WILL. Can't even be friends any more, eh?
JOHN crosses, and, taking LAURA'S arm, passes her over to seat; his back is partly to audience.
JOHN. You could hardly expect Miss Murdock to be friendly with you under the circumstances. You could hardly expect me to [LAURA puts scarf across her shoulders.] sanction any such friendship.
WILL. I think I understand your position, young man, and I perfectly agree with you, that is—if your plans come out successfully.
JOHN. Thank you.
LAURA. Then everything is settled [Crossing in front of JOHN and facing WILL, back to audience.] just the way it ought to be—frankly and aboveboard?
WILL. Why, I guess so. If I was perfectly confident that this new arrangement was going to result happily for you both, I think it would be great, only I'm somewhat doubtful, for when people become serious and then fail, I know how hard those things hit, having been hit once myself.
JOHN. So you think we're making a wrong move and there isn't a chance of success!
WILL. No, I don't make any such gloomy prophecy. If you make Laura a good husband, and she makes you a good wife, and together you win out, I'll be mighty glad. As far as I am concerned I shall absolutely forget every thought of Laura's friendship for me.
LAURA. I thought you'd be just that way.