Fred. Oh, if it pleases you, go ahead.

[Goes up and sits on desk.

Stuart. Fred, you make a mistake to go into society while you are in this mood. Take a friend’s advice and cut it till you are better tempered.

Fred (impatiently). I don’t go because I enjoy it.

Stuart (sarcastically). Ah! You go to make it pleasant for others.

Fred. No, I go because she goes.

Stuart (laughing). Will you tell me why a woman’s reason is always a “because,” and a man’s is always a “she”?

Fred. She‘s an excuse for anything!

Stuart. Even for Charlie Newbank?

Fred (rising angrily). Look here, Mr. Stuart, I’ll take a good deal from you; but there is a limit.