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Colum, Padraic, 1881-1972

"Three Plays"


CRILLY
If your mother hears that kind of talk she'll be vexed, Albert.
ALBERT
But did you back the bill?
CRILLY
For Heaven's sake, let me alone, Albert. Yes, I backed the
bill.
ALBERT
How much?
CRILLY
You'll hear all about it from your mother.
ALBERT
They say the bill was for three hundred.
CRILLY
It was three or thereabouts.
ALBERT
'Pon my word, father, the mother will have to take out a
mandamus against you.
CRILLY
_(with parental dignity)_ Don't talk to me in that way, Sir.
ALBERT
It's scandalous, really. I expect you've ruined the business.
CRILLY
I hate the world and all its works and pomps.
ALBERT
I believe you've done for the business. I'm going away.
CRILLY
Then you've got the other appointment?
ALBERT
Temporary clerkship in the Land Department. I wonder would
the mother let me have the money for clothes?
CRILLY
_(desperately)_ Don't mention it at all to her.
ALBERT
I have a card from a Dublin tailor in my pocket. If I could
pay him for one suit, I could get another on tick.
CRILLY
I tell you not to talk to your mother about money. That fellow,
Scollard, has put her out.
ALBERT
How's that?
CRILLY
Money again. Wants the whole of Anna's portion down. And
Anna's backing him up, too. I don't know how your mother can stand it.
I don't like Scollard. Then you won't be staying on, Albert, to do
the stocktaking in the Workhouse?
ALBERT
No; they'll have to get some one else.


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