 Nothing like a good day's sleep, my lad. Big pardon, sir? Oh, I was talking to myself. Good evening, Miss Brenna. Good evening. I hope I didn't spoil your evening. Oh, no. I enjoy coming here. It's lovely. The quiet, I mean. Mrs. Henderson Hall, you'll probably remember is Mrs. James. She wants you to get her another divorce. On what grounds? He wishes to marry, um, Count Passo. That's a reason, not grounds. Make an appointment. Yes, sir. This is practically a duplicate. It's from Mrs. Mona Kavanaugh. And what are her grounds? The same. What? They both want to marry Count Passo? Oh, no, pardon. Her reason is James O'Darrow. When will these women realize that reason has nothing to do with getting a divorce? Make an appointment for her. Yes, sir. We'll probably use mental cruelty. Check up and see what grounds we used for her last time. Yes, sir. White Mrs. White? Yes, the case is called for 10 o'clock tomorrow. You've had one postponement. Oh, I'll see it. Good evening, Gaylord. Oh, I'm glad. Oh, you don't have to pretend to work hard. We're not flying. Don't you realize that only very dull people work this time of day? Or any time of day. I apologize for boring you with this, but I've just started. Thank heavens we're here in time to save you from that old devil work. Oh, I must do some work tonight. What do you want us to do to sharpen pencils for you? Impossible. Good evening. Oh, I'm ready. Well, I don't know. It says it intends to work. What? Oh, gentlemen of the jury, a lady is in distress. Good. That's where most of them belong, only I spell it with an H. Gentlemen, the lady is young. Very lovely to look upon. Oh, that's different. Very different. Thank you, gentlemen. What's her distress? Her husband will fight her divorce action. Perhaps he has reasons to put differences at me. The lady shall have her current heart's desire, or I shall have to take down my shingle. Hello? This is Mr. Stanton's secretary. Is Mr. Richard's very young woman? I beg your pardon? This is Mrs. Richard. Oh, just a moment, please. Mrs. Richards. I'm not here. You haven't seen me. Oh, I know what she's saying. By heart, I know it. Tell her I'm not here. Just a moment. Just a moment, please. Mr. Richards is not here. Oh, I know very well he is there. I'm sorry, madam. Mr. Richards is not here. I've not seen him. Mrs. Richards says. I know. Don't tell me. Imagine her calling me here. I told her I wasn't coming here. I told her 20 times I wasn't coming here. Have I seen? No. Bro. Well, you fellows would get married. Well, it's the normal way to live. Finding your way out of the house at night. Everybody should get married once. Just to find out how really happy you can be. Single. I know, so I don't have to prove it. You're both wrong. Get a wife such as I have. You don't see yours once a month. That's the point, but I'm in no danger. You are. Oh, I don't think so. A single man is always in danger. A clever woman could get you most any time she wants. They don't always stay married. Once a single man is named a correspondent or even hinted at. Well, you know what happens. Me? I'm married already and a great feeling of security. Well, Richard's here as married. Doesn't seem to have worked out for him. He has the wrong kind of wife. She's interested in him. Oh, and yours isn't? Nothing to least. Her life is peopled with flowers and canary birds. Beautiful, isn't it? But are you sure that's all she's interested in? Certainly. I'm afraid you're not too sure. You haven't any firsthand knowledge, have you? When I was a little boy, I pulled the braids of the coachman's daughter, and I was severely punished for it. I still like to play with girls, with or without braid. But I've learned not to play in my own yard. I might add that I feel the urge to play seriously. I'm sailing for Paris next week. I hope you have a rotten time. Thanks. You'd better come along. It's the only life. What do you do in New York? Hibernate? I don't get involved. Or have any fun? Then I don't spend much time in New York. And I haven't a why in the world? Neither have I. Not yet, anyhow. Uh-huh. Why, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, nothing. Unless she happens to want you, which she probably doesn't. But if she did, delicately, with a tuber accompaniment, tell the whole town that you've broken up her home and then walked out on her. That, my innocent young friend, is the new sin. And your luck will have run out. I haven't the remotest idea what you're talking about. And besides, it isn't all luck. Modest? Isn't he? What do you think, Miss, uh... Brenna. And Miss Brenna? I'm sure it doesn't make any difference what I think. But I would like to know. Well, Mr. Stuyman says it isn't all luck that has kept him single. I was just wondering, who has the other half of the luck? May I wait in the library? Oh, certainly. I'm afraid I shall be able to work until later. I'll have your dinner served in there. Thank you. Do you suppose she meant anything by that? Yes. Anything. Yes, I can understand that. May we stop here a moment? Certainly, madam. I will announce you to Mr. Stanton. Please do. Why doesn't Gaylord keep a maid? Criticizing your host? Why not, if the criticism is constructive. Who has that girl we passed in the hallway? I imagine she's a secretary. She has a look anyhow. Comforting to have a plain girl for the darling secretary, isn't it? This gets his office girls from the Far East Chorus. Oh, sure. Who hasn't said it one time or another? Hello, darling, hello. Good evening, beautiful. Good evening. I hope so. Isn't anyone going to say hello or something to me? I'm speechless, lost in admiration. You never look so well. I have a special reason, dear. Come along. We're coming. Do you approve of me, darling? Always, and especially tonight. What's the occasion? Don't be curious about that. Just about me. I'm curious about everything you do. That was sweet. Shall we go in? Yes, yes. Oh, Gaylord, who's the girl who passed in the hall? Girl? Oh, my secretary. I hoped she was a maid. You should keep one, dear. It would be nice. Of course. I never thought of it. I'll attend to it tomorrow. That's it, dear. The picture, it fell down. Never mind. I'll attend to it. Thank you. Oh, I'm not hungry. You'd better eat. He may keep you late again. I suppose. The picture. Yes? It didn't fall. I knocked it down. Yes, miss. Your dinner is served. Well, if we expect to see only the first act, let's get going. Oh, let's be very late. So that you can trap on everybody's toes? Don't you love to hear them crunch? Toes, I mean. Oh, come on. Come on, let's go. Oh, I've a runner. Change? No, dear. You're a darling. And I'm terribly happy. That's all that matters. Being happy? I've some news. My husband is filing suit for divorce. Really? And you, my angel, are the correspondent. Isn't that exciting? You mean your husband filing suit for divorce? Yes, but that's just an incident. The important thing now is you and me, angel. So I'm an angel. Aren't you thrilled? Oh, thrilled. Congratulations, dear. That's actually fire. They're drawing up the papers. Supposed to get ready. Gaylord, you will have to come now. Oh, I'll join up later. But it's a celebration. Let him work, dear. Come along. My girl, we're very late now. Look cute on his knee when you tell him he's a dear. Sorry, neat, great. How do you mean, neat? Oh, come, darling. The way you hooked him, he doesn't get off the line. Been running around loose too long. I've heard him boast about it. I do hope everything turns out all right, dear. I got the last three without any trouble, so don't worry too much. Grace wouldn't like to have you drink so much. Oh, yes she would. She'll make his life a beautiful dream until she marries him. No such thing. Let's drink to the fallen angel. That isn't me. Well, you had the life of one, now you've fallen. All was pushed. Say, quit kidding. This may be serious. It may be serious. You quit kidding. Can't you just see Grace on the stand, coily admitting to the world that she is terribly in love with Gaylord? Oh, I don't believe it. Oh, yes you do. It was just the exact number of tears explaining how she couldn't resist the dear boy. And when the trial is over, you'll have to marry her. To whitewash yourself. I'll think of you while I'm away enjoying myself. There's a way out. But it's a long way off. I should say, he'd be free as air in about four years. And Grace never stays married longer than that. Of course, there's the alimony. There's a way out. There always is. Sure. Shoot yourself. Get committed to an insane asylum. I've told you I have the only system, married freedom. Too bad you didn't follow my advice. Let him suffer. It'll do him good. Come along, infant. Yeah, we're all ready. Well, you got that pretty well. Who's coming in my car? I am. Do you live again, Lord? Have you room for all of us? Aren't you happy? Well, how can I be? You're going to the theater without me. Son, I'll stay, dear. Oh, no. No, I have some work to do. Don't work too hard. And you be at the circle club right after theater. Got it. We'll have fun, darling. Oh, I know we will. Till 11. Great. Coming. Bye-bye, dear. Oh, I am so late. Well, that's quite all right. You'll find everything here on the desk. No, thanks. Won't take long. What does this old fool want to fight the divorce for? Man has no chance of a woman like that. Who? Mrs. White? Who else? Where are my notes? Is it this? Oh, drink it. You're good. No thanks. What's the matter? There's nothing the matter with me that calls for anything that strong. Expensive? The stockings, I mean. It depends on what sort you buy. But it take old Mrs. White's marital difficulties. Case is open and shut. Notes for the direct examination of Mrs. White. How much do I pay you? What? What salary do I pay you? $35 a week. As much as it. $5 more than the last place. Well, isn't it difficult to live on that sum? Difficult, perhaps, but I manage. Do you live at home? No. I share a furnished apartment with two other girls. Well, how do you manage to clothe yourself on your salary? Many girls do it on less. Dirty crowded basements, bargain sales, fake things yourself. Presents, I suppose. My Aunt Alice sent me a night down Christmas, two years ago. Do you intend to get married? I have no very definite ideas about it. You do have some friends? I work very hard all day, often at night. My opportunities for meeting nice men are very limited. Sometimes I doubt there are any. And if I were interested in any man I happen to know at the moment why I'd hide that interest. But your future? It doesn't include a husband. Good. What did you say? I have a proposal to make which may brighten your future, little. Marry me. What? I said you could help yourself by marrying me. You're asking me to marry you? Just that. You heard how Sheridan manages. Well, I want some of the freedom and security that he has. Now, you'd have more money than you have now, lots of nice clothes, and a chance to travel. Mostly travel. Well, I thought perhaps you'd like to travel. So I would, with my husband. Oh, but you'd enjoy yourself. You couldn't help it. And you'd have all the lovely things. That I stood in front of shop windows and wanted. Exactly. Well? No, I can't do it. A little while ago, I said I had no definite plans about marriage. Perhaps I should have said no one wanted to marry me. Oh, don't misunderstand me. But I have an idea of the sort of marriage I'd like. I've thought about it often. Oh, but this wouldn't be a real marriage. It would be all the marriage I'd have. And the marriage I've pictured for myself doesn't start out with my husband putting on a wedding with one hand and handing me a railroad ticket with the other. I've hurt you. I'm sorry. I just thought that you'd look upon it as merely a better job. And in an awful jam, it would be doing me a great favor. We can hardly take that into account. It's getting late. Won't you please finish your dictation? Oh, I can't work tonight. I'll have to try and get another postponement. Well, then I'll go now. Good night. Good night. Oh, sleep on it. Perhaps you'll feel differently in the morning. I don't see how I can. That guy keeps you late again. Not late. It's midnight, as I know, but I've been walking. Walking since 9.30. Walking? Alone? Yes. Trying to think. Oh, what's the use? None. Did a man ever try and seduce you? Oh, don't get along. Nothing's happened. Then what are you talking about? Something I had this morning that I've lost. My pride. My belief in myself. I knew I was no beauty, but I wouldn't be dreadful to be seduced. I've discovered something infinitely worse, finding out that nobody wants to. How did you find out that nobody wants to? I did. How? Stanton asked me to marry him. Oh. He's in a jam. And he took one look at me and said I could travel alone. Well, what's wrong with that? If he asked me like that, what's wrong with it? I don't know. Stanton wants to marry Sylvia. What? Yes, it's on the level. It isn't a pipe dream. What do you think of that? Gee, I'm glad somebody around here gets a break. Oh, Sylvia, there'll be a thing about you. Buying clothes, getting your hair and face fixed so they look like something. And not worrying over the fact that it costs half your make. But Bobby, I... Isn't he nice? Are you in love with him? How did it happen? Oh, say something. What's the matter? I used to think he was awfully nice. No, I'm not in love with him. He's even less in love with me. He just happens to need a wife. What's the matter? Is he going to become a father? No. He wants to marry me to keep from marrying someone else. Oh, why can't I meet a guy like that? He wants her to travel. Live outside of New York, I suppose. Any strings? I don't think so. He's not offering you marriage, dearie. He's offering you heaven. Good morning. Stanton. I've been thinking. Oh, hi. Have you seen this? Yes, I've seen it. Well, are you going to help me out? Well... I can't see why you'd regret it. Now, come. Sit down. We'll draw up a sort of a rough contract. Give us a better idea of what we're about. We can do that. Yes. Um... The marriage of Gaylord Stanton and Sylvia Brenner is to stand for one year as per contract. You see, you're not tying yourself up for life. Oh, our marriage is to be different from most. Well, anyway, we won't have to fight our way out of it. That's something. Indeed it is. Sylvia Brenner is to receive $5,000 a year paid in advance and may live wherever she chooses. Why not? Sylvia Brenner will go by the name of Mrs. Gaylord Stanton and will in no way blemish that name. You know, go ahead and say it. You look well in the contract. But what do you say? Yes? Anything you want to wear? Well, there's just one thing. It's rather difficult to put in words. Well, but this won't be a real marriage. It'll be... Well, it's just a pretense. I know. We... You wouldn't expect, uh... Well, uh... Will it be married in name only? Oh, not in fact? That's agreeable. Why are you laughing? Oh, just the way you put it. Well, then everything's settled. Now, let's see. What are my engagements? I'd like to make it today. Would that be all right? Yes. I want to get out of town tomorrow. Oh, I should dine at the laces tonight. Well, I can break away early. I suppose I'd pick you up, uh, say, ten-thirty tonight. Anything you say. Good. Well, uh, I'll go now. You don't mind. No, no, of course not. Oh, uh, you'd better call up the agency and get me another secretary. And stay and show her what to do? Mm-hmm. I know a very competent girl who might like the job. Good. Stop at City Hall and pick up a marriage license. Ten-thirty tonight. You, Sylvia Brenner, take Gaylord Stanton to be your lawful husband. I do. And you, Gaylord Stanton, take Sylvia Brenner to be your lawful wife. I do. The ring, please. Bested with authority, I now pronounce you husband and wife. And I wish you a long and happy married life. Let's go. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cry. Oh, that's all right. Well, what are you going to do now? Do what? I suggest that you go abroad, say, to Paris. Paris? Is, uh, that what you'd like? Yeah. I'd love to go to Paris. I'm sure I'd be very happy there. I'll arrange your passage first thing in the morning. Don't trouble. Oh, there's no trouble at all. You just call up my club, they'll attend to it. Thank you. Drop me a line sometime. Oh, uh, that contract, of course, it wouldn't mean anything in accord of law. It's merely our word of honor. Don't worry. I won't trouble you. Ever. I hope you'll be very happy in Paris. Shall we go? Yes. She'll be gone for months. Isn't that swell? She'll be doing some things. She's an invalid. About, uh, wives and husbands and things like that? I talk about them, they're not important. Oh, no. Tonight, there's just you and I, and a barrel of fun that we're waiting to be tapped. Congrats, tomorrow. There's always a headache there. It was 75. Do I hear a 19? Thank you. Another bid? This is a lucky bottle. Two handers. 225. But I'm assured that you will help me drink it. Thank you, madam. You are very kind and generous. But that have been for him. Pardon? Yes. When he said kind and generous, he was thinking, isn't she lovely? And so the kind and generous were said warmly as if they were in pops. Well, I don't think. They should be. But few people know other people well enough to find out things like that. You know what I mean? Indeed I do. The lady who has made this a lovely voyage may continue after we disembark. I have no comparison to make, but I've enjoyed it. Most women wouldn't be content with the sort of honeymoon you're having. Why, I didn't mean to say just that. Did you discover I was Mrs. Stanton? I asked the steward. He doesn't know the answers to the other questions. Too bad. You've asked me millions. I'm sorry. I'm very difficult question. I'm very sorry I shan't ask you any more. Look here. Why are you traveling alone? Is it so unusual? That's a question, not an answer. Once you intimated that you expected to be in Europe indefinitely, alone. Yes, I think it is unusual. Certainly if you were my wife, it couldn't happen. And Stanton isn't any cripple either. You wouldn't have a wife. Not under any conditions. Think of the precautions you take to ensure your freedom. Is that your answer to getting married and taking a boat trip alone? To give Stanton some sort of protection? He believes in married freedom. And what does that mean exactly? To you. Another question. I don't know the answer to that one myself. Now you're being mysterious. I don't mean to say. And after all, I am simply a married woman. So were Helen of Troy and some others. Are you going to Paris? Oh, I didn't mean to. Oh, yes, you did. I'm going for one thing. The thing I go for every year. Adventure. And the guy's like yours. You must know there's only one sort of adventure that adds very much to the total of one's present memories. I hope you find what you're looking for. I think I will. Where do you intend stopping in Paris? I don't know. Is there a Martha Washington hotel? No, I'm afraid not. Let me reserve you rooms at the Crayon. I'm sending a wireless for myself tonight. Well. Oh, you'd better. It may be late when we get in. And if you wish, you can change the next day. But I'm so excited I can't even notice it. Are you pleased with your rooms? They look comfortable. Oh, they are comfortable. And beautiful. They're not for me. Oh, yes. Oh, no. You see, I haven't paid much money. But your husband. I know enough about him to know that he can afford them. I was his secretary. It isn't what you were. It's what you are. Well, I'm still more or less an employee of his. He's increased my salary, but not enough for this. Are you in love with him? No. And don't ask me any more questions. I'm sorry. That's all right. You're tired tonight. Tomorrow you feel very differently. I know tomorrow you will spend the whole day in muddies' shops, beauty parlors, and... Oh, not that you need to. But I know you will. It will give you a feeling of courage, power. Will you dine with me tomorrow? Gladly. And during the day, what? You know what? What you'll be thinking. That you will be both adorable? But they're all so expensive. Madame, just have them on when you show your husband the view. All right, I'll take it. Here, madame. The stockings are of very superior quality, madame. All right, will you give me six pairs, please? I'll tell you, madame. Or this will make your feet much more interesting. Oh, not that they aren't natural. Of course. I like this one, all right. All right. There she is. How was he? Has the robot been through long? No, it's not. Madame, you should put the robot here. There, you sherry. What's your husband? He breathed when he saved you. My husband is blind. Well, he can't see. Nice little billet that I hope you will like. Little? Mm-mm. Monsieur? Merci. Shall we? Yes. Lovely. I'm glad you like this room. I hope you like the rest, too. Generally live here while I'm in Paris. But this year I've decided not to. I've made other plans. Too bad. The memories here will miss you. Even if you don't miss them. Oh, I don't mean the face will be lonely. Won't you live here while you're in Paris? And, um, become a memory, too. Not all pleasant memories. And you can become what you choose. Suppose I should become an untasent memory. You wouldn't. Not if you're happy here. Sometimes when you're not conscious of anyone looking at you, there's a look in your eyes that is positively sad. I think I know why. But you won't be forever on a honeymoon that might as well be spent in Paris. It hasn't been unhappy this honeymoon, as you insist upon calling it. You could be happier, so much happier. Well, so could most everyone. I'd love to live in a house like this. I could do without the memories. But this would be too expensive. How do you know? Well, wouldn't it? It cost me nothing to let you live here since I don't want to myself. Nothing? Practically nothing. I have to keep it up in any event. Is there any other reason why you shouldn't live here? There undoubtedly is. But I can't think of it. Oh, I'm going to go play. Is this your place? I am going to play. Let me tell you what, Gerard has her under his wing. She's no invalid and you'll know it. Look at that. I am looking. She looks very well. I've seen her. What difference does it make? None. Except I suppose she spends her spare time laughing at me. I'd like to hear her just once. Look over that picture long enough. You know what she looks like. I wonder. When are you divorcing her? On what grounds? Surely there's no harm in watching an automobile race, even with Gerard. That's the only thing that isn't grounds then. Besides, I don't want to live here. Besides, they don't spend all their time looking at automobile races. I'm sure you know why. It takes two to create a love song. You helped tonight. The perfume of your hair. The warmth of your eyes. But more important still, the unseen cop that passed between us. I want to drink deeply. You should really write poetry. I could. Now. You seem to know all the words. Perhaps one can never discover you alone. Couldn't we step out for a moment and talk? Can't we talk here? Oh, I'm not at ease here. Are you sure I'd be at ease there? Oh, just three days early. Dear, dear, before I forget it, won't you come and spend July with us at Beirut? Well, I had it. I'll persuade you. I have a pleasant surprise for you. I think. Good. Thank you. She just asked me to stay with Amber. I think she'll invite you too. She'd better. Or I'll cut her heart out. Sylvia, can't we have a moment alone together tonight? Why? Oh, don't ask me why. Well, I don't suppose anyone would notice if we stepped out from the garden a moment. Every day? I know. Has something happened? Yes, an important something, or I shouldn't have been so urgent about it. I thought about it often. But tonight I heard someone say something that crystallized my ideas on the subject. Nearly everybody in that house believes that you and I... know that we're... that we're having an affair. My dear, and you're afraid I'll be hurt if I find out? Don't worry. My reputation isn't very important. I'm sorry, of course. But as long as I thought it was in other people's minds and not in yours and mine, I shan't be unhappy. Now you've made it utterly impossible to tell you what I came out here to say. And I thought I couldn't wait another minute. You'd better go in. I'll follow after everyone else has left. All right. You've forgotten me. The others have been gone a long time. You know I'd not forgotten you. Sylvia. You know what I've made up my mind to do tonight? Ask you to become my... what do you suppose I think about when I leave here night after night? I can't pose as one of the rover boys. I had only one regret about the thing I heard tonight. I regretted the fact that it wasn't true. I may as well be truthful, don't you think? Yes. I thought so restless lately and at times positively useless. I felt like that sometimes, too. Useless to myself and everyone else. I'm sorry. I can't be different than I am. Sylvia, will you marry me? I'm in love with you. I have been for a long time. Things can't go on like this. Tell me, dear. Tell me, what do I mean to you? Oh. What can I say? You've made me very happy. Happier than I've ever been in my life. I could make you even happier. Don't doubt me. Oh, it isn't you I doubt. It's myself. Well, let me worry about that. That wouldn't be quite fair. Let me be as fine to you as you've been to me. Let me think, and you think, too. Perhaps if I go, you'll be very glad you're free. Oh, Sylvia, don't. Please. You forget, my friend. I know you. I changed almost as much as you have. Have I changed so very much? Only someone who hasn't seen you since you left New York could realize how much. Start getting a divorce tomorrow. No. I'll start for New York tomorrow. There's someone there I must see. Can't be stand him. Sylvia, have you... Have you a lover in New York? One would hardly call him a lover. Oh, I was terribly in love with him. Are you now? I don't know. I must find out. The only way is to see him once more. Yeah, it's not a happening, darling. That's an accomplishment. Tell me, are you glad to see me? Did you call you Sylvia? Why not? Well, you're not quite like her. Don't be too sure. Tell me, how is, um, oh, him? Well, he's all right if you like that type. Shall I tell him you're here? Sylvia. Oh, Mrs. Stanton. She's outside. Mrs... Stanton, she's back. Oh, show her in. Walk in. I hope you don't mind my dropping in on you like this. Mind. I'm tickled at that. Won't you sit down? Thank you. When did you return? This morning. Oh, why didn't you let me know? I would have come down to meet you. I hardly thought you would. Oh, come now. I was very busy when you went away. Anyway, it's nice. You're coming to see me today you arrived. I have some things I want to see you about. Good. I'm thinking of getting married. What? But you are married. Well, at least your year isn't up yet. Oh, I see. Well, I think until the end of my year. Oh, I didn't mean just that. If you want to divorce, certainly. It's just that I was rather taken by surprise. Surprise? Surprise that someone's in love with me? Of course not. It's just that I was sort of counting on... But you're right. Your own happiness is all that should matter to you. You don't need me for anything else, do you? I do. Rather badly. Don't tell me you've developed too much sympathy for another woman whose husband doesn't understand her. It's the same one. Mrs. Lauren. You are being very constant. And a little ridiculous. She says she's moving into my apartment. Then you could move out. Well, it would be very inconvenient. Besides, nobody'd really believed that I'd moved out. And then there'll be a row and I'll be in a mess again. And if I don't get shot, something worse, I'll have to marry her. What again? Do you really want to get rid of her? I do. Will you help me? I have to, don't I? No. You don't have to. And I won't let you unless you say... I want to. I want to help you. Well, it'll be very simple. You've just arrived. Move your things into my apartment and take your lawful place beside me. Just what do you mean by my lawful place beside you? Well, they'll all be there for dinner tonight. And you shall be there as my adored and adoring wife. And then, after they've gone... I can return to my hotel. Surely, if you insist. There'd be no point in my staying. May I invite someone for dinner? Certainly. Reginald Urand, you know him. Yes, I've had a great deal about him lately. No doubt. He does very interesting things. I'll be there by six. It works out all right. It will. When Grace sees how lovely my wife is. I'm sure. Particularly if we convince her that we are very much in love. I'll try very hard to be convincing. Where did you stop when you were in Paris? Do you not know me, the sweetest little villa you've ever seen? I haven't seen it. You must. Sometimes. We expect to live there. Why are you marrying Durant? Is there any reason why I shouldn't? Have you noticed the ring he gave me? Don't you like it? No. Besides, it hides your wedding ring. No, I think the poor little wedding ring has always wanted to hide. I think it feels sort of used. Don't make a joke of our marriage. Mr. Stanton, my almost former husband, used to have a sense of humor. What's happened to it? Please call me Gaylord. Gaylord? Thank you. My friends and wives are supposed to know each other's first names. And as a sense of humor, my former secretary, Miss Brenner, wasn't especially gifted. I think you'd better call me Sylvia. Sylvia? And it's really too bad you couldn't have known some of the things I thought. They were quite funny. That's probably Reginald. He's generally early. You needn't be so obviously glad to see him. Why not if I am? Oh, Sylvia, I wish nobody were coming tonight. Just you and I. Yes? I'd like to... to... to talk to you. Good evening. I hope I'm not too early. Oh, no. No, indeed. Glad to see you, Gaylord. I missed you at tea this afternoon. That's what love does to you. It makes you terribly lonely, no matter where you are. If she isn't there. So I've heard. I don't think you'd better talk about love to Gaylord. Men so dislike discussing things they don't understand. Excuse me a moment. If she does marry you, I hope she makes you very uncomfortable. Thanks, but she won't. She's the most gracious, the most charming, the best human. Yes, I know, I know. I'm quite sure you don't, but it doesn't matter. Well, it was nice of her to come all the way back here to settle things fairly. You mean just to see you? We'll put it that way if you want. Well, she didn't. She returned to New York to see someone that she was once in love with. She wasn't in love with anyone when she married me. Are you sure? Quite, I don't believe it. So let me tell you. I'm not interested. You're not capable of knowing anything about a girl as decent as Sylvia. When did you turn angelic? I married Sylvia in as long. While Grease is here, Sylvia's playing that she's very much in love with me. Now don't mess it up. I won't help you any. Darling, who fights a song? There's nothing, nothing. And look who's here. Hans Filion and the modern crusader rolled into one has returned. Just like old homie. Quite. Hello, Richie. When did you get back? This morning. And you hurried right up to see Papa? Yes. Georg, does he know they still print magazines? Hello, Bronigal. Well, Richie, see you back. He's not the main Bronigal. What do you mean by that? Oh, it's a surprise. I don't like surprises. Congratulations, dear. Thank you. And what have you been doing with yourself, Sheridan? Don't bother him. He's suffering. With gout? No, metal cruelty. His wife left him. I thought her life was filled with flowers and canary birds. One of the canaries started to sing. Too bad, Sheridan, too bad. Yes, I guess you'll have to marry me now. And a dirty shame. It'll bust up a swell romance. Darling, what's the matter with you tonight? Oh, nothing, nothing important. Something's happened. I'm sorry I was late dressing for dinner, darling. Am I forgiven? I only return this morning. I can't resist kissing him every now and then. But angel. I don't know some of our guests. Oh, of course. This is Mrs. Lawrence, Miss Munson, and Mrs. Graham. How do you do? How do you do? Mr. Sheridan, I... Yes, I know Mr. Sheridan. Good to see you again. And Mr. Richard. How are you? And dear Mrs. Richard, well, I hope. Unfortunately. Hello, Reggie. You don't have to kiss him. Are you sure? You seem to have recovered your health, Mrs. Stanton. Yes, I... I'm sure it's a great belief to Gaylord to know you're quite well again. It must be. I told Grace all about your illness, dear. Oh, I see. He didn't say just what the trouble was. Well, um, I suffered from heart trouble. Is it curable? Oh, yes. I had excellent care... in Paris. Well, I think, dear, you could have been taken care of just as well here. Do you really think so? Are you staying in New York long, Mrs. Stanton? I'm not certain. I needn't ask you, because you'll have to go when she does, if you ought to continue to get into all the pictures. He is bold coming here, don't you think? Either that, or just a bit foolish. Don't you think? I hadn't thought. Well, you should. You really should. I'd like to choke on Gaylord. Did you hear what she said to me? About her health? Never mind her health. You heard her. Look at her. Well... Well, what are you trying to tell me? Do you expect me to know a woman like that? You're mad. Is she married to you? Certainly. Do you expect me to associate with a married woman who's openly having an affair with... How do you know? Whether she's your wife or not is beside the point. What's she grinning about? Really, I... Have you told her you're divorcing her? I have no grounds. Don't say that again. You tell her now. I can't stand to see that silly grin another minute. I want her to realize... All right, all right. You tell her before dinner. All right. You hear her. I do know our guest. Have you ever met such nerve? And how is dear Mrs. Richards? She spoiled my whole evening. She hasn't spoiled mine yet. Well, she will. That's what wives are for, to spoil other people's evenings. Why did you drag me into this alcove? Don't you see? No. I've done everything I'm supposed to do. I pretend to be a loving wife and... Oh, I wish they'd go home and then we could discuss the divorce. I won't divorce you. Then I'll divorce you. Shhh. Look in the mirror. Kiss me. I won't. Please. You must. Well, look as though you enjoyed it. You promised. Just to drown out my words, in case I happen to tell you what I really think of them, I just want them to see, not hear. Oh, they can see you all right. Let's do it. I can miss your base with something with her mouth open. Oh, forget her. She's widely here. Let's talk about ourselves. That would be interesting. Did you think about me when you were gone? No. I never wanted to see you again. Liar. Oh, perhaps you're right, but I'd love to stick you with him. I'm glad you're back. Even with Finn. No, don't say anything. I wish you'd go home high. Calm yourself. Calm yourself, now don't get so excited. Please. What's the matter? I'm sorry. I'm... I'm nervous. It was an accident. Oh. Quite all right. Dinner is served. Shall we? Could we wait just a minute? I'd like to call her. Certainly, about ten minutes. Very good madam. Will you come with me? Please, don't trouble. trouble I know my way about I have no doubt but I've moved the powder aren't you overdoing it a little you're making Sylvia very uncomfortable she's married to me to might remember that I'm in love with her does seem changed somehow I thought you've noticed lovely isn't it very isn't gay Lord thoughtful you know when I came home we had all sorts of powder and things here just for persons who happen to drop in very thoughtful you want there in a minute by the way what did you do with the things you found here to the mouth you wouldn't but I would we'd better understand each other you know I thought we did are you going to divorce him no on the contrary I've forgiven him I think we have an excellent chance to be very happy you've forgiven him has he forgiven you you've been playing around with the ramp I've heard things I've seen pictures it isn't improper to be seen in a picture with a gentleman I'm not ashamed I don't care I love it and I love him and I can keep you just where you are you'll never marry him because I'll never let him divorce me never do you understand you wish powder I'd like gunpowder you'd like it perhaps but you're not full enough or courageous enough to use it I'm leaving I'll take everyone with me I'll ruin your triumphant dinner you know I was hoping you would get my things and take me out of here but what's happened plenty are you going to take me out of here oh Sylvia Grace wants to know if we're taking haven't you forgotten something no I believe Mrs. Lawrence did forget something she wished you all to leave with her what after all I've meant to you if you had one spark a man what happened none of your business or you probably coached her I haven't the remotest idea what you're talking about so she's an invalid well I'll try and bear up can you imagine what's matter why your Mrs. Stanton said that Grace wanted us to leave with her so I do Mrs. Stanton which is a nice quiet evening at home with her husband and her lover that this has all the earmarks of a very pleasant evening spent at home with Mrs. Richards come on you seem to have accomplished your purpose let's get out of here but we haven't had dinner yet plenty of places for that I know but I have some packing to attend to do you want to stay a little while you see I have some things I must talk over with my husband will it take long no not long you send Gaylord to me what about dinner madam later you are still here so are you we may not be dining for some time in fact we may call dinner off entirely indeed we hate to inconvenience you though no how thoughtful of you listen really charming restaurants quite nearby yes so Sylvia said thank you when she's put a few things together and told you just what she thinks of you we'll dine in one of them Sylvia yes sit down no I've an awful lot I want to tell you I'm not so sure I want to hear Sylvia do you love Durant I don't ask you whom you're in love with I'm going to tell you anyhow it isn't strange at all it's very true and very real why do you doubt me I can't help it why you don't love Durant are you in love with anyone yes I'm in love with me if I was in love with you it wouldn't be because you had a new suit Sylvia I well that's what it amounts to isn't it you say you love me how do I know you do before I went to Paris you will certainly you were you in love with grace no no she with me I love never even ended into it it's what you think of his love no my dear there was a time but oh don't you see what you think of his love there's nothing more or less than well an emotional hurdle raised and what do you win you're the last hurdle and as long as I live you will be the prize will you please tell Mrs. Stanton I couldn't wait I've a boat for Paris to catch something I missed over their last trip thank God no nothing nothing curious how attractive a girl can be on the honeymoon without a husband I must remember that I know I shouldn't trouble you sir but I was wondering about dinner sir oh oh I shouldn't bother them tonight but they'll need a hearty breakfast I'm going to hold you closer than you've ever been held before I've never been held close at all as far as my life is concerned it's been been empty yes sometimes I've been very lonely and regretted it but tonight I'm glad