LORETTA. [Steadily.] It was all my fault. I should never have let him. I was to blame.
NED. [Paces up and down for a minute, stops in front of her, and speaks with resignation.] All right. I don’t blame you in the least, Loretta. And you have been very honest. It is . . . er . . . commendable. But Billy is right, and you are wrong. You must get married.
LORETTA. [In dim, far-away voice.] To Billy?
NED. Yes, to Billy. I’ll see to it. Where does he live? I’ll make him. If he won’t I’ll . . . I’ll shoot him!
LORETTA. [Crying out with alarm.] Oh, Ned, you won’t do that?
NED. [Sternly.] I shall.
LORETTA. But I don’t want to marry Billy.
NED. [Sternly.] You must. And Billy must. Do you understand? It is the only thing.
LORETTA. That’s what Billy said.
NED. [Triumphantly.] You see, I am right.