Three Plays: The Fiddler's House, The Land, Thomas Muskerry Part 43

There's about half an acre of land to the place, and I'll do work on the ground from time to time, for it's a good thing for a man to get the smell of the clay.

CHRISTY And how are you in health, Mr. Muskerry?

MUSKERRY I'm very well in health. I was anointed, you know, and after that I mended miraculously.

CHRISTY And what about the pension?

MUSKERRY I'm getting three hundred pounds. They asked me to realize the pension. I hope I have life enough before me. _(He comes out. He has on trousers, coat, and starched s.h.i.+rt. The s.h.i.+rt is soiled and crushed)_

MUSKERRY On Sat.u.r.days I'll do my marketing. I'll come into the town, and I'll buy the bit of meat for my dinner on Sunday. But what are you doing with this portmanteau, Christy?

CHRISTY I'm going away myself.

MUSKERRY To a situation, is it?

CHRISTY To a situation in Dublin.

MUSKERRY I wish you luck, Christy. _(He shakes hands with the boy, and sits down on a chair)_ I was dreaming on new things all last night. New s.h.i.+rts, new sheets, everything new.

CHRISTY I want to be something.

MUSKERRY What do you want to be?

CHRISTY A writer.

MUSKERRY A writer of books, is it?

CHRISTY Yes, a writer of books.

MUSKERRY Listen, now, and tell me do you hear anything. That's the sound of bees swarming at the window. That's a good augury for you, Christy.

CHRISTY All life's before me.

MUSKERRY Will you give heed to what I tell you?

CHRISTY I'll give heed to it, Mr. Muskerry.

MUSKERRY Live a good life.

CHRISTY I give heed to you.

MUSKERRY Your mother had great hards.h.i.+p in rearing you.

CHRISTY I know that, Mr. Muskerry, but now I'm able for the world.

MUSKERRY I wish success to all your efforts. Be very careful of your personal appearance.

CHRISTY I will, Mr. Muskerry.

MUSKERRY Get yourself a new cravat before you leave the town.

CHRISTY I'll get it.

MUSKERRY I think I'd look better myself if I had a fresher s.h.i.+rt.

CHRISTY I saw clean s.h.i.+rts of yours before the fire last night in my mother's house.

MUSKERRY I wish I could get one before I leave this place.

CHRISTY Will I run off and get one for you?

MUSKERRY Would you, Christy? Would it be too much trouble?

_Muskerry rises_.

CHRISTY I'll go now.

MUSKERRY You're a very willing boy, Christy, and you're sure to get on. _(He goes to a little broken mirror on the wall)_ I am white and loose of flesh, and that's not a good sign with me, Christy. I'll tell you something. If I were staying here to-night, it's the pauper's bed I'd have to sleep on.

_Mrs. Crilly comes to the door_.

MRS. CRILLY Well, I see you're making ready for your departure.

MUSKERRY _(who has become uneasy)_ I am ready for my departure.

MRS. CRILLY And this young man has come for you, I suppose?

MUSKERRY This young man is minding his own business.

CHRISTY I'm going out now to get a s.h.i.+rt for the Master.

MRS. CRILLY A starched s.h.i.+rt, I suppose, Christy. Go down to our house, and tell Mary to give you one of the s.h.i.+rts that are folded up.

MUSKERRY The boy will go where he was bid go.

MRS. CRILLY Oh, very well. Run, Christy, and do the message for the Master.

_Christy Clarke goes out_.

MUSKERRY I don't know what brought you here to-day.

MRS. CRILLY Well, I wanted to see you.

MUSKERRY You could come to see me when I was settled down.

MRS.

CRILLY Settled in the cottage the Guardians have given you?

MUSKERRY Yes, ma'am.