The Turn of the Road Part 31

ROBBIE JOHN.

G.o.d bless you wee girl for you're put a heart into me.

[They embrace. Mrs. Granahan comes in.]

MRS. GRANAHAN.

There. There. Bide a wee. Here they're all coming in for their tays.

[William John Granahan, Graeme, Taylor, Samuel James and Grandfather come in.

Robbie John goes over to fiddle and puts it into a case.]

WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN.

[Puzzled.]

So you're at it again, are you? Well I suppose there's no harm in giving Miss Graeme a tune, but I thought you were a man to your word.

ROBBIE JOHN.

[Determinedly.]

Look here. I want you all to know I am goin' to try my luck with this.

SAMUEL JAMES.

[Exultingly.]

You're goin' to lave us like to mak' money wi' it.

ROBBIE JOHN.

I'm goin' to try.

MRS. GRANAHAN.

Robbie John are you daft. What wild nonsense are ye talkin' about. And you to be married at Christmas and everythin' settled about you this very day.

ROBBIE JOHN.

I am determined to do it. Nothin' can keep me back.

JOHN GRAEME.

There. That's enough. My daughter jilted by a Granahan! Come home out o' this Jane Graeme.

[He stamps his foot angrily and beckons her to come. Jane moves past Robbie John where he is standing and then suddenly kisses him and goes out with her father.]

WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN.

[Pa.s.sionately.]

You see what you ha'e done Robert John Granahan. Broken your parents'

hearts, and made the name of the Granahans a disgrace to the countryside.

[Wildly.]

Quick d--n ye before it's too late.

ROBBIE JOHN.

My mind's made up. Give me the address of that Professor you told me of, Mr. Taylor.

TAYLOR.

You're a fool, Robbie.

[Producing card and handing it to him.]

There. That's it.

WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN.

There's time yet, man. After John Graeme, and make it up wi' him.

Swear you were only makin' fun.

ROBBIE JOHN.

I stick by the fiddle.

WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN.

[Mad with anger.]

Then stick by the fiddle. And know if ever you are weary or ahungered or in want, ye need nivir look me for any help.