THE CLiMBERS                 719

    get there and sinks on the so/a hall way between

    the table and the door. His eyes close, but

    suddenly he starts violently and tries to rise,

    but cannot, crying out laintly.

  STERLING. Good God - the money! I forgot

the money - who'll pay my debts Ah, this is a

fitting climax for my life - the weakest, dirtiest

thing I've done - [He gets the letter from his

pocket and holds it in his hand; the light of the

afternoon grows slowly dim, like his fading sight

and senses. He murmurs twice in a faint, drowsy

voice.] Coward! Coward!

  [BLANCHE, in the hall outside Right, calls his

     name.

  BLANCHE. Dick!

  [STERLING'S body relaxes and sets. The letter

    drops from his lifeless hands.

  [BLANCHE enters with RUTH, followed by