Floyd, I am tired of the whole business. I want to go away—over the ice—anywhere—away. I can't live it out here till the river breaks next spring. I'll die. I know it. I want to quit it all and go away. And I want to go at once.
(She lays her hand in appeal on the back of his. His hand turns over and captures hers. He does not know what to say.)
Well?
VANDERLIP
(Hastily.)
I don't know what to say. Nothing I'd like better, Freda. You know that well enough.
(He presses her hand, and she nods.)
But you see I'm—
(Blurting it out.)
—I'm engaged. Of course you know that. Everybody knows it. The girl's coming in over the ice to marry me.