HUGH. [Still going on reading.] Haven't I just said a man is his own master, whatever!
NELI. Hughie, ye're to mind the shop while I'm gone!
HUGH. [Patiently.] Yiss, yiss.
NELI. I don't think ye hear a word I am sayin' whatever.
HUGH. Yiss, I hear every word ye're sayin'.
NELI. What is it, then?
HUGH. [Weakly.] 'Tis all about—about—the—the weather whatever!
NELI. Ye've not heard a word, an' ye're plannin' to read that book from cover to cover, I can see.
HUGH. [A little too quickly.] Nay, I have no plans....
[He tucks book away in back coat pocket over-hastily.