Page:Strange Interlude (1928).djvu/319

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[Relentlessly]

Why? Because—

[Steps up suddenly beside them—sharply and sternly commanding]

No, Nina!

[He taps on the shoulder and draws her aside. lets go of her wrist and stares after them in a sort of stunned stupor]

Miss Arnold, as a doctor I feel it my duty to tell you that Mrs. Evans isn’t herself. Pay no attention to anything she may say to you. She’s just passed through a crucial period in a woman’s life and she’s morbidly jealous of you and subject to queer delusions!

[He smiles kindly at her]

So get back to the race! And God bless you!

[He grips her hand, strangely moved]

[Gratefully]

Thank you. I understand, I think. Poor Mrs. Evans!

[She hurries back to the rail, raising her glasses]

[Springing to her feet and finding her voice—with despairing accusation]

Ned!

[Steps quickly to her side]

I’m sorry, Nina, but I warned you not to meddle.

[Then affectionately]