ANNE Listen, Maire.  James says that he’ll be giving this place back to you after a while.  With this start he’ll be able to get a house and land near his father’s place.  He has fine schemes for making this place prosperous.  James, come here. (James turns from door) Come here, James, and talk with Maire.

  James comes to girls, leaving Conn looking out.  Maire rises.

JAMES
I’ll make a path down to the road, and, with a row of trees
before the door, the place will be well worth looking at.

MAIRE
We won’t know the place after a while.

JAMES
We can never forget, Maire, that it is to you that we owe the
place and the start in life.

MAIRE
I never looked on the place as my own.

JAMES
And now that the land is in Anne’s name, my father will be
glad to stock the place.

MAIRE
You have all our will of the place.  Father, speak to James and
tell him that he has your will of the place.

CONN (turning from door) Indeed you have, James, and we’re overglad to have Anne settled with a steady boy.

JAMES
Well, long life to you, Conn; and may the man of art never
want fame nor a friend.

CONN
(going to dresser) Drink to that, James.

  He takes up a bottle and fills two glasses.

JAMES
I never touch anything, Conn; but if Anne won’t think bad of me,
I’ll drink to your prosperity.

ANNE
I won’t be watching you at all. (She goes to door.  To Maire)
I’m going down the road, and if there’s any one coming here, I’ll
let you know.

  Anne goes out.  James takes the glass from Conn.

JAMES Here’s to the fiddler, first of all.  May it be again like in the days of Ireland’s glory, when the men of art had their rights and their dues.

  He drinks.

CONN Long life to yourself, James Moynihan. (Conn drinks) I know you a long time now, and I know nothing to your discredit.  You’re one of the few people here that are to my liking.  Well, if I’m nothing to them, they’re nothing to me.  I lived my own life, and I had the gift.

JAMES (with excitement) If Anne was here, I’d drink to her.  I must go after Anne.  May she never repent of her choice. (He goes to the door, then turns round) But sure I’m forgetting the jewel of them all, yourself, Maire Hourican.  Long may you reign in splendour and success, and in the wish of your heart.

  James Moynihan goes out.  Conn Hourican goes back to the door, and
  remains looking out.  Maire stands at fire.

CONN It’s strange to be looking across that door, and the sun setting for our journey.  And now we’re letting the place go out of our hands.  Well, Honor Gilroy’s bit of land has been brought to a great many people.

  He comes down to dresser.  Maire goes up to window, and remains
  looking out.