MAGGIE. Then why didn’t you try something else, Daddy?
MASSEY. I like that! What could I do? I was taught plumbing. We don’t have choice. Your grandfather put me to it, and of course I stuck to it.
MAGGIE. But why didn’t you ask for a choice?
MASSEY. Me! Why should I do such a thing? Father was a plumber, and if it was good enough for him, it was good enough for me. Suppose I had thrown it up and gone to Canada for a lark? A nice thing for my family. [To MAGGIE.] You wouldn’t have had the education you’ve had, my girl. We’ve got to live somehow, and if you get a good job stick to it, say I—none of your highty flighty notions. Live ’em down!
FOSTER. [gently.] We all have moments of discontent, I fancy, but we get over them.
MAGGIE. [turns to FOSTER.] Did you ever have any?
FOSTER. A long time ago, but I’m quite safe now, dear.
MAGGIE shrugs her shoulders and turns half away impatiently.
CHARLEY. I never said you couldn’t live them down. I never said, did I, that I was going away? I only said I should like to. Did I ever say more, Lil?
LILY. [meekly.] No, dear.