NED. [Almost shouting.] You can’t marry both of us!
LORETTA. [Sadly, repulsing him with her hands.] Then, Ned, I cannot marry you.
NED. [Dumbfounded.] W-what?
LORETTA. [Sadly.] Because I can’t marry both of you.
NED. Bosh and nonsense!
LORETTA. I’d like to marry you, but . . .
NED. There is nothing to prevent you.
LORETTA. [With sad conviction.] Oh, yes, there is. You said yourself that I had to marry Billy. You said you would s-s-shoot him if he didn’t.
NED. [Drawing her toward him.] Nevertheless . . .
LORETTA. [Slightly holding him off.] And it isn’t the custom . . . what . . . Billy said?