Nina
[Relentlessly]
Why? Because—
Darrell
[Steps up suddenly beside them—sharply and sternly commanding]
No, Nina!
[He taps Madeline on the shoulder and draws her aside. Nina lets go of her wrist and stares after them in a sort of stunned stupor]
Miss Arnold, as a doctor I feel it my duty to tell you that Mrs. Evans isn’t herself. Pay no attention to anything she may say to you. She’s just passed through a crucial period in a woman’s life and she’s morbidly jealous of you and subject to queer delusions!
[He smiles kindly at her]
So get back to the race! And God bless you!
[He grips her hand, strangely moved]
Madeline
[Gratefully]
Thank you. I understand, I think. Poor Mrs. Evans!
[She hurries back to the rail, raising her glasses]
Nina
[Springing to her feet and finding her voice—with despairing accusation]
Ned!
Darrell
[Steps quickly to her side]
I’m sorry, Nina, but I warned you not to meddle.
[Then affectionately]
