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?