Belle. How did you get it?

Bill. Extry!  Extry!  Woil’n Join’l!  Sun’n Globe!  Mail’n Telygram! (Looks about.) Say, I don’t like the housekeepin’ in this here joint.

Belle. What’s the matter?

Bill. A woman ought t’unnerstan’—­when a man’s been out hustlin’ all day, he wants good, warm, nourishin’ food, an’ he wants it quick.

Belle. Well, sir, you see, sir, if I’d known exactly what hour you’d be in, sir!  How would a slice of bread strike you?

Bill. Hand it out!

Belle (gives him bread and he stuffs it.  She sits on table.) Come here, Bill.  You know, it looks nice, having you here.  I had a little brother once.

Bill. Youse did?

Belle. I used to take care of him.  If you’re going to be a member of this family, I’ll have to take care of you.

Bill. Watcher mean?

Belle. I used to wash the smut off his face before each meal.

Bill (disconcerted). Gee!  Three times a day?  Gawd a’mighty!

Belle. I’ll pay you for it, Bill.

Bill. What’ll youse pay?

Belle. Well, I wonder.  A kid that’s had a stepfather to beat him and no one to love him! (Puts her arm around him and kisses him gently on the cheek.)

Bill. Holy smoke! (Wonder and delight dawn on his face.) Say!  I like that!

Belle. Then it’s a bargain?

Bill. Sure!  Put it there! (They shake hands.) Does it begin to-night?

Belle. No, I’m too tired to-night.  We’ll start out fresh in the morning.  You must be tired too, Bill.  You’d better go in and sleep. (Leads him Right.)

Bill. Say, Belle!

Belle. Well?

Bill. I like them kisses.

Belle (clasps him in her arms.) Poor little fellow! (Kisses him again.)

Bill. Gee, but this is like heaven!

Belle. Good-night, Bill.

Bill. Good-night. (Exit, closes door.)

Belle (returns, sinks to table with a moan of exhaustion; then hearing Jack coming, sits up, listens, gets herself together and pretends to be busy.) Hello, Jack.

Jack (enters). Well, Belle?

Belle. Did you get any work to-day?

Jack. Fine luck to-day.  I made a quarter, helping to load a truck.

Belle. Is that all?

Jack. Better than nothing.  How goes it with you, Belle?

Belle. Pretty well.

Jack. Only pretty well?  Isn’t the rest doing you good?

Belle. Some good, I think, Jack.

Jack. Say, Belle!  Do you know, I think you were much better after that imaginary journey we took the other night.  Let’s take another.