MRS. CRILLY
If he resigns now his pension will be safe. There is
nothing else against him.

ANNA
But some one will find out the difference in the coal.

MRS. CRILLY
It's the new Workhouse Master who will know that.

ANNA
_(hardening)_ But _he_ could not pass such a thing, mother.

MRS. CRILLY
_(abandoning a position)_ Well, after your grandfather
gets his pension we could make some arrangement with the Guardians.

ANNA
Yes, mother. Hasn't grandfather a hundred pounds invested in
the shop?

MRS. CRILLY
It's not a hundred pounds. Besides, it's not an
investment.

ANNA
_(with a certain resolution in her rich voice)_ Mother. Is my
money safe?

MRS. CRILLY
We could give you the eighty pounds, Anna, but after
that we would need all the help we could get from you.

ANNA
Yes, mother.

MRS. CRILLY
_(again taking up a position)_ But if we help James
Scollard to the place.

ANNA
_(with determination)_ Whether Mr. Scollard gets the place or
does not get the place, I'll want my fortune, mother.

MRS. CRILLY
Very well, Anna. If we could get him to come over. ... _(She sits
in arm chair)_ There's a lamb in Ginnell's field; you might call
in to-morrow and ask them to prepare it for us.

ANNA
Then grandfather is coming to dinner on Sunday?

MRS. CRILLY
We must get him to come.

_Some one is coming up the passage. Anna's hand is on handle of door.
She holds it open. Thomas Muskerry stands there_.

MUSKERRY
_(pleased to see her)_ Well, Nancy!

ANNA
Good night, grandpapa. _(He regards her with fondness)_

MRS. CRILLY
Good night, father.

MUSKERRY
This Nancy girl is looking remarkably well. _(He turns to
Mrs. Crilly)_ Well, ma'am, and how are you? I've written that letter
for that rascally Albert.

_He leaves his stick on table and goes to desk. Mrs. Crilly watches
him. Anna comes to her. Muskerry addresses an envelope with some
labour. Mrs. Crilly notices a tress of Anna's hair falling down. Anna
kneels down beside her. She takes off Anna's cap, settles up the hair,
and puts the cap on again. Having addressed the envelope, Muskerry
holds up a piece of wax to the gas. He seals the letter then holds
it out_.

MUSKERRY
Here's the letter now, and maybe it's the last thing I can
do for any of ye.

MRS. CRILLY
You are very good.

_Muskerry goes to them_.

MUSKERRY
In season and out of season I've put myself at your service.
I can do no more for ye.

_She takes the