isn’t enough for him . . . I can hear his mother saying, “Sammy’s got to feel sure you love him . . . to be happy.” . . . I must try to make him feel sure . . .
[Speaking gently]
I want you to be happy, Sam.
Evans
[His face transformed with happiness]
I am—a hundred times more than I deserve!
Nina
[Presses his head down on her breast so he cannot see her eyes—gently]
Ssshh.
[Thinking sadly]
I promised her . . . but I couldn’t see how hard it would be to let him love me . . . after his baby . . . was gone . . . it was hard even to keep on living . . . after that operation . . . Gordon’s spirit followed me from room to room . . . poor reproachful ghost! . . .
[With bitter mockery]
Oh, Gordon, I’m afraid this is a deeper point of honor than any that was ever shot down in flames! . . . what would your honor say now? . . . “Stick to him! . . . play the game!” . . . oh, yes, I know . . . I’m sticking . . . but he isn’t happy . . . I’m trying to play the game . . . then why do I keep myself from him? . . . but I was really sick . . . for a time after . . . since then, I couldn’t . . . but . . . oh, I’ll try . . . I’ll try soon . . .
[Tenderly—but having to force herself to say it]
Doesn’t my boy want to sleep with me again—sometime soon?
