The First Man Part 16

Then d.i.c.k reappears.]

d.i.c.k--It's all right. I saw him go in.

JAYSON--[Frightenedly.] But--good G.o.d--he's liable--why didn't you follow him?

d.i.c.k--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 pa.s.sion.] 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 pa.s.s. 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.]

d.i.c.k--[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 G.o.d, 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 G.o.d never granted me. [Her lips trembling.] G.o.d 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 G.o.d, you understand. But I will come back.

[The light of an ideal beginning to s.h.i.+ne 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, d.i.c.k fidgets uncomfortably, heaves a noisy sigh, and blurts out with an attempt at comforting rea.s.surance:]

d.i.c.k--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]