Part 18 (2/2)

_Belle._ But I told you we'd have it to-morrow.

_Landlady._ Well, it's nearly to-morrow. I want to get it before it's gone.

_Belle._ But Dolly doesn't get home until very late.

_Landlady._ You keep telling me about Dolly----

_Belle._ She said she'd have some money. I'll bring it to your room as soon as she gets home.

_Landlady._ All right. I've got sick of waitin' for that money! If you haven't got it you can just move on, that's all! You might as well understand----

_Belle (with gesture of distraction)._ Oh, all right! All right!

I've told you we're doing our best! _(Turns and rushes off Left.)_

_Landlady._ Well, now. Will you look at that! _(Paces up and down.)_ They come and use your rooms and if you ask what's due you, they turn and run! That's what it is to be a landlady! That's the way they treat you! _(Calls.)_ Here! You don't need to move to-night!

_(Follows off Left; calling.)_ What are you running for? I'm not going to eat you! But I want you to know I got to have that money--I got my own bills to pay. _(A bell sounds in the Real-play and the Play-play fades instantly.)_

_Will._ G.o.d! It seems to me that bell rings all day and all night!

_Peggy (rising)._ Wait, dear. I'll answer it.

_(Rises and goes to door. Will continues absorbed in ma.n.u.script.)_

_Landlady (at door of Real-play)._ Good-evening. I've come for the rent.

_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 ma.n.u.script)._ 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.

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