BIGELOW--[Restraining his anger with difficulty--coldly.] That's your final answer, eh? Well, I'm through. I've done all I could. If you want to play the brute--to forget all that was most dear in the world to Martha--to go your own damn selfish way--well, there's nothing more to be said. You will be punished for it, believe me! [He takes a step toward the door.] And I--I want you to understand that all friendship ceases between us from this day. You are not the Curt I thought I knew--and I have nothing but a feeling of repulsion--good-by. [He starts for the door.] CURTIS--[Dully.] Good-by, Big. BIGELOW--[Stops, his features working with grief and looks back at his friend--then suddenly goes back to him--penitently.] Curt! Forgive me! I ought to know better. This isn't you. You'll come to yourself when you've had time to think it over. The memory of Martha--she'll tell you what you must do. [He wrings CURT's hand.] Good-by, old scout! CURTIS--[Dully.] Good-by. [BIGELOW hurries out, rear. CURT sits in a dumb apathy for a while--then groans heart-brokenly.] Martha! Martha! [He springs to his feet distractedly. The door of the study is slowly opened and SHEFFIELD peers out cautiously--then comes into the room, followed by the others. They all take seats as before. CURT ignores them.] SHEFFIELD--[Clearing his throat.] Curt-- CURTIS--[Suddenly.] What time is it, do you know! SHEFFIELD--[Looking at his watch.] Two minutes to four. CURTIS--[Impatiently.] Still an hour more of this! JAYSON--[Clearing his throat.] Curt--[Before he starts what he intends to say, there is the sound of voices from the hall. ESTHER and LILY help in MRS. DAVIDSON to her former chair. The old lady's face is again transformed with joy. ESTHER joins EMILY on the couch. LILY sits in chair--front right. There is a long, uncomfortable pause during which CURT paces up and down.] MRS. DAVIDSON--[Suddenly murmuring aloud to herself--happily.] He's such a dear! I could stay watching him forever. JAYSON--[Testily.] Sshhh! Aunt! [Then clearing his throat again.] Surely you're not still thinking of going on the five o'clock train, are you, Curt? CURTIS--Yes. SHEFFIELD--[Drily.] Then Mr. Bigelow didn't persuade you-- CURTIS--[Coldly and impatiently.] I'm not to be persuaded by Big or anyone else. And I'll thank you not to talk any more about it. [They all stiffen resentfully at his tone.] JAYSON--[To CURT--in a pleading tone.] You mustn't be unreasonable, Curt. After all we are your family--your best friends in the world--and we are only trying to help you-- CURTIS--[With nervous vehemence.] I don't want your help. You will help me most by keeping silent. EMILY--[ With a meaning look at the others--sneeringly.] Yes, no doubt. ESTHER--Sshhh, Emily! JAYSON--[Helplessly.] But, you see, Curt--