Will (In agitation). Don’t let’s get to thinking about that now!

Peggy. All right, dear.

Will. We’re coming to the big scenes.  I want to show the tenement where Belle and Dolly live. (The Play-play begins to appear.) There’s a room adjoining, where Jack stays.  It’s a few days after the fire.  Belle has gone out to get something for supper.  Meantime the land-lady comes.  I used our landlady.

Peggy. That ought to make a lively scene!

Will. We’re entitled to a little vengeance, I think imagine her—­with her ostrich feathers and her greasy old blue dress, her sharp red nose and her fighting voice.  I’ve got our landlady, you bet!

Peggy. Give it here. (Full light on the Play-play.  Peggy makes secret exit.  Repeated knocks at the door of Play-play Left.)

Landlady (opens door). Now, where’s them people? (Looks about suspiciously.) Haven’t skipped, I hope! (Goes to room Right.) Anybody in here?  Humph!  Looks like they’re hard up!  A bum lot! (Belle appears Left with shawl over shoulders and a loaf of bread in her hand.) Oh!  Here you are!  I want that rent.

Belle. Why do you come for it to-night? (She stands in doorway, as if afraid of the woman.)

Landlady. Ain’ it been due two weeks?

Belle. But I told you we’d have it to-morrow.

Landlady. Well, it’s nearly to-morrow.  I want to get it before it’s gone.

Belle. But Dolly doesn’t get home until very late.

Landlady. You keep telling me about Dolly——­

Belle. She said she’d have some money.  I’ll bring it to your room as soon as she gets home.

Landlady. All right.  I’ve got sick of waitin’ for that money!  If you haven’t got it you can just move on, that’s all!  You might as well understand——­

Belle (with gesture of distraction). Oh, all right!  All right!  I’ve told you we’re doing our best! (Turns and rushes off Left.)

Landlady. Well, now.  Will you look at that! (Paces up and down.) They come and use your rooms and if you ask what’s due you, they turn and run!  That’s what it is to be a landlady!  That’s the way they treat you! (Calls.) Here!  You don’t need to move to-night! (Follows off Left; calling.) What are you running for?  I’m not going to eat you!  But I want you to know I got to have that money—­I got my own bills to pay. (A bell sounds in the Real-play and the Play-play fades instantly.)

Will. God!  It seems to me that bell rings all day and all night!

Peggy (rising). Wait, dear.  I’ll answer it.

(Rises and goes to door.  Will continues absorbed in manuscript.)

Landlady (at door of Real-play). Good-evening.  I’ve come for the rent.