After ELFIE’S exit LAURA crosses slowly to wardrobe, pulls off picture of JOHN; crosses to dresser, takes picture of JOHN from there; carries both pictures over to bed; kneels on bed, pulls down picture at head of bed; places all three pictures under pillow.  WILL is heard coming upstairs, and knocks.

LAURA.  Come in.

WILL enters.  His dress is that of a man of business, the time being about February.  He is well groomed and brings with him the impression of easy luxury.

WILL. [As he enters.] Hello, Laura.

There is an obvious embarrassment on the part of each of them.  She rises, goes to him and extends her hand.

LAURA.  I’m—­I’m glad to see you, Will.

WILL.  Thank you.

LAURA.  Won’t you sit down?

WILL. [Regaining his ease of manner.] Thank you again.

[Puts hat and cane at end of wardrobe; removes overcoat and places it on back of armchair; sits in armchair.

LAURA. [Sits right of table.] It’s rather cold out, isn’t it?

WILL.  Just a bit sharp.

LAURA.  You came with Elfie in the car?

WILL.  She picked me up at Martin’s; we lunched there.

LAURA.  By appointment?

WILL.  I’d asked her.

LAURA.  Well?

WILL.  Well, Laura.

LAURA.  She told you?

WILL.  Not a great deal.  What do you want to tell me?

LAURA. [Very simply, and avoiding his glance.] Will, I’m ready to come back.

WILL. [With an effort concealing his sense of triumph and satisfaction.  Rises, crosses to LAURA.] I’m mighty glad of that, Laura.  I’ve missed you like the very devil.

LAURA.  Do we—­do we have to talk it over much?

[Crosses to left of table in front of bed.

WILL.  Not at all unless you want to.  I understand—­in fact, I always have.

LAURA. [Wearily.] Yes, I guess you always did.  I didn’t.

[Crosses and sits right of table.

WILL.  It will be just the same as it was before, you know.

LAURA.  Yes.

WILL.  I didn’t think it was possible for me to miss anyone the way I have you.  I’ve been lonely.

LAURA.  That’s nice in you to say that.

WILL.  You’ll have to move out of here right away. [Crossing to back of table, surveying room.] This place is enough to give one the colly-wabbles.  If you’ll be ready to-morrow I’ll send my man over to help you take care of the luggage.

LAURA.  To-morrow will be all right, thank you.

WILL.  And you’ll need some money in the meantime.  I’ll leave this here.

[He takes a roll of bills and places it on the bureau.

LAURA.  You seem to have come prepared.  Did Elfie and you plan this all out?

WILL.  Not planned—­just hoped.  I think you’d better go to some nice hotel now.  Later we can arrange.