Bill (enters Center, hesitating). Say!

Schmidt. Vot?

Bill. Kin I git something to eat here?

Schmidt. You got any money?

Bill. Sure I got money.

Schmidt. Let me see it.

Bill. Hully gee!  Before I eat?

Schmidt. You get noddings in my place till I see your money!

Bill. Gee!  Since when is this?  Here! (Shows money.)

Schmidt. A nickel?  You don’t get much fer a nickel! (Calls.) Hey, you!  Vaiter!  Vy, you don’t come for my customers?

Jack (rushes in Left). Here! (Sees Bill.) Oh, hello!  It’s the kid!

Bill. Whatcher doin’ here?

Jack (comes up to him, whispers). I got a job!

Bill. Hully gee!

Jack. A fine job!  No wages—­but I’ll get my grub every day.

Bill. Well, I want grub too!  I got the stuff!

Jack (excitedly). A customer! (Turns to Schmidt.) See, Mr. Schmidt, a customer already! (Rushes with alacrity to table.) Have a seat, sir.  Your hat, sir. (Hangs it up.) There, sir.  Here’s the menu, sir.

Bill. Say, Cully, whatcher givin’ us?

Jack. Ssh! (Aloud.) What will you have, sir?  Sweet bread croquettes, sir?  We have delicious sweet-bread croquettes today.  Or perhaps you’d like—­let me see, sir. (Snatches menu.) Corned beef hash, sir, or possibly a charlotte russe.

Bill. Say, what the blazes——­

Jack. Your napkin, sir.  Your knife and fork, sir.  You’ll have a glass of water, of course, sir! (Rushes for water.) There, sir, you’ll have bread and butter, sir?

Bill. I’ll have a ham sandwich.

Jack. Ah!  Most wholesome food—­ham sandwiches!  As quickly as possible, sir.

Bill. Make it a big one.

Jack (aside). You bet I will. (Hurries Left, gets sandwich and returns.) There’s your sandwich.  Ain’t that a lulu? (To Schmidt.) See, Mr. Schmidt!  Trade’s picking up already.

Schmidt. Yes, I see—­I make my fortune by you.

(Belle enters Left, looks about.)

Belle. Has my sister come for me?

Jack. Not yet. (Goes over to Belle.) Feeling any better?

Belle. I’m pretty tired.

Jack (a pause). Tell me—­how long have you been doing this?  Waiting, I mean.

Belle. Four years.

Jack. And how long do you expect to do it?

Belle. How should I know.  What other chance have I?  I can make just enough to keep going from week to week, and Dolly the same.  It’s like being in a trap.

Jack. I never realized it before. (A pause.) Was it always like this?