Strange Interlude/Act 5
ACT FIVE
ACT FIVE
Scene: The sitting room of a small house Evans has rented in a seashore suburb near New York, It is a bright morning in the following April.
The room is a typical sitting room of the quantity-production bungalow type. Windows on the left look out on a broad porch. A double doorway in rear leads into the hall. A door on right, to the dining room. Nina has tried to take the curse of offensive, banal newness off the room with some of her own things from her old home but the attempt has been half-hearted in the face of such overpowering commonness, and the result is a room as disorganized in character as was the Professor’s study in the last Act.
The arrangement of the furniture follows the same pattern as in preceding scenes. There is a Morris chair and a round golden oak table at left of center, an upholstered chair, covered with bright chintz at center, a sofa covered with the same chintz at right.
Nina is sitting in the chair at center. She has been trying to read a book but has let this drop listlessly on her lap. A great change is noticeable in her face and bearing. She is again the pregnant woman of Act Three but this time there is a triumphant strength about her expression, a ruthless self-confidence in her eyes. She has grown stouter, her face has filled out. One gets no impression of neurotic strain from her now, she seems nerveless and deeply calm.
Nina
[As if listening for something within her—joyfully]
There! . . . that can’t be my imagination . . . I felt it plainly . . . life . . . my baby . . . my only baby . . . the other never really lived . . . this is the child of my love! . . . I love Ned! . . . I’ve loved him ever since that first afternoon . . . when I went to him . . . so scientifically! . . .
[She laughs at herself]
Oh, what a goose I was! . . . then love came to me . . . in his arms . . . happiness! . . . I hid it from him . . . I saw he was frightened . . . his own joy frightened him . . . I could feel him fighting with himself . . . during all those afternoons . . . our wonderful afternoons of happiness! . . . and I said nothing . . . I made myself be calculating . . . so when he finally said . . . dreadfully disturbed . . . “Look here, Nina, we’ve done all that is necessary, playing with fire is dangerous” . . . I said, “You’re quite right, Ned, of all things I don’t want to fall in love with you!” . . .
[She laughs]
He didn’t like that! . . . he looked angry . . . and afraid . . . then for weeks he never even phoned . . . I waited . . . it was prudent to wait . . . but every day I grew more terrified . . . then just as my will was breaking, his broke . . . he suddenly appeared again . . . but I held him to his aloof doctor’s pose and sent him away, proud of his will power . . . and sick of himself with desire for me! . . . every week since then he’s been coming out here ... as my doctor . . . we’ve talked about our child wisely, dispassionately . . . as if it were Sam’s child . . . we’ve never given in to our desire . . . and I’ve watched love grow in him until I’m sure . . .
[With sudden alarm]
But am I? . . . he’s never once mentioned love . . . perhaps I’ve been a fool to play the part I’ve played . . . it may have turned him against me . . .
[Suddenly with calm confidence]
No . . . he does . . . I feel it . . . it’s only when I start thinking, I begin to doubt . . .
[She settles back and stares dreamily before her—a pause]
There . . . again . . . his child! . . . my child moving in my life . . . my life moving in my child . . . the world is whole and perfect . . . all things are each other’s . . . life is . . . and the is is beyond reason . . . questions die in the silence of this peace . . . I am living a dream within the great dream of the tide . . . breathing in the tide I dream and breathe back my dream into the tide . . . suspended in the movement of the tide, I feel life move in me, suspended in me . . . no whys matter . . . there is no why . . . I am a mother . . . God is a Mother . . .
[She sighs happily, closing her eyes. A pause]
[Evans enters from the hallway in rear. He is dressed carefully but his clothes are old ones—shabby collegiate gentility—and he has forgotten to shave. His eyes look pitiably harried, his manner has become a distressingly obvious attempt to cover up a chronic state of nervous panic and guilty conscience. He stops inside the doorway and looks at her with a pitiable furtiveness, arguing with himself, trying to get up his courage]
Tell her! . . . go on! . . . you made up your mind to, didn’t you? . . . don’t quit now! . . . tell her you’ve decided . . . for her sake . . . to face the truth . . . that she can’t love you . . . she’s tried . . . she’s acted like a good sport . . . but she’s beginning to hate you . . . and you can’t blame her . . . she wanted children . . . and you haven’t been able . . .
[Protesting feebly]
But I don’t know for certain . . . that that’s my fault . . .
[Then bitterly]
Aw, don’t kid yourself, if she’d married someone else . . . if Gordon had lived and married her . . . I’ll bet in the first month she’d . . . you’d better resign from the whole game . . . with a gun! . . .
[He swallows hard as if he were choking back a sob—then savagely]
Stop whining! . . . go on and wake her up! . . . say you’re willing to give her a divorce so she can marry some real guy who can give her what she ought to have! . . .
[Then with sudden terror]
And if she says yes? . . . I couldn’t bear it! . . . I’d die without her! . . .
[Then with a somber alien forcefulness]
All right . . . good riddance! . . . I’d have the guts to bump off then, all right! . . . that’d set her free . . . come on now! . . . ask her! . . .
[But his voice begins to tremble uncertainly again as he calls]
Nina.
Nina
[Opens her eyes and gazes calmly, indifferently at him]
Yes?
Evans
[Immediately terrified and beaten—thinking]
I can’t! . . . the way she looks at me! . . . she’d say yes! . . .
[Stammering]
I hate to wake you up but—it’s about time for Ned to come, isn’t it?
Nina
[Calmly]
I wasn’t asleep.
[Thinking as if she found it hard to concentrate on him, to realize his existence]
This man is my husband . . . it’s hard to remember that . . . people will say he’s the father of my child. . . .
[With revulsion]
That’s shameful! . . . and yet that’s exactly what I wanted! . . . wanted! . . . not now! . . . now I love Ned! . . . I won’t lose him! . . . Sam must give me a divorce . . . I’ve sacrificed enough of my life . . . what has he given me? . . . not even a home . . . I had to sell my father’s home to get money so we could move near his job . . . and then he lost his job! . . . now he’s depending on Ned to help him get another! . . . my love! . . . how shameless! . . .
[Then contritely]
Oh, I’m unjust . . . poor Sam doesn’t know about Ned . . . and it was I who wanted to sell the place . . . I was lonely there . . . I wanted to be near Ned. . . .
Evans
[Thinking in agony]
What’s she thinking? . . . probably lucky for me I don’t know! . . .
[Forcing a brisk air as he turns away from her]
I hope Ned brings that letter he promised me to the manager of the Globe company. I’m keen to get on the job again.
Nina
[With scornful pity]
Oh, I guess Ned will bring the letter. I asked him not to forget.
Evans
I hope they’ll have an opening right off. We can use the money.
[Hanging his head]
I feel rotten, living on you when you’ve got so little.
Nina
[Indifferently but with authority, like a governess to a small boy]
Now, now!
Evans
[Relieved]
Well, it’s true.
[Then coming to her—humbly ingratiating]
You’ve felt a lot better lately, haven’t you, Nina?
Nina
[With a start—sharply]
Why?
Evans
You look ever so much better. You’re getting fat.
[He forces a grin]
Nina
[Curtly]
Don’t be absurd, please! As a matter of fact, I don’t feel a bit better.
Evans
[Thinking despondently]
Lately, she jumps on me every chance she gets . . . as if everything I did disgusted her! . . .
[He strays over to the window and looks out listlessly]
I thought we’d get some word from Charlie this morning saying if he was coming down or not. But I suppose he’s still too broken up over his mother’s death to write.
Nina
[Indifferently]
He’ll probably come without bothering to write.
[Vaguely—wonderingly]
Charlie . . . dear old Charlie . . . I’ve forgotten him, too. . . .
Evans
I think that’s Ned’s car now. Yes. It’s stopping. I’ll go out and meet him.
[He starts for the door in rear]
Nina
[Sharply, before she can restrain the impulse]
Don’t be such a fool!
Evans
[Stops—stammers confusedly]
What—what’s the matter?
Nina
[Controlling herself—but irritably]
Don’t mind me. I’m nervous.
[Thinking guiltily]
One minute I feel ashamed of him for making such a fool of himself over my lover . . . the next minute something hateful urges me to drive him into doing it! . . .
[The maid has answered the ring and opened the outer door. Ned Darrell comes in from the rear. His face looks older. There is an expression of defensive bitterness and self-resentment about his mouth and eyes. This vanishes into one of desire and joy as he sees Nina. He starts toward her impulsively]
Nina!
[Then stops short as he sees Evans]
Nina
[Forgetting Evans, gets to her feel as if to receive Darrell in her arms—with love]
Ned!
Evans
[Affectionately and gratefully]
Hello, Ned!
[He holds out his hand which Darrell takes mechanically]
Darrell
[Trying to overcome his guilty embarrassment]
Hello, Sam. Didn’t see you.
[Hurriedly reaching in his coat pocket]
Before I forget, here’s that letter. I had a talk over the phone with Appleby yesterday. He’s pretty sure there’s an opening—
[With a condescension he can’t help]
—but you’ll have to get your nose on the grindstone to make good with him.
Evans
[Flushing guiltily—forcing a confident tone]
You bet I will!
[Then gratefully and humbly]
Gosh, Ned, I can’t tell you how grateful I am!
Darrell
[Brusquely, to hide his embarrassment]
Oh, shut up! I’m only too glad.
Nina
[Watching Evans with a contempt that is almost gloating—in a tone of curt dismissal]
You’d better go and shave, hadn’t you, if you’re going to town?
Evans
[Guiltily, passing his hand over his face—forcing a brisk, purposeful air]
Yes, of course. I forgot I hadn’t. Excuse me, will you?
[This to Darrell. Evans hurries out, rear]
Darrell
[As soon as he is out of earshot—turning on Nina accusingly]
How can you treat him that way? It makes me feel—like a swine!
Nina
[Flushing guiltily—protestingly]
What way?
[Then inconsequentially]
He’s always forgetting to shave lately.
Darrell
You know what I mean, Nina!
[Turns away from her—thinking bitterly]
What a rotten liar I’ve become! . . . and he trusts me absolutely! . . .
Nina
[Thinking frightenedly]
Why doesn’t he take me in his arms? . . . oh, I feel he doesn’t love me now! . . . he’s so bitter! . . .
[Trying to be matter-of-fact]
I’m sorry, Ned. I don’t mean to be cross but Sam does get on my nerves.
Darrell
[Thinking bitterly]
Sometimes I almost hate her! . . . if it wasn’t for her I’d have kept my peace of mind . . . no good for anything lately, damn it! . . . but it’s idiotic to feel guilty . . . if Sam only didn’t trust me! . . .
[Then impatiently]
Bosh! . . . sentimental nonsense! . . . end justifies means! . . . this will have a good end for Sam, I swear to that! . . . why doesn’t she tell him she’s pregnant? . . . what’s she waiting for? . . .
Nina
[Thinking passionately, looking at him]
Oh, my lover, why don’t you kiss me? . . .
[Imploringly]
Ned! Don’t be cross with me, please!
Darrell
[Fighting to control himself—coldly]
I’m not cross, Nina. Only you must admit these triangular scenes are, to say the least, humiliating.
[Resentfully]
I won’t come out here again!
Nina
[With a cry of pain]
Ned!
Darrell
[Thinking exultingly at first]
She loves me! . . . she’s forgotten Gordon! . . . I’m happy! . . . do I love her? . . . no! . . . I won’t! . . . I can’t! . . . think what it would mean to Sam! . . . to my career! . . . be objective about it! . . . you guinea pig! . . . I’m her doctor . . . and Sam’s . . . I prescribed child for them . . . that’s all there is to it! . . .
Nina
[Torn between hope and fear]
What is he thinking? . . . he’s fighting his love . . . oh, my lover! . . .
[Again with longing]
Ned!
Darrell
[Putting on his best professional air, going to her]
How do you feel today? You look as if you might have a little fever.
[He takes her hand as if to feel her pulse]
[Her hand closes over his. She looks up into his face. He keeps his turned away]
Nina
[Straining up toward him—with intense longing—thinking]
I love you! . . . take me! . . . what do I care for anything in the world but you! . . . let Sam die! . . .
Darrell
[Fighting himself—thinking]
Christ! . . . touch of her skin! . . . her nakedness! . . . those afternoons in her arms! happiness! . . . what do I care for anything else? . . . to hell with Sam! . . .
Nina
[Breaking out passionately]
Ned! I love you! I can’t hide it any more! I won’t! I love you, Ned!
Darrell
[Suddenly taking her in his arms and kissing her frantically]
Nina! Beautiful!
Nina
[Triumphantly—between kisses]
You love me, don’t you? Say you do, Ned!
Darrell
[Passionately]
Yes! Yes!
Nina
[With a cry of triumph]
Thank God! At last you’ve told me! You’ve confessed it to yourself! Oh, Ned, you’ve made me so happy!
[There is a ring from the front door bell. Darrell hears it. It acts like an electric shock on him. He tears himself away from her. Instinctively she gets up too and moves to the lounge at right]
Darrell
[Stupidly]
Someone—at the door.
[He sinks down in the chair by the table at left]
[Thinking torturedly]
I said I loved her! . . . she won! . . . she used my desire! . . . but I don’t love her! . . . I won’t! . . . she can’t own my life! . . .
[Violently—almost shouts at her]
I don’t, Nina! I tell you I don’t!
Nina
[The maid has just gone to the front door]
Sshh!
[Then in a triumphant whisper]
You do, Ned! You do!
Darrell
[With dogged stupidity]
I don’t!
[The front door has been opened. Marsden appears in the rear, walks slowly and woodenly like a man in a trance into the room. He is dressed immaculately in deep mourning. His face is pale, drawn, haggard with loneliness and grief. His eyes have a dazed look as if he were still too stunned to comprehend clearly what has happened to him. He does not seem conscious of Darrell’s presence at first. His shoulders are bowed, his whole figure droops]
Nina
[Thinking—in a strange superstitious panic]
Black . . . in the midst of happiness . . . black comes . . . again . . . death . . . my father . . . comes between me and happiness! . . .
[Then recovering herself, scornfully]
You silly coward! . . . it’s only Charlie! . . .
[Then with furious resentment]
The old fool! . . . what does he mean coming in on us without warning? . . .
Marsden
[Forcing a pitiful smile to his lips]
Hello, Nina. I know it’s an imposition—but—I’ve been in such a terrible state since Mother—
[He falters, his face becomes distorted into an ugly mask of grief, his eyes water]
Nina
[Immediately sympathetic, gets up and goes to him impulsively]
There’s no question of imposition, Charlie. We were expecting you.
[She has come to him and put her arms around him. He gives way and sobs, his head against her shoulder]
Marsden
[Brokenly]
You don’t know, Nina—how terrible—it’s terrible!—
Nina
[Leading him to the chair at center, soothingly]
I know, Charlie.
[Thinking with helpless annoyance]
Oh, dear, what can I say? . . . his mother hated me . . . I’m not glad she’s dead . . . but neither am I sorry . . .
[With a trace of contempt]
Poor Charlie . . . he was so tied to her apron strings . . .
[Then kindly but condescendingly, comforting him]
Poor old Charlie!
Marsden
[The words and the tone shock his pride to life. He raises his head and half-pushes her away—resentfully, thinking]
Poor old Charlie! . . . damn it, what am I to her? . . . her old dog who’s lost his mother? . . . Mother hated her . . . no, poor dear Mother was so sweet, she never hated anyone . . . she simply disapproved . . .
[Coldly]
I’m all right, Nina. Quite all right now, thank you. I apologize for making a scene.
Darrell
[Has gotten up from his chair—with relief—thinking]
Thank God for Marsden . . . I feel sane again . . .
[He comes to Marsden—cordially]
How are you, Marsden?
[Then offering conventional consolation, pats Marsden’s shoulder]
I’m sorry, Marsden.
Marsden
[Startled, looks up at him in amazement]
Darrell!
[Then with instant hostility]
There’s nothing to be sorry about that I can discover!
[Then as they both look at him in surprise he realizes what he has said—stammeringly]
I mean—sorry—is hardly the right word—hardly—is it?
Nina
[Worriedly]
Sit down, Charlie. You look so tired.
[He slumps down in the chair at center mechanically. Nina and Darrell return to their chairs. Nina looks across him at Darrell—triumphantly—thinking]
You do love me, Ned! . . .
Darrell
[Thinking—answering her look—defiantly]
I don’t love you! . . .
Marsden
[Stares intensely before him. Thinking suspiciously—morbidly agitated]
Darrell! . . . and Nina! . . . there’s something in this room! . . . something disgusting! . . . like a brutal, hairy hand, raw and red, at my throat! . . . stench of human life! . . . heavy and rank! . . . outside it’s April . . . green buds on the slim trees . . . the sadness of spring . . . my loss at peace in Nature . . . her sorrow of birth consoling my sorrow of death . . . something human and unnatural in this room! . . . love and hate and passion and possession! . . . cruelly indifferent to my loss! . . . mocking my loneliness! . . . no longer any love for me in any room! . . . lust in this room! . . . lust with a loathsome jeer taunting my sensitive timidities! . . . my purity! . . . purity? . . . ha! yes, if you say prurient purity! . . . lust ogling me for a dollar with oily shoe button Italian eyes! . . .
[In terror]
What thoughts! . . . what a low scoundrel you are! . . . and your mother dead only two weeks! . . . I hate Nina! . . . that Darrell in this room! . . . I feel their desires! . . . where is Sam? . . . I’ll tell him! . . . no, he wouldn’t believe . . . he’s such a trusting fool . . . I must punish her some other way . . .
[Remorsefully]
What? . . . punish Nina? . . . my little Nina? . . . why, I want her to be happy! . . . even with Darrell? . . . it’s all so confused! . . . I must stop thinking! . . . I must talk! . . . forget! . . . say something! . . . forget everything! . . .
[He suddenly bursts into a flood of garrulity]
Mother asked for you, Nina—three days before the end. She said, “Where is Nina Leeds now, Charlie? When is she going to marry Gordon Shaw?” Her mind was wandering, poor woman! You remember how fond she always was of Gordon. She used to love to watch the football games when he was playing. He was so handsome and graceful, she always thought. She always loved a strong, healthy body. She took such strict care of her own, she walked miles every day, she loved bathing and boating in the summer even after she was sixty, she was never sick a day in her life until—
[He turns on Darrell—coldly]
You were right, Doctor Darrell. It was cancer.
[Then angrily]
But the doctor you sent me to, and the others he called in could do nothing for her—absolutely nothing! I might just as well have imported some witch doctors from the Solomon Islands! They at least would have diverted her in her last hours with their singing and dancing, but your specialists were a total loss!
[Suddenly with an insulting, ugly sneer, raising his voice]
I think you doctors are a pack of God-damned ignorant liars and hypocrites!
Nina
[Sharply]
Charlie!
Marsden
[Coming to himself—with a groan—shamefacedly]
Don’t mind me. I’m not myself, Nina. I’ve been through hell!
[He seems about to sob—then abruptly springs to his feet, wildly]
It’s this room! I can’t stand this room! There’s something repulsive about it!
Nina
[Soothingly]
I know it’s ugly, Charlie. I haven’t had a chance to fix it up yet. We’ve been too broke.
Marsden
[Confusedly]
Oh, it’s all right. I’m ugly, too! Where’s Sam?
Nina
[Eagerly]
Right upstairs. Go on up. He’ll be delighted to see you.
Marsden
[Vaguely]
Very well.
[He goes to the door, then stops mournfully]
But from what I saw on that visit to his home, he doesn’t love his mother much. I don’t think he’ll understand, Nina. He never writes to her, does he?
Nina
[Uneasily]
No—I don’t know.
Marsden
She seemed lonely. He’ll be sorry for it some day after she—
[He gulps]
Well—
[He goes]
Nina
[In a sudden panic—thinking]
Sam’s mother! . . . “Make my boy, Sammy, happy!” . . . I promised . . . oh, why did Charlie have to remember her? . . .
[Then resolutely]
I can’t remember her now! . . . I won’t! . . . I’ve got to be happy! . . .
Darrell
[Uneasily trying to force a casual conversation]
Poor Marsden is completely knocked off balance, isn’t he?
[A pause]
My mother died when I was away at school. I hadn’t seen her in some time, so her death was never very real to me; but in Marsden’s case—
Nina
[With a possessive smile of tolerance]
Never mind Charlie, Ned. What do I care about Charlie? I love you! And you love me!
Darrell
[Apprehensively, forcing a tone of annoyed rebuke]
But I don’t! And you don’t! You’re simply letting your romantic imagination run away with you—
[Showing his jealous resentment in spite of himself]
—as you did once before with Gordon Shaw!
Nina
[Thinking]
He is jealous of Gordon! . . . how wonderful that is! . . .
[With provoking calm]
I loved Gordon.
Darrell
[Irritably ignoring this as if he didn’t want to hear it]
Romantic imagination! It has ruined more lives than all the diseases! Other diseases, I should say! It’s a form of insanity!
[He gets up forcefully and begins to pace about the room]
[Thinking uneasily]
Mustn’t look at her . . . find an excuse and get away . . . and this time never come back! . . .
[Avoiding looking at her, trying to argue reasonably—coldly]
You’re acting foolishly, Nina—and very unfairly. The agreement we made has no more to do with love than a contract for building a house. In fact, you know we agreed it was essential that love mustn’t enter into it. And it hasn’t in spite of what you say.
[A pause. He walks about. She watches him]
[Thinking]
She’s got to come back to earth! . . . I’ve got to break with her! . . . bad enough now! . . . but to go on with it! . . . what a mess it’d make of all our lives! . . .
Nina
[Thinking tenderly]
Let his pride put all the blame on me! . . . I’ll accept it gladly! . . .
Darrell
[Irritably]
Of course, I realize I’ve been to blame, too. I haven’t been able to be as impersonal as I thought I could be. The trouble is there’s been a dangerous physical attraction. Since I first met you, I’ve always desired you physically. I admit that now.
Nina
[Smiling tenderly—thinking]
Oh, he admits that, does he? . . . poor darling! . . .
[Enticingly]
And you still do desire me, don’t you, Ned?
Darrell
[Keeping his back turned to her—roughly]
No! That part of it is finished!
[Nina laughs softly, possessively. He whirls around to face her—angrily]
Look here! You’re going to have the child you wanted, aren’t you?
Nina
[Implacably]
My child wants its father!
Darrell
[Coming a little toward her—desperately]
But you’re crazy! You’re forgetting Sam! It may be stupid but I’ve got a guilty conscience! I’m, beginning to think we’ve wronged the very one we were trying to help!
Nina
You were trying to help me, too, Ned!
Darrell
[Stammering]
Well—all right—let’s say that part of it was all right then. But it’s got to stop! It can’t go on!
Nina
[Implacably]
Only your love can make me happy now ! Sam must give me a divorce so I can marry you.
Darrell
[Thinking suspiciously]
Look out! . . . there it is! . . . marry! . . . own me! . . . ruin my career! . . .
[Scornfully]
Marry? Do you think I’m a fool? Get that out of your head quick! I wouldn’t marry anyone—no matter what!
[As she continues to look at him with unmoved determination—pleadingly]
Be sensible, for God’s sake! We’re absolutely unsuited to each other! I don’t admire your character! I don’t respect you! I know too much about your past!
[Then indignantly]
And how about Sam? Divorce him? Have you forgotten all his mother told you? Do you mean to say you’d deliberately—? And you expect me to—? What do you think I am?
Nina
[Inflexibly]
You’re my lover! Nothing else matters. Yes, I remember what Sam’s mother said. She said, “being happy is the nearest we can come to knowing what good is.” And I’m going to be happy! I’ve lost everything in life so far because I didn’t have the courage to take it—and I’ve hurt everyone around me. There’s no use trying to think of others. One human being can’t think of another. It’s impossible.
[Gently and caressingly]
But this time I’m going to think of my own happiness—and that means you—and our child! That’s quite enough for one human being to think of, dear, isn’t it?
[She reaches out and takes his hand. A pause. With her other hand she gently pulls him around until he is forced to look into her eyes]
Darrell
[Thinking fascinatedly]
I see my happiness in her eyes . . . the touch of her soft skin! . . . those afternoons! . . . God, I was happy!
[In a strange dazed voice—as if it were forced out of him by an impulse stronger than his will]
Yes, Nina.
Nina
[In a determined voice]
I’ve given Sam enough of my life! And it hasn’t made him happy, not the least bit! So what’s the good? And how can we really know that his thinking our child was his would do him any good? We can’t! It’s all guesswork. The only thing sure is that we love each other.
Darrell
[Dazedly]
Yes.
[A noise from the hall and Evans comes in from the rear. He sees their two hands together hut mistakes their meaning.]
Evans
[Genially—with a forced self-confident air]
Well, Doc, how’s the patient? I think she’s much better, don’t you—although she won’t admit it.
Darrell
[At the first sound of Evans’ voice, pulls his hand from Nina’s as if it were a hot coal—avoiding Evans’ eyes, moving away from her jerkily and self-consciously]
Yes. Much better.
Evans
Good!
[He pats Nina on the back. She shrinks away. His confidence vanishes in a flash]
[Thinking miserably]
Why does she shrink away . . . if I even touch her? . . .
Nina
[Matter-of-factly]
I must see how lunch is coming on. You’ll stay, of course, Ned?
Darrell
[Struggling—shakenly]
No, I think I’d better—
[Thinking desperately]
Got to go! . . . can’t go! . . . got to go! . . .
Evans
Oh, come on, old man!
Nina
[Thinking]
He must stay . . . and after lunch we’ll tell Sam.. . .
[With certainty]
He’ll stay.
[Meaningly]
And we want to have a long talk with you after lunch, Sam—don’t we, Ned?
[Darrell does not answer. She goes out, right]
Evans
[Vaguely making talk]
I got Charlie to lie down. He’s all in, poor guy.
[Then trying to face Darrell who keeps looking away from him]
What did Nina mean, you want a long talk with me? Or is it a secret, Ned?
Darrell
[Controlling an impulse toward hysterical laughter]
A secret? Yes, you bet it’s a secret!
[He flings himself in the chair at left, keeping his face averted]
[His thoughts bitter and desperate like a cornered fugitive’s]
This is horrible! . . . Sam thinks I’m finest fellow in world . . . and I do this to him! . . . as if he hadn’t enough! . . . born under a curse! . . . I finish him! . . . a doctor! . . . God damn it! . . . I can see his end! . . . never forgive myself! . . . never forget! . . . break me! . . . ruin my career! . . .
[More desperately]
Got to stop this! . . . while there’s time! . . . she said . . . after lunch, talk . . . she meant, tell him . . . that means kill him . . . then she’ll marry me! . . .
[Beginning to be angry]
By God, I won’t! . . . she’ll find out! . . . smiling! . . . got me where she wants me! . . . then be as cruel to me as she is to him! . . . love me? . . . liar! . . . still loves Gordon! . . . her body is a trap! . . . I’m caught in it! . . . she touches my hand, her eyes get in mine, I lose my will! . . .
[Furiously]
By God, she can’t make a fool of me that way! . . . I’ll go away some place! . . . go to Europe! . . . study! . . . forget her in work! . . . keep hidden until boat sails so she can’t reach me! . . .
[He is in a state of strange elation by this time]
Go now! . . . no! . . . got to spike her guns with Sam! . . . by God, I see! . . . tell him about baby! . . . that’ll stop her! . . . when she knows I’ve told him that, she’ll see it’s hopeless! . . . she’ll stick to him! . . . poor Nina! . . . I’m sorry! . . . she does love me! . . . hell! . . . she’ll forget! . . . she’ll have her child! . . . she’ll be happy! . . . and Sam’ll be happy! . . .
[He suddenly turns to Evans who has been staring at him, puzzledly—in a whisper]
Look here, Sam. I can’t stay to lunch. I haven’t time, I’ve got a million things to do. I’m sailing for Europe in a few days.
Evans
[Surprised]
You’re sailing?
Darrell
[Very hurriedly]
Yes—going to study over there for a year or so. I haven’t told anyone. I came out today to say good-bye. You won’t be able to reach me again. I’ll be out of town visiting.
[Then elatedly]
And now for your secret! It ought to make you very happy, Sam. I know how much you’ve wished for it, so I’m going to tell you although Nina’ll be furious with me. She was saving it to surprise you with at her own proper time—
[Still more elatedly]
—but I’m selfish enough to want to see you happy before I go!
Evans
[Not daring to believe what he hopes—stammering]
What—what is it, Ned?
Darrell
[Clapping him on the back—with strange joviality]
You’re going to be a father, old scout, that’s the secret!
[Then as Evans just stares at him dumbly in a blissful satisfaction, he rattles on]
And now I’ve got to run. See you again in a year or so. I’ve said good-bye to Nina. Good-bye, Sam.
[He takes his hand and clasps it]
Good luck! Buckle down to work now! You’ve got the stuff in you! When I get back I’ll expect to hear you’re on the highroad to success! And tell Nina I’ll expect to find you both happy in your child—both of you, tell her!—happy in your child! Tell her that, Sam!
[He turns and goes to the door]
[Thinking as he goes]
That does it! . . . honorably! . . . I’m free! . . .
[He goes out—then out the front door—a moment later his motor is heard starting—dies away]
Evans
[Stares after him dumbly in the same state of happy stupefaction—mumbles]
Thank you—Ned.
[Thinking disjointedly]
Why did I doubt myself? . . . now she loves me . . . she’s loved me right along . . . I’ve been a fool . . .
[He suddenly falls an his knees]
Oh, God, I thank you!
[Nina comes in from the kitchen. She stops in amazement when she sees him on his knees. He jumps to his feet and takes her in his arms with confident happiness and kisses her]
Oh, Nina, I love you so! And now I know you love me! I’ll never be afraid of anything again!
Nina
[Bewildered and terror-stricken, trying feebly to push him away—thinking]
Has he . . . has he gone crazy? . . .
[Weakly]
Sam! What’s come over you, Sam?
Evans
[Tenderly]
Ned told me—the secret—and I’m so happy, dear!
[He kisses her again]
Nina
[Stammering]
Ned told you—what?
Evans
[Tenderly]
That we’re going to have a child, dear. You mustn’t be sore at him. Why did you want to keep it a secret from me? Didn’t you know how happy it would make me, Nina?
Nina
He told you we—we—you, the father—?
[Then suddenly breaking from him—wildly]
Ned! Where is Ned?
Evans
He left a moment ago.
Nina
[Stupidly]
Left? Call him back. Lunch is ready.
Evans
He’s gone. He couldn’t stay. He’s got so much to do getting ready to sail.
Nina
Sail?
Evans
Didn’t he tell you he was sailing for Europe? He’s going over for a year or so to study.
Nina
A year or so!
[Wildly]
I’ve got to call him up! No, I’ll go in and see him right now!
[She takes a wavering step toward the door]
[Thinking in anguish]
Go! . . . go to him! . . . find him! . . . my lover! . . .
Evans
He won’t be there, I’m afraid. He said we couldn’t reach him, that he’d be visiting friends out of town until he sailed.
[Solicitously]
Why, do you have to see him about something important, Nina? Perhaps I could locate—
Nina
[Stammering and swaying]
No.
[She stifles an hysterical laugh]
No, nothing—nothing important—nothing is important—ha—!
[She stifles another laugh—then on the verge of fainting, weakly]
Sam! Help me—
Evans
[Rushes to her, supports her to sofa at right]
Poor darling! Lie down and rest.
[She remains in a sitting position, staring blankly before her. He chafes her wrists]
Poor darling!
[Thinking jubilantly]
Her condition . . . this weakness comes from her condition! . . .
Nina
[Thinking in anguish]
Ned doesn’t love me! . . . he’s gone! . . . gone forever! . . . like Gordon! . . . no, not like Gordon! . . . like a sneak, a coward! . . . a liar! . . . oh, I hate him! . . . O Mother God, please let me hate him! . . . he must have been planning this! . . . he must have known it today when he said he loved me! . . .
[Thinking frenziedly]
I won’t bear it! . . . he thinks he has palmed me off on Sam forever! . . . and his child! . . . he can’t! . . . I’ll tell Sam he was lying! . . . I’ll make Sam hate him! . . . I’ll make Sam kill him! . . . I’ll promise to love Sam if he kills him! . . .
[Suddenly turns to Evans—savagely]
He lied to you!
Evans
[Letting her wrists drop—appalled—stammers]
You mean—Ned lied about—?
Nina
[In same tone]
Ned lied to you!
Evans
[Stammers]
You’re not—going to have a child—
Nina
[Savagely]
Oh, yes! Oh, yes, I am! Nothing can keep me from that! But you’re—you’re—I mean, you . . .
[Thinking in anguish]
I can’t say that to him! . . . I can’t tell him without Ned to help me! . . . I can’t! . . . look at his face! . . . oh, poor Sammy! . . . poor little boy! . . . poor little boy! . . .
[She takes his head and presses it to her breast and begins to weep]
[Weeping]
I mean, you weren’t to know about it, Sammy.
Evans
[Immediately on the crest again—tenderly]
Why? Don’t you want me to be happy, Nina?
Nina
Yes—yes, I do, Sammy.
[Thinking strangely]
Little boy! . . . little boy! . . . one gives birth to little boys! . . . one doesn’t drive them mad and kill them! . . .
Evans
[Thinking]
She’s never called me Sammy before . . . someone used to . . . oh, yes, Mother. . . .
[Tenderly and boyishly]
And I’m going to make you happy from now on, Nina. I tell you, the moment Ned told me, something happened to me! I can’t explain it, but—I’ll make good now, Nina! I know I’ve said that before but I was only boasting. I was only trying to make myself think so. But now I say it knowing I can do it!
[Softly]
It’s because we’re going to have a child, Nina. I knew that you’d never come to really love me without that. That’s what I was down on my knees for when you came in. I was thanking God—for our baby!
Nina
[Tremblingly]
Sammy! Poor boy!
Evans
Ned said when he came back he’d expect to find us both happy—in our baby. He said to tell you that. You will be happy now, won’t you, Nina?
Nina
[Brokenly and exhaustedly]
I’ll try to make you happy, Sammy.
[He kisses her, then hides his head on her breast. She stares out over his head. She seems to grow older]
[Thinking as if she were repeating the words of some inner voice of life]
Not Ned’s child! . . . not Sam’s child! . . . mine! . . . there! . . . again! . . . I feel my child live . . . moving in my life . . . my life moving in my child . . . breathing in the tide I dream and breathe my dream back into the tide . . . God is a Mother. . . .
[Then with sudden anguish]
Oh, afternoons . . . dear wonderful afternoons of love with you, my lover . . . you are lost . . . gone from me forever! . . .
CURTAIN