Martin. You have authority to close the deal?
Mary. Absolutely.
Martin. Good. Now, what’s your proposition? (Sits)
Mary. Five hundred thousand dollars cash.
Martin. (Rising) What!
Mary. (Calmly) Sit down. That isn’t all: we get 51% of the stock, you put up a factory and give Rodney $50,000 a year, Peale, $30,000, and me $20,000.
Martin. As my son once observed, what a lovely autumn we’re having! (He leans back and lights a cigar. As he does so, Mary pushes the buzzer twice. N. B. The audience must hear this buzzer. Almost instantly the ’phone rings. Mary quickly takes ’phone)
Mary. Shall I answer it?
Martin. Go ahead—say I’m out.
Mary. (In ’phone) Oh, hello—(To Martin) It’s for me. Hello, Rodney—you’ve seen Bronson?