ROSIE. Our happiness!
CLAV. Oh, if you want proof of my devotion, haven't I given it to you? I kept my bond. I've let you know of all illness amongst your father's hands, and I've seen that no word of your ministrations reached his ear. You mustn't think of Charlie. He's an inconsequential wobbler. Oh! he sees what he wants all right, but his only idea of getting it is to bash at everything in his way with a battering ram. He can't finesse.
ROSIE. No. I think that's rather fine of him myself.
CLAV. Fine! What good's he done? See what I've done already without your help. The respirator's going to be used and the men get free doctoring. I've done that. I alone. Charlie's only talked about it. Think how much more I could do for the men if I had the help of your influence with your father, if I were—your husband.
ROSIE (rising. Clavering rises). Dr. Clavering, before I was engaged to Charlie you asked me to marry you. You remember my answer?
CLAV. Yes, but circumstances have changed. Rosie. Yes, they've changed. Your proposal then was an honourable one, for I was free to choose, and I refused you gently, hoping to spare you pain. To-day my answer is the same, with this addition, that were I free to choose as I was then, I should choose an honest man, a man who couldn't "finesse".
(Enter John, c. Shouts and clapping heard. Jabez' back seen as he stands speaking.)
CLAV. (recovering himself with an effort). Well, Mr. Bunting, how are things going in there?
JOHN. Listen. Jabez is speaking now.
JABEZ (off c. speaking in a genial way). It is like this, lads. I always like to think of myself as the father of my men. I'm proud of you fellows. The way you back me up when the spying factory inspectors come round is a thing any man would be proud of....