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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 ca
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 begi
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 ca
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 begi
[The Curtain Falls]