DAVID ASHTON
I just can't understand it, Maggie. I mean, I've got my own house...thanks to the money that Mum left me...I've moved in, and I'm no better off than I was before. I mean, I've still got to think before I can buy a bloody pint.

MARGARET PORTER
Was it wise to put it all into the house?

DAVID
Well, it seemed a good idea at the time. You know...with the job and everything.

MARGARET
Only you don't like the job.

DAVID
No. I hate the bloody job.

MARGARET
But you'll stick it.

DAVID
I've got to, Maggie. I thought I might have a word with Sefton, but, you see, he's a friend of my boss, Howells. And anyway, I'm sick of being bloody patronised. You see, I've got to stick it, Mags. One week without that money, and I'm...you know, I'm in trouble.

MARGARET
Does Sheila know?

DAVID
No.

MARGARET
Is that wise?

DAVID
I can't talk to her like I'm talking...

MARGARET
But why not, David?

DAVID
Well, she lives in the past. You see, she's afraid that everything's going to be like it was before. And maybe she's right...I don't know.
(sighing)
You know, you were bang on to marry a steady bloke like John. I'd settle for what he's got right now...I would. I'd settle for security, peace of mind.

(He laughs at himself.)

DAVID
Oh, I talk a lot of hot air, don't I? Hey, don't I?

(Margaret laughs, too.)

DAVID
I don't know why. It's just the way I'm made, I suppose.

 

(from "Under New Management" by John Finch)