_Jack._ It's late.

_Schmidt._ Ve close by midnight.

_Jack. (hesitates again, looks at clock, then goes to table. Belle
brings napkin, etc., mechanically. He looks at card)._ I'll have a
beef-stew. _(Hesitates.)_ I think I'll have a double order.

_Belle._ Yes, sir.

_Jack._ And a cup of coffee.

_Belle._ Yes, sir. _(Goes Left feebly. Customer rises, pays check
and exit. Belle brings order, and Jack begins to eat voraciously.
Suddenly Belle staggers and catches at a chair. He starts.)_

_Jack._ Why, you're ill!

_Belle (faintly)._ No, sir! No!

_Jack._ But you are!

_Belle (gazing in terror at Schmidt, who is reading)._ Ssh! Mr.
Schmidt will hear you.

_Jack (hesitates, then begins to eat again, but keeping an eye on
Belle, who makes desperate efforts to keep steady)._

_Schmidt (looks up from paper, gazes through window and rises)._ Vat
for a night for business! _(Goes Left, yawning; exit.)_