(She forces a smile but her tone is really hurt. )

PETER — Orin not writing doesn’t mean anything. He never was much of a hand for letters.

HAZEL — I know that, but — you don’t think he’s been wounded, do you, Vinnie?

LAVINIA — Of course not. Father would have let us know.

PETER — Sure he would. Don’t be foolish, Hazel! (then after a little pause ) Orin ought to be home before long now. You’ve heard the good news, of course, Vinnie?

HAZEL — Peter won’t have to go back. Isn’t that fine?

PETER — My wound is healed and I’ve got orders to leave tomorrow but they’ll be cancelled, I guess. (grinning ) I won’t pretend I’m the sort of hero that wants to go back, either! I’ve had enough!

HAZEL —(impulsively ) Oh, it will be so good to see Orin again. (then embarrassed, forces a self-conscious laugh and gets up and kisses Lavinia ) Well, I must run. I’ve got to meet Emily. Good-bye, Vinnie. Do take care of yourself and come to see us soon. (with a teasing glance at her brother ) And be kind to Peter. He’s nice — when he’s asleep. And he has something he’s just dying to ask you!

PETER —(horribly embarrassed ) Darn you! (Hazel laughs and goes off down the drive, left front. Peter fidgets, his eyes on the ground. Lavinia watches him. Since Hazel’s teasing statement, she has visibly withdrawn into herself and is on the defensive. Finally Peter looks up and blurts out awkardly ) Hazel feels bad about Orin not writing. Do you think he really — loves her?

LAVINIA —(stiffening — brusquely ) I don’t know anything about love! I don’t want to know anything! (intensely ) I hate love!

PETER —(crushed by this but trying bravely to joke ) Gosh, then, if that’s the mood you’re in, I guess I better not ask — something I’d made up my mind to ask you today.

LAVINIA — It’s what you asked me a year ago when you were home on leave, isn’t it?

PETER — And you said wait till the war was over. Well, it’s over now.

LAVINIA —(slowly ) I can’t marry anyone, Peter. I’ve got to stay home. Father needs me.

PETER — He’s got your mother.

LAVINIA —(sharply ) He needs me more! (A pause. Then she turns pityingly and puts her hand on his shoulder. ) I’m sorry, Peter.

PETER —(gruffly ) Oh, that’s all right.

LAVINIA — I know it’s what girls always say in books, but I do love you as a brother, Peter. I wouldn’t lose you as a brother for anything. We’ve been like that ever since we were little and started playing together — you and Orin and Hazel and I. So please don’t let this come between us.

PETER —‘Course it won’t. What do you think I am? (doggedly ) Besides, I’m not giving up hope but what you’ll change your mind in time. That is, unless it’s because you love someone else —

LAVINIA —(snatching her hand back ) Don’t be stupid, Peter!

PETER — But how about this mysterious clipper captain that’s been calling?

LAVINIA —(angrily ) Do you think I care anything about that — that —!

PETER — Don’t get mad. I only meant, folks say he’s courting you.

LAVINIA — Folks say more than their prayers!

PETER — Then you don’t — care for him?

LAVINIA —(intensely ) I hate the sight of him!

PETER — Gosh! I’m glad to hear you say that, Vinnie. I was afraid — I imagined girls all liked him.