The First Man Part 14

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 sanct.i.ty 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.

d.i.c.k--[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?

SHEFFIELD--You have plenty of time to listen to what I--I should rather say we--have to ask you, Curt. I promise to be brief. But first let me again impress upon you that I am talking in a spirit of the deepest friendliness and sympathy with you--as a fellow-member of the same family, I may say--and with the highest ideals and the honor of that family always in view. [CURT makes no comment. SHEFFIELD unconsciously begins to adopt the alert keenness of the cross-examiner.] First, let me ask you, is it your intention to take that five o'clock train to-day?

CURTIS--[Harshly.] I've told you that.

SHEFFIELD--And then you'll join this expedition to Asia?

CURTIS--You know that.

SHEFFIELD--To be gone five years?

CURTIS--[Shrugging his shoulders.] More or less.

SHEFFIELD--Is it your intention to return here at any time before you leave for Asia?

CURTIS--No!

SHEFFIELD--And your determination on these plans is irrevocable?

CURTIS--Irrevocable! Exactly. Please remember that.

SHEFFIELD--[Sharply.] That being your att.i.tude, I will come bluntly to the core of the whole matter--the child whose coming into the world cost Martha her life.

CURTIS--[Savagely.] Her murderer! You are right! [They all look shocked, suspicious.]

SHEFFIELD--[Remonstratingly but suspiciously.] You can hardly hold the child responsible for the terrible outcome. Women die every day from the same cause. [Keenly.] Why do you attribute guilt to the child in this case, Curt?

CURTIS--It lives and Martha is gone--But, enough! I've said I never wanted it mentioned to me. Will you please remember that?

SHEFFIELD--[Sharply.] Its name is Jayson. Curt--in the eyes of the law.

Will YOU please remember that?

CURTIS--[Distractedly.] I don't want to remember anything! [Wildly.]

Please, for G.o.d's sake, leave me alone!

SHEFFIELD--[Coldly.] I am sorry, Curt, but you cannot act as if you were alone in this affair.

CURTIS--Why not? Am I not alone--more alone this minute than any creature on G.o.d's earth?

SHEFFIELD--[Soothingly.] In your great grief. Yes, yes, of course. We all appreciate--and we hate to--[Persuasively.] Yes, it would be much wiser to postpone these practical considerations until you are in a calmer mood. And if you will only give us the chance--why not put off this precipitate departure--for a month, say--and in the meantime--

CURTIS--[Harshly.] I am going when I said I was. I must get away from this horrible hole--as far away as I can. I must get back to my work for only in it will I find Martha again. But you--you can't understand that. What is the good of all this talking which leads nowhere?

SHEFFIELD--[Coldly.] You're mistaken. It leads to this: Do you understand that your running away from this child--on the very day of its mother's funeral!--will have a very queer appearance in the eyes of the world?

EMILY--And what are you going to do with the baby, Curt? Do you think you can run off regardless and leave it here--on our hands?

CURTIS--[Distractedly.] I'll give it this home. And someone--anyone--Esther, Lily--can appoint a nurse to live here and-- [Breaking down.] Oh, don't bother me!

SHEFFIELD--[Sharply.] In the world's eyes, it will appear precious like a desertion on your part.

CURTIS--Oh, arrange it to suit yourselves--anything you wish--

SHEFFIELD--[Quickly. ] I'll take you at your word. Then let us arrange it this way. You will remain here a month longer at least--

CURTIS--No!

SHEFFIELD--[Ignoring the interruption.] You can make plans for the child's future in that time, become reconciled to it--

CURTIS--No!

JAYSON--[Pleadingly.] Curt--please--for all our sakes--when the honor of the family is at stake.

d.i.c.k--Yes, old man, there's that about it, you know.

CURTIS--No!

EMILY--Oh, he's impossible!

SHEFFIELD--Perhaps Curt misunderstood me. [Meaningly.] Be reconciled to it in the eyes of the public, Curt. That's what I meant. Your own private feelings in the matter--are no one's business but your own, of course.

CURTIS--[Bewilderedly.] But--I don't see--Oh, d.a.m.n your eyes of the public!