_Bob._ My dear girl, men have got snow on their clothes before this.

_Jessie._ He's been gone a month!

_Bob._ Listen, Jessie! You know there's misery and suffering in the
world, don't you?

_Jessie._ Yes, I suppose so.

_Bob._ And could you wish Jack to live all his life in indifference
to such things--just idle and play, and spend the wealth that other
people produce for him?

_Jessie. (Clenching her hands.)_ Oh, if he'd only come home! _(The
telephone rings.)_

_Bob._ I'll answer it. _(Goes to phone.)_ Hello. _(A pause; then
exclaims.)_ Why, what's happened? _(Another pause; he turns to
Jessie.)_ It's Jack!

_Jessie (leaps up.)_ Jack!

_Bob._ Ssh. _(In phone.)_ Yes, what's that? What's the matter? Well,
I declare! Sure, Jessie's here. Yes, Dad's upstairs. No, I won't
tell him. Perhaps he won't. Hey? In two minutes? All right! Bye-bye!
_(Turns.)_ He's coming home!

_Jessie._ Bob!