MRS. MAYO. Sh-h-h! (_She tries to put a finger across his lips, but he twists his head away_). ANDREW. (_who has regained control over himself_) You’re wrong, Pa, it isn’t truth. (_With defiant assertiveness_) I don’t love Ruth. I never loved her, and the thought of such a thing never entered my head. MAYO. (_with an angry snort of disbelief_) Hump! You’re pilin’ lie on lie! ANDREW. (_losing his temper--bitterly_) I suppose it’d be hard for you to explain anyone’s wanting to leave this blessed farm except for some outside reason like that. But I’m sick and tired of it--whether you want to believe me or not--and that’s why I’m glad to get a chance to move on. ROBERT. Andy! Don’t! You’re only making it worse. ANDREW. (_sulkily_) I don’t care. I’ve done my share of work here. I’ve earned my right to quit when I want to. (_Suddenly overcome with anger and grief; with rising intensity_) I’m sick and tired of the whole damn business. I hate the farm and every inch of ground in it. I’m sick of digging in the dirt and sweating in the sun like a slave without getting a word of thanks for it. (_Tears of rage starting to his eyes--hoarsely_) I’m through, through for good and all; and if Uncle Dick won’t take me on his ship, I’ll find another. I’ll get away somewhere, somehow. MRS. MAYO. (_in a frightened voice_) Don’t you answer him, James. He doesn’t know what he’s saying. Don’t say a word to him ’til he’s in his right senses again. Please James, don’t---- MAYO. (_pushes her away from him; his face is drawn and pale with the violence of his passion. He glares at_ ANDREW _as if he hated him_) You dare to--you dare to speak like that to me? You talk like that ’bout this farm--the Mayo farm--where you was born--you--you---- (_He clenches his fist above his head and advances threateningly on_ ANDREW) You damned whelp! MRS. MAYO. (_with a shriek_) James! (_She covers her face with her hands and sinks weakly into_ MAYO’S _chair_. ANDREW _remains standing motionless, his face pale and set_). SCOTT. (_starting to his feet and stretching his arms across the table toward_ MAYO) Easy there, Jim! ROBERT. (_throwing himself between father and brother_) Stop! Are you mad? MAYO. (_grabs_ ROBERT’S _arm and pushes him aside--then stands for a moment gasping for breath before_ ANDREW. _He points to the door with a shaking finger_) Yes--go!--go!--You’re no son o’ mine--no son o’ mine! You can go to hell if you want to! Don’t let me find you here--in the mornin’--or--or--I’ll _throw_ you out! ROBERT. Pa! For God’s sake! (MRS. MAYO _bursts into noisy sobbing_). MAYO. (_he gulps convulsively and glares at_ ANDREW) You go--tomorrow mornin’--and by God--don’t come back--don’t dare come back--by God, not while I’m livin’--or I’ll--I’ll---- (_He shakes over his muttered threat and strides toward the door rear, right_). MRS. MAYO. (_rising and throwing her arms around him--hysterically_) James! James! Where are you going?