JACK. [Blankly.] I'm awfully sorry; I really have n't a penny in
my pocket.
[He glances stealthily at BARTHWICK.]
UNKNOWN. [Excitedly.] Come I say you must--it's my money, and you
took it. I 'm not going away without it. They 'll turn me out of
my place.
JACK. [Clasping his head.] But I can't give you what I have n't
got. Don't I tell you I have n't a beastly cent.
UNKNOWN. [Tearing at her handkerchief.] Oh! do give it me! [She
puts her hands together in appeal; then, with sudden fierceness.]
If you don't I'll summons you. It's stealing, that's what it is!
BARTHWICK. [Uneasily.] One moment, please. As a matter of---er
--principle, I shall settle this claim. [He produces money.] Here is
eight pounds; the extra will cover the value of the purse and your
cab fares. I need make no comment--no thanks are necessary.
[Touching the bell, he holds the door ajar in silence. The
unknown lady stores the money in her reticule, she looks from
JACK to BARTHWICK, and her face is quivering faintly with a
smile. She hides it with her hand, and steals away. Behind
her BARTHWICK shuts the door.]
BARTHWICK.
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