Colin: Yes?
John: I was terrified of getting killed in France before I’d had any experience at all.
Colin: Yes.
John: Just before an attack, when I was quite sure I was going to get knocked out, I went off the deep end and had my experience.
Colin: Yes.
John: Then we attacked ... it was funny; I remember feeling very proud of myself—and I didn’t get knocked out. Afterwards I thought a great deal about that first little French girl, and about Frankie; and one night I realised I loved Frankie desperately, because I wanted her like that; and because of Frankie I kept clear of any more of it.... I just lived for my next leave, and the moment when I should see Frankie again ... and the first time we were alone again—it was in this room—I was standing over there and she came in, and came towards me and I went to meet her, and I put my arms round her and held her close—closer than I’d ever done before. My God, I loved her that moment....
Colin: Yes?
John: She pushed me away. She hardly said anything; but she made me feel that she was a little angry and a little indignant—I’ve never felt such a fool in my life ... before I went back to the front that leave, I’d met Toby.
Colin: I remember. You still see her?
John: Sometimes. She’s coming here to-night.