A. (sola). Quite a number of the rooms are already engaged, and I think we may congratulate ourselves on having made a good beginning. How much better it will be to keep a genteel boarding-house than to tend shop or keep school for a living.
(Curtain falls.)
Scene III.—The same. Mrs. Jones present, R. Enter Amanda, L.
Amanda. Did you send for me, mamma?
Mrs. Jones. Yes. I think it is necessary for us to have a consultation about our affairs.
A. (surprised). I thought you were getting along charmingly. I’m sure the house is full of boarders at good prices, and has been ever since we commenced. What more could you wish for?
Mrs. J. Everything would be quite satisfactory if the boarders would only pay up promptly. But Mrs. Westwood and Miss Trist are the only ones that I can depend on. The butcher and baker have sent in heavy bills, and this morning I have received grocery and gas bills, as well as bills for extra furniture that was required. Then, too, a month’s rent is due for the piano in the parlor and that in Mr. Scott’s room.
A. Ask Mr. Scott for the money due you for his board.
Mrs. J. I have done so repeatedly, but he has such a way of evading it that I can’t get anything. Indeed, sometimes he gets so excited that I am almost frightened, and glad enough to leave him, even without my money.
A. But surely the count has paid you.