Part 37 (1/2)

[STERLING'S _body relaxes and sets. The letter drops from his lifeless hands._

[BLANCHE _enters with_ RUTH, _followed by_ RICHARD, _who rides a stick with a horse's head and wears a soldier's cap._

RICHARD. Merry Christmas, father!

BLANCHE. [_Going toward the sofa._] d.i.c.k!

RICHARD. Merry Christmas, father!

BLANCHE. s.h.!.+ Father's asleep.

[_They steal back toward the other door when_ WARDEN _enters Right._

WARDEN. Oh, you are here! I went down into the drawing-room where I left you.

BLANCHE. s.h.!.+

[_She points to_ STERLING, _who lies apparently asleep. They speak in lowered voices._

WARDEN. Yes, I have a message for you from him.

[_Looking at_ RICHARD _and_ RUTH.