What Do the Marshalls Say at Breakfast?
J. Edward Pawlick
February 5, 2004

Margaret : Are you going to the office today, dear?

Tony : No, I've decided at age 77, those trips to New York are too long. Besides Pinch always wants to know how you're doing with the gay marriage case. And, of course, I tell him I'm not allowed to discuss anything like that. Is it true that you're involved in a case with Mary [Bonauto] about marriage?

Margaret : Now you know I'm not allowed to talk about that with you.

Tony : If I weren't a newspaperman working for the Times, would you tell me?

Margaret : Now Tony, you know that I still love you very much, but you must understand that I am sworn to secrecy, even from you. It certainly is lonely here at the top.

Tony: But it's no fun not being able to talk about anything with you. And it will be worse when you get on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Margaret: That's true, Tony, but we all have to make our sacrifices, don't we? Now that I'm famous, you're going to have to make many adjustments.

Tony: But when will I be allowed to read newspapers or watch television again?

Margaret: After I get on the Supreme Court, then I can do anything I want and nobody can do anything about it.

Tony: I have a confession. I did finally read the opinion in the marriage case. What did you mean when you said that the main reason people marry is just for economics. Did you marry me just for my money?

Margaret: Of course not. Are you saying that just because I was 38 and you were 58? I've told you many times it was because you were a great looking hunk.

Tony: Even I don't believe that. Maybe I will go to New York today. I can always walk around down there and just smile knowingly when someone asks me about you. They still think I'm important.

Margaret: That's nice, Tony. Have a good time.