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suppose. Well, I hope it will be a big success. LILY--[Irritated by his smugness.] As big a success as the brief you're writing to restrain the citizens from preventing the Traction Company robbing them, eh Mark? [Before anyone can reply, she turns suddenly on her aunt who is sitting rigidly on her chair, staring before her stonily like some old lady in a daguerreotype--in a loud challenging tone.] You don't mind if I smoke, Aunt? [She takes a cigarette out of case and lights it.] ESTHER--[Smiling.] Lily! MRS. DAVIDSON--[Fixes LILY with her stare--in a tone of irrevocable decision.] We'll get you married, young lady, and that very soon. What you need to bring you down to earth is a husband and the responsibility of children. [Turning her glance to MARTHA, a challenge in her question.] Every woman who is able should have children. Don't you believe that, Martha Jayson? [She accentuates the full name.] MARTHA--[Taken aback for a moment but restraining her resentment--gently.] Yes, I do, Mrs. Davidson. MRS. DAVIDSON--[Seemingly placated by this reply--in a milder tone.] You must call me aunt, my dear. [Meaningly.] All the Jaysons do. MARTHA--[Simply.] Thank you, aunt. LILY--[As if all of this aroused her irritation--in a nervous fuming.] Why don't the others come, darn 'em? I'm dying for my tea. [The door from the study is opened and CURT appears. They all greet him.] CURTIS--[Absent-mindedly.] Hello, everybody. [Then with a preoccupied air to MARTHA.] Martha, I don't want to interrupt you--but-- MARTHA--[Getting up briskly.] You want my help? CURTIS--[With the same absent-minded air.] Yes--not for long--just a few notes before I forget them. [He goes back into the study.] MARTHA--[Seemingly relieved by this interruption and glad of the chance it gives to show them her importance to CURT.] You'll excuse me for a few moments, all of you, won't you? [They all nod.] MRS. DAVIDSON--[Rather harshly.] Why doesn't Curt hire a secretary? That is no work for his wife. MARTHA--[Quietly.] A paid secretary could hardly give the sympathy and understanding Curt needs, Mrs. Davidson. [Proudly.] And she would have to study for years, as I have done, in order to take my place. [To LILY.] If I am not here by the time the others arrive, will you see about the tea, Lily--? LILY--[Eagerly.] Sure. I love to serve drinks. If I were a man, I'd be a bartender--in Mexico or Canada. MARTHA--[Going toward the study.
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