Long Island

Nancy uses an out-of-town agent to find land on which to build her house. She likes the second plot he shows her, owned by an old woman she used to make deliveries to when the chip shop was a market, though the price is too high. When the agent tries to get Mags O’Connor to reduce the price, the old woman insists on seeing Nancy. Nancy visits Mags at the County Home, where Mags frustrates Nancy with questions about her money and reason for wanting the land. Nancy admits that she is marrying Jim and that they plan to move out of town. Mags promises to keep it a secret but mentions that Eilis is back in town and that Nancy should marry him soon. A few days later, the plot’s price is halved. Nancy brings Jim to the plot, anxious for him to like it. He does not seem excited about its isolated location but he does not disapprove. Nancy begins visiting the site every day, picturing the rooms she will have and planning out the house. She finds that she is excited to begin a new life, eager to escape the town, the prying eyes of neighbors, and the grief associated with George’s death.