Page:Beyond the Horizon (1920).djvu/72

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56
BEYOND THE HORIZON

I’m livin’—or I’ll—I’ll——— [He shakes over his muttered threat and strides toward the door rear, right.]

Mrs. Mayo—[Rising and throwing her arms around him—hysterically.] James! James! Where are you going?

Mayo—[Incoherently.] I’m goin’—to bed, Katey. It’s late, Katey—it’s late. [He goes out.]

Mrs. Mayo—[Following him, pleading hysterically.] James! Take back what you’ve said to Andy. James! [She follows him out. Robert and the Captain stare after them with horrified eyes. Andrew stands rigidly looking straight in front of him, his fists clenched at his sides.]

Scott—[The first to find his voice—with an explosive sigh.] Well, if he ain’t the devil himself when he’s roused! You oughtn’t to have talked to him that way, Andy ’bout the damn farm, knowin’ how touchy he is about it. [With another sigh.] Well, you won’t mind what he’s said in anger. He’ll be sorry for it when he’s calmed down a bit.

Andrew—[In a dead voice.] No, he won’t. You don’t know him. [Defiantly.] What’s said is said and can’t be unsaid; and I’ve chosen.

Scott—[Uncertainly.] You don’t mean—you’re still a mind to go—go with me, do you?

Andrew—[Stubbornly.] I haven’t said I’ve changed my mind, have I? There’s all the reason in the world for me to go—now. And I’m going if you’re not afraid to take me after what he said.