where? . . . never mind that . . . don’t think of ends . . . the means are the end . . . keep moving! . . .
[He laughs scornfully and sits down in Evans’ chair, picking up the paper and glancing at it sneeringly]
It’s in every headline of this daily newer testament . . . going . . . going . . . never mind the gone . . . we won’t live to see it . . . and we’ll be so rich, we can buy off the deluge anyway! . . . even our new God has His price! . . . must have! . . . aren’t we made in His image? . . . or vice-versa? . . .
[He laughs again, letting the paper drop disdainfully—then bitterly]
But why am I so superior? . . . where am I going? . . . to the same nowhere! . . . worse! . . . I’m not even going! . . . I’m there! . . .
[He laughs with bitter self-pity—then begins to think with amused curiosity]
Become Sam’s partner? . . . there’s a grotesque notion! . . . it might revive my sense of humor about myself, at least . . . I’m the logical one to help him . . . I helped him to Nina . . . logical partner . . . partner in Nina? . . . what inane thoughts! . . .
[With a sigh]
No use trying to think out that plot tonight . . . I’ll try to read. . . .
[He sees the book he has been reading on the couch and gets up to get it. There is a ring from the front door. Marsden turns toward it uncertainly. A pause. Then Nina’s voice calls down the stairs]
Nina
The maid’s out. Will you go to the door, Charlie?
