cloud will rise.
LAVARCHAM. Go round east to the
shed and you'll have shelter. You cannot
come in.
NAISI -- knocking loudly. -- Open the
door or we will burst it. (The door is shaken.)
OLD WOMAN -- in a timid whisper. --
Let them in, and keep Deirdre in her room
to-night.
AINNLE AND ARDAN -- outside. --
Open! Open!
LAVARCHAM -- to Old Woman. -- Go
in and keep her.
OLD WOMAN. I couldn't keep her. I've
no hold on her. Go in yourself and I will
free the door.
LAVARCHAM. I must stay and turn
them out. (She pulls her hair and cloak over
her face.) Go in and keep her.
OLD WOMAN. The gods help us.
[She runs into the inner room.
VOICES. Open!
LAVARCHAM -- opening the door. --


34

Come in then and ill-luck if you'll have it so.
[Naisi and Ainnle and Ardan come in
and look round with astonishment.