Wesley Right away. Tonight.

Nick Well, it’s about time. Them poor cops are liable to get nervous and – shoot somebody. (To Harry, suddenly.) Come back here. I want you to tend bar for a while. I’m going to take a walk over the pier.

Harry Yes, sir.

Nick (to the Society Lady and Gentleman) You society people made up your minds yet?

Lady Have you champagne?

Nick (indicating Joe) What do you think he’s pouring out of that bottle, water or something?

Lady Have you a chill bottle?

Nick I’ve got a dozen of them chilled. He’s been drinking champagne here all day and all night for a month now.

Lady May we have a bottle?

Nick It’s six dollars.

Lady I think we can manage.

Gentleman I don’t know. I know I don’t know.

Nick takes off his coat and helps Harry into it. Harry takes a bottle of champagne and two glasses to the Society Lady and Gentleman, dancing, collects sir dollars, and goes back behind the bar, dancing. Nick gets his coat and hat.

Nick (to Wesley) Rattle the keys a little, son. Rattle the keys.

Wesley Yes, sir, Mr Nick.

Nick is on his way out. The Arab enters.

Nick Hi-ya, Mahmed.

Arab No foundation.

Nick All the way down the line. (He goes.)

Wesley is at the piano, playing quietly.

The Arab swallows a glass of beer, takes out his harmonica and begins to play. Wesley fits his playing to the Arab’s.

Kitty Duval, strangely beautiful, in new clothes, comes in. She walks shyly, as if she were embarrassed by the fine clothes, as if she had no right to wear them. The Society Lady and Gentleman are very impressed. Harry looks at her with amazement. Joe is reading Time magazine. Kitty goes to his table. Joe looks up from the magazine, without the least amazement.

Joe Hello, Kitty.

Kitty Hello, Joe.

Joe It’s nice seeing you again.

Kitty I came in a cab.

Joe You been crying again? (Kitty can’t answer. To Harry.) Bring a glass.

Harry comes over with a glass. Joe pours Kitty a drink.

Kitty I’ve got to talk to you.

Joe Have a drink.

Kitty I’ve never been in burlesque. We were just poor.

Joe Sit down, Kitty.

Kitty (sits down) I tried other things.

Joe Here’s to you, Katerina Koranovsky. Here’s to you. And Tom.

Kitty (sorrowfully) Where is Tom?

Joe He’s getting a job tonight driving a truck. He’ll be back in a couple of days.

Kitty (sadly) I told him I’d marry him.

Joe He wanted to see you and say goodbye.

Kitty He’s too good for me. He’s like a little boy. (Wearily.) I’m – Too many things have happened to me.

Joe Kitty Duval, you’re one of the few truly innocent people I have ever known. He’ll be back in a couple of days. Go back to the hotel and wait for him.

Kitty That’s what I mean. I can’t stand being alone. I’m not good. I tried very hard. I don’t know what it is. I miss – (She gestures.)