GIBSON [somewhat ruefully]: Well, that's pleasant news.
[ELLA appears from the house.]
ELLA: It's that old Ed Carter from the factory, Mr. Gibson. He heard from Tom Riley you was expected back and he's come to call on you.
GIBSON: Tell him to come right out. [Sees CARTER beyond ELLA.] Come out here, Carter! Glad to see you!
[They shake hands. CARTER is unchanged as to head and whiskers, but wears a square-cut black frock coat, or "Prince Albert," with trousers and waistcoat of the same material; old brown shoes, a derby hat, a blue satin four-in-hand tie.]
CARTER: How do you do, Mr. Gibson! I just thought I'd pay my respects, as Tom Riley passed the word round the factory you was coming back.
GIBSON: Sit down, sit down!
MIFFLIN [exuberantly]: How do you do, Carter, how do you do! [They shake hands and MIFFLIN pats CARTER on the shoulder.] Look at him, Mr. Gibson! Look at him! Don't you see what the New Freedom has done for him? It's in his eye! That pride of liberty! It's in his step, in every gesture he makes. [CARTER strokes his whiskers.] You're old friends—equal now, equal at last. I won't disturb you! [Picks up his hat, magazines, and umbrella.] He can give you more than I can, Mr. Gibson. Good afternoon! Good afternoon!
[He goes out through the gate.]
GIBSON: Sit down, Carter. Sit down! [They sit.] Well, is everything fine?