Page:Under the Gaslight.djvu/20

16 UNDER THE GASLIGHT. Peach. Oh, ok ! please don t beat, me. I ain't good. I'm only trying to be. Judas. You re only trying to be, eh ? Trying to be good, and here's me as was a-weeping every night, thinking as you was sent up for six months. Who're you living with-you ain't a-keeping house, are you? Peach. I'm living with MISS NlNA. Judas. NINA, what's she, concert-saloon girl ? Peach. No, she's a lady. Judas. A lady-and have such baggage as you about. Where's my shoe, I'll make you speak the truth. Peach. I don't know what she is. She met me when the police was taking me up for loafin' down Hudson Street, and she begged me off. Judas. Has she any money ? Peach. No, she's poor. Judas. Any nice clothes ? Peach. O, she's got good clothes. Judas. Where are they ? Peach. Locked up, and she's got the key. Judas. You re lying, I see it in your eye. You're always shame- faced when you are telling the truth, and now you're as bold as brass. Where's my shoe ? (making a dash at her.) Peach. (Shouting.) There's MISS NlNA (as if curtseying to some one behind JUDAS.) Good morning, miss. Judas. (Changing her tone) Ah ! my pretty dear ! What a good lady to take you in and give you a home. ( Turns and discovers the deception-in a rage.) You hussy, (PEACH retreats) wait till I get you in my clutches again, my lady ; and it won't be long. MISS NINA takes care of you, does she. Who will take care of her ? Let her look to it. (LAURA enters D. F. plainly dressed, at back.) Beg pardon, Miss, I just called to see if you had any old clothes you'd like to exchange. Laura. No, I don't want anything, my good woman. Judas. {Eyeing her sharply and going to door.) That's her-I'd know her anywheres ! (Malicious glance, and exit.) Laura. You've been very good this morning, BLOSSOM. The room is as nice as I could wish. Peach. Please'm, I tried because you are so good to me. (LAURA taking off her shawl and things.) Shall I sweep out the airy? (LAURA does not answer.) I guess I'd better-then she'll be alone, as she loves to be. (Takes broom and exit, D. F.) Laura (Solos. Opening a package and taking out photographs.) No pay yet for coloring, 'till I have practiced a week longer. Then I shall have all the work I can do. They say at the photographer's I color well, and the best pictures will be given me. The best! Already I have had beneath my brush so many faces that I know, friends of the old days. The silent eyes seem to wonder at me for bringing them to this strange and lowly home. (Picking up letters from table.) Letters; ah! answers to my advertisement for em- ployment. No, only a circular "To the lady of this house." What's that ! (Starting) only BLOSSOM sweeping. Every time there is a noise I dread the entrance of some one that knows me. But they could never find me in New York, I left them all too secretly and suddenly. None of them can expect I would have descended to