DEVLIN (knocks and orders another half of whiskey)
Another half one. That letter took a lot out of me.
DRISCOLL Literature, they say, is always a great strain on a man's vitality. I was offered a job as proof reader on a newspaper one time, but my friends advised me not to take it.
DEVLIN Your friends were wise. Stayin' up at night is bad for any man. 'Tis hard enough to be up in the mornin' without bein' up at night as well.
DRISCOLL (places drink on table)
That's true.
[Exit. A man of about forty-five enters, with a pint of porter in his hand. He sits near Devlin.
BARRY NAGLE
Good mornin', stranger.
DEVLIN
Good mornin'.
NAGLE
'Tis a fine day for this time of year.
DEVLIN
This would be a fine day for any part of the year.
NAGLE Fine weather is the least of the good things that the poor is entitled to.