[_He scowls._
HELEN
Better not bully me, John.
[_She smiles._
JOHN
I am your brother.
HELEN
But not my owner! [_Then, instead of defiance, she turns with animated interest to the others._] You know, all women used to be owned by men.
Formerly they ruled us by physical force--now by financial force.... But at last they are to lose even _that_ hold upon us--poor dears!
[_Pats JOHN"S shoulder playfully._
JOHN
[_amused, but serious_]
That"s all right in theory, but this is a practical world. My pull got you into the inst.i.tute; my pull can get you out. You give up this wild idea or give up your job!
HELEN
[_delighted_]
What did I tell you? Financial force! They still try it, you see. [_To JOHN._] What if I refused to give up either, John?
JOHN
[_emphatic_]
Then as a trustee of the inst.i.tute I ask for your resignation--right here and now! [_Turns away._] I guess _that_ will hold her at home a while.
HELEN
I simply _must_ go to Paris now. I"ve nothing else to do!
JOHN
[_with a confident smile_]
You will, eh? Who"ll pay your expenses this time?
HELEN
[_matter of fact_]
Doctor Hamilton.
LUCY
Helen! please! You oughtn"t to say such things even in joke.
HELEN
He"ll take me along as his private secretary, if I ask him.
[_A pause. The others look at one another helplessly._
JUDGE
John, she"s got you. You might as well quit.
JOHN
Nonsense. I have just begun. You"ll see.
THEODORE
If you"re so independent, my dear, why don"t you marry your scientist and be done with it?
HELEN
[_resents the intrusion but hides her feelings_]
Can you keep a secret? [_They all seem to think they can and gather near._] He has never asked me!
[_The family seems annoyed._