ELFIE.  Laura, you old dear [Crossing to table.], I’ve just found out where you’ve been hiding, and came around to see you.

LAURA. [Who is much brightened by ELFIE’S appearance.] Elfie, you’re looking bully.  How are you, dear?

ELFIE.  Fine.

LAURA.  Come in and sit down.  I haven’t much to offer, but—­

ELFIE.  Oh, never mind.  It’s such a grand day outside, and I’ve come around in my car to take you out. [Sits right of table.] You know I’ve got a new one, and it can go some.

LAURA. [Sits on arm of chair.] I am sorry, but I can’t go out this afternoon, Elfie.

ELFIE.  What’s the matter?

LAURA.  You see I’m staying home a good deal nowadays.  I haven’t been feeling very well and I don’t go out much.

ELFIE.  I should think not.  I haven’t seen you in Rector’s or Martin’s since you come back from Denver.  Got a glimpse of you one day trailing up Broadway, but couldn’t get to you—­you dived into some office or other. [For the first time she surveys the room, rises, looks around critically, crossing to mantel.] Gee!  Whatever made you come into a dump like this?  It’s the limit.

LAURA. [Crossing and standing back of the table.] Oh, I know it isn’t pleasant, but it’s my home, and after all—­a home’s a home.

ELFIE.  Looks more like a prison. [Takes candy from mantel; spits it out on floor.] Makes me think of the old days of Child’s sinkers and a hall bedroom.

LAURA.  It’s comfortable. [Leaning hands on table.

ELFIE.  Not! [Sits on bed, trying bed with comedy effect.  Say, is this here for an effect, or do you sleep on it?

LAURA.  I sleep on it.

ELFIE.  No wonder you look tired.  Say, listen, dearie.  What else is the matter with you anyway?

LAURA.  Nothing.

ELFIE.  Yes, there is.  What happened between you and Brockton? [Notices faded flowers in vase on table; takes them out, tosses them into fireplace, replaces them with gardenias which she wears.] He’s not broke, because I saw him the other day.

LAURA.  Where?

ELFIE.  In the park.  Asked me out to luncheon, but I couldn’t go.  You know, dearie, I’ve got to be so careful.  Jerry’s so awful jealous—­the old fool.

LAURA.  Do you see much of Jerry nowadays, Elfie?

ELFIE.  Not any more than I can help and be nice.  He gets on my nerves. 
Of course, I’ve heard about your quitting Brockton.

LAURA.  Then why do you ask?

[Crosses around chair right of table; stands.

ELFIE.  Just wanted to hear from your own dear lips what the trouble was.  Now tell me all about it.  Can I smoke here?

[Takes cigarette-case up, opens it, selecting cigarette.

LAURA.  Surely. [Gets matches off bureau, puts them on table.

ELFIE.  Have one? [Offers case.