RUTH. Blanche, may I bring in--where's Blanche? STERLING. I don't know. MASON. Good morning, gentlemen. [_There is no response._ WARDEN _is with great difficulty restraining himself. His lips are compressed lightly and his hands clenched._ RUTH. What's the trouble? STERLING. I have just told Warden my wife's decision not to leave me. RUTH. [_Showing her relief and satisfaction in her face, turns to_ WARDEN.] You won't try to shake that resolve? WARDEN. [_Unable to control himself._] But I will! I _will_--I tell you all! I hardly know what I say or do! But look out for me, I'm desperate! I'm a torrent that's only let loose since yesterday, and now all of a sudden you try to stop me! But it's too late; I've got my impetus; the repressed passion of years is behind me; nothing can stop me--and God keep me from doing the wrong thing! I am determined to clear him out of the way of the happiness of the woman I love. [_To_ RUTH.] Do you mean to say you approve of her decision? [RUTH _turns her head; he turns to_ MASON.] Do _you_? RUTH. No. STERLING. [_To_ RUTH, _holding out his hand._] You will stand by me, Aunt Ruth, and together we-- RUTH. [_Interrupting and refusing his hand._] Oh, no. STERLING. Don't you think I can win her love back? RUTH. No. STERLING. Won't you help me try? RUTH. No. It would be useless. WARDEN. Come with me to Blanche; I must speak with her. [WARDEN _and_ RUTH _go out Right._ MASON. [_Alone with_ STERLING.] Go away and make your wife understand you are never coming back. STERLING. But the loneliness, the misery, away--alone. MASON. Kill them with hard work; _you have other heavy debts_, you know. I came to see you about this business of your acknowledgments to Miss Godesby and Miss Hunter. STERLING. Later, later. To-morrow I will decide-- [_He motions him away._ MASON _goes to him and puts his hand on his shoulder._ MASON. Decide well-- [_He hesitates a moment and then goes out Right._ STERLING. [_Watching him go._] There's not one soul in this world who cares for me, and it's my _own fault_. [RICHARD _is heard upstairs again singing "Once in Royal David's City._" STERLING _lifts his head and listens._] Yes, one little soul loves me, and it would be better for him, too, if I went away. I'll go to sleep and see how I feel about it when I wake up. [_He moves the glass of water and takes out the box of tablets. He starts suddenly, but very slightly, and his muscles tighten._]