Part 35

GINGER. (Her eyes sparkle. She takes the ring in her hand. Then problems come to her.) Why do yer want me, William?

JAWBONES. Because, in spite of all, I love yer.

GINGER. (She looks into the future.) What will I be? A general servant, without wages.

JAWBONES. The question, as it seems to me, is, which of us two is the biggest fool? Instead of thirty bob a week in my pocket to spend as I like—guess I’ll ’ave to be content with three ’alf-crowns.

GINGER. Seven an’ six! Rather a lot, Bill, out o’ thirty bob. Don’t leave much for me an’ the children.

JAWBONES. I shall ’ave to get my dinners.

GINGER. I could mike yer somethin’ tasty to tike with yer. Then with, say—three shillings—

JAWBONES. ’Ere—(He is on the point of snatching back the ring. He encounters her eyes. There is a moment’s battle. The Eternal Feminine conquers.) Will yer always look as sweet as yer do now?

GINGER. Always, Bill. So long as yer good to me!

(She slips the ring over her finger, still with her eyes drawing him. He catches her to him in fierce passion, kisses her.)

(A loud shrill female cheer comes from the crowd. The cheer is renewed and renewed.)

JAWBONES. (He breaks away and goes to the window.) ’Ullo! What are they shoutin’ about now? (He looks out.) It’s the Donah!

GINGER. Mrs. Chilvers?

JAWBONES. Yus. Better not get wearin’ it—may shock their feelings.

GINGER. (She gazes rapturously at the ring as she draws it off.) It is a beauty! I do love yer, Bill.

(There enter ANNYS and ELIZABETH. ANNYS is excited; she is laughing and talking.)

ANNYS. (Laughing while she rearranges her hat and hair.) A little embarrassing. That red-haired girl—she carried me right up the steps. I was afraid she would—

(JAWBONES has been quick enough to swing a chair into place just in time to receive her.)

(She recovers herself.) Thank you.

ELIZABETH. (She hands ANNYS a smelling-bottle. To JAWBONES.) Open the window a few inches.

(He does so. Some woman, much interrupted, is making a speech.)

(JANET opens the door a little way and looks in.)

JANET. Oh, it is you! I am glad!

(She goes out again.)

ELIZABETH. Are the others all here?

GINGER. ’Er ladyship is watching the counting. Miss Phoebe ’as just gone out—

(PHOEBE enters.)

Oh, ’ere she is.