HROADBENT [disposing of the idea at once].  Larry!  Oh, that wouldn’t have done at all, not at all.  You don’t know Larry as I do, my dear.  He has absolutely no capacity for enjoyment:  he couldn’t make any woman happy.  He’s as clever as be-blowed; but life’s too earthly for him:  he doesn’t really care for anything or anybody.

Nora.  I’ve found that out.

Broadbent.  Of course you have.  No, my dear:  take my word for it, you’re jolly well out of that.  There! [swinging her round against his breast] that’s much more comfortable for you.

Nora [with Irish peevishness].  Ah, you mustn’t go on like that.  I don’t like it.

Broadbent [unabashed].  You’ll acquire the taste by degrees.  You mustn’t mind me:  it’s an absolute necessity of my nature that I should have somebody to hug occasionally.  Besides, it’s good for you:  it’ll plump out your muscles and make em elastic and set up your figure.

Nora.  Well, I’m sure! if this is English manners!  Aren’t you ashamed to talk about such things?

Broadbent [in the highest feather].  Not a bit.  By George, Nora, it’s a tremendous thing to be able to enjoy oneself.  Let’s go off for a walk out of this stuffy little room.  I want the open air to expand in.  Come along.  Co-o-o-me along. [He puts her arm into his and sweeps her out into the garden as an equinoctial gale might sweep a dry leaf].

Later in the evening, the grasshopper is again enjoying the sunset by the great stone on the hill; but this time he enjoys neither the stimulus of Keegan’s conversation nor the pleasure of terrifying Patsy Farrell.  He is alone until Nora and Broadbent come up the hill arm in arm.  Broadbent is still breezy and confident; but she has her head averted from him and is almost in tears].

Broadbent [stopping to snuff up the hillside air].  Ah!  I like this spot.  I like this view.  This would be a jolly good place for a hotel and a golf links.  Friday to Tuesday, railway ticket and hotel all inclusive.  I tell you, Nora, I’m going to develop this place. [Looking at her] Hallo!  What’s the matter?  Tired?

Nora [unable to restrain her tears].  I’m ashamed out o me life.

Broadbent [astonished].  Ashamed!  What of?

Nora.  Oh, how could you drag me all round the place like that, telling everybody that we’re going to be married, and introjoocing me to the lowest of the low, and letting them shake hans with me, and encouraging them to make free with us?  I little thought I should live to be shaken hans with be Doolan in broad daylight in the public street of Rosscullen.

Broadbent.  But, my dear, Doolan’s a publican:  a most influential man.  By the way, I asked him if his wife would be at home tomorrow.  He said she would; so you must take the motor car round and call on her.

Nora [aghast].  Is it me call on Doolan’s wife!