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where? never mind that don’t think of ends  the means are the end  keep moving!

[He laughs scornfully and sits down in chair, picking up the paper and glancing at it sneeringly]

It’s in every headline of this daily newer testament going  going  never mind the gone  we won’t live to see it  and we’ll be so rich, we can buy off the deluge anyway! even our new God has His price! must have! aren’t we made in His image? or vice-versa?

[He laughs again, letting the paper drop disdainfully—then bitterly]

But why am I so superior? where am I going? to the same nowhere! worse! I’m not even going! I’m there!

[He laughs with bitter self-pity—then begins to think with amused curiosity]

Become Sam’s partner? there’s a grotesque notion! it might revive my sense of humor about myself, at least I’m the logical one to help him  I helped him to Nina  logical partner  partner in Nina? what inane thoughts!

[With a sigh]

No use trying to think out that plot tonight I’ll try to read.

[''He sees the book he has been reading on the couch and gets up to get it. There is a ring from the front door''. ''turns toward it uncertainly. A pause. Then voice calls down the stairs'']

The maid’s out. Will you go to the door, Charlie?