_Jack._ You'll have to have me arrested, then.

_Schmidt._ Arrested? Vot good will it do me if I have you arrested?
You tink I earn my living by having you arrested? Mein Gott in
Himmel, vot----

_Jack._ There's no use in getting excited, my friend.

_Schmidt._ Excited? I get excited if I _please_ to get excited! Vot
you got for business to tell me if I get excited? I show you vot I
get! _(Rushes to door.)_ Police! Police! _(Rushes back.)_ If I did
not vant a police, he stand by my door and hold out his hand for
sandwiches! If you have to steal food, why you don't go by
Schnitzelman on der next block--he haf a big place, und I can yust
mein expenses not make.

_Jack._ I'm sorry, truly. But what could I do?

_Schmidt._ I dunno vot you do, but you keep out from mein place. Dey
comes me somebody every veek und plays me dot trick, und den tells
me I get dem arrested! _(Rushes to door.)_ Find me a police! I keep
dis man here till I find a police! Help! Police! police! _(Exit
shouting)._

_Jack (to Belle)._ God knows I'm sorry. But I can't help you. You
see, I can't even help myself.

_Belle._ Are you really as bad off as you said?

_Jack._ I am clean down and out.

_Schmidt (rushes back)._ All right! Now I got a police! I show you!
You come und rob a man! I show you!

_Policeman (enters Center; a big red-faced Irishman)._ An' phat's
this, now?

_Schmidt._ Policeman, you arrest him und you take him to jail. He
comes by my place und he eats my food und den he tells me he don't
pay me.

_Policeman (to Jack)._ Phat's the matter wid yez?

_Jack._ Officer, I had to have something to eat--I was starving. I
have walked the streets for two days, begging for a job, and I've
not been able to earn a penny. I was desperate.

_Policeman (grasping Jack)._ Where do yez live, young divvil?

_Jack._ I've come from--a long way off. And I've been
unfortunate--lost my money. I've tried my best. I'm willing to
work----

_Policeman._ Why didn't yez ask him for work?

_Schmidt._ I don't vant his vork. I vant his money, or you takes him
to jail.

_Policeman._ An' phat might his bill be?

_Jack._ Thirty-five cents.

_Policeman (to Schmidt)._ Do yez think I've no more to do than
arrestin' people for thirty-five cents?

_Schmidt (excitedly)._ Can I feed all the tramps on dis Avenue by my
place? I say you arrest him!

_Policeman._ Well, all right--if that's it. Come along here.

_Belle._ Mr. Schmidt.

_Schmidt._ Hey?

_Belle._ Let me pay what he owes you.

_Schmidt._ Hey?

_Jack._ No!

_Belle._ Let me pay it. He's a friend of mine, and I don't want him
arrested.

_Jack._ No, no--I won't have it.

_Belle._ You can pay me back. You'll get a job soon. Mr. Schmidt,
will you take it out of my next wages?

_Jack._ I say no!

_Belle._ You can't help it. Just take it out of my wages, and let
him alone--that'll settle it, won't it?

_Schmidt._ Ja, wohl, if you say it so. I haf no more to do mit it!
_(goes Left in anger)._

_Belle._ That's all right, isn't it, officer?

_Policeman._ Yez kin call yourself lucky, young feller. Next time
I'll not let yez off so aisy _(exit Center)._

_Jack (stands gazing at Belle)._ Oh, say! That was awfully decent of
you! I don't know how to thank you.

_Belle._ You needn't thank me.

_Jack._ But--why did you do it?

_Belle._ Because I didn't want you to go to jail. A fellow gets
started at that, and he doesn't know where to stop.

_Jack._ You make me feel like a dog, because I can't help you. I had
no business to come here!

_Belle._ Don't make so much out of it. We have to give each other a
hand now and then--we'd none of us pull through if we didn't.

_Jack._ I've done nothing to deserve a hand!

_Belle._ You showed me a little kindness. Can't you understand how
that might be worth something?

_Jack (looking at her keenly)._ When you're sick and discouraged and
lonely--yes. _(with sudden intensity)_ By Jove, I _do_ understand!
I've wandered up and down these streets all day and all night, and I
never dreamed of such loneliness! I could have gone and drowned
myself in the river.

_Belle._ I've thought of that too--but did you ever go and look in?
It's even more lonely in the river.

_Jack (hesitates)._ I wish you'd let me be a friend of yours
_(laughs with a touch of embarrassment)._ It's a queer way to get an
introduction.

_Belle._ I don't mind that. I can see when a man is straight--when I
can trust him.

_Jack (looks about)._ Well, I suppose I've got to go _(hesitates)._
Gee! _(looks outside)._ Brr-r! It's cold out there!

_Belle._ Have you no place to go?

_Jack._ I have not _(starts, then hesitates)._ Gee! I wish I had a
job here. Somehow it seems kind of homelike in this place!
_(pantomime showing Jack's reluctance)._ Well--I suppose I've got to
go on. Say--do you suppose they need another waiter here.

_Belle._ I don't know. You might ask.

_Jack (goes to Schimidt)._ I say, Mr. Schmidt, you couldn't use
another waiter here, could you?

_Schmidt._ I could not. Move along now, or I call anodder police!

_Jack (returns to Belle)._ Gee, it must be tough for a girl like you
to be ordered about by a great hulking brute of a Dutchman who has
no thought in the world but his cash-drawer! Well, I've got to go.
May I come here to eat some time--if I can get the money?

_Belle._ Yes, surely.

_Jack._ Well, good-bye!

_Belle._ Good-bye _(she staggers slightly and he looks at her
sharply)._

_Jack._ Why, what's the matter with you?

_Belle._ Nothing. I'm--I'm just a little weak _(catches herself by
the chair)._

_Jack (supporting her)._ Why--she's fainting! Here! _(To Schmidt)_
Bring me some water. She is ill.

_Belle (feebly)._ No! I'm all right!

_Jack (to Schmidt)._ Hand me that water here. Quick, man! _(Schmidt
obeys, dazed by his vehemence.)_ There, that's better? _(Settles
Belle in chair.)_ Didn't you know the girl was ill?

_Schmidt._ She haf not told me!

_Jack._ One look would have told you. She ought to go home and stay
in bed for a week.

She ought to be sent away somewhere--the city is no place for one in
her condition. _(Belle leans Her head against the table.)_ There!
There! _(Pats her on the arm.)_ Why, she's as thin as a rail! How
could you work a girl so?

_Schmidt._ Who is to do her work?

_Jack._ I'll do it myself--

_Schmidt._ You?

_Jack._ Of course. Why can't I do it? Why can't I do it right along?

_Schmidt._ Vot? Take her place?

_Jack._ Certainly. Let her go home and stay.

_Belle._ No, no! I can't give up.

_Jack._ It won't be giving up. It'll be resting. I'll bring you the
money--I can pay you back that way.

_Belle._ But how will you live?

_Jack._ I don't know. I'll make out. He'll feed me. _(To Schmidt.)_
You give me a chance. I'll show you what I can do. Here _(takes
Belle's apron and puts it on)._ Now, then--bring on your customers!
I've been a waiter all my life!

_Belle._ I can't let you.

_Jack._ You go and rest. I'll help you home when we close _(starts
leading her Left)._

_Belle._ My sister comes for me.

_Jack._ All right. But you have a rest meantime _(exit with Belle)._

_Schmidt._ Humph! You don't vait to hear vot I say! _(he paces up
and down in anger)._ Vot you tink of dot for nerve, hey? He comes by
mine place und he hires himself to vork for me, und he don't ask if
I vant him! Vell, I feed him vot I feed a girl. I don't feed him no
double orders! _(shakes his fist at exit Left)_ No sir! I feed you
on single orders, und if you vant double orders, you go by
Schnitzelman on der next block! I make no money in der restaurant
business, I got to pay more vages for my cook, und den she don't
stay! Und I got to pay more for food, und it ain't so good as it
vas, und mine customers find it out und dey don't come back to me!
You get no double orders by me, you hear me, sir? _(exit Left,
storming) (suddenly the bell rings in the Real-play Left. Play-play
vanishes.)_

_Will (starting)._ What's that?

_Bill (leaping in at window)._ Somebody's at the door!

_Peggy (starts to door Left)._ I'll see.

_Bill (running past her)._ Let me see! _(opens door)_ Oh, it's Mr.
Schmidt!

_Peggy._ Mr. _Schmidt?_

_Bill._ Our grocer.

_Schmidt (appears in doorway of Real-play, wearing same costume)._
Good afternoon, lady.

_Peggy._ Oh, Mr. Schmidt. Good afternoon, Mr. Schmidt.

_Schmidt._ I come to see ven you pay me dot bill, lady.

_Peggy._ I'm sorry, Mr. Schmidt, we haven't the money yet.

_Schmidt._ But you told me you haf dot money soon!

_Peggy._ I know--Mr. Schmidt--

_Schmidt._ I _got_ to haf dot money, lady!

_Will._ Can't you see I'm working as hard as I can?

_Schmidt._ I dunno vot you do for vorking. I dunno vy if you vork
you don't haf money to pay your grocer bills.

_Will._ Well, I know about my work better than you, I guess!--

_Peggy._ Now, Will--be quiet. Listen, Mr. Schmidt--we've had hard
luck the last few days, but we're honest people, and we won't cheat
you out of your money.

_Schmidt._ You don't come by my place for some days, now, hey?

_Peggy._ We haven't had money to buy anything, Mr. Schmidt.

_Schmidt._--Vot you do for food den--hey?

_Peggy._ We had a little bread--and those beans you gave us--and the
prunes. We've been living on them.

_Schmidt._ But dem beans und prunes--dey should be all gone now.

_Peggy._ We've been sparing. There's enough for to-morrow morning
yet.

_Schmidt._ Hey? Mein Gott! Und vot you feed dot liddle boy, hey?

_Peggy._ We're hoping for a check to-day--or perhaps to-morrow. My
husband wrote a poem, and a magazine has just published it--

_Schmidt_. Poem, hey? Vot dey pay for poems?

_Peggy_. I don't know. Maybe twenty or thirty dollars. And then we
can pay your bill, and you'll let us have some more beans.

_Schmidt_. It is not right dot liddle boy should live on beans!
(_stands scratching his head_) I dunno, lady, I dunno--it is not
right your husband should vork and not get paid. I got mine own
bills to pay--und I don't make no money by my store. But you can't
feed dot liddle boy on beans und prunes. You come to my place now,
und I give you some pickles und some sauerkraut.

_Peggy_. Oh, thank you, Mr. Schmidt!

_Will_ (_desperately_). We'll truly pay you, Mr. Schmidt!

_Peggy_. If my husband can't sell his work, I'm going back on the
stage. I was an actress before I married.

_Schmidt_. All right, lady, I trust you. Good-bye, liddle boy.

_Bill, Will, and Peggy_. Good-bye, Mr. Schmidt! (_Schmidt exit._)

_Peggy_ (_turning to Will_). There now--off in your local color!

_Will_. How?

_Peggy_. Have you forgotten what you made Jack say about Mr.
Schmidt: a great hulking brute of a Dutchman, who has no thought of
anything in the world but his cash-drawer!

_Will_. Well--I have to have a story!

_Peggy._ But you don't have to have such a melancholy story!

_Will._ Yes I do!

_Peggy._ But why?

_Will._ Because that's the sort of story I'm writing! Come along
now. (_turns to papers. Bell rings again._) Oh, Lord!

_Peggy (opens door Left)._ What's this?

_The Policeman._ Good-day, mum.

_Peggy and Will._ Why--good-day.

_Policeman._ I come to see yez, mum. Yez have a mattress on yer
fire-escape, mum.

_Peggy._ Why--yes.

_Policeman._ It's agin the law mum, and yez could be got into
trooble. I got strict orders, mum--yez must have it in.

_Peggy._ Oh, very well. I didn't know.

_Policeman_ Yez kin see how 'tis, mum. If there'd be a fire--

_Peggy._ Oh, certainly, certainly. But you see, it's the only place
we have to put the little boy while we're writing.

_Policeman._ Oh, is that so? Well, now, that's too bad! Sure,
mum----well, 'tis on the back fire-escape the mattress is, an' I'd
no business to be seein' it, had I? I'll fergit that I seen it.

_Peggy._ Oh! Thank you.

_Policeman._ And how is the little b'y, mum?

_Peggy._ He's pretty well, thank you.

_Policeman._ He's a bit pale in the cheeks, I'm thinkin'. Yez should
have him over to the park a bit more. Well, good-day to yez, mum.

_Peggy, Bill and Will._ Good-day.

_Peggy._ There, Will! Off in your local color again. I'll bet you
the Policeman would have paid Jack's bill himself!

_Will (irritably)._ Well, for God's sake, Peggy, what sort of a
story would you leave me? Have I got to write cheap cheer-up stuff?

_Peggy._ Now don't be cross, dear.

_Will._ Well, I know--but----

_Peggy (embraces him)._ Poor dear! He's working so hard and he does
get cross with his critics. Hurry up, Bill, and get outside, or
he'll snap your head off! Quick! Fly!

_Bill (exit to fire-escape)._ Gee! I'm glad I ain't writing a play!

_Peggy._ Now, come on. I'm interested in this. Where were we?

_Will._ The scene is in the restaurant. Schmidt is on----

_Peggy._ I thought he went off!

_Will._ Well, there's no law to prevent his coming back, is there?
(_The Play-play begins to appear._) He's grumbling because he thinks
Jack will eat too much. (_Full light on Play-play. Peggy and Will
make secret exit._)

_Schmidt._ I send him by Schnitzelman on der next block! I send him
so soon as I find him eating double orders! He haf noddings to eat
for two days und he comes by me to make it up! (_Sits at desk, and
takes newspaper._)

_Bill (enters Center, hesitating)._ Say!

_Schmidt._ Vot?

_Bill._ Kin I git something to eat here?

_Schmidt._ You got any money?

_Bill._ Sure I got money.

_Schmidt._ Let me see it.

_Bill._ Hully gee! Before I eat?

_Schmidt._ You get noddings in my place till I see your money!

_Bill._ Gee! Since when is this? Here! _(Shows money.)_

_Schmidt._ A nickel? You don't get much fer a nickel! _(Calls.)_
Hey, you! Vaiter! Vy, you don't come for my customers?

_Jack (rushes in Left)._ Here! _(Sees Bill.)_ Oh, hello! It's the
kid!

_Bill._ Whatcher doin' here?

_Jack (comes up to him, whispers)._ I got a job!

_Bill._ Hully gee!

_Jack._ A fine job! No wages--but I'll get my grub every day.

_Bill._ Well, I want grub too! I got the stuff!

_Jack (excitedly)._ A customer! _(Turns to Schmidt.)_ See, Mr.
Schmidt, a customer already! _(Rushes with alacrity to table.)_ Have
a seat, sir. Your hat, sir. _(Hangs it up.)_ There, sir. Here's the
menu, sir.

_Bill._ Say, Cully, whatcher givin' us?

_Jack._ Ssh! _(Aloud.)_ What will you have, sir? Sweet bread
croquettes, sir? We have delicious sweet-bread croquettes today. Or
perhaps you'd like--let me see, sir. _(Snatches menu.)_ Corned beef
hash, sir, or possibly a charlotte russe.

_Bill._ Say, what the blazes----

_Jack._ Your napkin, sir. Your knife and fork, sir. You'll have a
glass of water, of course, sir! _(Rushes for water.)_ There, sir,
you'll have bread and butter, sir?

_Bill._ I'll have a ham sandwich.

_Jack._ Ah! Most wholesome food--ham sandwiches! As quickly as
possible, sir.

_Bill._ Make it a big one.

_Jack (aside)._ You bet I will. _(Hurries Left, gets sandwich and
returns.)_ There's your sandwich. Ain't that a lulu? _(To Schmidt.)_
See, Mr. Schmidt! Trade's picking up already.

_Schmidt._ Yes, I see--I make my fortune by you.

_(Belle enters Left, looks about.)_

_Belle._ Has my sister come for me?

_Jack._ Not yet. _(Goes over to Belle.)_ Feeling any better?

_Belle._ I'm pretty tired.

_Jack (a pause)._ Tell me--how long have you been doing this?
Waiting, I mean.

_Belle._ Four years.

_Jack._ And how long do you expect to do it?

_Belle._ How should I know. What other chance have I? I can make
just enough to keep going from week to week, and Dolly the same.
It's like being in a trap.

_Jack._ I never realized it before. _(A pause.)_ Was it always like
this?

_Belle._ No, we had a chance while father was alive. He was a
railroad conductor. He was killed in an accident.

_Jack._ And didn't you get any damages?

_Belle._ They said it was his fault. He stepped in front of an
express. They paid for his funeral.

_Jack._ And then you were stranded?

_Belle._ We had enough to come to New York. We heard that wages were
higher here. But everything else is higher, and you can't save
anything. You're really worse off in New York, because nobody cares
whether you starve or not.

_Jack._ Nobody cares! _(With sudden intensity.)_ Listen, Belle. I
care! I honestly do. I want to help you to get out of this!

_Belle._ But how can you help me?

_Jack._ I don't know, but I'll find a way. There must be a way! It's
too cruel--it can't be true that people starve to death in the midst
of so much wealth.

_Belle._ You don't know much about being poor, I see.

_Bill (Has finished sandwich, rises and comes over, pats himself)._
Gee!

_Jack._ Good stuff, hey?

_Bill._ Betcher.

_Jack._ You'll come again then?

_Bill._ Sure thing.

_Jack (to Schmidt, who rises and crosses Left)._ You see, Mr.
Schmidt! He'll come again!

_Schmidt._ Yes, I make my fortune by you _(exit Left)._

_Bill._ Gee, I allus wisht I had a job in a restaurant! Or in a
candy store! Well, so long, old pal.

_Jack._ So long.

_Bill (starts Right, then stops)._ Say!

_Jack._ Well?

_Bill (coming to him)._ Here's your nickel.

_Jack._ Good Lord, I forgot it!

_Bill._ Youse'll be a great help to this joint!

_Jack (takes it)._ I suppose I must take it. _(Puts it in his
pocket.)_

_Bill (staring at him)._ Gee, is it a tip?

_Jack._ What do you mean?

_Bill (grins)._ Huh.

_Belle._ You've got to ring it up on the cash register.

_Jack._ Oh! _(Laughs and goes to cash desk.)_ How do you work the
infernal thing?

_Bill._ Press the five----

_Jack._ There! _(Rings.)_

_Bill._ Gawd-a'mighty, that's five dollars!

_Jack._ Five DOLLARS?

_Bill._ Sure!

_Jack._ But--what shall I do now?

_Bill._ Give me four ninety-five change and then we'll be square.

_Jack (making a stab at him)._ Get out, you rascal!

_Bill (flees, laughing)._ Gee, I'll come back to this joint!
_(Exit.)_

_Belle._ It's most time we were closing. My sister's late.

_Jack._ What does your sister do?

_Belle._ She does sewing.

_Jack._ Does she earn much?

_Belle._ Just enough to keep us alive.

_Dolly (enters from street. She is older than Belle, attractive
looking, but sharp and aggressive in manner, thin and careworn,
poorly dressed, and with snow on her clothing.)_ Why, what's this?

_Jack._ Belle's sick.

_Dolly (springs to her)._ Belle! What's the matter?

_Belle (looks up feebly)._ Just tired, Dolly.

_Dolly._ But him? In your apron.

_Jack._ I told her I'd do the work and give her the money. She needs
a rest.

_Dolly._ But what's that for?

_Jack._ Well, I came in here and ate a meal, and she stood for the
bill. Now I want to help her.

_Dolly (vehemently)._ You're trying to steal her job!

_Belle._ Oh, Dolly!

_Jack._ I want to give her the money!

_Dolly._ Who's to make you?

_Jack._ Fix it up with the old man. If he'll feed me, that's all
I'll ask. He can pay the money to you.

_Dolly._ What do you take my sister for?

_Jack._ Why----

_Dolly._ You've struck the wrong girls. We're not that kind.

_Jack._ What kind?

_Dolly._ Let me tell you, young fellow, you can't work your games on
me. You let my sister alone.

_Jack._ Good Lord! What do you take me for?

_Dolly._ I take you for a man. And you don't get any hold on my
sister!

_Belle._ Dolly! You----

_Dolly._ You keep out of this, I'll talk to him.

_Jack (impetuously)._ Look here! I want to help your sister. I won't
stand by and see her die.

_Dolly._ What's it to you if she does?

_Jack._ Didn't she save me from jail?

_Dolly._ That wasn't much.

_Jack._ It was her best. Now I want to do mine. Listen to me! Let
Belle have a chance. It's been a long time since she's had one, I
fancy.

_Dolly._ That's true enough. But she'll be on her job tomorrow.

_Jack._ She's ill.

_Dolly._ She's been ill a long time.

_Jack._ She can't go on forever! And what then? Can you take her
job?

_Dolly._ See here, young fellow--you might just as well save your
breath. You're not going to come any game over me. We're not making
any show, but we've kept decent, and we'll go on trying.

_Jack._ Where did you learn such ideas? What sort of men have you
met?

_Dolly._ That's not the question--it's what sort of men my sister's
going to meet!

_Belle._ Dolly, I'm sure you're mistaken about Jack----

_Dolly (to Schmidt, who enters Left)._ Mr. Schmidt, my sister will
be here to work to-morrow morning.

_Schmidt._ Vot?

_Belle._ But, Dolly----

_Dolly (stamping her foot)._ Tell him!

_Belle (feebly)._ All right, I'll come.

_Dolly._ Now then--come home. _(Lifts her by the arm and starts to
street.)_

_Belle._ Good-bye, Jack.

_Jack._ You're going off like that? You won't even let me help you
home?

_Belle._ Thank you, Jack. I'll get along. _(Jack starts towards her,
but she continues to the door. When almost there she staggers.)_

_Dolly (trying to hold her)._ Belle! What's the matter?

_Jack (leaps to help her)._ There! You see! You'll _have_ to let me
help her! She can't walk, I tell you! See now, I'm strong, I can
almost carry her. This way, Belle--now we'll go all right. And
you'll have a good rest and get well and then come back----_(Exit
with Belle and Dolly.)_

_Schmidt._ Und they go out und don't tell me who is coming back in
der morning! Und dey leave me to shut up mine restaurant by
mineself! _(Shakes fist.)_ All right! Ven you come back to-morrow I
send you up to Schnitzelman on der next block! I don't have you come
by my restaurant und eat double orders of beef stew und coffee! No,
sir! I run mine little restaurant for mineself a while! I got so
many debts, und I don't get no customers, I don't make no money by
mine liddle place! When you come back here you don't find no
job--you go up to Schnitzelman for your double orders! _(Loud fire
alarm heard. Play-play fades.)_

_Will._ What's that?

_Bill (at window Right)._ It's a fire!

_Will._ What?

_Bill._ Look! It's right down the street! _(Sounds of fire-bells and
shouts heard in Real-play.)_ Fire! Fire!

_Peggy (sharply)._ Don't lean out! _(Runs to him.)_

_Bill (beside himself with excitement)._ Oh! It's right down the
street! It's the restaurant! That little restaurant down the street!
Fire! Fire! _(Turns to Peggy and Will.)_ Come, quick! Where's my
cap? _(Rushes and gets cap, starts to door.)_ The restaurant's on
fire!

_Peggy._ Wait, Bill!

_Bill._ But I want to see it!

_Peggy._ You can't go alone.

_Bill._ Then come with me! Come with me! I've got to see it!
(_Dancing with excitement._) Come on! Come on! Perhaps we can get
some of those charlotte russes in the window!

_Will (rising resignedly)._ We'll have to stop work.

_Bill._ Oh, I hear the engine coming! Hurry! Hurry! They'll have it
all out! _(Rushes to window.)_ Oh, look! Look! There's the engine!
_(Peggy holding him.)_ Look, Peggy! See the firemen! The engine's
stopping! See all the smoke! There's flames--don't you see? Out of
the window of the little restaurant! Oh, gee! Look how the firemen
run! They've got axes! Oh! Oh! Oh! They're smashing in the windows!
Look, they're running out the hose! See them--they're going into
the restaurant! One after another--into the smoke! Look at that,
Peggy! Hurrah! Hurrah! Charlotte russes to burn!

CURTAIN.






ACT III.





_Scene: The attic, the following evening. The Play-play shows a
tenement room. Entrance to hall Left; also a small stove. In center
a table. Entrance to another room, Right._

_At rise: The Real-play, showing Will buried in his manuscripts,
Left. Peggy Right at the cot, where there is a substitute child,
representing Bill asleep._

_Peggy (goes and watches Will)._ Well, how goes the Pot-boiler?

_Will._ Almost through.

_Peggy._ Will, do you think it can be good if you do it so fast?

_Will._ I can't do it any other way, dear. I have to throw it off at
white heat. We can go back and revise it.

_Peggy._ You look dreadfully pale, dear.

_Will._ I know--I'm tired.

_Peggy._ You promised you wouldn't work right after meals. How is
your stomach?

_Will._ Oh, bother my stomach! I can't keep away from this work,
there's no use talking about it. Come see what you make of this
manuscript. _(Peggy sits.)_ I want to show a front scene, the same
as in the last act. It's the restaurant again. _(The Play-play
begins to appear as in Scene II, Act II, but showing restaurant in
ruins.)_ It's morning. There's a difference, you see. The place has
been burned out.

_Peggy._ Yes, Bill and I had a look at it!

_Will._ There's the policeman on guard, marching up and down; and
Bill comes on. Here, read it. _(Full light on the Play-play.)_

_Bill._ Hello! What's happened?

_Policeman._ I'll give yez three guesses!

_Bill._ A fire!

_Policeman._ Right yez are!

_Bill._ When did it happen?

_Policeman._ In the night.

_Bill._ And where's Schmidt?

_Policeman._ He's in jail.

_Bill._ In jail?

_Policeman._ Sure, the firemen smelled kerosene.

_Bill._ Holy smoke! The poor old Dutchie! He set fire to his place!

_Policeman._ That's what they say. I wasn't here.

_Bill._ Well, I'll be switched! If I'd been here I might a' got some
charlotte russes!

_Policeman._ With kerosene on them, belike! _(Starts Right.)_

_Bill._ Say, mister! Youse know that guy that was waiter here?

_Policeman._ Yes.

_Bill._ They didn't jug him, did they?

_Policeman._ No. He's lookin' for his week's wages! _(Laughs; exit
Right.)_

_Bill._ Holy smoke! _(A murmur is heard from the child on cot Right.
The Play-play begins to fade. Faint light on the Real-play.)_

_Peggy (rises and goes over to cot; then returns to Will)._ He seems
to be more restless. Oh, I hope he's not going to be sick!

_Will (In agitation)._ Don't let's get to thinking about that now!

_Peggy._ All right, dear.

_Will._ We're coming to the big scenes. I want to show the tenement
where Belle and Dolly live. _(The Play-play begins to appear.)_
There's a room adjoining, where Jack stays. It's a few days after
the fire. Belle has gone out to get something for supper. Meantime
the land-lady comes. I used our landlady.

_Peggy._ That ought to make a lively scene!

_Will._ We're entitled to a little vengeance, I think imagine
her--with her ostrich feathers and her greasy old blue dress, her
sharp red nose and her fighting voice. I've got our landlady, you
bet!

_Peggy._ Give it here. _(Full light on the Play-play. Peggy makes
secret exit. Repeated knocks at the door of Play-play Left.)_

_Landlady (opens door)._ Now, where's them people? _(Looks about
suspiciously.)_ Haven't skipped, I hope! _(Goes to room Right.)_
Anybody in here? Humph! Looks like they're hard up! A bum lot!
_(Belle appears Left with shawl over shoulders and a loaf of bread
in her hand.)_ Oh! Here you are! I want that rent.

_Belle._ Why do you come for it to-night? _(She stands in doorway,
as if afraid of the woman.)_

_Landlady._ Ain' it been due two weeks?

_Belle._ But I told you we'd have it to-morrow.

_Landlady._ Well, it's nearly to-morrow. I want to get it before
it's gone.

_Belle._ But Dolly doesn't get home until very late.

_Landlady._ You keep telling me about Dolly----

_Belle._ She said she'd have some money. I'll bring it to your room
as soon as she gets home.

_Landlady._ All right. I've got sick of waitin' for that money! If
you haven't got it you can just move on, that's all! You might as
well understand----

_Belle (with gesture of distraction)._ Oh, all right! All right!
I've told you we're doing our best! _(Turns and rushes off Left.)_

_Landlady._ Well, now. Will you look at that! _(Paces up and down.)_
They come and use your rooms and if you ask what's due you, they
turn and run! That's what it is to be a landlady! That's the way
they treat you! _(Calls.)_ Here! You don't need to move to-night!
_(Follows off Left; calling.)_ What are you running for? I'm not
going to eat you! But I want you to know I got to have that money--I
got my own bills to pay. _(A bell sounds in the Real-play and the
Play-play fades instantly.)_

_Will._ God! It seems to me that bell rings all day and all night!

_Peggy (rising)._ Wait, dear. I'll answer it.

_(Rises and goes to door. Will continues absorbed in manuscript.)_

_Landlady (at door of Real-play)._ Good-evening. I've come for the
rent.

_Peggy._ I'm sorry, but you know I told you it would be a few days
yet.

_Landlady._ How many days do you call a few?

_Peggy._ Well, a day or two more.

_Landlady._ That rent's overdue a month. You'll have to get it
somehow or quit.

_Will (looking up from manuscript)._ Didn't I tell you you could
have it when Dolly gets home?

_Landlady._ Dolly! Who's Dolly?

_Will._ Oh, I----_(Laughs.)_ I beg pardon!

_Peggy (laughing with him)._ You see, my husband's writing a play,
and Dolly is one of the characters in it. We're putting you in, too.

_Landlady._ _Me?_

_Peggy._ Yes--I hope you won't mind. You see, he wanted somebody
that was interesting, that people would like to see on the stage----

_Will._ And when it comes out you can go and see it.

_Peggy._ We'll get you tickets, you know.

_Will._ We'll be delighted to place a box at your disposal.

_Landlady._ Well, for the land's sake! _(Beaming.)_ What sort of a
character am I?

_Will._ Why, you're the landlady in the play; there's a poor family
in distress, and you take pity on them, and help them in their
trouble. It's very touching--everybody will be moved to tears by it.

_Landlady (suspiciously)._ Well now, that's all right, but I have to
have my rent. I have to pay the agent for this house. If you can't
pay me, I have to ask you to move.

_Peggy._ Oh, surely you wouldn't do that!

_Landlady._ Why wouldn't I?

_Peggy._ Don't you see how it would be in the play? You'd be hard
and unmerciful.

_Will._ Everybody would dislike you!

_Peggy._ Think how ashamed you'd feel--before a whole theatre full
of people every night!

_Will._ You see, you must live up to the character we've imagined.

_Landlady._ Well, for the land's sake! _(Overcome by curiosity.)_
When is this to be played?

_Will._ Just as soon as I can get it done.

_Landlady._ Well, don't be too long. I'd like to help you, but I
need my money as much as anybody. _(Grinning.)_ Well, now, ain't
that cute! In a play! Well, good luck to you! I'm sorry I
interrupted you, I hope it'll be all right. Good-evening.

_Peggy and Will._ Good-evening. _(Landlady exit.)_

_Will._ Did you ever hear the equal of that?

_Peggy._ Off in your local color again!

_Will._ We can jolly her along for a month yet!

_Peggy._ The landlady and the grocer--we can work forever! _(Child
tosses restlessly in sleep and murmurs.)_

_Peggy (rises and goes to cot, and soothes child)._ There, there,
Bill. _(To Will, who rises.)_ Dear, he's feverish.

_Will._ Are you sure?

_Peggy._ Oh, I ought to get the doctor!

_Will._ We already owe the doctor.

_Peggy._ I know--but he'd come if I asked him to.

_Will._ What good could he do? He'd only tell us what we already
know--that you can't keep a child well if you shut him up in a
tenement room in hot summer weather, and feed him on beans and
prunes.

_Peggy._ Will, listen to me. I can stand anything else--but if Bill
gets sick, we have to give up! Do you understand? I couldn't endure
that--I----

_Will (wildly)._ Why do we have to start that now? I want to finish
the play! _(Drags her to work-table.)_ Come! Sit down here and let's
get busy! Right off! Not another word! _(They sit side by side.)_
I've a scene here with Bill. I want to know what you think of it.
_(Lights begin to rise on Play-play.)_ Bill comes to see Belle. This
manuscript----

_Peggy._ Give it to me. _(They read together. Full light on the
Play-play. Peggy makes secret exit. Several knocks on the door of
Play-play Left. Bill opens timidly and looks about.)_

_Bill._ Nobody home? _(Calls.)_ Hey! Anybody in here? Well, I
suppose they won't mind if I make myself at home. Gee, I wonder if
they'll sure enough let me stay here! _(Sits on chair.)_

_Belle (enters)._ Oh!

_Belle._ Good evening.

_Bill._ Youse remember me, lady? I was in Schmidt's restaurant!

_Belle._ Oh, yes!

_Bill._ I'm a friend o' Jack's. I seen him on the street just now.

_Belle._ Has he got a job yet?

_Bill._ Nothin' yet. Gee, that was tough--how he lost his week's
wages! Do youse think that old Dutchie set the fire?

_Belle._ I don't know.

_Bill._ I seen there was a fur-shop over that there joint, and they
say that fur-shops burn up in February--when they've sold out their
stock!

_Belle._ You're a knowing kid!

_Bill._ Youse got to be knowin' at my job!

_Belle (noticing that he has a black eye)._ You've got a black eye!

_Bill._ Sure! A shiner!

_Belle._ How did you get it?

_Bill._ Me step-father.

_Belle._ What did you do?

_Bill._ Sure, I ran into his fist.

_Belle._ But--what did he hit you for?

_Bill._ He don't need no reason. He hits.

_Belle._ Oh, you poor kid! Why do you stand it?

_Bill._ I ain't goin' to, no more. I told Jack about it, an' he says
fer me to come and stay in his room. Will youse take me in?

_Belle._ Why, sure!

_Bill._ I ain't no dead beat, youse unnerstand. I earn my keep. Look
a here! _(Pulls out a handful of pennies.)_ Ain't much gold in it,
but it makes a good jingle.

_Belle._ How did you get it?

_Bill._ Extry! Extry! Woil'n Join'l! Sun'n Globe! Mail'n Telygram!
_(Looks about.)_ Say, I don't like the housekeepin' in this here
joint.

_Belle._ What's the matter?

_Bill._ A woman ought t'unnerstan'--when a man's been out hustlin'
all day, he wants good, warm, nourishin' food, an' he wants it
quick.

_Belle._ Well, sir, you see, sir, if I'd known exactly what hour
you'd be in, sir! How would a slice of bread strike you?

_Bill._ Hand it out!

_Belle (gives him bread and he stuffs it. She sits on table.)_ Come
here, Bill. You know, it looks nice, having you here. I had a little
brother once.

_Bill._ Youse did?

_Belle._ I used to take care of him. If you're going to be a member
of this family, I'll have to take care of you.

_Bill._ Watcher mean?

_Belle._ I used to wash the smut off his face before each meal.

_Bill (disconcerted)._ Gee! Three times a day? Gawd a'mighty!

_Belle._ I'll pay you for it, Bill.

_Bill._ What'll youse pay?

_Belle._ Well, I wonder. A kid that's had a stepfather to beat him
and no one to love him! _(Puts her arm around him and kisses him
gently on the cheek.)_

_Bill._ Holy smoke! _(Wonder and delight dawn on his face.)_ Say! I
like that!

_Belle._ Then it's a bargain?

_Bill._ Sure! Put it there! _(They shake hands.)_ Does it begin
to-night?

_Belle._ No, I'm too tired to-night. We'll start out fresh in the
morning. You must be tired too, Bill. You'd better go in and sleep.
_(Leads him Right.)_

_Bill._ Say, Belle!

_Belle._ Well?

_Bill._ I like them kisses.

_Belle (clasps him in her arms.)_ Poor little fellow! _(Kisses him
again.)_

_Bill._ Gee, but this is like heaven!

_Belle._ Good-night, Bill.

_Bill._ Good-night. _(Exit, closes door.)_

_Belle (returns, sinks to table with a moan of exhaustion; then
hearing Jack coming, sits up, listens, gets herself together and
pretends to be busy.)_ Hello, Jack.

_Jack (enters)._ Well, Belle?

_Belle._ Did you get any work to-day?

_Jack._ Fine luck to-day. I made a quarter, helping to load a truck.

_Belle._ Is that all?

_Jack._ Better than nothing. How goes it with you, Belle?

_Belle._ Pretty well.

_Jack._ Only pretty well? Isn't the rest doing you good?

_Belle._ Some good, I think, Jack.

_Jack._ Say, Belle! Do you know, I think you were much better after
that imaginary journey we took the other night. Let's take another.

_Belle (looking up with a feeble smile)._ So soon?

_Jack._ I've got some more time-tables.

_Belle._ Where's it to be?

_Jack._ I'm tired of the Europe business. It takes so long, getting
to Switzerland and Egypt. I believe in seeing America first.

_Belle._ Where shall we go? To Hoboken?

_Jack._ Stop laughing at me. We're going to Florida. _(Draws up
chair to table and spreads out R. R. folders and time-tables.)_

_Belle._ Where do you get those?

_Jack._ At the ticket-office. They give them away.

_Belle._ With those lovely pictures! How nice of them!

_Jack._ Yes--isn't it! Now--here's the Atlantic Coast line. We leave
New York at noon----

_Belle._ But it's night now, Jack.

_Jack._ I know--but we've already started.

_Belle (studying folder)._ This train leaves New York three times.

_Jack._ That's the different ferries. Let's see. At 10 p. m. we've
just got to Richmond. We reach Palm Beach at eleven in the
evening----

_Belle._ What? A whole day on the train?

_Jack._ A day and a half, altogether.

_Belle._ Oh, Jack! What did you have to pay for the tickets.

_Jack._ I tell you, Belle, you must never worry about expense when
you're travelling. It spoils all the pleasure. Now, let's see. We go
to the Royal Palm Hotel. Here's a picture of it.

_Belle._ Oh, Jack! What a heavenly place!

_Jack._ Of course, they color it up rather bright in these
advertisements.

_Belle._ Won't they charge us frightfully?

_Jack._ No, no. You can stay there for ten dollars a day.

_Belle._ Ten dollars a day! Jack, you don't mean that?

_Jack._ We can't expect to keep our expenses under that.

_Belle._ But that'll be thirty dollars, Jack! You know we've got
Dolly with us. We can't travel alone.

_Jack._ No, no--to be sure.

_Belle._ Do people really spend money like that, Jack?

_Jack._ You get a lot for it, Belle. It's the loveliest place in the
world. There are palm trees and flowers all the year round. It never
snows, and it's seldom cold. There's a broad, white beach, and you
lie and watch the green ocean, and the long white breakers rolling
in, and the lines of pelicans flying just above them. And, oh, the
nights! You'd think you could stretch out your hands and gather in
armfuls of the stars!

_Belle._ Jack! How perfectly lovely! _(Stares before her; a silence.
Suddenly she buries her face in her arms on the table.)_

_Jack._ Why Belle! What's the matter?

_Belle._ Oh, Jack! Jack!

_Jack (in distress)._ What is it?

_Belle._ I don't think I like playing this game. I can't stand it
any more!

_Jack._ Why not?

_Belle._ It's better you don't ask me, Jack.

_Jack._ But I want to know!

_Belle._ You have so many worries of your own.

_Jack (gazes at her thoughtfully; then puts his hand upon hers)._
Belle, are you really as sick as all that?

_Belle._ I don't want to tell you, Jack.

_Jack._ Don't you think it's just that you're discouraged about your
health?

_Belle._ I don't know. I try to persuade myself----

_Jack._ You must really not give up. You must believe me when I tell
you that you are going to get well.

_Belle._ Jack, you're the best friend a girl ever had; but your
saying so won't make me get well.

_Jack._ Listen. I have a sister. Once she got run down. She was more
ill than you are, but now she's bright and happy.

_Belle._ Did she have to work all the time?

_Jack._ No, she went away to Florida. That's why I was telling you
about it. I mean to send you--not just in play, but really.

_Belle._ How could I live in such an expensive place?

_Jack._ You don't have to stay in a hotel. You might live there for
fifteen dollars a week.

_Belle._ But, Jack, I never earned fifteen dollars a week in my
life.

_Jack._ You won't have to earn it. If you'll only wait a little
while, I'll have it. If you'll only wait five months----

_Belle._ Jack, why do you always keep talking about the money you're
going to have in five months?

_Jack._ I can't explain, Belle, but won't you believe me? I had a
lot of money once, but I didn't appreciate it--I didn't realize what
it meant. Now that I've got you, I can promise you I'll enjoy
spending it. Believe me and be patient--only five months more.

_Belle (smiles wanly)._ I'm afraid, Jack, in five months I'll be
dead.

_Jack (clutching her hand)._ No, no! Don't talk like that! You
mustn't do it, Belle! We're going to save you--I tell you we are.
We're going to make the fight together--we're not going to say die!
It's too cruel--too wicked!

_Belle._ Jack, why do you take so much trouble with me?

_Jack._ I'm going to bring you through! I mean it! I'm going to get
the money, and send you to Florida. Dolly shall go with you, and you
shall live out on the beach--just as my sister did.

_Belle._ But, Jack--even if you had the money--how could I let you
spend it on me?

_Jack._ You could--you couldn't help it, Belle. I would do it!

_Belle._ No, Jack, it wouldn't be decent.

_Jack._ To save your life?

_Belle._ No, not even to save my life.

_Jack (tenderly)._ Belle, listen to me. I've got a right to save
your life. Can't you understand? I want you to get well. I love you!

_Belle (stares at him)._ Jack!

_Jack._ Yes, I love you!

_Belle (sobs)._ Jack, Jack! _(He clasps her in his arms; she weeps
frantically.)_

_Jack._ What is the matter? What is it?

_Belle._ Oh, Jack, why did you wait so long? Why didn't you come to
me before it was too late?

_Jack._ Too late?

_Belle._ Why did you have to wait till I was dying? Oh, I can't bear
it! You oughtn't to have told me! It's too cruel!

_Jack._ Belle, don't take on that way!

_Belle._ I tell you it's too late. Too late! _(She sobs
convulsively.)_

_Jack (in anguish)._ Belle! Belle! You mustn't give up like that!
Listen to me, dear!

_Belle._ Wait! Wait! Don't talk to me!

_Jack._ You're exhausted, dear. Come--lie down. _(He leads her off
Right; speaks off.)_ There, lie and rest. Don't talk any more now.
_(Returns; speaks in entrance.)_ Be quiet, and see if you can't go
to sleep! _(He paces the room, muttering to himself.)_ No, I can't
stand it. This is no joke. It's no part of the game. I must save
Belle's life--I'd no right to wait this long. _(With sudden
resolution.)_ I'll write to Jessie. She'll come and help her.
Bargain or no bargain, I'll write! _(Vehemently.)_ You go to the
devil, Bob--I don't care how much you tease me! Yes! Yes! The
reality of life! I'm getting it all right. And I've got to knuckle
down and take what teasing comes to me. My God, what a fool I
was--what a drivelling fool! And I'll lose my quarter of a million!
I don't care--I've got to save Belle! I'll write to-night! _(Takes
pencil and paper, sits at table and writes. The door Left opens
softly, and Dolly appears, haggard and anxious.)_

_Dolly._ You here! Where's Belle?

_Jack._ She's asleep.

_Dolly._ Jack. I've got to go away from here!

_Jack._ Go away!

_Dolly._ Yes. The police will be looking for me.

_Jack._ The police!

_Dolly._ I'm accused of stealing. Oh, don't think it--I didn't do
it. Before God, I didn't!

_Jack._ Of course not, Dolly!

_Dolly._ I must go. I must take Belle with me!

_Jack._ But she can't go, Dolly! She's too ill.

_Dolly._ She'll be worse if she stays here and the police come for
me.

_Jack._ Tell me about it, Dolly.

_Dolly._ No, no! I can't.

_Jack._ Why not?

_Dolly._ Don't ask me. _(She stares about distractedly.)_

_Jack._ May be I can help you.

_Dolly._ Nobody can help me--ever!

_Jack._ Dolly! Why should you hide anything from me?

_Dolly._ I can't bear to tell!

_Jack._ Why not?

_Dolly._ You'd despise me forever. Belle would despise me!

_Jack._ But that's impossible, Dolly.

_Dolly (she stares into his face, then suddenly clutches his arm; in
a hoarse whisper)_ I sold myself to save her!

_Jack._ My God!

_Dolly._ Ah, don't look at me like that. I told you not to ask me!

_Jack (half frenzied)._ But Dolly; you don't understand!

_Dolly._ Understand what?

_Jack._ I've been living on your money! _(They stare at each
other.)_

_Dolly._ Jack, don't do like that! You didn't know it!

_Jack (covers his face with his hands)._ Oh, how _dared_ you?

_Dolly._ Don't go on so! You know I couldn't help it. What else
could we do? We hadn't a dollar in the house. _(She catches him by
the arm.)_ Don't be selfish, Jack!

_Jack._ Selfish!

_Dolly._ You're thinking of yourself--not of me and Belle.

_Jack._ When was it? To-night?

_Dolly._ This wasn't the first time. But it was always for Belle.

_Jack (in a whisper)._ For Belle!

_Dolly._ I've worked till I was ready to drop. I've slaved day and
night--but I couldn't make enough. And so, every now and then, I'd
go to a house.

_Jack._ When did it begin!

_Dolly._ Nearly a year ago.

_Jack._ Belle has never guessed it?

_Dolly._ Good God! She would kill herself! Listen--I'll tell you the
story. What does it matter now--you'll never see me again. It began
in a department store--twelve dollars a week. Fine wages, with two
to care for! It was slave--slave all day. Never a holiday, never a
joy; nothing beautiful, nothing new! No hope, no future; just
slave--slave! And there was a young man--what they call a gentleman.
He took me to dinners, and I went, because I was near starving. In
the end he got me, of course. And then he threw me over, and I went
to work again. You see?

_Jack._ I see.

_Dolly._ After that it was worse. I was spoiled. But I was afraid
Belle might suspect, so I kept straight for a long time. But it was
no go. She was working herself to death--and

I'd see her ill, and I couldn't stand it. I'd tell her I had a job
in a hotel uptown. I'd be gone all night--and I'd bring her money.
That's my life!

_Jack (in a low voice)._ Are there many like that?

_Dolly._ The town is full of them. I know a girl who went to a
church home. They said they couldn't help her--they were for 'fallen
women.' She came back again and told them they could help her
now--she was a fallen woman.

_Jack._ God!

_Dolly._ She was starving, that was what drove her. That's what
drives thousands. And for that we're despised. The good women--they
spit upon us! I sometimes wonder--do they think we like it? _(Laughs
harshly.)_ That a woman should like to give herself to any brute
that comes along! _(Seizing Jack by the arm.)_ Tell me! What does it
mean? Whose sins do we pay for?

_Jack._ I don't know.

_Dolly._ If there's a God in heaven, how can he allow it? How can he
allow some to be idle and rich, and to despise us who have nothing?

_Jack._ Tell me about to-night.

_Dolly._ I went to the old place. And there was a man--he was drunk,
and he'd lost his money, and he said I'd robbed him. A servant gave
me the tip--the madam had sent for the police. I dodged out by the
basement way.

_Jack._ And they're after you?

_Dolly._ The man's a politician--some big man--and so they'll hunt
me out. I'm a stranger, I've no friends, and they'll send me up for
a year or two. I wouldn't care; I'm rotten--fit for nothing but the
dump-heap. But there's Belle. She's straight, and I must keep her
straight.

_Jack._ Yes, Dolly, we'll keep her straight.

_Dolly._ I never thought I'd trust another man, Jack. But I think
you're decent. Mark this though! _(Fiercely.)_ By the God above, if
you ever do Belle any harm, Jack, I'll shoot you dead!

_Jack._ Dolly! Why talk to me that way? I love her. I've told her
that I love her.

_Dolly._ You mean to marry her?

_Jack._ Of course.

_Dolly (seizes his hand)._ Jack! And you'll be good to her? _(Turns
quickly, without waiting for answer.)_ We must get away from here!

_Jack._ Wait! Let me think. I know a place where they'll never find
us.

_Dolly._ Where is it?

_Jack._ I'll take you to it. Get Belle ready.

_Dolly._ You're sure it's safe?

_Jack._ Absolutely. It might as well be in another world. _(Dolly
runs off Right to Belle. He paces the room, talking to himself.)_
I've got to give it up. I can't play with things like this. I've
lost, I'll take my medicine. Only a month! Gee whiz! _(With sudden
realization.)_ Good-bye to my quarter of a million!

_Bill (appears in doorway, yawning)._ Holy smoke! What's up?

_Jack._ We're going away.

_Bill._ Where to?

_Jack._ I can't tell you now.

_Dolly (enters Right, supporting Belle)._ Come on, dear. Jack is
going to take us with him.

_Belle._ But I'm too sick to go out.

_Dolly._ You must, dear.

_Belle._ I'm not dressed.

_Jack._ Get her hat and coat. Don't stop for anything else. Come on,
Belle, I'll help you. We've no time to lose. _(Puts arm about her
and half carries her Left.)_

_Belle._ Won't you tell me what's the matter?

_Jack._ I'm going to take you to some friends. _(To Dolly.)_ We'll
find a cab.

_Dolly._ No, they'd trace us!

_Jack._ Well, we can get to the subway, I suppose. _(To Belle.)_
Dearest Belle--listen to me. I love you. And I'm going to make you
well. I've been able to get money--all we need, heaps and heaps of
it. And you're going to Florida. You'll be there in a few days--the
very place my sister went to. Perhaps she'll go with you. So come!
Come! _(Exit, leading Belle.)_

_Dolly (hurries about, gathering Belle's wraps and her own)._
Where's your coat, boy?

_Bill._ Ain't got none. Say! What's this about Florida?

_Dolly._ I don't know.

_Bill._ Youse tryin' to cheer up Belle?

_Dolly (gathering up her belongings in great haste)._ Maybe so.

_Bill._ Youse runnin' from that landlady?

_Dolly._ Don't ask me now.

_Bill._ Well, there's somethin' wrong, I know! Youse can't fool me!
_(Looks about.)_ Gee! I thought I had a home! And now I'm movin' out
of it! _(The lights fade slowly on the Play-play and rise on the
Real-play.)_

_Will (in a whisper)._ Well?

_Peggy (low)._ Oh, Will! That's the real stuff!

_Will._ You like it?

_Peggy (with intensity)._ Yes, I do! It's real, it's true. Will, I
think it'll go!

_Will._ You do?

_Peggy._ Yes, even with Broadway! It made me cry--and I'm a hardened
old sinner.

_Will._ Oh, dearest, I'm so glad!

_Peggy._ I'm proud of you, Will! _(Rises and puts her arms about
him.)_ We've got a real Pot-boiler! _(Sound of bell in Real-play
Left. Play-play vanishes. Full light on the Real-play. A post-man's
whistle off Left.)_

_Will._ What's that?

_Peggy._ The post-man!

_Will (leaping up)._ Maybe it's a check for the poem!

_Peggy._ Oh, yes!

_Will._ Where's the key to the letter-box?

_Peggy (runs Right)._ Here, I think. _(Searches about.)_ Here!
_(Brings him key.)_ Be quick!

_Will (exit Left)._ I'll be quick!

_Peggy (As Bill tosses and calls aloud in his sleep, goes to his
bed, kneels and soothes him)._ Oh, my baby! My baby! You're not
going to be sick! No, no, I can't stand that! Anything but that!
I'll have to give it up! Will must give up trying to be a writer,
and get some sort of paying job. Or I'll have to go on the stage
again, and earn some real money----_(Hearing Will returning, she
leaps up and runs Left.)_ Was it the check?