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intend doin’ is just skulkin’ out o’ your rightful responsibility.

—[Looking at the floor—simply.] I’m sorry, Pa. [After a slight pause.] It’s no use talking any more about it.

—[In relief.] There! I knew Andy’d come to his senses!

—Don’t get the wrong idea, Ma. I’m not backing out.

—You mean you’re goin’ in spite of—everythin’?

—Yes. I’m going. I want to—and—I’ve got to. [He looks at his father defiantly.] I feel I oughtn’t to miss this chance to go out into the world and see things, and—I want to go.

—[With bitter scorn.] So—you want to go out into the world and see thin’s! [His voice raised and quivering with anger.] I never thought I’d live to see the day when a son o’ mine ’d look me in the face and tell a bare-faced lie! [Bursting out.] You’re a liar, Andy Mayo, and a mean one to boot!

—James!

—Pa!

—Steady there, Jim!

—[Waving their protests aside.] He is and he knows it.

—[His face flushed.] I won’t argue with you, Pa. You can think as badly of me as you like. I can’t help that. Let’s not talk about it any more.