to discriminate. And she talks interminably, Charlie—intentional nonsense, one would say! Refuses to be serious! Jeers at everything!
Marsden
[Consolingly]
Oh, that’s all undoubtedly part of the effort she’s making to forget.
Professor Leeds
[Absent-mindedly]
Yes.
[Arguing with himself]
Shall I tell him? . . . no . . . it might sound silly . . . but it’s terrible to be so alone in this . . . if Nina’s mother had lived . . . my wife . . . dead! . . . and for a time I actually felt released! . . . wife! . . . help-meet! . . . now I need help! . . . no use! . . . she’s gone! . . .
Marsden
[Watching him—thinking with a condescending affection]
Good little man . . . he looks worried . . . always fussing about something . . . he must get on Nina’s nerves. . . .
[Reassuringly]
No girl could forget Gordon in a hurry, especially after the shock of his tragic death.
Professor Leeds
[Irritably]
I realize that.
[Thinking resentfully]
Gordon . . . always Gordon with everyone! . . .
