MR. MELVIN. I have a splendid idea. We’ll buy the portrait. We will pay an enormous price for it and establish a record value. Then we will have the picture and your father will have enough to live on. He would be willing to part with the portrait, wouldn’t he?
MILDRED. I think so, to me at any rate. It is by Madrazo. It is really a valuable painting.
MR. MELVIN. Then, Mildred, dear, please do not try to think of any more objections. I should try very hard to make you happy.
MILDRED. We have known each other for so short a time.
MR. MELVIN. That is very true. We must begin to grow better acquainted at once. (He takes her hand in his.) Suppose I give you a few lessons in how to fall in love in exchange for those lessons in the principles of women’s rights.
MILDRED. I am afraid you are not very serious.
MR. MELVIN. Forgive me, sweetheart, if I seem frivolous. I have never felt more serious in my life. (Puts his arm around her.)
(Enter MR. and MRS. TILSBURY, followed by MRS. BROWN who holds a handkerchief to her eyes and is assisted to walk by MR. VAN TOUSEL.)
MRS. TILSBURY. A tire broke and we were obliged to come home in a trolley car.