[There is a knock, and Mrs. Seddon, the landlady, appears, an
     anxious, harassed, shabby woman in working clothes.]

Mrs. Seddon.  I thought I ’eard you come in, Mrs. Jones.  I ’ve spoke to my ’usband, but he says he really can’t afford to wait another day.

Jones. [With scowling jocularity.] Never you mind what your ’usband says, you go your own way like a proper independent woman.  Here, jenny, chuck her that.

     [Producing a sovereign from his trousers pocket, he throws it
     to his wife, who catches it in her apron with a gasp.  Jones
     resumes the lacing of his boots.]

Mrs. Jones. [Rubbing the sovereign stealthily.] I’m very sorry we’re so late with it, and of course it’s fourteen shillings, so if you’ve got six that will be right.

     [Mrs. Seddon takes the sovereign and fumbles for the change.]

Jones. [With his eyes fixed on his boots.] Bit of a surprise for yer, ain’t it?

Mrs. Seddon.  Thank you, and I’m sure I’m very much obliged. [She does indeed appear surprised.] I ’ll bring you the change.

Jones. [Mockingly.] Don’t mention it.

Mrs. Seddon.  Thank you, and I’m sure I’m very much obliged. [She slides away.]

     [Mrs. Jones gazes at Jones who is still lacing up his boots.]

Jones.  I ’ve had a bit of luck. [Pulling out the crimson purse and some loose coins.] Picked up a purse—­seven pound and more.

Mrs. Jones.  Oh, James!

Jones.  Oh, James!  What about Oh, James!  I picked it up I tell you.  This is lost property, this is!

Mrs. Jones.  But is n’t there a name in it, or something?

Jones.  Name?  No, there ain’t no name.  This don’t belong to such as ‘ave visitin’ cards.  This belongs to a perfec’ lidy.  Tike an’ smell it. [He pitches her the purse, which she puts gently to her nose.] Now, you tell me what I ought to have done.  You tell me that.  You can always tell me what I ought to ha’ done, can’t yer?

Mrs. Jones. [Laying down the purse.] I can’t say what you ought to have done, James.  Of course the money was n’t yours; you’ve taken somebody else’s money.

Jones.  Finding’s keeping.  I ’ll take it as wages for the time I ’ve gone about the streets asking for what’s my rights.  I’ll take it for what’s overdue, d’ ye hear? [With strange triumph.] I’ve got money in my pocket, my girl.

     [Mrs. Jones goes on again with the preparation of the meal,
     Jones looking at her furtively.]

Money in my pocket!  And I ‘m not goin’ to waste it.  With this ’ere money I’m goin’ to Canada.  I’ll let you have a pound.