Andrew monologue (Act 3) — Beyond the Horizon

I expected to--until I got to New York. Then I learned certain facts that make it necessary. (_With a short laugh_) To be candid, Ruth, I’m not the rich man you’ve probably been led to believe by my letters--not now. I was when I wrote them. I made money hand over fist as long as I stuck to legitimate trading; but I wasn’t content with that. I wanted it to come easier, so like all the rest of the idiots, I tried speculation. Oh, I won all right! Several times I’ve been almost a millionaire--on paper--and then come down to earth again with a bump. Finally the strain was too much. I got disgusted with myself and made up my mind to get out and come home and forget it and really live again. (_He gives a harsh laugh_) And now comes the funny part. The day before the steamer sailed I saw what I thought was a chance to become a millionaire again. (_He snaps his fingers_) That easy! I plunged. Then, before things broke, I left--I was so confident I couldn’t be wrong. But when I landed in New York--I wired you I had business to wind up, didn’t I? Well, it was the business that wound me up! (_He smiles grimly, pacing up and down, his hands in his pockets_).