I didn't put your ten bob on
yesterday, because the animal finished last. You cant depend on horses.
MAUD. [Touching the newspaper] This is a frightful business, Topping.
TOPPING. Ah! However did it happen, Miss Maud?
MAUD. [Tapping the newspaper] It's all true. He came after my mother
to Miss Athene's, and I--I couldn't stand it. I did what it says here;
and now I'm sorry. Mother's dreadfully upset. You know father as well
as anyone, Topping; what do you think he'll do now?
TOPPING. [Sucking in his cheeks] Well, you see, Miss, it's like this:
Up to now Mr Builder's always had the respect of everybody--
MAUD moves her head impatiently.
outside his own house, of course. Well, now he hasn't got it.
Pishchologically that's bound to touch him.
MAUD. Of course; but which way? Will he throw up the sponge, or try and
stick it out here?
TOPPING. He won't throw up the sponge, Miss; more likely to squeeze it
down the back of their necks.
MAUD. He'll be asked to resign, of course.
The NEWSPAPER BOY'S VOICE is heard again approaching: "First
edition! Great sensation! Local magistrate before the Bench!
Pay-per!"
Oh, dear! I wish I hadn't! But I couldn't see mother being--
TOPPING.
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