JOHN. [With a light air.] Not worth it?  Why, you’re worth [Crossing behind table, stands behind LAURA.] that and a whole lot more.  And see how you’ve got on!  Brockton told me you never could get along in your profession, but I knew you could. [Crosses back of LAURA, takes her by the shoulders, shakes her playfully.] I knew what you had in you, and here you are.  You see, if my foot hadn’t slipped on the right ground and kicked up pay-dirt, you’d been all right.  You succeeded and I succeeded, but I’m going to take you away; and after a while, when things sort of smooth out, and it’s all clear where the money’s [Crosses to sofa and sits.] coming from, we’re going to move back here, and go to Europe, and just have a great time, like a couple of good pals.

LAURA. [Slowly crosses to JOHN.] But if I hadn’t succeeded and if things—­things weren’t just as they seem—­would it make any difference to you, John?

JOHN.  Not the least in the world. [He takes her in his arms and kisses her, drawing her on to sofa beside him.] Now don’t you get blue.  I should not have surprised you this way.  It’s taken you off your feet. [He looks at his watch, rises, crosses behind sofa, gets overcoat.] But we’ve not any time to lose.  How soon can you get ready?

LAURA. [Kneeling on sofa, leaning over back.] You mean to go?

JOHN.  Nothing else.

LAURA.  Take all my things?

JOHN.  All your duds.

LAURA.  Why, dear, I can get ready most any time.

JOHN. [Looking off into bedroom.] That your maid?

LAURA.  Yes,—­Annie.

JOHN.  Well, you and she can pack everything you want to take; the rest can follow later. [Puts coat on.] I planned it all out.  There’s a couple of the boys working down town,—­newspaper men on Park Row.  Telephoned them when I got in and they’re waiting for me.  I’ll just get down there as soon as I can.  I won’t be gone long.

LAURA.  How long?

JOHN.  I don’t know just how long, but we’ll make that train.  I’ll get the license.  We’ll be married and we’ll be off on our honeymoon this afternoon.  Can you do it?

LAURA goes up to him, puts her hands in his, and they confront each other.

LAURA.  Yes, dear, I could do anything for you.

He takes her in his arms and kisses her again.  Looks at her tenderly.

JOHN.  That’s good.  Hurry now.  I won’t be long.  Good-bye.

LAURA.  Hurry back, John.

JOHN.  Yes.  I won’t be long. [Exit.

LAURA. [Stands for a moment looking after him; then she suddenly recovers herself and walks rapidly over to the dresser, picks up large jewel-case, takes doll that is hanging on dresser, puts them on her left arm, takes black cat in her right hand and uses it in emphasizing her words in talking to ANNIE. Places them all on table.] Annie, Annie, come here!