y hard fate, I
think--for the one who doesn't ride.

Mrs. Perkins. Then Emma is coming here?

Bradley. That's the idea, on her wheel--coming down the Boulevard,
across Seventy-second Street, through the Park, down Madison, across
Twenty-third, down Fourth to Twenty-first, then here.

Perkins. Bully ride that.

Mrs. Perkins. Alone?

Bradley (sadly). I hope so--but these bicyclists have a way of
flocking together. For all I know, my beloved Emma may now be
coasting down Murray Hill escorted by some bicycle club from Jersey
City.

Mrs. Perkins. Oh dear--Mr. Bradley!

Bradley. Oh, it's all right, I assure you, Mrs. Perkins. Perfectly
right and proper. It's merely part of the exercise, don't you know.
There's a hail-fellow-well-metness about enthusiastic bicyclists, and
Emma is intensely enthusiastic. It gives her a chance, you know, and
Emma has always wanted a chance. Independence is a thing she's been
after ever since she got her freedom, and now, thanks to the wheel,
she's got it again, and even I must admit it's harmless. Funny she
doesn't get here though (looking at his watch); she's had time to
come down twice.

[Bicycle bells are heard ringing without.

Mrs. Perkins. Maybe that is she now. Go and see, will you,
Thaddeus? [Exit Perkins.

Perkins (without), That you, Mrs. Bradley?

[Mrs. Perkins and Bradley listen intently.

Two Male Voices. No; it's us, Perk. Got your wheel?

Bradley and Mrs. Perkins. Where can she be?

Enter Perkins with Barlow and Yardsley.

They both greet Mrs. Perkins.

Yardsley. Hullo, Brad! You going to have a lesson too?

Barlow. Dressed for it, aren't you, by Jove! Nothing like a dinner
coat for a bicycle ride. Your coat-tails don't catch in the gear.

Bradley (severely). I haven't taken it up--fact is, I don't care for
fads. Have you seen my wife?

Yardsley. Yes--saw her the other night at the academy. Rides mighty
well, too, Brad. Don't wonder you don't take it up. Contrast, you
know--eh, Perk? Fearful thing for a man to have the world see how
much smarter his wife is than he is.

Perkins (turning to his wheel). Bradley's a little worried about the
non-arrival of Mrs. Bradley. She was coming here on her wheel, and
started about the same time he did.

Barlow. Oh, that's all right, Ned. She knows her wheel as well as
you know your business. Can't come down quite as fast as the "L,"
particularly these nights just before election.