Then she moves, stumbles slightly and infinitesimally, so
infinitesimally and so quickly recovered that the Jailor
has barely time to react to it, though he does so: with
quick concern, with that quality about him almost gentle,
almost articulate, turning from the door, even leaving it
open as he starts quickly toward her)
336 WILLIAM FAULKNER
Here; you set down on the bench; I'll get you a glass of water.
(to Stevens)
Durn it, Lawyer, why did you have to bring her-
TEMPLE
(recovered) I'm all right. She walks steadily toward the
door. The Jailor watches her.
JAILOR
You sure?
TEMPLE
(walking steadily and rapidly
toward him and the door now) Yes. Sure.
JAILOR
(turning back toward the door) Okay. I sure dont blame
you. Durned if I see how even a murdering nigger can
stand this smell.
He passes on out the door and exits, invisible though still hold
ing the door and waiting to lock it.
Temple, followed by Stevens, approaches the door.
JAILOR'S VOICE
(off-stage: surprised) Howdy. Gowan, here's your wife
now.
TEMPLE
(walking) Anyone to save it. Anyone who wants it. If
there is none, I'm sunk. We all are. Doomed. Damned.
STEVENS
(walking) Of course we are. Hasn't He been telling us
that for going on two thousand years?
GOWAN'S VOICE
(off-stage) Temple.
TEMPLE Coming. They exit. The door closes in, clashes, the
clash and clang of the key as the Jailor locks it again; the
three pairs of footsteps sound and begin to fade in the outer
corridor.
Curtain