ROBERT. (_speaking with an effort_) I won’t wake her. (_He walks weakly to a rocker by the side of the table and sinks down in it exhausted_).
RUTH. (_staring at the stove_) You better come near the fire where it’s warm.
RUTH. That’s the fever. You know the doctor told you not to get up and move round.
ROBERT. (_irritably_) That old fossil! He doesn’t know anything. Go to bed and stay there--that’s his only prescription.
RUTH. (_indifferently_) How are you feeling now?
ROBERT. (_buoyantly_) Better! Much better than I’ve felt in ages. Really I’m fine now--only very weak. It’s the turning point, I guess. From now on I’ll pick up so quick I’ll surprise you--and no thanks to that old fool of a country quack, either.
ROBERT. Always helped us to die, you mean! He “tended” to Pa and Ma and--(_his voice breaks_)--and to--Mary.
RUTH. (_dully_) He did the best he knew, I s’pose. (_After a pause_) Well, Andy’s bringing a specialist with him when he comes. That ought to suit you.
ROBERT. (_bitterly_) Is that why you’re waiting up all night?
RUTH. (_without a trace of feeling_) Somebody had got to. It’s only right for someone to meet him after he’s been gone five years.
ROBERT. (_with bitter mockery_) Five years! It’s a long time.
ROBERT. Yes, it’s past. (_After a pause_) Have you got his two telegrams with you? (RUTH _nods_) Let me see them, will you? My head was so full of fever when they came I couldn’t make head or tail to them. (_Hastily_) But I’m feeling fine now. Let me read them again. (RUTH _takes them from the bosom of her dress and hands them to him_).
ROBERT. (_opening it_) New York. “Just landed from steamer. Have important business to wind up here. Will be home as soon as deal is completed.” (_He smiles bitterly_) Business first was always Andy’s motto (_He reads_) “Hope you are all well. Andy.” (_He repeats ironically_) “Hope you are all well!”
RUTH. (_dully_) He couldn’t know you’d been took sick till I answered that and told him.
ROBERT. (_contritely_) Of course he couldn’t. I’m a fool. I’m touchy about nothing lately. Just what did you say in your reply?
RUTH. (_inconsequentially_) I had to send it collect.
ROBERT. (_irritably_) What did you say was the matter with me?
ROBERT. (_flying into a petty temper_) You _are_ a fool! How often have I explained to you that it’s _pleurisy_ is the matter with me. You can’t seem to get it in your head that the pleura is outside the lungs, not in them!