOW--[Surprised.] On the Asian expedition?
+
+CURTIS--Yes. I haven't told her yet but I'm going to to-day. It's her
+birthday--and I've been saving the news to surprise her with.
+
+BIGELOW--Her birthday? I wish the children and I had known--but it's
+not too late yet.
+
+CURTIS--[With a grin.] Thirty-nine candles, if you're thinking of
+baking a cake!
+
+BIGELOW--[Meaningly.] That's not old--but it's not young either, Curt.
+
+CURTIS--[Disgustedly.] You talk like an old woman, Big. What have years
+to do with it? Martha is young in spirit and always will be. [There is
+a knock at the door and MARTHA's voice calling: "May I come in,
+people?"] Sure thing! [BIGELOW jumps to open the door and MARTHA
+enters. She is flushed, excited, full of the joy of life, panting from
+her exertions.]
+
+MARTHA--[Laughing.] I've had to run away and leave them with the
+governess. They're too active for me. [She throws herself on the
+couch.] Phew! I'm all tired out. I must be getting old.
+
+CURTIS--[With a grin.] Big was just this minute remarking that, Martha.
+[BIGELOW looks embarrassed.]
+
+MARTHA--[Laughing at him.] Well, I declare! Of all the horrid things to
+hear--
+
+BIGELOW--[Still embarrassed but forcing a joking tone.]
+He--prevaricates, Mrs. Jayson.
+
+MARTHA--There now, Curt! I'm sure it was you who said it. It sounds
+just like one of your horrid facts.
+
+BIGELOW--And how can I offer my felicitations now? But I do, despite
+your husband's calumny. May your shadow never grow less!
+
+MARTHA--Thank you. [She shakes his proffered hand heartily.]
+
+BIGELOW--And now I'll collect my flock and go home.
+
+CURTIS--So long, Big. Be sure you don't mislay one of your heirs!
+
+BIGELOW--No fear--but they might mislay me. [He goes. CURT sits down on
+couch. MARTHA goes to the window right, and looks out--after a pause,
+waving her hand.]
+
+MARTHA--There they go. What darlings they are! [CURTIS grunts
+perfunctorily. MARTHA comes back and sits beside CURT on the
+couch--with a sigh.] Whoever did say it was right, Curt, I am getting
+old.
+
+CURTIS--[Taking one of her hands and patting it.] Nonsense!
+
+MARTHA--[Shaking her head and smiling with a touch of sadness.] No. I
+feel it.
+
+CURTIS--[Puts his arms around her protectingly.] Nonsense! You're not
+the sort that ever grows old.
+
+MARTHA--[Nestling up to him.] I'm afraid we're all that sort, dear.
+Even you. [She touches the white hair about his temples playfully.]
+Circumstantial evidence. I'll have to dye it when you're asleep some
+time--and then nobody'll know.
+
+CURTIS--[Looking at her.] You haven't any silver threads. [Jokingly.]
+Am I to suspect--?
+
+MARTHA--No, I don't. Honest, cross my heart, I wouldn't even conceal
+that from you, if I did. But gray hairs prove nothing. I am actually
+older than you, don't forget.
+
+CURTIS--One whole year! That's frightful, isn't it?
+
+MARTHA--I'm a woman, remember; so that one means at least six. Ugh!
+Let's not talk about it. Do you know, it really fills me with a queer
+panic sometimes?
+
+CURTIS--[Squeezing her.] Silly girl!
+
+MARTHA--[Snuggling close to him.] Will you always love me--even when
+I'm old and ugly and feeble and you're still young and strong and
+handsome?
+
+CURTIS--[Kisses her--tenderly.] Martha! What a foolish question,
+sweetheart. If we ever have to grow old, we'll do it together just as
+we've always done everything.
+
+MARTHA--[With a happy sigh.] That's my dream of happiness, Curt.
+[Enthusiastically.] Oh, it has been a wonderful, strange life we've
+lived together, Curt, hasn't it? You're sure you've never
+regretted--never had the weest doubt that it might have been better
+with--someone else?
+
+CURTIS--[Kisses her again--tenderly reproachful.] Martha!
+
+MARTHA--And I have helped--really helped you, haven't I?
+
+CURTIS--[Much moved.] You've been the best wife a man could ever wish
+for, Martha. You've been--you are wonderful. I owe everything to
+you--your sympathy and encouragement. Don't you know I realize that?
+[She kisses him gratefully.]
+
+MARTHA--[Musing happily.] Yes, it's been a wonderful, glorious life.
+I'd live it over again if I could, every single second of it--even the
+terrible suffering--the children.
+
+CURTIS--[Wincing.] Don't. I wouldn't want that over again. [Then
+changing the subject abruptly.] But why have you been putting all our
+life into the past tense? It seems to me the most interesting part is
+still ahead of us.
+
+MARTHA--[Softly.] I mean--together--Curt.
+
+CURTIS--So do I!
+
+MARTHA--But you're going away--and I can't go with you this time.
+
+CURTIS--[Smiling to himself over her head.] Yes, that does complicate
+matters, doesn't it?
+
+MARTHA--[Hurt--looking up at him.] Curt! How indifferently you say
+that--as if you didn't care!
+
+CURTIS--[Avoiding her eyes--teasingly.] What do you think you'll do all
+the time I'm gone?
+
+MARTHA--Oh, I'll be lost--dead--I won't know what to do. I'll die of
+loneliness--[yearning creeping into her voice] unless--
+
+CURTIS--[Inquisitively.] Unless what?
+
+MARTHA--[Burying her face on his shoulder--passionately.] Oh, Curt, I
+love you so! Swear that you'll always love me no matter what I do--no
+matter what I ask--
+
+CURTIS--[Vaguely uneasy now, trying to peer into her face.] But,
+sweetheart--
+
+MARTHA--[Giving way weakly to her feelings for a moment--entreatingly.]
+Then don't go!
+
+CURTIS--[Astonished.] Why, I've got to go. You know that.
+
+MARTHA--Yes, I suppose you have. [Vigorously, as if flinging off a
+weakness.] Of course you have!
+
+CURTIS--But, Martha--you said you'd be lonely unless--unless what?
+
+Martha--Unless I--[She hesitates, blushing and confused.] I mean
+we--oh, I'm so afraid of what you'll--hold me close, very close to you
+and I'll whisper it. [She pulls his head down and whispers in his ear.
+A look of disappointment and aversion forces itself on his face.]
+
+CURTIS--[Almost indignantly.] But that's impossible, Martha!
+
+MARTHA--[Pleadingly.] Now don't be angry with me, Curt--not till you've
+heard everything. [With a trace of defiance.] It isn't impossible,
+Curt. It's so! It's happened! I was saving it as a secret--to tell you
+to-day--on my birthday.
+
+CURTIS--[Stunned.] You mean it--is a fact?
+
+MARTHA--Yes. [Then pitifully.] Oh, Curt, don't look that way! You seem
+so cold--so far away from me. [Straining her arms about him.] Why don't
+you hold me close to you? Why don't you say you're glad--for my sake?
+
+CURTIS--[Agitatedly.] But Martha--you don't understand. How can I
+pretend gladness when--[Vehemently.] Why, it would spoil all our plans!
+
+MARTHA--Plans? OUR plans? What do you mean?
+
+CURTIS--[Excitedly.] Why, you're going with me, of course! I've
+obtained official permission. I've been working for it for months. The
+letter came yesterday morning.
+
+MARTHA--[Stunned.] Permission--to go with you--
+
+CURTIS--[Excitedly.] Yes. I couldn't conceive going without you. And I
+knew how you must be wishing--
+
+MARTHA--[In pain.] Oh!
+
+CURTIS--[Distractedly--jumping to his feet and staring at her
+bewilderedly.] Martha! You don't mean to tell me you weren't!
+
+MARTHA--[In a crushed voice.] I was wishing you would finally decide
+not to go--to stay at home.
+
+CURTIS--[Betraying exasperation.] But you must realize that's
+impossible. Martha, are you sure you've clearly understood what I've
+told you? You can go with me, do you hear? Everything is arranged. And
+I've had to fight so hard--I was running the risk of losing my own
+chance by my insistence that I couldn't go without you.
+
+MARTHA--[Weakly and helplessly.] I understand all that, Curt.
+
+CURTIS--[Indignantly.] And yet--you hesitate! Why, this is the greatest
+thing of its kind ever attempted! There are unprecedented
+possibilities! A whole new world of knowledge may be opened up--the
+very origin of Man himself! And you will be the only woman--
+
+MARTHA--I realize all that, Curt.
+
+CURTIS--You can't--and hesitate! And then--think, Martha!--it will mean
+that you and I won't have to be separated. We can go on living the old,
+free life together.
+
+MARTHA--[Growing calm now.] You are forgetting--what I told you, Curt.
+You must face the fact. I cannot go.
+
+CURTIS--[Overwhelmed by the finality of her tone--after a pause.] How
+long have you known--this?
+
+MARTHA--Two months, about.
+
+CURTIS--But why didn't you tell me before?
+
+MARTHA--I was afraid you wouldn't understand--and you haven't, Curt.
+But why didn't you tell me before--what you were planning?
+
+CURTIS--[Eagerly.] You mean--then--you would have been glad to
+go--before this had happened?
+
+MARTHA--I would have accepted it.
+
+CURTIS--[Despairingly.] Martha, how could you ever have allowed this to
+happen? Oh, I suppose I'm talking foolishness. It wasn't your seeking,
+I know.
+
+MARTHA--Yes it was, Curt. I wished it. I sought it.
+
+CURTIS--[Indignantly.] Martha! [Then in a hurt tone.] You have broken
+the promise we made when they died. We were to keep their memories
+inviolate. They were to be always--our only children.
+
+MARTHA--[Gently.] They forgive me, Curt. And you will forgive me,
+too--when you see him--and love him.
+
+CURTIS--Him?
+
+MARTHA--I know it will be a boy.
+
+CURTIS--[Sinking down on the couch beside her--dully.] Martha! You have
+blown my world to bits.
+
+MARTHA--[Taking one of his hands in hers--gently.] You must make
+allowances for me. Curt, and forgive me. I AM getting old. No, it's the
+truth. I've reached the turning point. Will you listen to my side of
+it, Curt, and try to see it--with sympathy--with true
+understanding--[With a trace of bitterness.]--forgetting your work for
+the moment?
+
+CURTIS--[Miserably.] That's unfair, Martha. I think of it as OUR
+work--and I have always believed you did, too.
+
+MARTHA--[Quickly.] I did, Curt! I do! All in the past is our work. It's
+my greatest pride to think so. But, Curt, I'll have to confess
+frankly--during the past two years I've felt myself--feeling as if I
+wasn't complete--with that alone.
+
+CURTIS--Martha! [Bitterly.] And all the time I believed that more and
+more it was becoming the aim of your life, too.
+
+MARTHA--[With a sad smile.] I'm glad of that, dear. I tried my best to
+conceal it from you. It would have been so unfair to let you guess
+while we were still in harness. But oh, how I kept looking forward to
+the time when we would come back--and rest--in our own home! You
+know--you said that was your plan--to stay here and write your
+books--and I was hoping--
+
+CURTIS--[With a gesture of aversion.] I loathe this book-writing. It
+isn't my part, I realize now. But when I made the plans you speak of,
+how could I know that then?
+
+MARTHA--[Decisively.] You've got to go. I won't try to stop you. I'll
+help all in my power--as I've always done. Only--I can't go with you
+any more. And you must help me--to do my work--by understanding it. [He
+is silent, frowning, his face agitated, preoccupied. She goes on
+intensely.] Oh, Curt, I wish I could tell you what I feel, make you
+feel with me the longing for a child. If you had just the tiniest bit
+of feminine in you--! [Forcing a smile.] But you're so utterly
+masculine, dear! That's what has made me love you, I suppose--so I've
+no right to complain of it. [Intensely.] I don't. I wouldn't have you
+changed one bit! I love you! And I love the things you love--your
+work--because it's a part of you. And that's what I want you to do--to
+reciprocate--to love the creator in me--to desire that I, too, should
+complete myself with the thing nearest my heart!
+
+CURTIS--[Intensely preoccupied with his own struggle--vaguely.] But I
+thought--
+
+MARTHA--I know; but, after all, your work is yours, not mine. I have
+been only a helper, a good comrade, too, I hope, but--somehow--outside
+of it all. Do you remember two years ago when we were camped in Yunnan,
+among the aboriginal tribes? It was one night there when we were lying
+out in our sleeping-bags up in the mountains along the Tibetan
+frontier. I couldn't sleep. Suddenly I felt oh, so tired--utterly
+alone--out of harmony with you--with the earth under me. I became
+horribly despondent--like an outcast who suddenly realizes the whole
+world is alien. And all the wandering about the world, and all the
+romance and excitement I'd enjoyed in it, appeared an aimless, futile
+business, chasing around in a circle in an effort to avoid touching
+reality. Forgive me, Curt. I meant myself, not you, of course. Oh, it
+was horrible, I tell you, to feel that way. I tried to laugh at myself,
+to fight it off, but it stayed and grew worse. It seemed as if I were
+the only creature alive--who was not alive. And all at once the picture
+came of a tribeswoman who stood looking at us in a little mountain
+village as we rode by. She was nursing her child. Her eyes were so
+curiously sure of herself. She was horribly ugly, poor woman, and
+yet--as the picture came back to me--I appeared to myself the ugly one
+while she was beautiful. And I thought of our children who had
+died--and such a longing for another child came to me that I began
+sobbing. You were asleep. You didn't hear. [She pauses--then proceeds
+slowly.] And when we came back here--to have a home at last, I was so
+happy because I saw my chance of fulfillment--before it was too late.
+[In a gentle, pleading voice.] Now can you understand, dear? [She puts
+her hand on his arm.]
+
+CURTIS--[Starting as if awaking from a sleep.] Understand? No, I can't
+understand, Martha.
+
+MARTHA--[In a gasp of unbearable hurt.] Curt! I don't believe you heard
+a word I was saying.
+
+CURTIS--[Bursting forth as if releasing all the pent-up struggle that
+has been gathering within him.] No, I can't understand. I cannot,
+cannot! It seems like treachery to me.
+
+MARTHA--Curt!
+
+CURTIS--I've depended on you. This is the crucial point--the biggest
+thing of my life--and you desert me!
+
+MARTHA--[Resentment gathering in her eyes.] If you had listened to
+me--if you had even tried to feel--
+
+CURTIS--I feel that you are deliberately ruining my highest hope. How
+can I go on without you? I've been trying to imagine myself alone. I
+can't! Even with my work--who can I get to take your place? Oh, Martha,
+why do you have to bring this new element into our lives at this late
+day? Haven't we been sufficient, you and I together? Isn't that a more
+difficult, beautiful happiness to achieve than--children? Everyone has
+children. Don't I love you as much as any man could love a woman? Isn't
+that enough for you? Doesn't it mean anything to you that I need you so
+terribly--for myself, for my work--for everything that is best and
+worthiest in me? Can you expect me to be glad when you propose to
+introduce a stranger who will steal away your love, your interest--who
+will separate us and deprive me of you! No, no, I cannot! It's asking
+the impossible. I am only human.
+
+MARTHA--If you were human you would think of my life as well as yours.
+
+CURTIS--I do! It is OUR life I am fighting for, not mine--OUR life that
+you want to destroy.
+
+MARTHA--Our life seems to mean your life to you, Curt--and only your
+life. I have devoted fifteen years to that. Now I must fight for my own.
+
+CURTIS--[Aghast.] You talk as if we were enemies, Martha! [Striding
+forward and seizing her in his arms.] No, you don't mean it! I love you
+so, Martha! You've made yourself part of my life, my work--I need you
+so! I can't share you with anyone! I won't! Martha, my own! Say that
+you won't, dear? [He kisses her passionately again and again.]
+
+MARTHA--[All her love and tenderness aroused by his kisses and
+passionate sincerity--weakening.] Curt! Curt! [Pitiably.] It won't
+separate us, dear. Can't you see he will be a link between us--even
+when we are away from each other--that he will bring us together all
+the closer?
+
+CURTIS--But I can't be away from you!
+
+MARTHA--[Miserably.] Oh, Curt, why won't you look the fact in the
+face--and learn to accept it with joy? Why can't you for my sake? I
+would do that for you.
+
+CURTIS--[Breaking away from her--passionately.] You will not do what I
+have implored you--for me! And I am looking the fact in the face--the
+fact that there must be no fact! [Avoiding her eyes--as if defying his
+own finer feelings.] There are doctors who--
+
+MARTHA--[Shrinking back from him.] Curt! You propose that--to me! [With
+overwhelming sorrow.] Oh, Curt! When I feel him--his life within
+me--like a budding of my deepest soul--to flower and continue me--you
+say what you have just said! [Grief-stricken.] Oh, you never, never,
+never will understand!
+
+CURTIS--[Shamefacedly.] Martha, I--[Distractedly.] I don't know what
+I'm saying! This whole situation is so unbearable! Why, why does it
+have to happen now?
+
+MARTHA--[Gently.] It must be now--or not at all--at my age, dear. [Then
+after a pause--staring at him frightenedly--sadly.] You have changed,
+Curt. I remember it used to be your happiness to sacrifice yourself for
+me.
+
+CURTIS--I had no work then--no purpose beyond myself. To sacrifice
+oneself is easy. But when your only meaning becomes as a searcher for
+knowledge--you cannot sacrifice that, Martha. You must sacrifice
+everything for that--or lose all sincerity.
+
+MARTHA--I wonder where your work leaves off and you begin. Hasn't your
+work become you?
+
+CURTIS--Yes and no. [Helplessly.] You can't understand, Martha! ...
+
+MARTHA--Nor you.
+
+CURTIS--[With a trace of bitter irony.] And you and your work? Aren't
+they one and the same?
+
+MARTHA--So you think mine is selfish, too? [After a pause--sadly.] I
+can't blame you, Curt. It's all my fault. I've spoiled you by giving up
+my life so completely to yours. You've forgotten I have one. Oh, I
+don't mean that I was a martyr. I know that in you alone lay my
+happiness and fulfillment in those years--after the children died. But
+we are no longer what we were then. We must, both of us, relearn to
+love and respect--what we have become.
+
+CURTIS--[Violently.] Nonsense! You talk as if love were an intellectual
+process--[Taking her into his arms--passionately.] I love you--always
+and forever! You are me and I am you. What use is all this vivisecting?
+[He kisses her fiercely. They look into each other's eyes for a
+second--then instinctively fall back from one another.]
+
+MARTHA--[In a whisper.] Yes, you love me. But who am I? There is no
+recognition in your eyes. You don't know.
+
+CURTIS--[Frightenedly.] Martha! Stop! This is terrible! [They continue
+to be held by each other's fearfully questioning eyes.]
+
+[The Curtain Falls]
+
+
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+SCENE--Same as Act II. As the curtain rises, JAYSON is discovered
+sitting in an armchair by the fireplace, in which a log fire is burning
+fitfully. He is staring into the flames, a strained, expectant
+expression on his face. It is about three o'clock in the morning. There
+is no light but that furnished by the fire which fills the room with
+shifting shadows. The door in the rear is opened and RICHARD appears,
+his face harried by the stress of unusual emotion. Through the opened
+doorway, a low, muffled moan of anguish sounds from the upper part of
+the house. JAYSON and RICHARD both shudder. The latter closes the door
+behind him quickly as if anxious to shut out the noise.
+
+JAYSON--[Looking up anxiously.] Well?
+
+RICHARD--[Involuntarily straightening up as if about to salute and
+report to a superior officer.] No change, sir. [Then, as if remembering
+himself, comes to the fireplace and slumps down in a
+chair--agitatedly.] God, Dad, I can't stand her moaning and screaming!
+It's got my nerves shot to pieces. I thought I was hardened. I've heard
+them out in No Man's Land--dying by inches--when you couldn't get to
+them or help--but this is worse--a million times! After all, that was
+war--and they were men--
+
+JAYSON--Martha is having an exceptionally hard ordeal.
+
+RICHARD--Since three o'clock this morning--yesterday morning, I should
+say. It's a wonder she isn't dead.
+
+JAYSON--[After a pause.] Where is Curt?
+
+RICHARD--[Harshly.] Still out in the garden, walking around bareheaded
+in the cold like a lunatic.
+
+JAYSON--Why didn't you make him come in?
+
+RICHARD--Make him! It's easy to say. He's in a queer state, Dad, I can
+tell you! There's something torturing him besides her pain--
+
+JAYSON--[After a pause.] Yes, there's a lot in all this we don't know
+about.
+
+RICHARD--I suppose the reason he's so down on the family is because
+we've rather cut her since that tea affair.
+
+JAYSON--He shouldn't blame us. She acted abominably and has certainly
+caused enough talk since then--always about with Bigelow--
+
+RICHARD--[With a sardonic laugh.] And yet he keeps asking everyone to
+send for Bigelow--says he wants to talk to him--not us. WE can't
+understand! [He laughs bitterly.]
+
+JAYSON--I'm afraid Curt knows we understand too much. [Agitatedly.] But
+why does he want Bigelow, in God's name? In his present state--with the
+suspicions he must have--there's liable to be a frightful scene.
+
+RICHARD--Don't be afraid of a scene. [With pitying scorn.] The hell of
+it is he seems to regard Bigelow as his best friend. Damned if I can
+make it out.
+
+JAYSON--I gave orders that they were always to tell Curt Bigelow was
+out of town and couldn't be reached. [With a sigh.] What a frightful
+situation for all of us! [After a pause.] It may sound cruel of
+me--but--I can't help wishing for all our sakes that this child will
+never--
+
+RICHARD--Yes, Dad, I know what you're thinking. It would be the best
+thing for it, too--although I hate myself for saying it. [There is a
+pause. Then the door in rear is opened and LILY appears. She is pale
+and agitated. Leaving the door open behind her she comes forward and
+flings herself on the lounge.]
+
+JAYSON--[Anxiously.] Well?
+
+LILY--[Irritably, getting up and switching on the lights.] Isn't
+everything gloomy enough? [Sits down.] I couldn't bear it upstairs one
+second longer. Esther and Emily are coming down, too. It's too much for
+them--and they've had personal experience. [Trying to mask her
+agitation by a pretense at flippancy.] I hereby become a life-member of
+the birth-control league. Let's let humanity cease--if God can't manage
+its continuance any better than that!
+
+RICHARD--[Seriously.] Second the motion.
+
+JAYSON--[Peevishly.] You're young idiots. Keep your blasphemous
+nonsense to yourself, Lily!
+
+LILY--[Jumping up and stamping her foot--hysterically.] I can't stand
+it. Take me home, Dick, won't you? We're doing no good waiting here.
+I'll have a fit--or something--if I stay.
+
+RICHARD--[Glad of the excuse to go himself--briskly.] That's how I
+feel. I'll drive you home. Come along. [ESTHER and EMILY enter,
+followed by JOHN.]
+
+LILY--[Excitedly.] I'll never marry or have a child! Never, never! I'll
+go into Mark's office to-morrow and make myself independent of marriage.
+
+ESTHER--Sssh! Lily! Don't you know you're shouting? And what silly talk!
+
+LILY--I'll show you whether it's silly! I'll--
+
+RICHARD--[Impatiently.] Are you coming or not?
+
+LILY--[Quickly.] Yes--wait--here I am. [She pushes past the others and
+follows RICHARD out rear. ESTHER and EMILY sit on couch--JOHN on chair,
+right rear.]
+
+ESTHER--[With a sigh.] I thought I went through something when mine
+were born--but this is too awful.
+
+EMILY--And, according to John, Curt actually says he hates it! Isn't
+that terrible? [After a pause--meaningly.] It's almost as if her
+suffering was a punishment, don't you think?
+
+ESTHER--If it is, she's being punished enough, Heaven knows. It can't
+go on this way much longer or something dreadful will happen.
+
+EMILY--Do you think the baby--
+
+ESTHER--I don't know. I shouldn't say it but perhaps it would be better
+if--
+
+EMILY--That's what I think.
+
+ESTHER--Oh, I wish I didn't have such evil suspicions--but the way Curt
+goes on--how can you help feeling there's something wrong?
+
+JAYSON--[Suddenly.] How is Curt?
+
+EMILY--John just came in from the garden. [Turning around to where JOHN
+is dozing in his chair--sharply.] John! Well I never! If he isn't
+falling asleep! John! [He jerks up his head and stares at her, blinking
+stupidly. She continues irritably.] A nice time to pick out for a nap,
+I must say.
+
+JOHN--[Surlily.] Don't forget I have to be at the bank in the morning.
+
+JAYSON--[Testily.] I have to be at the bank, too--and you don't notice
+me sleeping. Tell me about Curt. You just left him, didn't you?
+
+JOHN--[Irritably.] Yes, and I've been walking around that damned garden
+half the night watching over him. Isn't that enough to wear anyone out?
+I can feel I've got a terrible cold coming on--
+
+ESTHER--[Impatiently.] For goodness sake, don't you start to pity
+yourself!
+
+JOHN--[Indignantly.] I'm not. I think I've showed my willingness to do
+everything I could. If Curt was only the least bit grateful! He isn't.
+He hates us all and wishes we were out of his home. I would have left
+long ago if I didn't want to do my part in saving the family name from
+disgrace.
+
+JAYSON--[Impatiently.] Has he quieted down, that's what I want to know?
+
+JOHN--[Harshly.] Not the least bit. He's out of his head--and I'd be
+out of mine if a child was being born to my wife that--
+
+JAYSON--[Angrily.] Keep that to yourself! Remember you have no proof.
+[Morosely.] Think all you want--but don't talk.
+
+EMILY--[Pettishly.] The whole town knows it, anyway; I'm sure they must.
+
+JAYSON--There's only been gossip--no real scandal. Let's do our united
+best to keep it at that. [After a pause.] Where's Aunt Elizabeth? We'll
+have to keep an eye on her, too, or she's quite liable to blurt out the
+whole business before all comers.
+
+ESTHER--You needn't be afraid. She's forgotten all about the scandalous
+part. No word of it has come to her out in the country and she hasn't
+set foot in town since that unfortunate tea, remember. And at present
+she's so busy wishing the child will be a boy, that she hasn't a
+thought for another thing. [The door in the rear is opened and MARK
+SHEFFIELD enters. He comes up to the fire to warm himself. The others
+watch him in silence for a moment.]
+
+JAYSON--[Impatiently.] Well, Mark? Where's Curt?
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Frowning.] Inside. I think he'll be with us in a minute.
+[With a scornful smile.] Just now he's 'phoning to Bigelow. [The others
+gasp.]
+
+JAYSON--[Furiously.] For God's sake, couldn't you stop him?
+
+SHEFFIELD--Not without a scene. Your Aunt persuaded him to come into
+the house--and he rushed for the 'phone. I think he guessed we had been
+lying to him--
+
+JAYSON--[After a pause.] Then he--Bigelow will be here soon?
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Drily.] It depends on his sense of decency. As he seems
+lacking in that quality, I've no doubt he'll come.
+
+JOHN--[Rising to his feet--pompously.] Then I, for one, will go. Come,
+Emily. Since Curt seems bound to disgrace everyone concerned, I want it
+thoroughly understood that we wash our hands of the whole disgraceful
+affair.
+
+EMILY--[Snappishly.] Go if you want to! I won't! [Then with a
+sacrificing air.] I think it is our duty to stay.
+
+JAYSON--[Exasperated.] Sit down. Wash your hands indeed! Aren't you as
+much concerned as any of us?
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Sharply.] Sshh! I think I hear Curt now. [JOHN sits down
+abruptly. All stiffen into stony attitudes. The door is opened and CURT
+enters. He is incredibly drawn and haggard, a tortured, bewildered
+expression in his eyes. His hair is dishevelled, his boots caked with
+mud. He stands at the door staring from one to the other of his family
+with a wild, contemptuous scorn and mutters.]
+
+CURTIS--Liars! Well, he's coming now. [Then bewilderedly.] Why didn't
+you want him to come, eh? He's my oldest friend. I've got to talk to
+someone--and I can't to you. [Wildly.] What do you want here, anyway?
+Why don't you go? [A scream of MARTHA's is heard through the doorway.
+CURT shudders violently, slams the door to with a crash, putting his
+shoulders against it as if to bar out the sound inexorably--in
+anguish.] God, why must she go through such agony? Why? Why? [He goes
+to the fireplace as MARK makes way for him, flings himself exhaustedly
+on a chair, his shoulders bowed, his face hidden in his hands. The
+others stare at him pityingly. There is a long silence. Then the two
+women whisper together, get up and tiptoe out of the room, motioning
+for the others to follow them. JOHN does so. SHEFFIELD starts to go,
+then notices the preoccupied JAYSON who is staring moodily into the
+fire.]
+
+SHEFFIELD--Sstt! [As JAYSON looks up--in a whisper.] Let's go out and
+leave him alone. Perhaps he'll sleep.
+
+JAYSON--[Starting to follow SHEFFIELD, hesitates and puts a hand on his
+son's shoulder.] Curt. Remember I'm your father. Can't you confide in
+me? I'll do anything to help.
+
+CURTIS--[Harshly.] No, Dad. Leave me alone.
+
+JAYSON--[Piqued.] As you wish. [He starts to go.]
+
+CURTIS--And send Big in to me as soon as he comes.
+
+JAYSON--[Stops, appears about to object--then remarks coldly.] Very
+well--if you insist. [He switches off the lights. He hesitates at the
+door uncertainly, then opens it and goes out. There is a pause. Then
+CURT lifts his head and peers about the room. Seeing he is alone he
+springs to his feet and begins to pace back and forth, his teeth
+clenched, his features working convulsively. Then, as if attracted by
+an irresistible impulse, he goes to the closed door and puts his ear to
+the crack. He evidently hears his wife's moans for he starts away--in
+agony.]
+
+CURTIS--Oh, Martha, Martha! Martha, darling! [He flings himself in the
+chair by the fireplace--hides his face in his hands and sobs bitterly.
+There is a ring from somewhere in the house. Soon after there is a
+knock at the door. CURTIS doesn't hear at first but when it is repeated
+he mutters huskily.] Come in. [BIGELOW enters. CURT looks up at him.]
+Close that door, Big, for God's sake!
+
+BIGELOW--[Does so--then taking off his overcoat, hat, and throwing them
+on the lounge comes quickly over to CURT.] I got over as soon as I
+could. [As he sees CURT's face he starts and says sympathetically.] By
+Jove, old man, you look as though you'd been through hell!
+
+CURTIS--[Grimly.] I have. I am.
+
+BIGELOW--[Slapping his back.] Buck up! [Then anxiously.] How's Martha?
+
+CURTIS--She's in hell, too--
+
+BIGELOW--[Attempting consolation.] You're surely not worrying, are you?
+Martha is so strong and healthy there's no doubt of her pulling through
+in fine shape.
+
+CURTIS--She should never have attempted this. [After a pause.] I've a
+grudge against you, Big. It was you bringing your children over here
+that first planted this in her mind.
+
+BIGELOW--[After a pause.] I've guessed you thought that. That's why you
+haven't noticed me--or them--over here so much lately. I'll confess
+that I felt you--[Angrily.] And the infernal gossip--I'll admit I
+thought that you--oh, damn this rotten town, anyway!
+
+CURTIS--[Impatiently.] Oh, for God's sake! [Bitterly.] I didn't want
+you here to discuss Bridgetown gossip.
+
+BIGELOW--I know, old man, forgive me. [In spite of the closed door one
+of MARTHA's agonized moans is heard. They both shudder.]
+
+CURTIS--[In a dead, monotonous tone.] She has been moaning like that
+hour after hour. I shall have those sounds in my ears until the day I
+die. Nothing can ever make me forget--nothing.
+
+BIGELOW--[Trying to distract him.] Deuce take it, Curt, what's the
+matter with you? I never thought you'd turn morbid.
+
+CURTIS--[Darkly.] I've changed, Big--I hardly know myself any more.
+
+BIGELOW--Once you're back on the job again, you'll be all right. You're
+still determined to go on this expedition, aren't you?
+
+CURTIS--Yes. I was supposed to join them this week in New York but I've
+arranged to catch up with them in China--as soon as it's possible for
+us to go.
+
+BIGELOW--Us? You mean you still plan to take--
+
+CURTIS--[Angrily aggressive.] Yes, certainly! Why not? Martha ought to
+be able to travel in a month or so.
+
+BIGELOW--Yes, but--do you think it would be safe to take the child?
+
+CURTIS--[With a bitter laugh.] Yes--I was forgetting the child, wasn't
+I? [Viciously.] But perhaps--[Then catching himself with a groan.] Oh,
+damn all children, Big!
+
+BIGELOW--[Astonished.] Curt!
+
+CURTIS--[In anguish.] I can't help it--I've fought against it. But it's
+there--deep down in me--and I can't drive it out. I can't!
+
+BIGELOW--[Bewildered.] What, Curt?
+
+CURTIS--Hatred! Yes, hatred! What's the use of denying it? I must tell
+someone and you're the only one who might understand. [With a wild
+laugh.] For you--hated your wife, didn't you?
+
+BIGELOW--[Stunned.] Good God, you don't mean you hate--Martha?
+
+CURTIS--[Raging.] Hate Martha? How dare you, you fool! I love
+Martha--love her with every miserable drop of blood in me--with all my
+life--all my soul! She is my whole world--everything! Hate Martha! God,
+man, have you gone crazy to say such a mad thing? [Savagely.] No. I
+hate it. It!
+
+BIGELOW--[Shocked.] Curt! Don't you know you can't talk like
+that--now--when--CURTIS-- [Harshly.] It has made us both suffer
+torments--not only now--every day, every hour, for months and months.
+Why shouldn't I hate it, eh?
+
+BIGELOW--[Staring at his friend's wild, distorted face with growing
+horror.] Curt! Can't you realize how horrible--
+
+CURTIS--Yes, it's horrible. I've told myself that a million times.
+[With emphasis.] But it's true!
+
+BIGELOW--[Severely.] Shut up! You're not yourself. Come, think for a
+moment. What would Martha feel if she heard you going on this way?
+Why--it would kill her!
+
+CURTIS--[With a sobbing groan.] Oh, I know, I know! [After a pause.]
+She read it in my eyes. Yes, it's horrible, but when I saw her there
+suffering so frightfully--I couldn't keep it out of my eyes. I tried to
+force it back--for her sake--but I couldn't. I was holding her hands
+and her eyes searched mine with such a longing question in them--and
+she read only my hatred there, not my love for her. And she screamed
+and seemed to try to push me away. I wanted to kneel down and pray for
+forgiveness--to tell her it was only my love for her--that I couldn't
+help it. And then the doctors told me to leave--and now the door is
+locked against me--[He sobs.]
+
+BIGELOW--[Greatly moved.] This is only your damned imagination. They
+put you out because you were in their way, that's all. And as for
+Martha, she was probably suffering so much--
+
+CURTIS--No. She read it in my eyes. I saw that look in hers--of
+horror--horror of me!
+
+BIGELOW--[Gruffly.] You're raving, damn it!
+
+CURTIS--[Unheeding.] It came home to her then--the undeniable truth.
+[With a groan.] Isn't it fiendish that I should be the one to add to
+her torture--in spite of myself--in spite of all my will to conceal it!
+She will never forgive me, never! And how can I forgive myself?
+
+BIGELOW--[Distractedly.] For God's sake, don't think about it! It's
+absurd--ridiculous!
+
+CURTIS--[Growing more calm--in a tone of obsession.] She's guessed it
+ever since that day when we quarreled--her birthday. Oh, you can have
+no idea of the misery there has been in our lives since then. You
+haven't seen or guessed the reason. No one has. It has been--the
+thought of IT.
+
+BIGELOW--Curt!
+
+CURTIS--[Unheeding.] For years we had welded our lives together so that
+we two were sufficient, each to each. There was no room for a third.
+And it was a fine, free life we had made--a life of new worlds, of
+discovery, of knowledge invaluable to mankind. Isn't such a life worth
+all the sacrifice it must entail?
+
+BIGELOW--But that life was your life, Curt--
+
+CURTIS--[Vehemently.] No, it was her life, too--her work as well as
+mine. She had made the life, our life--the work, our work. Had she the
+right to repudiate what she had built because she suddenly has a fancy
+for a home, children, a miserable ease! I had thought I was her home,
+her children. I had tried to make my life worthy of being that to her.
+And I had failed. I was not enough.
+
+BIGELOW--Curt!
+
+CURTIS--Oh, I tried to become reconciled. I tried my damnedest. I tried
+to love this child as I had loved those that died. But I couldn't. And
+so, this being estranged us. We loved as intensely as ever but IT
+pushed us apart. I grew to dread the idea of this intruder. She saw
+this in me. I denied it--but she knew. There was something in each of
+us the other grew to hate. And still we loved as never before, perhaps,
+for we grew to pity each other's helplessness.
+
+BIGELOW--Curt! Are you sure you ought to tell anyone this?
+
+CURTIS--[Waving his remark aside.] One day, when I was trying to
+imagine myself without her, and finding nothing but hopelessness--yet
+knowing I must go--a thought suddenly struck me--a horrible but
+fascinating possibility that had never occurred to me before. [With
+feverish intensity.] Can you guess what it was?
+
+BIGELOW--No. And I think you've done enough morbid raving, if you ask
+me.
+
+CURTIS--The thought that came to me was that if a certain thing
+happened, Martha could still go with me. And I knew, if it did happen,
+that she would want to go, that she would fling herself into the spirit
+of our work to forget, that she would be mine more than ever.
+
+BIGELOW--[Afraid to believe the obvious answer.] Curt!
+
+CURTIS--Yes. My thought was that the child might be born dead.
+
+BIGELOW--[Repelled--sternly.] Damn it, man, do you know what you're
+saying? [Relentingly.] No, Curt, old boy, do stop talking. If you don't
+I'll send for a doctor, damned if I won't. That talk belongs in an
+asylum. God, man, can't you realize this is your child--yours as well
+as hers?
+
+CURTIS--I've tried. I cannot. There is some inexorable force in me--
+
+BIGELOW--[Coldly.] Do you realize how contemptible this confession
+makes you out? [Angrily.] Why, if you had one trace of human kindness
+in you--one bit of unselfish love for your wife--one particle of pity
+for her suffering--
+
+CURTIS--[Anguished.] I have--all the love and pity in the world for
+her! That's why I can't help hating--the cause of her suffering.
+
+BIGELOW--Have you never thought that you might repay Martha for giving
+up all her life to you by devoting the rest of yours to her?
+
+CURTIS--[Bitterly.] She can be happy without me. She will have this
+child--to take my place. [Intensely.] You think I would not give up my
+work for her? But I would! I will stay here--do anything she wishes--if
+only we can make a new beginning again--together--ALONE!
+
+BIGELOW--[Agitated.] Curt, for God's sake, don't return to that! Why,
+good God, man--even now--while you're speaking--don't you realize what
+may be happening? And you can talk as if you were wishing--
+
+CURTIS--[Fiercely.] I can't help but wish it!
+
+BIGELOW--[Distractedly.] For the love of God, if you have such
+thoughts, keep them to yourself. I won't listen! You make me despise
+life!
+
+CURTIS--And would you have me love life? [The door in the rear is
+opened and JAYSON enters, pale and unnerved. A succession of quick,
+piercing shrieks is heard before he can close the door behind him.
+Shuddering.] My God! My God! [With a fierce cry.]
+Will--this--never--end!
+
+JAYSON--[Tremblingly.] Sh-h-h, they say this is the crisis. [Puts his
+arm around CURT.] Bear up, my boy, it will soon be over now. [He sits
+down in the chair BIGELOW has vacated, pointedly ignoring the latter.
+The door is opened again and EMILY, ESTHER, JOHN and SHEFFIELD file in
+quickly as if escaping from the cries of the woman upstairs. They are
+all greatly agitated. CURT groans, pressing his clenched fists against
+his ears. The two women sit on the lounge. MARK comes forward and
+stands by JAYSON'S chair, JOHN sits by the door as before. BIGELOW
+retreats behind CURT's chair, aware of their hostility. There is a long
+pause.]
+
+ESTHER--[Suddenly.] She has stopped--[They all listen.]
+
+JAYSON--[Huskily.] Thank God, it's over at last. [The door is opened
+and MRS. DAVIDSON enters. The old lady is radiant, weeping tears of
+joy.]
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[Calls out exultantly between sobs.] A son, Curt--a son.
+[With rapt fervor--falling on her knees.] Let us all give thanks to God!
+
+CURTIS--[In a horrible cry of rage and anguish.] No! No! You lie! [They
+all cry out in fright and amazement: "CURT!" The door is opened and the
+NURSE appears.]
+
+NURSE--[Looking at CURTIS, in a low voice.] Mr. Jayson, your wife is
+asking for you.
+
+BIGELOW--[Promptly slapping CURT on the back.] There! What did I tell
+you? Run, you chump!
+
+CURTIS--[With a gasp of joy.] Martha! Darling, I'm coming--[He rushes
+out after the NURSE.]
+
+BIGELOW--[Comes forward to get his hat and coat from the sofa--coldly.]
+Pardon me, please. [They shrink away from him.]
+
+EMILY--[As he goes to the door--cuttingly.] Some people seem to have no
+sense of decency!
+
+BIGELOW--[Stung, stops at the door and looks from one to the other of
+them--bitingly.] No, I quite agree with you. [He goes out, shutting the
+door. They all gasp angrily.]
+
+JOHN--Scoundrel!
+
+JAYSON--[Testily--going to MRS. D., who is still on her knees praying.]
+Do get up, Aunt Elizabeth! How ridiculous! What a scene if anyone
+should see you like that. [He raises her to her feet and leads her to a
+chair by the fire. She obeys unresistingly, seemingly unaware of what
+she is doing.]
+
+ESTHER--[Unable to restrain her jealousy.] So it's a boy.
+
+EMILY--Did you hear Curt--how he yelled out "No"? It's plain as the
+nose on your face he didn't want--
+
+ESTHER--How awful!
+
+JOHN--Well, can you blame him?
+
+EMILY--And the awful cheek of that Bigelow person--coming here--
+
+ESTHER--They appeared as friendly as ever when we came in.
+
+JOHN--[Scornfully.] Curt is a blind simpleton--and that man is a
+dyed-in-the-wool scoundrel.
+
+JAYSON--[Frightenedly.] Shhh! Suppose we were overheard!
+
+EMILY--When Curt leaves we can put her in her proper place. I'll soon
+let her know she hasn't fooled me, for one. [While she is speaking MRS.
+D. has gotten up and is going silently toward the door.]
+
+JAYSON--[Testily.] Aunt Elizabeth, where are you going?
+
+MRS. D.--[Tenderly.] I must see him again, the dear! [She goes out.]
+
+ESTHER--[Devoured by curiosity--hesitatingly.] I think I--come on,
+Emily. Let's go up and see--
+
+EMILY--Not I! I never want to lay eyes on it.
+
+JOHN--Nor I.
+
+ESTHER--I was only thinking--everyone will think it funny if we don't.
+
+JAYSON--[Hastily.] Yes, yes. We must keep up appearances. [Getting to
+his feet.] Yes, I think we had better all go up--make some sort of
+inquiry about Martha, you know. It's expected of us and--[They are all
+standing, hesitating, when the door in the rear is opened and the NURSE
+appears, supporting CURT. The latter is like a corpse. His face is
+petrified with grief, his body seems limp and half-paralyzed.]
+
+NURSE--[Her eyes flashing, indignantly.] It's a wonder some of you
+wouldn't come up--here, help me! Take him, can't you? I've got to run
+back!
+
+[JAYSON and SHEFFIELD spring forward and lead CURT to a chair by the
+fire.]
+
+JAYSON--[Anxious.] Curt! Curt, my boy! What is it, son?
+
+EMILY--[Catching the NURSE as she tries to go.] Nurse! What is the
+matter?
+
+NURSE--[Slowly.] His wife is dead. [They are all still, stunned.] She
+lived just long enough to recognize him.
+
+EMILY--And--the baby?
+
+NURSE--[With a professional air.] Oh, it's a fine, healthy baby--eleven
+pounds--that's what made it so difficult. [She goes. The others all
+stand in silence.]
+
+ESTHER--[Suddenly sinking on the couch and bursting into tears.] Oh,
+I'm so sorry I said--or thought--anything wrong about her. Forgive me,
+Martha!
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Honestly moved but unable to resist this opportunity for
+Latin--solemnly.] De mortuis nil nisi bonum.
+
+JAYSON--[Who has been giving all his attention to his son.] Curt! Curt!
+EMILY--Hadn't the doctor better--
+
+JAYSON--Shhh! He begins to recognize me. Curt!
+
+CURTIS--[Looking around him bewilderedly.] Yes. [Suddenly remembrance
+comes and a spasm of intolerable pain contracts his features. He
+presses his hands to the side of his head and groans brokenly.] Martha!
+Gone! Dead! Oh! [He appeals wildly to the others.] Her eyes--she knew
+me--she smiled--she whispered--forgive me, Curt,--forgive her--when it
+was I who should have said forgive me--but before I could--she--[He
+falters brokenly.]
+
+EMILY--[Looking from one to the other meaningly as if this justified
+all their suspicions.] Oh!
+
+CURTIS--[A sudden triumph in his voice.] But she loved me again--only
+me--I saw it in her eyes! She had forgotten--IT. [Raging.] Never let me
+see it! Never let it come near me! It has murdered her! [Springing to
+his feet.] I hate it from the bottom of my soul--I will never see
+it--never--never--I take my oath! [As his father takes his arm--shaking
+him off.] Let me go! I am going back to her! [He strides out of the
+door in a frenzy of grief and rage. They all stand transfixed, looking
+at each other bewilderedly.]
+
+EMILY--[Putting all her venomous gratification into one word.] Well!
+
+[The Curtain Falls]
+
+
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+
+SCENE--Same as Act I. It is afternoon of a fine day three days later.
+Motors are heard coming up the drive in front of the house. There is
+the muffled sound of voices. The MAID is seen going along the hall to
+the front door. Then the family enter from the rear. First come JAYSON
+and ESTHER with MRS. DAVIDSON--then LILY, DICK and SHEFFIELD--then JOHN
+and his wife. All are dressed in mourning. The only one who betrays any
+signs of sincere grief is MRS. DAVIDSON. The others all have a strained
+look, irritated, worried, or merely gloomy. They seem to be thinking
+"The worst is yet to come."
+
+JAYSON--[Leading MRS. D., who is weeping softly, to the chair at left
+of table--fretfully.] Please do sit down, Aunt. [She does so
+mechanically.] And do stop crying. [He sits down in front of table.
+ESTHER goes to couch where she is joined by EMILY. MARK goes over and
+stands in back of them. DICK and JOHN sit at rear of table. LILY comes
+down front and walks about nervously. She seems in a particularly
+fretful, upset mood.]
+
+LILY--[Trying to conceal her feelings under a forced flippancy.] What
+ridiculous things funerals are, anyway! That stupid minister--whining
+away through his nose! Why does the Lord show such a partiality for men
+with adenoids, I wonder.
+
+JAYSON--[Testily.] Sshhh! Have you no respect for anything?
+
+LILY--[Resentfully.] If I had, I'd have lost it when I saw all of you
+pulling such long faces in the church where you knew you were under
+observation. Pah! Such hypocrisy! And then, to cap it all, Emily has to
+force out a few crocodile tears at the grave!
+
+EMILY--[Indignantly.] When I saw Curt--that's why I cried--not for her!
+
+JAYSON--What a scene Curt made! I actually believe he wanted to throw
+himself into the grave!
+
+DICK--You BELIEVE he wanted to! Why, it was all Mark and I could do to
+hold him, wasn't it, Mark? [SHEFFIELD nods.]
+
+JAYSON--Intolerable! I never expected he'd turn violent like that. He's
+seemed calm enough the past three days.
+
+LILY--Calm! Yes, just like a corpse is calm!
+
+JAYSON--[Distractedly.] And now this perfectly mad idea of going away
+to-day to join that infernal expedition--leaving that child on our
+hands--the child he has never even looked at! Why, it's too monstrously
+flagrant! He's deliberately flaunting this scandal in everyone's face!
+
+JOHN--[Firmly.] He must be brought to time.
+
+SHEFFIELD--Yes, we must talk to him--quite openly, if we're forced to.
+After all, I guess he realizes the situation more keenly than any of us.
+
+LILY--[Who has wandered to window on right.] You mean you think he
+believes--Well, I don't. And you had better be careful not to let him
+guess what you think. [Pointing outside.] There's my proof. There he is
+walking about with Bigelow. Can you imagine Curt doing that--if he
+thought for a moment--
+
+DICK--Oh, I guess Curt isn't all fool. He knows that's the very best
+way to keep people from suspecting.
+
+ESTHER--[Indignantly.] But wouldn't you think that Bigelow person--It's
+disgusting, his sticking to Curt like this.
+
+SHEFFIELD--Well, for one, I'm becoming quite resigned to Bigelow's
+presence. In the first place, he seems to be the only one who can bring
+Curt to reason. Then again, I feel that it is to Bigelow's own interest
+to convince Curt that he mustn't provoke an open scandal by running
+away without acknowledging this child.
+
+LILY--[Suddenly bursting forth hysterically.] Oh, I hate you, all of
+you! I loathe your suspicions--and I loathe myself because I'm
+beginning to be poisoned by them, too.
+
+EMILY--Really, Lily, at this late hour--after the way Curt has
+acted--and her last words when she was dying--
+
+LILY--[Distractedly.] I know! Shut up! Haven't you told it a million
+times already? [MRS. DAVIDSON gets up and walks to the door, rear. She
+has been crying softly during this scene, oblivious to the talk around
+her.]
+
+JAYSON--[Testily.] Aunt Elizabeth! Where are you going? [As she doesn't
+answer but goes out into the hall.] Esther, go with her and see that
+she doesn't--
+
+ESTHER--[Gets up with a jealous irritation.] She's only going up to see
+the baby. She's simply forgotten everything else in the world!
+
+LILY--[Indignantly.] She probably realizes what we are too mean to
+remember--that the baby, at least, is innocent. Wait, Esther. I'll come
+with you.
+
+JAYSON--Yes, hurry, she shouldn't be left alone. [ESTHER and LILY
+follow the old lady out, rear.]
+
+DICK--[After a pause--impatiently.] Well, what next? I don't see what
+good we are accomplishing. May I run along? [He gets up restlessly as
+he is speaking and goes to the window.]
+
+JAYSON--[Severely.] You will stay, if you please. There's to be no
+shirking on anyone's part. It may take all of us to induce Curt--
+
+SHEFFIELD--I wouldn't worry. Bigelow is taking that job off our hands,
+I imagine.
+
+DICK--[Looking out of the window.] He certainly seems to be doing his
+damnedest. [With a sneer.] The stage missed a great actor in him.
+
+JAYSON--[Worriedly.] But, if Bigelow should fail--
+
+SHEFFIELD--Then we'll succeed. [With a grim smile.] By God, we'll have
+to.
+
+JAYSON--Curt has already packed his trunks and had them taken down to
+the station--told me he was leaving on the five o'clock train.
+
+SHEFFIELD--But didn't you hint to him there was now this matter of the
+child to be considered in making his plans?
+
+JAYSON--[Lamely.] I started to. He simply flared up at me with insane
+rage.
+
+DICK--[Looking out the window.] Say, I believe they're coming in.
+
+JAYSON--Bigelow?
+
+DICK--Yes, they're both making for the front door.
+
+SHEFFIELD--I suggest we beat a retreat to Curt's study and wait there.
+
+JAYSON--Yes, let's do that--come on, all of you. [They all retire
+grumblingly but precipitately to the study, closing the door behind
+them. The front door is heard opening and a moment later CURT and
+BIGELOW enter the room. CURT's face is set in an expression of stony
+grief. BIGELOW is flushed, excited, indignant.]
+
+BIGELOW--[As CURT sinks down on the couch--pleading indignantly.] Curt,
+damn it, wake up! Are you made of stone? Has everything I've said gone
+in one ear and out the other? I know it's hell for me to torment you at
+this particular time but it's your own incredibly unreasonable actions
+that force me to. I know how terribly you must feel but--damn it, man,
+postpone this going away! Face this situation like a man! Be reconciled
+to your child, stay with him at least until you can make suitable
+arrangements--
+
+CURTIS--[Fixedly.] I will never see it! Never!
+
+BIGELOW--How can you keep repeating that--with Martha hardly cold in
+her grave! I ask you again, what would she think, how would she
+feel--If you would only consent to see this baby, I know you'd realize
+how damnably mad and cruel you are. Won't you--just for a second?
+
+CURTIS--No. [Then raging.] If I saw it I'd be tempted to--[Then
+brokenly.] No more of that talk, Big. I've heard enough. I've reached
+the limit.
+
+BIGELOW--[Restraining his anger with difficulty--coldly.] That's your
+final answer, eh? Well, I'm through. I've done all I could. If you want
+to play the brute--to forget all that was most dear in the world to
+Martha--to go your own damn selfish way--well, there's nothing more to
+be said. You will be punished for it, believe me! [He takes a step
+toward the door.] And I--I want you to understand that all friendship
+ceases between us from this day. You are not the Curt I thought I
+knew--and I have nothing but a feeling of repulsion--good-by. [He
+starts for the door.]
+
+CURTIS--[Dully.] Good-by, Big.
+
+BIGELOW--[Stops, his features working with grief and looks back at his
+friend--then suddenly goes back to him--penitently.] Curt! Forgive me!
+I ought to know better. This isn't you. You'll come to yourself when
+you've had time to think it over. The memory of Martha--she'll tell you
+what you must do. [He wrings CURT's hand.] Good-by, old scout!
+
+CURTIS--[Dully.] Good-by. [BIGELOW hurries out, rear. CURT sits in a
+dumb apathy for a while--then groans heart-brokenly.] Martha! Martha!
+[He springs to his feet distractedly. The door of the study is slowly
+opened and SHEFFIELD peers out cautiously--then comes into the room,
+followed by the others. They all take seats as before. CURT ignores
+them.]
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Clearing his throat.] Curt--
+
+CURTIS--[Suddenly.] What time is it, do you know!
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Looking at his watch.] Two minutes to four.
+
+CURTIS--[Impatiently.] Still an hour more of this!
+
+JAYSON--[Clearing his throat.] Curt--[Before he starts what he intends
+to say, there is the sound of voices from the hall. ESTHER and LILY
+help in MRS. DAVIDSON to her former chair. The old lady's face is again
+transformed with joy. ESTHER joins EMILY on the couch. LILY sits in
+chair--front right. There is a long, uncomfortable pause during which
+CURT paces up and down.]
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[Suddenly murmuring aloud to herself--happily.] He's
+such a dear! I could stay watching him forever.
+
+JAYSON--[Testily.] Sshhh! Aunt! [Then clearing his throat again.]
+Surely you're not still thinking of going on the five o'clock train,
+are you, Curt?
+
+CURTIS--Yes.
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Drily.] Then Mr. Bigelow didn't persuade you--
+
+CURTIS--[Coldly and impatiently.] I'm not to be persuaded by Big or
+anyone else. And I'll thank you not to talk any more about it. [They
+all stiffen resentfully at his tone.]
+
+JAYSON--[To CURT--in a pleading tone.] You mustn't be unreasonable,
+Curt. After all we are your family--your best friends in the world--and
+we are only trying to help you--
+
+CURTIS--[With nervous vehemence.] I don't want your help. You will help
+me most by keeping silent.
+
+EMILY--[ With a meaning look at the others--sneeringly.] Yes, no doubt.
+
+ESTHER--Sshhh, Emily!
+
+JAYSON--[Helplessly.] But, you see, Curt--
+
+SHEFFIELD--[With his best judicial air.] If you'll all allow me to be
+the spokesman, I think perhaps that I--[They all nod and signify their
+acquiescence. ] Well, then, will you listen to me, Curt? [This last
+somewhat impatiently as CURT continues to pace, eyes on the floor.]
+
+CURTIS--[Without looking at him--harshly.] Yes, I'm listening. What
+else can I do when you've got me cornered? Say what you like and let's
+get this over.
+
+SHEFFIELD--First of all, Curt, I hope it is needless for me to express
+how very deeply we all feel for you in your sorrow. But we sincerely
+trust that you are aware of our heartfelt sympathy. [They all nod. A
+bitter, cynical smile comes over LILY's face.]
+
+ESTHER--[Suddenly breaking down and beginning to weep.] Poor Martha!
+[SHEFFIELD glances at his wife, impatient at this interruption. The
+others also show their irritation.]
+
+EMILY--[Pettishly.] Esther! For goodness sake! [CURT hesitates, stares
+at his sister frowningly as if judging her sincerity--then bends down
+over her and kisses the top of her bowed head impulsively--seems about
+to break down himself--grits his teeth and forces it back--glances
+around at the others defiantly and resumes his pacing. ESTHER dries her
+eyes, forcing a trembling smile. The cry has done her good.]
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Clearing his throat.] I may truthfully say we all feel--as
+Esther does--even if we do not give vent--[With an air of sincere
+sympathy.] I know how terrible a day this must be for you, Curt. We all
+do. And we feel guilty in breaking in upon the sanctity of your sorrow
+in any way. But, if you will pardon my saying so, your own course of
+action--the suddenness of your plans--have made it imperative that we
+come to an understanding about certain things--about one thing in
+particular, I might say. [He pauses. CURT goes on pacing back and forth
+as if he hadn't heard.]
+
+JAYSON--[Placatingly.] Yes, it is for the best, Curt.
+
+ESTHER--Yes, Curt dear, you mustn't be unreasonable.
+
+DICK--[Feeling called upon to say something.] Yes, old man, you've got
+to face things like a regular. Facts are facts. [This makes everybody
+uneasy.]
+
+LILY--[Springing to her feet.] Phew! it's close in here. I'm going out
+in the garden. You can call me when these--orations--are finished. [She
+sweeps out scornfully.]
+
+JAYSON--[Calling after her imperiously.] Lily! [But she doesn't answer
+and he gives it up with a hopeless sigh.]
+
+CURTIS--[Harshly.] What time is it?
+
+SHEFFIELD--You have plenty of time to listen to what I--I should rather
+say we--have to ask you, Curt. I promise to be brief. But first let me
+again impress upon you that I am talking in a spirit of the deepest
+friendliness and sympathy with you--as a fellow-member of the same
+family, I may say--and with the highest ideals and the honor of that
+family always in view. [CURT makes no comment. SHEFFIELD unconsciously
+begins to adopt the alert keenness of the cross-examiner.] First, let
+me ask you, is it your intention to take that five o'clock train to-day?
+
+CURTIS--[Harshly.] I've told you that.
+
+SHEFFIELD--And then you'll join this expedition to Asia?
+
+CURTIS--You know that.
+
+SHEFFIELD--To be gone five years?
+
+CURTIS--[Shrugging his shoulders.] More or less.
+
+SHEFFIELD--Is it your intention to return here at any time before you
+leave for Asia?
+
+CURTIS--No!
+
+SHEFFIELD--And your determination on these plans is irrevocable?
+
+CURTIS--Irrevocable! Exactly. Please remember that.
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Sharply.] That being your attitude, I will come bluntly to
+the core of the whole matter--the child whose coming into the world
+cost Martha her life.
+
+CURTIS--[Savagely.] Her murderer! You are right! [They all look
+shocked, suspicious.]
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Remonstratingly but suspiciously.] You can hardly hold the
+child responsible for the terrible outcome. Women die every day from
+the same cause. [Keenly.] Why do you attribute guilt to the child in
+this case, Curt?
+
+CURTIS--It lives and Martha is gone--But, enough! I've said I never
+wanted it mentioned to me. Will you please remember that?
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Sharply.] Its name is Jayson. Curt--in the eyes of the law.
+Will YOU please remember that?
+
+CURTIS--[Distractedly.] I don't want to remember anything! [Wildly.]
+Please, for God's sake, leave me alone!
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Coldly.] I am sorry, Curt, but you cannot act as if you
+were alone in this affair.
+
+CURTIS--Why not? Am I not alone--more alone this minute than any
+creature on God's earth?
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Soothingly.] In your great grief. Yes, yes, of course. We
+all appreciate--and we hate to--[Persuasively.] Yes, it would be much
+wiser to postpone these practical considerations until you are in a
+calmer mood. And if you will only give us the chance--why not put off
+this precipitate departure--for a month, say--and in the meantime--
+
+CURTIS--[Harshly.] I am going when I said I was. I must get away from
+this horrible hole--as far away as I can. I must get back to my work
+for only in it will I find Martha again. But you--you can't understand
+that. What is the good of all this talking which leads nowhere?
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Coldly.] You're mistaken. It leads to this: Do you
+understand that your running away from this child--on the very day of
+its mother's funeral!--will have a very queer appearance in the eyes of
+the world?
+
+EMILY--And what are you going to do with the baby, Curt? Do you think
+you can run off regardless and leave it here--on our hands?
+
+CURTIS--[Distractedly.] I'll give it this home. And
+someone--anyone--Esther, Lily--can appoint a nurse to live here and--
+[Breaking down.] Oh, don't bother me!
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Sharply.] In the world's eyes, it will appear precious like
+a desertion on your part.
+
+CURTIS--Oh, arrange it to suit yourselves--anything you wish--
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Quickly. ] I'll take you at your word. Then let us arrange
+it this way. You will remain here a month longer at least--
+
+CURTIS--No!
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Ignoring the interruption.] You can make plans for the
+child's future in that time, become reconciled to it--
+
+CURTIS--No!
+
+JAYSON--[Pleadingly.] Curt--please--for all our sakes--when the honor
+of the family is at stake.
+
+DICK--Yes, old man, there's that about it, you know.
+
+CURTIS--No!
+
+EMILY--Oh, he's impossible!
+
+SHEFFIELD--Perhaps Curt misunderstood me. [Meaningly.] Be reconciled to
+it in the eyes of the public, Curt. That's what I meant. Your own
+private feelings in the matter--are no one's business but your own, of
+course.
+
+CURTIS--[Bewilderedly.] But--I don't see--Oh, damn your eyes of the
+public!
+
+EMILY--[Breaking in.] It's all very well for you to ignore what people
+in town think--you'll be in China or heaven knows where. The scandal
+won't touch you--but we've got to live here and have our position to
+consider.
+
+CURTIS--[Mystified.] Scandal? What scandal? [Then with a harsh laugh.]
+Oh, you mean the imbecile busy-bodies will call me an unnatural father.
+Well, let them! I suppose I am. But they don't know--
+
+EMILY--[Spitefully.] Perhaps they know more than you think they do.
+
+CURTIS--[Turning on her--sharply.] Just what do you mean by that, eh?
+
+ESTHER--Emily! Shhh!
+
+JAYSON--[Flurriedly.] Be still, Emily. Let Mark do the talking.
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Interposing placatingly.] What Emily means is simply this,
+Curt: You haven't even been to look at this child since it has been
+born--not once, have you?
+
+CURTIS--No, and I never intend--
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Insinuatingly.] And don't you suppose the doctors and
+nurses--and the servants--have noticed this? It is not the usual
+procedure, you must acknowledge, and they wouldn't be human if they
+didn't think your action--or lack of action--peculiar and comment on it
+outside.
+
+CURTIS--Well, let them! Do you think I care a fiddler's curse how
+people judge me?
+
+SHEFFIELD--It is hardly a case of their judging--you. [Breaking off as
+he catches CURT'S tortured eyes fixed on him wildly.] This is a small
+town, Curt, and you know as well as I do, gossip is not the least of
+its faults. It doesn't take long for such things to get started.
+[Persuasively.] Now I ask you frankly, is it wise to provoke
+deliberately what may easily be set at rest by a little--I'll be
+frank--a little pretense on your part?
+
+JAYSON--Yes, my boy. As a Jayson, I know you don't wish--
+
+ESTHEE--[With a sigh.] Yes, you really must think of us, Curt.
+
+CURTIS--[In an acute state of muddled confusion.] But--I--you--how are
+you concerned? Pretense? You mean you want me to stay and pretend--in
+order that you won't be disturbed by any silly tales they tell about
+me? [With a wild laugh.] Good God, this is too much! Why does a man
+have to be maddened by fools at such a time! [Raging.] Leave me alone!
+You're like a swarm of poisonous flies.
+
+JAYSON--Curt! This is--really--when we've tried to be so considerate--
+
+JOHN--[Bursting with rage.] It's an outrage to allow such insults!
+
+DICK--You're not playing the game, Curt.
+
+EMILY--[Spitefully.] It seems to me it's much more for Martha's sake,
+we're urging you than for our own. After all, the town can't say
+anything against us.
+
+CURTIS--[Turning on her.] Martha's sake? [Brokenly.] Martha is gone.
+Leave her out of this.
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Sharply.] But unfortunately, Curt, others will not leave
+her out of this. They will pry and pry--you know what they are--and--
+
+EMILY--Curt couldn't act the way he is doing if he ever really cared
+for her.
+
+CURTIS--You dare to say that! [Then controlling himself a bit--with
+scathing scorn.] What do know of love--women like you! You call your
+little rabbit-hutch emotions love--your bread-and-butter passions--and
+you have the effrontery to judge--
+
+EMILY--[Shrinking from him frightenedly.] Oh! John!
+
+JOHN--[Getting to his feet.] I protest! I cannot allow even my own
+brother--
+
+DICK--[Grabbing his arm.] Keep your head, old boy.
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Peremptorily.] You are making a fool of yourself, Curt--and
+you are damned insulting in the bargain. I think I may say that we've
+all about reached the end of our patience. What Emily said is for your
+own best interest, if you had the sense to see it. And I put it to you
+once and for all: Are you or are you not willing to act like a man of
+honor to protect your own good name, the family name, the name of this
+child, and your wife's memory? Let me tell you, your wife's good name
+is more endangered by your stubbornness than anything else.
+
+CURTIS--[Trembling with rage.] I--I begin to think--you--all of
+you--are aiming at something against Martha in this. Yes--in back of
+your words--your actions--I begin to feel--[Raging.] Go away! Get out
+of this house--all of you! Oh, I know your meanness! I've seen how
+you've tried to hurt her ever since we came--because you resented in
+your small minds her evident superiority--
+
+EMILY--[Scornfully.] Superiority, indeed!
+
+CURTIS--Her breadth, of mind and greatness of soul that you couldn't
+understand. I've guessed all this, and if I haven't interfered it's
+only because I knew she was too far above you to notice your sickening
+malice--
+
+EMILY--[Furiously.] You're only acting--acting for our benefit because
+you think we don't--
+
+CURTIS--[Turning on her--with annihilating contempt.] Why, you--you
+poor little nonentity! [John struggles to get forward but Dick holds
+him back.]
+
+EMILY--[Insane with rage--shrilly.] But we know--and the whole town
+knows--and you needn't pretend you've been blind. You've given the
+whole thing away yourself--the silly way you've acted--telling everyone
+how you hated that baby--letting everyone see--
+
+JAYSON--Emily! [The others are all frightened, try to interrupt her.
+CURT stares at her in a stunned bewilderment]
+
+EMILY--[Pouring forth all her venom regardless.] But you might as well
+leave off your idiotic pretending. It doesn't fool us--or anyone
+else--your sending for Bigelow that night--your hobnobbing with him
+ever since--your pretending he's as much your friend as ever. They're
+all afraid of you--but I'm not! I tell you to your face--it's all
+acting you're doing--just cheap acting to try and pull the wool over
+our eyes until you've run away like a coward--and left us to face the
+disgrace for you with this child on our hands!
+
+ESTHER--[Trying to silence her--excitedly.] Emily! Keep still, for
+Heaven's sake! [The others all utter exclamations of caution, with
+fearful glances at CURT.]
+
+EMILY--[Becoming exhausted by her outburst--more faintly.] Well,
+someone had to show him his place. He thinks he's so superior to us
+just because--telling us how much better she was than--But I won't
+stand for that. I've always had a clean name--and always will--and my
+children, too, thank God! [She sinks down on the couch exhausted,
+panting but still glaring defiantly at CURT.]
+
+CURTIS--[An awareness of her meaning gradually forcing itself on his
+mind.] Bigelow! Big? Pretending he's as much my friend--[With a sudden
+gasp of sickened understanding.] Oh! [He sways as if he were about to
+fall, shrinking away from EMILY, all horror.] Oh, you--you--you-filth!
+
+JOHN--[His fists clenched, tries to advance on his brother.] How dare
+you insult my wife! [He is restrained, held bake by his remonstrating
+father and DICK.]
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[As if suddenly coming out of a dream--frightenedly.]
+What is the matter? Why is John mad at Curt?
+
+CURTIS--[His hands over his eyes, acting like a person stricken with a
+sudden attack of nausea, weakly.] So--that's--what has been in your
+minds. Oh, this is bestial--disgusting! And there is nothing to be
+done. I feel defenseless. One would have to be as low as you are--She
+would have been defenseless, too. It is better she is dead. [He stares
+about him--wildly.] And you think--you all think--
+
+ESTHER--[Pityingly.] Curt, dear, we don't think anything except what
+you've made us think with your crazy carrying-on.
+
+CURTIS--[Looking from one to the other of them.] Yes--all of you--it's
+on your faces. [His eyes fix themselves on his aunt.] No, you
+don't--you don't--
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--I? Don't what, Curtis? My, how sick you look, poor boy!
+
+CURTIS--You--don't believe--this child--
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--He's the sweetest baby I ever saw [proudly] and Jayson
+right to the tips of his toes.
+
+CURTIS--Ah, I know you--[Looking around at the others with loathing and
+hatred.] But look at them--[With a burst of fierce determination.]
+Wait! I'll give you the only answer--[He dashes for the door in rear,
+shakes off his father and DICK, who try to stop him, and then is heard
+bounding up the stairs in hall. DICK runs after him, JAYSON as far as
+the doorway. ESTHER gives a stifled scream. There is a tense pause.
+Then DICK reappears.]
+
+DICK--It's all right. I saw him go in.
+
+JAYSON--[Frightenedly.] But--good God--he's liable--why didn't you
+follow him?
+
+DICK--The doctor and nurse are there. They would have called out,
+wouldn't they, if--
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[Getting angrier and angrier as her puzzlement has grown
+greater--in a stern tone.] I understand less and less of this. Where
+has Curtis gone? Why did he act so sick? What is the matter with all of
+you?
+
+ESTHER--Nothing, Aunt dear, nothing!
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--No, you'll not hush me up! [Accusingly.] You all look
+guilty. Have you been saying anything against Curtis' baby? That was
+what Curtis seemed to think. A fine time you've picked out--with his
+wife not cold in her grave!
+
+JAYSON--Aunt!
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--I never liked that woman. I never understood her. But
+now--now I love her and beg her forgiveness. She died like a true woman
+in the performance of her duty. She died gloriously--and I will always
+respect her memory. [Suddenly flying into a passion.] I feel that you
+are all hostile to her baby--poor, little, defenseless creature! Yes,
+you'd hate the idea of Curtis' having a son--you and your girls! Well,
+I'll make you bitterly regret the day you--[She plumps herself down in
+her chair again, staring stubbornly and angrily before her.]
+
+EMILY--[Spitefully.] I fear it will be necessary to tell Aunt--
+
+JAYSON--Sshh! You have made enough trouble with your telling already!
+[Miserably.] It should never have come to this pass. Curt will never
+forgive us, never!
+
+ESTHER--[Resentfully to EMILY.] See what not holding your tongue has
+done--and my children will have to suffer for it, too!
+
+SHEFFIELD--[Severely.] If Emily had permitted me to conduct this
+business uninterruptedly, this would never have occurred.
+
+EMILY--That's right! All pick on me! Cowards! [She breaks down and
+sobs.]
+
+DICK--[From the doorway. Coming back into the room.] Sstt! Here he
+comes!
+
+CURTIS--[Reenters. There is a look of strange exultation on his face.
+He looks from one to the other of them. He stammers.] Well--my answer
+to you--your rotten world--I kissed him--he is mine! He looked at
+me--it was as if Martha looked at me--through his eyes.
+
+ESTHER--[Voicing the general relief. Joyfully.] Oh, Curt! You won't go
+now? You'll stay?
+
+CURTIS--[Staring at her, then from one to another of the rest with a
+withering scorn.] Ha! Now you think you have conquered, do you? No, I'm
+not going to stay! Do you think your vile slander could influence me to
+give up my work? And neither shall you influence the life of my son. I
+leave him here. I must. But not to your tender mercies. No, no! Thank
+God, there still remains one Jayson with unmuddled integrity to whom I
+can appeal. [He goes to MRS. DAVIDSON.] I will leave him in your care,
+Aunt--while I am gone.
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[Delighted.] It will be a great happiness. He will
+be--the one God never granted me. [Her lips trembling.] God has
+answered my prayer at last.
+
+CURTIS--I thank you, Aunt. [Kisses her reverentially.]
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--[Pleased but morally bound to grumble at him] But I
+cannot approve of your running away like this. It isn't natural. [Then
+with selfish haste, fearing her words may change his mind and she will
+lose the baby.] But you always were a queer person--and a man must do
+faithfully the work ordained for him.
+
+CURTIS--[Gladly.] Yes, I must go! What would I be for him--or
+anyone--if I stayed? Thank God, you understand. But I will come back.
+[The light of an ideal beginning to shine in his eyes.] When he is old
+enough, I will teach him to know and love a big, free life. Martha used
+to say that he would take her part in time. My goal shall be his goal,
+too. Martha shall live again for me in him. And you, Aunt, swear to
+keep him with you--out there in the country--never to let him know this
+obscene little world. [He indicates his relatives.]
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--Yes, I promise, Curtis. Let anyone dare--! [She glares
+about her. The noise of a motor is heard from the drive. It stops in
+front of the house.]
+
+CURTIS--I must go. [He kisses his aunt.] Teach him his mother was the
+most beautiful soul that ever lived. Good-by, Aunt.
+
+MRS. DAVIDSON--Good-by, Curtis! [Without looking at the others, he
+starts for the door, rear. They all break out into conscience-stricken
+protestations.]
+
+JAYSON--[Miserably.] Curt! You're not leaving us that way?
+
+ESTHER--Curt--you're going--without a word! [They all say this
+practically together and crowd toward him. JOHN and EMILY remain
+sullenly apart. CURT turns to face them.]
+
+LILY--[Enters from the rear.] You're not going, Curt?
+
+CURTIS--[Turning to her.] Yes. Good-by, Lily. [He kisses her.] You
+loved her, didn't you? You are not like--Take my advice and get away
+before you become--[He has been staring into her face. Suddenly he
+pushes her brusquely away from him--coldly.] But I see in your face
+it's too late.
+
+LILY--[Miserably.] No, Curt--I swear--
+
+CURTIS--[Facing them all defiantly.] Yes, I am going without a
+word--because I cannot find the fitting one. Be thankful I can't. It
+would shrivel up your souls like flame, [He again turns and strides to
+the door.]
+
+JAYSON--[His grief overcoming him.] My boy! We are wrong--we
+know--but--at least say you forgive us.
+
+CURTIS--[Wavers with his back towards them--then turns and forces the
+words out.] Ask forgiveness of her. She--yes--she was so fine--I feel
+she--so you are forgiven. Good-by. [He goes. The motor is heard driving
+off. There is a tense pause.]
+
+LILY--Then he did find out? Oh, a fine mess you've made of everything!
+But no--I should say "we," shouldn't I? Curt guessed that. Oh, I hate
+you--and myself! [She breaks down.]
+
+[There is a strained pause during which they are all silent, their eyes
+avoiding each other, fixed in dull, stupid stares. Finally, DICK
+fidgets uncomfortably, heaves a noisy sigh, and blurts out with an
+attempt at comforting reassurance:]
+
+DICK--Well, it isn't as bad as it might have been, anyway. He did
+acknowledge the kid--before witnesses, too.
+
+JAYSON--[Testily.] Keep your remarks to yourself, if you please! [But
+most of his family are already beginning to look relieved.]
+
+[The Curtain Falls]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The First Man, by Eugene O'Neill
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