Page:Strange Interlude (1928).djvu/183

Rh

She seemed lonely. He’ll be sorry for it some day after she—

[He gulps]

Well—

[He goes]

[In a sudden panic—thinking]

Sam’s mother! “Make my boy, Sammy, happy!” I promised  oh, why did Charlie have to remember her?

[Then resolutely]

I can’t remember her now! I won’t! I’ve got to be happy!

[Uneasily trying to force a casual conversation]

Poor Marsden is completely knocked off balance, isn’t he?

[A pause]

My mother died when I was away at school. I hadn’t seen her in some time, so her death was never very real to me; but in Marsden’s case—

[With a possessive smile of tolerance]

Never mind Charlie, Ned. What do I care about Charlie? I love you! And you love me!

[Apprehensively, forcing a tone of annoyed rebuke]

But I don’t! And you don’t! You’re simply letting your romantic imagination run away with you—