SCENE: DR. STEADMAN, a renowned art educator, patron and gallery owner, hands MARTIN ALDRED, a young artist whose work is currently on display at his gallery a favorable newspaper review. Afterwards, Steadman comments on one particular painting Martin has created.
STEADMAN
Turn to page four.
Martin idly flips through the pages of the paper, finally arriving at the correct one.
STEADMAN
(Barely contained enthusiasm)
The Times art critic has labeled your work “ingenious, riveting, provocative…” Usually you couldn’t trust him to give a glowing revue like that to a display of previously undiscovered Da Vinci’s! You’re gonna go far, Martin. Everybody wants one of your paintings. And this…
Steadman indicates “Rêveur L’Amoureux.”
STEADMAN
I’ve never had so many offers for one painting in my life! Y’know, Donald Trump has offered half a million for it!
MARTIN
I’m sorry, Dr. Steadman. But I’m afraid that one’s not for sale.
STEADMAN
It isn’t?
MARTIN
No.
STEADMAN
Are you seriously telling me that you wouldn’t take half a million dollars for a simple portrait?
Martin nods.
STEADMAN
Ah, I see. Holding out for more, eh?
Martin shakes his head.
MARTIN
It’s far too important to me to just sell it.
STEADMAN
So, that wasn’t just a story about her being your image of the perfect woman?
MARTIN
No. It’s all true.
STEADMAN
I always knew you had a bit of a romantic streak in you.
Steadman stares at the painting once again.
STEADMAN
(Sighs)
But no, I can certainly understand why you wouldn’t want to part with her. She is beautiful. And…
MARTIN
And…?
STEADMAN
I don’t know, Martin. I can’t help thinking I’ve seen her somewhere before…
MARTIN
Everyone says that. That she reminds them of someone they once cared about.
STEADMAN
No, that’s not it. I’m almost certain that I’ve seen that face somewhere before…
