JAMES [illustrating the sense of justice in the Wylie family]. Of course, to be fair to the man, he never pretended he wanted her.
DAVID. None of them wants her; that’s what depresses her. I was thinking, father, I would buy her that gold watch and chain in Snibby’s window. She hankers after it.
JAMES [slapping his pocket]. You’re too late, David; I’ve got them for her.
DAVID. It’s ill done of the minister. Many a pound of steak has that man had in this house.
ALICK. You mind the slippers she worked for him?
JAMES. I mind them fine; she began them for William Cathro. She’s getting on in years, too, though she looks so young.
ALICK. I never can make up my mind, David, whether her curls make her look younger or older.
DAVID [determinedly]. Younger. Whist! I hear her winding the clock. Mind, not a word about the minister to her, James. Don’t even mention religion this day.
JAMES. Would it be like me to do such a thing?
DAVID. It would be very like you. And there’s that other matter: say not a syllable about our having a reason for sitting up late to-night. When she says it’s bed-time, just all pretend we’re not sleepy.