JINNY. I wish I could make you so--make you love me the old way. You used to smile a little when you looked at me--Jack, you don't any more. But I mean to make you to-night, if I can, and to make you love me as much as ever you did. AUSTIN. Good luck, dear. JINNY. [_Brightening._] What time is it? AUSTIN. [_Looking at his watch._] Nearly nine. JINNY. I suppose it is too late for me to dress and for us to go to the theatre? AUSTIN. Oh, yes,--and I'm too tired. JINNY. [_Triumphantly._] Well, then, you shall have your theatre at home! If Mahomet won't go to the mountain, the mountain must go to your lordship! AUSTIN. I don't understand! JINNY. Well, just wait-- [_She blows her nose._] --till I bathe my face and eyes a little; I feel rather bleary! [_Starting to go, she stops and turns._] Good-by? [_Questioningly._ AUSTIN. [_Quietly._] Good-by. JINNY. [_Who wanted him to call her to him and kiss her._] Oh, very well! but I'll _make_ you smile yet and _kiss_ me of your own accord to-night--you'll see! [_She goes out Left._ [_She is heard singing in her room. AUSTIN goes to the desk and after a long sigh he begins to write._] AUSTIN. [_Writing._] Dear Ruth. The satisfaction of the visit to Brooklyn prevents me from being disappointed at having missed your telegram till too late to go to your house to-night. My heart aches for the blow you must have this evening, but please God you will bear it bravely. The man who loves you is not bad, but he has been weak. However, I feel once he can shake off the burden of his present marriage, you will never have cause to complain of him again. And if your future happiness lies truly in his hands, it will be safe there. JINNY. [_Calls from her room._] Are you ready? AUSTIN. Yes. [_He stops writing._ JINNY. In your orchestra chair? AUSTIN. Yes. JINNY. What will you have, tragedy or comedy? AUSTIN. [_Smiling._] Shall we begin with tragedy? JINNY. All right. AUSTIN. [_Continues to write._] So far I have been able to keep Jinny in absolute ignorance, but I fear the blow must fall upon her soon, and I dread to think of what she, too, will suffer. Help me to keep it from her as long as we can, won't you? [_JINNY comes back; she has changed her dress to a loose negligee gown, with a red turban on her head; she brings two sheets with her._