_Bob._ Well, I've done what he's doing. I've done it for a year. And I survived. _Jessie._ But you knew how, Bob. _Bob._ I didn't when I started. _Jessie._ It snowed last night; I lay awake till daybreak worrying about him. _Bob._ My dear girl, men have got snow on their clothes before this. _Jessie._ He's been gone a month! _Bob._ Listen, Jessie! You know there's misery and suffering in the world, don't you? _Jessie._ Yes, I suppose so. _Bob._ And could you wish Jack to live all his life in indifference to such things--just idle and play, and spend the wealth that other people produce for him? _Jessie. (Clenching her hands.)_ Oh, if he'd only come home! _(The telephone rings.)_ _Bob._ I'll answer it. _(Goes to phone.)_ Hello. _(A pause; then exclaims.)_ Why, what's happened? _(Another pause; he turns to Jessie.)_ It's Jack! _Jessie (leaps up.)_ Jack! _Bob._ Ssh. _(In phone.)_ Yes, what's that? What's the matter? Well, I declare! Sure, Jessie's here. Yes, Dad's upstairs. No, I won't tell him. Perhaps he won't. Hey? In two minutes? All right! Bye-bye! _(Turns.)_ He's coming home! _Jessie._ Bob! _Bob._ He's around at the subway station. He'll be here in two minutes. _Jessie._ But what's happened? _Bob._ He wouldn't say. Just says he gives up--he's coming home. _Jessie._ Thank Heaven! _(A pause.)_ But Bob! What can it mean? _Bob._ It means he's lost his wager. _Jessie._ I don't care! He's coming home! Jack! Jack! _(She dances and claps her hands.)_ Oh, I'm so happy! So happy! _(The light begins to rise on the Real-play-enough to reveal Bill getting up from the cot. He looks about guiltily, climbs up to a shelf after a bowl. There is a crash. Instantly the Play-play vanishes.)_ _Will. (Starting.)_ What's that? _Peggy. (Leaps up and runs Right.)_ Bill! _Bill._ Boo-hoo-hoo! _Peggy._ What's the matter? _Bill._ I didn't go to do it! _Peggy._ But what-- _Will._ Didn't you know we were busy? _Bill._ I-I was hungry! _Peggy._ Poor Bill! Never mind, dear! _(Clasps him in her arms.)_ There was nothing in the bowl. _Bill._ I th-thought there might b-b-be. _Peggy._ Never mind! Poor little fellow! He was hungry! _Bill._ I couldn't sleep, Peggy. _Peggy._ All right, never mind. We won't scold you. It doesn't matter about the old bowl--we've got nothing to put in it anyway. Now, don't cry--you'll get yourself all excited. _(Sound of singing heard off Right.)_ _Bill._ Oh! There's the Beggar-kid! _(Runs to window.)_ Say, Peggy! Can't I go down and listen to him? I won't go off the steps, and I won't talk to anybody. _Peggy._ You're sure you feel well enough? _Bill._ I'll feel better, Peggy. Please! Please! _Peggy._ You'll truly not go off the steps? _Bill._ Word of honor, Peggy! _Peggy._ All right, then. _Bill._ Hooray! Now, I'll get the roses in my cheeks! _(exit at door Left; Peggy closes window and sound of singing stops)._ _Peggy._ It's a crime that child isn't in the country!