The Pot Boiler: A Comedy in Four Acts Part 23

_Jack._ When was it? To-night?

_Dolly._ This wasn't the first time. But it was always for Belle.

_Jack (in a whisper)._ For Belle!

_Dolly._ I've worked till I was ready to drop. I've slaved day and night--but I couldn't make enough. And so, every now and then, I'd go to a house.

_Jack._ When did it begin!

_Dolly._ Nearly a year ago.

_Jack._ Belle has never guessed it?

_Dolly._ Good G.o.d! She would kill herself! Listen--I'll tell you the story. What does it matter now--you'll never see me again. It began in a department store--twelve dollars a week. Fine wages, with two to care for! It was slave--slave all day. Never a holiday, never a joy; nothing beautiful, nothing new! No hope, no future; just slave--slave! And there was a young man--what they call a gentleman.

He took me to dinners, and I went, because I was near starving. In the end he got me, of course. And then he threw me over, and I went to work again. You see?

_Jack._ I see.

_Dolly._ After that it was worse. I was spoiled. But I was afraid Belle might suspect, so I kept straight for a long time. But it was no go. She was working herself to death--and I'd see her ill, and I couldn't stand it. I'd tell her I had a job in a hotel uptown. I'd be gone all night--and I'd bring her money. That's my life!

_Jack (in a low voice)._ Are there many like that?

_Dolly._ The town is full of them. I know a girl who went to a church home. They said they couldn't help her--they were for 'fallen women.' She came back again and told them they could help her now--she was a fallen woman.

_Jack._ G.o.d!

_Dolly._ She was starving, that was what drove her. That's what drives thousands. And for that we're despised. The good women--they spit upon us! I sometimes wonder--do they think we like it? _(Laughs harshly.)_ That a woman should like to give herself to any brute that comes along! _(Seizing Jack by the arm.)_ Tell me! What does it mean? Whose sins do we pay for?

_Jack._ I don't know.

_Dolly._ If there's a G.o.d 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 bas.e.m.e.nt 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 G.o.d 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.)_

_Dolly (hurries about, gathering Belle's wraps and her own)._ Where's your coat, boy?

_Bill._ Ain't got none. Say! What's this about Florida?

_Dolly._ I don't know.

_Bill._ Youse tryin' to cheer up Belle?

_Dolly (gathering up her belongings in great haste)._ Maybe so.