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[With passionate earnestness, clasping her hand in both of his, looking into her eyes]

No, Nina! I swear to you!

[Thinking—cruelly]

Pah! how limp his hands are! his eyes are so shrinking! is it possible he loves me? like that? what a sickening idea! it seems incestuous somehow! no, it’s too absurd!

[Smiling, gently releases her hand]

All right. I forgive you, Charlie.

[Then matter-of-factly]

Excuse me, please, while I go up and feed my infant, or we’re due to hear some lusty howling in a moment.

[She turns away, then impulsively turns back and kisses with real affection]

You’re an old dear, do you know it, Charlie? I don’t know what I’d do without you!

[Thinking]

It’s true, too! he’s my only dependable friend I must never lose him  never let him suspect about little Gordon

[She turns to go]

[Jumping up, throwing his paper aside]

Wait a second. I’ll come with you. I want to say good night to him.

[He comes, puts his arm about her waist, kisses her and they go out together]

[Thinking excitedly]

I almost confessed I loved her! a queer expression