[STERLING'S _body relaxes and sets. The letter drops from his lifeless hands._

[BLANCHE _enters with_ RUTH, _followed by_ RICHARD, _who rides a stick with a horse's head and wears a soldier's cap._

RICHARD. Merry Christmas, father!

BLANCHE. [_Going toward the sofa._] d.i.c.k!

RICHARD. Merry Christmas, father!

BLANCHE. Sh! Father's asleep.

[_They steal back toward the other door when_ WARDEN _enters Right._

WARDEN. Oh, you are here! I went down into the drawing-room where I left you.

BLANCHE. Sh!

[_She points to_ STERLING, _who lies apparently asleep. They speak in lowered voices._

WARDEN. Yes, I have a message for you from him.

[_Looking at_ RICHARD _and_ RUTH.

RUTH. [_Who understands._] Come, Richard, I haven't seen your tree yet.

[_She goes out Right with_ RICHARD.

WARDEN. [_To_ BLANCHE.] Give me your hand.

[_She does so wonderingly._

WARDEN. [_Softly, with a man's tenderness in his voice._] He is going away for good.

BLANCHE. Away?

WARDEN. For good.

BLANCHE. [_Slowly, withdrawing her hand._] For good? [_She looks over toward_ STERLING, _and then back to_ WARDEN.] What does he mean?

WARDEN. We will know when he wakes.

THE CURTAIN STEALS SOFTLY DOWN