MARY (dryly). Well, Matthew's busy.
JOE. He's not too busy to attend to us. We want him out.
MARY. And you'll not get him.
JOE. I think we shall. (Calling.) Matthew! Matthew Butterworth!
MARY. Yes, you may call. You'll burst your lungs before he'll hear in there. He's working. You're idling. Don't try to interrupt a better man.
(Henri makes as if to force her from door, Joe checks him.)
JOE. That's why we want him with us. Because we know him for the best weaver in these parts. Because he's treated by the master different from us and works at home instead of being driven into the factory. We want the best man on the people's side and none of us but gives old Matthew best. That's what we think of your husband, Mrs. Butterworth.
MARY. And it's what I think, so you needn't fancy that it's news to me. He's better sense than to go wasting time on a pack of crazy Radicals.
(The loom stops, the door is thrown open and Matthew speaks off)
MATTHEW. Mary, fetch that candle back. I cannot see to weave properly with only one.