Page:Strange Interlude (1928).djvu/213

Rh

[Solicitously]

Isn’t it time to nurse him again?

[Starts to her feet automatically]

Yes, I’m going now.

[She glances at Marsden, thinking calculatingly]

I must win Charlie over again I don’t feel safe

[She stops by his chair and takes his hand and looks into his eyes gently and reproachfully]

[Thinking shamefacedly]

Why have I been trying to hurt her? my Nina! I am nearer to her than anyone! I’d give my life to make her happy!

[Triumphantly]

How his hand trembles! what a fool to be afraid of Charlie! I can always twist him round my finger!

[She runs her hand through his hair, and speaks as though she were hiding a hurt reproach beneath a joking tone]

I shouldn’t like you any more, do you know it, after you’ve practically admitted you’ve philandered all over Europe! And I thought you were absolutely true to me, Charlie!

[So pleased he can hardly believe his ears]

Then she did believe me! she’s actually hurt! but I can’t let her think