)
HOBSON. Well, what about that dinner? (_Comes_ C.)
(_The positions are_ MAGGIE R., VICKEY _up_ R. C., HOBSON
_up_ C., ALICE L. C.) MAGGIE. It'll be ready in ten minutes.
HOBSON. You said one o'clock.
MAGGIE. Yes, father. One for half-past. If you'll wash your
hands, it'll be ready as soon as you are.
HOBSON. I won't wash my hands. I don't hold with such finicking
ways, and well you know it. (_Sits in front of counter_.)
VICKEY. Father, have you heard the news about our Maggie?
(_Down_ R. C.)
HOBSON. News? There is no news. It's the same old tale.
Uppishness. You'd keep a starving man from the meat he earns in
the sweat of his brow, would you? I'll put you in your places.
I'll--(_Rises_.)
MAGGIE. Don't lose your temper, father. You'll maybe need it soon
when Vickey speaks. (_Moves down_ R.)
HOBSON. What's Vickey been doing?
VICKEY. Nothing. It's about Will Mossop, father.
HOBSON. Will?
ALICE. Yes. What's your opinion of Will?
HOBSON. A decent lad. I've nowt against him that I know of.
ALICE. Would you like him in the family?
HOBSON. Whose family? (_Coming down_ C.)
VICKEY. Yours.
MAGGIE. I'm going to marry Willie, father. That's what all the
fuss is about.
HOBSON. Marry--you--Mossop? (_Moves to her_.
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