e care of
my child. You may go away when you wish... that rests with you; but _I_
wish the child." [She pauses.] Do you see?

FREDDY. Yes, I see. [He gazes at her, frightened.] And you... you do not
feel that way about me?

OCEANA. Not the least little bit, Freddy.

FREDDY. And if I waited ever so long?

OCEANA. I do not believe that I should ever feel it, [She puts her hand
upon his arm.] My dear, dear boy! Learn to look at it as I do. Face it
like a man. It is one of those things that we cannot help.. . that we
do not even understand. It is the chemistry of sex; it is Nature's voice
speaking to us. It means no disgrace to you that I do not love you... it
means no inferiority, no defeat. It is the signal that Nature gives
us, that we wait for, and dare not disregard. You dare not ask me to
disregard it! [He is gazing into her eyes like one entranced.] You must
let me teach you... you must let me help you. You must not let this mean
misery and despair. Take hold of yourself. Perhaps you and Ethel can go
back with me to my island... for I think that I am going. [He continues
to gaze at her, speechless with admiration. She presses his arm.] Now
promise me.

FREDDY. What?

OCEANA. That you will be a man.

[They gaze into each other's eyes.]

ETHEL. [Off.] Oceana!

OCEANA. Here is your sister. Let us not trouble her. [Aloud.] Ethel!

ETHEL. [Enters in street costume.] Oh, here you are! And your new
clothes!

OCEANA. Do you like me?

ETHEL. No, they don't belong to you!

OCEANA. [Laughs.] Well, I shan't wear them long.

ETHEL. What are you going to do?

OCEANA. I'm going to design some for myself.

ETHEL. What kind?

OCEANA. I don't know yet. But it'll be something that will leave my legs
outside.

ETHEL. And did you get something beautiful for tonight?

OCEANA. I got something that will do.

ETHEL. Oceana, when am I to see the dance?

OCEANA. I told you, when I have my costume.

ETHEL. But when will that be?

OCEANA. When my trunks have come.

FREDDY. They came this afternoon.

OCEANA. Oh! Then we'll have it to-morrow morning! And I'll show you my
beautiful bridal-robe.

FREDDY. Bridal-robe?

OCEANA. Yes. Didn't I tell you? It was made for me by one of our King's
sons. His name was Paukopi... that means, in our language, "Child of the
Sea Foam." And he was in love with me.

ETHEL. Oh!

OCEANA. He was very sad and went away by himself. But he was a man.. .
he did not go to pieces. [S