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interlude strange interlude in which we call on past and future to bear witness we are living!

[With a sad smile]

Sit down, Ned. When I heard you were back I wrote you because I need a friend. It has been so long since we loved each other we can now be friends again. Don’t you feel that?

[Gratefully]

Yes. I do.

[He sits down in one of the chairs at left, drawing it up closer to her]

[Thinking cautiously]

I want to be her friend but I will never

[Thinking cautiously]

I must keep very cool and sensible or he won’t help me.

[With a friendly smile]

I haven’t seen you look so young and handsome since I first knew you. Tell me your secret.

[Bitterly]

I need it! I’m old! Look at me! And I was actually looking forward to being old! I thought it would mean peace. I’ve been sadly disillusioned!

[Then forcing a smile]

So tell me what fountain of youth you’ve found.

[Proudly]

That’s easy. Work! I’ve become as interested in biology as I once was in medicine. And not selfishly interested, that’s