[_As he blacks up_]. Why? You know why—people like you—like Lee. I’ve got Broadway in my blood. There’s something sweet about the sound of the English language in my ears.... I want to be part of America. I want to take it in my arms.... Gee, I wish I could express myself!... MARY [_Understandingly_]. My dear, I think I realize what you’re going through. JACK No you don’t.... [_Intently._] Mary, my father is sick because of me. MARY [_Quickly_]. Nonsense. JACK He said a month ago he never wanted to see me again. I can see him now, eating his heart out ever since. MARY [_Gently_]. What can you do about it? Go down on the East Side and be a Cantor the rest of your life? JACK No. [_Pause._] MARY Don’t you care about your career on the stage? JACK [_Passionately_]. It’s the only thing in the world for me. MARY The only thing? JACK Yes, the only thing. MARY [_Slowly_]. More than me, Jack? JACK More than you. MARY [_Swiftly, with feeling_]. That’s what I’ve been waiting to find out. [_Music begins again off-stage._] Oh, don’t you see, Jack—I don’t want you selfishly. I want to see you live your own life. If the thing you want most is to be a black-face minstrel, then don’t let _anything_ stand in your way—not your parents—me—anything.... JACK [_He is finishing blacking up_]. I guess you’ve got the right idea, Mary. You’re O. K. [_There is a knock on the door._] Come in. GENE [_Enters_]. Time you’re ready for your first number, Mr. Robin. JACK I’m almost ready now, Gene. GENE All right, Mr. Robin. [_He goes._] JACK Hear that music? That’s that new fox-trot. [_Hums, crosses stage and washes hands._] It’s a steal from something.... Mary, you know, if people only knew what it was to black up like this, I bet everybody would do it. What’s the name of that bird that puts his head in the ground and thinks he’s all covered up? MARY Ostrich? JACK Well, I feel like him with this black on. It covers your face and hides everything.... You know, Mary, this would be a good job if I didn’t have to buy so much soap. [_Crosses to make-up shelf. Another knock on the door._] Come in. JIMMY