Hard Ah! has it been discovered? Well, mother, now you know the cause of my coldness, my indifference for Anne.
Mrs. C Are you in your senses, Hardress? Who is this girl?
Hard She is known at every fair and pattern in Munster as the Colleen Bawn—her name is Eily O’Connor.
Mrs. C A peasant girl—a vulgar, barefooted beggar!
Hard Whatever she is, love has made her my equal, and when you set your foot upon her you tread upon my heart.
Mrs. C ’Tis well, Hardress. I feel that perhaps I have no right to dispose of your life and your happiness—no, my dear son—I would not wound you—heaven knows how well I love my darling boy, and you shall feel it. Corrigan has made me an offer by which you may regain the estate, and without selling yourself to Anne Chute.
Hard What is it? Of course you accepted it?
Mrs. C No, but I will accept, yes, for your sake—I—I will. He offers to cancel this mortgage if—if—I will consent to—become his wife.
Hard You—you, mother? Has he dared—
Mrs. C Hush! he is right. A sacrifice must be made—either you or I must suffer. Life is before you—my days are well nigh past—and for your sake, Hardress—for yours; my pride, my only one.—Oh! I would give you more than my life.