DEEGAN. Now, both of you are aware of what I have in mind. So I want no delays. Making a match is like swopping horses--the less one knows about the other the better.... You have my permission to proceed. [_He goes into the room and shuts the door._] DAISY [_making eyes at DAN_]. Say, Den, ain’t this dinky? A-setting at our own fireside, like Darby and Joan, ain’t we? [_Draws her chair closer._] What a swell picture-postal we’d take--and you with your arm round me--eh? DAN [_bounces up_]. The Lord stand between me and the snares of Satan, amen! DAISY. What’s the trouble, Den? DAN. I’m a dacent boy. That’s the trouble. DAISY [_rising_]. But, my dear Den, we gotta get married, or dad will be so mad. DAN [_retreats, and is followed by DAISY_]. That’s nice talk--about marriage--afore you know me five minutes.... Keep back now. Don’t surround me. DAISY. You ain’t skeert, Den, are you? DAN. Oh, I can defend myself--if it comes to that!... Keep back.... Don’t swarm in on me. [_Moves backwards._] DAISY [_following him_]. If you ain’t skeert, why run back aways, like that? Why not halt and talk? DAN [_warding her off_]. Don’t crowd me, now! Keep a civil distance off me.... [_Moves on._] DAISY. Now, Denny, you know blamed well you just love your own Daisy. Ain’t it so? Mind, I ain’t a gel to chase a man around. DAN. Back, back, back! [_Picks up the shovel._] DAISY [_halts_]. Look ahyar, young man. Are we going to make a contract, yea or nay? Now speak. DAN. No contracts ... no contracts.... I’m not a marrying man.... DAISY. Then I guess that ends the courtship. Let’s tell dad. [_She goes towards the room._] DAN. Hi, wait a minute! [_Scratches his head._] That would be twartin’ him.... DAISY [_comes back_]. How now, Denny? Changed your mind, have you? DAN [_feebly_]. I dunno what to do.... God help me, amen! DAISY [_taking his arm_]. Let’s set down like sensible folks, Denny, and I’ll tell you what to do. [_They sit down._] Now, Den, this ain’t no boy-and-gel love-affair. This is a deal. Your dad has seen my papers and they suit him. He needs my money to finish this here house, and you can’t have the dollars without Daisy. [_Draws closer._] Now, Den, it’s your move.... Don’t be skeert to offend me.... _DENIS M’GOTHIGAN and ROSE come in back. DENIS is a sturdy little farmer with a full beard._ DENIS. Well, are ye foolin’ another gerril, Dan? Is’t not enough to fool my daughter, without foolin’ the whole naberhood? DAN [_jumps up_]. I’m in flames, but this is a judgment! [_Stands gazing blankly at DENIS._] Mind, my fader’s in that room, Denis. If he comes out he’ll martyr me. DENIS. Oh, the sooner he hears what I have to say the better. [_Shouts._] I’ve no cows grazed with James Deegan, LL.D. I disregard the ould lan’ grabber or the breed of him.... _OLD DEEGAN comes from the room._