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tell on Nina’s face but she’s kept her wonderful body!

[With a trace of malice—dryly]

There’s a young lady who seems to care a lot whether Gordon comes in last or not!

[Trying to be sorrowful and appealing]

Yes. Gordon is hers now, Ned.

[But she cannot bear this thought—vindictively]

That is, they’re engaged. But, of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean— Can you imagine him throwing himself away on a little fool like that? I simply can’t believe he really loves her! Why, she’s hardly even pretty and she’s deadly stupid. I thought he was only flirting with her—or merely indulging in a passing physical affair.

[She winces]

At his age, one has to expect—even a mother must face nature. But for Gordon to take her seriously, and propose marriage—it’s too idiotic for words!

[Thinking cynically]

Oh, so you’ll compromise on his sleeping with her if you have to  but she must have no real claim to dispute your ownership, eh? you’d like to make her the same sort of convenient slave for him that I was for you!

[Resentfully]

I can’t agree with you. I find her quite charming. It seems to me if I were in Gordon’s shoes I’d do exactly what he has done.