The Woman on the Beach Page #2

You don't care anymore.

I ought to know.

From what I've heard it hasn't been easy.

Easy?

It's not hard to guess you were torpedoed.

It was pretty bad. Very bad.

But have you ever had everything and then suddenly had nothing?

Nothing but ghosts?

Oh...Why should I bore you with this?

You're not. I think I understand.

We're pretty much alike, aren't we?

Yes.

Yes, perhaps we are.

You're the first one who seems to know what I feel.

I ought to...

...yes, I...

This is ridiculous!

You better go now, Lieutenant.

Go on.

Yes, I...

Goodbye, Mrs. Butler.

Tod, this is Lieutenant Burnett from the Coast Guard station.

He helped me carry some wood.

- Oh, good.

Lieutenant, this is my husband, Tod Butler.

I'm glad to know you, Mr. Butler.

I got a kid out at the station who's nuts about art...

He tells me you're the greatest painter in the world.

I used to be a painter.

I've often seen you walking on the beach.

Unfortunately, Lieutenant, I cannot say the same.

Won't you sit down?

- Thank you, I...

I was just leaving.

- That's too bad...visitors are rare!

Yes, sometimes we don't see a living soul for weeks.

Before you go, Lieutenant, let's really meet each other.

Ordinarily, two people just look and each knows what the other's like.

These days with me it's different.

I have to replace that look with a lot of boring questions.

Are you a young man, Lieutenant?

Yes, of course you are. I can tell by your voice.

Born in the Middle West.

And tall...about 6'3", I'd say.

And what color hair?

- Dark.

Dark.

A good-looking young man like you...

...must find duty in this place rather unromantic.

Yes.

I'm afraid you'll continue to find it unromantic. Won't he, Peggy?

Join us in a drink, Lieutenant?...Peggy?

I'm sorry, but I'm late already, I...

I'm due back at the station.

That's too bad! Come back and see us soon.

It's nice to see people once in a while.

I'll try, Mr. Butler...

...but you see I haven't much free time.

Not much free time...

Besides, it's rather boring to spend it with a blind man, eh?

Oh no, no. It's not that...

I'll come and see you as soon as I can.

When?

- Well, I don't know.

Tomorrow.

- Well, that's more like it! I'll be expecting you.

I might be late.

That all right, you're welcome anytime.

Remember, we always have a drink around here.

Goodbye.

Nice young fellow.

Don't you think so?

Yes he is.

I like him.

A little dull, though.

Strong outdoor type.

You like that, don't you Peg?

You always admired virility.

Somehow I can't picture you living outdoors...

Have to come in sometime.

Have to talk...

I can't paint anymore, but I can still talk.

Can't I?

Tod, why don't you sell the paintings?

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