MAGGIE (_sitting at table up_ R. C., _reading_). "There is always room at the top." (_Washing it out_.) Your writing's improving, Will. I'll set you a short copy for to-night, because it's getting late and we've a lot to do in the morning. (_Writing_.) "Great things grow from small." Now, then, you can sit down here and copy that! (_He takes her place at the table_. MAGGIE _watches a moment, then goes to fire-place and fingers the flowers_.) I'll put these flowers of Mrs. Hepworth's behind the fire, Will. We'll not want litter in the place come working time to-morrow. (_She takes up basin, stops, looks at_ WILL, _who is bent over his slate, and takes a flower out, throwing the rest behind the fire and going to bedroom with the one_.) WILLIE (_looking up_). You're saving one. MAGGIE (_caught in an act of sentiment and apologetically_). I thought I'd press it in my Bible for a keepsake, Will. I'm not beyond liking to be reminded of this day. (_She looks at screen and yawns_.) Lord, I'm tired. I reckon I'll leave those pots till morning. It's a slackish way of starting, but I don't get married every day. WILLIE (_industrious at his slate_). No. MAGGIE. I'm for my bed. You finish that copy before you come. WILLIE. Yes, Maggie. (_Exit_ MAGGIE _to bedroom, with the flower. She closes door_. WILL _copies, repeats letters and words as he writes them slowly, finishes, then rises and rakes out fire. He looks shyly at bedroom door, sits and takes his boots off. He rises, boots in hand, moves towards door, hesitates, and turns back, puts boots down at door, then returns to table and takes off his collar. Then hesitates again, finally makes up his mind, puts out light, and lies down on sofa with occasional glances at the bedroom door. At first he faces the fire. He is uncomfortable. He turns over and faces the door. In a minute_ MAGGIE _opens the bedroom door. She has a candle and is in a plain calico night-dress. She comes to_ WILL, _shines the light on him, takes him by the ear, and returns with him to bedroom_). CURTAIN. [Illustration.] Red papered chamber of an old-fashioned design. Antimacassars on chairs. All sorts of china ornaments. Dogs, vases, artificial flowers, lace curtains on window, books, boot boxes, cushions with lace covers, fire lit. Gas brackets each side of mantelpiece. Old pictures, velvet-framed views. ACT IV _The scene represents_ HOBSON'S _living-room, the door to which was seen in Act I. From inside the room that door is now seen to be at the left, the opposite wall having the fire-place and another door to the house. It is eight o'clock on a morning a year later.