SANDY. Then come and sit in it, please, and speak to me. I’m dull,
madam. (_Sighs._)
WIDOW (_pokes up the peat_). It’s a poor fire, indeet, and there’s
nothing so cheery as a bright fire. I hope you’ll be excusing
the old fire-place, but maybe by next year we’ll have a
registered grate. (_Sits down._)
SANDY. (_standing up_). Heavens! don’t speak about such a thing,
never think of changing your grate. It’s perfect, madam.
(_Smiles._) I must paint this fire-place, and you must sit
beside it at your spinning wheel. (_Glances round the room._) I
will give you some pictures to hide those on the wall--those
frowning fellows--pah!
WIDOW (_aside_). I must mind to be humouring him. (_Aloud._) You
are too kind, indeet. But first I will give you something to
eat. (_Rises._)
SANDY. Sit down, Mrs Mackay. I’m not hungry. Please do not go away.
(_Gazes in her face._) Do sit down. (_Aside._) How like Màiri
she is. I seem to see Màiri everywhere, yet I cannot see her.
WIDOW. I’m afraid you’ll have to be excusing me. I have to go for a
little message, but I’ll not be long. I’m sure you will be
excusing me, now.
SANDY. I beg your pardon, Mrs Mackay. It’s selfish of me to detain
you.
WIDOW (_smiling._) I’ll soon be back. (_Aside._) I must hurry after
his mother and tell her. The poor lad is eating out his heart
because he has quarrelled with her. (_Aloud._) Be amusing
yourself till I return, Mr Sandy--I mean Sandy. (_Aside._) I’ll
better hurry and get back before Màiri comes. (_Exit._)
SANDY (_Alone. Sits before the fire on the low stool. Elbows
on knees and face between his hands._) I cannot escape Màiri.
Everywhere I go I think of Màiri. (_Takes a sheet of notepaper
from his pocket and reads_):
Star of my soul, can I forget?
I dreamed not that my star would set.
Ah! now my heaven is dim and bare,
Thou wert so bright, thou wert so fair--
Dwells falsehood in such eyes as thine?
Came poison from thy lips divine?
My soul is----
Pah! What mockery--jingling mockery!
[_Flings his poem in the fire. As the flame leaps up the door opens
and Màiri enters. Sandy looks round, utters an exclamation of
surprise: stands up, faces Màiri. The lovers gaze at one
another, amazed and silent for a few seconds._]
SANDY. Màiri.... You?
MÀIRI (_with emotion_). Why--why have you--have you followed
me here?