(MAGGIE comes down stage R.)
WILLIE. Cretonne for a cellar, and morocco for this shop. Folk like to be pampered. Pampering pays. (He takes the chair out and returns immediately.) There'll be a carpet on that floor, too.
HOBSON. Carpet! Morocco! Young man, do you think this shop is in Saint Ann's Square, Manchester?
WILLIE. Not yet. But it is going to be.
HOBSON. What does he mean? (Appealing to heaven.)
WILLIE. It's no farther from Chapel Street to Saint Ann's Square than it is from Oldfield Road to Chapel Street. I've done one jump in a year and if I wait a bit I'll do the other. (HOBSON sits R. of table.) Maggie, I reckon your father could do with a bit of fresh air after this. I dare say it's come sudden to him. Suppose you walk with him to Albert Prosser's office and get Albert to draw up the deed of partnership.
HOBSON (looking pathetically first at MAGGIE, then at WILLIE, rising obediently). I'll go and get my hat.
(Exit HOBSON R.)
WILLIE. He's crushed-like, Maggie. I'm afraid I bore on him too hard. (Going R. C.)
MAGGIE. You needn't be.