If I love her! . . . oh, I do love her!
[Eagerly]
Anything you wish, Nina—anything!
Nina
[With a comforted smile, closing her eyes and cuddling up against him]
I knew you would. Dear old Charlie!
[As he gives a wincing start]
What is it?
[She looks up into his face]
Marsden
[Forcing a smile—ironically]
Twinge—rheumatics—getting old, Nina.
[Thinking with wild agony]
Dear old Charlie! . . . descended again into hell! . . .
[Then in a flat voice]
What do you want to be punished for, Nina?
Nina
[In a strange, far-away tone, looking up not at him but at the ceiling]
For playing the silly slut, Charlie. For giving my cool clean body to men with hot hands and greedy eyes which they called love! Ugh!
[A shiver runs over her body]
Marsden
[Thinking with sudden agony]
Then she did! . . . the little filth! . . .
