broke it off the day before I came away. And . . . and . . . you'd
better sit down.

[BILLY sits down on edge of chair. LORETTA seats herself by table.
Billy, without rising, jerks his chair forward till they are facing each
other, his knees touching hers. He yearns toward her. She moves back
her chair slightly.]

BILLY. [With supreme confidence.] That's what I came to see you for--to
get engaged over again.

[BILLY hudges chair forward and tries to take her hand.]

[LORETTA hudges her chair back.]

BILLY. [Drawing out large silver watch and looking at it.] Now look
here, Loretta, I haven't any time to lose. I've got to leave for that
train in ten minutes. And I want you to set the day.

LORETTA. But we're not engaged, Billy. So there can't be any setting of
the day.

BILLY. [With confidence.] But we're going to be. [Suddenly breaking
out.] Oh, Loretta, if you only knew how I've suffered. That first night
I didn't sleep a wink. I haven't slept much ever since. [Hudges chair
forward.] I walk the floor all night. [Solemnly.] Loretta, I don't eat
enough to keep a canary bird alive. Loretta . . . [Hudges chair
forward.]

LORETTA. [Hudging her chair back maternally.] Billy, what you need is a