_Gladys_. Your suggestion is out of date, dear. The modern young man doesn't give up his ideas at the request of his fiancee. _Jessie_. Tell him what you think, at least! _Gladys_. You don't take sugar, Bob? Don't you see that he hasn't been interested in what I think? He has acquired some new interests. He's going to learn about the _reality_ of life! _Jack (enters, in afternoon coat)_. Gladys, that's not fair! _Gladys_. Will you have tea, Jack? _Jack_. You know I'm up against it. _Gladys_. One lump or two, Jack? _Jack_. I got into a scrape at college-- _Gladys_. Too strong for you, Jack? No, don't make these pretences with me. You can get rid of me without going hoboing. _Jessie_. How can you talk so? _Gladys_. Such an ingenious compliment! In order to avoid having to see or hear from his fiancee for six months, he is willing to go and stay among the dirtiest and most disgusting people! _Jack_. You are angry with me! _Bob_. You ought to realize, Gladys--this will be the making of Jack. _Gladys_. Suppose it will be the making of something I don't want? Suppose I'd prefer him as he is? _Bob_. You don't care for him to know about life? _Gladys_. I don't care for him to know about low life. I don't see at all why he can't be content with the life of ladies and gentlemen. _Jack_. I thought you'd be proud to have me interested in deeper things. _Gladys_. Jack, you are young and care-free. It made me happy just to see you--you were the very spirit of youth! But now you will grow serious, you will be pale, and have a frown upon your forehead. You will be eternally preaching, like Bob, here--and you will bore me to death! _Jack_. You are making fun of me! _Gladys_. I am perfectly serious, I assure you. My romance is dead! _Jack_. You don't mean-- _Gladys_. I mean Jack, that I have lost you! _Jack (tries to catch her hand)_. You shan't say such a thing! _Gladys_. Jack, such violent motions are dangerous at tea-parties. You might ruin my costume! _Jack_. If you feel like that, I won't go at all! _Bob_. Oho! Already! _Gladys_. Go on with your adventure, Jack. And don't try to make a tragedy out of our parting--you know how I hate scenes. It would be impossible for me to love a serious man--the mere thought of it terrifies me! Go on! Go on--I absolutely insist! _Jack (desperately)_. All right then! If that's the way you take it, I'll go! (_rushes off Left._) _Jessie_. Gladys, I think it's horrid of you to behave like that! _Gladys_. Not at all, Jessie! _Jessie_. Do you seriously intend to send him away? _Gladys_. _Send_ him, Jessie? How do you mean? You can't send these modern young men anywheres. They come and go to suit themselves. They think they love a woman, and they plead for her love; but then they begin to change their minds--they get bored with her, and think they're bored with all life. So they go off and try something new and romantic--something less tedious than a woman's affections. The reality of life!