David.  You have a name here for high moral character.

John.  And justly.

David.  Are you serious-minded?

John.  I never laughed in my life.

David.  Who do you sit under in Glasgow?

John.  Mr. Flemister of the Sauchiehall High.

David.  Are you a Sabbath-school teacher?

John.  I am.

David.  One more question.  Are you promised?

John.  To a lady?

David.  Yes.

John.  I’ve never given one of them a single word of encouragement. 
I’m too much occupied thinking about my career.

David.  So. [He reflects, and finally indicates by a jerk of the head that he wishes to talk with his father behind the door.]

James [longingly].  Do you want me too?

[But they go out without even answering him.]

Maggie.  I don’t know what maggot they have in their heads, but sit down, young man, till they come back.

John.  My name’s Mr. Shand, and till I’m called that I decline to sit down again in this house.

Maggie.  Then I’m thinking, young sir, you’ll have a weary wait.

[While he waits you can see how pinched his face is.  He is little more than a boy, and he seldom has enough to eat.  David and Alick return presently, looking as sly as if they had been discussing some move on the dambrod, as indeed they have.]

David [suddenly become genial].  Sit down, Mr. Shand, and pull in your chair.  You’ll have a thimbleful of something to keep the cold out? [Briskly] Glasses, Maggie.

[She wonders, but gets glasses and decanter from the sideboard, which James calls the chiffy.  David and Alick, in the most friendly manner, also draw up to the table.]

You’re not a totaller, I hope?

John [guardedly].  I’m practically a totaller.

David.  So are we.  How do you take it?  Is there any hot water, Maggie?

John.  If I take it at all, and I haven’t made up my mind yet, I’ll take it cold.

David.  You’ll take it hot, James?

James [also sitting at the table but completely befogged].  No, I—­

David [decisively] I think you’ll take it hot, James.

James [sulking].  I’ll take it hot.

David.  The kettle, Maggie.

[James has evidently to take it hot so that they can get at the business now on hand, while Maggie goes kitchenward for the kettle.]

Alick.  Now, David, quick, before she comes back.

David.  Mr. Shand, we have an offer to make you.

John [warningly].  No patronage.

Alick.  It’s strictly a business affair.

David.  Leave it to me, father.  It’s this—­[But to his annoyance the suspicious Maggie has already returned with the kettle.] Maggie, don’t you see that you’re not wanted?