THE THIRD ACT
Scene, the same. Time, the following evening, about seven o’clock. The table is half laid, with a large cup and saucer, plate, etc., ready for Holroyd’s dimmer, which, like all miners, he has when he comes home between four and five o’clock. On the other half of the table Mrs. Holroyd is ironing. On the hearth stands newly baked loaves of bread. The irons hang at the fire.
Jack, with a bowler hat hanging at the back of his head, parades up to the sofa, on which stands Minnie engaged in dusting a picture. She has a soiled white apron tied behind her, to make a long skirt.
Jack
- Good mornin’, missis. Any scissors or knives to grind?
Minnie (peering down from the sofa)
- Oh, I can’t be bothered to come downstairs. Call another day.
Jack
- I shan’t.
Minnie (keeping up her part)
- Well, I can’t come down now. (Jack stands irresolute) Go on, you have to go and steal the baby.
Jack
- I ’m not.
