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[In a tone of superior manly understanding, kindly but laying down the law to womanly weakness]

He’s sick of being babied, Nina. You forget he’s getting to be a big boy. And we want him to grow up a real he-man and not an old lady like Charlie.

[Sagaciously]

That’s what’s made Charlie like he is, I’ll bet. His mother never stopped babying him.

[Submissively—but with a look of bitter scorn at him]

Perhaps you’re right, Sam.

[Confidently]

I know I am!

[Thinking with a look of intense hatred]

Oh, Mother God, grant that I may some day tell this fool the truth!