.

MATT
Ellen! _(He draws a little away)_ It's not me that could offer the
like of that. I never had anything to my hand but a spade.

ELLEN
Your brothers--think of them.

MATT
They all left some one behind them. I am the last of my name.

ELLEN
Why should that keep you back?

MATT
His name is something to a man. Could you hear of your own name
melting away without unease? And you are a woman. A man feels it more.

ELLEN
I do not understand men. Will you go back to your father's house
after he shaming you out of it?

MATT
He'll be glad to see me back. He'll never cast it up to me that I
went.

ELLEN
Matt, your father said words against me. Will you go to him and take
his hand after that?

MATT
It was little he said against you. It was against your father he
spoke.

ELLEN
_(sinking down on a chair, and putting hands before her face)_
My God! After all my waiting, you talk like that.

MATT
_(going to her)_ Ellen, Ellen, tell me what I can do for you?
There's land and houses to be had here. Father will let me have my
own way after this.

ELLEN
_(rising, with anger)_ What does it matter to me whether he
lets you have your own way or not? Do you think I could go into a
farmer's house?

MATT
Ellen!

ELLEN
It's a bad hand I'd make of a farmer's house. I'm not the sort
to be in one. I'm not like Sally.

MATT
_(getting angry)_ Don't be talking that way, Ellen Douras.

ELLEN
_(with great vehemence)_ I must be talking like this. If you
take me, you will have to go from your father's house. I always knew
it. You ought to know it now, Matt Cosgar.

MATT
You didn't know it always. And you have let some one come
between us when you talk like that.

ELLEN
I'm not one to be listening to what people say about you. Nor
do I be talking in the markets about you.

MATT
I suppose not. You wouldn't have people think you gave any
thought to me; I'm not good enough for you. The people you know are
better.

ELLEN
You are foolish to be talking like that. You are foolish, I say.

MATT
I know I am foolish. Fit only to be working in drains and
ditches in the winter. That's what you think.

ELLEN
Maybe it is.

MATT
Ellen Douras! Ellen Douras! A farmer's roof will be high enough
for you some day.

ELLEN
May I never see the day. Go back, go back. Make it up with
your father. Your father will be glad of a labourer.

MATT
Maybe you won't be glad if I go back; thinking on what you've
said.

ELLE