e
train? Your hat's in the hall.

BILLY. [Looks at watch, hastily tries to kiss her, succeeds only in
shaking hand, starts across stage toward left.] All right. You write to
me. Write to-morrow. [Stops for a moment in doorway and speaks very
solemnly.] Remember, Loretta, there must be no scandal.

[Billy goes out.]

[LORETTA sits in chair quietly weeping. Slowly dries eyes, rises from
chair, and stands, undecided as to what she will do next.]

[NED enters from right, peeping. Discovers that LORETTA is alone, and
comes quietly across stage to her. When NED comes up to her she begins
weeping again and tries to turn her head away. NED catches both her
hands in his and compels her to look at him. She weeps harder.]

NED. [Putting one arm protectingly around her shoulder and drawing her
toward him.] There, there, little one, don't cry.

LORETTA. [Turning her face to his shoulder like a tired child, sobbing.]
Oh, Ned, if you only knew how wicked I am.

NED. [Smiling indulgently.] What is the matter, little one? Has your
dearly beloved sister failed to write to you? [LORETTA shakes head.] Has
Hemingway been bullying you? [LORETTA shakes head.] Then it must have
been that caller of yours? [Long pause, during which LORETTA's weeping
grows more violent.] Tell me what's the matter, and we'll see what I can
do. [He lightly kisses her hair--so lightly that she does not know.]

LORETTA. [Sobbing.] I can't. You will despise me. Oh, Ned, I am so
ashamed.

NED. [Laughing incredulously.] Let us forget all about it. I want to
tell you something that may make me very happy. My fondest hope is that
it will make you happy, too. Loretta, I love you--

LORETTA. [Uttering a sharp cry of delight, then moaning.] Too late!

NED. [Surprised.] Too late?

LORETTA. [Still moaning.] Oh, why did I? [NED somewhat stiffens.] I
was so young. I did not know the world then.

NED. What is it all about anyway?

LORETTA. Oh, I . . . he . . . Billy . . . I am a wicked woman, Ned. I
know you will never speak to me again.

NED. This . . . er . . . this Billy--what has he been doing?

LORETTA. I . . . he . . . I didn't know. I was so young. I could not
help it. Oh, I shall go mad, I shall go mad!

[NED's encircling arm goes limp. He gently disengages her and deposits
her in big chair.]

[LORETTA buries her face and sobs afresh.]

NED. [Twisting moustache fiercely, regarding her dubiously, h