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 pa.s.s 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.