[Exit Anne, R. 1 E.
Music. Enter Mrs. Cregan and Hardress, L. door in flat.
Mrs. C [R. C.] What do you say, Hardress?
Hard [L. C.] I say, mother, that my heart and faith are both already pledged to another, and I can not break my engagement.
Mrs. C And this is the end of all our pride!
Hard Repining is useless—thought and contrivance are of no avail—the die is cast.
Mrs. C Hardress, I speak not for myself, but for you—and I would rather see you in your coffin than married to this poor, lowborn, silly, vulgar creature. I know you, my son; you will be miserable when the infatuation of first love is past; when you turn from her and face the world, as one day you must do, you will blush to say, “This is my wife.” Every word from her mouth will be a pang to your pride. You will follow her movements with terror—the contempt and derision she excites will rouse you first to remorse, and then to hatred—and from the bed to which you go with a blessing, you will rise with a curse.
Hard Mother! mother! [Throws himself in chair.
Mrs. C To Anne you have acted a heartless and dishonorable part—her name is already coupled with yours at every fireside in Kerry.
Enter Servant, L. door in flat.