Screen Test

Miss Ambrose, an old woman in dark glasses, gestures towards the design painted on a decorative Chinese screen.  She laments her lost vision as her guests, Emile and Mr. Sawyer, study the artwork.  An expert in Far Eastern art, Emile opines on the object’s authenticity.  Ambrose orders her maid, Clara, to fetch tea.

Sawyer comments on Clara’s appearance.  Ambrose dismisses the compliment, noting her difficulty in finding suitable help.

Clara serves drinks as Ambrose remarks on the artwork’s provenance.  Emile offers a favorable assessment.  Sawyer commits to buying the screen, provides Ambrose a cash deposit, and promises to return the following day with a certified check for the remaining balance. Ambrose instructs Sawyer to sign the back of the screen, and he obliges.