MAGGIE. Aye. But wedding cake's a question of heart. There'd be
no bride cakes made at all if we thought first about our heads.
I'm quite aware it's foolishness, but I've a wish to see my
father sitting at my table eating my wedding cake on my wedding-
day.

HOBSON. It's a very serious thing I came about, Maggie.

MAGGIE. It's not more serious than knowing that you wish us well.

HOBSON. Well, Maggie, you know my way. When a thing's done it's
done. You've had your way and done what you wanted. I'm none
proud of the choice you made and I'll not lie and say I am, but
I've shaken your husband's hand, and that's a sign for you. The
milk's spilt and I'll not cry.

MAGGIE (_holding plate_). Then there's your cake, and you
can eat it.

HOBSON. I've given you my word there's no ill feeling. (_Pushes
cake away_.)

MAGGIE. So now we'll have the deed. (_Pushes it back_.)

HOBSON. You're a hard woman. (_He eats_.) You've no
consideration for the weakness of old age.

MAGGIE. Finished?

HOBSON. Pass me that tea.