ANNA (with a certain resolution in her rich voice) Mother.  Is my money safe?

MRS. CRILLY
We could give you the eighty pounds, Anna, but after
that we would need all the help we could get from you.

ANNA
Yes, mother.

MRS. CRILLY
(again taking up a position) But if we help James
Scollard to the place.

ANNA (with determination) Whether Mr. Scollard gets the place or does not get the place, I’ll want my fortune, mother.

MRS. CRILLY Very well, Anna.  If we could get him to come over. ... (She sits in arm chair) There’s a lamb in Ginnell’s field; you might call in to-morrow and ask them to prepare it for us.

ANNA
Then grandfather is coming to dinner on Sunday?

MRS. CRILLY
We must get him to come.

  Some one is coming up the passage.  Anna’s hand is on handle of door. 
  She holds it open.  Thomas Muskerry stands there.

MUSKERRY
(pleased to see her) Well, Nancy!

ANNA
Good night, grandpapa. (He regards her with fondness)

MRS. CRILLY
Good night, father.

MUSKERRY
This Nancy girl is looking remarkably well. (He turns to
Mrs. Crilly) Well, ma’am, and how are you?  I’ve written that letter
for that rascally Albert.

He leaves his stick on table and goes to desk.  Mrs. Crilly watches him.  Anna comes to her.  Muskerry addresses an envelope with some labour.  Mrs. Crilly notices a tress of Anna’s hair falling down.  Anna kneels down beside her.  She takes off Anna’s cap, settles up the hair, and puts the cap on again.  Having addressed the envelope, Muskerry holds up a piece of wax to the gas.  He seals the letter then holds it out.

MUSKERRY
Here’s the letter now, and maybe it’s the last thing I can
do for any of ye.

MRS. CRILLY
You are very good.

  Muskerry goes to them.

MUSKERRY
In season and out of season I’ve put myself at your service. 
I can do no more for ye.

  She takes the letter from him.  His resentment is breaking down.  He
  sits on chair beside armchair.  He speaks in a reconciling tone.

MUSKERRY
You’re looking well, Marianne,

MRS. CRILLY
I’m beginning to be well again.

MUSKERRY
And the infant?  What age is he now?

MRS. CRILLY
Little Joseph is ten months old.

MUSKERRY
I dreamt of him last night.  I thought Joseph became a bishop. 
He ought to be reared for the Church, Marianne.  Well, well, I’ve
nothing more to do with that. (He settles himself in the armchair)
Did Christy Clarke bring in the papers?

ANNA
Christy Clarke hasn’t been here at all, grandpapa.

MUSKERRY Stand here till I look at you Nancy. (Anna comes left of stove) I wouldn’t be surprised if you were the best-looking girl in the town, Nancy.