[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.]