Page:Plays in Prose and Verse (1922).djvu/42

26. Well, I never saw the man, gentle or simple, wouldn’t be glad of his fill of bacon and be hungry.

. Let me alone, I'll show the Kernans what I can do. I have what is better than bacon, a nice bit of a ham I am keeping in the chest this good while, thinking we might want it for company. [She catches sight of and calls out.] Who is there? A beggar man is it? Then you may quit this house if you please. We have nothing for you. [She gets up and opens the door.]

[comes forward]. It is a mistake you are making, ma'am, it is not asking anything I am. It is giving I am more used to. I was never in a house yet but there would be a welcome for me in it again.

. Well, you have the appearance of a beggar, and if it isn't begging you are what way do you make your living?

. If I was a beggar, ma'am, it is to common people I would be going and not to a nice grand woman like yourself, that is only used to be talking with high-up noble people.

. Well, what is it you are asking? If it's a bit to eat you want, I can’t give it to you, for I have company coming that will clear all before them.

. Is it me ask anything to eat? [Holds up stone.] I have here what is better