Nina
[Without looking at him, her eyes on her father’s—intensely]
Gordon wanted me! I wanted Gordon! I should have made him take me! I knew he would die and I would have no children, that there would be no big Gordon or little Gordon left to me, that happiness was calling me, never to call again if I refused! And yet I did refuse! I didn’t make him take me! I lost him forever! And now I am lonely and not pregnant with anything at all, but—but loathing!
[She hurls this last at her father—fiercely]
Why did I refuse? What was that cowardly something in me that cried, no, you mustn’t, what would your father say?
Professor Leeds
[Thinking—furiously]
What an animal! . . . and my daughter! . . . she doesn’t get it from me! . . . was her mother like that? . . .
[Distractedly]
Nina! I really can’t listen!
Nina
[Savagely]
And that’s exactly what my father did say! Wait, he told Gordon! Wait for Nina till the war’s over, and you’ve got a good job and can afford a marriage license!
Professor Leeds
[Crumbling pitifully]
Nina! I—!
