(HOBSON is going up the stairs.)
ALICE. So does my Albert know his trade. (Goes R. C.)
HOBSON (half-way up-stairs). I'll grant you that. He knows his trade. He's good at robbery. (ALICE shows great indignation.) And I've to have it on my conscience that my daughter's wed a lawyer and an employer of lawyers.
VICKEY. It didn't worry your conscience to keep us serving in the shop at no wages.
HOBSON. I kept you, didn't I? It's some one else's job to victual you in future. Aye, you may grin, you two, but girls don't live on air. Your penny buns 'ull cost you tuppence now—and more. Wait, till the families begin to come. Don't come to me for keep, that's all. (Going.)
ALICE. Father!
HOBSON (turning). Aye. You may father me. But that's a piece of work I've finished with. I've done with fathering, and they're beginning it. They'll know what marrying a woman means before so long. They're putting chains upon themselves and I have thrown the shackles off. I've suffered thirty years and more and I'm a free man from to-day. Lord, what a thing you're taking on! You poor, poor wretches. You're red-nosed robbers, but you're going to pay for it.
(He opens door and exits R.)
MAGGIE (coming C.). You'd better arrange to get married quick. Alice and Vickey will have a sweet time with him.
FREDDY. Can they go home at all!