WILLIE (_getting up, relieved_). Partnership! Oh, that's a
different thing. I thought you were axing me to wed you.
(_Moves up stage_.)

MAGGIE. I am.

WILLIE (_sitting in front of counter_). Well, by gum! And
you the master's daughter.

MAGGIE. Maybe that's why, Will Mossop. (_Moving up stage_.)
Maybe I've had enough of father, and you're as different from him
as any man I know. (_Sits_ L. _of him_.)

WILLIE. It's a bit awkward-like.

MAGGIE. And you don't help me any, lad. What's awkward about it?

WILLIE. You talking to me like this.

MAGGIE. I'll tell you something, Will. It's a poor sort of woman
who'll stay lazy when she sees her best chance slipping from her.
A Salford life's too near the bone to lose things through the
fear of speaking out.

WILLIE. I'm your best chance?

MAGGIE. You are that, Will.

WILLIE. Well, by gum! (_Rises_.) I never thought of this.