(Patting Charlie's shoulder. John turns gratefully to Rosie.)
CURTAIN.
ACT II.
The next morning. Thompson's office at the works. Doors l. and at the extreme R.C. Opposite the door L. is a desk with revolving arm-chair. Fireplace at the back centre, table against the wall by the fireplace. A couple of revolving arm-chairs. Carpet on floor. Jabez believes in working in comfort. Small hat-rack attached to wall by the door l. Telephone receiver on the desk, speaking tube protruding from the wall by the chair and handbell on desk, which is open. Clock on mantelpiece points to 9.55.
LOMAX is an elderly man with iron-grey hair, cleanshaven, and has the appearance, of a confidential head clerk or cashier, which in fact he is. He arranges a few open letters on the desk and puts a paper weight on them as Charlie enters l. bringing in Mrs. Wilcock, a careworn woman of thirty, dressed in black with shabby skirt, heavy incongruous mantle and beaded bonnet. A considerable nervousness is added to her distress.
CHARLIE. (Sympathetically) Come in here, Mrs. Wilcock.
MRS. WILCOCK (Entering shyly, seeing Lomax and "bobbing" towards him) Thank ye, sir.
CHARLIE. Sit down. Make yourself comfortable. (Pulling chair across towards fire.) Good morning, Mr. Lomax.