LORETTA. Yes, you said it yourself, with your own lips, not ten minutes ago. I shall never believe you again.
NED. [Masterfully putting arm around her and drawing her toward him.] And I am a joker, too, and a very wicked man. Nevertheless, you must trust me. There will be nothing wrong.
LORETTA. [Preparing to yield.] And no . . . scandal?
NED. Scandal fiddlesticks. Loretta, I want you to be my wife. [He waits anxiously.]
[JACK HEMINGWAY, in fishing costume, appears in doorway to right and looks on.]
NED. You might say something.
LORETTA. I will . . . if . . .
[ALICE HEMINGWAY appears in doorway to left and looks on.]
NED. [In suspense.] Yes, go on.
LORETTA. If I don’t have to marry Billy.