Professor Leeds
[Thinking distractedly]
What does she mean? . . . oh, God help me!
[Flustered—hastily]
Don’t you see Charlie, Nina?
Marsden
[Troubled—thinking]
She has changed . . . what has happened? . . .
[He comes forward toward her—a bit embarrassed but affectionately using his pet name for her]
Hello, Nina Cara Nina! Are you trying to cut me dead, young lady?
Nina
[Turning her eyes to Marsden, holding out her hand for him to shake, in her cool, preoccupied voice]
Hello, Charlie.
[Her eyes immediately return to her father]
Listen, Father!
Marsden
[Standing near her, concealing his chagrin]
That hurts! . . . I mean nothing! . . . but she’s a sick girl . . . I must make allowance . . .
Professor Leeds
[Thinking distractedly]
That look in her eyes! . . . hate! . . .
[With a silly giggle]
Really, Nina, you’re absolutely rude! What has Charlie done?
