The Flutter of the Goldleaf; and Other Plays Part 10

_Reba_

Two--one--two, three----

(PHILO _goes to door and flings it open._)

_Philo_

Reba, go down!

(_She crosses to door, shuts it, and stands with her back against it._)

_Reba_

Not till we've had a talk, Philo. I've a right to it after what you said two years ago--when I went away to school. Have you forgotten it? Shall I tell you what you said?

_Philo_

No!

_Reba_

You said you loved me, Philo. And I believed it for two years. When I came back you were silent. I've tried to make you speak--I've got in your way--I've done everything nice girls don't do--because--I love you as much as you love _that_! (_Waves her hand toward the machine._)

_Philo_

Don't say it. It can't be true. No woman could love so much as that.

(_Goes back to table._)

_Reba_ (_following him_)

I don't ask you to love me. But let me come here and sit by you sometimes. I could be happy then--though I don't _like_ to be still.

I was going to a dance to-night.

_Philo_

A dance!

_Reba_

But I knew you were up here alone--and I had heard--oh, my dear!--that they were going to send you away. I couldn't bear it. I _had_ to come.

Oh, Philo, they shall not send you away! Dr. Seymour says all you need is a new interest.

_Philo_

To dance, perhaps!

_Reba_

Well--why not? It is fun. We were to be in fancy dress, and I was going as Night. See--(_waving her scarf_) this is my cloud--and my hair is the moon! I washed it to-day so it would be fluffy. Just see how soft it is!

_Philo_ (_touching her hair_)

How fine! Will you give me a lock, Reba?

_Reba_

Oh, yes! Where are your scissors? Here! (_Takes scissors from table._) You cut it, Philo. (_He takes scissors._) Anywhere. It's curly at the neck and temples.

_Philo_ (_cutting lock_)

I don't want a curl. (_Puts hair carefully in table drawer._) I'm making a new machine and I need long hairs for some of the parts.

_Reba_ (_raging_)

You sha'n't have it! You sha'n't!

(_Tries to open drawer. They struggle. She gets her arms about his neck._)

_Philo_ (_pus.h.i.+ng her off_)

Your throat----

(_Kisses it. She clings to him, and he sits down, holding her on his knee._)

_Reba_

I knew! I knew! Oh, Philo, you _haven't_ forgotten! You remember--everything!

_Philo_

Everything!

_Reba_

That day we went fis.h.i.+ng and----

_Philo_ (_laughing_)

Forgot the tackle!

_Reba_

And that last evening in the orchard, when you said----

_Philo_

I love you!

_Reba_