His eyes close, but suddenly he starts
violently and tries to rise, but cannot, crying out faintly._
STERLING. Good God--the money! I forgot the money--who'll pay my debts?
Ah, this is a fitting climax for my life--the weakest, dirtiest thing
I've done--[_He gets the letter from his pocket and holds it in his
hand; the light of the afternoon grows slowly dim, like his fading sight
and senses. He murmurs twice in a faint, drowsy voice._] Coward! Coward!
[BLANCHE, _in the hall outside Right, calls his name._
BLANCHE. Dick!
[STERLING'S _body relaxes and sets. The letter drops from his lifeless
hands._
[BLANCHE _enters with_ RUTH, _followed by_ RICHARD, _who rides a stick
with a horse's head and wears a soldier's cap._
RICHARD. Merry Christmas, father!
BLANCHE. [_Going toward the sofa._] Dick!
RICHARD. Merry Christmas, father!
BLANCHE. Sh! Father's asleep.
[_They steal back toward the other door when_ WARDEN _enters Right._
WARDEN. Oh, you are here! I went down into the drawing-room where I left
you.
BLANCHE. Sh!
[_She points to_ STERLING, _who lies apparently asleep. They speak in
lowered voices._
WARDEN. Yes, I have a message for you from him.
[_Looking at_ RICHARD _and_ RUTH.
RUTH. [_Who understands.
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