Yes, Mrs. Eppingwell. Why, when I'm with her, I think there's nothing like her under the sun. I feel like going out and killing her husband just to get her. FREDA _(Seductively.)_ And when you are with me, Floyd? _(Vanderlip reaches out impulsively and draws her to him. Her head rests on his shoulder. She snuggles in to him in a contented way, her hand petting his. He buries his face in her hair. The scent of her hair gets into his brain and maddens him. He disengages hand from hers and slips it gradually up her bare arm. His other arm, about waist and shoulder, draws her closely against him. All the while, however, they are occupying their respective chairs. They remain this way for a long moment or so, his hand still progressing up her bare arm.)_ FREDA _(Tearing herself suddenly loose from him and holding him from her at arms' length, tragically.)_ Floyd! Floyd! I want to go away--out of the land--anywhere!--anywhere! VANDERLIP _(Soothingly.)_ Dear Freda. FREDA I am tired, tired, so tired of it all. I--I-- _(Voice breaking.)_ --I think I shall cry. VANDERLIP _(Gently and soothingly drawing her to him.)_ There, there, little woman. Brace up, buck up, don't give in. FREDA _(Slowly disengaging herself and gently holding him off at arm's length.)_ I've been running over in my mind the men I know, and reached the conclusion that... that... VANDERLIP _(Beaming with self-complacency.)_ I was the likeliest of the lot. FREDA _(Quickly.)_ No, not that, but... but... that I liked you best of all. VANDERLIP _(Drawing her to him.)_ Dear Freda. FREDA Dear Floyd. _(Door on right opens. They break away from each other and assume a more decorous position. Maid enters, bearing tray, on which are chafing-dish, dishes, napkins, etc., and a quart bottle of champagne. She sets tray on table. Freda serves Cupid's stew to Vanderlip, while Maid, a little to rear, is wrestling with champagne bottle.)_ VANDERLIP _(Who has not noticed champagne bottle, aroused by popping of cork and turning around quickly, simulating a person roused from sleep, rubbing his eyes, etc.)_ Wake me up, somebody. I'm dreaming. Pinch me. _(Takes hold of bottle, Maid still retaining her hold, and looks at it.)_ The real thing. _(Releases bottle and looks admiringly at Freda.)_ Freda, you're a peach. There isn't another bottle in the Klondike. FREDA Oh, yes, there is. VANDERLIP _(Incredulously.)_ You've got to show me. FREDA I've three dozen in the store-room--_(Turning to Maid.)_ Isn't that right, Minnie? MAID And two over. I counted them this afternoon. VANDERLIP _(Awe-stricken.)_ Gosh! FREDA All right, Minnie. You may go now. _(Maid goes out to right.)_ _(Vanderlip begins eating Cupid's stew. Shows that he is pleased with it. Freda watches him, herself eating. Glances at clock, and listens. She seems to hear something. Puts down her plate on table. A knock is heard on door at rear. Freda rises, goes swiftly to rear, and opens door.)_