Page:Plays in Prose and Verse (1922).djvu/25

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CATHLEEN NI HOULIHAN
9

sight. There is no use leaving it out for every stranger to look at.

[He goes over to a large box in the corner, opens it and puts the bag in and fumbles at the lock.

michael. There she is, father! [An old woman passes the window slowly, she looks at michael as she passes.] I'd sooner a stranger not to come to the house the night before my wedding.

bridget. Open the door, Michael; don't keep the poor woman waiting.

[The old woman comes in. michael stands aside to make way for her.

old woman. God save all here!

peter. God save you kindly!

old woman. You have good shelter here.

peter. You are welcome to whatever shelter we have.

bridget. Sit down there by the fire and welcome.

old woman [warming her hands]. There is a hard wind outside.

[michael watches her curiously from the door. peter comes over to the table.

peter. Have you travelled far to-day?

old woman. I have travelled far, very far; there are few have travelled so far as myself, and there's many a one that doesn't make me welcome. There was one that had strong