Page:Strange Interlude (1928).djvu/162

156

[Gently]

And I am Nina, who wants her baby.

[Then she reaches out and turns his head until his face faces hers but he keeps his eyes down—she bends her head meekly and submissively—softly]

I should be so grateful, Ned.

[He starts, looks up at her wildly, makes a motion as though to take her in his arms, then remains fixed for a moment in that attitude, staring at her bowed head as she repeats submissively]

I should be so humbly grateful.

[Suddenly falling on his knees and taking her hand in both of his and kissing it humbly—with a sob]

Yes—yes, Nina—yes—for your happiness—in that spirit!

[Thinking—fiercely triumphant]

I shall be happy for a while!

[Raising her head—thinking—proudly triumphant]

I shall be happy! I shall make my husband happy!