PAULA—[_Calls sharply._] Philip! [_PHILIP has been leaning resignedly
against the shelves at back. Now he straightens up with a start, silently
takes his hat and stick._] No. You aren’t dismissed. [_She takes
something out of her purse._] What opera are they singing to-night?
PHILIP—[_Resentfully._] Lohengrin.
PAULA—You go off at six to-night ... and take this with my compliments.
PHILIP—[_Looks at the ticket; joyfully._] Parquet ... eighth row.
PAULA—It was the best I could get.
JUHASZ—[_Beaming._] Philip, you’ll see the swan to-night. [_The THOROUGH
YOUNG LADY enters from the street._]
THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—I knew I’d forget something.... I forgot to tell you
that I don’t want a period after each initial of the monograms on those
handkerchiefs.... Just the letters without the periods.
PAULA—[_Graciously._] Certainly, madame. We never have periods
embroidered unless they are specially ordered.
PHILIP—[_Who has gone behind his counter._] I’ll make a note of it,
madame, to be quite sure.
PAULA—Is there anything else you would like to-day? [_Comes around to the
table._] Are you interested in these girdles with antique silver buckles?
They are just in from Paris. [_She holds one up._]
THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—May I see?
PAULA—There are only a few, as you see, and they are selling very fast.
So if you’d like one——
THOROUGH YOUNG LADY—I couldn’t possibly afford one this month.