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.