G. What?
VOICE. That I am going to-die.
CAPT. G. But you aren't! You sha'n't.
AYAH to punkah-coolie. (Stepping into veranda after a glance at
the bed. ). Punkah chor do! (Stop pulling the punkah.)
VOICE. It's hard, Pip. So very, very hard after one year-just one
year.
(Wailing.) And I'm only twenty. Most girls aren't even married at
twenty. Can't they do anything to help me? I don't want to die.
CAPT. G. Hush, dear. You won't.
VOICE. What's the use of talking? Help me! You've never failed
me yet. Oh, Phil, help me to keep alive. (Feverishly.) I don't
believe you wish me to live. You weren't a bit sorry when that
horrid Baby thing died. I wish I'd killed it!
CAPT. G. (Drawing his hand across his forehead.) It's more than a
man's meant to bear-it's not right. (Aloud.) Minnie, love, I'd die for
you if it would help.
VOICE. No more death. There's enough already. Pip, don't you die
too.
CAPT. G. I wish I dared.
VOICE. It says: "Till Death do us part." Nothing after that-and so
it would be no use. It stops at the dying. Why does it stop there?
Only such a very short life, too. Pip, I'm sorry we married.
CAPT. G. No! Anything but that, Mm!
VOICE.
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