Juno and the Paycock

Two months have passed since Act II. It is early evening. The curtain rises on the Boyle apartment with Juno asking Mary if she has heard from Charlie. Mary replies that she hasn’t heard from him in a month. Juno is worried about Mary’s health, so they plan to see the doctor that evening. Juno also wonders why Mary waits so long to tell her about important matters, like Charlie not contacting her. Juno calls into the other room for Jack, asking about their debt and needing some of the money from the will, which they haven’t received yet. Jack is in bed, complaining of pains in his legs.

When Juno and Mary leave for the doctor’s office, Joxer and Mr. Nugent enter. Mr. Nugent wants the money Jack owes him. He has heard from the solicitor that Jack isn’t going to see any of the money from the will. Joxer admits the whole deal seemed fishy to him, and he’s been upset about how the Boyles have acted so high and mighty since learning of their impending fortune. Through the dialogue, it becomes clear that Jack has been borrowing money from neighbors with the promise that he will pay them back once he receives the inheritance.