I suppose it's nice in palaces--for a time. But one would soon tire. The world is good, but life should be many-sided. The way we'll do it will be to rough and knock about for a while, and then rest up somewhere. _(Vanderlip begins to lean forward, interested.)_ Off to the South Seas on a yacht, then, say a nibble of Paris. VANDERLIP _(Gleefully.)_ Paris! FREDA Then a winter in South America, and a summer in Norway-- VANDERLIP _(Interrupting.)_ I always wanted a look-see, at South America. FREDA A few months in England-- VANDERLIP _(Interrupting.)_ Good society? FREDA Certainly. And then, heigho! for the dogs and the sleds and the Hudson Bay Country! VANDERLIP _(Half rising, enthusiastically.)_ Freda, you were made for me! It's just the life I want. I couldn't have hit it off better myself if I'd tried. The way you put it--a bit of this, and a bit of that--variety, you know--that's me. FREDA That's it, variety, change. A strong man like you, full of vitality and go, could not possibly stand a palace for a year. _(He shakes his head.)_ It's all very well for effeminate men, but you weren't made for such a life. You are masculine, intensely masculine. VANDERLIP _(Taking her hand and beginning to draw her toward him.)_ Do you think so? FREDA _(Yielding herself.)_ It doesn't require thinking. I know. Have you ever noticed that it was easy to make women care for you? VANDERLIP _(Superbly innocent, yet showing by his expression that he agrees with her.)_ Oh, I don't know. FREDA You know it is so. VANDERLIP Well, for the sake of argument, yes. FREDA It is very easy. And why? VANDERLIP _(Still playing innocent.)_ Darned if I know. FREDA _(Impressively.)_ Because you are masculine. You strike the deepest chords of a woman's heart. Woman is weak. You are a wall of strength to her. You are something to cling to--big-muscled, strong, and brave. In short, because you are a _man_. _(He folds her to him.)_ Dear, dear Floyd! _(She lies in his arms a long moment, both still on their respective chairs. Then she slowly and gently disengages herself, at the same time stealing a glance at the clock.)_ VANDERLIP _(Holding up her arm and studying it for a moment.)_ How much do you weigh, Freda? FREDA _(Smiling.)_ What now? VANDERLIP I just wanted to know. FREDA But why? VANDERLIP Oh, nothing, I was just thinking you were not the kind to put on fat? FREDA _(Decisively.)_ Well, I think not! VANDERLIP _(Suddenly, by her hands, lifts her to her feet and thrusts her several steps away from him, then, sinking back in chair and running his eyes critically over her)_ Your lines _are_ good. FREDA _(Lightly)_ Think so? VANDERLIP You just bet I do. _(Jubilantly)_ _You'll_ never get fat! FREDA _(Coming to his chair and rumpling his hair.)_ No, thank goodness, I wasn't born that way. VANDERLIP _(Beginning pompously)_ Now some women-- FREDA _(Interrupting)_ The Lisznayi, for example. VANDERLIP