Drew—And what do you reckon the real trouble is?
Sue—Something between him and Ma—something that only the two of them know. It all seemed to start one morning after you’d left—about a week after he’d come home with those three awful men. During that first week he acted all right—just like he used to—only he’d get talking kind of wild now and then about being glad the Triton was lost, and promising we’d all be millionaires once he started making trips on the schooner. Ma didn’t seem to mind his going in for trading then. Then, the night of the day he bought the schooner, something must have happened between them. Neither of them came down to breakfast. I went up to Ma, and found her so sick we sent for the doctor. He said she’d suffered a great shock of some kind, although she wouldn’t tell him a word. I found Pa down in this shed. He’d moved that cot down here, and said he’d have to sleep here after that because he wanted to be near the schooner. It’s been that way ever since. He’s slept down here and never come up to the house except at mealtimes. He’s never been alone with Ma one second since then, I don’t believe. And she—she’s been trying to corner him, to get him alone. I’ve noticed it, although she does her best to hide it from Nat and me. And she’s been failing, growing weaker and sicker looking every day. [Breaking down.] Oh, Danny, these last months have been terrible! I’m so glad you’re back again.
Drew—[Soothing her.] There! It’ll all come out right.
Sue—I’m sure that’s why she’s crept down here today. She’s bound she’ll see him alone before he sails.
Drew—Well, maybe it’s for the best. Maybe when they’ve had it out, things’ll clear up.
Sue—Yes, perhaps. But I can’t help feeling—it’ll only make it worse.
Drew—[Frowning.] Seems to me it must be all your Pa’s fault, Sue—whatever it is. Have you tried to talk to him?
Sue—Yes—a good many times; but all he’s ever said was: “There’s things you wouldn’t take interest in, Sue. You’ll know when it’s time to know.”—and then he’d break off by asking me what I’d like most to have in the world if he had piles of money. And then, one time, he seemed to be terribly afraid of something, and he said to me: “You hustle up and marry Danny, Sue. You marry him and get out of this.”
Drew—[With an affectionate grin.] That does sound crazy—any man wanting to get rid of you that way. [A note of entreaty in his voice.] But I surely wish you’d take his advice, Sue! [He kisses her.]
Sue—[With intense longing.] Oh, I wish I could, Danny.