MARTHA--[As if confessing it reluctantly.] Yes--perhaps--in the last two years. LILY--[Decisively.] It's time for both of you to rest on your laurels. Why can't Curt keep on with what he's doing now--stay home and write his books? MARTHA--Curt isn't that kind. The actual work--the romance of it--that's his life. LILY--But if he goes and you have to stay, you'll be lonesome-- [meaningly] alone. MARTHA--Horribly. I don't know what I'll do. LILY--Then why--why? Think, Martha. If Curt knew--that was to happen--he'd want to stay here with you. I'm sure he would. MARTHA--[Shaking her head sadly.] No. Curt has grown to dislike children. They remind him of--ours that were taken. He adored them so--he's never become reconciled. LILY--If you confronted Curt with the actual fact, he'd be reconciled soon enough, and happy in the bargain. MARTHA--[Eagerly.] Do you really think so? LILY--And you, Martha--I can tell from the way you've talked that you'd like to. MARTHA--[Excitedly.] Yes, I--I never thought I'd ever want to again. For many years after they died I never once dreamed of it-- But lately--the last years--I've felt--and when we came to live here--and I saw all around me--homes--and children, I--[She hesitates as if ashamed at having confessed so much.] LILY--[Putting an arm around her--affectionately.] I know. [Vigorously.] You must, that's all there is to it! If you want my advice, you go right ahead and don't tell Curt until it's a fact he'll have to learn to like, willy-nilly. You'll find, in his inmost heart, he'll be tickled to death. MARTHA--[Forcing a smile.] Yes, I--I'll confess I thought of that. In spite of my fear, I--I've--I mean--I--[She flushes in a shamed confusion.] LILY--[Looking at her searchingly.] Why, Martha, what--[Then suddenly understanding--with excited pleasure.] Martha! I know! It is so, isn't it? It is! MARTHA--[In a whisper.] Yes. LILY--[Kissing her affectionately.] You dear, you! [Then after a pause.] How long have you known? MARTHA--For over two months. [There is a ring from the front door bell in the hall.] LILY--[Jumping up.] I'll bet that's we Jaysons now. [She runs to the door in the rear and looks down the hall to the right.] Yes, it's Esther and husband and Aunt Davidson. [She comes back to MARTHA laughing excitedly. The MAID is seen going to the door.] The first wave of attack, Martha! Be brave! The Young Guard dies but never surrenders!