JABEZ. Well?
JOHN. Well, what?
JABEZ. Look here, John, it's no good beating about the bush. We know each other by this time, and you're not the man to take offence at a bit of straight talk. That lad of yours wants speaking to, and damme, you're the man to do it.
JOHN. What's the'matter with him?
JABEZ. Nothing except that he's a fool. (John leaps up.)
JOHN. I say——
JABEZ (interrupting). Now sit down, John. (John sits.) Here's a lad I took a fancy to when he was a youngster. I take him to the works and give him every chance. It's understood he's to have Rosie and the business, too, when I've done with it. Here's Rosie sick for love of him. And what's he doing? Shillyshallying round and can't be got to name the day. That's not all, either, but it'ull do to go on with. What do you make of it, John? What's the matter with him?
JOHN. The boy's sound enough at bottom. Give him time to come round. It's not the thing nowadays to get married as young as it was in our day. And Charlie's in love with his work.
JABEZ. I know he is, the young fool.
JOHN. Come, steady on, Jabez.