CURTIS—[With a trace of annoyance.] Oh, I can see well enough from here.
BIGELOW—[With a laugh.] She seems to get as much fun out of it as they do. [As a shriek comes from outside—excitedly.] Ah, Eddy discovered her behind the tree. Isn't he tickled now! [He turns back from the window and lights a cigarette—enthusiastically.] Jove, what a hand she is with children!
CURTIS—[As if the subject bored him.] Oh, Martha gets along well with anyone.
BIGELOW—[Sits on the couch again—with a sceptical smile.] You think so? With everyone?
CURTIS—[Surprised.] Yes—with everyone we've ever come in contact with—even aboriginal natives.
BIGELOW—With the aboriginal natives of Bridgetown? With the well-known Jayson family, for example?
CURTIS—[Getting to his feet—frowning.] Why, everything's all right between Martha and them, isn't it? What do you mean, Big? I certainly imagined—but I'll confess this damn book has had me so preoccupied—
BIGELOW—Too darn preoccupied, if you'll pardon my saying so. It's not fair to leave her to fight it alone.
CURTIS—[Impatiently.] Fight what? Martha has a sense of humor. I'm sure their petty prejudices merely amuse her.
BIGELOW—[Sententiously.] A mosquito is a ridiculous, amusing creature, seen under a microscope; but when a swarm has been stinging you all night—