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diff --git a/43185-0.txt b/43185-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..eaf6fb1 --- /dev/null +++ b/43185-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4049 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43185 *** + + BY FORCE OF IMPULSE. + + A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. + + BY + HARRY V. VOGT. + + PRICE, 15 CENTS. + + [Illustration] + + NEW YORK: + HAROLD ROORBACH, PUBLISHER, + 9 MURRAY STREET. + + + + +BY FORCE OF IMPULSE. + + + + +CAST OF CHARACTERS. + + +=MORRIS MAITLAND=, A Stern Puritan, with unbending will, whose word is +law. + +=REGINALD MAITLAND=,--His Son; one of Nature's noblemen. + +=HENRY LOWVILLE=, True as Steel; a little soured against the female +sex, and a hater of "fashionable society." + +=RALPH MURDELL=,--A polished, smooth tongued scoundrel. + +=COLONEL MORRELL=, A True Soldier, with a keen sense of duty. + +=GEO. WASHINGTON DOLLERCLUTCH=, An Eccentric Lawyer of the "Old +School," who possesses a large, sympathetic heart. + +=SAMMY DEWDROP=, The Son of a Millionaire; fresh from college, full of +romantic nonsense. + +=ADOLPHUS SOFTHEAD=, His Chum, whose mental faculties have not kept +pace with his physical. + +=CORIOLANUS WELLINGTON=, Who never smiles, and who thinks he was born +to fill a higher station in life than that of menial. + +=ADRIENNE LOWVILLE=, A Proud, Impulsive Beauty, who loves not wisely +but too well. + +=HILDA WALLACE=, Her Maid, whose birth is obscure. An innocent victim +of misplaced love. + +=ANASTASIA MAITLAND=, A Gushing Maiden of Forty-five Summers; very +susceptible. + + GUESTS, SOLDIERS, ETC., ETC. + + + + +SYNOPSIS. + + + =ACT I.= LOVE VERSUS IMPULSE. + =ACT II.= THE SEPARATION. + =ACT III.= DUTY VERSUS IMPULSE. + =ACT IV.= THE RECONCILIATION AND SEQUEL. + =ACT V.= DIVINE IMPULSE. + + + + +COSTUMES. + + +=MORRIS MAITLAND.=--ACT II.--Plain dark suit, white cravat, long haired +gray wig, quarter bald, close shaven face; change coat for long wrapper +in 3d Scene. ACTS IV. and V.--Plain gray business suit, light slouch +hat. + +=REGINALD MAITLAND.=--ACT I.--Black dress suit, black slouch hat. ACT +II.--Dark traveling suit. ACTS III., IV. and V.--Uniform of a Private, +U. S. A. Cloak to throw over uniform in 4th Act. + +=HENRY LOWVILLE.=--ACT I.--Rich hunting suit, gun, game bag, etc. +ACT II.--Uniform of a Recruiting Officer, U. S. A. ACTS III. and +V.--Uniform of a Captain, U. S. A. + +=RALPH MURDELL.=--ACT I.--Black dress suit, silk hat. ACT II.--Genteel +sack suit, derby hat. ACTS III., IV. and V.--Uniform of a Major, U. S. +A. + +=COLONEL MORRELL.=--Uniform of a Colonel, U. S. A. + +=GEO. WASHINGTON DOLLERCLUTCH.=--ACTS I. and II.--Dark pants, dark +cutaway coat, white vest, high collar and cravat, white silk hat, nose +glasses, black crop wig, bald, close shaven face. ACTS III., IV. and +V.--Uniform of a Private, U. S. A. A cloak to throw over uniform in 4th +Act. + +=SAMMY DEWDROP.=--ACT I.--Dark foppish suit, showy jewelry, stand-up +collar and flashy necktie, cane, glasses, silk hat with narrow brim, +red crop wig, close shaven face. ACT II.--White linen suit, small +brimmed straw hat with white band. + +=ADOLPHUS SOFTHEAD.=--ACT I.--Dark frock suit, small derby hat, +very large stud in shirt front, heavy watch chain, large bouquet in +button-hole, blonde crop wig, close shaven face. ACT II.--Light sack +suit, straw hat with blue band. ACTS III. and V.--Uniform of a Private, +U. S. A. Change coat and cap in 3d Act for a Rebel's. + +=CORIOLANUS WELLINGTON.=--ACT I.--Very seedy suit, à la shabby +genteel, long haired black wig. Change in last scene to tight-fitting +black suit, ruffled collar and cravat, white shoe guards, black +square-crowned hat. ACT II.--Same as second change in 1st Act, but +change necktie during Act to a ridiculously large red necktie. ACTS +III. and V.--Uniform of a Private, U. S. A. + +=ADRIENNE LOWVILLE.=--ACT I.--Rich evening dress. ACT II.--Handsome +traveling dress. ACTS IV. and V.--Plain white morning dress. + +=HILDA WALLACE.=--ACT I.--Very plain black cloth dress, no jewelry or +ornaments, derby hat; change in last scene to white apron and frilled +cap. ACT II.--Same as 1st, and change as before in last scene. ACT +IV.--Same as before, with slight changes. ACT V.--Plain silk dress. + +=ANASTASIA MAITLAND.=--ACTS I. and II.--Old-fashioned black silk dress, +large bonnet, large parasol and fan, wig with curls. Change bonnet in +2d Act for a frilled cap. ACTS IV. and V.--Same as before with some +changes. + + + + +PROPERTIES. + + +=Act I.=--SCENE 1.--Writing materials, books, etc., on table. Lawyer's +bag, papers, memorandums, etc., for Dollerclutch. Newspaper with +written paragraph, also sealed letter, writing materials, etc., on +desk. Baby dress and money for Hilda Wallace. Lunch for Coriolanus +to bring on. SCENE 2.--Sign on tree. Segar-case and match-box for +Reginald. SCENE 3.--Small valise with smelling-bottle in it for +Coriolanus. Matches for Sammy Dewdrop. Memorandum tablet and pencil for +Dollerclutch. Card-case for Ralph. + +=Act II.=--SCENE 1.--Bell on table. Knitting for Anastasia. Bundle and +wraps for Hilda. SCENE 2.--Roll of draft, pencil and pistol for Henry. +SCENE 3.--Memorandum tablet, pencil and baby dress for Dollerclutch. +Letter for Anastasia. Pistol and roll of draft for Henry. Basket with +broken glass off L. 2 E. + +=Act III.=--Card photograph for Reginald. Rebel hat and coat and +whiskers and pieces of rope in L. 3 E. for Adolphus. Switch in L. 3 E. +for Coriolanus. Pistol and baby dress for Dollerclutch. Large wallet +containing two special papers, etc.; also, six letters for Ralph to +bring on. Cloak in tent L. 4 E. for Dollerclutch, and one in tent L. 5 +E. for Reginald. + +=Act IV.=--SCENE 1.--Pen, ink and paper on table. Knitting and letter +for Anastasia. SCENE 2.--Cloak and two special papers and baby dress +for Dollerclutch. SCENE 3.--Candles on table. Letter for Adrienne. Ring +for Dollerclutch. + +=Act V.=--Map on table for officers. Bundle containing letter and +envelope, with blackened paper and bullet in it, for Coriolanus to +bring on. Seal ring and Ralph Murdell's left shoulder strap for +Dollerclutch. Revolver at prompt R. 2 E. Two handkerchiefs for +Adolphus. One handkerchief for Ralph. + + + + +SCENERY. + + +ACT I. + +SCENE 1.--Dollerclutch's Office in 4th Grooves. + +[Illustration] + +C. door in flat. Door, R. 4 E. Fireplace, L. 3 E. Window, L. F. and L. +4 E. Book-case against R. F. Hat-rack, R. 3 E. Desk and chair, L. C. +Table and chairs, R. C. + +SCENE 2.--A Wood-pass in 2d Grooves. Sign on tree, R. F.--"Beware! Do +not disturb the Deer. Wm. Lowville." + +SCENE 3.--(Entire Stage.)--Grounds adjoining Wm. Lowville's Mansion. +Illuminated by colored lamps. Flat in 5th Grooves representing a +terrace. The wings represent trees. + +[Illustration] + +Fountain, statuary, flower urns, iron chairs, trees, etc. Rustic +benches, R. 3 E. and L. 2 E. + + +Act II. + +SCENE 1.--Sitting Room in the Maitland Cottage in 4 G. Plainly but +substantially furnished. Scene backed by wood-scene in 5 G. Time, +evening. Moonlight effect back of 4 G. + +[Illustration] + +Large open window, C. of F. Glass doors, R. and L. F. Doors, L. 2 E. +and R. 3 E. Fireplace, L. 3 E. Table and chairs, L. C. High-back chair, +R. C. Old-fashioned clock, R. 4 E. + +SCENE 2.--Street Scene in 1 G. + +SCENE 3.--(Entire Stage.)--Outside of Maitland Cottage. Backed by +wood-scene in 5 G. Plain cottage, with ivy and roses, on left. Time, +morning. + +[Illustration] + +Picket fence, with gate in C., in the background. Rustic bench against +tree, R. C. + + +ACT III. + +CAMP SCENE.--(Entire Stage.)--Scene representing a rocky ravine. + +[Illustration] + +High set rock, L. 5 E. Cannon and cannon balls, L. 5 E. Tent, C., near +flat. Tent, R. 5 E. and L. 4 E. Camp stools, R. C. 4 E., R. 4 E., R. 2 +E., R. C. 2 E., L. 2 E. Camp-fire, R. C. 4 E. Stack of guns, R. 3 E. + + +ACT IV. + +SCENE 1.--(Same as 1st Scene, 2d Act, with addition of child's crib, L. +4 E.) Time, morning. Sunlight effect back of 4 G. + +SCENE 2.--Wood-pass in 1 G. Time, night. + +SCENE 3.--(Same as 1st Scene.) Time, night. Moonlight effect back of 4 +G. + + +ACT V. + +CAMP SCENE.--(Same as Act 3d, with addition of table and three camp +stools R. 2 E.) + + + + +STAGE DIRECTIONS. + + +The player is supposed to be facing the audience. C., centre. R., +right. L., left. R.C., right of centre. L.C., left of centre. D., door. +R.D., right door. L.D., left door. C.D., centre door. F.D., door in +flat. R.F.D., door in right flat. L.F.D., door in left flat. 1 E., +first entrance. 2 E., second entrance. U.E., upper entrance. 1 G., +first groove. 2 G., second groove. + + R. R.C. C. L.C. L. + + + + +NOTE. + + +_The character of Coriolanus Wellington, to carry out successfully +the idea of the author, should be played with an extreme degree of +solemnity, so as to appear ludicrous. His action should be of the lofty +and dignified order, but greatly overdrawn, and he should be decidedly +mechanical in his movements and gestures._ + + + + +BY FORCE OF IMPULSE. + + + + +ACT 1. + + + =Scene 1=: DOLLERCLUTCH'S OFFICE. + + =Enter= _DOLLERCLUTCH, D. R. 4 E., with lawyer's bag. He empties + his pockets of papers, etc., on desk, L. 3 E., while speaking._ + +=Dol.= Now if that isn't confoundedly provoking, I'd just like to know +what is. There I've been on a ninety-mile journey; and what did I gain? +Nothing, absolutely nothing, and just to think of throwing away so much +money for railroad travel, only to have the satisfaction of knowing +that you have added to the pile of monopoly and have nothing in return. +Confound these railroad companies anyhow! Honest people subscribe to +the stock and build them; then come along these "stock jobbing sharks," +who corner the stocks and put the road in their vest-pockets. And they +call that business; but it's only another name for d--n robbery. But +where is that confounded Coriolanus? [_Calls._] Coriolanus! Coriolanus! +Just like the rascal. Whenever you want him, nowhere to be found. +When he is about, what good is he with his stuck up manners and airs? +Thinks himself born to fill a higher sphere in life. But the only +thing he's good for is to stand him in the entry and use him for a hat +rack. Confound him anyhow! [_Calls._] Coriolanus! [_Listens._] Where +the deuce can he be? To gratify him I answered an advertisement for a +position, which, he says, would be more suitable for his intellectual +and genteel qualities--and, if it is only successful I shall be well +rid of the rascal. [_Picks up letter._] Hello! just the thing, by +jingo! [_Reads._] "Terms satisfactory. If convenient come at once. The +position is man-servant; but, as I am away at business during the day, +I want a reliable and intelligent person to supervise the work about +the premises, and be a protector to the females." That will just please +him, and it will just please me to get rid of him. [_CORIOLANUS puts +his head in C. door._] + +=Cor.= Was I mistaken, or did the sound of your voice penetrate the +cavity of my ear? + +=Dol.= Did I call? Well, if that ain't cool! Call? Of course I +did!--and why the deuce didn't you come immediately? + + CORIOLANUS =Enters=. + +=Cor.= Because, my dear sir, I was otherwise engaged, and I felt +assured that you would indulge me to that extent and postpone your +desires to my especial accommodation. Thank you! [_With a wave of the +hand._] + +=Dol.= Oh! and how in thunder were you engaged? + +=Cor.= [_Loftily._] I was paring my finger nails. + +=Dol.= Oh! Oh! [_Falls in chair at desk._] This is too much. To return +travel-wearied and hungry, and be made to wait by such a jackass. And +I must be at court at ten, and [_pulls out watch_] it's nine now. +[_Starts up in a rage._] I'll not stand it, sir! I'll throw you out of +the window! + +=Cor.= [_R. C._] Indeed! Then I should be at a loss to wonder what +could be the matter with the door. Stay your temper, sir! It is +decidedly unbecoming a man of your years. Preserve a calm dignity such +as I furnish a striking example of. + +=Dol.= [_Disgusted._] There, sir! [_Hands him letter._] This is the +gratitude I receive for what I have done for you. Read it, and I hope +you will have as much joy of it as I have in getting rid of you. + +=Cor.= Thank you! Thanks! You have performed your duty well. Some day I +will return the kindness; I shall engage you as my lawyer. + +=Dol.= Get out, or I shall be tempted to do you an injury. Get your +things ready to leave to-night, sir! I'll not put up with your nonsense +and impudence another day. Now go, sir! and order a lunch for me at the +restaurant, to be sent here--and mind you see that I am not disturbed +until court time. I've got more than I can do to prepare my cases for +this morning's court. I may forget the flight of time, in which case +you will please come in and remind me of court time. + +=Cor.= Your wishes shall be obeyed. I fly to execute your orders. +[=Exit= _D. R. 4 E._] + +=Dol.= [_At desk L. 3 E._] George Washington, you're a fool--your +magnanimous nature has suffered you to be imposed upon--you're +a--[_CORIOLANUS puts his head in D. R. 4 E._] + +=Cor.= I beg your pardon, sir! [_He_ =Enters=.] In the excitement of +the moment I neglected to inform you that a lady called to see you. I +informed her that you were out of town. She was much distressed at the +information. She waited for you until eight o'clock, when she left in a +state of great mental excitement. She's been waiting since six o'clock +this morning, waiting your arrival. + +=Dol.= If she comes back don't let her in. Tell her to come to-morrow +morning. I cannot attend to any more business before court. [_He busies +himself among papers._] + +=Cor.= [_Bows._] I fly! [=Exit= _D. R. 4 E._] + +=Dol.= Egad! Some people must think lawyers are made of iron and work +like machines! No! I'll listen to no more cases before court. I've +only got one head and one pair of arms. [_CORIOLANUS puts his head in +D. R. 4 E. To CORIOLANUS._] Well, sir! What now? + +=Cor.= [=Enters.=] She's come back! I delivered your message. She wrung +her hands and said she came eighteen miles to see you, and she must +return at noon. + +=Dol.= I can't help it! She must come another time. I positively +decline to see any one before court. + +=Cor.= I quicken! [=Exit= _D. R. 4 E._] + +=Dol.= Some one without money to try to enlist my sympathies in helping +some scalawag out of trouble. Not long ago I defended a tramp whom I +thought unjustly used. I helped him out of the scrape and gave him +a bowl of soup and some alms to help him on--and how did the rascal +serve me? He published it about the town, and for two weeks I had every +tramp from fifty miles around at my door begging for soup and alms. +You don't get George Washington Dollerclutch in such a scrape again. +[_Sees newspaper._] Hello! what's this? [_Picks up paper and adjusts +spectacles. Reads._] "On the Brink of a Civil War." Lord bless us! +[_Adjusts his glasses._] "Slavery and Anti-Slavery." "The Inauguration +of Lincoln." Ah! That's my man--Old honest Abe! He'll show those +rascally slave masters a thing or two before he's done with them. +[_Reads._] "Firing on Fort Sumter." "Major Ander--"[_Drops paper._] +Hang it all! I can't get that girl out of my mind. What the dickens +did she want to say that for, anyhow? [_Sighs._] Well! Well! [_Picks +up paper and reads._] "Major Anderson with seventy men, after a brave +resistance of three hours against five thousand Secessionists, was +finally obliged to surrender." Eighteen miles to see me? It must be an +important case. [_Rises to his feet._] Confound it anyhow! Why did I +let it slip? [_Calls._] Coriolanus! + + =Enter= _CORIOLANUS, D. R. 4 E._ + +=Cor.= You have called! I have obeyed your summons. + +=Dol.= Hold your tongue! Just go at once, and run after that girl and +bring her back. + +=Cor.= [_Bows._] I quicken! [=Exit= _D. R. 4 E._] + +=Dol.= Why the dickens does she want to come here and upset my peace of +mind? + + =Enter= _CORIOLANUS, D. R. 4 E. He goes to R. C. DOLLERCLUTCH C._ + +=Cor.= In compliance with your desire, I have brought her back and left +her on the door-step. + +=Dol.= You thundering blockhead! Why didn't you bring her up here? Why +the devil did you send her away in the first place? Here I'm losing all +this valuable time. Usher her up at once. + +=Cor.= I quicken! [=Exit= _CORIOLANUS, D. R. 4 E. DOLLERCLUTCH busies +himself among his papers._] + +=Dol.= Perhaps she's a fine rich lady, and I'll have a fat case. If +not, I'll have nothing to do with her. I'll hustle her off in short +order. I'll crush her with a look. + + =Enter= _CORIOLANUS, D. R. 4 E., bowing in HILDA._ + +=Dol.= [_Aside, looking at HILDA._] H'm! No money in her case. I'll +have nothing to do with it! + +=Cor.= [_At D. R. 4 E._] My mission I've fulfilled; your pleasure I +await. + +=Dol.= [_To CORIOLANUS._] Get out! Didn't I tell you not to let me be +disturbed before court? + +=Cor.= I'll make an honorable retreat. [=Exit= _D. R. 4 E._] + +=Hil.= [_C._] I beg your pardon, sir! Are you not Mr. Dollerclutch, the +lawyer? + +=Dol.= Now, ain't you ashamed of yourself hanging around a gentleman's +door and carrying on in such an outlandish manner, when I'm so busy, eh? + +=Hil.= I am very sorry, sir, but--but-- + +=Dol.= But what? + +=Hil.= Oh, sir! I--I-- + +=Dol.= It's no use! It'll cost you two hundred dollars to look at me. +Take my advice and go home and leave law alone. I dismiss the case. +I'll not charge you a cent for that advice. Don't you say another +word--good day! [_Waves his hand. He busies himself among his papers. +HILDA wrings her hands. After a pause._] Well, why don't you say +something? What's your name? + +=Hil.= Hilda Wallace, sir! + +=Dol.= Humph! Trying to raise a subscription for an able-bodied +invalid, I suppose? + +=Hil.= Oh, no, sir! I come to see if you could not help a poor girl out +of a sad trouble. + +=Dol.= [_Aside._] I thought so! Trying to work the sympathetic dodge. +[_To HILDA._] What! Do you want to get a divorce? + +=Hil.= No, sir! I came to see if you could find out who my parents are, +and, also, whether I am married or not. + +=Dol.= Lord, bless us! The girl must be crazy! + +=Hil.= [_At desk._] Oh, sir! just listen to my story, and I know that +you will be able to help me in this, my sore trouble. + +=Dol.= [_Crosses to R., pulls forward two chairs, and motions HILDA to +be seated._] Well, well! go on! [_Aside._] There's the morning's court +business, and not a thing done. [_HILDA sits L. C. DOLLERCLUTCH R. C._] + +=Hil.= I was brought up by a family named Wallace, who live in Norfolk, +Virginia, and I supposed that I was their daughter, until a discovery +I made two years ago convinced me that I was not. + +=Dol.= [_Getting interested._] And what discovery did you make? + +=Hil.= [_Unfolding a package._] I found this dress hidden away in one +of the bureau drawers. [_Hands it to him._] + +=Dol.= Lord, bless me! Why, it's a baby dress. + +=Hil.= Yes, sir! and when I made inquiries about it I learned that it +was one I wore when a child. + +=Dol.= Well, there was nothing strange about that? + +=Hil.= No, sir! But on examination, I found these initials, A. M., +which you see worked in it! + +=Dol.= Ah! yes! Precisely! + +=Hil.= And when I called their attention to it they seemed confused and +did not know what to reply. I kept the dress, determined to find out +more, if I could! + +=Dol.= And you did? + +=Hil.= No, sir! but I learned since that the man I married could unveil +the mystery which shrouds my birth. + +=Dol.= And won't he enlighten you? + +=Hil.= No, sir! all my attempts have proved futile. + +=Dol.= But did you not say that this man was your husband? + +=Hil.= Yes, sir! But he must have some object in keeping my identity +secret. + +=Dol.= But how did you become acquainted with this man, and how did you +come to marry him? + +=Hil.= He was a regular visitor at our home, and I noticed on many +occasions that he paid Mrs. Wallace money. However, I fell desperately +in love with him, and when he proposed that we get married, I, of +course, was only too happy to consent. + +=Dol.= And his name? + +=Hil.= Ralph Murdell! + +=Dol.= Ralph Murdell! Humph! I don't like the name--got a bad sound to +it. + +=Hil.= He took me to a little village in the suburbs about four miles +from Norfolk, where we were married in a little chapel by an old +country preacher. + +=Dol.= And you were happy, I suppose? + +=Hil.= Yes, until about two weeks later, when he was about to leave +me. He said he had to go North to attend to some business. I would not +listen to it, unless he took me with him. + +=Dol.= That's right, my girl! And he took you, of course? + +=Hil.= Yes; but it was on condition that I should keep the marriage a +secret, and not recognize him in the presence of others. + +=Dol.= And what the deuce was that for? + +=Hil.= He said his family were very proud, and he wanted to gain their +consent before he made our marriage public. + +=Dol.= Oh, the rascal! And you listened to him? + +=Hil.= Yes, sir! To my sorrow, I did. He recommended me to a young lady +who wanted a lady's maid. I accepted the position on his assurance that +he would soon claim me before the world as his wife. + +=Dol.= And who is this lady with whom you now are? + +=Hil.= Adrienne Lowville! + +=Dol.= What! The daughter of Wm. Lowville, who owns Beachwood, eighteen +miles from here, on the Essex road? + +=Hil.= Oh, yes, sir! Do you know him? + +=Dol.= Well, I'd like to know who don't! Got a railroad in each pocket. +But, about your husband--is he acquainted there? + +=Hil.= Alas! yes! He is a constant visitor, and I more than suspect +that his attentions to my mistress imply more than he wishes me to +believe. + +=Dol.= [_Throws baby dress on table, R. 3 E._] Oh! That's his game, is +it? A case of throwing you over for her, eh? + +=Hil.= I fear so, sir; for she is madly in love with him, and thinks +him a saint. When I called him to account for his actions, he laughed +at me. He then informed me that he would do as he pleased, and that I +was not his wife at all; that ours was a mock marriage. + +=Dol.= [_Jumps up._] The deuce he did! Oh, the villain, to take +advantage of a poor innocent girl. + +=Hil.= [_Rises._] Oh, sir! but it was legal--it-- + +=Dol.= [_DOLLERCLUTCH L. C., HILDA R. C._] Have you got your marriage +certificate? + +=Hil.= No, sir! I never thought of that, sir. + +=Dol.= Then, what proof have you? + +=Hil.= Alas, none! But, oh sir! can't you investigate it? There surely +must be a record kept of all marriages. Can't you get a copy of the +church register, where it must have been entered? + +=Dol.= That's so! I never thought of that! But, my dear girl, that will +be a difficult matter, now that the country is in a _furore_ and on the +verge of a civil war; and it will cost money to do it, my dear girl; +money. + +=Hil.= [_Crosses to desk L. 3 E._] Oh, sir! I thought of that! Here +are twelve dollars that I saved out of my scanty earnings. Won't it be +enough, sir? + +=Dol.= [_Up C._] Enough? Why, it wouldn't pay for dipping a pen into +the ink, to say nothing about the trouble of licking a postage stamp. + +=Hil.= [_Sobs._] What shall I do--what shall I do? + +=Dol.= [_Taking out handkerchief._] Take up that money and put it in +your pocket immediately! I'll not take a cent of it. I never was so +insulted in my life. [_Crosses to R._] + +=Hil.= [_C._] Oh, won't you help me out of my trouble? + +=Dol.= Help you? Of course I will! Who said I wouldn't? Do you think +I'll stand by and see an innocent girl wronged in this manner? No! I'll +see this thing through, if it costs me a fortune! Oh, the villain! +[_DOLLERCLUTCH at desk, HILDA at table R. 2 E._] + + =Enter= _CORIOLANUS, D. R. 4 E., with lunch._ + +=Cor.= Your lunch, sir! [_Puts it on desk._] + +=Dol.= D--n the lunch! Get out! + +=Cor.= I quicken! [=Exit= _D. C. HILDA sobs. She picks up baby dress +from table._] + +=Dol.= [_Down C._] What are you crying about? + +=Hil.= I am so grateful to you, sir, for taking a poor girl's trouble +to heart. + +=Dol.= Now, don't you be deluding yourself with any such idea. This is +business, I tell you; business. What do you know about business, I'd +like to know? + +=Hil.= I beg your pardon, sir! + +=Dol.= Why do you come and arouse my sympathetic heart, and upset all +my court business? + +=Hil.= Can I do aught, sir? + +=Dol.= No--yes--that is--shut up! Give me that dress! Now, you go back +and don't let that husband of yours suspect anything. [_Puts on his +hat, etc. DOLLERCLUTCH at desk, HILDA C._] + +=Hil.= Are you going out, sir? + +=Dol.= Hold your tongue! This is the way I prepare myself for court +business; and there's my nice lunch, too! [_Stuffs baby dress in his +bosom, leaving a part sticking out._] Now, go home and don't bother me +till you hear from me. I'm going to take the first train for Norfolk! + + =Enter= _CORIOLANUS at door C._ + +=Cor.= It's time to go to court! + +=Dol.= D--n the court! I'll see this thing through. [_He bolts for the +C. door and upsets CORIOLANUS in his haste to get out._ =Exit= _through +C. door._] + +=Cor.= The court is sitting! [_CORIOLANUS C., HILDA L. C. Whistle +scene._] + + + =Scene 2=: WOOD-PASS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF WILLIAM LOWVILLE'S + RESIDENCE AT BEACHWOOD. + + =Enter= _HENRY LOWVILLE, R. 2 E., with gun resting on arm._ + +=Hen.= [_Looking off L. E._] The guests are beginning to arrive, and +I suppose I must, as a member of the family, be on hand and help do +the honors of entertaining the motley crowd. [_Sighs._] Ah! how I hate +the hollow mockery of fashionable society--how I hate to mingle in the +giddy deception hidden under the guise of polite gentility--bah! + + =Enter= _REGINALD, L. 2 E._ + +=Reg.= Why, how now, Henry! One of your melancholy fits again? Ha! ha! +ha! [_Shakes hands._] + +=Hen.= Yes, confoundedly so! I've got the blues with a vengeance. + +=Reg.= Come, come, old fellow, shake off this feeling. Why, you look as +if you had buried your best friend. Come, have a weed! [_Offers segar +case._] Nothing like a smoke, you know, to calm a perturbed mind. + +=Hen.= [_Lights segar._] Yes, there is a certain soothing influence +about it; that's a fact. + +=Reg.= Ah! now you look more like yourself. But how is this--why are +you not at your post, doing the honors to the guests? + +=Hen.= Because I hate these empty shows. What are all these receptions +but one maze of dissipation, where everybody seems to outdo the other +in silliness? + +=Reg.= I agree with you there, Henry. There are many sins and much +hypocrisy and deceit practiced under the veil of studied politeness, +and the sacred bond of friendship becomes a mere matter of form to +further the ends of frivolous and sordid desires. + +=Hen.= And the women! All deception, heartless, fickle. Show me a woman +in this gilded age of fashion devoid of fashion's impress--devoid of-- + +=Reg.= Nay, Henry! You are prejudiced--all women are not so. There are +still many who possess all the noble attributes that Heaven instilled +in her heart, that make her all that is beautiful and endearing in the +eyes of a true man. + +=Hen.= Yes; but artificial show has supplanted her--I know not the +ideal. + +=Reg.= Aye! but I know one. + +=Hen.= And she is-- + +=Reg.= Your sister Adrienne! + +=Hen.= Oho! I understand. Ha! ha! ha! Well, well, there's my hand on +it. I give in. There is no one in the wide world that I would be more +pleased to call brother. + +=Reg.= [_Confused._] You misunderstand--you-- + +=Hen.= Well, well; so be it. But I had better go up to the mansion +and make the guests comfortable, and help Adrienne complete the +arrangements for the grand ball this evening. Will you come? [_Crosses +to L. REGINALD to R._] + +=Reg.= Not just at present. I want to have a little quiet stroll in +these grand old woods; besides, I want to finish my weed. + +=Hen.= Well, I'm off! [=Exit= _L. 2 E._] + +=Reg.= As good a fellow as ever lived; with a tinge of melancholy in +his make-up, and a little bitter against the female sex in general. +Heigho! Probably a victim of a heartless coquette. Hum! That awkward +slip of the tongue has betrayed me. He has discovered my feelings +toward Adrienne. [_Leans against tree, L. 2 E., in a study._] + + =Enter= _SAMMY DEWDROP and ADOLPHUS SOFTHEAD, R. 2 E. They do not + perceive REGINALD._ + +=Sammy.= [_C._] Hang it all if I don't think we've lost the way! +[_Looks around._] + +=Adolphus.= [_R. C._] Why didn't you listen to me and come by the +regular road? Oh, Sammy! What if night should overtake us? Oh! oh! +[_SAMMY scratches his head. REGINALD perceives them._] + +=Reg.= [_Aside._] Two big school-boys! + +=Sam.= Now, look a'here, Adolphus! How did I know we'd get in such a +pickle? [_Sees sign on tree R. F._] Hurrah! We're all right! Here's a +finger-post! [_SAMMY R. C. ADOLPHUS C. Reads_:] "Beware!" [_ADOLPHUS +jumps in terror._] "Do not disturb the deer." Oh, pshaw! What shall we +do? + +=Adol.= I wish I'd stayed home! + +=Sam.= It was all your fault that we came. You said there would be lots +of nice girls there, and we should be sure to fall in love with ever so +many. + +=Reg.= Ha! ha! ha! + +=Adol.= [_Scared._] Oh! oh! + +=Sam.= [_Clutches ADOLPHUS fearfully._] What was that? + +=Reg.= [_Comes forward, smiling. ADOLPHUS R. C. SAMMY C. REGINALD L. +C._] Gentlemen, you seem distressed. Can I serve you? + +=Sam.= [_Brightens up suddenly. To ADOLPHUS._] Oh! you coward, to get +frightened like that! Why can't you be brave like me? + +=Adol.= You were just as afraid as I was. + +=Reg.= [_Laughs._] Have a smoke? [_Offers cigar-case to SAMMY._] It +will help to quiet your nerves. + +=Adol.= [_To SAMMY, aside._] Oh, Lucifer! I never smoked in my life. + +=Sam.= Neither did I! But we must take one, you know; it isn't polite +to refuse--besides, all men smoke. + +=Adol.= Black as ink! Strong as old Nick, I bet. + +=Reg.= You seem to have lost your way. + +=Sam.= We were on our way to Holly Mansion, when we lost our way in +this confounded jungle. + +=Reg.= Ah! Then I can be of service to you. That is my destination, +also, and if agreeable, I shall be most happy to guide you. [_With mock +politeness. SAMMY and ADOLPHUS both try to shake hands with REGINALD at +once. They both speak together._] + +=Sam.= You're a trump. + +=Adol.= Put it there, old boy! + +=Reg.= This way, gentlemen! [=Exeunt=, _L. 2 E. Whistle scene._] + + + =Scene 3=: GARDEN ADJOINING WM. LOWVILLE'S MANSION. + + =Enter= _ANASTASIA MAITLAND, and CORIOLANUS with valise, L. 2 E._ + +=Anastasia.= Well, I never! Not a soul about to receive me. And after +all that jaunt from the station, too. I declare it's an outrage. They +could have sent their carriage to the station for me, to say the least. +If there was somebody about, I should feel inclined to faint. [_Sits on +bench, L. 3 E._] Coriolanus! + +=Cor.= [_At R. C. Bows stiffly._] Your pleasure, madam! + +=Anas.= Get my smelling-bottle out of the valise--be quick! + +=Cor.= [_Puts down valise._] I quicken! + +=Anas.= And there's Reginald; why was he not at the station? He knew +I was coming. [_CORIOLANUS hands smelling-bottle._] Won't I give him +a piece of my mind! [_Music heard at distance._] Well, I declare. +[_Rises._] If they haven't commenced dancing already! Coriolanus, go at +once and announce my arrival. + +=Cor.= Madam, I obey! I will go in advance and have the servants to +announce us. [=Exit= _R. 2 E._] + +=Anas.= Announce _us_! Did I ever see such impudence--announce _us_! +Just as if _he_, a common servant, was such a distinguished personage +as I am. Oh! it's disgusting! [=Exit= _R. 2 E._] + + =Enter= _ADRIENNE and HILDA, R. 4 E._ + +=Adrienne.= Did you arrange the flowers on the table, as I desired? + +=Hil.= Yes, my lady! + +=Adri.= [_Sits on bench, R. 3 E._] What a beautiful evening! All nature +seems hushed, as if it had gone to sleep on the broad bosom of the day. +[_Sighs._] Hilda, were you ever in love? + +=Hil.= [_Standing L. of bench._] Yes--no--that is, I--I-- + +=Adri.= [_Laughs._] Why, you silly little goose. You act as if it were +a crime to be in love. You tremble like a leaf. + +=Hil.= I--I am cold. The night air is chilly. If you'll excuse me, I +will go in and get a shawl. + +=Adri.= Oh, certainly. [_HILDA is about to go._] Hilda, when you go +in, peep into the parlor and see if Ralph--I mean, Mr. Murdell, has +arrived. + +=Hil.= Yes, madam! [_R. C. Aside._] She loves him; she cannot hide it. +[=Exit= _R. 3 E._] + +=Adri.= He is late! What can detain him? He begged for the honor of the +first dance. The third has already been danced and he is not here. Oh! +how slowly the minutes glide. Ah! he comes at last. + + =Enter= _RALPH, L. 2 E._ + +=Ralph.= [_L. of bench._] This is an unexpected pleasure! + +=Adri.= Truant sir! This is punctuality! + +=Ralph.= Allow me to offer my humblest apologies for my offense, and if +a life's devotion could repay it, command me. + +=Adri.= Still the disappointment would remain. + +=Ralph.= Then you were disappointed, Miss Lowville? Adrienne! [_Takes +her hand._] + +=Adri.= Certainly! [_Withdraws her hand._] Why shouldn't I be when I +was debarred from the pleasure of the first dance, simply because it +was pledged to one who did not fulfill his promise? [_Music heard._] +Hark! That's the quadrille I have given to Mr. Maitland. [_About to go +to R._] + +=Ralph.= [_Takes her hand and gently forces her to bench._] Nay, +Adrienne! Do not go. + +=Adri.= And would you have me be a truant like you? [_They sit._] + +=Ralph.= Yes, because I cannot let you go. Adrienne, long have I sought +for such an opportunity [=Enter= _HILDA R. 4 E._] to pour into your +ears the passion that is consuming me. + +=Adri.= Ralph, hush! Some one approaches. + +=Hil.= [_Comes forward C._] Madam! Mr. Maitland was inquiring for you +for this quadrille. + +=Adri.= I almost forgot it. [_Aside to RALPH._] I'll be back presently. +[_To HILDA._] Come, Hilda! [_Both_ =Exeunt= _R. 2 E. RALPH_ =Exits= _L. +2 E._] + + =Enter= _SAMMY and ADOLPHUS, L. 2 E._ + +=Sam.= [_Looking after the girls._] Did you see her? Oh, what a +heavenly being! My heart goes after her, and I guess I'll follow my +heart. [_About to rush after. ADOLPHUS pulls him back._] + +=Adol.= No you don't! If anybody goes, it's me. [_About to go. SAMMY +pulls him back._] + +=Sam.= I want to pour my heart in her ear! + +=Adol.= And I want to let my soul mingle with hers! + +=Sam.= Well, we can't both make love to her at once. I have it! We'll +draw lots! [_Pulls matches from pocket._] Who draws the short stick +proposes first, and if she refuses the short stick then the long stick +will have a chance. + +=Adol.= Oh, Sammy! What a head you've got. + +=Sam= [_Holds sticks towards ADOLPHUS._] Draw! [_ADOLPHUS draws long +stick._] + +=Adol.= Just my luck! + +=Sam.= Ah! Now, Dolphy, I'll show you how to do it. Hush! She's coming +back! Now you hide behind there. [_Pointing. ADOLPHUS hides behind +flower urn, C._] + + =Enter= _ADRIENNE, R. 2 E. SAMMY falls on his knee._ + +=Sam.= Most adorable angel, whose liquid eyes do penetrate the inmost +depths of my entranced soul, listen to one who has loved you from his +childhood. Fill me with ecstasy by the avowal from thy honeyed lips +that you will be forever mine. + +=Adri.= [_Laughs heartily._] Rise, you foolish boy, and go home and +tell your mother to put a mustard draft on your feet and give you a +dose of paregoric. + +=Sam.= [_Gets up and scratches his head._] Squashed, by Jupiter! [_He +walks to L._] + +=Adri.= [_R. Aside._] Where is Ralph, I wonder! + +=Adol.= [_Coming forward, C. To SAMMY._] Go home, you foolish boy, and +get some paregoric and let Adolphus take off the prize. [_ADRIENNE +turns. ADOLPHUS falls on his knee._] + +=Adri.= Another proposal? + +=Adol.= Fairest of the fair and fairer yet, take this my heart and do +with it what you like. It's yours forevermore. [=Enter= _REGINALD, +R. 2 E., who takes ADRIENNE'S place. ADRIENNE R., REGINALD R. C., +ADOLPHUS C., SAMMY L._] Play with it, use it for a foot-ball--do +with it what you like, as long as you take your true Adolphus with +it. My father owns sixty-eight brick houses, twenty race horses, +three hundred slaves, and one-quarter of an acre of good farming +land--besides--[_Discovers he is talking to REGINALD._] The devil! +[_Starts and rushes off L. 2 E. SAMMY runs after him._] + +=Sam.= Who had better take paregoric now? [=Exit= _L. 2 E. ADRIENNE and +REGINALD laugh._] + +=Reg.= Two foolish, overgrown boys, whose mental powers have not kept +pace with their physical. Pray be seated, Miss Lowville. [_ADRIENNE +sits, bench R. 3 E. REGINALD remains standing._] + +=Adri.= Mr. Maitland, I owe you an apology. I promised you a quadrille, +but I regret having disappointed you. + +=Reg.= Don't mention it. I willingly submit to the disappointment, +since it has afforded me the pleasure of enjoying a few moments' quiet +conversation with one whose amiable disposition and lofty sentiments +command my profoundest respect and admiration. + +=Adri.= You flatter me, sir! + +=Reg.= Nay, Miss Lowville, believe me, I am sincere. I have watched +the development of noble traits, the unfolding of a noble character +prompted by a pure and loving heart; the expression of high and lofty +thought--all of which impressions have sunk so deeply into my being +that they seem a part of myself. Miss Lowville, I use no honeyed words, +but I offer you the heart and hand of an honest man, who will love, +honor and shield you through all the walks of life. + +=Adri.= [_Rises._] Mr. Maitland, you honor me with the offer of such a +noble heart as yours, and could I accept it, I should be proud to wear +it in my bosom. Such noble love requires a noble love in return. But I +cannot. + +=Reg.= Perhaps--in time-- + +=Adri.= Alas! I cannot give you hope. But friends we shall ever be. +[_REGINALD turns away._] Will you accept the hand of friendship? + +=Reg.= Yes! Yes! Pardon me! Friends we shall always be. [=Exit= +_ADRIENNE, R. 2 E._] + + =Enter= _CORIOLANUS, R. 4 E._ + +=Cor.= Sir Reginald, your honored aunt awaits your coming in the +conservatory. + +=Reg.= I will attend her immediately. [=Exit= _REGINALD, R. 2 E._] + +=Cor.= [_Coming down C._] Coriolanus, I am proud of you--you have +acquitted yourself nobly--you have made an impression upon her maiden +heart, I feel assured. She recognizes the true nobility that is hidden +under the garb of the menial. How I hate these clothes! Oh! Anastasia, +thou knowest true worth when thou see'st it. [_Walks to right._] + + =Enter= _DOLLERCLUTCH, L. 4 E. Comes down C._ + +=Dol.= Well, I've got here at last, and if I can only manage +to meet Hilda. But how shall I contrive to see her? [_Looks around +and sees CORIOLANUS._] Ah! there's one of the servants! I'll question +him. [_To CORIOLANUS._] Hey, there, you clown! Come here. [_CORIOLANUS +turns._] Coriolanus, by all that is wonderful. Well, this is +particularly gratifying. But, how is it that I find you here? Have you +left the other place? + +=Cor.= I am a visitor here! I have escorted Miss Maitland to the grand +reception. + +=Dol.= Oh! I thought you were going to say you owned this place. +However, you are just the person to do me a little service. Run to the +mansion and tell Miss Lowville's maid to step out here a moment, that +a gentleman wishes to speak to her. [_CORIOLANUS about to go in high +dudgeon._] Hold on! That won't do--it will attract attention--a few +lines will be better. [_Pulls out tablet and writes._] + +=Cor.= [_Aside._] I'm no common servant! Such impudence, to ask a +gentleman like me. No, thank you! [=Exit= _in high dudgeon, R. 2 E._] + +=Dol.= There, I guess that will do! [_Folding up note._] + + =Enter= _ANASTASIA, R. 2 E._ + +=Dol.= Here, you clown, take this note and mind-- + +=Anas.= Sir! + +=Dol.= The devil! [_Aside._] Where did that infernal rascal get to! +[_To ANASTASIA._] I beg a million pardons, madam! [_Aside._] Confound +that rascal! [_To ANASTASIA._] Pray pardon me, madam--a mistake, I +assure you--mistook you for another. + +=Anas.= Oh! + +=Dol.= [_L. Aside._] What an amiable creature! + +=Anas.= [_R. Aside._] What a charming personage, and so very +polite--Hem! + +=Dol.= Did you speak, madam? + +=Anas.= Such a beautiful evening! + + =Enter= _RALPH, L. 4 E. He pauses at C._ + +=Dol.= Why, yes! and doubly so since the arrival of such charming +simplicity. + +=Ralph.= Ha! ha! ha! [_Comes down C. ANASTASIA and DOLLERCLUTCH are +startled. ANASTASIA_ =Exits= _R. 2 E., with great dignity._] + +=Dol.= [_L._] Were you laughing at me, sir? + +=Ralph.= Yes! at the picture of charming simplicity. Ha! ha! ha! + +=Dol.= Hem! perhaps your name is Paul Pry? + +=Ralph.= Perhaps it is! [_With a shrug._] If you have any grievance, +there's my card. [_Hands him card, and is about to go._] + +=Dol.= [_Looks at card. Aside._] Ralph Murdell?--the devil! [_To +RALPH._] Well, I thought you were either a Paul Pry or a villainous +rascal! + +=Ralph.= [_Turns suddenly._] What did you say? + +=Dol.= I say we are often mistaken. [_Crosses to R. Aside._] I'll keep +my eyes on you, my fine bird. [=Exit= _R. 2 E._] + +=Ralph.= [_Looking around._] Where is Hilda? I did not like the look in +her eye! I must be careful, or she will upset all my plans. She comes. + + =Enter= _HILDA, R. 2 E._ + +=Ralph.= You are late! + +=Hil.= I am, sir! but not too late for what I have to say. Think you I +will stand calmly by and witness your villainy and allow you to deceive +another as you have basely deceived me? No! If I am not your wife in +law, I am in the sight of Heaven, and I dare you to make another victim. + +=Ralph.= [_L., aside._] I must pacify her somehow. [_To HILDA._] Hilda! +[_Takes her hand and leads her to bench L. 3 E._ =Enter= _ADRIENNE in +background R. 5 E. She listens behind statue L. 4 E._] I have repented +saying those harsh words. I did not mean it. It was in anger I spoke. + +=Hil.= Oh, Ralph! if I could only believe you. + +=Ralph.= You can; and if you could but look into my heart you would +know that you, and you only, are the one for whom its pulses beat. + + =Enter= _REGINALD and ANASTASIA R. 2 E. ADRIENNE comes down C. + majestically. RALPH and HILDA rise. ANASTASIA R., REGINALD R. C., + ADRIENNE C., RALPH L. C., HILDA L._ + +=Adri.= Reginald Maitland, you offered me your heart and hand and I +refused. I have reconsidered my refusal. If you still honor me with the +offer, I accept. [=Tableau.= =Enter= _all quickly. DOLLERCLUTCH, R. 3 +E. CORIOLANUS, R. 2 E. SAMMY and ADOLPHUS, L. 3 E. HILDA and ANASTASIA +faint. ANASTASIA falls into the arms of DOLLERCLUTCH. CORIOLANUS looks +on with envy. SAMMY and ADOLPHUS try to support HILDA. Comic business. +REGINALD accepts ADRIENNE'S hand eagerly. ADRIENNE, with heaving bosom, +majestically defiant to RALPH. RALPH disconcerted._] + + REG. ADRI. + + DOLLER. RALPH. + + ANAS. SAM., ADOL. + + CORIO. HILDA. + + _R._ _L._ + _C._ + + + =Quick Curtain.= + + + + +Act II. + + + =Scene 1=: SITTING ROOM OF THE MAITLAND COTTAGE. + + _ANASTASIA discovered knitting, seated at table, L. C. CORIOLANUS + at door, R. 3 E._ + +=Anas.= Coriolanus, have you ordered the carriage to the station? + +=Corio.= Your orders have been obeyed, madam! [_With bow. Crosses to +C._] + +=Anas.= Then everything is in readiness for the reception of the bride +and groom. You may retire, Coriolanus, and be pleased to announce them +as soon as they arrive. + +=Corio.= I will hold myself in readiness to gratify your desires. +[_Going, aside._] The darling creature! She cannot trust her feelings +when alone in my presence. Every look, every action, speak of the great +admiration she has for me. + +=Anas.= Well! [_Impatiently._] Will you go? + +=Corio.= I quicken! [=Exit= _D. R. 3 E._] + +=Anas.= The stupid dolt, with his stuck-up manners. I hate him! I +wonder whether Mary has attended to the room. [_Goes to door, L. 2 +E., and calls._] Mary! Mary! [_MARY answers off entrance_, "Ma'am."] +Have you thoroughly aired Reginald's apartments? [_MARY, as before_, +"Yes, Ma'am." _ANASTASIA closes door._] So! Reginald and his bride will +soon be here, and they will find everything well regulated, thanks to +my personal supervision. I can't say that I like Reginald's choice. +The bold thing, to throw herself upon a man like that, and before +everybody, too! It's outrageous--not a bit of maidenly modesty--I shall +hate her, I know I shall. And Reginald was so pleased to accept the +proud thing. What fools men are! Well, well; I hope the dear boy will +not be disappointed in her and live unhappily. [_She sighs heavily +and resumes knitting._] What a strange thing love is, to be sure. Who +could that stranger have been I met in the garden--such a splendid man! +So full of good sense! So polite! Oh, perfectly lovely! I could fall +in love with such a dear man. [=Enter= _MORRIS MAITLAND, D. R. 2 E._] +I----Morris! + +=Mor.= [_C._] Not yet arrived? H'm! The train must be late. Has the +carriage gone? + +=Anas.= Yes, brother! I gave Coriolanus strict orders to attend to it! + +=Mor.= Well, I suppose they will get here in good time. But it's +getting late--past nine o'clock. [_At table, L. C._] Sister, you will +do all in your power to make Reginald's wife comfortable and receive +her with the respect due the wife of my honored son. + +=Anas.= I will do my part, Morris, provided she does hers. But I'm +afraid Reginald has made a poor choice. + +=Mor.= Sister, you are prejudiced. Reginald is an honest, sensible and +dutiful son. Although her connections are very aristocratic, more so, +in fact, than I could cordially approve, yet, I have faith in him to +believe that his choice has been wise, and that she will prove an honor +to my son and the pride of his father's heart. + +=Anas.= Well, I have no more to say. I hope that she will fulfill your +expectations. + +=Mor.= She is now my daughter and shall receive a hearty welcome into +the bosom of our family. + + =Enter= _CORIOLANUS, D. R. 3 E._ + +=Corio.= Reginald and Adrienne Maitland! [_MORRIS at L. C.; ANASTASIA +rises and goes to fireplace, L. 3 E._] + + =Enter= _REGINALD, ADRIENNE and HILDA, D. R. 3 E. HILDA, R., + ADRIENNE, R. C., REGINALD, C., MORRIS, L. C., ANASTASIA, L._ + +=Mor.= [_Embracing REGINALD._] My son! welcome to your paternal home. + +=Reg.= Father, allow me to bring to you a daughter, my wife. [_Leads +her to him, then crosses to shake hands with ANASTASIA._] + +=Mor.= My daughter, welcome to our humble home--receive the blessing +of-- + +=Adri.= [_Coldly._] Thanks! You honor me. [_Crosses to L._] Reginald, +[_wearily_] I am tired. [_MORRIS retreats painfully. ANASTASIA +exchanges looks with him and draws herself loftily erect._] + +=Reg.= Adrienne, my aunt--Miss Maitland. + +=Adri.= [_Bows haughtily._] We've met before. [_To REGINALD._] Conduct +me to my room. [_REGINALD bows._ =Exeunt= _ADRIENNE and REGINALD, D. +L. 2 E. HILDA follows with wraps, etc. MORRIS crosses to R. Sinks in +armchair R. of table._] + +=Anas.= H'm! I thought so! An iceberg. Proud and dignified. Above such +humble surroundings! Brother! + +=Mor.= My son! my son! + +=Anas.= Did I not tell you? Perhaps you'll give me credit in the future +for a little sense. + +=Mor.= [_Sternly._] Anastasia! Leave me. + +=Anas.= Well, you needn't bite my head off because I spoke the truth. +[=Exit= _in dudgeon, D. R. 3 E._] + +=Mor.= My fondest expectations blighted. Heaven grant they will be +happy! but--[_shakes his head_] I doubt it--I doubt it. + + =Enter= _REGINALD, D. L. 2 E. He approaches table slowly. MORRIS + rises and turns away._ + +=Reg.= Father! + +=Mor.= [_Turns suddenly and embraces him._] Oh, my son! I had such +hopes for your future happiness! But alas! + +=Reg.= Why, father, can you for a moment doubt it? [_MORRIS shakes his +head._] Adrienne is fatigued--worn out--weary from travel. Our journey +has been extensive. In the morning she will be herself again. + +=Mor.= I sincerely hope so, my son! but I fear you have made a great +mistake. You may have loved well, but I fear too unwisely. + +=Reg.= Father, you are mistaken in Adrienne. She is all that is +noble--as free from deceit and the taint of the world as a child +unborn. No, no, father! she is all that an honorable man could wish. + +=Mor.= For your sake, I wish I could think as you do, but I cannot. Did +she love you as a wife should, she would honor her husband so much as +to show her respect, at least, to his father. + +=Reg.= You had a right to expect a warmer acknowledgment of your +welcome. But consider her fatigue. Time will command the respect and +love due her husband's father. + +=Mor.= Love is a spontaneous outburst of the heart. It is not of +gradual growth. It takes not time to discover true innate worth in a +person. Love detects it at a glance, and time only confirms the first +impression. My son, is she all that you desire? + +=Reg.= Yes, father, all. + +=Mor.= And are you sure that she loves you? + +=Reg.= [_Confused._] Yes, father--that is--I-- + +=Mor.= Why this confusion? + +=Reg.= I think she does. + +=Mor.= Think? Why, did she not tell you as much? + +=Reg.= Father, we will not discuss this subject any further. Suffice it +to say that she is my wife, and I have sworn to love and honor her till +death do us part, and I will do my duty, sir! + +=Mor.= So be it, my son! and may Providence, who watches over us all, +grant you a happy life. Heaven bless you, my son! [_Clock strikes._] +The hour for retiring is at hand. You will call your wife to attend our +usual family devotion in the library ere retiring for the night. + +=Reg.= I attend your pleasure! [=Exit= _D. L. 2 E. MORRIS strikes bell +on table._] + + =Enter= _ANASTASIA, followed by CORIOLANUS, D. R. 3 E. CORIOLANUS + R., ANASTASIA C., MORRIS L._ + +=Anas.= Shall I call Reginald's wife? + +=Mor.= Reginald has gone to do so. + +=Anas.= Oh! + +=Mor.= Please retire to the library; I will follow shortly. [=Exit= +_ANASTASIA, followed by CORIOLANUS, D. R. 3 E._] + + =Enter= _REGINALD, D. L. 2 E. MORRIS crosses to R. C._ + +=Reg.= [_L. C._] Father, Adrienne wishes to be excused; she is too +tired! + +=Mor.= My son, you know the laws of this house. All the members of the +family must attend family prayer. This law has ever been kept inviolate +by my ancestors, and it shall not be broken in this instance. You will +inform your wife that I insist upon her attendance. [=Exit= _REGINALD +D. L. 2 E. MORRIS walks the floor._] + + =Enter= _ADRIENNE quickly, D. L. 2 E., followed by REGINALD. She + crosses to table, L. C. MORRIS R. C._ + +=Adri.= Sir, in answer to your request, I asked to be excused; +nevertheless, you insist upon a sacrifice of my own inclinations and +desires. In this matter, I wish to inform you, I will suit my own +pleasure. Good-night, sir! [_Going._] + +=Mor.= Madam, I respect your desires, and as the wife of my son, I +honor you. But there are certain rules in this household from which +there is no departure, and this is one. From time immemorial has this +custom been a law at our fireside. As you are now a member of our +family, I ask of you, [_ADRIENNE turns away_] nay, I beg of you, be not +the first to violate this rule. + +=Adri.= [_Haughtily._] I refuse to comply! + +=Mor.= [_Sternly._] Then, madam, you compel me to assert my authority. +As the master of this house, I insist upon your attendance at family +prayer! + +=Adri.= [_Drawing herself erect._] Sir! + +=Reg.= [_At fire-place._] Father! + +=Mor.= Nay! I command you! + +=Adri.= [_To REGINALD._] Will you stand by and allow this indignity? + +=Reg.= Adrienne--I-- + +=Mor.= [_Crosses to D. R. 3 E._] Enough! I await your presence in the +library. [=Exit= _D. R. 3 E. ADRIENNE sinks into chair on R. of table. +REGINALD in a pleading attitude. Whistle scene._] + + + =Scene 2=: A STREET IN 1ST GROOVES. + + =Enter= RALPH, _L. 1 E._ + +=Ralph.= Confound it, I cannot bear it any longer. This wandering +around, nursing my wrath, is becoming unendurable. After having won +her love, to be snatched from me by that infernal Maitland--curse +him!--and all through that she-devil, Hilda--curse them both! Oh! I +could tear them to pieces! + + =Enter= _HENRY, R. 1 E., in officer's uniform with paper in hand. + RALPH turns away._ + +=Hen.= [_Aside._] Ralph Murdell! I never liked the looks of that man. +[_To RALPH._] Hello! Lost your tongue? [_R. C._] + +=Ralph.= [_C._] No! but I lost something else! + +=Hen.= Lost a love, perhaps? + +=Ralph.= No! I've lost my temper! + +=Hen.= [_Aside._] Was spooney on Adrienne! [_To RALPH._] Well, I'm glad +you lost it! + +=Ralph.= Glad I lost what? + +=Hen.= Your temper. + +=Ralph.= Oh! I didn't understand. + +=Hen.= Why, if you _lost_ your temper, you are well rid of it, and +ought to be jolly. But you look as if you had it still. Ha! ha! ha! + +=Ralph.= Confound your jokes; I'm in no humor for levity. + +=Hen.= No, I guess not. But where have you kept yourself buried? I have +not seen you since my sister's Grand Ball. I suppose you know she's +married to Maitland? + +=Ralph.= Yes! yes! I wish her much joy. What are you doing in that +uniform? + +=Hen.= Oh! I've enlisted in the army and was made a recruiting officer. +There is going to be a hot time. The rebels have taken possession of +all the prominent military stations in the South. And when Lincoln +made a call for three hundred thousand volunteers, I could not resist +the desire to do my duty and help preserve the Union. Besides, I was +getting tired of the lazy, drone-like life of society. + +=Ralph.= And are you seeking volunteers? + +=Hen.= Yes; besides, I am looking up a lot of individuals whose names I +have here. + +=Ralph.= Volunteers? + +=Hen.= No! The President has ordered a draft to be made for men, and I +am on the look-out for some. + +=Ralph.= Have you got me down in the draft? + +=Hen.= No! You are one of the lucky ones! + +=Ralph.= Indeed! But it would have pleased me if you had. Still, you +can accept me as a volunteer. + +=Hen.= [_Aside._] H'm! his disappointment has made him desperate. [_To +RALPH._] You surprise me, Murdell--you have more patriotism than I gave +you credit for. + +=Ralph.= This sort of life is too tame for me. I long for excitement! + +=Hen.= [_Hands him paper and pencil._] You will please sign here! + +=Ralph.= [_Signs paper._] And when shall I report for duty? + +=Hen.= To-morrow morning at ten o'clock, at headquarters. + +=Ralph.= All right! I'll go and make the necessary preparations. I +shall be on hand. [=Exit= _R. 1 E._] + +=Hen.= [_Crosses to L._] I'm glad Adrienne did not marry that chap, for +I did think that she thought a great deal of him. But you can never +tell anything about women. They never do what you think they will. +However, I am more than pleased that things have turned out as they +did. A better or truer man never lived than Reginald Maitland. + + =Enter= _SAMMY and ADOLPHUS arm in arm, R. 1 E. They do not + perceive HENRY._ + +=Sam.= I for one am getting discouraged. I've proposed to twenty-three +women in two weeks and been rejected twenty-three times. [_HENRY +examines paper._] + +=Adol.= And I've been rejected as many times as I've proposed. If I +only had the courage I'd drown myself. + +=Sam.= And if I only had the chance I'd enlist. But come, let us drown +our troubles in a glass of soda water. [_Going towards L. 1 E._] + +=Hen.= Halt! [_SAMMY and ADOLPHUS clutch each other in terror._] + + =Sam.= } Oh! Oh! [_ADOLPHUS and SAMMY C. HENRY L._] + =Adol.= } + +=Hen.= [_To SAMMY._] Your name! + +=Sam.= Sammy Dewdrop! + +=Hen.= Right! [_To ADOLPHUS._] And yours? + +=Adol.= Adolphus Softhead! + +=Hen.= Right again! Gentlemen, I am happy to inform you that you have +been drafted! [_SAMMY and ADOLPHUS collapse, terror-stricken._] + +=Adol.= Oh! I shall die! + +=Sam.= [_Trying to brace up, but shaking like a leaf._] Why don't you +take it bravely like me? [_To ADOLPHUS._] + +=Adol.= I can't. I'll never come back alive--I know I shan't. + +=Sam.= [_Brightening up suddenly._] I have it. Happy thought. [_To +HENRY._] But they won't take me--I am in the last stage of consumption. +[_Coughs._] And they don't take consumptives. + +=Adol.= [_Eagerly._] And I have got--[_Beckons HENRY to come nearer--he +whispers in his ear._] + +=Hen.= Very well, gentlemen. If that is so, you are exempt. [_SAMMY and +ADOLPHUS elated, about to go._] Halt! You will first accompany me to +headquarters, where you will be examined by the doctor; and then, if +you are in the condition you say you are, you will be allowed to go. +[_SAMMY and ADOLPHUS get weak in the knees._] + +=Sam.= [_To ADOLPHUS._] It's no use, Dolphy, the jig's up! + +=Adol.= Why was I born? + +=Hen.= About face! Forward, march. [=Exeunt= _all L. 1 E. Whistle +scene._] + + + =Scene 3=: OUTSIDE OF THE MAITLAND COTTAGE. + + =Enter= _HILDA, L. 2 E._ + +=Hil.= Oh! what shall I do! my mistress is so unhappy. She is pining +away day by day, and all for love for that worthless villain, Ralph. +Oh, if I could only unburden my heart to her and tell her all! If she +only knew how base he is she would not grieve so. Sometimes, when I +see her silent despair, I feel tempted to tell her all. But I promised +to keep silent until I heard from Mr. Dollerclutch. I fear he also has +deserted me. Here comes my mistress! I will avoid her! I cannot witness +her misery--my heart goes out to her. [=Exit= _R. 2 E._] + + =Enter= _ADRIENNE, L. 2 E. She is very pale. Sits on bench R. C._ + +=Adri.= When will this torture end? Could I but recall the fatal words +that doomed me to a loveless life! I can only blame my impulsive +nature. I knew not what I did--I was mad--and I must suffer the bitter +consequences. Oh, cruel, cruel fate! [_Her head sinks on her arm, which +is resting on back of bench._] + + =Enter= _MORRIS from cottage on L._ + +=Mor.= [_At L. C._] Madam! + +=Adri.= [_Starts and rises haughtily._] Your pleasure, sir! + +=Mor.= There is a matter I wish to speak to you about. + +=Adri.= Proceed, sir! + +=Mor.= It is about my son. [_ADRIENNE braces herself._] Until your +advent into our family all was peace and sunshine; but now all is +mystery and clouds. And you, madam, are the cause of this condition of +affairs. [_ADRIENNE presses her hand to her heart._] I speak in behalf +of my son. Since his marriage to you I have noted a change in him. +There is something weighing heavily on his mind. + +=Adri.= And has _he_ sent you to plead his cause? + +=Mor.= No, madam! He has defended you in every particular; he has tried +to hide the true state of affairs. His sense of honor is so high that +he would not listen to a word against your action. His vow at the altar +is sacred to him; he would suffer anything without a murmur, and he +will ever defend his wife from the sneers of the world. + +=Adri.= Will you enlighten me, sir, as to the nature of my offense? + +=Mor.= You have destroyed the happiness of my son's life. He cannot +hide the disappointment of his honest heart from the searching gaze of +a father. + +=Adri.= Sir! It is best that we understand each other. I decline +further to listen to your upbraidings. You have no right to question +my actions. I forbid you ever to broach this subject again. The die is +cast. I know my duty as a wife; and to my husband, and to him alone, +will I hold myself accountable for my actions. [=Exit= _majestically L. +2 E. MORRIS looks after her._] + + =Enter= _ANASTASIA, R. 2 E._ + +=Anas.= Brother Morris, I'll not put up with it any longer. Things are +getting to be in a pretty strait when a person of my standing must +submit to such snubbing--yes, brother, I repeat, _snubbing_. + +=Mor.= Don't bother me! [=Exit= _into cottage._] + + =Enter= _DOLLERCLUTCH, gate C._ + +=Anas.= [_Looking after MORRIS, angrily._] Well, I never! another snub! + +=Dol.= [_Down R._] Ahem! + +=Anas.= [_Turns suddenly._] There's that sweet man again. [_She affects +shyness._] + +=Dol.= I beg your pardon, madam! but allow me to express my pleasure in +being so fortunate as to meet your lovely self under such auspicious +circumstances. + +=Anas.= You flatter me! + +=Dol.= By no means, madam!--by no means. That is something I would not +be guilty of. What I said came from the heart, madam--from the heart! +Do you understand? + +=Anas.= I think I do, sir! [_Aside._] Perfectly captivating! + +=Dol.= Allow me to conduct you to a seat, you are tired standing. [_He +leads her to bench R. C. They sit at each end of bench and gradually +move up closer to each other during the subsequent dialogue. Comic +business._] + +=Anas.= [_Aside._] I believe he is going to propose! If he does, I'll +accept him on the instant. + +=Dol.= [_Fidgeting._] Madam, I--I--really I have not the pleasure of +your name. + +=Anas.= Anastasia Maitland, sir! + +=Dol.= Anastasia! What a beautiful name! + +=Anas.= Thank you! + +=Dol.= And so appropriate to your charming self. It will always remind +me of an angel. + +=Anas.= Did you ever see an angel? + +=Dol.= Yes, many a one--but they were all painted! + +=Anas.= Oh! But I really forgot what you said your name was! + +=Dol.= George Washington Dollerclutch, at your service, madam! You may +call me Father of my Country Dollerclutch for short. + +=Anas.= Such a grand name! It is so poetical! + +=Dol.= [_Nudges up closer._] Ahem! + +=Anas.= [_Aside._] The declaration is coming! I will fall in his arms +as soon as he makes it. + +=Dol.= Madam--I--I--[_Pulls out baby dress instead of handkerchief and +wipes his face._] + +=Anas.= My heart goes pitti-di-pat! [_Sees baby dress._] Oh! [_She +turns away._] + +=Dol.= [_Notices it for the first time. Aside._] Confound it! I thought +I had my handkerchief. [_To ANASTASIA._] I beg your pardon, madam! +[_Puts it away and gets his handkerchief. ANASTASIA smiles sweetly and +bows her head._] Ahem! as I was going to say-- + + =Enter= _CORIOLANUS, L. 2 E._ + +=Dol.= You are--you are--[_Sees CORIOLANUS._] The devil! [_Starts +up. CORIOLANUS holds himself proudly erect. ANASTASIA_ =Exits= _with +dignity into cottage._] + +=Cor.= [_Aside._] A rival? + +=Dol.= Playing the eavesdropper, eh! [_Aside._] I'll bounce the rascal! +[_Leaps upon him suddenly and runs him off R. 2 E._] I'll teach you +better manners. [_Walks down stage._] + + =Enter= _HILDA, R. 2 E._ + +=Dol.= Don't come back or I'll--[_Sees HILDA._] Oh! + +=Hil.= [_Comes forward quickly._] Oh, sir! You have come at last. What +news have you--is it good or bad? + +=Dol.= My dear child, I have both good and bad. I have searched the +church register, but found no record of the marriage. + +=Hil.= Alas! Then I have no hope. [_Sobs._] + +=Dol.= [_Pulls out handkerchief._] Now don't you cry--if you do I'll +throw up the case. [_She continues to sob._] Didn't I tell you my news +was both good and bad? + +=Hil.= [_Looks up hopefully._] Yes! Yes! + +=Dol.= But I found that about the time you were married a leaf was torn +out--and I'll stake my life that it was the record of your marriage. + +=Hil.= But who could have done such a thing? + +=Dol.= I strongly suspect that infernal villain of a husband of yours, +to hide the evidence of your marriage to him! + +=Hil.= Then I am lost! for he surely must have destroyed it. Oh, what +shall I do--what shall I do! + +=Dol.= Shut up! If you get me all excited, I'll have nothing to do +with it. I don't believe he has destroyed it at all, but has it in his +possession. I'm going to do a little detective work, and I warrant you +that I'll spare no money to gain my point. I said I'd see this thing +through, and hang me if I don't go my length in it. + +=Hil.= Oh, thank you, sir! + +=Dol.= Now listen to my plan. [_Noise heard, L. 2 E._] + +=Hil.= Some one approaches! Let us walk on a piece, where there is no +danger of being overheard. [=Exeunt= _HILDA and DOLLERCLUTCH, R. 2 E._] + + =Enter= _ANASTASIA, L. 2 E., with letter in hand._ + +=Anas.= [_Looks around._] I have written a few lines to the dear man, +just to encourage him a bit--he seemed so confused. I will leave it +here on this bench. [_Lays it on bench R. C._] He will surely come back +and find it. George Washington Dollerclutch! Oh! he must be a brave man +to have such a grand name! [_Noise heard, R. 2 E._] I hear footsteps! +It must be he returning--I'll retire for a few moments. [=Exit= _L. 2 +E._] + + =Enter= _CORIOLANUS, R. 2 E._ + +=Cor.= How dare he lay violent hands upon me--a gentleman of nobility! +I cannot suffer such indignity to pass unnoticed. [_Sees letter on +bench._] What's this! a letter?--and her handwriting, too! [_Reads._] +"To one I love"--hem! that's me! [_Opens it--reads._] "Thou adorable +one with the brave sounding name,"--she likes my name! "Ever since +our first meeting have you made the profoundest impression upon my +heart."--I knew it! "Maidenly modesty has prevented me from making an +open expression of my affection. My heart expands within my bosom. If +you love me wear a red necktie and smile upon me when next we meet. +With all maidenly reserve, I am yours, A. M." I will procure the +necktie at once, and prepare to satisfy the longing of her heart with +the knowledge that her love is returned. [=Exit= _CORIOLANUS, L. 2 E._] + + =Enter= _HENRY, gate C._ + +=Hen.= [_With draft in hand._] I think I have secured all the +persons in the draft but two, and they are Coriolanus Wellington and +George Washington Dollerclutch. That Dollerclutch has led me quite a +chase--been looking for him two days. Wherever I've looked for him I +was informed he had just left. I believe the rascal is dodging me. But +I guess I'm sure of the other chap--he's a servant here with Adrienne's +father-in-law. I'll go in and secure him. [=Exit= _into cottage._] + + =Enter= _DOLLERCLUTCH and HILDA, R. 2 E._ + +=Dol.= Now you leave everything in my hands and I'll see that I bring +you through your trouble all right. I've got all the points on this +paper. Now go into the house before we are discovered. I'll soon bring +the smiles back again. + +=Hil.= Oh, thank you! Heaven bless you for befriending a helpless girl. +[=Exit= _HILDA into cottage._] + + =Enter= _ANASTASIA, L. 2 E. DOLLERCLUTCH puts paper into pocket._ + +=Anas.= [_Aside._] He has just read my letter. Ahem! + +=Dol.= [_Turns._] My dear madam! Pray be seated! [_Leads her to bench +R. C._] I regret extremely that our last interview was so abruptly +terminated by the advent of that ignorant jackass-- + + =Enter= _CORIOLANUS, L. 2 E., wearing a ridiculously large red + necktie. He strikes dignified attitudes and tries to attract + ANASTASIA'S attention to it. He tries to smile--but they are very + sickly smiles._ + +=Anas.= [_Stares at CORIOLANUS._] Oh! + +=Dol.= [_Aside._] There's that confounded idiot again. Look at the +grinning hyena. + +=Anas.= Well, I never! The man must be crazy. + +=Dol.= [_Rising._] Madam! with your permission, I will crush the +rascal. [_ANASTASIA nods assent. DOLLERCLUTCH bounces him--they +struggle off L. 2 E. Sound of broken glass. DOLLERCLUTCH returns, his +clothes ruffled._] I guess I fixed him that time--I landed him in the +hot-house. + +=Anas.= [_Admiringly._] I knew you were a brave man! + +=Dol.= Well, I must say I am rather proud of my bravery. I was not +named George Washington for nothing. + + =Enter= _HENRY from cottage._ + +=Hen.= [_Aside._] At last! [_To DOLLERCLUTCH._] George Washington +Dollerclutch, I beg to inform you that you are drafted. You will +accompany me to headquarters. + +=Dol.= [_Terror-stricken._] Oh, Lord! + + =Enter= _CORIOLANUS, L. 2 E., face and hands cut--his clothes + disordered. ANASTASIA R., DOLLERCLUTCH R. C., HENRY C., CORIOLANUS + L. C._ + +=Cor.= What! I calmly submit to this outrage? Never! I'll tear him to +pieces. + +=Hen.= [_Seizing CORIOLANUS._] You are drafted to help preserve +the Union. [_CORIOLANUS is frightened. During the above ANASTASIA +pantomimes to DOLLERCLUTCH to follow her and escape._ =Exit= _ANASTASIA +R. 2 E. DOLLERCLUTCH about to follow her. HENRY sees him and points +revolver at him._] Halt! [_DOLLERCLUTCH turns and sees revolver and is +frightened._] Advance three paces--halt! About face! [_CORIOLANUS takes +position on his right._] That will do. Now, gentlemen, before we go to +headquarters, you will accompany me into the house until I get some +lunch; then we will proceed on our journey. Left face! Forward march! +[=Exeunt= _all into cottage._] + + =Enter= _ADRIENNE, followed by REGINALD, L. 2 E._ + +=Reg.= Adrienne! + +=Adri.= [_R. C. Turns._] Your pleasure, Reginald! + +=Reg.= [_Quietly, but firmly._] Adrienne, I desire a few moments' +conversation. What I have to say is for your ears only! + +=Adri.= Proceed, Reginald. I hear you! + +=Reg.= Adrienne, the time has come when I must speak--I can no longer +bear the cold, dignified reserve with which you treat me--your husband. +There is a motive for all things--and there must be a motive that +prompts your action. We are man and wife, and open candor and frankness +should exist between us. + +=Adri.= Have I not fulfilled my duty, sir? Have I not shown you the +honor and respect that you have a right to demand from a wife? + +=Reg.= You have honored and respected me, Adrienne, but I have a right +to expect even more. + +=Adri.= I do not understand! + +=Reg.= I have a right to expect your love! [_ADRIENNE retreats a step, +her hand pressed to her heart._] Yes, Adrienne! Marriage is a holy act +which ought to be based on the rock of love; else it becomes a sordid +and disgraceful bargain, devoid of sacredness and heavenly sanction. +[_She recoils._] When I led you to the altar it was with the firm +belief that our marriage would be a holy and sacred bond, founded upon +the eternal principle of love. But your manner since has caused me to +doubt the sincerity of your heart. + +=Adri.= [_Haughtily._] Did I, when I accepted your hand, say that I +returned your love? + +=Reg.= No! In my eyes you were an ideal woman, of the highest and +noblest sentiment--devoid of worldly ambition and desire. That was +sufficient. Could I then doubt the feeling which actuated your +acceptance of my heart and hand? [_Slight pause._] Adrienne! say that I +am not disappointed in you--say that your sacred vow at the altar, "to +love, honor and obey," was not a hollow sham--speak, Adrienne, speak! +[_Pause. REGINALD turns away._] + +=Adri.= [_Recovering slowly._] I will be honest with you, sir! You have +a right to know. Could I but recall those fatal words that bound me for +life to one I can never love, I would willingly lay down my life. I +refused you when you first offered yourself, because I loved another. +When I witnessed his perfidy, a few moments later, in a fit of pique, +I accepted you. When I recovered from the mad impulse that swayed my +being, I awakened to the misery into which I had plunged myself, and I +almost hated you for tempting me to this agonizing bondage. + +=Reg.= [_With intense feeling suppressed._] Madam, the die is cast! You +bear my name--you are my wife--that cannot be recalled, for that is +recorded above. You will ever receive at my hands the respect that is +due my wife. I shall provide for and protect you as long as He, in His +good mercy, does grant me life. You will always find this, my paternal +home, yours to enjoy. + +=Adri.= [_Alarmed._] What would you do? + +=Reg.= Madam, it must be evident to you that my hopes in life are +blighted; that I would not weary your sight with the presence of one +who would be a constant reproach to your misery and folly. I will +leave you. Perhaps the day may come when your heart may change and +turn toward the husband. If so, the words, "Reginald, I love you--come +back," will bring to your bosom the husband, who will always be true to +his sacred vow at the altar. [_Crosses to L._] + + =Enter= _HENRY, DOLLERCLUTCH and CORIOLANUS, followed by + ANASTASIA, MORRIS and HILDA, from cottage. HENRY back of bench, R. + DOLLERCLUTCH and ADOLPHUS, R. MORRIS and ANASTASIA, up C. HILDA + crosses to ADRIENNE. ADRIENNE is overcome. She sinks on bench, R. + C._ + +=Reg.= [_To HENRY._] Henry, accept a new recruit, who is ready to fight +for the preservation of the Union and protect the Stars and Stripes. +[_Takes roll and pencil and signs it._] + +=Adri.= [_Starting up, with outstretched hands._] Reginald, stay! + +=Hen.= Too late! [_ADRIENNE faints. HILDA attends her at bench, R. C._] + + =Tableau.= + + DOLLER. CORIO. + + HEN. MORRIS. + + HIL. ADRI. REG. ANAS. + + + =Curtain.= + + + + +ACT III. + +A Lapse of Four Years. + + + =Scene 1=: A CAMP IN THE ARMY. + + _Discovered at rise of curtain: HENRY in Captain's uniform, + and REGINALD as a private, both seated on camp-stools, R. 2 E. + CORIOLANUS, as private, sitting near the fire, R. C. DOLLERCLUTCH, + as private, asleep in front of tent, L. 4 E. ADOLPHUS, as private, + doing sentinel duty, L. 1 E._ + +=Hen.= When did you hear from home last, Reginald? + +=Reg.= A week ago. + +=Hen.= And how is your little Alice? + +=Reg.= When last I heard, she was well. Oh, Henry! she is the only joy +in my life. The future of my child is the only thing that keeps me +from despair. I live in hopes that I shall one day clasp my child to +my bosom. Oh, the yearning of a father's heart! And now that we are so +near to her, I almost feel tempted to shirk my duty and satisfy the +longing to see my beloved child. + +=Hen.= We are only six miles away from your home, I believe you said? + +=Reg.= Yes! day by day have we been drawing closer to it. And it is +nearly four years since I left the scene, never to return to it again. +[_He turns away._] + +=Hen.= Reginald, I sincerely sympathize with you in your trouble. +[_Takes him by the hand._] Adrienne has wronged you deeply. She---- + +=Reg.= [_Checks him._] Henry, she is your sister, but do not forget +that she is my _wife_. I cannot listen to her condemnation even from +you. + +=Hen.= Well, Reginald, I respect your wishes. But cheer up! I have +faith to believe that all will be right again--that some day will see +you reunited and happy. + +=Reg.= [_Shakes his head._] This will be my only happiness, Henry. +[_Shows picture of child._] + +=Hen.= Is this the picture of my niece? Why, she doesn't look a bit +like Adrienne! + +=Reg.= No! the resemblance is to _my_ family. I can now readily +understand why my father wrote to me, soon after the child's birth, +asking the privilege of naming it. She bears a striking resemblance to +my little sister. + +=Hen.= Your sister! I never knew you had a sister! + +=Reg.= No! because that is the skeleton in our family closet. Her name +was Alice. When but three months old she was stolen from the cradle. +All effort to recover the child proved fruitless. Her disappearance has +since remained a mystery. Grief over our loss brought my mother to an +early grave. My father sacrificed his all in the hope of recovering the +child, but all his efforts proved unavailing. This happened eighteen +years ago, and we know not whether she be living or not, but we mourn +her as dead. + +=Hen.= And had you no suspicion as to who stole the child? + +=Reg.= None. My father did not think he had an enemy in the world. + +=Hen.= Strange! very strange! The ways of Providence are mysterious, +and we must bow with resignation to His Divine Will. One moment, +Reginald. [_To ADOLPHUS._] Adolphus! + +=Adol.= [_Salutes._] Captain, I await your orders. + +=Hen.= Go to the officers' tent and inquire whether the mail has +arrived. + +=Adol.= [_Salutes._] All right, Captain! [=Exit= _L. 1 E._] + +=Hen.= [_To CORIOLANUS._] Coriolanus! [_CORIOLANUS rises and salutes._] +Take his post as sentinel! [_CORIOLANUS salutes and takes his post. To +REGINALD._] It is remarkable what a change there is in Adolphus. When I +drafted him I thought he would make a poor soldier, he was so cowardly; +but he has turned out to be one of the bravest men in the regiment. A +soldier's life has made a man of him. + +=Reg.= It has, indeed! I have often wanted to ask you what ever became +of his chum, Sammy. I thought you had drafted him, also. + +=Hen.= I did; but he had plenty of money, and furnished a substitute. I +wish the mail would arrive. [_Rises._] By the way, Reginald, did your +last letter mention anything about any of the rest of your household? + +=Reg.= [_Rises._] For instance, Hilda? Ha! ha! ha! Oh, you sly rogue! +Henry, I remember a conversation we had, when you asked me to show you +a woman devoid of fashion's frivolities--ha! ha! ha! Perhaps, now _you_ +can show one--ha! ha! ha! What! Henry, the recluse, the woman-hater, in +love with a woman? Wonderful! Ha! ha! ha! + +=Hen.= Well, I'll acknowledge the corn; but I didn't know a sensible +woman until I met Hilda Wallace, whose quiet and unassuming manners +struck the chord of affinity in my nature. + +=Reg.= [_Takes him by the hand._] Well, well, I'm glad of the +transformation, and I hope your future will not be marred by +disappointment. [_DOLLERCLUTCH snores._] + + =Enter= _ADOLPHUS, L. 1 E._ + +=Hen.= [_To ADOLPHUS._] Well? + +=Adol.= [_Salutes._] The mail has not arrived, Captain! [REGINALD +=Exits= _into tent, C. DOLLERCLUTCH snores._] + +=Hen.= Pshaw! just tickle that fellow with your boot! [_ADOLPHUS about +to do so._] + +=Dol.= [_Dreaming._] Oh, Anastasia! [_ADOLPHUS, L. C. HENRY, C. +DOLLERCLUTCH asleep, L. CORIOLANUS, down L._] + +=Hen.= Listen! He's dreaming! + +=Dol.= Anastasia, beloved! oh, fly--fly to my arms! + +=Hen.= Ha! ha! ha! I wonder whether she's got wings? [_DOLLERCLUTCH +talks again._] But, listen! + +=Dol.= [_Starting._] The rebs are coming--the rebs are coming! Where +shall I hide myself? I'll be killed if I stay here. [_Sits upright._] +Don't shoot! [_He fights imaginary rebels._] Don't shoot--don't! +[_Awakes._] + +=Hen.= Look out! the rebs are coming! Ha! ha! ha! + +=Dol.= [_Getting on his feet. Aside._] Confound it all! I must have +been dreaming. + +=Hen.= Ha! ha! ha! We've found you out at last, old Dollerclutch. You +are a _brave_ man, George Washington. I thought I never did see you +when we went into an engagement--now I can account for it. + +=Dol.= [_L. C._] Sir! I have always been where the fight was thickest. + +=Cor.= [_Aside._] After it was over. + +=Hen.= _You_ mean George Washington was--but I mean George Washington +Dollerclutch. + +=Dol.= Sir! Do you mean to insinuate that my bravery is a matter of +doubt? You wrong me, sir! You wrong me, I can assure you. My deeds of +valor have saved the day many a time--many a time. Do you understand? +But my modesty won't allow me to speak of them. Even in my childhood +was I noted for my bravery. I took Mrs. Winslow's soothing syrup with +the most unflinching courage. Nothing would delight me more than a +hand-to-hand encounter with a whole regiment of rebels. I would glory +in the chance, sir! I have smelt powder many times. [_He shoots off his +revolver, smells the smoke from the barrel, and struts the stage. HENRY +whispers to ADOLPHUS and points to DOLLERCLUTCH._] + +=Adol.= [_Aside to HENRY._] All right, captain; I understand! [_He +steals off cautiously, L. 2 E. HENRY beckons to CORIOLANUS to +follow him, enjoining caution._ =Exeunt=, _R. 2 E. All this is done +unperceived by DOLLERCLUTCH._] + +=Dol.= To take me for a coward--bah! Gentlemen, you don't know! +you--[_Turns and finds them gone._] Hello! where the deuce did they go? +[_Looks around in the different tents._] + + =Enter= _ADOLPHUS, L. 2 E., in a rebel suit, with gun and false + whiskers. He is not noticed by DOLLERCLUTCH. ADOLPHUS brings his + gun to shoulder and points it at DOLLERCLUTCH._ + +=Adol.= [_L. C._] Halt, and surrender. [_DOLLERCLUTCH at tent, R. 5 E. +He turns suddenly in a fright--his knees knock together--he raises his +hands and tries to speak._] Don't move a muscle or I'll bore you. + +=Dol.= [_C._] Don't shoot! Oh, please don't shoot. Please, Mr. Rebel, +I have sixteen small children. Oh! consider what will become of them +when I am taken from them! [_ADOLPHUS drops his gun. Aside._] Ah! that +melted him! [_ADOLPHUS raises gun again._] Oh! oh! + +=Adol.= Remove your cap! [_DOLLERCLUTCH complies with all._] Place it +on the ground. Take off your coat. Place it with your cap! [_ADOLPHUS +takes off his cap and throws it to him._] Put it on! [_Takes off +his coat and throws it to DOLLERCLUTCH._] Put it on! [_He gathers +up DOLLERCLUTCH'S clothes._] Now sit down. [_DOLLERCLUTCH goes for +stool._] No, no, on the ground! Take hold of your toes! Now sit there +till I come back. [=Exit= _L. 2 E._] + +=Dol.= [_Looking around._] This is the toughest scrape I was ever in. +The camp has been surprised by the rebels. They are all captured. Oh, +Anastasia, I'm done for! + + =Enter= _HENRY, R. 4 E., followed by CORIOLANUS. ADOLPHUS + re-enters, L. 2 E., in his regular uniform._ + +=Hen.= [_CORIOLANUS R., HENRY R. C., DOLLERCLUTCH C., ADOLPHUS L. C. +Pounces upon DOLLERCLUTCH._] I've got the rebel, boys. Get some cords, +quick! [_ADOLPHUS gets them, L. 3 E._] + +=Dol.= [_Struggling._] Hold on, Captain! Let me go; it's me! + +=Corio.= Let's hang the rebel to a tree, Captain! He's a spy! + +=Dol.= I tell you, Captain, it's me--don't you hear me? + +=Adol.= Let's tie him to a stake and riddle him with bullets. + +=Corio.= [_Aside._] I'll get even with him now for the indignity he +heaped upon me four years ago. + +=Dol.= [_Struggling._] Oh! + +=Hen.= I'll tell you what we'll do! We will give him a sound switching +first. Then we'll hang him for a spy. + +=Corio.= [_Eagerly._] Let me do the switching, Captain. [_Gets switch, +L. 3 E. Aside._] I'll give it him hot! + +=Dol.= Oh, Lord! I shall die! [_CORIOLANUS returns._] + +=Corio.= Now, you rebel, [_cuts him with switch_] how does that feel? + +=Dol.= You infernal rascal! I'll--[_CORIOLANUS cuts him again._] Oh! + +=Corio.= Fits close, eh? [_Cuts again._] + +=Dol.= [_Struggling._] Oh! oh! [_Pleads._] Good Coriolanus, +please--please don't! [_CORIOLANUS cuts again._] Oh! Don't you know +your old friend, Dollerclutch? + +=Corio.= Dollerclutch? You? Oh, no! you're not Dollerclutch. +Dollerclutch is a _brave_ man. Oh, no! you're a black-hearted rebel. +[_Cuts him again._] + +=Dol.= Oh! oh! + +=Hen.= [_To CORIOLANUS._] Hold! Let me look at him! Ha! ha! ha! It is +Dollerclutch, by all that's wonderful! [_Releases DOLLERCLUTCH._] Ha! +ha! ha! a good joke! + +=Dol.= [_Rises to his feet._] A joke, sir? Do you call that a joke? +But, I'll now give you an exhibition of my bravery, sir! [_Pounces +suddenly upon CORIOLANUS. They struggle off, L. 3 E. All laugh._] + +=Adol.= I guess we've taken the conceit out of him, Captain! + +=Hen.= Yes, I hope it will prove a wholesome lesson to him. + + =Enter= _RALPH, L. 2 E., with letters, which he pulls from his + pocket. A large wallet drops unnoticed by him from his pocket, near + stool, L. 2 E._ + +=Ralph.= [_C._] Good afternoon, Henry! + +=Hen.= [_Aside._] The mail at last! [_To RALPH._] Good afternoon, +Murdell! The mail? + +=Ralph.= [_R. C._] Yes! [_Sorting letters._] Any news from the front? + +=Hen.= Yes! Grant has flanked Lee and is pressing him hard. + +=Ralph.= Good! He'll worry him out soon. [_Hands letter to HENRY._] + + =Re-enter= _DOLLERCLUTCH, L. 3 E.; CORIOLANUS, L. 2 E._ + +=Hen.= Thanks, Major! [_Retires up stage and reads letter._] + +=Ralph.= [_Reads from envelope._] Adolphus Softhead! + +=Adol.= [_Comes forward._] Thank you, Major! [_Salutes, and retires up +stage reading._] + +=Ralph.= [_As before._] George Washington Dollerclutch. + +=Dol.= [_Comes down._] That's me, Major! [_He takes letter, salutes and +sits on stool, near which pocket-book lies._] + + =Enter= _REGINALD, from tent._ + +=Reg.= [_R. C., to RALPH._] Anything for me, Major? [_Salutes._] + +=Ralph.= [_Coldly._] Yes! [_Hands him letter._] + +=Reg.= Thank you, Major! [_Salutes and retires up stage reading._] + +=Ralph.= [_Looking after him._] Curse him! How I hate him! The proud +fool! Satisfied to remain a private! If he'd accepted promotion, as +it was offered him from time to time, for his gallant bravery in the +field, he would be my superior officer. As it is, he prefers to remain +a private, because, as he says, his ambition does not aspire to receive +the plaudits of his country. The commanding officers cannot find praise +enough for his heroism in action. Curse him! [_To HENRY on right._] +Lowville, you will meet the officers in a half hour from now, for +consultation. + +=Hen.= All right, Major! [=Exit= _RALPH, L. 2 E._] + +=Reg.= [_Looking at letter._] And yet no word from Adrienne! [=Exit= +_into tent, R. 5 E._] + +=Dol.= [_At stool, L. 2 E., reads._] "I long for the time when this +cruel war is over, when I may receive my brave Dollerclutch to this +maiden heart." Oh! this cruel war, to keep such fond hearts apart! +Hello! Here is something on the other side--[_reads._] "Hilda tells me +to write you that she has not forgotten you, and God bless you!" No, +nor have I forgotten her! Poor girl! I've watched him and pumped him, +but I can't find out anything--he's as close as an oyster with--[_Sees +wallet on ground._] Hello! What's this? [_Picks it up._] "R. M." Why, +it's his! [_Looks around._] H'm! I'll investigate! [_Opens it and +pulls out papers. He unfolds one and jumps up excitedly._] Hurrah! +Hilda's marriage record, by the jumping jingo! [_He looks around, +places it in his pocket._] Good! [_Unfolds another._] H'm--'tis part of +a letter--[_reads_] "of old Maitland"--something torn off and then--"of +old Maitland"--[_reads further_] "Revenge is sweet. I can fancy how he +grieves for his lost Alice!" [_Studies._] Maitland! The devil! That's +Reginald's name; but he says old Maitland--he's young; but he's got +a father. Of course he has, and he's older than he. Certainly he is! +How stupid I am! [_Studies again._] H'm! [_Pulls out baby dress from +his bosom and examines initials._] A. M.! [_Jumps up._] Eureka! by the +jumping jingo! A.--Alice! M.--Maitland! That's Hilda's name, I'll stake +my life! Here comes the rascal back. [_DOLLERCLUTCH puts letter in his +pocket hastily--he leaves the wallet on the ground, where he found +it--goes a little up stage and appears interested in his own letter._] + + =Enter= _RALPH, L. 2 E., as if hunting for something._ + +=Ralph.= Confound it! I must have dropped it when I pulled those +letters from my pocket! [_Sees wallet on ground._] Ah! Here it is! +safe! What a fortunate thing it did not fall into anybody's hands! +Good! I'm a lucky dog! [=Exit= _L. 2 E._] + +=Dol.= [_Comes down and looks after him._] Yes! and I'm a luckier dog. +I can go you one better, my chap. George Washington, you did that +slick--you're a trump! But how shall I get these papers to the poor +girl? Confound it, I can't send them to her for fear they'll fall +into his hands again. If I keep them he'll soon discover his loss and +institute a search. If I hide them until the war is over, I might get +shot by an infernal rebel, and then how will the poor girl know about +them? Now, this _is_ a dilemma! [_Studies._] I have it! It is only +five or six miles to the place. I'll take them myself. I'll wait till +dark, then I'll slip away. I can be back in three hours! [_Sudden +thought._] What if my absence should be discovered? Then I'll be in +a pretty pickle! Court-martial--probably shot for a deserter. Ugh! +[_Sudden determination._] I'll risk it; I promised to see this thing +through, and, hang it, George Washington Dollerclutch will stand by his +word. Besides, I'll have a chance to see my charming Anastasia. That'll +nerve me in the undertaking. [_Retires up stage and_ =Exits= _into +tent, L. 4 E. During the last speech the stage is gradually darkened. +HENRY comes forward, C._] + +=Hen.= Dollerclutch! [_DOLLERCLUTCH sticks his head out of tent._] +You will serve as sentinel on the high rock for the night. Maitland, +relieve Softhead. [_They salute and go to their respective posts. +DOLLERCLUTCH on high rock, L. 5 E. REGINALD, L. 1 E._] This is going to +be a dark night. I'll turn in. [=Exit= _HENRY, L. 2 E. The rest retire +to their tents._] + +=Dol.= Now for my journey! [_He comes down, gets a cloak from tent, L. +4 E., and steals away cautiously, R. 3 E._] + +=Reg.= [_L. C. In a study._] "Adrienne has taught little Alice to pray +for you." How strangely my father's words move me! Perhaps--but no! +no!--that will never be! Adrienne must be forever dead to my yearning +heart. When I entered the army I thought I had buried the joy of life +forever. But love for my child has sprung from the ashes of my forlorn +hopes, to cheer my drooping heart, like the oasis to the weary traveler +of the desert. Oh! the longing of a father's heart! What would I not +give to see her--speak to her. Oh! I feel as if I could not resist the +temptation to go and have if but one look. Yes, yes--a soldier's life +is uncertain--it may be the only opportunity to cast my eyes upon my +darling Alice! + + =Enter= _RALPH, L. 2 E. He pauses. REGINALD at C._ + +=Reg.= I cannot resist the impulse. I must see my child! [=Exit= +_hurriedly into tent, L. 5 E. RALPH watches him cautiously._] + + =Re-enter= _REGINALD from tent with cloak, and_ =Exit= _hurriedly, + R. 4 E._ + +=Ralph.= What does this mean? Maitland leaving his post? He acts +strangely, too! I'll follow him and see what he is up to. At last I +have the opportunity to humble his pride in the sight of the commanding +officers! [_He follows REGINALD, R. 4 E._] + + =Quick Curtain.= + + + + +Act IV. + + + =Scene 1=: SITTING-ROOM IN THE MAITLAND COTTAGE. + + _ANASTASIA discovered seated knitting at table, L. C._ + +=Anas.= War, and war, and war--and nothing but war! What earthly sense +can there be in a lot of men standing up to be shot at, I'd like to +know? Men making targets of themselves for others to practice shooting +at! If they want to shoot so bad there are enough shooting galleries, +where they can bang away to their hearts' content. But that's just the +way with the men. They always will be doing things they ought not to. +If the women only had the control of the Government, there would not be +any war--never! Everything would be peace and harmony. + + =Enter= _MORRIS, D. R. 3 E._ + +=Mor.= [_R. C._] Good morning, sister! Where is my little darling Alice? + +=Anas.= Out in the garden with her mother and Hilda. + +=Mor.= [_Anxiously._] I am almost afraid to let them venture out of the +house for fear there might be some rebels lurking in the neighborhood. + +=Anas.= [_Drops knitting and rises._] Good gracious, brother Morris! +There is no danger of the fighting coming so close? + +=Mor.= It is hard to tell how it will be. Warfare is very uncertain, +although I do not think there is any immediate danger. The rebels are +fleeing towards the north-west, out of our track entirely. The Union +forces are but six miles to our west. + +=Anas.= What if they should turn back? What will become of us? + +=Mor.= True; but I believe the greatest danger is past! The rebels have +a determined pursuer, who will not be forced back. Grant is not the +man to acknowledge defeat. He has entered the fight to win, and I have +faith in him to believe that he will not turn his back upon the rebels +until he has forced them to submission. + +=Anas.= Just to think that we might all have been shot and cut up--ugh! +It makes my blood run cold. + +=Mor.= But the danger is not entirely over. The enemy is getting +desperate. Their supplies are cut off, and I fear some depredation +from foraging parties. I must caution them not to go out of sight of +the house, and not to allow Alice out of hearing. It would tear my +heart-strings should harm come to my darling little Alice. + +=Anas.= Bless the sweet child! How she does grow. Ah! brother, she +looks more and more like our poor lost Alice every day. + +=Mor.= Anastasia! I beg of you do not re-open the old wound. Revive not +the bitter memories of the past, which still have power to renew the +agony of a father's woful loss. [_Turns away._] + +=Anas.= Forgive me, brother! I did not wish to make you feel sad. I'm +too sympathetic--I'm--I'm--[_She sits and cries affectedly._] + +=Mor.= There, there! Don't let us have a scene. John is about ready to +start for the post-office. If you have any letters to send, you will +please have them ready. I will go and seek my little torment, Alice. +[=Exit= _D. R. F._] + +=Anas.= [_Takes letter from pocket and reads it._] Ah, how he loves +the child! Should anything happen to Alice, it would kill him. +[_Addresses letter._] George Washington Dollerclutch, Esq. There, +you brave man! I'm so afraid his lion courage will make him too +venturesome. History will be full of his great deeds of bravery and +valor. But I must hasten, or I shall be too late. [=Exit= _D. L. 2 E._] + + =Enter= _HILDA, D. R. 3 E. She goes to chair R. of table._ + +=Hil.= How cruel is fate! The friend on whom I had based my hopes to +help me sustain an honorable recognition before the world is debarred, +by the cruel requirements of war, from clearing my name of the stain +and reproach heaped upon it by a designing and depraved villain. + + =Enter= _ADRIENNE, D. R. 3 E._ + +=Adri.= What! brooding again, Hilda? Come, cheer up! Put a firm trust +in the Almighty, and He will help you out of your great trouble. + +=Hil.= I do! [_Rises._] But, oh! it seems so long to wait! + +=Adri.= Alas, yes! We are apt to question sometimes, if He has deserted +us. But, rest assured, Hilda, He is all mercy and justice, and will, in +His good time, bring the balm of peace and joy to the suffering heart. + +=Hil.= Thanks, my lady! You have been so good to me. + +=Adri.= Nay, Hilda! I deeply sympathize with you in your trouble, and +I feel assured that your villainous husband will, some day, meet the +punishment he so richly deserves. + +=Hil.= Yes, my lady. How near he came to wrecking your happiness, also. +It makes me shudder to think of it. + +=Adri.= Yes, Hilda! but Heaven saved me from such a fate. It is with +shame that I must acknowledge that I was so blinded to his real +character as to love him. Thank Heaven, my eyes have been opened to his +treachery and baseness. + +=Hil.= Oh, my lady! I am so glad to know that you forgave my silence +about his true character. + +=Adri.= I could not blame you, Hilda. It was a bitter lesson, and I +can only reproach my folly for listening to his ardent appeals of +love. I thought him a gentleman of the highest honor, worthy of the +love of a virtuous and innocent girl. But your exposure of his utter +depravity has saved me from despair. It has awakened me to a keen +sense of the great injustice I have done him who has honored me with +his name--my husband. Oh, the agony I have inflicted upon that noble, +trusting heart! Oh, that it was I that drove him from me by my wretched +cruelty!--perhaps to meet his death upon the gory field of battle. + + =Enter= _MORRIS, door in L. F. He pauses and listens._ + +=Adri.= Oh, may the Heavenly Father spare his life and bring him safely +back to this bleeding heart. + +=Hil.= Oh, Adrienne! then you love him? + +=Adri.= Love him, Hilda! Yea. I worship him. The grand nobility of his +soul has inspired my heart with the strong, undying love of the wife. + +=Hil.= And does Reginald know of the change of your heart? + +=Adri.= Alas, no! Pride--foolish pride--has kept me from making the +confession to him. + +=Hil.= Adrienne, let me beseech you, then, to write to him at once, +and bring the sunshine of joy to his wretched heart. Do not mar your +own happiness by withholding the true state of your feelings. Think +of your child--your darling Alice. Do not deprive her future of the +happiness of a father's love. + +=Adri.= I am so unworthy of him. Can he--will he forgive? [_Aside._] +His words when he left me--"Perhaps in time your feelings may change; +if so, the words 'Reginald, I love you--come back,' will bring to your +side one who will forever love you." [_To HILDA._] Yes, yes, Hilda, +you have taught me my duty. I will unburden to him my heart. I _will_ +say--"Reginald, I love you--come back." [_MORRIS comes forward. Down +L._] + +=Mor.= God bless you, my daughter! + +=Adri.= You here? + +=Mor.= Forgive me, Adrienne, for being a listener. But I am glad, for +it has convinced me how much I had wronged you in my thoughts. It has +shown me the true and loving heart of a woman--of a true and loyal +wife, who can yet be a pride to the loving heart of a husband, and a +joy in the declining years of his father. I have treated you coldly, +harshly, unjustly. I knew not the cause--the motive of your action. I +looked but upon the result. I now ask, in all humility and deference, +your forgiveness. [_He kneels to her._] + +=Adri.= Rise, most noble sir! I have naught to forgive! I, alone, am to +blame. I have merited your censure by my conduct. Heaven grant it may +not be too late to restore to your arms an honored and dutiful son, and +to me a cherished and beloved husband. + +=Mor.= [_Embraces her._] Adrienne! [_Kisses her forehead._] God bless +you, my daughter! [_His head droops on her shoulder. ADRIENNE gives her +hand to HILDA, who takes it in both her own. Picture. Whistle scene._] + + =Scene 2=: WOOD PASS IN 1ST GROOVE. NIGHT. + + =Enter= _DOLLERCLUTCH, R. 1 E., enveloped in cloak._ + +=Dol.= I got safely away without being discovered. The camp was wrapped +in slumber, not a soul stirring but the sentinels. [_Looks around._] If +I'm not mistaken, I must be near the house. Ah! some one approaches! +[_He retires._] + + =Enter= _HILDA, L. 1 E._ + +=Hil.= If Reginald could but return, how happy they would be! I left +Adrienne writing to him, pouring out the love which will bring joy to +his desolate heart. [_Sighs._] And there's Henry, her brother! How my +thoughts will always revert to him. So manly in his bearing--high in +the appreciation of true worth. If I only were--but no! I must check +the feeling that has sprung up here. [_Pressing her heart._] I must not +forget that my life is linked to another-- + +=Dol.= [_Aside._] It's she! I'm sure it is! + +=Hil.= [_Alarmed._] What's that!--who's there? [_DOLLERCLUTCH comes +forward. HILDA retreats, alarmed._] + +=Dol.= Don't be alarmed, my dear girl. Don't you know your old friend? + +=Hil.= [_Comes forward doubtfully._] Can it be possible? Mr. +Dollerclutch? + +=Dol.= Yes, my dear girl, your stanch friend, Dollerclutch. [_Takes her +hand._] + +=Hil.= I'm so glad to meet you! But what brings you in this +neighborhood? Perhaps you know--Oh, tell me, sir! Have you any news? +Relieve my suspense, sir! + +=Dol.= I have news, and good news--I've discovered all; now don't you +faint. I've got the record of your marriage--and I have found your +parents. [_HILDA gets faint and staggers._] Oh, Lord! I told you not to +faint--what shall I do? [_He supports her._] + +=Hil.= [_Starting up._] 'Tis over, sir! The sudden joy nearly overcame +me. + +=Dol.= Now take a strong grip of your nerves--now do--that's a good +girl. I have not a minute to spare. I must get back to camp before my +absence is discovered or I shall get myself in a tight place. + +=Hil.= Pardon me, sir! I will be calm! + +=Dol.= That's right! [_Takes papers from pocket._] Now listen! I +haven't the time to tell you how I was successful--that I'll do by +letter--but I've got the proofs, and here they are. That is the record +of your marriage, and this is part of a letter from which, I think, I +have found out that you are the daughter of Morris Maitland. + +=Hil.= [_Staggers._] Mr. Maitland my father? + +=Dol.= Now be careful, I tell you! Don't forget your nerves. Now listen +to what I say. Take these papers and this dress to Morris Maitland. +[_Hands her papers and baby dress._] Tell him your story and I'll stake +my life on it that he will find a daughter and you a father. + +=Hil.= How can I ever repay you for your kindness to me? You have +raised a burden from my life that was crushing me. Heaven bless you, +sir! May you meet the reward that your large and magnanimous heart +deserves. + +=Dol.= I haven't got any such heart! you are mistaken--entirely +mistaken. My action was in the line of duty--purely in duty, without +any kindness whatever, do you understand? Now go! lose not a moment and +be careful not to lose the papers. [_Gently forces her to L. 1 E._] + +=Hil.= I will, sir! and Heaven bless you. [=Exit= _L. 1 E._] + +=Dol.= Now, I've got that poor girl happy, now for my own happiness. If +I could only meet my Anastasia! Now why the deuce didn't I ask that +girl to tell her to come out a few moments? George Washington, you're +an idiot to let a little excitement get away with your head. But who +comes this way? [_DOLLERCLUTCH hides._] + + =Enter= _RALPH, R. 1 E._ + +=Ralph.= So! Adrienne must be the magnet which drew him from his post +of duty. I followed him like a ferret, and I'm sure that we are in the +neighborhood of his home. Curse him, he can walk like a race horse! I +had to run, at times, to keep up with him. Go to your Adrienne, you +vain fool, go to the wife whose heart enshrines another. I wish you +joy! But I too shall, perhaps, see an opportunity to speak to the proud +and haughty beauty! If I do, I'll humble her pride--curse her! [=Exit= +_L. 1 E._] + +=Dol.= [_Comes forward._] Ralph Murdell, by the jumping jingo! What +brings him to this neighborhood? No good, I'll be bound! If he should +run across Hilda before she gets to the house it might upset all. No! +not while old Dollerclutch can prevent it. I'll follow the rascal, and, +if he as much as attempts to injure a hair of the girl's head, I'll +treat his black carcass to an ounce of lead. Hang me if I don't see +this thing through! [=Exit= _L. 1 E. Whistle scene._] + + =Scene 3=: SAME AS SCENE 1. + + _ADRIENNE discovered at table, L. C., writing. ALICE in crib, L. 4 E._ + +=Adri.= [_Sealing letter._] 'Tis done at last! With what feelings of +anxiety shall I count the hours until I have his reply! Will it bring +happiness to my longing heart? Yes, yes! His is a love that time cannot +change, nor separation dim! [_Goes to crib, L. 4 E._] How sweetly she +sleeps! [_She kneels in prayer._] Heaven preserve my darling child! +Watch over her with thy faithful love and guidance. Guard the father +with thy holy protection from the dangers of this cruel war, and +restore him safely to the bosom of his sorrowing family. [_Her head +droops. After a slight pause she gets up hurriedly._] I will take the +letter to John, so that he will be sure to take it to the post-office +the first thing in the morning. [=Exit= _ADRIENNE, D. L. 2 E._] + + _After a pause_ =Enter= _REGINALD, D. R. F.; he looks around + eagerly; places his gun against chair, R. 2 E._ + +=Reg.= No one here? How my heart does beat in anticipation of seeing my +beloved Alice. [_Looks around._] Oh, the bitter memories that haunt my +mind at the sight of each familiar object! [_Sees crib, L. 4 E. Goes +to it eagerly and pulls curtain aside._] My child! my Alice! Heavenly +Father, I thank Thee! She sleeps. Oh, Thou being of innocence, free +from the taint of a deceitful world, I will not disturb the peaceful +quiet of thy innocent slumber. Let me feast my eyes upon my sleeping +darling! [_He kneels._] Let the sweet picture of purity and innocence +be forever hung in the desolate cavern of my bleeding heart, safely to +guide me to that eternal home where the soul can find a haven of peace +and rest! [_His head sinks._] + + =Enter= _ADRIENNE, door L. 2 E. She goes to R. C. and sees + REGINALD. She is alarmed._ + +=Adri.= What means this? A stranger! + +=Reg.= [_Rises suddenly and turns._] Adrienne! [_He turns away._] + +=Adri.= Reginald! [_She pauses, with heaving bosom._] + +=Reg.= I beg your pardon, Adrienne, for this intrusion. The impulse to +see my child caused me to forsake my post of duty. It led me here to +have but one look upon her darling form. I have been satisfied and I +am ready to return to the stern post of duty. [_He turns to go towards +door in L. F._] + +=Adri.= And have you no word for me? [_He pauses._] Not a look for the +mother of your child? [_REGINALD keeps his back towards her. ADRIENNE +stretches her arms towards him._] Am I so soon forgotten? [_He presses +his brow. Pause._] Reginald, I love you! come back! [_Reginald turns +suddenly and springs towards her._] + +=Reg.= Adrienne! [_She falls into his arms._] My beloved Adrienne! + +=Adri.= [_After a pause._] Now am I happy, indeed! My prayers have been +answered! + +=Reg.= Heaven is, indeed, merciful, in bringing this joy into my dreary +existence! I fulfilled my duty as a soldier more with the desire to die +in the service of my country, than to live. But now, I enter the fight +doubly armed, for I now know that I have something more to live for +besides my child--a loving wife. + +=Adri.= Heaven grant you will be spared to us, Reginald! + +=Reg.= We will put our trust in Him above, who has granted me the boon +of this happy hour! Alas that I must tear myself away from my new found +joy! But duty demands that I return at once to my post. + +=Adri.= Nay, Reginald, I cannot let you go again. + +=Reg.= Alas! Adrienne, you must bear the separation calmly, for my sake +and for the child's. I left my post without permission, and should my +absence be discovered I shall be court-martialed. A few hours ago I +feared not the consequences of my rash act. But now I dread it, for +your sake. I must return at once, while there is yet time. Let the +thoughts of our child be your strength in my absence, as she will be +mine in the heat of battle. May the Lord of Hosts bring this bloody +war to a speedy close. [_Goes to crib._] Farewell! my child! [_Kisses +her._] Farewell! my beloved wife! [_Kisses her. She clings to him._] +Heaven guard and keep you. [_REGINALD tears himself from ADRIENNE and_ +=Exits= _door L. F. hurriedly, leaving his gun behind. ADRIENNE sinks +into chair R. of table._] + +=Adri.= Cruel, cruel fate! [_Her head droops._] + + =Enter= _RALPH, door R. F._ + +=Adri.= [_Starts up joyfully._] Reginald! [_Sees it is RALPH. She draws +herself haughtily erect._] Ralph Murdell! + +=Ralph.= [_Comes down R. Sneeringly._] Even I, Adrienne, your humble +servant! + +=Adri.= What means this intrusion, sir, at this hour of the night? + +=Ralph.= I never had the pleasure of congratulating you before on your +happy marriage! + +=Adri.= Sir, you will oblige me by leaving this house! + +=Ralph.= [_Aside._] That cut, did it? [_To ADRIENNE._] Pardon me, +madam, but if you will allow me to offer my sincere sympathy for your +loveless married life---- + +=Adri.= Leave this house instantly, or I will call assistance to eject +you forcibly! + +=Ralph.= Ha! ha! ha! I made sure there was no one about to disturb us +ere I entered. + +=Adri.= What do you mean? + +=Ralph.= Just this! That there is not a soul within the reach of your +voice. We are alone. But listen to me, Adrienne. I do not wish you +harm--on the contrary, I offer you happiness. + +=Adri.= I do not understand you, sir! + +=Ralph.= When you married Reginald Maitland, it was not because you +loved him, but to gratify a feeling of pique. You gave him your hand, +but not your heart. That belonged to me! I have watched your husband +every day and have read the unhappiness and misery that he tries to +conceal. Adrienne, you are unhappy in the bonds that tie you to a +loveless life. Therefore, fly with me, and I will show you a life's +loving devotion--a life---- + +=Adri.= Enough! Do not pollute further the sanctity of a true and +honest husband's roof with the vile utterances of depraved villainy. My +husband I adore, and I will be loyal to him and faithful unto death. +Your influence over my heart is forever broken, and I would sooner +suffer death, aye, a thousand times, than to listen to another word +from you, whom I hate and despise--yea, whom I loathe more than a viper +in my path! Go, and may Heaven have mercy on your soul! [_She turns +away in majestic contempt._] + +=Ralph.= [_Sees REGINALD'S gun and takes it._] Curse you! Those words +have sealed your doom! [_He shoots. ADRIENNE staggers and falls._] Ha! +ha! ha! Now, my proud beauty, perhaps your pride is humbled! Ha! ha! +ha! [_Looks around cautiously, puts out light, then gropes for door._] + + =Enter= _DOLLERCLUTCH, door R. F._ + +=Dol.= [_Feeling in the dark._] I'm sure he came this way--and that +shot! I'm afraid all is not right. [_Runs into RALPH._] Ha! [_They +struggle. RALPH throws DOLLERCLUTCH from him and escapes through door, +R. F._] Confound it! He's got away! But I've got his ring, which +slipped from his finger into my hand. He shan't escape--I'll have him +yet. [=Exit= _hurriedly, door R. F._] + + _After a pause_ =Enter= _REGINALD, door L. F._ + +=Reg.= The house is dark. Adrienne has retired for the night. In the +excitement and haste of my departure I forgot my gun. [_He feels around +in the dark._] I stood it here against a chair! [_Finds it._] Ah! +It would not do to return without it. I feel almost tempted to call +Adrienne, that I might once more clasp her to my heart--but, no! I +have delayed too long already. I will live on the fond remembrance of +our happy meeting, and pray that the day be not far distant when I can +feast my heart upon the smiles of my beloved wife and child! [=Exit= +_door R. F._] + + + =Quick Curtain.= + + + + +ACT V. + + + =Scene 1=: CAMP; SAME AS THIRD ACT. + + _Table, R. 2 E. CORIOLANUS on duty as sentinel, L. 1 E. ADOLPHUS in + front of tent, C., cleaning gun; COLONEL MORRELL, CAPTAIN LOWVILLE + and MAJOR MURDELL at table, R. 2 E., in consultation, as curtain + rises._ + +=Colonel Morrell.= I agree with you, gentlemen, fully, and I have +concluded not to advance further until I receive more definite news of +the movements of the main body. We will, therefore, continue in camp +till I give you further instructions. + +=Hen.= According to all reports, the rebs are badly crippled, and Lee +cannot hold out much longer. At all events, I should not be surprised +to hear of his surrender to Grant in the near future. + +=Mor.= Yes, there is all prospect of a speedy ending of this bloody +strife, and I hope we will soon have peace restored, that we may be +enabled to return to our homes and families! [_About to rise._] + +=Ralph.= One moment, Colonel! before you go! It is with regret that I +must call your attention to a private in our command who deserted his +post as sentinel! + +=Mor.= Indeed! His name! + +=Ralph.= Reginald Maitland! [_HENRY rises._] + +=Mor.= [_Jumps up._] What! Reginald Maitland? Impossible! + +=Ralph.= [_Rises._] I beg your pardon, Colonel, but it is a fact! + +=Hen.= Surely, Major, you must be mistaken! + +=Mor.= Reginald Maitland--a soldier ever ready to respond to the +call of duty; always fulfilling his orders in the most praiseworthy +manner--he desert his post? [_Shakes his head._] Please explain, Major! + +=Ralph.= 'Tis surprising, indeed! but, nevertheless, a fact! I saw him +leave myself--he seemed to be greatly agitated. He was absent three +hours! + +=Mor.= Enough! Send for him to report to me at once! + +=Ralph.= [_To ADOLPHUS._] Adolphus! [_ADOLPHUS salutes._] Request +Private Maitland to report to Colonel Morrell immediately! [_ADOLPHUS +salutes and goes to tent, R. 5 E._] + +=Hen.= [_Aside._] Strange! What can it mean? + +=Ralph.= [_Aside._] At last! + + =Enter= _REGINALD from tent; he comes down and salutes. RALPH, R., + HENRY, R. C., COL. MORRELL, C., REGINALD, L. C., ADOLPHUS, L._ + +=Reg.= Colonel Morrell, I'm at your service, sir! + +=Mor.= Maitland, were you not detailed as sentinel last night? + +=Reg.= I was, sir! + +=Mor.= Did you fulfill your duty to the letter? [_REGINALD hangs his +head._] You are silent! Speak! + +=Reg.= Colonel Morrell, it is with shame I acknowledge that I have +proved unfaithful to my duty--I deserted my post, sir! + +=Mor.= Maitland, it pains me to know that you, on whose honor and +probity I would have staked my existence, should be guilty of this +offense. It is with regret that I am obliged to perform the duty which +devolves upon me! + +=Reg.= Colonel, the offense is a grave one. I have merited the +punishment it demands. I am ready to receive it. + +=Mor.= What was your motive in forsaking duty? + +=Reg.= It was an uncontrollable impulse to see my child, whom I had +never seen before, that swayed my being--I knew not what I did! My +heart was filled with a mad desire to see my child. Duty, honor, all +was forgotten. I could not resist the longing, the yearning of the +father, but I followed the impulse which completely overpowered my +reason. + +=Mor.= And do you know that the penalty for your offense, according to +the rules and regulations of war, is death? + +=Reg.= I do! and I will not shrink from receiving my punishment. I am +ready, Colonel, to receive sentence. + +=Hen.= [_Aside._] As fearless and brave as a lion! + +=Mor.= [_Aside._] No! I cannot do it! [_To REGINALD._] Maitland, under +the circumstances, and in consideration of your past praiseworthy +service, and your undaunted gallantry in action, I will not execute the +punishment which the offense merits. + +=Hen.= [_Aside._] Bravo, Colonel! + +=Ralph.= [_Aside._] Curse his sympathy! + +=Mor.= But I cannot let the matter pass unnoticed. I place you under +arrest for three weeks. You will be confined in the guard-house +under close surveillance. Private Softhead, deprive him of his arms +and accoutrements, and conduct him in disgrace to the guard-house. +[_ADOLPHUS takes REGINALD'S gun, etc., and places them on the table._] + +=Ralph.= [_Aside._] How it cuts his proud nature! + +=Hen.= [_Aside to MORRELL._] These are hard lines, Colonel! + +=Mor.= [_Aside to HENRY._] Yes, Captain! I regret it sincerely! I never +before was obliged to do anything that gave me so much pain. But duty, +as a true soldier, demanded it! + +=Adol.= [_To REGINALD._] Right face! Forward march. [=Exit= _REGINALD +and ADOLPHUS, R. 4 E._] + +=Cor.= [_Looking off L. 2 E._] Halt! Who goes there? [_Voice off +entrance_, "Friend bearing dispatches for the commanding officer."] +Advance, and deliver! [_CORIOLANUS gets them and hands them to COLONEL +MORRELL._] Colonel, allow me! [_He salutes and retires to his post._] + +=Mor.= [_Opening dispatches._] What's this? Can I believe my eyes? +[_Reads._] "Adrienne Maitland, the wife of Reginald Maitland, was found +last night, shot in the head. From the evidence I have collected, I am +satisfied that the husband is the murderer. I send you the proofs. H. +Carson, Chief of Police." No! no! I cannot believe that that man is +guilty of such an infamous charge. [_To RALPH._] Major! read that, and +say if that is not the most outrageous lie against such an honorable +soldier as Reginald Maitland! [_Hands him paper._] + +=Ralph.= [_Aside._] Ha! ha! ha! Now will I have my revenge. + +=Hen.= How now, gentlemen, have you bad news? + +=Mor.= There! [_Pointing to paper._] Read for yourself! [_RALPH hands +HENRY paper._] + +=Hen.= Merciful father! Adrienne killed! [_Staggers._] My sister shot? +[_With force._] Tell me, Colonel, who is the cowardly wretch that +committed this deed? [_RALPH shrugs his shoulders._] + +=Mor.= [_Pointing to paper in HENRY'S hand._] Read! + +=Hen.= [_Looks on paper._] No! no! no! What! he guilty of her murder! +No! a thousand times no! I would just as readily believe an angel +guilty of the crime as I would Reginald Maitland! No! I will wager my +life on his innocence! + +=Ralph.= [_Sneeringly._] But everybody is not likely to share your +opinion! + +=Mor.= [_Taking HENRY by the hand._] Lowville, I agree with you! I +cannot believe so noble a character invested with so foul a heart! +Let us investigate the proofs! [_He unfolds another paper. Reads._] +"I inclose the deposition of William Harding, who swears that he +saw Reginald Maitland prowling about the premises in a cautious and +suspicious manner, and that he saw him enter the house about half past +nine o'clock, which was about the time when the deed was committed." + +=Hen.= That evidence proves nothing, Colonel. + +=Ralph.= It is very significant though! + +=Mor.= One moment, gentlemen! [_Reads._] "I also inclose a piece of +blackened paper, evidently the wadding of the gun--also a bullet +which we found imbedded in the wall." [_He pulls blackened paper from +envelope--he smells it._] The wadding of the gun! [_He smooths it +out._] There is writing upon it! H'm! part of a letter. [_Reads._] +"i-l-d Alice!" i-l-d? child Alice, that's it! "loving fath--" father, I +suppose--"Morris Mai--" the rest is burned away. + +=Ralph.= A letter from his father. [_To HENRY._] The evidence is +getting strong, Captain, is it not? [_HENRY is silent._] + +=Mor.= [_Takes bullet from envelope._] The fatal bullet! [_Examines +it._] Here are two letters on it, R. M. + +=Ralph.= Gentlemen, the evidence is conclusive--he is guilty. + +=Mor.= Do not be hasty, Major! I am not yet satisfied of his guilt. +[_Aside._] I fear the worst. [_To ADOLPHUS._] Adolphus! conduct Private +Maitland here at once! [_ADOLPHUS salutes and_ =Exits= _R. 4 E._] + +=Ralph.= [_Aside._] He cannot escape now. + +=Hen.= [_Aside._] Alas! I fear the result! + +=Enter= _REGINALD and ADOLPHUS, R. 4 E._ + +=Mor.= Maitland, I have evidence here which accuses you of murder! + +=Reg.= [_Recoiling._] Murder? I, Colonel? I accused of murder? + +=Mor.= Yes, you! + +=Reg.= [_Quietly._] Whom am I accused of murdering? + +=Mor.= Your wife! + +=Reg.= [_Staggers._] My wife?--my wife? my Adrienne murdered?--merciful +father! [_Pause. With forced calmness._] I beg your pardon, Colonel, +but I pray you make me not a victim of such cruel jest! [_MORRELL turns +away._] No! no! Tell me 'tis but a jest--tell me it is not true. Oh, +Colonel, tell me that my Adrienne lives--lives--lives! [_He is silent. +To HENRY._] Henry, end this suspense, this torture. Is Adrienne dead? + +=Hen.= [_Taking his hand._] Yes, Reginald, it is true! + +=Reg.= Alas!--alas! [_His head droops. Slight pause. With force._] +Who--who is the hellish fiend that robbed me of my Adrienne? Tell me, +that I might tear his cowardly body limb from limb. + +=Mor.= Maitland, you alone are accused of the crime. [_To ADOLPHUS._] +Softhead! you will take down in writing the proceedings of this +examination. [_ADOLPHUS at table R., HENRY, R. C., RALPH near table, +COL. MORRELL, C., REGINALD, L. C., CORIOLANUS, R. To REGINALD._] Are +you guilty or are you not guilty of the murder of your wife, Adrienne +Maitland? + +=Reg.= I murder Adrienne--my wife? ha! ha! ha!--no! She, in whose +happiness my whole soul was wrapped up? No--no! + +=Mor.= Answer, guilty or not guilty! + +=Reg.= Not guilty! + +=Mor.= [_To RALPH._] At what hour did he desert his post? + +=Ralph.= Eight o'clock! + +=Mor.= [_To REGINALD._] At what hour were you in company with your +wife? + +=Reg.= About nine o'clock! + +=Mor.= Did you have your gun with you? + +=Reg.= I did! + +=Mor.= When did you load it last, and where? + +=Reg.= Yesterday morning, in my tent! + +=Mor.= Did you discharge it since? + +=Reg.= No, sir! + +=Mor.= Is it still loaded? + +=Reg.= It is, sir! + +=Mor.= Major Murdell, hand me Maitland's gun. [_He examines it._] +Gentlemen, the gun has been discharged! [_He hands gun back--he then +hands REGINALD blackened paper._] Do you recognize that paper? + +=Reg.= [_Looks at paper._] I do! It is part of a letter from my father! +I used it for wadding. + +=Mor.= Do you recognize this bullet? [_Hands it._] + +=Reg.= [_Examines._] It is from my mould. + +=Mor.= Did you have any ill feeling against your wife? + +=Reg.= None! + +=Ralph.= Colonel, I can prove that there has existed bad feeling +between them since their marriage! + +=Mor.= Make your statement! + +=Ralph.= They lived unhappily together until an open rupture caused him +to leave her and enlist in the army. + +=Mor.= Your proof! [_RALPH points to HENRY._] Lowville, do you +corroborate Major Murdell's assertion? [_HENRY looks at REGINALD. HENRY +is silent._] + +=Reg.= Speak, Henry! + +=Hen.= [_Aside._] Must I speak? [_After a pause, to MORRELL._] I do! + +=Mor.= [_To REGINALD._] What was the nature of the rupture? + +=Reg.= I decline to answer. + +=Ralph.= That was his motive for the crime! + +=Mor.= Silence! [_To REGINALD._] In the face of the evidence, I am +forced to believe you guilty. I regret that a soldier such as you have +heretofore proved yourself to be, should come to such an ignominious +end. [_RALPH consulting with others. HENRY walks aside._] + +=Reg.= Do you believe me guilty, Colonel? [_He turns from REGINALD._] +And do you all think me guilty of this cowardly crime? [_They all look +away but HENRY, who takes REGINALD by the hand._] + +=Hen.= No! I would believe you innocent, had they ten times the +evidence. + +=Ralph.= The evidence has proven his guilt most conclusively! + +=Mor.= [_To REGINALD._] Have you anything to say why I should not pass +sentence upon you? + +=Reg.= I have not! + +=Hen.= Oh, Reginald, why do you not defend yourself? Why not make an +effort to prove your innocence? + +=Reg.= Henry, what have I to live for now? Adrienne is gone from me. +She has left the world dark and dreary to me. I long to join her there! +[_Points upward._] + +=Hen.= Prove your innocence. Let not the stain of murder rest on your +honorable name! + +=Reg.= Henry, this is but the judgment of men. I bow to the judgment +of Him alone who knoweth all things. He knows I am innocent--that is +sufficient. I am satisfied! His will be done! [_To MORRELL._] Colonel, +I await your orders! + +=Mor.= [_Aside._] I would I could believe him innocent. The evidence +condemns him! [_Sighs._] I must fulfill my duty! [_To REGINALD._] +Maitland, the evidence that has been brought to bear shows conclusively +that you are guilty! Nothing remains but for me to pass sentence. I +therefore condemn you to be shot until you are dead. [_REGINALD bows +his head._] The sentence shall be executed immediately. I will allow +you five minutes to prepare yourself to meet your God! [_Takes out +watch. To RALPH._] Major! you will detail your men to execute the +order. [_RALPH whispers to CORIOLANUS and ADOLPHUS._] + +=Hen.= [_To REGINALD._] Reginald, this is terrible! The Colonel has no +right to use such haste. The evidence is purely circumstantial, and +should require deeper investigation! + +=Reg.= Nay, do not blame Colonel Morrell; he has simply done his duty. +Besides, why should the execution be deferred? Why should I longer drag +out a miserable existence? I will soon be happy, Henry, for I shall +meet Adrienne. But my child, Henry! my darling little Alice! Take her, +Henry--be a father to her--guide her footsteps in the path of honor +and virtue. Teach her not to despise her father--that he is innocent. +Teach her not to listen to the sneers of the world, but to place an +everlasting faith in the Father of us all, so that at the last she will +find peace and joy in the beautiful realms above! + +=Hen.= I accept the trust, Reginald. God grant I will be faithful to +it. [_They shake hands._] Have you any further wishes? + +=Reg.= Tell my father I am innocent--that will be sufficient--he will +believe me. Now leave me, Henry! + +=Hen.= Farewell, my brother! [_They embrace._] Farewell! [_REGINALD +kneels a moment with bowed head in silent prayer, after which he rises +with a quiet air._] + +=Reg.= I am ready, Colonel! [_MORRELL waves his hand. ADOLPHUS +blindfolds REGINALD, ties his hands behind him, and places him in +position, L. C. ADOLPHUS and CORIOLANUS take position on right._] + +=Ralph.= [_COLONEL MORRELL, R., HENRY, R. C., RALPH, R. C., CORIOLANUS +and ADOLPHUS up R., REGINALD, L. C. Pulls handkerchief from pocket._] +Carry arms! Ready! [_Holds handkerchief at arms length._] + + =Enter= _DOLLERCLUTCH, R. 4 E., hurriedly._ + +=Dol.= [_C._] Hold! If you shoot that man you commit murder! He is +innocent! + +=Mor.= [_R. C._] What mean you? + +=Ralph.= Will you allow this interference, Colonel? + +=Mor.= Yes! God forbid that I should shoot an innocent man! [_To +DOLLERCLUTCH._] Your proofs! + +=Dol.= My proofs are crushing! There is no murder! [_REGINALD pulls off +handkerchief._] His wife lives. She is even now on her way to this camp! + +=Reg.= Adrienne lives? Thanks be to God! + +=Mor.= How do you know this? + +=Dol.= I overtook her on the road on my way to camp. She was almost +exhausted, and begged of me to run on and save Reginald from being shot +for her murder. I did so, and here I am, just in the nick of time! By +jingo, I feel so good, I could shake hands with the greatest scoundrel +that ever breathed. [_He shakes RALPH'S hand._] + +=Ralph.= Colonel, you surely will not be imposed upon by that rascal's +concocted story? + +=Mor.= Silence! If she is not dead, it was not the fault of the +intended murderer. He meant to kill her, and the intent is sufficient +for which to carry out the penalty! + +=Dol.= [_R. C._] Correct, Colonel! But that man is not the one who +attempted the murder. I swear that Reginald Maitland left the house +fifteen minutes before the shot was fired. I was watching one whom I +know to be the murderer, prowling around the house; but looking after +Maitland's departure, I lost sight of the other chap. Some time after +I heard the shot and rushed into the house and into the arms of the +attempted assassin, who was trying to escape. I struggled to overpower +him, but he was too much for me. [_Rubs his side and grimaces._] He got +away. I pursued, but he got off in the darkness. In my eagerness to +catch him, I fell into the hands of the rebels. + +=Mor.= And how did you get away from the rebels? + +=Dol.= This morning, by indomitable bravery and courage, I fought my +way out of their lines and hastened back here to camp. + +=Mor.= Who is the man that attempted the deed? + +=Dol.= The room was dark; the scoundrel had put out the light; I could +not recognize him! + +=Ralph.= [_Aside._] Safe! safe! + +=Mor.= How do you know, then, that it was not Maitland? + +=Dol.= In the struggle, the villain's ring slipped into my hand. Here +it is, Colonel! [_MORRELL takes and examines it._] Later I also found +this shoulder strap hanging to one of my buttons. [_MORRELL hands ring +to RALPH._] Colonel, do privates wear these things? + +=Ralph.= Colonel, here are some letters engraved on the seal--R. M. +Reginald Maitland! + +=Dol.= You lie! R. M.--Ralph Murdell, and here is where this belongs, +you cowardly assassin! [_He claps the shoulder strap on RALPH'S +shoulder, which is minus one._] + +=Mor.= Men, secure him! [_ADOLPHUS and CORIOLANUS do so. HENRY, +R., CORIOLANUS, RALPH and ADOLPHUS, R. C., COLONEL MORRELL, C., +DOLLERCLUTCH and REGINALD, L. C._] + +=Ralph.= [_To DOLLERCLUTCH._] Curse you for a meddlesome hound! + +=Dol.= I said I would, and so I did, by jingo! + + =Enter= _ADRIENNE, R. 4 E., out of breath; her head is bandaged; + she is very pale and exhausted. REGINALD takes C._ + +=Adri.= Reginald, my husband! + +=Reg.= Adrienne! [_She falls in his arms half fainting._] + +=Adri.= Safe! safe! You are safe! + +=Reg.= Yes, yes, my wife. Heaven is just! You have been spared to me by +His great mercy. + +=Mor.= [_Approaching them._] Pardon me, Maitland, for interrupting. +Allow me to ask you one question, Madam? [_She nods._] Who was it that +fired the shot? + +=Adri.= [_Pointing to RALPH._] There stands the coward who, failing +in his effort to make me unfaithful to my true and loyal husband, +attempted to murder me! + +=Mor.= [_To REGINALD, taking his hand._] Forgive me, Maitland, for +entertaining one moment the thought that you were guilty of such +cowardly villainy! I have wronged you deeply. + +=Reg.= I have naught to forgive, Colonel; you have acted only as a true +soldier, and, had you not done as you did, you would have neglected +your duty. + + =Enter= _HILDA, R. 4 E._ + +=Hil.= [_L. C., to ADRIENNE._] You are safe, Adrienne. You rushed from +the house in your frantic excitement. I feared your mind was wandering. + +=Adri.= Nay, Hilda! When I learned that my husband was accused of my +supposed murder, I dreaded the consequences, and determined to save him +ere it was too late. + +=Hil.= They knew not where you had fled. But I knew where your heart +would lead you, and I followed. + +=Hen.= [_Aside._] What a wealth of true womanly feeling is hidden by +her quiet demeanor! [_To HILDA._] Will you be kind enough to enlighten +us, how it was that we received news from the Chief of Police that +Adrienne was murdered? + +=Hil.= When we found her last night, we supposed her to be dead, +until this morning I thought I detected signs of life. I begged of +them to summon a physician at once. He pronounced her alive, but in a +death-like stupor. After hard work she was restored to consciousness. +Examination of her wound showed that the bullet had only grazed the +head, inflicting a scalp wound, but sufficient to effectually stun her. + +=Hen.= Kind Providence turned the bullet's fatal course, but it was +almost the means of bringing a noble life to an ignominious end. +[_Pointing to REGINALD._] + +=Hil.= Have you discovered the real culprit? + +=Hen.= Yes! he is there! [_Points to RALPH._] + +=Hil.= [_Staggers._] Ralph!--my husband? + +=Hen.= Your husband? Is that man your husband? + +=Hil.= Alas! yes! With what feelings of loathing must I make the +acknowledgment. + +=Ralph.= Bah! you she-devil! I never married you--you were only a +mistress! + +=Dol.= You lie, you black-hearted villain! + +=Hil.= [_Producing papers._] You could ruin my character in the eyes of +the world did I not possess this! [_Holding paper aloft._] The record +of my marriage to you. [_RALPH recoils._] + +=Dol.= [_To RALPH._] And I was the individual who saved that girl from +your base villainy! I--do you understand?--I! + +=Ralph.= Curse you! + +=Hen.= [_Aside._] Alas for my hopes! + + =Enter= _MORRIS and ANASTASIA, R. 4 E._ + +=Anas.= [_Going to ADRIENNE and embracing her._] You dear child! How +glad I am that we've found you at last! + +=Mor.= Heaven be praised, my daughter, I find you safe. [_He embraces +REGINALD._] My son! + +=Reg.= Father! + +=Mor.= I am overjoyed at this happy union of loving hearts. [_To +HILDA._] Alice, my child! [_Beckons her to come. To REGINALD._] +Reginald, God has been merciful to restore to us your lost sister--my +darling daughter, Alice! + +=Reg.= My sister? + +=All.= Your daughter? + +=Mor.= Yes! my daughter! [_Embraces her._] After many years of +suffering and anguish has Heaven sent me the joy that I thought was +buried in the past. [_Takes =Dollerclutch= by the hand._] Here is +the instrument of Providence who saved an innocent girl and brought +happiness to a father's heart. [_HILDA converses with HENRY._] Bless +your kind heart! How can I ever repay you? + +=Dol.= Tut! tut! tut! I acted only on business--only on business, +sir!--do you understand? Entirely on business--without any kindness +whatever. I am more than repaid when I see the happiness and joy that +surrounds me! [_He goes to ANASTASIA. Up L. C._] + +=Mor.= That man's father [_pointing to RALPH_] was the wretch who +stole the child from our parental bosom! His father and I aspired for +the hand of the same lady--I was the successful one. He, being of a +very passionate and revengeful nature, darkened our domestic bliss by +stealing from the cradle our youngest child, Alice! I did not think I +had an enemy in the world who could be guilty of such baseness, until +last night I received the proof which exposed him and restored to me a +daughter. All doubts of her identity were removed by the discovery of a +mole behind her left ear, which we remembered our child's having. + +=Morrell.= I congratulate you, sir, upon your new found joy! The mills +of justice grind slowly sometimes, but they are sure. Righteousness +and truth will always receive its blessed reward. [_To CORIOLANUS and +ADOLPHUS._] Men, remove the depraved scoundrel to the guard house +and see that he is strongly guarded. [_They do so._ =Exit= _RALPH, +CORIOLANUS and ADOLPHUS, R. 2 E._] It is a pity to mar the happiness of +this hour with the presence of such a vile and cowardly rascal! [_To +REGINALD._] Maitland, in consideration of the terrible mistake and +injustice by which I almost sacrificed your life, I hereby revoke the +order for your disgrace and restore you to honorable recognition by +promoting you to the position of Major! + +=Hen.= Bravo, Colonel! + +=Dol.= Good! your heart is in the right place, Colonel! [_Aside._] And +so is mine! [_Turning to ANASTASIA._] + +=Reg.= [_Taking MORRELL by the hand._] Thanks, Colonel, thanks! + +=Morrell.= Do not thank me, Maitland; you are more than deserving. Had +you accepted promotion before when it was offered, for your gallant +conduct and bravery on the field, you would long since have been even +my superior officer. [_A shot is heard._] What's that? [_All are +alarmed and look off entrance._] + + =Enter= _ADOLPHUS and CORIOLANUS, R. 2 E._ + +=Adol.= [_R._] He's done it, Colonel!--he's done it! + +=Morrell.= Done what? Who? + +=Adol.= Ralph Murdell! He pulled a revolver and shot himself through +the head. + +=Cor.= Yes! His rash act has precipitated him into eternity--he's dead! + +=Morrell.= [_Shrugs his shoulders._] Well, he has only saved me the +stern duty of condemning him to such a fate. + +=Hen.= [_Aside._] His act has freed Hilda from the yoke of misery and +despair. [_Commotion outside. Voices heard crying_ "Hurrah!" _in the +distance._] + +=Morrell.= What means this excitement? Dollerclutch, go and learn the +cause! [=Exit= _DOLLERCLUTCH, L. 2 E., hastily._] They are yelling +hurrah! There must be some good news from the front. They seem wild +with joy! + + =Re-enter= _DOLLERCLUTCH, L. 2 E._ + +=Dol.= [_Rushing around excitedly._] Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah! + +=Morrell.= [_Stopping him._] Give us the news. + +=Dol.= Hurrah! The war is over! Lee has surrendered to Grant! + +=Omnes.= Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah! [_Wild excitement and joy._] + +=Reg.= [_Embracing ADRIENNE._] Then is our happiness complete. We shall +never part again. + +=Dol.= And I will, at last, leave my bachelorhood and worship at the +shrine of my charming Anastasia! + +=Anas.= [_Falls in his arms._] You dear man! + +=Cor.= [_Aside._] She throws true nobility aside [_pointing to +himself_] for such a presumptuous old fool! Oh! woman! woman! [_Sighs +deeply and walks aside._] + +=Hen.= [_Leading HILDA forward. To MORRIS._] If you will allow me, let +me add my joy to the already o'erflowing cup! Hilda has--[_HILDA pulls +his coat._] I beg your pardon--Alice has promised to administer to my +future joy, with your permission! + +=Morris.= [_Joins their hands._] Bless you, my children! + +=Adri.= [_To REGINALD._] Dearest Reginald! The joy I have found in the +new born love for my noble husband will make me never regret that it +was by force of impulse that I was led to accept your heart and hand! + +=Reg.= Let the agony of the past be buried in the joy of the present. +[_To audience._] And if you will forgive the impulse that led me from +my post of duty, there will not be a cloud to obscure the sunshine of +our future happiness. + +=Morrell.= The end has justified the act. + +=Dol.= I, too, have left my post of duty--but let the result be an +extenuation of my desertion. + +=Morrell.= [_Takes him by hand._] Yes! I overlook it freely! and I feel +satisfied that He, who watches over us all, will not censure us for +being led BY FORCE OF IMPULSE! + + =Tableau.= + + MORRIS. REG. + + COL. M. ADRI. + + HENRY. ANAS. + + HILDA. DOLLER. + + ADOL. CORIO. + + _R._ _C._ _L._ + + + =Curtain.= + + + + +NEW PLAYS. + +PRICE 15 CENTS EACH. + + +THE TRIPLE WEDDING. + +A DRAMA, IN THREE ACTS, BY CHARLES BARNARD. + +Four male, four female characters--Leading juvenile man, comic old man, +first and second comedians; leading juvenile lady, two walking ladies +and servant. Plain room scene; modern costumes. + +The plot is novel and ingenious, the situations well worked out, and +the interest continuous. + +SYNOPSIS.--Act I., The Trust; Act II., The Search; Act III., The +Wedding. Time of performance, one hour and a quarter. + + +SECOND SIGHT; OR, YOUR FORTUNE FOR A DOLLAR. + +A FARCICAL COMEDY, IN ONE ACT, BY BERNARD HERBERT. + +Four male and one female characters--Light comedian, low comedian, +Irishman, Mexican nobleman and juvenile lady. Scene: A Clairvoyant's +Parlor in New York. Time of playing, one hour. + +The frantic efforts of Mr. Birdwhistle, a timorous music teacher, to +escape the fury of Don Fiasco de Caramba, an untamed Mexican; the +dismal predicaments of Dionysius O. Rourké and the clairvoyant scenes +will keep the audience in a continuous ripple. Companies in search of a +serious piece should NOT select this play. + + +WANTED: A CONFIDENTIAL CLERK. + +A FARCE, IN ONE ACT, BY W. F. CHAPMAN. + +Six male characters, _viz._: Eccentric old man, with a partiality for +proverbs; Irishman, "dude," shabby genteel comedian, talkative "sport," +and clerk. No scenery required. Time of playing, thirty minutes. + +A capital farce, containing none but "star" parts, with scope for +easy character acting, racy dialogue, funny situations and comical +"business." + + +A LESSON IN ELEGANCE. + +A COMEDY IN ONE ACT, BY BERNARD HERBERT. + +Four female characters--A butterfly of fashion, comic servant, old +lady and unsophisticated young widow. The scene (interior) is laid at +Newport in the height of the season. + +Consists purely of light comedy, is bright and brisk in action, with +plenty of "business," and has a _dénouement_ as unexpected as it is +welcome. The play can be effectively staged and costumed, if desired. +Time of representation, thirty minutes. + + +BY FORCE OF IMPULSE. + +A DRAMA, IN FIVE ACTS, BY H. V. VOGT. + +Nine male and three female characters, _viz._: Leading and second +juvenile men, old man, genteel villain, walking gentleman, first and +second light comedians, heavy character, low comedian, leading and +second juvenile ladies and comic old maid. + +A thoroughly good drama, worthy of the best talent. The action takes +place during the period of the late civil war, the scene being laid +partly in the army. Well adapted to the use of G. A. R. posts, though +not confined to them in interest. The plot is interesting and well +developed; the situations are striking; the "business" is effective, +and every tableau will fetch an _encore._ Time of representation, two +hours and a half. + + * * * * * + +Copies of any of the above Plays will be mailed, post-paid, to any +address, on receipt of the price. + + HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, + 9 MURRAY STREET, NEW YORK. + + + + +ROORBACH'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. + + + + +ILLUSTRATED TABLEAUX FOR AMATEURS. + + +A new series of _Tableaux Vivants_, by MARTHA C. WELD. In this series +each description is accompanied with a full page illustration of the +scene to be represented. The introduction of Part I. is the most +complete and practical treatment of the subject ever written. The books +are the best of the kind published, and should be in the hands of +everybody about to arrange an entertainment of this kind. + + +_NOW READY._ + +=PART I.--MISCELLANEOUS TABLEAUX.=--Contains General Introduction, 12 +Tableaux and 14 Illustrations. =Price, 25 Cents.= + +=PART II.--MISCELLANEOUS TABLEAUX.=--Contains Introduction, 12 Tableaux +and 12 Illustrations. =Price, 25 Cents.= + + +A Few Opinions. + + "Excellent Manuals."--_Book Chat._ + + "Two Pretty Little Volumes."--_Cincinnati Inquirer._ + + "Admirably suited for the purpose intended."--_Albany Argus._ + + "Mrs. WELD is a well known adept in this kind of + entertainment."--_New York Evangelist._ + + "These small volumes form a complete assistant to any one desirous + of giving tableaux."--_St. Louis Republican._ + + "They will be helpful to young people preparing this pleasant + method of entertainment."--_Christian Register._ + + "Will be of much practical use and value to schools and persons + interested in social amusements for church or home."--_N. Y. School + Journal._ + + "They will be of service for private entertainments. The directions + as to dress and posing are full, and the illustrations will be very + helpful."--_Hartford Courant._ + + "They contain all the directions which can possibly be necessary to + enable a company of amateurs to successfully present a number of + tableaux of a varied character."--_Troy Times._ + + "When we finished the second we wished we had a couple more. They + are as indispensable to the amateur as a salary and a return ticket + are to the professional."--_Puck._ + + "As there is just now a revival of the olden time amusement of + tableaux, these two little volumes come in just at the right time. + Nothing pertaining to tableaux has been forgotten or left out. To + persons interested in this kind of amusement, the little books will + prove invaluable."--_New Orleans Picayune._ + + "To any one who contemplates indulging in tableaux, these little + books of Mrs. Weld's will be invaluable. So clearly does she + explain the minutiæ, that a manager under her guidance may feel all + the confidence which experience can bring. The writer is especially + explicit in showing how the effects of scenery and costume may + be secured with the simplest of material, so that the degree of + expense may be made a matter of choice."--_Buffalo Express._ + + + + +MISCELLANEOUS GOODS. + + +==> _An illustrated descriptive price list of miscellaneous articles, +Wigs, Beards, etc., and Scenery, will be sent to any address on receipt +of a stamp._ <== + + Lightning for Private Theatricals $0 25 + " Flash Box 50 + Colored Tableau Lights 25 + " " Fire, per lb. 1 75 + " " " " by Exp. 1 50 + Magnesium Lights 25 + Carmine 30 + Dutch Pink 25 + Ruddy Rouge 30 + Mongolian 30 + Fuller's Earth 30 + Burnt Cork 40 + Paste Powder 30 + Nose Putty 25 + Lip Rouge, domestic 25 + " imported 40 + Clown White 40 + Dry Whiting 25 + Powdered Antimony 30 + " Blue 25 + Spirit Gum 30 + Email Noir 30 + Joining Paste 25 + Moustache Masks 15 + Water Cosmetique 25 + Cocoa Butter 25 + Multiform Cream 50 + " Powder 25 + Artist's Stomps 15 + Hares' Feet 50 + Powder Puffs 25 + Miniature Puffs 15 + India Ink 10 + Lining Brushes 5 + Cosmetique 25 + Rouge de Theatre 25 + Blanc de Perle 25 + Hair Powder 50 + Eyebrow Pencils 25 + Bleu pour Veins 75 + Fard Indien 75 + Make-up Boxes $1.50, 4.00 and 5 00 + Grease Paints, 30 tints, 8 in. sticks: + Flesh Colors 35 + Lining Colors 20 + Grease Paints, set of 9 necessary colors 1 00 + Scenery, Printed on Paper, per set $7 50 to 12 00 + Scenery, Painted on Canvas, per set $8 00 to 75 00 + +==> _Canvas Scenery is delivered by Express only. Paper Scenes and the +Make-up Boxes can be sent by mail at a slightly increased expense for +postage._ <== + + +THEATRICAL WIGS. + + +_LADIES' WIGS._ + + Court $6 00 + Ringlet 5 50 + Frou-Frou 5 50 + Bourgeoise 7 50 + Peasant Girl 7 50 + Mother-in-Law 5 50 + Witch 3 75 + Short Curly 5 50 + " with Parting 6 25 + Plain Long Hair 7 50 + Wig made up in Present Fashion 5 00 + Wench 5 00 + Frontals 2 00 + + +_GENTLEMEN'S WIGS._ + + Court Wig, with Bag or Tie $4 00 + Rip Van Winkle 4 00 + Peasant 4 00 + Monk 4 00 + Judge 7 50 + Bald 4 00 + Comic Bald 4 00 + Chinaman 3 00 + Crop 4 00 + Dress 4 00 + Indian 3 50 + Fright 5 00 + Irish 4 00 + Yankee 4 00 + Flow 5 00 + Scalp 2 00 + Negro 1 00 + " Extra Quality 1 50 + " White or Grey 1 50 + " with Top Knot 1 50 + + +BEARDS, WHISKERS & MOUSTACHES + + Full Beard, without Moustache, on Wire $1 75 + " " " Ventilated 2 50 + " with " on Wire 2 00 + " " " Ventilated 2 75 + Side Whiskers and Moustache on Wire 1 50 + Short Side Whiskers on Wire 75 + " " " Ventilated 1 00 + Mutton Chop Whiskers, Ventilated 1 50 + Chin Beard, Ventilated 1 00 + Moustaches on Wire 35 + " Ventilated 40 + Imperials 25 + Throat Whiskers 75 + + +WIGS AND BEARDS TO RENT. + +For terms and discounts see separate list, which will be mailed to any +address on receipt of a stamp. + + + + +BY FORCE OF IMPULSE. + +A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS, BY H. V. VOGT. + +Price, 15 Cents. + + +Nine male, three female characters, _viz._: Leading and Second Juvenile +Men, Old Man, Genteel Villain, Walking Gentleman, First and Second +Light Comedians, Heavy Character, Low Comedian, Leading and Second +Juvenile Ladies and Comic Old Maid. Time of playing, Two hours and a +half. + + +SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. + +ACT I. LOVE VS. IMPULSE.--Dollerclutch's office.--A fruitless +journey, a heap of accumulated business and a chapter of unparalleled +impudence.--News from the front.--A poor girl's trouble and a lawyer's +big heart.--Hilda's sad story.--"I'll see this thing through if it +costs me a fortune!"--A sudden departure in search of a clue.--The +meeting of friends.--One of nature's noblemen.--Maitland betrays his +secret by a slip of the tongue.--The ball at Beachwood.--Two spooneys, +fresh from college, lose their heads and their hearts.--"Squashed, +by Jupiter!"--Trusting innocence and polished villainy.--The +interrupted tryst.--An honest man's avowal.--A picture of charming +simplicity.--Murdell and Hilda meet face to face.--"I dare you to make +another victim!"--A scoundrel's discomfiture.--TABLEAU. + +ACT II. THE SEPARATION.--The Maitland homestead.--Anastasia's +doubts.--A warm welcome and its icy reception.--Forebodings and +doubts.--Father and son.--Searching questions.--A domestic storm +and a parent's command.--A foiled villain's wrath.--Enlisting for +the war.--The collapse of the cowards.--"It's no use, 'Dolphy, the +jig's up!"--Hilda's sympathy and Adrienne's silent despair.--The +result of impulse.--The father pleads for his son.--Anastasia and +Dollerclutch.--Coriolanus comes to grief.--Good and bad news.--Husband +and wife.--Reginald demands an explanation.--A hand without a +heart.--The separation.--A new recruit.--Too late; the roll is +signed.--TABLEAU. + +ACT III. DUTY VS. IMPULSE.--Four years later.--A camp in the +army.--Longings.--"Only six miles from home!"--The skeleton in +the closet.--A father's yearning for his child.--A woman-hater +in love.--Dollerclutch's dream.--A picture of camp life and +fun.--Coriolanus has his revenge.--News from home.--Dollerclutch makes +a big find. "Eureka!"--Proofs of Hilda's parentage and marriage.--A +happy old lawyer.--"I'll take them to Hilda!"--Detailed for duty.--A +soldier's temptation.--The sentinel deserts his post.--The snake in the +grass.--"At last, I can humble his pride!" + +ACT IV. THE RECONCILIATION AND SEQUEL.--At Reginald's home.--News from +the army.--"Grant is not the man to acknowledge defeat!"--Adrienne and +Hilda.--False pride is broken.--The reconciliation.--"Will Reginald +forgive me?"--Dollerclutch brings joy to Hilda's heart.--"You are +the daughter of Morris Maitland!"--The stolen documents and the +snake in the grass.--"Hang me if I don't see this thing through!"--A +letter to the absent one.--Face to face.--The barrier of pride swept +down.--"Reginald, I love you; come back!"--The happy reunion.--An +ominous cloud.--"I have deserted my post; the penalty is death. I must +return ere my absence is discovered!"--The wolf in the sheepfold.--A +wily tempter foiled.--A villain's rage.--"Those words have sealed your +doom!"--The murder and the escape.--Dollerclutch arrives too late.--The +pursuit. + +ACT V. DIVINE IMPULSE.--In camp.--Maitland on duty.--The charge +of desertion and the examination.--"I knew not what I did!"--The +colonel's lenity.--Disgrace.--News of Adrienne's murder is brought to +camp.--Circumstantial evidence fastens the murder upon Reginald.--The +court-martial.--Convicted and sentenced to be shot.--Preparations for +the execution.--"God knows I am innocent!"--Dollerclutch arrives in +the nick of time.--"If you shoot that man you commit murder!"--The +beginning of the end.--"Adrienne lives!"--A villain's terror.--Adrienne +appears on the scene.--"There is the attempted assassin!"--Divine +impulse.--The reward of innocence and the punishment of villainy.--Good +news.--"Hurrah, the war is over; Lee has surrendered to Grant!"--The +happy _denouement_ and _finale._--TABLEAU. + + +_Copies mailed, post-paid, to any address on receipt of the advertised +price._ + + HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, + 9 MURRAY ST., NEW YORK. + + + + +THE ETHIOPIAN DRAMA. + +PRICE 15 CENTS EACH. + + + 1 Robert Make-Airs. + 2 Box and Cox. + 3 Mazeppa. + 4 United States Mail. + 5 The Coopers. + 6 Old Dad's Cabin. + 7 The Rival Lovers. + 8 The Sham Doctor. + 9 Jolly Millers. + 10 Villikins and his Dinah. + 11 The Quack Doctor. + 12 The Mystic Spell. + 13 The Black Statue. + 14 Uncle Jeff. + 15 The Mischievous Nigger. + 16 The Black Shoemaker. + 17 The Magic Penny. + 18 The Wreck. + 19 Oh, Hush; or, The Virginny Cupids. + 20 The Portrait Painter. + 21 The Hop of Fashion. + 22 Bone Squash. + 23 The Virginia Mummy. + 24 Thieves at the Mill. + 25 Comedy of Errors. + 26 Les Miserables. + 27 New Year's Calls. + 28 Troublesome Servant. + 29 Great Arrival. + 30 Rooms to Let. + 31 Black Crook Burlesque. + 32 Ticket Taker. + 33 Hypochondriac. + 34 William Tell. + 35 Rose Dale. + 36 Feast. + 37 Fenian Spy. + 38 Jack's the Lad. + 39 Othello. + 40 Camille. + 41 Nobody's Son. + 42 Sports on a Lark. + 43 Actor and Singer. + 44 Shylock. + 45 Quarrelsome Servants. + 46 Haunted House. + 47 No Cure, No Pay. + 48 Fighting for the Union. + 49 Hamlet the Dainty. + 50 Corsican Twins. + 51 Deaf--in a Horn. + 52 Challenge Dance. + 53 De Trouble begins at Nine. + 54 Scenes at Gurney's. + 55 16,000 Years Ago. + 56 Stage-struck Darkey. + 57 Black Mail. + 58 Highest Price for Old Clothes. + 59 Howls from the Owl Train. + 60 Old Hunks. + 61 The Three Black Smiths. + 62 Turkeys in Season. + 63 Juba. + 64 A Night wid Brudder Bones. + 65 Dixie. + 66 King Cuffee. + 67 Old Zip Coon. + 68 Cooney in de Hollow. + 69 Porgy Joe. + 70 Gallus Jake. + 71 De Coon Hunt. + 72 Don Cato. + 73 Sambo's Return. + 74 Under de Kerosene. + 75 Mysterious Stranger. + 76 De Debbil and Dr. Faustum. + 77 De Old Gum Game. + 78 Hunk's Wedding Day. + 79 De Octoroon. + 80 De Old Kentucky Home. + 81 Lucinda's Wedding. + 82 Mumbo Jum. + 83 De Creole Ball. + 84 Mishaps of Cæsar Crum. + 85 Pete's Luck. + 86 Pete and Ephraim. + 87 Jube Hawkins. + 88 De Darkey's Dream. + 89 Chris. Johnson. + 90 Scippio Africanus. + 91 De Ghost ob Bone Squash. + 92 De Darkey Tragedian. + 93 Possum Fat. + 94 Dat Same Ole Coon. + 95 Popsey Dean. + 96 De Rival Mokes. + 97 Uncle Tom. + 98 Desdemonum. + 99 Up Head. + 100 De Maid ob de Hunkpuncas. + 101 De Trail ob Blood. + 102 De Debbil and de Maiden. + 103 De Cream ob Tenors. + 104 Old Uncle Billy. + 105 An Elephant on Ice. + 106 A Manager in a Fix. + 107 Bones at a Raffle. + 108 Aunty Chloe. + 109 Dancing Mad. + 110 Julianna Johnson. + 111 An Unhappy Pair. + + +THE AMATEUR AND VARIETY STAGE. + +PRICE 15 CENTS EACH. + + Afloat and Ashore. + Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. + All's Fair in Love and War. + Bad Temper, A + Babes in the Wood, The + Blue-Beard; or, Female Curiosity. + Caught in his own Toils. + Closing of the "Eagle." + Dark Deeds. + Eligible Situation, An + Fairy Freaks. + Fireside Diplomacy. + Frog Prince, The + Furnished Apartments. + Girls of the Period, The + Happy Dispatch, The + Harlequin Little Red Riding Hood. + Harvest Storm, The + His First Brief. + Ingomar (Burlesque). + Jack, the Giant-Killer. + Last Drop, The + Katherine and Petruchio (Burlesque). + Last Lilly, The + Little Red Riding Hood. + Little Silver Hair and the Three Bears. + Love (Burlesque). + Loves of Little Bo-Peep and Little Boy, The + Lyrical Lover, A + Marry in Haste and Repent at Leisure. + Matched, But Not Mated. + Maud's Command. + Medical Man, A + Mischievous Bob. + Monsieur Pierre. + Mothers and Fathers. + Out of the Depths. + Penelope Ann. + Pet Lamb, The + Poisoned Darkies, The + Result of a Nap, The + Robin Hood; or, The Merry Men of Sherwood Forest. + Slighted Treasures. + Three Temptations, The + Tragedy Transmogrified. + Two Gentlemen at Mivart's. + Virtue Victorious. + Wearing of the Green. + Wine Cup, The + Women's Rights. + Wrong Battle, The + + +VARIETY. + + All in der Family. + Big Bananna, The + Decree of Divorce, The + Dot Mad Tog. + Dot Quied Lotchings. + Dot Matrimonial Advertisement. + Gay Old Man am I, A + Leedle Misdake A + Mad Astronomer, A + Lonely Pollywog of the Mill Pond, The + Mulcahy's Cat. + Ould Man's Coat Tails, The + Spelling Match, The + + + _Any of the above will be sent by mail on receipt of the price, by_ + HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, + Successor to ROORBACH & COMPANY. + + P. O. Box 3410. 9 Murray Street, New York. + + + + + Transcriber's Note: + + Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as + possible. + + Italic text has been marked with _underscores_. + Bold text has been marked with =equals signs=. + + "==>" and "<==" in the advertisements represent pointing hands. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of By Force of Impulse, by Harry V. Vogt + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43185 *** |