Jack No, they are not. Never mind–give the letter to me.

(Maude gazes pensively at nothing. Jack opens the letter with a fork, and reads silently.)

Jack (to himself, muttering). Of course, it's money,–always money. Only a dollar and fifty cents apiece,–a man ought not growl. Umph! "The happy old days." Yes, I remember.

Maude (meekly). Remember what, Jack, dear? (He reads. Silence. She folds and unfolds Valeria's letter.)

Jack (suddenly). By George!

Maude (buttering a biscuit, slowly). What is it?

Jack By George!

Maude What is it? A woman might as well live on–on Vesuvius!

Jack George Graham is in the New York legislature!

Maude Professor George De Witt Graham!