interlude . . . strange interlude in which we call on past and future to bear witness we are living! . . .
[With a sad smile]
Sit down, Ned. When I heard you were back I wrote you because I need a friend. It has been so long since we loved each other we can now be friends again. Don’t you feel that?
Darrell
[Gratefully]
Yes. I do.
[He sits down in one of the chairs at left, drawing it up closer to her]
[Thinking cautiously]
I want to be her friend . . . but I will never . . .
Nina
[Thinking cautiously]
I must keep very cool and sensible or he won’t help me. . . .
[With a friendly smile]
I haven’t seen you look so young and handsome since I first knew you. Tell me your secret.
[Bitterly]
I need it! I’m old! Look at me! And I was actually looking forward to being old! I thought it would mean peace. I’ve been sadly disillusioned!
[Then forcing a smile]
So tell me what fountain of youth you’ve found.
Darrell
[Proudly]
That’s easy. Work! I’ve become as interested in biology as I once was in medicine. And not selfishly interested, that’s
