Professor Leeds
[Thinking]
What is she thinking? . . . I can’t stand living like this! . . .
[Giggle gone to a twitching grin]
You are a cool one, Nina! You’d think you’d just seen Charlie yesterday!
Nina
[Slowly—coolly and reflectively]
Well, the war is over. Coming back safe from Europe isn’t such an unusual feat now, is it?
Marsden
[Thinking bitterly]
A taunt . . . I didn’t fight . . . physically unfit . . . not like Gordon . . . Gordon in flames . . . how she must resent my living! . . . thinking of me, scribbling in press bureau . . . louder and louder lies . . . drown the guns and the screams . . . deafen the world with lies . . . hired choir of liars! . . .
[Forcing a joking tone]
Little you know the deadly risks I ran, Nina ! If you’d eaten some of the food they gave me on my renovated transport, you’d shower me with congratulations!
[The Professor forces a snicker]
Nina
[Coolly]
Well, you’re here, and that’s that.
[Then suddenly expanding in a sweet, genuinely affectionate smile]
And I am glad, Charlie, always glad you’re here! You know that.
