(_They laugh_.)

WILLIE. That's a fact. I've not been married before, you see.
I've not been left alone with her, either. Up to now she's been
coming round to where I lodged at Tubby Wadlow's to give me my
lessons. It's different now, and I freely own I'm feeling
awkward-like. I'd be deeply obliged if you would stay on a bit to
help to--to thaw the ice for me.

FREDDY. You've been engaged to her, haven't you?

WILLIE. Aye, but it weren't for long. And you see, Maggie's not
the sort you get familiar with.

FREDDY. You had quite long enough to thaw the ice. It's not our
job to do your melting for you. (_Moves away_ R.)

ALBERT. No. Fred, these pots need washing. We will wash them.

(ALBERT _carries tray behind screen. Water runs. He is seen
flourishing towels_. FRED _is following when_ WILLIE
_calls him back and takes tray to table_.)

WILLIE. Fred, would you like it yourself with--with a wench like
Maggie? (_Goes_ R. C.)

FREDDY. That's not the point. It wasn't me she married.

WILLIE. It's that being alone with her that worries me, and I did