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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/15519-8.txt b/15519-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ccd8837 --- /dev/null +++ b/15519-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2306 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Representative Plays by American +Dramatists: 1856-1911: Love in '76, by Oliver Bell Bunce + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1856-1911: Love in '76 + An Incident of the Revolution + +Author: Oliver Bell Bunce + +Release Date: April 1, 2005 [EBook #15519] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REPRESENTATIVE PLAYS BY *** + + + + +Produced by S.R.Ellison, David Starner, and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + + + + + + + +LOVE IN '76 + +_AN INCIDENT OF THE REVOLUTION_ + + + + +[Illustration: OLIVER BELL BUNCE] + + + + +OLIVER BELL BUNCE. + +(1828-1890) + + +The name of Oliver Bell Bunce is not prominently connected with the +American Theatre. Authorities have taken little or no trouble to +unearth his association with the plays and players of his time--the +mid-period of the nineteenth century. Yet they all agree that, as +illustration of "parlour comedy," his "Love in '76" is a satisfactory +example of sprightliness and fresh inventiveness. For this reason, the +small comedietta is included in the present collection. It challenges +comparison with Royall Tyler's "The Contrast" for manner, and its +volatile spirit involved in the acting the good services of such +estimable players as Laura Keene, Stoddart, and Ringgold. In the +cast also was J.G. Burnett, author of "Blanche of Brandywine," a +dramatization of a novel by George Lippard, also produced by Laura +Keene. + +"Love in '76" was given its première at Laura Keene's Theatre, New +York, on February 28, 1857, for the benefit of the Shirt Sewers' +Union; and was the second offering of a double bill beginning with +"Faust and Marguerite." Though the critiques of the time recognized +in it a "nice little play," they balked at what was considered to be +a foolish nomenclature, "Comedietta." What was liked about it, +particularly, was the absence of patriotic fustian, for the national +drama of the time seems to have been loaded down with long flights +of fancy on the subject of liberty. Others hailed it as smart in the +social sense. As late as March 31, 1892, the little play was revived +by amateurs for the benefit of a monument to be erected over the +neglected grave of Washington's mother. + +This was not the first time Bunce had appeared as a playwright. There +had been seen, on June 10, 1850, at the New York Bowery Theatre, a +tragedy entitled "Marco Bozzaris; or, The Grecian Hero," and in the +cast were J. Wallack, Jr., and his wife, together with John Gilbert. +It was not based on the poem by Fitz-Greene Halleck, but, for its +colour and plot, Bunce went direct to history. For Wallack he also +wrote a tragedy, entitled "Fate; or, The Prophecy," and, according +to Hutton, during the summer of 1848, the Denin Sisters produced his +"Morning of Life," at the New York Chatham Theatre. + +Such was the extent of Bunce's drama writing. His life was not cast in +the dramatic field, but rather in the publishing world. The plays +were done in his early manhood. But he was pledged in interest to the +theatre, and there are many significant criticisms and descriptions +in print which convey an excellent impression of his attitude toward +plays, players, and acting. + +Bunce was a self-made man, with an excellent grasp of literature, +which served him well in his various literary ventures. His mind was +cast in channels of originality, and the history of book publishing +in New York must needs consider the numerous suggestions, which, +as literary adviser at different times for the houses of Harper and +Appleton, he saw to successful fruition. In 1872, he became Editor of +_Appleton's Journal_, and it is to the files of this magazine we must +turn to extract his frank reaction to the theatre of his day. He wrote +novels, stories, essays, editorials, everything to win him the name of +journalist; once he had a publishing house of his own, doing business +under the firm name of Bunce & Co. He was always cordial toward every +move to further the literary interest of the country, and was among +the first to welcome the founding of the Authors Club. It may be that +his "Love in '76" was a by-product of a book written by him, in 1852, +and called "Romance of the Revolution." + +Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and +human than many a better-known critic. Here, for instance, is an +impression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846. + +"That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's +Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics +and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about +the plays and the performers. The actors were in those days afraid +of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the +orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old +Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one +dared to gainsay. The Pit was entered by cellar steps, and through a +half-lighted, subterranean passage. Decorative art, as we see it now +in the full bloom of the Madison Square auditorium and Mr. Daly's +lobby, had not even given a hint of its coming." + +In _The Galaxy_ for February, 1868, Bunce ventures to survey "Some +of Our Actors" from the standpoint of deploring the pre-Raphaelite +realism of the modern school. He scored the attempted "truth" and +"fidelity" of Matilda Heron, and, in considering Maggie Mitchell's +_Fanchon,_ he bespoke the cause of ideality, as necessary in _Fanchon_ +as in _Juliet._ "Modern comedy acting," he declares, "is usually a +bright, brisk touch-and-go affair, suited to modern plays; but to the +mellow and artistic style of a former generation, it is as the light +claret wines, now so much in use, to crusty old port." + +Except in the instances of our comedians, like Murdoch, with his +"lightness of manner, that grace, which I have described elsewhere as +snuffing a candle in a way to make you feel that snuffing candles is +the poetry of life;" Harry Placide, with whose retirement went the +retirement of _Sir Peter Teazle_ and _Sir Harcourt Courtley_, ("When +Placide and Gilbert are gone," he writes, "Sheridan will have to be +shelved"); Holland, with his intense fun in eccentric bits; Brougham, +without whom "The Rivals" is difficult to endure--apart from these the +stage of the time, to Bunce, was not all it should be. He valued +at their worth the romantic extravagances of the Wallack family; +he applauded the sound judgment, and deplored the hard manner of +Davenport; he viewed calmly what he regarded to be an overestimation +of Edwin Booth--one of the first criticisms of an avowedly negative +character I have seen aimed directly at this actor. In other words, +Bunce fought hard against the encroachment of the new times upon the +acting of his early theatre days. The epitome of his old-time attitude +is to be found in _Appleton's Journal_ for April 3, 1869. His better +mood was to be met with in his discussion of the players of Ellen +Tree's type. Here are his words of censure against the new order: + +"If we old files are to be believed, the art of acting is dying out, +and the very tradition of the stage disappearing.... Very likely the +spirit, which in painting we call pre-Raphaelism, is obtaining its +influence on the stage, and that some of the actors are turning out of +doors the traditions and formal mannerisms of the schools, and going +back to nature and truth for their inspiration.... There were very +artificial methods, no doubt, among the old actors, but there was also +a very consummate knowledge of the art, a great deal of breadth, +force and skill, and a finished training, which the new schools do +not exhibit. In aiming to be natural, some of our actors seem to have +concluded that their profession is not an art. They grow heedless +in the delivery of language, weakening or obscuring its meaning, and +missing its significance; and in some way lose that rich and mellow +colouring that characterized the bygone performers. So marked is this, +that some of the old dramatic characters are abandoned altogether, +because in the hands of the Realists they fade away into ineffective +and colourless forms. The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony +Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources +of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can +personate them. In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old +school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard +the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor +forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, +that marked the old stage." + +Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays +had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family. +And being such a lover of old English Comedy accounts for some of the +spirit of "Love in '76." + +His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has +been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920). It is a +strong valuation of tradition--the jade who is looked at askance by +the amateur players of the "little theatres," and too exacting for the +average player on the professional stage. + +Bunce was a New Yorker, born in that city, February 8, 1828, and dying +there on May 15, 1890. + + + + + LAURA KEENE'S + NEW THEATRE, + + 624 BROADWAY. NEAR HOUSTON STREET. + + MISS LAURA KEENE SOLE LESSEE AND DIRECTRESS + MR. THOMAS BAKER MUSICAL DIRECTOR + +Change of Time. Doors open at half past Six. The performance will +commence with the Overture at a quarter past Seven. + + * * * * * + + BENEFIT + OF THE + SHIRT-SEWERS' UNION + + Sixth time of the Dramatic Poem, in three acts, entitled + + FAUST AND MARGUERITE + +The Drama having been misapprehended by one or two critics, it is +respectfully stated that the translation has not been made by a +resident dramatist, as inferred, but by the celebrated European +scholar and linguist, Jonathan Birch, whose translation has been +recognized by Frederick William, of Prussia, as the best rendition of +the original of Goethe's Faust ever given in English to the public. + +The play has been taken bodily from this translation, published by +Black & Armstrong, London, and F.A. Brockhaus, Leipsig, without any +alteration other than is necessary to bring it within the bounds of an +evening's performance. To produce the poem as written by Goethe, would +require at least three nights in performance. By reference to the +edition mentioned, it will be seen that there has been no deviation +from the original, except as above specified. + +The fall of Marguerite, in the poem, is much more sudden than in the +play, and, indeed, the exceptions taken generally to the drama concern +the original author, Goethe, rather than the translation. Great care +has been taken to produce the play with strict fidelity to the author, +following in the architecture, costumes and groupings the celebrated +_chefs d' oeuvres_ of REIZSCH, who devoted the best years of his life +to illustrate this great work; and it should be added, also, that +every note of the music in this piece is from SPOHR. + + Music by Spohr, arranged by Mr. Thomas Baker + New Scenery by Messrs. Hawthorne and Almay + New Wardrobe by Mr. Bullock and Assistants + Machinery by Mr. Smart and Assistants + Properties and Appointments by Mr. W. Duverna + + Under the personal supervision of + + MISS LAURA KEENE. + + * * * * * + +First time of a New American Comedietta, In two acts, by a Citizen of +New York, entitled + +LOVE IN '76 + + * * * * * + +SATURDAY EVENING, FEB. 28th, 1857 + +Will be presented the great Dramatic Poem by Goethe, translated by +Jonathan Birch, Esq., and produced for the SIXTH TIME, as now adapted +and arranged for this artistic work under the title of + +FAUST AND MARGUERITE + +DISTRIBUTION OF CHARACTERS: + + Faust, an aged scholar Mr. C. Wheatleigh + Mephistophilies Mr. George Jordan + Wagner, a student, friend to Faust Mr. Stoddart + Valentine, a soldier, brother to Marguerite Mr. Lingham + Brandor, a soldier, friend to Valentine Mr. Alleyne + Frosh Mr. Hayes + Siebel Mr. Reeve + Fritz Mr. Harcourt + Students Messers. Carpenter, Jackson, Carter, Kellogg + Altmayer Mr. McDonall + Beggar Mr. Beneon + Marguerite, a young peasant girl Miss Laura Keene + Martha, her confidante Mrs. H.P. Grattan + Lizzie { Companions } Miss Alleyne + Barbara { of Marguerite } Miss Howell + Witch, creature of Mephistophiles Mrs. Attwood + Spirits of Good Miss Howell, Miss Wall, Miss Berkowitz, + and Miss Rosa Berkowitz + Peasantry, Chorus of Demons, etc., etc., + + SCENERY IN THE DRAMA: + + ACT I. + Scene 1st--Faust's Laboratory By Almy + Scene 2nd--Street in Wittenburg By Hawthorne + + ACT II. + Scene 1st--Pavillion and Garden of Marguerite By Hawthorne + + ACT III. + Scene 1st--Street and Cathedral in Wittenburg By Howthorne + Scene 2nd--Rocky Glen By Hawthorne + Scene 3rd--Prison By Almy + Scene 4th--Street and Cathedral--Apotheosis of Marguerite By Hawthorne + +To conclude for the FIRST TIME with a New American Comedietta, in TWO +ACTS, by a Gentleman of this city, called + +LOVE IN '76 + + Mr. Elsworth Mr. Stoddart + Lieutenant Harry Elsworth Mr. Ringgold + Captain Walter Armstrong Mr. Lingham + Major Cleveland Mr. Burnett + Captain Arbald Mr. Benson + Lieutenant Marvin Mr. Hayes + Apollo Metcalf Mr. Johnston + John Mr. Harcourt + Corporal Mr. Leslie + Soldiers Messers Jackson and Kellog + Rose Ellsworth Miss Laura Keene + Kate Ellsworth Miss Alleyne + Bridget Miss Howell + +A Grand Scenic Drama, called THE SONS OF NIGHT, has been in rehersal +and will be produced immediately. + + ADMISSION + Drama Circle and Parquette 50 Cents + Balcony Seats 75 Cents + Family Circle 25 Cents + Orchestra Stalls One Dollar + Private Boxes Six and Eight Dollars + + Box Office open from 8 in the morning throughout the day. + + Children in Arms not admitted. This regulation will be rigidly enforced. + + Treasurer Mr. W.W. Gray + Box Bookkeeper Mr. F.N.Cartland + + + + + LOVE IN '76 + + _AN INCIDENT OF THE REVOLUTION_ + + A COMEDIETTA IN TWO ACTS + + _By_ OLIVER BUNCE + + AS PERFORMED AT LAURA KEENE'S THEATRE + NEW YORK, FEB. 28, 1857 + + [The acting edition of this play, with the + relative positions of the performers on the + stage, is published by Samuel French.] + + + + +COSTUMES. + +MR. ELSWORTH.--_Shad-cut brown coat, brown or black breeches, +shoe-buckles._ + +LIEUTENANT HARRY ELSWORTH.--_Red, turned up with blue, buff breeches, +high boots._ + +CAPTAIN ARMSTRONG.--_Blue, turned up with buff, white top boots._ + +MAJOR CLEVELAND.--_Red, turned up with white, breeches, high boots._ + +CAPTAIN ARBALD.--_The Same._ + +LIEUTENANT MARVIN.--_The Same._ + +APOLLO METCALF.--_Gray shad, square-cut suit._ + +THE LADIES.--_The costumes of the period of '76._ + + + + +LOVE IN '76. + + + +ACT I. + + +SCENE. _The drawing-room in the residence of_ MR. EDWARD ELSWORTH. +_Garden seen through doors._ ROSE ELSWORTH _occupied at a small table, +stitching._ KATE ELSWORTH _stretched languidly upon a sofa, with a +book in hand._ MR. EDWARD ELSWORTH _in an easy chair, with newspaper +in his lap. Writing materials on table._ + +KATE. Oh, dullness! dullness! I do wish Harry was at home, or Sir +William would march some of his troops this way! What's the use of an +army in the country, if one can't have a dance once in a while? + +ROSE. What, indeed! All I desire is, sister, that they should be +[_Enter_ SERVANT _with letters for_ MR. ELSWORTH.] left to the dance! +That much they do very well. + +KATE. I'm sure, Rose, I can't see what you find in these rebels to +admire. As far as my observation has gone, they are only so many +boors. There was Captain Arthur. Was there ever such a dunce? He had +no manner whatever. He attempted once to walk a minuet with me, and +I really thought he was a bear accidentally stumbled into coat and +slippers. + +ROSE. You're quite right! he never should have got his appointment +until he had served a campaign in the drawing-room. If I were the +Congress, I'd appoint none who could not bring diplomas from their +dancing-masters. + +ELSWORTH. Ha? 'pon my word! Very extraordinary news. + +[_All coming forward._ + +ROSE. What is it, papa? + +ELSWORTH. There has been a battle. + +ROSE. Is it possible? Oh, where, sir? + +ELSWORTH. On Long Island. [_Reading._] Washington has been +defeated--has evacuated the city--is retiring northward. [_Speaking_.] +I feel, my daughters, that our situation is becoming here unsafe. We +shall be continually exposed to the assaults of marauders. It would +be wiser, in the present aspect of affairs, for us to seek a securer +residence in New York, now so fortunately in possession of Sir William +Howe. + +ROSE. I should prefer remaining here. + +ELSWORTH. Would it be safe, Rose? + +ROSE. Yes, for we neutralize each other. Your loyalty will secure +you with the Tories, and my Whiggism will protect us with the other +faction. + +ELSWORTH. Your Whiggism, Rose? You shock me by such an avowal; and +your brother, too, an officer of the King. + +KATE. I don't think there is much danger, if Mr. Armstrong is near to +protect us. + +ELSWORTH. Mr. Armstrong? + +KATE. Oh, yes, papa! He's got to be a captain. + +ELSWORTH. Not a rebel, I trust. + +ROSE. Not a traitor, I thank heaven. + +ELSWORTH. You confound terms strangely. A traitor is one false to his +king. + +ROSE. False to his country, sir. A king is a creature of to-day--your +country a thing of immortality. + +ELSWORTH. Your King is your sovereign, by divine right and true +succession. + +ROSE. Then, sir, serve the Stuarts. How came the house of Hanover upon +the throne? You see, sir, that if you zealous loyalists could shift +off James, we, with less belief in the divine right of kings, can +shift off George. + +_Enter_ MR. APOLLO METCALF. + +METCALF. Good day, Mr. Elsworth. Good day, young ladies. "Good day" +all, I may say. + +ELSWORTH. Have you any news of the war, Mr. Metcalf? + +METCALF. News--plenty of it, and mad. The country is depopulated. +There isn't a youth with the first hope of a beard upon his chin, who +hasn't gone with young Armstrong, to join the army. + +ELSWORTH. Young Armstrong? + +METCALF. To be sure, sir. He's turned out a fiery rebel, after +all--and a captain, to boot. + +ELSWORTH. Heaven bless me, but this is very sad. A promising youth +to be led astray! Dear me, dear me! Rose, I am very sorry to say that +this is certainly your fault. You have filled him with your wild, +radical, and absurd heroic rhapsodies. You have made him disloyal to +his King. You have put a dagger in his hand, to stab at the heart of +his country. Alas! I see what the end will be--disgrace and death, +ignominy and the gallows. + +[ROSE _walks back to the window_. + +KATE. Mr. Metcalf, how are your little charges? How flourishes the +birch? + +METCALF. They've all caught the spirit of the rebellion, marm, and are +as untractable as bulls. Bless you, there isn't a lad over fourteen +who hasn't abandoned his horn-book and gone off with Armstrong. And +as for the girls, they're greater rebels than the boys. What do you +think, marm? The other day they came marching in procession, and +demanded to know on which side I was. I said "God save the King;" +whereupon they fell upon me like a swarm of bees, armed with a +thousand pins, and so pinched, and pricked, and pulled me, that there +wasn't a square inch of my skin that wasn't as full of holes as a +ten-year old pin-cushion. And I do believe they never would have +stopped if I hadn't cried, "Huzza for Washington!" + +ELSWORTH. I hope, sir, that you will not be compelled to follow the +example of your scholars, and turn soldier. + +METCALF. Never, sir. I content myself with teaching the young idea how +to shoot, without indulging in such dangerous practices myself. + +ROSE. [_From the window_.] Why, there's Harry--father, Kate--Harry is +dismounting at the door. + +ELSWORTH. Bless me! Is it possible? + +[_All gather around the window_. + +KATE. It is, I declare--and how splendid he looks. Harry! Harry! + +[_All salute him, and shake their handkerchiefs._ + +METCALF. [_Aside to_ ROSE.] Hist! Miss Elsworth! + +ROSE. Eh! + +METCALF. Walter is near--a note-- + +ROSE. [_Seizing it, and reading hurriedly._] Will be with you to-day-- + +KATE. [_Looking towards right, at the window_.] Doesn't he look fine? +There's his step in the hall. + +[_They all go towards door_. ROSE _conceals_ WALTER'S _note_. + +HARRY. [_Within_.] Rose, Kate, father! + +_Enter_ LIEUTENANT HARRY ELSWORTH. _All gather around him with +exclamations of welcome._ + +METCALF. [_Aside_.] I'll take occasion to steal down-stairs, and +plague Bridget into a kiss or two. Delicious Bridget! + +[_Exit_ METCALF. + +ELSWORTH. Harry! My brave lad! + +ROSE. Dear brother! + +HARRY. Dear sister! Father! + +ELSWORTH. Stand aside, girls. Let me have a look at him. Harry! Harry! +You are a splendid-looking fellow, you are. Ha, ha, ha! Your hand, my +boy. You look like a soldier, sir. + +HARRY. I have good news for you. I have just rode on before to +acquaint you that Major Cleveland will honour your roof to-day. + +ELSWORTH. He shall be welcome--open doors and open hands. + +HARRY. He will remain until to-morrow. Now, girls, some of us young +fellows are dying for a dance--can't we extemporize a ball? + +ROSE. Good gracious, Harry! You will have to pit coat against +coat--where are your ladies? + +HARRY. Oh, we'd drum them up. There are a dozen families within as +many miles. + +ROSE. A mad idea. + +HARRY. A wild one, I confess. + +ELSWORTH. It would be a suitable festivity in honour of our Long +Island victory. Come girls, you have my consent. + +_Enter_ SERVANT, _announcing_ CAPTAIN ARMSTRONG. + +_Enter_ CAPTAIN WALTER ARMSTRONG. + +ALL [_but_ ROSE]. Captain Armstrong! + +ARMSTRONG. Captain Armstrong! + +ALL [_but_ ROSE]. In the Continental service? + +ARMSTRONG. In the Continental service! + +ELSWORTH. I am somewhat surprised, sir, at this visit. When you were a +loyal gentleman my doors were always open to you--now, in that dress, +I cannot consent to receive your visits. In happier moments you were +a companion of my daughters--a friend of my son--you have selected a +course which must terminate that connection with my family. + +ARMSTRONG. You will pardon me, sir, I trust, for this intrusion. I +have reached this place with some danger, for these parts abound with +a set of fellows who have a fancy for wishing everybody else's skin +the colour of their own coats. Mr. Elsworth, my sense of duty has +compelled me to pursue a path which has estranged me from your +friendship. Let me ask frankly, sir, if it must separate me from one +who has honoured me with her consideration and affection? + +ELSWORTH. You allude to my daughter--to Rose-- + +ARMSTRONG. I do, sir. + +ELSWORTH. _Mister_ Armstrong--for I acknowledge no title bestowed by +an unlawful authority--I would rather wed my daughter to a Turk than +to one who had so forgotten his duty to his country. + +[_Goes up_.--ARMSTRONG _bows_. + +HARRY. Walter, we were friends once, but, as His Majesty's servant, +I can offer no compromise to a rebel. _Now_ you must not think of a +union with our family. [_Goes up_. + +ROSE. This is nothing but blind prejudice. It has neither sense nor +justice. Hear me. That for which you discard him places him higher +in my esteem--shows me how worthy he is of the respect and honour of +every true woman. My greatest pride is that he to whom I have pledged +my hand wears those colours. + +ARMSTRONG. Generous girl! + +ELSWORTH. Rose, you pain me inexpressibly! + +ROSE. I am not a giddy girl, sir. I'm a woman--old enough to know +my own heart, and to decide between right and wrong. Walter, go, and +carry with you assurances of my unwavering fidelity. + +_Enter_ BRIDGET, _hurriedly_. + +BRIDGET. Oh, my good gracious! dear me, good gracious! gracious, +goodness, me! Such a lot of soldiers--all coming down the road. + +ARMSTRONG. Eh? Red or blue? + +BRIDGET. Bless me, goodness gracious, you here, Mr. Armstrong? You'd +better look out, sir, for they are red coats, and there's a big number +of them, too. + +ARMSTRONG. I must vanish. [_Running to the window_.] Why, we're +surrounded on every side. By Jove, I'm in a trap! + +ROSE. What will you do? + +ARMSTRONG. To the north of the house. Perhaps I can reach the forest-- + +BRIDGET. They're all around that way, sir. + +HARRY. I wish that you could escape, Walter, without my knowledge. +This is the regiment to which I belong. You were foolhardy to venture +here. + +ARMSTRONG. I believe I'm caged, that's certain. And I've no desire to +be caught either, for they bear especial malice against me. If they +should know me for the fellow who played a certain trick upon them, +an hour's time would suffice for them to make me an ornament to one of +your old oaks on the lawn--a style of decoration that might suit their +taste, but which wouldn't accord with my fancy. + +ROSE. Do they know your person? + +ARMSTRONG. From description, probably. + +ROSE. We must conceal you, then. + +ARMSTRONG. If you've a rat hole into which you can crowd me. + +HARRY. I must be ignorant of your movements. I will go and receive +them. [_Exit_. + +ARMSTRONG. Whose command is it? + +ROSE. Major Cleveland's. + +ARMSTRONG. Eh? The man of men who itches to get hold of my +insignificant person. He has offered £50 for it. + +KATE. [_At the window_.] Away! They are dismounting at the door. + +ROSE. You, Bridget--I can trust you--quick, to the loft with him. + +KATE. [_Still at the window_.] Quick! quick! + +ARMSTRONG. Stow me away among your rubbish. + +[ROSE _urges them off_. WALTER _snatches a kiss from_ ROSE'S _hand as +he exits with_ BRIDGET. + +KATE. I do declare Captain Arbald is below, and I am sadly deranged. + +ROSE. Oh, fearfully! Run to your glass, by all means. Set your +springes, for these red birds are rare game. + +KATE. Sister! But I'll be revenged. [_Exit_ KATE. + +_Enter_ MAJOR CLEVELAND, _ushered in by_ LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH, _who +withdraws_. + +ELSWORTH. My dear Major Cleveland, let me welcome you zealously to +this abode. + +CLEVELAND. A great many thanks, my dear Elsworth. I'm delighted to +meet so true-hearted a loyalist. We pushed our march to partake of +your hospitality. Ah, Miss Elsworth! How shall I express my delight in +finding that Time, who deals so inexorably with us, has been induced +to favour you. It gives me infinite pleasure, Miss Elsworth, to meet +you once again, for the recollection of the occasions we have met +previously are bright spots in my memory. + +ROSE. Oh, sir, I thank you. + +ELSWORTH. And how, sir, comes on the royal cause? Will it be long ere +these rebels are taught their duty to their King? + +CLEVELAND. Have no apprehensions, my dear Elsworth. Another campaign +will scatter them to the mountains, and a live rebel be so great a +curiosity, that to cage one and exhibit him would make a showman's +fortune. + +ROSE. [_Aside_.] If he knew there were a caged one here now! + +ELSWORTH. But come, Major Cleveland, where are your companions? I must +see why they have not followed you. + +CLEVELAND. They are delayed for a moment with the troop. By the way, +Miss Elsworth, I believe that there are a couple of gentlemen without, +who are old admirers of yours--Captain Arbald and Lieutenant Marvin. + +ROSE. Old, Major! You flatter my taste. + +CLEVELAND. Why, with beauty I thought the conquest of the morning +stale matter by night. + +ROSE. Oh, sir, if staleness went to make their age, they would be +proverbed instead of Methuselah. + +CLEVELAND. They took very much to you. + +ROSE. So did the measles, sir. + +CLEVELAND. They are desperately enamoured of you--would do any +difficult thing--even die for you. + +ROSE. So they once told me, but I courtesied, and replied that I +should prefer a live rebel to even two dead loyalists. + +CLEVELAND. And then-- + +ROSE. They vowed to live for me. I begged of them to put themselves to +no such inconvenience; that I wouldn't trouble them to do anything +of the kind; that if they didn't think it worth while to live for +themselves, I shouldn't intrude upon any suicidal intention they might +entertain. + +CLEVELAND. And so they lived-- + +ROSE. But I had no hand in it; I am innocent; my skirts are clear of +the melancholy fact. + +CLEVELAND. They are noble gentlemen, Miss Elsworth. You must bear with +me if I defend them. They are good soldiers, and fine-looking fellows. + +ROSE. For which I thank their tailors. + +CLEVELAND. Gay, dashing; brave of heart, and witty of tongue. + +ROSE. Then they have been studying the almanac. When I saw them last, +they hadn't a grain of wit--not even by scratching. + +CLEVELAND. Really, Mr. Elsworth, your daughter has a sharp tongue. + +ELSWORTH. It is her humour, sir. Her passes are but play. + +CLEVELAND. I'll be sworn her heart is as true as her wit. She is-- + +ROSE. Rebel, sir, from top to toe! + +[_Enter_ ARBALD, MARVIN, _and_ HARRY.] + +Ah, gentlemen, my best welcome. My father will be proud to greet you-- + +ELSWORTH. And most happy to know you, gentlemen. + +[_Enter_ SERVANT, _with wine_.] + +Major Cleveland, will you do me the honour-- + +CLEVELAND. Sir, I esteem it an honour. Gentlemen, I hope you will all +fill in honour of our host. [_They gather around, fill, and drink to_ +MR. ELSWORTH.] Fill again, gentlemen, and honour the toast I am going +to propose. The ladies! speedy priests and rings. + +ROSE. A doubtful compliment, Major Cleveland. + +CLEVELAND. Can you think so? + +ROSE. Ay, sir; for marriages, though called matches, are mostly sad +patch-work. + +CLEVELAND. And the unmarried-- + +ROSE. Oh, they are even worse. Old maids and old bachelors are the +tossed about odds and ends of humanity. + +CLEVELAND. [_Going over to her_.] The happiest wit, madam, I ever +heard. + +ROSE. Captain Arbald, will you grant me your arm? I'm sure you would +like a turn in the garden. I shouldn't wonder if my sister were upon +the grounds. Lieutenant Marvin, will you go with us? Kate is dying for +the sight of a red-coat. [_Exit_. + +CLEVELAND. A merry-hearted woman, Mr. Elsworth. There is a touch of +sly deviltry in her composition. + +ELSWORTH. I fear lest her indiscreet tongue-- + +CLEVELAND. Not at all, my dear friend! Lieutenant, I have been +informed within an hour, that one Captain Armstrong has been seen this +day within five miles of this place. On account of his connection with +a certain affair, I wouldn't let him escape me at any sacrifice. I +have already dispatched dragoons in his pursuit. At earliest dawn I +shall expect you to head a detachment in his search. Meanwhile, sir, I +should be grateful for an opportunity to repair my toilet. + +HARRY. This way, sir; I myself will conduct you to a chamber. + +[_Exeunt_ CLEVELAND _and_ HARRY. + +ELSWORTH. This is a situation, indeed, for a royalist gentleman! +My house filled with the King's officers, and a proscribed +rebel concealed above. If discovered, I tremble to think of the +consequences. [_Exit_. + +_Enter_ ROSE. + +ROSE. Thank heaven; I am rid of them. Now to Walter, and learn his +full danger. + +[_Enter_ ARMSTRONG.] + +Are you mad? What are you here for? Back to your hiding place at once. + +WALTER. No, Rose; I shall not go. + +ROSE. Why--what-- + +WALTER. Hear me, Rose. Ask yourself if it is an honourable course for +me, a proscribed and hunted rebel, to suffer myself to be concealed +in your father's house when my discovery would involve him in terrible +consequences. I cannot consent to expose him to those consequences. I +would rather openly deliver myself into the hands of Major Cleveland. + +ROSE. Foolish man! You are ruining all. Walter, for my sake go back +again. This is a ridiculous and false sense of honour. + +WALTER. No, Rose, I am resolved-- + +ROSE. Walter, I implore you-- + +[_Enter_ MAJOR CLEVELAND.] + +[_Aside_.] Ha! Lost! [_Aloud_.] Oh, Major Cleveland, how opportune. +Pray let me make you acquainted with Captain Fuller. A friend of my +father's, sir--a neighbour. Captain Fuller, Major Cleveland. Allow me +to commend you, gentlemen, to each other's better acquaintance. + +CLEVELAND. A rebel officer. This is very extraordinary. + +ROSE. Let me see you shake hands, gentlemen, for here, you know, you +must be friends. If you like to cut each other's throats elsewhere, so +be it; but, of course, you sheathe your swords, and swear peace in the +presence of a lady. + +CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth well rebukes us. Captain Fuller, for the +time being, the red and the blue rejoice under a common auspices--Miss +Elsworth smiles. + +[_They shake hands ceremoniously_. + +ROSE. Now, gentlemen, sit down. You, Major, shall have a seat upon +the sofa by my side. Captain Fuller, please, take the chair near you. +[_The gentlemen seat themselves_.] Now, you see, I am between you, and +shall prevent warfare. I here proclaim a truce. The Captain, Major, +wants to join our ball to-night. I have promised him my hand the next +after yours. + +CLEVELAND. [_Scrutinizing_ WALTER _closely_.] I'm quite ready, Miss +Elsworth, to laugh at a joke, but really I cannot understand-- + +ROSE. Why two gentlemen cannot meet under my father's roof, as his +guests, and not fall to tearing each other to pieces? Is it the modern +way to make war in parlours, instead of the field? + +CLEVELAND. Strange, very strange. Your pardon, Captain Fuller, but I +cannot help remarking that you closely resemble a description I have +received of one Captain Armstrong. + +ROSE. Dear me, and who is Captain Armstrong, pray? + +CLEVELAND. A rebel, madam. + +ROSE. I like him for that. + +CLEVELAND. A spy. + +ROSE. But what has all this to do with Captain Fuller? I have known +the Captain, Major, for some years, and I think you can take my word +for it, he is no spy. + +CLEVELAND. Do Captain Fuller and Captain Armstrong wear the same +colours? + +WALTER. All Continental officers wear the same colours. + +CLEVELAND. Are they all of the same complexion, height, and [_Rising +and going over to him_.] do they all wear the same love tokens? Does +Captain Fuller wear Captain Armstrong's sash, worked with Captain +Armstrong's name! + +WALTER. [_Aside_.] The sash Rose worked and gave me. Fool! fool! + +CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth, I'm under the necessity of a disagreeable +duty. I am compelled to consider our truce at an end. Young sir, you +are my prisoner. + +WALTER. [_Drawing and rushing between the_ MAJOR _and the door._] +If you speak aloud or attempt to call aid, I will strike you dead. I +shall not yield without resistance. If you molest me, blood will be +shed. + +CLEVELAND. [_Drawing a pistol._] I am better armed than you supposed, +sir. It would be awkward for any collision to occur in the presence of +a lady, and yet I shall not hesitate to do my duty. If you are really +Captain Fuller, I shall be very glad to shake hands and drink a glass +of wine with you; if Captain Armstrong, you _must_ become my prisoner. + +ROSE. [_Standing by her chair, trembling._] Gentlemen! Gentlemen! + +WALTER. I have but one reply to make: if you attempt to arrest me, I +shall defend myself--and will escape if I can. + +[_Several shots fired within_. + +_Enter_ MR. METCALF _suddenly, pursued by_ TWO SOLDIERS. + +CLEVELAND. Ha! + +METCALF. [_Not seeing_ CLEVELAND, _and rushing up to_ WALTER.] Bless +me, Captain Armstrong. + +CLEVELAND. Oh, then he is Captain Armstrong. + +ROSE. [_With great suddenness._] Captain Fuller, Mr. Metcalf--don't +play your jests here--Captain Fuller, sir. + +METCALF. Eh! Eh! [_Looking confused from one to another._] A jest, +Captain Fuller--capital--ha, ha, ha--[_Aside to_ ROSE.] What mischief +have I tumbled into now, and who is that fellow in a very red coat and +a very white wig? + +ROSE. [_Aside to him._] Major Cleveland. + +METCALF. Major Cleveland! We are all hanged and quartered--though for +the matter of that, in my capacity of expounder of the alphabet, +I've been quartered--on the neighbourhood, these ten years past. Your +obedient servant, sir, your very obedient-- + +CLEVELAND. That will do, fellow. What was the cause of those shots +just now? [_To_ SOLDIERS. + +METCALF. 'Pon my word, sir, it was the guns. + +CLEVELAND. Pshaw! + +SOLDIER. This fellow attempted to pass without the countersign. + +METCALF. You see, sir, I was just about to enter to call on my friend, +Mr. Elsworth, to sip an afternoon glass with him, when a big-booted +fellow cried out, halt. Now, sir, the idea of asking a man well +in both legs to halt, is preposterous. So I said, and walked on +as straight as I could, when bang, bum, whiz, came one, two, three +bullets scattering after my hide-- + +CLEVELAND. Have done, sir. [_To_ WALTER.] I am desirous of giving +you, sir, every opportunity to disprove your identity with Captain +Armstrong. I chance to know that gentleman's handwriting. There is a +desk with pen and ink. Will you stand that test? + +WALTER. [_Aside to_ ROSE.] That would never do. There isn't one of my +pot-hooks that wouldn't hang me. + +ROSE. [_Quickly_.] Really, Major Cleveland, you might require a more +reasonable test. Don't you see the Captain has a rheumatic hand? + +CLEVELAND. For a rheumatic hand, Miss Elsworth, he handled his sword +somewhat skilfully, just now. You see, sir, resistance is useless. You +will resign your sword, I trust. + +[_The two_ SOLDIERS, _at a sign from_ CLEVELAND, _have come up behind_ +WALTER. _He is seized_. + +WALTER. Ha! I am your prisoner, sir. + +_Enter_ MR. ELSWORTH _and_ HARRY. + +ELSWORTH. What's this? + +CLEVELAND. I regret to say, my dear Elsworth, that this gentleman +must, for a few hours, remain my prisoner. A mere form, sir. He will, +doubtless, be free in a few days. I shall have to make use of one of +your barns, sir. It is really a pity that the Captain must be deprived +of the dance to-night, but I will take care that his confinement shall +not be severe. + +ROSE. This, sir, is a shameful breach of hospitality. Captain +Armstrong is my father's guest, no less than yourself. Every +consideration of delicacy and honour requires you to consider him so. + +CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth, I could wish you not to consider me wrong or +cruel in this. + +ROSE. I judge, sir, by what I see. + +CLEVELAND. You are severe. + +ROSE. I am glad you find me so. + +CLEVELAND. Will you not say peace? + +ROSE. War, Major Cleveland, to the last. + +ELSWORTH. Daughter, more courtesy. + +ROSE. Oh! father, they may chain and bind our poor country, but they +cannot find a way to chain a free woman's free tongue. + +CLEVELAND. Lieutenant Elsworth, I place the Captain in your charge. +Conduct him to a safe place. + +HARRY. This is the hard necessity of duty. + +ELSWORTH. And this will really be nothing serious? + +CLEVELAND. A bagatelle, I do assure you, sir. + +WALTER. [_Aside_.] I thank him for calming the fears of the +family--but I know how hard it will go with me. + +HARRY. Walter-- + +WALTER. I go, Harry. Rose! + +ROSE. [_Aside, with a sudden thought_.] Go! Say nothing. + +WALTER. Come, sir. [_To_ HARRY. + +ROSE_ assumes an air of cool indifference, and flings herself +carelessly in a chair._ MAJOR CLEVELAND _appears astonished_. MR. +ELSWORTH _and the others look surprised and incredulous_. + +PICTURE TO CLOSE OF ACT. + + + +ACT II. + + +SCENE.--_A Garden.--House in the background, illuminated_. + +_Enter_ ROSE _and_ MAJOR CLEVELAND _from house_, ROSE _hanging on the_ +MAJOR'S _arm_. + +ROSE. It was really absurd--was it not?--to think me the champion +of that country clown. Poor fellow! I couldn't bear his discomfited +looks, Major, and so, out of old companionship, what could I do less +than stand up for him? There won't be anything positively serious, +will there, eh? I should be sorry to have it so, inasmuch as he fell +into the trap under my father's roof. But don't you think I made a +good champion? It was really presumptuous for the fellow to come here, +though. These rustic clowns thrust themselves everywhere. + +CLEVELAND. What, Miss Elsworth, Captain Armstrong, then, is nothing-- + +ROSE. Nothing in the world, I assure you, but a harmless country lad! +Do tell me, Major, am I not a good actor? + +CLEVELAND. Excellent. I really could have supposed that this American +stood high in your esteem. + +ROSE. Oh, I like him well enough. He is among the best the country +affords, but that is very bad, you know. + +CLEVELAND. Then you bear me no malice? + +ROSE. Not enough to kill a gnat. + +CLEVELAND. Ah, Miss Elsworth, this assurance gives me the greatest +pleasure. + +ROSE. Don't hurt the poor fellow though, Major, I beg of you. I should +be quite sorry if anything happened to him. He is a good-natured, +useful neighbour enough--an unpolished jewel, papa calls him. Ah, +Major, our social wants in this community are lamentable enough, when +we are obliged to content ourselves with such a poor substitute as you +have seen, for all the polish and manner of London circles. + +CLEVELAND. Lamentable, indeed, Miss Elsworth! + +ROSE. The war brings one boon, at least,--the society of gentlemen. + +CLEVELAND. Very true, indeed. + +ROSE. [_Aside._] Hem! Major Cleveland, I'll so wheedle you this night +you shall cry enough to a woman, even if it so happen that you have +never done it to a man. So look to it, my valiant Major! Look to it! + +CLEVELAND. Do you know, dear Miss Elsworth, that I could wish to see +you in these troubled times united to some one who could afford you +the protection which only a husband can extend? + +ROSE. [_Behind her fan._] Oh, Major! + +CLEVELAND. [_Taking her hand._] I cannot be mistaken in the surmise +that you love already. + +ROSE. [_With a sigh._] Oh, sir! + +CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth! Rose! Confide in me! I am your friend. + +ROSE. [_With affected confusion._] I believe you, Major Cleveland. +I--I--really, sir--I implore you to believe me--I have nothing to +confide. + +CLEVELAND. Do not be offended, Miss Elsworth. I have your interest +at heart. Pardon me--but Captain Arbald--[ROSE _starts and appears +agitated._] believes, or at least hopes, that he is acceptable to you. +I am very deeply his friend--very deeply yours. + +ROSE. It is very pleasant to hear you say so, Major Cleveland. + +CLEVELAND. Then you do look upon him with favour? + +ROSE. Alas, Major Cleveland, these wars, these wars! + +CLEVELAND. They separate us from those who are dearest to us--they +come between us and our hearts' affections. + +ROSE. Do they not daily threaten us with a heart widowhood? + +CLEVELAND. Ah, Miss Elsworth--Rose, let me call you--I see you are +thinking of the young Captain. You love him! + +ROSE. [_Aside._] Walter, I must save you by whatever means! [_Aloud._] +Oh, Major, let me beg of you one thing--let me hear you promise what I +will ask you. You assure me you are my friend. Then grant me a pledge. +Promise me to--to protect-- + +CLEVELAND. The Captain-- + +ROSE. Who is to be my husband. + +CLEVELAND. You delight me. Are you then pledged? + +ROSE. We are. + +CLEVELAND. The young rascal. He never told me so. And jealous enough, +I'll be sworn he is, to see me monopolize your society, as I do. + +ROSE. His life is almost in your hands. Often you can save him from +danger. + +CLEVELAND. You will marry him? + +ROSE. [_Abashed._] Yes. + +CLEVELAND. I give you the pledge, then, you ask. Make him your +husband, and for your sake I will defend and protect him to the extent +of my power. + +ROSE. Oh, sir, you make me happy. I am, Major, a foolish girl. I +place, perhaps, absurdly, so much confidence in your ability to rescue +him from many dangers--that I should like--should like, sir, to wear +this ring [_Slipping one from his finger._] as a friendly pledge that +you will be his guardian, his watchful protector. + +CLEVELAND. Let me kiss the ring upon your finger as a formal seal to +my pledge. + +ROSE. It becomes an oath now. + +CLEVELAND. It does--sworn upon this hand. + +ROSE. That you are his friend--ever to be my husband's friend. + +CLEVELAND. That is the oath. I take it again! + +ROSE. [_Aside._] Now, Major Cleveland, I have you! + +CLEVELAND. [_Aside._] She shall be his--then--why then to make her +mine. + +ROSE. [_Aside_.] There is some libertine scheme behind all this, I +feel assured. He is playing the villain. Well, well! Shall we go in? + +_Enter_ ARBALD. + +CLEVELAND. Ah, Arbald. We have been looking for you. + +ROSE. I believe, Captain, that I am pledged to you for the next dance. + +ARBALD. It is my happiness to recollect it. But one dance is missed. + +ROSE. Let me make amends. + +_Enter_ MARVIN, _hurriedly_. + +MARVIN. Sir, the rebel has escaped. + +CLEVELAND. Ha! What do you mean? How? + +MARVIN. It is uncertain how. + +CLEVELAND. He must be about the grounds somewhere. Put your fellows +upon his track. Hunt him out! I wouldn't lose my hold upon him for the +value of a dozen ordinary rebels. + +[_Crosses_. + +_During this speech_ ARMSTRONG _glides in behind, among the shrubbery, +and touches_ ROSE. ROSE _starts, and slightly screams. All turn +quickly toward her. She, hastily and unseen, unclasps a bracelet from +her arm, and flings it behind her_. + +ROSE. Gentlemen! gentlemen! gentlemen! I've lost my bracelet--a +valued bracelet. Five minutes ago I had it on my arm. Major +Cleveland--Captain Arbald--I beseech you to search for it. What could +have become of it? + +CLEVELAND. Your bracelet? + +ROSE. Gentlemen, I implore you to search for it. Major, it may have +been dropped in the bower. Go look for it, sir. Captain Arbald and +Lieutenant Marvin, why do you stand idly there? Do you refuse to +search for my jewel? I've lost a bracelet, I tell you, sirs. Is this +the way you attend upon the wishes of a lady? + +CLEVELAND. Really, Miss Elsworth, duty-- + +ROSE. Don't talk to me of duty, sir. I would not lose my bracelet for +the wealth of the world. A valued token from a dear friend; I swore +never to part with it. Oh, indeed, you are gallant gentlemen! You +let me lose a precious jewel, and you stand staring by. I tell you, I +value that bracelet with my very life. + +CLEVELAND. But the escaped prisoner? + +ROSE [_Passionately_.] What is the prisoner to me? What is he to my +bracelet? Must I lose my bracelet for the sake of a runaway rebel--a +miserable clown, who may either hang or run, I care not? Some one will +tread upon my bracelet, [_Walking up and down impetuously_.] one of +the common soldiers will find and keep it. I would not lose it for +worlds.-- + +ARBALD. Indeed, Miss Rose, I assure you-- + +ROSE. Oh, no assurances, sir. Where is your devotion to me? Where your +willingness to sacrifice everything for me, as I have heard you swear +more than once? If you ever expect to come into my presence again, you +must first clasp that bracelet on my arm. I will hear nothing, listen +to no excuse; and if you refuse to obey me, never let me see you +again. + +CLEVELAND. [_Aside_.] I must not lose my hold upon her, by offending +her. [_Aloud_.] Gentlemen, do you remain with Miss Elsworth, and +search for the lost jewel. I will myself give the necessary order for +the search for the missing prisoner. + +[_Exit_ CLEVELAND. + +ROSE. You, Captain, search yonder bower. + +ARBALD. Were you there? + +ROSE. Or I should not send you. [_Exit_ ARBALD.] Marvin, go hunt the +rooms--I cannot say what moment I dropped it. + +MARVIN. I obey Miss Elsworth. [_Exit_ MARVIN. + +ROSE. Where can he be--if my _ruse_ has only given him time. + +[_Enter_ WALTER, _hurriedly_.] + +Good heavens! Not off! Here yet! + +WALTER. Every outlet is guarded: could I reach the house-- + +ROSE. This way--we may steal in-- + +WALTER. I found your jewel, Rose! + +[_As they are hurrying off, enter_ MAJOR CLEVELAND.] + +Caught, as I'm alive! + +ROSE. Quick! away-- + +WALTER. It shall be so--[_Rushes off in an opposite direction._ + +CLEVELAND. Ha! ho! Guard! Corporal! + +[_Enter_ CORPORAL _and_ GUARD _rapidly, with torches_.] + +That way is your prisoner. Find him, I charge you. + +[_Exeunt_ CORPORAL _and_ GUARD.] + +What am I to think, Miss Elsworth? + +ROSE. [_Vehemently_.] Think! That I would give the world for Captain +Armstrong to escape. + +CLEVELAND. Humph! The gift would be useless. Look for yourself. + +ROSE. [_Looking off; then suddenly burying her face in her hands_.] +Good heavens! + +CLEVELAND. [_In her ear_.] How's this, Miss Elsworth? [_She starts up, +proudly._] + +[_Enter_ SOLDIERS, _guarding_ WALTER.] + +I rejoice, sir, that we meet again. + +SOLDIER. A jewel, sir, found upon the prisoner. + +CLEVELAND. Ha! what's this? [_Reading the inscription by a torch_.] +"To Rose, from Walter!" Madam, I understand you now. I was deceived. +Permit me to be the means of restoring this valued token from a dear +friend. Would it not be a strange vicissitude if the finding of +the trinket should be the means of losing the friend? Conduct your +prisoner hence. + +[_Exeunt all but_ ROSE _and_ CLEVELAND. + +ROSE. Major Cleveland, Captain Armstrong must be allowed to go free. I +have your promise. I hold you to it. + +CLEVELAND. My promise-- + +ROSE. Look! [_Pointing to the signet received from the_ MAJOR. + +CLEVELAND. Aha! Then it was Captain Armstrong, and not Captain Arbald, +to whom you alluded in our interview. I was beginning to suspect the +trick. + +ROSE. Your shrewdness would have done you more credit if you had +detected it before. As it is, I have your signet and your promise to +save Captain Armstrong. + +CLEVELAND. But the promise referred only to your husband. + +ROSE. Captain Armstrong is my betrothed husband. + +CLEVELAND. Ay, but at present is a prisoner. You see, madam, I hold +the cards. + +ROSE. Your pardon, sir, but I have the game. + +CLEVELAND. Eh! Is not the Captain in my hands? + +ROSE. Before to-morrow morning he shall be in mine. + +CLEVELAND. Confound it, madam, I'll keep so strict a guard upon him, a +fly sha'n't light upon him without my knowing it. + +ROSE. Do so, and if you were argus-eyed into the bargain, I'd marry +him before to-morrow morning. + +CLEVELAND. Ha! is it come to that? I'll march this hour. + +ROSE. It would be too late. + +CLEVELAND. This moment, then. + +ROSE. I would anticipate you. + +CLEVELAND. Zounds, madam, you talk idly. + +ROSE. Zounds, sir, you talk without reason. + +CLEVELAND. I'll go to him at once--put a pistol to his head--blow his +brains out, and-- + +ROSE. Make me his widow. + +CLEVELAND. Deuce take it, you're mad. + +ROSE. Mad if you will, Major Cleveland. It is a struggle between us. +Look to it, sir. You may be bold, valourous, cunning--vastly so; but +you have a woman's wit against you--so look to it! + +CLEVELAND. Confound it. + +ROSE. Bravo! bravo! Your passion, sir, well becomes you-- + +CLEVELAND. Deaths and devils! [_Exit_. + +ROSE. Ha, ha, ha! + +[_Enter_ METCALF.] + +Here! Here, Mr. Metcalf--follow Major Cleveland; watch every step; +don't lose sight of him for a moment. + +METCALF. Trust me; I'll be his shadow from this time forth. [_Exeunt +separately_. + +_Enter_ CAPTAIN ARBALD _and _KATE. + +ARBALD. Really, Miss Kate, you do me injustice--but if I could only +induce you to intercede-- + +KATE. Plead your cause for you. [_Aside_.] Blind and stupid! Can't he +see that I am dying for that my sister laughs at. + +ARBALD. If I could but find that lost bracelet-- + +KATE. Hush! Who comes here? + +[_They withdraw_. + +_Enter_ MAJOR CLEVELAND, MR. ELSWORTH, LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH, _and_ +METCALF _behind_. + +ELSWORTH. Declared to you that she would marry Captain Armstrong-- + +CLEVELAND. Yes, my dear sir, and I felt it my duty to acquaint you. + +HARRY. I will go to the Captain and demand a satisfactory-- + +CLEVELAND. Your pardon, young gentleman. Captain Armstrong is now my +prisoner; and I shall hold him safe for my own purposes. + +ELSWORTH. In face of my commands this day pronounced. It is monstrous. +I must seek out Rose, and have an explanation. + +[_Exit_. + +KATE. [_Aside to_ ARBALD.] You see, sir, how little the bracelet would +plead in your cause. + +ARBALD. I do, indeed. + +[_They saunter off_. + +HARRY. I do not, sir, often ask favours of you. This day my father +forbade Armstrong from entertaining any intentions relative to my +sister. He has insulted me, my father, and Rose. I wish to chastise +him, sir. + +CLEVELAND. Tut, tut! I will not give his cunning a chance to plan +another escape. The best thing you can do is to help me to prevent the +possibility of the marriage. + +HARRY. You are my superior. I have no choice but to obey. But I long +to inflict the punishment due to his treachery. [_Exit_. + +CLEVELAND. Pest on't, I love the wench. I thought, if married to +Arbald, and frequently near me, my suit might flourish. But the +cunning vixen caught me in my own trap. If I could only trip her now; +let me see--let me see. + +_Enter_ ARBALD. + +CLEVELAND. Ah, Arbald, come hither. How flourishes your suit with Miss +Elsworth? + +ARBALD. Badly, I must confess. + +CLEVELAND. Unless we prevent it she will be married to this Armstrong +before morning. + +ARBALD. Is it possible? + +CLEVELAND. I have my own reasons for desiring to break up the match +between them--to prevent their marriage. Nothing occurs to me at all +feasible to that end, but some plan to get introduced into Armstrong's +presence a woman disguised as Rose. + +ARBALD. And marry them? + +CLEVELAND. Ay. Armstrong is on the alert for some scheme to rescue +him--would fall into such a net as fishes do--and think it was his +mistress' cunning to serve him. + +ARBALD. But where is the woman? + +CLEVELAND. Rose has a girl in attendance upon her who is near her size +and figure--a mischievous wench, or I am no judge of physiognomies. + +METCALF. [_Who has been listening, aside_.] Oho! [_Exits hurriedly and +secretly._ + +ARBALD. Bridget, they call her. + +CLEVELAND. Send her to me. Fifty pounds will be more than her fidelity +can stand. Luckily we have the Chaplain with us. Have him ready. + +ARBALD. I'll hunt Bridget up at once. + +[_Exit_ ARBALD. + +CLEVELAND. The plan is a good one. Now, Lady Wit, those who win may +laugh. But I was a blind fool ever to allow her to obtain that promise +from me. + +_Enter_ METCALF. + +METCALF. Hist! Major Cleveland. + +CLEVELAND. Well, good fellow. + +METCALF. [_Aside_.] Fellow! It is remarkable now that I, who daily +make a score of urchins tremble in their shoes at the frown of my +portentous brow, can't in the least make these people afraid of me. +Let me see what effect one of my frightfully severe looks would have. +[_Walks up to him_. + +CLEVELAND. Well, sir, have you any business with me? + +METCALF. No, no, sir. [_Aside_.] I suppose my urchins feel as I do +now. [_Aloud._] I've got an idea, sir, about the Captain. + +CLEVELAND. Well, what idea? + +METCALF. [_Aside_.] Here comes Rose--the very image of Bridget--all +I wanted was to give her time. [_Aloud_.] An idea--[_Aside_.] to trap +you with sword, coat, and all-- + +CLEVELAND. There she is--begone, fellow--you intrude upon me. + +_Enter_ ROSE, _disguised as_ BRIDGET. + +ROSE. [_Curtseying_.] Your Honour sent for me. + +METCALF. Ha! ha! ha! Trap to catch foxes--ho! ho! ho! + +[_Exit_. + +CLEVELAND. You look a lively, quick-witted lass. + +ROSE. [_Aside_.] Now for the airs of your true lady's lady. + +CLEVELAND. Do you know how to keep a silent tongue? + +ROSE. Bless us! Haven't I always been in practice? Ain't I mum to what +all the fine gentlemen say about the bouquets, the presents, the love +notes-- + +CLEVELAND. How would you like to make twenty pounds? + +ROSE. Oh, sir, I am quite invincible. + +CLEVELAND. But twenty pounds? + +ROSE. Say twenty-five. + +CLEVELAND. To be paid when the contract is performed. How would you +like to marry? + +ROSE. Oh! good gracious! + +CLEVELAND. Hush! Why the deuce do you raise that clatter? + +ROSE. Lor, sir, we always do. + +CLEVELAND. Be silent, or the twenty pounds-- + +ROSE. Twenty-five-- + +CLEVELAND. Twenty-five then. Marriage in jest. + +ROSE. Oh! + +CLEVELAND. Only in jest--to decide a wager. You must disguise yourself +as your mistress, when you will be admitted into the presence of +Captain Armstrong. + +ROSE. Captain Armstrong.--Goodness gracious! + +CLEVELAND. Hear me out. A pretended chaplain will be by, and a sham +form of marriage will be gone through with-- + +ROSE. Only in jest? Why, what a funny joke! + +CLEVELAND. Capital! capital! Ha! ha! ha! + +ROSE. Ha! ha! ha! A splendid joke, sir. But I don't quite understand +it. + +CLEVELAND. Oh, you understand enough. You must not speak above the +lowest whisper, nor let the Captain see your features. A few words and +the--the--ha, ha, ha--the joke is through with-- + +ROSE. I see--I see. + +CLEVELAND. And then to-morrow when he comes to know it--don't you +see--we will have a run on the Captain--'twill be the rarest sport +when found out. + +ROSE. But suppose now it should turn out to be a real no-mistake +marriage. + +CLEVELAND. But it can't. The priest is a sham--that's the point of the +joke. + +ROSE. That's the point of the joke, eh? + +CLEVELAND. Come, will you do it? + +ROSE. Well--I am doubtful. + +CLEVELAND. Only carry it out well, and you shall have fifty pounds. + +ROSE. I am convinced, as old intrigues are dull, I want pastime, and +would like to earn fifty pounds, and if my chances in other quarters +are uninjured, why-- + +CLEVELAND. You will do it? + +ROSE. Will the Captain think it a jest? + +CLEVELAND. He thinks there is a plan on foot to introduce your +mistress to him for a similar purpose. + +ROSE. And when he finds that he has married plain Bridget instead of +Miss Rose--what a rage he will be in! Oh, what a delightful jest-- + +CLEVELAND. The funniest you ever heard of. Such laughing as there will +be! + +ROSE. Fifty pounds--all in gold--is more than I can stand. + +CLEVELAND. Then meet me in five minutes, by yonder tree. + +ROSE. I'll slip on one of my mistress's dresses, and in five minutes +be ready--but remember--_fifty pounds_! + +[_Exit_ ROSE. + +CLEVELAND. [_Rubbing his hands_.] The best of tricks. Ha! ha! ha! + +[_Exit_. + +_Enter_ METCALF _and_ ELSWORTH. + +ELSWORTH. Ha, ha, ha! Bravo, Metcalf! a good jest, sir.--Bridget +disguised as Rose--ha! ha! ha! + +METCALF. It's exquisitely funny, sir--only I think you don't quite +understand it-- + +ELSWORTH. It's you, Metcalf, that don't understand it. It's nothing +but a piece of military deviltry. Why, my innocent sir, Armstrong's +confinement is only a sham--it doesn't mean anything--Cleveland told +me so himself--he will be free to-night. I shouldn't wonder if they +were drinking and carousing together now. Bless you, Metcalf, it's +only one of Cleveland's practical jokes. But I must go and find Rose, +and tell her all about it--it will give her such a laugh. How the +Captain will stare when he finds it out, to be sure! + +[_Exit._ + +METCALF. Well, wise one, if you insist upon having it in that way, +why, do so--I suppose Miss Rose can fight her battles without your +help. It was devilish lucky, though, I overheard that plan of theirs, +or the Captain would have been victimized--damnably--ay, damnably--if +it be swearing--and a capital crime at Fidlington School. I wonder +where Bridget is--Bridget _bona fide_--I mean--a delicious girl,--I +love her--I will conjugate her. Nobody in the walks--the marriage not +over yet--bless me! I do believe that I am trembling like a refractory +scholar with a prospective birching. If it should fail--but it won't, +it can't--Rose is a girl to carry anything through. + +_Re-enter_ MR. ELSWORTH. + +ELSWORTH. Where can Rose be, I wonder! I can't find her anywhere. +Everybody inquiring for her--everybody laughing too about the +jest upon Armstrong. Ah, these military fellows are such practical +jokers--so full of deviltry, to be sure! Who could have thought of +such a trick? + +METCALF. No civilian, you may be sure, sir. [_Aside, looking off_.] +Eh? There they are. The deed is done. It's all right, ha! ha! ha! +I'll cut. That Major has a sanguinary way of contemplating me that has +blood in it--blood! [_Aloud._] I think I saw Rose in this direction, +sir, with the Major; I dare say we can find her, if we go along. + +ELSWORTH. Come, sir, then. + +[_Exeunt_. + +_Enter_ MAJOR CLEVELAND. + +CLEVELAND. It's done, and they are fast married. Aha, my lady, who now +has the game? Armstrong looked astounded, but, expecting some plan to +aid him, he fell into the trap without asking a question. Now, now, my +course is clear! + +_Enter_ ELSWORTH. + +ELSWORTH. Where can Rose be, to be sure? The guests are leaving, and +I must find her to give them a good-night. Ah, Major! Have you seen my +daughter? + +_Enter_ LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH. + +LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH. Sir, sir, do you not know that Rose has +clandestinely been introduced into the presence of Armstrong-- + +ELSWORTH. No! has she, though? You d-o-n-t say so! Let me whisper a +word, Master Harry--a beautiful joke--it was Bridget-- + +LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH. No, sir, it was Rose herself. + +CLEVELAND. The young man is right. + +ELSWORTH. How! What do you say? + +CLEVELAND. Simply, sir, by the richest scheme in the world, this +rebel's union with your daughter is rendered impossible. I told you +the marriage was a jest--a sham. It was not--quite the contrary. + +ELSWORTH. Do I understand you to say, sir, that you have really +tricked Captain Armstrong into a marriage with-- + +CLEVELAND. To be sure, sir. It will be the sport of the whole army. +The disgrace you feared cannot now occur. Miss Elsworth can never be +that rustic's wife--thanks, sir, to my splendid idea. Aha, it was a +glorious thought, glorious! + +ELSWORTH. Now, damn all respect for the red-coats. + +CLEVELAND. Ha! + +ELSWORTH. Sir, you have been guilty of a vile scheme. You have put +my house to a dishonourable use. You have betrayed one of my guests +infamously. Oh! that one of His Majesty's officers could lend himself +to a scheme like this. + +CLEVELAND. Why, sir, I thought-- + +_Enter _ROSE _and_ WALTER, _back_. + +ELSWORTH. That I would sanction such a plot. Major Cleveland, your +conduct has made me half a rebel. It was devilish--diabolical, sir! + +CLEVELAND. But-- + +_Enter_ METCALF, _dancing_. + +METCALF. Armstrong has escaped. + +CLEVELAND. Escaped! Again! Impossible! + +METCALF. He has, or may I be birched. + +_Enter_ LIEUTENANT MARVIN. + +MARVIN. Sir, the prisoner has escaped--and the woman-- + +CLEVELAND. By heaven! it shall not be--a hundred pounds reward for +him! + +ROSE. [_Approaching with_ WALTER.] I claim the reward, Major +Cleveland. + +CLEVELAND. You! The prisoner here! How came he free? + +ROSE. By your signet. The sentry knew and acknowledged it. + +CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth? + +ROSE. Mrs. Armstrong, by your kind assistance. + +CLEVELAND. Ha! What do you mean? + +ROSE. Permit me to present you to my husband. + +CLEVELAND. Your husband! What does this mean? + +ROSE. I _did have_ the trump card, sir, and have taken the trick. + +CLEVELAND. I am bewildered--I cannot understand-- + +ROSE. Can't you see? [_Imitating him._] "How would you like to make +twenty pounds? Ha, ha, ha! only as jest! a splendid jest! we'll have +such a run on the Captain! As I want pastime, and my prospects--" + +CLEVELAND. The wench has betrayed me. + +ROSE. You never spoke a word to Bridget. I was the only person you +saw. + +CLEVELAND. You! + +ROSE. Even I. Did I act it to the life? + +CLEVELAND. Caught! Tricked! Fool! By--! Madam, this is a farce. + +ROSE. Sir, I know it, but it has been played out, and you unwittingly +have acted the clown. + +ELSWORTH. I am confounded. + +CLEVELAND. The end is not yet. I refuse to be governed by a forced +construction to a promise which I meant to apply differently. The +rebel is still my prisoner. He is surrounded. + +ROSE. If your promise is not observed to the letter, I'll proclaim +you through the army. I'll degrade you in the eyes of every English +officer and gentleman in the land. You disgrace your sword, sir, by +this very hesitation. Your bitter, unsoldierly, and dishonourable +hatred and persecution of an honourable prisoner, drove me to an +extremity which nothing but a question of life or death could have +persuaded me to undertake. My womanly modesty I was forced to outrage. +You compelled me to stoop to things which I abhorred. But I have a +brother who is an English officer; a husband who is an American one. +Be careful, sir, in what way you use my name in connection with this +night's work, for, be assured, they will not fail to punish a ribald, +a slanderous, or a libertine tongue. Consent to Captain Armstrong's +release, and your discomfiture remains a secret; refuse, and with one +word, I'll have all our guests upon the spot and a public confession. + +CLEVELAND. It's absurd to suppose that I'm to be bound by such +figments as you have woven. The thing is too ridiculous! + +ROSE. You acknowledged the binding nature of your promise, when you +attempted, with such heartless cruelty, to entrap the Captain into a +marriage with a servant. How would that story sound, think you? And +what would be said of the sagacity and discernment of an officer who +could allow such a deceit to be practised upon him as I practised upon +you? Dear me! I think, Major, that you are in a quandary. + +METCALF. [_Aside_.] In a ditch! + +ROSE. We await your decision. Shall the Captain be free and this +little jest go no further? + +CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth-- + +ROSE. Excuse me if I assist your memory--Mrs. Armstrong. + +CLEVELAND. Madam, I yield to a woman. You fight with weapons I do not +understand-- + +ROSE. With wit, eh? + +CLEVELAND. [_Aside_.] There is no hope for me. She has me at every +point. I may as well yield with what grace I can. [_Aloud_.] Miss +Elsworth, I am at your mercy. May not this night's work be forgotten? +Captain Armstrong, I swore if ever I caught you, that you should +pay dearly for that daring trick of yours--that bold capture of a +fellow-officer, sleeping by my very side--but this lady has checkmated +me. + +WALTER. Checkmated you, sir, and mated me. + +CLEVELAND. Both were done by the same move. + +ELSWORTH. And you are married, Rose? + +ROSE. I will bear Walter's name when we are publicly married, +sir--which now, I trust, will be with your sanction. + +ELSWORTH. You have it. You have won a husband, if ever woman did. + +LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH. Walter, if you were only more true to the right-- + +WALTER. Oh, Harry! We will discuss that question yet. I shall make you +[_In his ear._] a convert; be sure of it. + +_Enter_ CAPTAIN ARBALD _and_ KATE. + +KATE. Why, the company is breaking up. We missed you all, sadly. Here +come the guests. + +CLEVELAND. Ah, Arbald, I'm afraid you will have to forego Miss Rose, +here-- + +ARBALD. To pluck a flower no less sweet. + +ROSE. What? Why, Kate-- + +ARBALD. I have your sister's consent, Miss Elsworth, conditioned only +that you all accord with her decision. + +ROSE. And so you have been making love under the _rose_ all this +while. Do not doubt our good wishes. + +METCALF. I wonder where Bridget is. I'll pop the question before +morning. + +ELSWORTH. Rose, you have neglected your friends. Let us go in. + +ROSE. Our first duty is to the friends before us-- + +WALTER. To which faction do they adhere--red or blue? + +ROSE. True blue and rebel, I'll be sworn--but I will ask them! [_Comes +forward. To_ ARMSTRONG.] You see, sir, they respond already. [_To the +Audience._] Do you approve the Whiggish maid, and sanction her schemes +so boldly played? The heart of love is heroic in every age; and after +all + + What difference can we affix, + Twixt love to-day, and Love in '76? + +CURTAIN. + + +_The End._ + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Representative Plays by American +Dramatists: 1856-1911: Love in '76, by Oliver Bell Bunce + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REPRESENTATIVE PLAYS BY *** + +***** This file should be named 15519-8.txt or 15519-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/5/1/15519/ + +Produced by S.R.Ellison, David Starner, and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/15519-8.zip b/15519-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..059ff7c --- /dev/null +++ b/15519-8.zip diff --git a/15519.txt b/15519.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0a7d5f3 --- /dev/null +++ b/15519.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2306 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Representative Plays by American +Dramatists: 1856-1911: Love in '76, by Oliver Bell Bunce + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1856-1911: Love in '76 + An Incident of the Revolution + +Author: Oliver Bell Bunce + +Release Date: April 1, 2005 [EBook #15519] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REPRESENTATIVE PLAYS BY *** + + + + +Produced by S.R.Ellison, David Starner, and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + + + + + + + +LOVE IN '76 + +_AN INCIDENT OF THE REVOLUTION_ + + + + +[Illustration: OLIVER BELL BUNCE] + + + + +OLIVER BELL BUNCE. + +(1828-1890) + + +The name of Oliver Bell Bunce is not prominently connected with the +American Theatre. Authorities have taken little or no trouble to +unearth his association with the plays and players of his time--the +mid-period of the nineteenth century. Yet they all agree that, as +illustration of "parlour comedy," his "Love in '76" is a satisfactory +example of sprightliness and fresh inventiveness. For this reason, the +small comedietta is included in the present collection. It challenges +comparison with Royall Tyler's "The Contrast" for manner, and its +volatile spirit involved in the acting the good services of such +estimable players as Laura Keene, Stoddart, and Ringgold. In the +cast also was J.G. Burnett, author of "Blanche of Brandywine," a +dramatization of a novel by George Lippard, also produced by Laura +Keene. + +"Love in '76" was given its premiere at Laura Keene's Theatre, New +York, on February 28, 1857, for the benefit of the Shirt Sewers' +Union; and was the second offering of a double bill beginning with +"Faust and Marguerite." Though the critiques of the time recognized +in it a "nice little play," they balked at what was considered to be +a foolish nomenclature, "Comedietta." What was liked about it, +particularly, was the absence of patriotic fustian, for the national +drama of the time seems to have been loaded down with long flights +of fancy on the subject of liberty. Others hailed it as smart in the +social sense. As late as March 31, 1892, the little play was revived +by amateurs for the benefit of a monument to be erected over the +neglected grave of Washington's mother. + +This was not the first time Bunce had appeared as a playwright. There +had been seen, on June 10, 1850, at the New York Bowery Theatre, a +tragedy entitled "Marco Bozzaris; or, The Grecian Hero," and in the +cast were J. Wallack, Jr., and his wife, together with John Gilbert. +It was not based on the poem by Fitz-Greene Halleck, but, for its +colour and plot, Bunce went direct to history. For Wallack he also +wrote a tragedy, entitled "Fate; or, The Prophecy," and, according +to Hutton, during the summer of 1848, the Denin Sisters produced his +"Morning of Life," at the New York Chatham Theatre. + +Such was the extent of Bunce's drama writing. His life was not cast in +the dramatic field, but rather in the publishing world. The plays +were done in his early manhood. But he was pledged in interest to the +theatre, and there are many significant criticisms and descriptions +in print which convey an excellent impression of his attitude toward +plays, players, and acting. + +Bunce was a self-made man, with an excellent grasp of literature, +which served him well in his various literary ventures. His mind was +cast in channels of originality, and the history of book publishing +in New York must needs consider the numerous suggestions, which, +as literary adviser at different times for the houses of Harper and +Appleton, he saw to successful fruition. In 1872, he became Editor of +_Appleton's Journal_, and it is to the files of this magazine we must +turn to extract his frank reaction to the theatre of his day. He wrote +novels, stories, essays, editorials, everything to win him the name of +journalist; once he had a publishing house of his own, doing business +under the firm name of Bunce & Co. He was always cordial toward every +move to further the literary interest of the country, and was among +the first to welcome the founding of the Authors Club. It may be that +his "Love in '76" was a by-product of a book written by him, in 1852, +and called "Romance of the Revolution." + +Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid and +human than many a better-known critic. Here, for instance, is an +impression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846. + +"That was the time," he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton's +Journal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where critics +and wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things about +the plays and the performers. The actors were in those days afraid +of the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from the +orchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where old +Nestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no one +dared to gainsay. The Pit was entered by cellar steps, and through a +half-lighted, subterranean passage. Decorative art, as we see it now +in the full bloom of the Madison Square auditorium and Mr. Daly's +lobby, had not even given a hint of its coming." + +In _The Galaxy_ for February, 1868, Bunce ventures to survey "Some +of Our Actors" from the standpoint of deploring the pre-Raphaelite +realism of the modern school. He scored the attempted "truth" and +"fidelity" of Matilda Heron, and, in considering Maggie Mitchell's +_Fanchon,_ he bespoke the cause of ideality, as necessary in _Fanchon_ +as in _Juliet._ "Modern comedy acting," he declares, "is usually a +bright, brisk touch-and-go affair, suited to modern plays; but to the +mellow and artistic style of a former generation, it is as the light +claret wines, now so much in use, to crusty old port." + +Except in the instances of our comedians, like Murdoch, with his +"lightness of manner, that grace, which I have described elsewhere as +snuffing a candle in a way to make you feel that snuffing candles is +the poetry of life;" Harry Placide, with whose retirement went the +retirement of _Sir Peter Teazle_ and _Sir Harcourt Courtley_, ("When +Placide and Gilbert are gone," he writes, "Sheridan will have to be +shelved"); Holland, with his intense fun in eccentric bits; Brougham, +without whom "The Rivals" is difficult to endure--apart from these the +stage of the time, to Bunce, was not all it should be. He valued +at their worth the romantic extravagances of the Wallack family; +he applauded the sound judgment, and deplored the hard manner of +Davenport; he viewed calmly what he regarded to be an overestimation +of Edwin Booth--one of the first criticisms of an avowedly negative +character I have seen aimed directly at this actor. In other words, +Bunce fought hard against the encroachment of the new times upon the +acting of his early theatre days. The epitome of his old-time attitude +is to be found in _Appleton's Journal_ for April 3, 1869. His better +mood was to be met with in his discussion of the players of Ellen +Tree's type. Here are his words of censure against the new order: + +"If we old files are to be believed, the art of acting is dying out, +and the very tradition of the stage disappearing.... Very likely the +spirit, which in painting we call pre-Raphaelism, is obtaining its +influence on the stage, and that some of the actors are turning out of +doors the traditions and formal mannerisms of the schools, and going +back to nature and truth for their inspiration.... There were very +artificial methods, no doubt, among the old actors, but there was also +a very consummate knowledge of the art, a great deal of breadth, +force and skill, and a finished training, which the new schools do +not exhibit. In aiming to be natural, some of our actors seem to have +concluded that their profession is not an art. They grow heedless +in the delivery of language, weakening or obscuring its meaning, and +missing its significance; and in some way lose that rich and mellow +colouring that characterized the bygone performers. So marked is this, +that some of the old dramatic characters are abandoned altogether, +because in the hands of the Realists they fade away into ineffective +and colourless forms. The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony +Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources +of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can +personate them. In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old +school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard +the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor +forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, +that marked the old stage." + +Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays +had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family. +And being such a lover of old English Comedy accounts for some of the +spirit of "Love in '76." + +His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has +been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920). It is a +strong valuation of tradition--the jade who is looked at askance by +the amateur players of the "little theatres," and too exacting for the +average player on the professional stage. + +Bunce was a New Yorker, born in that city, February 8, 1828, and dying +there on May 15, 1890. + + + + + LAURA KEENE'S + NEW THEATRE, + + 624 BROADWAY. NEAR HOUSTON STREET. + + MISS LAURA KEENE SOLE LESSEE AND DIRECTRESS + MR. THOMAS BAKER MUSICAL DIRECTOR + +Change of Time. Doors open at half past Six. The performance will +commence with the Overture at a quarter past Seven. + + * * * * * + + BENEFIT + OF THE + SHIRT-SEWERS' UNION + + Sixth time of the Dramatic Poem, in three acts, entitled + + FAUST AND MARGUERITE + +The Drama having been misapprehended by one or two critics, it is +respectfully stated that the translation has not been made by a +resident dramatist, as inferred, but by the celebrated European +scholar and linguist, Jonathan Birch, whose translation has been +recognized by Frederick William, of Prussia, as the best rendition of +the original of Goethe's Faust ever given in English to the public. + +The play has been taken bodily from this translation, published by +Black & Armstrong, London, and F.A. Brockhaus, Leipsig, without any +alteration other than is necessary to bring it within the bounds of an +evening's performance. To produce the poem as written by Goethe, would +require at least three nights in performance. By reference to the +edition mentioned, it will be seen that there has been no deviation +from the original, except as above specified. + +The fall of Marguerite, in the poem, is much more sudden than in the +play, and, indeed, the exceptions taken generally to the drama concern +the original author, Goethe, rather than the translation. Great care +has been taken to produce the play with strict fidelity to the author, +following in the architecture, costumes and groupings the celebrated +_chefs d' oeuvres_ of REIZSCH, who devoted the best years of his life +to illustrate this great work; and it should be added, also, that +every note of the music in this piece is from SPOHR. + + Music by Spohr, arranged by Mr. Thomas Baker + New Scenery by Messrs. Hawthorne and Almay + New Wardrobe by Mr. Bullock and Assistants + Machinery by Mr. Smart and Assistants + Properties and Appointments by Mr. W. Duverna + + Under the personal supervision of + + MISS LAURA KEENE. + + * * * * * + +First time of a New American Comedietta, In two acts, by a Citizen of +New York, entitled + +LOVE IN '76 + + * * * * * + +SATURDAY EVENING, FEB. 28th, 1857 + +Will be presented the great Dramatic Poem by Goethe, translated by +Jonathan Birch, Esq., and produced for the SIXTH TIME, as now adapted +and arranged for this artistic work under the title of + +FAUST AND MARGUERITE + +DISTRIBUTION OF CHARACTERS: + + Faust, an aged scholar Mr. C. Wheatleigh + Mephistophilies Mr. George Jordan + Wagner, a student, friend to Faust Mr. Stoddart + Valentine, a soldier, brother to Marguerite Mr. Lingham + Brandor, a soldier, friend to Valentine Mr. Alleyne + Frosh Mr. Hayes + Siebel Mr. Reeve + Fritz Mr. Harcourt + Students Messers. Carpenter, Jackson, Carter, Kellogg + Altmayer Mr. McDonall + Beggar Mr. Beneon + Marguerite, a young peasant girl Miss Laura Keene + Martha, her confidante Mrs. H.P. Grattan + Lizzie { Companions } Miss Alleyne + Barbara { of Marguerite } Miss Howell + Witch, creature of Mephistophiles Mrs. Attwood + Spirits of Good Miss Howell, Miss Wall, Miss Berkowitz, + and Miss Rosa Berkowitz + Peasantry, Chorus of Demons, etc., etc., + + SCENERY IN THE DRAMA: + + ACT I. + Scene 1st--Faust's Laboratory By Almy + Scene 2nd--Street in Wittenburg By Hawthorne + + ACT II. + Scene 1st--Pavillion and Garden of Marguerite By Hawthorne + + ACT III. + Scene 1st--Street and Cathedral in Wittenburg By Howthorne + Scene 2nd--Rocky Glen By Hawthorne + Scene 3rd--Prison By Almy + Scene 4th--Street and Cathedral--Apotheosis of Marguerite By Hawthorne + +To conclude for the FIRST TIME with a New American Comedietta, in TWO +ACTS, by a Gentleman of this city, called + +LOVE IN '76 + + Mr. Elsworth Mr. Stoddart + Lieutenant Harry Elsworth Mr. Ringgold + Captain Walter Armstrong Mr. Lingham + Major Cleveland Mr. Burnett + Captain Arbald Mr. Benson + Lieutenant Marvin Mr. Hayes + Apollo Metcalf Mr. Johnston + John Mr. Harcourt + Corporal Mr. Leslie + Soldiers Messers Jackson and Kellog + Rose Ellsworth Miss Laura Keene + Kate Ellsworth Miss Alleyne + Bridget Miss Howell + +A Grand Scenic Drama, called THE SONS OF NIGHT, has been in rehersal +and will be produced immediately. + + ADMISSION + Drama Circle and Parquette 50 Cents + Balcony Seats 75 Cents + Family Circle 25 Cents + Orchestra Stalls One Dollar + Private Boxes Six and Eight Dollars + + Box Office open from 8 in the morning throughout the day. + + Children in Arms not admitted. This regulation will be rigidly enforced. + + Treasurer Mr. W.W. Gray + Box Bookkeeper Mr. F.N.Cartland + + + + + LOVE IN '76 + + _AN INCIDENT OF THE REVOLUTION_ + + A COMEDIETTA IN TWO ACTS + + _By_ OLIVER BUNCE + + AS PERFORMED AT LAURA KEENE'S THEATRE + NEW YORK, FEB. 28, 1857 + + [The acting edition of this play, with the + relative positions of the performers on the + stage, is published by Samuel French.] + + + + +COSTUMES. + +MR. ELSWORTH.--_Shad-cut brown coat, brown or black breeches, +shoe-buckles._ + +LIEUTENANT HARRY ELSWORTH.--_Red, turned up with blue, buff breeches, +high boots._ + +CAPTAIN ARMSTRONG.--_Blue, turned up with buff, white top boots._ + +MAJOR CLEVELAND.--_Red, turned up with white, breeches, high boots._ + +CAPTAIN ARBALD.--_The Same._ + +LIEUTENANT MARVIN.--_The Same._ + +APOLLO METCALF.--_Gray shad, square-cut suit._ + +THE LADIES.--_The costumes of the period of '76._ + + + + +LOVE IN '76. + + + +ACT I. + + +SCENE. _The drawing-room in the residence of_ MR. EDWARD ELSWORTH. +_Garden seen through doors._ ROSE ELSWORTH _occupied at a small table, +stitching._ KATE ELSWORTH _stretched languidly upon a sofa, with a +book in hand._ MR. EDWARD ELSWORTH _in an easy chair, with newspaper +in his lap. Writing materials on table._ + +KATE. Oh, dullness! dullness! I do wish Harry was at home, or Sir +William would march some of his troops this way! What's the use of an +army in the country, if one can't have a dance once in a while? + +ROSE. What, indeed! All I desire is, sister, that they should be +[_Enter_ SERVANT _with letters for_ MR. ELSWORTH.] left to the dance! +That much they do very well. + +KATE. I'm sure, Rose, I can't see what you find in these rebels to +admire. As far as my observation has gone, they are only so many +boors. There was Captain Arthur. Was there ever such a dunce? He had +no manner whatever. He attempted once to walk a minuet with me, and +I really thought he was a bear accidentally stumbled into coat and +slippers. + +ROSE. You're quite right! he never should have got his appointment +until he had served a campaign in the drawing-room. If I were the +Congress, I'd appoint none who could not bring diplomas from their +dancing-masters. + +ELSWORTH. Ha? 'pon my word! Very extraordinary news. + +[_All coming forward._ + +ROSE. What is it, papa? + +ELSWORTH. There has been a battle. + +ROSE. Is it possible? Oh, where, sir? + +ELSWORTH. On Long Island. [_Reading._] Washington has been +defeated--has evacuated the city--is retiring northward. [_Speaking_.] +I feel, my daughters, that our situation is becoming here unsafe. We +shall be continually exposed to the assaults of marauders. It would +be wiser, in the present aspect of affairs, for us to seek a securer +residence in New York, now so fortunately in possession of Sir William +Howe. + +ROSE. I should prefer remaining here. + +ELSWORTH. Would it be safe, Rose? + +ROSE. Yes, for we neutralize each other. Your loyalty will secure +you with the Tories, and my Whiggism will protect us with the other +faction. + +ELSWORTH. Your Whiggism, Rose? You shock me by such an avowal; and +your brother, too, an officer of the King. + +KATE. I don't think there is much danger, if Mr. Armstrong is near to +protect us. + +ELSWORTH. Mr. Armstrong? + +KATE. Oh, yes, papa! He's got to be a captain. + +ELSWORTH. Not a rebel, I trust. + +ROSE. Not a traitor, I thank heaven. + +ELSWORTH. You confound terms strangely. A traitor is one false to his +king. + +ROSE. False to his country, sir. A king is a creature of to-day--your +country a thing of immortality. + +ELSWORTH. Your King is your sovereign, by divine right and true +succession. + +ROSE. Then, sir, serve the Stuarts. How came the house of Hanover upon +the throne? You see, sir, that if you zealous loyalists could shift +off James, we, with less belief in the divine right of kings, can +shift off George. + +_Enter_ MR. APOLLO METCALF. + +METCALF. Good day, Mr. Elsworth. Good day, young ladies. "Good day" +all, I may say. + +ELSWORTH. Have you any news of the war, Mr. Metcalf? + +METCALF. News--plenty of it, and mad. The country is depopulated. +There isn't a youth with the first hope of a beard upon his chin, who +hasn't gone with young Armstrong, to join the army. + +ELSWORTH. Young Armstrong? + +METCALF. To be sure, sir. He's turned out a fiery rebel, after +all--and a captain, to boot. + +ELSWORTH. Heaven bless me, but this is very sad. A promising youth +to be led astray! Dear me, dear me! Rose, I am very sorry to say that +this is certainly your fault. You have filled him with your wild, +radical, and absurd heroic rhapsodies. You have made him disloyal to +his King. You have put a dagger in his hand, to stab at the heart of +his country. Alas! I see what the end will be--disgrace and death, +ignominy and the gallows. + +[ROSE _walks back to the window_. + +KATE. Mr. Metcalf, how are your little charges? How flourishes the +birch? + +METCALF. They've all caught the spirit of the rebellion, marm, and are +as untractable as bulls. Bless you, there isn't a lad over fourteen +who hasn't abandoned his horn-book and gone off with Armstrong. And +as for the girls, they're greater rebels than the boys. What do you +think, marm? The other day they came marching in procession, and +demanded to know on which side I was. I said "God save the King;" +whereupon they fell upon me like a swarm of bees, armed with a +thousand pins, and so pinched, and pricked, and pulled me, that there +wasn't a square inch of my skin that wasn't as full of holes as a +ten-year old pin-cushion. And I do believe they never would have +stopped if I hadn't cried, "Huzza for Washington!" + +ELSWORTH. I hope, sir, that you will not be compelled to follow the +example of your scholars, and turn soldier. + +METCALF. Never, sir. I content myself with teaching the young idea how +to shoot, without indulging in such dangerous practices myself. + +ROSE. [_From the window_.] Why, there's Harry--father, Kate--Harry is +dismounting at the door. + +ELSWORTH. Bless me! Is it possible? + +[_All gather around the window_. + +KATE. It is, I declare--and how splendid he looks. Harry! Harry! + +[_All salute him, and shake their handkerchiefs._ + +METCALF. [_Aside to_ ROSE.] Hist! Miss Elsworth! + +ROSE. Eh! + +METCALF. Walter is near--a note-- + +ROSE. [_Seizing it, and reading hurriedly._] Will be with you to-day-- + +KATE. [_Looking towards right, at the window_.] Doesn't he look fine? +There's his step in the hall. + +[_They all go towards door_. ROSE _conceals_ WALTER'S _note_. + +HARRY. [_Within_.] Rose, Kate, father! + +_Enter_ LIEUTENANT HARRY ELSWORTH. _All gather around him with +exclamations of welcome._ + +METCALF. [_Aside_.] I'll take occasion to steal down-stairs, and +plague Bridget into a kiss or two. Delicious Bridget! + +[_Exit_ METCALF. + +ELSWORTH. Harry! My brave lad! + +ROSE. Dear brother! + +HARRY. Dear sister! Father! + +ELSWORTH. Stand aside, girls. Let me have a look at him. Harry! Harry! +You are a splendid-looking fellow, you are. Ha, ha, ha! Your hand, my +boy. You look like a soldier, sir. + +HARRY. I have good news for you. I have just rode on before to +acquaint you that Major Cleveland will honour your roof to-day. + +ELSWORTH. He shall be welcome--open doors and open hands. + +HARRY. He will remain until to-morrow. Now, girls, some of us young +fellows are dying for a dance--can't we extemporize a ball? + +ROSE. Good gracious, Harry! You will have to pit coat against +coat--where are your ladies? + +HARRY. Oh, we'd drum them up. There are a dozen families within as +many miles. + +ROSE. A mad idea. + +HARRY. A wild one, I confess. + +ELSWORTH. It would be a suitable festivity in honour of our Long +Island victory. Come girls, you have my consent. + +_Enter_ SERVANT, _announcing_ CAPTAIN ARMSTRONG. + +_Enter_ CAPTAIN WALTER ARMSTRONG. + +ALL [_but_ ROSE]. Captain Armstrong! + +ARMSTRONG. Captain Armstrong! + +ALL [_but_ ROSE]. In the Continental service? + +ARMSTRONG. In the Continental service! + +ELSWORTH. I am somewhat surprised, sir, at this visit. When you were a +loyal gentleman my doors were always open to you--now, in that dress, +I cannot consent to receive your visits. In happier moments you were +a companion of my daughters--a friend of my son--you have selected a +course which must terminate that connection with my family. + +ARMSTRONG. You will pardon me, sir, I trust, for this intrusion. I +have reached this place with some danger, for these parts abound with +a set of fellows who have a fancy for wishing everybody else's skin +the colour of their own coats. Mr. Elsworth, my sense of duty has +compelled me to pursue a path which has estranged me from your +friendship. Let me ask frankly, sir, if it must separate me from one +who has honoured me with her consideration and affection? + +ELSWORTH. You allude to my daughter--to Rose-- + +ARMSTRONG. I do, sir. + +ELSWORTH. _Mister_ Armstrong--for I acknowledge no title bestowed by +an unlawful authority--I would rather wed my daughter to a Turk than +to one who had so forgotten his duty to his country. + +[_Goes up_.--ARMSTRONG _bows_. + +HARRY. Walter, we were friends once, but, as His Majesty's servant, +I can offer no compromise to a rebel. _Now_ you must not think of a +union with our family. [_Goes up_. + +ROSE. This is nothing but blind prejudice. It has neither sense nor +justice. Hear me. That for which you discard him places him higher +in my esteem--shows me how worthy he is of the respect and honour of +every true woman. My greatest pride is that he to whom I have pledged +my hand wears those colours. + +ARMSTRONG. Generous girl! + +ELSWORTH. Rose, you pain me inexpressibly! + +ROSE. I am not a giddy girl, sir. I'm a woman--old enough to know +my own heart, and to decide between right and wrong. Walter, go, and +carry with you assurances of my unwavering fidelity. + +_Enter_ BRIDGET, _hurriedly_. + +BRIDGET. Oh, my good gracious! dear me, good gracious! gracious, +goodness, me! Such a lot of soldiers--all coming down the road. + +ARMSTRONG. Eh? Red or blue? + +BRIDGET. Bless me, goodness gracious, you here, Mr. Armstrong? You'd +better look out, sir, for they are red coats, and there's a big number +of them, too. + +ARMSTRONG. I must vanish. [_Running to the window_.] Why, we're +surrounded on every side. By Jove, I'm in a trap! + +ROSE. What will you do? + +ARMSTRONG. To the north of the house. Perhaps I can reach the forest-- + +BRIDGET. They're all around that way, sir. + +HARRY. I wish that you could escape, Walter, without my knowledge. +This is the regiment to which I belong. You were foolhardy to venture +here. + +ARMSTRONG. I believe I'm caged, that's certain. And I've no desire to +be caught either, for they bear especial malice against me. If they +should know me for the fellow who played a certain trick upon them, +an hour's time would suffice for them to make me an ornament to one of +your old oaks on the lawn--a style of decoration that might suit their +taste, but which wouldn't accord with my fancy. + +ROSE. Do they know your person? + +ARMSTRONG. From description, probably. + +ROSE. We must conceal you, then. + +ARMSTRONG. If you've a rat hole into which you can crowd me. + +HARRY. I must be ignorant of your movements. I will go and receive +them. [_Exit_. + +ARMSTRONG. Whose command is it? + +ROSE. Major Cleveland's. + +ARMSTRONG. Eh? The man of men who itches to get hold of my +insignificant person. He has offered L50 for it. + +KATE. [_At the window_.] Away! They are dismounting at the door. + +ROSE. You, Bridget--I can trust you--quick, to the loft with him. + +KATE. [_Still at the window_.] Quick! quick! + +ARMSTRONG. Stow me away among your rubbish. + +[ROSE _urges them off_. WALTER _snatches a kiss from_ ROSE'S _hand as +he exits with_ BRIDGET. + +KATE. I do declare Captain Arbald is below, and I am sadly deranged. + +ROSE. Oh, fearfully! Run to your glass, by all means. Set your +springes, for these red birds are rare game. + +KATE. Sister! But I'll be revenged. [_Exit_ KATE. + +_Enter_ MAJOR CLEVELAND, _ushered in by_ LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH, _who +withdraws_. + +ELSWORTH. My dear Major Cleveland, let me welcome you zealously to +this abode. + +CLEVELAND. A great many thanks, my dear Elsworth. I'm delighted to +meet so true-hearted a loyalist. We pushed our march to partake of +your hospitality. Ah, Miss Elsworth! How shall I express my delight in +finding that Time, who deals so inexorably with us, has been induced +to favour you. It gives me infinite pleasure, Miss Elsworth, to meet +you once again, for the recollection of the occasions we have met +previously are bright spots in my memory. + +ROSE. Oh, sir, I thank you. + +ELSWORTH. And how, sir, comes on the royal cause? Will it be long ere +these rebels are taught their duty to their King? + +CLEVELAND. Have no apprehensions, my dear Elsworth. Another campaign +will scatter them to the mountains, and a live rebel be so great a +curiosity, that to cage one and exhibit him would make a showman's +fortune. + +ROSE. [_Aside_.] If he knew there were a caged one here now! + +ELSWORTH. But come, Major Cleveland, where are your companions? I must +see why they have not followed you. + +CLEVELAND. They are delayed for a moment with the troop. By the way, +Miss Elsworth, I believe that there are a couple of gentlemen without, +who are old admirers of yours--Captain Arbald and Lieutenant Marvin. + +ROSE. Old, Major! You flatter my taste. + +CLEVELAND. Why, with beauty I thought the conquest of the morning +stale matter by night. + +ROSE. Oh, sir, if staleness went to make their age, they would be +proverbed instead of Methuselah. + +CLEVELAND. They took very much to you. + +ROSE. So did the measles, sir. + +CLEVELAND. They are desperately enamoured of you--would do any +difficult thing--even die for you. + +ROSE. So they once told me, but I courtesied, and replied that I +should prefer a live rebel to even two dead loyalists. + +CLEVELAND. And then-- + +ROSE. They vowed to live for me. I begged of them to put themselves to +no such inconvenience; that I wouldn't trouble them to do anything +of the kind; that if they didn't think it worth while to live for +themselves, I shouldn't intrude upon any suicidal intention they might +entertain. + +CLEVELAND. And so they lived-- + +ROSE. But I had no hand in it; I am innocent; my skirts are clear of +the melancholy fact. + +CLEVELAND. They are noble gentlemen, Miss Elsworth. You must bear with +me if I defend them. They are good soldiers, and fine-looking fellows. + +ROSE. For which I thank their tailors. + +CLEVELAND. Gay, dashing; brave of heart, and witty of tongue. + +ROSE. Then they have been studying the almanac. When I saw them last, +they hadn't a grain of wit--not even by scratching. + +CLEVELAND. Really, Mr. Elsworth, your daughter has a sharp tongue. + +ELSWORTH. It is her humour, sir. Her passes are but play. + +CLEVELAND. I'll be sworn her heart is as true as her wit. She is-- + +ROSE. Rebel, sir, from top to toe! + +[_Enter_ ARBALD, MARVIN, _and_ HARRY.] + +Ah, gentlemen, my best welcome. My father will be proud to greet you-- + +ELSWORTH. And most happy to know you, gentlemen. + +[_Enter_ SERVANT, _with wine_.] + +Major Cleveland, will you do me the honour-- + +CLEVELAND. Sir, I esteem it an honour. Gentlemen, I hope you will all +fill in honour of our host. [_They gather around, fill, and drink to_ +MR. ELSWORTH.] Fill again, gentlemen, and honour the toast I am going +to propose. The ladies! speedy priests and rings. + +ROSE. A doubtful compliment, Major Cleveland. + +CLEVELAND. Can you think so? + +ROSE. Ay, sir; for marriages, though called matches, are mostly sad +patch-work. + +CLEVELAND. And the unmarried-- + +ROSE. Oh, they are even worse. Old maids and old bachelors are the +tossed about odds and ends of humanity. + +CLEVELAND. [_Going over to her_.] The happiest wit, madam, I ever +heard. + +ROSE. Captain Arbald, will you grant me your arm? I'm sure you would +like a turn in the garden. I shouldn't wonder if my sister were upon +the grounds. Lieutenant Marvin, will you go with us? Kate is dying for +the sight of a red-coat. [_Exit_. + +CLEVELAND. A merry-hearted woman, Mr. Elsworth. There is a touch of +sly deviltry in her composition. + +ELSWORTH. I fear lest her indiscreet tongue-- + +CLEVELAND. Not at all, my dear friend! Lieutenant, I have been +informed within an hour, that one Captain Armstrong has been seen this +day within five miles of this place. On account of his connection with +a certain affair, I wouldn't let him escape me at any sacrifice. I +have already dispatched dragoons in his pursuit. At earliest dawn I +shall expect you to head a detachment in his search. Meanwhile, sir, I +should be grateful for an opportunity to repair my toilet. + +HARRY. This way, sir; I myself will conduct you to a chamber. + +[_Exeunt_ CLEVELAND _and_ HARRY. + +ELSWORTH. This is a situation, indeed, for a royalist gentleman! +My house filled with the King's officers, and a proscribed +rebel concealed above. If discovered, I tremble to think of the +consequences. [_Exit_. + +_Enter_ ROSE. + +ROSE. Thank heaven; I am rid of them. Now to Walter, and learn his +full danger. + +[_Enter_ ARMSTRONG.] + +Are you mad? What are you here for? Back to your hiding place at once. + +WALTER. No, Rose; I shall not go. + +ROSE. Why--what-- + +WALTER. Hear me, Rose. Ask yourself if it is an honourable course for +me, a proscribed and hunted rebel, to suffer myself to be concealed +in your father's house when my discovery would involve him in terrible +consequences. I cannot consent to expose him to those consequences. I +would rather openly deliver myself into the hands of Major Cleveland. + +ROSE. Foolish man! You are ruining all. Walter, for my sake go back +again. This is a ridiculous and false sense of honour. + +WALTER. No, Rose, I am resolved-- + +ROSE. Walter, I implore you-- + +[_Enter_ MAJOR CLEVELAND.] + +[_Aside_.] Ha! Lost! [_Aloud_.] Oh, Major Cleveland, how opportune. +Pray let me make you acquainted with Captain Fuller. A friend of my +father's, sir--a neighbour. Captain Fuller, Major Cleveland. Allow me +to commend you, gentlemen, to each other's better acquaintance. + +CLEVELAND. A rebel officer. This is very extraordinary. + +ROSE. Let me see you shake hands, gentlemen, for here, you know, you +must be friends. If you like to cut each other's throats elsewhere, so +be it; but, of course, you sheathe your swords, and swear peace in the +presence of a lady. + +CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth well rebukes us. Captain Fuller, for the +time being, the red and the blue rejoice under a common auspices--Miss +Elsworth smiles. + +[_They shake hands ceremoniously_. + +ROSE. Now, gentlemen, sit down. You, Major, shall have a seat upon +the sofa by my side. Captain Fuller, please, take the chair near you. +[_The gentlemen seat themselves_.] Now, you see, I am between you, and +shall prevent warfare. I here proclaim a truce. The Captain, Major, +wants to join our ball to-night. I have promised him my hand the next +after yours. + +CLEVELAND. [_Scrutinizing_ WALTER _closely_.] I'm quite ready, Miss +Elsworth, to laugh at a joke, but really I cannot understand-- + +ROSE. Why two gentlemen cannot meet under my father's roof, as his +guests, and not fall to tearing each other to pieces? Is it the modern +way to make war in parlours, instead of the field? + +CLEVELAND. Strange, very strange. Your pardon, Captain Fuller, but I +cannot help remarking that you closely resemble a description I have +received of one Captain Armstrong. + +ROSE. Dear me, and who is Captain Armstrong, pray? + +CLEVELAND. A rebel, madam. + +ROSE. I like him for that. + +CLEVELAND. A spy. + +ROSE. But what has all this to do with Captain Fuller? I have known +the Captain, Major, for some years, and I think you can take my word +for it, he is no spy. + +CLEVELAND. Do Captain Fuller and Captain Armstrong wear the same +colours? + +WALTER. All Continental officers wear the same colours. + +CLEVELAND. Are they all of the same complexion, height, and [_Rising +and going over to him_.] do they all wear the same love tokens? Does +Captain Fuller wear Captain Armstrong's sash, worked with Captain +Armstrong's name! + +WALTER. [_Aside_.] The sash Rose worked and gave me. Fool! fool! + +CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth, I'm under the necessity of a disagreeable +duty. I am compelled to consider our truce at an end. Young sir, you +are my prisoner. + +WALTER. [_Drawing and rushing between the_ MAJOR _and the door._] +If you speak aloud or attempt to call aid, I will strike you dead. I +shall not yield without resistance. If you molest me, blood will be +shed. + +CLEVELAND. [_Drawing a pistol._] I am better armed than you supposed, +sir. It would be awkward for any collision to occur in the presence of +a lady, and yet I shall not hesitate to do my duty. If you are really +Captain Fuller, I shall be very glad to shake hands and drink a glass +of wine with you; if Captain Armstrong, you _must_ become my prisoner. + +ROSE. [_Standing by her chair, trembling._] Gentlemen! Gentlemen! + +WALTER. I have but one reply to make: if you attempt to arrest me, I +shall defend myself--and will escape if I can. + +[_Several shots fired within_. + +_Enter_ MR. METCALF _suddenly, pursued by_ TWO SOLDIERS. + +CLEVELAND. Ha! + +METCALF. [_Not seeing_ CLEVELAND, _and rushing up to_ WALTER.] Bless +me, Captain Armstrong. + +CLEVELAND. Oh, then he is Captain Armstrong. + +ROSE. [_With great suddenness._] Captain Fuller, Mr. Metcalf--don't +play your jests here--Captain Fuller, sir. + +METCALF. Eh! Eh! [_Looking confused from one to another._] A jest, +Captain Fuller--capital--ha, ha, ha--[_Aside to_ ROSE.] What mischief +have I tumbled into now, and who is that fellow in a very red coat and +a very white wig? + +ROSE. [_Aside to him._] Major Cleveland. + +METCALF. Major Cleveland! We are all hanged and quartered--though for +the matter of that, in my capacity of expounder of the alphabet, +I've been quartered--on the neighbourhood, these ten years past. Your +obedient servant, sir, your very obedient-- + +CLEVELAND. That will do, fellow. What was the cause of those shots +just now? [_To_ SOLDIERS. + +METCALF. 'Pon my word, sir, it was the guns. + +CLEVELAND. Pshaw! + +SOLDIER. This fellow attempted to pass without the countersign. + +METCALF. You see, sir, I was just about to enter to call on my friend, +Mr. Elsworth, to sip an afternoon glass with him, when a big-booted +fellow cried out, halt. Now, sir, the idea of asking a man well +in both legs to halt, is preposterous. So I said, and walked on +as straight as I could, when bang, bum, whiz, came one, two, three +bullets scattering after my hide-- + +CLEVELAND. Have done, sir. [_To_ WALTER.] I am desirous of giving +you, sir, every opportunity to disprove your identity with Captain +Armstrong. I chance to know that gentleman's handwriting. There is a +desk with pen and ink. Will you stand that test? + +WALTER. [_Aside to_ ROSE.] That would never do. There isn't one of my +pot-hooks that wouldn't hang me. + +ROSE. [_Quickly_.] Really, Major Cleveland, you might require a more +reasonable test. Don't you see the Captain has a rheumatic hand? + +CLEVELAND. For a rheumatic hand, Miss Elsworth, he handled his sword +somewhat skilfully, just now. You see, sir, resistance is useless. You +will resign your sword, I trust. + +[_The two_ SOLDIERS, _at a sign from_ CLEVELAND, _have come up behind_ +WALTER. _He is seized_. + +WALTER. Ha! I am your prisoner, sir. + +_Enter_ MR. ELSWORTH _and_ HARRY. + +ELSWORTH. What's this? + +CLEVELAND. I regret to say, my dear Elsworth, that this gentleman +must, for a few hours, remain my prisoner. A mere form, sir. He will, +doubtless, be free in a few days. I shall have to make use of one of +your barns, sir. It is really a pity that the Captain must be deprived +of the dance to-night, but I will take care that his confinement shall +not be severe. + +ROSE. This, sir, is a shameful breach of hospitality. Captain +Armstrong is my father's guest, no less than yourself. Every +consideration of delicacy and honour requires you to consider him so. + +CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth, I could wish you not to consider me wrong or +cruel in this. + +ROSE. I judge, sir, by what I see. + +CLEVELAND. You are severe. + +ROSE. I am glad you find me so. + +CLEVELAND. Will you not say peace? + +ROSE. War, Major Cleveland, to the last. + +ELSWORTH. Daughter, more courtesy. + +ROSE. Oh! father, they may chain and bind our poor country, but they +cannot find a way to chain a free woman's free tongue. + +CLEVELAND. Lieutenant Elsworth, I place the Captain in your charge. +Conduct him to a safe place. + +HARRY. This is the hard necessity of duty. + +ELSWORTH. And this will really be nothing serious? + +CLEVELAND. A bagatelle, I do assure you, sir. + +WALTER. [_Aside_.] I thank him for calming the fears of the +family--but I know how hard it will go with me. + +HARRY. Walter-- + +WALTER. I go, Harry. Rose! + +ROSE. [_Aside, with a sudden thought_.] Go! Say nothing. + +WALTER. Come, sir. [_To_ HARRY. + +ROSE_ assumes an air of cool indifference, and flings herself +carelessly in a chair._ MAJOR CLEVELAND _appears astonished_. MR. +ELSWORTH _and the others look surprised and incredulous_. + +PICTURE TO CLOSE OF ACT. + + + +ACT II. + + +SCENE.--_A Garden.--House in the background, illuminated_. + +_Enter_ ROSE _and_ MAJOR CLEVELAND _from house_, ROSE _hanging on the_ +MAJOR'S _arm_. + +ROSE. It was really absurd--was it not?--to think me the champion +of that country clown. Poor fellow! I couldn't bear his discomfited +looks, Major, and so, out of old companionship, what could I do less +than stand up for him? There won't be anything positively serious, +will there, eh? I should be sorry to have it so, inasmuch as he fell +into the trap under my father's roof. But don't you think I made a +good champion? It was really presumptuous for the fellow to come here, +though. These rustic clowns thrust themselves everywhere. + +CLEVELAND. What, Miss Elsworth, Captain Armstrong, then, is nothing-- + +ROSE. Nothing in the world, I assure you, but a harmless country lad! +Do tell me, Major, am I not a good actor? + +CLEVELAND. Excellent. I really could have supposed that this American +stood high in your esteem. + +ROSE. Oh, I like him well enough. He is among the best the country +affords, but that is very bad, you know. + +CLEVELAND. Then you bear me no malice? + +ROSE. Not enough to kill a gnat. + +CLEVELAND. Ah, Miss Elsworth, this assurance gives me the greatest +pleasure. + +ROSE. Don't hurt the poor fellow though, Major, I beg of you. I should +be quite sorry if anything happened to him. He is a good-natured, +useful neighbour enough--an unpolished jewel, papa calls him. Ah, +Major, our social wants in this community are lamentable enough, when +we are obliged to content ourselves with such a poor substitute as you +have seen, for all the polish and manner of London circles. + +CLEVELAND. Lamentable, indeed, Miss Elsworth! + +ROSE. The war brings one boon, at least,--the society of gentlemen. + +CLEVELAND. Very true, indeed. + +ROSE. [_Aside._] Hem! Major Cleveland, I'll so wheedle you this night +you shall cry enough to a woman, even if it so happen that you have +never done it to a man. So look to it, my valiant Major! Look to it! + +CLEVELAND. Do you know, dear Miss Elsworth, that I could wish to see +you in these troubled times united to some one who could afford you +the protection which only a husband can extend? + +ROSE. [_Behind her fan._] Oh, Major! + +CLEVELAND. [_Taking her hand._] I cannot be mistaken in the surmise +that you love already. + +ROSE. [_With a sigh._] Oh, sir! + +CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth! Rose! Confide in me! I am your friend. + +ROSE. [_With affected confusion._] I believe you, Major Cleveland. +I--I--really, sir--I implore you to believe me--I have nothing to +confide. + +CLEVELAND. Do not be offended, Miss Elsworth. I have your interest +at heart. Pardon me--but Captain Arbald--[ROSE _starts and appears +agitated._] believes, or at least hopes, that he is acceptable to you. +I am very deeply his friend--very deeply yours. + +ROSE. It is very pleasant to hear you say so, Major Cleveland. + +CLEVELAND. Then you do look upon him with favour? + +ROSE. Alas, Major Cleveland, these wars, these wars! + +CLEVELAND. They separate us from those who are dearest to us--they +come between us and our hearts' affections. + +ROSE. Do they not daily threaten us with a heart widowhood? + +CLEVELAND. Ah, Miss Elsworth--Rose, let me call you--I see you are +thinking of the young Captain. You love him! + +ROSE. [_Aside._] Walter, I must save you by whatever means! [_Aloud._] +Oh, Major, let me beg of you one thing--let me hear you promise what I +will ask you. You assure me you are my friend. Then grant me a pledge. +Promise me to--to protect-- + +CLEVELAND. The Captain-- + +ROSE. Who is to be my husband. + +CLEVELAND. You delight me. Are you then pledged? + +ROSE. We are. + +CLEVELAND. The young rascal. He never told me so. And jealous enough, +I'll be sworn he is, to see me monopolize your society, as I do. + +ROSE. His life is almost in your hands. Often you can save him from +danger. + +CLEVELAND. You will marry him? + +ROSE. [_Abashed._] Yes. + +CLEVELAND. I give you the pledge, then, you ask. Make him your +husband, and for your sake I will defend and protect him to the extent +of my power. + +ROSE. Oh, sir, you make me happy. I am, Major, a foolish girl. I +place, perhaps, absurdly, so much confidence in your ability to rescue +him from many dangers--that I should like--should like, sir, to wear +this ring [_Slipping one from his finger._] as a friendly pledge that +you will be his guardian, his watchful protector. + +CLEVELAND. Let me kiss the ring upon your finger as a formal seal to +my pledge. + +ROSE. It becomes an oath now. + +CLEVELAND. It does--sworn upon this hand. + +ROSE. That you are his friend--ever to be my husband's friend. + +CLEVELAND. That is the oath. I take it again! + +ROSE. [_Aside._] Now, Major Cleveland, I have you! + +CLEVELAND. [_Aside._] She shall be his--then--why then to make her +mine. + +ROSE. [_Aside_.] There is some libertine scheme behind all this, I +feel assured. He is playing the villain. Well, well! Shall we go in? + +_Enter_ ARBALD. + +CLEVELAND. Ah, Arbald. We have been looking for you. + +ROSE. I believe, Captain, that I am pledged to you for the next dance. + +ARBALD. It is my happiness to recollect it. But one dance is missed. + +ROSE. Let me make amends. + +_Enter_ MARVIN, _hurriedly_. + +MARVIN. Sir, the rebel has escaped. + +CLEVELAND. Ha! What do you mean? How? + +MARVIN. It is uncertain how. + +CLEVELAND. He must be about the grounds somewhere. Put your fellows +upon his track. Hunt him out! I wouldn't lose my hold upon him for the +value of a dozen ordinary rebels. + +[_Crosses_. + +_During this speech_ ARMSTRONG _glides in behind, among the shrubbery, +and touches_ ROSE. ROSE _starts, and slightly screams. All turn +quickly toward her. She, hastily and unseen, unclasps a bracelet from +her arm, and flings it behind her_. + +ROSE. Gentlemen! gentlemen! gentlemen! I've lost my bracelet--a +valued bracelet. Five minutes ago I had it on my arm. Major +Cleveland--Captain Arbald--I beseech you to search for it. What could +have become of it? + +CLEVELAND. Your bracelet? + +ROSE. Gentlemen, I implore you to search for it. Major, it may have +been dropped in the bower. Go look for it, sir. Captain Arbald and +Lieutenant Marvin, why do you stand idly there? Do you refuse to +search for my jewel? I've lost a bracelet, I tell you, sirs. Is this +the way you attend upon the wishes of a lady? + +CLEVELAND. Really, Miss Elsworth, duty-- + +ROSE. Don't talk to me of duty, sir. I would not lose my bracelet for +the wealth of the world. A valued token from a dear friend; I swore +never to part with it. Oh, indeed, you are gallant gentlemen! You +let me lose a precious jewel, and you stand staring by. I tell you, I +value that bracelet with my very life. + +CLEVELAND. But the escaped prisoner? + +ROSE [_Passionately_.] What is the prisoner to me? What is he to my +bracelet? Must I lose my bracelet for the sake of a runaway rebel--a +miserable clown, who may either hang or run, I care not? Some one will +tread upon my bracelet, [_Walking up and down impetuously_.] one of +the common soldiers will find and keep it. I would not lose it for +worlds.-- + +ARBALD. Indeed, Miss Rose, I assure you-- + +ROSE. Oh, no assurances, sir. Where is your devotion to me? Where your +willingness to sacrifice everything for me, as I have heard you swear +more than once? If you ever expect to come into my presence again, you +must first clasp that bracelet on my arm. I will hear nothing, listen +to no excuse; and if you refuse to obey me, never let me see you +again. + +CLEVELAND. [_Aside_.] I must not lose my hold upon her, by offending +her. [_Aloud_.] Gentlemen, do you remain with Miss Elsworth, and +search for the lost jewel. I will myself give the necessary order for +the search for the missing prisoner. + +[_Exit_ CLEVELAND. + +ROSE. You, Captain, search yonder bower. + +ARBALD. Were you there? + +ROSE. Or I should not send you. [_Exit_ ARBALD.] Marvin, go hunt the +rooms--I cannot say what moment I dropped it. + +MARVIN. I obey Miss Elsworth. [_Exit_ MARVIN. + +ROSE. Where can he be--if my _ruse_ has only given him time. + +[_Enter_ WALTER, _hurriedly_.] + +Good heavens! Not off! Here yet! + +WALTER. Every outlet is guarded: could I reach the house-- + +ROSE. This way--we may steal in-- + +WALTER. I found your jewel, Rose! + +[_As they are hurrying off, enter_ MAJOR CLEVELAND.] + +Caught, as I'm alive! + +ROSE. Quick! away-- + +WALTER. It shall be so--[_Rushes off in an opposite direction._ + +CLEVELAND. Ha! ho! Guard! Corporal! + +[_Enter_ CORPORAL _and_ GUARD _rapidly, with torches_.] + +That way is your prisoner. Find him, I charge you. + +[_Exeunt_ CORPORAL _and_ GUARD.] + +What am I to think, Miss Elsworth? + +ROSE. [_Vehemently_.] Think! That I would give the world for Captain +Armstrong to escape. + +CLEVELAND. Humph! The gift would be useless. Look for yourself. + +ROSE. [_Looking off; then suddenly burying her face in her hands_.] +Good heavens! + +CLEVELAND. [_In her ear_.] How's this, Miss Elsworth? [_She starts up, +proudly._] + +[_Enter_ SOLDIERS, _guarding_ WALTER.] + +I rejoice, sir, that we meet again. + +SOLDIER. A jewel, sir, found upon the prisoner. + +CLEVELAND. Ha! what's this? [_Reading the inscription by a torch_.] +"To Rose, from Walter!" Madam, I understand you now. I was deceived. +Permit me to be the means of restoring this valued token from a dear +friend. Would it not be a strange vicissitude if the finding of +the trinket should be the means of losing the friend? Conduct your +prisoner hence. + +[_Exeunt all but_ ROSE _and_ CLEVELAND. + +ROSE. Major Cleveland, Captain Armstrong must be allowed to go free. I +have your promise. I hold you to it. + +CLEVELAND. My promise-- + +ROSE. Look! [_Pointing to the signet received from the_ MAJOR. + +CLEVELAND. Aha! Then it was Captain Armstrong, and not Captain Arbald, +to whom you alluded in our interview. I was beginning to suspect the +trick. + +ROSE. Your shrewdness would have done you more credit if you had +detected it before. As it is, I have your signet and your promise to +save Captain Armstrong. + +CLEVELAND. But the promise referred only to your husband. + +ROSE. Captain Armstrong is my betrothed husband. + +CLEVELAND. Ay, but at present is a prisoner. You see, madam, I hold +the cards. + +ROSE. Your pardon, sir, but I have the game. + +CLEVELAND. Eh! Is not the Captain in my hands? + +ROSE. Before to-morrow morning he shall be in mine. + +CLEVELAND. Confound it, madam, I'll keep so strict a guard upon him, a +fly sha'n't light upon him without my knowing it. + +ROSE. Do so, and if you were argus-eyed into the bargain, I'd marry +him before to-morrow morning. + +CLEVELAND. Ha! is it come to that? I'll march this hour. + +ROSE. It would be too late. + +CLEVELAND. This moment, then. + +ROSE. I would anticipate you. + +CLEVELAND. Zounds, madam, you talk idly. + +ROSE. Zounds, sir, you talk without reason. + +CLEVELAND. I'll go to him at once--put a pistol to his head--blow his +brains out, and-- + +ROSE. Make me his widow. + +CLEVELAND. Deuce take it, you're mad. + +ROSE. Mad if you will, Major Cleveland. It is a struggle between us. +Look to it, sir. You may be bold, valourous, cunning--vastly so; but +you have a woman's wit against you--so look to it! + +CLEVELAND. Confound it. + +ROSE. Bravo! bravo! Your passion, sir, well becomes you-- + +CLEVELAND. Deaths and devils! [_Exit_. + +ROSE. Ha, ha, ha! + +[_Enter_ METCALF.] + +Here! Here, Mr. Metcalf--follow Major Cleveland; watch every step; +don't lose sight of him for a moment. + +METCALF. Trust me; I'll be his shadow from this time forth. [_Exeunt +separately_. + +_Enter_ CAPTAIN ARBALD _and _KATE. + +ARBALD. Really, Miss Kate, you do me injustice--but if I could only +induce you to intercede-- + +KATE. Plead your cause for you. [_Aside_.] Blind and stupid! Can't he +see that I am dying for that my sister laughs at. + +ARBALD. If I could but find that lost bracelet-- + +KATE. Hush! Who comes here? + +[_They withdraw_. + +_Enter_ MAJOR CLEVELAND, MR. ELSWORTH, LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH, _and_ +METCALF _behind_. + +ELSWORTH. Declared to you that she would marry Captain Armstrong-- + +CLEVELAND. Yes, my dear sir, and I felt it my duty to acquaint you. + +HARRY. I will go to the Captain and demand a satisfactory-- + +CLEVELAND. Your pardon, young gentleman. Captain Armstrong is now my +prisoner; and I shall hold him safe for my own purposes. + +ELSWORTH. In face of my commands this day pronounced. It is monstrous. +I must seek out Rose, and have an explanation. + +[_Exit_. + +KATE. [_Aside to_ ARBALD.] You see, sir, how little the bracelet would +plead in your cause. + +ARBALD. I do, indeed. + +[_They saunter off_. + +HARRY. I do not, sir, often ask favours of you. This day my father +forbade Armstrong from entertaining any intentions relative to my +sister. He has insulted me, my father, and Rose. I wish to chastise +him, sir. + +CLEVELAND. Tut, tut! I will not give his cunning a chance to plan +another escape. The best thing you can do is to help me to prevent the +possibility of the marriage. + +HARRY. You are my superior. I have no choice but to obey. But I long +to inflict the punishment due to his treachery. [_Exit_. + +CLEVELAND. Pest on't, I love the wench. I thought, if married to +Arbald, and frequently near me, my suit might flourish. But the +cunning vixen caught me in my own trap. If I could only trip her now; +let me see--let me see. + +_Enter_ ARBALD. + +CLEVELAND. Ah, Arbald, come hither. How flourishes your suit with Miss +Elsworth? + +ARBALD. Badly, I must confess. + +CLEVELAND. Unless we prevent it she will be married to this Armstrong +before morning. + +ARBALD. Is it possible? + +CLEVELAND. I have my own reasons for desiring to break up the match +between them--to prevent their marriage. Nothing occurs to me at all +feasible to that end, but some plan to get introduced into Armstrong's +presence a woman disguised as Rose. + +ARBALD. And marry them? + +CLEVELAND. Ay. Armstrong is on the alert for some scheme to rescue +him--would fall into such a net as fishes do--and think it was his +mistress' cunning to serve him. + +ARBALD. But where is the woman? + +CLEVELAND. Rose has a girl in attendance upon her who is near her size +and figure--a mischievous wench, or I am no judge of physiognomies. + +METCALF. [_Who has been listening, aside_.] Oho! [_Exits hurriedly and +secretly._ + +ARBALD. Bridget, they call her. + +CLEVELAND. Send her to me. Fifty pounds will be more than her fidelity +can stand. Luckily we have the Chaplain with us. Have him ready. + +ARBALD. I'll hunt Bridget up at once. + +[_Exit_ ARBALD. + +CLEVELAND. The plan is a good one. Now, Lady Wit, those who win may +laugh. But I was a blind fool ever to allow her to obtain that promise +from me. + +_Enter_ METCALF. + +METCALF. Hist! Major Cleveland. + +CLEVELAND. Well, good fellow. + +METCALF. [_Aside_.] Fellow! It is remarkable now that I, who daily +make a score of urchins tremble in their shoes at the frown of my +portentous brow, can't in the least make these people afraid of me. +Let me see what effect one of my frightfully severe looks would have. +[_Walks up to him_. + +CLEVELAND. Well, sir, have you any business with me? + +METCALF. No, no, sir. [_Aside_.] I suppose my urchins feel as I do +now. [_Aloud._] I've got an idea, sir, about the Captain. + +CLEVELAND. Well, what idea? + +METCALF. [_Aside_.] Here comes Rose--the very image of Bridget--all +I wanted was to give her time. [_Aloud_.] An idea--[_Aside_.] to trap +you with sword, coat, and all-- + +CLEVELAND. There she is--begone, fellow--you intrude upon me. + +_Enter_ ROSE, _disguised as_ BRIDGET. + +ROSE. [_Curtseying_.] Your Honour sent for me. + +METCALF. Ha! ha! ha! Trap to catch foxes--ho! ho! ho! + +[_Exit_. + +CLEVELAND. You look a lively, quick-witted lass. + +ROSE. [_Aside_.] Now for the airs of your true lady's lady. + +CLEVELAND. Do you know how to keep a silent tongue? + +ROSE. Bless us! Haven't I always been in practice? Ain't I mum to what +all the fine gentlemen say about the bouquets, the presents, the love +notes-- + +CLEVELAND. How would you like to make twenty pounds? + +ROSE. Oh, sir, I am quite invincible. + +CLEVELAND. But twenty pounds? + +ROSE. Say twenty-five. + +CLEVELAND. To be paid when the contract is performed. How would you +like to marry? + +ROSE. Oh! good gracious! + +CLEVELAND. Hush! Why the deuce do you raise that clatter? + +ROSE. Lor, sir, we always do. + +CLEVELAND. Be silent, or the twenty pounds-- + +ROSE. Twenty-five-- + +CLEVELAND. Twenty-five then. Marriage in jest. + +ROSE. Oh! + +CLEVELAND. Only in jest--to decide a wager. You must disguise yourself +as your mistress, when you will be admitted into the presence of +Captain Armstrong. + +ROSE. Captain Armstrong.--Goodness gracious! + +CLEVELAND. Hear me out. A pretended chaplain will be by, and a sham +form of marriage will be gone through with-- + +ROSE. Only in jest? Why, what a funny joke! + +CLEVELAND. Capital! capital! Ha! ha! ha! + +ROSE. Ha! ha! ha! A splendid joke, sir. But I don't quite understand +it. + +CLEVELAND. Oh, you understand enough. You must not speak above the +lowest whisper, nor let the Captain see your features. A few words and +the--the--ha, ha, ha--the joke is through with-- + +ROSE. I see--I see. + +CLEVELAND. And then to-morrow when he comes to know it--don't you +see--we will have a run on the Captain--'twill be the rarest sport +when found out. + +ROSE. But suppose now it should turn out to be a real no-mistake +marriage. + +CLEVELAND. But it can't. The priest is a sham--that's the point of the +joke. + +ROSE. That's the point of the joke, eh? + +CLEVELAND. Come, will you do it? + +ROSE. Well--I am doubtful. + +CLEVELAND. Only carry it out well, and you shall have fifty pounds. + +ROSE. I am convinced, as old intrigues are dull, I want pastime, and +would like to earn fifty pounds, and if my chances in other quarters +are uninjured, why-- + +CLEVELAND. You will do it? + +ROSE. Will the Captain think it a jest? + +CLEVELAND. He thinks there is a plan on foot to introduce your +mistress to him for a similar purpose. + +ROSE. And when he finds that he has married plain Bridget instead of +Miss Rose--what a rage he will be in! Oh, what a delightful jest-- + +CLEVELAND. The funniest you ever heard of. Such laughing as there will +be! + +ROSE. Fifty pounds--all in gold--is more than I can stand. + +CLEVELAND. Then meet me in five minutes, by yonder tree. + +ROSE. I'll slip on one of my mistress's dresses, and in five minutes +be ready--but remember--_fifty pounds_! + +[_Exit_ ROSE. + +CLEVELAND. [_Rubbing his hands_.] The best of tricks. Ha! ha! ha! + +[_Exit_. + +_Enter_ METCALF _and_ ELSWORTH. + +ELSWORTH. Ha, ha, ha! Bravo, Metcalf! a good jest, sir.--Bridget +disguised as Rose--ha! ha! ha! + +METCALF. It's exquisitely funny, sir--only I think you don't quite +understand it-- + +ELSWORTH. It's you, Metcalf, that don't understand it. It's nothing +but a piece of military deviltry. Why, my innocent sir, Armstrong's +confinement is only a sham--it doesn't mean anything--Cleveland told +me so himself--he will be free to-night. I shouldn't wonder if they +were drinking and carousing together now. Bless you, Metcalf, it's +only one of Cleveland's practical jokes. But I must go and find Rose, +and tell her all about it--it will give her such a laugh. How the +Captain will stare when he finds it out, to be sure! + +[_Exit._ + +METCALF. Well, wise one, if you insist upon having it in that way, +why, do so--I suppose Miss Rose can fight her battles without your +help. It was devilish lucky, though, I overheard that plan of theirs, +or the Captain would have been victimized--damnably--ay, damnably--if +it be swearing--and a capital crime at Fidlington School. I wonder +where Bridget is--Bridget _bona fide_--I mean--a delicious girl,--I +love her--I will conjugate her. Nobody in the walks--the marriage not +over yet--bless me! I do believe that I am trembling like a refractory +scholar with a prospective birching. If it should fail--but it won't, +it can't--Rose is a girl to carry anything through. + +_Re-enter_ MR. ELSWORTH. + +ELSWORTH. Where can Rose be, I wonder! I can't find her anywhere. +Everybody inquiring for her--everybody laughing too about the +jest upon Armstrong. Ah, these military fellows are such practical +jokers--so full of deviltry, to be sure! Who could have thought of +such a trick? + +METCALF. No civilian, you may be sure, sir. [_Aside, looking off_.] +Eh? There they are. The deed is done. It's all right, ha! ha! ha! +I'll cut. That Major has a sanguinary way of contemplating me that has +blood in it--blood! [_Aloud._] I think I saw Rose in this direction, +sir, with the Major; I dare say we can find her, if we go along. + +ELSWORTH. Come, sir, then. + +[_Exeunt_. + +_Enter_ MAJOR CLEVELAND. + +CLEVELAND. It's done, and they are fast married. Aha, my lady, who now +has the game? Armstrong looked astounded, but, expecting some plan to +aid him, he fell into the trap without asking a question. Now, now, my +course is clear! + +_Enter_ ELSWORTH. + +ELSWORTH. Where can Rose be, to be sure? The guests are leaving, and +I must find her to give them a good-night. Ah, Major! Have you seen my +daughter? + +_Enter_ LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH. + +LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH. Sir, sir, do you not know that Rose has +clandestinely been introduced into the presence of Armstrong-- + +ELSWORTH. No! has she, though? You d-o-n-t say so! Let me whisper a +word, Master Harry--a beautiful joke--it was Bridget-- + +LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH. No, sir, it was Rose herself. + +CLEVELAND. The young man is right. + +ELSWORTH. How! What do you say? + +CLEVELAND. Simply, sir, by the richest scheme in the world, this +rebel's union with your daughter is rendered impossible. I told you +the marriage was a jest--a sham. It was not--quite the contrary. + +ELSWORTH. Do I understand you to say, sir, that you have really +tricked Captain Armstrong into a marriage with-- + +CLEVELAND. To be sure, sir. It will be the sport of the whole army. +The disgrace you feared cannot now occur. Miss Elsworth can never be +that rustic's wife--thanks, sir, to my splendid idea. Aha, it was a +glorious thought, glorious! + +ELSWORTH. Now, damn all respect for the red-coats. + +CLEVELAND. Ha! + +ELSWORTH. Sir, you have been guilty of a vile scheme. You have put +my house to a dishonourable use. You have betrayed one of my guests +infamously. Oh! that one of His Majesty's officers could lend himself +to a scheme like this. + +CLEVELAND. Why, sir, I thought-- + +_Enter _ROSE _and_ WALTER, _back_. + +ELSWORTH. That I would sanction such a plot. Major Cleveland, your +conduct has made me half a rebel. It was devilish--diabolical, sir! + +CLEVELAND. But-- + +_Enter_ METCALF, _dancing_. + +METCALF. Armstrong has escaped. + +CLEVELAND. Escaped! Again! Impossible! + +METCALF. He has, or may I be birched. + +_Enter_ LIEUTENANT MARVIN. + +MARVIN. Sir, the prisoner has escaped--and the woman-- + +CLEVELAND. By heaven! it shall not be--a hundred pounds reward for +him! + +ROSE. [_Approaching with_ WALTER.] I claim the reward, Major +Cleveland. + +CLEVELAND. You! The prisoner here! How came he free? + +ROSE. By your signet. The sentry knew and acknowledged it. + +CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth? + +ROSE. Mrs. Armstrong, by your kind assistance. + +CLEVELAND. Ha! What do you mean? + +ROSE. Permit me to present you to my husband. + +CLEVELAND. Your husband! What does this mean? + +ROSE. I _did have_ the trump card, sir, and have taken the trick. + +CLEVELAND. I am bewildered--I cannot understand-- + +ROSE. Can't you see? [_Imitating him._] "How would you like to make +twenty pounds? Ha, ha, ha! only as jest! a splendid jest! we'll have +such a run on the Captain! As I want pastime, and my prospects--" + +CLEVELAND. The wench has betrayed me. + +ROSE. You never spoke a word to Bridget. I was the only person you +saw. + +CLEVELAND. You! + +ROSE. Even I. Did I act it to the life? + +CLEVELAND. Caught! Tricked! Fool! By--! Madam, this is a farce. + +ROSE. Sir, I know it, but it has been played out, and you unwittingly +have acted the clown. + +ELSWORTH. I am confounded. + +CLEVELAND. The end is not yet. I refuse to be governed by a forced +construction to a promise which I meant to apply differently. The +rebel is still my prisoner. He is surrounded. + +ROSE. If your promise is not observed to the letter, I'll proclaim +you through the army. I'll degrade you in the eyes of every English +officer and gentleman in the land. You disgrace your sword, sir, by +this very hesitation. Your bitter, unsoldierly, and dishonourable +hatred and persecution of an honourable prisoner, drove me to an +extremity which nothing but a question of life or death could have +persuaded me to undertake. My womanly modesty I was forced to outrage. +You compelled me to stoop to things which I abhorred. But I have a +brother who is an English officer; a husband who is an American one. +Be careful, sir, in what way you use my name in connection with this +night's work, for, be assured, they will not fail to punish a ribald, +a slanderous, or a libertine tongue. Consent to Captain Armstrong's +release, and your discomfiture remains a secret; refuse, and with one +word, I'll have all our guests upon the spot and a public confession. + +CLEVELAND. It's absurd to suppose that I'm to be bound by such +figments as you have woven. The thing is too ridiculous! + +ROSE. You acknowledged the binding nature of your promise, when you +attempted, with such heartless cruelty, to entrap the Captain into a +marriage with a servant. How would that story sound, think you? And +what would be said of the sagacity and discernment of an officer who +could allow such a deceit to be practised upon him as I practised upon +you? Dear me! I think, Major, that you are in a quandary. + +METCALF. [_Aside_.] In a ditch! + +ROSE. We await your decision. Shall the Captain be free and this +little jest go no further? + +CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth-- + +ROSE. Excuse me if I assist your memory--Mrs. Armstrong. + +CLEVELAND. Madam, I yield to a woman. You fight with weapons I do not +understand-- + +ROSE. With wit, eh? + +CLEVELAND. [_Aside_.] There is no hope for me. She has me at every +point. I may as well yield with what grace I can. [_Aloud_.] Miss +Elsworth, I am at your mercy. May not this night's work be forgotten? +Captain Armstrong, I swore if ever I caught you, that you should +pay dearly for that daring trick of yours--that bold capture of a +fellow-officer, sleeping by my very side--but this lady has checkmated +me. + +WALTER. Checkmated you, sir, and mated me. + +CLEVELAND. Both were done by the same move. + +ELSWORTH. And you are married, Rose? + +ROSE. I will bear Walter's name when we are publicly married, +sir--which now, I trust, will be with your sanction. + +ELSWORTH. You have it. You have won a husband, if ever woman did. + +LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH. Walter, if you were only more true to the right-- + +WALTER. Oh, Harry! We will discuss that question yet. I shall make you +[_In his ear._] a convert; be sure of it. + +_Enter_ CAPTAIN ARBALD _and_ KATE. + +KATE. Why, the company is breaking up. We missed you all, sadly. Here +come the guests. + +CLEVELAND. Ah, Arbald, I'm afraid you will have to forego Miss Rose, +here-- + +ARBALD. To pluck a flower no less sweet. + +ROSE. What? Why, Kate-- + +ARBALD. I have your sister's consent, Miss Elsworth, conditioned only +that you all accord with her decision. + +ROSE. And so you have been making love under the _rose_ all this +while. Do not doubt our good wishes. + +METCALF. I wonder where Bridget is. I'll pop the question before +morning. + +ELSWORTH. Rose, you have neglected your friends. Let us go in. + +ROSE. Our first duty is to the friends before us-- + +WALTER. To which faction do they adhere--red or blue? + +ROSE. True blue and rebel, I'll be sworn--but I will ask them! [_Comes +forward. To_ ARMSTRONG.] You see, sir, they respond already. [_To the +Audience._] Do you approve the Whiggish maid, and sanction her schemes +so boldly played? The heart of love is heroic in every age; and after +all + + What difference can we affix, + Twixt love to-day, and Love in '76? + +CURTAIN. + + +_The End._ + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Representative Plays by American +Dramatists: 1856-1911: Love in '76, by Oliver Bell Bunce + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REPRESENTATIVE PLAYS BY *** + +***** This file should be named 15519.txt or 15519.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/5/1/15519/ + +Produced by S.R.Ellison, David Starner, and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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