Page:Beyond the Horizon (1920).djvu/77

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—[Soothingly—again putting his hands on his brother’s shoulder.] It’s no use fussing any more, Rob. It’s done. [Affectionately.] You’ll forget anything I said to hurt when I was mad, won’t you? I wanted to keep you out of it.

—Oh, Andy, it’s me who ought to be asking your forgiveness for the suffering I’ve brought on you.

—[Forcing a smile] I guess Ruth’s got a right to have who she likes; you ain’t to blame for that. She made a good choice—and God bless her for it!

—Andy! Oh, I wish I could tell you half I feel of how fine you are!

—[Interrupting him quickly.] Shut up! Let’s go to bed. We’ve talked long enough, and I’ve got to be up long before sun-up. You, too, if you’re going to drive us down.

—Yes. Yes.

—[Turning down the lamp.] And I’ve got to pack yet. [He yawns with utter weariness.] I’m as tired as if I’d been plowing twenty-four hours at a stretch. [Dully.] I feel—dead. [ covers his face again with his hands. shakes his head as if to get rid of his thoughts, and continues with a poor attempt at cheery briskness.] I’m going to douse the light. Come on. [He slaps his brother on the back. docs not move.  ''bends over and blows out the lamp. His voice comes from the darkness''.] Don’t sit there mourn-