[Nora sits down at the chimney corner, with her back to the door. Maurya comes in very slowly, without looking at the girls, and goes over to her stool at the other side of the fire. The cloth with the bread is still in her hand. The girls look at each other, and Nora points to the bundle of bread.]

CATHLEEN.
After spinning for a moment.—You didn’t give him his bit of bread?

[Maurya begins to keen softly, without turning round.]

CATHLEEN.
Did you see him riding down?

[Maurya goes on keening.]

CATHLEEN.
A little impatiently.—God forgive you; isn’t it a better thing to raise your voice and tell what you seen, than to be making lamentation for a thing that’s done? Did you see Bartley, I’m saying to you?

MAURYA.
With a weak voice.—My heart’s broken from this day.

CATHLEEN.
As before.—Did you see Bartley?

MAURYA.
I seen the fearfulest thing.

CATHLEEN.
Leaves her wheel and looks out.—God forgive you; he’s riding the mare now over the green head, and the gray pony behind him.