Always

In her conversation with Yolland, they repeat the word always to each other, and although Maire does not understand what this word means, it has an impact on her. She feels a connection to Yolland, and they do not speak the same spoken language, and understand very little about each other's culture, but they understand what the other is feeling emotionally, and this is enough to convey feelings. The word always sticks with Maire enough that it urges her to learn English from Hugh, and her first question is what does the word always mean? Unfortunately, he does not tell, her instead he tells her it a silly word, and not a good one to start with. He brushes off the word, and in doing so, I think it is symbolic in that nothing can last for ever, therefore we have no need for the word itself. The word was the turning point in the conversation between Maire and Yolland, and it seemed to convey that they would have a happy ending. However, things change, and in brushing off the word, I think that Hugh is saying that there will be no happily ever after for Maire and Yolland.