CURTIS-[As if the subject bored him.]Oh, Martha gets along well with anyone.
BIGELOW-[Sits on the couch again-with a sceptical smile.]You think so? With everyone?
CURTIS-[Surprised.]Yes-with everyone we've ever come in contact with-even aboriginal natives.
BIGELOW-With the aboriginal natives of Bridgetown? With the well- known Jayson family, for example?
CURTIS-[Getting to his feet-frowning.]Why, everything's all right between Martha and them, isn't it? What do you mean, Big? I certainly imagined-but I'll confess this damn book has had me so preoccupied-
BIGELOW-Too darn preoccupied, if you'll pardon my saying so. It's not fair to leave her to fight it alone.
CURTIS-[Impatiently.]Fight what? Martha has a sense of humor. I'm sure their petty prejudices merely amuse her.
BIGELOW-[Sententiously.]A mosquito is a ridiculous, amusing creature, seen under a microscope; but when a swarm has been stinging you all night-
CURTIS-[A broad grin coming over his face.]You speak from experience, eh?
BIGELOW-[Smiling.]You bet I do. Touch me anywhere and you'll find a bite. This, my native town, did me the honor of devoting its entire leisure attention for years to stinging me to death.
CURTIS-Well, if I am to believe one-tenth of the family letters I used to receive on the subject of my old friend, Bigelow, they sure had just cause.
BIGELOW-Oh, I'll play fair. I'll admit they did-then. But it's exasperating to know they never give you credit for changing-I almost said, reforming, One ought to be above the gossip of a town like this-but say what you like, it does get under your skin.
CURTIS-[With an indulgent smile.]So you'd like to be known as a reformed character, eh?
BIGELOW-[Rather ruefully.]Et tu! Your tone is sceptical. But I swear to you, Curt, I'm an absolutely new man since my wife's death, since I've grown to love the children. Before that I hardly knew them. They were hers, not mine, it seemed.[His face lighting up.] Now we're the best of pals, and I've commenced to appreciate life from a different angle. I've found a career at last-the children-the finest career a man could have, I believe.
CURTIS-[Indifferently.]Yes, I suppose so-if you're made that way.
BIGELOW-Meaning you're not?
CURTIS-Not any more.[Frowning.] I tried that once.
BIGELOW-[After a pause-with a smile.]But we're wandering from the subject of Martha versus the mosquitoes.
CURTIS-[With a short laugh.]Oh, to the deuce with that! Trust Martha to take care of herself. Besides, I'll have her out of this stagnant hole before so very long-six months, to be exact.
BIGELOW-Where do you think of settling her then?
CURTIS-No settling about it. I'm going to take her with me.
BIGELOW-[Surprised.]On the Asian expedition?
CURTIS-Yes. I haven't told her yet but I'm going to to-day. It's her birthday-and I've been saving the news to surprise her with.
BIGELOW-Her birthday? I wish the children and I had known-but it's not too late yet.
CURTIS-[With a grin.]Thirty-nine candles, if you're thinking of baking a cake!
BIGELOW-[Meaningly.]That's not old-but it's not young either, Curt.
CURTIS-[Disgustedly.]You talk like an old woman, Big. What have years to do with it? Martha is young in spirit and always will be.[There is a knock at the door and MARTHA's voice calling: "May I come in, people?"] Sure thing![BIGELOW jumps to open the door andMARTHA enters. She is flushed, excited, full of the joy of life, panting from her exertions.]
MARTHA-[Laughing.]I've had to run away and leave them with the governess. They're too active for me.[She throws herself on the couch.] Phew! I'm all tired out. I must be getting old.
CURTIS-[With a grin.]Big was just this minute remarking that, Martha.[BIGELOW looks embarrassed.]
MARTHA-[Laughing at him.]Well, I declare! Of all the horrid things to hear-
BIGELOW-[Still embarrassed but forcing a joking tone.]He- prevaricates, Mrs. Jayson.
MARTHA-There now, Curt! I'm sure it was you who said it. It sounds just like one of your horrid facts.
BIGELOW-And how can I offer my felicitations now? But I do, despite your husband's calumny. May your shadow never grow less!
MARTHA-Thank you.[She shakes his proffered hand heartily.]
BIGELOW-And now I'll collect my flock and go home.
CURTIS-So long, Big. Be sure you don't mislay one of your heirs!
BIGELOW-No fear-but they might mislay me.[He goes. CURT sits down on couch. MARTHA goes to the window right, and looks out- after a pause, waving her hand.]
MARTHA-There they go. What darlings they are![CURTIS grunts perfunctorily. MARTHA comes back and sits beside CURT on the couch-with a sigh.] Whoever did say it was right, Curt, I am getting old.
CURTIS-[Taking one of her hands and patting it.]Nonsense!
MARTHA-[Shaking her head and smiling with a touch of sadness.]No. I feel it.
CURTIS-[Puts his arms around her protectingly.]Nonsense! You're not the sort that ever grows old.
MARTHA-[Nestling up to him.]I'm afraid we're all that sort, dear. Even you.[She touches the white hair about his temples playfully.] Circumstantial evidence. I'll have to dye it when you're asleep some time-and then nobody'll know.
CURTIS-[Looking at her.]You haven't any silver threads.[Jokingly.] Am I to suspect-?
MARTHA-No, I don't. Honest, cross my heart, I wouldn't even conceal that from you, if I did. But gray hairs prove nothing. I am actually older than you, don't forget.
CURTIS-One whole year! That's frightful, isn't it?
MARTHA-I'm a woman, remember; so that one means at least six. Ugh! Let's not talk about it. Do you know, it really fills me with a queer panic sometimes?