ALL. A dollar!
[Separating once again they look at each other with exultation and at the same time try to free their hands, once more exclaiming in ecstasy.
[Then the struggle to get free grows wilder and wilder. The hand that is perchance freed is quickly grasped again by the one who held it.
INGENUE. [In pain.] Oh, my hands, my hands! You'll break them. Let go of my hands!
"Old Woman." If you don't let go of my hands I'll bite.
[Attempting to bite the hands of the Tragedian and the "Old Man," while they try to prevent it.
"Old Man." [Trying to free his hands from the hold of the Heroine and the "Old Woman.">[ Let go of me. [Pulling at both his hands.] These women's hands that—seem so frail, just look at them now.
HEROINE. [To Comedian.] But you let go my hands.
COMEDIAN. I think it's you who are holding fast to mine.