EILEEN (_defiantly_). Well, I have! You see that now, don't you? MURRAY. Yes; and I'm glad you're free of him, for your own sake. I knew he wasn't the person. (_With an attempt at a joking tone._) You must get one of the right sort--next time. EILEEN (_springing to her feet with a cry of pain_). Stephen! (_He avoids her eyes, which search his face pleadingly._) MURRAY (_mumbling_). He wasn't good enough--to lace your shoes--nor anyone else, either. EILEEN (_with a nervous laugh_). Don't be silly. (_After a pause, during which she waits hungrily for some word from him--with a sigh of despair--faintly._) Well, I've told you--all there is. I might as well go back. MURRAY (_not looking at her--indistinctly_). Yes. You mustn't lose too much sleep. I'll come to your cottage in the morning to say good-bye. They'll permit that, I guess. EILEEN (_stands looking at him imploringly, her face convulsed with anguish, but he keeps his eyes fixed on the rocks at his feet. Finally she seems to give up and takes a few uncertain steps up the road towards the right--in an exhausted whisper_). Good night, Stephen. MURRAY (_his voice choked and husky_). Good night, Eileen. EILEEN (_walks weakly up the road, but, as she passes the signpost, she suddenly stops and turns to look again at_ Murray, _who has not moved or lifted his eyes. A great shuddering sob shatters her pent-up emotions. She runs back to_ Murray, _her arms outstretched, with a choking cry_). Stephen! MURRAY (_startled, whirls to face her and finds her arms thrown around his neck--in a terrified tone_). Eileen! EILEEN (_brokenly_). I love you, Stephen--you! That's what I wanted to tell! (_She gazes up into his eyes, her face transfigured by the joy and pain of this abject confession._) MURRAY (_wincing as if this were the thing he had feared to hear_). Eileen! EILEEN (_pulling down his head with fierce strength and kissing him passionately on the lips_). I love you! I will say it! There! (_With sudden horror._) Oh, I know I shouldn't kiss you! I mustn't! You're all well--and I---- MURRAY (_protesting frenziedly_). Eileen! Damn it! Don't say that! What do you think I am! (_He kisses her fiercely two or three times until she forces a hand over her mouth._) EILEEN (_with a hysterically happy laugh_). No! Just hold me in your arms--just a little while--before---- MURRAY (_his voice trembling_). Eileen! Don't talk that way! You're--it's killing me. I can't stand it! EILEEN (_with soothing tenderness_). Listen, dear--listen--and you won't say a word--I've so much to say--till I get through--please, will you promise? MURRAY (_between clinched teeth_). Yes--anything, Eileen!