_(Vanderlip glances swiftly around and sees Maid holding coat. He looks at his watch very slowly, and puts it away very slowly. Slowly empties glass of champagne, and carefully puts empty glass on table. Just as slowly drags himself out of chair and to his feet. Maid offers to help on with overcoat, but he ignores her.)_ FREDA _(Who has ceased laughing, showing that she is a bit frightened by his preternatural calmness, but still keeping her nerve.)_ Let me thank you for your kindness, Floyd. I wanted half an hour or so of your time, and you have given it. The turning to the left, as you leave the cabin, leads quickest to the water-hole. Good-night. I'm going to bed. _(Starts to go toward door at left.)_ Minnie, see Mr. Vanderlip out, please. _(Turning head over shoulder, looking back at Vanderlip, and beginning again her silvery laughter. Vanderlip has not spoken a word. He springs, lionlike, after her, seizing her by the arm and whirling her fiercely about, face to face, and still keeping his clutch.)_ Don't be rough. _(He glares at her. She still keeps her nerve, speaks lightly.)_ On second thought-- _(Looks at his detaining hand.)_ --I've decided not to go to bed. Don't be ridiculous, Floyd. _(He growls inarticulately.)_ Tragedy doesn't at all become you. Do sit down and be comfortable. _(To Maid, who has remained composed and holding coat.)_ Mr. Vanderlip doesn't want his coat yet awhile. _(Maid goes to rear, hangs up coat, and remains at rear, waiting.)_ VANDERLIP _(Speaking with slow, clear enunciation.)_ What do you know about the water-hole? _(Freda laughs. He closes his grip on her arm till she winces.)_ What do you know about the water-hole? FREDA _(Lightly.)_ More than you know. VANDERLIP _(Again closing grip.)_ Then tell me. I want to know. FREDA _(Wincing, but still lightly.)_ I know that the fair lady waiting there has flown away a good half-hour ago. VANDERLIP Where? FREDA Down the river. VANDERLIP How do you know it? FREDA I arranged it. VANDERLIP _(Softening for a moment.)_ Tell me, it was because you wanted me? FREDA _(Defiantly.)_ No. VANDERLIP _(Hardening again.)_ Then you didn't want me? _(She shakes her head.)_ You don't want me? _(She shakes head.)_ Well, then, will you have me?--Now? _(She shakes head.)_ Then this was a game you worked on me? FREDA Yes. VANDERLIP You didn't mean a word of it? FREDA Not a word of it. I was playing. VANDERLIP _(Grimly.)_ Well, I wasn't, that's the difference. FREDA Do let go of my arm. You are hurting me. VANDERLIP _(Ignoring her protest, dragging her roughly by her arm to the front and just to left of table, holding her face to face with him, and beginning to speak faster.)_