[She is silent and motionless, but her head is lifted; her eyes are open; she is alive again. When lights go on again, John andMary Speakerstill stand before chair she has left as if she were in it; it is apparent that they believe themselves to be still looking at the old woman.]
Mary Speaker
Nonsense... all in the dark?... What do you mean by all in the dark?
John Speaker
Nothing... nothing now. It has passed....
[Pointing to chair whereCousin Fannywas.] She died with a smile on her face!
John Thinker
But she isn't there....Cousin Fannyisn't there.
... She's here.... She's over here with us... over here withus!
Mary Thinker
Here with us... over here, forever, now.
Mary Speaker
[HoldingJohn Speaker's hand and gazing at vacant chair.]
How beautiful she looks! She is at rest, now! She is better off so. Better dead. She is better at peace!
John Thinker
[Violently; starting towards other room.]
My God. I'm going to stop it... stop it... stop that lying... stop it at any cost.... I'm going to stop that pretending... that damned pretending....
Mary Thinker
[Quickly getting in front of him; holding him back.]
What are you going to do?
John Thinker
Stop it, I tell you.... Tell the truth... stop that pretense....
[Moves towards the other room. As he does so,Mary Speakerand John Speaker, for the first time become aware of John andMary Thinker, and shrink back in terror and alarm, clinging together, confused, convicted, abject, retreating, powerless;Cousin Fannyleaps in front of John Thinker at same instant, and bars him back, saying:]
Cousin Fanny
Stop!
John Thinker
Why? Iwillstop this pretense... Why not?
Cousin Fanny
[All four of the others lean forward and hang eagerly upon her words.]
You must not. It can't be done. It is the foundation upon which your society rests. It is necessary...over there!