[Willmer puts his arm around Bertha and kisses her on the neck. Bertha turns on Willmer and slaps his face.]
BERTHA. Aren't you ashamed, you little hornet! What are you up to, anyway?
ABEL. If you can stand that, Gaga, then you can stand the knife.
WILLMER [Angry]. Little hornet? Don't you know who I am? Don't you know that I'm an author of rank?
BERTHA. You! who write nothing but trash!
WILLMER. It wasn't trash when I wrote for you.
BERTHA. You only copied what we said, that was all!
WILLMER. Take care, Bertha. You know that I can ruin you!
BERTHA. So, you threaten, you little Fido! [To Abel.] Shall we give the boy a spanking?
ABEL. Think what you are saying!