Jack. I don’t know.

Dolly. If there’s a God in heaven, how can he allow it?  How can he allow some to be idle and rich, and to despise us who have nothing?

Jack. Tell me about to-night.

Dolly. I went to the old place.  And there was a man—­he was drunk, and he’d lost his money, and he said I’d robbed him.  A servant gave me the tip—­the madam had sent for the police.  I dodged out by the basement way.

Jack. And they’re after you?

Dolly. The man’s a politician—­some big man—­and so they’ll hunt me out.  I’m a stranger, I’ve no friends, and they’ll send me up for a year or two.  I wouldn’t care; I’m rotten—­fit for nothing but the dump-heap.  But there’s Belle.  She’s straight, and I must keep her straight.

Jack. Yes, Dolly, we’ll keep her straight.

Dolly. I never thought I’d trust another man, Jack.  But I think you’re decent.  Mark this though! (Fiercely.) By the God above, if you ever do Belle any harm, Jack, I’ll shoot you dead!

Jack. Dolly!  Why talk to me that way?  I love her.  I’ve told her that I love her.

Dolly. You mean to marry her?

Jack. Of course.

Dolly (seizes his hand). Jack!  And you’ll be good to her? (Turns quickly, without waiting for answer.) We must get away from here!

Jack. Wait!  Let me think.  I know a place where they’ll never find us.

Dolly. Where is it?

Jack. I’ll take you to it.  Get Belle ready.

Dolly. You’re sure it’s safe?

Jack. Absolutely.  It might as well be in another world. (Dolly runs off Right to Belle.  He paces the room, talking to himself.) I’ve got to give it up.  I can’t play with things like this.  I’ve lost, I’ll take my medicine.  Only a month!  Gee whiz! (With sudden realization.) Good-bye to my quarter of a million!

Bill (appears in doorway, yawning). Holy smoke!  What’s up?

Jack. We’re going away.

Bill. Where to?

Jack. I can’t tell you now.

Dolly (enters Right, supporting Belle). Come on, dear.  Jack is going to take us with him.

Belle. But I’m too sick to go out.

Dolly. You must, dear.

Belle. I’m not dressed.

Jack. Get her hat and coat.  Don’t stop for anything else.  Come on, Belle, I’ll help you.  We’ve no time to lose. (Puts arm about her and half carries her Left.)

Belle. Won’t you tell me what’s the matter?

Jack. I’m going to take you to some friends. (To Dolly.) We’ll find a cab.

Dolly. No, they’d trace us!

Jack. Well, we can get to the subway, I suppose. (To Belle.) Dearest Belle—­listen to me.  I love you.  And I’m going to make you well.  I’ve been able to get money—­all we need, heaps and heaps of it.  And you’re going to Florida.  You’ll be there in a few days—­the very place my sister went to.  Perhaps she’ll go with you.  So come!  Come! (Exit, leading Belle.)