er chair. He is the picture
of health, his figure has filled out solidly, his tanned face
beams with suppressed exultation._)

MURRAY (_excitedly_). Eileen! I saw you leave your table. I've
something to tell you. I didn't get a chance last night after the mail
came. You'd gone to the cottage. Just listen, Eileen--it's too good to
be true--but on that mail--guess what?

EILEEN (_forgetting her depression--with an excited smile_). I know!
You've sold your story!

MURRAY (_triumphantly_). Go to the head of the class. What d'you know
about that for luck! My first, too--and only the third magazine I sent
it to! (_He cuts a joyful caper._)

EILEEN (_happily_). Isn't that wonderful, Stephen! But I knew all the
time you would. The story's so good.

MURRAY. Well, you might have known, but I didn't think there was a
chance in the world. And as for being good--(_With superior air_)--wait
till I turn loose with the real big ones, the kind I'm going to write.
Then I'll make them sit up and take notice. They can't stop me now.
This money gives me a chance to sit back and do what I please for a
while. And I haven't told you the best part. The editor wrote saying
how much he liked the yarn and asked me for more of the same kind.

EILEEN. And you've the three others about the same person--just as
good, too! Why, you'll sell them all! (_She clasps her hands
delightedly._)

MURRAY. And I can send them out right away. They're all typed, thanks
to you. That's what's brought me luck, I know. I never had a bit by
myself. (_Then, after a quick glance around to make sure they are
alone, he bends down and kisses her._) There! A token of
gratitude--even if it is against the rules.

EILEEN (_flushing--with timid happiness_). Stephen! You mustn't!
They'll see.

MURRAY (_boldly_). Let them!

EILEEN. But you know--they've warned us against being so much together,
already.

MURRAY. Let them! We'll be out of this prison soon. (Eileen _shakes her
head sadly, but he does not notice._) Oh, I wish you could leave when I
do. We'd have some celebration together.

EILEEN (_her lips trembling_). I was thinking last night--that you'd
soon be going away. You look so well. Do you think--they'll let you
go--soon?

MURRAY. You bet I do. I'm bound to go now. It's ridiculous keeping me
here when I'm as healthy as a pig. I caught Stanton in the hall last
night and asked him if I could go.

EILEEN (_anxiously_). What did he say?

MURRA