EILEEN (with a smile). Isn't it? You said you hoped you wouldn't get well too soon!
MURRAY. And I meant it! This place is honestly like heaven to me—a lonely heaven till your arrival. (Eileenlooks embarrassed.) And why wouldn't it be? I've no fear for my health—eventually. Just let me tell you what I was getting away from—— (With a sudden laugh full of a weary bitterness.) Do you know what it means to work from seven at night till three in the morning as a reporter on a morning newspaper in a town of twenty thousand people—forten years? No. You don't. You can't. No one could who hadn't been through the mill. But what it did to me—it made me happy—yes, happy!—to get out here—T.B. and all, notwithstanding.
EILEEN (looking at him curiously). But I always thought being a reporter was so interesting.
MURRAY (with a cynical laugh). Interesting? On a small town rag? A month of it, perhaps, when you're a kid and new to the game. But ten years. Think of it! With only a raise of a couple of dollars every blue moon or so, and a weekly spree on Saturday night to vary the monotony. (He laughs again.) Interesting, eh? Getting the dope on the Social of the Queen Esther Circle in the basement of the Methodist Episcopal Church, unable to sleep through a meeting of the Common Council on account of the noisy oratory caused by John Smith's application for a permit to build a house; making a note that a tugboat towed two barges loaded with coal up the river, that Mrs. Perkins spent a week-end with relatives in Hickville, that John Jones—— Oh help! Why go on? Ten years of it! I'm a broken man. God, how I used to pray that our Congressman would commit suicide, or the Mayor murder his wife—just to be able to write a real story!
EILEEN (with a smile). Is it as bad as that? But weren't there other things in the town—outside your work—that were interesting?
MURRAY (decidedly). No. Never anything new—and I knew everyone and every thing in town by heart years ago. (With sudden bitterness.) Oh, it was my own fault. Why didn't I get out of it? Well, I didn't. I was always going to—to-morrow—and to-morrow never came. I got in a rut—and stayed put. People seem to get that way, somehow—in that town. It's in the air. All the boys I grew up with—nearly all, at least—took root in the same way. It took pleurisy, followed by T.B., to blast me loose.
EILEEN (wonderingly). But—your family—didn't they live there?
MURRAY. I haven't much of a family left. My mother died when I was a kid. My father—he was a lawyer—died when I was nineteen, just about to go to college. He left nothing, so I went to work on the paper instead. And there I've been ever since. I've two sisters, respectably married and living in another part of the state. We don't get along—but they are paying for me here, so I suppose I've no kick. (Cynically.) A family wouldn't have changed things. From what I've seen that blood-thicker-than-water dope is all wrong. It's thinner than table-d'hôte soup. You may have seen a bit of that truth in your own case already.
EILEEN (shocked). How can you say that? You don't know——
MURRAY. Don't I, though? Wait till you've been here three months or four—when the gap you left has been comfortably filled. You'll see then!
EILEEN (angrily, her lips trembling). You must be crazy to say such things! (Fighting back her tears.) Oh, I think it's hateful—when you see how badly I feel!
MURRAY (in acute confusion. Stammering). Look here, Miss Carmody, I didn't mean to—— Listen—don't feel mad at me, please. My tongue ran away with me. I was only talking. I'm like that. You mustn't take it seriously.
EILEEN (still resentful). I don't see how you can talk. You don't—you can't know about these things—when you've just said you had no family of your own, really.
MURRAY (eager to return to her good graces). No. Of course I don't know. I was just talking regardless for the fun of listening to it.
EILEEN (after a pause). Hasn't either of your sisters any children?
MURRAY. One of them has—two of them—ugly, squally little brats.
EILEEN (disapprovingly). You don't like babies?
MURRAY (bluntly). No. (Then with a grin at her shocked face.) I don't get them. They're something I can't seem to get acquainted with.
EILEEN (with a smile, indulgently). You're a funny person. (Then with a superior, motherly air.) No wonder you couldn't understand how badly I feel. (With a tender smile.) I've four of them—my brothers and sisters—though they're not what you'd call babies, except to me. Billy is fourteen, Nora eleven, Tom ten, and even little Mary is eight. I've been a mother to them now for a whole year—ever since our mother died (Sadly.) And I don't know how they'll ever get along while I'm away.
MURRAY (cynically). Oh, they'll—(He checks what he was going to say and adds lamely)—get along somehow.
EILEEN (with the same superior tone). It's easy for you to say that. You don't know how children grow to depend on you for everything. You're not a woman.
MURRAY (with a grin). Are you? (Then with a chuckle.) You're as old as the pyramids, aren't you? I feel like a little boy. Won't you adopt me, too?
EILEEN (flushing, with a shy smile). Someone ought to. (Quickly changing the subject.) Do you know, I can't get over what you said about hating your work so. I should think it would be wonderful—to be able to write things.
MURRAY. My job had nothing to do with writing. To write—really write—yes, that's something worth trying for. That's what I've always meant to have a stab at. I've run across ideas enough for stories—that sounded good to me, anyway. (With a forced, laugh.) But—like everything else—I never got down to it. I started one or two—but—either I thought I didn't have the time or—— (He shrugs his shoulders.)
EILEEN. Well, you've plenty of time now, haven't you?
MURRAY (instantly struck by this suggestion). You mean—I could write—up here? (She nods. His face lights up with enthusiasm.) Say! That is an idea! Thank you! I'd never have had sense enough to have thought of that myself. (Eileenflushes with pleasure.) Sure there's time—nothing but time up here——
EILEEN. Then you seriously think you'll try it?
MURRAY (determinedly). Yes. Why not? I've got to try and do something real some time, haven't I? I've no excuse not to, now. My mind isn't sick.
EILEEN (excitedly). That'll be wonderful!
MURRAY (confidently). Listen. I've had ideas for a series of short stories for the last couple of years—small town experiences, some of them actual. I know that life—too darn well. I ought to be able to write about it. And if I can sell one—to thePost, say—I'm sure they'd take the others, too. And then—I should worry! It'd be easy sailing. But you must promise to help—play critic for me—read them and tell me where they're rotten.
EILEEN (pleased, but protesting). Oh, no, I'd never dare. I don't know anything——
MURRAY. Yes, you do. You're the public. And you started me off on this thing—if I'm really starting at last. So you've got to back me up now. (Suddenly.) Say, I wonder if they'd let me have a typewriter up here?
EILEEN. It'd be fine if they would. I'd like to have one, too—to practice. I learned stenography at a business college and then I had a position for a year—before my mother died.
MURRAY. We could hire one—I could. I don't see why they wouldn't allow it. I'm to be sent to one of the men's huts within the next few days, and you'll be shipped to one of the women's cottages within ten days. You're not sick enough to be kept here in bed, I'm sure of that.
EILEEN. I—I don't know——
MURRAY. Here! None of that! You just think you're not and you won't be. Say, I'm keen on that typewriter idea. They couldn't kick if we only used it during recreation periods. I could have it a week, and then you a week.
EILEEN (eagerly). And I could type your stories after you've written them! Icouldhelp that way.
MURRAY (smiling). But I'm quite able—— (Then seeing how interested she is he adds hurriedly.) That'd be great! It'd save so much time. I've always been a fool at a machine. And I'd be willing to pay whatever—— (Miss Gilpinenters from the rear and walks towards them.)
EILEEN (quickly). Oh, no! I'd be glad to get the practice. I wouldn't accept—— (She coughs slightly.)
MURRAY (with a laugh). Maybe, after you've read my stuff, you won't type it at any price.
MISS GILPIN. Miss Carmody, may I speak to you for a moment, please.
(She takesEileenaside and talks to her in low tones of admonition.Eileen'sface falls. She nods a horrified acquiescence.Miss Gilpinleaves her and goes into the office, rear.)
MURRAY (asEileencomes back. Noticing her perturbation. Kindly). Well? Now, what's the trouble?
EILEEN (her lips trembling). She told me I mustn't forget to shield my mouth with my handkerchief when I cough.
MURRAY (consolingly). Yes, that's one of the rules, you know.
EILEEN (falteringly). She said they'd give me—a—cup to carry around—(She stops, shuddering.)
MURRAY (easily). It's not as horrible as it sounds. They're only little paste-board things you carry in your pocket.
EILEEN (as if speaking to herself). It's so horrible (She holds out her hand toMurray.) I'm to go to my room now. Good night, Mr. Murray.
MURRAY (holding her hand for a moment—earnestly). Don't mind your first impressions here. You'll look on everything as a matter of course in a few days. I felt your way at first. (He drops her hand and shakes his finger at her.) Mind your guardian, now! (She forces a trembling smile.) See you at breakfast. Good night.
(Eileengoes out to the hall in rear.Miss Howardcomes in from the door just after her, carrying a glass of milk.)
MISS HOWARD. Almost bedtime, Mr. Murray. Here's your diet. (He takes the glass. She smiles at him provokingly.) Well, is it love at first sight, Mr. Murray?
MURRAY (with a grin). Sure thing! You can consider yourself heartlessly jilted. (He turns and raises his glass towards the door through whichEileenhas just gone, as if toasting her.)
"A glass of milk, and thouCoughing beside me in the wilderness—Ah—wilderness were Paradise enow!"
"A glass of milk, and thouCoughing beside me in the wilderness—Ah—wilderness were Paradise enow!"
"A glass of milk, and thou
Coughing beside me in the wilderness—
Ah—wilderness were Paradise enow!"
(He takes a sip of milk.)
MISS HOWARD (peevishly). That's old stuff, Mr. Murray. A patient at Saranac wrote that parody.
MURRAY (maliciously). Aha, you've discovered it's a parody, have you, you sly minx! (Miss Howardturns from him huffily and walks back towards the office, her chin in the air.)
The Curtain Falls
Act Two: Scene One
The assembly room of the main building of the sanatorium—early in the morning of a fine day in June, four months later. The room is large, light and airy, painted a fresh white. On the left forward, an armchair. Farther back, a door opening on the main hall. To the rear of this door, a pianola on a raised platform. At back of the pianola, a door leading into the office. In the rear wall, a long series of French windows looking out on the lawn, with wooded hills in the far background. Shrubs in flower grow immediately outside the windows Inside, there is a row of potted plants. In the right wall, rear, four windows. Farther forward, a long well-filled bookcase, and a doorway leading into the dining-room. Following the walls, but about five feet out from them a stiff line of chairs placed closely against each other forms a sort of right-angled auditorium of which the large, square table that stands at centre, forward, would seem to be the stage.
From the dining-room comes the clatter of dishes, the confused murmur of many voices, male and female—all the mingled sounds of a crowd of people at a meal.
After the curtain rises,Doctor Stantonenters from the hall, followed by a visitor,Mr. Sloan,and the assistant physician,Doctor Simms. Doctor Stantonis a handsome man of forty-five or so with a grave, care-lined, studious face lightened by a kindly, humorous smile. His grey eyes, saddened by the suffering they have witnessed, have the sympathetic quality of real understanding. The look they give is full of companionship, the courage-renewing, human companionship of a hope which is shared. He speaks with a slight Southern accent, soft and slurring.Doctor Simmsis a tall, angular young man with a long sallow face and a sheepish, self-conscious grin.Mr. Sloanis fifty, short and stout, well dressed—one of the successful business men whose endowments have made the Hill Farm a possibility.
STANTON (as they enter). This is what you might see in the general assembly room, Mr. Sloan—where the patients of both sexes are allowed to congregate together after meals, for diets, and in the evening.
SLOAN (looking around him). Couldn't be more pleasant, I must say—light and airy. (He walks to where he can take a peep into the dining-room.) Ah, they're all at breakfast, I see.
STANTON (smiling). Yes, and with no lack of appetite, let me tell you. (With a laugh of proud satisfaction.) They'd sure eat us out of house and home at one sitting, if we'd give them the opportunity. (To his assistant.) Wouldn't they, Doctor?
SIMMS (with his abashed grin). You bet they would, sir.
SLOAN (with a smile). That's fine. (With a nod towards the dining-room.) The ones in there are the sure cures, aren't they?
STANTON (a shadow coming over his face). Strictly speaking, there are no sure cures in this disease, Mr. Sloan. When we permit a patient to return to take up his or her activities in the world, the patient is what we call an arrested case. The disease is overcome, quiescent; the wound is healed over. It's then up to the patient to so take care of himself that this condition remains permanent. It isn't hard for them to do this, usually. Just ordinary, bull-headed common sense—added to what they've learned here—is enough for their safety. And the precautions we teach them to take don't diminish their social usefulness in the slightest, either, as I can prove by our statistics of former patients. (With a smile.) It's rather early in the morning for statistics, though.
SLOAN (with a wave of the hand). Oh, you needn't. Your reputation in that respect, Doctor—— (Stantoninclines his head in acknowledgment.Sloanjerks his thumb towards the dining-room.) But the ones in therearegetting well, aren't they?
STANTON. To all appearances, yes. You don't dare swear to it, though. Sometimes, just when a case looks most favourably, there's a sudden, unforeseen breakdown, and they have to be sent back to bed, or, if it's very serious, back to the Infirmary again. These are the exceptions, however, not the rule. You can bank on most of those eaters being out in the world and usefully employed within six months.
SLOAN. You couldn't say more than that (Abruptly.) But—the unfortunate ones—do you have many deaths?
STANTON (with a frown). No. We're under a very hard, almost cruel imperative which prevents that. If, at the end of six months, a case shows no response to treatment, continues to go down hill—if, in a word, it seems hopeless—we send them away, to one of the State Farms if they have no private means. (Apologetically.) You see, this sanatorium is overcrowded and has a long waiting list, most of the time, of others who demand their chance for life. We have to make places for them. We have no time to waste on incurables. There are other places for them—and sometimes, too, a change is beneficial and they pick up in new surroundings. You never can tell. But we're bound by the rule. It may seem cruel—but it's as near justice to all concerned as we can come.
SLOAN (soberly). I see. (His eyes fall on the pianola in surprise.) Ah—a piano.
STANTON (replying to the other's thought). Yes, some patients play and sing. (With a smile.) If you'd call the noise they make by those terms. They'd dance, too, if we permitted it. There's only one big taboo—Home, Sweet Home. We forbid that—for obvious reasons.
SLOAN. I see. (With a final look around.) Did I understand you to say this is the only place where the sexes are permitted to mingle?
STANTON. Yes, sir.
SLOAN (with a smile). Not much chance for a love affair then.
STANTON (seriously). We do our best to prevent them. We even have a strict rule which allows us to step in and put a stop to any intimacy which grows beyond the casual. People up here, Mr. Sloan, are expected to put aside all ideas except the one—getting well.
SLOAN (somewhat embarrassed). A damn good rule, too, I should say, under the circumstances.
STANTON (with a laugh). Yes, we're strictly anti-Cupid, sir, from top to bottom, (Turning to the door to the hall.) And now, if you don't mind, Mr. Sloan, I'm going to turn you loose to wander about the grounds on an unconducted tour. To-day is my busy morning—Saturday. We weigh each patient immediately after breakfast.
SLOAN. Every week?
STANTON. Every Saturday. You see we depend on fluctuations in weight to tell us a lot about the patient's condition. If they gain, or stay at normal, all's usually well. If they lose week after week without any reason we can definitely point to, we keep careful watch. It's a sign that something's wrong. We're forewarned by it and on our guard.
SLOAN (with a smile). Well, I'm certainly learning things. (He turns to the door.) And you just shoo me off wherever you please and go on with the good work. I'll be glad of a ramble in the open on such a glorious morning.
STANTON. After the weighing is over, sir, I'll be free to——
(His words are lost as the three go out. A moment later,Eileenenters from the dining-room. She has grown stouter, her face has more of a healthy, out-of-door colour, but there is still about her the suggestion of being worn down by a burden too oppressive for her courage. She is dressed in blouse and dark skirt. She goes to the armchair, left forward, and sinks down on it. She is evidently in a state of nervous depression; she twists her fingers together in her lap; her eyes stare sadly before her; she clenches her upper lip with her teeth to prevent its trembling. She has hardly regained control over herself whenStephen Murraycomes in hurriedly from the dining-room and, seeing her at his first glance, walks quickly over to her chair. He is the picture of health, his figure has filled out solidly, his tanned face beams with suppressed exultation.)
MURRAY (excitedly). Eileen! I saw you leave your table. I've something to tell you. I didn't get a chance last night after the mail came. You'd gone to the cottage. Just listen, Eileen—it's too good to be true—but on that mail—guess what?
EILEEN (forgetting her depression—with an excited smile). I know! You've sold your story!
MURRAY (triumphantly). Go to the head of the class. What d'you know about that for luck! My first, too—and only the third magazine I sent it to! (He cuts a joyful caper.)
EILEEN (happily). Isn't that wonderful, Stephen! But I knew all the time you would. The story's so good.
MURRAY. Well, you might have known, but I didn't think there was a chance in the world. And as for being good—(With superior air)—wait till I turn loose with the real big ones, the kind I'm going to write. Then I'll make them sit up and take notice. They can't stop me now. This money gives me a chance to sit back and do what I please for a while. And I haven't told you the best part. The editor wrote saying how much he liked the yarn and asked me for more of the same kind.
EILEEN. And you've the three others about the same person—just as good, too! Why, you'll sell them all! (She clasps her hands delightedly.)
MURRAY. And I can send them out right away. They're all typed, thanks to you. That's what's brought me luck, I know. I never had a bit by myself. (Then, after a quick glance around to make sure they are alone, he bends down and kisses her.) There! A token of gratitude—even if it is against the rules.
EILEEN (flushing—with timid happiness). Stephen! You mustn't! They'll see.
MURRAY (boldly). Let them!
EILEEN. But you know—they've warned us against being so much together, already.
MURRAY. Let them! We'll be out of this prison soon. (Eileenshakes her head sadly, but he does not notice.) Oh, I wish you could leave when I do. We'd have some celebration together.
EILEEN (her lips trembling). I was thinking last night—that you'd soon be going away. You look so well. Do you think—they'll let you go—soon?
MURRAY. You bet I do. I'm bound to go now. It's ridiculous keeping me here when I'm as healthy as a pig. I caught Stanton in the hall last night and asked him if I could go.
EILEEN (anxiously). What did he say?
MURRAY. He only smiled and said: "We'll see if you gain weight to-morrow." As if that mattered now! Why, I'm way above normal as it is! But you know Stanton—always putting you off. But I could tell by the way he said it he'd be willing to consider——
EILEEN (slowly). Then—if you gain to-day—-
MURRAY. He'll let me go. Yes, I know he will. I'm going to insist on it.
EILEEN. Then—you'll leave——?
MURRAY. Right away. The minute I can get packed.
EILEEN (trying to force a smile). Oh, I'm so glad—for your sake; but—I'm selfish—it'll be so lonely here without you.
MURRAY (consolingly). You'll be going away yourself before long. (Eileenshakes her head. He goes on without noticing, wrapped in his own success.) Oh, Eileen, you can't imagine all it opens up for me—selling that story. I don't have to go back home to stagnate. I can go straight to New York, and live, and meet real people who are doing things. I can take my time, and try and do the work I hope to. (Feelingly.) You don't know how grateful I am to you, Eileen—how you've helped me. Oh, I don't mean just the typing, I mean your encouragement, your faith! I'd never have had guts enough to stick to it myself. The stories would never have been written if it hadn't been for you.
EILEEN (choking back a sob). I didn't do—anything.
MURRAY (staring down at her—with rough kindliness). Here, here, that'll never do! You're not weeping about it, are you, silly? (He pats her on the shoulder.) What's the matter, Eileen? You didn't eat a thing this morning. I was watching you. (With kindly severity.) That's no way to gain weight, you know. You'll have to feed up. Do you hear what your guardian commands, eh?
EILEEN (with dull hopelessness). I know I'll lose again. I've been losing steadily the past three weeks.
MURRAY. Here! Don't you dare talk that way! I won't stand for it. Why, you've been picking up wonderfully—until just lately. You've made such a game fight for four months. Even the old Doc has told you how much he admired your pluck, and how much better you were getting. You're not going to quit now, are you?
EILEEN (despairingly). Oh, I don't care! I don't care—now.
MURRAY. Now? What do you mean by that? What's happened to make things any different?
EILEEN (evasively). Oh—nothing. Don't ask me, Stephen.
MURRAY (with sudden anger). I don't have to ask you. I can guess. Another letter from home—or from that ass, eh?
EILEEN (shaking her head). No, it isn't that. (She looks at him as if imploring him to comprehend.)
MURRAY (furiously). Of course, you'd deny it. You always do. But don't you suppose I've got eyes? It's been the same damn thing all the time you've been here. After every nagging letter—thank God they don't write often any more!—you've been all in; and after their Sunday visits—you can thank God they've been few, too—you're utterly knocked out. It's a shame! The selfish swine!
EILEEN. Stephen!
MURRAY (relentlessly.) Don't be sentimental, Eileen. You know it's true. From what you've told me of their letters, their visits—from what I've seen and suspected—they've done nothing but worry and torment you and do their best to keep you from getting well.
EILEEN (faintly). You're not fair, Stephen.
MURRAY. Rot! When it isn't your father grumbling about expense, it's the kids, or that stupid housekeeper, or that slick Aleck, Nicholls, with his cowardly lies. Which is it this time?
EILEEN (pitifully). None of them.
MURRAY (explosively). But him, especially—the dirty cad! Oh, I've got a rich notion to pay a call on that gentleman when I leave and tell him what I think of him.
EILEEN (quickly). No—you mustn't ever! He's not to blame. If you knew—— (She stops, lowering her eyes in confusion.)
MURRAY (roughly). Knew what? You make me sick, Eileen—always finding excuses for him. I never could understand what a girl like you could see—— But what's the use? I've said all this before. You're wasting yourself on a—— (Rudely.) Love must be blind. And yet you say you don't love him, really?
EILEEN (shaking her head—helplessly). But I do—like Fred. We've been good friends so many years. I don't want to hurt him—his pride——
MURRAY. That's the same as answering no to my question. Then, if you don't love him, why don't you write and tell him to go to—break it off? (Eileenbows her head, but doesn't reply. Irritated,Murraycontinues brutally.) Are you afraid it would break his heart? Don't be a fool! The only way you could do that would be to deprive him of his meals.
EILEEN (springing to her feet—distractedly). Please stop, Stephen! You're cruel! And you've been so kind—the only real friend I've had up here. Don't spoil it all now.
MURRAY (remorsefully). I'm sorry, Eileen. I was only talking. I won't say another word. (Irritably.) Still, someone ought to say or do something to put a stop to——
EILEEN (with a broken laugh). Never mind. Everything will stop—soon, now!
MURRAY (suspiciously). What do you mean?
EILEEN (with an attempt at a careless tone). Nothing. If you can't see—— (She turns to him with sudden intensity.) Oh, Stephen, if you only knew how wrong you are about everything you've said. It's all true; but it isn't that—any of it—any more—that's—— Oh, I can't tell you!
MURRAY (with great interest). Please do, Eileen!
EILEEN (with a helpless laugh). No.
MURRAY. Please tell me what it is! Let me help you.
EILEEN. No. It wouldn't be any use, Stephen.
MURRAY (offended). Why do you say that? Haven't I helped before?
EILEEN. Yes—but this——
MURRAY. Come now! 'Fess up! What is "this"?
EILEEN. No. I couldn't speak of it here, anyway. They'll all be coming out soon.
MURRAY (insistently). Then when? Where?
EILEEN. Oh, I don't know—perhaps never, nowhere. I don't know—— Sometime before you leave, maybe.
MURRAY. But I may go to-morrow morning—if I gain weight and Stanton lets me.
EILEEN (sadly). Yes, I was forgetting—you were going right away. (Dully). Then nowhere, I suppose—never. (Glancing towards the dining-room.) They're all getting up. Let's not talk about it any more—now.
MURRAY (stubbornly). But you'll tell me later, Eileen? You must.
EILEEN (vaguely). Perhaps. It depends——
(The patients, about forty in number, straggle in from the dining-room by twos and threes, chatting in low tones. The men and women with few exceptions separate into two groups, the women congregating in the left right angle of chairs, the men sitting or standing in the right right angle. In appearance, most of the patients are tanned, healthy, and cheerful-looking. The great majority are under middle age. Their clothes are of the cheap, ready-made variety. They are all distinctly of the wage-earning class. They might well be a crowd of cosmopolitan factory workers gathered together after a summer vacation. A hollow-chestedness and a tendency to round shoulders may be detected as a common characteristic. A general air of tension, marked by frequent bursts of laughter in too high a key, seems to pervade the throng.MurrayandEileen,as if to avoid contact with the others, come over to the right in front of the dining-room door.)
MURRAY (in a low voice). Listen to them laugh. Did you ever notice—perhaps it's my imagination—how forced they act on Saturday mornings before they're weighed?
EILEEN (dully). No.
MURRAY. Can't you tell me that secret now? No one'll hear.
EILEEN (vehemently). No, no, how could I? Don't speak of it!
(A sudden silence falls on all the groups at once. Their eyes, by a common impulse, turn quickly towards the door to the hall.)
A WOMAN (nervously—as if this moment's silent pause oppressed her.) Play something, Peters. They ain't coming yet.
(Peters,a stupid-looking young fellow with a sly, twisted smirk which gives him the appearance of perpetually winking his eye, detaches himself from a group on the right. All join in with urging exclamations: "Go on, Peters! Go to it! Pedal up, Pete! Give us a rag! That's the boy, Peters!" etc.)
PETERS. Sure, if I got time.
(He goes to the pianola and puts in a roll. The mingled conversation and laughter bursts forth again as he sits on the bench and starts pedalling.)
MURRAY (disgustedly). It's sure good to think I won't have to listen to that old tin-pan being banged much longer!
(The music interrupts him—a quick rag. The patients brighten, hum, whistle, sway their heads or tap their feet in time to the tune.Doctor StantonandDoctor Simmsappear in the doorway from the hall. All eyes are turned on them.)
STANTON (raising his voice). They all seem to be here, Doctor. We might as well start.
(Mrs. Turner,the matron, comes in behind them—a stout, motherly, capable-looking woman with grey hair. She hearsStanton'sremark.)
MRS. TURNER. And take temperatures after, Doctor?
STANTON. Yes, Mrs. Turner. I think that's better to-day.
MRS. TURNER. All right, Doctor.
(Stantonand the assistant go out.Mrs. Turneradvances a step or so into the room and looks from one group of patients to the other, inclining her head and smiling benevolently. All force smiles and nod in recognition of her greeting.Peters,at the pianola, lets the music slow down, glancing questioningly at the matron to see if she is going to order it stopped. Then, encouraged by her smile, his feet pedal harder than ever.)
MURRAY. Look at old Mrs. Grundy's eyes pinned on us! She'll accuse us of being too familiar again, the old wench!
EILEEN. Sssh. You're wrong. She's looking at me, not at us.
MURRAY. At you? Why?
EILEEN. I ran a temperature yesterday. It must have been over a hundred last night.
MURRAY. (with consoling scepticism). You're always looking for trouble, Eileen. How do you know you ran a temp? You didn't see the stick, I suppose?
EILEEN. No—but—I could tell. I felt feverish and chilly. It must have been way up.
MURRAY. Bosh! If it was you'd have been sent to bed.
EILEEN. That's why she's looking at me. (Piteously.) Oh, I do hope I won't be sent back to bed! I don't know what I'd do. If I could only gain this morning. If my temp has only gone down! (Hopelessly.) But I feel—— I didn't sleep a wink—thinking——
MURRAY. (roughly). You'll persuade yourself you've got leprosy in a second. Don't be silly! It's all imagination, I tell you. You'll gain. Wait and see if you don't.
(Eileenshakes her head. A metallic rumble and jangle comes from the hallway. Everyone turns in that direction with nervous expectancy.)
MRS. TURNER (admonishingly). Mr. Peters!
PETERS. Yes, ma'am.
(He stops playing and rejoins the group of men on the right. In the midst of a silence broken only by hushed murmurs of conversation,Doctor Stantonappears in the hall doorway. He turns to help his assistant wheel in a Fairbanks scale on castors. They place the scale against the wall immediately to the rear of the doorway.Doctor Simmsadjusts it to a perfect balance.)
DOCTOR STANTON (takes a pencil from his pocket and opens the record book he has in his hand). All ready, Doctor?
DOCTOR SIMMS. Just a second, sir.
(A chorus of coughs comes from the impatient crowd, and handkerchiefs are hurriedly produced to shield mouths.)
MURRAY (with a nervous smile). Well, we're all set. Here's hoping!
EILEEN. You'll gain, I'm sure you will. You look so well.
MURRAY. Oh—I—I wasn't thinking of myself, I'm a sure thing. I was betting on you. I've simply got to gain to-day, when so much depends on it.
EILEEN. Yes, I hope you—— (She falters brokenly and turns away from him.)
DOCTOR SIMMS (straightening up). All ready, Doctor?
STANTON (nods and glances at his book—without raising his voice—distinctly). Mrs. Abner.
(A middle-aged woman comes and gets on the scale.Simmsadjusts it to her weight of the previous week, whichStantonreads to him from the book in a low voice, and weighs her.)
MURRAY (with a relieved sigh). They're off. (NoticingEileen'sdowncast head and air of dejection.) Here! Buck up, Eileen! Old Lady Grundy's watching you—and it's your turn in a second.
(Eileenraises her head and forces a frightened smile.Mrs. Abnergets down off the scale with a pleased grin. She has evidently gained. She rejoins the group of women, chattering volubly in low tones. Her exultant "gained half a pound" can be heard. The other women smile their perfunctory congratulations, their eyes absent-minded, intent on their own worries.Stantonwrites down the weight in the book.)
STANTON. Miss Bailey. (A young girl goes to the scales.)
MURRAY. Bailey looks bad, doesn't she?
EILEEN (her lips trembling). She's been losing, too.
MURRAY. Well,you'regoing to gain to-day. Remember, now!
EILEEN (with a feeble smile). I'll try to obey your orders.
(Miss Baileygoes down off the scales. Her eyes are full of despondency although she tries to make a brave face of it, forcing a laugh as she joins the women. They stare at her with pitying looks and murmur consoling phrases.)
EILEEN. She's lost again. Oh, I wish I didn't have to get weighed——
STANTON. Miss Carmody.
(Eileenstarts nervously.)
MURRAY (as she leaves him). Remember now! Break the scales!
(She walks quickly to the scales, trying to assume an air of defiant indifference. The balance stays down as she steps up.Eileen'sface shows her despair at this.Simmsweighs her and gives the poundage in a low voice toStanton. Eileensteps down mechanically, then hesitates as if not knowing where to turn, her anguished eyes flitting from one group to another.)
MURRAY (savagely). Damn!
(Doctor Stantonwrites the figures in his book, glances sharply atEileen,and then nods significantly toMrs. Turnerwho is standing beside him.)
STANTON (calling the next). Miss Doeffler.
(Another woman comes to be weighed.)
MRS. TURNER. Miss Carmody! Will you come here a moment, please?
EILEEN (her face growing very pale). Yes, Mrs. Turner.
(The heads of the different groups bend together. Their eyes followEileenas they whisper.Mrs. Turnerleads her down front, left. Behind them the weighing of the women continues briskly. The great majority have gained. Those who have not have either remained stationary or lost a negligible fraction of a pound. So, as the weighing proceeds, the general air of smiling satisfaction rises among the groups of women. Some of them, their ordeal over, go out through the hall doorway by twos and threes with suppressed laughter and chatter. As they pass behindEileenthey glance at her with pitying curiosity.Doctor Stanton'svoice is heard at regular intervals calling the names in alphabetical order: Mrs. Elbing, Miss Finch, Miss Grimes, Miss Haines, Miss Hayes, Miss Jutner, Miss Linowski, Mrs. Marini, Mrs. McCoy, Miss McElroy, Miss Nelson, Mrs. Nott, Mrs. O'Brien, Mrs. Olson, Miss Paul, Miss Petrovski, Mrs. Quinn, Miss Robersi, Mrs. Stattler, Miss Unger.)
MRS. TURNER (putting her hand onEileen'sshoulder—kindly). You're not looking so well lately, my dear, do you know it?
EILEEN (bravely). I feel—fine. (Her eyes, as if looking for encouragement, seekMurray,who is staring at her worriedly.)
MRS. TURNER (gently). You lost weight again, you know.
EILEEN, I know—but——
MRS. TURNER. This is the fourth week.
EILEEN. I—I know it is——
MRS. TURNER. I've been keeping my eye on you. You seem—worried. Are you upset about—something we don't know?
EILEEN (quickly). No, no! I haven't slept much lately. That must be it.
MRS. TURNER. Are you worrying about your condition? Is that what keeps you awake?
EILEEN. No.
MRS. TURNER. You're sure it's not that?
EILEEN. Yes, I'm sure it's not, Mrs. Turner.
MRS. TURNER. I was going to tell you if you were: Don't do it! You can't expect it to be all smooth sailing. Even the most favourable cases have to expect these little setbacks. A few days' rest in bed will start you on the right trail again.
EILEEN (in anguish, although she had realised this was coming). Bed? Go back to bed? Oh, Mrs. Turner!
MRS. TURNER (gently). Yes, my dear, Doctor Stanton thinks it best. So when you go back to your cottage——
EILEEN. Oh, please—not to-day—not right away!
MRS. TURNER. You had a temperature and a high pulse yesterday, didn't you realise it? And this morning you look quite feverish. (She tries to put her hand onEileen'sforehead, but the latter steps away defensively.)
EILEEN. It's only—not sleeping last night. I was nervous. Oh, I'm sure it'll go away.
MRS. TURNER (consolingly). When you lie still and have perfect rest, of course it will.
EILEEN (with a longing look over atMurray). But not to-day—please, Mrs. Turner.
MRS. TURNER (looking at her keenly). There is something upsetting you. You've something on your mind that you can't tell me, is that it? (Eileenmaintains a stubborn silence.) But think—can'tyou tell me? (With a kindly smile.) I'm used to other people's troubles. I've been playing mother-confessor to the patients for years now, and I think I've usually been able to help them. Can't you confide in me, child? (Eileendrops her eyes, but remains silent.Mrs. Turnerglances meaningly over atMurray,who is watching them whenever he thinks the matron is not aware of it—a note of sharp rebuke in her voice.) I think I can guess your secret, my dear, even if you're too stubborn to tell. This setback is your own fault. You've let other notions become more important to you than the idea of getting well. And you've no excuse for it. After I had to warn you a month ago, I expectedthatsilliness to stop instantly.
EILEEN (her face flushed—protesting). There never was anything. Nothing like that has anything to do with it.
MRS. TURNER (sceptically). What is it that has, then?
EILEEN (lying determinedly). It's my family. They keep writing—and worrying me—and—— That's what it is, Mrs. Turner.
MRS. TURNER (not exactly knowing whether to believe this or not—probing the girl with her eyes). Your father?
EILEEN. Yes, all of them. (Suddenly seeing a way to discredit all of the matron's suspicions—excitedly.) And principally the young man I'm engaged to—the one who came to visit me several times——
MRS. TURNER (surprised). So—you're engaged? (Eileennods.Mrs. Turnerimmediately dismisses her suspicions.) Oh, pardon me. I didn't know that, you see, or I wouldn't—— (She patsEileenon the shoulder comfortingly.) Never mind. You'll tell me all about it, won't you?
EILEEN (desperately). Yes. (She seems about to go on, but the matron interrupts her.)
MRS. TURNER. Oh, not here, my dear. Now now. Come to my room—let me see—I'll be busy all the morning—some time this afternoon. Will you do that?
EILEEN. Yes. (Joyfully.) Then I needn't go to bed right away?
MRS. TURNER. No—on one condition. You mustn't take any exercise. Stay in your recliner all day and rest and remain in bed to-morrow morning. And promise me you will rest and not worry any more about things we can easily fix up between us.
EILEEN. I promise, Mrs. Turner.
MRS. TURNER (smiling in dismissal). Very well, then. I must speak to Miss Bailey. I'll see you this afternoon.
EILEEN. Yes, Mrs. Turner.
(The matron goes to the rear whereMiss Baileyis sitting withMrs. Abner.She beckons toMiss Bailey,who gets up with a scared look, and they go to the far left corner of the room.Eileenstands for a moment hesitating—then starts to go toMurray,but just at this momentPeterscomes forward and speaks toMurray.)
PETERS (with his sly twisted grin). Say, Carmody musta lost fierce. Did yuh see the Old Woman handin' her an earful? Sent her back to bed, I betcha. What d'yuh think?
MURRAY (impatiently, showing his dislike). How the hell do I know?
PETERS (sneeringly). Huh, you don't know nothin' 'bout her, I s'pose? Where d'yuh get that stuff? Think yuh're kiddin' me?
MURRAY (with cold rage before which the other slinks away). Peters, the more I see of you the better I like a skunk! If it wasn't for other people losing weight you couldn't get any joy out of life, could you? (Roughly.) Get away from me! (He makes a threatening gesture.)
PETERS (beating a snarling retreat). Wait 'n' see if yuh don't lose too, yuh stuck-up boob!
(Seeing thatMurrayis alone again,Eileenstarts towards him, but this time she is intercepted byMrs. Abner,who stops on her way out. The weighing of the women is now finished, and that of the men, which proceeds much quicker, begins.)
STANTON. Anderson!
(Anderson comes to the scales. The men all move down to the left to wait their turn, with the exception ofMurray,who remains by the dining-room door, fidgeting impatiently, anxious for a word withEileen.)
MRS. ABNER (takingEileen'sarm). Coming over to the cottage, dearie?
EILEEN. Not just this minute, Mrs. Abner. I have to wait——
MRS. ABNER. For the Old Woman? You lost to-day, didn't you? Is she sendin' you to bed, the old devil?
EILEEN. Yes, I'm afraid I'll have to——
MRS. ABNER. She's a mean one, ain't she? I gained this week—half a pound. Lord, I'm gittin' fat! All my clothes are gittin' too small for me. Don't know what I'll do. Did you lose much, dearie?
EILEEN. Three pounds.
MRS. ABNER. Ain't that awful! (Hastening to make up for this thoughtless remark.) All the same, what's three pounds! You can git them back in a week after you're resting more. You been runnin' a temp, too, ain't you? (Eileen nods.) Don't worry about it, dearie. It'll go down. Worryin's the worst. Me, I don't never worry none. (She chuckled with satisfaction—then soberly.) I just been talkin' with Bailey. She's got to go to bed, too, I guess. She lost two pounds. She ain't runnin' no temp though.
STANTON. Barnes! (Another man comes to the scales.)
MRS. ABNER (in a mysterious whisper). Look at Mr. Murray, dearie. Ain't he nervous to-day? I don't know as I blame him, either. I heard the doctor said he'd let him go home if he gained to-day. Is it true, d'you know?
EILEEN (dully). I don't know.
MRS. ABNER. Gosh, I wish it was me! My old man's missin' me like the dickens, he writes. (She starts to go.) You'll be over to the cottage in a while, won't you? Me 'n' you'll have a game of casino, eh?
EILEEN (happy at this deliverance). Yes, I'll be glad to.
STANTON. Cordero!
(Mrs. Abnergoes out.Eileenagain starts towardsMurray,but this timeFlynn,a young fellow with a brick-coloured, homely, good-natured face, and a shaven-necked haircut, slouches back toMurray. Eileenis brought to a halt in front of the table where she stands, her face working with nervous strain, clasping and unclasping her trembling hands.)
FLYNN (curiously). Say, Steve, what's this bull about the Doc lettin' yuh beat it if yuh gain to-day? Is it straight goods?
MURRAY. He said he might, that's all. (Impatiently.) How the devil did that story get travelling around?
FLYNN (with a grin). Wha' d'yuh expect with this gang of skirts chewin' the fat? Well, here's hopin' yuh come home a winner, Steve.
MURRAY (gratefully). Thanks. (With confidence.) Oh, I'll gain all right; but whether he'll let me go or not—— (He shrugs his shoulders.)
FLYNN. Make 'em believe. I wish Stanton'd ask waivers on me. (With a laugh.) I oughter gain a ton to-day. I ate enough spuds for breakfast to plant a farm.
STANTON. Flynn!
FLYNN. Me to the plate! (He strides to the scales.)
MURRAY. Good luck!
(He starts to joinEileen,butMiss Bailey,who has finished her talk withMrs. Turner,who goes out to the hall, approachesEileenat just this moment.Murraystops in his tracks, fuming. He andEileenexchange a glance of helpless annoyance.)
MISS BAILEY (her thin face full of the satisfaction of misery finding company—plucks atEileen'ssleeve). Say, Carmody, she sent you back to bed, too, didn't she?
EILEEN (absent-mindedly). I suppose——
MISS BAILEY. You suppose? Don't you know? Of course she did. I got to go, too. (PullingEileen'ssleeve.) Come on. Let's get out of here. I hate this place, don't you?
STANTON (calling the next). Hopper!
FLYNN (shouts toMurrayas he is going out to the hall). I hit 'er for a two-bagger, Steve. Come on now, Bo, and bring me home! 'Atta, boy! (Grinning gleefully, he slouches out.Doctor Stantonand all the patients laugh.)
MISS BAILEY (with irritating persistence). Come on, Carmody. You've got to go to bed, too.
EILEEN (at the end of her patience—releasing her arm from the other's grasp). Let me alone, will you? I don't have to go to bed now—not till to-morrow morning.
MISS BAILEY (despairingly, as if she couldn't believe her ears). You don't have to go to bed?
EILEEN. Not now—no.
MISS BAILEY (in a whining rage). Why not? You've been running a temp, too, and I haven't. You must have a pull, that's what! It isn't fair. I'll bet you lost more than I did, too! What right have you got—— Well, I'm not going to bed if you don't. Wait 'n' see!
EILEEN (turning away, revolted). Go away! Leave me alone, please.
STANTON. Lowenstein!
MISS BAILEY (turns to the hall door, whining). All right for you! I'm going to find out. It isn't square. I'll write home.
(She disappears in the hallway.Murraystrides over toEileen,whose strength seems to have left her and who is leaning weakly against the table.)
MURRAY. Thank God—at last! Isn't it hell—all these fools! I couldn't get to you. What did Old Lady Grundy have to say to you? I saw her giving me a hard look. Was it about us—the old stuff? (Eileennods with downcast eyes.) What did she say? Never mind now. You can tell me in a minute. It's my turn next. (His eyes glance towards the scales.)
EILEEN (intensely). Oh, Stephen, I wish you weren't going away!
MURRAY (excitedly). Maybe I'm not. It's exciting—like gambling—if I win——
STANTON. Murray!
MURRAY. Wait here, Eileen.
(He goes to the scales.Eileenkeeps her back turned. Her body stiffens rigidly in the intensity of her conflicting emotions. She stares straight ahead, her eyes full of anguish.Murraysteps on the scales nervously. The balance rod hits the top smartly. He has gained. His face lights up and he heaves a great sigh of relief.Eileenseems to sense this outcome and her head sinks, her body sags weakly and seems to shrink to a smaller size.Murraygets off the scales, his face beaming with a triumphant smile.Doctor Stantonsmiles and murmurs something to him in a low voice.Murraynods brightly; then turns back toEileen.)
STANTON. Nathan! (Another patient advances to the scales.)
MURRAY (trying to appear casual). Well—three rousing cheers! Stanton told me to come to his office at eleven. That means a final exam—and release!
EILEEN (dully). So you gained?
MURRAY. Three pounds.
EILEEN. Funny—I lost three. (With a pitiful effort at a smile.) I hope you gained the ones I lost. (Her lips tremble.) So you're surely going away.
MURRAY (his joy fleeing as he is confronted with her sorrow—slowly). It looks that way, Eileen.
EILEEN (in a trembling whisper broken by rising sobs). Oh—I'm so glad—you gained—the ones I lost, Stephen—— So glad! (She breaks down, covering her face with her hands, stifling her sobs.)
MURRAY (alarmed). Eileen! What's the matter? (Desperately.) Stop it! Stanton'll see you!
The Curtain Falls
Act Two: Scene Two
Midnight of the same day. A cross-road near the sanatorium. The main road comes down forward from the right. A smaller road, leading down from the left, joins it towards left centre.
Dense woods rise sheer from the grass and bramble-grown ditches at the roadsides. At the junction of the two roads there is a signpost, its arms pointing towards the right and the left, rear. A pile of round stones is at the road corner, left forward. A full moon, riding high overhead, throws the roads into white, shadowless relief and masses the woods into walls of compact blackness. The trees lean heavily together, their branches motionless, unstirred by any trace of wind.
As the curtain rises,Eileenis discovered standing in the middle of the road, front centre. Her face shows white and clear in the bright moonlight as she stares with anxious expectancy up the road to the left. Her body is fixed in an attitude of rigid immobility as if she were afraid the slightest movement would break the spell of silence and awaken the unknown. She has shrunk instinctively as far away as she can from the mysterious darkness which rises at the roadsides like an imprisoning wall. A sound of hurried footfalls, muffled by the dust, comes from the road she is watching. She gives a startled gasp. Her eyes strain to identify the oncomer. Uncertain, trembling with fright, she hesitates a second; then darts to the side of the road and crouches down in the shadow.
Stephen Murraycomes down the road from the left. He stops by the signpost and peers about him. He wears a cap, the peak of which casts his face into shadow. Finally he calls in a low voice.
MURRAY. Eileen!
EILEEN (coming out quickly from her hiding-place—with a glad little cry). Stephen! At last! (She runs to him as if she were going to fling her arms about him, but stops abashed. He reaches out and takes her hands.)
MURRAY. At last? It can't be twelve yet. (He leads her to the pile of stones on the left.) I haven't heard the village clock.
EILEEN. I must have come early. It seemed as if I'd been waiting for ages. I was so anxious——
MURRAY. How your hands tremble! Were you frightened?
EILEEN (forcing a smile). A little. The woods are so black—and queer-looking. I'm all right now.
MURRAY. Sit down. You must rest. (In a tone of annoyed reproof.) I'm going to read you a lecture, young lady. You shouldn't ever have done this—running a temp and—— Good heavens, don't you want to get well?
EILEEN (dully). I don't know——
MURRAY (irritably). You make me ill when you talk that way, Eileen. It doesn't sound like you at all. What's come over you lately? Get a grip on yourself, for God's sake. I was—knocked out—when I read the note you slipped me after supper. I didn't get a chance to read it until late, I was so busy packing, and by that time you'd gone to your cottage. If I could have reached you any way I'd have refused to come here, I tell you straight. But I couldn't—and I knew you'd be here waiting—and—still, I feel guilty. Damn it, this isn't the thing for you! You ought to be in bed asleep. Can't you look out for yourself?
EILEEN (humbly). Please, Stephen, don't scold me.
MURRAY. How the devil did you ever get the idea—meeting me here at this ungodly hour?
EILEEN. You'd told me about your sneaking out that night to go to the village, and I thought there'd be no harm this one night—the last night.
MURRAY. But I'm well. I've been well. It's different. You—— Honest, Eileen, you shouldn't lose sleep and tax your strength.
EILEEN. Don't scold me, please. I'll make up for it. I'll rest all the time—after you're gone. I just had to see you some way—somewhere where there weren't eyes and ears on all sides—when you told me after dinner that Doctor Stanton had examined you and said you could go to-morrow—— (A clock in the distant village begins striking.) Sssh! Listen.
MURRAY. That's twelve now. You see I was early.
(In a pause of silence they wait motionlessly until the last mournful note dies in the hushed woods.)
EILEEN (in a stifled voice). It isn't to-morrow now, is it? It's to-day—the day you're going.
MURRAY (something in her voice making him avert his face and kick at the heap of stones on which she is sitting—brusquely). Well, I hope you took precautions so you wouldn't be caught sneaking out.
EILEEN. I did just what you'd told me you did—stuffed the pillows under the clothes so the watchman would think I was there.
MURRAY. None of the patients on your porch saw you leave, did they?
EILEEN. No. They were all asleep.
MURRAY. That's all right, then. I wouldn't trust any of that bunch of women. They'd be only too glad to squeal on you. (There is an uncomfortable pause.Murrayseems waiting for her to speak. He looks about him at the trees, up into the moonlit sky, breathing in the fresh air with a healthy delight.Eileenremains with downcast head, staring at the road.) It's beautiful to-night, isn't it? Worth losing sleep for.
EILEEN (dully). Yes. (Another pause—finally she murmurs faintly.) Are you leaving early?
MURRAY. The ten-forty. Leave the San at ten, I guess.
EILEEN. You're going home?
MURRAY. Home? You mean to the town? No. But I'm going to see my sisters—just to say hello. I've got to, I suppose. I won't stay more than a few days, if I can help it.
EILEEN. I'm sure—I've often felt—you're unjust to your sisters. (With conviction.) I'm sure they must both love you.
MURRAY (frowning). Maybe, in their own way. But what's love without a glimmer of understanding—a nuisance! They have never seen the real me and never have wanted to—that's all.
EILEEN (as if to herself). What is—the real you? (Murraykicks at the stones impatiently without answering.Eileenhastens to change the subject.) And then you'll go to New York?
MURRAY (interested, at once). Yes. You bet.
EILEEN. And write more?
MURRAY. Not in New York, no. I'm going there to take a vacation, and live, really enjoy myself for a while. I've enough money for that as it is, and if the other stories you typed sell—I'll be as rich as Rockefeller. I might even travel—— No, I've got to make good with my best stuff first. I'll save the travelling as a reward, a prize to gain. That'll keep me at it. I know what I'll do. When I've had enough of New York, I'll rent a place in the country—some old farmhouse—and live alone there and work. (Lost in his own plans—with pleasure.) That's the right idea, isn't it?
EILEEN (trying to appear enthused). It ought to be fine for your work. (After a pause.) They're fine, those stories you wrote here. They're—so much like you. I'd know it was you wrote them even if—I didn't know.
MURRAY (pleased). Wait till you read the others I'm going to do! (After a slight pause—with a good-natured grin.) Here I am talking about myself again! Why don't you call me down when I start that drivel? But you don't know how good it is to have your dreams coming true. It'd make an egotist out of anyone.
EILEEN (sadly). No. I don't know. But I love to hear you talk of yours.
MURRAY (with an embarrassed laugh). Thanks. Well, I've certainly told you all of them. You're the only one—— (He stops and abruptly changes the subject.) You said in your note that you had something important to tell me. (He sits down beside her, crossing his legs.) Is it about your interview with Old Mrs. Grundy this afternoon?
EILEEN. No, that didn't amount to anything. She seemed mad because I told her so little. I think she guessed I only told her what I did so she'd let me stay up, maybe—your last day,—and to keep her from thinking what she did—about us.
MURRAY (quickly, as if he wishes to avoid this subject). What is it you wanted to tell me, then?
EILEEN (sadly). It doesn't seem so important now, somehow. I suppose it was silly of me to drag you out here, just for that. It can't mean anything to you—much.
MURRAY (encouragingly). How do you know it can't?
EILEEN (slowly). I only thought—you might like to know.
MURRAY (interestedly). Know what? What is it? If I can help——
EILEEN. No. (After a moment's hesitation.) I wrote to him this afternoon.
MURRAY. Him?
EILEEN. The letter you've been advising me to write.
MURRAY (as if the knowledge of this alarmed him—haltingly). You mean—Fred Nicholls?
EILEEN. Yes.
MURRAY (after a pause—uncomfortably). You mean—you broke it all off?
EILEEN. Yes—for good. (She looks up at his averted face. He remains silent. She continues apprehensively.) You don't say anything. I thought—you'd be glad. You've always told me it was the honourable thing to do.
MURRAY (gruffly). I know. I say more than my prayers, damn it! (With sudden eagerness.) Have you mailed the letter yet?
EILEEN. Yes. Why?
MURRAY (shortly). Humph. Oh—nothing.
EILEEN (with pained disappointment). Oh, Stephen, you don't think I did wrong, do you—now—after all you've said?
MURRAY (hurriedly). Wrong? No, not if you were convinced it was the right thing to do yourself—if you know you don't love him. But I'd hate to think you did it just on my advice. I shouldn't—— I didn't mean to interfere. I don't know enough about your relations for my opinion to count.
EILEEN (hurt). You know all there is to know.
MURRAY. I didn't mean—anything like that. I know you've been frank. But him—I don't know him. How could I, just meeting him once? He may be quite different from my idea. That's what I'm getting at. I don't want to be unfair to him.
EILEEN (bitterly scornful). You needn't worry. You weren't unfair. And you needn't be afraid you were responsible for my writing. I'd been going to for a long time before you ever spoke.
MURRAY (with a relieved sigh). I'm glad of that—honestly, Eileen. I felt guilty. I shouldn't have knocked him behind his back without knowing him at all.
EILEEN. You said you could read him like a book from his letters I showed you.
MURRAY (apologetically). I know. I'm a fool.
EILEEN (angrily). What makes you so considerate of Fred Nicholls all of a sudden? What you thought about him was right.
MURRAY (vaguely). I don't know. One makes mistakes.
EILEEN (assertively). Well, I know! You needn't waste pity on him. He'll be only too glad to get my letter. He's been anxious to be free of me ever since I was sent here, only he thought it wouldn't be decent to break it off himself while I was sick. He was afraid of what people would say about him when they found it out. So he's just gradually stopped writing and coming for visits, and waited for me to realise. And if I didn't, I know he'd have broken it off himself the first day I got home. I've kept persuading myself that, in spite of the way he's acted, he did love me as much as he could love anyone, and that it would hurt him if I—— But now I know that he never loved me, that he couldn't love anyone but himself. Oh, I don't hate him for it. He can't help being what he is. And all people seem to be—like that, mostly. I'm only going to remember that he and I grew up together, and that he was kind to me then when he thought he liked me—and forget all the rest. (With agitated impatience.) Oh, Stephen, you know all this I've said about him. Why don't you admit it? You've read his letters.
MURRAY (haltingly). Yes, I'll admit that was my opinion—only I wanted to be sure you'd found out for yourself.
EILEEN (defiantly). Well, I have! You see that now, don't you?
MURRAY. Yes; and I'm glad you're free of him, for your own sake. I knew he wasn't the person. (With an attempt at a joking tone.) You must get one of the right sort—next time.
EILEEN (springing to her feet with a cry of pain). Stephen!
(He avoids her eyes, which search his face pleadingly.)
MURRAY (mumbling). He wasn't good enough—to lace your shoes—nor anyone else, either.
EILEEN (with a nervous laugh). Don't be silly. (After a pause, during which she waits hungrily for some word from him—with a sigh of despair—faintly.) Well, I've told you—all there is. I might as well go back.
MURRAY (not looking at her—indistinctly). Yes. You mustn't lose too much sleep. I'll come to your cottage in the morning to say good-bye. They'll permit that, I guess.
EILEEN (stands looking at him imploringly, her face convulsed with anguish, but he keeps his eyes fixed on the rocks at his feet. Finally she seems to give up and takes a few uncertain steps up the road towards the right—in an exhausted whisper). Good night, Stephen.