[She gets up from beside him with a hunted movement]
It must be half past eight. Charlie’s coming to bring his suggestions on my outline for Gordon’s biography.
Evans
[His bliss shattered—dejectedly]
Always happens . . . just as we get close . . . something comes between . . .
[Then confusedly]
Say, I forgot to tell you Ned’s coming out tonight.
Nina
[Astonished]
Ned Darrell?
Evans
Sure. I happened to run into him the other day and invited him and he said Saturday evening. He couldn’t tell what train. Said never mind meeting him.
Nina
[Excitedly]
Why didn’t you tell me before, you big booby!
[She kisses him]
There, don’t mind. But it’s just like you. Now someone’ll have to go down to the store. And I’ll have to get the spare room ready.
[She hurries to the doorway. He follows her]
Evans
I’ll help you.
Nina
You’ll do nothing of the kind! You’ll stay right down-
