Evans
[Still forced to justify himself—contritely]
I know it isn’t pleasant for you having me drag my work out here, trying to pound out rotten ads.
[With a short laugh]
Trying to is right!
[Blurts out]
I wouldn’t do it except that Cole gave me a warning to buck up—or get out.
Nina
[Stares at him, more annoyed, her eyes hardening, thinking]
Yes! . . . he’ll always be losing one job, getting another, starting with a burst of confidence each time, then . . .
[Cutting him with a careless sneering tone]
Well, it isn’t a job to worry much about losing, is it?
Evans
[Wincing pitiably]
No, not much money. But I used to think there was a fine chance to rise there—but of course that’s my fault, I haven’t made good—
[He finishes miserably]
somehow.
Nina
[Her antagonism giving way to remorseful pity]
What makes me so cruel? . . . he’s so defenseless . . . his mother’s baby . . . poor sick baby! . . . poor Sam!
[She jumps to her feet and goes over to him]
