Since You Went Away1944

Lieutenant Tony Willett:
How's Jane?

Mrs. Anne Hilton:
She's fine. Her thinking is as clear as a bell. How am I, why don't you ask?

Lieutenant Tony Willett:
Trying to figure out what sacrifices you can make, is that it?

Mrs. Anne Hilton:
Don't Tony.

Lieutenant Tony Willett:
I'm sorry. But after all you're been through, to have to listen to you berate yourself. You wouldn't sit down like a good girl and let me talk for a minute, would you?

Mrs. Anne Hilton:
All right. But I won't promise to listen.

Lieutenant Tony Willett:
Look, Anne. What's your guess as to why I joined the Navy?

Mrs. Anne Hilton:
Cause you want to do your part, just the way Tim did.

Lieutenant Tony Willett:
Don't kid yourself. I'm no Tim. I joined up because Top Hat suddenly seemed a little silly and I wanted to have some fun and excitement. I laughed up my sleeve at all the fellows who were giving out with noble motives, the Four Freedoms, and all the rest of it, but I found out that it all added up to a simple, corny phrase that I couldn't laugh off. Home sweet home.

Mrs. Anne Hilton:
I know.

Lieutenant Tony Willett:
You do know? Listen, Anne, you're doing a swell job here at home holding things together. Those daughters of yours, they're pretty wonderful. I know Tim's going to be mighty pleased with them. Though I imagine he'll be a bit surprised at how Jane grew up without so much as a by-your-leave.

Mrs. Anne Hilton:
Yes, she grew up while Mother knitted. Or worse still, while Mother didn't even knit. That's the point, Tony. Can't you see it?

Lieutenant Tony Willett:
Boy, I see what you mean now about not listening. I guess I was pretty dull at that.

Mrs. Anne Hilton:
All right, laugh at me. But it's settled in my mind once and for all. I have a husband who went off to fight for this home and for me - that's what you said, didn't you? And I have children. Children who had courage and intelligence while their mother lived in a dream world. Well believe me, I've come out of it. I buy your "home sweet home" idea, Tony, but I want to do something about it. Well, say something. Oh, don't tell me that the glib Tony Willett's at a loss for words all of a sudden.

Lieutenant Tony Willett:
Well, Annie, me girl. I'm afraid you're right.