Peggy. I’m sorry, but you know I told you it would be a few days yet.

Landlady. How many days do you call a few?

Peggy. Well, a day or two more.

Landlady. That rent’s overdue a month.  You’ll have to get it somehow or quit.

Will (looking up from manuscript). Didn’t I tell you you could have it when Dolly gets home?

Landlady. Dolly!  Who’s Dolly?

Will. Oh, I——­(Laughs.) I beg pardon!

Peggy (laughing with him). You see, my husband’s writing a play, and Dolly is one of the characters in it.  We’re putting you in, too.

Landlady. Me?

Peggy. Yes—­I hope you won’t mind.  You see, he wanted somebody that was interesting, that people would like to see on the stage——­

Will. And when it comes out you can go and see it.

Peggy. We’ll get you tickets, you know.

Will. We’ll be delighted to place a box at your disposal.

Landlady. Well, for the land’s sake! (Beaming.) What sort of a character am I?

Will. Why, you’re the landlady in the play; there’s a poor family in distress, and you take pity on them, and help them in their trouble.  It’s very touching—­everybody will be moved to tears by it.

Landlady (suspiciously). Well now, that’s all right, but I have to have my rent.  I have to pay the agent for this house.  If you can’t pay me, I have to ask you to move.

Peggy. Oh, surely you wouldn’t do that!

Landlady. Why wouldn’t I?

Peggy. Don’t you see how it would be in the play?  You’d be hard and unmerciful.

Will. Everybody would dislike you!

Peggy. Think how ashamed you’d feel—­before a whole theatre full of people every night!

Will. You see, you must live up to the character we’ve imagined.

Landlady. Well, for the land’s sake! (Overcome by curiosity.) When is this to be played?

Will. Just as soon as I can get it done.

Landlady. Well, don’t be too long.  I’d like to help you, but I need my money as much as anybody. (Grinning.) Well, now, ain’t that cute!  In a play!  Well, good luck to you!  I’m sorry I interrupted you, I hope it’ll be all right.  Good-evening.

Peggy and Will. Good-evening. (Landlady exit.)

Will. Did you ever hear the equal of that?

Peggy. Off in your local color again!

Will. We can jolly her along for a month yet!

Peggy. The landlady and the grocer—­we can work forever! (Child tosses restlessly in sleep and murmurs.)

Peggy (rises and goes to cot, and soothes child). There, there, Bill. (To Will, who rises.) Dear, he’s feverish.