Page:Strange Interlude (1928).djvu/293

Rh You’re coming to shoot a drink. You need about ten, I think, to get you in the right spirit to see the finish!

[To who has gotten up but is still standing by his chair]

Come on, Ned.

[Quickly]

No, leave Ned with me. I want to talk to him. Take Madeline—and Charlie.

[Looking at her appealingly]

But I’m perfectly contented sitting—

[Then after a look in her eyes—thinking]

She wants to be alone with Darrell all right  doesn’t matter now  their love is dead  but there’s still some secret between them she’s never told me  never mind  she’ll tell me sometime  I’m all she will have left  soon.

[Then stricken with guilt]

Poor dear Jane! how can I think of anyone but you! God; I’m contemptible! I’ll get drunk with that fool! that’s all I’m good for!

[Thinking resentfully]

She takes a fine do-this-little-girl tone toward me! I’ll give in to her now but once I’m married!

Come on then, Madeline. We’ll give you a small one.

[Impatiently]

Charlie! Head up!