SCENE II. _In the Park. Two apple-stands at the back of stage.

They are several feet apart, and presided over by BRIDGET MURPHY, R., and KATE O’CALLAHAN, L. Enter FRANK BURLEY, who stands a little in front, but between them, gazing first at one and then at the other._

MRS. O’CALLAHAN (_rising—with her knitting in her hand_). Some peanuts, sir, or apples—nice apples three cents apiece?

MRS. MURPHY (_wiping apples on apron_). Here’s where you’ll find your nice apples—three cents apiece, and a good deal bigger than the other woman’s.

F. (_approaching MRS. M.’S stand_). What will you sell your whole stock to me for, my good woman?

MRS. M. (_regarding him attentively_). And what do the likes of you want of it?

F. I want to buy your stock, and tend this stand to-day.

MRS. M. (_doubtfully_). Honor bright?

F. Yes. To-morrow you can have it back again, and I’ll give you the stock that’s left over.

MRS. M. (_shrewdly_). What’ll you give for it?

F. I don’t know what it’s worth, but I’ll give you ten dollars for the lot.

MRS. M. (_quickly_). You can have ’em all for that.

MRS. O’C. That’s four times more’n they’re all worth.

MRS. M. You’d better mind yer own business, O’Callahan. There comes a boy that wants an apple maybe. (_Boy comes in, looks at apples and passes out._)

F. You’ll have to tell me how you sell the things. I don’t know anything about the prices.

MRS. M. The apples are three cents apiece. Some of the peaches are three cents, and some two cents, and them bananas are ten cents apiece. If you sell a dozen of ’em at once, you’ll sell at a little less price.

F. That’ll do. I guess I shall get along well now.

MRS. M. Shan’t I lend you my apron to shine the apples with?

F. No, I thank you; I guess they look well enough.

(_MRS. M. went out, L., going past MRS. O’C.’S stand, and holding the bill which she had received exultingly towards her. JAMES enters, L._)

JAMES (_to O’C._). How do you sell your apples?

MRS. O’C. Three cents apiece.

J. (_to F._). How do _you_ sell _yours_?

F. Two cents apiece.

J. Well as yours are bigger and lower priced I’ll take four of them. (_Takes them and pays for them and exit._)

(_Several other persons pass in and buy of FRANK, to all of whom he sells under price._)

MRS. O’C. (_coming towards him with threatening gestures_). What do you mean by coming here, and interfering with a respectable woman?

F. I am not interfering with you.

MRS. O’C. Aint you, though? I call it interferin’ with my rights when you come and sell your apples under price.

F. I’ll tell you what it is, my good woman, I’ve sold most of my apples, and I will buy some of yours.

MRS. O’C. (_somewhat mollified_). And what’ll ye pay me for them?

F. Three cents apiece.

MRS. O’C. (_surprised_). And you’re goin’ to sell ’em agin for two cents?

F. Yes, there’s nothing like keeping trade lively.

MRS. O’C. Well, you’re the quairest man I ever did see.

(_Curtain falls._)