[She bows her head; then, suddenly comes close to him.]

Wanda.  Please do not take him from me altogether.  I will be so careful.  I will not do anything to hurt him.  But if I cannot see him sometimes, I shall die.  Please do not take him from me.

     [She catches his hand and presses it desperately between her
     own.]

Keith.  Leave that to me.  I’m going to do all I can.

Wanda. [Looking up into his face] But you will be kind?

     Suddenly she bends and kisses his hand.  Keith draws his hand
     away, and she recoils a little humbly, looking up at him again. 
     Suddenly she stands rigid, listening.

[In a whisper] Listen!  Someone—­out there!

     She darts past him and turns out the light.  There is a knock on
     the door.  They are now close together between door and window.

 [Whispering] Oh!  Who is it?

Keith. [Under his breath] You said no one comes but Larry.

Wanda.  Yes, and you have his keys.  Oh! if it is Larry!  I must open!

     Keith shrinks back against the wall.  Wanda goes to the door.

[Opening the door an inch] Yes?  Please?  Who?

A thin streak of light from a bull’s-eye lantern outside plays over the wall.  A Policeman’s voice says:  “All right, Miss.  Your outer door’s open.  You ought to keep it shut after dark, you know.”

Wanda.  Thank you, air.

     [The sound of retreating footsteps, of the outer door closing. 
     Wanda shuts the door.]

A policeman!

Keith. [Moving from the wall] Curse!  I must have left that door. [Suddenly-turning up the light] You told me they didn’t know you.

Wanda. [Sighing] I did not think they did, sir.  It is so long I was not out in the town; not since I had Larry.

     Keith gives her an intent look, then crosses to the fire.  He
     stands there a moment, looking down, then turns to the girl, who
     has crept back to the couch.

Keith. [Half to himself] After your life, who can believe—–?  Look here!  You drifted together and you’ll drift apart, you know.  Better for him to get away and make a clean cut of it.

Wanda. [Uttering a little moaning sound] Oh, sir!  May I not love, because I have been bad?  I was only sixteen when that man spoiled me.  If you knew——­

Keith.  I’m thinking of Larry.  With you, his danger is much greater.  There’s a good chance as things are going.  You may wreck it.  And for what?  Just a few months more of—­well—­you know.

Wanda. [Standing at the head of the couch and touching her eyes with her hands] Oh, sir!  Look!  It is true.  He is my life.  Don’t take him away from me.