Yes, Charlie. Yes, Father. Because all of Sam’s father’s family have been insane. His mother told me that time so I wouldn’t have his baby. I was going to tell Madeline that so she wouldn’t marry Gordon. But it would have been a lie because Gordon isn’t really Sam’s child at all, he’s Ned’s. Ned gave him to me and I gave him to Sam so Sam could have a healthy child and be well and happy. And Sam is well and happy, don’t you think?
[Childishly]
So I haven’t been such an awfully wicked girl, have I, Father?
Marsden
[Horrified and completely sobered by what he has heard—stares at her with stunned eyes]
Nina! Good God! Do you know what you’re saying?
Madeline
[Excitedly]
There! The one on this side! I saw the color on their blades just now!
Evans
[Anxiously]
Are you sure? Then he’s a little behind the other two!
Darrell
[Excitedly]
The one in the middle seems to be ahead! Is that the Navy?
[But the others pay no attention to him. All three are learning over the rail, their glasses glued to their eyes, looking up the river. The noise from the whistles is now
