Three Plays: The Fiddler's House, The Land, Thomas Muskerry Part 39

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. I'm glad to be out of that job.

CRILLY I'm not sorry, Albert.

ALBERT The mother would expect me to do something queer in my report.

CRILLY Between you and me, Albert, women aren't acquainted with the working of affairs, and they expect unusual things to happen. Who will they make stocktaker, now?

ALBERT Young Dobbs, likely. I suppose the whole business about the coal will come out then?

CRILLY I suppose it will; but say nothing about it now, Albert. Let the hare sit.

ALBERT What does the old man think about it now?

CRILLY He's very close to himself. I think he has forgotten all about it.

ALBERT I wouldn't say so.

CRILLY Who's that in the shop, Albert?

ALBERT Felix Tournour.

CRILLY _(rising)_ I wonder what they think about Scollard in the Poor-house. _(He and Albert go into the shop as Muskerry enters from left)_

_Muskerry is untidily dressed. His boots are unlaced. He walks across the room and speaks pettishly_.

MUSKERRY They haven't brought my soup yet. They won't give much of their time to me. I'm disappointed in Anna Crilly. Well, a certain share in this shop was to have gone to Anna Crilly. I'll get that share, and I'll h.o.a.rd it up myself. I'll h.o.a.rd it up. And the fifty pounds of my pension, I'll h.o.a.rd that up, too.

_Albert comes in from shop_.

MUSKERRY That's a black fire that's in the grate. I don't like the coal that comes into this place.

ALBERT Coal, eh, grandpapa.

MUSKERRY I said coal.

ALBERT We haven't good stores here.

MUSKERRY Confound you for your insolence.

ALBERT Somebody you know is in the shop--Felix Tournour.

MUSKERRY Bid Tournour come in to me.

ALBERT _(talking into the shop)_ You're wanted here, Tournour. Come in now or I'll entertain the boss with "The Devil's Rambles."

_(He turns to Muskerry)_ I was given the job of stocktaking.

MUSKERRY That's a matter for yourself.

ALBERT I don't think I'll take the job now.

MUSKERRY Why won't you take it?

ALBERT I don't know what to say about the fifty tons of coal.

MUSKERRY I was too precipitate about the coal. But don't have me at the loss of fifty pounds through any of your smartness.

ALBERT All right, grandfather; I'll see you through.

MUSKERRY Confound you for a puppy.

_Felix Tournour enters. He looks prosperous. He has on a loud check suit. He wears a red tie and a peaked cap_.

ALBERT The Master wants to speak to you, Tournour.

TOURNOUR What Master.

ALBERT The boss, Tournour, the boss.

MUSKERRY I want you, and that's enough for you, Tournour.

ALBERT I suppose you don't know, grandpapa, that Tournour has a middling high position in the Poorhouse now.

MUSKERRY What are you saying?

ALBERT Tournour is Ward-master now.

MUSKERRY I wasn't given any notice of that.

ALBERT Eh, Tournour--

"The Devil went out for a ramble at night, Through Garrisowen Union to see every sight.

He saw Felix Tournour--"

TOURNOUR

"He saw one in comfort, of that you'll be sure.

With his back to the fire stands Felix Tournour,"

_He puts his back to fire_.

ALBERT Well, so-long, gents. _(He goes out by shop door)_

MUSKERRY Let me see you, Tournour.

TOURNOUR I'm plain to be seen.

MUSKERRY Who recommended you for Ward-master?