Robert monologue (Act 3) — Beyond the Horizon

(_conquered by this appeal--an irrevocable decision in his voice_) I won’t go, Ruth. I promise you. There! Don’t cry! (_He presses her to him, stroking her hair tenderly. After a pause he speaks with happy hopefulness_) Perhaps after all Andy was right--righter than he knew--when he said I could find all the things I was seeking for here, at home on the farm. I think love must have been the secret--the secret that called to me from over the world’s rim--the secret beyond every horizon; and when I did not come, it came to me. (_He clasps_ RUTH _to him fiercely_) Oh, Ruth, our love is sweeter than any distant dream! (_He kisses her passionately and steps to the ground, lifting_ RUTH _in his arms and carrying her to the road where he puts her down_).