Act Two Scene Four

JOHN. (taking her in his arms) Esther, don't cry! I never would have asked you if I'd

thought it would make you unhappy.

ESTHER. Unhappy?! John, I've imagined this moment hundreds of times. Hundreds!

And I've always planned exactly how I'd act... I never planned to cry.

JOHN. At least you didn't laugh.

ESTHER. Laugh?!

JOHN. I've never asked a girl to marry me before. I probably didn't say it right.

ESTHER. Oh, John! No one could have asked more beautifully.

JOHN. Will you, Esther? Will you marry me?

ESTHER. Of course I will, John.

JoHN. Do you realize I might have lost you? Two more days and you would've been gone. We might never have seen each other again.

ESTHER. Let's not even think about it.

JoHN. Now when you go to New York, it will be with your husband, and your folks can show us the town! (pulling Esther toward the door) Let's go in and tell them!

ESTHER. Oh, John, let's wait. I mean...

Couldn't just the two of us know about it tonight?

JOHN. You're not changing your mind? You do feel it's the right thing to do, don't you?

ESTHER. Oh, yes... yes.

JOHN. I don't need to be an engineer. College takes too long anyhow.

ESTHER. You'd... You'd have to give up going to college?

JOHN. What difference does it make? I can get a job right away and support you in style.

ESTHER. But, John, I wouldn't want you to...

JOHN. And we can't let anybody talk us out of it! After all, we're of age—practically.

ESTHER. John...?

JOHN. Yes?

ESTHER. Even if I were to go to New York... (before he can protest) we can still be engaged.

JOHN. Do you think so?

ESTHER. I know so. Being separated for a little while will just make it... will just make it sweeter when we're... when we're finally together.