Miss B. Yes, sir, the counting room is just across the hall.
Ralph. The counting room is not what I want. I seek an interview with the firm.
Miss B. That is impossible. Mr. Wright has gone to Boston and Mr. Greathead has been very busy of late with authors.
Ralph. Then Greathead is my man, I am an author.
Miss B. (Surprised.) In that case I’ll leave your card on his desk.
Ralph. I have no card. Poets can’t afford cards. Just say Ralph Hyde-Arlington.
Miss B. (Starts, drops note book.) Oh! You are Mr. Ralph Hyde-Arlington!
Ralph. (Bowing.) I am, Miss, at your service, Ralph Hyde-Arlington, author of “The Dead Canary and Other Poems.”
Welby. (Picking up note book.) Allow me, miss!