CURTIS--[Absent-mindedly.] Hello, everybody. [Then with a preoccupied air to MARTHA.] Martha, I don't want to interrupt you--but-- MARTHA--[Getting up briskly.] You want my help? CURTIS--[With the same absent-minded air.] Yes--not for long--just a few notes before I forget them. [He goes back into the study.] MARTHA--[Seemingly relieved by this interruption and glad of the chance it gives to show them her importance to CURT.] You'll excuse me for a few moments, all of you, won't you? [They all nod.] MRS. DAVIDSON--[Rather harshly.] Why doesn't Curt hire a secretary? That is no work for his wife. MARTHA--[Quietly.] A paid secretary could hardly give the sympathy and understanding Curt needs, Mrs. Davidson. [Proudly.] And she would have to study for years, as I have done, in order to take my place. [To LILY.] If I am not here by the time the others arrive, will you see about the tea, Lily--? LILY--[Eagerly.] Sure. I love to serve drinks. If I were a man, I'd be a bartender--in Mexico or Canada. MARTHA--[Going toward the study.] I'll be with you again in a minute, I hope. [She goes in and shuts the door behind her.] ESTHER--[Pettishly.] Even people touched by a smattering of science seem to get rude, don't they? MRS. DAVIDSON--[Harshly.] I have heard much silly talk of this being an age of free women, and I have always said it was tommyrot. [Pointing to the study.] She is an example. She is more of a slave to Curt's hobbies than any of my generation were to anything but their children. [Still more harshly.] Where are her children? LILY--They died, Aunt, as children have a bad habit of doing. [Then meaningly.] However, I wouldn't despair if I were you. [MRS. DAVIDSON stares at her fixedly.] ESTHER--[Betraying a sudden frightened jealousy.] What do you mean, Lily? What are you so mysterious about? What did she say? What--? LILY--[Mockingly.] Mark, your frau seems to have me on the stand. Can I refuse to answer? [There is a ring at the bell. LILY jumps to her feet excitedly.] Here comes the rest of our Grand Fleet. Now I'll have my tea. [She darts out to the hallway.]