MARGARET. Yes, I think it would. MAGGIE [passionately to HETTY across back of table]. Give us the order. John is so despondent he can't endure much longer. Help us! Help me! Save us! HETTY [to HARRIET]. Don't seem too eager. HARRIET. And yet if he charges only a thousand one might consider it. MARGARET. If you really wish to be painted, why don't you give a little more and have a portrait really worth while? John might be induced to do you for a little below his usual price considering that you used to be such good friends. HETTY [in glee]. Hurrah! HARRIET [quietly to MARGARET]. That's very nice of you to suggest--of course I don't know---- MAGGIE [in fear]. For God's sake, say yes. MARGARET [quietly to HARRIET]. Of course, I don't know whether John would. He is very peculiar in these matters. He sets his value on his work and thinks it beneath him to discuss price. HETTY [to MAGGIE]. You needn't try to make us feel small. MARGARET. Still, I might quite delicately mention to him that inasmuch as you have many influential friends you would be very glad to--to---- MAGGIE [to HETTY]. Finish what I don't want to say. HETTY [to HARRIET]. Help her out. HARRIET. Oh, yes, introductions will follow the exhibition of my portrait. No doubt I---- HETTY [to HARRIET]. Be patronizing. HARRIET. No doubt I shall be able to introduce your husband to his advantage. MAGGIE [relieved]. Saved. MARGARET. If I find John in a propitious mood I shall take pleasure, for your sake, in telling him about your beauty. Just as you are sitting now would be a lovely pose. MAGGIE [to MARGARET]. We can go now. HETTY [to HARRIET]. Don't let her think she is doing us a favor. HARRIET. It will give me pleasure to add my name to your husband's list of patronesses. MAGGIE [excitedly to MARGARET]. Run home and tell John the good news. MARGARET [leisurely to HARRIET]. I little guessed when I came for a pleasant chat about old times that it would develop into business arrangements. I had no idea, Harriet, that you had any intention of being painted. By Le Grange, too. Well, I came just in time to rescue you. MAGGIE [to MARGARET]. Run home and tell John. Hurry, hurry! HETTY [to HARRIET]. You managed the order very neatly. She doesn't suspect that you wanted it. HARRIET. Now if I am not satisfied with my portrait I shall blame you, Margaret, dear. I am relying upon your opinion of John's talent. MAGGIE [to MARGARET]. She doesn't suspect what you came for. Run home and tell John! HARRIET. You always had a brilliant mind, Margaret. MARGARET. Ah, it is you who flatter, now. MAGGIE [to MARGARET]. You don't have to stay so long. Hurry home! HARRIET. Ah, one does not flatter when one tells the truth. MARGARET [smiles]. I must be going or you will have me completely under your spell. HETTY [looks at clock]. Yes, do go. I have to dress for dinner. HARRIET [to MARGARET]. Oh, don't hurry. MAGGIE [to HETTY]. I hate you!