Stranger (approaching). There seems to be nobody in this department to wait on me; or perhaps a clerk is attending to your orders?
Madge. No; we were so busy talking that we forgot how much we have to do, and did not notice the absence of clerks.
Stranger. Ah! here is some one coming. Let us hail him at once. (Cash-boy loiters from behind curtains, L.) Boy, please bring a salesman as quickly as possible.
Cash-boy. 'Ain't 792 come yet? Well, he is taking a corking feed. Wish I was him.
Bess (compassionately). Do not you have enough to eat at home?
Cash-boy. Do I look like I'm suffering?
Bess. No; but I thought perhaps your step-father—
Cash-boy (thrusting his hands in his pockets and laughing). 'Ain't got no step-father. The old lady, she's a step, though.
Stranger. Don't you think you should speak more respectfully of old persons?