Page:Strange Interlude (1928).djvu/43

Rh

[Without looking at him, her eyes on her father’s—intensely]

Gordon wanted me! I wanted Gordon! I should have made him take me! I knew he would die and I would have no children, that there would be no big Gordon or little Gordon left to me, that happiness was calling me, never to call again if I refused! And yet I did refuse! I didn’t make him take me! I lost him forever! And now I am lonely and not pregnant with anything at all, but—but loathing!

[She hurls this last at her father—fiercely]

Why did I refuse? What was that cowardly something in me that cried, no, you mustn’t, what would your father say?

[Thinking—furiously]

What an animal! and my daughter! she doesn’t get it from me! was her mother like that?

[Distractedly]

Nina! I really can’t listen!

[Savagely]

And that’s exactly what my father did say! Wait, he told Gordon! Wait for Nina till the war’s over, and you’ve got a good job and can afford a marriage license!

[Crumbling pitifully]

Nina! I—!