VANDERLIP
(Sullenly.)
What do you want to say to me? Fire away.
FREDA
(Laying hand on his arm.)
Floyd—
(Hesitating.)
—dear Floyd.... You are big and strong. I know, too, that you are kind. Be kind now, just a little kind, a very little. I can't talk with you here, this way. It would be ridiculous.
(Beginning to help him take off coat, in which operation his assistance is restricted to non-resistance.)
Come and sit by the fire a moment.