All right, all right--but we can't change marriage overnight just to suit Helen. What are _you_ going to do about it?
There's just one thing to do. Will you back me up in everything I say?
Then tell Helen she doesn't have to marry, that, with the best intentions, the Church has made a muddle of monogamy.
[Illustration: _From a photograph by White Studio._
JUDGE: You poor little pessimists! Human nature to-day is better than it ever was, but our most important institution is worse--the most sacred relationship in life has become a jest in the market-place.]
That we all admire their consecrated courage and advise their trying this conscientious experiment.
But you haven't. Do please get that through your head.... Theodore, they've talked enough, ask them to step out here and receive John's blessing. [_Impatiently._] Go on--I'll fix John. [_THEODORE goes._] [_To JOHN, who is about to burst forth._] Oh, see here, did you ever pull a dog into the house against his will?... Let him alone and he'll follow you in, wag his tail, and lick your hand.
You mean, they'll come in, be respectable?
Admit that marriage has numerous drawbacks--and they'll see its advantages. Deny it--and they'll see nothing but each other. Marriage _is_ in a bad way, but it's the less of two evils. Marriage _must_ adjust itself to the New Woman--_but_ the New Woman must meanwhile adjust herself to marriage. [_Briskly to LUCY._] Now, then, did you send out that hurry call for the family this evening?
Yes, they're on their way here now, but Uncle Everett, Doctor Hamilton said, next week.
Yes, I know--it'll be a little surprise party for Helen.... Did you order some music?
Yes, the musicians are to be stationed in the library.
Excellent, excellent. [_Indicates tables and festoons._] All that junk will help, too. A good Sunday supper this evening, Lucy; your best champagne, John--gay spirits, family affection, warm approval, toasts to the future. Why, all we'll have to do is--[_Breaks off._] Here they come. Now follow my lead. They've done a lot of thinking since you saw them last, but--make one misstep and it's all off.
Be nice to her, John. It was just a girlish impulse.
[_Before JOHN can reply, THEODORE and ERNEST follow, talking._