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108 up to then. We’d swore we’d never have children, we never forgot to be careful for two whole years. Then one night we’d both gone to a dance, we’d both had a little punch to drink, just enough—to forget—driving home in the moonlight—that moonlight!—such little things at the back of big things!

[In a dull moan]

I don’t believe you! I won’t believe you!

[Drones on]

My husband, Sammy’s father, in spite of all he and I fought against it, he finally gave in to it when Sammy was only eight, he couldn’t keep up any more living in fear for Sammy, thinking any minute the curse might get him, every time he was sick, or had a headache, or bumped his head, or started crying, or had a nightmare and screamed, or said something queer like children do naturally.

[A bit stridently]

Living like that with that fear is awful torment! I know that! I went through it by his side! It nearly drove me crazy, too—but I didn’t have it in my blood! And that’s why I’m telling you! You got to see you can’t, Nina!

[Suddenly breaking out—frenziedly]

I don’t believe you! I don’t believe Sam would ever have married me if he knew—!