THE BILLPOSTER. She was number one—but when he went, it was as if her dancing had gone with him—and so she didn't get any more parts.
THE DAUGHTER. Everybody complains—with their eyes, at least, and often with words also——
THE BILLPOSTER. I don't complain very much—not now, since I have a dipnet and a green cauf[2]——
THE DAUGHTER. And that can make you happy?
THE BILLPOSTER. Oh, I'm so happy, so—It was the dream of my youth, and now it has come true. Of course, I have grown to be fifty years——
THE DAUGHTER. Fifty years for a dipnet and a cauf——
THE BILLPOSTER. A green cauf—mind you, green——
THE DAUGHTER. [To THE PORTRESS] Let me have the shawl now, and I shall sit here and watch the human children. But you must stand behind me and tell me about everything.
[She takes the shawl and sits down at the gate.
THE PORTRESS. This is the last day, and the house will be closed up for the season. This is the day when they learn whether their contracts are to be renewed.