CORNELIUS We came out together, but the priest stopped father and us on the road. Father Bartley wanted his advice, I suppose. Ah, it's a pity the men won't have some one like my father with them! He was in gaol for the Cause. Besides, he's a well-discoursed man, and a reading man, and, moreover, a man with a classical knowledge of English, Latin, and the Hibernian vernacular.
Martin Douras comes in. He is a man of about sixty, with a refined, scholarly look. His manner is subdued and nervous. He has a stoop, and is clean-shaven.
CORNELIUS I was just telling Sally here what a great day it is, father.
MARTIN DOURAS Ay, it's a great day, no matter what our own troubles may be. I should be going home again. (He takes a newspaper out of his pocket, and leaves it on the table)
CORNELIUS
Wait for the men, father.
MARTIN DOURAS
Maybe they'll be here soon. Is Murtagh in, Sally?
Cornelius takes the paper up, and begins to read it.
SALLY
He's down at the bottoms, Martin.
MARTIN DOURAS
He's going to Arvach Fair, maybe.
SALLY
He is in troth.