Describe the atmosphere that prevailed in the gillane household before the entry of the old woman ?

The play begins with a simple Irish family home, where Bridget and Peter are preparing for their son Michael's betrothal to a wealthier girl. The family makes a big deal of the money they have come into with Michael's marriage to Delia, as it is more than they have ever had. Peter plans to buy livestock with it so that they can improve their family's financial situation, while Bridget says, "It is proud she must be to get you, a good steady boy that will make use of the money, and not be running through it or spending it on drink like another." Michael and Delia's marriage marks a time of great good fortune for the family, which both Peter and Bridget celebrate.