Page:Beyond the Horizon (1920).djvu/180

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
164
BEYOND THE HORIZON

points to the horizon where the edge of the sun’s disc is rising from the rim of the hills.] The sun! [He remains with his eyes fixed on it for a moment. A rattling noise throbs from his throat. He mumbles:] Remember! [And falls back and is still. Ruth gives a cry of horror and springs to her feet, shuddering, her hands over her eyes. Andrew bends on one knee beside the body, placing a hand over Robert’s heart, then he kisses his brother reverentially on the forehead and stands up.]

Andrew—[Facing Ruth, the body between them—in a dead voice.] He’s dead. [With a sudden burst of fury.] God damn you, you never told him!

Ruth—[Piteously.] He was so happy without my lying to him.

Andrew—[Pointing to the body—trembling with the violence of his rage.] This is your doing, you damn woman, you coward, you murderess! He’s dead because you’ve killed him, do you hear?

Ruth—[Sobbing.] Don’t, Andy! Stop! I couldn’t help it—and he knew how I’d suffered, too. He told you—to remember.

Andrew—[Stares at her for a moment, his rage ebbing away, an expression of deep pity gradually coming over his face. Then he glances down at his brother and speaks brokenly in a compassionate voice.] Forgive me, Ruth—for his sake. I know he was right—and I’ll remember what he said [Ruth lets her hands fall from her face and looks at him uncomprehendingly. He lifts his eyes to hers and