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Rh only person in the world—except Nina and Charlie—I would boast about that to.

[Affectionately]

Mercy, Sam, give Ned a chance to get a word in!

[Looking at pityingly but challengingly]

He wants to tell you something, Sam.

[Crushed—stammers]

No—I mean, yes—I want to tell you how damn glad I am

[He turns away, his face is screwed up in his effort to hold back his tears]

[Thinking miserably]

I can’t tell him! God damn him, I can’t!

[With a strange triumphant calm]

There! that’s settled for all time! poor Ned! how crushed he looks! I mustn’t let Sam look at him!

[She steps between them protectingly]

Where’s Charlie, Sam?

[Appearing from the hall]

Here, Nina. Always here!

[He comes to her, smiling with assurance]

[Suddenly with a strange unnatural elation—looking from one to the other with triumphant possession]