HOBSON. (_crossing to_ C.) And if you're not, it makes no
matter. I'll have no husbands here.

(VICKEY R., ALICE L. _of_ HOBSON.)

ALICE. But you said--

HOBSON. I've changed my mind. I've learnt some things since then.
There's a lot too much expected of a father nowadays. There'll be
no weddings here.

ALICE. Oh, father!

HOBSON (_taking them down_). Go and get my dinner served and
talk less. Go on now. I'm not in right temper to be crossed.

(_He drives_ ALICE _and_ VICKEY _before him. They go out
protesting loudly. But MAGGIE stands in his way as he follows
and she closes the door. She looks at him from the stair_.)

MAGGIE. You and I 'ull be straight with one another, father. I'm
not a fool and you're not a fool, and things may as well be put
in their places as left untidy.

HOBSON. I tell you my mind's made up. You can't have Willie
Mossop. Why, lass, his father was a workhouse brat. A come-by-
chance. (_Moves_ C.)

MAGGIE. It's news to me we're snobs in Salford. I have Willie
Mossop. I've to settle my life's course, and a good course, too,