JAMES. And you could have had him, Maggie, at the end of five. The document says five.
MAGGIE. Do you think I grudge not being married to him yet? Was I to hamper him till the fight was won?
DAVID [with wrinkled brows]. But if it’s lost?
[She can’t answer.]
ALICK [starting]. What’s that?
[The three listen at the door, the shouting dies down.]
DAVID. They’re terrible still; what can make them so still?
[JAMES spirits himself away. ALICK and DAVID blanch to hear MAGGIE speaking softly as if to JOHN.]
MAGGIE. Did you say you had lost, John? Of course you would lose the first time, dear John. Six years. Very well, we’ll begin another six to-night. You’ll win yet. [Fiercely] Never give in, John, never give in!
[The roar of the multitude breaks out again and comes rolling nearer.]