'Vat you laughing at, gn?' he asked savagely, suddenly resuming his managerial tone.
'Take it we're bust, ain't we?' said Gertie, stepping forward jauntily.
Stein lifted, then dropped one hand.
'Yes,' he said, 'bust.'
'Thank you for a week's wages, Mr Stein,' said Gertie, 'and I'll push off, if yer don't mind.'
Stein laughed harshly. With a theatrical movement he seized the cash drawer by the handle, drew it out and flung it on the floor. It was empty.
'Oh, that's 'ow it is,' said Gertie. 'You're a fine gentleman, I don't think. Bloomin' lot of skunks. What price that, mate?' she screamed addressing Bella, who still sat in her chair, her cheeks rising and falling like the sides of a cuttlefish. ''Ere's a fine go. Fellers comes along and tikes in poor girls like me and you and steals the bread outer their mouths. I'll 'ave yer run in, yer bloody foreigner.' She waved her fist in the man's face. 'For two pins,' she screamed, 'I'd smash yer fice, I'd. . . .'
'Chuck it, Gertie,' said Lottie, suddenly taking her by the arm, 'don't you see he's got nothing to do with it?'
'Oh, indeed, Miss Mealymouth,' sneered Gertie, 'what I want is my money . . . .'
'Leave him alone, Gertie,' said Victoria, 'you can't kick a man when he's down.'