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).