Robert monologue (Act 3) — Beyond the Horizon

(_too occupied with his own thoughts to hear her--vindictively_) Oh, those cursed hills out there that I used to think promised me so much! How I’ve grown to hate the sight of them! They’re like the walls of a narrow prison yard shutting me in from all the freedom and wonder of life! (_He turns back to the room with a gesture of loathing_) Sometimes I think if it wasn’t for you, Ruth, and--(_his voice softening_)--little Mary, I’d chuck everything up and walk down the road with just one desire in my heart--to put the whole rim of the world between me and those hills, and be able to breathe freely once more! (_He sinks down into his chair and smiles with bitter self-scorn_) There I go dreaming again--- my old fool dreams.