MRS. S. [_places pen and paper under JOHN’S nose_]. John Scally, you never disobeyed me since the morning I married you! I told James Kilroy to buy Rush Hill and you would sign this paper. He’s making a home for your daughter. Now then. Take the pen in your hand and write your name.... JOHN [_wavering_]. I’d rather not, Briget.... MRS. S. Lift the pen! JOHN [_picks up pen, he is trembling violently_]. I know nothing about Banks or bills.... MRS. S. Write your name! JOHN [_hesitating_]. I know in my heart I shouldn’t do this.... PROF. Johnny Scally! if you sign that paper every small boy in the parish ’ll laff at you. JOHN [_throws down pen and jumps up_]. I’m cursed over again if I sign it! [_Sweeps pen and paper and tumblers off table._] Take the whole thing away to blazes out of my sight and sign it yourselves! PROF. Bully Johnny! That’s the first time I’ve ever seen you in pants. JOHN [_raging_]. I’ll not be made a scarecrow of any longer! Nobody ever signed a bill for me, and I’ll sign nothing for no man! [_Sits down._] MRS. S. I’ll not affront myself before these people, John, but I’ll make you rue this night’s work. JOHN. From this night forth--aye, from this minute--you’ll take your own place in this house and I’ll take mine! PROF. Sit down, sister. You’re beaten to the ropes. Your despotic reign is over. Johnny’s cock of the walk. _O’C. comes in back. He wears a tweed suit and has an overcoat and suitcase._ O’C. I apologise for interrupting the picnic. But I want one word with you, Mr. Allison. ALLISON. Shall we go outside? O’C. It isn’t necessary. I’m going off to-night. There’s the key of Rush Hill. That’ll save you any trouble. ALLISON [_taking key_]. O’Cahan, you’re a prince. O’C. Don’t mention it. _PEGGY goes off quietly to the room._ ALLISON. I’ve a car, Hugh. Won’t you let me drive you in? O’C. I’ll be very glad of a lift. I don’t think I ever walked to town in my life. [_Turns to JOHN_] John, I owe you forty pounds for a foal. JOHN [_angrily_]. You owe me nothing! You buried the foal.... O’C. [_taking out roll of money_]. You couldn’t help that, John. It might as readily have won the Derby. There’s your money. [_Lays it on the table._] JOHN. Will you take a luckpenny? O’C. A luckpenny for a dead foal! Ah, John, that’s too thin! JOHN. Will you let me shake hands with you? O’C [_holding out his hand_]. I’m very glad you want to, John. [_They shake._] JOHN. Good-bye, Hugh. And remember this: John Scally always wished you well. O’C. Thanks, John. I always thought so. _PEGGY comes in dressed for travelling._ PEGGY. Now, Hugh. Are you ready? MRS. S. [_jumps up_]. What! Where are you going, Peggy? PEGGY. I don’t really know yet. Wherever Hugh’s going. PROF. Bully Peggy? MRS. S. Peggy Scally, you’re mad! You won’t cross the threshold this night!