Mary. Here's Andy now (she looks out through the window), and Alick's with him. (She opens the door, Andy McMinn and McCready enter. McCready glances at Mary and Mackenzie, and goes over sulkily to the fireplace. Andy advances awkwardly towards Daniel.)
Daniel (genially). Good afternoon, Andy.
Andy. Good afternoon. (He looks at Mackenzie, who nods curtly.) I suppose you know I've power to settle the case.
Daniel. Well, you wrote the letter, and so, in point of law, I think it is you who should look after all this unfortunate business. Believe me, Andy, I sympathise with you. I do indeed. (Mary and Mackenzie become absorbed in conversation near the table. Alick McCready stands at the fireplace looking at them and unable to conceal his jealousy, makes sundry odd noises to distract Mary's attention. She pretends not to hear him.) I have your letter here. (He searches in his pocket and produces it.) Yes. One thousand pounds. Do you not think that a trifle high?
Andy. Well. You know we could have as easily claimed two thousand, but we didn't like to break you altogether; so we just said that a thousand would come pretty near it.
Mackenzie. Mr. Daniel, may I look at the bellows?
Mary. Uncle Dan, I'm sure you won't object. (She makes a gesture as if asking him to assent.)
Daniel (looking hard at her, and then seeming to understand what she is about). Yes. Yes. I'll thrash out the matter here with Andy. (Mackenzie goes across into the workshop, followed by Mary. McCready sits down disconsolately at the fireplace and begins to smoke his pipe moodily.) A thousand pounds is impossible. Absolutely out of the question.
McCready (to himself). Ach. She only torments me.
Daniel (looking over wonderingly). Eh? People behave strangely sometimes, Andy. Very strangely. (McCready makes no response, but sits with his back to the two of them.) Just a moment, Andy. What about a wee drink. Eh, Andy?