MILDRED. Dear papa, Edward and I are going to be so happy together.
MR. TILSBURY. (Aside.) Two hundred thousand dollars and my commissions as trustee. Melvin has his hands so full now, he won’t want to bother with the care of Mildred’s little fortune. (To MELVIN.) Melvin, I will entrust my daughter to your hands. I am sure you are worthy of her. As to the portrait—bitter as it is to me to part with this last token of my late wife’s affection bequeathed to me in her will, yet for Mildred’s sake I will give you her dear mother’s portrait for $200,000.
KATY. (Announcing.) Mrs. Thom.
(MRS. THOM enters.)
MRS. BROWN. Two broken tires in one day and Cochon dead. It is too much. (Sobs.)
MRS. THOM. I was so disappointed that you couldn’t come to pour tea at the Suffrage reception yesterday. I am so sorry you have been ill, dear child. I hope you are feeling better to-day. (Looks at her suspiciously.)
MILDRED. Yes, indeed, Mrs. Thom, I am quite recovered, thank you. I hated to fall out the last minute, but I had such a bad headache that I could not have carried the tea in the sieve—the tea strainer, I mean.
MRS. THOM. Well, you must come next week. The teas are to be held at the Club-house every Friday during the month. The cups all have “Votes for Women” on them, and I charge fifty cents for a cup of tea and the purchaser carries the cup home. It is a very good arrangement, for we make quite a little sum in our sales and the cups remind the purchasers of the cause.
MRS. TILSBURY. I am afraid Mildred will not have much time for Woman Suffrage teas at present, Mrs. Thom. She has just become engaged to Mr. Melvin.
MRS. THOM. Mildred engaged! Why, when did that happen?