The Atlantic Book of Modern Plays

he was layin' up for himself if he got to count on me--

LIZZIE. I wasna thinkin' o' yer deein', feyther--only--it's no guid for a bairn--

DAVID. Where's the harm in my giein' him a bit story before he gangs tae his bed?

LIZZIE. I'm no sayin' there's ony harm in it this yinst, feyther; but it's no richt to gae on nicht after nicht wi' never a break--

DAVID. Whit wey is it no richt if there's nae harm in it?

LIZZIE. It's giein' in to the wean.

DAVID. Whit wey should ye no' gie in to him if there's nae harm in it?

LIZZIE (_keeping her patience with difficulty_). Because it gets him into the habit.

DAVID. But why should he no' get into the habit if there's nae harm in it?

(_John at the table chuckles. Lizzie gives him a look, but he meets it not._)

LIZZIE. Really, feyther, ye micht be a wean yerself, ye're that persistent.

DAVID. No, Lizzie, I'm no' persistent, I'm reasoning wi' ye. Ye said there was nae harm in my tellin' him a bit story, an' now ye say I'm not to because it'll g