Jabez (_continuing_). To give him an appointment as medical officer to my works. You'll get free doctoring. (_Clavering goes out c. quickly, closing the door._)
John (_looking at Rosie appealingly_). Rosie!
John (_pitifully_). Don't let him be hard on me, my dear. I've done my best. If only you will speak to him. You can always have your way with your father. (_He puts out his hands appealingly._)
Rosie (_taking his hand in hers and patting it as if soothing a frightened child_). Don't be afraid. Do you think I'd let you two old gentlemen quarrel about nothing? Charlie's father and mine must always be good friends.
John (_relieved and almost tearful_). Oh, my dear! (_Distressed again_). But Charlie------(_He breaks off._)
John. You're not going to marry him after what's happened.
John (_bewildered_). But--I don't know anything--I thought he'd----
Rosie (_soothingly_). Never mind, Mr. Bunting. I promise you father shan't be nasty to you.
John (_pressing her hand._) Bless you, my dear, bless you. You don't know what that means to me. (_He goes out r., blunderingly. The murmur of great applause comes from c. Rosie looks off c. expectantly. The door opens and the sound increases. Enter Jabez visibly glowing with heat and triumph, Clavering all smiles, and a little behind Charlie, very much dejected. The door remains open and the sound dies down gradually._)
Jabez. Thanks, Clavering. You did that very neatly.
Clav. (_obsequiously_). You'd done the trick before I opened my mouth, sir. (_Charlie goes to the back with the evident intention of effacing himself._)
Jabez (_briskly_). Well, nothing to stay here for. We'd better be going, Rosie.
Clav. It's all over but the shouting. (_A cry heard off--"Douse 'un in th' 'orse-trough."_)
Pullen. There's going to be no strike, sir.
Jabez. Of course not. There never was the least chance of it. (_Charlie stands near door r._)
Pullen (_scratching his head_). A dunno about that. A thowt it a pretty near thing at one time afore tha coom in.
Jabez (_confidently_). Rubbish, man. Mere talk. Never deceived me for a moment.
(_Enter c. Livesey, Jones and Alcott. They look sidelong at Jabez and slink behind to their hats. Livesey goes to Charlie._)
Livesey. They're talking yonder o' dousing thee in _'_th _'_orse-trough, Mr. Bunting. Tha'd best be off whoam sharp. (_Gets his cap, r._)