Dolly. You're thinking of yourself—not of me and Belle.
Jack. When was it? To-night?
Dolly. This wasn't the first time. But it was always for Belle.
Jack (in a whisper). For Belle!
Dolly. I've worked till I was ready to drop. I've slaved day and night—but I couldn't make enough. And so, every now and then, I'd go to a house.
Jack. When did it begin!
Dolly. Nearly a year ago.
Jack. Belle has never guessed it?
Dolly. Good God! She would kill herself! Listen—I'll tell you the story. What does it matter now—you'll never see me again. It began in a department store—twelve dollars a week. Fine wages, with two to care for! It was slave—slave all day. Never a holiday, never a joy; nothing beautiful, nothing new! No hope, no future; just slave—slave! And there was a young man—what they call a gentleman. He took me to dinners, and I went, because I was near starving. In the end he got me, of course. And then he threw me over, and I went to work again. You see?
Jack. I see.