Page:The Return of the Soldier (Van Druten).djvu/71

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ACT II

heaven to be with you . . . after all these strangers. It’s like coming out of prison.

Margaret : Yes, dear, I know. Come and sit down, now.

Chris (pointing to the armchair, facing audience) : You sit there. I’ll sit on the floor, by your side.

[She sits. He sits by her, on the floor, holding her hand.

(After a pause) Margaret . . . when I sit here with you . . . like this . . . I can’t believe all they tell me . . . all of that time that’s been wiped out. They told me you’d changed. You haven’t . . . to me. Tell me . . . do I seem old, to you?

Margaret : No, Chris.

Chris : Older? There’s grey in my hair. Does that matter?

Margaret : Of course it doesn’t, Chris, darling.

Chris : Say that again.

Margaret : What?

Chris : Chris, darling. I want to hear it in your voice. They’ve all called me dear and darling . . . strangers’ voices . . . and it meant nothing. But you . . . your voice. . . . Say it again.

Margaret : Chris, darling.

Chris (kissing her hand) : Oh, Margaret . . . beloved. (A silence.) This is peace! I wanted to take you into the garden . . . down to the pond.

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