ROBERT. (_putting a hand on his brother’s arm_) God! It’s horrible! I feel so guilty--to think that I should be the cause of your suffering, after we’ve been such pals all our lives. If I could have foreseen what’d happen, I swear to you I’d have never said a word to Ruth. I swear I wouldn’t have, Andy! ANDREW. I know you wouldn’t; and that would’ve been worse, for Ruth would’ve suffered then. (_He pats his brother’s shoulder_) It’s best as it is. It had to be, and I’ve got to stand the gaff, that’s all. Pa’ll see how I felt--after a time. (_As_ ROBERT _shakes his head_)--and if he don’t--well, it can’t be helped. ROBERT. But think of Ma! God, Andy, you can’t go! You can’t! ANDREW. (_fiercely_) I’ve got to go--to get away! I’ve got to, I tell you. I’d go crazy here, bein’ reminded every second of the day what a fool I’d made of myself. I’ve got to get away and try and forget, if I can. And I’d hate the farm if I stayed, hate it for bringin’ things back. I couldn’t take interest in the work any more, work with no purpose in sight. Can’t you see what a hell it’d be? You love her too, Rob. Put yourself in my place, and remember I haven’t stopped loving her, and couldn’t if I was to stay. Would that be fair to you or to her? Put yourself in my place. (_He shakes his brother fiercely by the shoulder_) What’d you do then? Tell me the truth! You love her. What’d you do? ROBERT. (_chokingly_) I’d--I’d go, Andy! (_He buries his face in his hands with a shuddering sob_) God! ANDREW. (_seeming to relax suddenly all over his body--in a low, steady voice_) Then you know why I got to go; and there’s nothing more to be said. ROBERT. (_in a frenzy of rebellion_) Why did this have to happen to us? It’s damnable! (_He looks about him wildly, as if his vengeance were seeking the responsible fate_). ANDREW. (_soothingly--again putting his hands on his brother’s shoulder_) It’s no use fussing any more, Rob. It’s done. (_Forcing a smile_) I guess Ruth’s got a right to have who she likes. She made a good choice--and God bless her for it! ROBERT. Andy! Oh, I wish I could tell you half I feel of how fine you are! ANDREW. (_interrupting him quickly_) Shut up! Let’s go to bed. I’ve got to be up long before sun-up. You, too, if you’re going to drive us down. ROBERT. Yes. Yes.