Evans
I’ll go up and tell Nina you’re here, Ned.
[He goes, casting a resentful glance at Marsden]
Marsden
[Awkwardly, as Darrell sits down in the chair at center, goes over and stands by the table]
I was on the point of leaving when you rang. Then I decided to stop and renew our acquaintance.
[He stoops and picks up one sheet of paper, and puts it back carefully on the table]
Darrell
[Watching him—thinking]
Neat . . . suspiciously neat . . . he’s an old maid who seduces himself in his novels . . . so I suspect . . . I’d like a chance to study him more closely. . . .
Marsden
[Thinking resentfully]
What a boor! . . . he might say something! . . .
[Forcing a smile]
And I wanted to ask a favor of you, a word of advice as to the best specialist, the very best, it would be possible to consult—
Darrell
[Sharply]
On what?
Marsden
[Almost naïvely]
My mother has a pain in her stomach.
