MURRAY (_pleased, but pretending cynicism_). Then they must be rotten. (_Then with self-assurance._) Well, I've plenty more of those stories in my head. Every time I think of my home town there seems to be a new story in someone I've known there. (_Spiritedly._) Oh, I'll pound them out some time when the spirit moves; and I'll make them so much better than what I've done so far, you won't recognise them. I feel it's in me to do it. (_Smiling._) Darn it, do you know just talking about it makes me feel as if I could sit right down now and start in on one. Is it the fact I've worked here before--or is it seeing you, Eileen. (_Gratefully._) I really believe it's you. I haven't forgotten how you helped me before. EILEEN (_in a tone of pain_). Don't, Stephen. I didn't do anything. MURRAY (_eagerly_). Yes, you did. You made it possible. I can't tell you what a help you were. And since I've left the San, I've looked forward to your letters to boost up my spirits. When I felt down in the mouth over my own idiocy, I used to re-read them, and they always were good medicine. I can't tell you how grateful I've felt, honestly! EILEEN (_faintly_). You're kind to say so, Stephen--but it was nothing, really. MURRAY. And I can't tell you how I've missed those letters for the past three weeks. They left a big hole in things. I was worried about you--not having heard a word. (_With a smile._) So I came to look you up. EILEEN (_faintly. Forcing an answering smile_). Well, you see now I'm all right. MURRAY (_concealing his doubt_). Yes, of course you are. Only I'd a darn sight rather see you up and about. We could take a walk, then--through the woods. (_A wince of pain shadows_ Eileen's _face. She closes her eyes_. Murray _continues softly, after a pause._) You haven't forgotten that last night--out there--Eileen? EILEEN (_her lips trembling--trying to force a laugh_). Please don't remind me of that, Stephen. I was so silly and so sick, too. My temp was so high it must have made me--completely crazy--or I'd never dreamed of doing such a stupid thing. My head must have been full of wheels because I don't remember anything I did or said, hardly. MURRAY (_his pride taken down a peg by this--in a hurt tone_). Oh! Well--I haven't forgotten and I never will, Eileen. (_Then his face clears up as if a weight had been taken off his conscience._) Well--I rather thought you wouldn't take it seriously--afterwards. You were all up in the air that night. And you never mentioned it in your letters---- EILEEN (_pleadingly_). Don't talk about it! Forget it ever happened. It makes me feel--(_with a half-hysterical laugh_)--like a fool! MURRAY (_worried_). All right, Eileen. I won't. Don't get worked up over nothing. That isn't resting, you know. (_Looking down at her closed eyes--solicitously._) Perhaps all my talking has tired you out? Do you feel done up? Why don't you try and take a nap now? EILEEN (_dully_). Yes, I'd like to sleep.