Jack. Does she earn much?

Belle. Just enough to keep us alive.

Dolly (enters from street.  She is older than Belle, attractive looking, but sharp and aggressive in manner, thin and careworn, poorly dressed, and with snow on her clothing.) Why, what’s this?

Jack. Belle’s sick.

Dolly (springs to her). Belle!  What’s the matter?

Belle (looks up feebly). Just tired, Dolly.

Dolly. But him?  In your apron.

Jack. I told her I’d do the work and give her the money.  She needs a rest.

Dolly. But what’s that for?

Jack. Well, I came in here and ate a meal, and she stood for the bill.  Now I want to help her.

Dolly (vehemently). You’re trying to steal her job!

Belle. Oh, Dolly!

Jack. I want to give her the money!

Dolly. Who’s to make you?

Jack. Fix it up with the old man.  If he’ll feed me, that’s all I’ll ask.  He can pay the money to you.

Dolly. What do you take my sister for?

Jack. Why——­

Dolly. You’ve struck the wrong girls.  We’re not that kind.

Jack. What kind?

Dolly. Let me tell you, young fellow, you can’t work your games on me.  You let my sister alone.

Jack. Good Lord!  What do you take me for?

Dolly. I take you for a man.  And you don’t get any hold on my sister!

Belle. Dolly!  You——­

Dolly. You keep out of this, I’ll talk to him.

Jack (impetuously). Look here!  I want to help your sister.  I won’t stand by and see her die.

Dolly. What’s it to you if she does?

Jack. Didn’t she save me from jail?

Dolly. That wasn’t much.

Jack. It was her best.  Now I want to do mine.  Listen to me!  Let Belle have a chance.  It’s been a long time since she’s had one, I fancy.

Dolly. That’s true enough.  But she’ll be on her job tomorrow.

Jack. She’s ill.

Dolly. She’s been ill a long time.

Jack. She can’t go on forever!  And what then?  Can you take her job?

Dolly. See here, young fellow—­you might just as well save your breath.  You’re not going to come any game over me.  We’re not making any show, but we’ve kept decent, and we’ll go on trying.

Jack. Where did you learn such ideas?  What sort of men have you met?

Dolly. That’s not the question—­it’s what sort of men my sister’s going to meet!

Belle. Dolly, I’m sure you’re mistaken about Jack——­

Dolly (to Schmidt, who enters Left). Mr. Schmidt, my sister will be here to work to-morrow morning.

Schmidt. Vot?