Lizzie (holding both his hands). O, papa, give me fifteen cents.
Mr. L. What?
Lizzie. I want fifteen cents. Please give me fifteen cents.
Mr. L. What in the world do you want it for? Are they changing books again?
Lizzie. No. I want a hoop. It’s splendid rolling; and all the girls have one. Mr. Grant has some real nice ones to sell. Please, can’t I have one?
Mr. L. Nonsense! If you want a hoop, go and get one off some old barrel. I can’t afford to buy hoops for you to trundle about the streets. (Throws her off.)
Lizzie (in a pleading tone). Please, papa?
Mr. L. No, I told you!
(She bursts into tears, and he goes off muttering, “Cry, then, and cry it out.”)
Scene II. (Albert enters, his wife entering on the opposite side. She kisses him as a greeting.)