ANNE (gently). You didn’t think I was in love with [161]you, Nicholas? (NICHOLAS looks uncomfortable.) In three days? Oh, Nicholas!
NICHOLAS. Well—well, I don’t see—— (He holds out the money. But ANNE won’t take it on those terms.)
ANNE. From a friend?
NICHOLAS. From a friend.
ANNE. Lent to a friend?
NICHOLAS. Lent to a friend.
ANNE (taking it). Thank you, Nicholas. (She hurries out, clasping the precious money. NICHOLAS will never see her again.... And then, suddenly, her head comes round the door) Thank you very much, Nicholas! (She is gone.)
NICHOLAS. Well, I’m damned!
(He sits there gloomily, his legs stretched out, and regards his shoes. So far as we can tell he goes on saying, “Well, I’m damned” to himself. EUSTASIA and LEONARD come in. He is properly dressed now, but still under EUSTASIA’S care, and she has his arm, as if he were attempting a very difficult feat in walking across the hall.)
NICHOLAS (looking round). Hallo! (Getting up) Do you want to come here?