odness sake! [CURT hesitates, stares
at his sister frowningly as if judging her sincerity--then bends down
over her and kisses the top of her bowed head impulsively--seems about
to break down himself--grits his teeth and forces it back--glances
around at the others defiantly and resumes his pacing. ESTHER dries her
eyes, forcing a trembling smile. The cry has done her good.]

SHEFFIELD--[Clearing his throat.] I may truthfully say we all feel--as
Esther does--even if we do not give vent--[With an air of sincere
sympathy.] I know how terrible a day this must be for you, Curt. We all
do. And we feel guilty in breaking in upon the sanctity of your sorrow
in any way. But, if you will pardon my saying so, your own course of
action--the suddenness of your plans--have made it imperative that we
come to an understanding about certain things--about one thing in
particular, I might say. [He pauses. CURT goes on pacing back and forth
as if he hadn't heard.]

JAYSON--[Placatingly.] Yes, it is for the best, Curt.

ESTHER--Yes, Curt dear, you mustn't be unreasonable.

DICK--[Feeling called upon to say something.] Yes, old man, you've got
to face things like a regular. Facts are facts. [This makes everybody
uneasy.]

LILY--[Springing to her feet.] Phew! it's close in here. I'm going out
in the garden. You can call me when these--orations--are finished. [She
sweeps out scornfully.]

JAYSON--[Calling after her imperiously.] Lily! [But she doesn't answer
and he gives it up with a hopeless sigh.]

CURTIS--[Harshly.] What time is it?

SHEFFIELD--You have plenty of time to listen to what I--I should rather
say we--have to ask you, Curt. I promise to be brief. But first let me
again impress upon you that I am talking in a spirit of the deepest
friendliness and sympathy with you--as a fellow-member of the same
family, I may say--and with the highest ideals and the honor of that
family always in view. [CURT makes no comment. SHEFFIELD unconsciously
begins to adopt the alert keenness of the cross-examiner.] First, let
me ask you, is it your intention to take that five o'clock train to-day?

CURTIS--[Harshly.] I've told you that.

SHEFFIELD--And then you'll join this expedition to Asia?

CURTIS--You know that.

SHEFFIELD--To be gone five years?

CURTIS--[Shrugging his shoulders.] More or less.

SHEFFIELD--Is it your intention to return here at any time before you
leave for Asia?

CURTIS--No!

SHEFFIELD--And your determination