Claire Keegan

He likes this lady from the personals, and just think he got her for twenty-five dollars plus lunch. He feels drunk and optimistic all of a sudden.

He criticized the veterinary bills, insulted the priest who came to anoint him when he was ill, belittled Betty’s cooking, and claimed that nothing was as it should have been

Her father had always favored Louisa. She had given him admiration, whereas Betty only fed and clothed and cared for him.

But she likes it this way, likes having the house to herself, knowing things are as she left them.

the Porters act like they own the place

Edward plays the flute in the parlor; Betty has never heard anything like it—it’s as if somebody has trapped a wild bird or a small reptile in a cage, and its despairing little voice is crying out to be freed.

Edward is standing there looking at her, wearing those linen trousers that are almost impossible to iron.

the fact of the matter

People lost contact with him; nobody knew what to say.

Just as he was gathering speed, she jumped into the road and stopped the car. Then she climbed in and spent the rest of her life with a man who would have gone home without her.