The First Man Part 6

BIGELOW--Listen to that rumpus, will you! The kids are having the time of their lives. [He goes to the window and looks out--delightedly.]

Your wife is playing hide and seek with them. Come and look.

CURTIS--[With a trace of annoyance.] Oh, I can see well enough from here.

BIGELOW--[With a laugh.] She seems to get as much fun out of it as they do. [As a shriek comes from outside--excitedly.] Ah, Eddy discovered her behind the tree. Isn't he tickled now! [He turns back from the window and lights a cigarette--enthusiastically.] Jove, what a hand she is with children!

CURTIS--[As if the subject bored him.] Oh, Martha gets along well with anyone.

BIGELOW--[Sits on the couch again--with a sceptical smile.] You think so? With everyone?

CURTIS--[Surprised.] Yes--with everyone we've ever come in contact with--even aboriginal natives.

BIGELOW--With the aboriginal natives of Bridgetown? With the well-known Jayson family, for example?

CURTIS--[Getting to his feet--frowning.] Why, everything's all right between Martha and them, isn't it? What do you mean, Big? I certainly imagined--but I'll confess this d.a.m.n book has had me so preoccupied--

BIGELOW--Too darn preoccupied, if you'll pardon my saying so. It's not fair to leave her to fight it alone.

CURTIS--[Impatiently.] Fight what? Martha has a sense of humor. I'm sure their petty prejudices merely amuse her.

BIGELOW--[Sententiously.] A mosquito is a ridiculous, amusing creature, seen under a microscope; but when a swarm has been stinging you all night--

CURTIS--[A broad grin coming over his face.] You speak from experience, eh?

BIGELOW--[Smiling.] You bet I do. Touch me anywhere and you'll find a bite. This, my native town, did me the honor of devoting its entire leisure attention for years to stinging me to death.

CURTIS--Well, if I am to believe one-tenth of the family letters I used to receive on the subject of my old friend, Bigelow, they sure had just cause.

BIGELOW--Oh, I'll play fair. I'll admit they did--then. But it's exasperating to know they never give you credit for changing--I almost said, reforming, One ought to be above the gossip of a town like this--but say what you like, it does get under your skin.

CURTIS--[With an indulgent smile.] So you'd like to be known as a reformed character, eh?

BIGELOW--[Rather ruefully.] Et tu! Your tone is sceptical. But I swear to you, Curt, I'm an absolutely new man since my wife's death, since I've grown to love the children. Before that I hardly knew them. They were hers, not mine, it seemed. [His face lighting up.] Now we're the best of pals, and I've commenced to appreciate life from a different angle. I've found a career at last--the children--the finest career a man could have, I believe.

CURTIS--[Indifferently.] Yes, I suppose so--if you're made that way.

BIGELOW--Meaning you're not?

CURTIS--Not any more. [Frowning.] I tried that once.

BIGELOW--[After a pause--with a smile.] But we're wandering from the subject of Martha versus the mosquitoes.

CURTIS--[With a short laugh.] Oh, to the deuce with that! Trust Martha to take care of herself. Besides, I'll have her out of this stagnant hole before so very long--six months, to be exact.

BIGELOW--Where do you think of settling her then?

CURTIS--No settling about it. I'm going to take her with me.

BIGELOW--[Surprised.] On the Asian expedition?

CURTIS--Yes. I haven't told her yet but I'm going to to-day. It's her birthday--and I've been saving the news to surprise her with.

BIGELOW--Her birthday? I wish the children and I had known--but it's not too late yet.

CURTIS--[With a grin.] Thirty-nine candles, if you're thinking of baking a cake!

BIGELOW--[Meaningly.] That's not old--but it's not young either, Curt.

CURTIS--[Disgustedly.] You talk like an old woman, Big. What have years to do with it? Martha is young in spirit and always will be. [There is a knock at the door and MARTHA's voice calling: "May I come in, people?"] Sure thing! [BIGELOW jumps to open the door and MARTHA 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 embarra.s.sed.]

MARTHA--[Laughing at him.] Well, I declare! Of all the horrid things to hear--

BIGELOW--[Still embarra.s.sed 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.]

Circ.u.mstantial evidence. I'll have to dye it when you're asleep some time--and then n.o.body'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.