The H.F.M.: And lucky he’s not prosecuted.

Jemima (as before): Oh?

The H.F.M.: Embezzlement’s a serious thing.

Jemima: Yes.... Starvation’s serious too.

The H.F.M.: That’s your affair.... I don’t want thanks. I don’t intend to prosecute, because it’s a nuisance. That’s all.

Jemima: Yes.

Bloggs (inadvertently stepping out of the picture): I tell you I did it to save my little girl. She’s dying. I must have money to save her—to send her abroad. Oh, Amy, Amy, my child. (He tries in vain to sob.)

The H.F.M. (chillingly): No sentiment, please! This is not the Lyceum.... Now, I’m going. I hope I never see either of you again. I don’t care two straws whether the girl dies or not. And I won’t wish you luck, because I don’t specially want you to have it, and anyway you wouldn’t get it. (But they are paying no attention, and he goes.)

Jemima (listlessly): Doctor’s been again.

Bloggs (the same): Oh yes?