WILL.  Why, I guess so.  If I was perfectly confident that this new arrangement was going to result happily for you both, I think it would be great, only I’m somewhat doubtful, for when people become serious and then fail, I know how hard those things hit, having been hit once myself.

JOHN.  So you think we’re making a wrong move and there isn’t a chance of success!

WILL.  No, I don’t make any such gloomy prophecy.  If you make Laura a good husband, and she makes you a good wife, and together you win out, I’ll be mighty glad.  As far as I am concerned I shall absolutely forget every thought of Laura’s friendship for me.

LAURA.  I thought you’d be just that way.

[Crosses to WILL, shakes hands.

WILL. [Rising.] And now I must be off. [Takes her by both hands and shakes them.] Good-bye, girlie!  Madison, good luck. [Crosses to JOHN. Shakes JOHN’S hands; looks into his eyes.] I think you’ve got the stuff in you to succeed if your foot don’t slip.

JOHN.  What do you mean by my foot slipping, Mr. Brockton?

WILL.  You want me to tell you?

JOHN.  I sure do.

WILL. [Turns to Laura.] Laura, run into the house and see if Mrs. Williams has won another quarter. [LAURA sinks fearfully into chair.] Madison and I are going to smoke a cigar and have a friendly chat, and when we get through I think we’ll both be better off.

LAURA.  You are sure that everything will be all right?

WILL.  Sure.

LAURA looks at JOHN for assurance, and exits; he nods reassuringly.

WILL.  Have a cigar?

[SERVANT places lamp on table inside house.

JOHN.  No, I’ll smoke my own.

[Crosses down right; sits in armchair.

WILL.  What is your business? [Crosses up to seat centre; sits.

JOHN.  What’s yours?

WILL.  I’m a broker.

JOHN.  I’m a reporter, so I’ve got something on you.

WILL.  What kind?

JOHN.  General utility, dramatic critic on Sunday nights.

WILL.  Pay you well?

JOHN. [Turns, looking at WILL.] That’s pretty fresh.  What’s the idea?

WILL.  I’m interested.  I’m a plain man, Mr. Madison, and I do business in a plain way.  Now, if I ask you a few questions and discuss this matter with you in a frank way, don’t get it in your head that I’m jealous or sore, but simply I don’t want either of you people to make a move that’s going to cost you a lot of pain and trouble.  If you want me to talk sense to you, all right.  If you don’t we’ll drop it now.  What’s the answer?