_Morning a fortnight later. The Scene is the refreshment-room attached to Mrs. Munning's house. Walls whitewashed, roof of glass. Long deal table at the lower end of which Paul sits writing a letter. Ink and a few papers on the table. In one corner is a quantity of cane-bottomed chairs. Below them, another table. Centre is a knife-cleaning machine, which badly needs oil. Knives on table. At the machine Zack stands in shirt-sleeves and apron. He is not energetic and turns lazily with many glances towards Paul. He sees Paul look at him and his efforts increase for a moment. Paul seals and stamps envelope and crosses to house door. Zack, left alone, mops his brow and sits. A low knock at the street door. Zack rises promptly and opens door with the air of a conspirator. Martha Wrigley is there._ ***** Zack. You've just come at the right time. (_Martha enters, but stays by door. Zack hurries behind the chairs and returns with a small newspaper parcel which he gives Martha._) Martha. Thank you, Zack. Zack (_referring to the parcel_). It's a bit mixed-up on account of me putting bits of things into my pocket at table when nobody's watching, but it's all good food, Martha. Martha. I'm sure I'm very grateful to you, Zack. Zack. Well, I often get up famished from my meals, and it's a fight to keep from feeling in my pocket, but I'm managing without. Martha. Yes, and I---- Oh, Zack, I'm grateful. I am, really. Zack. I know you are. Martha. Yes, but I want you to know I am, and if anything's going to come to you unpleasant, it's not my fault. Zack. Unpleasant? Martha. I'm being driven, Zack. I'd never dream of such a thing myself. Zack. What ever is it? Martha. It's father, Zack. Zack. Again? What's he broke now? Martha. He's not broke anything, but you know your brother sacked him, and my father says he'll be revenged and---- Zack. That's a nasty spirit, Martha. Martha. And a nasty thing that Mr. Paul did, and all. Zack. I'm not denying that. Martha. And I'd not mind whatever father did to Mr. Paul---- Zack. Oh, Martha! Martha. I wouldn't. Not for sacking him because he hurt himself. But father's doing it to you and I've to help him to do it, and--oh dear! (_Her handkerchief comes out._) Zack. Don't cry. No, don't do it, Martha, because if you do, I'll have to console you, and you know what mother said to me the other day. (_He is itching to "console," but restrains himself visibly._) Martha. But it's------- Zack. Paul's coming back. Quick, Martha. Martha (_sniffing as she goes_). Oh! (_Zack hustles her out c. and returns to his cleaning, not so quickly that Paul does not see his return. Paul opens the door and Virginia enters. Paul follows her in._) Virginia. You do look busy, Zack. Paul. He's good at looking it. I'd guarantee he hasn't raised his hand while I've been out of the room. Virginia (_who is obviously quite fond of Zack_). Oh, but you must be kind to Zack to-day. Paul. Why? What's to-day?