MOTHER (smiling). Probably nothing to eat?

STRANGER (hesitating). No. ...

MOTHER. You're a fine fellow!

STRANGER. In all my life I've never been in such a predicament.

MOTHER. I can believe it. It's almost a pity. I could laugh at the
figure you cut, if I didn't know it would make you weep, and others
with you. (Pause.) But now you've had your will, hold fast to the
woman who loves you; for if you leave her, you'll never smile
again, and soon forget what happiness was.

STRANGER. Is that a threat?

MOTHER. A warning. Go now, and have your supper.

STRANGER (pointing at the table for the poor). There?

MOTHER. A poor joke; which might become reality. I've seen such
things.

STRANGER. Soon I'll believe anything can happen--this is the worst
I've known.

MOTHER. Worse yet may come. Wait!

STRANGER (cast down). I'm prepared for anything.