Section 2 Summary (pages 8-22)

This section outlines the last true Monaghan Day observance at Great Meadow and the end of the relationship between Moran and McQuaid. His daughters, Mona and Maggie prepare the house and the big meal that Moran would want in order to impress McQuaid. His other daughter, Sheila goes to her bed feigning sickness. Moran was ill-tempered and the girls mimicked him while he was out of earshot. They fear his punishment that would enveloped when Mona accidentally dropped a plate.

McQuaid arrived in the evening after spending the day selling his winter livestock. Moran stayed out of sight until McQuaid was settled in the house and felt his previous excitement for this day turn into resentment of McQuaid. It describes Moran as neither rich nor poor. He has a hatred and fear of poverty and illness.

The two men...