growers and farmers, well off, I believe. Simple, healthy people, I’m sure of that although I’ve never met them.
Marsden
[A bit shamefacedly—changing the subject hastily]
Have you suggested this match to Nina?
Darrell
Yes, a good many times lately in a half-joking way. If I were serious she wouldn’t listen, she’d say I was prescribing. But I think what I’ve said has planted it in her mind as a possibility.
Marsden
[Thinking suspiciously]
Is this Doctor her lover? . . . trying to pull the wool over my eyes? . . . use me to arrange a convenient triangle for him? . . .
[Harshly—but trying to force a joking tone]
Do you know what I’m inclined to suspect, Doctor? That you may be in love with Nina yourself!
Darrell
[Astonished]
The deuce you do! What in the devil makes you think that? Not that any man mightn’t fall in love with Nina. Most of them do. But I didn’t happen to. And what’s more I never could. In my mind she always belongs to Gordon. It’s probably a reflection of her own silly fixed idea about him.
[Suddenly, dryly and harshly]
And I couldn’t share a woman—even with a ghost!
[Thinking cynically]
