He does not know your strength.
MATT
Ellen, it's no shame for a man to have harsh words said to him when
it's about a woman like you.
ELLEN
Let nothing come between us now. I saw you in the winter making
drains and ditches, and it wet. It's a poor story, the life of a man
on the land.
MATT
I had too much thought for the land.
ELLEN
You had. Have thought for me now. There is no one in fair or market
but would notice me. I was never a favourite. I lived to myself. I
did not give my love about. You have never offered me anything. In
the song a man offers towns to his sweetheart. You can offer me the
sights of great towns, and the fine manners, and the fine life.
MATT
Ellen! _(He draws a little away)_ It's not me that could offer the
like of that. I never had anything to my hand but a spade.
ELLEN
Your brothers--think of them.
MATT
They all left some one behind them. I am the last of my name.
ELLEN
Why should that keep you back?
MATT
His name is something to a man. Could you hear of your own name
melting away without unease? And you are a woman. A man feels it more.
ELLEN
I do not understand men. Will you go back to your father's house
after he shaming you out of it?
MATT
He'll be glad to see me back. He'll never cast it up to me that I
went.
ELLEN
Matt, your father said words against me. Will you go to him and take
his hand after that?
MATT
It was little he said against you.
Pages:
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93