Pendleton. Thanks.
[Pendleton lights her cigarette, then his own. He draws his chair up to the couch. An atmosphere of mutual interest is established.]
Baroness. Mr. Pendleton, I have a mission in life. It is to make the American woman the best dressed woman in the world. I came here to-day because I want you to help me.
Pendleton. But I have no ambitions in that direction.
Baroness. Why should you have ambitions? Only the bourgeoisie have ambitions. We artists have inspirations. I want to breathe into you the spirit of my great undertaking. Already I have opened my place in the smartest part of the Avenue. Already I have drawn my assistants from all parts of the world. Nothing is lacking to complete my plans but you.
Pendleton. Me? Why me?
Baroness [endearingly]. Are you not considered one of the foremost men of letters in America?
Pendleton [modestly]. Didn't you say you had read all my books?
Baroness. Are you not the only writer who has successfully portrayed the emotional side of American life?
Pendleton [decidedly]. Yes.