That’s what I used to get.  When I wanted to buy a new pair of shoes or a silk petticoat, he told me how much he loved me; so I had the other ones re-soled and turned the old petticoat.  And look at you, you’re beginning to show it. [She surveys her carefully.] I do believe there are lines coming in your face [LAURA crosses to dresser quickly, picks up hand mirror, and looks at herself.], and you hide in the house because you’ve nothing new to wear.

LAURA. [Puts down mirror, crossing down to back of bed.] But I’ve got what you haven’t got.  I may have to hide my clothes, but I don’t have to hide my face.  And you with that man—­he’s old enough to be your father—­a toddling dote hanging on your apron-strings.  I don’t see how you dare show your face to a decent woman.

ELFIE. [Rises.] You don’t!—­but you did once and I never caught you hanging your head.  You say he’s old.  I know he’s old, but he’s good to me.  He’s making what’s left of my life pleasant.  You think I like him.  I don’t,—­sometimes I hate him,—­but he understands; and you can bet your life his check is in my mail every Saturday night or there’s a new lock on the door Sunday morning. [Crossing to fireplace.

LAURA.  How can you say such things to me?

ELFIE. [Crosses to left end of table.] Because I want you to be square with yourself.  You’ve lost all that precious virtue women gab about.  When you’ve got the name, I say get the game.

LAURA.  You can go now, Elfie, and don’t come back.

ELFIE. [Gathering up muff, &c.] All right, if that’s the way you want it to be, I’m sorry. [A knock on the door.

LAURA. [Controlling herself after a moment’s hesitation.] Come in.

ANNIE enters with a note, crosses, and hands it to LAURA.

ANNIE.  Mis’ Farley sent dis, Miss Laura.

[LAURA takes the note and reads it.  She is palpably annoyed.

LAURA.  There’s no answer.

ANNIE.  She tol’ me not to leave until Ah got an answah.

LAURA.  You must ask her to wait.

ANNIE.  She wants an answah.

LAURA.  Tell her I’ll be right down—­that it will be all right.

ANNIE.  But, Miss Laura, she tol’ me to get an answah.

[Exit reluctantly.

LAURA. [Half to herself and half to ELFIE.] She’s taking advantage of your being here. [Standing near door.

ELFIE.  How?

LAURA.  She wants money—­three weeks’ room-rent.  I presume she thought you’d give it to me.

ELFIE.  Huh! [Moves to left.

LAURA. [Crossing to table.] Elfie, I’ve been a little cross; I didn’t mean it.

ELFIE.  Well?

LAURA.  Could—­could you lend me thirty-five dollars until I get to work?

ELFIE.  Me?

LAURA.  Yes.

ELFIE.  Lend you thirty-five dollars?