MR. TILSBURY. I don’t see what was the matter with that tire. It was only put on last week.
MRS. BROWN. And Cochon is killed.
MR. VAN TOUSEL. And my fur coat has been stolen.
ALL. (Seeing MELVIN and MILDRED.) Oh!
MILDRED. Mr. Melvin and I are engaged, papa.
MR. TILSBURY. Engaged without asking my consent! I forbid it.
MR. MELVIN. (Understanding his thoughts.) I was just going to ask it, Tilsbury. I am going to take two treasures away from you at once,—your daughter and your late wife’s portrait. Mildred wants it and I will give you $200,000 for it.
MRS. TILSBURY. (Aside.) Thank Heaven, I shall not be obliged to go to any more Woman Suffrage meetings.
MR. TILSBURY. Melvin, this is a surprise to me. You must let me think it over.
MRS. TILSBURY. (Aside.) And to get rid of the old portrait too. The whole thing is too good to be true. (To MR. TILSBURY.) Don’t keep Mr. Melvin in suspense, George. The cruel parent is out of fashion nowadays.