I don't go in for knocking of yourself about, to sleep warm.

Mat. Well, look here, Bill. It's all Susan and I can do to pay for our room, and get a bit of bread and a cup of tea. It ain't enough.—If you were to earn a few pence

now

Bill. Oh golly! I never thought o' that. What a hass I wur, to be sure! I'll go a shoe-blackin' to-morror-I will.

Mat. Did you ever black a shoe, Bill? Bill. I tried a boot oncet-when Jim wor a blackin' for a day or two. But I made nothink on it-nothink worth mentionin'. The blackin' or som'at was wrong. The gen'leman said it wur coal-dust, an' he'd slog me, an' adwised me to go an' learn my trade. Mat. And what did you say to that?

Bill. Holler'd out "Shine yer boots!" as loud as I could holler.

Mat. You must try my boots next time you come.

Bill. This wery night, Mattie. I'll make 'em shine like plate glass-see then if I don't. But where'll I get a box and brushes?

Mat. You shall have our brushes and my footstool.

Bill. I see! Turn the stool upside down, put the brushes in, and carry it by one legas drunken Moll does her kid.-Here you are, sir! Black your boots, sir?-Shine your

trotters, sir? (bawling.)

Mat. That'll do; that'll do, Bill! Famous! You needn't do it again (holding her ears). Would you like a tart?

Bill. Just wouldn't I, then !-Shine your boooooots!

Mat. (laughing). Do hold your tongue, Bill. There's a penny for a tart.

Bill. Thank you, Mattie. Thank you.

Exit into the shop.

Jack and Jim (touching their supposed caps). Please, ma'am! Please, ma'am! I likes 'em too. I likes 'em more 'n Bill.

Mat. I'm very sorry, but-(feeling in her pocket) I've got a ha'penny, I believe. Nothere's a penny! You must share it, you know. (Gives it to Jack. Knocks at Mrs. Clifford's door.)

Jack and Jim. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am.

Exit MATTIE into MRS. CLIFFORD'S.

Jim. Now, Jack, what's it to be?

Jack, I believe I shall spend it in St. Martin's Lane.

Jim. A ha'p'orth on it's mine, you know, Jack.

Jack. Well, you do put the stunners on me!

Jim. She said we wos to divide it—she did. Jack. 'Taint possible. It beats my ivories. (He pretends to bite it. JIM flies at him in a

rage.)

Re-enter BILL, with his mouth full.

Bill. Now what are you two a squabblin'

over? Oh! Jack's got a yennep, and Jim's

lookin' shirty.

Jim. She told him to divide it, and he

won't.

Bill. Who told him?

Jim. Mattie.

Bill. You dare, Jack? Hand over.

Jack. Be hanged if I do.

Bill. Then do and be hanged. (A struggle.) There, Jim! Now you go and buy what you like.

Jim. Am I to give Jack the half?
Bill. Yes, if our Mattie said it.

Jim. All right, Bill. (Goes into the shop.)
Jack. I owe you one for that, Bill.

Bill. Owe it me then, Jack. I do like fair play-always did (eating).

Jack. You ain't a sharin' of your yennep, Bill.

Bill. Mattie didn't say I was to. She knowed one wouldn't break up into three nohow. "Tain't in natur', Jack.

VOL. II.

L

Jack. You might ha' guv me a bite, anyhow, Bill.

Bill. It ain't desirable, Jack-size o' trap

dooly considered. Here comes your

share.

Re-enter JIM. Gives a bun to JACK.

Jim. I tell you what, Bill-she ain't your Mattie. She ain't nobody's Mattie; she's a hangel.

Bill. No, Jim, she ain't a hangel; she 'ain't got no wings, leastways outside her clo'es, and she 'ain't got clo'es enough to hide 'em. I wish I wos a hangel!

Jack. At it again, Bill! I do like to hear Bill a wishin' of hisself! Why, Bill? Bill. Acause they're never 'ungry.

Jack. How do you know they ain't?

Bill. You never sees 'em loafin' about nowheres.

Jim. Is Mattie your sister, Bill?

Bill. No, Jim; I ain't good 'nough to have a sister like she.