Jack. Why, what’s the matter with you?

Belle. Nothing.  I’m—­I’m just a little weak (catches herself by the chair).

Jack (supporting her). Why—­she’s fainting!  Here! (To Schmidt) Bring me some water.  She is ill.

Belle (feebly). No!  I’m all right!

Jack (to Schmidt). Hand me that water here.  Quick, man! (Schmidt obeys, dazed by his vehemence.) There, that’s better? (Settles Belle in chair.) Didn’t you know the girl was ill?

Schmidt. She haf not told me!

Jack. One look would have told you.  She ought to go home and stay in bed for a week.

She ought to be sent away somewhere—­the city is no place for one in her condition. (Belle leans Her head against the table.) There!  There! (Pats her on the arm.) Why, she’s as thin as a rail!  How could you work a girl so?

Schmidt. Who is to do her work?

Jack. I’ll do it myself—­

Schmidt. You?

Jack. Of course.  Why can’t I do it?  Why can’t I do it right along?

Schmidt. Vot?  Take her place?

Jack. Certainly.  Let her go home and stay.

Belle. No, no!  I can’t give up.

Jack. It won’t be giving up.  It’ll be resting.  I’ll bring you the money—­I can pay you back that way.

Belle. But how will you live?

Jack. I don’t know.  I’ll make out.  He’ll feed me. (To Schmidt.) You give me a chance.  I’ll show you what I can do.  Here (takes Belle’s apron and puts it on). Now, then—­bring on your customers!  I’ve been a waiter all my life!

Belle. I can’t let you.

Jack. You go and rest.  I’ll help you home when we close (starts leading her Left).

Belle. My sister comes for me.

Jack. All right.  But you have a rest meantime (exit with Belle).

Schmidt. Humph!  You don’t vait to hear vot I say! (he paces up and down in anger). Vot you tink of dot for nerve, hey?  He comes by mine place und he hires himself to vork for me, und he don’t ask if I vant him!  Vell, I feed him vot I feed a girl.  I don’t feed him no double orders! (shakes his fist at exit Left) No sir!  I feed you on single orders, und if you vant double orders, you go by Schnitzelman on der next block!  I make no money in der restaurant business, I got to pay more vages for my cook, und den she don’t stay!  Und I got to pay more for food, und it ain’t so good as it vas, und mine customers find it out und dey don’t come back to me!  You get no double orders by me, you hear me, sir? (exit Left, storming) (suddenly the bell rings in the Real-play Left.  Play-play vanishes.)

Will (starting). What’s that?

Bill (leaping in at window). Somebody’s at the door!