Gladys.  I mean Jack, that I have lost you!

Jack (tries to catch her hand).  You shan’t say such a thing!

Gladys.  Jack, such violent motions are dangerous at tea-parties.  You might ruin my costume!

Jack.  If you feel like that, I won’t go at all!

Bob.  Oho!  Already!

Gladys.  Go on with your adventure, Jack.  And don’t try to make a tragedy out of our parting—­you know how I hate scenes.  It would be impossible for me to love a serious man—­the mere thought of it terrifies me!  Go on!  Go on—­I absolutely insist!

Jack (desperately).  All right then!  If that’s the way you take it, I’ll go! (rushes off Left.)

Jessie.  Gladys, I think it’s horrid of you to behave like that!

Gladys.  Not at all, Jessie!

Jessie.  Do you seriously intend to send him away?

Gladys. Send him, Jessie?  How do you mean?  You can’t send these modern young men anywheres.  They come and go to suit themselves.  They think they love a woman, and they plead for her love; but then they begin to change their minds—­they get bored with her, and think they’re bored with all life.  So they go off and try something new and romantic—­something less tedious than a woman’s affections.  The reality of life!

Jessie.  I know Jack loves you!

Gladys.  Indeed, Jessie?  Too bad that Jack doesn’t know it—­ (sound of gramophone in Real-play Left 1, playing a popular song.  The Play-play fades rapidly.)

Will.  Oh, God!

Peggy.  Botheration!

Will.  The fiends! (leaps up and begins to pace the floor.) Isn’t that enough to drive a man to distraction?  To be trying to work, trying to create something—­

Peggy.  Wait, dear. (Goes and closes door.) Now forget about it.

Will. Yes, it’s easy to say forget!  But pretty soon the devils in the rear will begin with their coon-songs—­

Peggy. Well then, we’ll close the window, too.

Will. Yes, on a hot night!

Peggy. What do you think of my love-interest?

Will. I think it’s rotten.

Peggy. Will!

Will. Absolutely rotten!  The idea of having her turn Jack down—­at the very beginning of the play!

Peggy. But that’s exactly what happened!  Didn’t Gladys turn you down?  And besides, she can take him up again, if you like.

Will. How’s she going to see him when he goes out on the street?

Peggy. Can’t she run into him somewhere by accident?

Will. By accident—­in a city of six million people!

Peggy. Well then, why not have her go where he goes?  Let Bob follow Jack, or let them hire a detective.