Curtain.
THE THIRD ACT
Scene:—A room in the Town Hall, Poplar. A high, bare, cold room, unfurnished except for cane-bottomed chairs ranged against the walls. French windows right give on to a balcony overlooking the street. Door in back opens upon a stone passage. A larger door opens into another room, through which one passes to reach the room in which the counting of the votes is taking place. A fire burns—or rather tries to burn. The room is lighted from the centre of the ceiling by an electric sun. A row of hat-pegs is on the wall between the two doors. The time is about 9 p.m.
(People entering from the street wear coats or cloaks, &c., the season being early spring. If passing through or staying in the room, they take off their outdoor things and hang them up, putting them on again before going out.)
(Jawbones is coaxing the reluctant fire by using a newspaper as a blower. He curses steadily under his breath. The door opens. Ginger enters; she is dressed in cheap furs.)
Jawbones. Shut the door, can’t yer!
Ginger. Don’t yer want a draught?
Jawbones. No, I don’t. Not any more than I’ve got.
Ginger. (She shuts the door.) ’Ave they begun counting the votes?
Jawbones. Been at it for the last three-quarters of an hour.