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[Defiantly]

Yes—and he’s not coming back—and he’s sailing soon!

[With a shudder]

Why does he challenge me that way? and cling to Sam? he must have seen Ned and me he doesn’t offer to come to my lap  he used to  Ned was right  I’ve got to lie to him  get him back  here  on my lap!

[With a sneer—to ]

I’m glad Ned’s gone. I was afraid he was going to be on our hands all day.

[Eagerly, half-getting down from his father’s lap]

You’re glad—?

[Then cautiously thinking]

She’s cheating I saw her kiss him.

Ned’s getting to be an awful bore. He’s so weak. He can’t get started on anything unless he’s pushed.

[Moving a little nearer—searching her face—thinking]

She doesn’t seem to like him so much but I saw her kiss him!

[Surprised]

Oh, come now, Nina, aren’t you being a little hard on Ned? It’s true he’s sort of lost his grip in a way but he’s our best friend.