MAYOR. [With a gesture of dismissal] Very well, That seems to be the evidence. Defendant John Builder—what do you say to all this?
BUILDER. [In a voice different from any we have heard from him] Say! What business had he to touch me, a magistrate? I gave my daughter two taps with a cane in a private house, for interfering with me for taking my wife home—
MAYOR. That charge is not pressed, and we can't go into the circumstances. What do you wish to say about your conduct towards the constable?
BUILDER. [In his throat] Not a damned thing!
MAYOR. [Embarrassed] I—I didn't catch.
CHANTREY. Nothing—nothing, he said, Mr Mayor.
MAYOR. [Clearing his throat] I understand, then, that you do not wish to offer any explanation?
BUILDER. I consider myself abominably treated, and I refuse to say another word.
MAYOR. [Drily] Very good. Miss Maud Builder.
MAUD stands up.