ROSIE (Conventionally). It's very good of you to let me know so promptly when any of the men fall ill and to keep it a secret between us—even from Charlie.
CLAV. (Contemptuously). Oh, Charlie!
ROSIE (Quickly). He doesn't know, of course?
CLAV. No, he knows nothing.
ROSIE. I was just afraid. You're such close friends, and this book you've been writing must have brought you closer together. I thought you might have let it slip out.
CLAV. Oh, no. I kept the bond.
ROSIE. I can never thank you sufficiently.
CLAV. You could if you would.
ROSIE. How? Tell me.
CLAV. As you said, I'm a busy man, but I'm not too busy to use my eyes. A man can't join hands with a good woman in the great work of alleviating suffering without conceiving an admiration for her, without longing—