accident, but they that live by law have twisted ways of putting
things that make white show as black. I'm in their grip at last.
I've kept away from lawyers all my life, I've hated lawyers, and
they've got their chance to make me bleed for it. I've dodged
them, and they've caught me in the end. They'll squeeze me dry
for it.

WILLIE. My word, and that's summat like a squeeze and all.

(HOBSON _stares at him_.)

MAGGIE. I can see it's serious. I shouldn't wonder if you didn't
lose some trade from this.

HOBSON. Wonder! (_Rising and moving_ C.) It's as certain as
Christmas. My good-class customers are not going to buy their
boots from a man who's stood up in open court and had to
acknowledge he was overcome at 12 o'clock in the morning. They'll
not remember it was private grief that caused it all. They'll
only think the worse of me because I couldn't control my daughter
better than to let her go and be the cause of sorrow to me in my
age. That's what you've done. Brought this on me, you two,
between you.

WILLIE. Do you think it will get into the paper, Maggie?

MAGGIE. Yes, for sure. You'll see your name in the _Salford
Reporter_, father.

HOBSON. _Salford Reporter_! Yes, and more. When there is