Sarah(contemptuously). I don't believe in young girls going to them things.
John(gazing at her in astonishment). But God bless me, they wouldn't call you young! (Sarahturns up hernose disgustedly.) I missed you. Man, I was looking for you all roads.
Sarah.I'm not a fool sort of young girl that you can just pass an idle hour or two with, John Murray, mind that.
John.I never thought that of you, Sarah.
Sarah.Some people think that.
John(astonished). No.
Sarah.They do. There's Andy just after warning me this morning about making a fool of myself.
John(puzzled). But you never done that, Sarah.
Sarah.Well, he was just after giving me advice about going round flirting with Tom, Dick and Harry.
John.Ah no. You never done that. Sure I knowed you this years and years, and you never had a boy to my knowing.
Sarah(offended). Well I had, plenty. Only I just wouldn't take them. I refused more than three offers in my time.
John(incredulously). Well! Well! And you wouldn't have them!
Sarah.No.
John.Why now?
Sarah(looking at him meaningly). Well—I liked somebody else better.
John(piqued). Did he—the somebody—did he never ask you?
Sarah.He might yet, maybe.
John(hopelessly to himself). I wonder would it be any use then me asking her.
Sarah.And I'm beginning to think he is a long time thinking about it. (Knocking at the door.)
John(angrily). Ach! Who's that?
Brown(opening yard door and looking in). Me, sir. Mr. Dan wants to know could you not come out a minute, and show the gentlemen what way you can stop the feedboard working.
John.Don't you know yourself, you stupid headedlump you. Away back at once. (Brownhurriedly closes the door after an inquiring glance at the pair.) That's them servant men for you. He knowed rightly what way it worked, only he was just curious. (Savagely.) He's a stupid creature, anyway.
Sarah.I think all men is stupid. They never see things at all.
John.Now, Sarah, sure women are just as bad. There's Mary. She's bright enough someways, but others—ach——
Sarah.Mary needs someone—a woman—to look after her. Somebody that knows how to manage a house and save money. She's lost running about here. Now, I had a young girl with me once was a wild useless thing when she came, and when she left me six months after, there wasn't a better trained, nor as meek a child in the whole country.
John.And you can manage a house, Sarah, and well, too. Can't you?
Sarah.I ran the house for Andy there twenty years and more, and I never once had to ask him for a pound. And what's more, I put some into the bank every quarter.
John.Did you now? (He looks at her in wondering admiration.)
Sarah.Yes. And I cleared five pounds on butter last half year.
John(with growing wonder). Did you?
Sarah.And made a profit of ten pounds on eggs alone this year already.
John(unable to contain himself any longer). Sarah, will you marry me?
Sarah(coyly). Oh, John, this is very sudden. (Knocking at yard door.) I will. I will. Will you tell them when they come in?
John(now that the ordeal has been passed, feeling somewhat uncomfortable). Well, I would rather you waited a few days, and then we could let them know, canny, don't you know, Sarah. Break the news soft, so to speak. Eh?
Sarah(disappointedly). Well, if you want it particular that way I—(knocking).
John(going to door). Aye, I'd rather you did. (He goes to the door and opens it andMarycomes in.)
Mary.I peeped through the window and I thought, perhaps, it would be better to knock first. It's a nice evening Miss McMinn. (She takes off her hat and flings it carelessly on a chair.) Where's Uncle Dan? I want to see him.
John.He'll be in soon enough. He's out showing Andy and Mackenzie the thresher.
Mary(laughing). Uncle Dan! What does he know about——(she stops short, remembering thatSarahis present.) Mr. Mackenzie?
Sarah.Yes. He's a gentleman, a friend of ours, engaged in the engineering business, who has a large place of his own in Scotland, and we brought him over here to see your Uncle Dan about the invention he's working at.
John.You stop here, Mary, with Sarah, and get the tea ready. You should have been in the house when company was coming. Where were you?
Mary.Oh, just down the loaning.
John.Who with?
Mary.Alick McCready.
John(sternly). Aye. You're gay fond of tralloping about with the boys.
Sarah.He's not just the sort of young man I would like to see in your company, Mary.
Mary(impertinently). It's none of your business whose company I was in.
John(disapprovingly). Now, Mary, remember your manners in front of your elders, and mind you must always show Miss McMinn particular respect. (Impressively). Particular respect. (Going towards yard door.) And you can show Sarah what you have in the house, and do what she bids you. Them's my orders. (He goes out.)
Sarah(looking disapprovingly atMary). I wonder a girl like you has no more sense than to go gallivanting about at this time of day with boys, making talk for the whole country side.
Mary(sharply). I don't have to run after them to other people's houses anyway.
Sarah.And that is no way to be leaving down your hat. (She picks it up and looks at it.) Is that your Sunday one?
Mary(snatching it out of her hand). Just find out for yourself.
Sarah.Now, you should take and put it away carefully. There's no need to waste money that way, wearing things out.
Mary(with rising temper). Do you know it'smyhat? Not yours. And I can do what I like with it. (She throws it down and stamps on it.) I can tramp on it if I want to.
Sarah(smiling grimly). Oh, well, tramp away. It's no wonder your father complained of waste and this sort of conduct going on.
(Katecomes in through door from rooms.)
Mary.Have you got the tea things ready, Kate?
Kate.Yes, Miss.
Mary.I suppose we better wet the tea.
Sarah(looking at the fire). Have you the kettle on?
Mary.Can't you see for yourself it's not on.
Sarah.Here, girl (toKate), fill the kettle and put it on. (Katelooks atMary,and with a shrug of her shoulders, obeys the orders.) Where's the tea till I show you how to measure?
Mary(in a mocking voice). Kate, get Miss McMinn the tea cannister till she shows you how to measure. (Kategoes to the dresser and brings the teapot and cannister over toSarahat the table.)
Sarah.But it'syouI want to show. (Marypays no attention, but sits down idly drumming her fingers on the table.) There now—pay particular attention to this. (She takes the cannister fromKate,opens it and ladles outthe tea with a spoon into the teapot.) One spoonful for your father and uncle, one for my brother and Mr. Mackenzie, one for yourself and me, and half-a-one for Kate.
Mary.Do you see that, Kate?
Kate.Yes, Miss.
Mary(mockingly). Now the next thing, I suppose, is to weigh out the sugar.
Sarah.No. You always ask the company first do they take sugar before you pour out the tea.
Mary.No; not in good society. You put it on the saucers.
Sarah.Put some in the bowl, Kate, and never heed her.
Mary(almost tearfully). You've no business to say that, Kate! Who's your mistress here?
Kate(very promptly). You, Miss.
Mary.Then do what I tell you. Put on the tablecloth, and lay the cups and saucers, and make everything ready, and take no orders except from me.
Sarah.Very well. I'll learn her manners when I come to this house. (ToMary) I want to see the china.
Mary.Well, go into the next room and look for it.
Sarah(going towards door to rooms). You better mind what your father told you. (She goes in.)
Mary(making a face after her). You nasty old thing. (Danielappears at the door from yard. He is nervous and worried looking. He goes and sits down near the fireplace, wearily.) Uncle Dan. (She goes over close beside him.) Wasn't it good of Alick? He went away to Ballyannis Post Office to get that telegram sent.
Daniel.A very decent fellow, Alick. (Gratefully.) Very obliging.
Mary(confidingly). Do you know, uncle, when he went off to send that telegram I was nearly calling him back. I don't care so very much now whether I see that boy you were telling me about or not. Is he—do you think, uncle—is he much nicer than Alick?
Daniel.Nicer? (He looks at his niece, and thenbegins to divine the way her feelings lie.) Well, of course we have all our opinions on these things you know, Mary, but Alick—well, after all there's many a worse fellow than Alick, isn't there? (Marydoes not answer, but puts her head close to her uncle.) Ah, yes.
Mary(suddenly). Uncle! Do you know what has happened? I heard father proposing to Miss McMinn!
Daniel(groaning). Oh my! I knew it would happen! I knew it would happen! When? Where?
Mary.In here. I wanted to slip in quietly after leaving Alick down the loaning when I overheard the voices. It was father and Miss McMinn. She was telling him how she had saved five pounds on butter last half year, and ten pounds on eggs this year, and then father asked her to marry him. I knocked at the door out of divilment, and she just pitched herself at him. I—I'm not going to stay in the house with that woman. I'd sooner marry Alick McCready.
Daniel(despairingly). I would myself. I daren't—I couldn't face the look of that woman in the mornings.
Mary.It's all right for you to talk, uncle. You'll be working away at your inventions, and that sort of thing, and will have nothing much to do with her, but I'd be under her thumb all the time. And I hate her, and I know she hates me. (Tearfully.) And then the way father talks about her being such a fine housekeeper, and about the waste that goes on in this house, it nearly makes me cry, just because I have been a bit careless maybe. But I could manage a house every bit as well as she could, and I'd show father that if I only got another chance. Couldn't I uncle?
Daniel(soothingly). And far better, Mary. Far better.
Mary.And you could do far more at your invention if you only got a chance. Couldn't you, uncle?
Daniel.No doubt about it, Mary. None. I never got much of a chance here.
Mary.I wonder could we both try to get another chance. (Suddenly, with animation.) Uncle!
Daniel.Well?
Mary.Aren't you going to explain that fan bellows thing you've been working at to them when they come in? (Danielnods sadly.) Well, look. That Scotchman—he understands things like that, and that's just the reason why that nasty woman brought him over. Just to trip you and show you up, and she thinks she'll make father see through you. But just you rise to the occasion and astonish them. Eh, uncle?
Daniel(uneasily). Um—well, I don't know. That Scotchman's rather a dense sort of fellow. Very hard to get on with somehow.
Mary.Now, Uncle Dan, it's our last chance. Let us beat that woman somehow or other.
Daniel.It's all very well, Mary, to talk that way. (Suddenly.) I wonder is there a book on machinery in the house?
Mary.Machinery? Let me think. Yes, I do believeKatewas reading some book yesterday about things, and there was something about machinery in it.
Daniel.For Heaven's sake, Mary, get it.
Mary(calling). Kate! Are you there, Kate? (Katecomes in from inner rooms.) Where's that book you were reading last night, Kate?
Kate(surprised). For dear's sake, Miss! Yon dirty old thing? The one with the big talk between the old fellow and the son about everything in the world you could think of?
Mary.Yes, yes. Uncle Dan wants it. (Katefetches a tattered volume from the dresser and hands it toDaniel.Danielopens it, and reads while the two girls peer over his shoulder.)
Daniel(reading slowly). "The Child's Educator. A series of conversations between Charles and his father regarding the natural philosophy, as revealed to us, by the Very Reverend Ezekiel Johnston."
Kate.(much interested). Aye. Just go on till you see Mr. Dan. Its the queerest conversation between an old lad and his son ever you heard tell of.
Daniel(reading). Ah! "The simple forms of machines. The lever, the wedge, the inclined plane—Father—and here we come to further consider the application of this principle, my dear Charles, to what is known as the differential wheel and axle. Um Charles—Father—Charles. Father." (He looks up despairingly atMary.) No good, my dear. Out of date. (He, however, resumes reading the book carefully.)
Kate(nudgingMary,and pointing to door into rooms). She's going into all the cupboards and drawers, and looking at everything. (She turns to go back and opens the door to pass through.) I never seen such a woman.
Mary(raising her voice so as to letSarahhear her). Just keep an eye on her, Kate, and see she doesn't take anything.
Daniel.I might get something out of this. Atmosphere. Pressure.
Mary.Uncle Dan. (He pays no attention, but is absorbed in the book). Uncle Dan, I'm going down the loaning a pace. Alick said he might be back, and I think—(she sees he is not listening, and slips back to look over his shoulder.)
Daniel(reading). Charles. And now my dear father, after discussing in such clear and lucid terms the use of the barometer, and how it is constructed, could you tell me or explain the meaning of the word "pneumatic."
Mary(going towards yard door). Good luck, Uncle Danny. I'm away. (She goes out.)
Daniel. There's not much here about bellows. (Hopelessly.) I wish I had made up this subject a little better. (Katecomes in evidently much perturbed and angry.)
Kate.The divil take her and them remarks of hers. Who gave her the right to go searching that way, I wonder? Where's the silver kept, and was it locked,and how many spoons was there, and why weren't they better polished; and part of the china broke.
Sarah(coming to door and speaking. As soon asDanielhears her voice he hurriedly retreats across to the workshop.) Where do you keep the knives and forks?
Kate.You don't want forks for the tea.
Sarah.I want to count them.
Kate (in amazement). Oh, God save us! You'd think there was a pross on the house! (She followsSarahin through doorMackenziecomes in, followed byJohn,thenAndy.)
Mackenzie.And it was a great idea, you know. The steam passed through the condenser, and the exhaust was never open to the atmosphere.
John(evidently much impressed, and repeating the word in a wondering manner) Aye. The exhaust!
Mackenzie.Aye. The exhaust. But now I'm verra anxious to hear your brother explaining what he's made out about the bellows. Its the small things like that you ken that a man makes a fortune of, not the big ones.
John(impressed). Do you think that now?
Mackenzie.You know I take a particular interest in bellows myself. I tried my hand a good while working out a new kind of bellows, and I flatter myself that I know something about the subject.
John.Aye. (Looking round.) Where's Daniel? Daniel! Are you there, Daniel? (Danielcomes out and stands near the door.) You could maybe bring them plans out you're working at and explain it to them now, Daniel. Eh? And wait, Sarah wants to hear it too. (Calling.) Are you there, Sarah?
Daniel(seating himself sadly). Aye. She's in there somewhere taking stock.
John(going next door to rooms). Are you there, dear? (Sarahcomes out.) Daniel's going to explain the thing to us, and you wanted to hear about it. Didn't you?
Sarah.I'm just dying to know all about it. (She seats herself to the right at back.Andysits on one sideof the table andMackenzieat the other, expectantly, whileJohngoes over to the fireplace almost opposite his brother.) You know, Mr. Daniel, that's one thing we want very bad in our house—a good fan bellows.
Daniel.They are very useful, very.
John.Aye. They are that. (ToSarah). He has a good head on him, Daniel. Eh? (ToDaniel.) Now go on and make it very plain so that every one can follow you. Bring out the plans and show us.
Daniel(uneasily.) I can explain it better without them. (After a pause.) Well, I suppose this subject of bellows would come under the heading of pneumatics in natural philosophy.
John.Oh, now, don't be going off that way. Could you not make it plainer nor that?
Daniel(appealingly). Well. Could I be much plainer, Mr. Mackenzie?
Mackenzie(cynically). I'm here to discuss fan bellows, not pneumatics.
Daniel(sotto voce). D——n him. (He pulls himself together.) Well. Then I suppose the first thing is—well—to know what is a bellows.
Andy.Aye. Man, Daniel, you start off just the same as the clergy. That's the way they always goes on expounding things to you.
Sarah(severely). Don't be interrupting, Andy.
Mackenzie(sneeringly). Well, I think everyone here knows what a bellows is.
Daniel.Everyone here? Do you, John?
John.Aye. I would like, Daniel, to hear right what a bellows is. I mean I can see the thing blowing up a fire when you use it, any man could see that—but its the workings of it. What's the arrangements and internal works of the bellows now, Daniel?
Daniel.Well, you push the handles together in an ordinary bellows and—and the air—blows out. (Seeing that this statement is received coldly.) Now, why does it blow out?
John(disappointedly). Because it's pushed out of course. There's no sense in asking that sort of a question.
Daniel.Well, there's a flap on the bellows—a thing that moves up and down. Well, that flap has all to do with pushing the air.
John.Maybe this scientifican business is uninteresting to you, Sarah, is it?
Daniel(brightening up at the suggestion). I'm sure it is. Perhaps we better stop.
Sarah(smiling grimly). Oh, not at all. I want to hear more.
Mackenzie.You're wasting a lot of my time, Mr. Murray. I came here to hear about a fan bellows.
Daniel(confusedly). Oh, yes. Yes. Certainly. Fan bellows. There's a difference between a fan bellows and an ordinary bellows.
Mary(opening door from yard and coming in). Oh, Uncle Dan, are you explaining it to them. Did I miss much of it?
Mackenzie.I don't think it matters much what time you come in during this.
John(impatiently). Go on, Daniel.
Daniel.It's very hard for me to go on with these constant interruptions. Well, I was just saying there was a difference between a fan bellows and an ordinary bellows.
Mackenzie.Now, what is a fan bellows yourself, Mr. Murray?
Daniel(hopelessly). A fan bellows? Ah. Why now is it called a fan bellows?
Mackenzie(roughly). Don't be asking me my own questions.
Daniel(with a despairing effort). Well, now we will take it for granted it is because there must be something of the nature of a fan about a fan bellows. It is because there are fans inside the casing. And the handle being turned causes these—eh—fans to turn round too. And then the air comes out with a rush.
John.Aye. It must be the fans that pushes it out.
Daniel.Exactly. Well, now, the difficulty we find here is—(he pauses).
Andy.Aye.
John.Go on, Daniel.
Daniel.You want a constant draught blowing. That's number one. Then—well—the other. You see, if we took some of these fans.
Mackenzie.Yes.
Daniel(in a floundering way). And put them in a tight-fitting case, and put more of them inside, and understood exactly what their size was, we could arrange for the way that—
John(in a puzzled way toSarah). I can only follow Daniel a short way too. (Repeating slowly.) Put them in a tight-fitting case—
Brown(appearing at yard door with a telegram in his hand, and speaking with suppressed excitement). A telegram for Mr. Daniel.
Daniel(with a gasp of relief). Ah! (He tears it open and proudly reads it out aloud.) "Come to London at once to explain patent. Want to purchase. Gregg."
(Browngoes out again.)
Mackenzie.Who? Gregg?
Daniel.I suppose I better go, John?
John.Let's see the telegram. (He goes over toDaniel,who hands it to him.)
Mackenzie.If you go to London, it'll take you to explain yourself a bit better, Mr. Murray.
John(who has resumed his place at the fire, and is looking carefully at the telegram). That will mean how many pounds, Daniel, did you say?
Daniel(promptly). Fifteen, John. (Marygoes out by door to rooms.)
Mackenzie.Who is Gregg?
Daniel.Gregg? Ah. He's a man lives in London. Engineer.
John(dubiously). Well, I suppose you—(he pauses,then hands the telegram toSarah,who stretches out her hand for it.)
Mary(at door). Tea's ready. (She stands aside to let the company past.)
Sarah.We didn't hear all about the bellows.
Andy(contemptuously). No, nor you never will. (He rises and goes through the door.)
Mackenzie(rising and stretching himself wearily). Any more, Mr. Murray?
Daniel.I refuse to discuss the matter any further in public. (He goes off across to tea.)
Mackenzie(going over to John and looking at him knowingly). Do you know what it is, Mr. Murray? Your brother's nothing short of an impostor.
John(much offended). Don't dare to say that of a Murray.
Mackenzie(shrugging his shoulders). Well, I'm going for some tea. (Exit.)
Sarah.John, I've something to say to you again about Daniel, but the company's waiting. (She goes out to the tea room.)
John(sitting down moodily). Aye.
Mary.Are you not coming, father?
John.Aye.
Mary.Father! Surely you aren't going to marry that woman?
John.Don't talk of Sarah that ways. I am!
Mary.Well, if you are, I'm going to say yes to Alick McCready. I don't want to yet awhile, but I'm not going to stay on here if that nasty woman comes. (She kneels close beside her father and puts her arms round his neck.) Oh, father, if you only give me another chance, I could show you I could keep house every bit as well as that woman. (Danielappears at the door. He slips across to the workshop unobserved.) Give me another chance, father. Don't marry her at all. Let me stay with you—won't you?
John.You're too late. She's trothed to me now.
Mary.Pooh. I'd think nothing of that. (Danielcomes out of the workshop with a bag.) Uncle Dan! What's the matter?
Daniel.Mary, I can't eat and sit beside that Scotchman. (He noticesJohnis absorbed in deep thought, and motionsMaryto slip out. She does so, and he looks observingly atJohn,and then goes to the table, and makes a noise with the bag on the table.Johnwatches him a moment or two in amazed silence.)
John.What are you doing, Daniel?
Daniel.Just making a few preparations.
John.Ah, but look here. I haven't settled about London yet, Daniel.
Daniel.Oh, London, John. (Deprecatingly.) Let that pass. I won't worry you about that. (Broken heartedly.) I'm leaving your house, John.
John(astonished). What?
Daniel.You've been kind, John. Very kind. We always pulled well together, and never had much cross words with one another, but—well, circumstances are altered now.
John.You mean because I'm going to marry Sarah.
Daniel.Exactly. That puts an end to our long and pleasant sojourn here together. I'll have to go.
John(affected). Oh easy, Daniel. Ah, now, Sarah always liked you. She thinks a deal of you, and I'm sure she'd miss you out of the house as much as myself.
Daniel.John, I know better. She wants me out of this, and I would only be a source of unhappiness. I wouldn't like to cause you sorrow. She doesn't believe in me. She brought that Scotchman over to try and show me up. You all think he did. You think I mugged the thing. You don't believe in me now yourself. (He puts a few articles of clothing, &c., into the bag.)
John(awkwardly). Aye. Well—to tell you the truth, Daniel, you did not make much of a hand at explaining, you——
Daniel(pathetically). I thought so. Look here.One word. (He drawsJohnaside.) Do you think Mackenzie invented that patent reciprocating piston that he's so proud of?
John(looking at him in amazement). What?
Daniel(impressively). Well. I know something about that. He stole it off another man, and took all the profits. I knew that. Do you think I'm going to give away the product of my brains explaining it to a man like that! No fear, John. (He turns again to the bag.) I'm taking details of my bellows, and my coat, and a few socks, and the pound you gave me yesterday, and I'm going to face the world alone.
John(moved). No, no. You'll not leave me, Daniel. Ah, no. I never meant that.
Daniel.If she's coming here I'll have to go, and may as well now.
Sarah(without). John Murray!
Daniel(retreating slowly to the workshop). I'm going to get that other coat you gave me. It's better than this one for seeing people in. (He goes into workshop asSarahcomes out into the kitchen. She is evidently displeased.)
Sarah.Hurry up, John. The company's waiting on you, and I don't know what's keeping you. Unless it was that brother of yours, more shame to him.
John.Aye. Daniel kept me. (Looking at her.) He's talking of leaving. You wouldn't have that, Sarah, would you?
Sarah(sharply). Leaving, is he? And a right good riddance say I. What has he done but ate up all your substance.
John(astonished). You wouldn't put him out, Sarah?
Sarah(snappishly). I just wouldn't have him about the place. An idle, good for nothing, useless, old pull a cork.
John.Do you not like him, Sarah? (Somewhat disapprovingly.) You told me you thought a good deal of him before.
Sarah.Aye. Until I seen through him. Him and his letters and telegrams. Just look at that. (She shows him the telegram.) It comes from Ballyannis.
John(scratching his head in puzzled wonder). I don't understand that.
Sarah.He just put up some one to send it. Young McCready or someone. You couldn't watch a man like that. No. If I come here, out he goes. You expects me to come and save you money and the like of that old bauchle eating up the profits. (She goes towards the door into tea room.) Come into your tea at once. (Exit.)
John.By me sang he was right. (Danielcomes out and starts brushing his coat loudly to attractJohn'sattention, and then goes across towards him and holds out his hand.)
Daniel.I'll say good-bye, John. Maybe I'll never see you again. (He appears much affected.)
John(touched). Ach. Take your time. I don't see the sense of this hurrying. Stop a week or two, man. I'll be lonesome without you. We had many a good crack in the evenings, Daniel.
Daniel.We had, John. And I suppose now that you'll be married I'll have to go, but many a time I'll be sitting lonely and thinking of them.
John.Aye. You were always the best of company, and heartsome. You were, Daniel.
Daniel.Well, I did my best, John, to keep—(he half breaks down)—to keep up a good heart.
John.You did. I wouldn't like to lose you, Daniel. (He looks at the telegram in his hand.) But Daniel. This telegram. It comes from Ballyannis.
Daniel(taken aback, but recovering his self possession.) Ballyannis? Ballyannis? Ah, of course. Sure Gregg, that London man, he was to go through Ballyannis to-day. He's on a visit, you know, somewhere this way. It's him I'm going to look for now.
John.Was that the way of it? (With rising anger at the thought of the way in which his brother has been treated.) And she was for making you out an impostor and forputting you out. I didn't like them talking of a Murray the way they done.
Daniel(with sudden hope). Are you engaged to that McMinn woman, John?
John.Aye. I spoke the word the day.
Daniel.Was there anybody there when you asked her?
John.There was no one.
Daniel.Did you write her letters?
John.No. Not a line.
Daniel.And did you visit and court much at the home?
John.No. I always seen Andy on business and stopped to have a word or two with her.
Daniel(appealingly). Then, John, John, it's not too late yet. (Desperately.) Give me—ah, give wee Mary another chance.
Sarah(at door). Come in, John, at once. Your tea's cold waiting, and it's no way to entertain company that.
John(angrily). D——n her. Daniel! Out of this home you will not go. I'd rather have your crack of a winter night as two hundred pounds in the bank and yon woman. (He reaches out his hand.) I'll break the match. (The two men shake hands.)
(Curtain.)
The same scene two weeks later.Browncomes in by yard door holding letters in his hand, which he examines curiously at intervals.
Brown(shouting loudly). Miss Mary! Are you there, Miss Mary?
Kate(coming in from parlour). Hi there. Stop that shouting. D'ye want to wake the dead?
Brown.I want to give these letters to Miss Mary. Where is she?
Kate.Who're they for? Let's look at them.
Brown.Not for you anyway. (Loudly.) Miss Mary.
Kate.Ach quit deaving me with your shouting.
Mary(coming in). What's the matter? Oh! Letters! Any for me, Sam?
Brown.Aye. There's a post card for you, Miss Mary, and a registered letter for Mr. John. The posty says he'll call on the road back for the account when you sign it. (He hands the post card toMaryand looks carefully at the letter.) It's like theMcMinnwriting that. (He looks atMary,who is reading and re-reading the post card with a puzzled expression.) Isn't Mr. Dan to be home to-day from Belfast, Miss Mary?
Mary.Eh?
Brown.Isn't Mr. Dan expected home to-day from Belfast?
Mary.Yes.
Brown.I wonder did he get the bellows sold? There was great talking about him last night in McArn's. Some said he had sold it and made a fortune. (He breaks off abruptly on seeing thatMarypays no attention to him, and then peers over to see what she is reading.) Post cards is interesting things. Picture post cards is.
Kate.Here. Away out and get them purtas dug for the dinner. We're tired hearing your gabble.
Brown(retreating to door and eyeingKatemeaningly). The master was complaining again to me yesterday evening about the dinner he got. There's no mistake he likes his meat like myself, and right enough it was bad yesterday. I was chowing haws all evening to keep off the hunger.
Kate.Go on you out of this.
Brown.That's all the news this morning. (He makes a grimace atKateand goes out into the yard.)
Mary.I can't understand this post card. (Kategoes over and looks at it along withMary.)
"O wad that God the gift wad gie us,To see oorselves as ithers see us."
What does that mean? "How's the uncle?" It's some cheeky person anyway—"from D.M." Who could that be?
Kate.It's not McCready, Miss, is it?
Mary.No. That's not his writing.
Kate.Och, Miss Mary! Do you see the picture of the Highland man dancing, and under it—"A Mackenzie Clansman." It's thon Scotch fellow sent it.
Mary.Just like the way he would do. I met him again one night we were over at the doctor's, and he was trying to make up to me all he was able.
Kate.Aye. Any word from Mr. Dan about the boy he was to bring you?
Mary.No. I'm not going to bother any more about boys, I'm going to keep house from this on properly. But Uncle Dan said something in his last letter about a great surprise he had for all of us.
Kate.Surprise enough it will be, and he lands home with a ha'penny in his pocket. The last time he come home he borrowed a shilling of me and niver paid me back yet. Did he sell the plans of the bellows, Miss?
Mary.He didn't say. (John Murraycomes through yard door. He has evidently been working outside and has left his work in a hurry.) Father, there's a letter for you. (She hands it to him.) A registered one too.
John.Aye. So Brown was telling me. Maybe its from thon McAlenan fellow that owes me two pound for the heifer. (He tears it open.MaryandKatewatch him with interest. His face changes as he reads, and an expression of dismay comes over it.)
Mary(coming closer to him). What's the matter, father?
John(fidgeting uneasily). Nothing, child. Nothing. (He looks at the letter again.) Well I'm—(He stops short on rememberingMaryis there.) She's a caution.
Mary.Father. Tell me. Is it from the McMinns?
John.Aye. (Pacing up and down.) I knowed she'd do it. I knowed she'd do it.
Mary.What?
John.Sarah's taking an action against me.
Mary.An action?
John.Aye. (Consulting the letter.) For a thousand pounds.
Mary(awestruck). A thousand pounds!
John.Aye. Now the fat's in the fire. She says I promised to marry her and broke it off. At least, it's Andy that writes the letter, but it's her that put him up to it. I know that too well. (Reading.) "To Mr. John Murray. Dear Sir,—You have acted to my sister in a most ungentlemanly way, and done her much wrong, and I have put the case intil the hands of Mr. McAllen, the solicitor, who will bring it forward at the coming Assizes. If you wish, however, to avoid a scandal, we are oped to settle the matter by private arrangement for one thousand pounds. Yours truly, Andrew McMinn."
Mary.That's awful, father, isn't it?
John(going over to fireplace and standing there irresolutely). Aye. It's a terrible mess, right enough.
Mary(brightening up). Sure she wouldn't get a thousand off you, father?
Kate.There's John McArdle up by Slaney Cross got a hundred pounds took off him by wee Miss Black, the school teacher.
John(uncomfortably). Aye. Heth now, I just call that to mind. And he never got courting her at all, I believe.
Kate.It just served him right. He was always a great man for having five or six girls running after him.
John.And she hadn't much of a case against him.
Kate.The school children were standing by when he asked her in a joking sort of way would she marry him, and the court took their evidence.
John(hopelessly). Aye. Men are always terrible hard on other men where women are concerned.
Kate.And a good job it is, or half the girls would be at the church waiting, and the groom lying at home rueing his bargain. (She goes out by yard door.)
Mary(going up to her father). Father, has she a good case against you?
John(after a moment of deep thought). No. I don't think it.
Mary.Don't worry so much then, father.
John.It's the jury I'm so frightened of. They all come from the mountainy district at this Assizes, and there's not a man of them but wouldn't put a knife in me, the way I get beating them down in price at the fairs.
Mary.I don't think they'd give her fifty pounds when they see her. It's only good looking girls would get big sums like a thousand pounds.
John.It's all very well, Mary, but she could dress herself to look nice enough, the same Sarah, if she liked.
Mary.She could not, indeed.
John.They say, at least Brown was hinting to me, that its yon Scotch fellow, Mackenzie, has put up the McMinns to this business. He and that connection are as thick as thieves.
Mary.He mightn't be so very fond of them. When a man sends post cards to a girl he doesn't know very well, he's got a wee bit of a liking for her.
John.What are you talking about? I never sent her any post cards.
Mary.Father, what are you going to do?
John(despairingly). I'm d——d if I know.
Mary.Will you defend the case?
John.I don't want to go near the court at all.
Mary.Father! (Alarmed.) Father! Sure you wouldn't—you couldn't think of marrying her after all that row that happened? (Johnremains silent.) Wouldn't you rather lose a thousand pounds and keep me, father? (Johnbreaks a piece of soda bread morosely and eats it.) Wouldn't you, father.
John.Ah! (He spits out the bread.) Heaven save us, what kind of bread's that?
Mary(taking away the bread and putting it behind her back.) Father! Ah please, please, don't marry her anyway. Sure you won't?
Brown(coming in hastily). Here's Mr. Dan coming up the loaning, sir, that grand looking you'd hardly know him, and a big cigar in his mouth.
John.Daniel back?
Mary.Oh, I must go out and meet him. (She goes out by yard door quickly.)
John.Had he his luggage with him?
Brown.Aye. He has yon big portmanteau of his, and a parcel of something or other.
John.Away out and help him then, can't you? (Browngoes out.) I wonder what kept him in Belfast all this time. I suppose he's spent most of the five pounds I gave him. Like enough. I never mind him coming back yet with a ha'penny on him. (He sits down at the fireplace and looks again at the letter.) A thousand pounds! And there never was a breach of promise case known where they didn't bring in a verdict for thewoman. Never! (He becomes absorbed in thought, and as he sits ruminatingMaryopens the door, carrying a large brown paper parcel, followed byDaniel.Danielis dressed fairly well, and seems to be in high spirits.Brownfollows him carrying a portmanteau.)
Daniel(brightly). Home again, John.
John(morosely). Aye. It was near time, I think.
Daniel.Saw quite a number of people this time, John. A great number. They were all very much interested. Fine town, Belfast. Growing very rapidly. Wonderful place.
Mary.What's in the parcel? (She looks at it with great curiosity.)
Daniel.Ah, that—that't the great secret. Mum's the word. All in good time, Mary.
Brown.Will I leave your bag here, Mr. Dan?
Daniel.Yes. Here's a sixpence for you. (He hands it toBrown.)
John.You're brave and free-handed with your money. Giving the like of that bauchle sixpence. (Brown,who is going out through yard door, stares back at his master protestingly, and then goes out.) The Lord knows but we will be wanting every ha'penny we can scrape together, and soon enough.
Mary.I didn't tell Uncle Dan yet, father.
Daniel(seating himself near the workshop door). Has anything happened?
Mary.Yes. Sarah McMinn has——
John.Read that letter, Daniel. (He goes across and handsDanielthe letter, and goes back to the fireplace to watch him.)
Daniel(taking out his glasses and solemnly perusing the letter). Um.
John.Well? What do you think of that?
Daniel(endeavouring to appear cheerful.) Keep up a stout heart, John. You're safe enough.
John.Oh, heth, I'm not so sure of that. Sure younever heard tell of a jury yet that didn't give damages against the defendant in a breach of promise case. Did you now?
Daniel.Tuts, man. She has no case.
John.Case or no case it doesn't seem to matter. What sort of case had Jennie Black against John McArdle, of Slaney Cross? None. What sort of case had Maggie McAndless against old William Boyd? None at all. I was at both of them trials and says to Pat McAleenan—"the girl has no case at all!" But for all that they brought in a verdict for one hundred pounds against McArdle, and they put two hundred against old Boyd, and nearly broke the two of them.
Daniel.It's very awkward this.
John.Did you do anything, Daniel about the bellows?
Daniel.The bellows? Aye. (He points at the parcel.) A good deal, John. It's all there. But it's all not quite settled yet. A day or two more and you'll see. If all goes well I'll have a great surprise for you in a day or two.
John(disgustedly). Ach! I suppose you spent every ha'penny of the money, too, that I gave you?
Daniel.John. Another surprise for you! Those people I met and went to, put me up very cheap for the week. Very cheap. (He produces some money.) Therees one pound ten and sixpence for you.
John.What?
Daniel.I'll keep the pound to do me to the end of the month and not ask you for any more, John, after that. That is if—well—(He looks at the parcel.) That thing there is all right.
John(pocketing the ten and sixpence after counting it carefully). Daniel. I'm sorry, but there's an account of some thirty shillings I owe the McArdles, and I want to pay it the night. So if you don't mind—(He holds out his hand.)
Daniel(unwillingly). Well, I suppose it can't be helped, John. But it leaves me just with nothing.However, there you are. (He hands the pound over to him.Sam Brownopens the yard door and peeps in cautiously.)
John(looking at him angrily). What ailsyouanyway?
Brown.If you please sir, the posty wants the account signed for that letter.
Mary.Oh, I forgot all about that. (She picks up the receipt for the letter from the table.) I'll sign it for you, father. (She goes over toBrown,who whispers somethings. She nods.) And I'll give it to him myself. (She goes out followingBrown.)
John.It's a serious business, this, about the McMinns.
Daniel.You're all right, man. Wait a day or two. Take my advice. Do nothing in a hurry. Sit down and think it over the way I do when I'm working out a new idea. Don't rush things. It will all come right in the end. Just you wait and see if it doesn't.
John.Would it not be better to settle before going into the court? You know I couldn't stand being pointed out to of a Sunday morning and one and another talking—"There's the man that Sarah McMinn took the breach of promise case against." No, I couldn't stand that at all. It would be a disgrace to the Murrays for ever. I'm wondering now——(He pauses lost in thought.)
Daniel(alarmed). John. Surely you wouldn't—you couldn't think of going back on what you said to me. Would you?
John.I wonder, Daniel, would you mind so much after all if I married her?
Daniel(in an agonised voice). I couldn't stand it. No, John, I couldn't stay. Any other woman but that McMinn.
Mary(appearing at the door followed byAlick McCready). Come on in, Alick.
Alick.Good morning, Mr. Murray. How are you, Mr. Dan? So you are back again? We're all glad to have you back.
Daniel.Thank you, Alick.
Mary.Father. Alick says he heard Andy McMinn talking yesterday to some one at McArdle's shop, and he was telling them all about the whole business, and blaming it all on Uncle Dan.
John.And so the people are talking of me already? Now that I come to think of it, it was your Uncle Dan, and a brave ha'penny it's going to cost me. One thousand pounds.
Alick.Never mind, Mr. Murray. Maybe Uncle Dan will do something yet. What about the bellows? (Danmakes a horrified movement to stopAlicktalking, but too late.)
John.Aye. Here, Daniel. I'll make a bargain with you. I'll leave you to the settling of the case, and you can find the money yourself to pay for it if you want to. And if you can't find the money, I'll marry her.
Mary.Father, surely——
John.What? That's enough about it. I would as soon do without the marrying if I could. I don't want the woman at all, but I'll marry her before she gets a ha'penny off me. So you can settle it among yourselves. You can take charge of that letter, Dan, and make the best you can of it. (He goes angrily out by yard door.)
Daniel.This is a nice mess you put me in for, Alick. What the divil made you mention the bellows?
Alick.I'm sorry, Mr. Dan. I wasn't thinking.
Daniel.The sooner you start and think a bit the better. If you don't help to settle the case—(he looks angrily atAlick)—well—I've a good deal of influence with somebody. (He looks significantly atMary,who is again examining the parcel.)
Alick.I'll do my best, Mr. Dan, to help you.
Mary.What will we do, Uncle Dan?
Daniel.I suppose you've no money, Alick?
Alick.Well, I haven't much ready money, Mr. Dan, but I could lend you up to twenty pounds at a pinch.
Mary.Twenty pounds would hardly be enough. Would it, uncle?
Alick.Better get hold of Andy and ask him.
Daniel.I don't like going near that woman at all.
Mary.Alick! Could you not slip over and ask Andy to come across? You know what the McMinns are like. He'd come over for a shilling if he thought he'd get one. Ah, yes. You will, Alick. Won't you?
Alick.I'll go straight across now if you—if you——
Mary.What?
Alick.If you'd leave us along the road a bit.
Daniel.Aye. Do. Mary. Leave him down to the gate anyway. I want to stay here and think over things a wee bit. That't the good wee girl. (He gently urges her out withAlick,then goes over to the table, lifts the parcel, and sits down near the fireplace. Feeling the parcel.) I'm afraid, Dan Murray, it's all U. P. this time. I'm afraid it is. (Then an idea seems to dawn on him, and he looks at the parcel.) Unless—unless—well—I wonder now if I—
(KateandBrownenter through yard door.Brownis carrying a bucket filled with washed potatoes.)
Kate.There. Put it down there. You didn't know we wanted that much, did you not? You're getting as big an old liar as Mr.—(She stops short on perceivingDaniel.)
Brown(looking up and then realising what had made her pause). Aye. Go on. As who do you say, woman?
Kate(recovering herself). Just as big an old liar as Andy McMinn.
Brown.Now, whist. The McMinns were aye decent folk. (He glances across atDaniel,who apparently is not listening.) They're near people, and all that sort of thing, but once they say a thing they stick to it.
Kate.They're a lot of mean scrubs, the whole caboosh of them.
Daniel(to himself). I wonder would twenty pounds be any use at all?
Brown(nudgingKateslyly). I believe that once Sarah puts a price on a thing, like a pig or a sow, or a hen, the divil himself couldn't beat her down in the price of it. And Andy, they say, can beat the best dealer in the county from here to the Mourne. (Daniel,who has been listening uneasily, gets up and turns round to look at them.) It's the fine cigar that you were smoking, Mr. Daniel, this morning.
Daniel.Cigar? Yes. Yes.
Brown.Aye. A fine cigar, sir. There was a grand smell off it. I seen you coming up by the McMinns, sir, this morning on the road from the station.
Daniel.Yes. On the road from the station.
Brown.You didn't see them, but I noticed Andy and Sarah coming out to the gate when you had passed them and looking after you a long time.
Daniel.Is that so?
Brown.Aye. A long time, sir. I suppose, like myself, they smelled the cigar. (Danielat once throws down the cigar in disgust.) Mr. Andy, they say, is guy fond of a good cigar, and I understand that he'll be for getting a few boxes of them soon, for the sister, they say, is coming into a lot of money.
Kate.Ach, you and your cigars! Will you get out of this and quit tormenting people? Go on. Out you go.
Brown(as if out of curiosity, picks up the cigar and goes out slowly).
Daniel.He's a very impertinent man that. Very worrisome.
Kate.Ach, never heed him, Mr. Dan! sure no one in this house does. You'll be tired after travelling, sir. Will I make you a drop of tea?
Daniel.It's hard to eat anything, Kate, when I'm worried. (Despairingly.) I don't think there's another man living that has the same worries as I have. Something awful! Where's the pen and ink, I wonder?