Your
daughter married me and set about my education. And--and now I'll
tell you what I'll do and it'll be the handsome thing and all
from me to you. I'll close my shop--
HOBSON. Oh! That doesn't sound like doing so well.
WILLIE. I'm doing well, but I'll do better here. I'll transfer to
this address and what I'll do that's generous is this: I'll take
you into partnership and give you your half-share on the
condition you're sleeping partner and you don't try interference
on with me. (_Goes_ L.)
HOBSON. A partner! You--here--
WILLIE. William Mossop, late Hobson, is the name this shop 'ull
have.
MAGGIE. Wait a bit, Will. I don't agree to that.
HOBSON (_over to her_). Oh, so you have piped up at last. I
began to think you'd both lost your senses together.
MAGGIE. It had better not be "late Hobson."
WILLIE (L. C.). Well, I meant it should.
HOBSON. Just wait a bit. I want to know if I'm taking this in
aright. (_Moves_ R. C.) I'm to be given a half-share in my
own business on condition I take no part in running it. Is that
what you said?
WILLIE. That's it.
HOBSON. Well, I've heard of impudence before, but--
MAGGIE. It's all right, father.
HOBSON. But did you hear what he said?
MAGGIE. Yes. That's settled.
Pages:
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118