Three Plays: The Fiddler's House, The Land, Thomas Muskerry Part 24

ELLEN You said that house and land could not keep you. You told him you were going as your brothers went.

MATT And I felt I was going. I frightened him. He'll be glad to see me back. It will be long before he treats me that way again.

ELLEN _(suddenly)_ Matt!

MATT What is it, Ellen?

ELLEN I don't know--I was upset--thinking of the quarrel _(putting her hands on his shoulders)_ My poor Matt. It was about me you quarrelled.

MATT Ay, he spoke against you. I couldn't put up with that.

ELLEN He does not know your high spirit. He does not know your strength.

MATT Ellen, it's no shame for a man to have harsh words said to him when it's about a woman like you.

ELLEN Let nothing come between us now. I saw you in the winter making drains and ditches, and it wet. It's a poor story, the life of a man on the land.

MATT I had too much thought for the land.

ELLEN You had. Have thought for me now. There is no one in fair or market but would notice me. I was never a favourite. I lived to myself. I did not give my love about. You have never offered me anything. In the song a man offers towns to his sweetheart. You can offer me the sights of great towns, and the fine manners, and the fine life.

MATT Ellen! _(He draws a little away)_ It's not me that could offer the like of that. I never had anything to my hand but a spade.

ELLEN Your brothers--think of them.

MATT They all left some one behind them. I am the last of my name.

ELLEN Why should that keep you back?

MATT His name is something to a man. Could you hear of your own name melting away without unease? And you are a woman. A man feels it more.

ELLEN I do not understand men. Will you go back to your father's house after he shaming you out of it?

MATT He'll be glad to see me back. He'll never cast it up to me that I went.

ELLEN Matt, your father said words against me. Will you go to him and take his hand after that?

MATT It was little he said against you. It was against your father he spoke.

ELLEN _(sinking down on a chair, and putting hands before her face)_ My G.o.d! After all my waiting, you talk like that.

MATT _(going to her)_ Ellen, Ellen, tell me what I can do for you?

There's land and houses to be had here. Father will let me have my own way after this.

ELLEN _(rising, with anger)_ What does it matter to me whether he lets you have your own way or not? Do you think I could go into a farmer's house?

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. G.o.d 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)_