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I don’t believe he ever mentioned her until her letters began coming or that he’d ever have come to see the poor woman if I hadn’t insisted. His attitude rather shocked me. It was just as though he’d forgotten he had a mother. And yet as soon as he saw her he was sweet enough. She seemed dreadfully upset to see Charlie with us, until we’d explained it was thanks to his kindness and in his car we were taking this deferred honeymoon. Charlie’s like a fussy old woman about his car, he’s afraid to let Sam or me drive it—

[''Enters from the rear. He is spruce, dressed immaculately, his face a bit tired and resigned, but smiling kindly. He has a letter in his hand'']

Good morning.

[She gives a start and instinctively covers the letter with her hand]

Good morning.

[Thinking amusedly]

If he knew what I’d just written poor old Charlie!

[Then indicating the letter he carries]

I see you’re an early correspondent, too.

[With sudden jealous suspicion]

Why did she cover it up like that? whom is she writing to?