MRS. BROWN'S NEW DINNER GOWN AND THE EFFECT IT HAD UPON HER HUSBAND'S PROSPERITY

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 364, 10 April 1915, Page 6

MRS. BROWN'S NEW DINNER GOWN AND THE EFFECT IT HAD UPON HER HUSBAND'S PROSPERITY

By Bessie Carroll.

Characters. Mrs. Brown .Any Wife Mr. Brown, an architect. . Any Husband Mr. Smithson. . . .A Wealthy Architect ACT I. Scene:—Living room, any apartment. Time:—After dinner, Mrs. Brown—Jack. Brown (without looking up from his paper)— Yes? Mrs. Brown—The Griscoms are giving a dinner Friday. We're invited. Brown (without looking up from his paper)— Yes? Mrs. BroAvn—The Smithsons will be there. ''- Brown (putting down his paper) Smithson, ihe architect? Mrs. Brown —Yes. Brown (picking up the paper)—We must go.

Mrs. Brown (after a silence)— Jack. Brown—Well ? Mrs. Brown (timidly)—l ought to have a new dinner gown. Brown—What for? Mrs. Brown—For the Griscoms' dinner. I haA r cn't had a new gown in a year. Brown —What is the matter with your pink one? Mrs. Brown —It's out of mode noAA'. Much too tight. And any Avay you spilled a glass of wine on the train the last time I wore it. Browii (grumpily)— Can't you cut it out? Mrs. Brown —Of course not. It's right in the middle of the train. Brown—Well, cut it off then_Mrs. Brown (horrified) —What, the train? Brown (deeidedK-l —>*- \

Mrs. BroAvn —Why I can't do that. Imagine a dinner gown without a train. Brown (grudgingly)— Well, get a neAv one then, but don't pay much for it. Remember, I haven't any neAv contract — now, if Smithson Avould only give me that contract I could go South on that hunting trip. . And it's ten to one I could afford to buy a hunting lodge of my oavii. ACT 11. Scene: —Same as Act I. Time: —Two nights later. Mrs. BroAvn (timidly)— Jack. BroAvn (yawning)— Yes? Mrs. Brown —I got my new dress. Would you like to see it? Brown'(without enthusiasm) —Yes, of course. (Mrs. BroAvn leaves room and returns with dress.) Brown (without interest) Rather

pretty. How much? Mrs. Brown (nervously)— Two hundred and fifty. Brown (violently)— What? Mrs. Brown (weakly)—lt's imported. Brown (storm ily)—What do you think I am.? A millionaire? What do you mean by paying s2oo for a dress? How do you think I am going to get ahead in my business? All a Avife moans is expense! Just blank expense! One bill after another! (Brown goes out and bangs the door. Mrs. BroAvn sits down for a good cry.) ACT 111. Scene:—The Griscoms' drawing room after the dinner. (Mrs. Brown in distance in new gown.) Smithson (in earnest conversation Avith Brown)— Then avc'll call the matter settJfiiL I'll send the contract up to you

to-morrow.to be signed. Brown—Thanks. I'm sure we can make a success of the Avork. But—er—by the Avay, Smithson, how did you happen to decide on me for this? Smithson —Why, I don't knoAV that there's any reason Avhy I should tell you —but —AveJl, frankly, I knew no man could afford to dress his Avife as yours is dressed to-night unless he was making money, and nowadays one can't make money unless one can do the Avork. Simple reasoning, eh? ACT~IV. Scene:—Same as Acts I. and 11. Time:—Same night as Act HI. BroAvn—Amy, you—er—looked very well to-night. You'd better get a newtailored suit this 'week. Mrs. Brown (looking in the mirror and speaking to herself)—l wonder who admired this gOAvn!