human
Jerry, I thoroughly appreciate these lovely things you have given me, and I promise you to give my appearance the most careful attention. But I wish, please, that you would agree to give me a monthly allowance for my needs and desires.
gpt
Oh, you needn't worry about money, Jane. You'll always get it when I have any. When I'm broke, we'll neither of us have any,
human
But I want to know just what I can depend on. Of course, that would be contingent upon what we have.
gpt
What's the difference whether I give it to you every month or not?
human
It is the difference between my being a self-respecting partner, or a dependant.
gpt
Rubbish! Sounds like woman's rights. For heaven's sake, don't be a woman's righter, Jane.
human
You agree to an allowance, then?
gpt
I don't see why I should. I must say, I think I have been pretty liberal so far----
human
You miss my point. I admit your liberality, and appreciate it, but slaves and servants are dependent upon liberality. It does something to your mind, you must see that.
gpt
I'm hanged if I do.
human
You must take my word for it, then, that no marriage can be built on such a basis.
gpt
But I don't agree with you.
human
Very well, then, I must take up my work in the studios again.
gpt
What?
human
I must be independent, I must know where I stand.
gpt
You mean to say that you would go about cleaning up studios? My wife cleaning up studios, to pander to this whim?
human
It isn't a whim, it's a principle. No kind of work can hurt my self-respect, but I want to be regarded as a partner, Jerry. If it is what you used to pay me, by the week, for keeping the studio clean, and your clothes mended, that is enough. But I must know how much it is, and when I get it.
gpt
This is degrading, that's what it is! You don't trust me, that's the long and short of it.
human
Oh, yes, I trust you more than you do me, apparently. If I had the money, and had married you, I should give you a check book on our joint account.
gpt
That's nonsense, Jane. It's this modern stuff you've picked up in books. I loathe the new woman with her platforms and her freedoms. Don't begin to feed me up with that stuff.
human
You think it over calmly, Mr. Paxton, and you'll see it is only fair.