Mary. Oh uncle! That horrid thing! Why didn't you show him the one I got taken at Newcastle?
Daniel. My mistake. Very sorry, indeed, Mary, I assure you. But I tell you what, I'll take the album with me next time. Will that do?
Mary (laughing). There. Now you're only joking. (Suddenly.) What do you do all the time you stay in Belfast, uncle?
Daniel (uneasily). Um—um——Business, my dear girl, business. See engineers and all that sort of thing, and talk things over. It takes time, you know, Mary, time.
Mary. You've been an awful long time inventing, uncle, haven't you?
Daniel. Well, you know, Mary dear—time—it takes time. You can't rush an inventor.
Mary. Well look, uncle. You know I can just wheedle father round my wee finger, can't I?
Daniel. You can indeed.
Mary. Well, look: if you promise to bring down this boy you are talking about, I'll get father to give you enough to have two weeks in Belfast. There. It's a bargain.
Daniel. Um—well—he may not be there you know.