Oh! father, I--I've got some news for you.
BUILDER. [Staring at her] News--what?
MAUD. I'm awfully sorry, but I-I've got a job.
BUILDER. Now, don't go saying you're going in for Art, too, because I
won't have it.
MAUD. Art? Oh! no! It's the--[With a jerk]--the Movies.
BUILDER. who has taken up a pipe to fill, puts it down.
BUILDER. [Impressively] I'm not in a joking mood.
MAUD. I'm not joking, father.
BUILDER. Then what are you talking about?
MAUD. You see, I--I've got a film face, and--
BUILDER. You've what? [Going up to his daughter, he takes hold of her
chin] Don't talk nonsense! Your sister has just tried me to the limit.
MAUD. [Removing his hand from her chin] Don't oppose it, father, please!
I've always wanted to earn my own living.
BUILDER. Living! Living!
MAUD. [Gathering determination] You can't stop me, father, because I
shan't need support. I've got quite good terms.
BUILDER. [Almost choking, but mastering himself] Do you mean to say
you've gone as far as that?
MAUD. Yes. It's all settled.
BUILDER. Who put you up to this?
MAUD. No one. I've been meaning to, ever so long. I'm twenty-one, you
know.
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