KILROY. ’Twould take five. Could you give Peggy that much hard money without hurting yourselves? It would mean big matches for your other daughters. JOHN. Aye! MRS. S. There’s something in that, James. But if we give Peggy five hundred, the others might expect the same, and we couldn’t afford it.... Tell me this, James. If Joseph’s legacy buys Rush Hill, where do you come in? You wouldn’t be out a penny. JOHN. Hey! That’s one for you, James. KILROY. Joseph’s legacy won’t wink at buying it, Briget. We’ll be very snug if another thousand buys it. I’ll have to raise that thousand myself.... I mean I’ll have to go security for it. MRS. S. Well, buy it, James, and we’ll stock it. I want to see Peggy and Joseph in Rush Hill. KILROY [_gets up and wipes his brow_]. I’d no idea that arranging a match was so difficult. It’s a terrible strain. [_Looks watch._] You’ll come over with me to the auction, John, and we’ll look about us before it begins.... JOHN. I’d as lief not go near it, James. I hate these auction-outs. MRS. S. Silence, John. Get your good coat and hat. JOHN. The neighbours is going to boycott it.... KILROY. The more it’s boycotted, John, the better for you and me. JOHN. Then let’s all boycott it. KILROY. No, but let us go and bid a wicked bad price, then I can deal with the Bank on my own terms. MRS. S. James Kilroy, I’ll speak out what’s in my mind. You’re the best business man I ever come across, and I’m married to the worst.... JOHN. Ah, Briget, Briget! That’s shockin’ unfair! KILROY. I don’t want to boast, Briget, [_expanding his chest_] but if I’d got a woman of your calibre this parish wouldn’t have held me. MRS. S. I’m certain of it. JOHN. Ah, by the hedges, that’s cruelty to animals!... Where’s my hat and coat, Briget? MRS. S. I’ll get them for you. Come into the other room, James. I want to treat you.... Come along, John. JOHN. Aye, at your heel! _They are going off when JOSEPH comes in back linked on PEGGY._ JOSEPH. Hi! look at this. You’re missing all the sights. _The others turn round._ KILROY. Good man, Joseph! He’s won her. He’s a Kilroy. You couldn’t stop the breed with a mountain battery! JOHN. Aye! MRS. S. Mercy, the cheek of young people nowadays! Aren’t you pair ashamed of yourselves? JOSEPH. We glory in it! Hurrah! KILROY [_shouts_]. He’s a Kilroy! Thunder and lightning couldn’t daunt the breed! Didn’t you wreck the college, Joseph? JOSEPH. Aye, and the town ’twas in. KILROY. Will you buy Rush Hill, Joseph? JOSEPH. You’ll buy it and I’ll pay it! KILROY. Well put. And Peggy’s mother’ll stock it. JOSEPH. Well put again. Go on, now, and leave us alone. MRS. S. [_laughing_]. He’s a Kilroy right enough.... Come on, men. We’re not wanted here. _KILROY, JOHN and MRS. S. go into the room._ JOSEPH. It’s all settled, Peggy. We’re as good as married. Amn’t I a hero?