MATT
Ellen!

ELLEN
It’s a bad hand I’d make of a farmer’s house.  I’m not the sort
to be in one.  I’m not like Sally.

MATT
(getting angry) Don’t be talking that way, Ellen Douras.

ELLEN (with great vehemence) I must be talking like this.  If you take me, you will have to go from your father’s house.  I always knew it.  You ought to know it now, Matt Cosgar.

MATT
You didn’t know it always.  And you have let some one come
between us when you talk like that.

ELLEN
I’m not one to be listening to what people say about you.  Nor
do I be talking in the markets about you.

MATT I suppose not.  You wouldn’t have people think you gave any thought to me; I’m not good enough for you.  The people you know are better.

ELLEN
You are foolish to be talking like that.  You are foolish, I say.

MATT
I know I am foolish.  Fit only to be working in drains and
ditches in the winter.  That’s what you think.

ELLEN
Maybe it is.

MATT
Ellen Douras!  Ellen Douras!  A farmer’s roof will be high enough
for you some day.

ELLEN
May I never see the day.  Go back, go back.  Make it up with
your father.  Your father will be glad of a labourer.

MATT
Maybe you won’t be glad if I go back; thinking on what you’ve
said.

ELLEN
I said too much.  We don’t know each other at all.  Go back.  You
have made your choice.

  She goes up to room left.

MATT Very well, then.  God above, am I to be treated everywhere like a heifer strayed into a patch of oats?  Neither man nor woman will make me put up with this any longer. (Going to door) When Ellen Douras wants me, she knows the place to send to. (He stands at door.  There is no sound from room.  Going back he speaks loudly) I’ll be waiting two days or three days to hear from Ellen Douras.

  There is no sound.  Matt goes out.  The room door is thrown open,
  and Ellen comes down.

ELLEN (furiously) Two days or three days he’ll wait for me.  As if I’d go into Murtagh Cosgar’s house.  As if I’d go into any farmer’s house.  As if I’d get married at all, and the world before me.  Two days or three days you’ll wait.  Maybe it’s lonesome, weary years you’ll be waiting, Matt Cosgar.

CURTAIN

ACT III

   Interior of Murtagh Cosgar’s.  It is towards sunset.  Murtagh
   Cosgar is standing before the door looking out.  Martin Douras is
   sitting at the fire in an armchair.

MARTIN DOURAS
It’s getting late, Murtagh Cosgar.

MURTAGH COSGAR
Ay, it’s getting late.

MARTIN DOURAS
It’s time for me to be going home.  I should be seeing
Ellen. (He rises)

MURTAGH COSGAR
Stay where you are. (Turning round) We’re two old
men, as you say.  We should keep each other’s company for a bit.