MILDRED--[_With a triumphant smile._] I have it--both his and the chief engineer's. Oh, they didn't want to at first, in spite of my social service credentials. They didn't seem a bit anxious that I should investigate how the other half lives and works on a ship. So I had to tell them that my father, the president of Nazareth Steel, chairman of the board of directors of this line, had told me it would be all right. AUNT--He didn't. MILDRED--How naive age makes one! But I said he did, Aunt. I even said he had given me a letter to them--which I had lost. And they were afraid to take the chance that I might be lying. [_Excitedly._] So it's ho! for the stokehole. The second engineer is to escort me. [_Looking at her watch again._] It's time. And here he comes, I think. [_The SECOND ENGINEER enters, He is a husky, fine-looking man of thirty-five or so. He stops before the two and tips his cap, visibly embarrassed and ill-at-ease._] SECOND ENGINEER--Miss Douglas? MILDRED--Yes. [_Throwing off her rugs and getting to her feet._] Are we all ready to start? SECOND ENGINEER--In just a second, ma'am. I'm waiting for the Fourth. He's coming along. MILDRED--[_With a scornful smile._] You don't care to shoulder this responsibility alone, is that it? SECOND ENGINEER--[_Forcing a smile._] Two are better than one. [_Disturbed by her eyes, glances out to sea--blurts out._] A fine day we're having. MILDRED--Is it? SECOND ENGINEER--A nice warm breeze-- MILDRED--It feels cold to me. SECOND ENGINEER--But it's hot enough in the sun-- MILDRED--Not hot enough for me. I don't like Nature. I was never athletic. SECOND ENGINEER--[_Forcing a smile._] Well, you'll find it hot enough where you're going. MILDRED--Do you mean hell? SECOND ENGINEER--[_Flabbergasted, decides to laugh._] Ho-ho! No, I mean the stokehole. MILDRED--My grandfather was a puddler. He played with boiling steel. SECOND ENGINEER--[_All at sea--uneasily._] Is that so? Hum, you'll excuse me, ma'am, but are you intending to wear that dress. MILDRED--Why not? SECOND ENGINEER--You'll likely rub against oil and dirt. It can't be helped. MILDRED--It doesn't matter. I have lots of white dresses. SECOND ENGINEER--I have an old coat you might throw over-- MILDRED--I have fifty dresses like this. I will throw this one into the sea when I come back. That ought to wash it clean, don't you think? SECOND ENGINEER--[_Doggedly._] There's ladders to climb down that are none too clean--and dark alleyways-- MILDRED--I will wear this very dress and none other. SECOND ENGINEER--No offence meant. It's none of my business. I was only warning you-- MILDRED--Warning? That sounds thrilling. SECOND ENGINEER--[_Looking down the deck--with a sigh of relief._]--There's the Fourth now. He's waiting for us. If you'll come-- MILDRED--Go on. I'll follow you. [_He goes. Mildred turns a mocking smile on her aunt._] An oaf--but a handsome, virile oaf. AUNT--[_Scornfully._] Poser!