ROBERT. (_his voice raised loudly_) And now--I’m finding out what you’re really like--what a--a creature I’ve been living with. (_With a harsh laugh_) God! It wasn’t that I haven’t guessed how mean and small you are--but I’ve kept on telling myself that I must be wrong--like a fool!--like a damned fool!
RUTH. You were saying you’d go out on the road if it wasn’t for me. Well, you can go, and the sooner the better! I don’t care! I’ll be glad to get rid of you! The farm’ll be better off too. There’s been a curse on it ever since you took hold. So go! Go and be a tramp like you’ve always wanted. It’s all you’re good for. I can get along without you, don’t you worry. (_Exulting fiercely_) Andy’s coming back, don’t forget that! He’ll attend to things like they should be. He’ll show what a man can do! I don’t need you. Andy’s coming!
ROBERT. (_they are both standing_. ROBERT _grabs her by the shoulders and glares into her eyes_) What do you mean? (_He shakes her violently_) What are you thinking of? What’s in your evil mind, you--you---- (_His voice is a harsh shout_).
RUTH. (_in a defiant scream_) Yes I do mean it! I’d say it if you was to kill me! I do love Andy. I do! I do! I always loved him. (_Exultantly_) And he loves me! He loves me! I know he does. He always did! And you know he did, too! So go! Go if you want to!
ROBERT. (_throwing her away from him. She staggers back against the table--thickly_) You--you slut! (_He stands glaring at her as she leans back, supporting herself by the table, gasping for breath. A loud frightened whimper sounds from the awakened child in the bedroom. It continues. The man and woman stand looking at one another in horror, the extent of their terrible quarrel suddenly brought home to them. A pause. The noise of a horse and carriage comes from the road before the house. The two, suddenly struck by the same premonition, listen to it breathlessly, as to a sound heard in a dream. It stops. They hear_ ANDY’S _voice from the road shouting a long hail_--“_Ahoy there!_”)
RUTH. (_with a strangled cry of joy_) Andy! Andy! (_She rushes and grabs the knob of the screen door, about to fling it open_).
ROBERT. (_in a voice of command that forces obedience_) Stop! (_He goes to the door and gently pushes the trembling_ RUTH _away from it. The child’s crying rises to a louder pitch_) I’ll meet Andy. You better go in to Mary, Ruth. (_She looks at him defiantly for a moment, but there is something in his eyes that makes her turn and walk slowly into the bedroom_).