(FREDDY _goes out_ L.) ALICE. I don't know what you're aiming at, Maggie, but-- MAGGIE. The difference between us is that I do. I always did. (_Goes_ L.) VICKEY (_indicating_ WILLIE). It's a queer thing you aimed at. (_Moves up to behind counter_.) MAGGIE (_moving up to_ WILL). I've done uncommon well myself, and I've come here to put things straight for you. Father told you to get married and you don't shape. ALICE. He changed his mind. MAGGIE. I don't allow for folks to change their minds. He made his choice. He said get married, and you're going to. VICKEY. You haven't made it easier for us, you know. MAGGIE. Meaning Willie? WILLIE. It wasn't my fault, Miss Vickey, really it wasn't. MAGGIE. You call her Vickey, Will. VICKEY. No, he doesn't. (_Drops down stage_ R.) MAGGIE. He's in the family or going to be. And I'll tell you this. If you want your Freddy, and if you want your Albert, you'll be respectful to my Willie. ALICE. Willie Mossop was our boot hand. MAGGIE. He was, and you'll let bygones be bygones. He's as good as you are now, and better. WILLIE. Nay, come, Maggie-- MAGGIE. Better, I say. They're shop assistants. You're your own master, aren't you? WILLIE. I've got my name wrote up on the windows, but I dunno so much about being master. MAGGIE (_producing card and moving down_ L. _to_ ALICE). That's his business card, William Mossop, Practical Boot and Shoe Maker, 39a, Oldfield Road, Salford. William Mossop, Master Bootmaker! That's the man you're privileged to call by his Christian name. Aye, and I'll do more for you than let you call him in his name. You can both of you kiss him for your brother-in-law to be. WILLIE (_rising_). Nay, Maggie, I'm no great hand at kissing. (VICKEY _and_ ALICE _are much annoyed_.) MAGGIE (_dryly_). I've noticed that. A bit of practice will do you no harm. Come along, Vickey. ALICE (_interposing_). But, Maggie ... a shop of your own-- MAGGIE (_grimly_). I'm waiting, Vickey. WILLIE. I don't see that you ought to drive her to it, Maggie. MAGGIE. You hold your hush. (_Crosses_ R. _to_ VICKEY.) ALICE. But however did you manage it? Where did the capital come from? MAGGIE. It came. Will, stand still. She's making up her mind to it. WILLIE. I'd just as lief not put her to the trouble. MAGGIE. You'll take your proper place in this family, my lad, trouble or no trouble. VICKEY. I don't see why you should always get your way. MAGGIE. It's just a habit. Come along now, Vickey, I've a lot to do to-day and you're holding everything back. VICKEY. It's under protest. MAGGIE. Protest, but kiss. (VICKEY _goes to and kisses_ WILL, _who finds he rather likes it. She moves back_ R., _then goes up to case up_ R. _and starts dusting furiously_.) Your turn now, Alice. ALICE. I'll do it if you'll help me with these books, Maggie. MAGGIE. Books? Father's put you in my place? (_Goes_ L. C.) ALICE. Yes. MAGGIE. Then he must take the consequences. Your books aren't my affair.