Page:The Return of the Soldier (Van Druten).djvu/81

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ACT II

just engaged, you and I. Do you remember how we walked back to the inn that evening? I can see you now standing against the parlour window, resting your cheek against the glass, looking in. I can hear the words you said.

Margaret (spellbound) : What did I say, Chris?

Chris : You said: “Think of me sitting in there, not knowing you loved me.”

Margaret : I didn’t know, Chris.

Chris : You know now.

Margaret : Yes, Chris.

Chris : That’s all I want . . . that you should know . . . that we both should know . . . that, and to be with you, quietly, like this. I can’t be unhappy when you’re with me. I don’t ask any more than that. Like this, I feel I can face anything . . . Kitty and all of them . . . be kind to them . . . if only you can be here sometimes, if I can only know I haven’t lost you quite. No more than that. Then I can manage everything. Without you, I’m lost . . . Margaret, dear.

Margaret : Chris, dear.

Chris : It’s all right? You will stay? You will come again? You won’t leave me?

Margaret : No, Chris. I won’t leave you.

Chris : My beloved.

[There is a long silence. He lies still, his head on her lap, she stroking his hair, crying quietly. Then the door L. opens quietly, and Kitty comes in. For

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