Hard Never—never! I will not—can not accept it. I’ll tear that dog’s tongue from his throat that dared insult you with the offer.

Mrs. C Foolish boy, before to-morrow night we shall be beggars—outcasts from this estate. Humiliation and poverty stand like specters at yonder door—to-morrow they will be realities. Can you tear out the tongues that will wag over our fallen fortunes? You are a child, you can not see beyond your happiness.

Hard Oh, mother, mother! what can be done? My marriage with Anne is impossible.

Enter Danny Mann, up rock, at back.

Danny [R. C.] Whisht, if ye plaze—ye’re talkin’ so loud she’ll hear ye say that—she’s comin’.

Mrs. C Has this fellow overheard us?

Hard If he has, he is mine, body and soul. I’d rather trust him with a secret than keep it myself.

Mrs. C [L. C.] I can not remain to see Anne; excuse me to my friends. The night perhaps will bring counsel, or at least resolution to hear the worst! Good night, my son.

[Music.Exit into house, L.

Danny [R. C.] Oh, masther! she doesn’t know the worst! She doesn’t know that you are married to the Colleen Bawn.