(Voice heard offstage.)Hannah. Michael, what you doing?

(Hannah enters through doorway, Stage L. Her dress is bundled up about her waist as she struggles to untangle it.)

Hannah. It’s bleedin’ freezin’ out there! A peasouper, that’s for sure! It was that cold, I couldn’t piss.

(Hannah is a whore in her twenties. She is a very pretty woman, but it is hard to see under her makeup and wig. Like Michael, her clothes are fashionable, a gift from him, but they are in bad shape. She is a true cockney, and speaks with a harsh, crude accent. Hannah is streetwise, and although unschooled, is a naturally, smart woman. She lives in one of the worst areas of London, and does what she must to survive, as long as it is honest. Michael is not her pimp and does not treat her as such. They enjoy each other’s company. At this moment, Hannah is very drunk and unsteady on her feet.)

Michael. Here, drink this. It will warm you. (He moves to the boxes, fills a goblet with wine and hands it to Hannah who is now standing L of the boxes.)

Hannah. (Taking the goblet and crossing to look at the portrait on the easel) Cheers! Down the ‘atch! (Drinks). P’rhaps I should piss in this goblet? (Crudely laughs)

Michael. I am sure that I could not tell the difference if I drank it. (He drinks from wine bottle.)

Hannah. (Laughs). Then why not purchase some quality wine? (Studying the portrait)

Michael. I do not care about the quality. I care about the quantity.

Hannah. “Ere, is this it? Your latest?

Michael. It most certainly is. Why do you think we are celebrating? (He joins her and studies his work)

Hannah. What you talkin’ about? We always celebrate… It’s very good. I mean, I like it. I like all of ‘em what you do. He looks well orf. Who is he?

Michael. Why thank you. That means much to me. (He puts his arm about her.) He is Lord… I cannot remember his name.

Hannah. Old Lord what’s his name? (They laugh)

Michael. Yes. That will do. (He kisses her and then drinks from the wine bottle. Realizing it is empty; he tosses the bottle into a corner, and crosses to the orange boxes to get another.) I really do not care what his or any of their names may be. I care only that Abrahams purchases my work and secures other commissions on my behalf.