CURTIS--Ah, I know you--[Looking around at the others with loathing and hatred.] But look at them--[With a burst of fierce determination.] Wait! I'll give you the only answer--[He dashes for the door in rear, shakes off his father and DICK, who try to stop him, and then is heard bounding up the stairs in hall. DICK runs after him, JAYSON as far as the doorway. ESTHER gives a stifled scream. There is a tense pause. Then DICK reappears.] DICK--It's all right. I saw him go in. JAYSON--[Frightenedly.] But--good God--he's liable--why didn't you follow him? DICK--The doctor and nurse are there. They would have called out, wouldn't they, if-- MRS. DAVIDSON--[Getting angrier and angrier as her puzzlement has grown greater--in a stern tone.] I understand less and less of this. Where has Curtis gone? Why did he act so sick? What is the matter with all of you? ESTHER--Nothing, Aunt dear, nothing! MRS. DAVIDSON--No, you'll not hush me up! [Accusingly.] You all look guilty. Have you been saying anything against Curtis' baby? That was what Curtis seemed to think. A fine time you've picked out--with his wife not cold in her grave! JAYSON--Aunt! MRS. DAVIDSON--I never liked that woman. I never understood her. But now--now I love her and beg her forgiveness. She died like a true woman in the performance of her duty. She died gloriously--and I will always respect her memory. [Suddenly flying into a passion.] I feel that you are all hostile to her baby--poor, little, defenseless creature! Yes, you'd hate the idea of Curtis' having a son--you and your girls! Well, I'll make you bitterly regret the day you--[She plumps herself down in her chair again, staring stubbornly and angrily before her.] EMILY--[Spitefully.] I fear it will be necessary to tell Aunt-- JAYSON--Sshh! You have made enough trouble with your telling already! [Miserably.] It should never have come to this pass. Curt will never forgive us, never! ESTHER--[Resentfully to EMILY.] See what not holding your tongue has done--and my children will have to suffer for it, too! SHEFFIELD--[Severely.] If Emily had permitted me to conduct this business uninterruptedly, this would never have occurred. EMILY--That's right! All pick on me! Cowards! [She breaks down and sobs.] DICK--[From the doorway. Coming back into the room.] Sstt! Here he comes! CURTIS--[Reenters. There is a look of strange exultation on his face. He looks from one to the other of them. He stammers.] Well--my answer to you--your rotten world--I kissed him--he is mine! He looked at me--it was as if Martha looked at me--through his eyes. ESTHER--[Voicing the general relief. Joyfully.] Oh, Curt! You won't go now? You'll stay?