Hobson's Choice Page #9

I'll transfer to this address

and what I'll do that's generous is this.

I'll take you into partnership

and give you your half-share

on the condition you're sleeping partner

and don't try interference on with me.

Partner?

"William Mossop, late Hobson"

is the name this shop'll have.

Just a minute, Will.

I don't agree to that.

Oh, so you've piped up at last.

I began to think you'd both

lost your senses together.

It had better not be

"late Hobson", Will.

- That's the way I want it, Maggie.

- Now wait a bit.

I'm to be given

a half-share in me own business

provided I take no part in running it -

is that what you said?

- That's it.

- Well, I've heard of impudence before...

- It's all right, Father.

- Did you hear what he said?

Yes, Father, but it's settled, quite settled.

It's only the name we're arguing about.

I won't have "late Hobson", Will.

I'm not dead yet, my lad,

and I'll show you that I'm not.

I think "Hobson and Mossop" is best.

His name on my sign-board?

The best I'll do is this.

Mossop and Hobson.

No.

Mossop and Hobson,

or it's Oldfield Road for us, Maggie.

Very well, Will.

Mossop and Hobson.

- Now look here!

- Fine.

I'll make some alterations in this shop

and all, I will so.

- Alterations in my shop?

- Look at that chair!

How can you expect high-class customers

to sit on a chair like that?

We'd only a cellar,

but they did sit on cretonne!

Cretonne?

It's pampering folk!

Cretonne for a cellar,

morocco for this shop.

Folks like to be pampered. It pays.

We'll have carpet on that floor too.

Carpet? Morocco?

Young man!

D'you think this shop is

in St Ann's Square, Manchester?

Not yet...

but it's going to be.

It's no further

from Chapel St to St Ann's Square

than it is from Oldfield Road

to Chapel Street.

I've done one jump in a year,

and if I wait a bit I'll do t'other.

Give him time, Will.

It's come a bit sudden.

I'm afraid I bore on him too hard.

- Did I sound confident, Maggie?

- You did all right.

I wasn't as certain as I sounded,

but you told me to be strong and use

the power that's come to me through you.

Words came into me mouth

that made me jump at me own boldness.

And when it came to facing you

about the name,

I fair trembled in me shoes.

I was carried away like.

I'd not have dared to cross you, Maggie.

Don't spoil it, Will.

You're the man I made you

and I'm proud.

Yes, but I... I said such things to him

and I sounded as if I meant them too.

- And didn't you?

- Aye, aye, that's just the worst.

I mean, from me to him.

I... Well, he's the old master and...

And you're the new!

Will, are you doing?

Leave my wedding ring alone.

- You've worn a brass one long enough.

- I'll wear that ring forever, Will.

I... I was for getting you

a proper one.

That brass stays where you put it, love.

And if ever we get too rich and proud,

we'll just sit down together

and take a long look at it

so as we'll not forget t'truth

about ourselves.

- I've come to a decision.

- Yes, Mr Hobson?

Will Mossop, you've forced me to it.

I never thought I'd have to stoop so low.

But I'm going round

to see Albert Prosser.

- Albert Prosser?

- Aye.

I'm gonna fence you in with the law.

Albert Prosser's going to draw up

a deed of partnership.

- Yes, Father.

- Aye.

Well, by gum!

By gum!

Tubby! Shop!

By gum!

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