Ste. (_earnestly_). It's the wrongs of your class. I think of others, Pilling. I see what the motorman saw--streets crowded with little children, growing up in the gutter, playing in the dust--I can't help it. My tongue runs away with me when I think of it all. Walter. Say no more, Mr. Verity. You're probably right about the Polygon. I dare say we are out of place there, but you couldn't expect me to take your view the moment it's sprung on me. Ste. (_nodding_). I've a way of calling a spade a spade. (_A knock at the door. Jim opens it. A Man advances a foot into the room. Behind him is dimly seen a woman, both poorly dressed. The Man has a bundle tied up into a blue quilt on his shoulder; his voice is tired and hopeless._) Man. Have you got any floor space to let in this room, mate? Jim. No. (_Trying to close the door. The Man's foot keeps it open._) Man. Don't shut the door in our face. I've got the money to pay for it. I'll give you a week's rent now. Jim. It's no use. I'm not letting. Man (_pleading_). I'm in work, mate. Start at Bamford's factory o' Monday. A corner's all as we want. Jim. I tell you I've none to let. Man. Don't be so hard on a fellow. I can't get in nowhere. Jim. You'll not get in here. Man (_turning dejectedly_). Lodging-houses full up and getting late an' all. We've been looking all day. Jim (_closes the door_). Get three or four of them a week. They find room somewhere in the end. Walter. What did he want? Floor space? (_Stephen crosses l._) Jim. Aye. Lots of rooms about here with two or three families in 'em. Some one 'ull take them in if they look long enough. Walter. I know. It's appalling. Ste. And ten acres in the Polygon with only five houses on 'em. (_Sits in armchair._) Walter. All the more reason to build houses there and not waste it in playing fields. Ste. Ah! So it is wasted now? Walter. Yes. It's wasted now. I'm going to do my best to help you. (_Back to fire standing._) Ste. That's good news, any way. Walter. Don't count on me for much. But what I can do I will. I'm afraid I must go now. I've a call to make before I'm due at your house. Ste. Right. See you later. Walter (_to Jim_). Say good-night to Mrs. Pilling for me. (_Crossing R._) (_Jim opens the door as Walter goes out._) Good-night. Ste. (_rubbing his hands together_). Ah, glad I came. Good thing to rope in young Montgomery. Jim (_sourly_). Good, is it? Ste. What else do you call it? Jim (_aggressively_). Look here, Mr. Verity, you've been coming here calling yourself my friend. I knew well enough it was my vote you were after. Bless you, I don't mind. I know what even the real gentry 'ull do to get a man's vote. I've seen Sir Charles himself stand by and watch his wife kiss our Dick at election time. But I've finished with you now. You'll come here no more after this. (_Above table l._) Ste. (_staggered_). But... I don't understand. What have I done? (_Rises._)