love so strong for a woman that he would beggar
himself for her sake?

{Eric.} Why, Kate!

{Kate.} What sacrifice will you make for me?
Tell me how many bright golden prospects you will
blot out for the silly woman you have married.
Quick!

{Eric.} What is it you wish?

{Kate.} _(seizing his hand)_ Eric, publish our foolish
marriage of a year ago--let it be known and
laughed at in every house and every inn-yard in the
country. Do this for me, and for heaven's sake, do
it quickly!

{Eric.} _(holding her hand)_ A little silly gossip has
upset you. It can't be, dear.

{Kate.} Then, as surely as we stand here--man
and wife--you drive me from the place where I was
born--where even every weed growing on my poor
poverty-stricken land has a voice for me; where the

women and children love and pray for me; you, the
man who has brought this ill upon my head, drive
me out! _(turns up a little)_

{Eric.} What do you mean? Where are you going?

{Kate.} To hide, abroad, anywhere, in any hole and
corner where no soul knows me. _(comes down to
front of stone C.)_

{Eric.} _(going to her)_ Kate, you have some secret
--tell me it.

{Kate.} _(with his hand in hers she turns from
him, softly)_ Can't you guess? _(sinks on stone)_

{Eric.} _(quickly)_ Kate!

{Kate.} Dear, dear husband! _(there is a pause,
then Eric raises her and kisses her)_

{Eric.} Kate, my dear, fetch me pen and ink, and
some writing paper.

_(She crosses sadly to the steps then turns to him,
half way up steps.)_

{Kate.} _(timidly)_ Husband!

{Eric.} _(thoughtfully)_ Wife! _(foot on first step)_

{Kate.} Are you angry?

{Eric.} _(taking her hands in his)_ Angry! _(runs
up to her)_ Kate, _(drawing his breath)_ you are a
wonder! _(kiss. She runs into the house.)_
_(Eric leans a moment with elbow on pillar, descends
steps, rubs his ear, one foot resting on bottom
step, then whistles "See the conquering hero
comes" and crosses to L., table and takes up his
mug of milk.)_

_(raising the mug)_ Baby's health!
_(He drinks. Kate comes out of the house, carrying
a small desk; she places it on table R.; he crosses
to her.)_

{Kate.} _(looking at the closed desk)_ There--I
haven't bro