_Jack._ Listen. I have a sister. Once she got run down. She was more ill than you are, but now she's bright and happy. _Belle._ Did she have to work all the time? _Jack._ No, she went away to Florida. That's why I was telling you about it. I mean to send you--not just in play, but really. _Belle._ How could I live in such an expensive place? _Jack._ You don't have to stay in a hotel. You might live there for fifteen dollars a week. _Belle._ But, Jack, I never earned fifteen dollars a week in my life. _Jack._ You won't have to earn it. If you'll only wait a little while, I'll have it. If you'll only wait five months---- _Belle._ Jack, why do you always keep talking about the money you're going to have in five months? _Jack._ I can't explain, Belle, but won't you believe me? I had a lot of money once, but I didn't appreciate it--I didn't realize what it meant. Now that I've got you, I can promise you I'll enjoy spending it. Believe me and be patient--only five months more. _Belle (smiles wanly)._ I'm afraid, Jack, in five months I'll be dead. _Jack (clutching her hand)._ No, no! Don't talk like that! You mustn't do it, Belle! We're going to save you--I tell you we are. We're going to make the fight together--we're not going to say die! It's too cruel--too wicked! _Belle._ Jack, why do you take so much trouble with me? _Jack._ I'm going to bring you through! I mean it! I'm going to get the money, and send you to Florida. Dolly shall go with you, and you shall live out on the beach--just as my sister did. _Belle._ But, Jack--even if you had the money--how could I let you spend it on me? _Jack._ You could--you couldn't help it, Belle. I would do it! _Belle._ No, Jack, it wouldn't be decent. _Jack._ To save your life? _Belle._ No, not even to save my life. _Jack (tenderly)._ Belle, listen to me. I've got a right to save your life. Can't you understand? I want you to get well. I love you! _Belle (stares at him)._ Jack! _Jack._ Yes, I love you! _Belle (sobs)._ Jack, Jack! _(He clasps her in his arms; she weeps frantically.)_ _Jack._ What is the matter? What is it? _Belle._ Oh, Jack, why did you wait so long? Why didn't you come to me before it was too late? _Jack._ Too late? _Belle._ Why did you have to wait till I was dying? Oh, I can't bear it! You oughtn't to have told me! It's too cruel! _Jack._ Belle, don't take on that way! _Belle._ I tell you it's too late. Too late! _(She sobs convulsively.)_ _Jack (in anguish)._ Belle! Belle! You mustn't give up like that! Listen to me, dear! _Belle._ Wait! Wait! Don't talk to me!