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MARY (sympathetically). I know, ma’am.

[She goes out.

(The GREAT BROXOPP comes in. He wears a tail-coat of the period, a wide-awake hat, and a spreading blue tie—“The Broxopp tie” as it is called in later years. He is twenty-five at this time, but might be any age, an impetuous, enthusiastic, flamboyant, simple creature; candid, generous; a gentleman, yet with no manners; an artist, yet not without vulgarity. His beliefs are simple. He believes in himself and NANCY; but mostly in himself.)

BROXOPP. Nancy!

NANCY. Jim! (She flies into his arms.)

BROXOPP (releasing himself and looking at his watch). Two hours and twenty minutes since I kissed you, Nancy.

NANCY. Is that all? It seems so much longer.

BROXOPP (comparing his watch with the clock). You’re right; I’m a little slow. It’s two hours and twenty-three minutes. I must have another one. (Has one.)

NANCY. Oh, Jim, darling, it’s lovely having you ssss1back. But you’re early, aren’t you? Tell me what’s been happening.

BROXOPP (trying to speak indifferently). How do you know anything has been happening?