Cpl. Allison, USMC:
You don't have to be afraid of me, ma'am. That was just drunk talk. I'd never hurt you! I'd rather *die* first!
Sister Angela:
Only God knows what'll happen to us.
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
And He won't tell, huh, ma'am?
Sister Angela:
He might.
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
[
Sister Angela walks up next to Allison as he stares at the waves on the shoreline; beat] Hello, Ma'am.
Sister Angela:
Good morning, Mr. Allison.
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
I must've been off my rocker last night. A marine oughtn't to get married. His duties are with the family or the corps. One of 'em's gotta get the short end. In the service, they'd ask us, 'what's better? A bad husband, or a bad marine. Well, he ends up *both*. Do me a favor, huh, ma'am? Just... just forget I opened my big mouth.
Sister Angela:
[
walking away] ... certainly, Mr. Allison.
[
He continues to stare out at the waves]
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
I, uh... I've never loved anyone or anybody before... I've never even *lived* before. Never really... lived... inside. That's why I want to ask you to marry me. I want to look after you... not only while we're here but for the rest of our lives. So, tell me, ma'am, if there's a chance.
[
awkward pause]
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
I don't mean to give offense. ma'am, but... is there?
Sister Angela:
No, Mr. Allison. You see, I've already given my heart... to Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
Like you was engaged or somethin'?
Sister Angela:
Yes.
[
shows him her left hand]
Sister Angela:
This is the ring, and when I take my final vows, I'll wear a gold one: a marriage ring.
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
Oh, I didn't know it was set up like that. I guess I didn't have no right to speak.
[
slaps the box beside him, stands up]
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
Well, I guess I'll go fix that lean-to for ya!
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
Shh! Of course I am, ma'am alive and kickin'. Now, didn't I tell you never to leave this cave?
[
wagging his finger at her]
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
I am very put out with you...
[
she starts to argue]
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
yes, I am! *Put out!*
[
first lines]
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
Let's just keep it quiet, ma'am. You speak English?
Sister Angela:
Yes.
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
Are there any Japs around?
Sister Angela:
You're... You're an American.
[
last lines]
Marine:
I don't get it, Cap'n. Four howitzers, plenty of ammo, no breechblocks. They haven't fired a round.
Marine Captain:
Beats me.
Sister Angela:
[
Mr. Allison has been drinking sake and is quite drunk] Mr. Allison... what is the matter?
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
[
barely able to talk] Matter? Nothin's the matter. What makes ya think somethin's the matter?
[
Drinks some more]
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
Whatcha gotta be a nun for?
[
Drinks again]
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
That's my luck. That's ol' Allison's luck. If ya gotta be a nun, why ain't ya old and ugly? Why do ya gotta have big blue eyes... and a beautiful smile...
[
mumbles into his bottle]
Cpl. Allison, USMC:
... and freckles?
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