Susan That’s a grand story.

Honor He tells it lovely.

Christy (flattered and confident, waving bone). He gave a drive with the scythe, and I gave a lep to the east. Then I turned around with my back to the north, and I hit a blow on the ridge of his skull, laid him stretched out, and he split to the knob of his gullet.

He raises the chicken bone to his Adam’s apple.

Girls (together). Well, you’re a marvel! Oh, God bless you! You’re the lad surely!

Susan I’m thinking the Lord God sent him this road to make a second husband to the Widow Quin, and she with a great yearning to be wedded, though all dread her here. Lift him on her knee, Sara Tansey.

Widow Quin Don’t tease him.

Sara (going over to dresser and counter very quickly, and getting two glasses and porter). You’re heroes surely, and let you drink a supeen with your arms linked like the outlandish lovers in the sailor’s song. (She links their arms and gives them the glasses.) There now. Drink a health to the wonders of the western world, the pirates, preachers, poteen-makers, with the jobbing jockies; parching peelers, and the juries fill their stomachs selling judgments of the English law.

Brandishing the bottle.

Widow Quin That’s a right toast, Sara Tansey. Now Christy.

They drink with their arms linked, he drinking with his left hand, she with her right. As they are drinking, Pegeen Mike comes in with a milk can and stands aghast. They all spring away from Christy. He goes down left. Widow Quin remains seated.

Pegeen (angrily, to Sara). What is it you’re wanting?

Sara (twisting her apron). An ounce of tobacco.

Pegeen Have you tuppence?

Sara I’ve forgotten my purse.

Pegeen Then you’d best be getting it and not fooling us here. (To the Widow Quin, with more elaborate scorn.) And what is it you’re wanting, Widow Quin?

Widow Quin (insolently). A penn’orth of starch.

Pegeen (breaking out). And you without a white shift or a shirt in your whole family since the drying of the flood. I’ve no starch for the like of you, and let you walk on now to Killamuck.

Widow Quin (turning to Christy, as she goes out with the girls). Well, you’re mighty huffy this day, Pegeen Mike, and, you young fellow, let you not forget the sports and racing when the noon is by. (They go out).

Pegeen (imperiously). Fling out that rubbish and put them cups away. (Christy tidies away in great haste.) Shove in the bench by the wall. (He does so.) And hang that glass on the nail. What disturbed it at all?

Christy (very meekly). I was making myself decent only, and this a fine country for young lovely girls.

Pegeen (sharply). Whisht your talking of girls. (Goes to counter on right.)