NED. [Inquisitorially.] Why unhappy?
LORETTA. Because . . . he . . . he wants to marry me.
NED. [His face brightening instantly, leaning forward and laying a hand soothingly on hers.] That should not make any girl unhappy. Because you don’t love him is no reason—[Abruptly breaking off.] Of course you don’t love him? [LORETTA shakes her head and shoulders vigorously.] What?
LORETTA. [Explosively.] No, I don’t love Billy! I don’t want to love Billy!
NED. [With confidence.] Because you don’t love him is no reason that you should be unhappy just because he has proposed to you.
LORETTA. [Sobbing.] That’s the trouble. I wish I did love him. Oh, I wish I were dead.
NED. [Growing complacent.] Now my dear child, you are worrying yourself over trifles. [His second hand joins the first in holding her hands.] Women do it every day. Because you have changed your mind, or did not know you mind, because you have—to use an unnecessarily harsh word—jilted a man—
LORETTA. [Interrupting, raising her head and looking at him.] Jilted? Oh Ned, if that were a all!
NED. [Hollow voice.] All!
[NED’s hands slowly retreat from hers. He opens his mouth as though to speak further, then changes his mind and remains silent.]