But listen, Mama. I want you to promise me that even if it should turn out to be something worse, you’ll know I’ll soon be all right again, anyway, and you won’t worry yourself sick, and you’ll keep on taking care of yourself—

MARY (frightenedly). I won’t listen when you’re so silly! There’s absolutely no reason to talk as if you expected something dreadful! Of course, I promise you. I give you my sacred word of honor! (Then with a sad bitterness.) But I suppose you’re remembering I’ve promised before on my word of honor.

EDMUND. No!

MARY (her bitterness receding into a resigned helplessness). I’m not blaming you, dear. How can you help it? How can any one of us forget? (Strangely.) That’s what makes it so hard—for all of us. We can’t forget.

EDMUND (grabs her shoulder). Mama! Stop it!

MARY (forcing a smile). All right, dear. I didn’t mean to be so gloomy. Don’t mind me. Here. Let me feel your head. Why, it’s nice and cool. You certainly haven’t any fever now.

EDMUND. Forget! It’s you—

MARY. But I’m quite all right, dear. (With a quick, strange, calculating, almost sly glance at him.) Except I naturally feel tired and nervous this morning, after such a bad night. I really ought to go upstairs and lie down until lunch time and take a nap. (He gives her an instinctive look of suspicion—then, ashamed of himself, looks quickly away. She hurries on nervously.) What are you going to do? Read here? It would be much better for you to go out in the fresh air and sunshine. But don’t get overheated, remember. Be sure and wear a hat. (She stops, looking straight at him now. He avoids her eyes. There is a tense pause. Then she speaks jeeringly.) Or are you afraid to trust me alone?

EDMUND (tormentedly). No! Can’t you stop talking like that! I think you ought to take a nap. (He goes to the screen door—forcing a joking tone.) I’ll go down and help Jamie bear up. I love to lie in the shade and watch him work. (He forces a laugh in which she makes herself join. Then he goes out on the porch and disappears down the steps. Her first reaction is one of relief. She appears to relax.