THE STORY: Tony is completely absorbed by his advertising business. What should be a joyful tenth wedding anniversary turns out disastrously with Tony offering his wife Lydia’s cook to Mrs. Valentine, with whose husband he hopes to close a deal. This is too much for Lydia. To get away from the stuffy party she takes a ride with Bill Blake, a guest who Mrs. Valentine fancies. On her return, Tony insists Lydia phone Mrs. Valentine, to reassure her that she and Bill merely went for a casual ride. This done, Tony selfishly feels the happiness of their anniversary has been restored, but Lydia walks out. When she returns to pack that evening, her husband realizes she is determined to get a divorce. Taking his partner’s advice, Tony bluffs her into believing he too wants freedom from his success. He will give up his job, they will sell the house and fire the servants. But Tony’s bluff is called by the arrival of the jealous Mrs. Valentine, who still believes Lydia has won Bill away from her. In a rage, she announces she is having Tony fired. Lydia, thrilled, urges her to do so. Tony is stunned, but does not reveal his true feelings. Lydia sells her watch, Tony’s anniversary present, and treats him to the little pleasures he has not had time to enjoy for years. A splendid position is offered Tony, which he pretends not to want. But Lydia, realizing he has worked hard to deceive her so he won’t lose her, recognizes her own frailties, and joins him as he goes to accept his new job.
