Anna (to Kit Carson, with great, warm, beautiful pride, pointing at Nick) That’s my father.

Kit Carson (leaping with amazement at the beautiful voice, the wondrous face, the magnificent event) Well, bless your heart, child. Bless your lovely heart. I had a little daughter point me out in a crowd once.

Nick (surprised) Anna. What the hell are you doing here? Get back home where you belong and help Grandma cook me some supper.

Anna smiles at her father, understanding him, knowing that his words are words of love. She turns and goes, looking at him all the way out, as much as to say that she would cook for him the rest of her life. Nick stares at the swinging doors. Kit Carson moves toward them, two or three steps. Anna pushes open one of the doors and peeks in, to look at her father again. She waves to him. Turns and runs. Nick is very sad. He doesn’t know what to do. He gets a glass and a bottle. Pours himself a drink. Swallows some. It isn’t enough, so he pours more and swallows the whole drink.

Nick (to himself) My beautiful, beautiful baby. Anna, she is you again.

He brings out a handkerchief, touches his eyes and blows his nose. Kit Carson moves close to Nick, watching Nick’s face. Nick looks at him.

Nick (loudly, almost making Kit Carson jump) You’re broke, aren’t you?

Kit Carson Always. Always.

Nick All right. Go into the kitchen and give Sam a hand. Eat some food and when you come back you can have a couple of beers.

Kit Carson (studying Nick) Anything at all. I know a good man when I see one. (He goes.)

Elsie Mandelspiegel comes into Nick’s. She is a beautiful, dark girl, with a sorrowful, wise, dreaming face, almost on the verge of tears, and full of pity. There is an aura of dream about her. She moves softly and gently, as if everything around her were unreal and pathetic. Dudley doesn’t notice her for a moment or two. When he does finally see her, he is so amazed he can barely move or speak. Her presence has the effect of changing him completely. He gets up from his chair, as if in a trance, and walks toward her, smiling sadly.

Elsie (looking at him) Hello, Dudley.

Dudley (broken-hearted) Elsie.

Elsie I’m sorry. (Explaining.) So many people are sick. Last night a little boy died. I love you, but –

She gestures, trying to indicate how hopeless love is. They sit down.

Dudley (staring at her, stunned and quieted) Elsie. You’ll never know how glad I am to see you. Just to see you. (Pathetically.) I was afraid I’d never see you again. It was driving me crazy. I didn’t want to live. Honest.

He shakes his head mournfully, with dumb and beautiful affection. Two streetwalkers come in, and pause near Dudley, at the bar.

Dudley I know. You told me before, but I can’t help it, Elsie. I love you.