# SYNOPSIS OF SCENES:

## ACT I

**SCENE I**- Living room of the Sawters' farmhouse on the shores of Big Lake, near Verdigris Switch, Indian Territory.
Late afternoon of a Spring day in 1906.

**SCENE II**- Clabe's bedroom.
That night, about ten o'clock. And again, just before dawn.

## ACT II

**SCENE I** The living room again.
Mid-afternoon.
Thanksgiving day; the same year.

**SCENE II** The same.
Later, that night.

******

## ACT I:

### SCENE I:

The living-room of the Sawters' farm-house on the shores of Big Lake, near Verdigris Switch, Indian Territory, on a Spring afternoon in 1906. Sunset fades as the scene progresses and dark comes gradually over the land.

The room is typically comfortable and massive, with the furnishings and feeling of the period. On the walls are framed en-largements of family portraits in color -- especially one of Clabe, the son of the household, in the uniform of the U.S.Navy. The chairs are heavy and somber, most of the rugs are rag; the clock is ornate; the kerosene lamps are gaudily painted ones; the organ is complex and full-of-mirrors, the rock fireplace generous; the built-in cupboard roomy.

In one wall, a door goes to the dining-room; opposite it are windows and a glass door which goes outside to the boat landing. At the back double-sliding doors are pushed aside, and a few steps of the stair that leads upward from the hall can be seen.

All the necessities of living are gathered together in this big, tall-ceilinged, well-built house, for the place is far from anything approaching civilization. The little general store and post-office at Verdigris Switch, two miles away, is only a slight contact, parsimonious and inelegant, with the great world.

BINA, the younger daughter of the household, is playing something doleful on the organ. She is awkward and likeable, she is the ugly duckling. Her speech is loosely colloquial and ungrammatical, as is her father's. The other members of the family speak a more Orthodox English, with practically no flavoring of the backwoods.

MRS. SAWTERS comes in from the hall. She is in appearance a gentle enough woman - but she is sardonic and knowing. Her talk is apt to be barbed with puzzling inner meanings, with unpredictable and subtle ironies. Her face is flat and strong. She has long ears, pierced and ringed, a sharp and dominant nose.

1-1-2

Mrs. Sawters

Mercy, what a racket, Bina! Thought you were in the kitchen.

Bina

Everything's done, Maw. Jist about. The pig's in the oven
- and pretty as a picture.

Mrs. Sawters

I can imagine.

Bina

And I already finished the pies -- first thing this mornin'.
Two kinds.

Mrs. Sawters

Two?

Bina

Apple and cherry. Take your pick. Set down, for heaven's
sake, Maw. You been at it since daylight.

Mrs. Sawters

(Sitting)

There's a weariness in my bones.
(With a deep pleasant sigh)

Ah me! Sunday's a lonesome day. Always hated it.
(Then noticing Bina's noisy efforts)

Gloomy piece you're playing.

Bina

(Cheerfully)

I feel so gloomy!

Mrs. Sawters

Lands, when you've lived with gloom as long as I have--

Bina

You? Pshaw.

Mrs. Sawters

Yes, me. You get used to it.
(With a cackle)

Or you'd better.

Bina

You just have to keep busy or you --

(But she shuts this off, turning her mind away)
What does Vox Humana mean?

Mrs. Sawters

The human voice. It's Latin.

1-1-3

Bina

Imagine knowin' that!!

Mrs. Sawters

Oh, I went to school, child.

Bina

Ain't it funny I never could learn?

Mrs. Sawters

Every one has his own talents, I expect. Yours is cooking.
Poor child, you never took the opportunity your sister and
brother did for making your brain work. That is, by schooling, I mean.

Bina

(Still cheerful)

It wouldn't a-worked, nohow. Julie's got the brains around
here. Julie -- and you.

Mrs. Sawters

Oh, don't count on me. I'm pretty rusty, I'm afraid. Way
off here in the wilds. Brains rust, you know that?

Bina

You mean like a plough-share?

Mrs. Sawters

Like anything else you don't use. Use 'em and use 'em.
Brains, I'm talking about. Till they sparkle. Till they
shine. Yes, siree.

Bina

Uh-huh.

(Thoughtfully)

I'd rather a rusty old plough-share for me.
be

Mrs. Sawters

I think you would.

Bina

Settin' out in the rain. Or the sun. A plough-share don't
worry - but takes the weather like it comes.

(This seems to remind her)

Julie's so nervous! Always sump'n. She tires me out.

Mrs. Sawters

You oughtn't to let her worry you.

Bina

Orten't to -- but do.

INSERT on Page 1-2-59

Julie

I wish it hadn't happened.

Gard

Then why was it she said what she did?

Julie

What?

Gard

Screaming out that way.

"Julie, don't. Don't, Julie."

Julie

No! She couldn't have said that.

Gard

I couldn't make it up. I heard her. How much will you give if I keep my mouth shut?

Julie

(Deeply disturbed)

I don't make bargains.

Gard

You'll have to.

Julie

No one could believe I had anything to do with it.

Gard

You know it's the truth -

1-1-30 A

Mr. Sawters

(Starting)

Come on, Gard. If you'll carry up the shoot, I'll
Just stand back and give you a world of good advice
on the subject.

Gard

(Following)

All right, Dora. I reason a nice piece of roast
pig'll sit about hit the spot.

(Fausing to look at Julie)

If Julie cooked it.

(Mr. Sawters has disappeared)

Julie

(Non-committally)

Bina does the cooking.

Gard

(Largely)

Tell, however, done it, I'm the man can eat it.

(then!)

You lookin' mighty fine these days, Julie.

Julie

Thank you.

Gard

Been a long time since I had a chance to tell you.

(He goes out)

Bina

Well, land, let's all go in end-- Kinda hungry
myself!

Julie

Oh, Bina...etc...

1-1-5

Mrs. Sawters

Or nothing.

Bina

And Clabe's room, too. I heared her in there. Up and down,
Talkin' to herself.

Mrs. Sawters

Talking, anyway.

Bina

Talkin' to herself. Who else? Nobody's been there since Clabe
went away. Except to clean.

Mrs. Sawters

Julie goes there most every day of the week. Sundays, too.
Didn't you know?

Bina

What on earth for?

Mrs. Sawters

(Who isn't telling all she knows)

I wouldn't care to speculate on Julie and her goings-on.

Bina

(Coming to her mother)

Maw. When is Clabe comin' home?

Mrs. Sawters

Does any woman know what her children aim to do? I don't--
and never did. I don't pretend to read the future. The
past is deep enough for me, the Lord knows. Your brother'll
come home when he gets ready, or he'll stay in the navy,
and roust about till he's eighty-two and paralytic, I couldn't
say. Anyway, it's immaterial to me.

Bina

(Nettled, troubled)

That's jist the trouble, Maw. Nuthin' don't seem to make
no difference to you.

Mrs. Sawters

(Agreeably)

That's so, child. When you've seen as much as I have,
there's hardly a thing you can look at and say to yourself
"This counts. This counts a whole lot."

(Light and satiric as usual)

Maybe you'll find that out for yourself some day. I said -
Maybe.

Bina

(Piqued, a little sulky)

Paw counts, don't he?

1-1-6

Mrs. Sawters

(Quietly)

Yes. Paw counts. A lot. Hardly anybody else though, that I
can think of.

Bina

(Bursting out)

That's jist it! Paw's workin' hisself into the grave! They's
jist too much to do around here!

Mrs. Sawters

(With quiet concern)

Yes. I know. Too much land for one man to handle.

Bina

Why, with all us kids' Cherokee allotments, and what land
you and Paw own, this farm's might' nigh half a section.
It's jist too much!

Mrs. Sawters

(With a return to her easy jocularity)

I never heard any part-Indians complain before about being
given too much land.

Bina

Well, I wish the old government would jist take part of it
back. Or I wish to goodness Clabe had his belly full of the
navy by this time and would come home and pitch in and help
Paw out.

Mrs. Sawters

(With her light and maddening mockery)

Why, Bina, I never saw you so intense.

Bina

Oh, it jist makes me mad! What'd he ever go away for in the
first place!

(JULIE has come in with her pitcher of water)

Julie

(Pausing)

Who?

Bina

Clabe.

Julie

(With that slightly superior, but infinitely subtle
and secret scorn)

Maybe he had to.

Bina

You know he didn't have to!

Julie

(Smiling) Do I? It must be wonderful to read people's

1-1-7

Julie (Contd)

minds - to be able to tell them what they know and what they
don't know.

(She goes toward the stairs)

Bina

(Controlling her annoyance)

What you been doin' upstairs in your room so long?

Julie

Primping.

Bina

Primping! I don't see why. Jist because Gard and Opal are
comin' to six o'clock dinner! The Dunhams ain't nobody to
primp for.

Julie

I'm not primping for the Dunhams.

Bina

Who then?

Julie

(Cool and precise)

Myself.

(She disappears up the stairs)

Mrs. Sawters

(Slapping her thigh appreciatively)

I'll bet she is, too!

Bina

Maw, you don't reckon she's sweet on Gard Dunham, do you?

Mrs. Sawters

Sweet on a married man?

Bina

Oh no, she wouldn't be, him married and all.

Mrs. Sawters

Wouldn't she, child?

Bina

Naw, But he could be sweet on her - like he used to be 'fore
he married Opal.

Mrs. Sawters

He could be, yes. That's possible.

1-1-8

Bina

Oh, he was sparkin' her all right, all right. I heared him.
He said she was the only woman for him, and how she stirred
him all up and tied him in hard knots and - what'd he mean by
that?

Mrs. Sawters

I wouldn't care to speculate.

Bina

I guess he didn't mean a thing, for right after that he up and
married Opal 'fore you could say "Jack Robinson." The whole
thing jist puzzles me.

Mrs. Sawters

I expect it does - and I expect it always will. You're a
sweet child, Bina- your own mother admits it - but--

Bina

I ain't bright, is that it?

Mrs. Sawters

Oh, you're bright enough - in your own way. But why don't you
stick to what's easy - and keep the wrinkles out of your fore-
head? What are you scowling for, anyway?

Bina

Got up on the wrong side of the bed, I guess.

(Quietly, but with a rush of uncontrolled feeling)

Maw, if I was to leave here and go off some'eres - what would
you do?

Mrs. Sawters

Go? Where?

Bina

Oh, Claremore, Chelsea, Tahlequah - anywhere. I know I'm
ignorant, and you're ashamed of me, and I ain't never had a
feller, and I look like sump'n drug out from under a rock
and--!

Mrs. Sawters

Bina! For heaven's sake!

Bina

Won't you let me get up and get out of here? Get educated,
see things. I don't want to be a disgrace to you all my life!

Mrs. Sawters

Why, Bina, I thought you liked it here, your own home, your
family. I thought you never wanted to leave. You could have,
you know. Gone to the Seminary when Julie did. We douldn't
make you.

1-1-9

Bina

Oh, I don't know what's come over me! Shakin' aigers or
sump'n.

Mrs. Sawters

(Gently)
Lonesome?

Bina

No, not lonesome. Afraid.

Mrs. Sawters

Of what?

Bina

I don't want to die an old maid! It don't make sense, it's
just crazy, it's --

Mrs. Sawters

(Amused, but sympathetic)

It certainly is. Here, get hold of yourself. Would you want
someone to see you like that? Julie'll be coming downstairs
again any minute.

(That will bring her to her senses - and MRS. SAWTERS
knows it. It does.)

Bina

I'm all right.

Mrs. Sawters

You act plumb hysterical. I always thought you were the
one I could count on.

Bina

You can count on me, maw. Sure you can. A minute ago I
didn't know how I could last out the summer. I could a-died
dead and been happy. Stuck in my coffin with forget-me-nots
in my hair. Lawsee! I better see to things in the kitchen.

Mrs. Sawters

It's a good idea.

Bina

Drat the time! It soughta be basted - and here I set!

(At a noise at the front door)

There must be Paw.

Mrs. Sawters

I didn't hear him drive up.

Bina

I hope he remembered to get the sugar. Paw! For the cake
icin'!

(She sticks her head round into the hall)

Did you get the sugar?

1-1-10

Mr. Sawters' Voice

In the kitchen. A hundred pounds. That do you?
(He can be heard coming along the hall)

Bina

(Flying toward the dining room)

That oughta be enough.

(She snickers)

For a little bitty cake.

(She hurries out)

(Mr. Sawters comes in, a Tulsa paper several days old under his arm, and makes for his accustomed chair. He is a big, kindly man, once gusty and powerful. But the years are getting him down, and he is a little bewildered by the change. He is abstracted now, brooding on something)

Mrs. Sawters

What's new at the Switch, Dave?

Mr. Sawters

Nuthin' much. Oh, yes. They're puttin' on another train on the Frisco. Comes in at three in the mornin'.

Mrs. Sawters

That's two trains a day now. Must be a boom on.

Mr. Sawters

Country's openin' up fast. Gonna join the Union, they say.
Paper says.

Mrs. Sawters

That'll just ruin everything.

Mr. Sawters

No, I don't reckon it'll do that. It's bound to come. Lots of people rootin' for it. Jine up the two territories together is the idy. Only trouble is what to call it - Indianokla or Indiahoma. Reg'lar knock-down drag-out about it.

Mrs. Sawters

Well, there's lots of land out here.

Mrs. Sawters

And lots of people back east 'thout dirt enough to spit on.

Mrs. Sawters

The march of progress, I guess you call it.

Mr. Sawters

(Abstractedly)

Yeah.

1-1-12

Mr. Sawters (Contd)

him what he really wanted to do. Loved to see the fields
bearin', the grainary full to burstin'....

(Deeply troubled)

Ah, I don't know what's goin' on, any more- him or anything.
I see only misery and trouble ahead, the poorhouse crackin'
open its jaw. For me and mine.

Mrs. Sawters

(Smiling)

It's not that bad.

Mr. Sawters

(Deeper into himself)

And other things, too. In the night, I cain't sleep good.
I lay there in the dark. And the dark ain't friendly like it
used to be.

Mrs. Sawters

(Trying not to be reached)

Don't.

Mr. Sawters

I guess I'm gettin' old.

Mrs. Sawters

(Holding on to herself--quietly)

Not yet. Not for a while.

Mr. Sawters

You're stronger than I am.

Mrs. Sawters

No. I feel things less.

I make myself. Afraid not to.

That's weakness.

Mr. Sawters

Nuthin' strong about blur tin' out the way you feel.

Mrs. Sawters

You feel what you can't help feeling, Dave - and you're not
ashamed. That's good. That's right. You're a good man, Dave,
and you'll last. Longer'n anybody. I know you will.

Mr. Sawters

(Comforted)

I feel better, anyway.

Mrs. Sawters

Course you do. Come out in the kitchen and read your paper.

It's cozy out there. Or better--you can make yourself useful.

Beat up some egg whites for me if Bina hasn't beat you to it.

(Amused)

I like to see a man in the kitchen. A bull in a china shop.

1-1-13

Mr. Sawters

Well. Some way, I'll have to get help, though. Looks like no
one wants to work for others in this country.

Mrs. Sawters

You can't blame 'em for wanting to be their own boss.

Mr. Sawters

No, but that don't help me none. Winter wheat's froze clear
out. I took a good look on the way to Verdigris. Have to
plow up the whole west eighty and put 'er down in oats, I
guess. When? Godamighty, I only got two hands.

Mrs. Sawters

We'll find someone. What about Gard Dunham? He could pay
some of his rent money in work instead of crop.

Mr. Sawters

Could if he would.

Mrs. Sawters

Have you asked him?

Mr. Sawters

I don't like to do it.

Mrs. Sawters

I don't see why. He's a good farmer. One of the best - and
you know it.

Mr. Sawters

A married man likes to keep to hisself - in his own home.

Mrs. Sawters

He wouldn't have to live here.

Mr. Sawters

I don't see him rowin' acrost the lake ever' day to work for
me.

Mrs. Sawters

Ask and find out.

Mr. Sawters

I don't know.

Mrs. Sawters

Well, come out in the kitchen while I see if everything's
done. No good to mope. Maybe I could ask him tonight.

Mr. Sawters

Would you, Lou?

Mrs. Sawters

I'll see. Maybe.

1-1-14

Mr. Sawters

It'd shore take a load off my mind if he would.

Mrs. Sawters

(Serenely)

I asked them over just in case.

(SHE goes)

Mr. Sawters

(Following)

I wondered why you was havin' 'em over to eat. Say- he
might do it at that!

(JULIE comes down and into the room. She does a
little picking up, retrieves her father's paper from
the floor, straightens the room. She picks up one
of two dining chairs and takes it out to the dining
room. She comes back immediately for the other.
Almost to the door, she meets BINA just coming
through.)

Bina

They comin'?

Julie

I don't think yet. I didn't look.

(She goes out)

(BINA goes and looks out toward the lake)

(JULIE comes back in)

Bina

I think I can jist see 'em startin' out. Looks like a boat,
anyhow. Lands, they better hurry! It's cloudin' up!

Julie

Is everything ready?

Bina

Jist icin' the cake. Maw's doin' it. She run me out and
said to get dressed. Gollee, I'm dressed. As much as I
ever am.

Julie

You don't look very dressed up to me.

Bina

(With a faint resentment)

I ain't the dressy kind.

Julie

I don't know that I qualify.

1-1-16

Julie

(Furiously)

Oh! You silly creature! Who cleaned up upstairs? All the bedrooms? This room? For pity's sake, if you don't like the arrangement we agreed on, say so, and let's change it! The cellar's full of fruit and berries. I canned them. The backbone and sausage I put down in lard last winter we're still using. Who made all the new curtains, who keeps them in repair? If the truth were known, I do a lot more work around here then you do!

Bina

(Rettracting)

Oh, I guess you do, Julie. I don't know what's the matter with me.

Julie

If you want us to change, speak up! I hate cooking and the little druderies you're so fond of. But if you're going to be a baby, I'll change with you--and gladly. I can't bear people who're sloppy, and complaining and whining all the time!

Bina

I'm sorry, Julie.

Julie

I should think you would be! Why do you try my patience like this? You know I've got a temper.

Bina

It's just that I'm - I'm miserable.

Julie

(After a moment, dark and inward)

Yes. I know.

(But she doesn't want to discuss things like this with Bina. She goes over, puts a match to the well-laid fire, watches the flames shoot up. In the darkening room, the firelight makes an eerie illumination that does not reach the gloom-shadowed corners)

Take the chill off.

Bina

(Watching her)

You're so - so sure of yourself, Julie. You look at me like I was low or sump'n. Clabe's the same way.

1-1-17

Julie

(Sharply)

Leave Clabe out of it!

Bina

Just because he's had lots of schoolin', I guess.

Julie

He's got nothing to do with it.

Bina

You both look down on me. You know you do. You had
secrets together, too. You left me out, like I was poison!

Julie

(Getting control of herself - cold and sure)

Listen, Bina! You and I aren't anything alike. Clabe and I
are. Try to remember that. I don't think you're low - and I
don't think I'm high. I have things on my mind, too, same as
you. Things you don't even know about - and never will. But
I don't ask for your sympathy - and I don't know why you re-
quire mine all the time.

Bina

I said I was sorry.

Julie

I wonder if you are.

Bina

(Flaring up again)

Do you have to kick a body when he's down? Do you?

Julie

(Contemptuously)

Why don't you learn to finish what you begin?

(MR. & MRS. SAWTERS have come in from the dining room.

MRS. SAWTERS has Clabe's letter in her hand, as if she
had just finished reading it, and had come out expressly
to find Julie)

Mrs. Sawters

What's the matter?

Julie

(Coldly)

Nothing that would interest anyone.

Mrs. Sawters

(Who sees more than one would guess)

I see. Your father got a letter from Clabe.

1-1-18

Julie

(Holding out her hand at once)

Clabe? What does he say?

Mrs. Sawters

(With determined malice and a sardonic pleasure
coloring her anger)

I'll read it to you.

Julie

I can read it.

Mrs. Sawters

Bina hasn't heard it, either. I doubt if either of you could
make it out. More of a scrawl than hand-writing.

(She begins to read.)

"Dear Dad and Maw--" It's from San Diego, California.

"I don't like to say this, knowing the way you feel - but I
won't be able to get home this summer. And furthermore, I
won't in the fall, either - nor next winter or the following
spring - or, for that matter, ever. In two months I'll likely
be half the world away again - South Seas, Singapore, God
knows where - but far. If you want to know why, ask Julie.
Your son, Clabe."

Julie

(Involuntarily)

Not ever.

(THEY look at her for explanation. SHE is silent)

Mr. Sawters

(Impatiently)

Well? God damn it, Julie, what's behind it?

Julie

I got him to go away - but I didn't mean forever.

Mr. Sawters

You got him to?

Julie

Yes, yes--I asked him to. I _made him_ do it.

Mr. Sawters

But why?

Julie

His own good, of course.

Mr. Sawters

How do you know what's his own good? He liked farmin'. He was cut
out for it. So we've got you to thank for the hole we're in?

Julie

What hole?

1-1-19

Mr. Sawters

Do you think I can run a big farm like this single-handed?

Julie

I don't know anything about that.

Mr. Sawters

They's a lot of things that never come in to that head of
your'n. Here I been blamin' Clabe for bein' the damn fool.

Julie

I'll take whatever blame there is.

Mr. Sawters

Blame! I ain't interested in blame. I'm interested in runnin'
this farm and payin' my honest debts like any man ort to.
I'm interested in gettin' ahead - and seein' my kids get ahead.
I don't know why you have to work against me!

Julie

I've done nothing against you, that I can see.

Mr. Sawters

You've done harm against Clabe, and harm against me. For
that matter, against us all. I'd thank you to explain
yourself!

Julie

(Calmly)

I'll try to make you understand.

Mr. Sawters

(Infuriated)

And none of that God damned hoity-toityness, either! By God,
we're all jist about as good as you air!

Julie

(Coolly)

You're all perfect. You're the salt of the earth.

Mr. Sawters

Listen to her!

Mrs. Sawters

Yes, listen. I'm sure she can explain it all. Can't you, Julie?

(It's hard to recognize the malice and scorn in Mrs.
Sawters' words, so artfully does she manage them. But
JULIE knows her mother as no one else does.)

Julie

(Evenly)

Yes--and I fully intend to.

Mrs. Sawters

There, Dave. Now listen. Listen to Julie.

1-1-20

Julie

That spring, three years ago - just about this time, there was
that big box-supper over at the Verdigris School House. We
all went,

Bina

Yes, in two buggies. You went in one with Clabe, I went with
Paw and Maw. You remember, Maw.

Mrs. Sawters

I'm not apt to forget it.

Julie

Clabe was drinking. He was drinking a lot.

Mrs. Sawters

And doing other things, too, it seems to me! He got engaged to
Opal that night, out in a buggy somewhere.

Julie

Yes. He did. And afterwards he took her home. And I had to
come home with Gard Dunham.

Mr. Sawters

I don't see what all this has to do with --!

Mrs. Sawters

Dave. Just be patient, Julie'll tell you. Go on, Julie.

Julie

The next day was Sunday. In the afternoon, I went out for a
walk, out through the orchard. There were wild flowers every-
where. You could smell the blooms of the fruit trees.

Mrs. Sawters

Yes, they do smell,

(JULIE just looks at her, till even Mrs. Sawters,
who is afraid of nothing, cannot stand it, and
turns her eyes away. JULIE resumes. A new note is
in her recital. A deep and troubling emotion grips
her. She creates the scene so vividly, that her
family is spell-bound)

Julie

Where the orchard drops down to the lake-side, there's a
mossy bank.

The sun was on it.

The lake sparkled.

The water was lapping against the stones.

It was a day anyone ought to care about.

It was a day a young man ought to feel like singing-
Just for the day itself,

And for being alive--

And especially a man engaged to a girl he was mad to marry.

1-1-21

Julie (Contd)

But lying on the bank by the lake was Clabe -
And he wasn't singing.
He was crying.
I felt so sorry for him.

I tried to comfort him -but for a long time he wouldn't be
comforted.

It's not pleasant to see someone you care about, a grown man,
Your own brother,
As sick in his soul as he was.

Mrs. Sawters

(Softly)
And what did he say?

Julie

He said that he hated Opal, he was drunk, he didn't know what
he was doing, and didn't know what in God's name he was to do
now that --!

(More quietly)

More like that. Almost out of his head. So I told him to go away.

Mrs. Sawters

Without even saying Good-bye to us?

Julie

Without seeing anyone, just to hop a freight train out of
Verdigris and stay away till everybody had forgotten. It
was the only thing to do. I drove him over.

Bina

(Softly)

Poor Opal cried her eyes out for weeks.

Mr. Sawters

(Heavily)

So that's it!

Julie

(After a moment)

That's part of it.

(quickly, as if afraid to stop)

Here was his chance -forced on him, it's true -but he was
smart enough to take it! All his life he'd wanted to see
the world, to see what went on in towns and foreign lands, the
way the world was made.

Mr. Sawyers

He never wanted any such thing!

1-1-22

Julie

(Sharply, on the defensive)

He did! You don't know him the way I do. He didn't have any
secrets from me. He was sick to death of the smallness

and lonesomeness, the killing work that never let up, year
in, year out, the hum-drum grind, slaving away in the back-
woods while he was young and adventurous and all life beckoned
to him and--

Mr. Sawters

Julie!

(Quiet and sure)

He liked it here, his home. He was meant for such a life,
jist like I was. I know my boy. He's worked beside me in
the fields. I know him very well.

Julie

You think I'd lie about it?

Mr. Sawters

I think you're lyin'.

Julie

Why would I?! What reason would I have!

Mr. Sawters

I don't know. They's sump'n here too deep for me. All I know
is, I wanted him to do what he was meant to do.

Julie

He's doing it.

Mr. Sawters

I say he ain't. I'm ashamed of him.

Julie

I'm not. He had the courage not to marry a little nit-wit
like Opal and tie himself down to a few miserable clods of
earth, nothing but grime and sweat, and maybe a houseful of
brats to feed. I'm not ashamed of what he's done. I'm proud
of him!

Mrs. Sawters

He's not so proud of you.

Julie

What do you mean?

Mrs. Sawters

(Lifting the letter)

There's a post-script.

1-1-23

Julie

(With premonition)

Read it.

Mrs. Sawters

I intend to.

(Reading)

"P.S. I'm sorry if I've brought grief to you two -for you always expected great things from me. But I have to write this, this is the way things are: My life is a complete mess and the only course I see is to ruin what there is left of it. Everything I've done, Julie can have on her conscience, if she's got one. But I doubt if she has. I don't know why it is so - but there is something wrong, something awful and evil driving her. Opal told me so away back there. And Opal was right. Now I know it. And you'll never see me again the way I am, for that would mean I'd have to look on Julie's face again. And I pray God I'll never have to do that, never in this world."

Julie

(Stunned, hardly able to speak)

He said that?

Mrs. Sawters

(Offering the letter)

See for yourself.

Julie

No, I don't want to see it.

Mrs. Sawters

You may as well.

Julie

(Turning her hurt and anger on her mother)

No! Leave me alone!

(Then her voice low and tortured)

How could he say things like that?

Bina

(With quick instinctive understanding sympathy)

Oh, Julie.

Julie

(Cruel and hunted)

Save your sympathy for people who need it.

Bina

I'm sorry.

Julie

(With calm, deliberate hate)

Clabe hasn't heard the last of this. Not by a long shot.

(She turns and goes up the stairs)

1-1-24

(No one speaks for a moment, each absorbed in his
own private reactions to the scene.)

Bina

(After a moment)

Clabe'd orta be whipped.

Mrs. Sawters

Hush, child!

Bina

Well, it's awful to say things like that!

Mr. Sawters

(Deeply troubled)

It don't sound to me like Clabe.

Bina

Now Julie'll get one of her spells. Won't be able to live in
the same house with her for weeks.

Gard's Voice:

(Outside)

Howdy, howdy - Anybody home?

Bina

(Scurrying to the door to the boat landing)

Lord, they're here!

(Throwing open the door, calling out as she disappears:)

Come in, come in! Jist tie 'er up, Gard. You don't have to
take the oars in. We never do. How are you, Opal?

(The confused mumble of their greetings comes in,
above the sound of the lapping waves.)

Mrs. Sawters

(With grim amusement)

I wouldn't like to be # the Dunhams tonight--especially
Opal. Julie can be mean as a copperhead.

Mr. Sawters

I don't see much chance of gettin' Gard to - It wouldn't work.

Mrs. Sawters

You want to give up asking Gard to come help you?

Mr. Sawters

I don't know what to do. God damn it, Clabe didn't sound
like hisself to me. Never comin' back.

1-1-25

Mrs. Sawters

People change their minds.

Mr. Sawters

Usually it's too late then to do any good.

(MR. & MRS. SAWTERS light the lamps)

(The room becomes more cheerful)

(OPAL and GARD DUNHAM come into the room with BINA. OPAL is a backwoods girl, vain and not very scrupulous. But she has been thwarted rather seriously; unstable and morbidly fearful, she is bitter and very close to hysteria. GARD is muscular and slow-moving, slow-speaking, full of a heavy and tenacious cruelty, as if he felt himself cheated -- but had no intention of letting it be so forever.)

Opal

Howdy do, Mrs. Sawters? Evenin', Mr. Sawters. 'D you see
me rowin' the boat?

Mr. Sawters

We wasn't noticin', Opal.

Opal

I did, though - quite a piece. You'd think - to hear folks
talk - they was some tricks to it. Why, it's easy.

Gard

If you could call what you done, rowin'. Splashin' a round,
gettin' nowhere fast. Evenin' to you, ma'am. Hi, Dave. And
she near turned the boat over, changin' places, to boot.
Whatever you tell her not to do - that's what Opal does.
Ever' time.

Mr. Sawters

Lots of women like that.

Mrs. Sawters

I wouldn't give a whoop for a woman that didn't have some
gumption.

Gard

It's more'n gumption in Opal's case. Pure orneriness. Like
a chicken its head cut off. You don't know where she's goin'
but she's on 'er way.

Opal

I don't know why you have to belittle me all the time.

Mrs. Sawters

He doesn't mean it, Opal.

1-1-26

### Opal

Oh, he means it, all right. Jist because I made him row
across the lake 'stid of us drivin' round in the buggy. He
didn't want to come even, another thing. All he wants to do
is set at home with his shoes off. Cain't even get him to go to
church.

### Mr. Sawters

I know jist the way he feels.

### Opal

No, you don't. You wouldn't brood around and sulk and snap
at a body for nuthin'. Why cain't he tell me what he's mad
at, and get it over with, like I do - 'stid of keepin' it
in and holdin' it back, and jist pick at me and pick at me!
I'm gettin' tired of it!

### Gard

For the Lord's sake, Opal! Is this your comp'ny manners?

### Mrs. Sawters

(Perversely amused by the unpleasantness)

They say everything happens to you if you live long enough.

### Opal

I never can do nuthin' right!

### Gard

(Who's had enough of this:)

No, that's right--you cain't.

### Opal

(With a silly wail)

Oh! You see the way he does me? I won't stand for it - not
another minute. I'm goin' home!

### Mrs. Sawters

Never mind, child.
cider.

Men talk. Here, take a drink of this

### Bina

(Pouring it)

Do you good.

### Opal

(Tasting it reluctantly, grimacing)

It's hard. I cain't drink it hard!

### Mrs. Sawters

It won't hurt you a bit.

1-1-27

### Opal

(Fluttering)

Won't stay down, I know it won't! When people are mean to me--
takes a long time to get over it! I jist go to pieces!

### Gard

I wouldn't-a -brung you over if I knowed you was gonna act up.

### Bina

Let her alone, Gard. She's nervous.

### Opal

I'm high-strung, that's what I am! You don't appreciate me!

### Gard

(With cold brutality)

Oh, I know what's come over you, you can't fool me! It's
comin' to this house - where Clabe used to live.

### Opal

It ain't so! Jist listen to him!

### Gard

You never got over him turnin' you down! Your pride jist
couldn't stand it. I know all about you! Personal - I think
it served you right.

(There is an embarrassed silence. BINA comes to the rescue)

### Bina

I better dish up the dinner. Wanta come out in the kitchen
with me, Opal?

### Mrs. Sawters

Yes, you run along with Bina.

### Opal

(Her mouth drawn into a stubborn hard line)

No, I'll stay here. Less'n you need me to help, Bina.

### Bina

Laws, no -- not jist this minute, anyhow.

### Gard

Where's Julie at?

### Opal

(Who has paused on her way to the organ)

Yes. Where is Julie?

### Bina

Upstairs. She's not very well.

(She goes out)

1-1-28

Opal

Oh, that's too bad - about Julie bein' sick.

Mrs. Sawters

Oh, she's not really sick. But I don't think she'll be down.

Opal

(Deliberately)

Gard'll be sorry. We both will.

Gard

(Dangerously)

Now jist what do you mean by that, Miss Opal?

(Pleased at her successful thrust, OPAL turns her back on him; goes to the organ and begins to thump out a tune and to sing it impudently)

(JULIE appears on the-steps and comes into the room. She has changed to her best dress--and she is stunning. She is gracious, too --biding her time, dominant, calculating and driven.)

Julie

Music. How nice! Good evening, Opal!

Opal

Oh, good evenin', Julie.

Julie

You look so pretty, Opal. Doesn't she, Maw? Hello, Gard!

Gard

(Taking her offered hand)

Howdy, Julie.

Julie

We hardly ever see you any more - either one of you. It's a shame, too, - such close neighbors.

(She releases her hand)

Opal

(Spitefully)

There ain't much time for farm people to go callin'.

Julie

Then we'll just have to make time. This may be the backwoods
but we're not animals exactly--we might make as decent a
social life as we can, don't you think so? I have it! You and
Gard spend the night here.

Opal

(Unable to believe she's heard correctly)

What!

1-1-29

Julie

Yes! Why not? And - well, see for yourself. It's begun to rain, and the wind's whipping the lake pretty bad. It wouldn't be pleasant to row back. It mightn't even be safe. Besides - I insist!

Opal

Oh, we couldn't think of doin' that. Thanks so much. Could we, Gard?

Gard

Why couldn't we?

Opal

Put people out? Oh, no it wouldn't do a-tall! We'll have to get on home, Julie. Mr. Sawters'll lend us a buggy and team 'f we need it. Won't you, Mr. Sawters?

Gard

Good God, that would put 'em out, Opal! Come to your senses!

Mr. Sawters

(Smiling)

You'd better stay. You'd be welcome, and no bother.

Mrs. Sawters

Opal, you seem to be over-ruled.

Gard

We'll be right proud to stay, won't we, Opal? Tell 'em so.

Opal

(After a moment)

We'll be glad to. Thank you.

(But a deep premonition has struck her)

Julie

There, it's all settled.

(Deliberately)

I've decided to put you in Clabe's room.

Opal

(Strangely stirred)

Clabe's room?

Julie

It's the nicest room in the house. And it's right next door to mine. Maybe we could have a little talk. I've been promising myself to try to get really acquainted with you for a long time.

Bina

(Sticking her head through the door)

You folks might jist as well set down and--

(Then, noticing JULIE)

1-1-30

Bina (Contd)

For land's sake -Julie! And she's went and changed her dress!

Julie

Well, what of it!? We don't see the Dunhams every day. It's an
event! They're going to stay the night, too. Aren't you, Opal?

Opal

It looks that-a-way.

Bina

(Flabbergasted)

Well, I never!

(Then:)

You can all go in and set down! Pig's on the table 'th an
apple in his mouth. Paw can start carvin'.

Julie

Oh, Bina - here's something for you.

(She holds out Clabe's brooch, which she has been carrying
in her hand)

Bina

Clabe's brooch!

Julie

It's yours if you want it.

Bina

You mean I can have it for keeps?

Julie

Yes, of course.

Bina

Julie!

(Then suspiciously)

You think I won't wear it, but I will.

Julie

Of course wear it! Put it on right this minute.

Bina

Pin seems to be bent. It won't fasten.

Julie

Easy enough to straighten.

Bina

(Who has been struggling with it)

 Yep, now it's comin'. Looks like it had been banged up
hard against sump'n.

1-1-31

Bina (Contd)

(She puts it on)

Or more like you took it off and threw it on the floor.

Julie

I wouldn't do anything so childish. What an idea!

(Putting her arm about OPAL)

Come on, Opal! You poor thing, you must be starved!

(SHE goes out with OPAL; MR. SAWTERS and GARD follow;

BINA puts out a restraining hand to her Mother)

Bina

(In open-eyed puzzlement)

What's come over her? Why, she was even nice to Opal -- nice as pie!

Mrs. Sawters

(With her quiet mockery)

You said there were two kinds of pie. Which?

Bina

(Completely puzzled)

What?

Mrs. Sawters

I mean - the evening's just started, child.

CURTAIN:

END OF ACT I SCENE I:

1-2-3la

ACT ONE

SCENE: II

bed
Clabe's/room. 10 o'clock that
night. A beautiful room, but
shadowy and mysterious.

It is not very large, but it is not
crowded with junk, and so looks room-
ier. At one side, two windows jut
out toward the lake, from a mansard
roof. A bed stand between the two
windows, projecting into the room. It
is large and high, and has a draped
mosquito netting attached to a frame
over it.

At the back is a fireplace, and a
door, partly ajar, into Julie's room.
A roomy armoire is at the other wall,
and the door into the upstairs hall.
A lighted lamp is on a table.

MR. SAWTERS, a pipe clenched in his
teeth, is laying a fire.

MRS. SAWTERS comes in from the hall.
Music - the organ - and voices come
faintly from below, from the four
younger people. During the scene
someone begins playing a piece on
the organ, haunting and minor and
strange, the very mood of the room.
It is BINA playing - and she keeps
it up intermittently through much of
the scene.

Mrs. Sawters
I'll just turn the bed down.

Mr. Sawters
Ummm.

Mrs. Sawters
(At the bed)
Why, it's already done. Neat as a pin.

Mr. Sawters
Julie, I guess.

1-2-32

(Thoughtfully)

Yes. Julie. That's funny.

Mrs. Sawters

(Soberly, troubled)

I guess it is, at that.

Mr. Sawters

(Indicating)

Flowers on the mantel, too.

Mrs. Sawters

More Julie.

Mr. Sawters

Mrs. Sawters

Must have brought them in from her room. Why, I wonder?

Mr. Sawters

I don't like it.

Mrs. Sawters

What's she up to?

Mr. Sawters

No good is my guess.

Mrs. Sawters

Pshaw! I wouldn't take Clabe's letter too seriously.

Mr. Sawters

It ain't that. It ain't only that. Givin' 'em Clabe's room to sleep in. Why'd she do that? Always seemed to me like Julie wanted to keep everybody out of here.

(Softly)

I tried the hall door here only two days ago - wanted one of them pipes Clabe used to have so many of. The door was locked.

(Sardonically)

I got in, though. Through Julie's room.

Mrs. Sawters

'D you find the pipe?

Mr. Sawters

This is it.

Mrs. Sawters

A man can smoke a pipe when he's dying. Listen to that wind!

Mr. Sawters

Many a wind has blown around this house, Lou. It's still standing, though.

1-2-33

Mrs. Sawters

Hmmmm. A house either stands up or falls down according to
what goes on inside of it.

Mr. Sawters

I don't see that.

Mrs. Sawters

Your planning, your work, the thoughts you've thought day after
day - that's what makes a house last. That's the fire that takes
the chill off in winter, the damp off when it's raining, When
that fire dies down, the walls cave in. You lit a fire in this
house, Dave.

Mr. Sawters

What about you?

Mrs. Sawters

(Gently, softly)

You know about me, Dave.

Mr. Sawters

(Looking around, deeply aware)

Lots of things happened to us, Lou.

Mrs. Sawters

We were young married folks here in this house. I remember they
thought we were crazy to build right on the lake. The damp, they
said, would mould everything, make it rot away. They were wrong.

Mr. Sawters

It seems so long ago.

Mrs. Sawters

The children born here.

(Quietly)

Your Maw died. Edward died.

It's hard to lose your first-born. The others never seem the
same.

Mr. Sawters

(Heavily)

Yeah. The next to die'll be us, I reckon.

Mrs. Sawters

Not yet, awhile.

(Trying to rouse him out of his mood)

You're certainly all on the down side these days. Why, only
back a year or two ago, you wouldn't have said a thing like that.

Mr. Sawters

If we only had Clabe back, I could rest easier.

1-2-34

Mrs. Sawters
We haven't got him back, though.

Mr. Sawters
(Softly)
No. In a way, though, seems like he's close.

Mrs. Sawters
(Almost whispering)
It's the room. Clabe's room.

Mr. Sawters
Yeah. Almost see him.

Mrs. Sawters
Uhumm.
(The wind swirls up)

Mr. Sawters
The way he touched things, throwed his belongings on the floor.

Mrs. Sawters
Yes. I never could get him not to.

(THEY consider this a moment. His presence is very real)

Mr. Sawters
(To throw off the mood)
I better light the fire.

Mrs. Sawters
Might as well. Make it more cheerful.

(HE does)

You ought to get on to bed, Dave. You're tired. The Dunhams
won't mind.

Mr. Sawters
I still got to put the mules out in the corral.

Mrs. Sawters
Let 'em stay in. the barn one night. Won't hurt 'em.

Mr. Sawters
They tromp and rear so. And chew the troughs to pieces. You'd
think they'd ruther eat wood than oats, the way they carry on.

1-2-35

Mrs. Sawters

Well. You know best. If Gard went with you -- maybe you'd
get a chance to sound him out.

Mr. Sawters

Ummmm. It's a good idy.

Mrs. Sawters
(Becoming conscious that there are footsteps approaching,
the sound of a door opening)

I guess they're going to bed. Here's someone. It's Julie.

(JULIE comes in from her room. She looks at them sharply,
not liking their being there)

Julie

Everything was ready. I got it ready right after dinner.

Mrs. Sawters

Your Paw lit a fire.

Julie

Oh. I forgot that.

Mr. Sawters

You need a fire, a night like this.

(HE goes out into the hall)

Mrs. Sawters

I'd like to ask you something, Julie.

Julie

Some other time. It's late.

Mrs. Sawters

Not some other time. It's got to be now.

Julie

What is it then?

Mrs. Sawters

What is it you're planning?

Julie

Planning?

Mrs. Sawters

I know you very well, Julie. No use lying to me.

Julie

I haven't got any plan.

1-2-36

Mrs. Sawters

Listen, Julie - for your own good. Once when you were about
ten, you had a kitten scratch you one day when you were playing
with it. You didn't say anything, you didn't even cry. Later
on, we found that little kitten hung up in the barn loft by a
piece of binder twine. I never told anybody what I thought.

Julie

You're out of your mind, you think I -

Mrs. Sawters

Yes. I guessed then it was no accident - and I kept my mouth
shut. Oh, kids are all like that, all of 'em, sometime or
other. This wasn't like that. You were mad about something.
You were mad at Clabe.

Julie

I won't listen to such things!

Mrs. Sawters

It's no lie, Julie. To other folks you may be a mystery. But
to me, you're a looking glass - a younger, handsomer looking
glass - yes - but when I look at you I see myself.

Julie

I'm not like you, I'm not!

Mrs. Sawters

You either will be in time, or you won't be. I'd be careful.
(With deep comprehension.)

Be careful, Julie. I'm warning you. You don't know what
blackness can rise up in you and strike you blind!

(Deeply reminded)

If I hadn't married your Paw, I don't know.
(Gently)

Hate's no good. It'll kill you if you let it. There's another
side of any coin. Turn it over sometime.

Julie

Leave me alone! I can't bear to be looked through, and questioned
and accused!

Mrs. Sawters

And understood, eh, Julie? You can't bear that, can you?

Julie

You don't know a thing about me!

Mrs. Sawters

(With aloof sincerity)

I know a lot about myself. Some day, maybe I'll tell you.
I'm not what you'd call a good woman, especially. But there are
things in me that make me respect good. That's why I have to
make a stand against what I think is bad.

(Satirizing herself)

It's called character.

1-2-37

Julie

(Jeering, impatient)

Yes, of course! Character! I know!

Mrs. Sawters

(Heatedly)

It's called something else, too! It's called being a man - or
woman - a member of the human race.

(Quieter)

Anyway, I've warned you.

(Pointedly)

And you understand.

(SHE is going. She pauses)

Why did you want lake water this afternoon?

Julie

(Reluctantly)

For the flowers. They keep better in lake water.

Mrs. Sawters

Maybe so. Time will tell.

(SHE goes out)

(JULIE'S hands clench with impatience and annoyance.
She turns quickly, goes into her own room, comes out
again at once with a small colored picture. She hangs
it on the convenient nail by the fireplace)

(Opal comes in from the hall)

Opal

Oh.

Julie

(JULIE turns about quickly, sees who it is - gracious,
full of guile)

Just putting this up. It's a miniature of Clabe. Have you
ever seen it?

Opal

(Wondering what's up)

I don't think so.

(SHE comes over slowly to look)

No, I never have.

Julie

I had it made in Tulsa.
you'd like to see it.

It's like him, isn't it? I thought

Opal

(Suspiciously)

What made you think so?

1-2-38

Julie

You and Clabe were so - Well, I naturally thought that -

Opal

It don't interest me the least little bit.

Julie

I'm sorry. I made a mistake.

(SHE moves to go, her dress rustling)

You - perhaps you'd like me to go. You must be tired.

Opal

I feel fine. Only there's --

(Something is on her mind. She goes restlessly to the
window)

This wind gets me jumpy.

Julie

Does it?

Opal

It always has. Sometimes it 'pears to me it lives out there on
the lake.

Julie

What?

Opal

The wind. Its home is there. It never goes anywheres else;
it seems like. But at night it comes clawin' and scratchin'
at the winders.

Julie

It doesn't seem that way to me. If you said lake -- I could
agree with you. It must be cold at the bottom of the lake.
Cold as death. I think about that sometimes.

Opal

I wish you wouldn't talk that way!

Julie

Goodness, don't be afraid, Opal! Nothing's going to hurt you.

Opal

I'm *not* afraid.

Julie

Well, I've often thought - in spite of the chill and how lonely
a way to die - if things ever got too bad, you could easily
row out in the middle and jump out of the boat.

Opal

(On edge)

Don't say that! Please, Julie!

1-2-39

Julie

Why, Opal. I'm not talking about you. I'm talking about myself.

(OPAL'S thin little mouth is getting under control. Her really savage will comes to her rescue in time)

Opal

I think you mean me.

Julie

You think I - ?

Opal

And why shouldn't you mean me? If ever anybody had a cause to hate another - I guess you got it, far's I'm concerned. I got even with you, Julie. And they's few that has.

Julie

Of course, you realize I don't know what you mean. It sounds crazy to me.

Opal

(Who can't stand the word)

It's not crazy! I'm the only one. You can't do me a dirty trick and expect me to just lay down and let you. I'll bet you feel sick over' time you think of it. And I bet you think of it often, too.

(Maddeningly, childishly triumphant, she sits)

Yes, we're even now. So it's your next move. If you can think of one.

Julie

'If this is a game, I think I ought to know the name of it. And what you get if you win.

Opal

Oh, for God's sake! Listen, Julie. I know you kept Clabe from marryin' me.

Julie

Mercy, Opal, is that it? Why, he'd have been lucky to get you.

Opal

I know you did, no matter what you say.

Julie

If you're so sure, then, I may as well admit it.

Opal

You might as well. You might as well admit why you done it, too!

1-2-40

Julie

(Coolly)

If you must know, you weren't good enough for him.

Opal

(Contemptuously)

Where I come from, my family wouldn't have even spoke to the likes of you, Julie. Virginia people have their pride you wouldn't know about.

Julia

Really?

Opal

Maw liked to have died when I told her about Clabe and me.
You should've saw her face! She thinks to be part Cherokee
Indian is the same as bein' part nigger.

Julie

I think I'd be careful, Opal.

Opal

I'm not afraid of you.

Julie

No. Why should you be?

There's nothing to be afraid of.

Opal

I know it. Because I know what the real reason is you wouldn't
let Clabe marry me.

Julie

(With quick troubled outrage)

You were a stupid little nobody who did nothing but giggle and
air your superiority. A fine wife you'd have made!

Opal

As good as you'd make any time. But I notice you're not. Not
anyone's wife. Oh, I got even with you, all right!

Julie

How did you do that?

Opal

How did I do that! I guess you felt pretty silly when I snatched
Gard away from you, right out from under your nose!

Julie

(Laughts with relief)

Snatched! That's wonderful!

(Then with smiling superiority)

You vain little beast. I turned Gard down, do you hear? I told
him to get out of my sight, and stay out, I never wanted to lay
eyes on him again. Snatched, indeed!

1-2-41

## Opal

It ain't so.

## Julie

I suppose he's wild about you? I can see how he pampers you, won't let you lift one of your dainty little fingers. He's put you on a pedestal where he can fall down and worship. Yes, I've heard him talk to you. He despises the ground you walk on.

## Opal

He don't!

## Julie

He told me so.

## Opal

He never! You ain't saw him since we was married. So how could he tell you anything?

## Julie

He told me tonight while you were entertaining us so beautifully at the organ. And what do you say to that?

## Opal

(After a moment - feeling her defeat - but gathering her powers)

This is what I say. Gard may hate me like you say. I reckon he does. I reckon no one could treat another'n the way he does me - unless he hated me. I don't keer. I've took so much off of life I don't expect much anymore. I never got what I wanted the most - hardly ever. A rubber-tired buggy and a team of bays. Humm! Onct I'd a-give my soul for such things. Taffeta dresses, and jewels to sparkle on my hands from sunup to sundown, They wasn't for me. I had to do without.

(Triumphantly.)

But one thing I got, people'd give their lives to get. And it's mine. Mine! Clabe loves me. Try and take that away from me!

(With light scorn) Julie

I wouldn't lift a hand.

## Opal

You would, though! You done it once - and you will again! When you find out!

(Spitefully)

Quit smiling to yourself, and purring like a cat that's ate his belly full -- and look at the truth! You won out once. You had to cheat and lie and deal 'em out from the bottom -- but you won.

Only you didn't. I did.

(She thrusts two or three letters, which she has pulled from her dress, in front of Julie)

See there! Letters from Clabe. From all over - wherever he went. Eatin' his heart out.

1-2-42

Julie
(perturbed - but outwardly calm)

You wouldn't be getting letters from Clabe. Gard wouldn't allow it.

Opal

But what if Gard wouldn't know it?

Julie

He'd have found out.

Opal

You see 'em, don't you? Mr. Vance at the Post Office at the
Sauerkrauthands 'em/to me on the sly. Gard don't know.
out

Julie

I don't believe it. It's a lie. They aren't from Clabe.

Opal

You know his handwriting, don't you?

Julie

It's a little bit like it.

Opal

Maybe you'd like to read one.
(as JULIE lifts her hand)
I'll read it to you.

Julie

No. Don't.

Opal

I won't give it to you in your hand. I know you too well.

Julie

I don't care to see other people's mail, thank you.
(SHE moves as if to go)

Opal

(Triumphantly)

You know they're from him! You needn't run away, Julie. I've
get something else to tell you. Someday he'll come back. And
it's me he'll come back to, understand?

Julie

He'll never come back. He said so.

Opal

But he will, just the same! I know he will. And I'll leave Gard
then so quick he won't know what struck him!

Julie

You wouldn't do that. You're married to him.

1-2-43

Opal

Do you think that'd stop me? Not on your life! Now I know the
way Clabe feels about me. And he'll take me away from here -- and
just try to stop it this time. <u>And this time he won't come back.</u>
Neither one of us will!

Julie

You've got it all figured out, haven't you? You know exactly what
you want and how to get it, don't you?

Opal

You bet I do!

Julie

<u>Don't be too sure.</u>

Opal

If you think you're gonna tell Gard, don't waste your time. It
won't make no difference.

Julie

(Thinking it out, planning quietly, but desperately)
I won't tell Gard. It's none of my affair. I could make it mine,
though. I could stop your jeering mouth once and for all. It's
a fight you want, is it? Over what? A bunch of silly letters.
From one cheap vicious little good-for-nothing to another just
like him. Well, I promise you. I'll get those letters. I'll
burn them to ashes. And you'll nät have anything to gloat over
any more.

Opal

And how do you think you'll do that?

Julie

There are ways.

Opal

What ways?

Julie

(Her distress showing through her violence)
Ways you wouldn't know about!! I won't let you do this to me!
Never! Never!

(Then drooping)
Don't listen to what I say.

Opal

(With cool triumph)
You know when you're licked, don't you?

Julie

(Dimly)
Yes. I know.

1-2-45

Opal

(In voluntary distress)

I wish to God I knowed someone that took a -- !

(Then, suspicious again)

What're you tryin' to do?

Julie

Why, nothing. What is it?

Opal

(Sharp with distress)

You're talkin' about things that don't concern you. You're tryin' to find out things!

Julie

What things?

Opal

(Unheeding, edged, incisive)

I know your ways, wormin' yourself in when you think a body's not lookin'. I won't let you! I don't trust you futher'n you can throw a stick. I don't want to have nothin' to do with you, you hear?

(GARD has come in at the door, stands listening)

Gard

What's she up to now?

(Seeing who it is, Opal turns away, her clear and abiding hate on her face. The mood is broken)

Opal. Bina wants you.

Opal

What does she want?

Gard

How do I know? Some silly nothin' or other is my guess. Go on down and find out. She's in the sittin' room.

Opal

She knows where to look for me, 'f she wants me.

Gard

Do as I say.

Opal

(Furiously)

Who're you to order me around? I know what's on your mind, you jist wanta get rid of me so you can --!

Gard

Oh, for God's sake!

1-2-46

### Opal

(A vain and jeering triumph growing in her)

You want to be with me. You have been tryin' to all evenin'.

Only she keeps out of your way. Can't you take a hint?

Don't you know when you ain't wanted! Look at him! His
tongue hangin' out, that look in his eyes.

### Gard

Shut up!

### Opal

Well, there's Miss Uppity for you. Take a good look if you
think it'll do you any good!

(She goes out quickly)

### Gard

(Wryly)

A fine woman I picked out for myself, I guess you're thinkin'.

### Julie

(Pulling herself out of her brooding despair)

It never occurred to me.

### Gard

A man don't get much out of life, when you look at it.

### Julie

Some men get a lot.

### Gard

A lot, maybe. But not what he wants. I never did. What I
wanted the most. And still want. And still aim to get.

### Julie

(Knowing his meaning)

I'll go now.

### Gard

Not for a minute. Opal was right. I got rid of her. I
want to talk to you.

(It comes close to being a command.)

### Julie

(Impatient, nettled)

Tomorrow. Not now.

### Gard

You've kep' out of my way for a year.

### Julie

I don't have to see people I don't want to.

### Gard

You're in the same room with me now -- and you'll hear what I
got to say!