MARTHA--[With a happy sigh.] That's my dream of happiness, Curt. [Enthusiastically.] Oh, it has been a wonderful, strange life we've lived together, Curt, hasn't it? You're sure you've never regretted--never had the weest doubt that it might have been better with--someone else? CURTIS--[Kisses her again--tenderly reproachful.] Martha! MARTHA--And I have helped--really helped you, haven't I? CURTIS--[Much moved.] You've been the best wife a man could ever wish for, Martha. You've been--you are wonderful. I owe everything to you--your sympathy and encouragement. Don't you know I realize that? [She kisses him gratefully.] MARTHA--[Musing happily.] Yes, it's been a wonderful, glorious life. I'd live it over again if I could, every single second of it--even the terrible suffering--the children. CURTIS--[Wincing.] Don't. I wouldn't want that over again. [Then changing the subject abruptly.] But why have you been putting all our life into the past tense? It seems to me the most interesting part is still ahead of us. MARTHA--[Softly.] I mean--together--Curt. CURTIS--So do I! MARTHA--But you're going away--and I can't go with you this time. CURTIS--[Smiling to himself over her head.] Yes, that does complicate matters, doesn't it? MARTHA--[Hurt--looking up at him.] Curt! How indifferently you say that--as if you didn't care! CURTIS--[Avoiding her eyes--teasingly.] What do you think you'll do all the time I'm gone? MARTHA--Oh, I'll be lost--dead--I won't know what to do. I'll die of loneliness--[yearning creeping into her voice] unless-- CURTIS--[Inquisitively.] Unless what? MARTHA--[Burying her face on his shoulder--passionately.] Oh, Curt, I love you so! Swear that you'll always love me no matter what I do--no matter what I ask-- CURTIS--[Vaguely uneasy now, trying to peer into her face.] But, sweetheart-- MARTHA--[Giving way weakly to her feelings for a moment--entreatingly.] Then don't go! CURTIS--[Astonished.] Why, I've got to go. You know that. MARTHA--Yes, I suppose you have. [Vigorously, as if flinging off a weakness.] Of course you have! CURTIS--But, Martha--you said you'd be lonely unless--unless what? Martha--Unless I--[She hesitates, blushing and confused.] I mean we--oh, I'm so afraid of what you'll--hold me close, very close to you and I'll whisper it. [She pulls his head down and whispers in his ear. A look of disappointment and aversion forces itself on his face.] CURTIS--[Almost indignantly.] But that's impossible, Martha! MARTHA--[Pleadingly.] Now don't be angry with me, Curt--not till you've heard everything. [With a trace of defiance.] It isn't impossible, Curt. It's so! It's happened! I was saving it as a secret--to tell you to-day--on my birthday. CURTIS--[Stunned.] You mean it--is a fact? MARTHA--Yes. [Then pitifully.] Oh, Curt, don't look that way! You seem so cold--so far away from me. [Straining her arms about him.] Why don't you hold me close to you? Why don't you say you're glad--for my sake?