Act 4

________________________________________________
_ 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--

ESTHER
[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]

[THE END]
[Eugene O'Neill's Play: The First Man] _


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