_Jack._ I wonder how many charlotte russes a man could eat at one meal. _Bill._ Say, I wisht I was a rich man! I'd go youse a race at 'em! (_A silence; turns away._) Gee, I can't bear to look at 'em any more! _Jack_ (_joins him down stage_). When did you eat last? _Bill._ I had sinkers and coffee this mornin'. What did youse have? _Jack._ I had a glass of water in the public library. _Bill._ Hully gee! And when did youse eat last? _Jack._ Yesterday morning I had a slice of bread. _Bill_ (_startled_). Gawd a'mighty! That all? _Jack._ True as gospel. _Bill_ (_warming to him_). Why say! Youse _are_ up agin it! _Jack._ I am, for fair. _Bill._ What's the matter? _Jack._ Can't find any work. _Bill._ Work? T'hell with work! Why don't yous slam the gates? _Jack._ Why don't I _what?_ _Bill._ I mean, why don't youse panhandle it? _Jack._ I don't understand. _Bill._ Gee! Where was youse raised--in the hayfields? I mean, why don't youse git up a hard luck story? _Jack._ Beg? _Bill._ Sure! _Jack._ I tried it some, but nobody'll listen to me. _Bill._ Why, youse poor helpless orphan! Somebody ought to take youse in hand and show youse. _Jack (eagerly)._ Do you suppose you could do it? _Bill._ Sure I could--teach youse in an hour or two! _Jack (hesitatingly)._ But you don't make so very much yourself, do you! _Bill._ Sure I do--I got lots o' the stuff. Only I got a step-father I have to keep full of booze. He'll be out lookin' for me now, I reckon. _(Looks about sharply)._ Say, youse come back here after a bit. I'll go an' get him spotted, an' then we'll frame up a good hard-luck story, an' we'll get the price of that there hay-stack. You get me, old pal? _Jack._ Yes, I get you--only I'll freeze in the meantime. _Bill._ Youse keep movin'. Hustle along now! _Jack._ All right. _(Goes off Left stamping his feet, blowing his fingers.)_ _Bill._ Youse come back now! Don't fergit! _(Stands looking after Jack.)_ Gee! I like that guy! _Peggy._ Will! _(Faint light on the Real-play.)_ _Will. (Off.)_ What is it? _Peggy._ You're sending him off! But where's the heart interest? _Will._ It's coming right now! _Peggy._ What's it to be? _Will (appears Left with dishes in arms)._ Why, dearest, there's only one thing it could be! _Peggy._ What is that? _Will._ You know I have only one heart-interest! _Peggy (looks at him, then rises and steps to him, with Mss. in her hand)._ You dear, sweet boy? _Will (steps back out of sight)._ Look out for my dishes! _(as Peggy follows off, sounds of kisses heard)_ My heart-interest! My dear, blessed heart-interest! My only heart-interest in the world! _(Full light rises slowly on the Play-play. The door of restaurant opens, and Peggy appears in the entrance, as Belle, with a waitress's costume. She stands gazing out, as if getting breath of fresh air, being ill. Then she draws back and closes the door.)_