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BEYOND THE HORIZON

points to the horizon where the edge of the sun’s disc is rising from the rim of the hills.] The sun! [He remains with his eyes fixed on it for a moment. A rattling noise throbs from his throat. He mumbles:] Remember! [And falls back and is still. Ruth gives a cry of horror and springs to her feet, shuddering, her hands over her eyes. Andrew bends on one knee beside the body, placing a hand over Robert’s heart, then he kisses his brother reverentially on the forehead and stands up.]

Andrew—[Facing Ruth, the body between them—in a dead voice.] He’s dead. [With a sudden burst of fury.] God damn you, you never told him!

Ruth—[Piteously.] He was so happy without my lying to him.

Andrew—[Pointing to the body—trembling with the violence of his rage.] This is your doing, you damn woman, you coward, you murderess! He’s dead because you’ve killed him, do you hear?

Ruth—[Sobbing.] Don’t, Andy! Stop! I couldn’t help it—and he knew how I’d suffered, too. He told you—to remember.

Andrew—[Stares at her for a moment, his rage ebbing away, an expression of deep pity gradually coming over his face. Then he glances down at his brother and speaks brokenly in a compassionate voice.] Forgive me, Ruth—for his sake. I know he was right—and I’ll remember what he said [Ruth lets her hands fall from her face and looks at him uncomprehendingly. He lifts his eyes to hers and