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THE DAY AFTER SAMPSON

"Nancy. I'm here." Witherite

Affirmation. She couldn't believe it. Now acknowledge-
ment is expected, she SUPPoses.

"For what?"

"I got your note. And I came to see my boy."

The note. Yes. "David." It was economic with words.
"I have had your son. He is, of course, beautiful. I have
never seen so perfect a child. Nancy." No return address.

"Why did you hide?"

(Why did I hide? Oh David, David, you ass. You

prosaic ass. Because I didn't want them to--- care, because

parents wouldn't understand would be hurt--- because I don't

want anyone to touch him--- because he is beautiful, because

now I am free and proud--- because they would think I should

be ashamed or that it Was a shame, and they would pity us

because it is impossible for them to understand--- maybe if

it were some one else I would have pitied her, but it was !!l.§.
and I understand. I'm glad and--- so happy.)

" Nancy, why did you hide from !IJ.g_? Why didn't you
call on me--- I love you, Nancy- __ I didn't even know you were
pregnant--- I would have married you--- "

The inside laughter spreads her face to a smile.

( No, no dear David.) An inaudible scream shakes her

head no. (No, no dear David--_ I love you because you---

you're a voyager--_ because you're wild like 7: 30 P. M. in

April; tender, calm, powerful, growing. You--- you're

not supposed to need anyone, not SUPPosed to be servile and
sniveling. ) She doesn't say this.

"No, David. You don't love me. And now you are---

what? r don't know. Maybe you just like the idea that you

created something as--- wondrous as a--- baby. Now he's

Dhearvei.d." His name is John. That's a strong name--- like

"Nancy." His quietness, slowness there is a slow

quiet. "When you went away to school- __ Mexico--- uh---
Did you know? Then?"

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