LILY--No, not yet. Martha has been afraid to tell him.

JAYSON--Ah, that explains matters. You know I asked Curt some time
ago--and he said it was impossible.

EMILY--[With a lift of her eyebrows.] Impossible? Why, what a
funny thing to say.

SHEFFIELD--[Keenly lawyer-like.] And why is Martha afraid to tell
him, Lily?

LILY--It's all very simple. When the two died years ago, they said
they would never have one again. Martha thinks Curt is still
haunted by their memory and is afraid he will resent another as an
intruder. I told her that was all foolishness--that a child was
the one thing to make Curt settle down for good at home here and
write his books.

JAYSON--[Eagerly.] Yes, I believe that myself. [Pleased.] Well,
this is fine news.

EMILY--Still it was her duty to tell Curt, don't you think? I
don't see how she could be afraid of Curt--for those reasons.
[They all stare at her.]

ESTHER--[Resentfully.] I don't, either. Why, Curt's the biggest-
hearted and kindest--

EMILY--I wonder how long she's known--this?