Margaret Your father will hear –

David

‘How sweet to rove

Through Morna’s grove

While the drowsy world is dreaming, love.’

Margaret David, please, David –

David

‘Then awake. The heavens look bright, my dear –

Margaret My head’s spinning, David –

David

‘’Tis never too late for delight, my dear.

And the best of all ways

To lengthen our days –’

Margaret David – David – David –

David

‘Is to steal a few hours from the night, my dear.’

The song/dance ends embarrassedly with the entry right of Richard and Perkins. As they enter, Richard removes his panama hat and hands it and his cane to Perkins. Richard is a bachelor in his sixties. A man of resolute habits and Victorian confidence: he is aware that this is how he is seen and it gives him sly pleasure to play up to that stereotype. Perkins, his personal assistant, is in his forties. Like his employer, he knows he plays a role; and he, too, enjoys playing it.

Richard Take these indoors, Perkins.

Perkins Indoors, Sir.

Richard And fetch me the box of instruments.

Perkins Where is it positioned, Sir?

Richard Beside the long-case clock in the hall.

Perkins The long-case clock. Certainly, Sir. (He goes into the house.)

David (extravagantly) You are very welcome back, Richard. Very good to see you again.

Richard Yes? (to Margaret) You’re right. Well worth a visit, that monastery. When does it date from?

Margaret Seventh century.

Richard And what a huge expanse of buildings! It must have been a miniature city!

Margaret And an important centre of learning, it seems. Some great documents were reproduced there.

Richard (to David) How was the service?

David Dismal, I suppose.

Richard Savage business. (calls) Perkins! Thugs, whoever did it.

Perkins (off) Sir?

Richard We’ll require a table and chairs.

Perkins (off) Table and chairs. Yes, Sir.

Richard (to Margaret) Is that possible?

Margaret I’ll get them.

Richard (calls) And the camera.

Perkins (off) Camera, Sir.

Richard We’ll hold the clinic out here – with your blessing. Can’t have the hoplites tramping all over your carpets, can we? Did I hear singing somewhere in the distance?

David That’s the local school choir.

Richard Very fetching, too.

David That is the most famous choir in all Donegal. Margaret’s father is the teacher.

Richard (to Margaret) Bravo!

David Clement O’Donnell. Remarkable man.

Margaret On a calm day the sound carries up here.

David It really is magnificent, Richard. Margaret was in it in her day, too.

Margaret A long time ago. Tea is coming. Richard?

Richard Bless you.

Margaret I’ll tell Christopher you’re home. (She goes into the house.)

David If you were here for another day I’d get Clement to give you a concert.

Richard Delicious creature that, isn’t she? Urged your father last night to wed her. No doubt he’s bedding her but marriage is what he needs. Been a widower far too long.

David What did he say?

Richard What did he say? (Laughs.) Can’t remember. We were both a little squishy. (softly) Wouldn’t be inhibited about marrying down, would he?