Hornblower.  One cottage is the same as another, missis.  I made ye a fair offer of five pounds for the moving.

Jackman. [Slowly] We wouldn’t take fifty to go out of that ’ouse.  We brought up three children there, an’ buried two from it.

Mrs. J. [To Mrs. Hillcrist] We’re attached to it like, ma’am.

Hillcrist. [To Hornblower.] How would you like being turned out of a place you were fond of?

Hornblower.  Not a bit.  But little considerations have to give way to big ones.  Now, missis, I’ll make it ten pounds, and I’ll send a wagon to shift your things.  If that isn’t fair—!  Ye’d better accept, I shan’t keep it open.

     [The Jackmans look at each other; their faces show deep anger—­
     and the question they ask each other is which will speak.]

Mrs. J. We won’t take it; eh, George?

Jackman.  Not a farden.  We come there when we was married.

Hornblower. [Throwing out his finger] Ye’re very improvident folk.

Hillcrist. Don’t lecture them, Mr. Hornblower; they come out of this miles above you.

Hornblower. [Angry] Well, I was going to give ye another week, but ye’ll go out next Saturday; and take care ye’re not late, or your things’ll be put out in the rain.

Mrs. H. [To Mrs. Jackman] We’ll send down for your things, and you can come to us for the time being.

     [Mrs. Jackman drops a curtsey; her eyes stab Hornblowers.]

Jackman. [Heavily, clenching his fists] You’re no gentleman!  Don’t put temptation in my way, that’s all,

Hillcrist. [In a low voice] Jackman!

Hornblower. [Triumphantly] Ye hear that?  That’s your protegee!  Keep out o’ my way, me man, or I’ll put the police on to ye for utterin’ threats.

Hillcrist. You’d better go now, Jackman.

     [The Jackmans move to the door.]

Mrs. J. [Turning] Maybe you’ll repent it some day, sir.

     [They go out, Mrs. Hillcrist following.]

Hornblower.  We-ell, I’m sorry they’re such unreasonable folk.  I never met people with less notion of which side their bread was buttered.

Hillcrist. And I never met anyone so pachydermatous.

Hornblower.  What’s that, in Heaven’s name?  Ye needn’ wrap it up in long words now your good lady’s gone.

Hillcrist. [With dignity] I’m not going in for a slanging match.  I resent your conduct much too deeply.

Hornblower.  Look here, Hillcrist, I don’t object to you personally; ye seem to me a poor creature that’s bound to get left with your gout and your dignity; but of course ye can make yourself very disagreeable before ye’re done.  Now I want to be the movin’ spirit here.  I’m full of plans.  I’m goin’ to stand for Parliament; I’m goin’ to make this a prosperous place.  I’m a good-matured man if you’ll treat me as such.  Now, you take me on as a neighbour and all that, and I’ll manage without chimneys on the Centry.  Is it a bargain? [He holds out his hand.]