have seen the other side of many hills. But the horizon is as far away and as luring as ever. [He turns to her—softly.] Do you understand now, Ruth.?
Ruth—[Spellbound, in a whisper.] Yes.
Robert—You feel it then?
Ruth—Yes, yes, I do! [Unconsciously she snuggles close against his side. His arm steals about her as if he were not aware of the action.] Oh, Rob, how could I help feeling it? You tell things so beautifully!
Robert—[Suddenly realizing that his arm is around her, and that her head is resting on his shoulder, gently takes his arm away. Ruth, brought back to herself, is overcome with confusion.] So now you know why I’m going. It’s for that reason—that and one other.
Ruth—You’ve another? Then you must tell me that, too.
Robert—[Looking at her searchingly. She drops her eyes before his gaze.] I wonder if I ought to. I wonder if you’d really care to hear it—if you knew. You’ll promise not to be angry—whatever it is?
Ruth—[Softly, her face still averted.] Yes, I promise.
Robert—[Simply.] I love you. That’s the other reason.
Ruth—[Hiding her face in her hands.] Oh, Rob!
Robert—You must let me finish now I’ve begun. I wasn’t going to tell you, but I feel I have to. It
