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—Pa’ll never forgive you. Oh, why did you want to anger him like that? You know how he feels about the farm. Oh, the whole affair is so senseless—and tragic. Why did you think you must go away?

—You know better than to ask that. You know why. [Fiercely.] I can wish you and Ruth all the good luck in the world, and I do, and I mean it; but you can’t expect me to stay around here and watch you two together, day after day—and me alone. You couldn’t expect that! I couldn’t stand it—not after all the plans I’d made to happen on this place thinking [His voice breaks.] Thinking she cared for me.

—[Putting a hand on his brother’s arm.] God! It’s horrible! I feel so guilty—to think that I should be the cause of your suffering, after we’ve been such pals all our lives. If I could have foreseen what’d happen, I swear to you I’d have never said a word to Ruth. I swear I wouldn’t have, Andy.

—I know you wouldn’t; and that would’ve been worse, for Ruth would’ve suffered then. [He pats his brother’s shoulder.] It’s best as it is. It had to be, and I’ve got to stand the gaff, that’s all. Pa’ll see how I felt—after a time. [As shakes his head]—and if he don’t—well, it can’t be helped.

—But think of Ma! God, Andy, you can’t go! You can’t!

—[Fiercely.] I’ve got to go—to get away! I’ve got to, I tell you. I’d die here. I’d kill