poor wretch. Every word you said to him cut and
wounded me to the quick. Did you not see the tears in his eyes for
all his fine talk. I should like to know more about him.

SAMUEL JAMES.

If you went to the sergeant at the barrack, I warrant ye he could tell
you more about him.

[He bends down as if to catch the sound
of the fiddling which grows very faint.]

Listen!

[Robbie John moves to door and opens it.]

MRS. GRANAHAN.

[Angrily.]

Where are you going?

ROBBIE JOHN.

[Rapt.]

Listen.

[He holds his hand for silence. Then
quickly goes out.]

WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN.

[To get into his wife's good graces.]

Well Mary the foal's sould at last.

MRS. GRANAHAN.

I've a crow to pluck wi' you over that same foal, William Granahan. I
suppose they did you as usual.

WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN.

[Getting angry.]

Nine and thirty year ha'e I gone till market and no man, woman, child,
dog or divil ever got the better of me in a bargain yet and right well
you know it.

[With pride.]

I soul' the foal for thirty poun' not a ha'penny less.

MRS. GRANAHAN.

[Doubtfully.]

I hope you ha'e it all wi' you.

WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN.

I ha'e it all but two shillin' and wan penny.

MRS. GRANAHAN.

And can you account for them?

WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN.

Woman dear would you ha'e me go and come to market wi'out a ha'penny
in my pocket? Have some gumption about ye.

[In a loud angry voice.]

I'm danged but the next time I make a good bargain, I'll go and ha'e a
week to myself in Newcastle or Belfast. I'm young enow yet.

MRS. GRANAHAN.

There. Stop your fool talk in front of the children and go and change
your clothes.

GRANDFATHER.

It was a good price indeed.

SAMUEL JAMES.

[Slily.]

Yes. He soul' it for thirty poun' and William John McKillop lookin'
all roads to give him forty for it.

WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN.

[Angrily and stamping his foot.]

Will you houl' your tongue you blatterin' blatherin' idiot. Bad scran
to ye for a meddle--

[He goes forward to go into roo