BIGELOW—Once you're back on the job again, you'll be all right. You're still determined to go on this expedition, aren't you?
CURTIS—Yes. I was supposed to join them this week in New York but I've arranged to catch up with them in China—as soon as it's possible for us to go.
BIGELOW—Us? You mean you still plan to take—
CURTIS—[Angrily aggressive.] Yes, certainly! Why not? Martha ought to be able to travel in a month or so.
BIGELOW—Yes, but—do you think it would be safe to take the child?
CURTIS—[With a bitter laugh.] Yes—I was forgetting the child, wasn't I? [Viciously.] But perhaps—[Then catching himself with a groan.] Oh, damn all children, Big!
BIGELOW—[Astonished.] Curt!
CURTIS—[In anguish.] I can't help it—I've fought against it. But it's there—deep down in me—and I can't drive it out. I can't!
BIGELOW—[Bewildered.] What, Curt?
CURTIS—Hatred! Yes, hatred! What's the use of denying it? I must tell someone and you're the only one who might understand. [With a wild laugh.] For you—hated your wife, didn't you?