HOBSON. I'll show you what I propose, Maggie. (_He lifts trap
and calls_.) Will Mossop! (_He places hat on counter and
unbuckles belt_.) I cannot leather you, my lass. You're
female, and exempt, but I can leather him. Come up, Will Mossop.
(WILL _comes up trap and closes it_.)
You've taken up with my Maggie, I hear. (_He conceals
strap_.)
WILLIE. Nay, I've not. She's done the taking up.
HOBSON. Well, Willie, either way, you've fallen on misfortune.
Love's led you astray, and I feel bound to put you right.
(_Shows strap_.)
WILLIE. Maggie, what's this? (_Moves down_ R. _a
little_.)
MAGGIE. I'm watching you, my lad.
HOBSON. Mind, Willie, you can keep your job. I don't bear malice,
but we must beat the love from your body, and every morning you
come here to work with love still sitting in you, you'll get a
leathering. (_Getting ready to strike_.)
WILLIE. You'll not beat love in me. You're making a great
mistake, Mr. Hobson, and--
HOBSON. You'll put aside your weakness for my Maggie if you've a
liking for a sound skin. You'll waste a gradely lot of brass at
chemist's if I am at you for a week with this. (_He swings the
strap_.)
WILLIE. I'm none wanting thy Maggie, it's her that's after me,
but I'll tell you this, Mr.
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