Hooker: Yes.

Jemima: The gas company’s going to cut off the gas to-morrow, unless—Joseph, couldn’t we pay something on account?

Bloggs: I’ll see what I can do.

Hooker: Life’s very hard.

Jemima: Yes. (She begins to lay the table with enamel cups and saucers.) You’ll stay for tea, Mr. Hooker?

Hooker (drearily): Yes. I suppose so. (They wait in silent misery for the kettle to boil.)

The Curtain Falls.

Hooker: Life’s very hard.

ACT II.