diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 3 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 31044-h.zip | bin | 0 -> 39160 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 31044-h/31044-h.htm | 3927 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 31044.txt | 4357 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 31044.zip | bin | 0 -> 36925 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 |
7 files changed, 8300 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/31044-h.zip b/31044-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1badba0 --- /dev/null +++ b/31044-h.zip diff --git a/31044-h/31044-h.htm b/31044-h/31044-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..60760b2 --- /dev/null +++ b/31044-h/31044-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,3927 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Turn of the Road, by Rutherford Mayne. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + + p { margin-top: 0.6em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: 0.6em; + } + + h1,h2,h3,h4 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + max-width: 36em; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .pchar { + margin-top: 1.5em; + text-align: center; + font-variant: small-caps; + margin-bottom: 0.5em; + } + + .charsquot {margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%;} + .blockquot {margin-left: 45%; margin-right: 0%; font-size: 0.8em;} + .centerquot {text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em;} + .rightquot {text-align: right; font-size: 0.8em;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Turn of the Road, by Rutherford Mayne + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Turn of the Road + A Play in Two Scenes and an Epilogue + +Author: Rutherford Mayne + +Release Date: January 23, 2010 [EBook #31044] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TURN OF THE ROAD *** + + + + +Produced by Audrey Longhurst and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<h1> +<i>THE TURN OF THE ROAD.<br /> +A PLAY IN TWO SCENES<br /> +AND AN EPILOGUE. BY<br /> +RUTHERFORD MAYNE.</i><br /><br /><br /> + +<i>MAUNSEL & CO., Limited,<br /> +DUBLIN. 1907.</i> +</h1> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><b><i>This play was produced in Belfast, December 1906, +by the Ulster Literary Theatre. (All acting +rights reserved by the Author.)</i></b></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4><i>To LEWIS PURCELL</i></h4> + +<h4><i>In remembrance of his kindly aid and criticism.</i></h4> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3>CHARACTERS:</h3> + +<div class="charsquot"> +<p>WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN, a farmer.<br /> +MRS. GRANAHAN, his wife.<br /> +SAMUEL JAMES, } their sons.<br /> +ROBBIE JOHN, }<br /> +ELLEN, their daughter.<br /> +THOMAS GRANAHAN, father of Wm. John Granahan.<br /> +JOHN GRAEME, a farmer.<br /> +JANE, his daughter.<br /> +MR. TAYLOR, a Creamery Manager.<br /> +A TRAMP FIDDLER.<br /></p> + +<p><span style='margin-left:4em; display:block;'><small><span class="smcap">The Scene</span> throughout is laid in the Kitchen of William John +Granahan's house in the County of Down.</small></span></p> + +<p><span style='margin-left:4em;'><small><span class="smcap">Time.</span>—The Present Day.</small></span></p> + +<p><span style='margin-left:4em;'><small>A month elapses between Scenes I. and II.</small></span></p> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE TURN OF THE ROAD.</h2> + +<h2>SCENE I.</h2> + + +<p><small>A farm kitchen of the present day. Door at back, opening to yard, and +window with deal table on which are lying dishes and drying cloths +with basin of water. A large crock under table. A dresser with +crockery, etc., stands near to another door which opens into living +rooms. Opposite there is a fireplace with projecting breasts, in which +a turf fire is glowing. Time, about eight of a summer evening in July. +Mrs. Granahan and Ellen are engaged at table washing and drying the +plates after the supper. Thomas Granahan, the grandfather, is seated +at fire place and has evidently just finished his stirabout. The +strains of a quaint folk-air played on a violin, sound faintly from +the inner room.</small></p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Is that the whole of them now Ellen?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Yes that's all now but one.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">She goes across to grandfather and lifts the plate.</div> + +<p>Have you finished granda?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Yes dearie I have done.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">He pauses and fumbles for his pipe, &c.</div> + +<p>Is'nt that a fiddle I'm hearing?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Yes. Robbie's playing the fiddle in the low room.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Arranging plates on dresser and turning round.</div> + +<p>I wish some one would stop that boy's fool nonsense wi' his fiddle. He's +far too fond o' playin'. It would stand him better to mind his work.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Calls.</div> + +<p>Robbie!</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Louder.</div> + +<p>D'you hear me Robbie?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Oh, let the boy be, mother. Its the first time I've heard him at it this +week.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Och aye. Let the boy enjoy himself. You're only young wanst you know, Mary.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>I think it must be a great thing to be a great musician. Sometimes I +believe Robbie should try his luck with that fiddle of his. Somehow I +know—I feel he <i>is</i> a genius at it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>What notions you do have to be sure. To think of a big grown man like +Robbie John spending his life-time at an old fiddle.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Sharply.</div> + +<p>Blathers and nonsense. Its time that boy was out lookin' at the cattle.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Calls.</div> + +<p>Are you there Robbie?</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Louder.</div> + +<p>Robbie John.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>From without. The fiddle ceases suddenly and he comes and stands with it in +his hand at the door.</p></div> + +<p>Aye.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>You'd better go down to the low field and see the cattle haven't broken +through into Aura Boyd's corn. You couldn't keep them beasts in when the +flies gets at them.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Just one second till I try this again.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Now, will you go when I tell you. You and your ould fiddle. It'll be the +death of you yet. Mind what I say.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Coming through door and standing there.</div> + +<p>Bad cess to the cattle and Aura Boyd.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>He's a tarr'ble unneighbourly man.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>He's a cross grained man right enough, but it wouldn't do to have the +cattle trampin' and eatin' his corn.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>I was down there only ten minutes ago when you sent me, and they were +eatin' there quite peaceable.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Now will you go Robbie John when your mother wants you. Aura Boyd sent over +here this forenoon to say if that Kerry cow broke into his field again he'd +have the law agin us.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Och, he's a cross ould cratur. Sure, she had only one foot through the +hedge when he turned her.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">He sees mother is getting impatient.</div> + +<p>All right; I'm away.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>He goes back into room, leaves fiddle there, comes into kitchen again and +goes out by door to yard.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>He's as ill to drive as the ould mare to meetin' a Sundays.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">She goes and looks through door into room.</div> + +<p>Look at the time it is and your father and Samuel James niver back yet +Ellen. They're terrible late o' comin'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Och, I suppose they've met some dealer at the fair and are driving a hard +bargain as usual.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>I wonner if they got that foal red off their hands yet. It'll be a job I'm +thinkin'. He was a miserable baste, and tarr'ble broken in the wind.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Och, trust father to make that all right. I heard Mr. Taylor, of the +creamery, say that father could sell you skim milk for cream, better than +any man he knew.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Seating herself at chair beside table at back.</div> + +<p>Oh, aye. It's easy for <i>him</i> to talk, but money's hard o' makin', and if +people's soft it's their own fault. Only I hope they've no' taken any drink.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>It's no fault in a good man if he does take a half-un.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Now, don't you be startin' to talk that way. It's always the way with them +dailers. Muddle the good man's head with whiskey, and then <i>do</i> him.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Standing nonchalantly at table facing front with hands resting on it.</p></div> + +<p>They'll not muddle father much I'm thinkin'. Besides, Samuel James is with +him.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Samuel James is a cunnin' rascal.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Don't you miscall my son Mr. Granahan. He's a canny good son and works +hard, and is worth more than half-a-dozen men like Robbie John. They'll no +put their finger in his eye.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Goes to door back.</div> + +<p>Bliss my heart there's that sow among the kale. Shoo!</p> + +<div class="rightquot">She goes out and is heard shouting.</div> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Laughing.</div> + +<p>That poor sow. It has the times of it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Robbie John enters and sits down near grandfather.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Well, son; what about the cattle?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Weariedly.</div> + +<p>Och, they're all right. I knowed they'd be all right. It's always the way.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Soothingly.</div> + +<p>They are a terrible newsance, indeed, Robbie.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>But that's not what troubles me. Why can't mother leave me alone for just a +few minutes till I get some time to myself at the fiddle. I niver touch it +but I'm taken away and sent off somewhere.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Seating herself at chair beside Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Don't be cross with her Robbie, dear. She's anxious about the cattle.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>But, Ellen, look here. Any time I can get to have just a tune on that +fiddle, someone's sure to take me away from it. Father sends me out to mend +gaps that were mended, or cut turf that was cut, or fodder horses that were +foddered. And when he's away and I might have some chance, mother does the +same. Here I've been workin' for the past week, day in and day out, and the +very first chance I get, I must run after the cattle or somethin'.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Despondently,</div> + +<p>Nobody has any feelin' for me here at all.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Now, now; Robbie. It's all for your own good, son, she does it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>And we feel for him, don't we Grand-da? You mustn't look so cross, Robbie. +You know that they think you're too much wrapped up in that fiddle of +yours, and they want to break you off it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Determinedly.</div> + +<p>That they never will; never.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Coaxingly.</div> + +<p>Oh! look grandfather at the cross Robbie.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Gazing amusedly at Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Indeed, Robbie, you look like them prize fightin' men ye see up in the +town.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Well, there; is that any better.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">He smiles half bitterly.</div> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>A wee bit. I wish Jennie Graeme seen you with that face. You wouldn't get +your arm round her so easy then; would he Grand-da?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>A bonny wee girl she is, and has a fine farm and land comin' till her.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Aside.</div> + +<p>Boys a dear but these musicians gets the fine weemin.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>There, there; and creamery managers sometimes gets them too, Grand-da.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Indeed, that Taylor man will get a body can cook sowans anyway.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Looking through window.</div> + +<p>Here's mother.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Enters and sits down exhausted on chair at side of table next door.</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> + +<p>That sows a torment. I just had her out and back she doubles again. +She just has me fair out of wind turnin' her out.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Rising and making toward door into room.</div> + +<p>I can go and have some practisin' now.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Robbie John, I seen the carts comin' up the loanin'. Your father will +be in, in no time. He'll no be pleased to see you han'lin' that,</p> + +<div class="rightquot">pointing to the fiddle.</div> + +<p>just when he comes back.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Starts up as if suddenly reminded.</div> + +<p>I must go and get them eggs counted.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Goes out again through door to yard.</div> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Aye, Robbie; don't take it. He'll just think you've been playin' that +all the time he was away. And he's always that cross after markets, +you couldn't stand him.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Sitting down again.</div> + +<p>You're right. I don't want another talkin' to like the last one; but +its hard.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>He takes up a stick from fuel beside fireplace +and starts whittling it. The rattle of carts is heard. Samuel James +passes the window and walks in. He is partially intoxicated, enough only to +make him talkative.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Well, how did the fair go off?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Samuel James takes off his overcoat, +flings it on back of chair beside dresser and sits down heavily.</p></div> + +<p>Ah! you've been takin' a drop, as usual.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Scowls at this but does not deny.</div> + +<p>The fair. Oh, it was great value. Sure grand-da he sould +the foal for thirty poun'.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Astonished</div> + +<p>Boys a dear but William John Granahan bates the divil. And who took her?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>There was a cavalryman bought her. Boys but Da is the hard man to plaze. We +stopped at Muc Alanan's on the way home and met William John McKillop +there, and he toul' the oul' man he was a fool to let a good horse go at +that price, for he was lookin' all roads to give him thirty poun' for it; +only he couldn't get in time for the sale.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Incredulously.</div> + +<p>Who did you say? McKillop?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Laughing.</div> + +<p>Aye.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Smiling.</div> + +<p>Sure McKillop hasn't two sov'rins in the wide world. He was only takin' a +rise out of Da.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Sure I knowed the ould Yahoo hadn't the price of a nanny-goat. But of +course, Da tuk it all in for gospel. And me sittin' listenin to him tellin' +ould McKillop what a grand action the foal had and the shoulders the baste +had, and the way it could draw thirty hundred up Killainey hill without a +pech.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Astonished.</div> + +<p>William John Granahan makes a tarr'ble fine Sunday School teacher.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Grinning.</div> + +<p>But to see ould McKillop sittin' there as solemn as a judge, drinkin' it +all in as if gospel and winkin' at me on the sly, the ould rascal, and +cursin' his luck at losin' such a bargain.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>The voice of William John Granahan can be heard inviting some one to come +on. The strains of a fiddle played by uncertain but unmistakeably +professional hands, sounds from the same direction.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Looking out through window into yard.</div> + +<p>Who's that father has got with him Samuel James? Oh such a dirty looking +man!</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Chuckling.</div> + +<p>Da got ahoult of him at Buckna cross roads and right or wrong he'd have him +home wi' him to show Robbie John what fiddlin' brings a man till.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Severely.</div> + +<p>Its my mind that you and father have been stayin' too long in the public +house, Samuel James.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>William John Granahan and tramp fiddler can be seen outside window.</p></div> + +<p>Look at them—comin' in! oh my; wait till mother sees the pair of +them.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>William John Granahan comes in leading a ragged looking bearded tramp with +an old fiddle tucked under his arm.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Now we're hame, and we'll get a drop to drink and a bite to eat, Mr. +Fiddler.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>He goes over to fireplace and stands with his back to the fire.</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> + +<p>Take a sate at the fire and warm yourself.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>No one offers a seat to the tramp who stands puzzled looking and swaying in +a drunken manner in the kitchen, slightly in front of Samuel James, who +remains seated beside dresser engaged in taking off his leggings.</p></div> + +<p>Ellen. Get us a drop o' tay and give this poor misguided cratur somethin' +to eat.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Moves over to dresser and then stands at door into room. She evidently +disapproves of the tramp and does not offer to obey. The grandfather rises +in disgust and moves his chair nearer the fireplace away from the tramp.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">Tramp.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">To Ellen.</div> + +<p>Your pardon noble lady, I intrude. Your pardon signor I incommode you. +Times change and so do men. Ladies and gentlemen behold in me the one time +famous leader of the Blue Bohemian Wind and String Band that had the honour +of appearing before all the crowned heads of Europe.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>God bless me, d'you say so mister? D'ye hear that Robbie John. There's a +fiddler for you and see what comes of it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Tramp.</div> + +<p>Perhaps with your permission I may venture to play you a few extracts from +my repertoire. I can play to suit all tastes from a simple country ballad +to a concerto by Brahms or the great Russian composer Tschaikouski.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Openmouthed.</div> + +<p>Them Rooshians has the tarr'ble names!</p> + +<div class="pchar">Tramp.</div> + +<p>Firstly I shall play that touching little ballad I heard Monsieur here +warble so sweetly as we rolled homeward on his chariot. If I play he +accompanies me with voice. Ne'st ce pas, Monsieur?</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Nervously.</div> + +<p>Is your mother out Ellen?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>She's lookin' after the hens I think. She won't hear you.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>William John Granahan starts singing two verses of a folk song, the tramp +accompanying meanwhile with fiddle, always putting in an extra flourish. +The rest all join, even the grandfather beats time with a stick. The door +opens and Mrs. Granahan appears seemingly astonished at the uproar. All +suddenly cease singing and try to appear innocent, except the tramp, who +goes on playing. He suddenly notices the cessation.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">Tramp.</div> + +<p>Bravo. A most exquisite little air and beautifully rendered.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>He stops short on seeing Mrs. Granahan who stands glaring at him arms +akimbo.</p></div> + +<p>Your pardon madam. You are the mistress I take it of this most noble and +hospitable house.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Ignoring him and going to centre of floor where she looks angrily at +William John Granahan who endeavours to appear unconcerned.</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> + +<p>You should be well ashamed of yourself William John Granahan. What will +they say about you in the Session I wonner next Sabbath day. D'you think my +house is a home for all the dirt and scum of the country side?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Tramp.</div> + +<p>Your pardon madam. You owe me an apology. Appearances belie me but scum I +am not. I was at one time the well known and justly famous leader of the +Blue Bohemian Wind and String—</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Wind and string fiddlesticks. Out you go. Out you will go. I want no tramps +in here upsettin' my house and makin' it the talk of the neighbours. Out +you go at once.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Tramp.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">With drunken pride.</div> + +<p>I thrust my company on no man or woman uninvited.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Out you go. I want no excuses. Put him out of this Samuel James.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Samuel James eludes his mother's eye and beckons the tramp to stay on.</p></div> + +<p>The drunken wretch comin' in here. A nice place you'd have it William +Granahan with your fine company.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>I brought him home here as a tarr'ble and awful warnin' to Robbie John what +this sort of an occupation brings a man till. Yon see him Robbie John. +There's you're great fiddlin' for you. Be warned in time.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>The tramp moves to the door. Robbie John rises and goes across to him and +taps him on the shoulder.</p></div> + +<p>Here.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Slips him money.</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> + +<p>God bless you poor wanderin' soul and God forbid any Granahan should ever +be treated as you have been.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Tramp.</div> + +<p>Sir, I thank you.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Coming back to him and confidentially.</div> + +<p>Perhaps I could yet please your ears with a romanza which I composed +myself—</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Away with you out of this. We want none of your music here.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">To tramp.</div> + +<p>Why don't you give up playin' that fiddle of yours and turn your hand to +honest work?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Tramp.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Proudly.</div> + +<p>Desert my fiddle. The fiddle presented to me at Vienna by my orchestra! A +genuine old Cremona 200 years old! Rather would I wander in Hades for ever. +Never! Though cruel words stab and wound me.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Half sobbing.</div> + +<p>Farewell.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>All remain quiet. The strains of a melancholy air like a serenade come from +outside. It slowly dies away in the distance. Robbie John moves forward as +if to go out.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Sharply.</div> + +<p>Robbie John. Where are you going? Don't dare to leave the house. My son +going out to keep company with the likes of that dirty rapscallion.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Ah mother pity the poor wretch. Every word you said to him cut and wounded +me to the quick. Did you not see the tears in his eyes for all his fine +talk. I should like to know more about him.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>If you went to the sergeant at the barrack, I warrant ye he could tell you +more about him.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>He bends down as if to catch the sound of the fiddling which grows very +faint.</p></div> + +<p>Listen!</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Robbie John moves to door and opens it.</div> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Angrily.</div> + +<p>Where are you going?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Rapt.</div> + +<p>Listen.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>He holds his hand for silence. Then quickly goes out.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">To get into his wife's good graces.</div> + +<p>Well Mary the foal's sould at last.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>I've a crow to pluck wi' you over that same foal, William Granahan. I +suppose they did you as usual.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Getting angry.</div> + +<p>Nine and thirty year ha'e I gone till market and no man, woman, child, dog +or divil ever got the better of me in a bargain yet and right well you know +it.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">With pride.</div> + +<p>I soul' the foal for thirty poun' not a ha'penny less.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Doubtfully.</div> + +<p>I hope you ha'e it all wi' you.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>I ha'e it all but two shillin' and wan penny.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>And can you account for them?</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Woman dear would you ha'e me go and come to market wi'out a ha'penny in my +pocket? Have some gumption about ye.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">In a loud angry voice.</div> + +<p>I'm danged but the next time I make a good bargain, I'll go and ha'e a week +to myself in Newcastle or Belfast. I'm young enow yet.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>There. Stop your fool talk in front of the children and go and change your +clothes.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>It was a good price indeed.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Slily.</div> + +<p>Yes. He soul' it for thirty poun' and William John McKillop lookin' all +roads to give him forty for it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Angrily and stamping his foot.</div> + +<p>Will you houl' your tongue you blatterin' blatherin' idiot. Bad scran to ye +for a meddle—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>He goes forward to go into room and aims a box on the ears at Samuel James +who retreats to table and watches him go through door followed by Mrs. +Granahan. A noise of voices in angry argument is heard.</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Now he'll catch it. If I had been Da I would ha'e kept back five poun' and +toul' her I soul' it for twenty-five, but the ould man's that honest, he +knows no better.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Robbie John enters. He goes to seat himself in his old position but stops a +moment when spoken to, and then in a petulant manner takes his seat on +hearing the speech.</p></div> + +<p>Well Robbie and what d'ye think of his great object lesson till ye. It was +me put it intil Da's head. I thought there might be a bit o' value.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Chuckles.</div> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>There. I just thought it was you did it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>She comes and sits down again beside table at left. Samuel James seats +himself on table carelessly and swings his legs under.</p></div> + +<p>You're a schemer that's what you are.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Aye. There's a dale of the crook in ye Samuel James. You're deeper nor one +would think.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Suddenly to Robbie John.</div> + +<p>I seen Jenny Graeme at the market to-day Robbie.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Robbie John does not answer, being evidently shy.</p></div> + +<p>Oh well, maybe you're no interested in her.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">To Ellen.</div> + +<p>Man there was a fine lock o' cattle at the fair, Ellen.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>I'm sure there was. Who else did you see?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Unwillingly but unable to restrain his jealousy.</div> + +<p>Who was with her? Who left her home?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Nodding slily to Ellen.</div> + +<p>Young M'Donnell o' the Hill head was looking after her pretty close.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Glancing at Robbie and then at Samuel James and smiling.</p></div> + +<p>He's a very nice young man.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Savagely.</div> + +<p>I wish her luck wi' yon booby.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>There's nothin' the matter wi' him. He has a nice place and a fine farm +forbye.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Farms and cattle and crops don't make a fine man.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Deed now Robbie, they goes a long ways.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">To himself.</div> + +<p>Better nor bows and fiddles and such trash.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">To Robbie John.</div> + +<p>I heerd up at Bann to-day, that ye won three poun' at the Feis at Newcastle +a Monday.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>I knew that on Tuesday. It was fine of Robbie wasn't it?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>It all depends. Da heard it for the first time to-day and I can tell you it +didn't seem fine to him. Coorse a poun' or two would ha'e made a differ o' +opinion same as it done wi' you I expect.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>You needn't sneer at me. It was me told Robbie to keep it. He was goin' to +give it all up. I wouldn't be so mean as to take it off him.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Oh you're an unusual sort of young woman I know but if Robbie John takes my +advice, he better choose quick between playin' the fiddle and stayin' on +here.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Give up my fiddle. Never.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Well you can plaze yourself. I suppose you could make as much by fiddlin' +as if you stayed on here and waited till we had the place divid among the +three of us.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Why I heard from Mr. Taylor that father was worth four or five hundred +pounds and then the two farms.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Aye. You'd be a long time Robbie John earnin' that wi' your fiddle. Don't +heed his fool talk son. Stay at home and nivir mind the musicians.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Robbie dear, and I'm sure Mr. Graeme would never let his daughter marry a +penniless fiddler—even if she would herself. I don't know. She might +and she—mightn't.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Rising from table and stretching himself.</div> + +<p>Coorse if he made a name for himself he could marry the landlord's +daughter. I heerd the quality go mad after the musicianers.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Makes to door.</div> + +<p>Well I'm going to wash my hands.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Goes out to yard.</div> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Robbie dear. Come here.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Aye. What is it?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Take heed till yourself. I know what's going on better nor you. Take an +ould man's advice. Settle yourself down and give up that string instrument. +Coorse I daresay you may go and become a great man wi' it but you're more +like to become a cratur like thon that was in as not. There's no good +runnin' risks. And your father, I heerd him say himself, if you make your +bed, you'll lie on it, for he'll nivir help you out, once you take to the +fiddlin'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Aye Robbie. Its far better not to run the risk of becoming a beggar man.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Well I'll think over it Ellen. I'll think over it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Robbie, come out wi' me.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">The two go out by door into yard.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>William John and Mrs. Granahan come in arguing excitedly.</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Well you can ha'e the poun' if you like, but I can tell you its a sore +pinch to make things do, what with the price of the sugar riz up and the +flour.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Samuel James comes in. He takes in the situation and seats himself again on +the table near Ellen who remains still seated beside it.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>There. That's enough to do about it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>He goes over to armchair but does not sit down and remains facing Mrs. +Granahan.</p></div> + +<p>Twenty nine poun' you'll get and no more.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Emphatically.</div> + +<p>Min' that.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>I'll min' it right enough William Granahan. And its a sore time I have +trying to keep in wi' one hand what you lavish out wi' the other.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Nudging Ellen slily.</div> + +<p>I was talking by the way to Mrs. McCrum the milliner, mother, to-day, and +she said to give you word she'd have your new tay gown ready for you a +Tuesday week.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Triumphantly.</div> + +<p>There you are ma'am. There you are. Keepin' it in wi' one hand were you? +Faith if I know anything you lather it out wi both hands and feet. You want +to rob me of me one poun' do ye? And all for an ould tay gown!</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Contemptuously.</div> + +<p>A tay gown!</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Maliciously.</div> + +<p>A taygown's not expensive.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Oh indeed now? Hach. You'll be wantin' one next I suppose. A nice house +this is, where a man couldn't get keepin' as much as would buy him an ounce +o' tobaccy.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Viciously.</div> + +<p>Man I do hate this hypockerisy.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>I'll not talk any more till ye, William Granahan. You're full o' drink and +bad tongued.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>If you say any more till me, I'll smash all the crockery in the house.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Come out Ellen to the creamery and maybe when we come in, he'll be a bit +cooler in the head.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>She hurries out followed by Ellen through door to yard.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">To Samuel James.</div> + +<p>She's a tarr'ble woman your mother when she's started. But I'm much obliged +to you Samuel James for the mention o' that tay gown. By me sang, but that +turned the enemy's flank.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Laughs.</div> + +<p>I'm danged but you're the boy.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Gratefully.</div> + +<p>Heth you saved me a poun' anyway.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Rising and going over sheepishly to him.</div> + +<p>You'll not forget me Da? will you?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Suspiciously.</div> + +<p>Na.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Well ye might gie us a part o' it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>How much dy'e want?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Twelve shillin'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Would you take the very boots off me feet. Where would I get ye twelve +shillin'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Out o' the poun' o' coorse. Where else?</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Grumblingly.</div> + +<p>You're askin' ower much. If it was a saxpence</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Samuel James shrugs his shoulders.</div> + +<p>or a shillin'</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Samuel James shrugs more emphatically.</div> + +<p>or two shillin'?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>No.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>or half a crown?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>No.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>I'd think nothing of lendin' them till ye. But twelve shillin'! Would three +shillin' no' do?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>No. It won't. Either give me the twelve shillin' or I'll tell her about +your conduck—</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>There. There it is an bad scran to ye. To think o' me walkin' ten mile to +the fair and back and arguin' wi' dailers and chates of all kinds and +gettin thirty poun' for a baste I wouldn't buy myself for thirty shillin' +and only gettin' eight shillin' out o' it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Whistling and counting money delightedly.</div> + +<p>Aye. Its a hard world and no mistake.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Excitedly.</div> + +<p>I'll go down to the shough and drown myself I will.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Na. Go to MucAlanan's and drown yerself.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>I'm danged but you're right. Na. Na. She'll hear me goin' out by the gate.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Boys but you're the poor hearted man. Well I'm away.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">He makes to door.</div> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Where now?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>To Courdy Williamson's for the loan of a monkey wrinch for the new machine. +The hay's for cuttin' the morrow.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Oh aye. An you'll be for coortin' that young imp of a daughter o' his I +warrant ye. Were you there yisterday forenoon?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Somewhat taken aback.</div> + +<p>Yis. Why d'ye ask?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Oh nothin'. Only I hadn't a sowl to help me wi' them cattle.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Well wasn't Robbie John at home? What ailed him he couldn't help ye?</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Look you here Samuel James.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Samuel James comes back nearer.</div> + +<p>I've been worried wi' that boy this long time.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Samuel James nods approvingly.</div> + +<p>I've made up my mind to-day after seein' yon scarecrow we met at Buckna +cross roads, Robbie John aither mends himself or he goes out o' this.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>You're right Da. You hae stud his goings on a long time. I think ye do well +to stop him. It's only doin' him a kindness.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>I'll just ask him to burn it when he comes in. If he won't, he can just +plaze himself. I'll hae no more to do wi' him.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Suddenly.</div> + +<p>I wunner what his mother would say to that?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>She' just as tired of it as you are. Wait; I'll call her in.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Goes to door back and shouts.</div> + +<p>Are you there ma'am?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Without.</div> + +<p>Aye.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>She comes to door, opens it and stands looking inquiringly at both of them.</p></div> + +<p>Well?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Da's just been talkin' about Robbie John, and he wants you to hear what he +says.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Robbie John's an idle useless paghle. He'll aither mend himself or go out +o' this.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Sharply.</div> + +<p>Mend yourself first, me good man.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Its not like as if he tuk a drop o' drink or fell in wi' bad company, for +you'll get quet o' drink and bad company if you hae no money.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Slily.</div> + +<p>It was mother and I larnt you that.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Snappishly.</div> + +<p>Will you hould your tongue.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">To Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>When he might ha' been lookin after the cattle or the pigs or somethin +else, where is he? Up in the loft playin that damnation fiddle o' his. +Night an mornin' he's at it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Deed and he's doin badly by it and no mistake. He's not been worth a ha' +penny till us, this last six months. I think you do right just to stop him.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>I heerd he won three poun' at the Feis last Monday at Newcastle.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>There you are. And he never offered me one ha'penny o' it. Me that brought +him up and raired and fed him. Them that plays the fiddle comes to no good +end, I can tell ye.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Reminiscently and with a sort of shame-faced pride.</p></div> + +<p>Not but I wasn't the great man at it myself wanst. And you were the girl +that could ha' danced to it Mary. But thank God I quet it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Curiously.</div> + +<p>Why?</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>I might ha took to drink and bad company and the like.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>You're no rid o' that yet William Granahan. Ye mind what way ye come home +last Bann Fair on top o' the bread cart.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Slily.</div> + +<p>Yis. And the way the Scarva man done him out o' the price o' the two pigs.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>That's one thing I can't get over. Was it in a public house ye met him?</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>There. There. Thats enough to do about it. I hear enough about drinkin' +from John Graeme every session day without you etarnally at it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Robbie John and Grandfather enter. They evidently understand from the looks +of those present that something important is talked of.</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> + +<p>Where's that fiddle of yours Robbie John? Bring it to me.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Robbie John looks curiously at him and then at Samuel James. He goes into +room and brings it out. He holds it in his hands and looks suspiciously at +the father.</p></div> + +<p>Now Robbie John listen to what I and your mother have thought about this. +For our sake and your own we want you to give up that accursed thing and +put it from you.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Why? What harm does it do you or me?</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>It makes you negleck your work. It makes you think o' things you shouldn't +think o'. It makes you loss slape o' nights sitting up an playin' and then +you can't rise in the mornin'. When you should be polissin the harness, or +mendin' a ditch, or watchin' the cattle, or feedin' the poultry, you've got +this thing in your hand and practisin' on it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Indignantly.</div> + +<p>Its not true. I don't do these things. I—</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Now will you atten' to your duties and give up this playin'. What good will +it ever do ye? Ye seen what it brought yon man till that was in here. It's +a tarrible warnin' till ye.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>The fiddle didn't make him what he is. The drink did that.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Scornfully.</div> + +<p>Aye. The leader of an ould circus band or somethin' like.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Getting excited.</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> + +<p>I'd just do wi that as I'd do with a sarpint. Trample it under my heels.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Threateningly.</div> + +<p>Dare to put a hand on it. I'll kill the first man tries to.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Angrily.</div> + +<p>You dar' talk that way to your father!</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Soothingly.</div> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Now Robbie dear. Don't be gettin' on that way.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Robbie my son mind what I was tellin' ye. Its better to bear it if you can +my son. Its a hard thing but you can take my word for it, you'll no regret +it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Sadly.</div> + +<p>I had o' coorse a will drawn up and signed by 'torney McAllan and was for +lavin' ye nice an' comfortable when I was to be takin' away.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">He breaks down.</div> + +<p>Robbie, Robbie, my son, sure its not my heart you're for breakin'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Coorse I heerd from one o' the judges, Robbie, at the Feis that you had the +touch o' a master, and all that sort o' thing; but I advise ye—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Here the grandfather shakes his stick at him threateningly.</p></div> + +<p>I advise ye—of coorse its hard to know.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Looking angrily at Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Don't think o' that Robbie. Sure every man that plays a fiddle, thinks he's +a genius. Don't be led astray son.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Coaxingly.</div> + +<p>Aye. Your grand-da has sense wi' him Robbie. After all what about it. Man +there's that bonny wee lass waitin' for you over at Graemes. To the fire +wi' it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Robbie John hesitates. The grandfather pats him approvingly. With bowed +head he goes forward to place it on the fire.</p><br /><br /></div> + + +<p style='text-align:center;'><span class="smcap"><b>Curtain.</b></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> +<h2>SCENE II.</h2> + + +<p><small>The same scene. Ellen and Mrs. Granahan seated near fire.</small></p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>So Mr. Graeme is comin' over here to settle matters with father to-day do +you say?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Yes child, he's comin' to-day.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>What is it all about?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Well I suppose he's anxious to see what money is comin' to Robbie John. He +doesn't want to throw his daughter away without askin' questions. I expeck +she's well enough to do to marry anyone she likes, but he's a canny man.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Well I suppose he's right. He must be anxious to see her well married.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Oh now between the two of them, Robbie John will be a sight better off, nor +your father and I, Ellen when we married.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Robbie's a lucky man too. I never seen anyone as fond of him as she is. I +wonner when father will be goin' to see anyone about me?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Oh whist child, your time's comin'. Who was it left ye home from John +Graeme's temperance lecture?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Slily.</div> + +<p>That's a secret.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Knowingly.</div> + +<p>Not till me. He's a brave body anyway.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Who?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Now you're the soft lassie. Who's the manager of the creamery up beyont?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Unsuspectingly,</div> + +<p>Tom Taylor of course.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>And of coorse it was Tom Taylor left ye home.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Knock at the door.</div> + +<p>Come in. Come in.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Taylor enters.</div> + +<p>Why speak o' the divil—how d'ye do Mr. Taylor.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>He comes in, stands rather awkwardly looking at Ellen, and then goes over +near them.</p></div> + +<p>Very well, thank you, ma'am.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>This is my daughter Ellen.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Slily.</div> + +<p>I think ye met her afore.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Shaking hands with Ellen, he detains her hand for a second and then drops +it.</p></div> + +<p>We did, I think, didn't we?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Knowingly.</div> + +<p>I just thought as much.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Aside.</div> + +<p>Oh well, he's a brave body and would do rightly if the creamery does the +same.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Suddenly to Taylor.</div> + +<p>Are ye coortin' any this weather Mr. Taylor?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Taken aback. Then decides to laugh it off.</div> + +<p>Well—eh—no. I'm not doin' much that way.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Incredulously.</div> + +<p>Oh indeed. Well I heerd otherwise. Its full time ye were lookin' about for +a wife. You'll be gettin' well on past thirty soon.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Fidgeting uneasily.</div> + +<p>Oh I'm time enough for a couple of years or more. I want to look round me a +bit.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Well ye better look sharp, for you'll soon be getting too ould for gettin' +any sort of a dasint girl.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Inquisitively.</div> + +<p>Ha'e ye anyone in your eye yet?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>I have an account to pay your good man Mrs. Granahan.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Two poun' ten is due.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Thinking.</div> + +<p>Aye. But I suppose you'll be now in what I would call a good way o' doin'.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>There was a five per cent. dividend this half year. The creamery's goin' on +well.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Searching in pocket and getting out account.</div> + +<p>Two pounds, nine and six, ma'am, beggin' your pardon.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Ach sure sixpence is naither here nor there to a creamery.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Pauses.</div> + +<p>If that's the way you are, you could be married in a year's time and—</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Evidently desirous to lead conversation off this topic.</p></div> + +<p>Here's the money, ma'am.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">He lays it down on the table and counts it out.</div> + +<p>You'll do as well as Mr. Granahan, I suppose. You take all to do with the +money part I think.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Yes I do. You were at the lecture last Monday?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Alarmed.</div> + +<p>What the divil—</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Suddenly to Mrs. Granahan and genially.</div> + +<p>Yes. Could you oblige me with a receipt ma'am?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Surely. Here Ellen, get me the pen and ink.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Ellen goes into room.</div> + +<p>I suppose now there were some nice young weemin there—eh Mr. Taylor?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Uneasily.</div> + +<p>Yes. And don't forget the stamp ma'am.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Ach sure a penny stamp's what you always carry wi' ye.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Confidentially.</div> + +<p>I think shame on ye Mr. Taylor, triflin' wi' the poor girls. There's no +excuse for a man o' your age.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Fidgeting.</div> + +<p>Well, well, I—Here's a stamp ma'am.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Impatiently.</div> + +<p>I'm young enough yet. I don't want to marry yet awhile.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Well now I think ye'd be better o' some one to look after ye. There's +William John Granahan. <i>He's</i> niver done bein' thankful since he married. +He says he doesn't know what he mightn't ha' been, if he hadn't married +<i>me</i>.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Slily.</div> + +<p>I can quite believe <i>that</i>.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>It was a good job for him, I can tell ye. For what wi' goin' to dances and +the like and public houses, he was for making a nice mess o' himself.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Confidentially.</div> + +<p>And between you and me, Ellen will no' be so badly off aither when he goes.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Ellen comes in and puts paper, &c. on table.</div> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>Here's the stamp ma'am.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Not noticing.</div> + +<p>And there's a girl for you Mr. Taylor, that we spent a dale o' time over, +and was brought up most careful. She's none o' your or'nary girls.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Sharply.</div> + +<p>Oh mother!</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>She looks at Taylor, smiles, and shrugs her shoulders.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Motioning silence.</div> + +<p>There's too many girls runnin' about and all they can do is—sing a +song or two, and dress themselves up like play actresses, and run about at +bazaars and the like trying to get ahoult o' young men.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>You're quite right ma'am.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Now there's Ellen was four years at a boardin' school that Mr. Graeme +recommended till us, and I can tell you she got the proper schoolin', and +let alone that, she can bake, sew or knit, and knows all about the managin' +of a house.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Oh quit!</p> + +<div class="rightquot">She looks diffidently across at Taylor, who grins.</div> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Counting money.</div> + +<p>Here. It's sixpence short o' the count.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>Let me see.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">He goes to table and counts money.</div> + +<p>Two and two's four, and two's six, and two and six is eight and six, and +one shillin'—nine and six.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Thinking.</div> + +<p>Nine and six. I thought it was—oh yes it <i>was</i> nine and six.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>Yes. Nine and six.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Very good. I'll write you a receip'.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Takes pen and paper.</div> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">To Taylor who stands looking over at her.</div> + +<p>You haven't been round this way a long time Mr. Taylor. What ailed you, you +didn't call?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>Oh I was very busy.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>He looks at Mrs. Granahan who is writing laboriously. Then goes and +examines a fiddle that hangs on the wall.</p></div> + +<p>Ha! I thought Robbie John had burnt his fiddle and promised to play no +more.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Aye so he did, but there's a strange story wi' that thing you're lookin' +at. There was a tramp come here one day I was out, and when I come back, I +found him playin' away on that thing, and the house in an uproar.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>Aye? He left it here then?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>No, wait till I tell ye. I packed him out o' this, and the next thing I +heerd about him was when a wheen o' weeks ago he was got half dead wi' wet +and could in the Flough Moss. John McKillop was down for cutting turf, and +foun' him in a peat hole, wi' his hands on the brew, and the ould fiddle +beside him.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Yes. The poor soul died the next day, and just before he died he asked +McKillop to bring over his fiddle to give to Robbie John. Robbie had been +kind to him sometime or other, and the poor bein' never forgot it.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>Ach aye. I do remember hearin' somethin' about it. They said he had been a +big man in his day I think.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Aye. He was blatherin the day he was here about bein' the leader of an ould +band or somethin' like, now that I call to mind. But indeed I paid no heed +till him, for he was part drunk.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Curiously.</div> + +<p>You didn't get Robbie to burn this one I see.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Well you see, Samuel James said it was a very valuable one and worth fifty +poun' or more may be. There's an inscription on it somewhere if you look.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Taking down fiddle and examining it.</div> + +<p>Aye so I see. "To Nicholas Werner as a token of esteem from his orchestra. +Vienna, 1878."</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Yes poor soul. He was tellin' the truth and no one believin'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>And does Robbie never play it?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Not since he promised that I know of. But all the same it must tempt him +for I see his eyes fixed on it often enough when he thinks no one's +lookin'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>He looks over at Mrs. Granahan who appears to be engrossed in her writing. +He is just slipping his arm round Ellen when Mrs. Granahan looks up. He +instantly drops his arm.</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Ha'e you that stamp Mr. Taylor?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>Its usual Mrs. Granahan for whoever signs the receipt to supply the stamp, +however, there you are.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Mrs. Granahan licks the stamp, and signs the receipt.</p></div> + +<p>The writin' doesn't come easy to you, ma'am.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Now its not very courteous makin' fun o' poor old weemin', Mr. Taylor. I +thought better o' you nor that.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>Ould weemin'? Talk sense, Mrs. Granahan. I only wish my ould woman, if ever +I have one, looks as well as you do.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>There, there, none o' your fool nonsense. You don't go blarneyin' me, like +you do the likes of Ellen there.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Ach mother!</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>I'm much obledged to ye for the money Mr. Taylor. I must put it by me.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Goes into room.</div> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>I suppose you've heard about Robbie?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Coming near her.</div> + +<p>No. What's happened?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>He's to be married to Jane Graeme at Christmas and Mr. Graeme's comin' over +here to-day to settle about the money.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Slily.</div> + +<p>I wonder who your father will be settlin' matters with Ellen, when you get +engaged.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>Why, of course—whoever gets me, I suppose.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>Well there's one thing I wouldn't haggle with him over.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Ellen.</div> + +<p>And what would that be?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>Yourself of course.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>He draws her to him and makes to kiss her. Robbie John and Samuel James +pass by the window and Ellen immediately slips away from him. When they +come in, she lifts a can and goes out by door to yard. Robbie John and +Samuel James seat themselves at table.</p> + +<p>Leaning against table and nodding to both.</p></div> + +<p>Well how's the corn doin'?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Oh, fairly well the year. How's the crame market?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>Much the same. Nothin' new with you I suppose?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Well they're goin' to settle Robbie the day, that's all. He's a lucky boy.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>I wish you joy, Robbie.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Thank ye. Thank ye kindly. She's a nice wee girl.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>You don't seem as gay hearted as I would expect, does he Mr. Taylor? You'd +think he was for getting hung or somethin'. I suppose ye heerd all about +him givin' up the fiddle playin'? And the luck o' it. To burn his ould +fiddle, and then get another a few days after. You'd think there was some +sort of a strange warnin' or advice or somethin' in it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>It is very strange.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Samuel James do ye remember the time that ould tramp was playin' on this +fiddle, as he went out that day, down the loney?</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Samuel James nods.</div> + +<p>Well, it seemed to me as if he were playin' to bring me out after him. D'ye +mind the story, Mr. Taylor, about the piper that went off with all the +children, and was niver heard tell of again.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>Aye.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Well I could feel him drawin' me out after him the very same way. And last +night, as sure as death, I heard the same uncanny air singin' in my ears, +and it seemed to be callin' me to come out o' this.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Exchanges startled looks with Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Och I suppose the wind or somethin' outside. But there's no doubt +Robbie you have a genius for the fiddle. There was a German professor +of music at Newcastle the day you won the prize and he was—But +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> +its not right of me to make you vexed, now you've stopped playin'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Ach he doesn't mind you tellin'. Do ye Robbie? Tell and hearten him up a +wee bit.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>This German was so struck with your playin' that he was lookin' for you all +roads, but you were nowhere to be found.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Interested.</div> + +<p>Aye? I went straight home. I wonner what he wanted?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Perhaps he could have given him a lift, eh Mr. Taylor?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>He was talkin' to me afterwards and by the way, I had clean forgot.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Fumbling in his pocket.</div> + +<p>He gave me his card to give you. I have it on me somewhere I think.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Producing it.</div> + +<p>Aye, there it is.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Reading.</div> + +<p>Professor—somethin' or other Royal College of Music.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Keep it. If I had it, it would only temp' me.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Looking significantly at Samuel James who indicates by shaking his head +that he considers Robbie John hopeless.</p></div> + +<p>You're a queer character. All right. But you can have it any time.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> + +<div class="rightquot">To Samuel James.</div> + +<p>I wish I had said nothin' about it. Where's the old man?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>The two ould men are out in the haggard, but</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Slily.</div> + +<p>Ellen's in the crame-house.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Taylor goes out through door at back. Samuel James looks over at Robbie +John who sits deep in thought near the fire.</p></div> + +<p>You can no' hoodwink me, Robbie. You're no' happy.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>I'm happy enough.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Angrily.</div> + +<p>Don't be tormentin' me.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Faith you look happy.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Drawing closer.</div> + +<p>I seen you last night at it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Looks round startled.</div> + +<p>I couldn't keep from it. There's a spell or somethin' on it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Na. Na. But every fiddle has its spell for you. You broke your promise.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>You followed me then?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Yes. Ye crept on your stocking soles to the back o' the forth ditch, and +played there for two mortal hours, till I was heart feared they'd miss us +out o' bed, and raise a cry.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>And you stood two hours in the night listenin' to me.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>I 'clare to God, there's somethin' out o' common wi' you or that fiddle, +for I had to stop and listen, and me teeth chatterin' wi' could.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>I did wrong I know, but look here Samuel James, as long as I see that thing +hangin' there, my hands are itchin' to hold it, and the tunes I could +play—they keep runnin' in my head.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Suddenly rising.</div> + +<p>I'll destroy it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Quieting him down.</div> + +<p>Na. Na. Its a vallible fiddle.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>It is. Ach man but it does temp' me sorely.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Aye. You might make a fortune, the dear knows. Man I know what <i>I</i> would do +if I could play like <i>you</i> do.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Sarcastically.</div> + +<p>That was if ye had the heart.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Excited.</div> + +<p>Ach quit! Quit talkin' to me that way. I'm going out.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Goes out by door at back.</div> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Getting off seat and standing about centre of room.</p></div> + +<p>He'll take to it yet.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">He goes over nearer fireplace.</div> + +<p>I can see it workin' in him. Sure his hands are tremblin' and his fingers +twitchin' all the times he's lookin' at it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>The grandfather enters softly by door at back. He stands looking at Samuel +James who does not observe him.</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p> + +<p>Maybe its no' right of me to let it hang there. Ach. He maybe could make +money plenty. I want till have a fine place and a lock o' money. And I'll +build a bigger house.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Hobbling over to his seat.</div> + +<p>Aye. Aye. Ye could do a heap wi' money, Samuel James.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Alarmed. He endeavours to bluff it with a show of geniality.</p></div> + +<p>Money's the thing, Grand-da.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Its a tarr'ble fine thing, there's no doubt. Food and drink and fine +clothes and fine houses ye can get.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>And tobaccy and seegars and the front seat at a consart.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Here. Don't be temptin' Robbie John about playin' on that fiddle. You've +upset the boy.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Sharply.</div> + +<p>I don't temp' him.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>You're always remindin' him of it. I can see what you're workin' for Samuel +James. Ye want all the money for yourself.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Ha' sense, Grand-da. Sure they're settlin' the matter to-day and he's to be +married at Christmas. He wouldn't do anythin' rash now.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>The clock has no' struck the hour yet Samuel James. Ye could no' tell +what's workin' in his mind.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Well, he'd be a fool, and what's more, he knows himself to be one if he +goes. He'll lose all the money from Da if he goes, and I'm sure Jennie +Graeme's father wouldn't turn his head to look at a fiddler.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Aye. He's tarr'ble proud o' his family.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Opens door of room and comes in.</div> + +<p>Here. I seen Mr. Graeme and your Da comin' up the loney from the windy in +the low room.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Well, they'll be for comin' in here and we're only in the road. Come and +twist a wheen o' ropes for me.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Samuel James and Grandfather go out by door at back.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Takes brush and sweeps floor. She then arranges a kettle at the fire. Then +goes to door and looks out.</p></div> + +<p>Aye. Here he bes now and that good man o' mine talkin' till him a dozen +till one. And ten till one, he'll have John Graeme that angered wi' his +arguin', that there'll be nothin' settled the day.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Sound of William John Granahan's voice. He appears to be talking at a great +rate and most emphatically.</p> + +<p>John Graeme and William John Granahan pass the window.</p></div> + +<p>Aye, to be sure. He'd rather get the better o' Graeme in an argyment as +settle wi' him over twenty sons, the ould gomeril.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>John Graeme and William John Granahan enter.</p></div> + +<p>How dy'e do, Mr. Graeme?</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>She shakes hands with him warmly and warns the husband by nods not to +resume the argument.</p></div> + +<p>It's the brave weather for the crops this.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>Indeed we should be deeply thankful for the marcies vouchsafed us.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Solemnly.</div> + +<p>Aye indeed.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Well indeed I would be that myself, only the half o' them young chickens +goin' off with the gapes. It was a tarr'ble to do to save what's left o' +them.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Oh well. Its all in the way o' Providence, Mr. Graeme.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>She looks disapprovingly across at Granahan. The two men seat themselves. +John Graeme beside table and Wm. Granahan on edge of table next him.</p></div> + +<p>That was a fine lecture on the Temperance ye gied us Mr. Graeme, at +Ballykelly. It done some people a heap o' good.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">She looks across meaningly at William Granahan.</div> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Apparently much pleased.</div> + +<p>Do you say so, Mrs. Granahan? I'm much pleased indeed to hear o' it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>I only wished more o' the same kind had heerd you.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>She looks across again at William John Granahan who avoids her eye.</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> + +<p>But you'll excuse me, I'm sure. I ha'e some things next room to look after +for the evenin'.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>She curtsies to Graeme and with a warning look at Granahan goes into room.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>I am very much pleased indeed to hear your good woman say she liked what I +said. How did ye take to it yourself, Mr. Granahan?</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Suddenly waking up from twisting and untwisting a piece of string which he +has found and in which he appears deeply interested while his wife is +talking.</p></div> + +<p>How did we like the speech you gave on temperance, d'ye say?</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Carelessly.</div> + +<p>Och, it was a very good and sensible discoorse, so I heerd Ellen and Mrs. +Granahan say.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>Ye didn't go yourself then.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Disappointedly.</div> + +<p>Man, I wanted ye there particuler.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>I ha'e no doot if I had been there, I could ha' got up and contradickted +ye, for</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Emphatically.</div> + +<p>I did not agree wi' all I heerd ye said.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Surprised.</div> + +<p>Not agree wi' what I said.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Scornfully with evident disgust.</div> + +<p>Man, ye couldn't argy wi' facts. What did ye disagree wi' in the discoorse?</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Well for one thing, ye said there was too many public houses in the +country.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Scornfully.</div> + +<p>And every right-minded man would agree wi' that.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Well I can shew you another. You'll no argy wi' me that if a man wants to +drink, he will drink.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Somewhat perplexed.</div> + +<p>Well——</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Slowly.</div> + +<p>I suppose I do agree till that.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>And if a man will drink, he's boun' till get drunk.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>Na. Na. I don't agree till that.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Triumphantly.</div> + +<p>Did you ivir hear tell of a man who was drunk wi'out drinkin'?</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>That's no' in the argyment at all.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>But I tell you it is. A man's bound to be drinkin' if he gets drunk.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>I'm no contradickin' that at all. I——</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Interrupting.</div> + +<p>Now houl' your tongue till I explain till ye. If a man get's drunk when +he's drinkin', he's bound to be drunk o' coorse.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Contemptuously.</div> + +<p>Ye talk like a child.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Now wait till I get it hammered intill ye. Now when that man's drunk, he's +boun' to ha'e been drinkin'.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>He hesitates and is obviously confused. Then suddenly seems to grasp the +idea he wants.</p></div> + +<p>Aye—in a public house o' coorse.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>O' coorse. What else would he do there but drink.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Now that man gets drunk.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">He looks inquiringly at Graeme</div> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Hopelessly.</div> + +<p>Aye.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Now the public houses are that scarce that he has till walk home maybe ten +mile or more.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>Well?</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>And ten till wan he gets lost or somethin', and they have the whole +countryside upset lookin' for him. Now if he had a public house convanient +in his own townland, there would be no bother at all, and he could be at +his work the next mornin' wi'out any interruptin' o' labour. D'ye see what +I mane?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Suddenly appearing at door evidently angry.</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p> + +<p>The more public houses the less drinkin' did he say? If he had <i>his</i> way o' +it, every other house from here to Buckna would be a public house.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">To husband.</div> + +<p>Quit your wastin' Mr. Graeme's time wi' your argyments, and settle what he +has come here to do wi' ye.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Well. Well. We'll agree till let the matter drop. You ha'e nobody but your +daughter I suppose?</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>Well I ha'e a sister married up in Dublin.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>But she's in a good way o' doin' I suppose?</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>Oh yes. Purty fair. O' coorse I would like to lave her somethin'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Ach, gi'e her a lock o' your hair or somethin'. You'll lave the place to +your daughter o' coorse.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>Yes. I'll be doin' that.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Aye. It's a purty fair farm o' land. Ye bought it out o' coorse?</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>Two year come March, and a good reduction.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Aye. So I heerd. Well if ye gi'e her the farm and what money ye ha'e, I'll +gi'e Robbie a cheque for a hunnert poun'.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Impressively.</div> + +<p>William John Granahan d'ye think this is a horse fair? My daughter will +ha'e no man unner five hunnert poun'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Uneasily and walking about.</div> + +<p>Man, you'll nivir get her married John Graeme, at that way o' talkin'. Five +hunnert poun'. D'ye think I'm a Rockyfellow? Ha'e some sense about ye.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>Aither that or no son o' yours weds my daughter. Five hunnert poun' and not +one ha'penny less. There's the family name to be thought o'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Ach! family name! a lock o' ould wives' blathers about who was married till +who, till you'd have your head sore takin' it all in.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>You've heerd what I ha'e to say. Take it or lave it. You can plaze +yourself.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Five hunnert poun'. It's a tarr'ble price. Would two hunnert no' do? You +see I ha'e Samuel James and Ellen to provide for.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>A Graeme o' Killainey weds no man unner five hunnert poun', William +Granahan. Mind that. I want my daughter married to no beggarman.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Excitedly.</div> + +<p>Beggarman! Beggarman, did ye say? Hats, John Graeme, I think ye should be proud o' wan o' yours +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> +marryin' a Granahan. Money or no money, that's a nice way o' talkin'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>I suppose ye know I come o' good family, Mr. Granahan?</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Sarcastically.</div> + +<p>I heard ye were wance cotter folk up by Dromara mountain.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Proudly.</div> + +<p>My father and my forefathers had my farm—aye, from the time o' the +plantin'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>D'ye tell me? I nivir seen your laase o' the farm but of coorse if ye say +so. Did ye nivir hear tell of Smith, Hunter, and Fargison?</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Contemptuously.</div> + +<p>John Smith of Ballykelly?</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Disgusted.</div> + +<p>Yon cratur? Ballykelly?</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Proudly.</div> + +<p>Lonnon! Well my mother was a daughter o' Samuel James Smith, and a niece o' +Robert John Francis Fargison.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Contemptuously.</div> + +<p>I nivir heerd tell o' them.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>I wonner at your ignorance John Grame. A well educated +man like yourself as sets yourself up to be taching +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> +the congregation on matters o' law and the temperance question, (<i>raising +voice</i>) and you that ignorant o' common information.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Opening door and coming in a few steps.</div> + +<p>William John Granahan, didn't I tell ye not to be raisin' argyments. How +you manage at the markets I nivir could understand. Get your business done, +and ha' settled wi' it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Soothingly.</div> + +<p>Whist, whist woman, I was only discoorsin'. Mind the tay and I'll mind the +rest. There. There. I agree to your tarms, John Graeme. I'll do it, though +it's lavin' me tarr'ble short.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Impressively.</div> + +<p>But there's one thing I'll no ha'e, William Granahan.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Alarmed.</div> + +<p>And what might that be?</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>If your son is to marry my daughter, I'll ha'e none o' his music. Its all +very well for quality and the like to go strummin' on instruments, but its +no' meant for a sensible farmer.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Aye. I agree wi' that. But look here. Mind ye a song or two and a bit o' a +tune on a long winter's night keeps one from thinkin' long and between you +and me, it keeps you from the bottle.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>That's where you and I differs. Supposin' he starts playin' a dance tune or +two, and the neighbours gather in. You like to do the thing dacint, and ye +send out for drink, and then it goes from bad to worse. Na. Na. I'll ha'e +none o' that.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Well. Well. Make your mind aisy. Ye know he has promised me nivir to play +again, and I don't think you'll hear much o' his fiddlin'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>I'm right glad to hear it, and I'll tak' your word for it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Very good.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">With admiration.</div> + +<p>Man, you'd ha' made a great horsedailer John Graeme.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>Aye. I had an uncle in the town, a dailer, and he was always sayin' that.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>And well you could ha' done it, if I knowed anythin'. I'll go to Banbridge +a Friday wi' you to settle wi' the lawyers.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>Very good. I'll call for you wi' the trap that day. Its time I was for +goin' home.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>We were expectin' ye ower the day, and I think Mrs. Granahan has the tay +laid in the low room.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Calls.</div> + +<p>Mrs. Granahan!</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">From room.</div> + +<p>Yes.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">She comes in and stands waiting near door.</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>We're just after settlin' up about Robbie John and Jennie. Can ye get us a +drop o' tay?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>If you could just take Mr. Graeme for a turn round, I could ha'e it for you +in wan second. The table's laid and the kettle's boilin'. Is your daughter +wi' you Mr. Graeme?</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>Aye. She was comin' over after me. I suppose she should be here by now.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>Well I can show you the new reaper and binder I got. That new Wexford +machine, I was tellin' you about a Sunday in the Session.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>Very good. I'll just go out and see it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>William John Granahan and John Graeme go out by door at back.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Going over to fire and arranging kettle.</div> + +<p>Five hunnert poun, and after me tellin' him to keep till four hunnert. Wait +till I get ahoult o' him again. I'll speak till him. Did he no' hear me +thumpin' four times on the door till remind him. He must ha'e a soft spot +in his heart for Robbie John.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Tap at door.</div> + +<p>Come in.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Jane Graeme enters somewhat diffidently.</div> + +<p>Oh its you Miss Graeme.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Shakes hands.</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p> + +<p>Youre welcome indeed. Your father's just gone out wi' my good man.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<p>Yes. I know—but I thought perhaps—well that Robbie was in here.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Inspecting her critically.</div> + +<p>Deed now, I couldn't tell you where he might be.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<p>I'll just sit down a minute. I suppose you are all doing well here Mrs. +Granahan?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Ach aye. As well as one could expeck. There's nothin' to make much +complaint o'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<p>I haven't seen Robbie about for some time Mrs. Granahan. I suppose he's +working hard at the harvest.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Aye 'deed there's a brave press o' work on now, what wi' the corn a +cuttin', and the rest o' it, he's been gey busy o' late.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<p>Indeed I am sure he was.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>She looks round, sees the fiddle hanging up where Taylor has left it.</p></div> + +<div class="rightquot">Aside.</div> + +<p>Is that the fiddle he was telling me about, I wonder?</p> + +<div class="rightquot">To Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Is that the tramp's fiddle, Mrs. Granahan?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> + +<p>Aye, that's the poor cratur's belongin'. But you needn't be afeared. +Robbie's indeed been very good. He's nivir played on it to my knowin', and +keeps his promise well.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<p>Poor Robbie. Do you not think he's unhappy about something or other Mrs. +Granahan. He's got very dull and moody this last while.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Deed now I don't see much odds in him Miss Graeme. He nivir was a great boy +with his tongue anyway;</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Slily.</div> + +<p>bar maybe an odd wan or two he would mak' up to.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<p>I think you do wrong to keep that fiddle hanging up before his eyes, when +he has promised never to play again.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Och blatherations. I nivir heerd the like o' the sort o' talk people goes +on wi' nowadays. Do ye think my son bes only an ould ba cryin' for a toy? +Deed now I don't think he worries his-self much about it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Aside.</div> + +<p>Poor Robbie.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">To Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Robbie's a poor hand at the farming, Mrs. Granahan.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Snappishly.</div> + +<p>Och aye. But he's greatly mended since he giv up playin'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<p>Yes. He's a very poor farmer. But he was a wonder with his fiddle.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Oh well. It canna' be helped. He's better wi'out.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<p>I don't know.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>She goes over and takes down the fiddle seats herself and draws the bow +across it as it lies on her lap.</p></div> + +<p>Robbie could have made it speak to you. He used to make me cry, and then +laugh after it.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>She places the strings near her ear and thumbs it wrapt in thought.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Looking contemptuously at her and then rising.</div> + +<p>You just stay here a second till I fix the tay.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>She goes into room. Jane remains seated where she is, occasionally touching +the strings and seemingly deep in thought. Robbie John passes window. He +looks in and then goes quickly to door and enters.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Who's that fiddlin'?</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Goes over to Jane.</div> + +<p>Why it's you. I heard you were come.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<p>Yes. I'm just in a minute or two.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">He sits down beside her.</div> + +<p>Robbie.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Well?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<p>Answer me one question. Aren't you a very poor farmer?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Well—I—I suppose I am.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<p>I knew you were. You're no good for selling cattle or going to market, or +looking after crops.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>You're very hard Jane to-night. What's put all that into your wee head?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<p>I've been listening to this and its been tellin' stories on you.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Aye and when its hangin' there dumb its speakin' to me, callin' to me. +Don't think I'm mad Jane but I can't stand it much longer. What makes them +hang it there to temp' me? Why? Just because they think they can make a few +miserable pounds, they'll keep it there makin' me a liar, a pledge breaker, +a man who can't keep his promise. I'll end it now. I'll smash it.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">He makes to take the fiddle out of her hands.</div> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Resisting.</div> + +<p>No. No. I want to say—I want to ask something Robbie. What does it +say to you?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>What does it—Ach—I wonder would you laugh at me like the rest +if I told you.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Sitting closer and putting her arm about his neck.</div> + +<p>What does it say. Tell me. <i>I</i> would never laugh at you Robbie dear.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Hesitatingly.</div> + +<p>Ach—about—about takin' it and makin' a name for myself with it.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Bitterly.</div> + +<p>It sounds like fool talk doesn't it.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<p>To my father and yours it would sound like that and Samuel James would +laugh at you, but he'd encourage you to believe in it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Let me break it then. Smash it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Determinedly.</div> + +<p>No. Look Robbie if I said it was whispering you the truth, what would you +say?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Surprised.</div> + +<p>I would say that it was true. But you never would.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Determinedly.</div> + +<p>I say it is the truth.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>You what? Ach you don't know what you say child. If I did take to it again, +look what would happen. My father would turn me out, and your father would +forbid me then ever lookin' at you again. Jane Graeme engaged to a +penniless fiddler, and she the best match in the whole countryside. I need +never think of you again Jane.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<p>I don't care what they bid. If you took to that fiddle and went away, would +you forget me soon?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>Forget you, Jane? What makes you think that? Sure you know I gave it up +sooner than lose you.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<p>Then take that fiddle and do what your heart tells you to. +I wondered often and often what it was that made you +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> +so sad, and I know now. God made you a musician and not a farmer.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>And you? What would you do?</p> + +<div class="pchar">Jane.</div> + +<p>I know and trust some day God willing, you'll come back to me, rich and +famous enough to have them all at your feet. I know you will.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>God bless you wee girl for you're put a heart into me.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">They embrace. Mrs. Granahan comes in.</div> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>There. There. Bide a wee. Here they're all coming in for their tays.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>William John Granahan, Graeme, Taylor, Samuel James and Grandfather come +in. Robbie John goes over to fiddle and puts it into a case.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Puzzled.</div> + +<p>So you're at it again, are you? Well I suppose there's no harm in giving +Miss Graeme a tune, but I thought you were a man to your word.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Determinedly.</div> + +<p>Look here. I want you all to know I am goin' to try my luck with this.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Exultingly.</div> + +<p>You're goin' to lave us like to mak' money wi' it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>I'm goin' to try.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Mrs. Granahan.</div> + +<p>Robbie John are you daft. What wild nonsense are ye talkin' about. And you +to be married at Christmas and everythin' settled about you this very day.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>I am determined to do it. Nothin' can keep me back.</p> + +<div class="pchar">John Graeme.</div> + +<p>There. That's enough. My daughter jilted by a Granahan! Come home out o' +this Jane Graeme.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>He stamps his foot angrily and beckons her to come. Jane moves past Robbie +John where he is standing and then suddenly kisses him and goes out with +her father.</p></div> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="centerquot">Passionately.</div> + +<p>You see what you ha'e done Robert John Granahan. Broken your parents' +hearts, and made the name of the Granahans a disgrace to the countryside.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Wildly.</div> + +<p>Quick d—n ye before it's too late.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>My mind's made up. Give me the address of that Professor you told me of, +Mr. Taylor.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Taylor.</div> + +<p>You're a fool, Robbie.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Producing card and handing it to him.</div> + +<p>There. That's it.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>There's time yet, man. After John Graeme, and make it up wi' him. Swear you +were only makin' fun.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Robbie John.</div> + +<p>I stick by the fiddle.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Mad with anger.</div> + +<p>Then stick by the fiddle. And know if ever you are weary or ahungered or in +want, ye need nivir look me for any help.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Shouts.</div> + +<p>Out you go. Out. Don't dar one of you as much as till take his hand. Out. +Out the same as the beggar man gone, wi' the curse of your father on you.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Robbie John goes toward back and stands a moment as if in silent appeal at +the open door. Mrs. Granahan rushes forward to her husband as if to entreat +mercy. He angrily puts her away.</p></div> + +<p>Out. Out you go.</p> + + +<p style='text-align:center;'><span class="smcap"><b>Curtain.</b></span></p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="EPILOGUE" id="EPILOGUE"></a>EPILOGUE.</h2> + + +<p><small>The same scene, about midnight. There is no light except that of one or two +candles and the turf fire. Grandfather seated at fire. William John +Granahan leaning despondently on table beside which he is seated. Samuel +James in his favourite seat on the top of the table. Wind, storm and rain +outside.</small></p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Aye. Aye. But its no use talkin' now. Ye might ha' been a wee bit the less +hasty.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<p>And who was goin' to thole yon conduck. It was too bad of him and after the +to-do we had over him this very day. Its a sore heartscald, Robbie John, +ye've been to me this day.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>Ach, sure its over. Its full time we were in our beds.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Viciously.</div> + +<p>You'd think he was dead and buried to hear the two of ye goin' on. Sure for +all know, he may be comin' back and a great name wi' him.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>That's you to the ground, ye cunnin' rascal. Keep him out at all costs.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Thunder and lightning.</div> + +<p>D'ye hear yon? To think o' that poor sowl wi' his wee bit o' a coat out in +the coul' and wet. If any harm come till him, Samuel James, know this, you +were the cause o' it.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p> + +<div class="pchar">Samuel James.</div> + +<p>It was his own choosin'.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>His own choosin'. Who flattered him and led him on? Who kep' the fiddle +hangin' there and would let no one take it down, a continuin' temptation +till him? And you, William John Granahan, wi' your lust for money. Aye. +Lust for money. You couldn't abide him heartenin' up the house wi' a tune +or two, but ye'd brak the boy's heart sendin' him out till work again, and +him workin' as much as two of Samuel James there. Ye thought he was wastin' +time and money. D'ye think there's nothin' in this life beyond making money +above the rent. I tell you it's not the money alone that makes life worth +livin'. It's the wee things you think nothin' o', but that make your home a +joy to come back till, after a hard day's work. And you've sent out into +the coul and wet, the one that was makin' your home somethin' more than the +common. D'ye think them proud city folk will listen to his poor ould +ballads wi' the heart o' the boy singin' through them. Its only +us—its only us, I say, as knows the long wild nights, and the wet and +the rain and the mist o' nights on the boglands,—its only us I say, +could listen him in the right way,</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Sobbing.</div> + +<p>and ye knowed, right well ye knowed, that every string o' his fiddle was +kayed to the cryin' o' your own heart.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Half sobbing.</div> + +<p>There. There. God forgive me, my poor ould boy. I +did na know. Whist. Maybe if I say a word or two:—Oh +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> +God forgive us this night our angry words, and ha'e marcy on my wayward +son, O Lord, and keep him safe from harm, and deliver him not unto the +adversary. Amen.</p> + +<div class="pchar">Grandfather.</div> + +<p>Amen. Aye. Aye. Ye done well. Let no the sun go down upon your wrath.</p> + +<div class="pchar">William John Granahan.</div> + +<div class="rightquot">Going to door.</div> + +<p>It's a coorse night.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">Pauses.</div> + +<p>I'll lave the door on the hesp.</p> + +<div class="rightquot">He unbolts the door.</div> + + +<p style='text-align:center;'><span class="smcap"><b>Curtain.</b></span><br /><br /><br /></p> + + +<p style='text-align:center;'><small><b>O'GORMAN AND COMPANY, PRINTINGHOUSE, GALWAY.</b></small></p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><i>PRESS OPINIONS OF PERFORMANCES.</i></h2> + + +<p>"The Turn of the Road" ... is beyond question one of the most sterling +products of the Irish literary revival ever seen at the Abbey Theatre. +Whether depicting a matchmaker like the astute Mrs. Granahan ... or +reproducing the conversation of farmers just returned from fair or market, +discussing parish affairs or speculating on harvest prospects, the author +is equally delightful and successful.—<i>Irish Times.</i></p> + +<p>The "Turn of the Road" ... is one of the most successful pieces ever +written dealing with Irish life. The author "Rutherford Mayne" has drawn +his characters with a master's hand and they stand out clear and +distinct.—<i>Freeman's Journal.</i></p> + +<p>The play was of engrossing interest and was a masterpiece of composition +which speaks hopefully of the work to be expected of the Ulster School of +Drama.—<i>Daily Express.</i></p> + +<p>"The Turn of the Road" is a brilliantly written comedy characteristic of +the County of Down.—<i>Irish Independent.</i></p> + +<p>The charm of this little play is delightful and natural; its comedy is +beautifully balanced and its pathos ... superb and admirably +restrained.—<i>Evening Herald.</i></p> + +<p>"The Turn of the Road" is a clever and poetic conception clothed in smart +effective County Down dialogue with many bright and sparkling lines. The +significance, the pathos, and inherent beauty of the concluding scene is a +piece of consummate art.—<i>Belfast Newsletter.</i></p> + +<p>The author ... builds his scenes out of simple materials but always with +the eye of a craftsman for striking effects and incidents.... The "Return +from Market," "The Marriage Bargain," and the last scene ... have the +illusion of life, and are in a phrase—which, though blunted by +misuse, expresses a real need in Irish Art—"racy of the +soil"—<i>The Northern Whig.</i></p> + +<p>"The Turn of the Road" is a cleverly constructed picture of life in a +County Down farmhouse, evidently drawn by one who knew his characters or +their prototypes in the flesh.—<i>Irish News.</i></p> + +<p>It is a play that transports the hedge rows, the farm kitchen with its +dresser and turf fire, and above all the real vernacular right into our +preception more vividly than an experience. The author has written a +remarkable fine play of life, humour, and realism.—<i>Nomad's Weekly +and Belfast Critic.</i></p> + +<p>Into the brief compass of his two acts Mr. Rutherford Mayne has compressed +the age-long attitude of Ulster towards the arts.... Light is breaking +after the long Arctic night. The very existence of this poignant play +pregnantly indicates that the old order is changing and must soon give +place to the new.—<i>The Lady of the House.</i></p> + +<p>The more we see this peasant drama in two scenes and an epilogue, the more +we admire its unpretending art and its real greatness.—<i>Belfast +Evening Telegraph.</i></p> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Turn of the Road, by Rutherford Mayne + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TURN OF THE ROAD *** + +***** This file should be named 31044-h.htm or 31044-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/1/0/4/31044/ + +Produced by Audrey Longhurst and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + +</body> +</html> diff --git a/31044.txt b/31044.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..67e81f4 --- /dev/null +++ b/31044.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4357 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Turn of the Road, by Rutherford Mayne + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Turn of the Road + A Play in Two Scenes and an Epilogue + +Author: Rutherford Mayne + +Release Date: January 23, 2010 [EBook #31044] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TURN OF THE ROAD *** + + + + +Produced by Audrey Longhurst and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + + THE TURN OF THE ROAD. + A PLAY IN TWO SCENES + AND AN EPILOGUE. BY + RUTHERFORD MAYNE. + + + MAUNSEL & CO., Limited, + DUBLIN. 1907. + + + + _This play was produced in Belfast, December 1906, by the + Ulster Literary Theatre. (All acting rights reserved by the + Author.)_ + + + + _To LEWIS PURCELL_ + + _In remembrance of his kindly aid and criticism._ + + + + + CHARACTERS: + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN, a farmer. + MRS. GRANAHAN, his wife. + SAMUEL JAMES, } their sons. + ROBBIE JOHN, } + ELLEN, their daughter. + THOMAS GRANAHAN, father of Wm. John Granahan. + JOHN GRAEME, a farmer. + JANE, his daughter. + MR. TAYLOR, a Creamery Manager. + A TRAMP FIDDLER. + + THE SCENE throughout is laid in the Kitchen of William John + Granahan's house in the County of Down. + + TIME.--The Present Day. + + A month elapses between Scenes I. and II. + + + + + THE TURN OF THE ROAD. + + + + + SCENE I. + + + A farm kitchen of the present day. Door at back, opening to + yard, and window with deal table on which are lying dishes + and drying cloths with basin of water. A large crock under + table. A dresser with crockery, etc., stands near to another + door which opens into living rooms. Opposite there is a + fireplace with projecting breasts, in which a turf fire is + glowing. Time, about eight of a summer evening in July. Mrs. + Granahan and Ellen are engaged at table washing and drying + the plates after the supper. Thomas Granahan, the + grandfather, is seated at fire place and has evidently just + finished his stirabout. The strains of a quaint folk-air + played on a violin, sound faintly from the inner room. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Is that the whole of them now Ellen? + + + ELLEN. + +Yes that's all now but one. + + [She goes across to grandfather and lifts + the plate.] + +Have you finished granda? + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Yes dearie I have done. + + [He pauses and fumbles for his pipe, &c.] + +Is'nt that a fiddle I'm hearing? + + + ELLEN. + +Yes. Robbie's playing the fiddle in the low room. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Arranging plates on dresser and turning + round.] + +I wish some one would stop that boy's fool nonsense wi' his fiddle. +He's far too fond o' playin'. It would stand him better to mind his +work. + + [Calls.] + +Robbie! + + [Louder.] + +D'you hear me Robbie? + + + ELLEN. + +Oh, let the boy be, mother. Its the first time I've heard him at it +this week. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Och aye. Let the boy enjoy himself. You're only young wanst you know, +Mary. + + + ELLEN. + +I think it must be a great thing to be a great musician. Sometimes I +believe Robbie should try his luck with that fiddle of his. Somehow +I know--I feel he _is_ a genius at it. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +What notions you do have to be sure. To think of a big grown man like +Robbie John spending his life-time at an old fiddle. + + [Sharply.] + +Blathers and nonsense. Its time that boy was out lookin' at the +cattle. + + [Calls.] + +Are you there Robbie? + + [Louder.] + +Robbie John. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [From without. The fiddle ceases suddenly + and he comes and stands with it in his + hand at the door.] + +Aye. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +You'd better go down to the low field and see the cattle haven't +broken through into Aura Boyd's corn. You couldn't keep them beasts +in when the flies gets at them. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Just one second till I try this again. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Now, will you go when I tell you. You and your ould fiddle. It'll be +the death of you yet. Mind what I say. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Coming through door and standing there.] + +Bad cess to the cattle and Aura Boyd. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +He's a tarr'ble unneighbourly man. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +He's a cross grained man right enough, but it wouldn't do to have the +cattle trampin' and eatin' his corn. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +I was down there only ten minutes ago when you sent me, and they were +eatin' there quite peaceable. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Now will you go Robbie John when your mother wants you. Aura Boyd sent +over here this forenoon to say if that Kerry cow broke into his field +again he'd have the law agin us. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Och, he's a cross ould cratur. Sure, she had only one foot through the +hedge when he turned her. + + [He sees mother is getting impatient.] + +All right; I'm away. + + [He goes back into room, leaves fiddle + there, comes into kitchen again and + goes out by door to yard.] + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +He's as ill to drive as the ould mare to meetin' a Sundays. + + [She goes and looks through door into + room.] + +Look at the time it is and your father and Samuel James niver back yet +Ellen. They're terrible late o' comin'. + + + ELLEN. + +Och, I suppose they've met some dealer at the fair and are driving a +hard bargain as usual. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +I wonner if they got that foal red off their hands yet. It'll be a +job I'm thinkin'. He was a miserable baste, and tarr'ble broken in +the wind. + + + ELLEN. + +Och, trust father to make that all right. I heard Mr. Taylor, of the +creamery, say that father could sell you skim milk for cream, better +than any man he knew. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Seating herself at chair beside table at + back.] + +Oh, aye. It's easy for _him_ to talk, but money's hard o' makin', and +if people's soft it's their own fault. Only I hope they've no' taken +any drink. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +It's no fault in a good man if he does take a half-un. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Now, don't you be startin' to talk that way. It's always the way with +them dailers. Muddle the good man's head with whiskey, and then _do_ +him. + + + ELLEN. + + [Standing nonchalantly at table facing + front with hands resting on it.] + +They'll not muddle father much I'm thinkin'. Besides, Samuel James is +with him. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Samuel James is a cunnin' rascal. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Don't you miscall my son Mr. Granahan. He's a canny good son and +works hard, and is worth more than half-a-dozen men like Robbie +John. They'll no put their finger in his eye. + + [Goes to door back.] + +Bliss my heart there's that sow among the kale. Shoo! + + [She goes out and is heard shouting.] + + + ELLEN. + + [Laughing.] + +That poor sow. It has the times of it. + + [Robbie John enters and sits down near + grandfather.] + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Well, son; what about the cattle? + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Weariedly.] + +Och, they're all right. I knowed they'd be all right. It's always the +way. + + + GRANDFATHER. + + [Soothingly.] + +They are a terrible newsance, indeed, Robbie. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +But that's not what troubles me. Why can't mother leave me alone for +just a few minutes till I get some time to myself at the fiddle. I +niver touch it but I'm taken away and sent off somewhere. + + + ELLEN. + + [Seating herself at chair beside Robbie + John.] + +Don't be cross with her Robbie, dear. She's anxious about the cattle. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +But, Ellen, look here. Any time I can get to have just a tune on that +fiddle, someone's sure to take me away from it. Father sends me out to +mend gaps that were mended, or cut turf that was cut, or fodder horses +that were foddered. And when he's away and I might have some chance, +mother does the same. Here I've been workin' for the past week, day in +and day out, and the very first chance I get, I must run after the +cattle or somethin'. + + [Despondently,] + +Nobody has any feelin' for me here at all. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Now, now; Robbie. It's all for your own good, son, she does it. + + + ELLEN. + +And we feel for him, don't we Grand-da? You mustn't look so cross, +Robbie. You know that they think you're too much wrapped up in that +fiddle of yours, and they want to break you off it. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Determinedly.] + +That they never will; never. + + + ELLEN. + + [Coaxingly.] + +Oh! look grandfather at the cross Robbie. + + + GRANDFATHER. + + [Gazing amusedly at Robbie John.] + +Indeed, Robbie, you look like them prize fightin' men ye see up in the +town. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Well, there; is that any better. + + [He smiles half bitterly.] + + + ELLEN. + +A wee bit. I wish Jennie Graeme seen you with that face. You wouldn't +get your arm round her so easy then; would he Grand-da? + + + GRANDFATHER. + +A bonny wee girl she is, and has a fine farm and land comin' till her. + + [Aside.] + +Boys a dear but these musicians gets the fine weemin. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +There, there; and creamery managers sometimes gets them too, Grand-da. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Indeed, that Taylor man will get a body can cook sowans anyway. + + + ELLEN. + + [Looking through window.] + +Here's mother. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Enters and sits down exhausted on chair + at side of table next door.] + +That sows a torment. I just had her out and back she doubles again. +She just has me fair out of wind turnin' her out. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Rising and making toward door into room.] + +I can go and have some practisin' now. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Robbie John, I seen the carts comin' up the loanin'. Your father will +be in, in no time. He'll no be pleased to see you han'lin' that, + + [pointing to the fiddle.] + +just when he comes back. + + [Starts up as if suddenly reminded.] + +I must go and get them eggs counted. + + [Goes out again through door to yard.] + + + ELLEN. + +Aye, Robbie; don't take it. He'll just think you've been playin' that +all the time he was away. And he's always that cross after markets, +you couldn't stand him. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Sitting down again.] + +You're right. I don't want another talkin' to like the last one; but +its hard. + + [He takes up a stick from fuel beside fireplace + and starts whittling it. The rattle of carts + is heard. Samuel James passes the window and + walks in. He is partially intoxicated, enough + only to make him talkative.] + + + ELLEN. + +Well, how did the fair go off? + + [Samuel James takes off his overcoat, flings + it on back of chair beside dresser and sits + down heavily.] + +Ah! you've been takin' a drop, as usual. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Scowls at this but does not deny.] + +The fair. Oh, it was great value. Sure grand-da he sould the foal for +thirty poun'. + + + GRANDFATHER. + + [Astonished] + +Boys a dear but William John Granahan bates the divil. And who took +her? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +There was a cavalryman bought her. Boys but Da is the hard man to +plaze. We stopped at Muc Alanan's on the way home and met William John +McKillop there, and he toul' the oul' man he was a fool to let a good +horse go at that price, for he was lookin' all roads to give him +thirty poun' for it; only he couldn't get in time for the sale. + + + GRANDFATHER. + + [Incredulously.] + +Who did you say? McKillop? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Laughing.] + +Aye. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Smiling.] + +Sure McKillop hasn't two sov'rins in the wide world. He was only +takin' a rise out of Da. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Sure I knowed the ould Yahoo hadn't the price of a nanny-goat. But +of course, Da tuk it all in for gospel. And me sittin' listenin to +him tellin' ould McKillop what a grand action the foal had and the +shoulders the baste had, and the way it could draw thirty hundred up +Killainey hill without a pech. + + + GRANDFATHER. + + [Astonished.] + +William John Granahan makes a tarr'ble fine Sunday School teacher. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Grinning.] + +But to see ould McKillop sittin' there as solemn as a judge, drinkin' +it all in as if gospel and winkin' at me on the sly, the ould rascal, +and cursin' his luck at losin' such a bargain. + + [The voice of William John Granahan can be + heard inviting some one to come on. The + strains of a fiddle played by uncertain + but unmistakeably professional hands, + sounds from the same direction.] + + + ELLEN. + + [Looking out through window into yard.] + +Who's that father has got with him Samuel James? Oh such a dirty +looking man! + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Chuckling.] + +Da got ahoult of him at Buckna cross roads and right or wrong he'd +have him home wi' him to show Robbie John what fiddlin' brings a man +till. + + + ELLEN. + + [Severely.] + +Its my mind that you and father have been stayin' too long in the +public house, Samuel James. + + [William John Granahan and tramp fiddler + can be seen outside window.] + +Look at them--comin' in! oh my; wait till mother sees the pair of +them. + + [William John Granahan comes in leading + a ragged looking bearded tramp with + an old fiddle tucked under his arm.] + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Now we're hame, and we'll get a drop to drink and a bite to eat, Mr. +Fiddler. + + [He goes over to fireplace and stands + with his back to the fire.] + +Take a sate at the fire and warm yourself. + + [No one offers a seat to the tramp who + stands puzzled looking and swaying in + a drunken manner in the kitchen, + slightly in front of Samuel James, who + remains seated beside dresser engaged + in taking off his leggings.] + +Ellen. Get us a drop o' tay and give this poor misguided cratur +somethin' to eat. + + + ELLEN. + + [Moves over to dresser and then stands at + door into room. She evidently disapproves + of the tramp and does not offer to obey. + The grandfather rises in disgust and + moves his chair nearer the fireplace + away from the tramp.] + + + TRAMP. + + [To Ellen.] + +Your pardon noble lady, I intrude. Your pardon signor I incommode you. +Times change and so do men. Ladies and gentlemen behold in me the one +time famous leader of the Blue Bohemian Wind and String Band that had +the honour of appearing before all the crowned heads of Europe. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +God bless me, d'you say so mister? D'ye hear that Robbie John. +There's a fiddler for you and see what comes of it. + + + TRAMP. + +Perhaps with your permission I may venture to play you a few extracts +from my repertoire. I can play to suit all tastes from a simple +country ballad to a concerto by Brahms or the great Russian composer +Tschaikouski. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Openmouthed.] + +Them Rooshians has the tarr'ble names! + + + TRAMP. + +Firstly I shall play that touching little ballad I heard Monsieur here +warble so sweetly as we rolled homeward on his chariot. If I play he +accompanies me with voice. Ne'st ce pas, Monsieur? + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Nervously.] + +Is your mother out Ellen? + + + ELLEN. + +She's lookin' after the hens I think. She won't hear you. + + [William John Granahan starts singing + two verses of a folk song, the tramp + accompanying meanwhile with fiddle, + always putting in an extra flourish. + The rest all join, even the grandfather + beats time with a stick. The door opens + and Mrs. Granahan appears seemingly + astonished at the uproar. All + suddenly cease singing and try to appear + innocent, except the tramp, who + goes on playing. He suddenly notices + the cessation.] + + + TRAMP. + +Bravo. A most exquisite little air and beautifully rendered. + + [He stops short on seeing Mrs. Granahan + who stands glaring at him arms akimbo.] + +Your pardon madam. You are the mistress I take it of this most noble +and hospitable house. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Ignoring him and going to centre of + floor where she looks angrily at + William John Granahan who endeavours + to appear unconcerned.] + +You should be well ashamed of yourself William John Granahan. What +will they say about you in the Session I wonner next Sabbath day. +D'you think my house is a home for all the dirt and scum of the +country side? + + + TRAMP. + +Your pardon madam. You owe me an apology. Appearances belie me but +scum I am not. I was at one time the well known and justly famous +leader of the Blue Bohemian Wind and String-- + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Wind and string fiddlesticks. Out you go. Out you will go. I want +no tramps in here upsettin' my house and makin' it the talk of the +neighbours. Out you go at once. + + + TRAMP. + + [With drunken pride.] + +I thrust my company on no man or woman uninvited. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Out you go. I want no excuses. Put him out of this Samuel James. + + [Samuel James eludes his mother's eye + and beckons the tramp to stay on.] + +The drunken wretch comin' in here. A nice place you'd have it William +Granahan with your fine company. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +I brought him home here as a tarr'ble and awful warnin' to Robbie John +what this sort of an occupation brings a man till. Yon see him Robbie +John. There's you're great fiddlin' for you. Be warned in time. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [The tramp moves to the door. Robbie + John rises and goes across to him and + taps him on the shoulder.] + +Here. + + [Slips him money.] + +God bless you poor wanderin' soul and God forbid any Granahan should +ever be treated as you have been. + + + TRAMP. + +Sir, I thank you. + + [Coming back to him and confidentially.] + +Perhaps I could yet please your ears with a romanza which I composed +myself-- + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Away with you out of this. We want none of your music here. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [To tramp.] + +Why don't you give up playin' that fiddle of yours and turn your hand +to honest work? + + + TRAMP. + + [Proudly.] + +Desert my fiddle. The fiddle presented to me at Vienna by my +orchestra! A genuine old Cremona 200 years old! Rather would I wander +in Hades for ever. Never! Though cruel words stab and wound me. + + [Half sobbing.] + +Farewell. + + [All remain quiet. The strains of a melancholy + air like a serenade come from outside. It + slowly dies away in the distance. Robbie John + moves forward as if to go out.] + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Sharply.] + +Robbie John. Where are you going? Don't dare to leave the house. +My son going out to keep company with the likes of that dirty +rapscallion. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Ah mother pity the poor wretch. Every word you said to him cut and +wounded me to the quick. Did you not see the tears in his eyes for +all his fine talk. I should like to know more about him. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +If you went to the sergeant at the barrack, I warrant ye he could tell +you more about him. + + [He bends down as if to catch the sound + of the fiddling which grows very faint.] + +Listen! + + [Robbie John moves to door and opens it.] + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Angrily.] + +Where are you going? + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Rapt.] + +Listen. + + [He holds his hand for silence. Then + quickly goes out.] + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [To get into his wife's good graces.] + +Well Mary the foal's sould at last. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +I've a crow to pluck wi' you over that same foal, William Granahan. I +suppose they did you as usual. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Getting angry.] + +Nine and thirty year ha'e I gone till market and no man, woman, child, +dog or divil ever got the better of me in a bargain yet and right well +you know it. + + [With pride.] + +I soul' the foal for thirty poun' not a ha'penny less. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Doubtfully.] + +I hope you ha'e it all wi' you. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +I ha'e it all but two shillin' and wan penny. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +And can you account for them? + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Woman dear would you ha'e me go and come to market wi'out a ha'penny +in my pocket? Have some gumption about ye. + + [In a loud angry voice.] + +I'm danged but the next time I make a good bargain, I'll go and ha'e a +week to myself in Newcastle or Belfast. I'm young enow yet. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +There. Stop your fool talk in front of the children and go and change +your clothes. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +It was a good price indeed. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Slily.] + +Yes. He soul' it for thirty poun' and William John McKillop lookin' +all roads to give him forty for it. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Angrily and stamping his foot.] + +Will you houl' your tongue you blatterin' blatherin' idiot. Bad scran +to ye for a meddle-- + + [He goes forward to go into room and aims + a box on the ears at Samuel James who + retreats to table and watches him go + through door followed by Mrs. Granahan. + A noise of voices in angry argument is + heard.] + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Now he'll catch it. If I had been Da I would ha'e kept back five poun' +and toul' her I soul' it for twenty-five, but the ould man's that +honest, he knows no better. + + [Robbie John enters. He goes to seat + himself in his old position but + stops a moment when spoken to, and + then in a petulant manner takes his + seat on hearing the speech.] + +Well Robbie and what d'ye think of his great object lesson till ye. +It was me put it intil Da's head. I thought there might be a bit o' +value. + + [Chuckles.] + + + ELLEN. + +There. I just thought it was you did it. + + [She comes and sits down again beside table + at left. Samuel James seats himself on + table carelessly and swings his legs under.] + +You're a schemer that's what you are. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Aye. There's a dale of the crook in ye Samuel James. You're deeper nor +one would think. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Suddenly to Robbie John.] + +I seen Jenny Graeme at the market to-day Robbie. + + [Robbie John does not answer, being evidently + shy.] + +Oh well, maybe you're no interested in her. + + [To Ellen.] + +Man there was a fine lock o' cattle at the fair, Ellen. + + + ELLEN. + +I'm sure there was. Who else did you see? + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Unwillingly but unable to restrain his + jealousy.] + +Who was with her? Who left her home? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Nodding slily to Ellen.] + +Young M'Donnell o' the Hill head was looking after her pretty close. + + + ELLEN. + + [Glancing at Robbie and then at Samuel + James and smiling.] + +He's a very nice young man. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Savagely.] + +I wish her luck wi' yon booby. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +There's nothin' the matter wi' him. He has a nice place and a fine +farm forbye. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Farms and cattle and crops don't make a fine man. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Deed now Robbie, they goes a long ways. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [To himself.] + +Better nor bows and fiddles and such trash. + + [To Robbie John.] + +I heerd up at Bann to-day, that ye won three poun' at the Feis at +Newcastle a Monday. + + + ELLEN. + +I knew that on Tuesday. It was fine of Robbie wasn't it? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +It all depends. Da heard it for the first time to-day and I can tell +you it didn't seem fine to him. Coorse a poun' or two would ha'e made +a differ o' opinion same as it done wi' you I expect. + + + ELLEN. + +You needn't sneer at me. It was me told Robbie to keep it. He was +goin' to give it all up. I wouldn't be so mean as to take it off him. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Oh you're an unusual sort of young woman I know but if Robbie John +takes my advice, he better choose quick between playin' the fiddle +and stayin' on here. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Give up my fiddle. Never. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Well you can plaze yourself. I suppose you could make as much by +fiddlin' as if you stayed on here and waited till we had the place +divid among the three of us. + + + ELLEN. + +Why I heard from Mr. Taylor that father was worth four or five hundred +pounds and then the two farms. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Aye. You'd be a long time Robbie John earnin' that wi' your fiddle. +Don't heed his fool talk son. Stay at home and nivir mind the +musicians. + + + ELLEN. + +Robbie dear, and I'm sure Mr. Graeme would never let his daughter +marry a penniless fiddler--even if she would herself. I don't know. +She might and she--mightn't. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Rising from table and stretching himself.] + +Coorse if he made a name for himself he could marry the landlord's +daughter. I heerd the quality go mad after the musicianers. + + [Makes to door.] + +Well I'm going to wash my hands. + + [Goes out to yard.] + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Robbie dear. Come here. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Aye. What is it? + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Take heed till yourself. I know what's going on better nor you. Take +an ould man's advice. Settle yourself down and give up that string +instrument. Coorse I daresay you may go and become a great man wi' it +but you're more like to become a cratur like thon that was in as not. +There's no good runnin' risks. And your father, I heerd him say +himself, if you make your bed, you'll lie on it, for he'll nivir help +you out, once you take to the fiddlin'. + + + ELLEN. + +Aye Robbie. Its far better not to run the risk of becoming a beggar +man. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Well I'll think over it Ellen. I'll think over it. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Robbie, come out wi' me. + + [The two go out by door into yard. + William John and Mrs. Granahan come + in arguing excitedly.] + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Well you can ha'e the poun' if you like, but I can tell you its a sore +pinch to make things do, what with the price of the sugar riz up and +the flour. + + [Samuel James comes in. He takes in + the situation and seats himself again + on the table near Ellen who remains + still seated beside it.] + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +There. That's enough to do about it. + + [He goes over to armchair but does not sit + down and remains facing Mrs. Granahan.] + +Twenty nine poun' you'll get and no more. + + [Emphatically.] + +Min' that. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +I'll min' it right enough William Granahan. And its a sore time I have +trying to keep in wi' one hand what you lavish out wi' the other. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Nudging Ellen slily.] + +I was talking by the way to Mrs. McCrum the milliner, mother, to-day, +and she said to give you word she'd have your new tay gown ready for +you a Tuesday week. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Triumphantly.] + +There you are ma'am. There you are. Keepin' it in wi' one hand were +you? Faith if I know anything you lather it out wi both hands and +feet. You want to rob me of me one poun' do ye? And all for an ould +tay gown! + + [Contemptuously.] + +A tay gown! + + + ELLEN. + + [Maliciously.] + +A taygown's not expensive. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Oh indeed now? Hach. You'll be wantin' one next I suppose. A nice +house this is, where a man couldn't get keepin' as much as would buy +him an ounce o' tobaccy. + + [Viciously.] + +Man I do hate this hypockerisy. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +I'll not talk any more till ye, William Granahan. You're full o' drink +and bad tongued. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +If you say any more till me, I'll smash all the crockery in the house. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Come out Ellen to the creamery and maybe when we come in, he'll be a +bit cooler in the head. + + [She hurries out followed by Ellen through + door to yard.] + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [To Samuel James.] + +She's a tarr'ble woman your mother when she's started. But I'm much +obliged to you Samuel James for the mention o' that tay gown. By me +sang, but that turned the enemy's flank. + + [Laughs.] + +I'm danged but you're the boy. + + [Gratefully.] + +Heth you saved me a poun' anyway. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Rising and going over sheepishly to him.] + +You'll not forget me Da? will you? + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Suspiciously.] + +Na. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Well ye might gie us a part o' it. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +How much dy'e want? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Twelve shillin'. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Would you take the very boots off me feet. Where would I get ye twelve +shillin'. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Out o' the poun' o' coorse. Where else? + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Grumblingly.] + +You're askin' ower much. If it was a saxpence + + [Samuel James shrugs his shoulders.] + +or a shillin' + + [Samuel James shrugs more emphatically.] + +or two shillin'? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +No. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +or half a crown? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +No. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +I'd think nothing of lendin' them till ye. But twelve shillin'! Would +three shillin' no' do? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +No. It won't. Either give me the twelve shillin' or I'll tell her +about your conduck-- + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +There. There it is an bad scran to ye. To think o' me walkin' ten mile +to the fair and back and arguin' wi' dailers and chates of all kinds +and gettin thirty poun' for a baste I wouldn't buy myself for thirty +shillin' and only gettin' eight shillin' out o' it. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Whistling and counting money delightedly.] + +Aye. Its a hard world and no mistake. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Excitedly.] + +I'll go down to the shough and drown myself I will. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Na. Go to MucAlanan's and drown yerself. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +I'm danged but you're right. Na. Na. She'll hear me goin' out by the +gate. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Boys but you're the poor hearted man. Well I'm away. + + [He makes to door.] + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Where now? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +To Courdy Williamson's for the loan of a monkey wrinch for the new +machine. The hay's for cuttin' the morrow. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Oh aye. An you'll be for coortin' that young imp of a daughter o' his +I warrant ye. Were you there yisterday forenoon? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Somewhat taken aback.] + +Yis. Why d'ye ask? + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Oh nothin'. Only I hadn't a sowl to help me wi' them cattle. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Well wasn't Robbie John at home? What ailed him he couldn't help ye? + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Look you here Samuel James. + + [Samuel James comes back nearer.] + +I've been worried wi' that boy this long time. + + [Samuel James nods approvingly.] + +I've made up my mind to-day after seein' yon scarecrow we met at +Buckna cross roads, Robbie John aither mends himself or he goes out +o' this. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +You're right Da. You hae stud his goings on a long time. I think ye do +well to stop him. It's only doin' him a kindness. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +I'll just ask him to burn it when he comes in. If he won't, he can +just plaze himself. I'll hae no more to do wi' him. + + [Suddenly.] + +I wunner what his mother would say to that? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +She' just as tired of it as you are. Wait; I'll call her in. + + [Goes to door back and shouts.] + +Are you there ma'am? + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Without.] + +Aye. + + [She comes to door, opens it and stands + looking inquiringly at both of them.] + +Well? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Da's just been talkin' about Robbie John, and he wants you to hear +what he says. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Robbie John's an idle useless paghle. He'll aither mend himself or go +out o' this. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Sharply.] + +Mend yourself first, me good man. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Its not like as if he tuk a drop o' drink or fell in wi' bad company, +for you'll get quet o' drink and bad company if you hae no money. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Slily.] + +It was mother and I larnt you that. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Snappishly.] + +Will you hould your tongue. + + [To Mrs. Granahan.] + +When he might ha' been lookin after the cattle or the pigs or somethin +else, where is he? Up in the loft playin that damnation fiddle o' his. +Night an mornin' he's at it. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Deed and he's doin badly by it and no mistake. He's not been worth a +ha' penny till us, this last six months. I think you do right just to +stop him. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +I heerd he won three poun' at the Feis last Monday at Newcastle. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +There you are. And he never offered me one ha'penny o' it. Me that +brought him up and raired and fed him. Them that plays the fiddle +comes to no good end, I can tell ye. + + [Reminiscently and with a sort + of shame-faced pride.] + +Not but I wasn't the great man at it myself wanst. And you were the +girl that could ha' danced to it Mary. But thank God I quet it. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Curiously.] + +Why? + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +I might ha took to drink and bad company and the like. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +You're no rid o' that yet William Granahan. Ye mind what way ye come +home last Bann Fair on top o' the bread cart. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Slily.] + +Yis. And the way the Scarva man done him out o' the price o' the two +pigs. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +That's one thing I can't get over. Was it in a public house ye met +him? + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +There. There. Thats enough to do about it. I hear enough about +drinkin' from John Graeme every session day without you etarnally +at it. + + [Robbie John and Grandfather enter. They + evidently understand from the looks of + those present that something important + is talked of.] + +Where's that fiddle of yours Robbie John? Bring it to me. + + [Robbie John looks curiously at him and + then at Samuel James. He goes into room + and brings it out. He holds it in his + hands and looks suspiciously at the + father.] + +Now Robbie John listen to what I and your mother have thought about +this. For our sake and your own we want you to give up that accursed +thing and put it from you. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Why? What harm does it do you or me? + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +It makes you negleck your work. It makes you think o' things you +shouldn't think o'. It makes you loss slape o' nights sitting up an +playin' and then you can't rise in the mornin'. When you should be +polissin the harness, or mendin' a ditch, or watchin' the cattle, or +feedin' the poultry, you've got this thing in your hand and practisin' +on it. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Indignantly.] + +Its not true. I don't do these things. I-- + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Now will you atten' to your duties and give up this playin'. What good +will it ever do ye? Ye seen what it brought yon man till that was in +here. It's a tarrible warnin' till ye. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +The fiddle didn't make him what he is. The drink did that. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Scornfully.] + +Aye. The leader of an ould circus band or somethin' like. + + [Getting excited.] + +I'd just do wi that as I'd do with a sarpint. Trample it under my +heels. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Threateningly.] + +Dare to put a hand on it. I'll kill the first man tries to. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Angrily.] + +You dar' talk that way to your father! + + [Soothingly.] + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Now Robbie dear. Don't be gettin' on that way. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Robbie my son mind what I was tellin' ye. Its better to bear it if you +can my son. Its a hard thing but you can take my word for it, you'll +no regret it. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Sadly.] + +I had o' coorse a will drawn up and signed by 'torney McAllan and was +for lavin' ye nice an' comfortable when I was to be takin' away. + + [He breaks down.] + +Robbie, Robbie, my son, sure its not my heart you're for breakin'. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Coorse I heerd from one o' the judges, Robbie, at the Feis that you +had the touch o' a master, and all that sort o' thing; but I advise +ye-- + + [Here the grandfather shakes his stick at + him threateningly.] + +I advise ye--of coorse its hard to know. + + + GRANDFATHER. + + [Looking angrily at Samuel James.] + +Don't think o' that Robbie. Sure every man that plays a fiddle, thinks +he's a genius. Don't be led astray son. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Coaxingly.] + +Aye. Your grand-da has sense wi' him Robbie. After all what about it. +Man there's that bonny wee lass waitin' for you over at Graemes. To +the fire wi' it. + + [Robbie John hesitates. The grandfather + pats him approvingly. With bowed head he + goes forward to place it on the fire.] + + + CURTAIN. + + + + + SCENE II. + + + The same scene. Ellen and Mrs. Granahan seated near fire. + + + ELLEN. + +So Mr. Graeme is comin' over here to settle matters with father to-day +do you say? + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Yes child, he's comin' to-day. + + + ELLEN. + +What is it all about? + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Well I suppose he's anxious to see what money is comin' to Robbie +John. He doesn't want to throw his daughter away without askin' +questions. I expeck she's well enough to do to marry anyone she +likes, but he's a canny man. + + + ELLEN. + +Well I suppose he's right. He must be anxious to see her well married. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Oh now between the two of them, Robbie John will be a sight better +off, nor your father and I, Ellen when we married. + + + ELLEN. + +Robbie's a lucky man too. I never seen anyone as fond of him as she +is. I wonner when father will be goin' to see anyone about me? + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Oh whist child, your time's comin'. Who was it left ye home from John +Graeme's temperance lecture? + + + ELLEN. + + [Slily.] + +That's a secret. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Knowingly.] + +Not till me. He's a brave body anyway. + + + ELLEN. + +Who? + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Now you're the soft lassie. Who's the manager of the creamery up +beyont? + + + ELLEN. + + [Unsuspectingly,] + +Tom Taylor of course. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +And of coorse it was Tom Taylor left ye home. + + [Knock at the door.] + +Come in. Come in. + + [Taylor enters.] + +Why speak o' the divil--how d'ye do Mr. Taylor. + + + TAYLOR. + + [He comes in, stands rather awkwardly + looking at Ellen, and then goes over + near them.] + +Very well, thank you, ma'am. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +This is my daughter Ellen. + + [Slily.] + +I think ye met her afore. + + + TAYLOR. + + [Shaking hands with Ellen, he detains her + hand for a second and then drops it.] + +We did, I think, didn't we? + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Knowingly.] + +I just thought as much. + + [Aside.] + +Oh well, he's a brave body and would do rightly if the creamery does +the same. + + [Suddenly to Taylor.] + +Are ye coortin' any this weather Mr. Taylor? + + + TAYLOR. + + [Taken aback. Then decides to laugh it + off.] + +Well--eh--no. I'm not doin' much that way. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Incredulously.] + +Oh indeed. Well I heerd otherwise. Its full time ye were lookin' about +for a wife. You'll be gettin' well on past thirty soon. + + + TAYLOR. + + [Fidgeting uneasily.] + +Oh I'm time enough for a couple of years or more. I want to look round +me a bit. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Well ye better look sharp, for you'll soon be getting too ould for +gettin' any sort of a dasint girl. + + [Inquisitively.] + +Ha'e ye anyone in your eye yet? + + + TAYLOR. + +I have an account to pay your good man Mrs. Granahan. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Two poun' ten is due. + + [Thinking.] + +Aye. But I suppose you'll be now in what I would call a good way o' +doin'. + + + TAYLOR. + +There was a five per cent. dividend this half year. The creamery's +goin' on well. + + [Searching in pocket and getting out + account.] + +Two pounds, nine and six, ma'am, beggin' your pardon. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Ach sure sixpence is naither here nor there to a creamery. + + [Pauses.] + +If that's the way you are, you could be married in a year's time and-- + + + TAYLOR. + + [Evidently desirous to lead conversation + off this topic.] + +Here's the money, ma'am. + + [He lays it down on the table and counts + it out.] + +You'll do as well as Mr. Granahan, I suppose. You take all to do with +the money part I think. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Yes I do. You were at the lecture last Monday? + + + TAYLOR. + + [Alarmed.] + +What the divil-- + + [Suddenly to Mrs. Granahan and genially.] + +Yes. Could you oblige me with a receipt ma'am? + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Surely. Here Ellen, get me the pen and ink. + + [Ellen goes into room.] + +I suppose now there were some nice young weemin there--eh Mr. Taylor? + + + TAYLOR. + + [Uneasily.] + +Yes. And don't forget the stamp ma'am. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Ach sure a penny stamp's what you always carry wi' ye. + + [Confidentially.] + +I think shame on ye Mr. Taylor, triflin' wi' the poor girls. There's +no excuse for a man o' your age. + + + TAYLOR. + + [Fidgeting.] + +Well, well, I--Here's a stamp ma'am. + + [Impatiently.] + +I'm young enough yet. I don't want to marry yet awhile. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Well now I think ye'd be better o' some one to look after ye. There's +William John Granahan. _He's_ niver done bein' thankful since he +married. He says he doesn't know what he mightn't ha' been, if he +hadn't married _me_. + + + TAYLOR. + + [Slily.] + +I can quite believe _that_. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +It was a good job for him, I can tell ye. For what wi' goin' to dances +and the like and public houses, he was for making a nice mess o' +himself. + + [Confidentially.] + +And between you and me, Ellen will no' be so badly off aither when he +goes. + + [Ellen comes in and puts paper, &c on + table.] + + + TAYLOR. + +Here's the stamp ma'am. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Not noticing.] + +And there's a girl for you Mr. Taylor, that we spent a dale o' time +over, and was brought up most careful. She's none o' your or'nary +girls. + + + ELLEN. + + [Sharply.] + +Oh mother! + + [She looks at Taylor, smiles, and shrugs + her shoulders.] + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Motioning silence.] + +There's too many girls runnin' about and all they can do is--sing a +song or two, and dress themselves up like play actresses, and run +about at bazaars and the like trying to get ahoult o' young men. + + + TAYLOR. + +You're quite right ma'am. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Now there's Ellen was four years at a boardin' school that Mr. Graeme +recommended till us, and I can tell you she got the proper schoolin', +and let alone that, she can bake, sew or knit, and knows all about the +managin' of a house. + + + ELLEN. + +Oh quit! + + [She looks diffidently across at Taylor, + who grins.] + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Counting money.] + +Here. It's sixpence short o' the count. + + + TAYLOR. + +Let me see. + + [He goes to table and counts money.] + +Two and two's four, and two's six, and two and six is eight and six, +and one shillin'--nine and six. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Thinking.] + +Nine and six. I thought it was--oh yes it _was_ nine and six. + + + TAYLOR. + +Yes. Nine and six. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Very good. I'll write you a receip'. + + [Takes pen and paper.] + + + ELLEN. + + [To Taylor who stands looking over at her.] + +You haven't been round this way a long time Mr. Taylor. What ailed +you, you didn't call? + + + TAYLOR. + +Oh I was very busy. + + [He looks at Mrs. Granahan who is writing + laboriously. Then goes and examines a + fiddle that hangs on the wall.] + +Ha! I thought Robbie John had burnt his fiddle and promised to play no +more. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Aye so he did, but there's a strange story wi' that thing you're +lookin' at. There was a tramp come here one day I was out, and when I +come back, I found him playin' away on that thing, and the house in an +uproar. + + + TAYLOR. + +Aye? He left it here then? + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +No, wait till I tell ye. I packed him out o' this, and the next thing +I heerd about him was when a wheen o' weeks ago he was got half dead +wi' wet and could in the Flough Moss. John McKillop was down for +cutting turf, and foun' him in a peat hole, wi' his hands on the brew, +and the ould fiddle beside him. + + + ELLEN. + +Yes. The poor soul died the next day, and just before he died he asked +McKillop to bring over his fiddle to give to Robbie John. Robbie had +been kind to him sometime or other, and the poor bein' never forgot +it. + + + TAYLOR. + +Ach aye. I do remember hearin' somethin' about it. They said he had +been a big man in his day I think. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Aye. He was blatherin the day he was here about bein' the leader of an +ould band or somethin' like, now that I call to mind. But indeed I +paid no heed till him, for he was part drunk. + + + TAYLOR. + + [Curiously.] + +You didn't get Robbie to burn this one I see. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Well you see, Samuel James said it was a very valuable one and worth +fifty poun' or more may be. There's an inscription on it somewhere if +you look. + + + TAYLOR. + + [Taking down fiddle and examining it.] + +Aye so I see. "To Nicholas Werner as a token of esteem from his +orchestra. Vienna, 1878." + + + ELLEN. + +Yes poor soul. He was tellin' the truth and no one believin'. + + + TAYLOR. + +And does Robbie never play it? + + + ELLEN. + +Not since he promised that I know of. But all the same it must tempt +him for I see his eyes fixed on it often enough when he thinks no +one's lookin'. + + + TAYLOR. + + [He looks over at Mrs. Granahan who + appears to be engrossed in her + writing. He is just slipping his + arm round Ellen when Mrs. Granahan + looks up. He instantly drops his + arm.] + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Ha'e you that stamp Mr. Taylor? + + + TAYLOR. + +Its usual Mrs. Granahan for whoever signs the receipt to supply the +stamp, however, there you are. + + [Mrs. Granahan licks the stamp, and signs + the receipt.] + +The writin' doesn't come easy to you, ma'am. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Now its not very courteous makin' fun o' poor old weemin', Mr. Taylor. +I thought better o' you nor that. + + + TAYLOR. + +Ould weemin'? Talk sense, Mrs. Granahan. I only wish my ould woman, if +ever I have one, looks as well as you do. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +There, there, none o' your fool nonsense. You don't go blarneyin' me, +like you do the likes of Ellen there. + + + ELLEN. + +Ach mother! + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +I'm much obledged to ye for the money Mr. Taylor. I must put it by me. + + [Goes into room.] + + + ELLEN. + +I suppose you've heard about Robbie? + + + TAYLOR. + + [Coming near her.] + +No. What's happened? + + + ELLEN. + +He's to be married to Jane Graeme at Christmas and Mr. Graeme's comin' +over here to-day to settle about the money. + + + TAYLOR. + + [Slily.] + +I wonder who your father will be settlin' matters with Ellen, when you +get engaged. + + + ELLEN. + +Why, of course--whoever gets me, I suppose. + + + TAYLOR. + +Well there's one thing I wouldn't haggle with him over. + + + ELLEN. + +And what would that be? + + + TAYLOR. + +Yourself of course. + + [He draws her to him and makes to kiss + her. Robbie John and Samuel James pass + by the window and Ellen immediately + slips away from him. When they come + in, she lifts a can and goes out by + door to yard. Robbie John and Samuel + James seat themselves at table. + + Leaning against table and nodding to + both.] + +Well how's the corn doin'? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Oh, fairly well the year. How's the crame market? + + + TAYLOR. + +Much the same. Nothin' new with you I suppose? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Well they're goin' to settle Robbie the day, that's all. He's a lucky +boy. + + + TAYLOR. + +I wish you joy, Robbie. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Thank ye. Thank ye kindly. She's a nice wee girl. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +You don't seem as gay hearted as I would expect, does he Mr. Taylor? +You'd think he was for getting hung or somethin'. I suppose ye heerd +all about him givin' up the fiddle playin'? And the luck o' it. To +burn his ould fiddle, and then get another a few days after. You'd +think there was some sort of a strange warnin' or advice or somethin' +in it. + + + TAYLOR. + +It is very strange. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Samuel James do ye remember the time that ould tramp was playin' on +this fiddle, as he went out that day, down the loney? + + [Samuel James nods.] + +Well, it seemed to me as if he were playin' to bring me out after him. +D'ye mind the story, Mr. Taylor, about the piper that went off with +all the children, and was niver heard tell of again. + + + TAYLOR. + +Aye. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Well I could feel him drawin' me out after him the very same way. And +last night, as sure as death, I heard the same uncanny air singin' in +my ears, and it seemed to be callin' me to come out o' this. + + + TAYLOR. + + [Exchanges startled looks with Samuel + James.] + +Och I suppose the wind or somethin' outside. But there's no doubt +Robbie you have a genius for the fiddle. There was a German professor +of music at Newcastle the day you won the prize and he was--But its +not right of me to make you vexed, now you've stopped playin'. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Ach he doesn't mind you tellin'. Do ye Robbie? Tell and hearten him up +a wee bit. + + + TAYLOR. + +This German was so struck with your playin' that he was lookin' for +you all roads, but you were nowhere to be found. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Interested.] + +Aye? I went straight home. I wonner what he wanted? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Perhaps he could have given him a lift, eh Mr. Taylor? + + + TAYLOR. + +He was talkin' to me afterwards and by the way, I had clean forgot. + + [Fumbling in his pocket.] + +He gave me his card to give you. I have it on me somewhere I think. + + [Producing it.] + +Aye, there it is. + + [Reading.] + +Professor--somethin' or other Royal College of Music. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Keep it. If I had it, it would only temp' me. + + + TAYLOR. + + [Looking significantly at Samuel James + who indicates by shaking his head that + he considers Robbie John hopeless.] + +You're a queer character. All right. But you can have it any time. + + [To Samuel James.] + +I wish I had said nothin' about it. Where's the old man? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +The two ould men are out in the haggard, but + + [Slily.] + +Ellen's in the crame-house. + + [Taylor goes out through door at back. + Samuel James looks over at Robbie + John who sits deep in thought near + the fire.] + +You can no' hoodwink me, Robbie. You're no' happy. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +I'm happy enough. + + [Angrily.] + +Don't be tormentin' me. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Faith you look happy. + + [Drawing closer.] + +I seen you last night at it. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Looks round startled.] + +I couldn't keep from it. There's a spell or somethin' on it. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Na. Na. But every fiddle has its spell for you. You broke your +promise. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +You followed me then? + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Yes. Ye crept on your stocking soles to the back o' the forth ditch, +and played there for two mortal hours, till I was heart feared they'd +miss us out o' bed, and raise a cry. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +And you stood two hours in the night listenin' to me. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +I 'clare to God, there's somethin' out o' common wi' you or that +fiddle, for I had to stop and listen, and me teeth chatterin' wi' +could. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +I did wrong I know, but look here Samuel James, as long as I see that +thing hangin' there, my hands are itchin' to hold it, and the tunes I +could play--they keep runnin' in my head. + + [Suddenly rising.] + +I'll destroy it. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Quieting him down.] + +Na. Na. Its a vallible fiddle. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +It is. Ach man but it does temp' me sorely. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Aye. You might make a fortune, the dear knows. Man I know what _I_ +would do if I could play like _you_ do. + + [Sarcastically.] + +That was if ye had the heart. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Excited.] + +Ach quit! Quit talkin' to me that way. I'm going out. + + [Goes out by door at back.] + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Getting off seat and standing about centre + of room.] + +He'll take to it yet. + + [He goes over nearer fireplace.] + +I can see it workin' in him. Sure his hands are tremblin' and his +fingers twitchin' all the times he's lookin' at it. + + [The grandfather enters softly by door at + back. He stands looking at Samuel James + who does not observe him.] + +Maybe its no' right of me to let it hang there. Ach. He maybe could +make money plenty. I want till have a fine place and a lock o' money. +And I'll build a bigger house. + + + GRANDFATHER. + + [Hobbling over to his seat.] + +Aye. Aye. Ye could do a heap wi' money, Samuel James. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Alarmed. He endeavours to bluff it with + a show of geniality.] + +Money's the thing, Grand-da. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Its a tarr'ble fine thing, there's no doubt. Food and drink and fine +clothes and fine houses ye can get. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +And tobaccy and seegars and the front seat at a consart. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Here. Don't be temptin' Robbie John about playin' on that fiddle. +You've upset the boy. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Sharply.] + +I don't temp' him. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +You're always remindin' him of it. I can see what you're workin' for +Samuel James. Ye want all the money for yourself. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Ha' sense, Grand-da. Sure they're settlin' the matter to-day and he's +to be married at Christmas. He wouldn't do anythin' rash now. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +The clock has no' struck the hour yet Samuel James. Ye could no' tell +what's workin' in his mind. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Well, he'd be a fool, and what's more, he knows himself to be one if +he goes. He'll lose all the money from Da if he goes, and I'm sure +Jennie Graeme's father wouldn't turn his head to look at a fiddler. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Aye. He's tarr'ble proud o' his family. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Opens door of room and comes in.] + +Here. I seen Mr. Graeme and your Da comin' up the loney from the windy +in the low room. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Well, they'll be for comin' in here and we're only in the road. Come +and twist a wheen o' ropes for me. + + [Samuel James and Grandfather go out + by door at back.] + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Takes brush and sweeps floor. She then + arranges a kettle at the fire. Then + goes to door and looks out.] + +Aye. Here he bes now and that good man o' mine talkin' till him a +dozen till one. And ten till one, he'll have John Graeme that angered +wi' his arguin', that there'll be nothin' settled the day. + + [Sound of William John Granahan's voice. + He appears to be talking at a great + rate and most emphatically. + + John Graeme and William John Granahan + pass the window.] + +Aye, to be sure. He'd rather get the better o' Graeme in an argyment +as settle wi' him over twenty sons, the ould gomeril. + + [John Graeme and William John Granahan + enter.] + +How dy'e do, Mr. Graeme? + + [She shakes hands with him warmly and + warns the husband by nods not to + resume the argument.] + +It's the brave weather for the crops this. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +Indeed we should be deeply thankful for the marcies vouchsafed us. + + [Solemnly.] + +Aye indeed. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Well indeed I would be that myself, only the half o' them young +chickens goin' off with the gapes. It was a tarr'ble to do to save +what's left o' them. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Oh well. Its all in the way o' Providence, Mr. Graeme. + + [She looks disapprovingly across at Granahan. + The two men seat themselves. John Graeme + beside table and Wm. Granahan on edge of + table next him.] + +That was a fine lecture on the Temperance ye gied us Mr. Graeme, at +Ballykelly. It done some people a heap o' good. + + [She looks across meaningly at William + Granahan.] + + + JOHN GRAEME. + + [Apparently much pleased.] + +Do you say so, Mrs. Granahan? I'm much pleased indeed to hear o' it. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +I only wished more o' the same kind had heerd you. + + [She looks across again at William John + Granahan who avoids her eye.] + +But you'll excuse me, I'm sure. I ha'e some things next room to look +after for the evenin'. + + [She curtsies to Graeme and with a warning + look at Granahan goes into room.] + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +I am very much pleased indeed to hear your good woman say she liked +what I said. How did ye take to it yourself, Mr. Granahan? + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Suddenly waking up from twisting and + untwisting a piece of string which he + has found and in which he appears + deeply interested while his wife is + talking.] + +How did we like the speech you gave on temperance, d'ye say? + + [Carelessly.] + +Och, it was a very good and sensible discoorse, so I heerd Ellen and +Mrs. Granahan say. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +Ye didn't go yourself then. + + [Disappointedly.] + +Man, I wanted ye there particuler. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +I ha'e no doot if I had been there, I could ha' got up and +contradickted ye, for + + [Emphatically.] + +I did not agree wi' all I heerd ye said. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + + [Surprised.] + +Not agree wi' what I said. + + [Scornfully with evident disgust.] + +Man, ye couldn't argy wi' facts. What did ye disagree wi' in the +discoorse? + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Well for one thing, ye said there was too many public houses in the +country. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + + [Scornfully.] + +And every right-minded man would agree wi' that. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Well I can shew you another. You'll no argy wi' me that if a man wants +to drink, he will drink. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + + [Somewhat perplexed.] + +Well---- + + [Slowly.] + +I suppose I do agree till that. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +And if a man will drink, he's boun' till get drunk. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +Na. Na. I don't agree till that. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Triumphantly.] + +Did you ivir hear tell of a man who was drunk wi'out drinkin'? + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +That's no' in the argyment at all. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +But I tell you it is. A man's bound to be drinkin' if he gets drunk. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +I'm no contradickin' that at all. I---- + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Interrupting.] + +Now houl' your tongue till I explain till ye. If a man get's drunk +when he's drinkin', he's bound to be drunk o' coorse. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + + [Contemptuously.] + +Ye talk like a child. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Now wait till I get it hammered intill ye. Now when that man's drunk, +he's boun' to ha'e been drinkin'. + + [He hesitates and is obviously confused. + Then suddenly seems to grasp the idea he + wants.] + +Aye--in a public house o' coorse. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +O' coorse. What else would he do there but drink. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Now that man gets drunk. + + [He looks inquiringly at Graeme] + + + JOHN GRAEME. + + [Hopelessly.] + +Aye. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Now the public houses are that scarce that he has till walk home maybe +ten mile or more. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +Well? + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +And ten till wan he gets lost or somethin', and they have the whole +countryside upset lookin' for him. Now if he had a public house +convanient in his own townland, there would be no bother at all, and +he could be at his work the next mornin' wi'out any interruptin' o' +labour. D'ye see what I mane? + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Suddenly appearing at door evidently + angry.] + +The more public houses the less drinkin' did he say? If he had _his_ +way o' it, every other house from here to Buckna would be a public +house. + + [To husband.] + +Quit your wastin' Mr. Graeme's time wi' your argyments, and settle +what he has come here to do wi' ye. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Well. Well. We'll agree till let the matter drop. You ha'e nobody but +your daughter I suppose? + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +Well I ha'e a sister married up in Dublin. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +But she's in a good way o' doin' I suppose? + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +Oh yes. Purty fair. O' coorse I would like to lave her somethin'. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Ach, gi'e her a lock o' your hair or somethin'. You'll lave the place +to your daughter o' coorse. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +Yes. I'll be doin' that. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Aye. It's a purty fair farm o' land. Ye bought it out o' coorse? + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +Two year come March, and a good reduction. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Aye. So I heerd. Well if ye gi'e her the farm and what money ye ha'e, +I'll gi'e Robbie a cheque for a hunnert poun'. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + + [Impressively.] + +William John Granahan d'ye think this is a horse fair? My daughter +will ha'e no man unner five hunnert poun'. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Uneasily and walking about.] + +Man, you'll nivir get her married John Graeme, at that way o' talkin'. +Five hunnert poun'. D'ye think I'm a Rockyfellow? Ha'e some sense +about ye. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +Aither that or no son o' yours weds my daughter. Five hunnert poun' +and not one ha'penny less. There's the family name to be thought o'. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Ach! family name! a lock o' ould wives' blathers about who was married +till who, till you'd have your head sore takin' it all in. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +You've heerd what I ha'e to say. Take it or lave it. You can plaze +yourself. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Five hunnert poun'. It's a tarr'ble price. Would two hunnert no' do? +You see I ha'e Samuel James and Ellen to provide for. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +A Graeme o' Killainey weds no man unner five hunnert poun', William +Granahan. Mind that. I want my daughter married to no beggarman. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Excitedly.] + +Beggarman! Beggarman, did ye say? Hats, John Graeme, I think ye should +be proud o' wan o' yours marryin' a Granahan. Money or no money, +that's a nice way o' talkin'. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +I suppose ye know I come o' good family, Mr. Granahan? + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Sarcastically.] + +I heard ye were wance cotter folk up by Dromara mountain. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + + [Proudly.] + +My father and my forefathers had my farm--aye, from the time o' the +plantin'. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +D'ye tell me? I nivir seen your laase o' the farm but of coorse if ye +say so. Did ye nivir hear tell of Smith, Hunter, and Fargison? + + + JOHN GRAEME. + + [Contemptuously.] + +John Smith of Ballykelly? + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Disgusted.] + +Yon cratur? Ballykelly? + + [Proudly.] + +Lonnon! Well my mother was a daughter o' Samuel James Smith, and a +niece o' Robert John Francis Fargison. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + + [Contemptuously.] + +I nivir heerd tell o' them. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +I wonner at your ignorance John Grame. A well educated man like +yourself as sets yourself up to be taching the congregation on +matters o' law and the temperance question, (_raising voice_) and +you that ignorant o' common information. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Opening door and coming in a few steps.] + +William John Granahan, didn't I tell ye not to be raisin' argyments. +How you manage at the markets I nivir could understand. Get your +business done, and ha' settled wi' it. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Soothingly.] + +Whist, whist woman, I was only discoorsin'. Mind the tay and I'll mind +the rest. There. There. I agree to your tarms, John Graeme. I'll do +it, though it's lavin' me tarr'ble short. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + + [Impressively.] + +But there's one thing I'll no ha'e, William Granahan. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Alarmed.] + +And what might that be? + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +If your son is to marry my daughter, I'll ha'e none o' his music. Its +all very well for quality and the like to go strummin' on instruments, +but its no' meant for a sensible farmer. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Aye. I agree wi' that. But look here. Mind ye a song or two and a bit +o' a tune on a long winter's night keeps one from thinkin' long and +between you and me, it keeps you from the bottle. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +That's where you and I differs. Supposin' he starts playin' a dance +tune or two, and the neighbours gather in. You like to do the thing +dacint, and ye send out for drink, and then it goes from bad to worse. +Na. Na. I'll ha'e none o' that. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Well. Well. Make your mind aisy. Ye know he has promised me nivir to +play again, and I don't think you'll hear much o' his fiddlin'. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +I'm right glad to hear it, and I'll tak' your word for it. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Very good. + + [With admiration.] + +Man, you'd ha' made a great horsedailer John Graeme. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +Aye. I had an uncle in the town, a dailer, and he was always sayin' +that. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +And well you could ha' done it, if I knowed anythin'. I'll go to +Banbridge a Friday wi' you to settle wi' the lawyers. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +Very good. I'll call for you wi' the trap that day. Its time I was for +goin' home. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +We were expectin' ye ower the day, and I think Mrs. Granahan has the +tay laid in the low room. + + [Calls.] + +Mrs. Granahan! + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [From room.] + +Yes. + + [She comes in and stands waiting near door.] + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +We're just after settlin' up about Robbie John and Jennie. Can ye get +us a drop o' tay? + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +If you could just take Mr. Graeme for a turn round, I could ha'e it +for you in wan second. The table's laid and the kettle's boilin'. Is +your daughter wi' you Mr. Graeme? + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +Aye. She was comin' over after me. I suppose she should be here by +now. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +Well I can show you the new reaper and binder I got. That new Wexford +machine, I was tellin' you about a Sunday in the Session. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +Very good. I'll just go out and see it. + + [William John Granahan and John Graeme + go out by door at back.] + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Going over to fire and arranging kettle.] + +Five hunnert poun, and after me tellin' him to keep till four hunnert. +Wait till I get ahoult o' him again. I'll speak till him. Did he no' +hear me thumpin' four times on the door till remind him. He must ha'e +a soft spot in his heart for Robbie John. + + [Tap at door.] + +Come in. + + [Jane Graeme enters somewhat diffidently.] + +Oh its you Miss Graeme. + + [Shakes hands.] + +Youre welcome indeed. Your father's just gone out wi' my good man. + + + JANE. + +Yes. I know--but I thought perhaps--well that Robbie was in here. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Inspecting her critically.] + +Deed now, I couldn't tell you where he might be. + + + JANE. + +I'll just sit down a minute. I suppose you are all doing well here +Mrs. Granahan? + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Ach aye. As well as one could expeck. There's nothin' to make much +complaint o'. + + + JANE. + +I haven't seen Robbie about for some time Mrs. Granahan. I suppose +he's working hard at the harvest. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Aye 'deed there's a brave press o' work on now, what wi' the corn a +cuttin', and the rest o' it, he's been gey busy o' late. + + + JANE. + +Indeed I am sure he was. + + [She looks round, sees the fiddle hanging + up where Taylor has left it.] + + [Aside.] + +Is that the fiddle he was telling me about, I wonder? + + [To Mrs. Granahan.] + +Is that the tramp's fiddle, Mrs. Granahan? + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Aye, that's the poor cratur's belongin'. But you needn't be afeared. +Robbie's indeed been very good. He's nivir played on it to my knowin', +and keeps his promise well. + + + JANE. + +Poor Robbie. Do you not think he's unhappy about something or other +Mrs. Granahan. He's got very dull and moody this last while. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Deed now I don't see much odds in him Miss Graeme. He nivir was a +great boy with his tongue anyway; + + [Slily.] + +bar maybe an odd wan or two he would mak' up to. + + + JANE. + +I think you do wrong to keep that fiddle hanging up before his eyes, +when he has promised never to play again. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Och blatherations. I nivir heerd the like o' the sort o' talk people +goes on wi' nowadays. Do ye think my son bes only an ould ba cryin' +for a toy? Deed now I don't think he worries his-self much about it. + + + JANE. + + [Aside.] + +Poor Robbie. + + [To Mrs. Granahan.] + +Robbie's a poor hand at the farming, Mrs. Granahan. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Snappishly.] + +Och aye. But he's greatly mended since he giv up playin'. + + + JANE. + +Yes. He's a very poor farmer. But he was a wonder with his fiddle. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Oh well. It canna' be helped. He's better wi'out. + + + JANE. + +I don't know. + + [She goes over and takes down the fiddle + seats herself and draws the bow across + it as it lies on her lap.] + +Robbie could have made it speak to you. He used to make me cry, and +then laugh after it. + + [She places the strings near her ear and + thumbs it wrapt in thought.] + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + + [Looking contemptuously at her and then + rising.] + +You just stay here a second till I fix the tay. + + [She goes into room. Jane remains seated + where she is, occasionally touching the + strings and seemingly deep in thought. + Robbie John passes window. He looks + in and then goes quickly to door and + enters.] + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Who's that fiddlin'? + + [Goes over to Jane.] + +Why it's you. I heard you were come. + + + JANE. + +Yes. I'm just in a minute or two. + + [He sits down beside her.] + +Robbie. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Well? + + + JANE. + +Answer me one question. Aren't you a very poor farmer? + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Well--I--I suppose I am. + + + JANE. + +I knew you were. You're no good for selling cattle or going to market, +or looking after crops. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +You're very hard Jane to-night. What's put all that into your wee +head? + + + JANE. + +I've been listening to this and its been tellin' stories on you. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Aye and when its hangin' there dumb its speakin' to me, callin' to me. +Don't think I'm mad Jane but I can't stand it much longer. What makes +them hang it there to temp' me? Why? Just because they think they can +make a few miserable pounds, they'll keep it there makin' me a liar, +a pledge breaker, a man who can't keep his promise. I'll end it now. +I'll smash it. + + [He makes to take the fiddle out of her + hands.] + + + JANE. + + [Resisting.] + +No. No. I want to say--I want to ask something Robbie. What does it +say to you? + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +What does it--Ach--I wonder would you laugh at me like the rest if I +told you. + + + JANE. + + [Sitting closer and putting her arm about + his neck.] + +What does it say. Tell me. _I_ would never laugh at you Robbie dear. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Hesitatingly.] + +Ach--about--about takin' it and makin' a name for myself with it. + + [Bitterly.] + +It sounds like fool talk doesn't it. + + + JANE. + +To my father and yours it would sound like that and Samuel James would +laugh at you, but he'd encourage you to believe in it. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Let me break it then. Smash it. + + + JANE. + + [Determinedly.] + +No. Look Robbie if I said it was whispering you the truth, what would +you say? + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Surprised.] + +I would say that it was true. But you never would. + + + JANE. + + [Determinedly.] + +I say it is the truth. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +You what? Ach you don't know what you say child. If I did take to it +again, look what would happen. My father would turn me out, and your +father would forbid me then ever lookin' at you again. Jane Graeme +engaged to a penniless fiddler, and she the best match in the whole +countryside. I need never think of you again Jane. + + + JANE. + +I don't care what they bid. If you took to that fiddle and went away, +would you forget me soon? + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +Forget you, Jane? What makes you think that? Sure you know I gave it +up sooner than lose you. + + + JANE. + +Then take that fiddle and do what your heart tells you to. I wondered +often and often what it was that made you so sad, and I know now. God +made you a musician and not a farmer. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +And you? What would you do? + + + JANE. + +I know and trust some day God willing, you'll come back to me, rich +and famous enough to have them all at your feet. I know you will. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +God bless you wee girl for you're put a heart into me. + + [They embrace. Mrs. Granahan comes in.] + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +There. There. Bide a wee. Here they're all coming in for their tays. + + [William John Granahan, Graeme, Taylor, + Samuel James and Grandfather come in. + Robbie John goes over to fiddle and + puts it into a case.] + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Puzzled.] + +So you're at it again, are you? Well I suppose there's no harm in +giving Miss Graeme a tune, but I thought you were a man to your word. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + + [Determinedly.] + +Look here. I want you all to know I am goin' to try my luck with this. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + + [Exultingly.] + +You're goin' to lave us like to mak' money wi' it. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +I'm goin' to try. + + + MRS. GRANAHAN. + +Robbie John are you daft. What wild nonsense are ye talkin' about. And +you to be married at Christmas and everythin' settled about you this +very day. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +I am determined to do it. Nothin' can keep me back. + + + JOHN GRAEME. + +There. That's enough. My daughter jilted by a Granahan! Come home out +o' this Jane Graeme. + + [He stamps his foot angrily and beckons + her to come. Jane moves past Robbie + John where he is standing and then + suddenly kisses him and goes out with + her father.] + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Passionately.] + +You see what you ha'e done Robert John Granahan. Broken your parents' +hearts, and made the name of the Granahans a disgrace to the +countryside. + + [Wildly.] + +Quick d--n ye before it's too late. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +My mind's made up. Give me the address of that Professor you told me +of, Mr. Taylor. + + + TAYLOR. + +You're a fool, Robbie. + + [Producing card and handing it to him.] + +There. That's it. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +There's time yet, man. After John Graeme, and make it up wi' him. +Swear you were only makin' fun. + + + ROBBIE JOHN. + +I stick by the fiddle. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Mad with anger.] + +Then stick by the fiddle. And know if ever you are weary or ahungered +or in want, ye need nivir look me for any help. + + [Shouts.] + +Out you go. Out. Don't dar one of you as much as till take his hand. +Out. Out the same as the beggar man gone, wi' the curse of your father +on you. + + [Robbie John goes toward back and stands + a moment as if in silent appeal at the + open door. Mrs. Granahan rushes forward + to her husband as if to entreat mercy. + He angrily puts her away.] + +Out. Out you go. + + + CURTAIN. + + + + + EPILOGUE. + + + The same scene, about midnight. There is no light except that + of one or two candles and the turf fire. Grandfather seated + at fire. William John Granahan leaning despondently on table + beside which he is seated. Samuel James in his favourite seat + on the top of the table. Wind, storm and rain outside. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Aye. Aye. But its no use talkin' now. Ye might ha' been a wee bit the +less hasty. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + +And who was goin' to thole yon conduck. It was too bad of him and +after the to-do we had over him this very day. Its a sore heartscald, +Robbie John, ye've been to me this day. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +Ach, sure its over. Its full time we were in our beds. + + [Viciously.] + +You'd think he was dead and buried to hear the two of ye goin' on. +Sure for all know, he may be comin' back and a great name wi' him. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +That's you to the ground, ye cunnin' rascal. Keep him out at all +costs. + + [Thunder and lightning.] + +D'ye hear yon? To think o' that poor sowl wi' his wee bit o' a coat +out in the coul' and wet. If any harm come till him, Samuel James, +know this, you were the cause o' it. + + + SAMUEL JAMES. + +It was his own choosin'. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +His own choosin'. Who flattered him and led him on? Who kep' the +fiddle hangin' there and would let no one take it down, a continuin' +temptation till him? And you, William John Granahan, wi' your lust for +money. Aye. Lust for money. You couldn't abide him heartenin' up the +house wi' a tune or two, but ye'd brak the boy's heart sendin' him out +till work again, and him workin' as much as two of Samuel James there. +Ye thought he was wastin' time and money. D'ye think there's nothin' +in this life beyond making money above the rent. I tell you it's not +the money alone that makes life worth livin'. It's the wee things you +think nothin' o', but that make your home a joy to come back till, +after a hard day's work. And you've sent out into the coul and wet, +the one that was makin' your home somethin' more than the common. D'ye +think them proud city folk will listen to his poor ould ballads wi' +the heart o' the boy singin' through them. Its only us--its only us, +I say, as knows the long wild nights, and the wet and the rain and the +mist o' nights on the boglands,--its only us I say, could listen him +in the right way, + + [Sobbing.] + +and ye knowed, right well ye knowed, that every string o' his fiddle +was kayed to the cryin' o' your own heart. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Half sobbing.] + +There. There. God forgive me, my poor ould boy. I did na know. Whist. +Maybe if I say a word or two:--Oh God forgive us this night our angry +words, and ha'e marcy on my wayward son, O Lord, and keep him safe +from harm, and deliver him not unto the adversary. Amen. + + + GRANDFATHER. + +Amen. Aye. Aye. Ye done well. Let no the sun go down upon your wrath. + + + WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN. + + [Going to door.] + +It's a coorse night. + + [Pauses.] + +I'll lave the door on the hesp. + + [He unbolts the door.] + + + CURTAIN. + + + O'GORMAN AND COMPANY, PRINTINGHOUSE, GALWAY. + + + + + _PRESS OPINIONS OF PERFORMANCES._ + + +"The Turn of the Road" ... is beyond question one of the most sterling +products of the Irish literary revival ever seen at the Abbey Theatre. +Whether depicting a matchmaker like the astute Mrs. Granahan ... or +reproducing the conversation of farmers just returned from fair or +market, discussing parish affairs or speculating on harvest prospects, +the author is equally delightful and successful.--_Irish Times._ + +The "Turn of the Road" ... is one of the most successful pieces ever +written dealing with Irish life. The author "Rutherford Mayne" has +drawn his characters with a master's hand and they stand out clear and +distinct.--_Freeman's Journal._ + +The play was of engrossing interest and was a masterpiece of +composition which speaks hopefully of the work to be expected of the +Ulster School of Drama.--_Daily Express._ + +"The Turn of the Road" is a brilliantly written comedy characteristic +of the County of Down.--_Irish Independent._ + +The charm of this little play is delightful and natural; its comedy +is beautifully balanced and its pathos ... superb and admirably +restrained.--_Evening Herald._ + +"The Turn of the Road" is a clever and poetic conception clothed in +smart effective County Down dialogue with many bright and sparkling +lines. The significance, the pathos, and inherent beauty of the +concluding scene is a piece of consummate art.--_Belfast Newsletter._ + +The author ... builds his scenes out of simple materials but always +with the eye of a craftsman for striking effects and incidents.... The +"Return from Market," "The Marriage Bargain," and the last scene ... +have the illusion of life, and are in a phrase--which, though blunted +by misuse, expresses a real need in Irish Art--"racy of the +soil"--_The Northern Whig._ + +"The Turn of the Road" is a cleverly constructed picture of life in a +County Down farmhouse, evidently drawn by one who knew his characters +or their prototypes in the flesh.--_Irish News._ + +It is a play that transports the hedge rows, the farm kitchen with its +dresser and turf fire, and above all the real vernacular right into +our preception more vividly than an experience. The author has written +a remarkable fine play of life, humour, and realism.--_Nomad's Weekly +and Belfast Critic._ + +Into the brief compass of his two acts Mr. Rutherford Mayne has +compressed the age-long attitude of Ulster towards the arts.... Light +is breaking after the long Arctic night. The very existence of this +poignant play pregnantly indicates that the old order is changing and +must soon give place to the new.--_The Lady of the House._ + +The more we see this peasant drama in two scenes and an epilogue, the +more we admire its unpretending art and its real greatness.--_Belfast +Evening Telegraph._ + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Turn of the Road, by Rutherford Mayne + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TURN OF THE ROAD *** + +***** This file should be named 31044.txt or 31044.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/1/0/4/31044/ + +Produced by Audrey Longhurst and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/31044.zip b/31044.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..27e7bd4 --- /dev/null +++ b/31044.zip diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6161d0f --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #31044 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/31044) |