ANDREW. Then you might as well stay here, because we’ve got all you’re looking for right on this farm. There’s wide space enough, Lord knows; and you can have all the sea you want by walking a mile down to the beach; and there’s plenty of horizon to look at, and beauty enough for anyone, except in the winter. (_He grins_) As for the mystery and spell, I haven’t met ’em yet, but they’re probably lying around somewheres. I’ll have you understand this is a first class farm with all the fixings. (_He laughs_) ROBERT. (_joining in the laughter in spite of himself_) It’s no use talking to you, you chump! ANDREW. You’d better not say anything to Uncle Dick about spells and things when you’re on the ship. He’ll likely chuck you overboard for a Jonah. (_He jumps down from fence_) I’d better run along. I’ve got to wash up some as long as Ruth’s Ma is coming over for supper. ROBERT. (_pointedly--almost bitterly_) And Ruth. ANDREW. (_confused--looking everywhere except at_ ROBERT--_trying to appear unconcerned_) Yes, Ruth’ll be staying too. Well, I better hustle, I guess, and---- (_He steps over the ditch to the road while he is talking_). ROBERT. (_who appears to be fighting some strong inward emotion--impulsively_) Wait a minute, Andy! (_He jumps down from the fence_) There is something I want to---- (_He stops abruptly, biting his lips, his face coloring_). ANDREW. (_facing him; half-defiantly_) Yes? ROBERT. (_confusedly_) No---- never mind---- it doesn’t matter, it was nothing. ANDREW. (_after a pause, during which he stares fixedly at_ ROBERT’S _averted face_) Maybe I can guess---- what you were going to say---- but I guess you’re right not to talk about it. (_He pulls_ ROBERT’S _hand from his side and grips it tensely; the two brothers stand looking into each other’s eyes for a minute_) We can’t help those things, Rob. (_He turns away, suddenly releasing_ ROBERT’S _hand_) You’ll be coming along shortly, won’t you? ROBERT. (_dully_) Yes. ANDREW. See you later, then. (_He walks of down the road to the left._ ROBERT _stares after him for a moment; then climbs to the fence rail again, and looks out over the hills, an expression of deep grief on his face. After a moment or so_, RUTH _enters hurriedly from the left. She is a healthy, blonde, out-of-door girl of twenty, with a graceful, slender figure. Her face, though inclined to roundness, is undeniably pretty, its large eyes of a deep blue set off strikingly by the sun-bronzed complexion. Her small, regular features are marked by a certain strength--an underlying, stubborn fixity of purpose hidden in the frankly-appealing charm of her fresh youthfulness. She wears a simple white dress but no hat_). RUTH. (_seeing him_) Hello, Rob! ROBERT. (_startled_) Hello, Ruth! RUTH. (_jumps the ditch and perches on the fence beside him_) I was looking for you. ROBERT. (_pointedly_) Andy just left here.