_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.