Eugene O'Neill - The First Man

DICK- [Looking out the window.] Say, I believe they're coming in.

JAYSON-Bigelow?

DICK-Yes, they're both making for the front door.

SHEFFIELD-I suggest we beat a retreat to Curt's study and wait there.

JAYSON-Yes, let's do that-come on, all of you. [They all retire grumblingly but precipitately to the study, closing the door behind them. The front door is heard opening and a moment later CURT and BIGELOW enter the room. CURT's face is set in an expression of stony grief. BIGELOW is flushed, excited, indignant.]

BIGELOW- [As CURT sinks down on the couch-pleading indignantly.] Curt, damn it, wake up! Are you made of stone? Has everything I've said gone in one ear and out the other? I know it's hell for me to torment you at this particular time but it's your own incredibly unreasonable actions that force me to. I know how terribly you must feel but-damn it, man, postpone this going away! Face this situation like a man! Be reconciled to your child, stay with him at least until you can make suitable arrangements-

CURTIS- [Fixedly.] I will never see it! Never!

BIGELOW-How can you keep repeating that-with Martha hardly cold in her grave! I ask you again, what would she think, how would she feel-If you would only consent to see this baby, I know you'd realize how damnably mad and cruel you are. Won't you-just for a second?

CURTIS-No. [Then raging.] If I saw it I'd be tempted to- [Then brokenly.] No more of that talk, Big. I've heard enough. I've reached the limit.

BIGELOW- [Restraining his anger with difficulty-coldly.] That's your final answer, eh? Well, I'm through. I've done all I could. If you want to play the brute-to forget all that was most dear in the world to Martha-to go your own damn selfish way-well, there's nothing more to be said. You will be punished for it, believe me! [He takes a step toward the door.] And I-I want you to understand that all friendship ceases between us from this day. You are not the Curt I thought I knew-and I have nothing but a feeling of repulsion-good-by. [He starts for the door.]

CURTIS- [Dully.] Good-by, Big.

BIGELOW- [Stops, his features working with grief and looks back at his friend-then suddenly goes back to him-penitently.] Curt! Forgive me! I ought to know better. This isn't you. You'll come to yourself when you've had time to think it over. The memory of Martha-she'll tell you what you must do. [He wrings CURT's hand.] Good-by, old scout!

CURTIS- [Dully.] Good-by. [BIGELOW hurries out, rear. CURT sits in a dumb apathy for a while-then groans heart-brokenly.] Martha! Martha! [He springs to his feet distractedly. The door of the study is slowly opened and SHEFFIELD peers out cautiously-then comes into the room, followed by the others. They all take seats as before. CURT ignores them.]

SHEFFIELD- [Clearing his throat.] Curt-

CURTIS- [Suddenly.] What time is it, do you know!

SHEFFIELD- [Looking at his watch.] Two minutes to four.

CURTIS- [Impatiently.] Still an hour more of this!

JAYSON- [Clearing his throat.] Curt- [Before he starts what he intends to say, there is the sound of voices from the hall. ESTHER and LILY help in MRS. DAVIDSON to her former chair. The old lady's face is again transformed with joy. ESTHER joins EMILY on the couch. LILY sits in chair-front right. There is a long, uncomfortable pause during which CURT paces up and down.]

MRS. DAVIDSON- [Suddenly murmuring aloud to herself-happily.] He's such a dear! I could stay watching him forever.

JAYSON- [Testily.] Sshhh! Aunt! [Then clearing his throat again.] Surely you're not still thinking of going on the five o'clock train, are you, Curt?

CURTIS-Yes.

SHEFFIELD- [Drily.] Then Mr. Bigelow didn't persuade you-

CURTIS- [Coldly and impatiently.] I'm not to be persuaded by Big or anyone else. And I'll thank you not to talk any more about it. [They all stiffen resentfully at his tone.]

JAYSON- [To CURT-in a pleading tone.] You mustn't be unreasonable, Curt. After all we are your family-your best friends in the world-and we are only trying to help you-

CURTIS- [With nervous vehemence.] I don't want your help. You will help me most by keeping silent.

EMILY- [With a meaning look at the others-sneeringly.] Yes, no doubt.

ESTHER-Sshhh, Emily!

JAYSON- [Helplessly.] But, you see, Curt-

SHEFFIELD- [With his best judicial air.] If you'll all allow me to be the spokesman, I think perhaps that I- [They all nod and signify their acquiescence.] Well, then, will you listen to me, Curt? [This last somewhat impatiently as CURT continues to pace, eyes on the floor.]

CURTIS- [Without looking at him-harshly.] Yes, I'm listening. What else can I do when you've got me cornered? Say what you like and let's get this over.

SHEFFIELD-First of all, Curt, I hope it is needless for me to express how very deeply we all feel for you in your sorrow. But we sincerely trust that you are aware of our heartfelt sympathy. [They all nod. A bitter, cynical smile comes over LILY's face.]

ESTHER- [Suddenly breaking down and beginning to weep.] Poor Martha! [SHEFFIELD glances at his wife, impatient at this interruption. The others also show their irritation.]

EMILY- [Pettishly.] Esther! For goodness sake! [CURT hesitates, stares at his sister frowningly as if judging her sincerity-then bends down over her and kisses the top of her bowed head impulsively-seems about to break down himself-grits his teeth and forces it back-glances around at the others defiantly and resumes his pacing. ESTHER dries her eyes, forcing a trembling smile. The cry has done her good.]

SHEFFIELD- [Clearing his throat.] I may truthfully say we all feel-as Esther does-even if we do not give vent- [With an air of sincere sympathy.] I know how terrible a day this must be for you, Curt. We all do. And we feel guilty in breaking in upon the sanctity of your sorrow in any way. But, if you will pardon my saying so, your own course of action-the suddenness of your plans-have made it imperative that we come to an understanding about certain things-about one thing in particular, I might say. [He pauses. CURT goes on pacing back and forth as if he hadn't heard.]

JAYSON- [Placatingly.] Yes, it is for the best, Curt.

ESTHER-Yes, Curt dear, you mustn't be unreasonable.

DICK- [Feeling called upon to say something.] Yes, old man, you've got to face things like a regular. Facts are facts. [This makes everybody uneasy.]

LILY- [Springing to her feet.] Phew! it's close in here. I'm going out in the garden. You can call me when these-orations-are finished. [She sweeps out scornfully.]

JAYSON- [Calling after her imperiously.] Lily! [But she doesn't answer and he gives it up with a hopeless sigh.]

CURTIS- [Harshly.] What time is it?