Sterling. [In a low, shamed voice.] I'll tell you, but not now—not before all these others.
[Blanche looks up questioningly to Mason. Mason shakes his head.
Blanche. It must be now, Dick.
Sterling. No! no! I can't look you in the face and tell it! Let me tell it to you alone, later, in the dark.
[Blanche looks up questioningly to Mason. He shakes his head.
Blanche. It must be now.
Sterling. No, no, I'm too ashamed, I can't face you; in the dark I'll make a clean breast of it—let me tell you in the dark.
[Warden moves and puts his hand on the electric-light button beside the doorway at back.
Warden. In the DARK, then, tell it!
[He presses the button and all the lights go out. The stage is in complete darkness; only the voices are heard from the different places in which the actors are last seen.