_
MOTHER BAUMERT
How are ye all at home, Jenny?
MRS. HEINRICH
[_Breaks out despairingly._] Things is in a terrible way with us!
[_She struggles in vain, against a rush of tears; then weeps
silently._
MOTHER BAUMERT
The best thing as could happen to the likes o' us, Jenny, would be if God
had pity on us an' took us away out o' this weary world.
MRS. HEINRICH
[_No longer able to control herself, screams, still crying._] My
children's starvin'. [_Sobs and moans._] I don't know what to do no more!
I c'n work till I drops--I'm more dead'n alive--things don't get
different! There's nine hungry mouths to fill! We got a bit o' bread last
night, but it wasn't enough even for the two smallest ones. Who was I to
give it to, eh? They all cried; Me, me, mother! give it to me!... An' if
it's like this while I'm still on my feet, what'll it be when I've to
take to bed? Our few taters was washed away. We haven't a thing to put in
our mouths.
BERTHA
[_Has removed the bit of glass and washed the wound._] We'll put a rag
round it. Emma, see if you can find one.
MOTHER BAUMERT
We're no better off'n you, Jenny.
MRS. HEINRICH
You has your girls, any way.
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