Yes. She had a job as stenographer for a time. When she graduated from the business college course--I was already working at the Downs--and through my father's influence--you understand. (Gaynor nods curtly.) She was getting on finely, too, and liked the work. It's too bad--her mother's death, I mean--forcing her to give it up and come home to take care of those kids. (GAYNOR: It's a damn shame. That's the main cause of her breakdown.) I've noticed she's been looking badly lately. So that's the trouble? Well, it's all her father's fault--and her own, too, because whenever I raised a kick about his making a slave of her, she always defended him. (With a quick glance at the Doctor--in a confidential tone.) Between us, Carmody's as selfish as they make 'em, if you want my opinion. (GAYNOR: He's a hog on two legs.) You bet! (With a patronising air.) I hope to get Eileen away from all this as soon as--things pick up a little. (Making haste to explain his connection with the dubious household.) Eileen and I have gone around together for years--went to Grammar and High School together--in different classes, of course. She's really a corker--very different from the rest of the family you've seen--like her mother. She's really educated and knows a lot--used to carry off all the prizes at school. My folks like her awfully well. Of course, they'd never stand for--him.

Nicholls Monologue from The Straw

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