(There is reluctance inside, then VICKEY, ALICE and FRED enter and stand in a row, L.)
HOBSON. Alice! Vickey!
MAGGIE. Family gathering. This is Mr. Beenstock, of Beenstock & Co.
FREDDY. How do you do?
HOBSON. What! Here!
(The situation is plainly beyond his mused brain's capacity.)
MAGGIE. When you've got a thing to settle, you need all the parties to be present.
HOBSON. But there are so many of them. Where have they all come from?
MAGGIE. My bedroom.
HOBSON. Your—? Maggie, I wish you'd explain before my brain gives way.