Strange Interlude by Eugene O'Neill read by Part 2/2 | Full Audio Book

This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. ACT NINE SCENE Several months later. A terrace on the Evans estate on Long Island. In the rear, the terrace overlooks a small harbour, with the ocean behind. On the right is a side entrance of the pretentious villa. On the left is a hedge with an arched gateway, leading to a garden. The terrace is paved with rough stone. There is a stone bench at centre, a recliner at right, a wicker table and armchair at left. It is late afternoon of a day in early fall. Gordon Evans is sitting on the stone bench, his chin propped on his hands, Madeleine standing behind him, her arm about his shoulders. Gordon is over six feet tall, but the figure of a trained athlete. His sun-bronzed face is extremely handsome, after the fashion of the magazine cover, American Collegian. It is a strong face, but of a strength wholly material in quality. He has been too thoroughly trained to progress along a certain groove to success, ever to question it or be dissatisfied with its rewards. At the same time, although entirely an unimaginative court-bound gentleman of his groove, he is boyish and likeable, often even modest, sporting disposition. His expression is boyishly forlorn, that he is making a manly effort to conceal his grief. Madeleine is much the same as in the previous act, except that there is now a distinct maternal older feeling in her attitude toward Gordon as she endeavors to console him. Madeleine, tenderly smoothing his hair. There dear, I know how horribly hard it is for you. I loved him too. He was so wonderful and sweet to me. Gordon, his voice trembling. I didn't really realize he was gone until out of the cemetery. His voice breaks. Madeleine, kissing his hair. Darlene, please don't. Gordon, rebelliously. Damn it, I don't see why he had to die. With a groom. Oh, it was that constant grind at the office. I ought to have insisted on his taking better care of himself, but I wasn't home enough. That's the trouble. I couldn't watch him. Then bitterly. But I can't see why mother didn't. Madeleine, reprovingly but showing she shares his feeling. Now, you mustn't start feeling bitter toward her. Gordon, contritely. I know I shouldn't. But returning to his bitter tone. But I can't help remembering how unreasonably she's acted throughout our engagement. Not since your father was taken sick. She hasn't, dear. She's been wonderfully nice. Gordon, in the same tone. Nice? Indifferent, you mean. She doesn't seem to care a damn one way or the other anymore. You could hardly expect her to think of anyone but your father. She's been with him every minute. I never saw such devotion. Thinking. Will Gordon ever get old and sick like that? Oh, I hope we'll both die before. But I'd nurse him. Just as she did his father. I'll always love him. Gordon, consoled. Proudly. Yes. She sure was wonderful to him, all right. Then coming back to his old tone. But this may sound rotten of me. I always had a queer feeling she was doing it as a duty. And when he died, I felt her grief was not from love for him. At least, only the love of a friend, not a wife's love. As if under some urgent compulsion from within. I never told you. But I've always felt, ever since I was a little kid, that she didn't really love dad. She liked him and respected him. She was a wonderful wife. But I'm sure she didn't love him. Blurting it out as if he couldn't help it. I'll tell you, Madeline. I've always felt she cared a lot for Daryl. Hastily. Oh, of course, I may be wrong. Then bursting out. No, I'm not wrong. I felt it too strongly, ever since I was a kid. And then, when I was 11, something happened. I've been sure of it since then. Madeline, thinking in amazement. But not without a queer satisfaction. Does he mean that she was unfaithful to his father? No, he'd never believe that. But what else could he mean? Wonderingly. Gordon, do you mean you've been sure that your mother was... Gordon. Outraged by something in her tone. Jumping to his feet and flinging her hand off. Roughly. Was what? What do you mean, Madeline? Madeline. Frightened. Placatingly puts her arms around him. I didn't mean anything, dear. I simply thought you meant... Gordon, still indignant. All I meant was that she must have fallen in love with Daryl long after she was married. And then she sent him away for dad's sake. And mine too, I suppose. He kept coming back every couple of years. He didn't have guts enough to stay away for good. Oh, I suppose I'm unfair. I suppose it was damned hard on him. He fought it down too, on account of his friendship for dad. I suppose they'll be getting married now. And I'll have to wish them good luck. Dad would want me to. He was game. With a bitter, gloomy air. Life is damn queer. That's all I've got to say. Madeline. Thinking with a sort of tender, loving scorn for his boyish naivety. How little he knows her. Mr. Evans was a fine man. But Daryl must have been fascinating once. If she loved anyone, she isn't the kind who would hesitate. Any more than I have with Gordon. Oh, I'll never be unfaithful to Gordon. I'll love him always. She runs her fingers through his hair caressingly. Comfortingly. You must never blame them, dear. No one can help love. We couldn't, could we? She sits beside him. He takes her in his arms. They kiss each other with rising passion. Marsden comes in noiselessly from the garden. A bunch of roses and a pair of shears in his hands. He looks younger, calm and contented. He is dressed in his all black, ridiculous, perfectly tailored morning costume. He stands looking at the two lovers. A queer agitation coming into his face. Marsden, scandalized as an old maid, thinking. You must say, his father hardly cold in his grave. It's positively bestial. Then struggling with himself with a defensive self-mockery. If only it wasn't his father. What is Sam to Daryl's son? Even if you were Sam's son, what are the living to do with the dead? His duty is to love that life may keep on living. What is their loving to do with me? My life is cool green shade wherein comes no scorching zenith, sun of passion and possession to wither the heart with bitter poisons. My life gathers roses, coolly crimson and sheltered gardens on late afternoons in love with evening. Roses heavy with after blooming of the long day desiring evening. My life is an evening. Nina is a rose, my rose. Exhausted by the long hot day, leaning wearily toward peace. He kisses one of the roses with a simple sentimental smile. Then still smiling, makes a gesture toward the two lovers. That is on another planet called the world. Nina and I have moved on to the moon. Madeline passionately. Dear one, sweetheart. Madeline, I love you. Marsden looking at them, gaily mocking, thinking. Once I'd have felt jealous, cheated, swindled by God out of joy. I would have thought bitterly, the gardens have all the luck. But now I know that dear old Charlie. Yes, poor dear old Charlie. Past beyond desire, has all the luck at last. Then matter of factly. But I'll have to interrupt their biological preparations. There are many things still to be done this evening. Ages terms of peace after the long interlude of war with life have still to be concluded. Youth must keep decently away. So many old wounds may have to be unbound and old scars pointed to with pride. To prove to ourselves we have been brave and noble. He lets the shears drop to the ground. They jump startledly and turn around. He smiles quietly. Sorry to disturb you. I've been picking some roses for your mother Gordon. Flowers really have the power to soothe grief. I suppose it was that discovery that led to their general use at funerals and weddings. He hands a rose to Madeline. Here Madeline, here's a rose for you. Hail, love, we who have died salute you. He smiles strangely. She takes the rose automatically. Staring at him uncomprehendingly. Thinking suspiciously. What a queer creature. There's something uncanny. Oh don't be silly. It's only poor old Charlie. She makes him a mocking curtsy. Thank you Uncle Charlie. Gordon thinking with sneering pity. Poor old guy. He means well. Dad liked him. Pretending an interest in the roses. They're pretty. Then suddenly. Where's mother? Still in the house? She was trying to get rid of the last of the people. I'm going in. Shall I tell her you want to see her? It would give her an excuse to get away. Yes, will you? Marsden goes into the house on right. You'd better see your mother alone. I'll go down to the plane and wait for you. You want to fly back before dark, don't you? Yes. And we ought to get started soon. Morderly. Maybe. It would be better if you weren't here. There are some things I feel I ought to say to her. And Daryl. I've got to do what I know dad would have wanted. I've got to be fair. He always was to everyone all his life. You dear, you. You couldn't be unfair to anyone if you tried. She kisses him. Don't be too long. Gordon. Morderly. You bet I won't. It won't be so pleasant I'll want to drag it out. Goodbye for a while then. So long. He looks after her lovingly as she goes out right. Rare. Around the corner of the house. Thinking. Madeline's wonderful. I don't deserve my luck. But God, I sure do love her. He sits down on the bench again. His chin on his hands. It seems rotten and selfish to be happy. When dad. Oh, he understands. He'd want me to be. It's funny how I got to care more for dad than for mother. I suppose it was finding out she loved Daryl. I can remember that day seeing her kiss him. It did something to me I never got over. But she made dad happy. She gave up her own happiness for his sake. But that was certainly damn fine. That was playing the game. I'm a hell of a one to criticize. My own mother. Changing the subject of his thoughts abruptly. Forget it. Think of Madeline. We'll be married. Then two months honeymoon in Europe. God, that'll be great. Then back and dive into the business. Dad relied on me to carry on where he left off. I'll have to start at the bottom. But I'll get to the top in a hurry. I promise you that, dad. Nina and Daryl come out of the house on the right. He hears the sound of the door. And looks around. Thinking resentfully. Funny. I can't stand it even now. When I see him with mother. I'd like to beat him up. He gets to his feet. His face unconsciously becoming older and cold and severe. He stares accusingly at them. As they come slowly toward him in silence. Nina looks much older than in the preceding act. Resignation has come into her face. A resignation that uses no makeup. That has given up the struggle to be sexually attractive and look younger. She is dressed in deep black. Daryl's deep sunburn of the tropics has faded. Leaving his skin a Mongolian yellow. He too looks much older. His expression is sad and bitter. Nina. Glancing at Gordon searchingly. Thinking sadly. He sent for me to say goodbye. Really goodbye. Forever this time. He's not my son now. Nor Gordon's son. Nor Sam's. Nor Ned's. He has become that stranger. Another woman's lover. Daryl. Also after a quick keen glance at Gordon's face. Thinking. There's something up. Some final accounting. Thinking resignedly. Well let's get it over. Then I can go back to work. Stay too long up here. Preston must be wondering if I've deserted him. Then with a wondering sadness. Is that my son? My flesh and blood. Staring at me with such cold enmity. How sad and idiotic this all is. Nina. Putting on a tone of joking annoyance. Your message was a godsend Gordon. Those stupid people with their social condolences were killing me. Perhaps I'm morbid. But I always have the feeling that they're secretly glad someone is dead. That it flatters their vanity. And makes them feel superior. Because they are living. She sits wearily on the bench. Daryl sits on side of the recliner at right. Gordon. Repelled by this idea. Stiffly. They were all good friends of Dad's. Why shouldn't they be sincerely sorry? His death ought to be a loss to everyone who knew him. His voice trembles. He turns away and walks to the table. Thinking bitterly. She doesn't care a damn. She's free to marry Daryl now. Nina. Thinking sadly. Looking at his back. He's accusing me because I'm not weeping. Well I did weep. All I could. There aren't many tears left. It was too bad Sam had to die. Living suited him. He was so contented with himself. But I can't feel guilty. I helped him to live. I made him believe I loved him. His mind was perfectly sane to the end. And just before he died. He smiled at me. So gratefully and forgivingly I thought. Closing our life together with that smile. That life is dead. Its regrets are dead. I am sad. But there's comfort in the thought that now I am free at last. To rot away in peace. I'll go and live in Father's old home. Sam bought that back. I suppose he left it to me. Charlie will come in every day to visit. He'll comfort and amuse me. We can talk together of the old days. When I was a girl. When I was happy. Before I fell in love with Gordon Shaw. And all this tangled mess of love and hate. And pain and birth began. Daryl. Staring at Gordon's back resentfully. Gets under my skin to see him act so unfeelingly toward his mother. If he only knew what she suffered for his sake. The Gordon Shaw ideal passed on through Sam has certainly made my son an insensitive clod. With disgust. What has such a young man to do with me? Compared to Preston he's only a well muscled handsome fool. With a trace of anger. But I'd like to jolt his stupid self complacency. If he knew the facts about himself he wouldn't be sobbing sentimentally about Sam. He better change his tune or I'll certainly be tempted to tell him. There's no reason for his not knowing now. His face is flushed. He has worked himself into real anger. Gordon. Suddenly. Having got back his control turns to them coldly. There are certain things connected with dad's will. I thought I ought to. With a tinge of satisfied superiority. I don't believe dad told you about his will did he mother? Nina. Indifferently. No. Well the whole estate goes to you and me of course. I didn't mean that. With a resentful look at Daryl. But there is one provision that is peculiar to say the least. It concerns you Dr. Daryl. A half million for your station to be used in biological research work. Daryl. His face suddenly flushing with anger. What's that? That's a joke isn't it? Thinking furiously. It's worse. It's a deliberate insult. The last sneer of ownership. For my life. Gordon. Coldly sneering. I thought it must be a joke myself. But dad insisted. Daryl. Angrily. Well I won't accept it. And that's final. Gordon. Coldly. It's not left to you. But to the station. Your supervision is mentioned. But I suppose if you won't carry on. Whoever is in real charge down there. Won't be only too glad to accept it. Daryl. Stupefied. That means preston. But Sam didn't even know Preston. Except from hearing me talk about him. What had Sam to do with Preston? Preston is none of his business. I'll advise Preston to refuse it. Thinking fortunately. But it's a science. He has no right to refuse. I have no right to ask him to. Damn Sam. Wasn't it enough for him to own my wife. My son in his lifetime. Now in death he reaches out to steal Preston. To steal my work. Nina. Thinking bitterly. Even in death Sam makes people suffer. Sympathetically. It isn't for you. Nor for Preston. It's for science Ned. You must look at it that way. Gordon. Thinking resentfully. What a tender tone she takes towards him. She's forgotten dad already. With a sneer. You'd better accept. Half millions aren't being thrown away for nothing every day. Nina. In anguish. Thinking. How can Gordon insult poor Ned like that? His own father. Ned has suffered too much. Shobbly. I think you've said about enough Gordon. Gordon. Bitterly. But trying to control himself. Meaningly. I haven't said all I'm going to say mother. Nina. Thinking. At first frightenedly. What does he mean? Does he know about Ned Bean? Then with a sort of defiant relief. But what does it matter what he thinks of me? He's hers now anyway. Daryl. Thinking vindictively. I hope he knows the truth or if he doesn't by god I'll tell him. If only to get something back from Sam of all he's stolen from me. Authoritatively. As Gordon hesitates. Well. What have you got to say? Your mother and I are waiting. Gordon. Furiously. Taking a threatening step toward him. Shut up you. Don't take that tone with me or I'll forget your age. Contemptuously. And give you a spanking. Nina. Thinking hysterically. Spanking. The son spanks the father. Laughing hysterically. Oh Gordon. Don't make me laugh. It's all so funny. Daryl. Jumps from his chair and goes to her. Solicitously. Nina. Don't mind him. He doesn't realize. Gordon. Maddened. Comes closer. I realize a lot. I realize you've acted like a cur. He steps forward and slaps Daryl across the face viciously. Daryl staggers back from the force of the blow. His hands to his face. Nina screams and flings herself on Gordon. Holding his arms. Nina. Piteously. Hysterically. For god's sake Gordon. What would your father say? You don't know what you're doing. You're hitting your father. Daryl. Suddenly breaking down. Jokingly. No. It's all right son. All right. You didn't know. Gordon. Crushed. Overcome by remorse for his blow. I'm sorry. Sorry. You're right mother. Dad would feel as if I'd hit him. Just as bad as if I'd hit him. It's nothing son. Nothing. Gordon. Brokenly. That's damn fine Daryl. Damn fine and sporting of you. It was a rotten dirty trick. Accept my apology Daryl. Won't you? Daryl. Staring at him stupidly. Thinking. Daryl. He calls me Daryl. But doesn't he know? I thought she told him. Nina. Laughing hysterically. Thinking. I told him he hit his father. But he can't understand me. Why of course he can't. How could he? Gordon. Insistently holding out his hand. I'm damn sorry. I didn't mean it. Shake hands won't you? Daryl. Doing so mechanically. Stupidly. Only too glad. Pleased to meet you. Know you by reputation. Famous oarsman. Great race you struck last June. But I was hoping the navy would give you a meeting. Nina. Thinking in desperate hysterical anguish. Oh I wish Ned would go away and stay away forever. I can't bear to watch him suffer anymore. It's too frightful. Yes. God the father. I hear you laughing. You see the joke. I'm laughing too. It's all so crazy isn't it? Laughing hysterically. Oh Ned. Poor Ned. You were born unlucky. Gordon. Making her sit down again. Soothing her. Mother. Stop laughing. Please. It's all right. All right between us. I've apologized. As she has grown calmer. And now I want to say what I was going to say. It wasn't anything bad. It was just that I want you to know how fine I think you've both acted. I've known ever since I was a kid that you and Daryl were in love with each other. I hated the idea on father's account. That's only natural isn't it? But I knew it was unfair. That people can't help loving each other any more than Madeline and I could have helped ourselves. And I saw how fair you both were to dad. What a good wife you were mother. What a true friend you were Daryl. How damn much he loved you both. So all I wanted to say is. Now he's dead. I hope you'll get married. And I hope he'll be as happy as you both deserve. Here he breaks down. Kissing her and then breaking away. I've got to say goodbye. I've got to fly back before dark. Madeline's waiting. He takes Daryl's hand and shakes it again. They have both been staring at him stupidly. Goodbye Daryl. Good luck. Daryl thinking sufferingly. Why does he keep on calling me Daryl? He's my boy. I'm his father. I've got to make him realize I'm his father. Holding Gordon's hand. Listen son. It's my turn. I've got to tell you something. Nina thinking torturedly. Oh he mustn't. I feel he mustn't. Sharply. Ned first let me ask Gordon a question. Then looking her son in the eyes slowly and impressively. Do you think I was ever unfaithful to your father Gordon? Gordon startled stares at her. Shocked and horrified. Then suddenly he blurts out indignantly. Mother. What do you think I am? As rotten minded as that? Pleadingly. Please mother. I'm not as bad as that. I know you're the best woman that ever lived. The best of all. I don't even accept Madeline. Nina with a sobbing triumphant cry. My dear Gordon. You do love me don't you? Gordon kneeling beside her and kissing her. Of course. Nina pushing him away tenderly. And now go. Hurry. Madeline is waiting. Give her my love. Come to see me once in a while in the years to come. Goodbye dear. Turning to Daryl who is standing with a sad resigned expression. Imploringly. Do you still want to tell Gordon something Ned? Daryl forcing a tortured smile. Not for anything in the world. Goodbye son. Goodbye sir. He turns off around the corner of the house at left. Ray thinking troubledly. What does she think I am? I've never thought that. I couldn't. My own mother. I'd kill myself if I ever even caught myself thinking. He is gone. Nina turns to Ned. Gratefully taking his hand and pressing it. Poor dear Ned. You've always had to give. How can I ever thank you? Daryl with an ironical smile. Forcing a joking tone. By refusing me when I ask you to marry me. But I've got to ask you. Gordon expects it. And he'll be so pleased when he knows you turned me down. Marston comes out of the house. Hello here comes Charlie. I must hurry. Will you marry me Nina? Nina with a sad smile. No certainly not. Our ghosts would torture us to death. Then for lonely. But I wish I did love you Ned. Those were wonderful afternoons long ago. The Nina of those afternoons will always live in me. Will always love her lover Ned. The father of her baby. Daryl lifting her hand to his lips tenderly. Thank you for that. And that Ned will always adore his beautiful Nina. Remember him. Forget me. I'm going back to work. He laughs softly and sadly. I leave you to Charlie. You'd better marry him Nina. If you want peace. And after all I think you owe it to him for his lifelong devotion. Marston thinking uneasily. Talking about me. Why doesn't he go? She doesn't love him anymore. Even now he's all heaped in energy in the tormenting drive of noon. Can't he see she's in love with evening? Clearing his throat uneasily. Do I hear my name taken in vain? Nina looking at Marston with a strange yearning. Peace. That is all I desire. I can no longer imagine happiness. Charlie has found peace. He will be tender as my father was when I was a girl. When I could imagine happiness. With a girlish cockatishness and embarrassment. Making way for him on the bench beside her. Strangely. Ned's just proposed to me. I refused him Charlie. I don't love him anymore. Marston sitting down beside her. I suspect that as much. Then whom do you love Nina Cara Nina? Nina sadly smiling. You Charlie I suppose. I have always loved your love for me. She kisses him wistfully. Will you let me rot away in peace? Marston strongly. All my life I've waited to bring you peace. Nina sadly teasing. If you've waited that long Charlie. We'd better get married tomorrow. But I forgot. You haven't asked me yet. Have you? Do you want to marry me Charlie? Marston humbly. Yes Nina. Thinking with a strange ecstasy. I knew the time would come at last when I would hear her ask that. I could never have said it never. Oh russet golden afternoon. You are a mellow fruit of happiness rightly falling. Daryl amused with a sad smile. Bless you my children. He turns to go. I don't suppose we'll ever see you again Ned. I hope not Nina. A scientist shouldn't believe in ghosts. With a mocking smile. But perhaps we'll become part of cosmic positive and negative electric charges and meet again. In our afternoons again. Daryl smiling sadly. Again in our afternoons. Marston coming out of his daydream. We married in the afternoon decidedly. I've already picked out the church Nina. The grey ivied chapel full of restful shadows. Symbolical of the peace we have found. The crimsons and purples in the windows will stain our faces with faded passion. It must be in the hour before sunset. When the earth dreams and afterthoughts and mystic premonitions of life's beauty. And then we'll go up to your old home to live. Mine wouldn't be suitable for us. Mother and Jane live there in memory. And I'll work in your father's old study. He won't mind me. From the bay below comes the roaring hum of an airplane motor. Nina and Daryl jump startledly. And go to the rear of the entrance to watch the plane ascend from the water. Standing side by side. Marston remains oblivious. Nina with anguish. Gordon. Goodbye dear. Pointing as the plane climbs higher. Moving away off to the left. Bitterly. See Ned he's leaving me without a backward look. Daryl joyfully. No he's circling. He's coming back. The roar of the engine grows steadily nearer now. He's going to pass directly over us. Their eyes follow the plane as it comes swiftly near and passes directly over them. See he's waving to us. Oh Gordon my dear son. She waves frantically. Daryl with a last tortured protest. Nina are you forgetting he's my son too. He shouts up at the sky. You're my son Gordon. You're my. He controls himself abruptly with a smile of cynical self-pity. He can't hear. Well at least I've done my duty. Then with a grim fatalism. With a final wave of his hand at the sky. Goodbye Gordon's son. Nina with tortured exultance. Fly up to heaven Gordon. Fly with your love to heaven. Fly always. Never crash to earth like my old Gordon. Be happy dear. You've got to be happy. Daryl sardonically. I've heard that cry for happiness before Nina. I remember hearing myself cry it once. It must have been long ago. I'll get back to my cells. Sensible unicellular life that floats in the sea and has never learned the cry for happiness. I'm going Nina. As she remains oblivious staring after the plane thinking fatalistically. She doesn't hear either. He laughs up at the sky. Oh god so deaf and dumb and blind. Teach me to be resigned to be an atom. He walks off right and enters the house. Nina finally lowering her eyes confusedly. Gone. My eyes are growing dim. Where is Ned? Gone too. And Sam is gone. They're all dead. Where are father and Charlie? With a shiver of fear she hurries over and sits on the bench beside Marston. Huddling against him. Gordon is dead father. I've just had a cable. What I mean is he flew away to another life. My son Gordon Charlie. So we're alone again. Just as we used to be. Marston putting his arm around her affectionately. Just as we used to be dear Nina Cara Nina. Before Gordon came. Nina looking up at the sky strangely. My having a son was a failure wasn't it? He couldn't give me happiness. Sons are always their fathers. They pass through the mother to become their father again. The sons of the father have all been failures. Failing they died for us. They flew away to other lives. They could not stay with us. They could not give us happiness. Marston. Butternally in her father's dawn. You had best forget the whole affair of your association with the Gordons. After all dear Nina. There was something unreal in all that has happened since you first met Gordon Shaw. Something extravagant and fantastic. The sort of thing that isn't done really in our afternoons. So let's you and me forget the whole distressing episode. Regarded as an interlude of trial and preparation say. In which our souls have been scraped clean of impure flesh. And made worthy to bleach in peace. Nina with a strange smile. Strange interlude. Yes our lives are merely strange dark interludes. In the electrical display of God the father. Resting her head on his shoulder. You are so restful Charlie. I feel as if I were a girl again. And you were my father and the Charlie of those days. Made into one. I wonder. Is our old garden the same? We'll pick flowers together in the aging afternoons of spring and summer. Won't we? It will be a comfort to get home. To be old and to be home again at last. To be in love with peace together. To love each other's peace. To sleep with peace together. She kisses him. Then shuts her eyes with a deep sigh of required weariness. To die in peace. I am so contentedly weary with life. Marsden with a serene peace. Rest dear Nina. Then tenderly. It has been a long day. Why don't you sleep now as you used to remember for a little while. Nina murmurs with drowsy gratitude. Thank you father. Have I been wicked? You are so good dear old Charlie. Marsden reacting automatically. And wincing with pain thinking mechanically. God damn dear old. Then with a glance down at Nina's face. With a happy smile. No. God bless dear old Charlie. Who passed beyond desire. Has all the luck at last. Nina has fallen asleep. He watches with contented eyes. The evening shadows closing in around them. Curtain. End of Act 9. End of Strange Interlude by Eugene O'Neill.