Jack (aside to Jessie). Listen, Jessie.  There’s another reason.  I’ve got to go.  I’ve got into another row at college.

Jessie. Jack!  What have you done?

Jack. Oh, it’s a long story—­the point is, Dad has heard of it to-day, and he’ll be wild.  He said the last time that if I got into any more trouble, he’d turn me out.

Jessie. But, Jack!  He won’t really do it!

Jack. Yes, he meant it!  And I don’t want to give him a chance to order me out—­I want to go before he gets here——­(He starts off Left.) I’ll go and put on those hobo clothes.

Jessie. Jack!  I beg you——­(Jack exit.)

Jessie (turns upon Bob). Bob, I think it’s wicked of you!

Bob. Why, Jessie?

Jessie. To nag at Jack all the time!  You’ve driven him crazy!

Bob. Never mind—­he’ll soon get sane.  You never knew him to stick at anything very long.

Jessie. Oh!  Oh!  I think you’re horrid!  And right before our party—­what will we tell the guests?

Bob. Tell them the truth; they’ll think it’s romantic—­like a story in a play.  Why, Jessie——­

(During this dialogue Jack has slipped back into the coat of Will and sits at the desk, Left 1. The sound of a sharp whistle heard in the Real-play, Left 1.  Instantly the Play-play vanishes.  Full light on the Real-play.)_

Will (looking up in bewilderment and disgust). My God!  What’s that?

Peggy. Something at the dumb-waiter, dear.

Will. Oh, Lord!

Peggy (rises). Wait, dear. (Hurries out of door Left, calls at shaft.) Well?

Voice below. Garbage!

Will (tears hair). Garbage.

Peggy (cheerfully). All right! (Returns and gets can, exit Left.)

Will. Garbage!  Garbage!  Garbage!

Peggy. A little higher, please—­there, that’ll do!  All right! (Enters.)

Will. Can you explain to me one mystery of this universe?

Peggy. What, dear?

Will. Why does the garbage-man always call when I’m inspired?

Peggy. Dear Will—­probably the garbage-man is wondering why you are always inspired when he calls.

Will (moans). Well, shall I go on?

Peggy. You must wait, dear.  He’ll be returning the can in a few minutes.

Will. A few minutes!  Oh, the agonies of being an author! (Eagerly.) Well, what do you think of my play?

Peggy. Why, Will, I’m sorry to disappoint you.  It’s very interesting—­but it isn’t a practical play.  It would never go on Broadway.

Will (in dismay). Not go on Broadway!

Peggy. No, dear.  It’s too talky—­too much sociology.  You can’t get a Broadway audience to listen to long arguments.