CURTIS--[Disgustedly.] You talk like an old woman, Big. What have years to do with it? Martha is young in spirit and always will be. [There is a knock at the door and MARTHA's voice calling: "May I come in, people?"] Sure thing! [BIGELOW jumps to open the door and MARTHA enters. She is flushed, excited, full of the joy of life, panting from her exertions.] MARTHA--[Laughing.] I've had to run away and leave them with the governess. They're too active for me. [She throws herself on the couch.] Phew! I'm all tired out. I must be getting old. CURTIS--[With a grin.] Big was just this minute remarking that, Martha. [BIGELOW looks embarrassed.] MARTHA--[Laughing at him.] Well, I declare! Of all the horrid things to hear-- BIGELOW--[Still embarrassed but forcing a joking tone.] He--prevaricates, Mrs. Jayson. MARTHA--There now, Curt! I'm sure it was you who said it. It sounds just like one of your horrid facts. BIGELOW--And how can I offer my felicitations now? But I do, despite your husband's calumny. May your shadow never grow less! MARTHA--Thank you. [She shakes his proffered hand heartily.] BIGELOW--And now I'll collect my flock and go home. CURTIS--So long, Big. Be sure you don't mislay one of your heirs! BIGELOW--No fear--but they might mislay me. [He goes. CURT sits down on couch. MARTHA goes to the window right, and looks out--after a pause, waving her hand.] MARTHA--There they go. What darlings they are! [CURTIS grunts perfunctorily. MARTHA comes back and sits beside CURT on the couch--with a sigh.] Whoever did say it was right, Curt, I am getting old. CURTIS--[Taking one of her hands and patting it.] Nonsense! MARTHA--[Shaking her head and smiling with a touch of sadness.] No. I feel it. CURTIS--[Puts his arms around her protectingly.] Nonsense! You're not the sort that ever grows old. MARTHA--[Nestling up to him.] I'm afraid we're all that sort, dear. Even you. [She touches the white hair about his temples playfully.] Circumstantial evidence. I'll have to dye it when you're asleep some time--and then nobody'll know. CURTIS--[Looking at her.] You haven't any silver threads. [Jokingly.] Am I to suspect--? MARTHA--No, I don't. Honest, cross my heart, I wouldn't even conceal that from you, if I did. But gray hairs prove nothing. I am actually older than you, don't forget. CURTIS--One whole year! That's frightful, isn't it? MARTHA--I'm a woman, remember; so that one means at least six. Ugh! Let's not talk about it. Do you know, it really fills me with a queer panic sometimes? CURTIS--[Squeezing her.] Silly girl! MARTHA--[Snuggling close to him.] Will you always love me--even when I'm old and ugly and feeble and you're still young and strong and handsome? CURTIS--[Kisses her--tenderly.] Martha! What a foolish question, sweetheart. If we ever have to grow old, we'll do it together just as we've always done everything.