tell on Nina’s face . . . but she’s kept her wonderful body! . . .
[With a trace of malice—dryly]
There’s a young lady who seems to care a lot whether Gordon comes in last or not!
Nina
[Trying to be sorrowful and appealing]
Yes. Gordon is hers now, Ned.
[But she cannot bear this thought—vindictively]
That is, they’re engaged. But, of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean— Can you imagine him throwing himself away on a little fool like that? I simply can’t believe he really loves her! Why, she’s hardly even pretty and she’s deadly stupid. I thought he was only flirting with her—or merely indulging in a passing physical affair.
[She winces]
At his age, one has to expect—even a mother must face nature. But for Gordon to take her seriously, and propose marriage—it’s too idiotic for words!
Darrell
[Thinking cynically]
Oh, so you’ll compromise on his sleeping with her . . . if you have to . . . but she must have no real claim to dispute your ownership, eh? . . . you’d like to make her the same sort of convenient slave for him that I was for you!
[Resentfully]
I can’t agree with you. I find her quite charming. It seems to me if I were in Gordon’s shoes I’d do exactly what he has done.
