HUBERT: That's true enough.

MRS. BRAMSON: Missing woman indeed! She's more likely than not at this very moment sitting in some saloon bar. Or the films, I shouldn't wonder. (To OLIVIA) pass me my wool, will you….

OLIVIA crosses to the desk. A knock at the kitchen door: DORA appears, cautiously.

DORA: Was it about me?

OLIVIA: Of course it wasn't.

DORA (relieved): Oh…. Please, mum, 'e's 'ere.

MRS. BRAMSON: Who?

DORA: My boy fr—my gentleman friend, ma'am, from the Tallboys.

MRS. BRAMSON: I'm ready for him. (Waving aside the wool which OLIVIA brings to her) The sooner he's made to realise what his duty is, the better. I'll give him baby-face!

DORA: Thank you, ma'am.