 Congratulations, Maya. Glad you like your time. And you, Harry? I think this goes for a celebration. I've got some champagne in the car. I got it for tonight, but if we drink it up, well, my guests can drink beer. Harry, get some glasses. You take that, Maya. I'm for an appointment in his life. He has absolutely no consideration for other people. You're not hopefully fond of your son, are you, Mr. Cary? Cecilia, if you'd spent the time and money and effort I have to make that young man realize who he is and what he ought to be doing in the world, you'd known Tom Long. No. Oh, and perhaps from longer experience, who might enlighten her? Well, I presume what Mr. Cary means is that, on ordinary terms, Tom doesn't seem to have got very far. He's wasted his life from the cradle. Oh, it must have been pathetic to see him wasting it at tree. I assure you, he's genius, for it's showed even then. I send him to Harvard, and he lasts two years there. I send him to Oxford, and he commutes from Paris. I put him into the bank, and he... the whole world at the feet of that boy, the whole world. And all he's ever done is to run from it. Well, you know, Tom has his own ideas about what he wants to do with his life. Yes, weekend. A radio message came by phone for him. Oh, thanks. You can leave it here. I'll take care of it. Right. Everything satisfactory? Yes. Yes, quite thanks. Like a drink. And make yourselves at home. He'll be right along. The butler? He's charming. He looks like a prize fighter. He was. There, there now. Don't worry. Tom will be along any second now. If what I think is true, I hope he never comes along. What? Well, I'll tell you what's in my mind. Heaven knows I don't want it there. That girl, he's been living with for the last three years. Oh, just a minute, sir. It's all right. Could you but there's no secret, is it? Who is she anyway? What is she? An extremely nice girl. Hardworking, talented. She draws for one of the fashion magazines. And very successful. She left three months ago for her magazine's Paris office for an indefinite stay. Oh, maybe she's coming back. What of it, Mr. Collier? What of it? Everything of it. It's like him to marry her. I'm surprised he's missed it as long as he has. Well, I've stood for his rowdy friendship. I put up with his idleness, his ill-managed insolence. I'm sorry, Mr. Collier. I'll have to ask you to let it go with that. Why so? Because it so happens that I'm why we're here. How's that? It's me, Tom's going to marry. And I've heard enough against him to last me quite a while. See, what are you talking about? Marrying. I see, I thought... On June 1st to be exact, he asked you out here to tell you. And I imagined to receive your good wishes. My dear. My dear, I congratulate Tom and myself. And I hope it'll work out for you. I hope he won't be utterly impossible as a husband. He has been at everything else I wanted him to do. I don't agree with you. Tom's the most interesting, most attractive man I've ever known. I consider myself shot with luck. Very loyal. Not at all. I simply believe in him. Not in his so-called past, perhaps. I'm not quite a fool. But certainly in what's to be. Faith is a beautiful thing. I think so. Well, if you can make a respectable citizen out of Tom Collier at this date, you'll have nothing but praise from me, my dear. It seems not to occur to you. But when Tom has someone who really understands him, to work and care for... Understands him? Yes, completely. Why, you'll make what you call a respectable citizen of himself. You think so? I know. And if what you laughingly refer to as my faith is of any use to him... Love will conquer all. Yes, yes, of course. But forgive me a few doubts. Oh, how's that, sir? Darling, I'm coming back. Arrive on Paris at eight tonight. Much love days in. Well? I know all about her. Did you know she was returning tonight? No. Neither did Tom. Owen, I'd like a few words with you. If she's ill, you will pardon us. Certainly. I meant to tell you on the way over, Owen. But then I couldn't. See, how did that happen? Very suddenly. Very sweetly. Yesterday. I'm sorry. You asked. If you'll excuse me, I... I think I'll see what Mr. Collier wants. Hey, Tom. Oh, uh... Take my hat, will you? Thanks. Now get out. I just wanted to tell you that later... But there's a get, will you, really? A radio message come for you. Oh, get out. Hello, darling. No. You're late. I'm furious with you. Late? Is that all right? That's terrible. I've taken up with a thrifty spinster. That's all you deserve. Well, where are they, Father and Owen? In the other room. Tell me, darling, did you really say you'd marry me? I'm afraid I did. Oh, heaven help us both. Just this one marriage, please. You know, I haven't been very good about marriage. I was exposed to a very bad case of it as a baby. We must make a grand go of it. Oh, we shall. Never you fear. Well, you just do everything I say, and it'll be all right. With pleasure, sir. Oh, see, darling, what a marvelous object you are. Oh, I feel good. So do I. Do you? My lovely sea. Stop it, Tom. You're embarrassing me. Why? I feel quite naked. You look marvelous. I'll have dinner in a couple of minutes, Tom. Here, glasses with ice and run all the way. Right? Did you get your radio message? What message? Goodbye. Don't tell me if you don't want to. But I do. I'd always intended to at the first opportunity anyway. And suddenly it seems here it is. Well, see, for a long time I've known... known intimately, a girl who's been very important to me. Yes. Daisy's done more for me than anyone in this world. She's the best friend I've got. I believe she always will be. I'd hate terribly to lose her. It's been a queer sort of arrangement. Well, no arrangement at all, really. There's never been any idea of marriage between us. Well... Is she attractive, Tom? To me she is. I don't believe you'd like me half so well, if Daisy hadn't knocked some good sense into me. Someone's done a good job of it. I'll tell her that. I sent her a long cable this morning all about us. Of course, she never got it, because this... this came from the boat. She lands tonight. I see. See, we've... Well, we've been everything possible to each other, of course, but... Yes, Tom? At the same time, as free as air, there's never been any feeling of conventional responsibility towards each other involved in it. I can understand that. Can you see? Because I never could. Anyhow, that's how it's been. We haven't been what you'd call in love for a long time now. Does she know that? She knew it first. Well, I don't know what more there is to be said about it, except that there's no need for you to worry. You won't, will you? Not if you tell me I needn't. Well, I do. And finally, I think she ought to know the news about us pretty promptly. Yes. Probably. Well, is anything I do about that all right with you? Of course. Thank you, see. Oh, hello, Father. Hello, eh? Evening, Tom? Good evening. You said five o'clock. It's seven, and I... Oh, did I? Is it? Listen, you and Owen, I want to tell you what this is all about. We know. We've heard. He was abusing you, so I had to tell him. And it didn't discourage you? On the contrary. Oh, stout, huh? Well, thanks very much, sir, but I think I'm the one to be congratulated. Yes, indeed we are. Yes, I'm sure we shall be. Hello, Red. There you are. That's the boy. That's my father over there. Oh, glad to meet you, sir. And my fiance, Miss Henry. Well, here's how and why and wherefore. And you know where marriage is amazed. Is it all right? Swell. Well, that's splendid, and we're all satisfied, aren't we? Yeah, just a moment, Red. Did you put the car away? Say, how many hands have I got? Well, don't. I shall need it. Right. Father. I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to do the honours at dinner. Oh, why? How's that? I find I have to go straight back to town. Now, you'll listen to me. Seems to me extremely important that I should do it at once. In fact, I can't do otherwise. You have the effrontery, the colossal bad taste on the night of celebrating your engagement to a fine, trusting, loyal girl to go from her, your fiance, to your... Same old difficulty about words, eh, Father? Never mind. None of them apply to Daisy. Well, I suppose you know better. If you leave here tonight... Yes, much. Much better. Till tomorrow, my angel. My poor child. I'm sorry to see you. Oh, I think you did exactly right. The beautiful thing faith. A beautiful, beautiful thing. Tommy. Daisy. I was looking for you at the dark. I'm so sorry. I didn't get your message in time. Oh, come in. All right. Oh, hello, you dear Tom. Hello, Daisy. Now, it seems though I hadn't been away at all. That is... Oh, come sit down. I've so much to tell you it'll take hours. Ah. Tom, two of the most exciting things have happened to me. Not one, two. Really? What were they? Oh, I'm bursting with them. Daisy, I... Now, you tell me. Come on. Well, my heaviest letting ought to be over in a few weeks. By the first of June anyway. What have you got on the fire? Much? Yes, a good deal. The fact is I... Well, work day and night until the first of June, and then come to Mexico for a month with Daisy. Oh, I'm dying to go because, well, first of all... What? I feel like such a fool. I promise you won't be the word of it anybody. Tom, I think I can paint. Well, that's no surprise. I've always thought you could paint. Well, then you've always been wrong because it's new. It's just in the last two months. I believe if I work my eyes out and my fingers to the bone that someday I may really paint. You must be hard on me now. No parties, no playing around, just work. And you mustn't let me show until you know I'm ready to. Does that agree? All right. You got a funny instinct about those things, and I'm counting on you. That's the first thing. That's the second thing. What? Suddenly I feel shy with you. Oh, I don't like it. I don't like it a bit. It's been a long time, Daisy. Too long. Perhaps I'd better wait to tell you the second thing. No. Tell me now. Oh, my dear, what's wrong with us? Come here to me. That's better. I don't feel it so much now. You're a free man, you know, Tommy. You always have been with me. No questions asked. But oh, please, Mexico and June together, because listen, no, don't look at me. Look the other way. On the boat coming over. The sweetest small boy, about two. And I got crazy about him, and I want one. I want one badly. So will you please be good enough to marry me? Oh, you always used to say you wanted to, only I wouldn't let you, and... Well, you didn't be terribly serious. It's not a life sentence, you know. Just for a little while if you like. Would be such a dirty trick on him if we didn't. Then after I get my stuff through the July issue, Mexico for a month together. Oh, I love you so much. I was a fool, everything I didn't. So come on, Tommy, be a good sport, and give me a cigarette. Daisy. All right, never mind. Let's forget all about it. That is a foul necktie you've got on the car. Daisy, I... What is it? Oh, you're going to tell me something terrible. What is it? I'm going to be married, Daisy. Listen, my darling, you can't care so much. You can't. It's simply that you and I naturally are... It must have happened pretty quickly. Daisy did. A month ago we hadn't even met. It was a... You can spare me the details, please. I don't even want to know who she is. Who is she? Cecilia Henry, her name is. Behold the bridegroom cometh. And no oil for my lamp, as usual. A foolish virgin, me. Well... Foolish, anyway. When is it to be, soon? About the first of June we planned. June? Oh. Well, in that case, Mexico would be out. But I never dreamed... I feel so awful. Remember me, Tommy. Daisy, there's to be no nonsense about not seeing each other again as friends or any of that, you know. Oh, but there will be that, now, a sense. Oh, yes, there'll be that, all right. I don't understand. I don't see why we shouldn't. I thought for a long time we'd been out of danger so far as... Well, so far as... Wanting each other goes? Well, Henry. Speak for yourself, Tommy. You, too, Daisy. You first, I thought. Well, it's true that side of it was never so much to us. Not in comparison, not... Well, not after those first crazy months. I thought that was natural. I was even glad. Glad that it was other needs that held us together. So closely. Not a claim. Never a claim, but so closely. Tom. Tom, do you have to marry her? I want to marry her. I thought maybe you just wanted her. Wanted her most awfully. No, no, no. It's more than that, much more. I don't see how you can quite tell that. For all our big talk, you know, we do still belong to the animal kingdom. If you knew her, Daisy... Yes, well, I don't. Listen, Daisy, there's no one like you. Never will be. I know that. But this, it... I don't know. I can't tell you. Don't try, don't try, don't try. Goodbye, you tomcat. Goodbye. Until when? Doomsday, my darling. What are you talking about? Just that. Now, you listen to me. I know it will allow two people who mean as much to each other as you and I do to be separated by any such false, ridiculous notion as that you're mistaken. Just you try it. Tell me goodbye. I'll do nothing of the kind. Oh, yes, you will, you must. You have to. Sharp, decent and clean. No loose ends between us two. But it's not decent. It's soft, it's sentimental. It's the kind of thing you'd never have any use for, taught me never to. Goodbye. I will not say it. Goodbye. You must. Listen to me, Daisy, please. And some things of yours that are here. I want you to take them along with you, please. Frank got me a new maid just before I landed. I let Harriet go when I left. Well, the new maid had a swell hunch about us, she did. Some shirts and things of yours that were here. She wrapped up in a nice little bundle. Well, she gets the gate for it, the big swede. I don't believe in this. I don't believe in any of it. Go and get them, will you? Fetch, Thomas. There's quite a neat, tidy little bundle. But if it stays around here, well, I don't quite see myself crying into an old shirt, do you? I work to do my son a great deal of it. Now, won't fetch? Then kindly permit me to. And you will say goodbye to me. You've said it so many times so brightly. Say it this time, sadly. You will, won't you? We'll make it an unmarried ceremony. Keep everything quite regular. It will take my hand in yours as one splendid gesture. And murmur of goodbye, my Daisy. Thanks very much. A charming association. As long as we two shall live. There you are. Thank you. My dear, I'm congealed. I can't say I envy you and your husband the trip into town. It's not my idea. Well, why do you do it, see? It's so grim. Tom wants to. Oh, such loyalty. It's her first showing. And he thinks for some reason we should be there. Who is she anyway? An artist? Sage her name is. Tom says she's good. Oh, well. I suppose publishers have to harp now with all sorts of queer people. We see a few people of any description anymore. Yes. Don't tell me about the hermit life you live. I think the least you could do would be to come to my Sunday breakfast now and then. Oh, tomorrows will be such fun. Do see. Perhaps we shall. Well, not if you're going tonight. Perhaps we shall go in tonight. Oh, so that's the way it is. Well, well, well. Ah, with us again. With you again, yes. See, don't you think we'd better be getting underway, dear? Oh, we've got hours. I read the new book you published last week, Tom. Oh, yes? What do you think of it? Superlative, my dear. I was simply ravished. Well, that's something, isn't it? Isn't he beyond words? You're the world's funniest man. You couldn't possibly be funnier. Ah, you don't know me. Oh, yes, I do. Don't you adore at sea? The book, I mean. I like it very much. In fact, I'm afraid it was I who made Tom take it. And I'm afraid I still think it's the worst tripe the band had ever published. But, my dear, everyone's simply devouring it. Well, there'll be a lot of sickness this winter. You're so foolish about it, Tom. He'll make enough on that one book to bring out ten he really cares for. Yes, I suppose that's the way it works. Oh, uh, Father called today. What he want? He wants us to dine with him on Wednesday and spend the night. Oh, come on, darling. Get us out of it, won't you? Again? How can I? I don't know. Tell him I'm up to my eyes in work or anything else he won't believe. Take the old cars, frozen stiff. Oh, well, I could easily send you in a closed car. Sammy and I might even join you. Oh, thank you. We cannot accept your sacrifice. Really, he's extraordinary. He defeats me. Well, I guess I'd better be barging along, as they say. I, uh, I'm sure it's getting colder by the minute. Yeah, it's almost cold enough to... You know, I think we'd best bring the Brass Monkeys in tonight, don't you? The, uh... Good night, C. Good night, Grace. Not too really. Well, uh... Yes, I'm afraid I must. Oh, now don't forget. You're coming to my Sunday breakfast tomorrow. We're having the most amusing people. Of course, that's just what Sunday breakfast needs, isn't it, C. Mind you, the coffee must be very hot as well. Good night. Good night. Good evening. Why did that desperate butler must embarrass you to death? Not much longer. Tom's promised to fire him tonight if he isn't completely insensible. Here, you'd better get to bed, hadn't you? Just where I'm headed. Here, just a moment, Red. Now, all right, bring a couple of bottles of beer, will you? Right. What did you say to Regan? Regan? He never drinks on duty. Why shouldn't he have the right to get slightly mellow on his one day out? Slightly mellow? He can hardly stand. When I said good evening to him, he didn't even answer. Maybe he couldn't speak. All he did was to bow, like this, with a foolish grin. So low, he nearly fell over. Well, you know, it's pretty hard to gauge a bow under those conditions. Selfish of us to keep him. Selfish? Well, we're certainly depriving him of any chance he ever had to make anything of himself. Hang it, see, he broke his hand. He'll never fight again. I don't mean fighting. Well, these are hard times. I don't know what else there is for him. I'll leave it to you. Do as you like about him. And you know, I feel somehow... I feel somehow that Red's good luck for me. I don't know, we understand each other. I'm awfully fond of him. You must be, to ruin whatever chance in life he might have. I wouldn't do that to Red. You know I wouldn't. You're doing it, though. What possibly could be more degrading to a man than housework. I don't know. I wouldn't like to tell you, darling. Of course, you know, you're making a regular Simon Legree out of me. Where's my whip? No, it's just that in your delightful, casual way, you've never thought of his side of it. I wouldn't do that to Red. I really wouldn't. Ring for him, see. Not me. I've nothing to do with it. Do you have to change or are you ready? It seemed to me you were unnecessarily rude to Grace. I have to change. Now we've got to go to her breakfast in the morning. Honestly, see, all my life, I've been trying to get away from her kind of people. Takes all kinds to make a world. Yes, and then what have you got? Come on, darling, you go get Grace, yes? I suppose you feel we must go into town tonight? Of course, why? An exhibit last several days, doesn't it? Yes, but I want to be there tonight, tonight's the opening. Besides, they'll all be there tonight. Have you seen any of your old friends lately? No. Why not, dear? Oh, and the girl, Daisy, um... The one who's exhibiting tonight. Have you seen her? No. Why not? I thought you felt her friendship was important to you. She won't see me. Won't see you? No. Come on, see, be a good girl. You go up and get dressed. Oh, dear. What's the matter? Nothing. Dear, what is it? Oh, just this blasted headache. I've had it all day. Oh, well, shame. The cold air will fix that up. Was that that gave it to me? Honestly, Tom, I don't think I can face it. What? Why not send her a wire? Best wishes. That's enough, isn't it? No, no, no, that wouldn't do. I'm sure she'd be every bit as glad to have a telegram. See, darling, listen, Daisy's been working for years for this. A telegram wouldn't do at all. I simply got to be there. There's no particular reason why you should go. I can go alone. I'll come. Listen, dear, you... Put them down there, will you? And wait a minute, what's the rush? Stick around. Certainly. Listen, see, if you feel tired, you go to bed. No, I'll come. Well, drag him a chair, Red. One more is about all I need. You know, this morning, if all the bad heads in the world were put together in a row, my head would have got up and sneered at the rest of them. Well, here's how. That's the stuff. That builds you up, eh? Yo. Oh, say, have you seen this one? I shouldn't think so, no. Tell me where to stop it and remember the card. Got it? I got it. Where is it? It's gone all right. Feel in your pocket? Not this time. No? No. Is that it? Marvelous. I paid five dollars for that trick. Oh, girl. I'll let it go for two ninety-eight. Was it cold in town today? I don't envy those guys selling apples on the corners. Oh, not much of a job that, eh? Women's work. Pretty tough times, all right, eh? Say, look here, Tom. What? If I... nothing. If you're ever hard up, though, you know where to come. That goes both ways. Red, I might just as well tell you right off. What? Nothing. Say, how's your father these days? Oh, never better things. Red, do you ever think about your future? I guess where I'll go, it'll be plenty hot. I mean... Oh, you mean here? Now, that's a funny thing because, listen, Tom, maybe I... I'll let it go. No, but what? Fill her up, will you? Not much of a future in battling, eh, Red? Oh, well... You know, I'm certainly grateful to you for all you've done. Ah, be still, will you? I am, though. That's fine from you. I'll never forget when I was... and you will never forget it. Put it there, old boy. You're the top, boy. I don't know what you think of me when I... When you what? When I... Well, what would you say, for instance, if I... Nope, it's no good. Here, you're not in any trouble, are you? Trouble? Me? What trouble? Well, then look here, Regan. Well, Chief... Tom Cully for president. The people's judge. Now, now, listen to me. Wait, wait, Tom, Tom, I just gotta tell you. Don't hold it against me, but I'm quitting you. I've took another job. You what? That's what you'll say. Holy cats, man. I couldn't stand it any longer. She don't like my ways. I mean the Mrs. I get on her nerves. Last week, Mo Winters told me he wanted to open a country gym. And would I run it with him? On the order of Muldoons. But with a little bar attached. Heaven help me, I give him a word. I see. Well, what's there in it for you, Reg? Ah, don't put it that way, Tom. I really want to know. It's been a month and a smell at the gate, if any. That's all right. Sounds like a good deal. Let it go. I'll phone him. No, no, no, no. When'd you start? He wanted me last Wednesday. I've been trying all week to get up the nerve to tell you, but... Well, but... How long did it take you to pack? Well, well, there's my hat trunk and my shoe trunk. And a trunk for my fancy dress ball clothes. This new leave by noon tomorrow. You understand? Not a minute later. Okay, Chief. I'm sorry you had to take it that way. Oh, don't be a fool. I'm overjoyed for you. What? Absolutely. Here's to the new job. Take it from me, boy. You're the goods. Well, you've got your points, too, you know. Anyhow, you'll explain to the Mrs. Yes, of course. Tell her I'm sorry. Hope no inconvenience. Yes, I'll explain, Reg. So long, Tom. Goodbye, Red. So long, Tom. Goodbye, Red. I'll give you a ring how it goes. Yes, as you do that. That's all right. Keep your bib clean. I will, old boy. Good luck, Tom. Tom. Ready? Not quite. Did you tell him? You know, I miss that guy. I miss having him around. Well, I know, darling. But it's for the best. I'm sure of it. I feel somehow that my luck's going with him. I'm your luck, darling. See, you feel good. Do I, dear? You haven't any clothes on. Go along now. Dress. Dress quickly. We've got to run. Come and help me. No, you'd better not. Do you remember this negligee? I came across it in the bottom drawer. My spine simply melted. Quebec? Yes. You'll make us late. What of it? We're late already. We'll miss it. Well, what if we do? Oh, darling. You're the limit. Ten minutes ago you said, Tom. What do you? You go in alone. I decided to stay here. You've what? Yes, it's too cold. I will tuck myself in my warm bed and read. Good night, lover. I'll miss you. Look here, I'll stay. No, no, no. Good night, darling. You'd better take your heavy coat and keep warm. Hello. I want to send a telegram. I would have an exhibition, wouldn't I? If I were to believe the critics, I ought to be painting signboards. There are no judges of one's work, but one's self, Daisy. I wonder who that is. Hello, Frank. Hello, Tom. Is Daisy in? Yes. I think I'll run along, Daisy. No, don't go, Frank. Yes, I must go. Goodbye, Tom. Well, speak to me somebody, will you? Am I a leper? What would you like me to say? Oh, take off your coat collier and stay awhile, won't you? Thanks. I think I will. Well, it was nice of you to ask me over. Yes, but I didn't, you see. Well, it was nice, anyway. Whatever made you think I wanted to see you? Nothing, except that I wanted to see you. How's, uh, how's it coming? How's what coming? I mean, the job. Job? Oh, the job. Oh, I gave that up last winter. A trifle, shall we say, quixotic of me. Shall we? How's Joe's book doing? Haven't you seen him? No. Joe's book is doing fine, thank you. Of course it can't compare with the magnificent volumes being brought out by your Bantam press. Indian summer and young ecstasy. Ouch. Oh, what on earth made you take those things on, Tom? Oh, I know, money. However, Daisy, I've reformed. You wait till you see the Bantam's new list. I'm waiting. I hear Frank's a hit. She is. Our exhibition today. Oh, did you really? Funny I missed you. What did you think of it? Well... Oh, tell me. Daisy, I don't think you were ready to show yet. How are the notices? Appalling. I suppose their reasons are all wrong. Yes, of course they were. What were yours? Well, you've been painting less than a year. Yes. And yet you had about 30 canvases to show. 32. An awful lot, Daisy. Then you didn't like any of them? Oh, yes. One I love particularly. That one with the milk bottles on the doorstep, you know? I'd like to buy that one. That's number seven. Sorry, not the sale. Oh, of course your drawing's a marvel. Only what? Well, it depends on what you want to be. I thought it was a painter. So did I. Gloria's drawing was pretty good. He painted rather well, too, I always thought. In the first year, I doubt it. Well, I wasn't aware that it took a definite length of time. It is all your life. Well, I suppose I should hide me to some Sylvan Dell. I don't think it would hurt a bit. Well, if you can show me a pure Cobalt blue then the winter sky over the East River any afternoon at four o'clock... Because now you're just being bullheaded. Bullheaded? Me? Bullheaded? Well? Well, what more, teacher? All I've said and all I'm saying is that you can't expect the first crack out of the box. You've got to work, Daisy. Work? Now he's telling me to work. Great heaven, what have I done else but? But differently, with such pains. You're not turning out too much and you know it. Maybe. Maybe anything's too much. Oh, darling. No, don't soften on me. Stay tough. Well, I do believe that's it. I think that's the whole story still hung over from the old job. Pressure, pressure all the time. Still rushing countless sketches through against a magazine's deadline. Anyhow against some deadline. Daisy, darling. Who but you, Tom? Who but you and strangers? If me ever. Daisy. Have you missed me, Daisy? You? Well, I'll tell you about that. See, it's this way. Oh, what are you? It's a lot of nonsense. This is ridiculous. We need each other, we too do. You think? Most terribly, I'm convinced of it. There never were such friends as you and me. You know, it's wicked to give that up. To lose anything so precious for no good reason. This is the view of all people for a shabby, low-down question of convention. Fit on it to be considered by shabby, low-down... Oh, well, now, wait a minute. A hundred times I'd have given my eyes to see you, just to talk to you. Well, here I am. Daisy. May I come and see you just now and then? If you like. Just now and then. My sweet dear thing. But no, sweet dear. That belongs to another life years and years and years ago. I see. There are to be rules, are there? One or two? One very definite one. Never secret, never hidden. Why should a friendship be hidden? What's the hide? Well, it does get misunderstood. It can't. It won't or the whole world's rotten. It's been pretty ripe for a long time, Tommy. Tommy? Oh, darling, how grand it is. Kiss the boy, Daisy. No, you've got to go. Why, will it take long? Oh, magnificent. All is before. Yes, except for one thing. What? We're not in love anymore. Now run. Oh, listen. How about lunch tomorrow? Lunch? Yeah. The old place? Oh, I'd love it. One o'clock? Five. And let's dine at John Donovan. Dine? Yes, he's opened a new place on 483. All right. Yes? Unless he Wednesdays the next day. I said I'd drive out and see Pat Atkins. He's been sick again. Oh, poor dear, I didn't know. He's better now. Come with me, Daisy. Oh, Wednesday. Come on. If it's a fine day, we'll take a picnic. What'd you say? Oh, yeah. It's a press all day, but Friday... Oh, well, now, wait a minute. You said now that... I'll bring Hal Foster in about four o'clock on Friday. Will you be here? Oh, I suppose so. Goodbye, then, darling. Till tomorrow. Tomorrow. What about this afternoon? Is that... Yes, what about a cocktail at Jean's place at five o'clock? Oh, the... All right. All right. Goodbye, then. Bye. Sweet dear. Five o'clock. Ten minutes to five. What did you frighten me? Frank, I'm scared. Come here, Daisy. Frank, don't ask any questions. I need your help. I know you can hold your tongue, Frank. Well, what is not my business? It's time. I'm going away. A long way away. I love him, Frank. I love him more than I ever did. Think, Daisy. Wait. Are you wise? I'm going alone. Yes, that is wise. And nobody's to know where I've gone, either. No, of course not. No mess, Frank. It's to avoid while I'm going. But compose yourself, Daisy. Be calm. Oh, I can. Does he love you? I don't know. I don't think he knows. Oh, Frank, he's so slim and brown and sandy. And I'll snap out of it, Daisy. He'll always be like that. I know he will. Even when he's old. The funny way he stands, so sort of stiff with his feet turned out. What they call duck footed there. No, certainly not. It's perfectly natural way to stand. Of course. The fine, strong way to stand. Yes, I know. But don't forget your watercolours. Huh, Mara? Oh. Frank. Maybe if I wait. Maybe I'd better see him once more and explain. Daisy, if you want to go at all, you must go tonight. Yes, I guess you're right. Come along. Come. Yes, now in here. Help me. And look. Yes. You know that painting with the doorstep, the one with the milk bottles, number seven. Yeah, I'll leave you here. Well, will you wrap it up and take it to him for me with my love? Take it? Oh, yes. Yes, you're having cocktails with him at Jeans in one hour. At five o'clock. At five o'clock? Ten minutes to five. And Frank? Yes, darling. When you see him, kiss him for me. What? Kiss him for me? Daisy. Glad to see you. Grab yourself a chair. I'll tell the missus you're here. You're too kind. Huh. Ain't seen you since I've been back. No. Been back a month. Gee, it's swell. Right there, sir. Yeah. Will you have some tea, Bob? No, thank you, my dear. No, thank you. By the way, his birthday is on the 23rd. I think it will be well to have it a surprise party. Have all his old friends. Give him a chance to realize he's outgrown them. And I hope you may be able to persuade him to move into town with me this winter. Must be uncomfortable for you out here. Father, I'd so love being in town with you, but you know how Tom feels. I'm very contented here. Hmm, there's something besides contentment. Of course. How did that, that desperado Regan get back here? Oh, Tom ran into him somewhere. Seems a new job didn't pan out. Regan was ill. So Tom asked if he might bring him back. I said he might. Well, why not just give him something, anything to get rid of him? Don't worry about it, Father. I'll work it out somehow. I have the greatest confidence in you right here. Thank you. Well, I guess I must be getting back to town. Goodbye. Goodbye. Operator? Long distance? I want to get the number of Miss Daisy Sage in New York. Yeah? Just a minute. Connecticut calling you. This is Miss Sage. Oh, yes, Miss Sage. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Mrs. Thomas Collier. Mrs. Thomas Collier? I'm so sorry we haven't met. Oh, isn't it a shame? All of Tom's friends here about us are so regretted not knowing you. I call to tell you, his father and I are giving a surprise party for him here on the 23rd. You possibly remember it's his birthday. Well, I know. I, uh... We'd so love having you and Miss Schmidt and Mr. Fisk for the party. And if possible, spend the night. The 23rd? Oh, now, isn't that too bad? Oh, I'm terribly sorry, but I just couldn't possibly make it on the 23rd. Oh, I'm frightfully disappointed. We must try again sometime. Soon. Yes. Goodbye. Now, what was that? What? Mrs. Thomas. Thomas, mind you, Collier. Wants to know if I won't surprise her, surprise Tom on his birthday and spend the night with him in the country. She's going to ask you and Frank, too. And what did you say? Well, you heard me, didn't you? Look, Daisy, ever since your trip to Nova Scotia made Tom feel that you don't want to see him. And so he's cut himself off from... well, from all of us. He's only trying to do what he thinks you'll wish. Well, I don't propose... Mrs. Thomas Collier invited me down there for some very good reason of her own. Well, don't take it out on Tom. I think it'll do him a lot of good. He needs it. He needs us. Well, if he's so weak... Oh, he isn't. Just be wilderness. If he could get back just now and then with the right people, it might help him get a decent point of view again. Oh, Joe, I love that boy. With all my heart. Then don't go. I would like to find out if something I think is true... is true. I certainly would. I look up the number for you, Miss Sage. Oh, thank you so much, Mr. Fisk. I think that by making a tremendous effort, I may be able to recall it. Long distance, please. How about some backgammon? Oh, fine. Great. No thanks. Yes, thanks. The boss has got you reading this new book. Uh-huh. Forget it. Join the party. You might get some laughs. Oh, it's a nice party. Not like we used to have, though. I don't know hardly anybody here. Don't you read? Oh, read. Why don't you get Tom to introduce you? I know very little about music, but I know what I like. That's for the boss. Oh, sir. We're so anxious to hear you play, Miss Schmidt. I, uh, I'm sure you're better than the radio. But I didn't bring my cello. Oh, what a pity. Perhaps we could get one. She's used to her own fiddle. Yes, but is there any differ? Yes, I suppose there is. Yeah. Look what baby brought you. Indeed. He devastates me. It's a slow fight, Tom. Right, sir. The windows be placed, sir. How does it feel to be 32, baby? A very satisfactory. This is awful, Crepe. What? This rotten egg about to be laid by the Bantam press. Yeah, I know. But it'll make money. Is that all he ever thinks about nowadays? Yeah, apparently so. I have an idea. He thinks he's doing me a favor, publishing my book. Oh, he doesn't. He couldn't. Well, he kind of gave us the works at dinner. We'd rather gathered we didn't approve of him. We don't. Got to do something about it, Joe. Yeah, but he kind of hinted that he might hook up with those pirates, Williamson Warren. Oh, no. Yes. Why do you suppose she asked us out here anyway? Just to prove we don't belong? Oh, she is not bad sort. You know, I had quite a long talk with her tonight. She seems like a very nice, attractive woman. So did the Lila. Yeah, so did the... We were wondering where you were. Hello there, Mr. Fisk. I suppose you've made a good plot tonight. A plot? Did I make any plots tonight? Oh, no, not so far as I know. Well, I mean for your new novel. Oh, yes. Oh, I know you write her men. I bet you're going to use us all for characters. Oh, that's a very good idea. Thanks. Come on, everyone's playing games in the dining room. Oh, I'm still reading this thing. Isn't it too divine? It's going to be a sensation. I'm practically a collaborator, aren't I, Tom? Yes, Grace is my reaction agent. She submits to tests. I love to. Yeah, she's my little guinea pig. Um, probably go and play backgammon, Mr. Fisk. Oh, yes, I'd love to. Well, how are you getting on with the book? Look, is this on the Band-Am's new list you told me to wait for? Don't you like it? Well, it seems awfully... bright. Well, bright things seem to sell. Look at those great publishers, Williamson Warren. They sell millions of copies... in drug stores. What difference does it make? Where do they sell them? None. Except... if you want to keep your integrity, you... you can't go in for mass production, can you? I mean, you can't just become a... a little cog in the big machinery. Can you? Well, don't let's argue about that. Oh, why not? Daisy, listen, I... I want to... Never mind, never mind. I just shouldn't have said anything at all until I've read it through. That book will make money. Money? Is that so awfully important? I haven't got any, but you know, I feel... I feel quite all right. You're not a married man. No. No, I suppose that does make a difference. Well, Daisy, please read the thing through and give me your opinion. I... I'm not quite sure about it. You will, won't you? Oh, yes, Tom. And... and just bear in mind that, uh... well, you can't please everybody. Why did she come? Who? That woman. Why thought you asked her? First she said she couldn't and then she telephoned back she would. Well... Oh, I'm not the least bit jealous anymore. In fact, I've inclined to like her. That's big of you, see. I suppose that Joe's one of hers, too. How do you mean? Oh, sweet innocent. No, how's that? I should think you'd know by now that she was just a promiscuous little... Oh, well. You're a strange girl, see. You're pretty cruel one, too. Not at all. In fact, I don't see why Tom and she shouldn't be just as good friends as... well, as you and I are. Their history is a little different. Why, don't you like our history? What, the reserved? Trifle uneventful, don't you think? Or shall we simply call it lacking in excitement? You've been so strange lately. So remote. I wasn't aware of it. Refusing to help us sell Tom's press to Williamson Warren. But Tom... Tom doesn't want to be helped. I do. Good heavens, darling. I've told you a dozen times I'm counsel for them. So they do exactly as you tell them. Hang it all, see. Tom doesn't want to sell the bandit. Tom doesn't know what he wants. It's just one little word from you. Well, you know, there's a thing called legal ethics. There's a thing called friendship. Owen, lacking in excitement, you said. For you? For you, I meant. And I suppose you're the judge of that, too. Well, I don't know who else. And, of course, you couldn't possibly be wrong. Could I? Then I'm not a human being at all. Of course. See. See. You will do this one thing for me. Just one word to Williamson Warren. Yes. You darling. Oh, Miss Sage. Owen and I have been discussing something that might interest you. He's promised to use his influence to have Williamson Warren take over the bandit press. Isn't that splendid? Did Tom... Is it all settled? Owen's arranged it. You see, he's their lawyer. Well, if there's any credit due, I'm sure it's Cecilia's. Oh, yes, I'm sure it is. Will you excuse me? I was just looking for Miss Schmidt. Frank, Joe. Look, do you mind going in tonight? But why, Daisy? We were supposed to spend the night. Yes, I know we were, but I've just got to get out of this house. Oh, but Daisy... No. We are going. Get your things together. Okay. Oh, shame, Jane. Just when the party's getting good. I'm so sorry, Mrs. Collier. It just can't be helped. Are you ready, Joe? Yes. Goodbye. Thank you very much. Goodbye, Tom. Goodbye. I must say your leaving seems very strange. We've so loved having you. You were very kind to us. Goodbye, Tom. Goodbye, Mrs. Collier. Goodbye. Come again when you can really stay. Thank you. I'll see you about the car. Well, all so solemn. Sorry you don't like my friends. They are, however. Sorry you don't like the book I'm publishing. Tom, I pity you with all my heart. Pity me? What are you talking about? I came to find out and I found out. Now I'm going. Found out what? Pity me why? Do you mind? Daisy, give us a kiss, Daisy. Hey, Daisy. Hurry up or we'll miss the train. Come on. Here's your coat. Get in. You must give us a ring sometime, Tom. Right. I'll wait for you outside. Goodbye, Tom. Once I wouldn't say it, would I? Once you wouldn't. Well... Goodbye. This time you do. Goodbye. Good night, my dear. Had a lovely time. Good night, Tom. Why you declined to spend the winter in town with your father? He's what? I simply wish to be disagreeable. That isn't true. Oh, come on, see, now let's forget it. As if that were so easy. And I suppose you refuse to sell the press, even if Williamson wore and are willing to pay twice what it's worth. I don't know. Can't we talk about something else? Tonight. I'm afraid not. You're frightfully late, darling. I stopped at the Bantam. What made you do that, silly? I don't know. I just wanted to think. The mind of the vision of millions and millions of cheap books. Williamson's recital of the glories of the machine age. So I stopped at the press. Everything went all right, didn't it? Oh, yes, perfect. In fact, it's settled. Not already? Yes, they've signed. All I have to do now is dig up a notary in the village and write my name under theirs. Oh, Tom. Are you pleased? Aren't you? I think something's happened to my nervous system. I feel awfully light. Of course. You're famished, darling. Come and eat. Would you like to eat in my sitting room? All right. I'll call Regan. See? Yes, dear. I think it's time we had a child or two, see? We'll talk about that. We must. I thought it would be so cozy us dining here. It's a matter. Funny. You know, lighted this way. It reminds me of someplace. What place? I don't know. Champagne, is it? I thought you'd feel like celebrating. Well, well. A little wine won't hurt you. The little more and how much it is. Fill him, Mr. Regan. Infinite riches in a little room. You've got the quotes badly. Little lamb who made thee. Regan, thus thou know who made thee. What is it it reminds me of? And a little more, old son. The discreet withdrawal. I've seen that before, too. I know the Florentine. A private room at the Florentine. What's that? That's a sort of hotel. Run by a woman called Flora Conover. Sounds wicked. It used to be the best place in London. Place? What sort of place? Twenty guineas. Twenty guineas? On the mantelpiece. What are you talking about? In advance, at that. Rather expensive, wasn't it? Well, one went to Flores to celebrate, and the food was good, the waiter discreet, the wine excellent, the lady... most artful. I don't care to hear about it, thank you. See, your eyes are so bright. Ah, eat you. You're seeing things. See? Yes, dear. You know, a little love is no love. Meaning what, precisely? It wasn't necessary to lock your door against me last night. But I didn't. I mean, not against... Then why? Tell me instantly why it was. Is that an order? Tell me. You mean, why I didn't want you near me? Yes. You've been so consistently disagreeable, that's all. About what? Wanting Regan back? That's one thing. What else then? Your father, cheaply. Ah. What are you going to do about your birthday check, Tom? Well, oh, that. Well, I don't know whether to send it back, or just not to cash it. Of course, you simply can't allow yourself to show any graciousness toward him. No. There's a way of telling you how pleased with you he is. He gives you a small check, and you have the extraordinary bad taste. What? I can't believe it. There it is. There isn't that much money in the world. In father's world, there is. He fears he can afford it to get us to come live with him. Of course, I can't understand your attitude about that, either. Can't you see? No. He knows how inconvenient it is here in the winter. And having that great, huge, lovely house in town is perfectly sweet and natural of him, to ask. Well, to ask. Yes, you, to preside night after night at his deadly dinners. Me, to listen eternally to his delfigure advice on what to do and how to live. To give up what little integrity I have left, and short to allow him to own us. Of course, he's willing to pay. He always is. How you can be so hard about him, I don't know. My way of thinking of a person... Oh, let's drop it, C. Very well. We shall. Now you've gone from me again. Not you, care. Oh, C, my lovely C, where are you? What's become of you? The thing you call your integrity. That's the word. See, it's no use talking. This is what you call being disagreeable, I suppose. Yes, very. But how to be otherwise when... Possibly by being the fine, kind, generous man you ought to be. Accept the check with thanks and go and live with him. It's only for a few months. I think to refuse his present would be extremely bad manners. Just about in a class with those of your little ex-sweetheart. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean... Never mind. C, suppose I should do as you say about father. Oh, Tom. Do be the darling I know you are. Would you like me better? Much. How much? Oh, very much. No locked doors anymore? Not one ever. Sounds most inviting. Does it? And suddenly I'm beginning to see with an awful clearness. What? How stupid you've been and what I am to you. Yes. So you are going to be nice again? You'll see. Oh, I want so to feel, I don't know, together again as we used to. You're very pretty, you know. Oh, thank you, sir. Very exciting, too. I don't know whether it's you or the wine speaking. Or me, me through the wine. Shall we have a little more? I think so. It's a party, then. It's a party. We'll have another small bottle. There's some here. Sometimes you're so thrilling, Tom. You think? We shouldn't. You know we shouldn't. But we seem to be. All at once. I feel terribly naughty, somehow. You know, I suppose you're one of the most prettiest girls I've ever seen. So nice of you to think so, sir. So very attractive. I like to be attractive. So very alluring. There, that's enough. You're a strange woman. Your lips drop honeycomb. Your mouth is smoother than oil. Now what are you quoting? Ah, the discrete waiter returns. Come in. Give the ladies some, waiter. You can leave the bottle on the table. That'll be all. To the pleasant ways of life. Such pleasant ways. It's good, isn't it? So good. I'm getting to feel it a little. Well, that's what it's for, eh? It must be. Champagne, the friend of lovers. No. Not yet. Artful child. You think? Lovely alluring thing. I like you too, Mel. It's pleasant here, isn't it? So pleasant. Do you not take any? No. It makes me see almost too clearly. Oh, take a little more. And everything will get so, so lovely and vague. In the way I feel now. A good feeling, is it? Delicious. Oh, Tom. One last toast. Do we dare? But to what? What to? You name it. To love. And, darling? Yes. You are going to be an angel about things, aren't you? You'll see. I knew you would. I'm so happy. I want you close to me. Don't be long. See here, Red, I... Never mind. All I mean is, well, I'm out for good this time. Why? I just don't like it here, that's all. When you want to go. As soon as I can. Tonight then? That's all right with me. I'm packed. Wait downstairs. What a fountain pen. Don't let me forget to return it. On the mantelpiece. Oh, here you are, Red. Go and get in the car. I can walk to the train, all right? Bring my hat and coat. Will you bring my hat and coat, please? What's the idea? Light, please. No, then. I can walk, I tell you. Not at all, we'll drive in. We will. To your... my wife, I said.