BURKE—[Warningly.] Now don't be coming at me again, I'm saying, or I'll flatten you on the floor with a blow, if 'tis Anna's father you are itself! I've no patience left for you. [Then with an amused laugh.] Well, 'tis a bold old man you are just the same, and I'd never think it was in you to come tackling me alone. [A shadow crosses the cabin windows. Both men start. ANNA appears in the doorway.]
ANNA—[With pleased surprise as she sees BURKE.] Hello, Mat. Are you here already? I was down—[She stops, looking from one to the other, sensing immediately that something has happened.] What's up? [Then noticing the overturned chair—in alarm.] How'd that chair get knocked over? [Turning on BURKE reproachfully.] You ain't been fighting with him, Mat—after you promised?
BURKE—[His old self again.] I've not laid a hand on him, Anna. [He goes and picks up the chair, then turning on the still questioning ANNA—with a reassuring smile.] Let you not be worried at all. 'Twas only a bit of an argument we was having to pass the time till you'd come.
ANNA—It must have been some argument when you got to throwing chairs. [She turns on CHRIS.] Why don't you say something? What was it about?
CHRIS—[Relaxing at last—avoiding her eyes—sheepishly.] Ve vas talking about ships and fallars on sea.
ANNA—[With a relieved smile.] Oh—the old stuff, eh?
BURKE—[Suddenly seeming to come to a bold decision—with a defiant grin at CHRIS.] He's not after telling you the whole of it. We was arguing about you mostly.
ANNA—[With a frown.] About me?
BURKE—And we'll be finishing it out right here and now in your presence if you're willing. [He sits down at the left of table.]
ANNA—[Uncertainly—looking from him to her father.] Sure. Tell me what it's all about.