General Pushing [pleadingly]. Mr. President, I’ve waited for this war for forty years. You wouldn’t take away my coat and hat like that, just as we’ve got it almost ready.
Jerry [pointing to the shirtsleeves]. That’s a nice costume to be hanging around the White House in.
General Pushing [brokenly]. I can’t help it, can I? Who took my coat and hat, anyhow?
Jerry. If you don’t like it you can get out.
General Pushing [sarcastically]. Yes. Nice lot of talk it’d cause if I went back to the War Department looking like this. “Where’s your hat and coat, General?” “Oh, I just thought I’d come down in my suspenders this morning.”
Jerry. You can have my coat—and my troubles.
Charlotte comes suddenly out of the White House, and they turn startled eyes upon her, like two guilty schoolboys.
Charlotte [staring]. What’s the matter? Has everything gone to pieces?
General Pushing [on the verge of tears]. He took my coat and hat.
Charlotte [pointing to the General]. Who is that man?