MAGGIE. If there are any more signs of greediness from you two, there'll be a counter-action for personal damages due to your criminal carelessness in leaving your cellar flap open.
HOBSON. (rising). Maggie, you've saved me. I'll bring that action. I'll show them up.
MAGGIE. You're not damaged, and one lawyer's quite enough. But he'll be more reasonable now. I know perfectly well what father can afford to pay, and it's not a thousand pounds nor anything like a thousand pounds.
HOBSON. Not so much of your can't afford, Maggie. You'll make me out a pauper.
MAGGIE (turns to HOBSON). You can afford 500 pounds and you're going to pay 500 pounds.
HOBSON. Oh, but... there's a difference between affording and paying.
MAGGIE. You can go to the courts and be reported in the papers if you like. (Moves to above table, R.C.)
HOBSON. It's the principle I care about. I'm being beaten by a lawyer.
VICKEY (going to HOBSON). Father, dear, how can you be beaten when they wanted a thousand pounds and you're only going to give 500 pounds?
HOBSON. I hadn't thought of that.