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[As he hears coming down the stairs]

I must watch them it’s my duty to protect Nina from herself  Sam is a simpleton  I’m all she has

[Hearing her coming—in a panic—thinking]

Coming! in a second I’ll see her!

[Terrified]

Does she still love me? she may have forgotten no, it’s my child  she can never forget that!

[ ''comes in from the rear. She has put on a fresh dress, her hair is arranged, her face newly rouged and powdered, she looks extremely pretty and this is heightened by the feverish state of mind she is in—a mixture of love, of triumphant egotism in knowing her lover has come back to her, and of fear and uncertainty in feeling her new peace, her certainties, her contented absorption in her child failing her. She hesitates just inside the door, staring into eyes, thinking a fierce question'']

Does he still love me?

[Then triumphantly as she reads him]

Yes! he does! he does!

[Who has jumped to his feet—with a cry of longing]

Nina!

[Thinking with alarm now]

She’s changed! changed! can’t tell if she loves!

[''He has started to go to her. Now he hesitates'']

[His voice taking on a pleading uncertain quality]

Nina!