k no word.

Agnes: All the same I think I would have an understanding for it,
Donagh.

Donagh: Ah, Agnes, that is just it. That is what gives me the great
comfort in your company. We have a great understanding of each other
surely.

Hugh (_speaking outside_): This is the way, Mrs. Ford. They are waiting
for you within. (_He comes in._) Donagh, here is your mother. (_Mrs.
Ford, leaning on a stick, comes to the door, standing on the threshold
for a little. Hugh and Donagh take off their hats reverently._)

Mrs. Ford: And is that you, Donagh. Well, if it is not the fine high
house you got for Agnes. Eh, pet?

Agnes (_taking shawl from her_): It is your own house Donagh has taken
you back to.

Hugh: Did you not hear the people giving you a welcome, Mrs. Ford?

Donagh: Don't you remember the house, mother?

Mrs. Ford: I have a memory of many a thing, God help me. And I heard the
people cheering. I thought maybe it was some strife was going on in
Carrabane. It was always a place of one struggle or another. (_She looks
helplessly about house, muttering as she hobbles to the bin. She raises
the lid._) Won't you take out a measure of oats to the mare, Donagh? And
they have mislaid the scoop again. I'm tired telling them not to be
leaving it in the barn. Where is that Martin Driscoll and what way is he
doing his business at all? (_She turns to close the bin._)

Hugh (_to Donagh_): Who is Martin Driscoll?

Donagh: A boy who was here long ago. I heard a story of him and a flight
with a girl. He lies in a grave in Australia long years.

Mrs. Ford (_moving from bin, her eyes catching the dresser_): Who put
the dresser there? Was it by my orders? That is a place where it will
come awkward to me.

Agnes (_going to her_): Sit down and rest yourself. You are fatigued
after making the journey.

Mrs. Ford (_as they cross to fire_): Wait until I lay eyes on Martin
Driscoll and on Delia Morrissey of the cross! I tell you I will regulate
them.

Donagh (_to Hugh_): Delia Morrissey--that is the name of the girl I
spoke of. She was lost on the voyage, a girl of great beauty.

Agnes (_to Mrs. Ford_): Did you take no stock of the people as you came
on the car?

Mrs. Ford: In throth I did. It was prime to see them there reddening the
sod and the little rain drops falling from the branches of the trees.

Hugh: They raised a great cheer for you.

Mrs. Ford: Did you say that it was to me they were giving a welcome?

Donagh: In