The Pot Boiler: A Comedy in Four Acts Part 21

_Belle._ But it's night now, Jack.

_Jack._ I know--but we've already started.

_Belle (studying folder)._ This train leaves New York three times.

_Jack._ That's the different ferries. Let's see. At 10 p. m. we've just got to Richmond. We reach Palm Beach at eleven in the evening----

_Belle._ What? A whole day on the train?

_Jack._ A day and a half, altogether.

_Belle._ Oh, Jack! What did you have to pay for the tickets.

_Jack._ I tell you, Belle, you must never worry about expense when you're travelling. It spoils all the pleasure. Now, let's see. We go to the Royal Palm Hotel. Here's a picture of it.

_Belle._ Oh, Jack! What a heavenly place!

_Jack._ Of course, they color it up rather bright in these advertis.e.m.e.nts.

_Belle._ Won't they charge us frightfully?

_Jack._ No, no. You can stay there for ten dollars a day.

_Belle._ Ten dollars a day! Jack, you don't mean that?

_Jack._ We can't expect to keep our expenses under that.

_Belle._ But that'll be thirty dollars, Jack! You know we've got Dolly with us. We can't travel alone.

_Jack._ No, no--to be sure.

_Belle._ Do people really spend money like that, Jack?

_Jack._ You get a lot for it, Belle. It's the loveliest place in the world. There are palm trees and flowers all the year round. It never snows, and it's seldom cold. There's a broad, white beach, and you lie and watch the green ocean, and the long white breakers rolling in, and the lines of pelicans flying just above them. And, oh, the nights! You'd think you could stretch out your hands and gather in armfuls of the stars!

_Belle._ Jack! How perfectly lovely! _(Stares before her; a silence.

Suddenly she buries her face in her arms on the table.)_

_Jack._ Why Belle! What's the matter?

_Belle._ Oh, Jack! Jack!

_Jack (in distress)._ What is it?

_Belle._ I don't think I like playing this game. I can't stand it any more!

_Jack._ Why not?

_Belle._ It's better you don't ask me, Jack.

_Jack._ But I want to know!

_Belle._ You have so many worries of your own.

_Jack (gazes at her thoughtfully; then puts his hand upon hers)._ Belle, are you really as sick as all that?

_Belle._ I don't want to tell you, Jack.

_Jack._ Don't you think it's just that you're discouraged about your health?

_Belle._ I don't know. I try to persuade myself----

_Jack._ You must really not give up. You must believe me when I tell you that you are going to get well.

_Belle._ Jack, you're the best friend a girl ever had; but your saying so won't make me get well.

_Jack._ Listen. I have a sister. Once she got run down. She was more ill than you are, but now she's bright and happy.

_Belle._ Did she have to work all the time?

_Jack._ No, she went away to Florida. That's why I was telling you about it. I mean to send you--not just in play, but really.

_Belle._ How could I live in such an expensive place?

_Jack._ You don't have to stay in a hotel. You might live there for fifteen dollars a week.

_Belle._ But, Jack, I never earned fifteen dollars a week in my life.

_Jack._ You won't have to earn it. If you'll only wait a little while, I'll have it. If you'll only wait five months----

_Belle._ Jack, why do you always keep talking about the money you're going to have in five months?

_Jack._ I can't explain, Belle, but won't you believe me? I had a lot of money once, but I didn't appreciate it--I didn't realize what it meant. Now that I've got you, I can promise you I'll enjoy spending it. Believe me and be patient--only five months more.

_Belle (smiles wanly)._ I'm afraid, Jack, in five months I'll be dead.

_Jack (clutching her hand)._ No, no! Don't talk like that! You mustn't do it, Belle! We're going to save you--I tell you we are.

We're going to make the fight together--we're not going to say die!

It's too cruel--too wicked!

_Belle._ Jack, why do you take so much trouble with me?

_Jack._ I'm going to bring you through! I mean it! I'm going to get the money, and send you to Florida. Dolly shall go with you, and you shall live out on the beach--just as my sister did.

_Belle._ But, Jack--even if you had the money--how could I let you spend it on me?

_Jack._ You could--you couldn't help it, Belle. I would do it!

_Belle._ No, Jack, it wouldn't be decent.