WILLIE. They're dirty. (_He holds them out hesitatingly_.) MAGGIE. Yes, they're dirty, but they're clever. They can shape the leather like no other man's that ever came into the shop. Who taught you, Willie? (_She retains his hands_.) WILLIE. Why, Miss Maggie, I learnt my trade here. MAGGIE. Hobson's never taught you to make boots the way you do. WILLIE. I've had no other teacher. MAGGIE (_dropping his hands_.) And needed none. You're a natural born genius at making boots. It's a pity you're a natural fool at all else. WILLIE. I'm not much good at owt but leather, and that's a fact. MAGGIE. When are you going to leave Hobson's? WILLIE. Leave Hobson's? I--I thought I gave satisfaction. MAGGIE. Don't you want to leave? WILLIE. Not me. I've been at Hobson's all my life, and I'm not for leaving till I'm made. MAGGIE. I said you were a fool. WILLIE. Then I'm a loyal fool. MAGGIE. Don't you want to get on, Will Mossop? You heard what Mrs. Hepworth said. You know the wages you get and you know the wages a bootmaker like you could get in one of the big shops in Manchester. WILLIE. Nay, I'd be feared to go in them fine places. MAGGIE. What keeps you here? Is it the--the people? WILLIE. I dunno what it is. I'm used to being here. MAGGIE. Do you know what keeps this business on its legs? Two things: one's the good boots you make that sell themselves, the other's the bad boots other people make and I sell. We're a pair, Will Mossop. WILLIE. You're a wonder in the shop, Miss Maggie. MAGGIE. And you're a marvel in the workshop. Well? WILLIE. Well, what? MAGGIE. It seems to me to point one way. WILLIE. What way is that? MAGGIE. You're leaving me to do the work, my lad. WILLIE. I'll be getting back to my stool, Miss Maggie. (_Moves to trap_.) MAGGIE (_stopping him_). You'll go back when I've done with you. I've watched you for a long time and everything I've seen, I've liked. I think you'll do for me. WILLIE. What way, Miss Maggie? MAGGIE. Will Mossop, you're my man. Six months I've counted on you and it's got to come out some time. WILLIE. But I never-- MAGGIE. I know you never, or it 'ud not be left to me to do the job like this. WILLIE. I'll--I'll sit down. (_He sits in arm-chair, mopping his brow_.) I'm feeling queer-like. What dost want me for? MAGGIE. To invest in. You're a business idea in the shape of a man. WILLIE. I've got no head for business at all. MAGGIE. But I have. My brain and your hands 'ull make a working partnership. WILLIE (_getting up, relieved_). Partnership! Oh, that's a different thing. I thought you were axing me to wed you. (_Moves up stage_.) MAGGIE. I am. WILLIE (_sitting in front of counter_). Well, by gum! And you the master's daughter. MAGGIE. Maybe that's why, Will Mossop. (_Moving up stage_.) Maybe I've had enough of father, and you're as different from him as any man I know. (_Sits_ L. _of him_.) WILLIE. It's a bit awkward-like.