RUTH. (_without looking at him_) Mary’s better off--being dead.
ROBERT. (_gloomily_) We’d all be better off for that matter. (_With a sudden exasperation_) You tell that mother of yours she’s got to stop saying that Mary’s death was due to a weak constitution inherited from me. (_On the verge of tears of weakness_) It’s got to stop, I tell you!
RUTH. (_sharply_) S-h-h! You’ll wake her; and then she’ll nag at me--not you.
ROBERT. (_coughs and lies back in his chair weakly--a pause_) It’s all because your mother’s down on me for not begging Andy for help.
RUTH. (_resentfully_) You might have. He’s got plenty.
ROBERT. How can _you_ of all people think of taking money from _him_?
RUTH. (_dully_) I don’t see the harm. He’s your own brother.
ROBERT. (_shrugging his shoulders_) What’s the use of talking to you? Well, _I_ couldn’t. (_Proudly_) And I’ve managed to keep things going, thank God. You can’t deny that without help I’ve succeeded in---- (_He breaks off with a bitter laugh_) My God, what am I boasting of? Debts to this one and that, taxes, interest unpaid! I’m a fool! (_He lies back in his chair closing his eyes for a moment, then speaks in a low voice_) I’ll be frank, Ruth. I’ve been an utter failure, and I’ve dragged you with me. I couldn’t blame you in all justice--for hating me.
RUTH. (_without feeling_) I don’t hate you. It’s been my fault too, I s’pose.
ROBERT. No. You couldn’t help loving--Andy.
ROBERT. (_waving her remark aside_) You needn’t deny it. It doesn’t matter. (_After a pause--with a tender smile_) Do you know Ruth, what I’ve been dreaming back there in the dark? (_With a short laugh_) I was planning our future when I get well. (_He looks at her with appealing eyes as if afraid she will sneer at him. Her expression does not change. She stares at the stove. His voice takes on a note of eagerness_) After all, why shouldn’t we have a future? We’re young yet. If we can only shake off the curse of this farm! It’s the farm that’s ruined our lives, damn it! And now that Andy’s coming back--I’m going to sink my foolish pride, Ruth! I’ll borrow the money from him to give us a good start in the city. We’ll go where people live instead of stagnating, and start all over again. (_Confidently_) I won’t be the failure there that I’ve been here, Ruth. You won’t need to be ashamed of me there. I’ll prove to you the reading I’ve done can be put to some use. (_Vaguely_) I’ll write, or something of that sort. I’ve always wanted to write. (_Pleadingly_) You’ll want to do that, won’t you, Ruth?