Wrigley. Ay, and you needn't tire your tongue with welcoming words. I can read your genial thoughts. And knowing you hadn't got it here, we brought our own ale with us. (_Lifting jug._) It's a real drop of stimulant is this. Now sit down, Thomas. There you are, Harry. (_Places chairs._) Well, now what shall it be? (_Sits._) Seeing we're unexpected like, I think a bit of bread and cheese, eh Thomas? Thomas. It'll go sweetly with the ale. Wrigley. So it will. Bread and cheese, Mrs. Munning. I'd not say "no" to biscuits myself. Paul (_advancing_). Joe Wrigley---- Wrigley. Eh, Paul, I didn't just notice you, but you're the man we want. We've really come on business, but we'll get on better when we're fortified with a bite and a sup. You know what Thomas and Harry are, don't you? Paul (_surrendering_). You'd better get the bread and cheese out, mother. (_Mrs. Munning goes reluctantly and opens door._) Mrs. Munning. Sally! Sally! (_Exit Mrs. Munning._) Wrigley. That's right, Paul. When the Executive Committee of the Little Hulton Savings Club pay a call upon you it's a matter of common sense for you to make them feel at home. Paul. Mr. Mowatt and Mr. Shoebridge are on the Executive and they're welcome here, but you---- Wrigley. I'm on as well. Harry. Since last night. Wrigley. As you say, Harry, since last night. I'm coopted under rule 17. Cost me a gallon of beer, but I'm co-opted. We're the Executive and we're here on a matter of business concerned with the work of the Society. Paul (_with deference_). What can I do for you, Mr. Shoebridge? Harry. Well, I'll tell you, Mr. Munning. (_Mrs. Munning and Sally enter. They put food and glasses on table. Wrigley pours ale. They eat and drink during the ensuing. Exit Sally._) Harry. You do the catering for our annual picnic, and there's a resolution standing on our minute book, recommending our members to employ you at times of private merrymaking. Thank you, Mrs. Munning. Paul. We've done all catering for your members at contract prices for many years. Thomas. That's so. And no one likes to break an old connection without warning. Paul. Break? Thomas. I reckon first to last you've made a pretty penny by us. Paul. I'm sure our charges to you are moderate, Mr. Mowatt. Thomas. They'll do. They'll do--so long as you're giving us what we want. Harry. It's not the charges that we're here about exactly. Mrs. Munning. Then what is it? Harry. I'm telling you as fast as I can. This is a tasty bit of cheese, Mrs. Munning. Wrigley. Aye. I thought you'd relish it. It's full-flavoured but it doesn't rasp the tongue. It's mellow. Thomas. Meller's a great word, Joe. I like things to be meller. I like meller women and meller cheese and meller ale and meller festivals. Harry. Did you go to see Mr. Abbott married the other day? Thomas. Did I go? I'd say so. That was a proper meller occasion. Harry. It was that. Mellow right through. He married his wife with port wine, did Mr. Abbott.