WILLIE. That's a fact. I've not been married before, you see. I've not been left alone with her, either. Up to now she's been coming round to where I lodged at Tubby Wadlow's to give me my lessons. It's different now, and I freely own I'm feeling awkward-like. I'd be deeply obliged if you would stay on a bit to help to—to thaw the ice for me.
FREDDY. You've been engaged to her, haven't you?
WILLIE. Aye, but it weren't for long. And you see, Maggie's not the sort you get familiar with.
FREDDY. You had quite long enough to thaw the ice. It's not our job to do your melting for you. (Moves away R.)
ALBERT. No. Fred, these pots need washing. We will wash them.
(ALBERT carries tray behind screen. Water runs. He is seen flourishing towels. FRED is following when WILLIE calls him back and takes tray to table.)
WILLIE. Fred, would you like it yourself with—with a wench like Maggie? (Goes R. C.)
FREDDY. That's not the point. It wasn't me she married.
WILLIE. It's that being alone with her that worries me, and I did think you'd stand by a fellow man to make things not so strange at first.
ALBERT (coming down, with a dishcloth). That's not the way we look at it. Hurry up with those cups, Fred. (Goes to FRED up stage R.)