TED. There is no arbitrary rule about it. Brown is a better color for me. TIPPY. [_Looks at watch._] If we're going to have any party, I'd better clear up my work. I have a delivery to make now. [_Goes to yard._] KATE. If you want to change the hat, darling, go ahead. The store's open until seven. TED. Are you sure you wouldn't mind? TIPPY. [_Re-enters from yard, carrying small dog in his arms._] Didn't realize it was getting so late. I'll be back as soon as I can. [_He goes._] KATE. I think, Ted, that gray gives your face more life, [TED _puts hat on again, and surveys himself before the mirror_, KATE _views him in critical admiration, readjusts his hat several times, and stands off to contemplate her man_. MARTIN _watches them both, then inspired, takes pencil and cardboard and begins to sketch._] Brown is unutterably drab. It does the most terrible things to me. Put it a little more forward. There--_I_ think that's stunning, Ted. TED. This time of year the hat and coat would be seen together more than the hat and suit. KATE. That's right.--Put the coat on again, [TED _puts coat on again, and poses with both hat and coat before the mirror._] I don't know. Perhaps you're right.--If you really want to change the hat, go ahead. [_They continue posing_, KATE _angling the hat, etc., till_ MARTIN _calls_ TED. _There has been a low knock._ MARTIN _turns his sketch face down and opens the door. A middle-aged woman enters._] CASE WORKER. Does Theodore Brooks live here? MARTIN. Yes. [_She walks in._] CASE WORKER. Are you Mr. Brooks? MARTIN. No. CASE WORKER. Well, is he in? MARTIN. Yes. CASE WORKER. Please call him. MARTIN. Hi, Ted! [TED _turns and_ CASE WORKER _looks at him. He shows no recognition and does not start over._] This lady is calling on you. [TED _comes slowly, taking off his hat; he is still wearing the coat._] CASE WORKER. [_Impatiently._] I asked to see Theodore Brooks. TED. Yes? CASE WORKER. You are not Brooks. TED. Yes. That's my name. CASE WORKER. Theodore Brooks?--You! TED. [_Uncomfortably._] What do you want, madam? CASE WORKER. I am a case worker on relief applications. TED. Oh! CASE WORKER. Someone giving the name of Theodore Brooks and this address applied for relief. TED. Yes. CASE WORKER. Did _you_ make that application? TED. Yes. CASE WORKER. Why? TED. [_Squirming._] The usual reason--I suppose. [_There is a pause in which one expects almost anything to happen._] CASE WORKER. [_With restraint._] Very well. I must ask you a few questions. [_Her antagonism is felt all through._] TED. I'll try to answer them. [_Desperately._] I needed relief or I wouldn't have applied for it. CASE WORKER. You feel you still need relief? TED. I do. CASE WORKER. Well ... Well, we'll go ahead. I have to fill my records. Your name is Theodore Brooks. [_She sits at table to fill out blanks_, TED _stands._] TED. That's right. CASE WORKER. Age? TED. Twenty-eight. CASE WORKER. Where born? TED. New York City.