Part 10 (1/2)

_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!