CROSBY (puts his hand on MRS. TRENT'S shoulder L.C.). My daughter, Mrs. Trent. She and Trent here live with us.

DONOHUE. And you, sir?

MASON (there is a pause). Philip Mason. (At upper end of table R.)

DONOHUE. That doesn't tell me very much.

MASON (with a laugh). There isn't very much to tell. I'm just a friend of the family. We've known, each other for years. I've lived in Paris for the last two or three years. I'm a painter.

DONOHUE. You mean an artist?

MASON. Well, I don't paint houses or fences, but I'd hardly call myself an artist—yet.

DONOHUE. Poor, I suppose? I know you'll pardon that question, won't you?

MASON. Quite all right, I assure you. No, I'm not poor.

DONOHUE. Thank you. (Turns toward WILLIAM, who is standing back of HELEN'S chair above table R.) And you?