JUDGE

But Helen is a guest in it now. No longer under your control, John.

She's the New Woman.

THEODORE

John, _you_ can't stop that girl's marrying Ernest, if she wants to; he's head over heels in love with her.

LUCY

What! We thought he was in love with his work!

THEODORE

He thinks there's no hope for him, poor boy.

LUCY

[_to JOHN_]

And she is mad about him!

JOHN

[_to LUCY_]

And he is on the way out here now!

THEODORE

What! He's coming to see her?

JOHN

No, no, thinks she's still in Paris--so she was when I invited him, d.a.m.n it--but something had to be done and done delicately. That's why I invited you two.

JUDGE

[_bursts out laughing_]

Beautiful! These lovers haven't met for a month, and to-night there's a moon!

THEODORE

[_also laughs_]

You may as well give in, John. It's the simplest solution.

LUCY

[_timidly_]

Yes, John, she's nearly thirty, and think how she treats all the _nice_ men.

JOHN

Who's doing this? You go tell Helen ... that her Uncle Everett wants to see her!

[_Lucy shrugs, starts reluctantly, and lingers listening._

THEODORE

Now, uncle, you have more influence over her than any of us--don't let her know about ... Aunt Julia. Helen thinks the world of you.

JUDGE

Of course not, never let the rising generation suspect the truth about marriage--if you want 'em to marry.

THEODORE

There are other truths than unpleasant truths, Uncle Everett, other marriages than unhappy marriages.

JUDGE

Want me to tell her the truth about your marriage?

LUCY

[_at the door_]

Why uncle! Even _you_ must admit that Theodore and Mary are happy.