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Rh

[Suddenly breaking down—chokingly]

No—it’s all right, son—all right—you didn’t know—

[Crushed, overcome by remorse for his blow]

I’m sorry—sorry—you’re right, Mother—Dad would feel as if I’d hit him—just as bad as if I’d hit him!

It’s nothing, son—nothing!

[Brokenly]

That’s damn fine, Darrell—damn fine and sporting of you! It was a rotten, dirty trick! Accept my apology, Darrell, won’t you?

[Staring at him stupidly—thinking]

Darrell? he calls me Darrell! but doesn’t he know? I thought she told him.

[Laughing hysterically—thinking]

I told him he hit his father but he can’t understand me! why, of course he can’t! how could he?

[Insistently holding out his hand]

I’m damned sorry! I didn’t mean it! Shake hands, won’t you?