Jim (very fast). Oh, I never shall; no, indeed, we are not a bald family, there never was a bald man in it, the babies are all born with thick heads of hair. One of the family was scalped once, to be sure, but it was accidental, and his hair all grew out again in a few days. Look at mine. (Sticks it up.) Jen. (screams). Oh, don't! Nature has made you homely enough without your trying to help her. Jim. But I only wanted to settle this bald question forever. And now, Jennie, won't you go on _supposing_? Jen. Well, supposing I should marry you some time, would you find a minister who was willing to leave "obey" out of the marriage service? Jim. If there is one in America I'll find him. For I shouldn't want to make you swear to a lie, Jennie. Jen. And then would you respect my rights and acknowledge equal rights for both of us? Jim. Of course, your rights and equal rights,--principally your rights. Jen. Well, then, perhaps--but wait a moment; if there should ever be a balance over equal rights, it must come on my side, must it not? Because a man is apt to misuse his power, you know. Jim (going near her). You shall have all the balances. Jen. (edging away). I don't know but you are almost _too_ willing. Jim. Now she is off on another tack. What _can_ a man do? Jen. However, I can get a divorce if you don't keep your word, so, as you are a pretty good fellow, Jim, I think I will condescend to try you as a husband. Jim. Hurrah! (Embraces her.) But about this condescending-- Jen. That is one of the balances, Jim. Jim. Oh, well! (Kisses her and is about to repeat when she stops him.) Jen. No, Jim. Equal rights. I must give you half, you know. (Kisses him and runs off, C.) Jim. Equal rights ain't so bad, after all. (Goes after Jennie and runs against Eugene, who enters moodily, C.) I beg pardon, sir, but I am so equal--happy. (Exit, C.) Eug. What is the matter with Jim? Happy! Well, I am glad some one is. I never shall be again. This is what my cursed easy disposition has brought me to. I have ruined myself and almost killed my father. If it was not for Kate I would blow my brains out--if I have any. (Sits dejectedly, R.) (Enter Lizzie, C.) Liz. Eugene! Eug. Lizzie, is it you? (Aside.) I am ashamed to look her in the face. Liz. I have been trying to see you ever since that--that trouble, but I never have been able to find you alone. I thought perhaps it might be some little comfort to you to know that I sympathized with and pitied you, and that I had faith enough in you to believe you would redeem the past. Eug. (starting up). These words to me from you? Oh, Lizzie, I am a miserable wretch. Liz. You have been gay, careless, reckless, but oh, I cannot believe you wholly bad. My share in your thoughtless past I freely forgive. I wanted to tell you this, and say I hope in the future to see you worthy the esteem of every one. Eug. I dare not hope that, Lizzie.