MURRAY (_genuinely moved--with tender reassurance_). Why do you suppose I came up here if not to tell you I did? But they warned me--Miss Gilpin--that you were still weak and that I mustn't excite you in any way. And I--I didn't want--but I had to come back and tell you in spite of them. EILEEN (_convinced--with a happy laugh_). And is that why you acted so strange--and cold? Aren't they silly to tell you that! As if being happy could hurt me! Why, it's just that, just you I've needed! MURRAY (_his voice trembling_). And you'll marry me, Eileen? EILEEN (_a shadow of doubt crossing her face momentarily_). Are you sure--you want me, Stephen? MURRAY (_a lump in his throat--huskily_). Yes. I do want you, Eileen. EILEEN (_happily_). Then I will--after I'm well again, of course. (_She kisses him._) MURRAY (_chokingly_). That won't be long now, Eileen. EILEEN (_joyously_). No--not long--now that I'm happy for once in my life. I'll surprise you, Stephen, the way I'll pick up and grow fat and healthy. You won't know me in a month. How can you ever love such a skinny homely thing as I am now! (_With a laugh._) I couldn't if I was a man--love such a fright. MURRAY. Sssh! EILEEN (_confidently_). But you'll see now. I'll make myself get well. We won't have to wait long, dear. And can't you move up to the town near here where you can see me every day, and you can work and I can help you with your stories just as I used to--and I'll soon be strong enough to do your typing again. (_She laughs._) Listen to me--talking about helping you--as if they weren't all your own work, those blessed stories!--as if I had anything to do with it! MURRAY (_hoarsely_). You had! You did! They're yours. (_Trying to calm himself._) But you mustn't stay here, Eileen. You'll let me take you away, won't you?--to a better place--not far away--White Lake, it's called. There's a small private sanatorium there. Doctor Stanton says it's one of the best. And I'll live near by--it's a beautiful spot--and see you every day. EILEEN (_in the seventh heaven_). And did you plan out all this for me beforehand, Stephen? (_He nods with averted eyes. She kisses his hair._) You wonderful, kind dear! And it's a small place--this White Lake? Then we won't have so many people around to disturb us, will we? We'll be all to ourselves. And you ought to work so well up there. I know New York wasn't good for you--alone--without me. And I'll get well and strong so quick! And you say it's a beautiful place? (_Intensely._) Oh, Stephen, any place in the world would be beautiful to me--if you were with me! (_His face is hidden in the pillow beside her. She is suddenly startled by a muffled sob--anxiously._) Why--Stephen--you're--you're crying! (_The tears start to her own eyes._) MURRAY _(raising his face which is this time alight with a passionate awakening--a revelation_). Oh, I do love you, Eileen. I do! I love you, love you!