_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.