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love me at first be happy only to take care of her  cook her breakfast  bring it up to her in bed  tuck the pillows behind her  comb her hair for her  I’d be happy just to kiss her hair!

[Agitated—thinking suspiciously]

What are Darrell’s relations with Nina? close to what’s the matter with her? damned thoughts! why should I care? I’ll ask this Evans pump him while I have a chance

[With forced indifference]

Is your friend, the Doctor, “close” to Miss Leeds? She’s had quite a lot the matter with her since her breakdown, if that’s what interests him!

[He smiles casually]

[Gives a start, awakening from his dream]

Oh—er—yes. He’s always trying to bully her into taking better care of herself, but she only laughs at him.

[Soberly]

It’d be much better if she’d take his advice.

[Suspiciously]

No doubt.

[Pronounces with boyish solemnity]

She isn’t herself, Mr. Marsden. And I think nursing all those poor guys keeps the war before her when she ought to forget it. She ought to give up nursing and be nursed for a change, that’s my idea.