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[Suddenly moving away from Darrell, looking around her uneasily]

Ned, did you see—? I had the queerest feeling just then that someone—

[His voice sounds from the hall with a strained casualness]

Mother! Uncle Charlie’s downstairs. Shall he come right up?

[Startled, her own voice straining to be casual]

Yes, dear—of course!

[Then worriedly]

His voice sounded funny. Did it to you? Do you suppose he—?

[With a wry smile]

It’s possible. To be on the safe side, you’d better tell him you kissed me good-bye to get rid of me!

[Then angrily]

So Marsden’s here again! The damned old woman! I simply can’t go him any more, Nina ! Why Gordon should take such a fancy to that old sissy is beyond me!

[Suddenly struck—thinking]

Why, he’s jealous of Gordon liking Charlie!

[Immediately all affectionate pity]

Then he must love Gordon a little!

[Letting her pity escape her]

Poor Ned!

[She makes a movement toward him]