FAITH. [Flashing round] Leave me alone! I stick to my friends. Leave me alone, and leave him alone! What is it to you?
P. C. MAN. [With sudden resolution] Now, look here! This man George Blunter was had up three years ago—for livin' on the earnings of a woman called Johnson. He was dismissed with a caution. We got him again last year over a woman called Lee—that time he did—
YOUNG M. Stop it! That's enough of your lip. I won't put up with this —not for any woman in the world. Not I!
FAITH. [With a sway towards him] It's not—!
YOUNG M. I'm off! Bong Swore la Companee! He tarns on his heel and walks out unhindered.
P. C. MAN. [Deeply] A bad hat, that; if ever there was one. We'll be having him again before long.
He looks at FAITH. They all look at FAITH. But her face is so strange, so tremulous, that they all turn their eyes away.
FAITH. He—he said—he—!
On the verge of an emotional outbreak, she saves herself by an effort. A painful silence.
P. C. MAN. Well, sir—that's all. Good evening! He turns to the door, touching his forehead to MR MARCH, and goes.