MAIRE
Sit down, James.
James sits on chair, near table. Maire is seated at fire, left of
James. Anne leans against table, right of him.
JAMES
Your father is outside, maybe?
MAIRE
No. He's above in the room.
JAMES Yes. Practising, I suppose. Them that have the gift have to mind the gift. In this country there isn't much thought for poetry, or music, or scholarship. Still, a few of us know that a while must be spared from the world if we are to lay up riches in the mind.
ANNE
I hope there's nothing wrong at home?
JAMES (turning to Anne) To tell you the truth, Anne, and to keep nothing back, there is.
MAIRE
And what is it, James?
JAMES (turning to Maire) Anne was talking to my father last night.
ANNE
Indeed I was, and I thought him very friendly to me.