be wonderful!

MURRAY (_confidently_). Listen. I've had ideas for a series of short
stories for the last couple of years--small town experiences, some of
them actual. I know that life--too darn well. I ought to be able to
write about it. And if I can sell one--to the _Post_, say--I'm sure
they'd take the others, too. And then--I should worry! It'd be easy
sailing. But you must promise to help--play critic for me--read them
and tell me where they're rotten.

EILEEN (_pleased, but protesting_). Oh, no, I'd never dare. I don't
know anything----

MURRAY. Yes, you do. You're the public. And you started me off on this
thing--if I'm really starting at last. So you've got to back me up now.
(_Suddenly._) Say, I wonder if they'd let me have a typewriter up here?

EILEEN. It'd be fine if they would. I'd like to have one, too--to
practice. I learned stenography at a business college and then I had a
position for a year--before my mother died.

MURRAY. We could hire one--I could. I don't see why they wouldn't allow
it. I'm to be sent to one of the men's huts within the next few days,
and you'll be shipped to one of the women's cottages within ten days.
You're not sick enough to be kept here in bed, I'm sure of that.

EILEEN. I--I don't know----

MURRAY. Here! None of that! You just think you're not and you won't be.
Say, I'm keen on that typewriter idea. They couldn't kick if we only
used it during recreation periods. I could have it a week, and then you
a week.

EILEEN (_eagerly_). And I could type your stories after you've written
them! I _could_ help that way.

MURRAY (_smiling_). But I'm quite able---- (_Then seeing how interested
she is he adds hurriedly._) That'd be great! It'd save so much time.
I've always been a fool at a machine. And I'd be willing to pay
whatever---- (Miss Gilpin _enters from the rear and walks towards
them._)

EILEEN (_quickly_). Oh, no! I'd be glad to get the practice. I wouldn't
accept---- (_She coughs slightly._)

MURRAY (_with a laugh_). Maybe, after you've read my stuff, you won't
type it at any price.

MISS GILPIN. Miss Carmody, may I speak to you for a moment, please.

(_She takes_ Eileen _aside and talks to her in low tones of
admonition._ Eileen's _face falls. She nods a horrified
acquiescence._ Miss Gilpin _leaves her and goes into the office,
rear._)

MURRAY (_as_ Eileen _comes back. Noticing her perturbation. Kindly_).
Well? Now, what's the trouble?