GAYNOR (_after a pause in which he is studying_ Nicholls). Do you
happen to be any relative to the Albert Nicholls who is superintendent
over at the Downs Manufacturing Company?
NICHOLLS (_smiling_). He's sort of a near relative--my father.
GAYNOR. Ah, yes?
NICHOLLS (_with satisfaction_). I work for the Downs Company
myself--bookkeeper----
GAYNOR. Miss Carmody--the sick girl upstairs--she had a position there
also, didn't she, before her mother died?
NICHOLLS. Yes. She had a job as stenographer for a time. When she
graduated from the business college course--I was already working at
the Downs--and through my father's influence--you understand. (Gaynor
_nods curtly._) She was getting on finely, too, and liked the work.
It's too bad--her mother's death, I mean--forcing her to give it up and
come home to take care of those kids.
GAYNOR. It's a damn shame. That's the main cause of her breakdown.
NICHOLLS (_frowning_). I've noticed she's been looking badly lately. So
that's the trouble? Well, it's all her father's fault--and her own,
too, because whenever I raised a kick about his making a slave of her,
she always defended him. (_With a quick glance at the Doctor--in a
confidential tone._) Between us, Carmody's as selfish as they make 'em,
if you want my opinion.
GAYNOR (_with a growl_). He's a hog on two legs.
NICHOLLS (_with a gratified smile_). You bet! (_With a patronising
air._) I hope to get Eileen away from all this as soon as--things pick
up a little. (_Making haste to explain his connection with the dubious
household._) Eileen and I have gone around together for years--went to
Grammar and High School together--in different classes, of course.
She's really a corker--very different from the rest of the family
you've seen--like her mother. She's really educated and knows a
lot--used to carry off all the prizes at school. My folks like her
awfully well. Of course, they'd never stand for--him.
GAYNOR. You'll excuse my curiosity--I've a good reason for it--but you
and Miss Carmody are engaged, aren't you? Carmody said you were.
NICHOLLS (_embarrassed_). Why, yes, in a way--but nothing definite--no
official announcement or anything of that kind. It's all in the future.
We have to wait, you know. (_With a sentimental smile._) We've been
sort of engaged for years, you might say. It's always been sort of
understood between us. (_He laughs awkwardly._)
GAYNOR (_gravely_). Then I can be frank with you. I'd like to be
because I may need your help. I don't put much faith in any promise
Carmody makes. Besides, you're bound to know anyway. She'd tell you.
NICHOLLS (_a look of apprehension coming over his face_). Is it--about
her sickness?
GAYNOR. Yes.
NICHOLLS. Then--it's serious?
GAYNOR. It's pulmonary tuberculosis--consumption.
NICHOLLS (_stunned_). Consumption? Good heavens! (_After a dazed
pause--lamely._) Are you sure, Doctor?
GAYNOR. Positive. (Nicholls _stares at him with vaguely frightened
eyes._) It's had a good start--thanks to her father's blind
selfishness--but let's hope that can be overcome. The important thing
is to ship her off to a sanatorium immediately. Carmody wouldn't hear
of it at first. However, I managed to bully him into consenting; but I
don't trust his word. That's where you can be of help. It's up to you
to convince him that it's imperative she be sent away at once--for the
safety of those around her as well as her own.
NICHOLLS (_confusedly_). I'll do my best, Doctor. (_As if he couldn't
yet believe his ears--shuddering!_) Good heavens! She never said a word
about--being so ill. She's had a cold. But, Doctor--do you think this
sanatorium will----?
GAYNOR (_with hearty hopefulness_). Most certainly. She has every
chance. The Hill Farm has a really surprising record of arrested
cases--as good as any place in the country. Of course, she'll never be
able to live as carelessly as before, even after the most favourable
results. She'll have to take care of herself. (_Apologetically._) I'm
telling you all this as being the one most intimately concerned. I
don't count Carmody. You are the one who will have to assume
responsibility for her welfare when she returns to everyday life.
NICHOLLS (_answering as if he were merely talking to screen the
thoughts in his mind_). Yes--certainly. Where is this sanatorium,
Doctor--very far away?
GAYNOR. Half an hour by train to the town. The sanatorium is two miles
out on the hills--a nice drive. You'll be able to see her whenever
you've a day off. It's a pleasant trip.
NICHOLLS (_a look of horrified realisation has been creeping into his
eyes_). You said--Eileen ought to be sent away--for the sake of those
around her----?
GAYNOR. That's obvious. T.B. is extremely contagious, you must know
that. Yet I'll bet she's been fondling and kissing those brothers and
sisters of hers regardless. (_Nicholls fidgets uneasily on his chair._)
And look at this house sealed tight against the fresh air! Not a window
open an inch! (_Fuming._) That's what we're up against in the fight
with T.B.--a total ignorance of the commonest methods of prevention----
NICHOLLS (_his eyes shiftily avoiding the doctor's face_). Then the
kids might have gotten it--by kissing Eileen?
GAYNOR. It stands to reason that's a common means of communication.
NICHOLLS (_very much shaken_). Yes. I suppose it must be. But that's
terrible, isn't it? (_With sudden volubility, evidently extremely
anxious to wind up this conversation and conceal his thoughts from_
Gaynor.) I'll promise you, Doctor, I'll tell Carmody straight what's
what. He'll pay attention to me or I'll know the reason why.
GAYNOR (_getting to his feet and picking up his overcoat_). Good boy!
You've probably saved me a disagreeable squabble. I won't wait for
Carmody. The sight of him makes me lose my temper. Tell him I'll be
back to-morrow with definite information about the sanatorium.
NICHOLLS (_helping him on with his overcoat, anxious to have him go_).
All right, Doctor.
GAYNOR (_puts on his hat_). And do your best to cheer the patient up
when you talk to her. Give her confidence in her ability to get well.
That's half the battle. And she'll believe it, coming from you.
NICHOLLS (_hastily_). Yes, yes, I'll do all I can.
GAYNOR (_turns to the door and shakes_ Nicholls' _hand
sympathetically_). And don't take it to heart too much yourself.
There's every hope, remember that. In six months she'll come back to
you her old self again.
NICHOLLS (_nervously_). It's hard on a fellow--so suddenly--but I'll
remember--and---- (_Abruptly_). Good night, Doctor.
GAYNOR. Good night.
(_He goes out. The outer door is heard shutting behind him._
Nicholls _closes the door, rear, and comes back and sits in the
chair in front of table. He rests his chin on his hands and
stares before him, a look of desperate, frightened calculation
coming into his eyes._ Carmody _is heard clumping heavily down
the stairs. A moment later he enters. His expression is glum and
irritated._)
CARMODY (_coming forward to his chair by the stove_). Has he gone away?
NICHOLLS (_turning on him with a look of repulsion_). Yes. He told me
to tell you he'd be back to-morrow with definite information--about the
sanatorium business.
CARMODY (_darkly_). Oho, he did, did he? Maybe I'll surprise him. I'm
thinkin' it's lyin' he is about Eileen's sickness, and her lookin' as
fresh as a daisy with the high colour in her cheeks when I saw her now.
NICHOLLS (_impatiently_). That's silly, Mr. Carmody. Gaynor knows his
business. (_After a moment's hesitation._) He told me all about
Eileen's sickness.
CARMODY (_resentfully_). Did he now, the auld monkey! Small thanks to
him to be tellin' our secrets to the town.
NICHOLLS (_exasperated_). I didn't want to learn your affairs. He only
told me because you'd said I and Eileen were engaged. You're the one
who was telling--secrets.
CARMODY (_irritated_). Ara, don't be talkin'! That's no secret at all
with the whole town watchin' Eileen and you spoonin' together from the
time you was kids.
NICHOLLS (_vindictively_). Well, the whole town is liable to find
out---- (_He checks himself._)
CARMODY (_too absorbed in his own troubles to notice this threat_). To
hell with the town and all in it! I've troubles enough of my own. So he
told you he'd send Eileen away to the hospital? I've half a mind not to
let him--and let him try to make me! (_With a frown._) But Eileen
herself says she's wantin' to go, now. (_Angrily._) It's all that
divil's notion he put in her head that the children'd be catchin' her
sickness that makes her willin' to go.
NICHOLLS (_with a superior air_). From what he told me, I should say it
was the only thing for Eileen to do if she wants to get well quickly.
(_Spitefully._) And I'd certainly not go against Gaynor, if I was you.
He told me he'd make it hot for you if you did. He will, too, you can
bet on that. He's that kind.
CARMODY (_worriedly_). He's a divil. But what can he do--him and his
Sasiety? I'm her father.
NICHOLLS (_seeing_ Carmody's _uneasiness, with revengeful
satisfaction_). Oh, he'll do what he says, don't worry! You'll make a
mistake if you think he's bluffing. It'd probably get in all the papers
about you refusing. Every one would be down on you. (_As a last
jab--spitefully._) You might even lose your job over it, people would
be so sore.
CARMODY (_jumping to his feet_). Ah, divil take him! Let him send her
where he wants, then. I'll not be sayin' a word.
NICHOLLS (_as an afterthought_). And, honestly, Mr. Carmody, I don't
see how you can object for a second--after he's told you it's
absolutely necessary for Eileen to go away. (_Seeing_ Carmody's _shaken
condition, he finishes boldly._) You've some feeling for your own
daughter, haven't you? You'd be a fine father if you hadn't!
CARMODY (_apprehensively_). Whisht! She might hear you. But you're
right. Let her do what she's wishful to, _and_ get well soon.
NICHOLLS (_complacently--feeling his duty in the matter well done_).
That's the right spirit. I knew you'd see it that way. And you and I'll
do all we can to help her. (_He gets to his feet._) Well, I guess I'll
have to go. Tell Eileen----
CARMODY. You're not goin'? Sure, Eileen is puttin' on her clothes to
come down and have a look at you. She'll be here in a jiffy. Sit down
now, and wait for her.
NICHOLLS (_suddenly panic-stricken by the prospect of facing her_).
No--no--I can't stay--I only came for a moment--I've got an
appointment--honestly. Besides, it isn't right for her to be up. She's
too weak. It'll make her worse. You should have told her.
(_The door in the rear is opened and_ Eileen _enters. She is
just over eighteen. Her wavy mass of dark hair is parted in the
middle and combed low on her forehead, covering her ears, to a
knot at the back of her head. The oval of her face is spoiled by
a long, rather heavy Irish jaw contrasting with the delicacy of
her other features. Her eyes are large and blue, confident in
their compelling candour and sweetness; her lips, full and red,
half-open over strong, even teeth, droop at the corners into
an expression of wistful sadness; her clear complexion is
unnaturally striking in its contrasting colours, rose and white;
her figure is slight and undeveloped. She wears a plain black
dress with a bit of white at the neck and wrists. She stands
looking appealingly at_ Nicholls, _who avoids her glance. Her
eyes have a startled, stunned expression as if the doctor's
verdict were still in her ears._)
EILEEN (_faintly--forcing a smile_). Good evening, Fred. (_Her eyes
search his face anxiously._)
NICHOLLS (_confusedly_). Hello, Eileen. I'm so sorry to---- (_Clumsily
trying to cover up his confusion, he goes over and leads her to a
chair._) You must sit down. You've got to take care of yourself. You
never ought to have got up to-night.
EILEEN (_sits down_). I wanted to talk to you. (_She raises her face
with a pitiful smile._ Nicholls _hurriedly moves back to his own
chair._)
NICHOLLS (_almost brusquely_). I could have talked to you from the
hall. You're silly to take chances just now.
(Eileen's _eyes show her hurt at his tone._)
CARMODY (_seeing his chance--hastily_). You'll be stayin' a while now,
Fred? I'll take a walk down the road. I'm needin' a drink to clear my
wits. (_He goes to the door in rear._)
EILEEN (_reproachfully_). You won't be long, Father? And please
don't--you know.
CARMODY (_exasperated_). Sure who wouldn't get drunk with all the
sorrows of the world piled on him? (_He stamps out. A moment later the
outside door bangs behind him._ Eileen _sighs._ Nicholls _walks up and
down with his eyes on the floor._)
NICHOLLS (_furious at_ Carmody _for having left him in this
situation_). Honestly, Eileen, your father is the limit. I don't see
how you stand for him. He's the most selfish----
EILEEN (_gently_). Sssh! You mustn't, Fred. He's not to blame. He just
doesn't understand. (Nicholls _snorts disdainfully._) Don't! Let's not
talk about him now. We won't have many more evenings together for a
long, long time. Did father or the Doctor tell you---- (_She falters._)
NICHOLLS (_not looking at her--glumly_). Everything there was to tell,
I guess.
EILEEN (_hastening to comfort him_). You mustn't worry, Fred. Please
don't! It'd make it so much worse for me if I thought you did. I'll be
all right. I'll do exactly what they tell me, and in a few months I'll
be back so fat and healthy you won't know me.
NICHOLLS (_lamely_). Oh, there's no doubt of that. No one's worrying
about your not getting well quick.
EILEEN. It won't be long. We can write often, and it isn't far away.
You can come out and see me every Sunday--if you want to.
NICHOLLS (_hastily_). Of course I will!
EILEEN (_looking at his face searchingly_). Why do you act so funny?
Why don't you sit down--here, by me? Don't you want to?
NICHOLLS (_drawing up a chair by hers--flushing guiltily_). I--I'm all
flustered, Eileen. I don't know what I'm doing.
EILEEN (_putting her hand on his knee_). Poor Fred! I'm so sorry I have
to go. I didn't want to at first. I knew how hard it would be on father
and the kids--especially little Mary. (_Her voice trembles a bit._) And
then the doctor said if I stayed I'd be putting them all in danger. He
even ordered me not to kiss them any more. (_She bites her lip to
restrain a sob--then coughs, a soft, husky cough._ Nicholls _shrinks
away from her to the edge of his chair, his eyes shifting nervously
with fright._ Eileen _continues gently._) So I've got to go and get
well, don't you see?
NICHOLLS (_wetting his dry lips_). Yes--it's better.
EILEEN (_sadly_). I'll miss the kids so much. Taking care of them has
meant so much to me since mother died. (_With a half-sob she suddenly
throws her arms about his neck and hides her face on his shoulder. He
shudders and fights against an impulse to push her away._) But I'll
miss you most of all, Fred. (_She lifts her lips towards his, expecting
a kiss. He seems about to kiss her--then averts his face with a
shrinking movement, pretending he hasn't seen._ Eileen's _eyes grow
wide with horror. She throws herself back into her chair, staring
accusingly at_ Nicholls. _She speaks chokingly._) Fred! Why--why didn't
you kiss--what is it? Are you--afraid? (_With a moaning sound._) Oooh!
NICHOLLS (_goaded by this accusation into a display of manhood, seizes
her fiercely by the arms_). No! What--what d'you mean? (_He tries to
kiss her, but she hides her face._)
EILEEN (_in a muffled voice of hysterical self-accusation, pushing his
head away_). No, no, you mustn't! I was wrong. The doctor told you not
to, didn't he? Please don't, Fred! It would be awful if anything
happened to you--through me. (Nicholls _gives up his attempts, recalled
to caution by her words. She raises her face and tries to force a smile
through her tears._) But you can kiss me on the forehead, Fred. That
can't do any harm. (_His face crimson, he does so. She laughs
hysterically._) It seems so silly--being kissed that way--by you. (_She
gulps back a sob and continued to attempt to joke._) I'll have to get
used to it, won't I?