1-2-47

Julie

(Imperious, her eyes flashing dangerously)
You're a guest in this house! Try to behave like one.

Gard

I'll behave the way I am. I never laid claim to bein' a parlor man.

Julie

You're disgusting.

Gard

I'm a man and you're a woman. What's disgusting about it?
It's you I want, and you know it.

Julie

(With cold assurance)

I told you once to get out of my sight and stay out. You'll never get another chance, Now - even to lay eyes on me.
Is that clear?

Gard

(His feelings sweeping up, warningly.)
Don't do this to me, Julie!

Julie

(In angry disgust)

I'm not doing anything to you. It's you! Hounding me whenever I come near you. The way you look at me when you think no one's watching. I can't stand it! And I won't stand it!

Gard

(With sullen power)

You don't know the way a man is. You don't know the way I feel.
The way I can't help feelin'. I didn't ask for it --it's out of my hands.

(Darkly)

Some day you'll have to listen to me. There must be a way to make you do that.

Julie

There isn't any way! I don't even feel any pity for you.

Gard

(Bitterly)

I know that. A person that's the boss of hisself like you are--
you can't feel such atthing as pity - for no one. Because you
don't need it yourself.

Julie

(Deeply stirred, driven inward)

I wouldn't get it, you mean. Not even if I were dying for a
kindness.

1-2-48

Gard

(Low and tense)

I could be kind to you. Why don't you let me? I'd do anything
you said.

Julie

(Troubled, harassed)

Then leave me alone! That would be a kindness I could apprec-
iate. I have troubles enough without this!

Gard

(With sullen, brooding violence)

You. Troubles! What about the ones you've caused me?

Julie

I haven't caused you any, that I know of.

Gard

You ordered me out of your way, didn't you? You treated
me like I was a dog, or jist dirt for you to walk on,
didn't you? D'you reckon a man can stand that -- when he's
burnin' up inside, when he don't know what he's doin' any
more, when he don't give a damn what he does? Well, you
had your way. I married Opal.

Julie

Are you blaming me for that?

Gard

Sure, I'm blamin' you. I had to quit even thinkin' about
you some way -- the easiest way a man can think of.

(Darkly, withdrawn, but full of brooding accusation)

Only it never turns out that way. You don't know jist
how much of a mess I got myself into, account of you. Well,
I'll tell you -- and see how you like it! Opal's not much
of a woman, any way you look at it. But they's more to it than
that. Her Maw is shut up in the crazy house at Vinita.

Julie

(In amazed disbelief)

Her mother's dead.

Gard

She's alive. Alive as you are!

Julie

It's not possible!

Gard

(With deep disgust)

It's so. I've seen her. And a purty sight she is, too.

Her mouth open. Uh! My wife's kin-folks! Her next of kin,
as they say. And she's purty close to it herself sometimes -

1-2-49

Gard (Contd)

the way she carries on. Now you see.

Julie

(With deep, calculating, thrumming excitement. The weapon of destruction has been placed in her hands.)

Yes. I see ....

Gard

Playin' a trick like that on a man! Not lettin' me know, keepin' it hid away. Opal thinks I wouldn't tell. Why in hell wouldn't I!

Julie

(As before)

You haven't told me. Anything. And there's no one for me even to mention it to -- except people that already know it.

(Strangely, her eyes openly on him)

But I'm glad you told me. You don't know how glad.

Gard

(Drawn and stirred)

You don't look at me the way you always have. Maybe you don't hate me so much. Maybe they's a chance yet.

Julie

(For herself, deeply aware of her completed power)

There's always a chance. Even when you're licked, down in the dirt and grime. When you can't see a foot in front of you in the dark. A light shines out, and the path opens up in front of you again.

(Turning her deeply haunted eyes toward him)

Remember I said that. In case I ever forget it.

(OPAL bounds into the room, as if she had hurried. SHE is followed after a second by MR. SAWTERS)

Opal

I told Mr. Sawters where you was. They's more I coulda told him, too, if I'd had a mind to!

(With chill accusation)

Bina didn't want me a bit. You said she did.

Gard

(Coming heavily out of his mood, as if Opal hardly existed)

Yes. I know that.

(MR. SAWTERS comes in)

Mr. Sawters

I thought maybe 'f you wasn't goin' right to bed, you could help me.

(With gentle wryness)

A man looks like he's got to be seven places at once, tryin' to get a mule through a barn door.

1-2-50

Gard

I'll help you, Dave.

(HE follows MR. SAWTERS out, reluctantly)

(OPAL moves across the room, turns to look at JULIE, who hasn't moved)

Opal

(Meaningly)

It's late.

Julie

(Carefully)

Don't drive me away. I wanted to talk to you.

(A pause)

About your mother.

Opal

(Alert, suspicious)

Well, what about her?

Julie

I always heard she was sent back east to be buried.

Opal

She was, too! Back in Virginia--where she come from. On a hill. With daisies everywhere you look. She wanted it that way. We had to scrape and scrape to bury her like she wanted to be.

Julie

(Quietly)

She's not even dead. So how could she be buried?

Opal

What! I don't know what you mean!

(Then relapsing momentarily)

Gard told you that.

Julie

Yes.

Opal

He orten't to a-done it! He orten't to!

(Huskily, defensive)

It's not so! It's a lie!

Julie

He told me the way it was. He saw her. In the asylum at Vinita.

Opal

(Sickened)

Oh.....

1-2-52

Julie

Something I heard. At the Seminary, a new professor. He's
been in Europe somewhere, studying. He told us things they
never heard of down there at Tahlequah.

Opal

(Gripped by Julie's intensity)

What things?

Julie

You take a room -- any room. Like this one. It has things
in it you can't see. Things in the air. In the walls.
The dead come back, yes -- but I don't mean that. This man
says _not only the dead_. The _living_ come back. Their thoughts
carry them places. They move among things they knew in
happier times.

(Her eyes probing the mysterious shadows)

This room... Someone here - besides us. Can you feel it?

Do you know who it is?

Opal

(Almost whispering)

It's Clabe.

Julie

Clabe, yes. He's always here. Like you could see him.

_If you knew how to look._

(Turning back to Opal)

And this you tell me-- about your mother. You say she calls
you!

Opal

In the night. I wake up and hear her.

Julie

(With dark prescience)

I believe you. You must have heard her--_for she was there_.

Close as your breath. Those things are true. They know now.

Opal

Julie...!

Julie

Yes! Case after case. They've proved it. _And other things_ too.

About people whose minds get filled with one thing-- and only
that one thing. Insanity. _You can inherit such things._

The way you inherit looks, or the shape of your hands. You
mother knows.

1-2-53

Opal

No, Julie, no!

Julie

She must. Why do you think she calls you? You're close to her. Those with diseased minds are so alone-- so lonely. They have to hang on to what's theirs. They know what it's taken us years to find out: the truth -- and the danger. The sickness is in the blood -- and it doesn't end when your own life ends. Your mother wants to warn you.

Opal

I won't listen to you!

Julie

The fear you have, that's eating you up. So that's what it is! It must be hell. Always there. Never asleep. You're afraid you, too -- like your mother....! Sleeping or waking-- that fear in front of you -- when? -- when will the same thing strike? My poor Opal .......

Opal

Oh, please! Let me go!

Julie

Go? Where do you want to go?

Opal

You're puttin' things in my mind!

Julie

They're already there! I can see it in your eyes! You're scared to death!

Opal

Gard! Gard!

Julie

(With infinite triumphant scorn)

Why do you call on a man who hates you? Why don't you call for Clabe? Clabe -- who worships the ground you walk on! Let Clabe save you!

Opal

I won't stay in this house!

Julie

You wouldn't dare leave. Where would you go? There's a storm out there on the lake! Where do you think you'd get to?

Opal

(Violent and crazed)

Home! Home! Let me go! Let me go...!

(She runs out of the room)

1 - 2 - 54

Change a little the adLibs of Gard and Mr. Sawters.

1 - 2 - 55

Cut after:

Only He won't. No one will.
(Mrs. Sawters goes out)

to

(Julie goes up to Clabe's picture)

Julie
(Low and tense, but strong
with hate)

Is this what you wanted? How do you like it?

Curtain.

1-2-55

Julie

I was talking to her. She must have gone crazy. Said she
was going home, she wouldn't stay here in this house.

Mrs. Sawters

What did you say to her?

Julie

I said she was a fool to go out in such a storm.

Mrs. Sawters

Before that, before!

Julie

Nothing. Nothing!

Mrs. Sawters

Julie! Look at me! I warned you!

Julie

I know what I'm doing.

Mrs. Sawters

No! No, you don't! But some day you will. And God help you.
(With dark certainty)

Only He won't. No one will.

(BINA hurries in, near collapse. She clings to her mother)

Bina

Maw!

Mrs. Sawters

Child. Baby.

Bina

O Maw, I seen her!

Mrs. Sawters

What is it?

Bina

She tried to jump in the boat, I guess. Some way, she must have
fell and hit her head on the oarlock. She fell off in the
water. Gard got her. He's bringin' her up.

Mrs. Sawters

Is she hurt bad?

Bina

They think she --- Oh...

Insert - 1 - 2 - 36

------better, if I told the fact.

Mrs. Salters
(Turning her eyes toward the bed -- with
quiet com passion)

Poor Opal. Some people never can learn to do things.
And you have to learn. How could the child ever
think she could manage a boating in a storm like that?
(Deep with knowledge)

If it had to happen though, it's best it happened so
quick, so close in. You never would have got to her,
Gard. And the lake's a mighty restless grave to lie
in when you're dead.

(Her concern for the living shutting
away her concern for the dead)

You're going to be lonesome over there by yourself, Gard.

Gard
Oh, I might plan ... Etc.

1-2-56

Mrs. Sawters

We better try to help.

(She leads her out)

(JULIE stands a moment. Her face is full of animal triumph, but with something else, too -- as if there were dread at having succeeded so well. She goes up to Clabe's picture)

Julie

(Low and tense)

(The curtain falls briefly. When it rises, the fire has died down quite a little. The wan light of just before dawn is at the window. The mosquito netting above the bed has been released; its white folds envelop the bed, almost hiding Opal's dead body)

(Sitting in the semi-gloom, in the firelight are Mr. and Mrs. Sawters and Gard. They speak in the quiet voices people use in the night, or in the presence of the dead)

Mr. Sawters

We'll just have to get along the best we can then, I guess.

Gard

Any time I c'n get away from my own work though, I'll be glad to lend a hand. But it wouldn't suit me to be bounden to another man. I cain't do 'er, Dave. Never could.

Mr. Sawters

I never could myself.

Mrs. Sawters

But with no one to look out for you now . . . .

Gard

I c'n get along without a made bed. And I c'n cook up my own grub as well as -- better, if I told the fact.

Mrs. Sawters

You'll be mighty lonesome over there by yourself.

Gard

Oh, I might plan to take keer of that before long. You never can tell. A feller don't always do a good job of pickin' the first time.

(They consider this a moment, his meaning, its applicability to themselves)

Mr. Sawters

No. People make mistakes.

1-2-57

Mrs. Sawters

Yes, and have to try again--and keep on trying. I guess we
understand that.

Mr. Sawters

(Quietly, almost to himself)

In ever' kind of thing it's the same, When we first come here
to Verdigris, this was long before the government allotted
us Indian land - we was all set to buy the old Lowry place we
had rented. It suited us ever'way --'cept one. They had a
well there -- a big old stone well with the clearest coldest
water in the section. It was shore a treat to dip 'er up on a
hot day and guzzle 'er down. But we'd hang the milk and butter
and things down in it--the way you do to keep it cool -- and
ever'time the blame stuff'd spoil. I couldn't figger it out.
Why, the butter'd get so rancid you couldn't stay in the same
room with it. Good fresh cream and eggs we'd put down there--
and ever'time the same dadburned thing. We never knowed what
could be the cause. A funny thing. We shore let that place go
like a hot potato, and found us another'n.

(Gravely)

Yeah, more things in this life you have to watch out for.
So many things -- and most of 'em you can't even see.
It's too much for me.

Mrs. Sawters

You better get on to bed, Dave.

Gard

You both had.

Mrs. Sawters

Someone ought to wait up with you, Gard.

Gard

I wouldn't mind bein' by myself a while, ma'am. Won't be long
till daylight now.

(MRS. SAWTERS and MR. SAWTERS move to go)

Mrs. Sawters

Well.

(She pauses)

The girls made up the room for you across the hall. If you
get too tired you better turn in a little while.

Gard

Thank you, ma'am.

Mrs. Sawters

(After a brief compassionate look at Opal)

Good night, then.

Gard

Good night.

1-2-58

(MRS. SAWTERS and MR. SAWTERS go out.)

(GARD remains in his chair, barely visible in the gloom)

(After a moment, JULIE'S door opens, and JULIE stands there, in her nightgown, a wrapper thrown about her. She moves softly in, looks at the sleeping figure of the dead girl. She goes over, lifts the end of the netting, hooking it up, and stares at the corpse. Then she goes to the mantel, takes out the flowers and going over again lays them on the foot of the bed)

Julie

(Softly)
I wish I could take it back.

(Quiet and anguished)
Why did you have to fight me? It wasn't you I was fighting.
Won't you try to know that? I'll never rest if you don't.

(She pauses and after a moment, lets down the swathing
netting)

Gard
(Leaning forward into visibility)

Julie.

(SHE turns, startled. After a moment to gain her
control, she tries to explain)

Julie
Just putting some flowers here. I thought you'd all gone.

Gard
Somebody's got to watch with the dead.

Julie
I'll stay now. You go to bed.

Gard
A husband's got his duties, they tell me. I reckon this is
one of 'em.

Julie
All right.
(She moves to go)

Gard
Can't you keep me comp'ny?

Julie
Well, I ---

1-2-59

Gard

A little while.

(After a moment, SHE acquiesces, sits down near the fire-light. HE moves his chair a little nearer)

A man gets to thinkin'.

Julie

Death makes you do that.

Gard

It reminds you you got a right to live. The way you want to.
To be happy. To get what you want.

(SHE gets up)

Don't go.

Julie

(In deep haunted certainty and protest)

Who gets what they want? Who? No one. Not one living soul.

Gard

(With authority, because of a secret he knows)

I intend to. I told you that. Soon now. The minute the singin' and the preachin' is over!

Julie

(Outraged)

Your wife is lying there dead!

Gard

Yes! I know that. I don't care. And you don't, either.

Julie

It's not true! I wish it hadn't happened.

Gard

Then why was it she (told me) what she did?

Julie

What?

Gard

Just as I picked her up, With her dyin' breath, "Julie, drove meto it. Julie."

Julie

(Appalled)

No! She couldn't have said that!

Gard

I couldn't make it up. I heard it.

(With grim satisfaction)

How much will you give if I keep my mouth shut?

Julie

I don't make bargins.

2-1-2

Bina

(Abashed)

Well, what of it? I like to cook. Besides he's got that
Blocky Lockhart bringin' him out. We cain't starve a stranger.

Mr. Sawters

Blocky Lockhart ain't no stranger. Used to come out here
purt' near every Sunday when he was a kid. Why, you've played
Anty-Over and Black Man with him.

Bina

I wouldn't know him from Adam. He's a stranger to me.

Mr. Sawters

Used to tease the livin' daylights out of you, too.

Bina

He better not try it now. I'll take a flat-iron to him.

Mrs. Sawters

Hadn't they ought to be here by now? It doesn't take all day
to drive from Claremore.

Mr. Sawters

(Consulting his impressive turnip watch)
'Tain't but three.

Bina

He said before three. The turkey's gonna dry up and blow
away, they don't get here soon.

Mr. Sawters

(Teasing her)

Maybe the buggy broke down. Maybe they froze to death.
They's a half inch of ice on the lake and the wind cuts you
like a knife. Or maybe Clabe jist forgot the way.

Bina

Paw! You reckon?

Mr. Sawters

Or maybe they ain't comin'. I bet that's it.

Bina

(In dismay)

You think they ain't!

Mrs. Sawters

Don't be a goose! Your Paw's funning you.

2-1-3

Bina

(Bewildered by such actions from Mr. Sawters)
Well, I never! Actin' like a loon!

(He spanks her, and SHE flies out of the room.
Then she flies right back in)

What on earth 'd you reckon's happened to Julie and Gard?

Mrs. Sawters

(Her old sardonic self)
They'll be here if they have to walk. Julie will.

Bina

(Puzzled)
Julie never was late for muthin' in her life.

Mr. Sawters

I never seen such a worrier.

(To Mrs. Sawters)

Lou - if I had some of that good port wine left, I'd have me
a glass.

Mrs. Sawters

(Pleased, on her way to the cupboard)
It wouldn't do a mite of harm.

(SHE gets it out, with some glasses)

Mr. Sawters

Why, you musta been hidin' it on me!

Mrs. Sawters

You never notice a thing any more. It's been right there
all the time.

(She pours out a glass for them both)

Bina?

Bina

(Coming out of her puzzled concern, noticing)
And gettin' drunk on wine, too! Well, I never!

(SHE goes out toward the kitchen)

Mr. Sawters

(Holding his glass up, soberly)
Thanksgiving Day!

Mrs. Sawters

Something to be thankful for.

Mr. Sawters

Yes, siree.

(THEY drink)

2-1-4

Mr. Sawters (Contd)

I was wonderin' --
(He stops)

Mrs. Sawters
(Nodding, smiling indulgently)

Dave, you're as easy to read as a book with big printing.
You're wondering if Clabe's coming home to stay.

Mr. Sawters

Well, ain't you?

Mrs. Sawters

Certainly. But I'm not pulling a long face about it.

Mr. Sawters

Anh, it's borryin' trouble to worry, I reckon. He'll do
what he wants to, I guess.

Mrs. Sawters

(With a significance even Mr. Sawters cannot miss)
Maybe so. Maybe not. He hasn't always done it, I notice.

Mr. Sawters

No. But this time he -- shorely by this time he must be
growed up and in his right mind.
(With enthusiasm)

Why, if he stays -- we could break out that bottom land
next year. We still could get into them stumps and burn
'em all out now 'fore winter sets in. And next Spring Clabe 'd
have him the richest cornland you ever laid eyes on!

Mrs. Sawters

Clabe would?

Mr. Sawters

Sure. It's most of it his Indian allotment, anyway. And it's
never been tetched.

Mrs. Sawters

More land, more work.

Mr. Sawters

Who's afraid of a little work? By God, you're gonna see
some changes around here!

Mrs. Sawters

(Pleased at his tone, but unable to refrain from
chiding him a little)

You're singing a brand new song this Fall, it looks like.
I can remember back -- oh, not so long ago -- not even
a month ago, you --

2-1-5

Mr. Sawters

I don't want to hear about it. I'm gonna quit lookin' back.
From now on, Jesus! The time a man can waste in regret or
feelin' sorry for hisself!

Mrs. Sawters

(Smiling)

You know what I think I'll do? I think I'll kiss you.

(SHE does so)

Mr. Sawters

Now what in hell've I said to bring that on !

(A DOOR SLAMS)

I guess it's them. I think I'll just kiss you back.

(HE does)

Now we're even.

Bina

(Bounding in)

Here's someone!

(SHE hurries to open the sliding doors)

Oh. It's Julie. Howdy, Julie!

(JULIE comes in, dressed against the cold.)

SHE is paler, the planes in her face stand out
sharply

Julie

Has he come?

Bina

Not yet. We're waitin' for him.

(SHE closes the doors)

Mr. Sawters & Mrs. Sawters:

Howdy, Julie!

Mr. Sawters

Welcome home.

Julie

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bina

(Accusingly)

Julie, we ain't laid eyes on you in I don't know how long.

Julie

I've been busy.

2-1-6

Bina

Not that busy. If Paw hadn't run onto you and Gard at the
Switch, you wouldn't ta knowed about Clabe comin' -- and serve
you right, too!

Julie

(Nervous and haunted)

I've been thinking that -- maybe I shouldn't have come.

Mrs. Sawters

Why not?

Bina

Now, what's eatin' her!

Julie

Maybe Clabe won't even speak to me.

Mrs. Sawters

Of course he will.

Julie

After what he said, I don't know. For a whole week now, I
thought about it and thought about it. But I had to come,
anyway!

Bina

Well, if you hadn't I wouldn't speak to you, so there! Of
all the craziness -!

Julie

(Absorbed)

I hope I did right to come. Something happened to make me
think so. Just as we started out the gate, Smoky's colt
came running up and before I could stop it ran out the gate.
I couldn't get the wild little thing back. But I thought
maybe he'd follow, all right. But he didn't follow, at all.
He led the way. That colt was born here -- but we took it
away, you remember, right after. And it's never been back.
I kept wondering how it knew the way -- every turn, every
cross-road, around the lake and to the left. It even dodged
the barbed wire coiled up there in the dried grass where the
old fence used to be. I had to drive fast to keep up with it.
It was like something you read about, the way it snorted and
pranced, and kept far ahead. I couldn't take my eyes off it
all the way.

(With a wry laugh, becoming conscious of her curious
excitement)

I don't mean I felt like that colt exactly, but I suddenly
found myself glad to be coming home. Knowing it was the right
thing to do. Wondering why I'd put it off so long.

2-1-7

Mr. Sawters

(Genially, heartily)

Well, you're here and you're gonna spend the night, like you
said. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

(Then puzzled)

You mean to tell me Gard set there and let you drive all the
way -- lickety split for election?

Julie

Yes.

Mr. Sawters

Well, where's he at?

Julie

(Reminded -- after a moment, hesitantly)

He had to hitch the team.

Mr. Sawters

Then horses ort to be put in the barn this kind of weather!

He ort to know that.

Julie

Somebody else'll have to do it, then.

Mrs. Sawters

Why, that's the matter?

Julie

Gard's drunk -- that's what the matter is.

Mr. Sawters

(Puzzled)

Drunk? I never knowed Gard was a drinkin' man.

Julie

You know it now.

Bina

Is *that* why you was so late?

Julie

I couldn't get him started. I've been after him since before
noon. At first he wasn't coming at all. Then he wasn't going
to let me come. Finally, I threatened to walk across the lake.

Mrs. Sawters

(Sardonically)

You wouldn't have got far.

Julie

It brought him to his senses -- what little he's got left.

Mr. Sawters

I better go see.

2-1-8

Julie

You'd better stay out of his way.

Mr. Sawters

I never seen a drunk yet I couldn't handle.

Mrs. Sawters

Dave, you stay right here out of the cold. I guess he can
get to the house without falling down.

Julie

No telling what he's liable to --!

(Sick at heart)

Oh,

(A DOOR SLAMS. THEY ALL listen)

Mrs. Sawters

It's all right, Julie. Take your things off.

(SHE helps her out of her coat)

Sit down here by the stove. You must be cold.

Julie

Cold, yes.

(SHE sits)

(GARD pushes the sliding doors open. HE is in an ugly mood, but now and then his subconscious hurt and bitterness break through his sullenness)

Mr. Sawters

Happy Thanksgiving, Gard.

Gard

(Eyeing the room - deliberately)

The same to you.

(To the others)

And you, too. All of you. Includin' Julie.

Mr. Sawters

Come on in.

Gard

Where's Clabe? Trot him out.

Mr. Sawters

He ain't come yet.

Gard

I wanta see what he looks like. I wanta see the color of his
hair.

2-1-9

Mr. Sawters

Take off your coat and make yourself at home. It's Thanksgiving Day, you know. I was gonna offer you some port wine, but I reckon you don't need it.

Gard

No, and I don't want it, neither. I brung my own.
(He pulls a jug out from under his coat)
And it ain't port wine.

Julie

Gard!

Gard

(Staring at her, his eyes-half-closed)

Mrs. Gard Dunham, my lovin' wife. My fine high-toned woman.
None like her on land or sea. She knows the right fork to
use -- for she learned it at the Seminary. She knows how
to treat a man when she's tied up to him legal. Yeah, you
ort to know her, folks, -- the way I know her.

(Sick with annoyance and disgust, JULIE rises; goes quietly out of the room, through the sliding doors. After a second, GARD goes over, finds a glass, pours out a big drink)

Bina

Paw, you orten't to let him have any more.

Mr. Sawters

Let him have all he wants. 'S good for him.

Bina

(Appalled)

I never saw the beat and equal!

(SHE goes out)

Gard

They say 'f you drink enough of this, ever'thing goes black
on you.

(He pours down half the glass)

Mrs. Sawters

(With grim amusement)

I don't think he'll have to wait long.

Mr. Sawters

That's the idy.

(HE has got Gard's coat off by this time, and helps him into a chair)

2-1-10

Mr. Sawters (Contd)

We looked for you over here at thrashin' time, Gard. We
could shore a-used you.

(No answer)

I had a hard time gettin' fall plowing done, and winter
wheat in, too.

Gard

I got eighty acres over there to take keer of. They need all
the attention they can get.

Mr. Sawters

Yeah, *need it*, all right.

Gard

(After a moment)

If you mean they need it and don't get it, it's my business. I
ain't beholdin' to nobody.

Mr. Sawters

(Gently)

Now look, Gard, I don't want no quarrel with you.

Gard

Keep out of my affairs, then.

Mr. Sawters

(Gently)

Part of it's my affair, I guess. The crop rent you turned
over this year is the poorest that place has made in many
a day.

Gard

I cain't help that.

Mr. Sawters

A farmer that don't farm is like a hen that don't lay eggs.
I ain't blamin' you, Gard. All I want to know is *why*?

Gard

(Dark, inward)

Yeah, why.

(He looks at his glass)

This is why.

(He drains it down)

Let it go at that.

Mrs. Sawters

Yes, but why this? Why whiskey?

Gard

I don't want to talk about it,

2-1-11

Mr. Sawters

That's right, Gard -- you just set there and forget it,
whatever it is. How about another'n?

Gard

Don't mind if I do.

(MR. SAWTERS pours him another glass)

Have one yourself.

Mr. Sawters

No, thank you jist the same.

Chinee in two shakes!

That stuff 'd have me talkin'

(BINA flies in and hurries to open the sliding doors)

Bina

Now this is them!

(SHE disappears, and we can hear the door open,
and her excited greetings to CLABE and BLOCKY.)

(MRS. SAWTERS and MR. SAWTERS stand rigid,
suspended, MRS. SAWTERS not far from the sliding
door which BINA has left open. Even GARD, puts
down his drink and stands heavily, waiting)

(BLOCKY LOCKHART'S loud and happy voice can be
heard, and in a moment BINA, CLABE and BLOCKY
come into sight)

Blocky's Voice:

Yep, if you ain't growed clear out of recollection! I never
would a-known you from a stray heifer 'f Clabe hadn't told
me --

(THEY are in the door now; and HE becomes conscious
of the room, with people in it--and conscious too
that this is Clabe's moment, not his.)

Blocky

(Hurriedly, quietly, to Bina)

Got a lot of things to say to you, Miss Bina.

(CLABE is dark and hefty, and used to facing tough
situations. But there is more to him than male
arrogance; he is haunted and bitter; his mind is
complicated by dark passions and an almost-violent
necessity to survive. In this, his kinship to Julie
is very apparent. HE is dressed in ordinary civilian
clothes of the period.)

2-1-13

Mrs. Sawters

Gard Dunham.

Blocky

Howdy, Gard. Used to have a brother name' Gar. Without the D.
Short for Edgar. Went off to the war in Cuba, and never
amounted to a damn from then on. Yes, sir!

(THEY have taken off their coats by this time,
and BINA has disposed of them in the hall, leaving
the sliding doors open)

Funny thing about my brother Gar. I used to ask him and
ask him to tell me all about it and he --

(Breaking off)

Whoa, whoa back! Shut my mouth, cain't you, someone? I
guess it's Clabe you wanta hear from - and here I go shootin'
my head off, as usual!

(CLABE is looking at the room. They watch him
hopefully, stifling their nervousness.)

Mrs. Sawters

What is it, Clabe?

Mr. Sawters

Glad to be home, son?

Clabe

(After a moment)

Everything looks just about the same.

Mr. Sawters

Things move slow in the country.

Clabe

That glass door to the boat landing is new. And that stove
didn't used to be there. What's the matter with the fire-
place? Doesn't it heat enough any more ?

Mr. Sawters

Winter's seem to be gettin' colder. Or maybe we are, I don't
know.

Mrs. Sawters

There's a new enlargement of you over the mantel. Don't miss
that.

Clabe

I was coming to that.

2-1-14

Mr. Sawters

You must have pictured the way everything was in your mind
all these years, didn't you?

Clabe

I thought about it some.

Bina

Don't look to me like you wanted to get here! Why was you
all so long drivin' from Claremore? I orten't to give you
any dinner!

Blocky

It was all Clabe's fault. Now don't look at me, Miss Bina!

Clabe

We drove around the lake. Then we looked at the pasture
over toward Verdigris. Your barbed wire is down over there.

The fence all along needs a lot of fixing. (There were a bunch
of stray cattle with a 2K brand all over the cornfield.)

Mr. Sawters

(Amused)

Corn's laid by long ago. They're welcome to what they can
find. Nuthin' there but cuckleburrs.

Clabe

You ought to get a silo and save all that fodder. It's just
going to waste.

Mr. Sawters

I expect you're right.

Clabe

And whatever's happened to the orchard? I counted five apple
trees blasted.

Mr. Sawters

Wind tore 'em to pieces last year.

Clabe

You could have had them trimmed.

Mr. Sawters

I been meanin' to do that.

Mrs. Sawters

(Coming to the rescue)

Well, your Paw puts things off and puts things off. He's
been a changed man now for quite a while.

Clabe (Low and troubled)

I can understand that. A man starts out with something and he
thinks he's got it for keeps. Only it doesn't work out that

2-1-15

Clabe (Contd)

way. Some little maggot of a nerve turns this way instead
of that -- and he finds himself doing things that aren't
like him, things he lives to regret. Then he wonders how
it ever happened.

Mrs. Sawters

(Gently)
Is anything wrong?

Clabe

(Brassy and harsh)

Wrong? In this best of possible worlds, what could be?
Haven't you heard it yet -it's the Millenium? The country's
on fire with progress. Indian Territory's on the high road
to statehood. Everybody's going to be rich and the old U.S.A's
about to become heaven on earth. It must be so - because T.R.
says it's so.

Blocky

That's the way this mutt's been talkin' to me ever since he
got back. I don't know what's got into him!

Clabe

I'm a citizen of my time. You'll have to get used to it.

Bina

You ain't well, Clabe.

Clabe

I'm as sound as a drum. The medical inspector will vouch for
it. I've got a long life ahead of me to dedicate to good
works.

Mrs. Sawters

(Troubled)

Clabe...Clabe...

Clabe

I'm sorry. I'm just tired, I guess.

Mrs. Sawters

You'd better have your dinner and go right to bed.

Clabe

I'm all right.

Blocky

(Taking a hand)

Well, there he is, folks--the prodigal son. I plumb ex-
pected him to get off the train in one of them middle
blouses. But the son of a gun claims he's got his Dis-
charge.

(He snickers)

A Dishonorable Discharge, too, I bet you--if they is such
a thing!

2-1-16

**Bina**

Now you let him alone! I've heard about enough out of you!

**Blocky**

Now that's where you're wrong, Miss Bina. Yes, sir--I
shore come to the right place, I guess! You couldn't a-
stopped me with a six mule team, when I remembered you got
eighty acres of land in your own name.

**Bina**

Oh, foot!

**Blocky**

Who'd-a-thought it? Why, I remember you when you was freckled-
nosed and four foot tall.

**Bina**

(Absurdly, striking at him)

I never was! Maw, make him le' me alone!

(JULIE has come down the steps. SHE pauses uncertainly
at the foot of the stairs. SHE has put on the brooch
Clabe gave her, and which she had given Bina)

**Mrs. Sawters**

(Softly)

Clabe. Here's Julie.

(CLABE turns, looks at her, a suspended moment.
Then HE goes over, takes her in his arms, hungrily)

**Julie**

(Overwhelmed with relief, dim and touched)

Clabe....Clabe.....

(Her head is buried against him)

(He kisses her. Then he withdraws, his eyes on her)

**Clabe**

(Huskily, moved)

I didn't know if you were here.

**Julie**

I didn't know if you'd speak to me.

(With nervous forced gaiety)

My, you look so well! The Navy seems to have done you good.
Isn't it nice to have him back? I can hardly realize it!

2-1-17

Bina

(In astonished annoyance)

Julie! Who said you could wear that brooch? You give it to
me.

Blocky

Here, here!

Bina

Why, she went and stole it out of my room. Of all the Indian
givers!

Blocky

Aw, I'll give you a brooch. I'll give you one of them
heart-shaped doodads with pink smellamagoody perfume inside
of it. Next time I come out to see you.

Bina

I ain't invited you, I hope you notice.

Blocky

I won't wait for no invite. I might be too old to enjoy it!

Mrs. Sawters

Julie, this is Blocky Lockhart. Remember him?

Blocky

Howdy, Miss Julie. You're the gal I never could tease. Used
to jist walk out on me ever' time!

Julie

I'm glad to see you again. But Clabe! You're not in uniform.
I thought you would be.

Clabe

I've been discharged.

Julie

You have?

Clabe

The Navy'll have to get along without me. They can sail
their gun-boats into whatever harbor they like. They can
take over the little yellow people, or the little brown
people, for the good of their heathen souls - but they can
do it without me. I've seen too much. I've had enough!

Julie

Then that means you - you've come home to stay.

Clabe

I don't know.

2-1-18

Julie

You don't know?

Clabe

Blocky here has got some kind of crazy notion.

Blocky

Nothin' crazy about it! He can do just like I done, And go a-long ways further than I'll ever go, too. I want him to come into my law office at Claremore and read up on the law. He's smart as a whip, and always has been. Ain't no tellin' what'll come of it. Why, this is brand new country out here, with opportunity knockin' so loud it'd raise the dead! Why, even a old country boy like me expects to run for senator soon's as the state comes in. And Clabe here might even get to be the governor 'fore long - if he knows a good thing when he sees it.

Mrs. Sawters

What does Clabe say about it?

Blocky

(Disgusted)

Claims he don't know yet what he wants to do. Claims he has to rest up and think it over. And chances just slippin' out of his hands!

Clabe

If I miss this one, there'll be another.

Blocky

You're only young once.

Clabe

When I was young, I didn't have sense enough to do what I wanted. Now I've got on to a few things. I've had a look at the world -- and a good one at myself. This time I'll make up my own mind.

Mr. Sawters

You do that, son. I guess that's right.

Julie

But if the opportunity is so good, as Blocky says -- you wouldn't want to throw it away. We wouldn't want you to.

Clabe

(Looking at her - levelly)

Why is it, the minute I get home again, you want me to leave?

Julie

I don't, Clabe. Why, I'm not even used to your being here yet.

2-1-20

Mr. Sawters

(Taking his arm quickly)
Get him upstairs. Help me, Bina!

(Between BINA and her father, THEY help GARD
toward the door)

Mrs. Sawters

Put him in Julie's room.

Julie

(Involuntarily)
No, no...!

Mrs. Sawters

It's the only place. We've put Blocky in the Spare room.

(BINA and MR. SAWTERS have got him out, and they
disappear up the stairs)

Clabe

I should have hit the son of a bitch -- drunk or not!

(Wryly)
Getting soft in my old age.

Mrs. Sawters

Don't mind him.

Clabe

(Sardonically)
This country air. Peace on earth, good will to men.

(HE turns, thoughtfully, figuring out something)

Julie

(Almost in tears - stricken)
I'm so ashamed....

Clabe

(Tranced)
Do you know what it means?

Julie

(Spellbound, not moving)
He wanted to humiliate me.

Clabe

He must care about you an awful lot.

Julie

He hates me.

Clabe

Yes, that must be part of it.

2-1-21

Julie

(With quiet desperation)

Clabe, I've needed you badly. I have to talk to you.
There's no one else to talk to.

Mrs. Sawters

Then you'll have to wait a bit, I'm afraid. Bina's in a big
enough stew, as it is.

(BINA flies down the stairs, headed for the kitchen)

Bina

Lawsee? As if I didn't have enough on my mind!

Blocky

Want some help?

Bina

If you can jist keep from teasin' me for five minutes, you
can make yourself useful.

Blocky

(Hurrying after her)

I can lay off for jist four -- and not one second longer! Say,
you don't know how you plague a feller!

(THEY DISAPPEAR)

(MR. SAWTERS comes down)

Mrs. Sawters

Is he all right?

Mr. Sawters

Well, he fell on the bed like he aimed to stay there the
rest of his life. Don't worry about him. Let him sleep it off.
I better see to the teams, I guess.

Clabe

I'll come with you.

Julie

No, please, Clabe. Not yet.

Mrs. Sawters

He may as well start making himself at home around here.
Go on, son.

(Putting her hand on his arm, gently)

Your paw's missed you, Clabe. We all have.

(HE looks at her a moment, moved. Then he turns and
follows his father out, closing the sliding doors)

(JULIE moves toward the doors)

2-1-22

Mrs. Sawters
Julie. Gard'll. be all right.

Julie
I don't care whether he is or not.

Mrs. Sawters
I think you ought to.

Julie
Do you have to torture me, too? Haven't I stood enough?

Mrs. Sawters
Julie, come here. I'm your mother, but I wish I could be your friend.

Julie
(quietly, without self-pity)
I haven't any friends. Not one.

Mrs. Sawters
Julie, I wanted them all to go. I want to tell you something. I'm not going to pretend it's for your own good. It's not. It's for good, though, I think. And I hope you'll be able to see it.

Julie
What do you want to tell me?

Mrs. Sawters
(Touched by her lack of defenses)
I don't want to hurt you any more than I can help. Please believe that. But the time has come when I have to take a hand.

Julie
I'll listen to you. What is it?

Mrs. Sawters
You're very unhappy, aren't you?

Julie
I never expected to be happy.

Mrs. Sawters
I wish you had... A human being has a right to expect happiness--even if he knows how hard it is to find. I'm sorry for you.

Julie
Don't be. I don't want that.

Mrs. Sawters
If you were defiant and angry, it would be easier.
(With deep sincerity)

2-1-23

Mrs. Sawters (Contd)

It's Thanksgiving and I ought to be full of good will.
And I would be. But I know it's times like these, when
you're afraid of causing pain, that the wrongs pile up
till you can't see over them, and dark comes, and night
overwhelms you.

Over and over, you put off making a stand, and think it'll
be all right. No. It won't ever be. Till you oppose the
thing that threatens you and the folks you love.

Julie

(Dim, with breathless alarm)

What are you trying to tell me?

Mrs. Sawters

I love my son. I love your father. I've seen him just
now, under my eyes, change from a broken-down old man to a
man again. I won't let you take that away from him.

Julie

What're you accusing me of?

Mrs. Sawters

You want Clabe to go away again.

Julie

No, it's not true!

Mrs. Sawters

Yes! Even Clabe knows it. You're glad to see him, yes.
You've thought about nothing else for weeks, months. But now
he's here -- you want him to go away again. Why is this,
Julie? Tell me why.

Julie

You're making it up. Just because I suggested --

Mrs. Sawters

(Low and sure)

No. It's there. Too strange for me to understand. But
that's the way it is. And you'll succeed in this, as you've
always had your way in everything. You'll succeed-- if I
let you. And I won't let you.

Julie

(Deeply troubled)

You think I'm full of plans of some kind! You've always
seen me as I've never been. That's not the way it is --
can't you understand? I'm tortured in ways no one can
see. If I were stretched out on a rack, it couldn't be worse.
Surely, you can see by looking at me that I'm telling the
truth. Please. Why can't you? I need someone to know. You
see me as something---a snake coiled up; waiting a chance
to strike. It's myself the poison reaches.

2-1-24

Julie (Contd)

(Pleading--with quiet agony)

Mother. I need help, not to be accused. I can't see farther
ahead than my hand. And where it leads me, I don't know. I
don't.

Mrs. Sawters

To something horrible beyond knowing, I think. Julie, you
didn't have any plan the night poor Opal died. But she's
a forgotten thing in the grave, with no one to weep for her.
You tied yourself up to Gard and you hated him. Now look
at him. I don't hold any brief for Gard. He wasn't much
of a man when you married him. But he was a worker and a
good one. What is he now? Who made him like that?

(Deeply aware)

I know so much about things you wouldn't believe. You've
turned the hate you've got for yourself against Gard now.
I know how a cold scheming woman can do these things to a
man. Because I did the same.

Yes. When I was young and didn't know any better. But your
father came along and saved me. He didn't understand any
of it -- but he was good, and he loved me. His love
saved me. Who will save you?

Julie

What is it you intend to do?

Mrs. Sawters

To tell Clabe everything I know.

Julie

(Stunned)

No!

Mrs. Sawters

Yes! I will! I've got to!

Julie

What will you say?

Mrs. Sawters

Just what I've told you.

Julie

No, mother, no! You're my mother. You can't do this to me.

Mrs. Sawters

I brought you into the world. But even so -- you have to
earn affection, you have to deserve love. What have you done
to earn it?

2-1-25

Julie
I've behaved as I had to.

Mrs. Sawters
And I must do the same.

Julie
(Cornered, desperate)
Let me, then! Let me tell him!

Mrs. Sawters
No. I don't trust you to do it.

Julie
(Choked with fear)
I'll die. You know I'll die.

Mrs. Sawters
The strong never die by wishing they were dead.

Julie
They can do more than wish! They can have a hand in their
death.

Mrs. Sawters
I haven't any control over death. Only a little bit over
life. It's life I'm serving now. I know what I have to do.

Julie
No, mother, no!

Mrs. Sawters
(Spent, almost broken, tearful, but having to go on)
Yes... Yes, Julie.

Julie
(Her head bowed, dazed, fateful)
I know now who my enemy is. I can guess how it's going to
end!
(BINA flies in from the dining room)

Bina
Maw, Julie! Please come. The others are all sittin' down.
Paw and Clabe came in the back.

Blocky
(Sticking his head in)
For the love of God, ain't nobody starved but me?
(Then remembering his manners)
'Scuse me! I shore have made myself at home!

2-2-27

ACT TWO

SCENE: II

The living room. Later that night.
About ten o'clock. JULIE is in the
room. It is apparent that she has been
under a terrific strain. BINA is close
to the stairs on her way up to bed.

Bina
Now you will blow out the lights -- and you will go to bed pretty soon, won't you, Julie?

Julie
Yes. Of course I will.

Bina
Well, I don't know. You act awful funny.

Julie
I'm just worried.

Bina
Oh, I should think you would be! About Gard and all. Look, Julie, you can come sleep in my room 'f you want to.

Julie
Maybe I will. Thank you, Bina.

Bina
(Absurdly)
I don't think I snore. And anyway, 'twouldn't be no worse than a drunk man.

(Frowning)
What do you think Maw's been gabbin' with Clabe about so long?

Julie
(Almost unable to find her voice)
I don't know...

Bina
I wish they'd go on to bed. If you don't come up 'fore long,
I'll be after you with a hickory switch - so watch out! Here
it is after ten o'clock!

Julie
Bina -- when you go up - if Maw's not in Clabe's room -- ask him to come down here. I want to see him.

Bina
Talk, talk, talk! Well, I'll tell him. But I don't know why it won't wait till mornin'.

(SHE disappears up the stairs)

2-2-28

(JULIE goes restlessly to the glass door, stares out at the lake. Once she hears voices faintly from above, and listens, straining to hear. After a moment, she hears steps on the stairs, and turns to face them, her head up, stifling the sick terror she feels. CLABE appears, and comes into the room. They look at each other a brief moment)

Julie

(Quietly)
She told you?

Clabe

Yes.

Julie
There's nothing for me to say, then.

Clabe

No. Nothing.
(Pause)

There's something I'd like to say, though -- that might interest you. I told Paw he could count on me to stay here -- from now on. I know where I belong. Any objections?

Julie

No. No objections.

Clabe

Good night, then.
(He turns to go)

Julie
(A desperate plea in her voice)

Clabe...
(He comes back)

We used to be friends. We used to think we were different from everybody else -- and that drew us together. Why did you write that letter last Spring? It was cruel.

Clabe

It was meant to be.

Julie
You couldn't have meant all you said about me. Most of it hadn't even happened then. Why did you have to do it?

Clabe

I was bitter. I hated you.

Julie
And now?

2-2-29

Clabe

The blaming you part of it, I take back. I was weak and a
coward -- and you were strong, you knew what you wanted. I didn't
know then why you were so bent on my going away. Now I know.

Julie

(Quickly)

For your own good, Clabe. It was best, I was thinking of you
all the time, I ---

Clabe

Let's not have any more lies. It's late for that. You didn't
want me to marry Opal.

Julie

(After a moment)

No.

Clabe

Why?

Julie

I couldn't bear to see you tie yourself down to a foolish, stupid
little nobody who'd shatter every hope you had in life to be happy!

Clabe

That wasn't it.

Julie

It was, I tell you.

Clabe

Shall I tell you the real reason?

Julie

(Involuntarily, unable to face it)

No.

Clabe

You were afraid then. You're scared to death now.

Julie

Oh, please! There were lots of reasons. The world. You needed
it, to travel, everyone wants all the experience he can have, the
broadening ....

Clabe

It was you put those thoughts in my head.

2-2-30

Julie

But it's done you no harm. Look -- you speak differently even,
you're smarter, you're better off in every way. You've had a
fine life, better than most -- and you have such memories, of
places, people.

Clabe

(Grimly)

Yes. Memories.

Julie

You've served your country honorably, and have your honorable
discharge. Isn't that something worthwhile?

Clabe

My name's not exactly white in the navy records, Julie. You
can't find any way to be proud of it, no matter how hard you
try. My discharge is a Bad Conduct Discharge.

Julie

Bad conduct?

Clabe

Yes.

Julie

But it couldn't be for anything serious. It must have been
something that happened accidentally, not your fault. It was
like that, wasn't it?

Clabe

My conduct was deliberate. There wasn't any accident to it.
Once I deserted.

Julie

That isn't so bad.

(Impatiently)

Clabe

O God, Julie! Can't you realize I tried every way I could think
of to blacken my name, and ruin my character! There are plenty
of reasons for my disgrace. All good ones! That brooch you're
wearing, for instance.

Julie

It's beautiful. Until....your letter that time, -- I always
wore it to remind me of you.

Clabe

I sent it to you out of pure malicious contempt.

Julie

Clabe!

2-2-31

Clabe

Wouldn't you like to know where I got it? You must have guessed
it cost a pretty penny. A lot more than you can save out of
sailor's pay.

Julie

You stole it?

Clabe

No.

Julie

(Numb with foreknowledge)

Where then?

Clabe

Oh, I bought it, all right.

(With significant but understated emphasis)

There are ways open to the young.

Julie

You --- made money off of women?

Clabe

No. Not women. All sorts of creatures hang around the ports
on the look-out for whatever they can find. They're lonesome
and they're desperate. But some of them have money -- and are
glad to pay for their pleasures.

(As JULIE turns away, sickened)

I didn't care one way or the other. When you're bent on des-
troying yourself - you'll do anything -- and gladly -- just so
it fills you with disgust.

(JULIE takes off the brooch, in revulsion, drops it on
the table)

Julie

How can you bear to look at yourself? How can you bear to re-
member such things!

Clabe

I don't remember them -- hardly ever. I've learned a little
secret. Even to think about evil is death. I've learned that.

Julie

Then why do you remember now?

(Anguished)

Why do you have to tell me?

2-2-32

Clabe

(With fire)

I want you to know the worst, the way I do! There must be some-
thing we can learn out of it. We were born, surely we were, Julie!
-- with some good in us, the power to do good in the world. And
instead, we've been killing each other, killing ourselves. The
record piles up -- viciousness multiplied and multiplied -- till
no good is left in either of us -- nothing but hate and death and
disgust and more hate. The way to fight destruction is not with
destruction -- don't you see it yet? If you don't believe it,
look what wars have done to the world already. It's the same
thing -- bigger and more deadly.

(Gently)

I have no war with you. What there is between us is not war --
and you know it. And it never has been.

Julie

(Stricken)

You must be right. It must be so -- everything you say.
Oh, Clabe . . .

(SHE bows her head, blind with tears. After a moment, she
can speak again)

When we were young, everything was so clear and bright.
We were happy.

(Simple and moving, without self-pity)

If you could see my real self now --
My soul

If there is such a thing.

It's a field that wagons have been driven over, over and over
again in the rains.

The wheels have cut the juicy earth to pieces.

It's packed solid underneath the ruts --
Solid -- like rock.

And no seed will ever grow there any more.
Never.

It's me that drove those wagons up and down,

Me that wanted the field to be different,

The crop that grew to be another kind of corn.

I can't lick what I am.

I see it now.

Clabe

(Softly)

Quit trying.

Julie

But you have to try.

Everybody does.

Clabe

That's what causes so much misery in the world -- people trying
to defeat what they are! Miserable people -- pathetic from the
first.

2-2-33

Julie

I'll never be that. It's not in me to be pitiful.

Clabe

You're close to it.

Julie

No! If I can just get rid of what I've done, the thoughts I've had, the needs!

Clabe

The needs - yes! There's only one way to wipe it all out -- make it like it didn't ever happen, any of what's happened. Give in to what you are.

Julie

(Breathless, knowing the answer)

What do you mean?

Clabe

The thoughts you've thought, the needs that are killing you! Give in to them.

Julie

(Appalled -- low and tortured)

You're my brother. Don't say such a thing to me!

Clabe

I'm saying it.

Julie

No, I can't! It's more evil...sin that could never be wiped out.

Clabe

How do you know?

Julie

It's in the mind, it's in the blood. The whole race of man is against it.

Clabe

Not all. Let's say it out plain, and see if it can hurt us. We're in love with each other. We always have been. It's taboo, they say. Who says so? It's happened like that. We fought it, both of us, fought each other, turned our sickness and disgust at ourselves toward others. Look at Opal, Gard, Paw and Maw. Look at us! Jesus! We were wrong...and ignorant. But now we know. All there is to know.

2-2-34

Julie

(In quiet agony)

Horrible.... Maw told me once - hate on one side of a coin.
Turn it over. On the other side, love. But this -- this love.
No, it can't be.

Clabe

(With tense conviction, pleading)

Yes! It can be. Any love ever offered to you has things against it. Sometimes things that frighten you to look at. But at least it's something positive. It declares you on the side of life, instead of the side of violence and death.

Julie

(Tortured)

I can't see it.

Clabe

(His eyes on her, unbelievingly, but fearfully, aware of
the answer)

Are you so committed to darkness you can't make one step against
it? Julie! Can't you cross a border that has no existence, none
whatever? Are you lost that far!

Julie

Lost, yes! Of course I am.

Clabe

(Pleading against all hope)

Don't be, Julie! Save yourself. You must. It's not too late.
One step. One.

(As SHE hesitates, torn)

There's no other way.

Julie

(Breathless with discovery)

I know a way.

Clabe

What?

Julie

Another way! Yes. I know. It'll save us -- save us both.

Clabe

How? What is it?

Julie

I can walk out a little way! Not far. The ice is thin.

2-2-35

Clabe
Julie! No! Come away from there!

Julie
You're to sit there calmly -- calmly, do you hear me? I'm
going out that door.

Clabe
You mustn't, Julie. No!

Julie
Yes! I must. You're not to come after me, not to tell anyone.
Fifteen minutes. Give me time. Do that for me.

Clabe
(Crying out)
Father!

Julie
Clabe, quiet! Don't do this to me.

Clabe
It's cowardice and you know it!

Julie
I call it courage. I can hardly do it. And I've got to.

Clabe
I'll go with you, then.

Julie
(Pleading)
No. You have something to do. You're needed. You can bring
life, hope to this house again. Work will save you. To work,
to make something -- it's the only way to fight destruction. You
must see it. You gave your word to stay.

Clabe
What good is my word? It's never been worth a damn!

Julie
(Pleading, desperately)
Change that. Yes! As you love me -- I can say it now -- as you
love me, change. You're young. You can do it. You can look
at yourself without shame. I can't. I know I can't. I'm
tired and old, sick. Let me go. Let me do one good thing. Please
let me.

Clabe
I can't stop you.
(In quiet horror at himself)
I don't want to stop you. God help me.

2-2-36

Julie

(Almost overcome)

Sweet ---

(But this is weakness. She steels herself, but it is hard to speak now that she is inescapably alone, and there is still a thing, the most difficult of all to do)

You'll - You'll remember me sometimes, won't you?

Clabe

Yes, Julie.

Julie

Clabe. You *mustn't* remember me. Ever! From this moment.

Clabe

How can I help it?

Julie

Listen to me. Forget me. *I never existed.* It's best.

Clabe

Best?

Julie

Yes! Even to think about evil is death. You said so. Hang on to that. Forget everything, --- you - me - my life - the rottenness -- everything horrible.

Clabe

Yes.

(Spent with the effort, relieved and wan, JULIE slowly and deliberately goes to pick up the brooch and fasten it to her dress)

What're you doing?

Julie

This goes with me.

Clabe

You can't wear it now - that - *that thing!*

Julie

I will though. Like a badge. Like a banner.
Where I go, it must go too.
There'll be nothing left to remind you - of it or of me.
*Even the memory of evil is death.*

We both know it now.

(SHE pauses by the door, looks down at the brooch)

See --

It weighs nothing at all -- such thin silver, a thimbleful of stones.

2-2-37

Julie (Cont'd)

(SHE envisions it clearly, dragging her to the muddy
depths. After a moment, she is not afraid)

But it's heavy enough.

Like a weight.

(SHE goes out)

(CLABE remains staring before him. The tick of the clock
seems to grow louder and louder. His ears are strained
toward the lake. All at once BINA bounds down the steps
and into the room)

Bina

Julie! Julie!

(CLABE springs toward her quickly, takes her arm)

Clabe

Be quiet.

Bina

Where's Julie?

Clabe

She's gone to bed.

Bina

It ain't true. I looked in her room. Just Gard is in there -
dead drunk. She must be somewhere. Julie!

Clabe

(Desperately, putting his hand over her mouth)

No, Bina. She's all right. You can't do anything for her.

Wait till morning. The night will pass. A few hours. It's
best. She said so.

(HE lets her go, sits heavily in a chair. BINA stares at
him)

I don't feel guilty. Not yet. I don't think I ever will.

Bina

I don't know why you act so funny.

(No answer)

But I think there must be a good reason.

(Puzzled at the thought)

I feel somehow you're good, too, Clabe -- not mean like you used
to be. Do you mind my sayin' so?

Clabe

No.

2-2-38

Bina

I've noticed it ever' since you come home.

(Softly, secretively)

I don't know where Julie's gone -- and I don't care. I don't.
And I think it's good I don't care. <u>Good</u> -- not bad. Do you
think I'm awful?

Clabe

No.

Bina

(Like a carefree child)

Oh, I feel so good tonight -- like a load was lifted off of my
shoulders!

(SHE goes toward the organ)

I don't know -- maybe it's the weather.

Clabe

(Remembering Julie's words - softly)

Tomorrow will be clear and bright.

Bina

(Gaily)

Uh-huh. Bright as a daisy. I bet it will.

(Then, slightly abashed)

Blocky's nice, ain't he?

(Clabe nods)

I hope he comes to see us, like he said he would.

(Then, quite crazily, at that dizzying prospect)

Oh! For once in my life, I jist don't care a hoot if I wake up
the whole blame house! I feel so <u>good</u>!

(SHE hammers out some gay runs and chords)

CURTAIN

THE END