by Arnold Bennett
Adapted for broadcasting in edght parts by Evelyn Russell
2- 'Uneasy Relations '
Produced by William Hughes in the BBC's Midland studios
Darius Clayhanger -in 1872 a middle-aged, grim, and dour self-made man-has kept secret the shame of being rescued as a child from the workhouse by Mr. Shushions his Sunday-School teacher in Turnthill. His pride is his successful printing business in Bursley. With his daughter Maggie, her young sister Clara, and especially their Aunt Hamps, Darius takes for granted that his son Edwin shall go into his business. Edwin, now sixteen, yearns to be an architect like the father of his friend Charlie Orgreave. Darius insists he must first have business training. Big James Yarlett , the foreman, instructs Edwin in the works. A new printing-machine is being installed.
Edwin, by quick thinking, saves it from falling through the floor and gains the respect of his father and his workmen.