let him go to the Feis at Ardagh. We couldn't let him go off like a
rambling fiddler.

ANNE
We couldn't let him go off by himself.

MAIRE
You're going to Moynihan's.

ANNE
Maybe I'll go.

MAIRE
Anne, honey, do something for me.

ANNE
What will I do?

MAIRE
You'll meet father coming up with Brian, and take him away.

ANNE
And will you tell me everything to-night?

MAIRE
Who else would I talk to but yourself, Nancy? _(Anne goes out)_
I wish Anne hadn't spoken to me like that. I feel the like of that.
_(Desperately)_ Well, I'll pray for nothing now but to look my best.
_(She goes to the fire. Brian MacConnell comes in)_ You're welcome,
Brian.

BRIAN
We didn't finish to-day. I'll come in to-morrow and finish.

MAIRE
O no, Brian, we won't take another day from you.

BRIAN
Well, what's a day after all? Many's the day and night I put
in thinking on you.

MAIRE
But did you do what I asked you to do?

BRIAN
I did. I made it up with my brothers. It was never my way
before. What I wanted I took with the strong hand; or if I mightn't
put the strong hand on it, I left it alone.

MAIRE
_(eagerly)_ Tell me what your brother said to you.

BRIAN
When I came up to the door, Hugh came out to meet me.
"What destruction are you bringing me?" he said. "There's my hand,"
says I, "and I take your offer." MAIRE Ah, that's settled. You could
settle anything, Brian. _(She goes to the settle and sits down)_ I
wonder could you settle something for us?

BRIAN
What is it, Maire?

MAIRE
It's my father. He wants to be rambling again. He wants to be
going to some Feis.

BRIAN
Sure, let him go.

_He takes her hand_.

MAIRE
I couldn't, Brian. Couldn't you help us? Couldn't you keep
father's mind on the right things?

BRIAN
Sure, let the fiddler go on the roads.

MAIRE
You might stay here this evening with ourselves. Father would
be glad to talk with you.

BRIAN
_(putting his arm around her)_ But I want the two of us to be
seen in Moynihan's to-night.

MAIRE
_(resistance in her voice)_ Stay here with us, and let all
that go by.

BRIAN
Hugh will be there with that woman that brought him the big
fortune; and I want you to take the shine out of her.

MAIRE
_(rising)_ I was out often lately. You know that, Brian.

_She goes to chair at table, and sits away from him_.

BRIAN
_(rising and going to her)_ But this night above all you must
be with me.

MAIRE
_(turning to him impulsively)_ Stay