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III]

I didn't sleep all night. So I got up to see the sun rise.

[Opens the double doors.] It's a lovely morning now after all the rain we had. [Turns round.] But you must be dead tired, ma'am. What will the master say at your doing a thing like that? [She goes to the door of the study and knocks.] Master Richard!

[Looks round.] He is not there. He went out an hour ago.

Out there, on the strand, is it?

Yes.

[Comes towards her and leans over the back of a chair.] Are you fretting yourself, ma'am, about anything?

No, Brigid.

Don't be. He was always like that, meandering off by himself somewhere. He is a curious bird. Master Richard, and always was. Sure there isn't a turn in him I don't know. Are you fretting now maybe because he does be in there [pointing to the study] half the night at his books? Leave him alone. He'll come back to you again. Sure he thinks the sun shines out of your face, ma'am.

[Sadly.] That time is gone.