Aunt. Oh! There have been burglars here! Coats all taken. He has pursued them.
Minnie. He couldn’t wear all his coats at once.
(Sounds of voices at front door heard, growing louder and louder.)
Aunt. They are returning for more plunder.
(Enter R. a crowd of poor people, preceded by a burly working man, half dressed, carrying a child. He advances well to C., the ladies retreating in alarm before him, slightly screaming. He stops short.)
Working Man. Gent told us to come in, ladies. We’re all burnt out by the fire.
Minnie. He has been to the fire!
Aunt. Gather round the fire. Bring the children to the front. This is terrible! Poor little ones!
(The crowd consists of the following: First the man described, whose face is partly blackened by smoke, his child wrapped in a bit of blanket; then a woman wearing Horace’s fur coat over her night dress, and carrying a baby. An old couple, woman wearing a gray overcoat of Horace’s; a girl wearing Horace’s mackintosh over nightclothes; she leads a boy in knee pants, no stockings, and one shoe on; a little girl carrying a baby. She tries to get to fire, but is blocked off by others, so dives under the table with her charge. Others, men and women, may be added, one wearing another of Horace’s overcoats. Then comes in Horace and the Tramp, carrying an unconscious youth whom they place on the sofa C. Bella also comes in, looking rather bewildered.)
Horace. Ah, that’s right, Bella, stir up the fire. Then call all the servants and start fires in all the bedrooms. We must find places for these unfortunate people. Has the doctor come yet? I am awfully afraid this lad is beyond his aid.