Sitting behind the counter are HOBSON'S two younger daughters, ALICE, R., who is twenty-three, and VICTORIA, L., who is twenty-one, and very pretty. ALICE is knitting and VICTORIA is reading. They are in black, with neat black aprons. The door R. opens, and MAGGIE enters. She is HOBSON'S eldest daughter, thirty.
ALICE. Oh, it's you. I hoped it was father going out.
MAGGIE. It isn't. (She crosses and takes her place at desk L.)
ALICE. He is late this morning.
MAGGIE. He got up late. (She busies herself with an account book.)
VICKEY. (reading). Has he had breakfast yet, Maggie?
MAGGIE. Breakfast! With a Masons' meeting last night!
VICKEY. He'll need reviving.
ALICE. Then I wish he'd go and do it.
VICKEY. Are you expecting anyone, Alice?