Oh, it's better to be ready to face a thing, I suppose, than to be crushed by it when it does come. There are plenty do fail, and they are not always those that deserve to. And you see he's not strong and well just now, and it is such a hard fight. (_Vehemently_) Oh, if I could only do something to help him instead of being a drag upon him. It is so hard. Other girls can earn money--I haven't been brought up to do anything. There's nothing I can do--nothing, nothing. ADAM CHERRY. (_Earnestly_.) Nothing! (_Nelly, startled by his earnest tone, turns and looks at him._) Suppose, my dear, there--there was something you could do--which would enable somebody else to help him--something which mightn't even be very unpleasant for you, either, and that only wanted a kind, loving, little heart. Suppose, my dear, some old fellow--not very old, you know, but just old enough to--to know your value, my dear--should say to you: I love you very, very dearly, my dear--and it would make me very, very happy to make you happy. Will you try to love me, my dear? Will you give me the right to--to take away all this trouble from you--to--to help you both. (_Nelly slowly crosses to fire, and stands looking into it._) Don't you see, my dear I should be one of the family, and he couldn't mind my helping him then. You see--I--I've been working all my life, and making money, and now I've no one that I care for to spend it on. It would be so pleasant for me to--to feel that I was helping some brave, clever young fellow to get on in the world. It would make me so proud and happy to be helping those you cared for--to be taking care of you. NELLY MORRIS. (_She still looks into fire and Cherry stands waiting At length she turns with a calm face and firm, closed lips._) Yes, I will be your wife, Mr. Cherry--if you will be content with me as I am. ADAM CHERRY. My dear---- NELLY MORRIS. You don't misunderstand me, do you Mr. Cherry? You have been the only friend that we have had, and I like you and respect you very, very much, but I do not---- ADAM CHERRY. (_Checking her_.) Never mind that, my dear. I know what you are going to say. But don't say it. That will come all right. Why, you've only known me six months, and half that time as only as Mrs. Wheedles' first floor lodger. I must win that, my dear. Oh, I'm going to begin to make love now; I'm not so very old, you know. Why, bless you, I feel as if I were just beginning life. We shall be as happy as can be, my dear. You'll just try to love me a little, dear, that's all. NELLY MORRIS. I'll try to make you a good wife, Mr. Cherry. ADAM CHERRY. I know you will, my dear. I know you will. Won't you call me Adam, dear? (_Seeing her trouble over this._) Ah, not just yet--never mind. It will come in time, dear. And I may begin to make things a little smoother for you--and--and for Ted at once, mayn't I? NELLY MORRIS. (_A little wearily_.) Yes, Mr. Cherry, thank you. You are very kind and good. ADAM CHERRY.