[Closing the public registration book and finding courage to look at ROSE.] Rose! Wake up! What's the matter with you? Surely you're not going to worry about all that ranting? [A fever seems to shake her and her great eyes are full of tears.] Rose! Be sensible! What's the …?
ROSE
I know what I want—and—maybe—I'll be able to put it through! An'—if not—it don't matter—neither!
FLAMM
[Walks up and down excitedly, stopping to listen at the door.] Naturally. And why not? [Apparently absorbed in the key-rack from which he takes several keys, whispers in feverish haste.] Rose! Listen! Rose, do you hear me? We must meet behind the outbuildings! I must talk it all over with you once more. Ssh! Mother's in there in the den. It's not possible here!
ROSE
[Uttering her words with difficulty but with an iron energy.] Never an' never, Mr. Flamm!
FLAMM
I suppose you want to drive us all mad? The devil has gotten into you!
I've been running around after you for the better part of a month, trying
to say a sensible word to you and you avoid me as if I were a leper!
What's the result? Things of this kind!