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Setting: That same evening, Mason and Veronica are walking through the house).
Mason: (scene cuts in as he's showing Veronica around the house)-summer house. They'd escape
the ravages of the Eastern climes by coming out here late November and staying until, oh, April or
so. They'd bring the family along but keep a complete household of staff at each place, and my
father decided to just settle here. You see, we're really the poor relations.
Veronica: Oh, my heart bleeds for you. The hardships you've endured.
Mason: Yes, yes, but one learns to live with such suffering.
Veronica: I wish I were so unfortunate.
Mason: You're very charming, Veronica
Veronica: I know.
Mason: (Laughs). And attractive.
Veronica: Thank you.
Mason: How long have you worked for Capwell Enterprises?
Veronica: Oh, just a few weeks, when Peter was hired.
Mason: Hmm. Do you enjoy working for him?
Veronica: Yes, very much. He makes me feel as though we're learning about the company together.
Mason: Hmm, how egalitarian.
Veronica: Your father, he started the company. Didn't he?
Mason: No, he bettered it. Actually Capwell Enterprises goes all the way back to my great
grandfather.
Veronica: Hmm, and did it start with just one orange groove?
Mason: One orange groove, several thousand acres. Actually, the family money is in banking, but
my great grandfather won the orange groove in a crap game with Leland Stanford's right hand man.
Veronica: You're kidding?
Mason: No, my father built it into an empire.
Veronica: And here you are, just carrying on the tradition.
Mason: Well, I suppose my turn will come in time. I'll do my best. Each generation sets it's own
course. I'm boring you.
Veronica: No, not at all.
Mason: No. Let's talk about something that interests you. Tell me, how is it that shorthand is so
much faster than cursive writing?
Veronica: That doesn't interest me.
Mason: No? Well, how about garnering? Cooking?
Veronica: Cooking, maybe, but that is the only traditional mode in which I fit.
Mason: Well, I disagree. I think you're classically traditional in a number of ways.
(The doorbell rings)
Mason: Excuse me. Since I released Philip for the evening, I'll have to get that myself. Don't go
away.
(Mason opens the door to find Augusta Lockridge on the other side).
Augusta: Can I see you for a moment?
Mason: Augusta!
Augusta: (Walks in and sees Veronica) Alone.
Mason: It's not exactly convenient.
Augusta: It's important.
Mason: Very well.
Veronica: It's all right. I'm going to go use the powder room.
Mason: All right, Augusta. Want to tell me what this is all about?
Augusta: Haven't I seen her someplace before?
Mason: Well, it's possible. She's Peter's secretary.
Augusta: Ah, I didn't know there was office intrigue. (Smiles)
Mason: (Chuckles) Can we make this a short visit, Augusta?
Augusta: Big plans for tonight, huh?
Mason: Big enough.
Augusta: Well, I guess even thieves need love.
Mason: What are you talking about, Augusta?
Augusta: I know why you searched the house.
Mason: Well, there's no mystery in that. We were looking for evidence against Joe Perkins.
Augusta: That's a lie. You were looking for records, deeds to the Lockridge properties.
Mason: Oh, you're wrong, Augusta, but I must say very inventive. I'd be fascinated to find out how
you came to that ridiculous conclusion. Perhaps someone started a local department of
misinformation?
Augusta: Don't be cute with me, Mason Capwell. I don't know what you're after, but you'll going to
pay for it.
Mason: Hmm, it was a perfectly legitimate search warrant. Nothing was taken. I think you'd look like
a fool if you tried to press charges.
Augusta: We'll just see who's going to look like a fool, and I can assure you it's not me. In fact, I
think you're well on your way.
Mason: Augusta, how can I thank you for this kind imposition on my hospitality?
Augusta: Playing house with a common secretary. Oh! I think the Capwells have really reached a
low. Tell me something is she really an executive secretary? Does she do ninety words a minute?
Mason: I wouldn't be so quick to snipe if I were you, Augusta. After all, a secretary is a cut above
what you were when you married Lionel.
(Augusta tries to slap him, but he grabs her hand)