you did and what you didn't! She loved you—and—and I trusted you. You were going to get married. You took her away with you—and you didn't marry her! Marriage? Why, you never thought of it! You couldn't get her any other way —you wanted her—and you got her! You didn't care about me, and you didn't care about her. She was a toy. She amused you, and when you were through with her, you flung her into the gutter! It makes me sick to think of it! (He goes on more quietly.) She came home six months later. How she got back all the way from where you'd taken her, I don't know—and I don't like to guess. And then-then—

THE CUSTOMER. I'll marry her now, Kilburn.

THE BARBER. You'll have to ask her about that.

THE CUSTOMER. (Eagerly) Well?

THE BARBER. In two minutes you'll be able to ask her.

THE CUSTOMER. What do you mean?

THE BARBER. She's dead, John—dead.

(THE CUSTOMER groans. Then, suddenly, he tries to rise. THE BARBER places his hand over his forehead and eyes, and forces him back into the chair.)

THE BARBER. Thirty seconds for your prayers, John!

THE CUSTOMER. Don't kill me, man! Don't kill me! I'm not fit to die! I'm not ready! A minute! Two minutes! I'm too young! Don't kill—

(THE BARBER, still with his hand upon the other man's eyes, suddenly seizes a wet towel and strikes him across the throat with it. THE CUSTOMER faints. THE BARBER looks at him contemptuously; abruptly raises the chair to a sitting position; puts away the razor.)

THE BARBER. So your nerve gave way, John? Your nerve gave way? (He spreads the towel over THE CUSTOMER's face and roughly wipes away the lather.)

THE CUSTOMER. (Beginning to come to; faintly) Where am I?

THE BARBER. You ought to be in hell, but I guess you're still on
God's good earth.

THE CUSTOMER. (Putting his hand to his throat) You—you didn't kill me?

THE BARBER. No. I didn't.

THE CUSTOMER. (Standing up) And you could have!

THE BARBER. John, when you're just about to cross the river, when your eyes are beginning to glaze and your heart's about to stop beating, you won't be nearer death than you were a minute ago!

THE CUSTOMER. Why didn't you kill me?

THE BARBER. It wouldn't bring back Jennie, would it?

THE CUSTOMER. (With a sneer) Were you afraid?

THE BARBER. After I had been looking forward to it for twelve years? No.

THE CUSTOMER. Then why—

THE BARBER. (Grimly) You'll remember why! (He helps him on with his coat.) John, tell me: are fellows who are so brave with women always so cowardly when they deal with men? Or, (breaking off, speaking slowly), or, perhaps, was it on account of that meeting?

THE CUSTOMER. That meeting? Good Lord!

THE BARBER. Yes, the meeting.

THE CUSTOMER. (Looking at the clock) Twenty-five minutes past!
I'm ruined! I'm ruined!

THE BARBER. (Half to himself) I didn't kill you, no! I left you your life, but I made it worthless! I broke you! I broke you!

THE CUSTOMER. (Has crossed stealthily to the door) Kilburn!

THE BARBER. (Startled at the sudden change in his voice) Yes?

THE CUSTOMER. (Hysterically) Thought I was a fool, did you?
Thought I'd tell you the real time of the meeting?

THE BARBER. What do you mean?

THE CUSTOMER. (Shrieking) You ass! You idiot! The meeting doesn't begin till three-thirty!

THE BARBER. (Calmly) Is that all? Well, the clock (pointing to it) is half an hour slow.

CURTAIN

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