ALBERT. Good morning, Miss Alice.

ALICE. Good morning, Mr. Prosser. (_She leans across
counter_.) Father's not gone out yet. He's late.

ALBERT. Oh! (_He turns to go, and is half-way to door, when
MAGGIE rises_.)

MAGGIE (_coming_ C.). What can we do for you, Mr. Prosser?

ALBERT (_stopping_). Well, I can't say that I came in to buy
anything, Miss Hobson.

MAGGIE. This is a shop, you know. We're not here to let people go
out without buying.

ALBERT. Well, I'll just have a pair of bootlaces, please.
(_Moves slightly to_ R.)

MAGGIE. What size do you take in boots?

ALBERT. Eights. I've got small feet. (_He simpers, then
perceives that_ MAGGIE _is by no means smiling_.) Does
that matter to the laces?

MAGGIE (_putting mat in front of arm-chair_ R. C.) It matters
to the boots. (_She pushes him slightly_.) Sit down, Mr. Prosser.

ALBERT (_sitting in arm-chair_ R. C.) Yes, but--