MR. QUIRKE. I'll speak up to them. I'll make my defense. What can the army expect at fippence a pound?
MRS. DELANE. It is likely there will be no bail allowed?
MR. QUIRKE. Would they be wanting me to give them good quality meat out of my own pocket? Is it to encourage them to fight the poor Indians and Africans they would have me? It's the Anti-Enlisting Societies should pay the fine for me.
MRS. DELANE. It's not a fine will be put on you, I'm afraid. It's five years in jail you will be apt to be getting. Well, I'll try and be a good neighbor to poor Mrs. Quirke.
[Mr. Quirke, who has been stamping up and down, sits down and weeps. Halvey comes in and stands on one side.
MR. QUIRKE. Hadn't I heart-scalding enough before, striving to rear five weak children?
MRS. DELANE. I suppose they will be sent to the Industrial Schools?
MR. QUIRKE. My poor wife——
MRS. DELANE. I'm afraid the workhouse——
MR. QUIRKE. And she out in an ass-car at this minute, helping me to follow my trade.