Will. I don’t want to see it!  I won’t read such things!

Peggy. But if I’m to have Gladys at all—­

Will. You can’t have her!  She’s got no business in my play! (He leaps up in fury.) To hell with her, I say—­to hell with her! (Gladys turns and flees off with a scream; the Play-play fades.)

Peggy. Will, dear, why must you be so unreasonable?

Will. Now see, do you want to read what I’ve written, or don’t you?

Peggy. Yes, dear, of course.

Will. Well then, drop this tomfoolery and go on!

Peggy (resignedly). All right, I’ll do it.

Will. We’ve got that scene to finish.  I’ve got a climax that isn’t bad, I think.  Jessie and Bob have just had the telephone-message. (Light begins to rise on the Play-play.) Jessie’s dancing with happiness, but suddenly the thought comes to her, What will Dad say? (Full light on Play-play; Peggy and Will make secret exit.)

Jessie (in distress). Bob, do you suppose Dad will take Jack’s money from him?

Bob. I don’t know.  It’ll all depend.

Jessie. Oh, we mustn’t allow it!  It would be wicked!  You go upstairs, Bob, and stay with Dad until I can find out what’s happened.

Bob (rises). A good idea!

Jessie. Maybe I’ll have to hide Jack until we can break the news. (As she speaks Dad appears in the doorway behind her.) You see, Bob, we must handle him carefully—­he’s an old man and he’s liable to fly off, and we can’t tell what he might do in a sudden rage.  He’s not really responsible, you know.

Dad (stepping forward). What’s this?

Jessie (starting). Oh, Dad!

Dad. What’s this you’re trying to keep from me?

Jessie. Why—­it wasn’t from you, Dad.

Dad. Who was it from, hey?  Answer me!

Jessie. Why—­Dad—­

Dad (raging). So I’m not really responsible!  You have to handle me carefully, do you?  What is it?  Out with it.

Jessie. Why Dad—­it’s nothing—­

Dad. I know better.  Out with it!

Bob. Really, Dad—­

Dad. Answer me!

Jessie. Why Dad—­it’s only that I’ve spent some money.

Dad. Spent some money!

Jessie. I’ve been buying clothes, and I was afraid when you saw the bills—­

Dad. Where are the bills?

Jessie. I’ll show them to you.

Dad. Where are they?

Jessie. Upstairs.  Please don’t scold me too much, Dad. (Starts to lead him off.) You see, I didn’t realize at the time—­

Dad. I know.  That’s always the way with my children.  They never realize anything!

Jessie. It isn’t so bad—­(The front door bell rings, she starts.) Oh!