ROBERT. (_much moved_) Thank you, Pa. (_He grips his father’s hand in his_).
ANDREW. (_his face tense and drawn comes forward and holds out his hand, forcing a smile_) I guess it’s my turn to offer congratulations, isn’t it?
ROBERT. (_with a startled cry when his brother appears before him so suddenly_) Andy! (_Confused_) Why--I--I didn’t see you. Were you here when----
ANDREW. I heard everything you said; and here’s wishing you every happiness, you and Ruth. You both deserve the best there is.
ROBERT. (_taking his hand_) Thanks, Andy, it’s fine of you to---- (_His voice dies away as he sees the pain in_ ANDREW’S _eyes_).
ANDREW. (_giving his brother’s hand a final grip_) Good luck to you both! (_He turns away and goes back to the rear where he bends over the lantern, fumbling with it to hide his emotion from the others_).
MRS. MAYO. (_to the_ CAPTAIN, _who has been too flabbergasted by_ ROBERT’S _decision to say a word_) What’s the matter, Dick? Aren’t you going to congratulate Robbie?
SCOTT. (_embarrassed_) Of course I be! (_He gets to his feet and shakes_ ROBERT’S _hand, muttering a vague_) Luck to you, boy. (_He stands beside_ ROBERT _as if he wanted to say something more but doesn’t know how to go about it_).
SCOTT. So you’re not acomin’ on the _Sunda_ with me? (_His voice indicates disbelief_).
ROBERT. I can’t, Uncle--not now. I wouldn’t miss it for anything else in the world under any other circumstances. (_He sighs unconsciously_) But you see I’ve found--a bigger dream. (_Then with joyous high spirits_) I want you all to understand one thing--I’m not going to be a loafer on your hands any longer. This means the beginning of a new life for me in every way. I’m going to settle right down and take a real interest in the farm, and do my share. I’ll prove to you, Pa, that I’m as good a Mayo as you are--or Andy, when I want to be.
MAYO. (_kindly but skeptically_) That’s the right spirit, Robert. Ain’t none of us doubts your willin’ness, but you ain’t never learned----
ROBERT. Then I’m going to start learning right away, and you’ll teach me, won’t you?
MAYO. (_mollifyingly_) Of course I will, boy, and be glad to, only you’d best go easy at first.
SCOTT. (_who has listened to this conversation in mingled consternation and amazement_) You don’t mean to tell me you’re goin’ to let him stay, do you, James?