Requiem for a Nun

282 WILLIAM FAULKNER

NANCY

Or maybe taking her with you will be just as easy, at least until the

first time you write Mr Gowan or your pa for money and they dont send

it as quick as your new man thinks they ought to, and he throws you

and the baby both out. Then you can just drop it into a garbage can

and no more trouble to you or anybody, because then you will be rid

of both of them-

(Temple makes a convulsive movement, then catches herself) Hit me.

Light you a cigarette too. I told you and him both I brought my foot.

Here it is.

(she raises her foot slightly)

I've tried everything else; I reckon I can try that too.

TEMPLE

(repressed, furious) Hush. I tell you for the last time.

Hush.

NANCY I've hushed.

She doesn't move. She is not looking at Temple. There is a slight change

in her voice or manner, though we only realise later that she is not

addressing Temple.

I've tried. I've tried everything I know. You can see that.

TEMPLE

Which nobody will dispute. You threatened me with my children, and

even with my husband-if you can call my husband a threat. You even

stole my elopement money. Oh yes, nobody will dispute that you tried,

Though at least you brought the money back. Pick it up.

NANCY You said you dont need it.

TEMPLE I dont. Pick it up.

NANCY No more do I need it.

TEMPLE

Pick it up, anyway. You can keep your next week's pay out of it when

you give it back to Mr Gowan.

Nancy stoops and gathers up the money, and gathers the jewelry back into

its box, and puts them on the table.

(quieter)