(_He glances at her. She is not looking at him but staring dully in
front of her, not hearing a word he is saying._) Annie! (_She comes to
herself with a start._) Best turn in, Annie, there's a good woman. You
ain't well. MRS. KEENEY (_resisting his attempts to guide her to the
door in rear_). David! Won't you please turn back? KEENEY (_gently_). I
can't, Annie--not yet awhile. You don't see my meanin'. I got to git the
ile. MRS. KEENEY. It'd be different if you needed the money, but you
don't. You've got more than plenty. KEENEY (_impatiently_). It ain't the
money I'm thinkin' of. D'you think I'm as mean as that? MRS. KEENEY
(_dully_). No--I don't know--I can't understand--(_Intensely_) Oh, I
want to be home in the old house once more and see my own kitchen again,
and hear a woman's voice talking to me and be able to talk to her. Two
years! It seems so long ago--as if I'd been dead and could never go
back. KEENEY (_worried by her strange tone and the far-away look in her
eyes_). Best go to bed, Annie. You ain't well. MRS. KEENEY (_not
appearing to hear him_). I used to be lonely when you were away. I used
to think Homeport was a stupid, monotonous place. Then I used to go down
on the beach, especially when it was windy and the breakers were rolling
in, and I'd dream of the fine free life you must be leading. (_She gives
a laugh w
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