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[Hopefully]

Or is it only pique? no woman likes to lose a man even when she no longer loves him.

[With malicious insistence]

Why is that hard to imagine, Nina? Darrell never struck me as a Galahad. After all, why shouldn’t he have a mistress?

[Meaningly]

He has no tie over here to remain faithful to, has he?

[Struggling with herself—thinking pitiably]

He’s right why shouldn’t Ned? is that why he’s never written?

[Airily]

I don’t know what ties he has or hasn’t got. It’s nothing to me if he has fifty mistresses. I suppose he’s no better than the rest of you.

[Looking over at her—tenderly reproachful]

That isn’t fair, Nina.

[Thinking proudly]

I’m proud of that never anyone before her

[Looking at him—with real gratitude]

I didn’t mean you, dear.

[Thinking—proudly]

Thank God for Sammy! I know he’s mine no jealousy  no fear  no pain  I’ve found peace

[Then distractedly]

Oh, Ned, why haven’t you written? stop it!