"You what?"
"I want to stay here. Oh, give up this work and stay at home. Your Uncle is getting old and needs help, and I'll be much happier here than in London!..."
"Give up writing!..."
"You'll be able to do some writing here if you want to!"
"Uncle William hasn't time to take a holiday. What time will I have to write if I take on his work?"
"He has no one to help him. I'll help you!"
"The thing's absurd!"
"No, it isn't. I like being in the shop. I've helped Uncle William a lot. I've made suggestions!..."
"My mother put this idea into your head!"
"No, she didn't. She's talked to me about Ballyards, of course, and the MacDermotts and the shop, but she has not asked me to stay here. It's my own idea. I like this little town, John, and its quiet ways and the comfort of this house. I've always wanted comfort and quietness, and I've got it here. I don't want to go back to the misery of London ... always wondering whether we shall have enough money to pay our bills, and you out half the night. Oh, let's stay here!"