Except for the difference in ages, his face looks
exactly likeEzras in the painting in the study. You must be damned anxious to getrid
of me again! And what a rowthere was when Father caught me! Even when we were
littleyou always knew I told you the truth, didnt you?
Hazel goes quietly back to her chair at
center.
But well make that little world of our own
again,wont we?
And later on all the time I was out of my head
Iseemed really to be there. Isnt that what youve been planning the last two days?
Her eyes grow bleak and her mouth tightens to a thinline. Id be very angry with you
if itwerent so ridiculous! You have to learn to mockor go crazy, cant you see? But
Mothermeans a thousand times more to me than he ever did!
He staresat his fathers mask-like face and
addresses it with a strangefriendly mockery. Lamar, your grandfathers old friend who
hasknown me ever since I was a baby!
As if I could mistake Lamarfor Adam Brant! I mustnt
appear too old and haggard when Orin comes, mustI? I dont like her and never did but
I can imagine worseways of dying! But all I want now is your happiness,
dear.
Ill tell you thejoke about that heroic deed. Youve
hardly spoken a word since youmet me. I mustnt appear too old and haggard when Orin
comes, mustI?
Itsonly some stuff she takes to make her
sleep!
I honestly believe she fell in love with him, Orin.
>From the hall Orinis heard calling Mother!
Vinnie thought he was coming to
courther.
Shes worked herself into such astate of grief I
dont think she knows what shes doing.
Ill tell you thejoke about that heroic deed. I say
thatbefore him now as I would if he could hear me!
Even when we were littleyou always knew I told you
the truth, didnt you?
Why cant allof us remain innocent and loving and
trusting?
Vinnie must have written you the same nonsense she
did yourfather. There is another chair at center, front, and a sofa at right,front,
facing left.
Youre still the spoiledcrybaby that she can make a
fool of whenever she pleases!
But Mothermeans a thousand times more to me than he
ever did!
I was out of my head so long, everything hasseemed
queer since I came back to earth. Orin glances athis mother suspiciously and draws
away from her.
I mustnt appear too old and haggard when Orin
comes, mustI? None of us liked it any more than you did.