NORA: They weren't needed. Our bookkeeping is so simplified since you left!

GIBSON: It all seems to be simplified, Miss Gorodna.

NORA: Yes; and whatever problems come up, they're all settled at our meetings.

[A sound of squabbling is heard upon the street, growing louder as the people engaging in it approach along the sidewalk.]

CARTER: There's one we got to bring up and do something about at the meetin' to-morrow.

GIBSON: What is it? [CARTER goes up to the gate.]

NORA: It's that Mrs. Simpson; she's a great nuisance.

CARTER: Yes, it's her and Simpson and Frankel. The Simpsons moved into a flat right up in this neighbourhood. Quite some of the comrades live up round here now.

[FRANKEL and MRS. SIMPSON are heard disputing as they approach: "Well, what you goin' to do about it!" "I'll show you what we're goin' to do about it!" "You can't do nothing!" "You wait till to-morrow and see." "I got my rights, ain't I?" and so on.]

SIMPSON [heard remonstrating]: Now, Mamie, Mamie! Frankel, you oughtn't to talk to Mamie that way.