[BILLY enters from left. Stands in doorway a moment. His shoes are
dusty. He looks overheated. His eyes and face brighten at sight of
LORETTA.]

BILLY. [Stepping forward, ardently.] Loretta!

LORETTA. [Not exactly enthusiastic in her reception, going slowly to
meet him.] You never said you were coming.

[BILLY shows that he expects to kiss her, but she merely shakes his
hand.]

BILLY. [Looking down at his very dusty shoes.] I walked from the
station.

LORETTA. If you had let me know, the carriage would have been sent for
you.

BILLY. [With expression of shrewdness.] If I had let you know, you
wouldn't have let me come.

[BILLY looks around stage cautiously, then tries to kiss her.]

LORETTA. [Refusing to be kissed. ] Won't you sit down?

BILLY. [Coaxingly.] Go on, just one. [LORETTA shakes head and holds
him off.] Why not? We're engaged.

LORETTA. [With decision. ] We're not. You know we're not. You know I