Nina
[With a maternal pride and amusement]
Dear Sam . . . I can’t quite believe in this self-confident business man yet . . . but I have to admit he’s proved it . . . he asked for more money and they gave it without question . . . they’re anxious to keep him . . . they ought to be . . . how he’s slaved! . . . for me and my baby! . . .
Evans
[Has been looking at Marsden surreptitiously over his paper]
Charlie’s mother must have hoarded up a half million . . . he’ll let it rot in government bonds . . . wonder what he’d say if I proposed that he back me? . . . he’s always taken a friendly interest . . . well, it’s worth a bet, anyway . . . he’d be an easy partner to handle . . .
Marsden
[Staring at Evans wonderingly]
What a changed Sam! . . . I preferred him the old way . . . futile but he had a sensitive quality . . . now he’s brash . . . a little success . . . oh, he’ll succeed all right . . . his kind are inheriting the earth . . . hogging it, cramming it down their tasteless gullets! . . . and he’s happy! . . . actually happy! . . . he has Nina . . . a beautiful baby . . . a comfortable home . . . no sorrow, no tragic memories . . . and I have nothing! . . . but utter loneliness! . . .
[With grieving self-pity]
If only Mother had lived! . . . how horribly I miss her! . . . my lonely home . . . who will keep house for me now? . . . it has got to be done sympathetically or I won’t be able to work . . . I must write to Jane . . . she’ll probably be only too glad . . .
