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+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
+
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