Addington was giving up his work for my sake—our home’s sake. Mr. Magnus hasn’t changed that any. MRS. FELIX Addington has only a few thousand a year income. Handicapped that way, he might never fully succeed in his work. Mr. Magnus makes it impossible for him to fail. FANNY And meanwhile live in this poky seacoast village; ten miles from a railroad; not half a dozen nice families near us— MAGNUS A motor will get you to New York after dinner, in time for the theatre, the opera, or a dance— MRS. FELIX Of course, you’d keep a small flat in New York. MAGNUS Oh, anything reasonable—say, fifteen thousand a year for personal expenses— FANNY (_aghast_) Fifteen thousand! (_Reproachfully to Mrs. Felix_) You see now, mother! MRS. FELIX See what? FANNY (_exasperated_) Why, my gowns, my little expenses come to twenty-five hundred, and I don’t have half enough—not a quarter enough. I _won’t_—I’ll live in the right places and know the right people and do the right things—or I won’t marry— MRS. FELIX Silly places—ignorant people—selfish things— FANNY Mr. Magnus, it wasn’t very nice of you! MAGNUS (_to Mrs. Felix_) People would much rather do what they like than what _we_ like— MRS. FELIX They must be taught to like what’s best for the world. Fanny—do you mean you’ll deliberately spoil Addington’s career? Refuse this great chance? TROMPER Business is business, Mrs. Felix. Your daughter would make a good business woman. MRS. FELIX (_to Fanny_) I hope that last remark shows you how petty your conduct is. FANNY Live on Long Island out of the season? Have a poky flat in town and one servant? Never entertain? Never meet worth-while people? Be out of it altogether? I’m better off unmarried! MRS. FELIX (_alarmed_) Don’t say that! VANILLITY You have the man you love, Miss Felix. FANNY If the man I love doesn’t love me well enough to make some sacrifices for my sake— VANILLITY But the same applies to you— FANNY Women sacrifice enough when they surrender their liberty—when they take on the duties of marriage— MRS. FELIX But you said you didn’t intend to have more than one child, anyhow— FANNY (_shocked_) Mother! MRS. FELIX (_to Tromper_) Will you pardon us just a moment, Mr. Tromper? (_Shows him into the hallway and closes the door_) You others don’t matter, knowing us as well as you do. Now, Fanny, what do you mean? FANNY The duties of a wife— MRS. FELIX Don’t hide behind phrases. FANNY If you don’t know, mother, it’s too late for you to learn. MRS. FELIX