JAMES [sulking]. I’ll take it hot.
DAVID. The kettle, Maggie.
[JAMES has evidently to take it hot so that they can get at the business now on hand, while MAGGIE goes kitchenward for the kettle.]
ALICK. Now, David, quick, before she comes back.
DAVID. Mr. Shand, we have an offer to make you.
JOHN [warningly]. No patronage.
ALICK. It’s strictly a business affair.
DAVID. Leave it to me, father. It’s this—[But to his annoyance the suspicious MAGGIE has already returned with the kettle.] Maggie, don’t you see that you’re not wanted?
MAGGIE [sitting down by the fire and resuming her knitting]. I do, David.
DAVID. I have a proposition to put before Mr. Shand, and women are out of place in business transactions.