HOBSON. Well, I'll be eternally--

ALICE. Don't swear, father.

HOBSON (_putting hat on counter_). No. I'll sit down
instead. (_He moves to_ R. C. _and sits in arm-chair_
R.
C. _facing them_.) Listen to me, you three. I've come to conclusions
about you. And I won't have it. Do you hear that? Interfering
with my goings out and comings in. The idea! I've a mind to take
measures with the lot of you.

MAGGIE. I expect Mr. Heeler's waiting for you in "Moonraker's,"
father.

HOBSON. He can go on waiting. At present, I'm addressing a few
remarks to the rebellious females of this house, and what I say
will be listened to and heeded. I've noticed it coming on ever
since your mother died. There's been a gradual increase of
uppishness towards me.

VICKEY. Father, you'd have more time to talk after we've closed
to-night. (_She is anxious to resume her reading_.)

HOBSON. I'm talking now, and you're listening. Providence has
decreed that you should lack a mother's hand at the time when
single girls grow bumptious and must have somebody to rule. But
I'll tell you this, you'll none rule me.