NICHOLAS. Do you know what you said? You said, “Please, Mr. Nicholas, I want you to stay.” I shall always remember that. (Fatuously to himself) “Please, Mr. Nicholas, I want you to stay.” I wonder what made you think of saying that?

ANNE. I wanted us to be friends. I wanted to get to know you; to make you think of me as—as your friend.

NICHOLAS. We are friends, Anne, aren’t we?

ANNE. I think we are now, Nicholas.

NICHOLAS (with a sentimental sigh). Friends!

(ANNE looks at him, wondering if she shall risk it; then away again; then summons up her courage and takes the plunge.)

ANNE. Nicholas!

NICHOLAS. Yes?

ANNE (timidly). I—I want you to do something for me.

NICHOLAS. Anything, Anne, anything.