General Pushing [in a dismal whine]. I’m Major-General Pushing, I am.
Charlotte. I don’t believe it.
Jerry [uneasily]. Yes, he is, Charlit. I was just kidding him.
Charlotte [understanding immediately]. Oh, you’ve been nagging people again.
Jerry [beginning to unbutton the coat]. The General was nagging me, Charlit. I’ve just been teaching him a lesson—haven’t I, General?
He struggles out of the General’s coat and into his own. The General, grunting his relief and disgust, re-attires himself in the military garment.
Jerry [losing confidence under Charlotte’s stare]. Honest, everything’s getting on my nerves. First it’s some correspondence school getting funny, and then he [indicating the General] comes around, and then all the people out in Idaho——
Charlotte [with brows high]. Well, if you want to know what I think, I think everything’s going to pieces.
Jerry. No, it isn’t, Charlit. I’m going to fix everything. I’ve got a firm grip on everything. Haven’t I, Mr. Jones? I’m just nervous, that’s all.
General Pushing [now completely buttoned up, physically and mentally]. In my opinion, sir, you’re a very dangerous man. I have served under eight Presidents, but I have never before lost my coat and hat. I bid you good morning, Mr. President. You’ll hear from me later.