MISS HOWARD. Mr. Murray. (Eileen _closes her eyes wincingly for a moment and a shadow of pain comes over her face._) He just came about the time your folks did. I saw him for a moment, not to speak to. He was going to the main building--to see Doctor Stanton, I suppose. (_Beaming--with a certain curiosity._) What do you think of that for news? EILEEN (_trying to conceal her agitation and assume a casual tone_). He must have come to be examined. MISS HOWARD (_with a meaning laugh_). Oh, I'd hardly say that was his main reason. He does look much thinner and very tired, though. I suppose he's been working too hard. (_In business-like tones._) Well, I've got to get back on the job. (_She turns to the door calling back jokingly._) He'll be in to see you, of course, so look your prettiest. (_She goes out and shuts the door to the porch._ Eileen _gives a frightened gasp and struggles up in bed as if she wanted to call the nurse to return. Then she lies back in a state of great nervous excitement, twisting her head with eager, fearful glances towards the door, listening, clasping and unclasping her thin fingers on the white spread. As_ Miss Howard _walks across the room to the hall door, it is opened and_ Stephen Murray _enters. A great change is visible in his face. It is much thinner and the former healthy tan has faded to a sallow pallor. Puffy shadows of sleeplessness and dissipation are marked under his heavy-lidded eyes. He is dressed in a well-fitting, expensive dark suit, a white shirt with a soft collar and bright-coloured tie._) MISS HOWARD (_with pleased surprise, holding out her hand_). Hello, Mr. Murray. MURRAY (_shaking her hand--with a forced pleasantness_). How are you, Miss Howard? MISS HOWARD. Fine as ever. It certainly looks natural to see you around here again--not that I hope you're here to stay, though. (_With a smile._) I suppose you're on your way to Eileen now. Well, I won't keep you. I've stacks of work to do. (_She opens the hall door. He starts for the porch._) Oh, I was forgetting--Congratulations! I've read those stories--all of us have. They're great. We're all so proud of you. You're one of our graduates, you know. MURRAY (_indifferently_). Oh,--that stuff. MISS HOWARD (_gaily_). Don't be so modest. Well, see you later, I hope. MURRAY. Yes. Doctor Stanton invited me to stay for supper and I may---- MISS HOWARD. Fine! Be sure to! (_She goes out._ Murray _walks to porch door and steps out. He finds_ Eileen's _eyes waiting for him. As their eyes meet she gasps involuntarily and he stops short in his tracks. For a moment they remain looking at each other in silence._) EILEEN (_dropping her eyes--faintly_). Stephen.