KATE. [Puts hat on TED’S head.] Now, tell me, do you really like the hat?

TIPPY.  It’s O.K.—­Is he to wear it in the house?

TED. [Removes hat.] I feel the hat is not quite right.

KATE.  He wanted a brown hat.  But I thought gray was smarter.

TED. Brown would have suited me better.

MARTIN.  I’m not up much on sartorial etiquette.  Is the hat supposed to match the coat or the suit?

TED. There is no arbitrary rule about it.  Brown is a better color for me.

TIPPY. [Looks at watch.] If we’re going to have any party, I’d better clear up my work.  I have a delivery to make now. [Goes to yard.]

KATE.  If you want to change the hat, darling, go ahead.  The store’s open until seven.

TED. Are you sure you wouldn’t mind?

TIPPY. [Re-enters from yard, carrying small dog in his arms.] Didn’t realize it was getting so late.  I’ll be back as soon as I can. [He goes.]

KATE.  I think, Ted, that gray gives your face more life, [TED puts hat on again, and surveys himself before the mirror, KATE views him in critical admiration, readjusts his hat several times, and stands off to contemplate her man.  MARTIN watches them both, then inspired, takes pencil and cardboard and begins to sketch.] Brown is unutterably drab.  It does the most terrible things to me.  Put it a little more forward.  There—­I think that’s stunning, Ted.

TED. This time of year the hat and coat would be seen together more than the hat and suit.

KATE.  That’s right.—­Put the coat on again, [TED puts coat on again, and poses with both hat and coat before the mirror.] I don’t know.  Perhaps you’re right.—­If you really want to change the hat, go ahead.

[They continue posing, KATE angling the hat, etc., till MARTIN calls TED. There has been a low knock. MARTIN turns his sketch face down and opens the door.  A middle-aged woman enters.]

CASE WORKER.  Does Theodore Brooks live here?

MARTIN.  Yes.

[She walks in.]

CASE WORKER.  Are you Mr. Brooks?

MARTIN.  No.

CASE WORKER.  Well, is he in?

MARTIN.  Yes.

CASE WORKER.  Please call him.

MARTIN.  Hi, Ted! [TED turns and CASE WORKER looks at him.  He shows no recognition and does not start over.] This lady is calling on you.

[TED comes slowly, taking off his hat; he is still wearing the coat.]

CASE WORKER. [Impatiently.] I asked to see Theodore Brooks.

TED. Yes?

CASE WORKER.  You are not Brooks.

TED. Yes.  That’s my name.

CASE WORKER.  Theodore Brooks?—­You!

TED. [Uncomfortably.] What do you want, madam?

CASE WORKER.  I am a case worker on relief applications.