ANDREW. (_confused_) Yes. I didn’t want you to get false notions in your head, or I wouldn’t say anything. (_Looking_ ROBERT _squarely in the eyes_) I’m telling you the truth when I say I’d forgotten long ago. It don’t sound well for me, getting over things so easy, but I guess it never really amounted to more than a kid idea I was letting rule me. I’m certain now I never was in love--I was getting fun out of thinking I was--and being a hero to myself. (_He heaves a great sigh of relief_) There! Gosh, I’m glad that’s off my chest. I’ve been feeling sort of awkward ever since I’ve been home, thinking of what you two might think. (_A trace of appeal in his voice_) You’ve got it all straight now, haven’t you, Rob? ROBERT. (_in a low voice_) Yes, Andy. ANDREW. And I’ll tell Ruth, too, if I can get up the nerve. She must feel kind of funny having me round--after what used to be--and not knowing how I feel about it. ROBERT. (_slowly_) Perhaps--for her sake--you’d better not tell her. ANDREW. For her sake? Oh, you mean she wouldn’t want to be reminded of my foolishness? Still, I think it’d be worse if---- ROBERT. (_breaking out--in an agonized voice_) Do as you please, Andy; but for God’s sake, let’s not talk about it! (_There is a pause._ ANDREW _stares at_ ROBERT _in hurt stupefaction._ ROBERT _continues after a moment in a voice which he vainly attempts to keep calm_) Excuse me, Andy. This rotten headache has my nerves shot to pieces. ANDREW. (_mumbling_) It’s all right, Rob--long as you’re not sore at me. ROBERT. Where did Uncle Dick disappear to this morning? ANDREW. He went down to the port to see to things on the _Sunda_. He said he didn’t know exactly when he’d be back. I’ll have to go down and tend to the ship when he comes. That’s why I dressed up in these togs. MARY. (_pointing down the hill to the left_) See! Mama! Mama! (_She struggles to her feet._ RUTH _appears at left. She is dressed in white, shows she has been fixing up. She looks pretty, flushed and full of life_). MARY. (_running to her mother_) Mama! RUTH. (_kissing her_) Hello, dear! (_She walks toward the rock and addresses_ ROBERT _coldly_) Jake wants to see you about something. He finished working where he was. He’s waiting for you at the road. ROBERT. (_getting up--wearily_) I’ll go down right away. (_As he looks at_ RUTH, _noting her changed appearance, his face darkens with pain_). RUTH. And take Mary with you, please. (_To_ MARY) Go with Dada, that’s a good girl. Grandma has your dinner most ready for you. ROBERT. (_shortly_) Come, Mary! MARY. (_taking his hand and dancing happily beside him_) Dada! Dada! (_They go down the hill to the left._ RUTH _looks after them for a moment, frowning--then turns to_ ANDY _with a smile_) I’m going to sit down. Come on, Andy. It’ll be like old times. (_She jumps lightly to the top of the rock and sits down_) It’s so fine and cool up here after the house.