me. [Looking at her watch again.] It's time. And here he comes, I
think. [The SECOND ENGINEER enters, He is a husky, fine-looking
man of thirty-five or so. He stops before the two and tips his
cap, visibly embarrassed and ill-at-ease.]

SECOND ENGINEER--Miss Douglas?

MILDRED--Yes. [Throwing off her rugs and getting to her feet.] Are
we all ready to start?

SECOND ENGINEER--In just a second, ma'am. I'm waiting for the
Fourth. He's coming along.

MILDRED--[With a scornful smile.] You don't care to shoulder this
responsibility alone, is that it?

SECOND ENGINEER--[Forcing a smile.] Two are better than one.
[Disturbed by her eyes, glances out to sea--blurts out.] A fine
day we're having.

MILDRED--Is it?

SECOND ENGINEER--A nice warm breeze--

MILDRED--It feels cold to me.

SECOND ENGINEER--But it's hot enough in the sun--

MILDRED--Not hot enough for me. I don't like Nature. I was never
athletic.