MRS. BROWN. How is any one to know I want to marry again if I talk against matrimony? The men will all fly from me. No, Josephine, I must say how lonely I am and how nice it is to have a man come home at five o’clock and to make him comfy beside the fire, and how I love the odor of a cigar, and how strong men are beside us weak women, and that I wish I had some one to help me with my business which I find so difficult to understand. No, I can’t run down men to Mildred like a peevish old maid or a disappointed wife even to help you.
MRS. TILSBURY. But every one knows how jealous your husband was of you.
MRS. BROWN. Well, I worked awfully hard to make him so. I don’t think I will stay for dinner, Josephine, after all. You are too personal to-day. (Rises to go.)
MRS. TILSBURY. Don’t be peeved, Imogene; stay, and talk about whatever you choose. If you would only help me it would be to your advantage if you really are thinking about marrying again. You would meet ever so many men here. They are indeed like flies about a honey pot.
MRS. BROWN. Fortune hunters! I am not looking for that kind. I need to find a snug little fortune myself. You know Mr. Brown left me his money only on condition that I did not marry again.
MRS. TILSBURY. Yes, I know, dear. He was always very jealous. You should tell Mildred about that will.
MRS. BROWN. And be rewarded by being shown off to her fortune hunters.
MRS. TILSBURY. Some of them have money.
MRS. BROWN. Yes, and want more to add to it. I know that sort. A man without a cent might marry a poor girl and work for her, but a man with a little money wants to gather in a little more when he marries, just like an old china collector.
MRS. TILSBURY. There are exceptions.