ANDREW. (looking at the floor—simply) I’m sorry, Pa. (After a slight pause) It’s no use talking any more about it.
MRS. MAYO. (in relief) There! I knew Andy’d come to his senses!
ANDREW. Don’t get the wrong idea, Ma. I’m not backing out.
MAYO. You mean you’re goin’ in spite of—everythin’?
ANDREW. Yes. I’m going. I’ve got to. (He looks at his father defiantly) I feel I oughn’t to miss this chance to go out into the world and see things, and—I want to go.
MAYO. (with bitter scorn) So—you want to go out into the world and see thin’s! (His voice raised and quivering with anger) I never thought I’d live to see the day when a son o’ mine ’d look me in the face and tell a bare-faced lie! (Bursting out) You’re a liar, Andy Mayo, and a mean one to boot!
MRS. MAYO. James!
ROBERT. Pa!
SCOTT. Steady there, Jim!
MAYO. (waving their protests aside) He is and he knows it.