s, I know he went to supper with a chorus
girl once.

WILLIAM. Twice.

HELEN. What was she like?

WILLIAM. Like a chorus girl.

MRS. CROSBY. The trouble with you, my dear, is that you've been reading
novels. When Billy's father married me, I was a school teacher, and he
was a clerk. We didn't have any money, but we were awfully in love--we
still rather like each other. Now just for the sake of argument, suppose
we should have acted like stern parents, what would be the use? Billy's
in business for himself, he's making his own money, he can marry when he
wants to and as he wants to, and if you want my real opinion, I don't
mind confessing that I think he's pretty lucky to get you.

WILLIAM. There!

HELEN. But you know so little about me.

WILLIAM. Oh, rot!

MRS. CROSBY (_to_ WILLIAM). Thank you, Billy. I was trying to think of
an effective word. (_To_ HELEN.) You've been my private secretary for
over a year, and no matter how much my looks belie it, I'm not a bit of
a fool. I know a great deal about you.

HELEN. My family--

WILLIAM (C.). I'm not marrying your family!

HELEN. I'm afraid you are.

WILLIAM. Oh!

HELEN. There's only mother.

MRS. CROSBY (_rising and moving to_ HELEN'S _side in front of table_
R.). Oh, my dear, forgive me. Your mother should have been here
to-night.

HELEN. No, my mother--Mrs. Crosby--mother doesn't go out--she'd be
unhappy here, and you'd be uncomfortable if she came. You'll find her
trying sometimes, you'll think she's common. Oh, don't misunderstand me.
She's the most wonderful mother in the world. And she's--

MRS. CROSBY. Suppose, my dear, that we take your mother for granted.
(_She crosses to a position between_ WILLIAM _and_ HELEN.) Take us as
you find us and we will try to be happy.

(_Enter_ CROSBY _from door_ L. _He is a fine-looking man of about sixty,
with a pleasant personality, a good deal of charm and that masterful
self-possession which sometimes marks the man of affairs. It is always
evident that the most delightful intimacy exists between himself and his
wife._)

MRS. CROSBY. Well, Roscoe?

CROSBY (_moves to_ L.C.). Welcome, my dear. (HELEN _crosses to him and
he takes her in his arms_.)

HELEN. Oh, Mr. Crosby--I--

CROSBY (_placing_ HELEN L. _of him with arm still around her, reaching
his other hand to_ WILLIAM). Bill, shake!

(_Father and son shake hands._)

(CROSBY _looks at his wife and they laugh gently._)

Shall I tell 'em?

MRS. C