the door andMARTHA enters. She is flushed, excited, full of the joy of life, panting from her exertions.]
MARTHA-[Laughing.]I've had to run away and leave them with the governess. They're too active for me.[She throws herself on the couch.] Phew! I'm all tired out. I must be getting old.
CURTIS-[With a grin.]Big was just this minute remarking that, Martha.[BIGELOW looks embarrassed.]
MARTHA-[Laughing at him.]Well, I declare! Of all the horrid things to hear-
BIGELOW-[Still embarrassed but forcing a joking tone.]He- prevaricates, Mrs. Jayson.
MARTHA-There now, Curt! I'm sure it was you who said it. It sounds just like one of your horrid facts.
BIGELOW-And how can I offer my felicitations now? But I do, despite your husband's calumny. May your shadow never grow less!
MARTHA-Thank you.[She shakes his proffered hand heartily.]
BIGELOW-And now I'll collect my flock and go home.
CURTIS-So long, Big. Be sure you don't mislay one of your heirs!
BIGELOW-No fear-but they might mislay me.[He goes. CURT sits down on couch. MARTHA goes to the window right, and looks out- after a pause, waving her hand.]
MARTHA-There they go. What darlings they are![CURTIS grunts perfunctorily. MARTHA comes back and sits beside CURT on the couch-with a sigh.] Whoever did say it was right, Curt, I am getting old.
CURTIS-[Taking one of her hands and patting it.]Nonsense!
MARTHA-[Shaking her head and smiling with a touch of sadness.] No. I feel it.
CURTIS-[Puts his arms around her protectingly.]Nonsense! You're not the sort that ever grows old.
MARTHA-[Nestling up to him.]I'm afraid we're all that sort, dear. Even you.[She touches the white hair about his temples playfully.] Circumstantial evidence. I'll have to dye it when you're asleep some time-and then nobody'll know.
CURTIS-[Looking at her.]You haven't any silver threads.[Jokingly.] Am I to suspect-?
MARTHA-No, I don't. Honest, cross my heart, I wouldn't even conceal that from you, if I did. But gray hairs prove nothing. I am actually older than you, don't forget.
CURTIS-One whole year! That's frightful, isn't it?
MARTHA-I'm a woman, remember; so that one means at least six. Ugh! Let's not talk about it. Do you know, it really fills me with a queer panic sometimes?
CURTIS-[Squeezing her.]Silly girl!
MARTHA-[Snuggling close to him.]Will you always love me-even when I'm old and ugly and feeble and you're still young and strong and handsome?
CURTIS-[Kisses her-tenderly.]Martha! What a foolish question, sweetheart. If we ever have to grow old, we'll do it together just as we've always done everything.
MARTHA-[With a happy sigh.]That's my dream of happiness, Curt.[Enthusiastically.] Oh, it has been a wonderful, strange life we've lived together, Curt, hasn't it? You're sure you've never regretted-never had the weest doubt that it might have been better with- someone else?
CURTIS-[Kisses her again-tenderly reproachful.]Martha!
MARTHA-And I have helped-really helped you, haven't I?
CURTIS-[Much moved.]You've been the best wife a man could ever wish for, Martha. You've been-you are wonderful. I owe everything to you-your sympathy and encouragement. Don't you know I realize that?[She kisses him gratefully.]
MARTHA-[Musing happily.]Yes, it's been a wonderful, glorious life. I'd live it over again if I could, every single second of it-even the terrible suffering-the children.
CURTIS-[Wincing.]Don't. I wouldn't want that over again.[Then changing the subject abruptly.] But why have you been putting all our life into the past tense? It seems to me the most interesting part is still ahead of us.
MARTHA-[Softly.]I mean-together-Curt.
CURTIS-So do I!
MARTHA-But you're going away-and I can't go with you this time.
CURTIS-[Smiling to himself over her head.]Yes, that does complicate matters, doesn't it?
MARTHA-[Hurt-looking up at him.]Curt! How indifferently you say that-as if you didn't care!
