Since You Went Away Page #12

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What's a good excuse

for being AWOL?

Agnes, look,

on that dame... nylons.

Now go,

and don't even look back.

Five months' pay... give me

some War Bonds, and plenty of 'em.

What, Bill?

- Nothing. Just Jane.

- Silly.

It suits me

if they tax me 100%.

Oh, yeah?

- I was just thinking.

- So was I.

I wonder if there's someplace free where

we don't have to dance with hostesses.

In 15 minutes

you'll be gone.

I know,

I'll meet you in New York.

You will?

And we'll get married

and I'll have a baby.

Boy, that sounds wonderful.

We'll get married

and I'll have a baby.

We'll do it...

the day the war is over.

No, I mean tomorrow.

Or Tuesday.

Gee, Jane,

we couldn't do that.

- Yes, we could, and we will.

- You could and you will what?

Now, don't tell me you two

are having an argument.

A fine thing, I must say...

ten minutes before train time.

It doesn't make any sense, Jane.

What doesn't make any sense?

All right, don't tell me, then.

Jane, would you get Bill

some magazines?

- He doesn't need any.

- I don't need magazines.

Then some newspapers

or cigarettes... anything.

But, Mother, why?

Because I want

to talk to Bill.

I'll be finished by the time

you get back, I promise.

I'm sorry to break in

on these last minutes, Bill.

I hope you're not worried

over what we were talking about.

- I told Jane...

- You don't have to tell me.

I wanted to talk to you

about your grandfather.

Oh, him.

The colonel was very upset

about your leaving.

How did he know I was leaving?

Did you tell him?

Yes. I hope you don't mind.

It doesn't make any difference.

Not to him, it doesn't.

Your grandfather

loves you very deeply.

Then why wasn't he here

to see me off?

I think he'll still make it.

He said he was going to try,

and I believe him.

He said if he didn't,

to wish you luck.

He did?

Isn't there something

you want me to say to him?

Well, maybe you could

tell him that...

tell him that I'm a Smollett,

all right,

and before this thing is over,

I'll make him proud of me yet.

Gee, that's

a grandstand speech for you.

No, it isn't. It's the very nicest

gift you could give him.

When you come back, we'll be

waiting for you... the whole family.

Thanks, Mrs. Hilton.

I hope Jane doesn't bring me back

any mystery magazines.

I can't follow them.

Here she is.

Have you finished, Mother?

I tried to get mystery magazines,

but they're all sold out.

- You see how lucky you are?

- What do you mean?

Never mind.

Good-bye, Bill.

Where are you going, Mother?

I'll wait at the soda fountain.

You two finish your argument.

We weren't arguing.

You were giving

a good imitation of it.

- So long.

- Good-bye, Mrs. Hilton.

I hope...

I know everything's going

to be all right about Mr. Hilton.

Gate number 2 now open

for the Pathfinder

leaving at 12:
01 a.m.

You will marry me

when it's over, won't you?

You won't be mad

because I didn't marry you now?

Of course I won't be mad.

- But you take care of yourself.

- I will.

- You write to me.

- I will.

- You do understand, don't you?

- I think so.

You know it's because

I wouldn't want you to be...

Well, you know,

if anything happened to me...

- A widow, you mean.

- Yes, but not only that.

If something happened...

I mean, if I was...

If you were wounded?

Bill, I'd take care of you

the rest of our lives, always.

Gee, we're being silly.

Maybe I'll be sent to Bermuda

or someplace.

- I don't think so.

- Why, Jane?

Because you're going to

really show them.

And you know where we'll go

when we're married?

Right up to West Point.

And you'll show them your medals.

All aboard!

You better get on.

I almost forgot,

I have something for you.

You have?

You didn't have to do that.

- Here. It's my class ring.

- That's wonderful.

You're sure you don't need it?

I don't know what's more important

than its being our engagement ring.

Isn't it awful that

I didn't get you a ring?

But I'll send you one.

It doesn't fit. I should have

gotten you something else.

No, I'd rather have this

than anything.

Better get on, son.

We're about to pull out.

Hurry up, son.

Go ahead, Bill.

I almost forgot. Here.

Have your picture taken as soon

as you get there and send me one.

I will.

And don't you go

getting fatter.

Don't worry, I won't.

Jane, here! Hurry!

It's your watch!

You'll need it!

Good-bye, darling.

Bill, I'll keep it.

I'll keep it with me all the time.

So long, darling. Bye.

Take care of yourself.

- Good-bye, Bill!

- Good-bye, darling.

Good-bye, darling!

I love you!

- I love you, darling!

- Good-bye, darling.

Good-bye, darling.

Good-bye, darling.

- Has the Pathfinder left yet?

- Yes, sir, right on time.

Hello, Brig!

Hi, Jane. Wait for me.

I'll be there in a minute.

Now, Gladys, don't forget

to go to the Jacksons'

and pick up those big

empty paint cans.

I'll see you tomorrow.

- How are things at the hospital?

- Fine.

- How's school?

- Same old bore.

Young girls

should get an education.

Is that so? I didn't notice you

dashing off to college.

I'll go to college eventually

to please Mother.

We couldn't afford it now anyway.

Maybe Bill and I will go together

after we're married.

Fat chance.

Mrs. William Smollett II,

queen of the freshman hop.

Look at Soda.

He's got some new playmates.

Hello, Soda.

Jane, what have you heard from Bill?

He's fine. I think he expects

to see action any day now.

Wouldn't it be fun to go there on your

honeymoon and visit the places he's fought?

I don't think so.

I wanna get a little place

all by ourselves,

just as far away

from all that as...

What about a houseboat

on the Nile?

Or a cottage on the beach

at Waikiki.

You could go surf-riding.

Jane, will you take me along?

Brig, how can you

be so infantile?

All right, I'll be getting married

myself someday,

and you'll be looking

for an invitation from me.

Then you'll be sorry

you were so snooty about it.

Come on in, Soda,

if you're coming.

- Hello, girls.

- Hello, Mother.

Would you mind checking the oven?

I've been making cookies.

- Mother, do I have to?

- Do as Mother asks, Brig.

All right.

Come into the living room.

I'd like to talk to you.

What's the matter?

- Mayn't I talk to you if I want?

- Of course.

But you sound so strange.

Do I? I'm sorry,

I don't mean to.

What is it?

Why couldn't Brig hear?

Is that why you sent her...

- Not about... Pop?

- No.

Sit down, darling.

Jane, dear, I'm terribly proud

of the way you've grown up.

I'm sorry Pop missed it.

Is that all?

That's sweet of you, Mother.

No, dear, it isn't...

It's so wonderful

being at the hospital.

I wish you could

come and visit.

I will.

But some of it's so sad.

If you could see those boys.

And they're so cheerful,

most of them.

I know.

They have such courage.

I like to think that you have

that kind of courage, too, darling.

What are you trying to tell me?

That when a man goes off to war,

we have to be...

It's Bill!

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