Wrigley. He promised her not half an hour ago in Tim Bealey's shop, with witnesses and all. There was Tim Bealey there and his missus and the errand lad and me. Mrs. Munning. Is that true, Zack? Zack. I did say something, mother. Mrs. Munning. You silly fool! Zack. But it was only to save argument. I do hate argument when people have a voice as loud as Joe's. Mrs. Munning. That means you forced him, Wrigley. Wrigley. It means he promised before witnesses, and I'll take good care he keeps his word. Mrs. Munning. Come here, Martha. Do you want to marry him? Wrigley. Of course she does. Mrs. Munning. Let the girl speak for herself. Martha. I'd like to, Mrs. Munning. Only not if Zack don't want as well. I'd not expect it. Wrigley. But I expect it. Paul. Yes, Joe, we know it's you we've got to thank for this. Wrigley. I reckon it's me all right. You'll think twice before you sack a man for getting hurt another time. I'll teach you something. Paul (_quietly_). Will you? By marrying your girl to Zack? Wrigley. That's it. I'll break your pride. Paul. It might break you. I wouldn't swear that this wouldn't make me, Joe. Martha (_up to Zack_). I didn't go to do it, Zack. I don't want to be no trouble to nobody. Mrs. Munning. Do you want her, Zack? Zack. I'd rather not say, mother. I wouldn't like to hurt her feelings. Paul. Do you want to marry her? Zack. I'd rather drown myself. Martha. Oh! Zack (_to her_). There, there, Martha. I didn't mean to hurt you. There! Mrs. Munning. Keep your great hands to yourself, Zack, can't you? Zack. I've hurt her feelings, mother. Mrs. Munning. And I'll hurt yours if you don't do what I tell you sharp. Wrigley. Come, Mrs. Munning. What's to do with a chap putting his arm round the girl he's going to marry? Mrs. Munning. He's just about the same chance of marrying her as you have of coming back to work here, Joe. Wrigley. I fancy both our chances then. Mrs. Munning. You'd lose your money. Wrigley. I think not, Mrs. Munning. I've a notion that you'll weigh things up and come to seeing this my way. I've not come here to quarrel with my relations to be, but I'll just point out that Wilson's of Norton are getting business off you every day and you can't afford a scandal in your line of trade. Mrs. Munning. Be careful, Wrigley. Threats of that kind have a nasty name. Wrigley. I'm not afraid of names. Come here, Martha. We've given them enough to think about. Martha. Yes, father. Wrigley. I'll look in later for your answer. (_Opens door._) Paul. You needn't. You can have it now. Mrs. Munning. You can. I'll give it you. It's this, that---- Paul. Zack can go with you now to see the vicar, Joe. Wrigley. Eh? Mrs. Munning. What? Zack. Paul! Mrs. Munning. Paul, are you mad? Zack. But I don't want to marry her. I don't indeed. Paul. You've made your bed and you'll lie on it. I'll stir no hand to save you. Mrs. Munning. But, Paul---- Paul. I've got my reasons, mother, and they're sound.