NICHOLLS (_lamely_). Oh, there's no doubt of that. No one's worrying about your not getting well quick. EILEEN. It won't be long. We can write often, and it isn't far away. You can come out and see me every Sunday--if you want to. NICHOLLS (_hastily_). Of course I will! EILEEN (_looking at his face searchingly_). Why do you act so funny? Why don't you sit down--here, by me? Don't you want to? NICHOLLS (_drawing up a chair by hers--flushing guiltily_). I--I'm all flustered, Eileen. I don't know what I'm doing. EILEEN (_putting her hand on his knee_). Poor Fred! I'm so sorry I have to go. I didn't want to at first. I knew how hard it would be on father and the kids--especially little Mary. (_Her voice trembles a bit._) And then the doctor said if I stayed I'd be putting them all in danger. He even ordered me not to kiss them any more. (_She bites her lip to restrain a sob--then coughs, a soft, husky cough._ Nicholls _shrinks away from her to the edge of his chair, his eyes shifting nervously with fright._ Eileen _continues gently._) So I've got to go and get well, don't you see? NICHOLLS (_wetting his dry lips_). Yes--it's better. EILEEN (_sadly_). I'll miss the kids so much. Taking care of them has meant so much to me since mother died. (_With a half-sob she suddenly throws her arms about his neck and hides her face on his shoulder. He shudders and fights against an impulse to push her away._) But I'll miss you most of all, Fred. (_She lifts her lips towards his, expecting a kiss. He seems about to kiss her--then averts his face with a shrinking movement, pretending he hasn't seen._ Eileen's _eyes grow wide with horror. She throws herself back into her chair, staring accusingly at_ Nicholls. _She speaks chokingly._) Fred! Why--why didn't you kiss--what is it? Are you--afraid? (_With a moaning sound._) Oooh! NICHOLLS (_goaded by this accusation into a display of manhood, seizes her fiercely by the arms_). No! What--what d'you mean? (_He tries to kiss her, but she hides her face._) EILEEN (_in a muffled voice of hysterical self-accusation, pushing his head away_). No, no, you mustn't! I was wrong. The doctor told you not to, didn't he? Please don't, Fred! It would be awful if anything happened to you--through me. (Nicholls _gives up his attempts, recalled to caution by her words. She raises her face and tries to force a smile through her tears._) But you can kiss me on the forehead, Fred. That can't do any harm. (_His face crimson, he does so. She laughs hysterically._) It seems so silly--being kissed that way--by you. (_She gulps back a sob and continued to attempt to joke._) I'll have to get used to it, won't I? THE CURTAIN FALLS Act One: Scene Two.