MURRAY (_excitedly_). Eileen! I saw you leave your table. I've something to tell you. I didn't get a chance last night after the mail came. You'd gone to the cottage. Just listen, Eileen--it's too good to be true--but on that mail--guess what? EILEEN (_forgetting her depression--with an excited smile_). I know! You've sold your story! MURRAY (_triumphantly_). Go to the head of the class. What d'you know about that for luck! My first, too--and only the third magazine I sent it to! (_He cuts a joyful caper._) EILEEN (_happily_). Isn't that wonderful, Stephen! But I knew all the time you would. The story's so good. MURRAY. Well, you might have known, but I didn't think there was a chance in the world. And as for being good--(_With superior air_)--wait till I turn loose with the real big ones, the kind I'm going to write. Then I'll make them sit up and take notice. They can't stop me now. This money gives me a chance to sit back and do what I please for a while. And I haven't told you the best part. The editor wrote saying how much he liked the yarn and asked me for more of the same kind. EILEEN. And you've the three others about the same person--just as good, too! Why, you'll sell them all! (_She clasps her hands delightedly._) MURRAY. And I can send them out right away. They're all typed, thanks to you. That's what's brought me luck, I know. I never had a bit by myself. (_Then, after a quick glance around to make sure they are alone, he bends down and kisses her._) There! A token of gratitude--even if it is against the rules. EILEEN (_flushing--with timid happiness_). Stephen! You mustn't! They'll see. MURRAY (_boldly_). Let them! EILEEN. But you know--they've warned us against being so much together, already. MURRAY. Let them! We'll be out of this prison soon. (Eileen _shakes her head sadly, but he does not notice._) Oh, I wish you could leave when I do. We'd have some celebration together. EILEEN (_her lips trembling_). I was thinking last night--that you'd soon be going away. You look so well. Do you think--they'll let you go--soon? MURRAY. You bet I do. I'm bound to go now. It's ridiculous keeping me here when I'm as healthy as a pig. I caught Stanton in the hall last night and asked him if I could go. EILEEN (_anxiously_). What did he say? MURRAY. He only smiled and said: "We'll see if you gain weight to-morrow." As if that mattered now! Why, I'm way above normal as it is! But you know Stanton--always putting you off. But I could tell by the way he said it he'd be willing to consider---- EILEEN (_slowly_). Then--if you gain to-day--- MURRAY. He'll let me go. Yes, I know he will. I'm going to insist on it. EILEEN. Then--you'll leave----? MURRAY. Right away. The minute I can get packed. EILEEN (_trying to force a smile_). Oh, I'm so glad--for your sake; but--I'm selfish--it'll be so lonely here without you.