Scene: A tenement, owned by I, but referred to as Mrs. Button’s, which is perhaps more correct. Mrs. Button is washing dishes. The room steams. Slow creaks outside as of a reluctant man coming upstairs. Mrs. Button smiles enigmatically. A knocking at the door, as in “Macbeth.”
Mrs. Button. Come in. (I enters.)
I (laughing with affected lightness). Ah, good-morning, Mrs. Button. I’ve come for the rent.
Mrs. Button (weeping). It’s not me, as ye know, sir, that likes to be behind with th’ rint. I’m proud.
I (touched in spite of himself by the sight of a strong woman in tears). I know that. But you’ve been here seven months, Mrs. Button, without—
Mrs. Button (wiping her eyes). Yis, I’m an old tenant, and ‘t would break me heart to go. An’ me goin’ to begin payin’ reg’lar only nixt week, sir. It’s th’ only home I’ve got, an’ it’s cruel harrd to leave it.
I (sternly). Very well. Very well. I shall expect the money next week. Good-day, Mrs. Button.
Mrs. Button. Good-day, sir.
I exits. Mrs. Button resumes washing dishes, smiling enigmatically. The room steams, and steps are heard going hastily downstairs, fainter and fainter.
(Curtain)