RUTH. (_coloring_) Because I’m too stupid to understand them, I s’pose you were going to say. ROBERT. (_shame-facedly_) No--no. (_In exasperation_) Why do you goad me into saying things I don’t mean? Haven’t I got my share of troubles trying to work this cursed farm without your adding to them? You know how hard I’ve tried to keep things going in spite of bad luck---- RUTH. (_scornfully_) Bad luck! ROBERT. And my own very apparent unfitness for the job, I was going to add; but you can’t deny there’s been bad luck to it, too. Why don’t you take things into consideration? Why can’t we pull together? We used to. I know it’s hard on you also. Then why can’t we help each other instead of hindering? RUTH. (_sullenly_) I do the best I know how. ROBERT. (_gets up and puts his hand on her shoulder_) I know you do. But let’s both of us try to do better. We can both improve. Say a word of encouragement once in a while when things go wrong, even if it is my fault. You know the odds I’ve been up against since Pa died. I’m not a farmer. I’ve never claimed to be one. But there’s nothing else I can do under the circumstances, and I’ve got to pull things through somehow. With your help, I can do it. With you against me---- (_He shrugs his shoulders. There is a pause. Then he bends down and kisses her hair--with an attempt at cheerfulness_) So you promise that; and I’ll promise to be here when the clock strikes--and anything else you tell me to. Is it a bargain? RUTH. (_dully_) I s’pose so. (_They are interrupted by the sound of a loud knock at the kitchen door_) There’s someone at the kitchen door. (_She hurries out. A moment later she reappears_) It’s Ben. ROBERT. (_frowning_) What’s the trouble now, I wonder? (In a loud voice) Come on in here, Ben. (BEN _slouches in from the kitchen. He is a hulking, awkward young fellow with a heavy, stupid face and shifty, cunning eyes. He is dressed in overalls, boots, etc., and wears a broad-brimmed hat of coarse straw pushed back on his head_) Well, Ben, what’s the matter? BEN. (_drawlingly_) The mowin’ machine’s bust. ROBERT. Why, that can’t be. The man fixed it only last week. BEN. It’s bust just the same. ROBERT. And can’t you fix it? BEN. No. Don’t know what’s the matter with the goll-darned thing. ’Twon’t work, anyhow. ROBERT. (_getting up and going for his hat_) Wait a minute and I’ll go look it over. There can’t be much the matter with it. BEN. (_impudently_) Don’t make no diff’rence t’ me whether there be or not. I’m quittin’. ROBERT. (_anxiously_) You don’t mean you’re throwing up your job here? BEN. That’s what! My month’s up today and I want what’s owin’ t’ me. ROBERT. But why are you quitting now, Ben, when you know I’ve so much work on hand? I’ll have a hard time getting another man at such short notice. BEN. That’s for you to figger. I’m quittin’. ROBERT. But what’s your reason? You haven’t any complaint to make about the way you’ve been treated, have you?