ike a boy's
whistling. It can't be kept up on nothing.

BRIAN
I understand that, Conn.

CONN
I'm getting that I can't stand the talk you hear in houses,
wars and Parliaments, and the devil knows what _ramais_.

BRIAN
There's still a welcome for the man of art, somewhere.

CONN
That somewhere's getting further and further away, Brian.

BRIAN
You were not in the town last night?

CONN
I was not, Brian. God help me, I spent the night my lone.

BRIAN
There's Sligomen in the town.

CONN
Is there, now? It would be like our times to play for them.
_(Anne comes in with some peat)_ Anne, would you bring me down my
spectacles? They're in the room, daughter. _(Anne goes to room. Conn
turns to Brian eagerly) I_ suppose the Sligomen will be in Flynn's.

BRIAN
They were there last night.

CONN
Listen, Brian, I've a reason for not going to Flynn's. Would
you believe it, Brian, Flynn spoke to me about the few shillings I
owe him?

BRIAN
That was shabby of him. He got a lot out of you in the way of
playing.

CONN
It's just like them. Besides, Maire keeps us tight enough, and
I often have to take treats from the men. They're drovers and
rambling labourers and the like, though, as you say, they've the
song and music, and the proper talk. Listen, Brian, could you leave
a few shillings on the dresser for me?

BRIAN
To be sure I will, Conn.

_Brian goes to the dresser, and puts money on a shelf_.

CONN
_(with dignity)_ Thank you, Brian. There's few I'd let put me
under a compliment; but I take it from you. Maire, as I said, is a
careful girl, but some of us must have our freedom. Besides, Brian,
the bird that sings lone sings slow. The man of art must have his
listeners. _(Conn takes the money off dresser)_ Anne, daughter,
what's keeping you there? Sure the spectacles were in my pocket the
whole time, child. _(Anne comes dawn)_ When I spoke against the
people about here, I was leaving you out of it, Brian.

BRIAN
I'm fond of tune, though it wasn't here I got fond of it.

_Brian goes to the door_.

ANNE
_(going to Brian)_ You won't be rambling again, Brian?

BRIAN
I'm settled here, Anne; I made it up with my brothers.

ANNE
They used to say that a MacConnell quarrel was a lasting quarrel.

BRIAN
Maybe we're working the bad blood out of us.

ANNE
Don't be staying out long, Brian.

BRIAN
Till Maire gives me the call.

_Brian MacConnell goes out_.

ANNE
We oughtn't to take another clay