CURTIS—[With a short laugh.] Oh, to the deuce with that! Trust Martha to take care of herself. Besides, I'll have her out of this stagnant hole before so very long—six months, to be exact.
BIGELOW—Where do you think of settling her then?
CURTIS—No settling about it. I'm going to take her with me.
BIGELOW—[Surprised.] On the Asian expedition?
CURTIS—Yes. I haven't told her yet but I'm going to to-day. It's her birthday—and I've been saving the news to surprise her with.
BIGELOW—Her birthday? I wish the children and I had known—but it's not too late yet.
CURTIS—[With a grin.] Thirty-nine candles, if you're thinking of baking a cake!
BIGELOW—[Meaningly.] That's not old—but it's not young either, Curt.
CURTIS—[Disgustedly.] You talk like an old woman, Big. What have years to do with it? Martha is young in spirit and always will be. [There is a knock at the door and MARTHA's voice calling: "May I come in, people?">[ Sure thing! [BIGELOW jumps to open the door and MARTHA enters. She is flushed, excited, full of the joy of life, panting from her exertions.]
MARTHA—[Laughing.] I've had to run away and leave them with the governess. They're too active for me. [She throws herself on the couch.] Phew! I'm all tired out. I must be getting old.