Mr. S monologue — Seeking his fortune, and other dialogues

I haven’t got one now; but here’s an apple, and I’ll give you an orange this afternoon. (_WILLIE takes the apple. They gather up some of the rice, leaving the greater part of it on the floor._) I wonder how much of this I ought to boil. There are only two of us. I think a quart will be enough. (_Measures it._) I don’t know but it ought to be picked over. (_Looks at watch._) No, I shan’t have time. Of course it’s clean enough; the floor is swept every day. (_Goes out, R., with rice; returns._) The next thing is biscuit. That’s an easy matter. I have only to mix flour and water together, and put it into the oven. (_Pours flour into a pan, and adds water._) I believe it is customary to knead it well with the hands. (_Puts his hands in, and stirs ingredients together. At that moment a ring is heard at the door._) I declare if that isn’t the door-bell. But I shan’t answer it,—not if they ring a dozen times.