Part 28 (1/2)

_Dad._ What!

_Jessie._ Marry her!

_Dolly._ That's what he told her. Didn't you, Jack?

_Jack._ Why--I--

_Dolly._ It's all right, Jack--since's we've caught on in time.

_Jack._ No, no, don't misunderstand me. It was just that I didn't want to tell my family just yet.

_Dad (starting forward)._ Why, you infernal jacka.s.s!

_Jack._ Dad--

_Dad._ You have the impudence to come here and tell me that you promised to marry a waitress in a restaurant!

_Jack._ Yes, Dad---

_Dad (raging)._ Are you mad? When you've just proven that you can't earn enough to fill your own belly? You come here whining for forgiveness, and then tell me you'll marry a girl of the streets--

_Jessie._ Dad! Stop!

_Dolly._ Excuse me, Jack--we'll get out of this. _(Rises.)_

_Jessie._ No--wait! Please, Dad--

_Dad._ Let her go! There's no place for her here.

_Dolly._ Come, Belle, _(Lifts her.)_

_Jessie (Hysterically)._ Dad, how can you be so cruel?

_Dad._ Keep out of this, Jessie.

_Jack._ If they go, I go too, Dad.

_Dad._ Go, and good riddance to you.

_Jack._ If I go, I'll never return.

_Dad._ Has anybody asked you to?

_Bob._ Wait a minute, Dad.

_Dad._ Let me alone, Bob. I'll attend to this.

_Jessie (rus.h.i.+ng to Jack)._ Jack! Jack! Wait!

_Dolly._ Come on, Belle! This is no place for us!