wrong . . . but there might be many reasons why he’d wish to get rid of her . . .
[Coldly]
I think you exaggerate my influence.
Darrell
[Eagerly]
Not a bit. You’re the last link connecting her with the girl she used to be before Gordon’s death. You’re closely associated in her mind with that period of happy security, of health and peace of mind. I know that from the way she talks about you. You’re the only person she still respects—and really loves.
[As Marsden starts guiltily and glances at him in confusion—with a laugh]
Oh, you needn’t look frightened. I mean the sort of love she’d feel for an uncle.
Marsden
[Thinking in agony]
Frightened? . . . was I? . . . only person she loves . . . and then he said “love she’d feel for an uncle” . . . Uncle Charlie now! . . . God damn him! . . .
Darrell
[Eyeing him]
Looks damnably upset . . . wants to evade all responsibility for her, I suppose . . . he’s that kind . . . all the better! . . . he’ll be only too anxious to get her safely married. . . .
[Bluntly]
And that’s why I’ve done all this talking. You’ve got to help snap her out of this.
