"I thought you meant something quite different."
"I can't help what you thought. I know what I meant."
"Poor Joe! So you want us to be quick and get married, do you?"
"Of course I do; what else do you suppose I got engaged for? But we can't marry on ten bob a week."
"Hardly."
"And that's all I get, living in. I asked the governor yesterday to give me thirty bob and let me live out. He said all he'd give me was a week's notice."
"The wretch!"
"As for bettering myself; I dare say I've spent five shillings on paper, stamps and envelopes, and nothing's come of it. We don't want to get married and have you keep on the stage."
"We certainly don't. I have a voice in that matter. When I marry I leave the stage for good; I don't marry until I do. I hate the theatre; that is, I don't mind being in front of the curtain, looking on; but I hate being behind. I only go there because I don't know any other way of earning two pounds a week. I've no delusions about the stage like some of the girls have. But, tell me, Joe, can't you think of any way of earning more?"
"There's one way."