s fist at her and
repeats like a solemn oath._) I'll get drunk this night, I'm sayin'!
I'll get drunk if my soul roasts for it--and no one in the whole world
is strong enough to stop me!

(Mrs. Brennan _turns from him with a disgusted shrug of her
shoulders and hustles_ Mary _out of the door._ Carmody, _after a
second's pause, follows them._ Eileen _lies still, looking out
into the woods with empty, desolate eyes._ Miss Howard _comes
into the room from the hall and goes to the porch, carrying a
glass of milk in her hand._)

MISS HOWARD. Here's your diet, Eileen. I forgot it until just now.
Sundays are awful days, aren't they? They get me all mixed up in my
work, with all these visitors around. Did you have a nice visit with
your folks?

EILEEN (_forcing a smile_). Yes.

MISS HOWARD. You look worn out. I hope they didn't worry you over home
affairs?

EILEEN. No.

(_She sips her milk and sets it back on the table with a shudder
of disgust._)

MISS HOWARD (_with a smile_). What a face! You'd think you were taking
poison.

EILEEN. I hate it! (_With deep passion._) I wish it was poison!

MISS HOWARD (_jokingly_). Oh, come now! That isn't a nice way to feel
on the Sabbath. (_With a meaning smile._) I've some news that'll cheer
you up, I bet. (_Archly._) Guess who's here on a visit?

EILEEN (_startled--in a frightened whisper_). Who?

MISS HOWARD. Mr. Murray. (Eileen _closes her eyes wincingly for a
moment and a shadow of pain comes over her face._) He just came about
the time your folks did. I saw him for a moment, not to speak to. He
was going to the main building--to see Doctor Stanton, I suppose.
(_Beaming--with a certain curiosity._) What do you think of that for
news?

EILEEN (_trying to conceal her agitation and assume a casual tone_). He
must have come to be examined.

MISS HOWARD (_with a meaning laugh_). Oh, I'd hardly say that was his
main reason. He does look much thinner and very tired, though. I
suppose he's been working too hard. (_In business-like tones._) Well,
I've got to get back on the job. (_She turns to the door calling back
jokingly._) He'll be in to see you, of course, so look your prettiest.

(_She goes out and shuts the door to the porch._ Eileen _gives a
frightened gasp and struggles up in bed as if she wanted to call
the nurse to return. Then she lies back in a state of great
nervous excitement, twisting her