MRS. BROWN. They have been making themselves notorious in the newspapers lately.
MR. BECKER. That is a very different thing. If they marched in the street every one would see them as they are, but if described in the newspapers they appear flatteringly represented by flattered reporters.
MRS. BROWN. The men who marched looked awfully shamefaced. Most of them looked like tramps at one dollar per head from the way they walked. Why didn’t you march, Mr. Van Tousel?
MR. VAN TOUSEL. I felt it my duty to act as escort to you ladies.
MRS. BROWN. I wouldn’t dare ask you why you didn’t march, Mr. Becker. You might scalp me instead of the pencil. Did any of you notice the girl who carried the banner in the Confederation of Lady Milliners. She reeled about as if she were dizzy. (Sees banner in the corner.) Oh, there is Mildred’s banner against the wall. I can show you how she did it. (Picks up banner and staggers across the room with it.)
MRS. TILSBURY. Is that Mildred’s banner? Why the child must have come back. Nothing could separate her from her banner. I hope she was not taken ill. She looked quite well when she passed us. I did not suppose she would be back for two hours. I thought we would have plenty of time for our game.
MR. VAN TOUSEL. Doesn’t Miss Tilsbury allow you to play bridge?
MRS. TILSBURY. She doesn’t quite approve of it. She is so serious minded, dear child, she looks upon it as frivolous.
MR. BECKER. As the child is inclined, the parent is bent.
(Enter MRS. THOM, and MISS SLAVINSKY, her arm in a sling.)