Polly. Yus, o' course she is, but you don't need to let 'im know it. Make 'im think yer'd be glad to get shut of 'er. Then 'e'll start thinkin' there's somethin' wrong abart the girl an' lave er' alone.
Andrew. (shaking her off). Garn, that's all woman's bunkum. It takes a man to dal with a job like this 'ere. Wot 'e wants is a thick ear an' I'll stick it out till I catch 'im an' give it 'im an all.
(Unbuckling his belt and going out centre. Polly removes her ironing from table. Suddenly she assumes a listenin attitude, then tiptoes to the door L. and opens it quietly. Teddy and Liza are standing just outside it. He has his arm round her waist. He is a good looking young man, short, dark, clean-shaven in a shoddy suit with muffler round his neck.)
Teddy. I love yer so I could eat yer.
Polly. Yer'd 'ave a foine belly ache, an all, if 'er flesh were as sour as 'er temper. (Teddy stands amazed, then begins to move away.) Yer'd never run from a woman, would yer? (Teddy stops.) Come in. I'm sure yer welcome. (Teddy and Liza enter, suspicious and reluctant. Polly hands a chair out.) Sit yer down. Don't be shy. Yer welcome to come 'ere if yer'll do yer courtin' proper an' drop yer dancin' abart outside with that whistle of yours. 'Ticin' Liza out after she's bin sent to bed. Yer slipped out o' back door I reckon, Liza?
Liza (timidly). Yus, mother.
Polly. I thought so. (Cordially.) Well, yer'll 'ave no need to carry on that road now. We're goin' to 'ave this square an' straight. Liza, I'm sure Mr. Dawson's ready for a bit of supper. There ain't nothing like peckin' a bit together when you want to get friendly. (Finishing the removal of ironing from table.) Now, Liza, get a move on. Where's that piece of boiled bacon as we found good chewing yesterday? Bustle round, girl. (Liza takes a cloth from dresser, spreads on table and lays plates, etc., for two, putting out the bacon, a tin loaf, and butter.)
Polly (drawing up a chair to Teddy's confidentially). Yer see, Mr. Dawson, I'm glad yer come in. I 'aven't arf liked yer plan of workin'. Comin' 'ere an' whistlin' abart the 'ouse as if yer felt feared o' bein' seen. (Teddy shifts uncomfortably.) But that's all over now. We're goin' to 'ave that altered. (Looking round at table.) Where's yer 'ead, Liza? Do yer think Mr. Dawson can face 'is supper dry? (Rising.) There's some beer in the back. I'll go an' fetch it. (Looking round as she reaches the door l.) It's gettin' a bit dark in 'ere, Liza. Things 'ull look more cheerful with a light on. It'll give yer somethin' ter do ter keep yer out of mischief while I'm gorn. (Exit Polly l. Liza immediately lights the gas and puts the blind down. Teddy rises.)
Teddy. Well, blime, Liza this beats everything. Wot made yer tell me they'd be against it if they knew'?
Liza. I don't understand this no more than yer do. They didn't set abort it this road with my sisters' fellers.