Eugene O'Neill

“ The best I've ever done was to make ends meet, and this year I can't do that without the mortgage.
ANDREW— [After a pause.] You mustn't raise the mortgage, Rob. I've got over a thousand saved, and you can have that.
ROBERT— [Firmly.] No. You need that for your start in Buenos Aires.
ANDREW—I don't. I can——
ROBERT— [Determinedly.] No, Andy! Once and for all, no! I won't hear of it!
ANDREW— [Protestingly.] You obstinate old son of a gun! [There is a pause.] Well, I'll do the best I can while I'm here. I'll get a real man to superintend things for you—if he can be got. That'll relieve you some. ”

“ Things are run down, that's a fact! It's too darn hard on poor old Rob.
RUTH— [Scornfully.] It's his own fault. He never takes any interest in things.
ANDREW— [Reprovingly.] You can't blame him. He wasn't born for it; but I know he's done his best for your sake and the old folks and the little girl.
RUTH— [Indifferently.] Yes, I suppose he has. [Gaily.] But thank the Lord, all those days are over now. The "hard luck" Rob's always blaming won't last long when you take hold, Andy. All the farm's ever needed was someone with the knack of looking ahead and preparing for what's going to happen. ”

“ You've no idea, Rob, what a splendid place Argentine is. I went around Buenos Aires quite a lot and got to know people—English speaking people, of course. The town is full of them. It's foreign capital that's developed the country, you know. I had a letter from a marine insurance chap that I'd made friends with in Hong-Kong to his brother, who's in the grain business in Buenos Aires. ”

“ The old easy-going good-nature seems to have been partly lost in a breezy, business-like briskness of voice and gesture. There is an authoritative note in his speech as though he were accustomed to give orders and have them obeyed as a matter of course. He is dressed in the simple blue uniform and cap of a merchant ship's officer. ”

“ But Buenos Aires—there's the place for you. Argentine's a country where a fellow has a chance to make good. You're right I liked it. And I'll tell you, Rob, that's right where I'm going just as soon as I've seen you folks a while and can get a ship. I don't intend to pay for my passage now I can get a berth as second officer, and I'll jump the ship when I get there. ”

“ And the Chinks and Japs and Hindus and the rest of them—you can have them! One walk down one of their filthy narrow streets with the tropic sun beating on it would sicken you for life with the "wonder and mystery" you used to dream of. ”

“ Anyway, I want to stay to home and visit with you folks a spell before I go.
RUTH— [Dumbly.] I s'pose. [With sudden anguish.] Oh, Andy, you can't go! You can't. Why we've all thought—we've all been hoping and praying you was coming home to stay, to settle down on the farm and see to things. You mustn't go! Think of how your Ma'll take on if you go—and how the farm'll be ruined if you leave it to Rob to look after. You can see that.
ANDREW— [Frowning.] Rob hasn't done so bad. When I get a man to direct things the farm'll be safe enough. ”

“ I'd have taken it on the spot, only I couldn't leave Uncle Dick in the lurch, and I'd promised you folks to come home. But I'm going back there very soon, you bet, and then you watch me get on! [He slaps ROBERT on the back.] But don't you think it's a big chance, Rob?
ROBERT—It's fine—for you, Andy.
ANDREW—We call this a farm—but you ought to hear about the farms down there—ten square miles where we've got an acre. It's a new country where big things are opening up—and I want to get in on something big before I die. That job I'm offered'll furnish the wedge. ”

“ Excuse me, Andy. This rotten headache has my nerves shot to pieces.
ANDREW— [Mumbling.] It's all right, Rob—long as you're not sore at me.
ROBERT—Where did Uncle Dick disappear to this morning?
ANDREW—He went down to the port to see to things on the Sunda. He said he didn't know exactly when he'd be back. I'll have to go down and tend to the ship when he comes. That's why I dressed up in these togs.
MARY— [Pointing down the hill to the left.] See Dada! Mama! Mama! [She jumps to her feet and starts to run down the path.] ”

“ There's nothing about it we don't both know by heart. Let's talk about something interesting. This is the first chance I've had to have a word with you alone. To the devil with the farm for the present. They think of nothing else at home. Tell me about your trip. That's what I've been anxious to hear about.
ANDREW— [With a quick glance of concern at ROBERT.] I suppose you do get an overdose of the farm at home. [Indignantly.] Say, I never realized that Ruth's mother was such an old rip 'till she talked to me this morning. [With a grin.] Phew! I pity you, Rob, when she gets on her ear! ”

“ ANDREW— [His eyes lighting up—excitedly.] Gosh, that is luck! When does she sail?
SCOTT—Tomorrow mornin'. I didn't know if you'd want to ship away agen so quick an' I told him so. 'Tell him I'll hold the berth open for him until late this afternoon,' he says. So I said I'd tell you an' I catches the first car back to town. So there you be, an' you can make your own choice.
ANDREW—I'd like to take it. There may not be another ship for Buenos Aires with a vacancy in months. [His eyes roving from ROBERT to RUTH and back again—uncertainly.] Still—damn it all—tomorrow morning is soon. ”