CRAWFORD: Have her come in

The secretary ushers Mrs. Jordan in. She is a frail, lovely woman of about forty-five. She smiles warmly.

MRS. JORDAN: Hello, Alex.

SCENE 4
AT TWO - MEDIUM CLOSE

CRAWFORD: (Affectionately) 'Morning, Sally. MRS. JORDAN: I couldn't believe your message. Have you really found a buyer?

Crawford nods and ushers her toward a chair beside the desk.

CRAWORD: Yes...I was surprised myself...

SCENE 5
AT DESK - MEDIUM CLOSE
As they sit down he continues.

CRAWFORD:...his name is Madden -- P.J. Madden. MRS. JORDAN: (With quick interest) The Wall Street Plunger?

Crawford nods, looking at her thoughtfully.

CRAWFORD: Are you sure you want to sell the Cavanaugh pearls, Sally?

Mrs. Jordan nods silently.

It seems a shame...It's your father's gift...I thought that necklace would be the last thing you'd part with. MRS. JORDAN:(A sad smile...quietly) It is. I'm broke, Alex. CRAWFORD: (Startled)You mean the whole Cavanaugh fortune is gone...ships...everything? MRS. JORDAN: Yes. It seems absurd, doesn't it?

Crawford gets up, decidedly upset.

SCENE 6
AT CRAWFORD - MEDIUM CLOSE as he paces up and down a few steps, silent, but troubled. He turns back to her.

CRAWFORD: (Quietly) I wish you hadn't let your son take charge of the estate.

SCENE 7
MRS. JORDAN - CLOSEUP

MRS. JORDAN: (Wistfully) I know...Victor's been foolish and reckless... (She smiles up at him)...but he's all I have since Fred went. I'm sticking by him.

SCENE 8
AT TWO - MEDIUM CLOSE

CRAWFORD: (In quiet admiration)Still the same good sport.

It is obvious that Mrs. Jordan never had much to do with business. She hesitates, then asks.

MRS. JORDAN: (Hesitantly)Did he...say what he'd be willing to pay for them? CRAWFORD: (Nodding) Three hundred thousand. MRS. JORDAN: (Startled...at a loss)But father only paid a hundred and fifty thousand. CRAWFORD: (Smiling)Yes...thirty years ago. That necklace is one of the finest sets of matched pearls in the world. It's worth a half million on today's market.

Mrs. Jordan's face lights hopefully.

SCENE 9
AT DOOR - MEDIUM CLOSE
Crawford's secretary again appears.