Zack. You'll get none out of mother. That's a certain fact. Martha (_blubbering_). And I was so looking forward to a bite of meat. We've not seen butcher's meat at our house not for a month and more. Zack (_really hit where he's soft_). My word, that's bad, Martha. Martha. And me anæmic too, and never can get food enough to satisfy me. Zack. Not food enough! Martha. I'm always hungry, and this did look a chance of getting my teeth into a bit of meat at last. Zack. Well, I dunno. That's very bad. (_He looks at coat behind door._) Martha. You try it and you'd know. Zack. Look here, Martha. This'll get me into trouble, but I got a shilling to-day at Ballbrook Farm, and if it's any use to you well--dang it, mother can't kill me. Here it is--(_He goes to coat, gets shilling, and brings it to her._) (_She takes it and expresses thanks, mostly by crying on his shoulder._) Martha. Oh, Mr. Zack. You are the good one. Zack. There! There! There I There! There! Don't take on so. Martha. Oh! (_She kisses him. Mrs. Munning enters._) Mrs. Munning (_grimly sarcastic_). Oh? When's the wedding, Zack? Zack (_humouring her_). Oh, I dunno. In about a month, eh, Martha? Mrs. Munning. You're fool enough for anything. Zack (_seriously_). I was only consoling her a bit. Mrs. Munning. If you want to console young women with your arm around their waists, my lad, you'll not be long for this house. You've enough bad habits now without beginning new ones. Zack. Martha was a bit upset, mother. Mrs. Munning. It _'_ud be a bad case that called for you to set it right. What is it, Martha? Martha. Father's broke his arm and he can't wait tomorrow, and I've brought his clothes, and, please Mrs. Munning, he's very sorry. Mrs. Munning. Sorry! Here! Paul! Paul! (_Opens door._) Paul! Paul (_off_). Coming. Mrs. Munning. And you consoled her for a thing like that! Console! I'd use a stick and---- (_Paul enters._) Paul. What is it, mother? Mrs. Munning. A nice upset, that's what it is. Joe Wrigley's gone and broke his arm when we wanted him tomorrow. Paul (_savagely_). The meddling fool! Disturbing our arrangements. How dare he break his arm? Martha. Please, Mr. Paul, he didn't mean to. It was an accident. Paul. Accident! Didn't he know it was Mr. Abbott's wedding to-morrow? Martha. Yes, sir. Paul. Then he shouldn't have an accident. You go and tell your father he's engaged by me to-morrow and if he doesn't come and do his job, he'll get no more work from us. You understand? Martha. But father can't wait to-morrow with a broken arm. Paul. That's not my fault. I didn't break it. You tell him what I said. Martha (_turning, then_). Then you won't be paying him his money, sir? Paul. What? Mrs. Munning. Paying him! I like your impudence Zack. You'd better go home, Martha. Martha. Yes, Mr. Zack (_Crying._) But I am so---- Zack (_his arm about her_). There! There! (_Leading her towards door._) Mrs. Munning. Keep your hands off the girl, Zack.