Warren. Kittens, there's a poor beggar woman out on the back steps. Can't you find something for her?
Kitty. No, I haven't a thing. (Sees hat box.) Oh, yes, I have! Tell her to come in. (Exit Warren at L.) Now, I'll be rid of my Christmas hoodoo. (Puts hat in box.)
Enter Hard Times Annie from L., weeping loudly.
Annie. Oh, oh! On Christmas day! Just to think of it. Oh! (Wails.)
Kitty. What is it, my good woman? What's the matter?
Annie. Oh, mum, it's starving I am. A poor lone widow with sivin little children huddled up in the straw in a stable. No fire have we, no coal have we, no food have we. And on Christmas day, too. (Cries.) Could ye let me have a little money, mum?
Kitty (looks in her purse and shows audience that it is empty.) No, I haven't any money.
Annie. And it's such hard times we're having. With the cost of living so high and me with sivin children. No fire have we, no coal have we, no food have we.
Kitty. I'm so sorry for you.
Annie. Thank ye kindly, mum. And can you help me a little?