WILLIE.  Aye.  I  were,  but  I've  moved  on  a  bit  since  then.
Your  daughter  married  me  and  set  about  my  education.
And — and  now  I'll  tell  you  what  I'll  do  and  it'll  be
the  handsome  thing  and  all  from  me  to  you.  I'll  close
my  shop

HOBSON.      Oh  !     That  doesn't  sound  like  doing  so  well.
WILLIE.  I'm  doing  well,  but  I'll  do  better  here.
I'll  transfer  to  this  address  and  what  I'll  do  that's
generous  is  this :  I'll  take  you  into  partnership  and
give  you  your  half-share  on  the  condition  you're

[124]


HOBSON'S    CHOICE  Act  III

sleeping  partner  and  you  don't  try  interference  on  with
me.
HOBSON.     A  partner  !     You — here

WILLIE.  William  Mossop,  late  Hobson,  is  the  name
this  shop  'ull  have.
MAGGIE.  Wait  a  bit,  Will.  I  don't  agree  to
that.
HOBSON.  Oh,  so  you  have  piped  up  at  last.  I
began  to  think  you'd  both  lost  your  senses  together.
MAGGIE.     It  had  better  not  be  "  late  Hobson."

WILLIE.     Well,  I  meant  it  should.
HOBSON.  Just  wait  a  bit.  I  want  to  know  if  I'm  taking
this  in  aright.  I'm  to  be  given  a  half-share  in  my  own
business  on  condition  I  take  no  part  in  running  it,  Is
that  what  you  said  ?

WILLIE.    That's  it.
HOBSON.  Well,  I've  heard  of  impudence  before,
but

MAGGIE.     It's  all  right,  father.
HOBSON.     But  did  you  hear  what  he  said  ?

MAGGIE.  Yes.  That's  settled.  Quite  settled,  father.
It's  only  the  name  we're  arguing  about.  I  won't  have
"  late  Hobson's,"  Will.
HOBSON.  I'm  not  dead,  yet,  my  lad,  and  I'll  show  you
I'm  not.
MAGGIE.     I  think  Hobson  and  Mossop  is  best.
HOBSON.     His  name  on  my  sign-board  !

WILLIE.  The  best  I'll  do  is  this :  Mossop  and
Hobson.
MAGGIE.      No.
