Page:Strange Interlude (1928).djvu/33

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[In her cool tone]

Why, nothing. Nothing at all.

[She goes to him with a detached, friendly manner]

Did I seem rude, Charlie? I didn’t mean to be.

[She kisses him with a cool, friendly smile]

Welcome home.

[Thinking wearily]

What has Charlie done? nothing and never will  Charlie sits beside the fierce river, immaculately timid, cool and clothed, watching the burning, frozen naked swimmers drown at last.

[Thinking torturedly]

Cold lips the kiss of contempt! for dear old Charlie!

[Forcing a good-natured laugh]

Rude? Not a bit!

[Banteringly]

As I’ve often reminded you, what can I expect when the first word you ever spoke in this world was an insult to me. “Dog” you said, looking right at me—at the age of one!

[''He laughs. The laughs nervously''. smiles perfunctorily]

[Thinking wearily]

The fathers laugh at little daughter Nina I must get away! nice Charlie doggy faithful  fetch and carry  bark softly in books at the deep night.