Athene.  What sort of father and mother have you got, Annie?

Annie.  I never thought, Miss.  And of course I don’t want to begin.

Athene.  D’you mean you’ve never noticed how they treat each other?

Annie.  I don’t think they do, Miss.

Athene.  Exactly.

Annie.  They haven’t time.  Father’s an engine driver.

Guy.  And what’s your young man, Annie?

Annie. [Embarrassed] Somethin’ like you, sir.  But very respectable.

Athene.  And suppose you marry him, and he treats you like a piece of furniture?

Annie.  I—­I could treat him the same, Miss.

Athene.  Don’t you believe that, Annie!

Annie.  He’s very mild.

Athene.  That’s because he wants you.  You wait till he doesn’t.

     Annie looks at Guy.

Guy.  Don’t you believe her, Annie; if he’s decent—­

Annie.  Oh! yes, sir.

Athene. [Suppressing a smile] Of course—­but the point is, Annie, that marriage makes all the difference.

Annie.  Yes, Miss; that’s what I thought.

Athene.  You don’t see.  What I mean is that when once he’s sure of you, he may change completely.

Annie. [Slowly, looking at her thumb] Oh!  I don’t—­think—­he’ll hammer me, Miss.  Of course, I know you can’t tell till you’ve found out.

Athene.  Well, I’ve no right to influence you.

Annie.  Oh! no, Miss; that’s what I’ve been thinking.

-Guy.  You’re quite right, Annie=-this is no place for you.

Annie.  You see, we can’t be married; sir, till he gets his rise.  So it’ll be a continual temptation to me.

Athene.  Well, all right, Annie.  I hope you’ll never regret it.

Annie.  Oh! no, Miss.

Guy.  I say, Annie, don’t go away thinking evil of us; we didn’t realise you knew we weren’t married.

Athene.  We certainly did not.

Annie.  Oh!  I didn’t think it right to take notice.

Guy.  We beg your pardon.

Annie.  Oh! no, sir.  Only, seein’ Mr and Mrs Builder so upset, brought it ’ome like.  And father can be ’andy with a strap.

Athene.  There you are!  Force majeure!

Annie.  Oh! yes, Miss.

Athene.  Well, good-bye, Annie.  What are you going to say to your people?

Annie.  Oh!  I shan’t say I’ve been livin’ in a family that wasn’t a family, Miss.  It wouldn’t do no good.

Athene.  Well, here are your wages.

Annie.  Oh!  I’m puttin’ you out, Miss. [She takes the money].

Athene.  Nonsense, Annie.  And here’s your fare home.