About this story
You take Ralph at Grace Church, divorce him by ninety days' residence in a Dakota town, hear the master of Saint Desert call his tapestries France's, not his to sell, and marry Elmer Moffatt after his market closes on your first husband's desk. Forty chapters carry a suite above Fifth Avenue to the old Dagonet house on Washington Square.
How it opens
The hotel drawing room overlooked Fifth Avenue without belonging to anyone below.
Mrs SpraggUndine, you have moved that photograph until its frame marks the table.
You set the portrait of a handsome stranger where morning light improved his notice.
Mr SpraggIf the man has a name, I might understand why we advertise his face.
Mrs SpraggNew York requires acquaintances before it permits explanations.
Choose
He is Mr Ralph Marvell, and people here already know the name.
Indiana Frusk says his family opens every proper door.