er. Didn't I?

CARVE. Let me see now----

JANET. I mean the one I sent to the office of the Matrimonial News.

CARVE. (Mechanically feeling in his pockets, pulling out papers and
putting them back.) Where did I put it? Oh, perhaps it's in the pocket
of another coat. (Goes to a coat of SHAWN'S hanging on inner knob of
double doors, and empties all the pockets, bringing the contents,
including a newspaper, to the table.)

JANET. (Picking up an envelope.) Yes, that's it--I can feel the
photograph. You seem to keep things in the pockets of all your coats.

CARVE. If you knew what I've been through this last day or two----

JANET. (Soothingly.) Yes, yes.

CARVE. I haven't had a quiet moment. Now----(Reading letter.) "Dear
Sir, in reply to your advertisement, I write to you with particulars of
my case. I am a widow, aged thirty-two years----"

JANET. And anybody that likes can see my birth certificate. That's what
I call talking.

CARVE. My dear lady! (Continuing to read.) "Thirty-two years. My
father was a jobbing builder, well known in Putney and Wandsworth. My
husband was a rent collector and estate agent. He died four years ago of
appendicitis (hesitating) caught----"

JANET. Caused.

CARVE. I beg pardon, "--caused by accidentally swallowing a bristle out
of his tooth-brush, the same being discovered at the operation. I am an
orphan, a widow, and have no children. In consequence I feel very
lonely, and my first experience not being distasteful, indeed the
reverse, I am anxious to try again, provided I can meet with a sincere
helpmeet of good family. I am the owner of the above house, rated at
forty-five pounds a year, in one of the nicest streets in Putney, and I
have private means of some three pounds a week, from brewery shares
bringing in fifteen per cent. I will say nothing about my appearance,
but enclose latest carte-de-visite photograph."

JANET. I had it taken on purpose.

CARVE. "As to my tastes, I will only say that as a general rule they are
quiet. If the above seems in your line, I shall be obliged if you will
write and send me particulars of yourself, with photographs.--Yours
truly, JANET CANNOT." Well, Mrs. Cannot, your letter is an absolute
model.

JANET. I suppose you did get dozens?

CARVE. Well----By the way, what's this type-written thing in the
envelope?

JANET. (Looking at it.) It looks like a copy of your answer.

CARVE. Oh!

JANET. If it isn't a rude question, Mr. Shawn, why