Scene: The attic, afternoon of the next day. The set of the Playplay is a cheap Third Avenue restaurant. Entrance from the street Center, also window with cashier's desk beside it. Tables up stage, from Right to Left. Entrance to kitchen Left. Clock on wall shows 11:30.
At rise: The Real-play, with Bill Right on the fire-escape, sitting on mattress taken from his cot. Will Left with Mss. at desk. Peggy talking to Bill. She wears a "bungalow-apron," covering a waitress's costume for quick change.
Peggy. That's a dandy big fire-escape to play on!
Bill. You bet!
Peggy. You've got all your blocks?
Bill. Yes, Peggy.
Peggy. And your picture-books?
Bill. Yes, Peggy.
Peggy. And you won't lean over the railing?
Bill. I won't.
Peggy (to Will). Now to the Pot-boiler!
Will. It's a shame to keep the child out there on the fire-escape.
Peggy. He'll be all right, dear. It's the coolest place there is.
Will. If only we could get him to the park—
Peggy. I know, but we can't. (Sits at table.) Now—you've got the second act already?
Will. Yes. Read it, and I'll get the dishes washed for you. (Exit left.)
Peggy (reads manuscript). What's this? You've got a drop-curtain?
Will (off; rattling dishes). Yes; I want to show Jack's adventures. Read the directions.
Peggy (reads). Jack has been hunting a job, and has been unable to find one. The drop-curtain shows a street-scene. (The Play-play begins to loom, as described.) A row of houses, just off Fifth Avenue, having the front door on the street level in the modern fashion. It is evening, and the ground is covered with snow. The snow-shoveller is at work Right. His feet and hands are tied with rags and his face is red with cold. (The Play-play in full light.)
Jack (enters Left in hobo-overcoat, shuffling, and dejected). I beg your pardon—
Shoveller. Hey?
Jack. I beg your pardon—
Shoveller. What the devil ye beggin' me pardon for?
Jack. I—I want to know—is that your shovel?
Shoveller. Whose d'ye think it is?
Jack. I mean—where did you get it?
Shoveller (bridling). You mean I stole it?
Jack. No—no! I mean, I'd like to get one. (The other pays no heed.) You see, I'm up against it, and I thought perhaps I could earn money shovelling snow. I'd like to get a shovel. (The other still pays no heed.) You wouldn't like to rent it for a while, would you?
Shoveller (with mock merriment). And me live on me income, hey?
Jack. I might help you, perhaps—
Shoveller. Say, young fellow, if you really want to help me, get a hot water bottle an' hold it to me feet!
Jack (stands nonplussed, then turns away Left; as he is about to exit he changes his mind, and rings the bell at the door of a house Left. Butler comes) I beg pardon—
Butler. Well, what d'ya want?
Jack. Could I shovel the snow off your sidewalk?
Butler (fiercely). What d'ye mean by comin' to the front door?
Jack. Oh, I forgot.
Butler. Gow an with ye!
Jack. Won't you give me a chance?
Butler. Where's your shovel?
Jack. Why—I haven't a shovel.
Butler. Well, what d'ya mean to use? Your hands?
Jack. I thought you might lend me—
Butler. Lend you! And me standin' out in the snow to watch ye return it, hey?
Jack (humbly). I won't steal anything. I'm trying honestly to earn the price of a shovel.
Butler. If ye didn't spend your money in drink, ye might have the price.
Jack. I haven't had anything to drink—nor anything to eat either.
Butler. Well, we ain't runnin' no breadline 'ere. Get along with ye! (Slams door.)
Jack (stands shaking his head meditatively) Gee! This is a cold world!
Shoveller. Say, young fellow! I'll tell ye what to do.
Jack. What's that?
Shoveller. Come back in August. Ye'll find it warmer.
Jack (wanders off muttering to himself). I've got to get a shovel!
Bill (appears at window Right). Say, Peggy! (The Play-play vanishes.)
Peggy. What is it, dear?
Bill. Can I have my paper soldiers?
Peggy. Yes, dear. (Hurries to get them.) Now be quiet, Bill. I'm busy now.
Bill. Where is Will?
Peggy. Washing the dishes.
Bill. Can't I help him?
Peggy. No, dear—we've got to talk about this play we're writing. Here are the soldiers.
Bill. All right. (Exit Right.)
Peggy (goes to entrance Left where dishes are heard rattling). How are you making out?
Will (off Left). What do you think of my opening scenes?
Peggy. Why, I think they could be better. You see, Will, you don't really know anything about snow-shovellers or butlers.
Will (appears in doorway Left, wiping a dish). I've got a real character for the next scene at least. I used Bill!
Peggy. For heaven's sake!
Will. As a street-gamin.
Peggy. But Bill's not like a street-gamin. Such a child is full of slang.
Will. I thought of what Bill might have been if he'd been turned out to shift for himself. I imagined the soul of a street-gamin in the body of our Bill.
Peggy. That sounds rather terrible. (A pause.) By the way, Will! That love-interest you said was to come! Where is it?
Will. I've hardly got into the act yet.
Peggy. Well, you'd better get into your love-interest!
Will. The next scene is to be another dropcurtain. A restaurant. I'm using that one down our street. Read it. (He disappears Left. The Play-play begins to appear.)
Peggy (reads). Scene shows a cheap restaurant on Third Avenue. Piles of shredded wheat and charlotte russe in the windows. Night scene, snow on ground. (Full light on the Play-play.)
Bill (wanders on Right, stops and gazes into window). Gee, but that's great lookin' shredded wheat!
Jack (enters Left, dejected-looking, and joins Bill). You hungry, too, kid?
Bill. I could eat the whole hay-stack at one meal. (Moves along to another part of the window.) Holy smoke, if they'd turn me loose in them charlotte-russes!
Jack. I wonder how many charlotte russes a man could eat at one meal.
Bill. Say, I wisht I was a rich man! I'd go youse a race at 'em! (A silence; turns away.) Gee, I can't bear to look at 'em any more!
Jack (joins him down stage). When did you eat last?
Bill. I had sinkers and coffee this mornin'. What did youse have?
Jack. I had a glass of water in the public library.
Bill. Hully gee! And when did youse eat last?
Jack. Yesterday morning I had a slice of bread.
Bill (startled). Gawd a'mighty! That all?
Jack. True as gospel.
Bill (warming to him). Why say! Youse are up agin it!
Jack. I am, for fair.
Bill. What's the matter?
Jack. Can't find any work.
Bill. Work? T'hell with work! Why don't yous slam the gates?
Jack. Why don't I what?
Bill. I mean, why don't youse panhandle it?
Jack. I don't understand.
Bill. Gee! Where was youse raised—in the hayfields? I mean, why don't youse git up a hard luck story?
Jack. Beg?
Bill. Sure!
Jack. I tried it some, but nobody'll listen to me.
Bill. Why, youse poor helpless orphan! Somebody ought to take youse in hand and show youse.
Jack (eagerly). Do you suppose you could do it?
Bill. Sure I could—teach youse in an hour or two!
Jack (hesitatingly). But you don't make so very much yourself, do you!
Bill. Sure I do—I got lots o' the stuff. Only I got a step-father I have to keep full of booze. He'll be out lookin' for me now, I reckon. (Looks about sharply). Say, youse come back here after a bit. I'll go an' get him spotted, an' then we'll frame up a good hard-luck story, an' we'll get the price of that there hay-stack. You get me, old pal?
Jack. Yes, I get you—only I'll freeze in the meantime.
Bill. Youse keep movin'. Hustle along now!
Jack. All right. (Goes off Left stamping his feet, blowing his fingers.)
Bill. Youse come back now! Don't fergit! (Stands looking after Jack.) Gee! I like that guy!
Peggy. Will! (Faint light on the Real-play.)
Will. (Off.) What is it?
Peggy. You're sending him off! But where's the heart interest?
Will. It's coming right now!
Peggy. What's it to be?
Will (appears Left with dishes in arms). Why, dearest, there's only one thing it could be!
Peggy. What is that?
Will. You know I have only one heart-interest!
Peggy (looks at him, then rises and steps to him, with Mss. in her hand). You dear, sweet boy?
Will (steps back out of sight). Look out for my dishes! (as Peggy follows off, sounds of kisses heard) My heart-interest! My dear, blessed heart-interest! My only heart-interest in the world! (Full light rises slowly on the Play-play. The door of restaurant opens, and Peggy appears in the entrance, as Belle, with a waitress's costume. She stands gazing out, as if getting breath of fresh air, being ill. Then she draws back and closes the door.)
Jack (enters Left). Gee, I never thought it would be as bad as this! (goes to window of restaurant) I've got to get something to eat—there's no use talking about it! I don't believe that kid is coming back! I don't believe he could help me, anyway! (wanders back and forth again, goes to door, hesitates) I want something to eat! I don't care what happens, I can't stand it! (enters door of restaurant).
Bill (pokes head in from fire-escape). Say, Peggy! (Play-play fades.)
Peggy (appears in doorway, Left, having Mss. in her hand). Oh, Bill! You startled me so!
Bill. What's the matter?
Peggy. I thought you, were out in the snow!
Bill. In the SNOW.
Peggy. Why, you see—
Bill. Snow in the middle of July?
Peggy. Why, you see, dear, Will is writing a play, and the play is supposed to be in winter, and he's got you in the snow.
Bill (in excitement). Me? Me in Will's play!
Peggy. Yes.
Bill. Oh, say! What's he doin' to me?
Peggy. I'll tell you all about it when he's finished.
Bill. Say! I got to see that play!
Peggy. Oh, surely!
Bill (seriously). Suppose I don't like what he's done to me!
Peggy (to Will, who appears Left, wiping a dish). Another critic, Will! (to Bill) Now you must let us alone. Climb out, dear, and don't disturb us again until we're done.
Bill. All right. I'll hold my breath (climbs out).
Will. Well, what do you think of it?
Peggy. Let's go on; I want to see more. (They sit at the desk.)
Will. The next is the interior of the restaurant. You know just how it looks—the one down our street. I've got to use two more characters from real life. First, that big Irish policeman on our beat. I must talk to him some more and make sure I've got his dialect right.
Peggy. You never would have talked to him at all, if I hadn't put you up to it!
Will. Then, there's the restaurant keeper. For him I took Schmidt, our grocer.
Peggy. You have to talk to Schmidt—because we can't pay his bills!
Will. I see him sitting at the cashier's desk, reading a paper. (Interior of restaurant, with Schmidt.) It's nearly midnight, you see, and there's only one customer. (Full light on Play-play. Peggy and Will make quick secret exit.)
Schmidt. Vell, dis is vun bad night for business! (Customer grunts, having mouth full.) I tink ve have too much snow already dis vinter! (Customer grunts again.) You have some dessert, sir? Vere is dot vaitress hey? (Calls.) Hey, you! Belle!
Belle (off Left). Yes, sir!
Schmidt. Vy you don't stay in de room by de customers? Hey?
Belle (enters, evidently weak and ill, supports herself by the chair). I—I was busy, sir.
Schmidt. Vell, you stay busy by de customers!
Jack (enters from street, hesitating). I beg pardon—
Schmidt. Hey?
Jack. Can I get something to eat?
Schmidt. Vy not?
Jack. It's late.
Schmidt. Ve close by midnight.
Jack. (hesitates again, looks at clock, then goes to table. Belle brings napkin, etc., mechanically. He looks at card). I'll have a beef-stew. (Hesitates.) I think I'll have a double order.
Belle. Yes, sir.
Jack. And a cup of coffee.
Belle. Yes, sir. (Goes Left feebly. Customer rises, pays check and exit. Belle brings order, and Jack begins to eat voraciously. Suddenly Belle staggers and catches at a chair. He starts.)
Jack. Why, you're ill!
Belle (faintly). No, sir! No!
Jack. But you are!
Belle (gazing in terror at Schmidt, who is reading). Ssh! Mr. Schmidt will hear you.
Jack (hesitates, then begins to eat again, but keeping an eye on Belle, who makes desperate efforts to keep steady).
Schmidt (looks up from paper, gazes through window and rises). Vat for a night for business! (Goes Left, yawning; exit.)
Jack (still eating rapidly). You have to work?
Belle. Of course!
Jack. Have you no friends—no people?
Belle (hesitates). I'm not supposed to talk to customers.
Jack. But I'm asking you questions.
Belle (gazing nervously Left). Yes, but I mustn't talk. (She clutches chair.)
Jack (springs up). My God, you're done up. Sit down.
Belle (in terror). No, no, no! He'll hear you! He'd not keep me if he thought I was sick.
Jack. Damn his soul! Have you no one to take care of you?
Belle. I have a sister, sir. But she can't earn enough for two. Please let me be.
Jack. Poor little girl!
Belle. I'll be all right. It's near closing time. I'm tired—that's all.
Jack. What time do you come on?
Belle. At ten o'clock, sir.
Jack. What, in the morning?
Belle. Yes.
Jack. Fourteen hours! And you have to stand up?
Belle. Of course.
Jack. The whole time?
Belle. Oh, no! I have time for two meals.
Jack. And that's all?
Belle. It's the same everywhere, sir. They don't like you to sit down. It wouldn't look right. (Seeing Schmidt entering Left). Will you have some dessert, sir?
Jack. No, not yet. (He finishes food, then turns to Schmidt, hesitatingly.) See here, my friend.
Belle (in terror). No, no!
Jack (waving her aside). I'm sorry, my friend, but I'm afraid you'll have to have me arrested.
Schmidt. Hey? Vot?
Jack. You'll have to have me arrested.
Schmidt. Vot you mean?
Jack. I mean—I've eaten a meal and I haven't any money to pay for it.
Schmidt. No money!
Jack. Not a cent.
Schmidt. Aber—vy—how you dare?
Jack. I was starving. I have walked the streets for two days begging for work, and I can't find any. I am wet, chilled to the bone, exhausted. Look at me——
Schmidt (in excitement). Vot I got to do mit your looks?
Jack. I had to have something to eat.
Schmidt. But vy should I feed you? Vy you come by me?
Jack. I'll work for you, if I may.
Schmidt. Vork? I don't vant no vork! I got all the vork as I need. I vant customers!
Jack. You'll have to have me arrested, then.
Schmidt. Arrested? Vot good will it do me if I have you arrested? You tink I earn my living by having you arrested? Mein Gott in Himmel, vot——
Jack. There's no use in getting excited, my friend.
Schmidt. Excited? I get excited if I please to get excited! Vot you got for business to tell me if I get excited? I show you vot I get! (Rushes to door.) Police! Police! (Rushes back.) If I did not vant a police, he stand by my door and hold out his hand for sandwiches! If you have to steal food, why you don't go by Schnitzelman on der next block—he haf a big place, und I can yust mein expenses not make.
Jack. I'm sorry, truly. But what could I do?
Schmidt. I dunno vot you do, but you keep out from mein place. Dey comes me somebody every veek und plays me dot trick, und den tells me I get dem arrested! (Rushes to door.) Find me a police! I keep dis man here till I find a police! Help! Police! police! (Exit shouting).
Jack (to Belle). God knows I'm sorry. But I can't help you. You see, I can't even help myself.
Belle. Are you really as bad off as you said?
Jack. I am clean down and out.
Schmidt (rushes back). All right! Now I got a police! I show you! You come und rob a man! I show you!
Policeman (enters Center; a big red-faced Irishman). An' phat's this, now?
Schmidt. Policeman, you arrest him und you take him to jail. He comes by my place und he eats my food und den he tells me he don't pay me.
Policeman (to Jack). Phat's the matter wid yez?
Jack. Officer, I had to have something to eat—I was starving. I have walked the streets for two days, begging for a job, and I've not been able to earn a penny. I was desperate.
Policeman (grasping Jack). Where do yez live, young divvil?
Jack. I've come from—a long way off. And I've been unfortunate—lost my money. I've tried my best. I'm willing to work——
Policeman. Why didn't yez ask him for work?
Schmidt. I don't vant his vork. I vant his money, or you takes him to jail.
Policeman. An' phat might his bill be?
Jack. Thirty-five cents.
Policeman (to Schmidt). Do yez think I've no more to do than arrestin' people for thirty-five cents?
Schmidt (excitedly). Can I feed all the tramps on dis Avenue by my place? I say you arrest him!
Policeman. Well, all right—if that's it. Come along here.
Belle. Mr. Schmidt.
Schmidt. Hey?
Belle. Let me pay what he owes you.
Schmidt. Hey?
Jack. No!
Belle. Let me pay it. He's a friend of mine, and I don't want him arrested.
Jack. No, no—I won't have it.
Belle. You can pay me back. You'll get a job soon. Mr. Schmidt, will you take it out of my next wages?
Jack. I say no!
Belle. You can't help it. Just take it out of my wages, and let him alone—that'll settle it, won't it?
Schmidt. Ja, wohl, if you say it so. I haf no more to do mit it! (goes Left in anger).
Belle. That's all right, isn't it, officer?
Policeman. Yez kin call yourself lucky, young feller. Next time I'll not let yez off so aisy (exit Center).
Jack (stands gazing at Belle). Oh, say! That was awfully decent of you! I don't know how to thank you.
Belle. You needn't thank me.
Jack. But—why did you do it?
Belle. Because I didn't want you to go to jail. A fellow gets started at that, and he doesn't know where to stop.
Jack. You make me feel like a dog, because I can't help you. I had no business to come here!
Belle. Don't make so much out of it. We have to give each other a hand now and then—we'd none of us pull through if we didn't.
Jack. I've done nothing to deserve a hand!
Belle. You showed me a little kindness. Can't you understand how that might be worth something?
Jack (looking at her keenly). When you're sick and discouraged and lonely—yes. (with sudden intensity) By Jove, I do understand! I've wandered up and down these streets all day and all night, and I never dreamed of such loneliness! I could have gone and drowned myself in the river.
Belle. I've thought of that too—but did you ever go and look in? It's even more lonely in the river.
Jack (hesitates). I wish you'd let me be a friend of yours (laughs with a touch of embarrassment). It's a queer way to get an introduction.
Belle. I don't mind that. I can see when a man is straight—when I can trust him.
Jack (looks about). Well, I suppose I've got to go (hesitates). Gee! (looks outside). Brr-r! It's cold out there!
Belle. Have you no place to go?
Jack. I have not (starts, then hesitates). Gee! I wish I had a job here. Somehow it seems kind of homelike in this place! (pantomime showing Jack's reluctance). Well—I suppose I've got to go on. Say—do you suppose they need another waiter here.
Belle. I don't know. You might ask.
Jack (goes to Schimidt). I say, Mr. Schmidt, you couldn't use another waiter here, could you?
Schmidt. I could not. Move along now, or I call anodder police!
Jack (returns to Belle). Gee, it must be tough for a girl like you to be ordered about by a great hulking brute of a Dutchman who has no thought in the world but his cash-drawer! Well, I've got to go. May I come here to eat some time—if I can get the money?
Belle. Yes, surely.
Jack. Well, good-bye!
Belle. Good-bye (she staggers slightly and he looks at her sharply).
Jack. Why, what's the matter with you?
Belle. Nothing. I'm—I'm just a little weak (catches herself by the chair).
Jack (supporting her). Why—she's fainting! Here! (To Schmidt) Bring me some water. She is ill.
Belle (feebly). No! I'm all right!
Jack (to Schmidt). Hand me that water here. Quick, man! (Schmidt obeys, dazed by his vehemence.) There, that's better? (Settles Belle in chair.) Didn't you know the girl was ill?
Schmidt. She haf not told me!
Jack. One look would have told you. She ought to go home and stay in bed for a week.
She ought to be sent away somewhere—the city is no place for one in her condition. (Belle leans Her head against the table.) There! There! (Pats her on the arm.) Why, she's as thin as a rail! How could you work a girl so?
Schmidt. Who is to do her work?
Jack. I'll do it myself—
Schmidt. You?
Jack. Of course. Why can't I do it? Why can't I do it right along?
Schmidt. Vot? Take her place?
Jack. Certainly. Let her go home and stay.
Belle. No, no! I can't give up.
Jack. It won't be giving up. It'll be resting. I'll bring you the money—I can pay you back that way.
Belle. But how will you live?
Jack. I don't know. I'll make out. He'll feed me. (To Schmidt.) You give me a chance. I'll show you what I can do. Here (takes Belle's apron and puts it on). Now, then—bring on your customers! I've been a waiter all my life!
Belle. I can't let you.
Jack. You go and rest. I'll help you home when we close (starts leading her Left).
Belle. My sister comes for me.
Jack. All right. But you have a rest meantime (exit with Belle).
Schmidt. Humph! You don't vait to hear vot I say! (he paces up and down in anger). Vot you tink of dot for nerve, hey? He comes by mine place und he hires himself to vork for me, und he don't ask if I vant him! Vell, I feed him vot I feed a girl. I don't feed him no double orders! (shakes his fist at exit Left) No sir! I feed you on single orders, und if you vant double orders, you go by Schnitzelman on der next block! I make no money in der restaurant business, I got to pay more vages for my cook, und den she don't stay! Und I got to pay more for food, und it ain't so good as it vas, und mine customers find it out und dey don't come back to me! You get no double orders by me, you hear me, sir? (exit Left, storming) (suddenly the bell rings in the Real-play Left. Play-play vanishes.)
Will (starting). What's that?
Bill (leaping in at window). Somebody's at the door!
Peggy (starts to door Left). I'll see.
Bill (running past her). Let me see! (opens door) Oh, it's Mr. Schmidt!
Peggy. Mr. Schmidt?
Bill. Our grocer.
Schmidt (appears in doorway of Real-play, wearing same costume). Good afternoon, lady.
Peggy. Oh, Mr. Schmidt. Good afternoon, Mr. Schmidt.
Schmidt. I come to see ven you pay me dot bill, lady.
Peggy. I'm sorry, Mr. Schmidt, we haven't the money yet.
Schmidt. But you told me you haf dot money soon!
Peggy. I know—Mr. Schmidt—
Schmidt. I got to haf dot money, lady!
Will. Can't you see I'm working as hard as I can?
Schmidt. I dunno vot you do for vorking. I dunno vy if you vork you don't haf money to pay your grocer bills.
Will. Well, I know about my work better than you, I guess!—
Peggy. Now, Will—be quiet. Listen, Mr. Schmidt—we've had hard luck the last few days, but we're honest people, and we won't cheat you out of your money.
Schmidt. You don't come by my place for some days, now, hey?
Peggy. We haven't had money to buy anything, Mr. Schmidt.
Schmidt.—Vot you do for food den—hey?
Peggy. We had a little bread—and those beans you gave us—and the prunes. We've been living on them.
Schmidt. But dem beans und prunes—dey should be all gone now.
Peggy. We've been sparing. There's enough for to-morrow morning yet.
Schmidt. Hey? Mein Gott! Und vot you feed dot liddle boy, hey?
Peggy. We're hoping for a check to-day—or perhaps to-morrow. My husband wrote a poem, and a magazine has just published it—
Schmidt. Poem, hey? Vot dey pay for poems?
Peggy. I don't know. Maybe twenty or thirty dollars. And then we can pay your bill, and you'll let us have some more beans.
Schmidt. It is not right dot liddle boy should live on beans! (stands scratching his head) I dunno, lady, I dunno—it is not right your husband should vork and not get paid. I got mine own bills to pay—und I don't make no money by my store. But you can't feed dot liddle boy on beans und prunes. You come to my place now, und I give you some pickles und some sauerkraut.
Peggy. Oh, thank you, Mr. Schmidt!
Will (desperately). We'll truly pay you, Mr. Schmidt!
Peggy. If my husband can't sell his work, I'm going back on the stage. I was an actress before I married.
Schmidt. All right, lady, I trust you. Good-bye, liddle boy.
Bill, Will, and Peggy. Good-bye, Mr. Schmidt! (Schmidt exit.)
Peggy (turning to Will). There now—off in your local color!
Will. How?
Peggy. Have you forgotten what you made Jack say about Mr. Schmidt: a great hulking brute of a Dutchman, who has no thought of anything in the world but his cash-drawer!
Will. Well—I have to have a story!
Peggy. But you don't have to have such a melancholy story!
Will. Yes I do!
Peggy. But why?
Will. Because that's the sort of story I'm writing! Come along now. (turns to papers. Bell rings again.) Oh, Lord!
Peggy (opens door Left). What's this?
The Policeman. Good-day, mum.
Peggy and Will. Why—good-day.
Policeman. I come to see yez, mum. Yez have a mattress on yer fire-escape, mum.
Peggy. Why—yes.
Policeman. It's agin the law mum, and yez could be got into trooble. I got strict orders, mum—yez must have it in.
Peggy. Oh, very well. I didn't know.
Policeman Yez kin see how 'tis, mum. If there'd be a fire—
Peggy. Oh, certainly, certainly. But you see, it's the only place we have to put the little boy while we're writing.
Policeman. Oh, is that so? Well, now, that's too bad! Sure, mum——well, 'tis on the back fire-escape the mattress is, an' I'd no business to be seein' it, had I? I'll fergit that I seen it.
Peggy. Oh! Thank you.
Policeman. And how is the little b'y, mum?
Peggy. He's pretty well, thank you.
Policeman. He's a bit pale in the cheeks, I'm thinkin'. Yez should have him over to the park a bit more. Well, good-day to yez, mum.
Peggy, Bill and Will. Good-day.
Peggy. There, Will! Off in your local color again. I'll bet you the Policeman would have paid Jack's bill himself!
Will (irritably). Well, for God's sake, Peggy, what sort of a story would you leave me? Have I got to write cheap cheer-up stuff?
Peggy. Now don't be cross, dear.
Will. Well, I know—but——
Peggy (embraces him). Poor dear! He's working so hard and he does get cross with his critics. Hurry up, Bill, and get outside, or he'll snap your head off! Quick! Fly!
Bill (exit to fire-escape). Gee! I'm glad I ain't writing a play!
Peggy. Now, come on. I'm interested in this. Where were we?
Will. The scene is in the restaurant. Schmidt is on——
Peggy. I thought he went off!
Will. Well, there's no law to prevent his coming back, is there? (The Play-play begins to appear.) He's grumbling because he thinks Jack will eat too much. (Full light on Play-play. Peggy and Will make secret exit.)
Schmidt. I send him by Schnitzelman on der next block! I send him so soon as I find him eating double orders! He haf noddings to eat for two days und he comes by me to make it up! (Sits at desk, and takes newspaper.)
Bill (enters Center, hesitating). Say!
Schmidt. Vot?
Bill. Kin I git something to eat here?
Schmidt. You got any money?
Bill. Sure I got money.
Schmidt. Let me see it.
Bill. Hully gee! Before I eat?
Schmidt. You get noddings in my place till I see your money!
Bill. Gee! Since when is this? Here! (Shows money.)
Schmidt. A nickel? You don't get much fer a nickel! (Calls.) Hey, you! Vaiter! Vy, you don't come for my customers?
Jack (rushes in Left). Here! (Sees Bill.) Oh, hello! It's the kid!
Bill. Whatcher doin' here?
Jack (comes up to him, whispers). I got a job!
Bill. Hully gee!
Jack. A fine job! No wages—but I'll get my grub every day.
Bill. Well, I want grub too! I got the stuff!
Jack (excitedly). A customer! (Turns to Schmidt.) See, Mr. Schmidt, a customer already! (Rushes with alacrity to table.) Have a seat, sir. Your hat, sir. (Hangs it up.) There, sir. Here's the menu, sir.
Bill. Say, Cully, whatcher givin' us?
Jack. Ssh! (Aloud.) What will you have, sir? Sweet bread croquettes, sir? We have delicious sweet-bread croquettes today. Or perhaps you'd like—let me see, sir. (Snatches menu.) Corned beef hash, sir, or possibly a charlotte russe.
Bill. Say, what the blazes——
Jack. Your napkin, sir. Your knife and fork, sir. You'll have a glass of water, of course, sir! (Rushes for water.) There, sir, you'll have bread and butter, sir?
Bill. I'll have a ham sandwich.
Jack. Ah! Most wholesome food—ham sandwiches! As quickly as possible, sir.
Bill. Make it a big one.
Jack (aside). You bet I will. (Hurries Left, gets sandwich and returns.) There's your sandwich. Ain't that a lulu? (To Schmidt.) See, Mr. Schmidt! Trade's picking up already.
Schmidt. Yes, I see—I make my fortune by you.
(Belle enters Left, looks about.)
Belle. Has my sister come for me?
Jack. Not yet. (Goes over to Belle.) Feeling any better?
Belle. I'm pretty tired.
Jack (a pause). Tell me—how long have you been doing this? Waiting, I mean.
Belle. Four years.
Jack. And how long do you expect to do it?
Belle. How should I know. What other chance have I? I can make just enough to keep going from week to week, and Dolly the same. It's like being in a trap.
Jack. I never realized it before. (A pause.) Was it always like this?
Belle. No, we had a chance while father was alive. He was a railroad conductor. He was killed in an accident.
Jack. And didn't you get any damages?
Belle. They said it was his fault. He stepped in front of an express. They paid for his funeral.
Jack. And then you were stranded?
Belle. We had enough to come to New York. We heard that wages were higher here. But everything else is higher, and you can't save anything. You're really worse off in New York, because nobody cares whether you starve or not.
Jack. Nobody cares! (With sudden intensity.) Listen, Belle. I care! I honestly do. I want to help you to get out of this!
Belle. But how can you help me?
Jack. I don't know, but I'll find a way. There must be a way! It's too cruel—it can't be true that people starve to death in the midst of so much wealth.
Belle. You don't know much about being poor, I see.
Bill (Has finished sandwich, rises and comes over, pats himself). Gee!
Jack. Good stuff, hey?
Bill. Betcher.
Jack. You'll come again then?
Bill. Sure thing.
Jack (to Schmidt, who rises and crosses Left). You see, Mr. Schmidt! He'll come again!
Schmidt. Yes, I make my fortune by you (exit Left).
Bill. Gee, I allus wisht I had a job in a restaurant! Or in a candy store! Well, so long, old pal.
Jack. So long.
Bill (starts Right, then stops). Say!
Jack. Well?
Bill (coming to him). Here's your nickel.
Jack. Good Lord, I forgot it!
Bill. Youse'll be a great help to this joint!
Jack (takes it). I suppose I must take it. (Puts it in his pocket.)
Bill (staring at him). Gee, is it a tip?
Jack. What do you mean?
Bill (grins). Huh.
Belle. You've got to ring it up on the cash register.
Jack. Oh! (Laughs and goes to cash desk.) How do you work the infernal thing?
Bill. Press the five——
Jack. There! (Rings.)
Bill. Gawd-a'mighty, that's five dollars!
Jack. Five DOLLARS?
Bill. Sure!
Jack. But—what shall I do now?
Bill. Give me four ninety-five change and then we'll be square.
Jack (making a stab at him). Get out, you rascal!
Bill (flees, laughing). Gee, I'll come back to this joint! (Exit.)
Belle. It's most time we were closing. My sister's late.
Jack. What does your sister do?
Belle. She does sewing.
Jack. Does she earn much?
Belle. Just enough to keep us alive.
Dolly (enters from street. She is older than Belle, attractive looking, but sharp and aggressive in manner, thin and careworn, poorly dressed, and with snow on her clothing.) Why, what's this?
Jack. Belle's sick.
Dolly (springs to her). Belle! What's the matter?
Belle (looks up feebly). Just tired, Dolly.
Dolly. But him? In your apron.
Jack. I told her I'd do the work and give her the money. She needs a rest.
Dolly. But what's that for?
Jack. Well, I came in here and ate a meal, and she stood for the bill. Now I want to help her.
Dolly (vehemently). You're trying to steal her job!
Belle. Oh, Dolly!
Jack. I want to give her the money!
Dolly. Who's to make you?
Jack. Fix it up with the old man. If he'll feed me, that's all I'll ask. He can pay the money to you.
Dolly. What do you take my sister for?
Jack. Why——
Dolly. You've struck the wrong girls. We're not that kind.
Jack. What kind?
Dolly. Let me tell you, young fellow, you can't work your games on me. You let my sister alone.
Jack. Good Lord! What do you take me for?
Dolly. I take you for a man. And you don't get any hold on my sister!
Belle. Dolly! You——
Dolly. You keep out of this, I'll talk to him.
Jack (impetuously). Look here! I want to help your sister. I won't stand by and see her die.
Dolly. What's it to you if she does?
Jack. Didn't she save me from jail?
Dolly. That wasn't much.
Jack. It was her best. Now I want to do mine. Listen to me! Let Belle have a chance. It's been a long time since she's had one, I fancy.
Dolly. That's true enough. But she'll be on her job tomorrow.
Jack. She's ill.
Dolly. She's been ill a long time.
Jack. She can't go on forever! And what then? Can you take her job?
Dolly. See here, young fellow—you might just as well save your breath. You're not going to come any game over me. We're not making any show, but we've kept decent, and we'll go on trying.
Jack. Where did you learn such ideas? What sort of men have you met?
Dolly. That's not the question—it's what sort of men my sister's going to meet!
Belle. Dolly, I'm sure you're mistaken about Jack——
Dolly (to Schmidt, who enters Left). Mr. Schmidt, my sister will be here to work to-morrow morning.
Schmidt. Vot?
Belle. But, Dolly——
Dolly (stamping her foot). Tell him!
Belle (feebly). All right, I'll come.
Dolly. Now then—come home. (Lifts her by the arm and starts to street.)
Belle. Good-bye, Jack.
Jack. You're going off like that? You won't even let me help you home?
Belle. Thank you, Jack. I'll get along. (Jack starts towards her, but she continues to the door. When almost there she staggers.)
Dolly (trying to hold her). Belle! What's the matter?
Jack (leaps to help her). There! You see! You'll have to let me help her! She can't walk, I tell you! See now, I'm strong, I can almost carry her. This way, Belle—now we'll go all right. And you'll have a good rest and get well and then come back——(Exit with Belle and Dolly.)
Schmidt. Und they go out und don't tell me who is coming back in der morning! Und dey leave me to shut up mine restaurant by mineself! (Shakes fist.) All right! Ven you come back to-morrow I send you up to Schnitzelman on der next block! I don't have you come by my restaurant und eat double orders of beef stew und coffee! No, sir! I run mine little restaurant for mineself a while! I got so many debts, und I don't get no customers, I don't make no money by mine liddle place! When you come back here you don't find no job—you go up to Schnitzelman for your double orders! (Loud fire alarm heard. Play-play fades.)
Will. What's that?
Bill (at window Right). It's a fire!
Will. What?
Bill. Look! It's right down the street! (Sounds of fire-bells and shouts heard in Real-play.) Fire! Fire!
Peggy (sharply). Don't lean out! (Runs to him.)
Bill (beside himself with excitement). Oh! It's right down the street! It's the restaurant! That little restaurant down the street! Fire! Fire! (Turns to Peggy and Will.) Come, quick! Where's my cap? (Rushes and gets cap, starts to door.) The restaurant's on fire!
Peggy. Wait, Bill!
Bill. But I want to see it!
Peggy. You can't go alone.
Bill. Then come with me! Come with me! I've got to see it! (Dancing with excitement.) Come on! Come on! Perhaps we can get some of those charlotte russes in the window!
Will (rising resignedly). We'll have to stop work.
Bill. Oh, I hear the engine coming! Hurry! Hurry! They'll have it all out! (Rushes to window.) Oh, look! Look! There's the engine! (Peggy holding him.) Look, Peggy! See the firemen! The engine's stopping! See all the smoke! There's flames—don't you see? Out of the window of the little restaurant! Oh, gee! Look how the firemen run! They've got axes! Oh! Oh! Oh! They're smashing in the windows! Look, they're running out the hose! See them—they're going into the restaurant! One after another—into the smoke! Look at that, Peggy! Hurrah! Hurrah! Charlotte russes to burn!
CURTAIN.
All books are sourced from Project Gutenberg