4

## Act One

# "THE HUNTED"

### Borden (continued)

It isn't for me to question the arrangements she's made, Joe, but it does seem as if Ezra should have been laid out in the townhall where the whole town could have paid their respects to him, and had a big public funeral tomorrow.

### Hills

That's what I think. He was mayor of the town and a national war hero -

### Blake

She says it was Ezra's wish he'd often expressed to her that everything should be private and quiet. Lavinia told me the same.

### Borden

Of course - but - well -

### Hills

If that's the case, there's nothing to be said. Naturally his wishes must be respected.

### Blake

It's just like Ezra. He never was one for show. He did the work and let others do the showing-off.

### Hills

(Unluckily)

He was a great man. His death is a real loss to everyone in this community.

### Borden

Yes. He was a power for good - and he got things done.

### Hills

What a tragedy to be taken his first night home after passing unharmed through the whole war!

### Borden

I couldn't believe the news. I didn't even know he was coming home so soon. Who'd ever suspect - It's like fate. It's queer.

7

## Act One

# "THE HUNTED"

### Mrs Borden

Well, we aren't doing anyone any good standing here. We ought to get home, Josiah!

### Mrs Hills

Yes. We must, too, Everett.

(They begin moving slowly off left, Hills going with the two women. Doctor Blake nudges Borden and motions him to stay behind. After the others disappear, he whispers with a meaning grin)

### Blake

I'll tell you a secret, Josiah - strictly between you and me, understand.

### Borden

(Sensing something from his manner - eagerly)

Of course. What is it, Joe?

### Blake

I haven't asked Christine Mannon any embarrassing questions but I have a strong suspicion it was love killed Ezra!

### Borden

Love!

### Blake

That's what! Leastways, love made angina kill him, if you take my meaning. She's a damned handsome woman and he'd been away a long time. Only natural between man and wife - but not the treatment I'd recommend for angina. He should have known better, but - well - he was human.

### Borden

(With a salacious smirk)

Well, can't say as I blame him! She's a looker! I don't like her and never did but I can imagine worse ways of dying!

(They both chuckle - Borden says)

8

## Act One

## "THE HUNTED"

### Borden (continued)

Well, let's catch up with the folks.

(They go off, left. They have hardly disappeared before the door of the house is opened and Christine Mannon comes out and stands at the head of the steps a moment, then descends to the drive. She is obviously in a terrible state of strained nerves. Beneath the mask-like veneer of her face there are deep lines about her mouth, her cheeks are sunken and her eyes burn with a feverish light of sleeplessness. Feeling herself free from observation for a moment she lets go and wrings her hands, her mouth twitches, her eyes look wildly on all sides as if she longed to fly and hide from something. Hazel Niles comes out of the house to the head of the steps. She is the same as in "Homecoming". Christine at once senses her presence behind her and regains her tense control of herself, assuming the part of the grief-stricken widow)

### Hazel

(With a cheering, sympathetic air)

So here you are. I looked everywhere around the house and couldn't find you.

### Christine

I couldn't stay in. I'm so nervous. It's been a little harrowing - all these people coming to stand around and stare at the dead! - and at me.

### Hazel

I know. But there won't be any more now.

(Then a tone of eager happiness breaking through in spite of herself)

Peter and Vinnie ought to be back soon, if the train isn't late. Oh, I hope Orin will surely come!

### Christine

(Strangely)

The same train! It was late that night he came! Only two days ago! It seems a lifetime! I've grown old.

### Hazel

(Gently)

Try not to think of it.

10

## Act One

## "THE HUNTED"

### Hazel

(With shy dignity)

Yes, Mrs. Mannon.

### Christine

I am glad. I want you to. I want him to marry you.

(Putting an arm around her - in a strained gay tone)

We'll be secret conspirators, shall we, and I'll help you
and you'll help me?

### Hazel

I don't understand.

### Christine

You know how possessive Vinnie is with Orin. She's always
been secretly jealous of you. I warn you she'll do every-
thing she can to keep him from marrying you!

### Hazel

(Shocked)

Oh, Mrs. Mannon, I can't believe Vinnie could be so -

### Christine

I know you're too kind to think evil of anyone, but bear
in mind what I tell you. For Orin's own good, we mustn't
let him come under her influence again. Especially now in
the morbid, half-crazy state she's in! Haven't you noticed
how queer she's become? She hasn't spoken a single word
since her father's death! When I talk to her she won't
answer me. And yet she follows me around everywhere - she
hardly leaves me alone a minute.

(Forcing a nervous laugh)

Really, it's too silly, but it gets on my nerves until I
could scream! Of course, I know she isn't responsible.
The shock of his death has been too much for her.

### Hazel

Poor Vinnie! She was so fond of her father. I don't
wonder she -

11

## Act One

## "THE HUNTED"

### Christine

(Staring at her - strangely)

You are genuinely good and pure of heart, aren't you?

### Hazel

(Terribly embarrassed)

Oh no! I'm not at all -

### Christine

(Forcing a smile)

I was like you once, you know - once - long ago - before -

(Then with bitter longing)

Oh, if I could only have stayed as I was then! Why can't all of us remain innocent and kind and loving and trusting? But God won't leave us alone. He twists and wrings and torments our lives with others' lives until - we poison each other to death!

(Seeing Hazel's look, catches herself - quickly)

Forgive me! I - I'm full of bitterness, I'm afraid. Don't mind what I said! Let's go in, shall we? I would rather wait for Orin inside. I couldn't bear to wait and watch him coming up the drive - just like - he looks so much like his father at times - and like - but what nonsense I'm talking. Let's go in. I hate moonlight. It makes everything so haunted.

(She turns abruptly and hurries into the house. Hazel follows her and shuts the door. There is a pause. Then footsteps and voices are heard from off right front and a moment later Orin Mannon enters with Peter and Lavinia. One is at once struck by his startling family resemblance to Ezra Mannon and Adam Brant (whose likeness to each other we have seen in "Homecoming"). There is the same life-like death-mask quality of his face in repose, the same big slightly aquiline nose, heavy eyebrows, swarthy complexion, thick straight black hair, light hazel eyes. His mouth and chin have the same general physical characteristics as Ezra Mannon's, but the expression of his mouth gives an impression of tense over-sensitiveness quite foreign to the General's, and his chin is a refined, weakened version of the dead man's. He is about the same height as Mannon and Brant but his body is thin and his swarthy complexion sallow as if he had recently suffered a severe illness. He wears a bandage

12

## Act One

## "THE HUNTED"

### Christine (continued)

around his head high up on his forehead. He carries himself by turns with a marked slouchiness or with a self-conscious square-shouldered stiffness that indicates a soldierly bearing is unnatural to him and has been forced upon him. His manner is nervous and strained, his eyes shift uneasily and watchfully. When he speaks it is jerkily with a strange vague preoccupied air. But when he smiles naturally his face has a gentle boyish appealing charm which makes women immediately want to mother him. He wears a mustache similar to Brant's which serves to increase their resemblance to each other. Although he is only twenty he looks thirty. He is dressed in a baggy, ill-fitting uniform - that of a first lieutenant of infantry in the Union Army).

### Orin

(Stops as they enter and makes a signal for them to stop)

Wait.

(He stands staring at the house)

God, how I've dreamed of coming home! I thought it would never end, that we'd go on murdering and being murdered until no one was left alive! Home at last! No, by God, I must be dreaming again! It's too good to be true!

(Then suddenly in an awed tone)

But the house looks strange. Or is it something in me? I was out of my head so long with this damned wound, everything has seemed queer since I came back to earth. Did the house always look so ghastly and strange?

### Peter

That's only the moonlight, you chump!

### Orin

Like a tomb. That's what Mother always used to say it reminded her of.

### Lavinia

(Conveying a reproach for his forgetfulness in her tone)

It is a tomb - just now, Orin.

• 13

## Act One

## "THE HUNTED"

### Orin

(Hurriedly - shamefaced)

I - I'd forgotten. I simply can't realize he's dead yet. I couldn't believe it when I got the message. I suppose I'd come to expect he would live forever.

(A trace of resentment has crept into his tone)

Or, at least outlive me. I never thought his heart was weak. He told me the trouble he had wasn't serious.

### Lavinia

Father told you that, too? I was hoping he had.

(Then quickly - turning to Peter)

You go ahead in, Peter. Say we're coming a little behind. I want to speak to Orin a moment.

### Peter

Sure thing, Vinnie.

(He goes in the front door, closing it behind him)

### Orin

I'm glad you got rid of him. Peter is all right but - I want to talk to you alone.

(With a sudden affectionate boyish brotherly air - putting an arm around her)

You certainly are a sight for sore eyes, Vinnie! How are you, anyway, you old bossy fuss-buzzer! Gosh, it seems natural to hear myself calling you that old nickname again. Aren't you glad to see me?

### Lavinia

(Moved by his tone - affectionately)

Of course I am!

### Orin

By God, I'd never guess it! You've hardly spoken a word since you met me. What's happened to you?

14

## Act One

## "THE HUNTED"

Orin (continued)

(Then as she looks at him reproachfully, he takes away
his arm, shamefaced - a bit impatiently)

I told you I can't get used to the idea of his being dead.
Forgive me, Vinnie. I know what a shock it must be to you.

### Lavinia

Isn't it a shock to you, Orin?

### Orin

Yes. Certainly it is! What do you think I am? But -
oh, I can't explain! You wouldn't understand, unless you'd
been at the front. I hardened myself to expect my own
death and everyone else's, and think nothing of it. I had
to - to keep alive! It was part of my training as a sol-
dier under him. He taught it to me, you might say! So
when it's his turn he can hardly expect -

(He has talked with increasing bitterness. Lavinia inter-
rupts him sharply)

### Lavinia

Orin! How can you be so unfeeling?

### Orin

(Again shamefaced)

I didn't mean that. I - I've been sick. My mind is
still full of ghosts. I can't grasp anything but war in
which he was so alive - and flourishing! He was the war
to me - the war that would never end until I died. I can't
understand peace - his end!

(Then with sudden exasperation)

God damn it, Vinnie, give me a chance to get used to things!

### Lavinia

Orin!

### Orin

(Resentfully)

I'm sorry! Oh, I know what you're thinking! I used to
be such a nice quiet gentlemanly cuss, didn't I? - and now
I'm coarse and foul-mouthed. Well, you wanted me to be a

15

## Act One

## "HOME COMING"

Orin (continued)

hero in blue, so you better be resigned! Murdering doesn't
improve one's manners!

(Abruptly changing the subject)

But what the devil are we talking about me for? Listen,
Vinnie. There's something I want to ask you before I see
Mother.

### Lavinia

Hurry then! She'll be coming right out! I've got to
tell you something too.

### Orin

What was that stuff you wrote in your last letter about
some Captain Brant coming to see Mother? Do you mean to
tell me there's actually been gossip started about her?

(Then without waiting for a reply, bursting into jealous
rage)

By God, if he dares come here again, I'll make him damn
sorry he did!

### Lavinia

(Grimly)

I'm glad you feel that way about him. But there's no
time to talk now! All I want to do is warn you to be on
your guard! Don't let her baby you the way she used to
and get you under her thumb again! Wait until you've
talked to me, remember, Orin! Don't believe the lies she'll
tell you! Will you promise me?

### Orin

(Staring at her bewilderedly)

You mean - Mother?

(Then angrily)

What the devil are you talking about, anyway? Are you
looney? Honestly, Vinnie, I call that carrying your ever-
lasting squabble with Mother a bit too far! You ought to
be ashamed of yourself!

16

## Act One

"THE HUNTED"

Orin

(Then suddenly suspicious)

What the devil are you being so mysterious about? Is it
Brant - ?

Lavinia

(At a sound from inside the house)

Ssshh!

(The front door of the house is opened and Christine hurries
out. She is in a flurry of nervous apprehension)

Christine

(As she comes out - angrily to Peter who is in the hall)

Why didn't you call me, Peter? You shouldn't have left
him alone!

(She sees Orin and calls uncertainly)

Orin!

Orin

Mother!

(She runs down the steps and comes and flings her arms
around him)

Christine

My boy! My baby!

(She kisses him)

Orin

(Melting, all his suspicion forgotten - lovingly)

Mother! God, it's good to see you!

(Then almost roughly, pushing her back and staring into her
eyes)

But you're different! What's happened to you?

Christine

(Forcing a smile)

17

## Act One

## "THE HUNTED"

### Christine (continued)

I? Different? I don't think so, dear. Certainly I
hope not - to you.

(Touching the bandage on his head - tenderly)

Your head! Does it pain dreadfully? You poor darling,
how you must have suffered!

(She kisses him)

But it's all over now, thank God. I've got you back again.

(Keeping her arm around him, leads him up the steps)

Let's go in! There's someone else waiting who will be so
glad to see you.

### Lavinia

(Who has come to the foot of the steps - suddenly calls
harshly)

Remember, Orin!

(Christine turns around to look down on her. A look of
hate flashes between mother and daughter. Orin regards
his mother suspiciously now and draws away from her arm)

### Christine

(Immediately recovers her poise - sweetly to Orin as if
Lavinia hadn't spoken)

Come on in, dear. It's chilly. Your poor head -

(She takes his hand and leads him through the door and closes
it behind them. Lavinia remains by the foot of the steps
staring after them. Then the door is suddenly opened again
and Christine comes out, closing it behind her, and comes to
the head of the steps. For a moment mother and daughter
stare into each other's eyes. Then Christine begins haltingly
in a tone she vainly tries to make kindly and persuasive)

Vinnie, I - I must speak with you a moment - now Orin is
here. I appreciate your grief has made you - not quite
normal - and I make allowances. But I cannot understand
your attitude toward me. Why do you keep following me
everywhere - and stare at me like that? I had been a good
wife to him for twenty three years - until I met Adam. I
was guilty then, I admit. But I repented and put him out of

18

Act One

"THE HUNTED"

Christine (continued)

my life. I would have been a good wife again as long
as your father had lived. After all, Vinnie, I am your
mother. I brought you into the world. You ought to
have some feeling for me!

(She pauses, waiting for some response, but Lavinia simply stares at her, frozen and silent. Fear creeps into Christine's tone)

Don't stare like that! What are you thinking? Surely
you cannot still have that insane suspicion - that I -

(Then guiltily)

What did you do that night after I fainted? I - I have
missed something - some medicine I took to put me to sleep -
it was under my pillow -

(Something like a grim smile of satisfaction forms on Lavinia's lips. Christine exclaims frightenedly)

Oh, you did - you found - and I suppose you connect that -
but don't you see how insane - to suspect - when Doctor
Blake knows he died of angina pectoris!

(Then angrily)

I know what you've been waiting for! - to tell Orin your
lies and get him to go to the police! You don't dare do
that on your own responsibility - but if you can make Orin -
isn't that it? Isn't that what you've been plotting the
last two days? Tell me!

(Then suddenly desperately pleading)

Vinnie! I am your mother! I ask you one thing! Don't
tell Orin about Adam! You know how jealous he always was
of me! You might drive him to do something crazy that
would cause an awful scandal - dishonor the Mannon name for-
ever - all on account of your insane suspicion - I swear
to you I didn't - How can you think - ?

(Then, as Lavinia remains silent, Christine gives way to
fury and rushes down the steps and grabs her by the arm
and shakes her)

Answer me when I speak to you! What are you plotting?
What are you going to do? What is it? Tell me!

19

Act One

"THE HUNTED"

Christine (continued)

(Lavinia allows herself to be shaken, keeping her body rigid, her eyes staring into her mother's. Christine lets go and steps back from her. Then Lavinia, turning her back on her, walks slowly off left between the lilac clump and the house. Christine stares after her, her strength seems to leave her, she trembles and whispers)

Oh Adam! I'm so alone! I'm so afraid! If I could only feel your arms around me just for a second!

(From inside the house comes the sound of Orin's voice calling sharply "Mother"! "Where are you"? Christine starts and immediately by an effort of will regains control over herself. She hurries up the steps and opens the door. She speaks to Orin and her voice is tensely quiet and controlled)

Here I am, dear!

(She shuts the door behind her)

Curtain

## Act Two

## "THE HUNTED"

2

### Peter

Head wounds are no joke. And then brain fever piled on! He's damn lucky to have come out alive!

(They stop talking self-consciously and Orin and Christine enter from the rear. Orin is questioning her sharply and suspiciously)

### Orin

Why did you sneak away like that? What were you doing?

### Christine

(Forcing a wan smile)

The happiness of seeing you again was a little too much for me I'm afraid, dear. I suddenly felt as if I were going to faint, so I rushed out in the fresh air.

### Orin

(Immediately ashamed of himself - tenderly, putting his arm around her)

Poor Mother! I'm sorry - Look here, then. You sit down and rest. Or maybe you better go right to bed.

### Hazel

That's right, Orin, you make her. I've been trying to get her to but she won't listen to me.

### Christine

What! Go to bed the minute he comes home! I should say not!

### Orin

(Worriedly and pleased at the same time)

But you mustn't do anything to -

4

## Act Two

"THE HUNTED"

### Peter

Not so you'd notice it!

### Orin

(With a wink at Hazel)

Peter will be getting jealous! You better call Vinnie in to put a pillow behind him!

### Hazel

(With a laugh)

I can't picture Vinnie being that soft for any man alive!

### Peter

Shut up, you darned fools! Orin, if you weren't an invalid, I'd come and sit on you a while.

### Orin

(Laughs - then a jealous resentment creeping into his voice)

You're wrong about Vinnie, Hazel. She can be soft - on occasion. She's always coddling Father and he likes it although he pretends -

### Christine

(Turning away and restraining a shudder)

Orin! You're talking as if he were - alive!

(There is an uncomfortable silence. Hazel goes quietly back to her chair at center. Christine goes around the table to the chair opposite Orin and sits down)

### Orin

(With a wry smile)

We had all forgotten he's dead, hadn't we? Well, I can't believe it even yet. I feel him in this house - alive!

### Christine

Orin! Don't!

5

## Act Two

## "THE HUNTED"

Orin

Everything is changed - in some queer way - this house,
Vinnie, you, I - everything but Father. He's the same
and always will be - here - the same! Don't you feel
that, Mother?

(She shivers, staring before her but doesn't answer)

Hazel

(Gently)

You mustn't make your mother think of it, Orin.

Orin

(Unheedingly)

I won't believe he's dead until I see him.

(With a strange air of repulsion)

Should I go in to look at him now? I suppose it's my
duty. I don't want to. I have seen enough of corpses!
I hoped coming home would leave them behind me. And I
know the dead want to be left alone.

Hazel

Please don't think of it, Orin!

Orin

(Staring at her - in a strange tone of gratitude)

You're the same, Hazel - sweet and good)

(He turns to his mother with a queer accusing air)

At least Hazel hasn't changed, thank God!

Christine

(Rousing herself - turns to force a smile at him)

Hazel will never change, I hope. I am glad you appreciate
her.

(Orin regards her with a puzzled suspicion)

6

## Act Two

"THE HUNTED"

### Hazel

(Flustered and pleased - laughing it off)

There now, Peter, you hear the nice things they're saying?
I always told you you didn't appreciate what a wonderful
sister you have.

### Peter

If they knew you as well as I do!

### Christine

(Feeling the spell broken - with motherly solicitude to Orin)

Wasn't the long train trip terribly hard on you, dear?

### Orin

Well, it wasn't a pleasure trip exactly. My head got
aching till I thought it would explode.

### Christine

(Leans over and puts her hand on his forehead)

Poor boy! Does it ache now?

### Orin

Not much. Not at all when your hand is there.

(Impulsively he takes her hand and kisses it - boyishly)

Gosh, Mother, it feels so darned good to be home with you!

(Then, as suddenly staring at her suspiciously again)

Let me have a good look at you. You're so different. I
noticed it even outside. What is it?

### Christine

(Avoiding her eyes - forcing a smile)

It's just that I'm getting old, I'm afraid, dear.

7

## Act Two

## "THE HUNTED"

Orin

No! You're more beautiful than ever! You're younger
too, somehow. But it isn't that.

(Almost pushing her hand away - bitterly)

Maybe I can guess!

Christine

(Concealing her alarm, forces a laugh)

Younger and more beautiful! Do you hear him going on,
Hazel? He has learned to be very gallant and flattering,
I must say! But let's not talk about me.

(Lavinia appears in the doorway at rear. She enters but
remains standing just inside the doorway and keeps her eyes
fixed on her mother and Orin)

Orin

(Who is again staring at Hazel, breaks out harshly)

Do you remember how you waved your handkerchief, Hazel,
the day I set off to become a hero? I thought you would
sprain your wrist! And all the mothers and wives and
sisters and girls did the same! Sometime in some war they
ought to make the women take the men's place for a month
or so. Give them a taste of lice and blood and stench
and murder!

Christine

Orin!

Orin

Let them batter each other's brains out with rifle butts
and rip each other's guts out with bayonets! After that,
maybe they'd stop waving handkerchiefs and gabbing about
heroes.

(Hazel gives a horrified exclamation)

Christine

Please!

9

## Act Two

"THE HUNTED"

Orin

(Starts up from his chair and makes an automatic gesture
as if to salute - mechanically)

Yes, sir.

(Then confusedly staring at her)

What the deuce - ? You sounded just like him. Don't do
that again, for heaven's sake!

(He tries to force a laugh - then shamefacedly)

I'm sorry, Vinnie. I meant to look at him the first
thing - but I got talking - I'll go in right now.

(He is starting for the door when Christine starts to her
feet)

Christine

(Her voice tense and strained)

No! Wait!

(Then angrily to Lavinia)

Can't you let your brother have a minute to rest? You can
see how wornout he is! What is the matter with you?

(Then to Orin)

I - I've hardly had a chance to say a word to you yet,
Orin - and it has been so long! Stay with me a little
while, won't you?

Orin

(Touched, coming back to her)

Of course, Mother! You come before everything!

Lavinia

(Starts to make a bitter retort, glances at Peter and
Hazel, then remarks evenly)

Very well. Only remember what I said, Orin.

(She turns her back and starts to go into the hall)

10

## Act Two

## "THE HUNTED"

### Christine

(Frightenedly)

Vinnie! Where are you going?

### Lavinia

(Does not answer her but calls back to her brother over her shoulder)

You'll come in a little while, won't you, Orin?

(She disappears across the hall. Orin gives his mother a sidelong glance of uneasy suspicion. Christine is desperately trying to appear calm. Peter and Hazel stand up, feeling uncomfortable)

### Hazel

Peter, we really must be getting home.

### Peter

Yes.

### Christine

(Automatically polite)

It was so kind of you to come.

### Hazel

(Giving her hand to Orin - shyly)

You must rest all you can now, Orin - and try not to think about things.

### Orin

You're darned kind, Hazel. I - I appreciate it. It's fine to see you again - the same as ever!

### Hazel

(Delighted but pulling her hand away shyly)

I'm glad too. Good night, Orin.

11

## Act Two

"THE HUNTED"

### Peter

(Shakes his hand)

Good night. Rest up and take it easy.

### Orin

Good night, Peter. Thanks for meeting me.

### Christine

(Goes with them to the door)

I'm afraid this isn't a very cheerful house to visit just now - but please come over again. You will do Orin more good than anyone, Hazel.

(The look of suspicion again comes to Orin's eyes and his mouth grows bitter. He sits down in the same chair at right of table. His mother comes back and sits in the chair at center, watching him uneasily)

### Orin

(Without looking at her)

What's made you take such a fancy to Hazel all of a sudden? You never used to think much of her! You didn't want me going around with her.

### Christine

(In her best gentle motherly tone)

I was selfish then. I was jealous, too, I'll confess. But all I'm going to think of from now on is your happiness. Hazel is head over heels in love with you - and I love anyone who loves you. And she is so sweet and good and - and honest! She would make a splendid wife -

### Orin

I'm not home an hour before you're trying to marry me off! You must be anxious to get rid of me - again!

### Christine

Now! You mustn't say that! If you knew how horribly lonely I've been without you -

12

## Act Two

## "THE HUNTED"

Orin

So lonely you've written me exactly two letters in the last six months!

Christine

But I wrote you much more! They must have been lost -

Orin

I received all of Hazel's letters - and Vinnie's. It's darn funny yours should be the only ones to be lost!

(Unable to hold back any longer, he bursts forth)

Who is this Captain Brant who's been calling on you?

Christine

(Prepared for this - with a puzzled air)

On me? You mean on Vinnie, don't you?

(Then as Orin stares at her, taken aback - with a smile)

Wherever did you get that silly idea? Oh, of course, I know! Vinnie must have written you the same silly nonsense she did your father.

Orin

She wrote him that? What did he do?

Christine

Why, he laughed at it, naturally! Your father was very fond of Vinnie but he knew how jealous she's always been of me and he realized she'd tell any lie she could to -

Orin

Oh, come on now, Mother! Just because you're always getting on each other's nerves it doesn't mean Vinnie would ever deliberately lie -

Christine

Oh, doesn't it though? I think you'll discover before you're much older that there isn't anything your sister will stop at - that she will even accuse me of the vilest, most horrible things -

14

## Act Two

## "THE HUNTED"

Orin

(Pressing her hand in both of his - intensely)

Do you, Mother? Do you really?

(Then he is struck by what she said about his father -
woundedly)

I knew he had it in for me - but I never thought he
went as far as to - hate me.

Christine

He did, just the same.

Orin

(With resentful bitterness)

All right then! I'll tell you the truth, Mother! I
won't pretend to you I'm sorry he's dead!

Christine

(Lowering her voice to a whisper)

Yes. I am glad too! - that he has left us alone! Oh,
how happy we'll be together, you and I, if you only won't
let Vinnie poison your mind against me with her disgusting
lies!

Orin

(Immediately uneasy again)

What lies?

(He releases her hand and stares at her, morbidly suspi-
cious)

You haven't told me about that Brant yet.

Christine

There's nothing to tell - except in Vinnie's morbid
revengeful mind! I tell you, Orin, you can't realize how
she's changed while you've been away! She's always been
a moody and strange girl, you know that, but since you've
gone she has worried and brooded until I really believe
she was a little out of her head. She got so she'd say
the most terrible things about everyone. You simply
wouldn't believe it, if I told you some of the things -

17

## Act Two

"THE HUNTED"

Orin

(Stiffening, his face hardening)

By God, I'd like to see him! His mother brought dis-
grace enough on our family without -

Christine

(Frightened, shrinking from him - forcing a smile)

Orin! Don't look like that! You're so like your father!

(Then hurrying on)

But I haven't told you the worst yet. You won't believe
it but Vinnie actually accuses me - your mother - of being
in love with that boring fool and of having met him in New
York and gone to his room! I am no better than a common
prostitute in your sister's eyes!

Orin

(Stunned)

I don't believe it! Vinnie couldn't!

Christine

She did! I told you she'd gone crazy! She even followed
me to New York, when I went to see your sick grandfather, to
spy on me. She saw me meet a man - and immediately to her
crazy brain the man was Brant. She saw me pay a call some-
where - and she was sure Brant must live in that house. Oh
it's too revolting, Orin! You don't know what I've had to
put up with from Vinnie, or you'd pity me!

Orin

(Agitatedly, staring at her, suspicion creeping back into
his tone)

Good God! Did she tell Father that? No wonder he's
dead!

(Then harshly)

Who was this man you met in New York?

18

## Act Two

## "THE HUNTED"

### Christine

It was Mr. Lamar, your grandfather's old friend who has known me ever since I was a baby! I happened to meet him and he asked me to go with him to call on his daughter.

(Then, seeing Orin wavering, pitifully)

Oh, Orin! You pretend to love me! And yet you question me as if you suspected me too! And you haven't Vinnie's excuse! You aren't out of your mind!

(She weeps hysterically)

### Orin

(Overcome at once by shame and remorse and love)

No! I swear to you!

(He throws himself on his knees beside her and puts his arm around her)

Mother! Please! Don't cry! I do love you! I do!

### Christine

I haven't told you the most horrible thing of all! Vinnie suspects me of having poisoned your father!

### Orin

(Horrified)

What! No, by God, that's too much! If that's true, she ought to be put in an asylum!

### Christine

And I am sure by this time she has convinced herself I did murder him! I know she has! She even searched my room and found some medicine I take to make me sleep, but she is so crazy I know she thinks -

(Then, with real terror, clinging to him)

Oh Orin, I'm so afraid of her! God knows what she might not do, in her state! She might even go to the police and cause a horrible scandal that would ruin all of us!

20

## Act Two

## "THE HUNTED"

### Christine

I swear to you - !

### Orin

And even then I would know it wasn't you - that it was
his doing - that damned -

(With savage vengefulness)

I'd show you then I hadn't been taught how to kill for
nothing!

### Christine

(Full of new terror now - for Brant's life - distractedly,
springing to her feet)

Orin! How can you? For God's sake, don't talk like that!
You're not like my Orin! You're cruel and horrible! You
frighten me!

(She bursts into hysterical sobbing)

### Orin

(Immediately contrite and soothing, petting her)

There, there, Mother! Ssshh! Don't cry! I've said all
I had to say! We won't ever think about it again! Sit
down! We'll talk of something else! I want to tell you
something!

(She allows him to pull her down in her chair again, trembling.
A pause. Then he asks tenderly, taking her hand)

Did you really want me to come back, Mother?

### Christine

(Has calmed herself but her eyes are still terrified and
her voice trembles)

What a foolish question, dear.

22

## Act Two

"THE HUNTED"

Christine

(Has been staring over his head, listening fascinatedly, more and more deeply moved. As he stops, a sudden agonizing tenderness for him wells up in her - with tortured longing)

Oh, if only you had never gone away! If you only hadn't let them take you from me!

(She bites her lips, trying not to break down)

Orin

(Uneasily)

But I have come back. Everything is all right now, isn't it?

Christine

(Hastily)

Yes! Yes! I didn't mean that. It had to be.

Orin

And I'll never leave you again now. I don't want to marry Hazel or anyone. I want to take care of you.

(With a tender little grin)

You're my only girl!

Christine

(Again with strange tenderness, stroking his hair - smiling)

You're a big man now, aren't you? I can't believe it. It seems only yesterday when I used to find you in your nightshirt hiding in the hall upstairs at night on the chance that I'd come up and you'd get one more goodnight kiss! Do you remember?

Orin

(With a boyish grin)

You bet I remember! And what a row there was when Father caught me! And do you remember how you used to let me

23

## Act Two

## "THE HUNTED"

Orin (continued)

brush your hair and how I loved to. He hated me doing
that, too. You've still got the same beautiful hair,
Mother. That hasn't changed.

(He reaches up and touches her hair caressingly. She
gives a little shudder of repulsion and draws away from
him but he is too happy to notice)

Oh Mother! It's going to be wonderful from now on!
We'll get Vinnie to marry Peter and there will be just
you and I!

(The sliding doors in rear are opened a little and Lavinia
slips silently in and stands looking at them)

Christine

(Immediately senses her presence - controlling a start,
harshly)

What do you want?

(Orin turns to look at his sister resentfully)

Lavinia

(As if she hadn't heard - in a flat voice)

Aren't you coming in to see Father, Orin?

Orin

(Scrambling to his feet - irritably)

Oh, all right, I'll come now.

(He hurries out past Lavinia with the air of one with a
disagreeable duty he wants to get over quickly and closes
the door with a bang behind him. Lavinia stares at her
mother a moment - then about-faces stiffly to follow him)

Christine

(Springs to her feet)

Vinnie!

(As Lavinia turns to face her - harshly)

Come here - please. I don't want to shout across the
room.

25

## Act Two

## "THE HUNTED"

### Christine (continued)

(Then suddenly all her defiant attitude collapses and she pleads wildly, seized by an hysterical terror, by something fearful she has kept hidden)

For God's sake, Vinnie, keep Orin out of this! He's still sick. He's changed. He's grown coarse and cruel! All he thinks of is death! Don't tell him about Adam! Then I would have Adam's death on my soul as well as - I couldn't live then! I would kill myself!

(Lavinia starts and her eyes light up with a cruel hatred. Again her pale lips part as if she were about to say something but she controls the impulse and, by a visible effort of will, about-faces abruptly and walks with jerky steps from the room like some tragic mechanical doll)

### Christine

(Stares after her - then as she disappears, collapses, catching at the table for support - terrifiedly)

I've got to see Adam! I've got to warn him!

(She sinks in the chair at right of table)

Curtain

5

## Act Three

# "THE HUNTED"

Orin (continued)

My God, how can you think such things of Mother? What
the hell's got into you?

(Then humoringly)

But I realize you're not yourself. I know how hard his
death has hit you. Don't you think it would be better to
postpone our talk until -

Lavinia

No!

(Bitterly)

Has she succeeded in convincing you that I'm out of my mind?
Oh Orin, how can you be so stupid?

(She goes to him and grasps him by the shoulders, bringing
her face close to his - quietly and compellingly)

Look at me! You know in your heart I am the same as I always was - your sister - who loves you, Orin!

Orin

(Moved - huskily)

Oh, you're all right. I didn't mean - I only think the
shock of his death -

Lavinia

I've never lied to you, have I? Even when we were little
you always knew I told you the truth, didn't you?

Orin

Yes - but -

Lavinia

Then you must believe I would not lie to you now!

Orin

No one is saying you'd deliberately lie. It's a question
of -

8

Act Three

"THE HUNTED"

Orin (continued)

in an asylum!

Lavinia

Orin! I swear by Father's body I am telling you the truth!
(She puts her hand on the dead man and addresses him)

Make Orin believe me, Father!

Orin

(Harshly)

Don't drag him in! He always sided with you against Mother and me!

(He suddenly grabs her arm and forces the box from her hand)

Here! Give me that!

(He slips it into his coat pocket)

Lavinia

Ah! So you are afraid it's true!

Orin

No! But I'm going to stop your damned nonsense!

Lavinia

What good do you think taking that away from me does?
There is evidence enough in his body, as an autopsy will
prove! Don't think you have frightened me with your
threats, Orin! You may prevent me for a while but I'll
go to the police sooner or later!

Orin

(Frightenedly now)

Shut up! Don't keep saying that, Vinnie!

(Then angrily)

But I'm a fool to pay any attention to you! The whole
thing is too insane! Poison! You idiot! Wouldn't
Doctor Blake have discovered - ?

9

## Act Three

# "THE HUNTED"

### Lavinia

No! Because I know from his talk she'd been to him before -
hand and fixed the idea in his mind that Father's heart was
bad! And naturally it would never enter Doctor Blake's head
to suspect murder in this house! He only found what he ex-
pected to find! And she kept talking to him all the time!
He hardly examined Father at all!

### Orin

Shut up! I won't talk to a crazy woman! But, by God, you
look out, Vinnie! You leave Mother alone or - !

### Lavinia

(Regarding him bitterly)

Poor Father! He thought the war had made a man of you! But
you're not! You're still the spoiled crybaby that she can
make a fool of whenever she pleases!

### Orin

(Stung)

That's enough from you!

### Lavinia

Oh, she warned me just now what to expect! She boasted that
you wouldn't believe me, and that even if you knew she'd
murdered Father you would be glad because you hated him!

(Then a note of entreaty in her voice)

Orin! For God's sake - here, before him! - tell me that
isn't true, at least!

### Orin

Of course, I never said that - and I don't believe she did!

(Then defensively)

But Mother means a thousand times more to me than he ever
did! I say that before him now as I would if he were alive
and could hear me!

10

Act Three

"THE HUNTED"

Lavinia

(With a calculated scornful contempt now)

Then if I can't make you see your duty one way, I will
another! If you won't help me punish her, I hope you're
not such a coward that you're willing to let her accomplice
escape!

Orin

(In a tone of awakening suspicion)

Accomplice? Who do you mean?

Lavinia

I mean the man who plotted Father's murder with her, who
must have got the poison for her! I mean the Captain Brant
I wrote you about! I mean her lover!

Orin

(Thickly, his mind confused, trying to fight back his
jealous suspicion)

You lie! She told me your rotten lies - about him - about
following her to New York. That was Mr. Lamar she met. He
took her to his house to see his daughter!

Lavinia

So that's what she told you! As if I could mistake Lamar
for Adam Brant! As if I didn't remember where the Lamars
live! What a stupid fool you are, Orin! She kisses you a
couple of times and pretends she loves her baby boy - when
she'd forgotten you were ever alive, when all she's thought
of is this lover of hers -

Orin

(Wildly)

Stop! I won't stand - !

Lavinia

When all she is thinking of right now is how she can use you
to keep me from doing anything so she'll get a chance to run
off and marry Brant and sail away to the East with him, and
you'll never see her again!

8

## Act Four- Scene One

"THE HUNTED"

Brant (continued)

(A woman's figure dressed in black, heavily veiled, moves stealthily out from the darkness between the ship and the warehouse, left. She sees the figure on the deck above her and shrinks back with a stifled gasp of fear. Brant hears the noise. Immediately his revolver is in his hand and he peers down into the shadow of the warehouse - harshly)

Who's there?

Christine

(Comes out with a cry of relief)

Adam!

Brant

Christine!

(Then quickly)

Go to the gang plank! I'll meet you there!

(She goes back. He hurries along the deck and disappears off left to meet her. Their voices are heard and a moment later they enter on the poop deck, from left. She leans against him weakly and he supports her with his arm around her)

I have to bring you this way. I bolted the door to the main deck.

Christine

I was so frightened! I wasn't sure which ship! Some drunken man came along singing -

Brant

Aye. I just got rid of him. I fired the watchman this morning so I'd be alone at night. I was hoping you'd come soon. Did that drunk see you?

Christine

No. I hid behind some boxes.

(Then frightenedly)

Why have you got that pistol?

12

Act Four - Scene One

"THE HUNTED"

Orin

But we're not sure she went on it. She may have met him
somewhere after we lost sight of her. I told you we ought
to keep closer.

Lavinia

We couldn't without running the risk of her seeing us.
Besides I knew she'd come to his ship. It's the safest
place for them to meet.

Orin

(Savagely)

He is going to find out it isn't so safe!

Lavinia

There doesn't seem to be anyone else on board. I was sure
he would be expecting her and send everyone away.

(Then grimly)

You wanted proof she is his mistress! Are you satisfied
now?

Orin

Yes! God damn that swine! Death is too good for him!
He ought to be -

Lavinia

Ssshh! Don't talk so loud!

(Glancing at him uneasily - sternly)

Orin! Remember you have promised not to lose your head!
You've got to keep cool and do everything exactly as we
planned it, so there'll be no suspicion about us! We must
wait until she leaves him! We must punish that murderer
without leaving any trace! There would be no justice if
we let ourselves -

Orin

(Impatiently)

You've said all that before. Do you think I'm a fool?
I'm not anxious to be hanged - for that skunk!

13

Act Four - Scene One

"THE HUNTED"

Orin (continued)

(Then starting for the gang plank, off left)

Let's go on board and sneak up near the transom. If it's
open we can hear what they're planning.

Lavinia

(Following him)

Be careful and make no noise!

Orin

(Grimly)

Don't worry! I've had a thorough training at this game -
thanks to you and Father!

(They disappear in the shadow between the warehouse and the wharf, at left. The scene fades out in darkness)

3

Act Five

"THE HUNTED"

Christine (continued)

(Then forcing a laugh)

Good heavens, what a bore it must be for you, listening to my gloomy thoughts! I honestly didn't send for you to pour out my woes. I wanted to ask if you or Peter had heard anything from Orin and Vinnie!

Hazel

(Surprised)

Why no. We haven't seen them since the funeral.

Christine

(Forcing a smile)

They seem to have deserted me.

(Then quickly)

I mean they should have been home before this. I can't imagine what's keeping them. Of course, I know where they were. They went to Blackridge to stay overnight at the Bradfords.

Hazel

Then there's nothing to worry about. But I don't see how they could leave you alone - just now.

Christine

Oh, that part is all right. I urged them to go. I thought a visit would distract them. They left soon after the funeral and afterwards I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to go to New York and see my father. He's sick in bed, you know, but I found him so much better I decided to come right home again last night. I expected Vinnie and Orin back this noon but here it's night and no sign of them. I - I must confess I'm worried - and frightened. You can't know the horror of being all night - alone in that house!

(She glances at the house behind her with a shudder)

Hazel

Would it help you if I stayed with you tonight? I mean if they don't come!

4

Act Five

"THE HUNTED"

Christine

(Eagerly)

Oh, would you? Would you?

(Hysterical tears come to her eyes. She kisses Hazel with impulsive gratitude)

I can't tell you how grateful I'd be! You're so kind and good! I wish you were my daughter! I wish Vinnie were like you!

(Then forcing a laugh)

But it's an imposition to ask you to face such an ordeal! I can't stay still. I'm terrified at every sound. You would have to sit up.

Hazel

(With the confident smile of health and youth)

Losing a little sleep won't hurt me any!

Christine

I mustn't sleep! If you see me falling asleep you must promise to wake me!

Hazel

But it's just what you need!

Christine

Yes - afterwards - but not now. I must keep awake.

(Suddenly - in tense desperation)

I wish Orin and Vinnie would come!

Hazel

(Worriedly)

Perhaps Orin got so sick he wasn't able to! Oh, I hope that isn't it!

(Then getting up)

If I'm going to stay all night I'll have to run home and tell Mother so she won't worry.