CARMODY (_resentfully_). Did he now, the auld monkey! Small thanks to him to be tellin' our secrets to the town. NICHOLLS (_exasperated_). I didn't want to learn your affairs. He only told me because you'd said I and Eileen were engaged. You're the one who was telling--secrets. CARMODY (_irritated_). Ara, don't be talkin'! That's no secret at all with the whole town watchin' Eileen and you spoonin' together from the time you was kids. NICHOLLS (_vindictively_). Well, the whole town is liable to find out---- (_He checks himself._) CARMODY (_too absorbed in his own troubles to notice this threat_). To hell with the town and all in it! I've troubles enough of my own. So he told you he'd send Eileen away to the hospital? I've half a mind not to let him--and let him try to make me! (_With a frown._) But Eileen herself says she's wantin' to go, now. (_Angrily._) It's all that divil's notion he put in her head that the children'd be catchin' her sickness that makes her willin' to go. NICHOLLS (_with a superior air_). From what he told me, I should say it was the only thing for Eileen to do if she wants to get well quickly. (_Spitefully._) And I'd certainly not go against Gaynor, if I was you. He told me he'd make it hot for you if you did. He will, too, you can bet on that. He's that kind. CARMODY (_worriedly_). He's a divil. But what can he do--him and his Sasiety? I'm her father. NICHOLLS (_seeing_ Carmody's _uneasiness, with revengeful satisfaction_). Oh, he'll do what he says, don't worry! You'll make a mistake if you think he's bluffing. It'd probably get in all the papers about you refusing. Every one would be down on you. (_As a last jab--spitefully._) You might even lose your job over it, people would be so sore. CARMODY (_jumping to his feet_). Ah, divil take him! Let him send her where he wants, then. I'll not be sayin' a word. NICHOLLS (_as an afterthought_). And, honestly, Mr. Carmody, I don't see how you can object for a second--after he's told you it's absolutely necessary for Eileen to go away. (_Seeing_ Carmody's _shaken condition, he finishes boldly._) You've some feeling for your own daughter, haven't you? You'd be a fine father if you hadn't! CARMODY (_apprehensively_). Whisht! She might hear you. But you're right. Let her do what she's wishful to, _and_ get well soon. NICHOLLS (_complacently--feeling his duty in the matter well done_). That's the right spirit. I knew you'd see it that way. And you and I'll do all we can to help her. (_He gets to his feet._) Well, I guess I'll have to go. Tell Eileen---- CARMODY. You're not goin'? Sure, Eileen is puttin' on her clothes to come down and have a look at you. She'll be here in a jiffy. Sit down now, and wait for her. NICHOLLS (_suddenly panic-stricken by the prospect of facing her_). No--no--I can't stay--I only came for a moment--I've got an appointment--honestly. Besides, it isn't right for her to be up. She's too weak. It'll make her worse. You should have told her.