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[''The words and the tone shock his pride to life. He raises his head and half-pushes her away—resentfully, thinking'']

Poor old Charlie! damn it, what am I to her? her old dog who’s lost his mother? Mother hated her no, poor dear Mother was so sweet, she never hated anyone  she simply disapproved

[Coldly]

I’m all right, Nina. Quite all right now, thank you. I apologize for making a scene.

[Has gotten up from his chair—with relief—thinking]

Thank God for Marsden I feel sane again

[He comes to Marsden—cordially]

How are you, Marsden?

[Then offering conventional consolation, pats shoulder]

I’m sorry, Marsden.

[Startled, looks up at him in amazement]

Darrell!

[Then with instant hostility]

There’s nothing to be sorry about that I can discover!

[Then as they both look at him in surprise he realizes what he has said—stammeringly]

I mean—sorry—is hardly the right word—hardly—is it?

[Worriedly]

Sit down, Charlie. You look so tired.