RUTH. (_without feeling_) I don’t hate you. It’s been my fault too, I s’pose. ROBERT. No. You couldn’t help loving--Andy. RUTH. (_dully_) I don’t love anyone. ROBERT. (_waving her remark aside_) You needn’t deny it. It doesn’t matter. (_After a pause--with a tender smile_) Do you know Ruth, what I’ve been dreaming back there in the dark? (_With a short laugh_) I was planning our future when I get well. (_He looks at her with appealing eyes as if afraid she will sneer at him. Her expression does not change. She stares at the stove. His voice takes on a note of eagerness_) After all, why shouldn’t we have a future? We’re young yet. If we can only shake off the curse of this farm! It’s the farm that’s ruined our lives, damn it! And now that Andy’s coming back--I’m going to sink my foolish pride, Ruth! I’ll borrow the money from him to give us a good start in the city. We’ll go where people live instead of stagnating, and start all over again. (_Confidently_) I won’t be the failure there that I’ve been here, Ruth. You won’t need to be ashamed of me there. I’ll prove to you the reading I’ve done can be put to some use. (_Vaguely_) I’ll write, or something of that sort. I’ve always wanted to write. (_Pleadingly_) You’ll want to do that, won’t you, Ruth? RUTH. (_dully_) There’s Ma. ROBERT. She can come with us. RUTH. She wouldn’t. ROBERT. (_angrily_) So that’s your answer! (_He trembles with violent passion. His voice is so strange that_ RUTH _turns to look at him in alarm_) You’re lying, Ruth! Your mother’s just an excuse. You want to stay here. You think that because Andy’s coming back that---- (_He chokes and has an attack of coughing_). RUTH. (_getting up--in a frightened voice_) What’s the matter? (_She goes to him_) I’ll go with you, Rob. Stop that coughing for goodness’ sake! It’s awful bad for you. (_She soothes him in dull tones_) I’ll go with you to the city--soon’s you’re well again. Honest I will, Rob, I promise! (ROB _lies back and closes his eyes. She stands looking down at him anxiously_) Do you feel better now? ROBERT. Yes. (RUTH _goes back to her chair. After a pause he opens his eyes and sits up in his chair. His face is flushed and happy_) Then you _will_ go, Ruth? RUTH. Yes. ROBERT. (_excitedly_) We’ll make a new start, Ruth--just you and I. Life owes us some happiness after what we’ve been through. (_Vehemently_) It must! Otherwise our suffering would be meaningless--and that is unthinkable. RUTH. (_worried by his excitement_) Yes, yes, of course, Rob, but you mustn’t---- ROBERT. Oh, don’t be afraid. I feel completely well, really I do--now that I can hope again. Oh if you knew how glorious it feels to have something to look forward to! Can’t you feel the thrill of it, too--the vision of a new life opening up after all the horrible years? RUTH. Yes, yes, but do be----