JOHN. You're too backward, Daniel, when it comes to the like of that. But ten pounds! No, I would like you to get on in the world right enough, Daniel, but I couldn't afford it. You know the way this house is being kept; it's lamentable. Tea and sugar and flour and things. Man, I'm just after paying off ten pounds to the McAfees for one thing and another, and it only a running account for two months. If I had a good housekeeper now, maybe things would alter for the better.
MARY (_coming out from the workshop followed by_ ALICK). O Uncle Dan! He says he'll go at once and get it----(_She stops short in confusion on seeing her father._)
JOHN. O! bravely. What's the news with you?
ALICK. I was just looking over some of them ideas of Daniel's, about the new fan bellows.
ALICK (_warned by_ DANIEL _who nudges him_). They're great altogether.
JOHN. Do you think there will be any sale for it at all?
ALICK. I think so. (_He perceives_ DANIEL _motioning assent._) I believe there would be indeed.
JOHN. Man, I wish I had the head of some of you young fellows to understand the working of them machinery and things. (DANIEL _goes back into the workshop._) I've the worst head in the world for understanding about them sort of things. There's Daniel, a great head on him, Daniel.
JOHN (_proudly_). One of the best. When he was a wee fellow, dang the one could beat him at making boats or drawing pictures, or explaining extraordinary things to you. None. Not one. A great head on him, Daniel. He'll do something yet.
ALICK. Did you know Andy McMinn's for coming over to see you this day, Mr. Murray?
JOHN (_eagerly_). This day? When? Are you sure?
ALICK. Aye, so he said. About two o'clock or so. Someone told him about Daniel's great new idea, and he's very curious to hear about it.
MARY. He's always poking his nose into people's business.
JOHN. Whist. Andy McMinn's a very decent man. Tell me (_rather bashfully_), was Sarah to come with him?
MARY (_alarmed_). O holy prophets! I hope not.
ALICK. Aye. She's coming too. She wanted to see it as well as Andy.
JOHN. Aye. Certainly, and she's welcome too. Mary, you can get the house ready, and the table set, and a nice tea for them when they come, and I can go and get tidied up a wee bit. (_He goes off through door into inner rooms._)
