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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Woodbarrow Farm, by Jerome K. Jerome

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most

-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions

-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of

-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at

-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have

-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.

-

-

-

-Title: Woodbarrow Farm

-       Play in Three Acts

-

-Author: Jerome K. Jerome

-

-Release Date: May 10, 2017 [EBook #54698]

-Last Updated: September 3, 2016

-

-Language: English

-

-Character set encoding: UTF-8

-

-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WOODBARROW FARM ***

-

-

-

-

-Produced by David Widger from page images generously

-provided by the Internet Archive

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-WOODBARROW FARM

-

-Play In Three Acts

-

-By Jerome K. Jerome

-

-Samuel French: London

-

-1904

-

-

-

-

-Piffin..............

-

-Allen Rollitt.......

-

-Luke Cranbourne.....

-

-Mike Stratton.......

-

-Mr. Purtwee.........

-

-Hon. Tom Gussett....

-

-Baron Von Schnorr...

-

-Richard Hanningford

-

-Ichabod.............

-

-Peters..............

-

-Colonel Jack Dexter.

-

-Clara Dexter........

-

-Mrs. Rollitt........

-

-Rachael.............

-

-Deborah Deacon......

-

-

-

-

-SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY

-

-Act I

-

-Woodbarrow Farm, Exmoor

-

-Act II

-

-13a, St. James’ Mansions

-

-Act III

-

-Scene 1--Same as Act II., or Library at 13a, St. James’ Mansion

-

-Scene 2--Woodbarrow Farm

-

-Time: The Present

-

-

-[Illustration: 0007]

-

-[Illustration: 0010]

-

-[Illustration: 0011]

-

-

-

-

-WOODBARROW FARM

-

-

-

-

-ACT I.

-

-

-MUSIC TO OPEN ACT: OLD ENGLISH AIR

-

-SCENE: _Kitchen at Woodbarrow Farm. An ideal old farmhouse kitchen. From

-the smoke-blackened ceiling beams hang huge sides of bacon, strings of

-onions, and herbs, and poultry. Over the great fireplace are the guns,

-and in profusion everywhere are the homely furnishings of a prosperous

-farmhouse kitchen. A huge fire burns r. in old-fashioned fireplace, with

-settle on each side. Door l.c. at back opening on corner of farmyard.

-Latticed window looking out on yard to r. of door. Table r.c. piled with

-linen waiting to be folded. Linen press l. Door l. below press. Settle

-in front of press. Mrs. Rollitt at table r.c. discovered ironing. She

-folds up clothes as she finishes with them, and crosses and places them

-one by one in press l._

-

-Mrs. R. Rachael! Rachael!! (Crossing l. then crosses to r. at back of

-table r.c.) Ah, drat the girls--alius philandering about with the boys

-when they’re wanted. Rachael!

-

-(Enter Rachael, she comes slowly forward to l.c.)

-

-Rach. Did you call, ma’am?

-

-Mrs. R. (At table.) Did I call? Why thee be getting deaf in thee old age

-sure, Rachael.

-

-Rach. I was in the dairy, ma’am.

-

-Mrs. R. In the dairy! Well, and the dairy bean’t a mile off, be it?

-I expect there wur Joe’s thick head ’twixt you and the sound of my

-voice, warn’t there?

-

-Rach. No, ma’am.

-

-Mrs. R. Whose wur it, then?

-

-Rach. Ichabod’s, ma’am. I--I mean Mr. Ichabod was helping me, ma’am.

-

-Mrs. R. What at? (_Pause._) How often am I to tell ’ee I won’t have

-that hulking scamp hanging about here after his work’s done. Do ’ee

-understand?

-

-Rach. Yes, ma’am.

-

-Mrs. R. Here’s getting on for 8 o’clock, and thee master may be home

-any minute as hungry as a hunter, poor lad, and noothing ready for his

-supper. Get down the ham (_Rachael goes to fireplace r._), and bring me

-in the frying-pan and I’ll do it myself.

-

-Rach. (_Turning to go._) Yes, ma’am.

-

-Mrs. R. And don’t be half-an-hour about it. Is Ichabod gone?

-

-Rach. Oh yes, ma’am.

-

-(_Mrs. R. turns to her work, Ichabod appears at door at hack, with a

-trout in his hand. Rachael catching sight of him stops, and motions him

-to go away._)

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, a good thing for un as he has, if I catch un here again

-to-night, I’ll--(_Rachael makes sign to Ichabod who is up c. Mrs. R.

-looks at Rachael_)--Lord help the lass, be she struck foolish? Bean’t

-’ee agoing?

-

-Rach. Yes, ma’am.

-

-Mrs. R. Well then, do ut. Thee keeps on saying, “yes, ma’am,” “yes,

-ma’am,” and there ’ee sticks. (_Drops eyes. Rachael makes sign to

-Ichabod. Mrs. Rollitt catches her._)

-

-(_Ichabod does not understand Rachel, and tries to explain to her in

-pantomime about the trout, which he holds up and points to. Mrs. Rollitt

-follows Rachael’s eyes, and sees Ichabod. Rachael is struck dumb, and

-Ichabod grins and pulls his hair._)

-

-Mrs. R. If thee don’t take theeself off pretty, soon, my boy, I’ll do

-that for un. (_He makes no answer but continues pulling his hair and

-grinning, making a few steps forward and still holding out the trout.

-Mrs. Rollitt advances to him slowly._)

-

-Mrs. R. (_Comes c._) How often am I to tell ’ee I won’t have ’ee

-loafing about here after thee work’s done, and thee mother waiting for

-thee at home, thee good-for-nothing young--(_eyeing the trout_)--aye,

-but he be a bonny un that.

-

-Ich. Thowt maybe he’d do for the measter’s supper, ma’am. He wur

-a-having his own not half-an-hour agone, ma’am.

-

-Mrs. R. (_l. with fish in hand._) Her be a three pound un, Ichabod.

-

-Ich. As full as an egg, her be, just. Thee feel her, ma’am.

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, well, I won’t say but what thee art a thoughtful lad,

-Ichabod, and it will be main good for thee measter’s supper. See there’s

-a clear fire. (_Crosses r.Enter Deborah from staircase L._) Rachael,

-and bring me the stew pan and we’ll boil un.

-

-Deb. No, don’t boil it, aunt. (_Takes fish from Mrs. R._) Let me fry it.

-Allen alius likes ‘em best that way. (_Goes r. c. up stage._)

-

-Mrs. R. So un does, lass, so un does. Ah, thee knaw what the lad loikes,

-thee shall fry it. (_Hands trout to Deb._) And I’ll finish the linen

-while I’ve got my hand on it. (_At back of table r.c._)

-

-Deb. Allen will like that, I know. Where did you get it?

-

-Ich. (_Confused and grinning._) What, me, Miss?

-

-Deb. Not poached, I hope, Ichabod?

-

-Ich. (_Offended._) Poached, Miss? No, Miss, I wur trying to teach a fly

-of mine to swim, that wur all, Miss, and when I took un from the water

-there wur this thing hanging on to the end of un, and I couldn’t get ‘un

-off.

-

-Mrs. R. (_At table r. c._) Thee’d best stop awhile now, Ichabod, and the

-girls will gie un a bit sup. Thee mother will be main glad to be rid o’

-ye a bit, I take it.

-

-Ich. Thank ye, ma’am. Mother’s alius glad to be rid of me at supper

-toime. (_To Deborah.) Gie me un, Miss, I’ll clean un for ye. (_Takes

-fish from Deborah, goes down l. at back of settle.)

-

-Rach. Shall I cook un, Miss?

-

-Mrs. R. Na, na, thee bring the pan in here, Rachael, I woan’t trust the

-master’s supper to ‘ee, while there’s a pair of breeches about the room.

-

-Rach. (_Crosses l. with a toss of her head.) I’m sure I don’t want ‘em

-there at all. (_Picks up buckets near door l. down stage.)

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, thee wouldn’t ha’ the lad theer wi’out ‘em! Go and do as I

-tell ‘ee.

-

-[Rachael hits Ichabod with bucket. Exeunt Rachael and Ichabod l. door

-down stage.]

-

-Mrs. R. The lad will enjoy it all the more if thee cook it for un. Ah.

-and he do enjoy his food too. It do me good to see un eat.

-

-Deb. He does you a lot of good that way, doesn’t he, aunt?

-

-Mes. R. (_Laughing.’_) Ah, yes, he be like his father wur before him,

-a rare trencher man. Ah, but they’re better than those as doesn’t eat

-much, but sits a-turning and a-smelling, and a-grumbling at everything

-that’s set before them, for all the world like an overfed turkey cock

-trying to eat potato peelings. Thee wean’t ha’ much trouble looking

-arter un when I’m gone.

-

-Deb. (_Goes to fireplace R._) Oh, aunt, how naughty you are, always

-talking of being “gone,” just as if you were an old woman.

-

-Mrs. R. No, no, lass, I bean’t talking of being gone now. I’ve many a

-year before me yet, please God. But it must come sometime, thee knaws,

-and I like to think that when it do there’ll be someone to gie the lad

-his bit of food, and look arter un loike--and, Lord, a man do want a

-power of looking arter to be sure.

-

-Deb. (_At fire R. making it up._) I think that’s why we love ‘em, aunt,

-because they’re so helpless.

-

-Mrs. R. (_Cross to l._) Ah, maybe it is. There must be summut to account

-for it.

-

-Deb. And I suppose they be like the poultry. They get fond of us because

-we feed them. He does say I’ve got a good hand for cooking, aunt.

-

-Mrs. R. (_Cross to r._) Ah, yes, lass. It be a light hand for the

-kitchen and a cool hand for the dairy. It will make a good hand for a

-farmer’s wife. (_Takes Deborah’s hand at table R._)

-

-Deb. I don’t think Allen will want a farmer’s wife, aunt.

-

-Mrs. R. Lord, whose wife should a farmer want, then?

-

-Deb. (_Pokes fire r._) I don’t think Allen wants to be a farmer at all.

-He says he wants to be a somebody, not a nobody.

-

-Mrs. R. Well, bean’t a farmer somebody?

-

-Deb. Somebody, aunt, but not a somebody. Allen wants to be in the world,

-you know, aunt.

-

-Mrs. R. Well, and he be in the world sure, ain’t he? Sure I think I

-ought to know. (_Cross to l._)

-

-Deb. No, not in the world he means, aunt. Not in the great world as they

-call it.

-

-Mrs. R. Ah! he be in God’s world, that ought to be big enough for un.

-(_Cross to r._)

-

-Deb. (_A little spitefully._) Yes, aunt, but it’s not select enough.

-There’s all sorts of common people in God’s world. Allen wants to be

-in the big world of lords and ladies and big folk up in London. He says

-it’s being buried alive down here; that he wants to be among the stir

-and bustle.

-

-Mrs. R. (_Cross to h., putting clothes in press._) Ah! that be only

-his talk. The young uns be all alike. They run arter shadows like the

-chickens do arter chaff. (_Cross l._) Why, I mind when I wur a lass,

-I used to look in the glass and think I’d be a duchess. But the dook

-didn’t come, so I just married thee uncle. The young ducks all fancies

-as they’ll paddle off to the sea, But they live and dies in the old pond

-arter all. (_Crosses to R._)

-

-Deb. (_Laughing._) And you think that your duck will live and die in the

-Woodbarrow pond, aunt? (_Helps Mrs. Rollitt to fold._)

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, bless un, yes, the lads they fancy that any place is better

-than the old home; but arter they’ve had a good look round, they know

-that the old home’s better than any place else. He’ll flutter about a

-bit maybe (_looks at Deborah_), but he’ll settle down in the nest ‘fore

-long, and the children will be running about the house (_Deborah turns

-away a little_) and making it untidy--Bless ‘em--afore I close my eyes.

-

-Deb. (_Demurely._) I wonder who he’ll marry.

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, I wonder now. (_Crosses to put linen in chest of drawers._)

-

-Deb. (_r. folding linen._) There’s Polly Steddles. He walked home

-from church with her last Sunday. I think he’s a little sweet on Polly

-Steddles, don’t you, aunt?

-

-(_Mrs. R. comes l. of table r._)

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, it bean’t much good being a little sweet on a girl that

-size. It would take a power of sweetness to go round her. (_Crosses L.

-with linen._).

-

-Deb. She’s big, but then men like big women, don’t they, aunt?

-

-Mrs. R. (_l._) Ah, some on ’em goes in for quantity, and some on ’em

-goes in for quality. The little ones, they go in for size cause they

-bean’t much of it themselves; and the big ones goes in for sense, cause

-that be what they be most in need of. (_Goes R._) And Allen, he be’s

-medium, so he can just please himself.

-

-Deb. And there’s Miss Dexter, that he drives over to Minehead so often.

-(_Mrs. Rollitt goes l._) He thinks a lot of her, I know.

-

-Mrs. R. (_l._) What, Colonel Dexter’s darter, oop at Lucott’s Hill? Oh,

-yes, her’d be a fine un to make the butter and cure the hams, her

-would. Her be loike them umbrellas they be a selling at Peter’s for 1s.

-11d.--only meant to be walked out wi’. (_Near press l._)

-

-Deb. Ah, but she’s so beautiful, aunt, and she’s a lady! (_Sighs._)

-

-Mrs. R. Ah! (_goes to table r. c._) there be a good many sorts o’ them.

-

-Deb. She is a lady, isn’t she, aunt?

-

-Mrs. R. Her’s got the clothes all right. (_Sits l. of table r. A

-pause--goes up and pats Deborah’s cheek._)

-

-As if thee didn’t know the lad were in love with theeself.

-

-Deb. (_Tossing her head._) Sure an’ I don’t see how I should--he never

-says anything.

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, the men bain’t much to say for their-selves, poor things.

-Thee must go by what they does. Why, thee uncle kept company wi’ me for

-three years, an’ un never said a word. The first year un only sot and

-stared, and the second year un put un’s arm round my waist, and the

-third year un kissed me, and then mother said it were time to put up the

-banns, and her done it.

-

-Deb. (_Laughs._) Ah, the man that wants to marry me will have to ask me

-ever and ever so many times and plead, oh, as if his life depended on it

-(_tossing her head--at fire._)

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, the lad be shy, that be all. He be frightened ’o thee.

-

-Deb. (_Smiling._) Of me, aunt?

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, sure!--(_Laughs._)--I expect un be worrying hisself finely

-for fear thee doan’t care for un, a fancying thee prefers Jim Harkabuck,

-maybe.

-

-Deb. (_Demurely--goes up r. and gets l. of Mrs. Rollitt._) Jim

-Harkabuck is a very nice fellow, and he does stare. (_Smiling, and going

-to her aunt._) Do you think Allen really--really does--Aunt? (_Kneels to

-Mrs. Rollitt, who turns her head away r. a little._)

-

-Mrs. R. (_Laughing, and shaking her off playfully. Pauses._) Does he!

-Why beant he alius quarreling wi’ thee, and doan’t he eat twice as

-much o’ anything if he knows thee cooked it--and besides--(_Pauses and

-becomes absorbed in stockings._)

-

-Deb. Besides what, aunt?

-

-Mrs. R. Why didn’t I find un only the evening afore last when un didn’t

-know I wur there. (_Laughing._)

-

-(_Enter Rachael l. door with fish in frying-pan.--Deborah rises._)

-

-Rach. (_Crossing r. and giving it to Deborah._) Shall I put it on, Miss?

-

-Deb. (_c. goes R. to fireplace._) No, I’ll see to it; Rachael, thank

-you.

-

-Rach. I have put some butter in the pan, Miss.

-

-(_Exit Rachael l. down stage._)

-

-Deb. Yes, aunt. (_r. of table and seeing to fish with back to Mrs.

-Rollitt._) You--you were saying how you came upon Allen the other

-evening, aunt, when he didn’t know you were there, and he was doing

-something.

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, yes, it wur Toosday, and he--not in love wi’

-’ee--(_laughing_)--why--(_taking up stocking and looking at hole._)

-Ah, look at that now, blest if I can make out where the holes come from,

-just.

-

-Deb. What was he doing, aunt?

-

-Mrs. R. Why there un wur wi’ your--

-

-(_Enter Purtwee c.--who coughs._)

-

-Mrs. R. (_Turning, and seeing him as he stands in doorway._) What, Mr.

-Purtwee! (_Deborah in despair goes to fire and cooks fish._) Well, ’ee

-do surprise me! ’Ee be quite a stranger. Come in. Thee be just in time

-for a bit of sup.

-

-Mr. P. (_Coming down l. c., puts hat on staircase rail._) I couldn’t

-pass the place without looking in, I’ve just left the trap outside.

-(_Shakes hands._) And how are we?

-

-Mrs. R. Oh, I be middlin’ well, thank ’ee, and how’s yerself?

-

-Mr. P. Oh, nicely enough, and--(_To Deborah crossing r._)--how’s Miss

-Deborah Deacon?

-

-Deb. Very well, thank you, Mr. Purtwee.

-

-Mr. P. That’s all right--you look it, my dear (_Taking her hands._) Why

-I declare she’s getting quite a woman!

-

-Mrs. R. Ah! she’s been that for some time. Her be thinking more about

-getting a man now. (_Purtwee crosses to l. c. laughing._)

-

-Deb. Oh, aunt!

-

-Mrs. R. Did ’ee see the lad up town?

-

-Mr. P. What, Allen?

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, that be the only lad in the world I know. Did ’ee see un?

-(_Goes up l._)

-

-Mr. P. Yes, I met him, and I wanted to have a chat with him. (_Mrs.

-Rollitt is up l. near linen press._) But, Lord! There he was off to

-Lucott’s Hill, and there was no holding him. (_Taking off his coat._)

-

-Deb. (_Who has been engaged in her cooking, at this suddenly stops, and

-looks up._) What was he going up there for?

-

-Mr. P. (_Stopping and facing round._) What for?

-

-Deb. (_Excitedly, but quietly._) Who was he going to see up there?

-

-Mr. P. (_Laughing and folding coat._) Ah! who is it he always goes to

-see up there?

-

-(_Deborah turns a little sick at this confirmation of her fears.

-Purtwee, who is a sharp old fellow, notices the expression of her face

-and the whole truth flashes across him. He pauses suddenly, looks hard

-at her, then assuming an ordinary laughing tone, continues--Mrs. Rollitt

-(up l.) is engaged with the linen, and does not notice this._)

-

-Mr. P. Why, the Walleys, of course. He and Jim seem to be inseparable of

-late.

-

-Deb. Oh, yes, I know. I asked him to try and see if the Walleys would

-part with one of their short-horns.

-

-Mr. P. Ah! that was it, then--yes, I remember that was it. (_Turns away

-and looks back at Deborah, who has resumed her cooking--aside._) Poor

-child! There’s trouble for her I fear. (_Throws coat over chair l._)

-

-Mrs. R. (_Comes c._) Well, what be going on up at Minehead?

-

-Mr. P. The same that is going on everywhere, Mrs. Rollitt--people lying

-and slandering and evil-speaking; everybody thieving and cheating and

-quarreling. (_Sits on table l._)

-

-Mrs. R. Well, I guess I could have told thee that. Haven’t thee any

-real news to gie us. Tell us what one person’s be a-doing. Never mind

-“everybody,” I don’t know him.

-

-Mr. P. Well, you see, Susan, a lawyer mustn’t gossip. (_Shakes finger._)

-

-(_Deborah crosses to linen press L., sets tablecloth and lays table r.

-c. for meal._)

-

-Mrs. R. (_c._) Oh, hoity, toity! What be the use of being a lawyer and

-knowing things if ’ee never tells a body a bit o’ news? And now I come

-to think of it, I’ve got a bone to pick wi’ thee about that very thing.

-Thee never told me old Hanningford wur agoing to die without leaving my

-boy so much as a brass farthing. Do you think as how I’d ’a’ gone on

-sending the old skinflint the best turkey in the yard every Christmas,

-and the best goose come every Michaelmas, if I’d known as how he’d

-hadn’t given us so much as the price as a suit o’ black, and Allen his

-own cousin’s child. (_Crossing R._)

-

-A cousin is a cousin, even if it be a distant one. (_Sits l. of table

-r._)

-

-Mr. P. Now, my dear Mrs. Rollitt, how could I tell he was going to die?

-

-Mrs. R. Thee knowed he wur going to die sometime, and thee knowed he

-hadn’t left the boy anything, and thee might a’ dropped me a hint. “Mrs.

-Rollitt,” thee might ha’ said, “thee’s only wasting good poultry on

-a worthless man. The old sinner’s a going to die as hard-fisted and

-ungrateful as he’s lived.” It would ’a’ been a neighbourly act o’

-thee!

-

-Mr. P. (_Laughing._) But I didn’t know he wasn’t going to leave you

-anything. You see he died intestate.

-

-Mrs. R. In------ what?

-

-Mr. P. (_Rises._) Intestate. (_Deborah laughs a little._) Without

-leaving a will; he left nobody anything.

-

-Mrs. R. (_Rising._) Well, then, where does the old fool’s money go to?

-

-Mr. P. Why, to his son, of course! (_Cross to r. near chair, fireplace

-down stage._)

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, where be his son?

-

-Mr. P. (_Folding his knee in his hand and looking at her quietly._) On

-the road from Texas to Devon. (_Sits r._)

-

-Mrs. R. What! Thee don’t mean to say thee’ve found un! (_Deborah gets

-dish off dresser r. and puts it down in front of firm Mrs. R. in front

-of table r., Mrs. R. and Deborah draw near interested._)

-

-Mr. P. That’s just exactly what I do mean. We traced him at last--found

-him at Port Chadbourne black as a nigger and dressed as a red Indian.

-

-Mrs. R. What was he doing there--play-acting?

-

-Mr. P. No, cow-boy. (_Mrs. R. sits l. of table r._)

-

-Mrs. R. Lord love us all! and do un know?

-

-Mr. P. Yes, my agent saw him--went down to meet him as he came through

-with a drove of cattle, gave him my letters and told him everything.

-

-Mrs. R. Has he written to you?

-

-Mr. P. No, didn’t know how to write--a sort of half savage he seems to

-be, he and all his companions. He said he was going to give the boys a

-three days’ drink, or as he expressed it, “paint the town red,” and then

-start straight for home.

-

-Mrs. R. When do you expect him?

-

-Mr. P. Any day now; it was six weeks ago my agent saw him. He might walk

-into my office to-morrow morning.

-

-Mrs. R. Lor! to think o’ it all. Him running away--driven away, as a

-body might say, by ’is own father, when scarce more than a baby, and

-now coming back to all this money. When do ’ee expect un?

-

-Mr. P. To-morrow--in six months time--never!

-

-Mrs. R. Never! (_Purtwee rises, crosses to l._)

-

-Mr. P. Perhaps never.

-

-Mrs. R. Why I thought thee said he’d started.

-

-Mr. P. Started, yes; but there’s a long road between that and arriving.

-He may be dead and buried--drowned--murdered--for all we can tell.

-They’re a rough lot where he’s coming from. (_Takes coat off settle L.

-Feels for snuff box in pockets; rises; goes c._)

-

-Mrs. R. Well, thee’s picturing a nice fate for the lad. An’ who would

-the money all go to if he were gone?

-

-Mr. P. Why the next o’ kin of course! He isn’t married.

-

-Mrs. R. And who be the next of kin?

-

-Mr. P. (_Dryly._) Oh! there’s no need to worry about that now.

-

-Mrs R. Well, I’d just like to know, that’s all. Would it be any of the

-Leeds folk?

-

-Mr. P. Oh, I really can’t say! (_Gets snuff box, puts coat on settle

-l._) I--I can’t say at all who it would be. (_Angrily, rather._) Why

-there’s about a hundred different relations scattered all over the

-country, and goodness knows who it might turn out to be. It isn’t a

-matter to be considered yet at all.

-

-Mrs. R. Lord bless us all, don’t put theeself out, man. I didn’t know as

-a body’s relations wur any secret--(_pauses_)--provided they be coom

-by honestly. Doan’t tell us if ’ee doan’t want to. (_Turns away r. a

-little._)

-

-Mr. P. No--no, Mrs. Rollitt! I’m not put out, only you see it’s always

-a most complicated question a next of kin, especially in a case of this

-kind where the man shunned all his relations. It might be someone in

-Hong Kong; it might be someone here in Devonshire--(_Enter Allen c.

-door._)--it might be,--(_he is l., taking handkerchief from his overcoat

-pocket, and turning sees Allen in doorway and stops. Deborah puts on the

-fish._)

-

-Allen. (_Coming down r. c._) Well mother! (_Kisses her._)

-

-Mrs. R. Why, my boy, wherever ha’ ye been to--I wur getting quite

-anxious about ’ee!

-

-Allen. (_Taking off his hat and coat and throwing them down at back._)

-Ah, I be a rare anxiety to ’ee, baint I, mother? (_To Mr. Purtwee._)

-Mother alius fancies as I’ve been run off with by gypsies if I be out

-more than an hour. (_Crossing and shaking hands with Mr. Purtwee._) And

-how be Mr. Purtwee for the second time to-day?

-

-Mr. P. (_Laughing and shaking hands._) Ah! your mother’s a regular old

-hen with one chick I expect. (_Sits l._)

-

-Allen. Never thee mind, mother, thee be quite right to be careful o’ me!

-There baint another son like me in the whole country, be there?

-

-Deb. (_At fire._) To the credit of old Devon be it said.

-

-Allen. Halloa! (_Goes r. to Deborah._)

-

-Mrs. R. Ah! now that just serves thee right for laughing at thee old

-mother. (_Crosses l. and sits knitting next to Purtwee._)

-

-Allen. Ah! that be the worst of letting the children stop oop arter

-their proper toime, they allus gets so saucy. What have thee there? Lurd

-bust me, I have got a vacuum inside o’ me. Poached eggs?

-

-Deb. No; poached trout.

-

-Mr. P. Eh! what’s that?

-

-Allen. Hulloa! Thee’ve done it now. Why, Mr. Purtwee be Lord Netherby’s

-lawyer, and he’ll ha’ thee hanged in chains on Dunkery Beacon, sure as

-fate.

-

-Deb. Ah, well, you see I didn’t poach him, I’m only frying him. There’s

-no law against frying fish, is there?

-

-Allen. (_r.c._) Aye, well, us’ll forgive thee this time, if ee’ll

-promise to do it again soon. Come and give us a kiss.

-

-Deb. Thee’ll kiss the frying-pan if you come any o’ your nonsense round

-here.

-

-Allen. What! won’t thee, when I tell ’ee I’ve bought Jim Whalley’s

-tan and cream shorthorn for ’ee?

-

-Deb. (_Pleased._) No! Have you?

-

-Allen. I bought her this afternoon, and I got her for--(_l.c., turning

-to his mother_) I say, mother, our Deb’s bin and smoshed young Whalley.

-

-Mrs. R. Done what to un.

-

-Allen. Smoshed him.

-

-Deb. Why, I never touched him.

-

-Allen. Yes thee have, thee’ve smoshed un--that be the new Lunnun word;

-made un in love wi’ thee.

-

-Mrs. R. It’s a funny way o’ doing it.

-

-Allen. I doan’t know how her done it, but her done it. Why he wanted £25

-for the cow at first, and when I told un her wur for Deb he looked as

-stupid as an old cow unself and said I could have her for £20, and then

-he asked me if she would like a calf. (_Goes R._)

-

-Deb. We could do with one. What did you say?

-

-Allen. (_Laughing._) I told un her’d better let the calf come down and

-ask for unself. (_Laughs boisterously._) He never saw what I meant.

-(_All laugh._)

-

-Deb. Oh, I expect he saw it all right. Jim Whalley is a very sharp

-fellow; there was no need to insult him just because he’d done a kind

-action. (_Warmly--turns away r. a little._)

-

-Allen. Oh, I wouldn’t ha’ said it if I’d known. I didn’t know thee was

-in love wi’ him.

-

-Deb. (_Half laughing and half indignant._) Oh, don’t be silly, Allen, as

-if I cared for Jim Whalley.

-

-Allen. I might ha’ guessed it too. Why, I expect that’s why thee wanted

-the cow so as to have something about the place to remind thee o’ un.

-

-Deb. Oh, you great stupid!

-

-Allen. Why, look how you’re blushing. Look, look at her face, mother.

-(_Goes to back of settle r. takes up looking-glass which is hanging on

-settle r., brings it down and holds it before her._) Look at yourself!

-(_she catches him a sound box on the ear. He puts his hand to his face,

-and crossing puts back glass._) I didn’t know thee was so strong. That

-all comes of those squab pies o’ yourn, mother, I told thee thee wur

-putting too much meat in ‘em.

-

-Mrs. R. (_Laughing._) Ah, it’s thy sauce lad, not my meat, that’s done

-it. (_Rises._) Thee’d better try and make thy peace, while me and Mr.

-Purtwee has a look round the out-buildings. (_To Mr. Purtwee_) I’ve been

-wanting to get hold of thee for a long time. Thee’s never given us so

-much as a bit o’ paint for the last ten years, and the stable roof won’t

-bear an owl on it. (_Goes up c. with Purtwee._)

-

-Allen, (_r. near settle._) Thee might show Mr. Purtwee the barn floor

-while thee’s about it, mother. It be more like an earthquake than a

-floor.

-

-Mrs. R. Oh, I be a going to show him more than he wants to see, don’t

-thee worrit. (_Aside to Mr. Purtwee at door c._) Ah, they’d make a

-pretty couple, wouldn’t they?

-

-Mr. P. (_Looking at them._) No, no, we must make ’em one.

-

-(_Exit Mrs. Rollitt and Mr. Purtwee c. door._)

-

-Allen. (_After a pause, r.c._) Well I’ve got thee the cow, anyhow, and

-it’s a beauty.

-

-Deb. (_At tire in a tone of severe and offended dignity._) Thank you,

-Mr. Rollitt, it is very kind of you.

-

-Allen. (_After a pause, with exaggerated politeness._) Don’t mention it,

-Miss Deacon--quite a pleasure!

-

-(_Allen crosses to l., whistles--a pause--pretends to take off leggings.

-Puts foot on settle._)

-

-Deb. Thee may bring me over the butter.

-

-Allen. (_Looking up._) Hulloa! come back again! Butter, certainly!

-(_Takes it from chair off l. on staircase, crosses with it, and holds

-it for Deborah while she takes some._) Jolly good butter this week; who

-made it? Thee?

-

-Deb. (_Other side of plate._) Of course I did! I make all the butter

-now, and the cream.

-

-Allen. What, wi’ them little hands. They don’t look big enough to do

-anything but be kissed.

-

-Deb. (_Looking up and smiling._) They can do something else, can’t they?

-

-Allen. Ah! They be like the parson’s, not as soft as they looks. (_Puts

-down butter on the table--pause--during which Deborah proceeds with her

-cooking, and Allen stands watching her._) What a jolly little farmer’s

-wife thee’d make.

-

-Deb. Yes; I only want the jolly little farmer.

-

-Allen. Ah, thee won’t find many of that sort about. Farming don’t pay

-enough for a man to get jolly on, now-a-days.

-

-Deb. Oh, we have enough to eat and drink, and a little to spend on

-foolishness. You want so much.

-

-Allen. (_Goes l._) Not more than what a many has. Not more than a little

-bit of what this young Hanning-ford is coming back to--enough to let

-a man see what the world’s like a bit, instead of being cooped oop all

-one’s life, like an old cow, in one corner of it.

-

-Deb. But you can’t live all over it, and one corner must be much as good

-as another.

-

-Allen. (_Crosses r._) Ah, thee don’t understand it, lass. Thee women

-folk can stand day arter day the same, but we lads are restless wi’ it.

-We feel as there’s summat big and stirring going on somewhere, and

-we long to be among it--to be in the great world. It seems to call to

-me--(_puts foot on settle L._)--to come to it, sometimes. I hear it of

-a night when I’m watching the sheep on the hill fields. Maybe it’s only

-the sea breaking on the rocks down by Glenthorn--or the wind among the

-old oaks, but it sounds like a distant far-off voice--(_gets l. of table

-R. with back to Deborah_)--calling to me, and it rings and echoes in

-my ears, till I feel at times that I must start up then and there and

-follow it. (_Deborah r. of table r. Allen l. of table r._)

-

-Deb. (_Very gravely, laying her hand on his arm._) Allen, lad, don’t you

-remember reading one evening to us of the sirens, who in the old days

-used to haunt the sea caves, and sing so sweetly that the sailors who

-once paused to listen, were lured on and on till they were wrecked among

-the cruel rocks? May not the voices that you hear be like the singing of

-those sirens?

-

-Allen. Maybe, lass; but the sailors couldn’t help but follow when they

-did hear it. (_Sits in chair l. of table R._)

-

-Deb. (_After a pause._) What be the matter, Allen? Thee used to be

-contented enough. Now thee’s always talking about riches, and wanting to

-go away from the dear old farm. Somethin’s come over thee, lad. (_Puts

-hand on Allen’s shoulder._)

-

-Allen. No, I wur allus like an old crow--(_Deborah takes her hand

-away_)--sitting on a fence, and looking at summat too far off to see.

-But thee be right partly, lass. Summat has come over me, and made me

-want what I can’t get more than ever now.

-

-Deb. (_Very kindly, r._) What be it? (_With elbows leaning on table,

-R._)

-

-Allen. (_Rises, goes l. c._) Well, I be in love, lass. (_Still looking

-away from her._)

-

-Deb. (_After a pause, during which she has smiled to herself with a

-happy little sigh, and clasped her hands together in a sort of little

-joyful ecstacy, unnoticed by Allen._) In love!

-

-Allen. I fancy it must be that. I think of her all day and I dream of

-her all night, and I’m jolly miserable. (_At settle, R._)

-

-Deb. (_Demurely._) Have you any reason to suppose that she returns your

-affection?

-

-Allen. I don’t know, her’s never said anything.

-

-Deb. Have you?

-

-Allen. Me! No, I haven’t said anything.

-

-Deb. Most extraordinary that she doesn’t propose. Have you given her any

-encouragement? (_Leans against settle R._)

-

-Allen. Noa--I can’t say as I have, much. (_Goes r.c._) I’ve looked at

-her, you know--soft like--and sighed. (_Does so._) But her’s mostly

-been looking t’other way and an’t seen it, and as for saying anything to

-her--well, I can talk to her all right about other things and joke and

-laugh wi’ her, but the moment I goes to say I love her--it--it seems as

-if I’d got a hot potato stuck in my throat. (_Speaking as if she

-had, turns away to l. corner of r.table, back to Deborah. His manner

-throughout this scene carries out the idea that it is Deborah he is in

-love with._)

-

-Deb. (_After a pause, with a coquettish smile to herself._)

-

-I--I can’t do anything to help thee, I suppose? (_Goes and leans against

-settle R._)

-

-Allen. Do thee think as her could care for a mere common farmer,

-Deborah?

-

-Deb. (_Turning and looking at him earnestly--comes to front of table

-R._) Well--I think if he were a good farmer, and pleaded very hard, I--

-

-Allen. (_Delighted._) No, lass! Do ’ee really think a girl could?

-(_Advancing to her._)

-

-Deb. (_Putting her hand to stop him with dignity._) A girl

-might--though, of course, a superior sort of girl, such as she appears

-to be, might think it presumption for--(_turns away r.puts hand on

-corner of table R._)

-

-Allen. (_Depressed._) Yes--I’m afraid her would. (_Turns away l._)

-

-Deb. (_Eagerly turning around again._) Then, of course, she mightn’t.

-You never can tell till you try. (_Goes to fireplace r. Fish is

-changed._)

-

-Allen. (_Scratching his head._) Blest if I know how to go about it! I

-say, Deb, you’ve been proposed to, how do they begin?

-

-Deb. (_Bending over fire._) Don’t thee think thee’d better tell me who

-it is and let me ask her for thee? (_Looking slyly round, pauses._) Who

-be her, Allen?

-

-Allen. (_Going up to window R.c._) Ah, I expect thee knows who her be!

-

-Deb. (_Beginning softly to creep toward him._) How should I when thee’s

-never told me? What be her name? (_Close to him, his back is still

-towards her and he doesn’t see her._) Eh?

-

-Allen. (_Without turning, looking out of the back window up R.c._)

-Clara. (_Music cue._)

-

-(_Bus. Deb. stands still--for the first moment she hardly comprehends.

-Then she understands, and stands staring straight before her with a wild

-scared look--shivers, crosses back to fireplace on tip-toe and bends

-down over it attending to the fish--after Deb. sobs Allen comes down

-c.--music dies away._)

-

-Allen. (_Half turning round._) Colonel Dexter’s daughter, you know.

-Thee’ve seen her. Her wur at the Barnstaple ball and I danced wi’ her

-and thee said how beautiful her wur and that her dress was all made o’

-some’at or other, and you--(_he has gradually come close over to her

-r._) What be the matter, Deb?

-

-Deb. (_In a changed, hard tone, bending more intently than ever over her

-cooking._) Nothing--Nothing.

-

-Allen. (_Taking her hand._) Why, thee be quite cold, lass; be thee ill?

-

-Deb. (_Snatching her hand away._) No, no, there’s nothing the matter

-with me. Don’t be so foolish, don’t don’t.

-

-Allen. (_Surprised._) I say, Deb, have I said anything I oughtn’t to?

-I know I’m allus a-doing it. (_A pause--Allen stands looking at her,

-troubled and bewildered--Deb. bends closer over the fire--then takes the

-pan off the fire and with it in her hand turns to Allen smiling._)

-

-Deb. (_Gives dish to Allen._) Yes, thee have--talking to a cook at the

-very moment the trout is on the turn. (_Puts trout on dish._) Serve thee

-right if I’d spoilt it.

-

-Allen. Lor’, thee quite frightened me! (_Pauses._) Yes--I went up there

-this afternoon. (_Deb. takes dish from Allen, puts it down in front of

-fireplace._)

-

-Deb. (_Arranging fish._) Did you see her?

-

-Allen. Yes, I saw her.

-

-Deb. It doesn’t seem to have made thee any more cheerful. Did thee

-quarrel.

-

-Allen. Us never got a chance. There wur a cousin or summat of the kind

-hanging about all the time--just come over with some chap from America.

-Can’t say as I like un much.

-

-Deb. Thee’d best summon up thy courage and speak quick or thee may lose

-thy turn. (_Allen turns away L._) Go and tell aunt supper’s ready--be

-quick, it’s all spoiling.

-

-Allen. (_Moving quickly towards door l. down stage._) Where shall I find

-her?

-

-Deb. (_Sharply._) How should I know?

-

-Allen. (_Looks around surprised--sotto voce._) How the fire do draw out

-a woman’s temper, to be sure.

-

-(_Exit Allen l., down stage._)

-

-Deb. (_Left alone stands r.a moment without speaking._) What right has

-she to come down here and take him away? She doesn’t love him. Couldn’t

-she have found enough fine gentlemen in London to amuse her? I don’t

-believe she’s a good woman, and I hate her. (_Stamps her foot._) She

-shan’t have him--she--(_bursts into quiet tears and, slipping down on

-ground, buries her face in chair by fire--pause--after a few seconds

-Luke Cranbourne appears in door c. front r., Mike Stratton behind him.

-Luke pauses on threshold and coughs. Deb. hastily rises, trying to hide

-her tears and stands r. Luke comes forward slowly, followed by Mike at

-some distance._)

-

-Luke. (_After pause, coming forward r.c._) I--beg pardon--there was

-nobody about. Are Mrs. Rollitt and Mr. Rollitt at home?

-

-Deb. Yes, they are at home. I will go and find them. (_Crosses to l._)

-Who shall I say it is?

-

-Luke. (_r.c._) Ah, thank you very much, my dear. Would you say Mr.

-Cranbourne--Mr. Luke Cranbourne and Mr. Richard Hanningford?

-

-Deb. (_Amazed._) Dick Hanningford!

-

-Luke. (_Smiling._) You know the name?

-

-Deb. Old Mr. Hanningford’s son? Why, we were only speaking of him

-just this instant, and wondering when he’d come back. (_To Luke

-hesitatingly._) Are--are you--

-

-Luke. No--this is Mr. Hanningford. (_Turns to Mike, who stands awkward

-and shy l.c. looking at the ground._) Did you know him? (_Laughs._)

-

-Deb. Oh, I’m Miss Deacon--Miss Deborah Deacon. We were school-fellows,

-you know. (_Timidly approaching Mike with outstretched hand._) I am very

-glad to see you Mr.--Mr. Hanningford.

-

-Mike. Thank you, Miss--I’m very pleased to see you.

-

-Luke. (_Sitting r._) I suppose you hardly recognize our friend?

-(_Watches her intently without her noticing it. Mike has turned away

-again, and looks down, flicking leg with cane._)

-

-Deb. (_Hesitating._) Um! (_Laughs._) Well, he’s certainly altered

-since we used to go to school together. But yes--(_examining his

-face_)--there’s something of the old face left, I think.

-

-Luke. We only arrived from America last night, traveling hard all the

-time. Pretty nearly worked me to death. Dick has--(_with a yawn_)--but

-there, I suppose I should have hurried up pretty smart myself if I’d

-been coming home to a fortune.

-

-Deb. You are staying in the village then, I suppose?

-

-Luke. Yes, we’ve put up at Colonel Dexter’s--my uncle’s--slow place.

-(_Laughing._) But better than the inn apparently.

-

-Deb. Oh. then you are the--Miss Dexter’s cousin that Allen--(_pauses

-hesitating_)--was--was speaking of?

-

-Luke. Oh, the young fellow that was there this afternoon--was that

-Allen? (_With a would-be playful laugh._) And who’s Allen, eh?

-

-Deb. (_A little stiffly._) Allen is Mr. Rollitt.

-

-Luke. Oh, I wish I’d known that this afternoon. Dick’s been dying to see

-him and his mother all day. I wanted him to wait till the morning, but

-he would come down to-night.

-

-Deb. Oh, I’m sure Allen and Aunt will both be delighted. (_Approaching

-Mike, who still stands aside and looks down._) Won’t you be seated,

-Mr. Hanningford? (_He makes no sign--hesitatingly._) Dick. (_Mike still

-takes no notice. Luke has risen and crossed with assumed carelessness,

-towards him and nozu from opposite side of him to Deborah gives him a

-sharp kick. Mike starts and looks up._),

-

-Luke. (_Turning away carelessly._) Lost in reveries of old scenes, Dick,

-eh? Miss Deacon is asking you if you won’t sit down.

-

-Mike. (_Sitting L.c._) Oh, I beg your pardon, Miss, I’m sure. Oh, thank

-you, I will.

-

-Deb. (_Going._) I shan’t be a minute. They are only somewhere about the

-yard.

-

-(_Exit Deborah c. door l. down stage. Luke goes to door, looks off,

-closes door, then goes up to door c., looks off, then closes it. Comes

-r. of Mike, who is l.c._)

-

-Luke. (_After waiting an instant, and making sure that no one is

-about._) Try and keep some of your wits about you, Mike--if you don’t

-mind.

-

-Mike. (_Sulkily._) I don’t see the darned good of this part of the

-trick, so I tell you.

-

-Luke. I’m afraid we shall have a rough time if your memory doesn’t

-improve. I’ve explained to you at least half-a-dozen times that it was

-as a sort of trial canter that I wanted to come here. If anyone in

-Devon can tell who is Dick Hanningford and who isn’t it will be these

-Rollitts. If you pass here you pass anywhere.

-

-Mike. Well, it’s the very place I should have avoided, and for the same

-reason. The old woman knew Dick Hanningford as well as she knows her own

-son, and I’d rather avoid her.

-

-Luke, (_r._) You’re bound to meet her sooner or later. Better get

-it over and know the worst--or the best. (_Turns away r. a little._)

-Sixteen years make it a little difficult to tell a man, especially

-between the age of nine and twenty-five, and you’re like him enough, and

-always were.

-

-Mike. And suppose she gets asking questions--do I remember this, do I

-remember that--you know what old women are.

-

-Luke. Well, you can’t be expected to remember all the details of your

-pinafore days after all this time, and knocking about as you have been.

-You know all that is necessary for you to know. You knew the old man,

-and you were in the house, and you knew young Hanningford. Besides, you

-needn’t recollect anything yourself. You recollect what other people

-recollect, that’s all you’re wanted to do.

-

-Mike. (_Rising._) I hope we don’t make a mess of it! (_Turns L._)

-

-Luke. (_Crossing and laying his hand on Mike’s shoulder, turns him

-to c._) We shan’t make a mess of it--don’t you. You know what it’s

-for--£100,000 apiece. I’ve done my share of the job--you do yours.

-(_Turns r.a little._)

-

-Mike. (_Turning round and facing him._) Are you sure you did your share?

-

-Luke, (_l._) What do you mean? (_Turns c._)

-

-Mike, (_r._) Are you sure he was dead?

-

-Luke. (_After pausing, during which they have looked steadily at each

-other, turning away l._) Well, the bullet went in above his ear,

-because I examined the wound: and his body went over a two hundred-foot

-precipice--that I could also take an affidavit to--only I’d rather not.

-(_Turning round and facing Mike again._) What makes you doubt it?

-

-Mike. I don’t know--nothing. The idea occurred to me, that’s all.

-(_Turns l. a little._)

-

-Luke. Don’t you drink so much and you won’t have so many ideas.

-(_After a pause, during which he seems troubled, shaking it oft with an

-effort._) Have you got the letters with you? It will look well to take

-them out casually while talking. (_Crosses R.; sits on table._)

-

-Mike. (_Who has crossed to L., taking them out of his breast pocket and

-holding them in his hand._) Yes, here they are all right. Bah! (_With

-a shudder._) I always see his face when I look on the darned

-things--I--Mrs. R. (_Without, loudly._) Dick Hanningford--Dick

-Hanningford, my boy! (_Mike drops suddenly in sitting posture on sofa L.

-with a cry “Ah.” Luke works round at back and drops down l._)

-

-(_Enter Mrs. R., excitedly, followed at little distance by Allen and

-Deborah from c. Allen and Deborah remain up. Rachel from door down l._)

-

-Mrs. R. (_Coming down towards Mike._) What, Dick, my boy, where be thee?

-(_Sees Mike on sofa; making towards him._) Ah, there thee be--I thought

-I’d know thee again though thee wur only in knickerbockers when I last

-saw ’ee. Tain’t thy fault thy father wur a bit stingy. Come and gie us

-a hug, lad. Lord love us--(_she is just in font of him, begins to speak

-in a bewildered, hesitating manner, in tones gradually dying away to

-an awed whisper, as she slowly step by step backs from him._) How--how

-you’ve grown--Dick--Dick Hanningford--what--(_stands staring at him; a

-strange awed silence prevails_).

-

-Deb. (_Advancing in a terrified voice._) Aunt.

-

-Mrs. R. (_Motioning her back with her arm, but not turning and speaking

-in a quick, excited, loud tone._) Keep back, child, don’t come near.

-(_Luke is near Mike down c._)

-

-Allen. (_Springing forward._) Mother! What’s the matter?

-

-Mrs. R. (_As before._) The man’s dead.

-

-Luke. (_r. stepping forward._) Dead!

-

-Mr. P. (_Who has entered c. followed by Ichabod and Rachel l. He goes

-quietly up to Mike and lays his hand on his heart, and bends over him

-earnestly, and it is a few seconds before he speaks._) Heart disease, I

-suppose. (_At back of settee l. Gets r.c. of settle._) My letter in his

-hand. (_Gets to back of settle._) It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any

-good. (_Turns and feels Mike’s heart once again, then quietly turns away

-to Allen. Comes c._) He stood between you and £200,000. You are now old

-Hanningford’s heir!

-

-Allen. I!

-

-Mrs. R. Allen!

-

-Luke. (_To corpse of Mike--aside as he crosses to back._) Curse you!

-

-

-MEDIUM CURTAIN.

-

-

-

-

-ACT II.

-

-Scene: _Morning room in a handsome flat--a showily furnished

-room--rather ostentatious and loud in its decoration and appointments.

-Large table in bay window r.upper corner. Fire-place r.Doors at back

-l.c. and two in l. wing. Small tables r.and L.. Easy chairs l. and R._

-

-_Breakfast is laid on large table--it is a gorgeously laid meal--silver

-and plate in profusion, and a great number of dishes--tea urn and coffee

-urn--a boiling kettle--flowers and ferns in vases and stands. One, a

-large wavy one, is at left edge of table close to Allen. The table in

-short is crowded and showy to the last degree. A magnificent footman in

-gorgeous livery is standing behind; and Mr. Piffin in solemn black waits

-close to Allen’s chair, a dish in his hand. Allen is discovered sitting

-l. of table, and eating his breakfast in a most melancholy fashion. He

-looks intensely miserable and awed. The terrible solemnity of the

-whole affair has depressed his spirits to their lowest ebb. He glances

-nervously now and then as the meal proceeds, from the footman to the

-valet, and vice versa, as they silently and with much ceremony walk

-about and wait on him. The fern by his side keeps getting in his

-way, tickling and irritating him, but he dare not move it. He eats

-in silence, and when he does speak, does so in a humble, deprecating,

-nervous manner. He is dressed in a loose morning costume. Music to open

-Act._

-

-Piff. (_Standing by Allen’s l. elbow c. Peters r. of table R._) May I

-get you a little pâté de foie gras, sir?

-

-Allen. (_Looking round, and speaking in a hushed voice._) I beg pardon?

-

-Piff. A little pâté de foie gras, sir.

-

-Allen. Patty who?

-

-Piff. Goose’s liver, sir. I think you will like it.

-

-Allen. No, thanks; I never eats liver. It don’t agree with me. I will

-have a bit o’ the bacon though.

-

-Piff. No, sir; it is not dressed that way, sir. I would get used to it

-if I were you, sir. You will so often come across it. Peters, just pass

-your master the pâté de foie gras.

-

-(_Peters goes to do so. Allen who has turned again towards his breakfast

-is about to take up some gravy from his plate with his knife_).

-

-Piff. (_Checks him._) I wouldn’t lap up the gravy with my knife, sir. I

-don’t think. It’s never done now in good society, sir.

-

-Allen. It--it’s the best part of it, you know, I alius thinks--the gravy

-

-Piff. Yes, it’s very tasty, sir. It’s unfortunate it’s so sloppy; and

-you see, sir, eating it in that way does not show off the figure to

-advantage. Peters, remove your master’s plate.

-

-(_Peters does so, placing it a few feet beyond Allen’s left hand. Allen

-watches it with jealous eyes. Peters then holds the pâté de foie gras to

-Allen. He slowly runs his eye up Peters with awe, and then looks at the

-pâté de foie gras, then using one hand attempts to take it. Peters,

-not moving a muscle, holds it tight. Allen seems surprised, and partly

-rising, attempts to take it with both hands._)

-

-Piff. (_Coming to his rescue, cutting a piece, and putting it on his

-plate._) Allow me, sir. Peters, the brown bread and butter.

-

-Pet. (_Looking for it._) It is not on the table, sir.

-

-Piff. No brown bread and butter; dear me, how remiss!

-

-(_Crosses l. and rings bell. Peters also crosses l.c. door, Allen looks

-cautiously round and sees they are not watching him, and stealthily

-reaches over and secures a knifeful of gravy. He is about having a

-second and has the knife close to his mouth, when he becomes aware that

-Piff has returned and is watching him. He tries to hide the knife out

-of sight. Peters has returned with bread and butter._)

-

-Piff. (_Severely._) Peters, remove your master’s knife. Don’t you see

-that it is in his way?

-

-(_Peters does so, and then holds the bread and butter to Allen, who

-takes a thin slice, folds it up, and holds it in his left hand while

-taking the pâté on a fork in his right. He puts first the pâté and then

-the bread and butter into his mouth and swallows them._)

-

-Piff. I must apologize for serving you your breakfast in here, sir. Of

-course, you will not have it in the drawing-room as a rule.

-

-Allen. No, a’ coorse not. No; us alius used to have it in the kitchen at

-home.

-

-Piff. Yes, sir. Must have been very convenient. But I think I’ll get

-you to put up with the breakfast parlour in future, sir--when the room’s

-ready. Have you quite finished, sir?

-

-Allen. (_Humbly suggesting._) I think I’d like a little more o’ that

-pie. (_Looking longingly at pie the other side of table._) You see, I

-alius wur a hearty eater. (_Said as apology_).

-

-Piff. Yes, sir, I’m delighted to hear it, sir; but I wouldn’t eat any

-more breakfast, sir. You will find it is considered correct among _bons

-vivants_ to eat a very sparse dejeuner. My late lamented master, the

-Count de Fizziani, never partook of anything but a cup of weak tea and a

-little dry toast, and he was one of the oldest families in Europe.

-

-(_Allen rises, Peters bows as he does so, and Allen returns the bow and

-comes dozen R._)

-

-Allen. Ah, I shouldn’t ’a’ thought as anyone could ‘a’ lived long on

-that. (_He bows_).

-

-Piff. No necessity to bow, sir.

-

-Allen. He did it. (_Indicating Peters_).

-

-Piff. He’s paid for it.

-

-Allen. I allus seem to want a good feed myself in the morning. (_Takes

-out an old clay pipe and prepares to fill it. Goes down r. and sits in

-chair. Peters is clearing away the breakfast things_).

-

-Piff. Are you thinking of smoking, sir?

-

-Allen. Yes; I allus has a whiff or two arter breakfast.

-

-Piff. It’s very soothing, sir. My late lamented master, the Count de

-Fizziani, used to follow precisely the same course. But I wouldn’t smoke

-a pipe, sir. Pipes are going out in good society. (_Takes cigarette case

-from pocket and offers it to Allen. Takes pipe from Allen and puts it on

-corner of table R.c._) I have some cigarettes here, sir, which I think

-you will like, sir. These are much more _comme il faut_, sir. This case

-is a present from my late lamented master, the Count.

-

-(_Allen looks at them and gingerly takes one._)

-

-Allen. Which end?

-

-Piff. (_Lighting match._) Either end, sir. Allow me. (_Showing

-matchbox._) Another little souvenir from my late master. He was always

-acknowledging, if I may say so, my value to him. That sort of thing

-is always done in good society now. (_Lights cigarette._) It is a full

-flavored one, sir. (_Piffin takes Allen’s pipe from table r.c., crossing

-with it to window r._)

-

-Allen. (_Watching him, anxiously._) Don’t hurt him.

-

-Piff. (_Turning round._) I was just going to put it outside on the

-window-sill, sir.

-

-Allen. No, don’t put him there. We used to sit up together of a night

-watching the sheep. I don’t like the thought of putting him outside the

-window, now I’m a gentleman. Drop him in the pocket of that old shooting

-coat o’ mine that thee won’t let me wear. They know each other. (_Sits

-r.and smokes his cigarette. Piff. puts the pipe on table and returns

-r.c._)

-

-Piff. (_Noticing that Allen is looking at his cigarette._) All right,

-sir? (_r._)

-

-Allen. Yes--yes, thank you, Mr. Puffin--

-

-Piff. Piffin, sir.

-

-Allen. I wur looking to see if it wur alight, that’s all.

-

-Piff. You will soon get to like them, sir. And whenever you are ready to

-dress, sir--

-

-Allen. (_Surprised._) Dress? Why, I be dressed, bain’t I?

-

-Piff. Oh, only for breakfast, you see, sir. I understood you were going

-out walking, sir.

-

-Allen. Why can’t I walk in these?

-

-Piff. Oh, no, sir--all London would laugh at you.

-

-Allen. Lord! I should never a’ thought as they’d take so much notice.

-(_Rising. Piff. crosses to l. near down stage door._) Ah, well, I’ll

-dress. (_Crossing l._) I don’t want to upset London if I can help it.

-I’ll dress. (_Exit l. Bows to Piffin as Piffin does so to him_).

-

-Piff. No necessity to bow, sir. (_Aside._) Ah, I’ve got a big job on

-here!

-

-(_Exit Piffin, following Allen l. Piffin immediately returns, having

-forgotten the pipe, which he takes. He is recrossing l. as enter Dexter

-and Clara, c., preceded by Peters, who takes tray from table R.c. and

-exits up L._)

-

-And I’ve got to live in the house with this.

-

-(_Dexter goes c., Clara r. at back._)

-

-Dex. (_Coming down._) Good-morning, Piffin, goodmorning. Having a quiet

-whiff?

-

-Piff. Thank you, sir. My stomach does not permit my indulging in the

-luxury of a cutty pipe.

-

-Dex. Is Mr. Rollitt about?

-

-Piff. He has just this minute gone upstairs to dress, sir. I will let

-him know you are here, sir.

-

-Dex. No hurry--no hurry at all, Piffin. We are before our time. You are

-not looking well, Piffin.

-

-Piff. Anxiety, sir. May be anxiety. You see Mr. Rollitt’s unacquaintance

-with the manners of the _beaux esprits_ throws much responsibility on

-myself.

-

-Dex. But you must be careful, Piffin. What would he do without you?

-

-Piff. (_Smiling._) Well, I’m afraid he would be a little up a tree, sir,

-if I may be permitted a vulgarism. (_Moving to door l._) I will go and

-acquaint him with your arrival, sir. (_Takes plate from table l., puts

-pipe on it._) I’ll send him to you directly, sir. (_Smells pipe._) Shag!

-(_Exit l.l._)

-

-Dex. Thank you, Mr. Piffin, thank you. (_Turning round._) Always be

-affable with your inferiors--never know when you may want ‘em.

-

-Clara. (_By window, looking out._) Do you come across many of that sort?

-(_Comes down r. of table R._)

-

-Dex. Ah, you beast--you vixen. I wonder you don’t cut yourself with that

-tongue of yours.

-

-Clara. (_Turning round with a hard laugh. At fireplace R._) It must be

-pretty sharp if it goes through your skin.

-

-Dex. Ah, you damned--

-

-(_Enter Allen l. He has on slippers and a smoking coat_).

-

-Allen. (_Crossing._) Don’t ’ee look at us too closely. I bean’t

-properly dressed yet.

-

-Clara. (_r.c. turns head away._) I don’t think we had better look at you

-at all under those circumstances, Mr. Rollitt. (_Laughs._)

-

-Allen. (_Laughs._) Oh, I be covered up all right everywhere. I merely

-meant as I wasn’t up to fashion plate standard. (_Crossing c._) And how

-be Colonel Dexter? (_Shaking hands._)

-

-Dex. (_l._) Jolly, my boy--and how’s yourself?

-

-Allen, (_c._) Oh, I be spry enough. (_Crossing before him and shaking

-hands with Clara, and keeping her hand._) I think us’ll have a pleasant

-day.

-

-Clara, (_r. looking tenderly at him._) I’m sure we shall. (_Crosses to

-sofa, stands at head of it._)

-

-Dex. Well, you young folks will, I know, and the old folks will be happy

-looking on. (_Sitting, and taking Clara’s hand in his and fondling it.

-Allen crosses r._) To see his little girl happy, that’s always happiness

-enough for old Jack Dexter.

-

-Clara. (_Leaning over and kissing the top of his hand._) Silly old dad.

-

-Dex. (_Taking out his handkerchief and pretending to weep._) Ah, like

-her mother--like her mother.

-

-Allen, (_r. c., laughs nervously._) Her--her mother must ha’ been rare

-beautiful, mustn’t her?

-

-Dex. (_c. rising and taking Allen by the hand._) Thank you,--ah, Mr.

-Rollitt, you have never known the blessing of a wife--(_Clara looks at

-him_)--you do not understand the feelings of a widower. (_Weeping._)

-

-Allen. No--but--(_laughing_)--but--I hopes to one day; no--no--I don’t

-mean that--I--(_confused_)--Have thee had breakfast? (_Clara sits on the

-soft L._)

-

-Dex. Yes, thank you, Allen, my boy.

-

-Allen. (_Cheerfully._) Have another.

-

-Dex. No thanks, not to-day.

-

-Allen. What’s the matter? Off thee feed?

-

-Dex. No, my lad, but we old folks ain’t like you young country

-ones--nothing at present thank you--(_pauses_)--to eat.

-

-Allen. Have summat to drink. (_Clara crosses l. Both men laugh, each in

-his own distinctive way. Dex. turns l. and catches Clara’s face._)

-There be some rare old whiskey in the library. Thee’ll find it on the

-sideboard--(_Dex. goes up c._)--and it be more comfortable like in there

-than here. I’ll just go and finish making myself beautiful. (_Crosses to

-l._)

-

-Clara. Don’t be too long. (_Crossing and sitting L.c._)

-

-Allen. (_Laughing._) No, it oughtn’t to take me long to--(_Dex. has his

-back to them, wine business at table r.c._)--do that, ought it? (_Goes

-to l. door down stage. Laughs, and then low to Clara as he is going._) I

-am not likely to stop upstairs long when I know thee’s downstairs.

-

-Clara. Go away, go away.

-

-(_Exit Allen down stage l. Bus. She kisses her hand._)

-

-Dex. And I suppose you will go and throw this chance away, like you have

-every other.

-

-Clara. Well, what if I do? (_Rises, crosses it._)

-

-Dex. What if you do? What are we to live on? (_Goes to Clara l._)

-

-Clara. Gulls, I suppose--as we always have done.

-

-Dex. Yes, and is it pleasant living? Is it pleasant to have to slave

-and trick for every dinner? Is it pleasant to be kicked--sooner or

-later--out of every society one goes into? (_Coming close and speaking

-low._) Was it pleasant to be buried for two years in that God-forsaken

-hole by Exmoor, not daring to show our heads above ground for a moment?

-You’ve got a fine chance of being respectable now.

-

-Clara. Too late, I’m afraid, though.

-

-Dex. (_r. c._) Too late?

-

-Clara. Yes--you see, papa, dear, you haven’t exactly brought me up

-in that way, and I’m afraid I’m too old to learn now. I don’t think I

-should be quite at home as the wife of a piously brought up young man

-from the country. (_Leans back--laughs._)

-

-Dex. And so you’re going to let six thousand a year slip through your

-fingers. It’s wicked--it’s wicked.

-

-Clara. (_Laughs--rises._) Well, it hasn’t slipped through my fingers

-just at present, it is sticking to them pretty freely. (_Crosses to

-R.--Dex is c.--toys with ring._)

-

-Dex. (_Goes to table r.c._) And how long do you think he will stand you

-playing with him?

-

-Clara. Oh, a good long while yet. (_Goes up._)

-

-Dex. (_Puts hat on table r.c._) That’s just where you’re making a

-mistake then. He’s not a fool. He’ll want an answer, “Yes,” or “No,”

- soon, and what are you going to say then?

-

-Clara. (_Looking out of window._) No. (_Looking into fireplace r._)

-

-Dex. (_After a pause--violently._) Luke Cranbourne’s at the bottom

-of this. What devil’s game is it that’s going on between you and him?

-(_Loudly._)

-

-Clara. I do wish you wouldn’t drink when you’re coming out anywhere, it

-always makes you so noisy. (_At glass._)

-

-Dex. (_Violently._) Take care, Clara--you seem to forget I’m your

-father.

-

-Clara. (_Coldly._) The relationship was none of my seeking.

-Whatever responsibility attaches to the unfortunate--(_moves near

-Dex._)--occurrence is not mine.

-

-Dex. (_l. making movement as if to strike her._) Clara.

-

-Clara. (_Facing him with quiet contempt--a pause._) Put down your hands,

-father. That period of my life is over. (_Crosses. Dex. steps back, then

-throws himself into chair, leans his head on his arms, and bursts into

-tears r.c._)

-

-Dex. (_Crying._) My own child hates me.

-

-Clara. (_Crossing and laying a hand on his shoulder gently._) I don’t

-mean to be hard, father, but you can’t expect much love and duty from

-me. Curses and blows were all you ever gave me as a child, and ever

-since I became a woman you have merely hawked me about as your decoy.

-

-Dex. (_ Whimpering._) I only want you to do what’s for your own good.

-

-Clara. (_Turns away L._) Yes, but you must allow me to be the judge of

-that--and come--you haven’t had much cause to grumble up to now. You’ve

-been able to be drunk every night for the last three months.

-

-Dex. (_Rises c._) I ain’t been drunk. (_Takes hat off table r. c._)

-

-Clara. Not for you perhaps--(_goes l. a little_)--drunk in the ordinary

-sense of the word--and I will get you something to-day if I can.

-

-Dex. (_Drying his eyes._) God bless you, Clara, you’re a good girl. Do

-you think you’ll be able to get a twenty?

-

-Clara. You must leave it to me. I’ll get you as much as I can.

-

-Allen. (_Off l._) Thank you, Mr. Puffin.

-

-Piff. (_Off l._) Piffin, Piffin, sir.

-

-Clara. (_Moving away towards door--upper l._) Come into the next room

-now. Here’s Allen coming back.

-

-Dex. (_As he follows her out._) Say you want to help a poor woman who’s

-very ill, and has been ordered nourishing food and--(_gags._)

-

-(_Exeunt Clara and Dex. upper l._)

-

-(_Enter Allen and Piff. l. Allen is completely dressed in the height of

-walking costume, and is evidently very uncomfortable. Enter Peters c.

-Pet. puts photo case on table r. c. Exits down c. Allen has on hat and

-coat, and Piff. is carrying his umbrella and gloves. Allen should be got

-up in a slightly exaggerated masher style. He is smoking a cigarette._)

-

-Allen. I carn’t breathe, Mr. Puffin.

-

-Piff. Oh, you will soon get used to that, sir. And would you please to

-remember my name is Piffin, sir? (_Taking his hand._) Why, surely these

-are nines, sir, I think we could get them down to eight and a half, and

-if I were you, sir, I would show a little more cuff, sir, it’s always

-done in good society, sir; besides, it makes the hand look smaller; a

-little cuff, sir, goes a long way in good society.

-

-Allen. Thank you, Mr. Piffin. (_Shakes his hand._)

-

-Piff. Thank you, sir, but I don’t think you ought to shake hands with

-me, sir. And when you do shake hands with your friends, sir--allow me

-(_takes Allen’s hand_) shake high, sir. (_Shakes his hand high._) You’ll

-see it’s always done in good society, sir. Lord Carmichael’s man told me

-he met you yesterday, sir.

-

-Allen. I--I don’t know him, do I?

-

-Piff. Oh, no, sir, but he knows you, sir, and he was rather complaining

-of your walk, sir?

-

-Allen. Why, what’s it got to do with him?

-

-Piff. Well, sir, knowing as I’m your coach, sir, he meant it as a

-friendly hint. You have rather a countrified walk, if you will forgive

-me for saying so--a more _négligé_ style is adopted by the _savoir

-vivre_ now, sir, and a more _insouciant_ manner of carrying the

-umbrella. You walk too much in this way, sir. (_Taking up umbrella,

-gags, and imitates._)

-

-Allen. Lord love us, do I walk like that?

-

-Piff. Just like that, sir. You see yourself, sir, what a very

-_undestingué_ appearance it presents. The present fashionable style is

-more like this, sir. (_Performing an exaggerated Piccadilly dawdle._)

-See, sir--body a little forward--knees stiff--and a slight wobble,

-sir--very slight. (_Handing Allen the umbrella._) Perhaps, sir, you

-would take the umbrella and try it, sir.

-

-(_Allen attempts the business._)

-

-Piff. (_Criticising Allen’s practice. Allen crosses to R._) A little

-more bend, sir--a little wobble, sir--umbrella held lightly between

-the first and second fingers, sir, (_Allen goes l._) and if you could

-manage--allow me, sir--. (_takes umbrella, shows him, and returns it_)

-to swing it right round now and then, sir, it adds great _aplomb_.

-

-Allen. Great what?

-

-Piff. French, sir.

-

-Allen. (_Swings umbrella round awkwardly._) Like that?

-

-Piff. Not quite like that, sir. A little more airily, sir.

-

-Allen. (_Swinging it._) Does it ever put anybody’s eye out behind?

-

-Piff. I don’t think that point is considered of much importance in good

-society, sir--that is much better, sir. (_Goes r.Allen l._) If you

-would practice like that a little every day, sir, you would soon pick it

-up, sir. A little more bend, sir, and--er--don’t forget the wobble.

-

-(_Exit l. down stage._)

-

-(_Allen goes on practicing to himself, making as much fun as possible,

-consistent with comedy, out of the bus. As he is in the middle of it,

-enter Mrs. R.and Deb. door c., the door being opened for them by Peters.

-They stand c. staring aghast at Allen, who continues, unconscious of

-their presence._)

-

-Allen. (_Gags._) Soon pick it up! Strikes me someone’ll have to pick me

-up. It puts me in mind of one of our old turkey cocks.

-

-(_Mrs. R. and Deb. come down stage a little._)

-

-Allen. (_Bus. in r. corner of stage. Peters withdraws, grinning._)

-

-Deb. (_After a long pause, clapping her hands._) I know what it is,

-aunt. It’s our Allen.

-

-Allen. (_Seeing them._) Mother! (_Comes down r.c. Deb. l. c._)

-

-Mrs. R. My boy! (_They rush into each other’s arms c. and Mrs. R. gives

-him a huge hug--gets r.of Allen, Deb. l. Then he and Deb. have an

-embrace, and then he and Mrs. R. for the second time._)

-

-Allen. (_In the middle of Mrs. R. second hug._) Hold hard!

-

-Mrs. R. (_Alarmed._) What’s the matter, lad?

-

-Allen. Summat’s gone.

-

-Mrs. R. What?

-

-Allen. I don’t know; summat behind. (_Drawing back r. and looking down

-at himself._) Mother, you’ve spoilt me.

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, they used to tell me I allus did that, lad. (_Laughs._)

-

-Deb. (_After gazing in silent admiration at Allen._) Oh, aunt, isn’t it

-lovely? Look at its hat!

-

-Mrs. R. (_Critically examining his clothes._) Ah--and there’s some good

-stuff there, too. (_Moving away._)

-

-Deb. (_Going near and sniffing._) Oh, oh! Doesn’t it smell

-nice--and--oh, look at its collar! (_Allen pleased--begins to plume

-himself--Deb. begins to laugh._)

-

-Allen. What’s the matter with the collar--what are you laughing at?

-(_Trying to look at his own collar. Debt’s laugh only grows, and Allen’s

-indignation begins to rise._)

-

-Allen. What’s the matter--what are you laughing at? (_Deb. laughing more

-and more, goes to walk round him. Turning round, so as to face her--his

-collar prevents him turning his head, and he has to walk round._) What

-are you up to?

-

-Deb. I want to see it all round.

-

-Allen. (_Very indignantly._) Well then, you can’t do it. I ain’t a show.

-What are you laughing at? There’s nothing to laugh at. (_Mrs. R. laughs

-first time._) It’s your ignorance, because you don’t understand things.

-What are you laughing at?

-

-(_Mrs. R., who has hitherto sat R. looking on, now also begins to laugh,

-and she and Deb. go on laughing more and more, Allen growing more and

-more indignant._)

-

-Allen. I am surprised at you, mother. Deb. allus was a--(_the two women

-only laugh louder, and Allen in spite of himself begins to laugh too;

-afterwards he joins in heartily and all three laugh, after which they

-have another hug. Bus._)

-

-Mrs. R. (_Exhausted._) Well, lad, and how dost thee like being a

-gentleman? (_Sits r., Deb. sits l._)

-

-Allen, (_c. doubtfully._) Well, it’s got its drawbacks, mother. There’s

-more work about it than you’d think for, you know,--but I think I shall

-be all right, I’ve got a good man learning me. He wur teaching me to

-walk this morning. That wus the Park stroll I wur practicing when you

-come in; see, mother? (_Imitates stroll._)

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, well, us made a good man of ’ee down in Devon. I hopes

-they don’t spoil ’ee, lad, in turning thee into a gentleman.

-

-Allen. Ah, no, mother. It’s only a polishing up the outside. I’m old

-Exmoor oak--(_puts his hat and umbrella on table r. c._)--I hope, right

-through, and they can’t hurt that. When did ’ee come up? (_Sits r.

-c._)

-

-Mrs. R. Only yesterday, and us went to Mrs. Clouter’s and slept, and

-then us come on here this morning.

-

-Allen. And how long can you stop?

-

-Mrs. R. Well, us must start off to-morrow, some time.

-

-Allen. To-morrow! Oh, nonsense, mother.

-

-Mrs. R. Nonsense! Why, bless the lad, thee wouldn’t have me away on

-Saturday. Why, who’d pay the wages, and see to everything?

-

-Allen. Why, there’s Rogers there, ain’t there?

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, why thee might just as well leave the key of the stable in

-charge o’ the old bay mare, as trust him to look arter anything, except

-his own inside.

-

-Allen. (_After a pause._) Mother! (_Rises, goes to Mrs. R. r._) What do

-ye want to go back at all for, and work and worry yourself to death? Let

-me take a little house up here in London for thee and Deb, and then we

-can all be together.

-

-Mrs. R. (_Aghast._) And leave the farm?

-

-Deb. (_Turning round._) Oh, Allen!

-

-Allen. Why not? You’ve worked hard enough, mother--give the farm up and

-enjoy yourself.

-

-Mrs. R. Enjoy myself! Away from Woodbarrow

-

-Farm! Why, lad, thy father wur born there and brought me home there--and

-he died there, and thee wur born there--and there be the pigs and the

-poultry! (_Begins to cry._)

-

-Allen. (_Tenderly patting her._) All right, mother, all right. Us’ll

-keep it on.

-

-Mrs. R. (_Wiping her eyes._) And thee might want to come back to it

-theeself some day, lad.

-

-Allen. (_Laughing._) Why, thee don’t think I’m going to run through two

-hundred thousand, do ye, mother? We Devonshire lads win fortunes, not

-lose ‘em. (_Crossing c._)

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, no, lad. But thee knows the saying “Roses blossom for a day,

-But stout old ivy’s green al-way.” Thee ain’t likely to lose the money,

-if thee can help it, lad, but us all be in God’s hands, and I’ll be

-easier in my mind if the farm’s there for thee to come home to. If

-anything happens, thee knows the way across the Moor, and thee knows how

-the latch goes, and me and the lass will be inside to welcome thee.

-

-Allen. (_Goes l. takes Deb.’s hand._) Ah, I know you will, mother, both

-of you.

-

-Mrs. R. (_Music--piano._) Leastways I shall--and the lass until her gets

-married, I suppose. (_Deb. goes up a little; gets r._)

-

-Allen. (_Surprised._) Until her gets married? (_Deb. goes to Mrs. R. r.;

-tries to stop her speaking._)

-

-Mrs. R. (_Sharply._) Ah, the lads ain’t all fools.

-

-Allen. (_Evidently troubled._) I never seemed to think o’ Deb’s getting

-married, somehow.

-

-Mrs. R. Well, other folks have.

-

-Allen. I can’t fancy the old farm wi’out Deb. Lord, how lonesome it

-would be.

-

-Deb. (_Who has been trying to stop Mrs. R., has come down and stands by

-her aunt, l._) Oh, it’s only aunt’s fun. (_Goes to Allen, l. c._) I’m

-not going to get married. Sure the pigs and cows are worrit enough wi’

-their foolish ways. I don’t want any husband.

-

-Allen. Ah, thee will some day, o’ course, and when thee does we must

-make thee comfortable, lass. (_Taking her hand._) Thee shalt ha’ the

-best farm in all the country, and the best dairy, and the best stock.

-

-Deb. (_Little c._) Thank thee, Allen dear. (_Turns up stage._)

-

-Mrs. R. (_Rising; music dies away._) Well, lass, I suppose us had better

-have a clean down and summat to eat, and then see about our bit o’

-shopping.

-

-Allen. Lord help us! (_Starting._) If I ain’t forgot all about ‘em.

-

-Mrs. R. All about whom?

-

-Allen. Why, Clara--Miss Dexter and her father--they be in the library

-waiting for me.

-

-Deb. Oh, don’t let us keep you from them. (_A little spitefully._)

-

-Allen. Oh, I shan’t go out this morning, now. (_Gets hat and umbrella

-from table r.c._) I shall get them to stop here instead, and us can

-have a nice quiet day all together. (_Going towards door, lower l._)

-Come on, mother. (_Crosses to c._) I’ve got a room fitted up a’purpose

-for thee and Deb, with a roost just outside the window with a cock and

-three hens in it, and he crows all night.

-

-(_Exeunt Allen, Deb., and Mrs. R. down stage._)

-

-(_Enter Baron von Schorr (1) and the Hon. Tom. Gus-sett (2), ushered in

-by Peters c. (3). Enter Luke c., and Dexter u. l. (4), afterwards Clara

-(5.) Baron goes down l., Gussett r., Luke r. c., Dexter l. c._)

-

-Dex. (_l._) Rollitt’s going out. You can’t see him. It’s no good your

-coming here to try and fleece him this morning. I tell you he’s going

-out.

-

-Luke. (_Coming down r.c._) Ah, we’ll wait and say good-bye to him,

-Jack.

-

-Baron. (_l. c._) Ah, greedy Jack,--greedy Jack--you want de bird all

-to yourself. Nein--nein, zhare and zhare alike. Herr Cranbourne have a

-ving, Tom Gussett, he have de oder ving. You and your fair daughter have

-de legs, and I vill have de breast.

-

-Clara. No, you shall have the bones after we’ve done with them. Make

-’em into a stew--keep a German baron for a week. (_Others laugh._)

-

-Baron. Ah, Trickey, you here. (_Motioning towards Clara and her

-father._) Ah, de early birds--de early birds.

-

-Clara. Yes, we have to be. (_Rises, and goes r.imitating him._) De

-worms get up so early nowadays. (_Enter Allen lower l. Baron goes to

-meet him. Guss. puts him away and he turns up c. Speaks to Dex._)

-

-Allen. Hullo! Unexpected pleasure!

-

-(_Luke comes forward and greets Allen c._)

-

-Guss. (_r._) Haven’t seen you for an age, dear boy.

-

-Allen. No. (_Goes to Luke r._) I’ve been keeping pretty respectable of

-late--I--I mean, you know, I haven’t been going out much.

-

-Luke, (_l._) Tom and I are going over to Paris for the Vincennes

-meeting, and we’ve come to see if you will join.

-

-Guss. (_l. of Allen r._) Yes, do come; then we can show you about Paris

-a bit, you know.

-

-Luke. Ah, yes, and we shall be able to get you into one or two things

-in the betting line if you are with us. We can introduce you to some

-friends of ours.

-

-Allen. Ah, it be very kind of thee, I’m sure.

-

-(_They go on talking r._)

-

-Baron. (_Aside to the Dexters, back of Clara._) I say, Jack, my boy, how

-long have you been Colonel? I did not know you vas a militaire.

-

-Clara. Papa joined the Salvation Army about the same time that you were

-raised to the German Peerage. Don’t talk so loud, my dear Baron.

-

-Baron. Gut, gut.

-

-(_Luke sits down stage r. with back to audience, looking at betting

-book._)

-

-Guss. (_To Allen r._) Of course we shall take care of your interests as

-if it was for ourselves.

-

-Baron. (_Comes and puts arm in Allen’s._) Of course they vill take care

-ob your interests for themselves. Come here. (_Goes l._) You know I have

-been tinking about you so much ob late. Ja!

-

-Allen. Ah, very kind of thee, I’m sure.

-

-Baron, (_l._) Ja, I say to myself, my fren Rollitt--I always call you my

-fren--my fren Rollitt, I say, he is a gut fellow--he has money--all

-he vants is family. (_Guss. goes to Dex. l. c._) He must marry family.

-(_Dex. goes c. and tries to hear conversation--Baron notices it and

-crosses to r.with Allen._) Now, Miss Dexter, she is a nice girl--ach,

-such a nice girl--but she has no family.

-

-Allen. No--not yet. (_Luke gets near fireplace R._)

-

-Baron, (_r. Seeing it after a while._) Ah, nein, nein--I do not mean vat

-you mean--I mean family de oder vay--backvards--dead uns.

-

-Allen. Oh!

-

-Baron. Ja. Now, dere is my niece, look at her family! Look at her

-ancestors--all barons--German barons! And she is such a nice girl--so

-beaudiful--so plump--ach, I will indroduce her to you. She vill mash

-you--so much. She--

-

-(_Enter Mrs. R., Deb. behind her, lower l. door. Seeing the room full

-she stands by door hesitatingly._)

-

-Guss. (_Coming down and interrupting, with a sneering laugh._) Your

-nurse, Rollitt, I think. (_Comes c. Luke goes to fireplace R._)

-

-Allen. (_Turns and sees them, and then goes towards them._) Yes, Mr.

-Gussett--the best nurse a man can have--my mother.

-

-(_Guss. confused, but soon recovers himself and laughs it off. Col. D.,

-Luke, and Clara come forward to greet Mrs. R. and Deb. l. c., and the

-customary ceremony, etc., is gone through--all speaking together._)

-

-Clara. (_Smiling pleasantly, shakes hands with Mrs. R._) Good-morning,

-Mrs. Rollitt. You are looking so well and jolly. How are you, my dear?

-(_To Deb. Between these two the greeting is really strained and awkward,

-although outwardly pleasant enough. Clara kisses Deb., but Deb. seems

-to shrink--she turns away. Clara notices this, and follows Deb. as she

-turns away up c., with a meaning look. While it has been going on the

-greeting between Mrs. R. and Luke has taken place--Mrs. R. down l._)

-

-Allen. (_Finishing his introduction of Mrs. R. and Baron._) The Baron

-von Schnorr--Mrs. Rollitt, my mother.

-

-Baron. Your mudder--Oh, impossible. (_Goes l. c._)

-

-Mrs. R. (_Huffy._) I beg your pardon, Mr. Snort.

-

-Baron. Ach, ja, you are laughing at me--not your mudder.

-

-(_Clara walks round at back, drops down r. near Luke._)

-

-Mrs. R. (_Very indignant._) Yes--his mother. Don’t you cast any of your

-nasty foreign insinuations upon me. I’m his lawful married mother, and

-his father was his father, and a better man never lived, as anyone in

-Exmoor--

-

-Allen. (_Soothing her._) It’s all right, mother, the Baron only means

-it complimentary. Thee’st supposed to look too young to be anybody’s

-mother. He has to take (_Clara sits r._) thee for my sister.

-(_Laughing--goes up l. c. with Dex._)

-

-Baron. Ja--I take you for his sister. Ach, you English ladies, you never

-seem to get more old--you only get more round, more--more jolly.

-

-Mrs. R. (_Still indignant._) Ah--foolishness. (_Ruffling her dress and

-sitting very stiff l. on sofa._)

-

-Baron. (_Sitting on sofa beside her._) It must be de climate keep you

-so moist. (_Drawing closer._) I knew a man, he lives in your Manchester,

-and--(_goes on talking to Mrs. R. but is not heard._)

-

-(_Allen goes up and joins Col. Dex. up l. c. and Clara. After a little

-while Col. Dex. appropriates him, leaving Clara a little to r.of them

-unnoticed. Guss. continues talking to Deb. Deb. evidently bored and

-anxious to get away. Guss. trying to be very agreeable. At this point

-when all the others are occupied, Luke r. beckons Clara to him and she

-crosses. Their conversation is in eager undertone and they watch to see

-that no one is noticing them._)

-

-Luke. Have you got him to join yet?

-

-Clara. No--he kicks against it.

-

-Luke. If his name isn’t down in the list of directors before Monday I

-shall be arrested.

-

-Clara. Can’t you get away?

-

-Luke. No, I’m watched night and day. If he joins, the company will float

-and it will be all right.

-

-Clara. I shall be seeing him alone this morning. I will try again.

-

-Luke. And keep to plain gold and diamonds for presents. Those fallal

-things (_touching her bracelet_) are no good. Don’t fetch ten per cent,

-of their value.

-

-Deb. (_Part of the conversation between herself and Guss. Abstractedly,

-her attention being fixed on Luke and Clara._) Ha, ha! that was very

-funny.

-

-(_Guss. r. with Deb. looks at her in amazement._)

-

-Luke. (_Down r._) There’s that milkmaid watching us--don’t look around,

-answer as though I had been proposing to you--that will account for our

-talking together. (_In a louder but still undertone._) Is there no hope

-for me?

-

-Clara. (_Down r.--smiling._) None, Luke--please don’t refer to the

-subject again. I like you--respect you--will be a sister to you--but

-love--

-

-Luke. (_Grinning._) Yes, it’s that Rollitt that you love. (_Deb.,

-followed by Guss., has moved away to window._)

-

-Clara. Mr. Cranbourne, you have no right--

-

-Luke. (_Who has been watching Deb._) Chuck it up, it’s all right, she’s

-gone to the window.

-

-Clara. I don’t suppose we’ve deceived her very much, she’s a sharp

-little minx. Get these men away.

-

-(_Clara takes up book, and standing, toys with it up r. front of r.c.

-table._)

-

-Baron. (_Finishing._) She never leave her bed for eighteen years--she

-take dree dozes--den she get up and go for a dree mile walk.

-

-Mrs. R. (_Rising._) Lor! It must have been quite a change for her.

-

-Baron. (_Rising._) Ja. It vas a miragle. (_Turning and seeing Luke

-beside him._) Ha, my dear boy, ready?

-

-Luke. (_Crosses to Baron._) Ready and off.

-

-Allen. (_Coming down c. followed by Dex._) Oh, are you three going?

-

-(_Baron goes c._)

-

-Luke. Yes, I know you’ll be glad to be rid of us. (_Laughing._)

-

-Allen. Well, I have (_looking at watch_) one or two little things to do

-this morning.

-

-(_Baron goes up c._)

-

-Dex. Well, look here, Allen, I’m just going to have a quiet weed in the

-smoking room till you’re ready. See?

-

-Allen. Oh, it be a billiard room now, thee know.

-

-Luke. Oh. have you had a table put up?

-

-Clara. (_Who has just crossed over and joined the group l. to Mrs. R.

-who is just about quitting the room by door l. lower._) Do you allow

-your little boy to play billiards, Mrs. Rollitt? I don’t think I should

-if I had charge of him. (_Playfully._)

-

-Mrs. R. Oh, the more he’s up to every sort o’ game that’s played the

-better for him, to my thinking.

-

-(_Exit Mrs. R. l._)

-

-Allen. (_Laughing._) Oh, it keeps me at home out of mischief, like.

-(_Moves to upper door L._) Come and have a look at it. (_Goes up c._)

-

-Baron. (_As they go._) Ach, billiards iz a beaudiful game. (_Aside to

-Luke._) But you cannot vin much at id, id take so dam long.

-

-(_Exeunt all but Guss. and Deb. [l.]--all talking as they go. Guss. and

-Deb. near fireplace._)

-

-Deb. (_r._) Well, I’m afraid, Mr. Gussett, I must really go now. (_Goes

-down stage. Guss. goes l. c. and stops her._)

-

-Guss. (_Getting between her and the door l. to which she is backing._)

-Oh, no, don’t go. Do you know, I shall really think you are trying to

-avoid me.

-

-Deb. (_Retreating behind table--Guss. takes a step._) Oh, not at all.

-

-Guss. (_c. gets l. of r. c. table._) Ah, so pleasant to hear you say so.

-You know, Miss Deacon, I so want you to like me.

-

-Deb. Yes, well--I do very much, only I can’t stop to do it now, because

-you see aunt wants me. (_Moves c. up stage. Guss. stops her. Bus. of

-Deb. trying to get away and of Guss. cutting her off and trying to get

-near her; is kept up throughout the scene._)

-

-Guss. Ah, but your aunt sees so much of you and I can see so little.

-

-Deb. (_Laughing, walks l. c. up stage. Guss. at head of sofa._) I’m

-afraid there’s not very much more of me to see. I must go really,

-because we have got to do some shopping this morning.

-

-Guss. Ah, let me come with you?

-

-Deb. Oh, no, I won’t tax your kindness. I know you men hate shopping,

-and we are going into drapers’ and dressmakers’ and all sorts of

-dreadful places, (_c._)

-

-Guss. Ah, they will not be dreadful if you are there, Miss Deacon.

-

-Deb. And aunt always takes such a long time shopping. (_Goes up c._)

-Never can make up her mind, and I’m worse still, and--(_makes movement,

-Guss. moves behind settle and stops her down l._)

-

-Guss. Ah, the longer you take, the better I shall like it. I shall enjoy

-coming, I assure you.

-

-Deb. (_Getting more and more cross, comes r.c._) Well you know I really

-don’t think you will; and really, Mr. Gussett--(_turns r.a little._)

-

-Guss. (_Interrupting._) Ah, I know better. No, I quite insist upon

-coming.

-

-Deb. (_With calm, suppressed temper._) Ah, all right, Mr. Gussett, you

-shall. (_Crossing l. meets Mrs. R. just entering l._) Aunt, I want you.

-(_Turning her round again._)

-

-Mrs. R. (_l._) Why, whatever’s the--

-

-Deb. I’ll tell you, come along.

-

-(_Exeunt Mrs. R. and Deb. l._)

-

-Guss. (_r. turns and arranges his moustache in glass over chimney_).

-Might do worse, Gussy, my boy. (_Turns round again._) She’s not a bad

-little thing, lick her into shape a bit.

-

-(_Enter Luke, upper l._)

-

-Luke. (_Crossing to table and taking up his hat._) Coming?

-

-Guss. No, dear boy. (_Laughing._) Got a little job on.

-

-Luke. Oh, on the war-path?

-

-Guss. Yes--well, I may as well keep it in hand--Chawbacon will make her

-good for a thousand or two, I expect--if nothing better turns up.

-

-Luke. Ah--wish you luck--she’ll be a good match for you, I think, Gussy.

-

-(_Exit Luke c._)

-

-(_Enter Mrs. R. and Deb. lower door l. Both are wearing old-fashioned

-big country shawls, and big bonnets. Deb. evidently has on one of her

-aunt’s. Their dress altogether is as extravagant as comedy will permit,

-and has evidently been hastily put on. Deb. also carries a big country

-hand-basket covered with a cloth, the neck of a bottle sticking

-prominently out, and a huge gamp. Deb. smothering her laughter_).

-

-Deb. (_Crossing r.c._) We are quite ready, Mr. Gussett

-

-Mrs. R. Yes, we are quite ready.

-

-Guss. (_Who has regarded them with a horrified stare._) Ah, yes, if you

-will wait a minute I think I will call a cab.

-

-Deb. Oh, we’d rather walk, thank you--you would rather walk, wouldn’t

-you, aunt?

-

-Mrs. R. Oh, I’ve made up my mind for a walk.

-

-Deb. Yes, we would both rather walk. Will you give your arm to aunty,

-Mr. Gussett? (_Guss. crosses to c._) And be very careful of her at the

-crossings, because she’s rather nervous, and so am I.

-

-Deb. (_r.c. handing the basket to Guss._) You won’t mind carrying the

-basket, will you, Mr. Gussett, because it’s so heavy? (_He takes it

-bewildered and helpless._)

-

-(_As Guss., Deb. and Mrs. R. reach door c., enter Allen and Clara l.

-upper e._)

-

-Allen. Hulloa! Where be thee off to?

-

-Deb. Down Regent street, and up--Piccadilly, I think you call it.

-Good-bye.

-

-(_Exeunt Mrs. R., Deb. and Guss. c._)

-

-Clara. (_Comes l. laughing._) I should like to be there to see the Hon.

-Tom Gussett at the crossings.

-

-Allen. (_Half amused, half cross._) Ah, her be a madcap, her be, that

-girl. What makes thee so anxious that I should join the company?

-

-Clara. (_Sitting l. on sofa, Allen stands by her, behind sofa, leaning

-over._) Why, don’t you see, poor papa could be secretary if you joined.

-They would let you nominate him, and we should be so glad to be earning

-something--(_very low_)--and we are so poor. (_Laying her hand on him._)

-Do join, Allen, for my sake.

-

-Allen. (_Yielding--back of sofa._) Ah, thee don’t know how hard thee

-makes it for me to say no.

-

-Clara. Then don’t say it--it would make me so happy. (_Looking up at

-him._)

-

-Allen. It would?

-

-Clara. (_Laying her hand as if unwittingly on his._)

-

-And I should think you--(_drooping her head._) Ah! I’d better not say

-what I should think you.

-

-Allen. Ah, well, lass, if you wish it, I will then.

-

-Clara. You will really?

-

-Allen. Yes--if it will make thee happy I will. And now let’s talk about

-yourself. (_Sits l. next to Clara._) Thee is the company I most wants to

-join. How have thee been getting on?

-

-Clara. (_Looking down._) Oh, dear!

-

-Allen. What does “Oh dear” mean?

-

-Clara. “Oh, dear” means very bad. Debts. (_With assumed bewilderment._)

-Awful!

-

-Allen. (_Smiling._) What sort of debts?

-

-Clara. Oh, all sorts--tradespeople, you know, and all that, and then I

-thought I could win a little by betting--(_Allen rises_)--and put it all

-right--and I’ve been and lost. Oh dear!

-

-Allen. (_Vexed, goes c._) I should ha’ thought there wur enough fools

-among us men trying to win money that way.

-

-Clara. I am naughty, I know--but papa leaves everything to me, and I get

-so frightened when I see the debts mounting up and nothing to meet them,

-and I’ve no one to advise me. (_Crosses l._)

-

-Allen. (_After a pause, rises, goes to Clara--kindly._) I didn’t mean

-to speak unkind, lass. I’m full of old-fashioned notions about women, I

-suppose. I like ’em to be women--not mere men in petticoats. How much

-does thee owe?

-

-Clara. Oh, heaps! (_Handing him pocket-book._) Look. (_Allen crosses to

-R. and sits at table._) And I haven’t any money. (_Rising and looking

-over his shoulder R., as he examines the book._) Do you think they’ll

-put me in prison?

-

-Allen. (_Turns--laughing._) Thee ought to be taken in charge by

-somebody, that’s certain. (_Allen rises, puts some notes from his

-pocket-book into hers, and hands it back to her._) I owe your father

-a little over one or two bets. I can take it off that and give him the

-rest, like. (_Crosses to l._)

-

-Clara. (_Takes book and lays it on the table--the notes drop out on to

-the table._) You are good, Allen, really. (_Puts book on table R.--half

-to herself._) I wish sometimes that you weren’t--that you were more like

-other men I have met. (_Turning away r._)

-

-Allen. Why, would thee like me better?

-

-Clara. No, but I should like myself better.

-

-Allen. What do thee mean, lass?

-

-Clara. Nothing. I’m not used to your sort of men. (_Goes to fireplace,

-then up R., throwing off her seriousness and turning towards him._) You

-are like the knight, Allen, out of some old legend that comes and slays

-the dragon and sets the frightened princess free from all her trouble.

-(_Laughing._)

-

-Allen. (_Goes to table r. Clara r.c. at top of table._) When art thee

-going to gie me the right to be thy knight always?

-

-Clara..(_Sits at table playfully._) Ah, the gallant knights are apt

-to turn into grim jailers--(_comes l. of r. table_)--when they get the

-princess into their own castles.

-

-Allen. Can’t thee believe me, Clara? Trust me, lass--I’m only a rough

-country chap to be asking a beautiful lady like thee to be my wife. But

-if I can’t gie thee anything very showy on the outside, it will make me

-the more eager alius to keep a loving heart for thee within.

-

-Clara. Oh, no. (_Sits in chair l. of table._) A lover on his knees is so

-much nicer than a lover on your arm. You are so nice, Allen, as you are,

-you can’t think. I really couldn’t bring myself to risk a change.

-

-Allen, (_c._) It would be a change for thee, Clara--(_leans on table at

-back of Clara, puts hand on Clara’s chair_)--from a rough and troubled

-road to one where every stone wur smoothed away from your path---where

-every thorn wur held back as you passed--where, instead of care for

-the day and dread for the morrow, thee would feel that a strong arm wur

-round thee--that a loving hand wur working out thy life for thee. Cannot

-thee risk the change, Clara?

-

-Clara. (_Rises, Allen takes her right hand, turns away R._) Ah, I

-suppose there are such lives for some women. It must be very good when

-you are tired. (_Facing round to L.c._) And you, Allen--women do not

-always seem so charming after marriage as they did before. It might be a

-risk for you.

-

-Allen. To have the sweetest, noblest woman in the world to be my wife?

-I’ll risk that. (_Laughs, comes c._)

-

-Clara. (_Turning away again to R., Allen l.c._) Ah, you boys, you think

-all women are angels.

-

-Allen. So they are--a good woman is an angel.

-

-Clara. (_At Are, facing round and looking at him._) How do you know I am

-good? (_Very low and serious. Allen drops down c. A pause. He looks in

-surprise and inquiry at her, not knowing what to answer._)

-

-Clara. Hadn’t you better make sure, Allen? (_Laughing._) What do you

-know of my past--of even my present--of whence I came--what I am?

-(_Laughs._) Suppose, Allen, suppose I were only an adventuress.

-(_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her

-veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café

-and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness

-and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the

-footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.

-Ah, Allen, take care. Cupid ties a bandage over men’s eyes. Hymen, when

-it is too late, plucks it off. Hadn’t you better lift a corner off the

-handkerchief, Allen, while we are yet upon the step without, lest beside

-your hearth, when the door has shut us in, you cast it loose, to find

-I am a stain upon your name--a shadow in your home--a blight upon your

-life? (_Laughing._) Allen, take care--take care. (_Crosses to l. Allen

-moves up a trifle._)

-

-Allen. (_Recovering from the bewilderment with which he has heard her._)

-Ah, it’s well for thee that it is thee, and not anyone else that talks

-like this about ’ee.

-

-Clara. Ah, but Allen, try and find out a little more about me; it’s just

-a whim of mine--I want to feel sure that you know me--just to please me.

-

-Allen. If I couldn’t trust thee--(_takes her hand_)--lass, I shouldn’t

-love thee.

-

-Clara. (_Crosses to R.c. Allen follows._) Ah, you are a dear good

-fellow, Allen, and I won’t tease you any more. And you will join the

-company, won’t you? And then you shall get me that dear little diamond

-bracelet that we looked at--do you remember it?--and you shall put it

-on yourself. (_Allen by her side r. All this is said with every trick of

-fascination at her command, and now she playfully holds up her arm, from

-which the loose sleeve falls back, close to his face._) On that. (_He

-drops on his knees and kisses her arm_).

-

-(_Enter Deb. c._)

-

-Clara. (_Snatches her arm away._) Deborah! (_Allen rises._)

-

-Allen. (_Turning and seeing her, goes to fireplace R._) Hullo, thee’s

-back soon.

-

-Deb. Yes, aunt met Mrs. Clouter just outside, so I pleaded a headache

-and left them. (_Throwing off bonnet and shawl on chair and coming

-down._) Don’t you think Col. Dexter would like a game of billiards,

-Allen?

-

-Allen. No, he’s all right--he’s smoking. (_Crosses l._)

-

-Deb. Oh, I’m sure he’d like a game (_Clara motions Allen away_), and I

-want to have a chat with Miss Dexter. We shan’t see each other after

-this morning for goodness knows how long.

-

-Allen. (_Moving away l._) Ah, I understand now. (_Goes up stage l._)

-I’ll go, and you can tell each other about your new frocks.

-

-(_Exit Allen l., Clara goes c., Deb. l.c. and Clara look at each

-other._)

-

-Deb. (_After a pause._) I came back to see you, Miss Dexter, before you

-left.

-

-Clara. (_Coldly._) It was very good of you.

-

-Deb. I want to know whether you are playing the fool with Allen, or

-whether you mean to marry him.

-

-Clara. I have heard of that sort of question being put to a gentleman

-under certain circumstances. (_Crosses to L._)

-

-Deb. It is put to the person who is supposed to be acting

-dishonorably--I put it to you.

-

-Clara. I am afraid I have been mixing things up. I was under the

-impression that it was the stout lady, your aunt, that was Mr. Rollitt’s

-mother.

-

-Deb. You are very smart, Miss Dexter, and I am not, but this is no

-game--it is earnest.

-

-Clara. Then I would suggest to you that your cousin is quite capable of

-taking care of himself.

-

-Deb. Yes, against a man; but not against the woman he loves and trusts.

-It is his love that enables you to deceive him.

-

-Clara. (_Crossing to R.--sits on chair near table r._) You seem to have

-made up your mind, my dear child, that I am deceiving him.

-

-Deb. (_l.c._) I know that he has asked you to become his wife, and I

-know that although you have let him think it is all right, you have

-never given him a real answer. I know that you accept his attentions,

-his invitations, his presents. (_Noticing the book and notes on the

-table, points to them._) And all the while you are having whispered

-interviews and secret meetings with another man.

-

-Clara. (_Coolly counting notes._) If you are thinking of the

-conversation you were trying to listen to just now--

-

-Deb. That is only the latest of many such I have noticed. They began

-three months ago, down in Devonshire. I come to London and find the same

-thing going on.

-

-Clara. (_Sneering._)’ You really ought to have been a detective, the

-force might have been some use then.

-

-Deb. I’m not blind. (_Goes c._) Allen is. But that is not all. These

-things might be explained by themselves--suspicious though they are--but

-just now, going downstairs, I picked up a purse. (_Pausing and looking

-at Clara, who, however, makes no sign._) It is your purse. (_Throws it

-into Clara’s lap._) I opened it to see whom it belonged to--and inside

-it is a wedding ring. Is your name Dexter or Cranbourne?

-

-Clara. (_Rising._) I really must decline to answer any questions of

-yours. You are so exceedingly rude. (_Crosses up behind table R.c._)

-

-Deb. You need not answer me. Answer Allen. Tell him that you will be

-his wife--or that you cannot. (_Clara takes no notice._) Do you refuse?

-(_Crossing l._)

-

-Clara. I refuse to be dictated to.

-

-Deb. Then I shall communicate my suspicions to Allen.

-

-Clara. (_Turning fiercely._) Do so. Tell him--(_walks round table to

-back of Deb. c._)--that you believe that I am the wife of another man,

-and am playing a shameful part with him merely to sponge on him. That

-I am fondling him with the one hand only the better to pick his pocket

-with the other. Tell him that you believe he is surrounded by a gang of

-adventurers and thieves, of which I am the willing decoy. Tell him your

-suspicions, and I will tell him that they are the poisonous concoctions

-of a jealous woman--of a woman who loves him herself--(_laughs_)--and

-seeks to win him from her more favored rival, by lies and trickery.

-(_Goes dozen r._)

-

-Deb. (_Quietly._) You shall answer him for all that, or he shall know

-the reason why you dare not. (_Crosses L., and calls._) Allen! Allen!

-

-(_Enter Allen l. up stage_).

-

-Deb. (_l. c._) Allen, is Miss Dexter engaged to be married to you or

-not?

-

-Allen, (_l._) Well. (_Laughs._) Blest if I could tell ‘ee that, Deb.

-That be the very thing I ha’ been trying to find out myself. Bain’t it,

-Clara? Only her be such a tease. (_All said laughingly._)

-

-Deb. (_Sharply._) You mean you have never been able to get a plain

-answer, yes or no?

-

-Allen. Gently, lass. Thee be mistaking this for some business of thine.

-

-Deb. Allen, we’ve been like brother and sister all our lives, and your

-happiness is my happiness. I have my reasons--very strong reasons--for

-asking you to ask Miss Dexter now, before me, whether she will be your

-wife.

-

-Allen. I can’t say I thank thee, Deb, for interfering in a matter that

-don’t concern thee. (_To Clara, crossing to her._) I hope, Clara, you

-don’t think as I have any hand in this, but as things stand now, it will

-perhaps be best (_advancing_) if I do ask thee. Will thee be my wife?

-

-Clara. (_Crosses down. Very quietly and deliberately._) Yes! (_Stepping

-forward and, putting her hand in Allen’s, c. A pause. She then, glancing

-first at Deb., draws Allen slowly to her, and they kiss. They cross r._)

-

-Allen. I think now, Deb, that Miss Dexter has a right to know thy

-“reasons.”

-

-Deb. They were mistaken ones, Allen. Please forgive me, both of you.

-

-(_Exit Deb. l._)

-

-Allen. (_Bewildered--looks after Deb._) What does it all mean?

-

-Clara. I will tell you some time. Never mind now.

-

-Allen. Ah, well, us oughtn’t to be angry with her, anyhow, for what

-her’s done. (_Takes Clara’s hand in his._) Ought us? (_Draws her to him

-and kisses her forehead_).

-

-Clara. (_Disengaging herself gently._) I am going to tell papa. I am so

-happy. (_Crosses l., looking back to him laughingly._)

-

-(_Exit Clara l. up stage_).

-

-Allen, (_c. after a pause._) Everything I want in the whole wide world,

-and three months ago--(_Breaks off and pauses his hand over his eyes._)

-I wonder if I shall wake up in a minute in the old farm and find that

-the £200,000 and Clara have only been dreams. (_Rousing himself._) Ah,

-no, it be real enough. (_Looks round._) Ah, they call Fortune a fickle

-jade, but her’s been a firm friend to me. I’ll drink thee a bumper,

-Fortune lass. (_Turns to table r., On which are wine and glasses, and

-pours out a glassful._) I don’t know how much a bumper is, but I expects

-it’s about a glassful, and thee shall ha’ it. (_Takes glass in his right

-hand, and raises it._) Here’s thy jolly good health, my lass. To Lady

-Fortune!

-

-(_Enter Peters c. upper door, with card on salver._)

-

-Allen. (_Lowers glass untouched._) What’s the matter?

-

-Peters. (_Coming forward and presenting salver._) A gentleman to see

-you, sir.

-

-Allen. (_Takes card, but does not look at it._) He’ll have to be quick

-about it then. Send un up. (_Footman seems to hesitate. Sharply._) Send

-un up. Send un up.

-

-(_Exit Peters c._)

-

-Another of my swell friends, I suppose; they seem to be swarming

-this--(_r. c. glances at card, his hand holding the glass sinks lower

-and lower, he gazes round bewilderingly._)

-

-(_Enter Richard Hanningford c._)

-

-(_Reads card in amazed tone._) Richard Hanningford, I saw him lying dead

-before my own eyes three months ago! Hann. (_At door, raising hat._) I

-beg your pardon! (_The glass in Allen’s hand overturns_).

-

-

-MEDIUM CURTAIN.

-

-

-

-

-ACT III.

-

-Scene I. The library at Allen’s Chambers. Fire l. Doors r.and c. Table

-L.c. Big easy chair l. by fire. Peters discovered l. c. arranging and

-cutting papers on table and whistling.

-

-(_Enter Piffin r. Music to open._)

-

-Piff. Have you seen my cub about?

-

-Peters. (_Without looking up._) No, Foxey, I ain’t. Didn’t know as you

-had had one.

-

-Piff. (_c._) You know who I mean--your master. Peters. (_Going to door

-c._) Not far off from where yours is I suppose.

-

-(_Exit Peters c._)

-

-Piff. Um! The master has been getting impertinent to me of late, so the

-servants seem to be following suit. (_Shrugging his shoulders._) I shall

-throw this job up when I’ve made another hundred or two. I wonder how

-much longer he’s going to keep me waiting.

-

-(_Exit Piff. c._)

-

-(_Enter Allen r. creeping in cautiously in a mysterious and watchful

-manner. He has a huge pewter pot in one hand and a large church-warden

-clay pipe alight in the other. He looks round stealthily, listens, then

-crosses nervously and sits l. in easy chair. He stretches himself out

-as luxuriously as his tight clothes will allow--especially the collar.

-Takes a long pull at the pot and long puffs at the pipe. In the middle

-of each pull, grunts “good” in evident enjoyment._)

-

-Allen. (_Chuckling in a deep undertone. Crosses to c. and sits._)

-Ah-h-h, I’ve done un this time. He’s waiting upstairs to curl my hair.

-(_Chuckling again._) Told un I’d come up when (_grandly_) I’d finished

-conducting my correspondence. (_Chuckles, pulls at pipe, and takes a

-deep draught._) First time I’ve ever enjoyed myself since I came into my

-property. (_Breaks out into some country ale-house sort of song, sings,

-warming as he goes on with great gusto._)

-

-(_Enter Piffin c., unseen by Allen. Piff. comes down and stands c.

-looking on. Allen finishes song and then buries his face in the pot.

-As his eyes emerge over the brim he catches sight of Piff. He remains

-looking at him for a while and then slowly puts the pot on the table._)

-

-Allen. What do thee want? Didn’t I tell ’ee I wur going to conduct my

-correspondence, and that I didn’t want to be disturbed?

-

-Piff. (_Goes up table._) I beg pardon, sir, but I thought maybe you had

-completed your correspondence, especially as there was only one letter

-this morning, and that was a circular about coals.

-

-Allen. Oh, did you. Well, I ain’t you see. I’m going to write a lot of

-original correspondence this morning, and I’m collecting my thoughts.

-(_Goes on smoking sulkily._)

-

-Piff. Yes, sir--certainly, sir--but might I be allowed to suggest, sir,

-that a pot of ale and a clay pipe are hardly the _dolce far niente_ of a

-_grand seigneur_.

-

-Allen. Hardly the what of my which? Look here, don’t you be so spry at

-calling me them jaw-breaking foreign names, because I don’t like it.

-It wur only yesterday you alluded to me as a _bo-mo_, and last week

-you said I ought to be in the _hot tongs_. I didn’t say anything at the

-time, but you drop it.

-

-Piff. I referred to you as belonging to the _beau monde_, sir, and I

-may have said your position was now among the _haut ton_. We always talk

-like that in good society, sir. Both expressions were flattering, very

-flattering.

-

-Allen. Ah, maybe they wur and maybe they wurn’t. Next time, you call

-it me in English, and then I can judge for myself. And don’t worrit me

-to-day at all. I’ve got a trying morning before me, and I’m going to

-have a little quiet enjoyment to set myself up before it begins.

-

-Piff. Might I suggest, then, sir, that a cigarette and a little absinthe

-would be more _de rigueur?_ My late lamented master the Count de

-Fizziani invariably took a little absinthe after breakfast and found

-great benefit from it.

-

-Allen. Yes, I know. I tried your friend’s cough mixture before, you

-know. Old ale’s good enough for me.

-

-Piff. But, sir--

-

-Allen. Don’t you worrit. I’ve been a gentleman for a month; I think I

-might have a morning off.

-

-Piff. Very well, sir. Just as you please, of course, sir; but I’ve my

-character to consider, sir--and--and--I am not accustomed to the service

-of gentlemen with pothouse proclivities.

-

-Allen. (_Sotto voce._) Oh, go and hang yourself.

-

-Piff. (_Up c._) That’s never done now, sir, in good society. My late

-lamented master, the Count de Fizziani--

-

-Allen. (_Springing up, working Piff. round, from table l. to desk r._)

-Oh, you go to your late lamented master, the fizzing Count, and tell him

-to--I have had eno’ of him and I’ve had eno’ of you. Blest if I’ve had a

-happy moment since you came into the house. You’ve dressed me up like a

-tailor’s dummy, and curled my hair like a Sunday school kid; you’ve made

-me talk like a man in a play, and walk like a monkey on stilts. Thee’ve

-chivied me about from morning till night, and thee’ve rammed that old

-lamented corpse of yours down my throat every two minutes of the day.

-I’ve put up wi’ it all for a long while because I thought thee meant

-well, and wur a-trying to make me into a gentleman, but blest if I think

-thee knows much more about the genuine article than I does, and I’m

-going to go it in my own way now. Look here. (_Takes off his tie and

-collar and throws them down and jumps on them, pulls off his coat and

-throws it in a corner, nifties his hair, unbuttons and throws back his

-waistcoat, kicks off his boots, and throws himself into easy chair,

-sticks his feet on table, takes long pull from the pot, slams it on

-table> again, and commences to smoke his pipe vigorously, looking

-defiantly at Piff._) That’s the sort o’ man I’m going to be now. (_Sits

-l._)

-

-Piff. (_Who has stood aghast, moving off._) Very well, sir; then I have

-only to say that I wash my hands of you entirely. (_Pause._) You can’t

-make a gentleman out of a pig’s ear. (_Sneeringly_).

-

-Allen. (_Puffing quietly at pipe._) No, it ain’t the usual method.

-

-Piff. (_By door c. muttering to himself, but meant to be heard by

-Allen._) Only what I might have expected from mixing myself up with such

-canaille. (_Pauses. Allen takes no notice._) Pray understand, sir, I

-give you a week’s warning on the spot. My late master, the--

-

-Allen. (_Springing up and throwing book at him. Piff. exits r._) Yes.

-(_Piff. again appears hurriedly at door r. and cries, “Upstart bumpkin,”

- and exit quickly._) I’ll give ’ee my toe on the spot if I hear any

-more of--(_reseats himself, with a grunt of disgust; a pause, during

-which he smokes._) He is right, I wurn’t meant for a gentleman after

-all. Some of us was built for gaiters, and some on us for patent leather

-shoes, and I be one of the gaiter sort--all my tastes are low. I doan’t

-like claret and I doan’t like cigarettes. I’m uncomfortable in a

-collar (_picking his up and fixing it_) and I prefer shove-ha’penny to

-billiards. (_Sighs, continues dreamily._) Ah, I’d gie a trifle to be

-going to spend this evening at the Dunkery Arms a-halping to sing a

-chorus with old Joe Steddles and young Jem Whalley and Jack Clouter. Ah,

-he’d got a fine voice, had old Jack Clouter. Never heard a man sing so

-loud in all my life. Lord, I shall never forget her’s doing “Rock me

-to sleep, mother,” round at the lodge, and a waking up mother Hammond’s

-three kids just as her’d got un all off to sleep. Lord, how her let us

-have it. (_Laughing._) Ah, us went home early that night. (_Chuckling._)

-They coned back wi’ me, old Jack and Jim, and Deb made us a veal pasty

-for supper. (_Smiling._) Ah, her do make good--

-

-(_Enter Peters, followed by Purtwee, door c., says, “Mr. Purtwee,” takes

-P.’s hat and exit. Allen rises and commences to pick up his various

-articles of apparel and re fix them while talking to Purt._)

-

-Purt. (_Coming forward._) Well, my boy.

-

-Allen. Ah, it does me good to see thee again.

-

-Purt. How are you?

-

-Allen. (_Shakes hands._) Oh, I be all right outside. (_Rises, crosses

-to L._) Bean’t very spry inside, so I tell ’ee. (_Explanatory of his

-dressing arrangements._) Just been having a quiet smoke, you know.

-

-Purt. (_With a smile._) And do you always undress to smoke?

-

-Allen. (_Laughing._) No--but I has to now when I want to sit down

-comfortable. (_Continues to dress--brings wine down to table._) Have a

-glass of wine. I’m glad thee’ve come, I wur afraid from thy letter that

-thee wouldn’t.

-

-Purt. (_Sits in arm-chair l._) Well, it’s a very informal proceeding I’m

-bound to say--not at all professional.

-

-Allen. Perhaps not, but it’s simple and straightforward like and maybe

-that’s as good. Have ’ee read the papers I sent thee?

-

-Purt. Yes--most carefully--and they certainly make the story appear

-very plausible--very plausible, indeed. Have you said anything to your

-mother?

-

-Allen. No--no, I thought I wouldn’t say a word to anybody until I was

-sure one way or t’other. (_Sits L._)

-

-Purt. Quite right--quite right. What sort of a man was he?

-

-Allen. Blest if I could tell ’ee--I wur that taken aback I couldn’t

-tell ’ee what it wur, but thee’ll see him for theeself in a minute. I

-told Father Christmas to send him straight up when he comes.

-

-Purt. (_Looking at his watch._) Well, if he’s an impostor, he’ll hardly

-venture to come to a meeting of this kind.

-

-(_Enter Peters announcing Richard Hanningford, door at back._)

-

-Pet. Mr. Richard Hanningford.

-

-(_Exit Peters._)

-

-Hann. Morning, gentlemen. (_Allen goes r.c. Hann. goes c._)

-

-Allen. Good-morning. (_Motioning to Purt., who is l._) Mr. Purtwee, the

-gentleman I spoke of.

-

-Hann. Good-morning, (_c. and then coming r.sits L.c._) Guess I’m not a

-particularly welcome visitor here.

-

-Allen, (_r._) Well, I owns as I’ve come across folks as I’ve felt more

-at home wi’. (_Allen sits R._) But I suppose we’ve got to get used to

-’ee.

-

-Purt. Well now, gentlemen, we’ve come for business and must not

-waste time. Mr. Rollitt has told you who I am, and if you are Richard

-Hanningford I shall be only too anxious for you to have your rights.

-But then, my dear sir, I shall want to be very sure that you are Richard

-Hanningford.

-

-Hann. That’s right and square. I’ve got to prove it, I know, and I don’t

-say that it will be an easy job.

-

-Purt. At present you see we have nothing but your bare word for it. You

-say this man who called himself Richard Hanningford and who died at Mrs.

-Rollitt’s was an impostor.

-

-Hann. And a damned scoundrel.

-

-Purt. Quite so, if he were not Richard Hanningford, he must have been.

-But then if he were Richard Hanningford--

-

-Hann. Why then, I am the damned scoundrel.

-

-Purt. Well--I wasn’t going to say that--but one of you must be the right

-Hanningford--and the other the wrong one--and if we made a mistake three

-months ago we don’t want to make another now.

-

-Allen, (_r._) You see it ain’t so much the money I care about. There was

-a time that I thought it would be a grand thing to be rich, but now

-I’ve tried it, danged if I see so much fun in it as I thought there

-wur. (_Rises._) It ain’t only that: it’s the girl I love--if I lose the

-money, I loses her. I can’t expect her to have me wi’out it. She’s a

-lady--I’m only a country bumpkin and I know it. With this money I can

-win her and make her life happy--even if she doesn’t much care for me.

-If I were sure you were Dick Hanningford, I’d gie it up. But I ain’t

-sure and I’m going to fight--that’s plain. (_Turns and crosses r. Sits

-R.c._)

-

-Hann. (_Coes to Allen r.c._) Plain and sensible, and I don’t like you

-any the less for it; but I am Dick Hanningford, and the money’s mine,

-and I’m going to have a good fight to get it. (_Coes l. puts foot on

-chair._)

-

-Purt. (_After a pause._) You say this man who tried to--and, as he

-thought, did--murder you--had been a friend of yours.

-

-Hann. (_Fiercely--takes foot off chair._) He’d been my chum for over two

-years--the cur--and knew everything about me--I saved his life when the

-gang were going to hang him--he shared my diggings when we were in the

-mining lay, and he had half my blanket every night when we were with the

-cattle. And I trusted him--the skunk.

-

-Purt. What was his name?

-

-Hann. Cassidy--Dan Cassidy. (_Sits again._)

-

-Purt. And then he murdered you--or tried to as you say--took your papers

-from you, and came over here to impersonate you?

-

-Hann. I suppose so.

-

-Allen. He was uncommonly like you, too.

-

-Hann. Like me! Not at all!

-

-Purt. Oh, yes, my dear sir, I never saw him alive, but his features were

-yours one for one.

-

-Hann. Dan Cassidy was no more like me than I’m like a colored angel out

-of a picture book.

-

-(_Purt. and Allen exchange glances._)

-

-Allen. Well, all I know is, that if the man who called himself Richard

-Hanningford, and who fell down dead in my mother’s kitchen three months

-ago was standing beside you now, nobody would know which wur you and

-which wur him. .

-

-Hann. (_Rising._) I don’t know that man! (_All rise and look at one

-another._)

-

-(_Enter Peters c._)

-

-Purt. (_Pause._) Then what has become of Dan Cassidy? . .

-

-Peters. Mr. Luke Cranbourne is downstairs, sir, and would like to see

-you.

-

-Allen. Oh, bother Luke Cranbourne--tell him I’m out.

-

-Peters. Yes, sir. (_Going. As he is by door._)

-

-Allen. Stop! (_Peters turns._) Ask Mr. Cranbourne to come back in a

-quarter of an hour. (_Looks at watch._)

-

-Peters. Yes, sir. (_Exit c._)

-

-Allen. What sort of a man was Dan Cassidy?

-

-Hann. A pale, dark-eyed man with a long black beard.

-

-Allen. Would you know him again without the black beard, and under

-another name?

-

-Hann. (_Fiercely._) Know him! Will you bring me face to face with him?

-

-Allen. Maybe I will.

-

-Hann. (_c._) See here! I’ve lived among a set that like to wipe off a

-score, no matter what the price. You put that man into my hands so that

-justice may be done on him, and we share the old man’s money between us.

-(_Crosses R._)

-

-Allen. Is that a bargain?

-

-Purt. You don’t suspect--(_goes to r.of l. table._)

-

-Allen. (_Crosses to Purt. Hann. goes R._) Yes I do. He’s been no friend

-of mine. Is it a bargain?

-

-Hann. Yes. Without Dan Cassidy my case might be hard to prove. With him

-it would be easy. £100,000 and my revenge are good enough for me. You

-give me that. (_Goes to extreme R._)

-

-(_Enter Dexter from door c. He draws back on seeing strangers, and

-stands r.c._)

-

-Dex. Beg pardon, my dear boy. Found the door open (_Allen goes up c.

-to Dex._) and took the liberty of an old friend to walk in. Thought I

-should find you alone.

-

-Allen. (_Crosses up c._) Shall be in a minute, Colonel, if you will

-excuse me. (_Draws the two men together near fireplace, Allen nearest,

-Purt. next, Hann. r._) Can thee play billiards?

-

-Hann. I can, but I don’t crave for them at this particular moment.

-

-Allen. You’ll just have time to play fifty up afore the man as I takes

-to be Dan Cassidy is here.

-

-Purt. How will you let us know?

-

-Allen. (_Looks round thinking, then catches sight of glasses on table l.;

-takes one up and holds it over hearth._) Keep thee, ears open, and

-when thee hears this glass fall and break, open the door and come in.

-(_All go up c. speaking low._)

-

-(_Exit Purt. and Hann. Dex. goes L._)

-

-Allen. (_Returning c._) Well, Colonel Dexter, what do thee want? Glad to

-see thee, thee know.

-

-Dex. (_l.c._) Nothing, dear boy--nothing for myself. I have only brought

-a letter from my little girl, and am to take back an answer. (_Produces

-letter and hands to Allen._) I’m only Cupid to you young folks. Ha! Hat

-Only Cupid.

-

-Allen. Ah, they usen’t to wrap ’em up so much when I wur young.

-(_Crosses R., opens and reads letter._)

-

-Dex. (_Who is very much wrapped and buttoned up, laughs with much

-ostentation._) Ha! Ha! Very good, very good. We really must bring you

-out more, Allen. Ha! Ha! Ha!

-

-Allen. (_Who has sat r.in front of desk, reading._) “My darling

-Popsy-wopsy.” (_Looks up puzzled and round at Dex. Aside._) That ain’t

-Clara’s usual style. (_Reads._) “I am so terribly sorry to worry my own

-darling boy, but I am in such fearful trouble--I want £100 to pay some

-debts owing to a wicked man having cheated us. Would my own darling lend

-it to his broken-hearted little blossom, and don’t say anything to me

-afterwards until I pay you back, as I shall be so ashamed of it. I send

-papa with this. He knows nothing about it, so please don’t tell him--he

-is so proud.--(_Allen looks at Dex., who turns away and tries to assume

-airy unconsciousness_)--and would be so angry with me, but you are the

-only friend I have. Oh, my darling, do let me have the money or I shall

-go mad. A million, million kisses to my own sweet, precious lubby-dubby

-from his ever loving little birdie, Clara.” (_Dex. sits c._) “P.

-S.--Please don’t cross the cheque.”

-

-(_Takes cheque-book from desk and begins to write._) Was Clara ill when

-she wrote this?

-

-Dex. (_Who is sitting at table L.c. having wine._) No, my dear boy--oh,

-no.

-

-Allen. Oh, because the writing seems a bit shaky like, and the letter so

-funny--thought maybe she wur a bit queer.

-

-Dex. (_Confused._) Oh--ah--yes. She was a little queer--very shaky

-indeed--and she seemed very much worried, too, she wouldn’t tell me what

-about. She tries to keep all her trouble away from her old father, dear

-child. (_Enter Clara unseen by either._) Ah, I know how anxiously she’s

-waiting for me now. “Come back soon, dear, dear papa,” she said--“and

-bring it with you.” (_Crying r.c._)

-

-(_Allen having put the cheque in an envelope rises and crosses and holds

-it to Dex. Clara steps forward and takes it._)

-

-Clara. Thank you! (_c. of the two men._)

-

-Allen. Miss Dexter!

-

-Dex. Clara!

-

-Clara. This letter is addressed to me, I believe. (_Opens it and takes

-out cheque, which she returns to Allen._) It’s very kind of you, Mr.

-Rollitt, but I do not require it.

-

-Allen, (_r._) Didn’t thee write for it? (_Showing letter to her._) Isn’t

-this thy letter?

-

-Clara. (_Looking at it._) It is the first time I have seen it. It has

-the appearance of having been written by someone who was drunk over

-night--possibly my father--imitating other people’s handwriting is one

-of the few things at which he has attained eminence. (_Looks at Dex._)

-

-Dex. Clara, my dear!

-

-Clara. And perhaps it will be better, Mr. Rollitt, for me to take this

-opportunity of ending our relationship by telling you that I am already

-married. (_Crosses l._)

-

-Allen. (_Starts hack._) Married!

-

-Dex. (_c. frantic and jumping about and screaming and hissing the words

-out._) She ain’t. It’s a lie. Don’t believe her. She ain’t. She ain’t.

-(_Goes c. Clara to l._) It’s only a trick to try your love. Ah, you

-hussy! It’s all been planned. This is all part of it. She ain’t married.

-We planned it to test your love for her. Ah, you beast! I’ll strangle

-you. I’ll murder you. She’s only trying it on to see what you say. It’s

-a trick. Don’t believe her. Don’t believe her.

-

-Clara. And have been for the last three years.

-

-Dex. (_As before._) No, she ain’t been, Mr. Rollitt. It’s a lie--it’s

-a lie. It’s a lie. She says it to spite her old father. Ah you devil,

-you--

-

-Allen. Silence!

-

-Dex. (_Cowed, but continuing in nervous undertone._) She’s not married.

-I’m her father.

-

-Allen. (_Pointing to door c._) And leave the room--afore I forget thee

-art an old man. (_Turns him r.Backs Dex. up to c. door._)

-

-Dex. (_Slinks out muttering._) She ain’t married! It’s a lie. It’s a

-lie. (_Repeats_.)

-

-(_Exit Dex. c._)

-

-Allen. (_Turning to Clara._) What does it all mean?

-

-Clara. (_Defiantly._) That I’ve been playing with you only for the

-sake of sponging on you. And to get money out of you for my father and

-husband--I haven’t had much myself--and that at last I’m grown tired of

-it. (_Crosses R._)

-

-Allen. (_l.c. after a pause._) Thee might have had all the money thee

-wanted, lass, wi’out deceiving me.

-

-Clara. (_Falling on her knees before him._) Forgive me, Allen, you

-don’t know what my life has been. Dragged up among thieves and sharpers,

-taught to trick and lie before I could speak plainly, I have never

-know what truth and honor meant except as a dim longing. All the

-humanity--all the womanhood--has been dried out of me till I am only the

-thing you see me--a vulture--a human beast of prey. Ah, Allen, thank

-God for your sake that I am married and that you have escaped me--forget

-me--it is the only thing you can do. You can never hate me as I loathe

-myself--you can never despise me as I shudder at my own life.

-

-Allen. (_Puts his hand to his own forehead _) Poor lass! Poor lass!

-

-Clara. (_Takes’ Allen’s hand, left._) You are the only man that has been

-good to me, and I have brought you only pain and shame.

-

-Allen. (_Raising her._) Ah, never mind that, lass. Thee didn’t mean to

-do it. Come! I be more sorry for thee than for myself. I could see what

-sort of life thee had got around thee, and I wanted to take thee away

-from it all. I can do so little for thee now. (_Both at cabinet, Allen

-r._)

-

-Clara. You have taught me, Allen, that there are good men in the world;

-forgive me for having taught you that there are bad women. (_Clara

-crosses in front of Allen to r.door._)

-

-Allen. Not bad, Clara. I guess thee’s been more sinned against than

-sinning. Thy life has been very dark and thee’s stumbled here and there.

-God grant that it may grow brighter for thee one day.

-

-Clara, (_l._) Ah, Allen, don’t keep speaking kindly to me. Don’t think

-kindly of me. Despise me--I can bear that--I am used to it. (_Sits at

-cabinet._)

-

-Allen. (_r.c. next to Clara._) No, lass, I can’t do that. I shall alius

-think kindly of thee. I’ve loved thee too well to change now--because I

-knows thy lot’s harder than I thought it wur.

-

-Clara. (_Turns and looks at Allen._) Try not to think of me at all,

-Allen--I am not worth it--forget me. There is one who loves you better

-than I could ever do, and who is good and pure. (_Rises._) You men never

-see the love that is under your feet--you reach only for what is beyond

-you. Go back to her, Allen. She will make you a better wife than I could

-ever have done. (_Allen at back of Clara up stage R._)

-

-Allen. (_After a pause._) Who--who is this man--your husband?

-

-Clara. Luke Cranbourne! (_She does not look at Allen._)

-

-Allen. Luke Cranbourne! (_Looks nervously at door c. and then at

-clock--then crosses to door and stands near it. He assumes to do this

-naturally and not to let Clara notice his anxiety._)

-

-Clara. We were married secretly before he left for America. Not even my

-father knew it until a day or two ago.

-

-Allen. And do you care for him? (_Allen at door c._)

-

-Clara. With such love as a woman can feel without respect. He was the

-first that I can remember ever speaking a kind word to me. He is the

-only human being I have to cling to--and he is good to me in his way.

-(_Looks up at Allen._) I don’t expect we shall ever see each other

-again. For your sake, I wish we had never met--for myself, my life will

-always seem a bit brighter for the love that an honest man once had for

-me.

-

-Allen. (_Taking her hand in his._) Good-bye--if ever thee wants a

-friend, Allen Rollitt, Woodbarrow Farm, Exmoor, will find him. (_Kissing

-her on the forehead._) God bless thee, Clara!

-

-Clara. Good-bye! (_She goes without a word r.After a few seconds enter

-Luke c. announced by Pet._)

-

-Luke. (_Coming down._) How de do, dear boy? (_Shaking hands. Allen

-does so listlessly and almost unconsciously._) I wanted to see you

-particularly this morning, before I went to the city. I’ve come across

-something that will just double your fortune. Here. (_Laying papers on

-table l. and taking up and pouring out a glass of wine._) You do have

-such capital wine, Rollitt, I really must help myself to a glass. It is

-a splendid scheme.

-

-Allen, (_r.c._) Very like, but we won’t discuss it now. (_Taking notes

-from his pocket-book._) I want thee to leave by the noon train for the

-Continent.

-

-Luke. (_Turns round, face to audience, glass in left hand._) What’s up?

-

-Allen. (_Crosses l. c., hands him the notes._) Thy wife can join thee

-there afterwards. (_Luke starts and looks hard at Allen._) And thee can

-get away to Australia, or somewhere in that direction.

-

-Luke. (_Defiantly._) And why, pray?

-

-Allen. Because there is a man in the next room who be more anxious to

-see thee than thee may be to see him.

-

-Luke. What man?

-

-Allen. Richard Hanningford.

-

-(_Luke lets fall the glass._)

-

-Allen. Good God! Thee’ve given the signal to call him in! Quick! (_Luke

-rushes in terror to door at back._) Not that way. (_Luke bewildered and

-helpless with fright, turns wildly about like a hunted thing not knowing

-which way to fly. Is about to make for other door, when handle of door

-at back is heard to move._) Too late--keep where thee art.

-

-Luke. (_Clinging to Allen’s arm._) Save me! (_Allen thrusts him behind

-door at c. as it opens and enter Hann. and Purt. following. Allen goes

-r. Hann. comes down and stands c. Purt. remains near door and is about

-to close it._)

-

-Allen. (_Who has moved down to r.c., nervously, with effort to appear

-calm and careless._) Leave the door, Mr. Purtwee, leave the door.

-

-Purt. Wide open? (_Surprised._)

-

-Allen. Yes, yes, it’s fearfully hot in here! (_Wiping his brow._)

-

-Hann. (_Looking at him suspiciously._) I don’t find it so. I think we’ll

-have it shut over this job. (_Turns to door._)

-

-Allen. (_Eagerly._) No, no! Don’t shut it--don’t shut it.

-

-Hann. Why not? (_Looks hard at Allen._)

-

-Allen. Why--why--don’t I tell you. It’s so close--so--

-

-(_Hann. crosses, goes to door c. and locks it, then returns, eyeing

-Allen sternly. Luke has crept behind the curtain, which hangs like a

-pillar by the side of the door. Allen watches with intense suspense._)

-

-Hann. (_c._) Well--you gave the signal!

-

-(_Allen r.c. a little to front of Hann. He keeps in front of Hann.

-all through the scene until Luke has got away and prevents his turning

-round--he is very excited but tries to appear careless--the result being

-a slightly hysterical manner. When Luke comes from behind the curtain

-and while he is crossing Allen catches Hann. by the lapels of his coat

-and holds and works him round so that his back is to Luke. He grows

-more and more eager and intense until Luke is off, when he gradually

-subsides into a quieter manner, but not too suddenly. At Hann’s hint

-that he has had too much brandy, he catches at the idea to cover his

-excitement, to account for his conduct._)

-

-Allen. Yes, my dear fellow--but--but--I wur going to explain to thee--it

-wurn’t the signal--it wur an accident. I dropped the glass by accident.

-Thee see I had just had a glass of brandy.

-

-Hann. More than one glass, cousin?

-

-Allen. (_Laughs loudly._) Ha! ha! Perhaps it wur two. (_First movement

-of Luke._) (_At this point Luke creeps from behind curtain, Purt. sees

-him and is about to make an exclamation, when Allen, covering his action

-by assumed drunkenness, lunges half round and catches Purt. on his

-shoulder, clutching it tightly with his left hand while holding Hann.

-with his right--laughing boisterously all the time. Purt. understands

-and remains silent. Allen grows more and more excited. Laughs._) Well,

-now, look’ee here.

-

-Hanningford. Cousin Dick--my long lost--(_laughs as before and slaps him

-on the shoulder. Hann. impatient half turns round--Allen seises his coat

-with both hands and keeps him round._) No--no--look thee here, Cousin

-Dick. Now you say this Cassidy, this creeping, crawling, lying cur, Dan

-Cassidy, tried to murder thee--(_Hann. again seems as though he would

-turn round_)--and these papers--these papers that you sent me. Well,

-I sent ’em on to Purtwee. Ah, he’s a sharp one. (_Door clicks after

-Luke’s exit._) Purtwee, he’ll know who’s who. He’ll put us right. Won’t

-’ee, Purtwee, old friend? Won’t ’ee--won’t ’ee?

-

-(_He slaps Purt. on back, laughing boisterously and half staggering

-forward into Purt.’s arms. Luke has got away by door r., and from now

-Allen’s excitement gradually subsides, and an air of exhaustion follows.

-Sits l.c._)

-

-Hann. (_c._) Say! Are you drunk or playing the fool? Where’s this man

-Cassidy?

-

-Allen. (_Pause._) I don’t know.

-

-Hann. Isn’t he coming here?

-

-Allen. No!

-

-Hann. (_Angrily._) Didn’t you lead me to believe--

-

-Allen. That you should be brought face to face wi’ him? Yes--but I’ve

-changed my mind since then.

-

-Hann. (_After a pause._) I understand: it was only a trick to give you

-time to get him out of the way. You thought that without him I should

-not be able to prove my case. I thought I was dealing with an honest man

-and a friend, and I offered to share the money with you. (_With tierce

-anger._)

-

-Allen. (_Fiercely, rising._) And I tell you to take the whole of it!

-(_A pause--Hann. steps back and stares at him._) I have learnt enough

-within the last few minutes to believe that you are the man you say you

-are, and if so, take it all. You offered me £100,000 to give thee

-Dan Cassidy, I offer thee £200,000 to let him go his way in peace.

-(_Pause._) Come, you may find it hard to prove thee art Hanningford

-afore the law. Prove it to me and Mr. Purtwee, and give me thy hand on

-it that thee’ll never seek to find Dan Cassidy or harm him, and thee art

-old Hanningford’s heir, and I, Allen Rollitt, farmer and yeoman.

-

-Hann. (_After a pause._) Your secrets are your own, cousin. I’d dearly

-have loved to have my revenge upon the hound, but if Dan Cassidy is

-worth £100,000 to you, you can have him--I shouldn’t have thought he

-was.

-

-Allen. He goes free, so far as you are concerned, for ever?

-

-Hann. For ever.

-

-Allen. Right, Dick Hanningford! (_They grasp hands._) And now we’ll

-say good-bye for to-day if you don’t mind. Mr. Purtwee will see thee

-to-morrow, and arrange things. I’d like to be quiet a bit just now.

-

-Hann. You’ve had a rough morning, cousin, and I guess the kindest thing

-I can do is to take myself off. Good-bye. (_Shakes hands._) Good-bye,

-Mr. Purtwee.

-

-Purt. Good-bye, Mr. Hanningford; I will write to you to-morrow.

-

-Hann. (_Goes to door c._) No hurry. Good-bye.

-

-(_Exit c._)

-

-Purt. Well, I can’t understand you, my boy. It’s really a very Quixotic

-thing to do. Why shouldn’t the man suffer for his crime?

-

-Allen, (_l._) Because he can’t suffer without bringing suffering to them

-as I’d rather spare--because he’s the husband of the woman I have been

-calling Clara Dexter.

-

-Purt. (_Astonished._) You don’t say that, lad! When did you learn it?

-

-Allen. About five minutes ago. (_Crosses to r.; leans on chair._)

-

-Purt. (_After a pause._) Hanningford said true; it’s been a rough

-morning for you. (_Going up to Allen and laying his hand on his

-shoulder._) Would you rather that I stopped with you a bit, lad, or left

-you alone?

-

-Allen. Leave me alone, old friend. (_Purt. goes to c. door._) I shall be

-off soon.

-

-Purt. (_At door c._) Where are you going to?

-

-Allen. I’m going back to Woodbarrow Farm. I’ve had eno’ of the big

-world. I’ve had enough of fine folks and their ways. I’m going back to

-my own people--I’m going back to see the faces of them as I know loves

-me, to feel the hands of them as I know thinks well of me--I’m going

-back home.

-

-(_Purt. exit R., Allen stands l. by fire, stage darkens, and scene

-changes. Slow tableau. Music plays till change of scene and through

-Scene 2._)

-

-Scene 2. Same as Act i. Time, evening, fire burning brightly, and lamp

-lit on table, where supper is laid. Deb. discovered by fire, attending

-to cooking operations; Mrs. R. by fire, laying supper.

-

-Mrs. R. Be it done, lass?

-

-Deb. (_Who is kneeling down, looking into oven._) Yes, aunt, just to a

-turn.

-

-Mrs. R. (_Crossing and looking over Deb’s shoulder._) Ah, that be just

-right. Thee’s a good cook, lass. (_Crossing back to table._) Ah, how un

-used to like a veal pasty. (_Sighs._)

-

-Deb. It’s a bad thing going to bed, though, ain’t it, aunt?

-

-Mrs. R. Ah, anything be bad for them as ain’t got no stomachs, and

-underdone bricks be all right for them as has. (_Gets dishes from

-dresser; lays table._) Besides, we bain’t going to bed yet. Us’ll sit

-and have a chat after supper.

-

-Deb. It seems so lonely of an evening here now. (_Looking into fire._)

-

-Mrs. R. (_In front of table r.c._) So it do, lass. (_Crossing L._)

-Ah, the lads bean’t so big to look at, but they leaves a rare space

-behind ’em when they goes away.

-

-Deb. (_After a pause, still gazing dreamily into fire._) I wonder if

-he’ll ever come back.

-

-Mrs. R. Aye, aye; he’ll come back, never fear.

-

-Deb. (_Turns._) What, to stop?

-

-Mrs. R. (_l. sits on settle._) Ah, to stop.

-

-Deb. What makes you think so, aunt?

-

-Mrs. R. I dunno. It’s never seemed real to me, any on it. I’m awaiting

-every day to hear un lift the latch and walk in to find as it had all

-been a dream. So I alius lays for three (_l._)

-

-(_Enter Allen c. He is dressed much as in Act 1. He shuts the door and

-stands by it._)

-

-Allen. Well, mother, (_c._)

-

-Mrs. R. (_l. staring at him._) Allen, lad! (_Bewildered, not grasping

-it. Deb. having risen, stands with the hot pie that she has that moment

-taken from the oven, transfixed R._)

-

-Allen. (_At door c._) I’ve come home, you see, to stop--for good. Are

-thee glad to see me, mother?

-

-Mrs. R. (_l._) Come home! To stop! For good! Ah! (_Rushes across with a

-cry of joy and hugs him up c._) I said he would--I said he would--I said

-he would. My boy! My boy! (_After a pause._) And--and all the money,

-and--and Miss Dexter?

-

-Allen. (_Taking off his hat and throwing it down at hack._) Shadows,

-mother, that have passed away, out of my life, for ever. I’ll tell

-thee all about it later on, never mind to-night. Let’s think only about

-ourselves. (_Going to Deb. r._) Are thee glad to see me?

-

-(_Mrs. R. pushes them together from behind r. Deb. still with pie in her

-hands, puts her face up. Allen bends and kisses it. Mrs. R. catches the

-two in her arms, and embraces both at once, laughing. Deb. holds pie out

-at arm’s length to save it._)

-

-Allen. Mind the pie, mother.

-

-Mrs. R. (_Still embracing them._) Are thee hungry, lad?

-

-Allen. Rather.

-

-Mrs. R. Bless un, and thee’ve come back just in time for supper, as thee

-alius used to. (_Laughs, sits up stage, top of table._) Can thee eat

-veal pasty?

-

-Allen. Can I eat veal--(_taking off overcoat and throwing it on chair r.

-c._) Let me get at un, that’s all.

-

-Mrs. R. Poor boy! Come and sit ’ee down. (_Pushing him in chair l. of

-table._) Where be the potatoes, Deb.?

-

-Deb. (_Bewildered, turns round and round._) I don’t know. (_Laughs._)

-

-Mrs. R. Well, have a look in the saucepan, then. (_Sits back of table

-r. c. Allen l. Deb. r._) Thee won’t find ‘em by turning round and

-round. Now come lad, and get a bit inside thee. Us’ll do the talking

-afterwards.

-

-(_Deb. potters about between fire and table in a bewildered manner. She

-brings potatoes, and puts them in front of Allen._)

-

-Allen. Ah, it do smell lovely, don’t it? (_Sniffing at pie._)

-

-Mrs. R. Never thee mind smelling it, thee taste it. Lud, how thin thee

-art looking, lad. (_To Deb. who is almost doing so._) Don’t pour the

-beer into the pie, child, and look where thee’s put the potatoes!

-(_Takes jug away from her._)

-

-Deb. (_Sitting down, laughing._) I don’t know what I’m doing. (_Takes

-saucepan off table._)

-

-Mrs. R. Well, us can see that.

-

-Allen. And how’s everything been going on? How’s the colt?

-

-Mrs. R. Kicked Parsons clean into the ditch yestermorning, the little

-dear! (_All are now seated._)

-

-Allen. No, did un? (_Laughs._)

-

-Deb. One of the guinea hens is dead, the little one of all.

-

-Allen. What, the one as used to squint?

-

-Deb. Yes, Parsons left his shot on the pigstye wall, and she ate two

-ounces. Oh, and you remember Jim?

-

-Allen. What, the bantam?

-

-Deb. Yes. He’s given his own father such a licking, and won’t let him

-come near the yard.

-

-Allen. (_Laughing heartily._) Plucky little beggar! Serve the old ‘un

-right. He wur always a bully. Now, mother--(_about to hand her the

-pie._) Why, mother, thee art crying!

-

-Mrs. R. (_Crying._) No, I ain’t. Go on with thee supper, lad.

-

-Allen. (_Looking at Deb._) And--why, here be Deb. crying too!

-

-(_The two women laugh through their tears. Allen joins them as curtain

-descends._)

-

-Mrs. R. It’s wi’ joy, lad; it’s wi’ joy!

-

-

-SLOW CURTAIN.

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Woodbarrow Farm, by Jerome K. Jerome

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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 54698 ***
+
+WOODBARROW FARM
+
+Play In Three Acts
+
+By Jerome K. Jerome
+
+Samuel French: London
+
+1904
+
+
+
+
+Piffin..............
+
+Allen Rollitt.......
+
+Luke Cranbourne.....
+
+Mike Stratton.......
+
+Mr. Purtwee.........
+
+Hon. Tom Gussett....
+
+Baron Von Schnorr...
+
+Richard Hanningford
+
+Ichabod.............
+
+Peters..............
+
+Colonel Jack Dexter.
+
+Clara Dexter........
+
+Mrs. Rollitt........
+
+Rachael.............
+
+Deborah Deacon......
+
+
+
+
+SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY
+
+Act I
+
+Woodbarrow Farm, Exmoor
+
+Act II
+
+13a, St. James’ Mansions
+
+Act III
+
+Scene 1--Same as Act II., or Library at 13a, St. James’ Mansion
+
+Scene 2--Woodbarrow Farm
+
+Time: The Present
+
+
+[Illustration: 0007]
+
+[Illustration: 0010]
+
+[Illustration: 0011]
+
+
+
+
+WOODBARROW FARM
+
+
+
+
+ACT I.
+
+
+MUSIC TO OPEN ACT: OLD ENGLISH AIR
+
+SCENE: _Kitchen at Woodbarrow Farm. An ideal old farmhouse kitchen. From
+the smoke-blackened ceiling beams hang huge sides of bacon, strings of
+onions, and herbs, and poultry. Over the great fireplace are the guns,
+and in profusion everywhere are the homely furnishings of a prosperous
+farmhouse kitchen. A huge fire burns r. in old-fashioned fireplace, with
+settle on each side. Door l.c. at back opening on corner of farmyard.
+Latticed window looking out on yard to r. of door. Table r.c. piled with
+linen waiting to be folded. Linen press l. Door l. below press. Settle
+in front of press. Mrs. Rollitt at table r.c. discovered ironing. She
+folds up clothes as she finishes with them, and crosses and places them
+one by one in press l._
+
+Mrs. R. Rachael! Rachael!! (Crossing l. then crosses to r. at back of
+table r.c.) Ah, drat the girls--alius philandering about with the boys
+when they’re wanted. Rachael!
+
+(Enter Rachael, she comes slowly forward to l.c.)
+
+Rach. Did you call, ma’am?
+
+Mrs. R. (At table.) Did I call? Why thee be getting deaf in thee old age
+sure, Rachael.
+
+Rach. I was in the dairy, ma’am.
+
+Mrs. R. In the dairy! Well, and the dairy bean’t a mile off, be it?
+I expect there wur Joe’s thick head ’twixt you and the sound of my
+voice, warn’t there?
+
+Rach. No, ma’am.
+
+Mrs. R. Whose wur it, then?
+
+Rach. Ichabod’s, ma’am. I--I mean Mr. Ichabod was helping me, ma’am.
+
+Mrs. R. What at? (_Pause._) How often am I to tell ’ee I won’t have
+that hulking scamp hanging about here after his work’s done. Do ’ee
+understand?
+
+Rach. Yes, ma’am.
+
+Mrs. R. Here’s getting on for 8 o’clock, and thee master may be home
+any minute as hungry as a hunter, poor lad, and noothing ready for his
+supper. Get down the ham (_Rachael goes to fireplace r._), and bring me
+in the frying-pan and I’ll do it myself.
+
+Rach. (_Turning to go._) Yes, ma’am.
+
+Mrs. R. And don’t be half-an-hour about it. Is Ichabod gone?
+
+Rach. Oh yes, ma’am.
+
+(_Mrs. R. turns to her work, Ichabod appears at door at hack, with a
+trout in his hand. Rachael catching sight of him stops, and motions him
+to go away._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, a good thing for un as he has, if I catch un here again
+to-night, I’ll--(_Rachael makes sign to Ichabod who is up c. Mrs. R.
+looks at Rachael_)--Lord help the lass, be she struck foolish? Bean’t
+’ee agoing?
+
+Rach. Yes, ma’am.
+
+Mrs. R. Well then, do ut. Thee keeps on saying, “yes, ma’am,” “yes,
+ma’am,” and there ’ee sticks. (_Drops eyes. Rachael makes sign to
+Ichabod. Mrs. Rollitt catches her._)
+
+(_Ichabod does not understand Rachel, and tries to explain to her in
+pantomime about the trout, which he holds up and points to. Mrs. Rollitt
+follows Rachael’s eyes, and sees Ichabod. Rachael is struck dumb, and
+Ichabod grins and pulls his hair._)
+
+Mrs. R. If thee don’t take theeself off pretty, soon, my boy, I’ll do
+that for un. (_He makes no answer but continues pulling his hair and
+grinning, making a few steps forward and still holding out the trout.
+Mrs. Rollitt advances to him slowly._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Comes c._) How often am I to tell ’ee I won’t have ’ee
+loafing about here after thee work’s done, and thee mother waiting for
+thee at home, thee good-for-nothing young--(_eyeing the trout_)--aye,
+but he be a bonny un that.
+
+Ich. Thowt maybe he’d do for the measter’s supper, ma’am. He wur
+a-having his own not half-an-hour agone, ma’am.
+
+Mrs. R. (_l. with fish in hand._) Her be a three pound un, Ichabod.
+
+Ich. As full as an egg, her be, just. Thee feel her, ma’am.
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, well, I won’t say but what thee art a thoughtful lad,
+Ichabod, and it will be main good for thee measter’s supper. See there’s
+a clear fire. (_Crosses r.Enter Deborah from staircase L._) Rachael,
+and bring me the stew pan and we’ll boil un.
+
+Deb. No, don’t boil it, aunt. (_Takes fish from Mrs. R._) Let me fry it.
+Allen alius likes ‘em best that way. (_Goes r. c. up stage._)
+
+Mrs. R. So un does, lass, so un does. Ah, thee knaw what the lad loikes,
+thee shall fry it. (_Hands trout to Deb._) And I’ll finish the linen
+while I’ve got my hand on it. (_At back of table r.c._)
+
+Deb. Allen will like that, I know. Where did you get it?
+
+Ich. (_Confused and grinning._) What, me, Miss?
+
+Deb. Not poached, I hope, Ichabod?
+
+Ich. (_Offended._) Poached, Miss? No, Miss, I wur trying to teach a fly
+of mine to swim, that wur all, Miss, and when I took un from the water
+there wur this thing hanging on to the end of un, and I couldn’t get ‘un
+off.
+
+Mrs. R. (_At table r. c._) Thee’d best stop awhile now, Ichabod, and the
+girls will gie un a bit sup. Thee mother will be main glad to be rid o’
+ye a bit, I take it.
+
+Ich. Thank ye, ma’am. Mother’s alius glad to be rid of me at supper
+toime. (_To Deborah.) Gie me un, Miss, I’ll clean un for ye. (_Takes
+fish from Deborah, goes down l. at back of settle.)
+
+Rach. Shall I cook un, Miss?
+
+Mrs. R. Na, na, thee bring the pan in here, Rachael, I woan’t trust the
+master’s supper to ‘ee, while there’s a pair of breeches about the room.
+
+Rach. (_Crosses l. with a toss of her head.) I’m sure I don’t want ‘em
+there at all. (_Picks up buckets near door l. down stage.)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, thee wouldn’t ha’ the lad theer wi’out ‘em! Go and do as I
+tell ‘ee.
+
+[Rachael hits Ichabod with bucket. Exeunt Rachael and Ichabod l. door
+down stage.]
+
+Mrs. R. The lad will enjoy it all the more if thee cook it for un. Ah.
+and he do enjoy his food too. It do me good to see un eat.
+
+Deb. He does you a lot of good that way, doesn’t he, aunt?
+
+Mes. R. (_Laughing.’_) Ah, yes, he be like his father wur before him,
+a rare trencher man. Ah, but they’re better than those as doesn’t eat
+much, but sits a-turning and a-smelling, and a-grumbling at everything
+that’s set before them, for all the world like an overfed turkey cock
+trying to eat potato peelings. Thee wean’t ha’ much trouble looking
+arter un when I’m gone.
+
+Deb. (_Goes to fireplace R._) Oh, aunt, how naughty you are, always
+talking of being “gone,” just as if you were an old woman.
+
+Mrs. R. No, no, lass, I bean’t talking of being gone now. I’ve many a
+year before me yet, please God. But it must come sometime, thee knaws,
+and I like to think that when it do there’ll be someone to gie the lad
+his bit of food, and look arter un loike--and, Lord, a man do want a
+power of looking arter to be sure.
+
+Deb. (_At fire R. making it up._) I think that’s why we love ‘em, aunt,
+because they’re so helpless.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Cross to l._) Ah, maybe it is. There must be summut to account
+for it.
+
+Deb. And I suppose they be like the poultry. They get fond of us because
+we feed them. He does say I’ve got a good hand for cooking, aunt.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Cross to r._) Ah, yes, lass. It be a light hand for the
+kitchen and a cool hand for the dairy. It will make a good hand for a
+farmer’s wife. (_Takes Deborah’s hand at table R._)
+
+Deb. I don’t think Allen will want a farmer’s wife, aunt.
+
+Mrs. R. Lord, whose wife should a farmer want, then?
+
+Deb. (_Pokes fire r._) I don’t think Allen wants to be a farmer at all.
+He says he wants to be a somebody, not a nobody.
+
+Mrs. R. Well, bean’t a farmer somebody?
+
+Deb. Somebody, aunt, but not a somebody. Allen wants to be in the world,
+you know, aunt.
+
+Mrs. R. Well, and he be in the world sure, ain’t he? Sure I think I
+ought to know. (_Cross to l._)
+
+Deb. No, not in the world he means, aunt. Not in the great world as they
+call it.
+
+Mrs. R. Ah! he be in God’s world, that ought to be big enough for un.
+(_Cross to r._)
+
+Deb. (_A little spitefully._) Yes, aunt, but it’s not select enough.
+There’s all sorts of common people in God’s world. Allen wants to be
+in the big world of lords and ladies and big folk up in London. He says
+it’s being buried alive down here; that he wants to be among the stir
+and bustle.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Cross to h., putting clothes in press._) Ah! that be only
+his talk. The young uns be all alike. They run arter shadows like the
+chickens do arter chaff. (_Cross l._) Why, I mind when I wur a lass,
+I used to look in the glass and think I’d be a duchess. But the dook
+didn’t come, so I just married thee uncle. The young ducks all fancies
+as they’ll paddle off to the sea, But they live and dies in the old pond
+arter all. (_Crosses to R._)
+
+Deb. (_Laughing._) And you think that your duck will live and die in the
+Woodbarrow pond, aunt? (_Helps Mrs. Rollitt to fold._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, bless un, yes, the lads they fancy that any place is better
+than the old home; but arter they’ve had a good look round, they know
+that the old home’s better than any place else. He’ll flutter about a
+bit maybe (_looks at Deborah_), but he’ll settle down in the nest ‘fore
+long, and the children will be running about the house (_Deborah turns
+away a little_) and making it untidy--Bless ‘em--afore I close my eyes.
+
+Deb. (_Demurely._) I wonder who he’ll marry.
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, I wonder now. (_Crosses to put linen in chest of drawers._)
+
+Deb. (_r. folding linen._) There’s Polly Steddles. He walked home
+from church with her last Sunday. I think he’s a little sweet on Polly
+Steddles, don’t you, aunt?
+
+(_Mrs. R. comes l. of table r._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, it bean’t much good being a little sweet on a girl that
+size. It would take a power of sweetness to go round her. (_Crosses L.
+with linen._).
+
+Deb. She’s big, but then men like big women, don’t they, aunt?
+
+Mrs. R. (_l._) Ah, some on ’em goes in for quantity, and some on ’em
+goes in for quality. The little ones, they go in for size cause they
+bean’t much of it themselves; and the big ones goes in for sense, cause
+that be what they be most in need of. (_Goes R._) And Allen, he be’s
+medium, so he can just please himself.
+
+Deb. And there’s Miss Dexter, that he drives over to Minehead so often.
+(_Mrs. Rollitt goes l._) He thinks a lot of her, I know.
+
+Mrs. R. (_l._) What, Colonel Dexter’s darter, oop at Lucott’s Hill? Oh,
+yes, her’d be a fine un to make the butter and cure the hams, her
+would. Her be loike them umbrellas they be a selling at Peter’s for 1s.
+11d.--only meant to be walked out wi’. (_Near press l._)
+
+Deb. Ah, but she’s so beautiful, aunt, and she’s a lady! (_Sighs._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah! (_goes to table r. c._) there be a good many sorts o’ them.
+
+Deb. She is a lady, isn’t she, aunt?
+
+Mrs. R. Her’s got the clothes all right. (_Sits l. of table r. A
+pause--goes up and pats Deborah’s cheek._)
+
+As if thee didn’t know the lad were in love with theeself.
+
+Deb. (_Tossing her head._) Sure an’ I don’t see how I should--he never
+says anything.
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, the men bain’t much to say for their-selves, poor things.
+Thee must go by what they does. Why, thee uncle kept company wi’ me for
+three years, an’ un never said a word. The first year un only sot and
+stared, and the second year un put un’s arm round my waist, and the
+third year un kissed me, and then mother said it were time to put up the
+banns, and her done it.
+
+Deb. (_Laughs._) Ah, the man that wants to marry me will have to ask me
+ever and ever so many times and plead, oh, as if his life depended on it
+(_tossing her head--at fire._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, the lad be shy, that be all. He be frightened ’o thee.
+
+Deb. (_Smiling._) Of me, aunt?
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, sure!--(_Laughs._)--I expect un be worrying hisself finely
+for fear thee doan’t care for un, a fancying thee prefers Jim Harkabuck,
+maybe.
+
+Deb. (_Demurely--goes up r. and gets l. of Mrs. Rollitt._) Jim
+Harkabuck is a very nice fellow, and he does stare. (_Smiling, and going
+to her aunt._) Do you think Allen really--really does--Aunt? (_Kneels to
+Mrs. Rollitt, who turns her head away r. a little._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Laughing, and shaking her off playfully. Pauses._) Does he!
+Why beant he alius quarreling wi’ thee, and doan’t he eat twice as
+much o’ anything if he knows thee cooked it--and besides--(_Pauses and
+becomes absorbed in stockings._)
+
+Deb. Besides what, aunt?
+
+Mrs. R. Why didn’t I find un only the evening afore last when un didn’t
+know I wur there. (_Laughing._)
+
+(_Enter Rachael l. door with fish in frying-pan.--Deborah rises._)
+
+Rach. (_Crossing r. and giving it to Deborah._) Shall I put it on, Miss?
+
+Deb. (_c. goes R. to fireplace._) No, I’ll see to it; Rachael, thank
+you.
+
+Rach. I have put some butter in the pan, Miss.
+
+(_Exit Rachael l. down stage._)
+
+Deb. Yes, aunt. (_r. of table and seeing to fish with back to Mrs.
+Rollitt._) You--you were saying how you came upon Allen the other
+evening, aunt, when he didn’t know you were there, and he was doing
+something.
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, yes, it wur Toosday, and he--not in love wi’
+’ee--(_laughing_)--why--(_taking up stocking and looking at hole._)
+Ah, look at that now, blest if I can make out where the holes come from,
+just.
+
+Deb. What was he doing, aunt?
+
+Mrs. R. Why there un wur wi’ your--
+
+(_Enter Purtwee c.--who coughs._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Turning, and seeing him as he stands in doorway._) What, Mr.
+Purtwee! (_Deborah in despair goes to fire and cooks fish._) Well, ’ee
+do surprise me! ’Ee be quite a stranger. Come in. Thee be just in time
+for a bit of sup.
+
+Mr. P. (_Coming down l. c., puts hat on staircase rail._) I couldn’t
+pass the place without looking in, I’ve just left the trap outside.
+(_Shakes hands._) And how are we?
+
+Mrs. R. Oh, I be middlin’ well, thank ’ee, and how’s yerself?
+
+Mr. P. Oh, nicely enough, and--(_To Deborah crossing r._)--how’s Miss
+Deborah Deacon?
+
+Deb. Very well, thank you, Mr. Purtwee.
+
+Mr. P. That’s all right--you look it, my dear (_Taking her hands._) Why
+I declare she’s getting quite a woman!
+
+Mrs. R. Ah! she’s been that for some time. Her be thinking more about
+getting a man now. (_Purtwee crosses to l. c. laughing._)
+
+Deb. Oh, aunt!
+
+Mrs. R. Did ’ee see the lad up town?
+
+Mr. P. What, Allen?
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, that be the only lad in the world I know. Did ’ee see un?
+(_Goes up l._)
+
+Mr. P. Yes, I met him, and I wanted to have a chat with him. (_Mrs.
+Rollitt is up l. near linen press._) But, Lord! There he was off to
+Lucott’s Hill, and there was no holding him. (_Taking off his coat._)
+
+Deb. (_Who has been engaged in her cooking, at this suddenly stops, and
+looks up._) What was he going up there for?
+
+Mr. P. (_Stopping and facing round._) What for?
+
+Deb. (_Excitedly, but quietly._) Who was he going to see up there?
+
+Mr. P. (_Laughing and folding coat._) Ah! who is it he always goes to
+see up there?
+
+(_Deborah turns a little sick at this confirmation of her fears.
+Purtwee, who is a sharp old fellow, notices the expression of her face
+and the whole truth flashes across him. He pauses suddenly, looks hard
+at her, then assuming an ordinary laughing tone, continues--Mrs. Rollitt
+(up l.) is engaged with the linen, and does not notice this._)
+
+Mr. P. Why, the Walleys, of course. He and Jim seem to be inseparable of
+late.
+
+Deb. Oh, yes, I know. I asked him to try and see if the Walleys would
+part with one of their short-horns.
+
+Mr. P. Ah! that was it, then--yes, I remember that was it. (_Turns away
+and looks back at Deborah, who has resumed her cooking--aside._) Poor
+child! There’s trouble for her I fear. (_Throws coat over chair l._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Comes c._) Well, what be going on up at Minehead?
+
+Mr. P. The same that is going on everywhere, Mrs. Rollitt--people lying
+and slandering and evil-speaking; everybody thieving and cheating and
+quarreling. (_Sits on table l._)
+
+Mrs. R. Well, I guess I could have told thee that. Haven’t thee any
+real news to gie us. Tell us what one person’s be a-doing. Never mind
+“everybody,” I don’t know him.
+
+Mr. P. Well, you see, Susan, a lawyer mustn’t gossip. (_Shakes finger._)
+
+(_Deborah crosses to linen press L., sets tablecloth and lays table r.
+c. for meal._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_c._) Oh, hoity, toity! What be the use of being a lawyer and
+knowing things if ’ee never tells a body a bit o’ news? And now I come
+to think of it, I’ve got a bone to pick wi’ thee about that very thing.
+Thee never told me old Hanningford wur agoing to die without leaving my
+boy so much as a brass farthing. Do you think as how I’d ’a’ gone on
+sending the old skinflint the best turkey in the yard every Christmas,
+and the best goose come every Michaelmas, if I’d known as how he’d
+hadn’t given us so much as the price as a suit o’ black, and Allen his
+own cousin’s child. (_Crossing R._)
+
+A cousin is a cousin, even if it be a distant one. (_Sits l. of table
+r._)
+
+Mr. P. Now, my dear Mrs. Rollitt, how could I tell he was going to die?
+
+Mrs. R. Thee knowed he wur going to die sometime, and thee knowed he
+hadn’t left the boy anything, and thee might a’ dropped me a hint. “Mrs.
+Rollitt,” thee might ha’ said, “thee’s only wasting good poultry on
+a worthless man. The old sinner’s a going to die as hard-fisted and
+ungrateful as he’s lived.” It would ’a’ been a neighbourly act o’
+thee!
+
+Mr. P. (_Laughing._) But I didn’t know he wasn’t going to leave you
+anything. You see he died intestate.
+
+Mrs. R. In------ what?
+
+Mr. P. (_Rises._) Intestate. (_Deborah laughs a little._) Without
+leaving a will; he left nobody anything.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Rising._) Well, then, where does the old fool’s money go to?
+
+Mr. P. Why, to his son, of course! (_Cross to r. near chair, fireplace
+down stage._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, where be his son?
+
+Mr. P. (_Folding his knee in his hand and looking at her quietly._) On
+the road from Texas to Devon. (_Sits r._)
+
+Mrs. R. What! Thee don’t mean to say thee’ve found un! (_Deborah gets
+dish off dresser r. and puts it down in front of firm Mrs. R. in front
+of table r., Mrs. R. and Deborah draw near interested._)
+
+Mr. P. That’s just exactly what I do mean. We traced him at last--found
+him at Port Chadbourne black as a nigger and dressed as a red Indian.
+
+Mrs. R. What was he doing there--play-acting?
+
+Mr. P. No, cow-boy. (_Mrs. R. sits l. of table r._)
+
+Mrs. R. Lord love us all! and do un know?
+
+Mr. P. Yes, my agent saw him--went down to meet him as he came through
+with a drove of cattle, gave him my letters and told him everything.
+
+Mrs. R. Has he written to you?
+
+Mr. P. No, didn’t know how to write--a sort of half savage he seems to
+be, he and all his companions. He said he was going to give the boys a
+three days’ drink, or as he expressed it, “paint the town red,” and then
+start straight for home.
+
+Mrs. R. When do you expect him?
+
+Mr. P. Any day now; it was six weeks ago my agent saw him. He might walk
+into my office to-morrow morning.
+
+Mrs. R. Lor! to think o’ it all. Him running away--driven away, as a
+body might say, by ’is own father, when scarce more than a baby, and
+now coming back to all this money. When do ’ee expect un?
+
+Mr. P. To-morrow--in six months time--never!
+
+Mrs. R. Never! (_Purtwee rises, crosses to l._)
+
+Mr. P. Perhaps never.
+
+Mrs. R. Why I thought thee said he’d started.
+
+Mr. P. Started, yes; but there’s a long road between that and arriving.
+He may be dead and buried--drowned--murdered--for all we can tell.
+They’re a rough lot where he’s coming from. (_Takes coat off settle L.
+Feels for snuff box in pockets; rises; goes c._)
+
+Mrs. R. Well, thee’s picturing a nice fate for the lad. An’ who would
+the money all go to if he were gone?
+
+Mr. P. Why the next o’ kin of course! He isn’t married.
+
+Mrs. R. And who be the next of kin?
+
+Mr. P. (_Dryly._) Oh! there’s no need to worry about that now.
+
+Mrs R. Well, I’d just like to know, that’s all. Would it be any of the
+Leeds folk?
+
+Mr. P. Oh, I really can’t say! (_Gets snuff box, puts coat on settle
+l._) I--I can’t say at all who it would be. (_Angrily, rather._) Why
+there’s about a hundred different relations scattered all over the
+country, and goodness knows who it might turn out to be. It isn’t a
+matter to be considered yet at all.
+
+Mrs. R. Lord bless us all, don’t put theeself out, man. I didn’t know as
+a body’s relations wur any secret--(_pauses_)--provided they be coom
+by honestly. Doan’t tell us if ’ee doan’t want to. (_Turns away r. a
+little._)
+
+Mr. P. No--no, Mrs. Rollitt! I’m not put out, only you see it’s always
+a most complicated question a next of kin, especially in a case of this
+kind where the man shunned all his relations. It might be someone in
+Hong Kong; it might be someone here in Devonshire--(_Enter Allen c.
+door._)--it might be,--(_he is l., taking handkerchief from his overcoat
+pocket, and turning sees Allen in doorway and stops. Deborah puts on the
+fish._)
+
+Allen. (_Coming down r. c._) Well mother! (_Kisses her._)
+
+Mrs. R. Why, my boy, wherever ha’ ye been to--I wur getting quite
+anxious about ’ee!
+
+Allen. (_Taking off his hat and coat and throwing them down at back._)
+Ah, I be a rare anxiety to ’ee, baint I, mother? (_To Mr. Purtwee._)
+Mother alius fancies as I’ve been run off with by gypsies if I be out
+more than an hour. (_Crossing and shaking hands with Mr. Purtwee._) And
+how be Mr. Purtwee for the second time to-day?
+
+Mr. P. (_Laughing and shaking hands._) Ah! your mother’s a regular old
+hen with one chick I expect. (_Sits l._)
+
+Allen. Never thee mind, mother, thee be quite right to be careful o’ me!
+There baint another son like me in the whole country, be there?
+
+Deb. (_At fire._) To the credit of old Devon be it said.
+
+Allen. Halloa! (_Goes r. to Deborah._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah! now that just serves thee right for laughing at thee old
+mother. (_Crosses l. and sits knitting next to Purtwee._)
+
+Allen. Ah! that be the worst of letting the children stop oop arter
+their proper toime, they allus gets so saucy. What have thee there? Lurd
+bust me, I have got a vacuum inside o’ me. Poached eggs?
+
+Deb. No; poached trout.
+
+Mr. P. Eh! what’s that?
+
+Allen. Hulloa! Thee’ve done it now. Why, Mr. Purtwee be Lord Netherby’s
+lawyer, and he’ll ha’ thee hanged in chains on Dunkery Beacon, sure as
+fate.
+
+Deb. Ah, well, you see I didn’t poach him, I’m only frying him. There’s
+no law against frying fish, is there?
+
+Allen. (_r.c._) Aye, well, us’ll forgive thee this time, if ee’ll
+promise to do it again soon. Come and give us a kiss.
+
+Deb. Thee’ll kiss the frying-pan if you come any o’ your nonsense round
+here.
+
+Allen. What! won’t thee, when I tell ’ee I’ve bought Jim Whalley’s
+tan and cream shorthorn for ’ee?
+
+Deb. (_Pleased._) No! Have you?
+
+Allen. I bought her this afternoon, and I got her for--(_l.c., turning
+to his mother_) I say, mother, our Deb’s bin and smoshed young Whalley.
+
+Mrs. R. Done what to un.
+
+Allen. Smoshed him.
+
+Deb. Why, I never touched him.
+
+Allen. Yes thee have, thee’ve smoshed un--that be the new Lunnun word;
+made un in love wi’ thee.
+
+Mrs. R. It’s a funny way o’ doing it.
+
+Allen. I doan’t know how her done it, but her done it. Why he wanted £25
+for the cow at first, and when I told un her wur for Deb he looked as
+stupid as an old cow unself and said I could have her for £20, and then
+he asked me if she would like a calf. (_Goes R._)
+
+Deb. We could do with one. What did you say?
+
+Allen. (_Laughing._) I told un her’d better let the calf come down and
+ask for unself. (_Laughs boisterously._) He never saw what I meant.
+(_All laugh._)
+
+Deb. Oh, I expect he saw it all right. Jim Whalley is a very sharp
+fellow; there was no need to insult him just because he’d done a kind
+action. (_Warmly--turns away r. a little._)
+
+Allen. Oh, I wouldn’t ha’ said it if I’d known. I didn’t know thee was
+in love wi’ him.
+
+Deb. (_Half laughing and half indignant._) Oh, don’t be silly, Allen, as
+if I cared for Jim Whalley.
+
+Allen. I might ha’ guessed it too. Why, I expect that’s why thee wanted
+the cow so as to have something about the place to remind thee o’ un.
+
+Deb. Oh, you great stupid!
+
+Allen. Why, look how you’re blushing. Look, look at her face, mother.
+(_Goes to back of settle r. takes up looking-glass which is hanging on
+settle r., brings it down and holds it before her._) Look at yourself!
+(_she catches him a sound box on the ear. He puts his hand to his face,
+and crossing puts back glass._) I didn’t know thee was so strong. That
+all comes of those squab pies o’ yourn, mother, I told thee thee wur
+putting too much meat in ‘em.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Laughing._) Ah, it’s thy sauce lad, not my meat, that’s done
+it. (_Rises._) Thee’d better try and make thy peace, while me and Mr.
+Purtwee has a look round the out-buildings. (_To Mr. Purtwee_) I’ve been
+wanting to get hold of thee for a long time. Thee’s never given us so
+much as a bit o’ paint for the last ten years, and the stable roof won’t
+bear an owl on it. (_Goes up c. with Purtwee._)
+
+Allen, (_r. near settle._) Thee might show Mr. Purtwee the barn floor
+while thee’s about it, mother. It be more like an earthquake than a
+floor.
+
+Mrs. R. Oh, I be a going to show him more than he wants to see, don’t
+thee worrit. (_Aside to Mr. Purtwee at door c._) Ah, they’d make a
+pretty couple, wouldn’t they?
+
+Mr. P. (_Looking at them._) No, no, we must make ’em one.
+
+(_Exit Mrs. Rollitt and Mr. Purtwee c. door._)
+
+Allen. (_After a pause, r.c._) Well I’ve got thee the cow, anyhow, and
+it’s a beauty.
+
+Deb. (_At tire in a tone of severe and offended dignity._) Thank you,
+Mr. Rollitt, it is very kind of you.
+
+Allen. (_After a pause, with exaggerated politeness._) Don’t mention it,
+Miss Deacon--quite a pleasure!
+
+(_Allen crosses to l., whistles--a pause--pretends to take off leggings.
+Puts foot on settle._)
+
+Deb. Thee may bring me over the butter.
+
+Allen. (_Looking up._) Hulloa! come back again! Butter, certainly!
+(_Takes it from chair off l. on staircase, crosses with it, and holds
+it for Deborah while she takes some._) Jolly good butter this week; who
+made it? Thee?
+
+Deb. (_Other side of plate._) Of course I did! I make all the butter
+now, and the cream.
+
+Allen. What, wi’ them little hands. They don’t look big enough to do
+anything but be kissed.
+
+Deb. (_Looking up and smiling._) They can do something else, can’t they?
+
+Allen. Ah! They be like the parson’s, not as soft as they looks. (_Puts
+down butter on the table--pause--during which Deborah proceeds with her
+cooking, and Allen stands watching her._) What a jolly little farmer’s
+wife thee’d make.
+
+Deb. Yes; I only want the jolly little farmer.
+
+Allen. Ah, thee won’t find many of that sort about. Farming don’t pay
+enough for a man to get jolly on, now-a-days.
+
+Deb. Oh, we have enough to eat and drink, and a little to spend on
+foolishness. You want so much.
+
+Allen. (_Goes l._) Not more than what a many has. Not more than a little
+bit of what this young Hanning-ford is coming back to--enough to let
+a man see what the world’s like a bit, instead of being cooped oop all
+one’s life, like an old cow, in one corner of it.
+
+Deb. But you can’t live all over it, and one corner must be much as good
+as another.
+
+Allen. (_Crosses r._) Ah, thee don’t understand it, lass. Thee women
+folk can stand day arter day the same, but we lads are restless wi’ it.
+We feel as there’s summat big and stirring going on somewhere, and
+we long to be among it--to be in the great world. It seems to call to
+me--(_puts foot on settle L._)--to come to it, sometimes. I hear it of
+a night when I’m watching the sheep on the hill fields. Maybe it’s only
+the sea breaking on the rocks down by Glenthorn--or the wind among the
+old oaks, but it sounds like a distant far-off voice--(_gets l. of table
+R. with back to Deborah_)--calling to me, and it rings and echoes in
+my ears, till I feel at times that I must start up then and there and
+follow it. (_Deborah r. of table r. Allen l. of table r._)
+
+Deb. (_Very gravely, laying her hand on his arm._) Allen, lad, don’t you
+remember reading one evening to us of the sirens, who in the old days
+used to haunt the sea caves, and sing so sweetly that the sailors who
+once paused to listen, were lured on and on till they were wrecked among
+the cruel rocks? May not the voices that you hear be like the singing of
+those sirens?
+
+Allen. Maybe, lass; but the sailors couldn’t help but follow when they
+did hear it. (_Sits in chair l. of table R._)
+
+Deb. (_After a pause._) What be the matter, Allen? Thee used to be
+contented enough. Now thee’s always talking about riches, and wanting to
+go away from the dear old farm. Somethin’s come over thee, lad. (_Puts
+hand on Allen’s shoulder._)
+
+Allen. No, I wur allus like an old crow--(_Deborah takes her hand
+away_)--sitting on a fence, and looking at summat too far off to see.
+But thee be right partly, lass. Summat has come over me, and made me
+want what I can’t get more than ever now.
+
+Deb. (_Very kindly, r._) What be it? (_With elbows leaning on table,
+R._)
+
+Allen. (_Rises, goes l. c._) Well, I be in love, lass. (_Still looking
+away from her._)
+
+Deb. (_After a pause, during which she has smiled to herself with a
+happy little sigh, and clasped her hands together in a sort of little
+joyful ecstacy, unnoticed by Allen._) In love!
+
+Allen. I fancy it must be that. I think of her all day and I dream of
+her all night, and I’m jolly miserable. (_At settle, R._)
+
+Deb. (_Demurely._) Have you any reason to suppose that she returns your
+affection?
+
+Allen. I don’t know, her’s never said anything.
+
+Deb. Have you?
+
+Allen. Me! No, I haven’t said anything.
+
+Deb. Most extraordinary that she doesn’t propose. Have you given her any
+encouragement? (_Leans against settle R._)
+
+Allen. Noa--I can’t say as I have, much. (_Goes r.c._) I’ve looked at
+her, you know--soft like--and sighed. (_Does so._) But her’s mostly
+been looking t’other way and an’t seen it, and as for saying anything to
+her--well, I can talk to her all right about other things and joke and
+laugh wi’ her, but the moment I goes to say I love her--it--it seems as
+if I’d got a hot potato stuck in my throat. (_Speaking as if she
+had, turns away to l. corner of r.table, back to Deborah. His manner
+throughout this scene carries out the idea that it is Deborah he is in
+love with._)
+
+Deb. (_After a pause, with a coquettish smile to herself._)
+
+I--I can’t do anything to help thee, I suppose? (_Goes and leans against
+settle R._)
+
+Allen. Do thee think as her could care for a mere common farmer,
+Deborah?
+
+Deb. (_Turning and looking at him earnestly--comes to front of table
+R._) Well--I think if he were a good farmer, and pleaded very hard, I--
+
+Allen. (_Delighted._) No, lass! Do ’ee really think a girl could?
+(_Advancing to her._)
+
+Deb. (_Putting her hand to stop him with dignity._) A girl
+might--though, of course, a superior sort of girl, such as she appears
+to be, might think it presumption for--(_turns away r.puts hand on
+corner of table R._)
+
+Allen. (_Depressed._) Yes--I’m afraid her would. (_Turns away l._)
+
+Deb. (_Eagerly turning around again._) Then, of course, she mightn’t.
+You never can tell till you try. (_Goes to fireplace r. Fish is
+changed._)
+
+Allen. (_Scratching his head._) Blest if I know how to go about it! I
+say, Deb, you’ve been proposed to, how do they begin?
+
+Deb. (_Bending over fire._) Don’t thee think thee’d better tell me who
+it is and let me ask her for thee? (_Looking slyly round, pauses._) Who
+be her, Allen?
+
+Allen. (_Going up to window R.c._) Ah, I expect thee knows who her be!
+
+Deb. (_Beginning softly to creep toward him._) How should I when thee’s
+never told me? What be her name? (_Close to him, his back is still
+towards her and he doesn’t see her._) Eh?
+
+Allen. (_Without turning, looking out of the back window up R.c._)
+Clara. (_Music cue._)
+
+(_Bus. Deb. stands still--for the first moment she hardly comprehends.
+Then she understands, and stands staring straight before her with a wild
+scared look--shivers, crosses back to fireplace on tip-toe and bends
+down over it attending to the fish--after Deb. sobs Allen comes down
+c.--music dies away._)
+
+Allen. (_Half turning round._) Colonel Dexter’s daughter, you know.
+Thee’ve seen her. Her wur at the Barnstaple ball and I danced wi’ her
+and thee said how beautiful her wur and that her dress was all made o’
+some’at or other, and you--(_he has gradually come close over to her
+r._) What be the matter, Deb?
+
+Deb. (_In a changed, hard tone, bending more intently than ever over her
+cooking._) Nothing--Nothing.
+
+Allen. (_Taking her hand._) Why, thee be quite cold, lass; be thee ill?
+
+Deb. (_Snatching her hand away._) No, no, there’s nothing the matter
+with me. Don’t be so foolish, don’t don’t.
+
+Allen. (_Surprised._) I say, Deb, have I said anything I oughtn’t to?
+I know I’m allus a-doing it. (_A pause--Allen stands looking at her,
+troubled and bewildered--Deb. bends closer over the fire--then takes the
+pan off the fire and with it in her hand turns to Allen smiling._)
+
+Deb. (_Gives dish to Allen._) Yes, thee have--talking to a cook at the
+very moment the trout is on the turn. (_Puts trout on dish._) Serve thee
+right if I’d spoilt it.
+
+Allen. Lor’, thee quite frightened me! (_Pauses._) Yes--I went up there
+this afternoon. (_Deb. takes dish from Allen, puts it down in front of
+fireplace._)
+
+Deb. (_Arranging fish._) Did you see her?
+
+Allen. Yes, I saw her.
+
+Deb. It doesn’t seem to have made thee any more cheerful. Did thee
+quarrel.
+
+Allen. Us never got a chance. There wur a cousin or summat of the kind
+hanging about all the time--just come over with some chap from America.
+Can’t say as I like un much.
+
+Deb. Thee’d best summon up thy courage and speak quick or thee may lose
+thy turn. (_Allen turns away L._) Go and tell aunt supper’s ready--be
+quick, it’s all spoiling.
+
+Allen. (_Moving quickly towards door l. down stage._) Where shall I find
+her?
+
+Deb. (_Sharply._) How should I know?
+
+Allen. (_Looks around surprised--sotto voce._) How the fire do draw out
+a woman’s temper, to be sure.
+
+(_Exit Allen l., down stage._)
+
+Deb. (_Left alone stands r.a moment without speaking._) What right has
+she to come down here and take him away? She doesn’t love him. Couldn’t
+she have found enough fine gentlemen in London to amuse her? I don’t
+believe she’s a good woman, and I hate her. (_Stamps her foot._) She
+shan’t have him--she--(_bursts into quiet tears and, slipping down on
+ground, buries her face in chair by fire--pause--after a few seconds
+Luke Cranbourne appears in door c. front r., Mike Stratton behind him.
+Luke pauses on threshold and coughs. Deb. hastily rises, trying to hide
+her tears and stands r. Luke comes forward slowly, followed by Mike at
+some distance._)
+
+Luke. (_After pause, coming forward r.c._) I--beg pardon--there was
+nobody about. Are Mrs. Rollitt and Mr. Rollitt at home?
+
+Deb. Yes, they are at home. I will go and find them. (_Crosses to l._)
+Who shall I say it is?
+
+Luke. (_r.c._) Ah, thank you very much, my dear. Would you say Mr.
+Cranbourne--Mr. Luke Cranbourne and Mr. Richard Hanningford?
+
+Deb. (_Amazed._) Dick Hanningford!
+
+Luke. (_Smiling._) You know the name?
+
+Deb. Old Mr. Hanningford’s son? Why, we were only speaking of him
+just this instant, and wondering when he’d come back. (_To Luke
+hesitatingly._) Are--are you--
+
+Luke. No--this is Mr. Hanningford. (_Turns to Mike, who stands awkward
+and shy l.c. looking at the ground._) Did you know him? (_Laughs._)
+
+Deb. Oh, I’m Miss Deacon--Miss Deborah Deacon. We were school-fellows,
+you know. (_Timidly approaching Mike with outstretched hand._) I am very
+glad to see you Mr.--Mr. Hanningford.
+
+Mike. Thank you, Miss--I’m very pleased to see you.
+
+Luke. (_Sitting r._) I suppose you hardly recognize our friend?
+(_Watches her intently without her noticing it. Mike has turned away
+again, and looks down, flicking leg with cane._)
+
+Deb. (_Hesitating._) Um! (_Laughs._) Well, he’s certainly altered
+since we used to go to school together. But yes--(_examining his
+face_)--there’s something of the old face left, I think.
+
+Luke. We only arrived from America last night, traveling hard all the
+time. Pretty nearly worked me to death. Dick has--(_with a yawn_)--but
+there, I suppose I should have hurried up pretty smart myself if I’d
+been coming home to a fortune.
+
+Deb. You are staying in the village then, I suppose?
+
+Luke. Yes, we’ve put up at Colonel Dexter’s--my uncle’s--slow place.
+(_Laughing._) But better than the inn apparently.
+
+Deb. Oh. then you are the--Miss Dexter’s cousin that Allen--(_pauses
+hesitating_)--was--was speaking of?
+
+Luke. Oh, the young fellow that was there this afternoon--was that
+Allen? (_With a would-be playful laugh._) And who’s Allen, eh?
+
+Deb. (_A little stiffly._) Allen is Mr. Rollitt.
+
+Luke. Oh, I wish I’d known that this afternoon. Dick’s been dying to see
+him and his mother all day. I wanted him to wait till the morning, but
+he would come down to-night.
+
+Deb. Oh, I’m sure Allen and Aunt will both be delighted. (_Approaching
+Mike, who still stands aside and looks down._) Won’t you be seated,
+Mr. Hanningford? (_He makes no sign--hesitatingly._) Dick. (_Mike still
+takes no notice. Luke has risen and crossed with assumed carelessness,
+towards him and nozu from opposite side of him to Deborah gives him a
+sharp kick. Mike starts and looks up._),
+
+Luke. (_Turning away carelessly._) Lost in reveries of old scenes, Dick,
+eh? Miss Deacon is asking you if you won’t sit down.
+
+Mike. (_Sitting L.c._) Oh, I beg your pardon, Miss, I’m sure. Oh, thank
+you, I will.
+
+Deb. (_Going._) I shan’t be a minute. They are only somewhere about the
+yard.
+
+(_Exit Deborah c. door l. down stage. Luke goes to door, looks off,
+closes door, then goes up to door c., looks off, then closes it. Comes
+r. of Mike, who is l.c._)
+
+Luke. (_After waiting an instant, and making sure that no one is
+about._) Try and keep some of your wits about you, Mike--if you don’t
+mind.
+
+Mike. (_Sulkily._) I don’t see the darned good of this part of the
+trick, so I tell you.
+
+Luke. I’m afraid we shall have a rough time if your memory doesn’t
+improve. I’ve explained to you at least half-a-dozen times that it was
+as a sort of trial canter that I wanted to come here. If anyone in
+Devon can tell who is Dick Hanningford and who isn’t it will be these
+Rollitts. If you pass here you pass anywhere.
+
+Mike. Well, it’s the very place I should have avoided, and for the same
+reason. The old woman knew Dick Hanningford as well as she knows her own
+son, and I’d rather avoid her.
+
+Luke, (_r._) You’re bound to meet her sooner or later. Better get
+it over and know the worst--or the best. (_Turns away r. a little._)
+Sixteen years make it a little difficult to tell a man, especially
+between the age of nine and twenty-five, and you’re like him enough, and
+always were.
+
+Mike. And suppose she gets asking questions--do I remember this, do I
+remember that--you know what old women are.
+
+Luke. Well, you can’t be expected to remember all the details of your
+pinafore days after all this time, and knocking about as you have been.
+You know all that is necessary for you to know. You knew the old man,
+and you were in the house, and you knew young Hanningford. Besides, you
+needn’t recollect anything yourself. You recollect what other people
+recollect, that’s all you’re wanted to do.
+
+Mike. (_Rising._) I hope we don’t make a mess of it! (_Turns L._)
+
+Luke. (_Crossing and laying his hand on Mike’s shoulder, turns him
+to c._) We shan’t make a mess of it--don’t you. You know what it’s
+for--£100,000 apiece. I’ve done my share of the job--you do yours.
+(_Turns r.a little._)
+
+Mike. (_Turning round and facing him._) Are you sure you did your share?
+
+Luke, (_l._) What do you mean? (_Turns c._)
+
+Mike, (_r._) Are you sure he was dead?
+
+Luke. (_After pausing, during which they have looked steadily at each
+other, turning away l._) Well, the bullet went in above his ear,
+because I examined the wound: and his body went over a two hundred-foot
+precipice--that I could also take an affidavit to--only I’d rather not.
+(_Turning round and facing Mike again._) What makes you doubt it?
+
+Mike. I don’t know--nothing. The idea occurred to me, that’s all.
+(_Turns l. a little._)
+
+Luke. Don’t you drink so much and you won’t have so many ideas.
+(_After a pause, during which he seems troubled, shaking it oft with an
+effort._) Have you got the letters with you? It will look well to take
+them out casually while talking. (_Crosses R.; sits on table._)
+
+Mike. (_Who has crossed to L., taking them out of his breast pocket and
+holding them in his hand._) Yes, here they are all right. Bah! (_With
+a shudder._) I always see his face when I look on the darned
+things--I--Mrs. R. (_Without, loudly._) Dick Hanningford--Dick
+Hanningford, my boy! (_Mike drops suddenly in sitting posture on sofa L.
+with a cry “Ah.” Luke works round at back and drops down l._)
+
+(_Enter Mrs. R., excitedly, followed at little distance by Allen and
+Deborah from c. Allen and Deborah remain up. Rachel from door down l._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Coming down towards Mike._) What, Dick, my boy, where be thee?
+(_Sees Mike on sofa; making towards him._) Ah, there thee be--I thought
+I’d know thee again though thee wur only in knickerbockers when I last
+saw ’ee. Tain’t thy fault thy father wur a bit stingy. Come and gie us
+a hug, lad. Lord love us--(_she is just in font of him, begins to speak
+in a bewildered, hesitating manner, in tones gradually dying away to
+an awed whisper, as she slowly step by step backs from him._) How--how
+you’ve grown--Dick--Dick Hanningford--what--(_stands staring at him; a
+strange awed silence prevails_).
+
+Deb. (_Advancing in a terrified voice._) Aunt.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Motioning her back with her arm, but not turning and speaking
+in a quick, excited, loud tone._) Keep back, child, don’t come near.
+(_Luke is near Mike down c._)
+
+Allen. (_Springing forward._) Mother! What’s the matter?
+
+Mrs. R. (_As before._) The man’s dead.
+
+Luke. (_r. stepping forward._) Dead!
+
+Mr. P. (_Who has entered c. followed by Ichabod and Rachel l. He goes
+quietly up to Mike and lays his hand on his heart, and bends over him
+earnestly, and it is a few seconds before he speaks._) Heart disease, I
+suppose. (_At back of settee l. Gets r.c. of settle._) My letter in his
+hand. (_Gets to back of settle._) It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any
+good. (_Turns and feels Mike’s heart once again, then quietly turns away
+to Allen. Comes c._) He stood between you and £200,000. You are now old
+Hanningford’s heir!
+
+Allen. I!
+
+Mrs. R. Allen!
+
+Luke. (_To corpse of Mike--aside as he crosses to back._) Curse you!
+
+
+MEDIUM CURTAIN.
+
+
+
+
+ACT II.
+
+Scene: _Morning room in a handsome flat--a showily furnished
+room--rather ostentatious and loud in its decoration and appointments.
+Large table in bay window r.upper corner. Fire-place r.Doors at back
+l.c. and two in l. wing. Small tables r.and L.. Easy chairs l. and R._
+
+_Breakfast is laid on large table--it is a gorgeously laid meal--silver
+and plate in profusion, and a great number of dishes--tea urn and coffee
+urn--a boiling kettle--flowers and ferns in vases and stands. One, a
+large wavy one, is at left edge of table close to Allen. The table in
+short is crowded and showy to the last degree. A magnificent footman in
+gorgeous livery is standing behind; and Mr. Piffin in solemn black waits
+close to Allen’s chair, a dish in his hand. Allen is discovered sitting
+l. of table, and eating his breakfast in a most melancholy fashion. He
+looks intensely miserable and awed. The terrible solemnity of the
+whole affair has depressed his spirits to their lowest ebb. He glances
+nervously now and then as the meal proceeds, from the footman to the
+valet, and vice versa, as they silently and with much ceremony walk
+about and wait on him. The fern by his side keeps getting in his
+way, tickling and irritating him, but he dare not move it. He eats
+in silence, and when he does speak, does so in a humble, deprecating,
+nervous manner. He is dressed in a loose morning costume. Music to open
+Act._
+
+Piff. (_Standing by Allen’s l. elbow c. Peters r. of table R._) May I
+get you a little pâté de foie gras, sir?
+
+Allen. (_Looking round, and speaking in a hushed voice._) I beg pardon?
+
+Piff. A little pâté de foie gras, sir.
+
+Allen. Patty who?
+
+Piff. Goose’s liver, sir. I think you will like it.
+
+Allen. No, thanks; I never eats liver. It don’t agree with me. I will
+have a bit o’ the bacon though.
+
+Piff. No, sir; it is not dressed that way, sir. I would get used to it
+if I were you, sir. You will so often come across it. Peters, just pass
+your master the pâté de foie gras.
+
+(_Peters goes to do so. Allen who has turned again towards his breakfast
+is about to take up some gravy from his plate with his knife_).
+
+Piff. (_Checks him._) I wouldn’t lap up the gravy with my knife, sir. I
+don’t think. It’s never done now in good society, sir.
+
+Allen. It--it’s the best part of it, you know, I alius thinks--the gravy
+
+Piff. Yes, it’s very tasty, sir. It’s unfortunate it’s so sloppy; and
+you see, sir, eating it in that way does not show off the figure to
+advantage. Peters, remove your master’s plate.
+
+(_Peters does so, placing it a few feet beyond Allen’s left hand. Allen
+watches it with jealous eyes. Peters then holds the pâté de foie gras to
+Allen. He slowly runs his eye up Peters with awe, and then looks at the
+pâté de foie gras, then using one hand attempts to take it. Peters,
+not moving a muscle, holds it tight. Allen seems surprised, and partly
+rising, attempts to take it with both hands._)
+
+Piff. (_Coming to his rescue, cutting a piece, and putting it on his
+plate._) Allow me, sir. Peters, the brown bread and butter.
+
+Pet. (_Looking for it._) It is not on the table, sir.
+
+Piff. No brown bread and butter; dear me, how remiss!
+
+(_Crosses l. and rings bell. Peters also crosses l.c. door, Allen looks
+cautiously round and sees they are not watching him, and stealthily
+reaches over and secures a knifeful of gravy. He is about having a
+second and has the knife close to his mouth, when he becomes aware that
+Piff has returned and is watching him. He tries to hide the knife out
+of sight. Peters has returned with bread and butter._)
+
+Piff. (_Severely._) Peters, remove your master’s knife. Don’t you see
+that it is in his way?
+
+(_Peters does so, and then holds the bread and butter to Allen, who
+takes a thin slice, folds it up, and holds it in his left hand while
+taking the pâté on a fork in his right. He puts first the pâté and then
+the bread and butter into his mouth and swallows them._)
+
+Piff. I must apologize for serving you your breakfast in here, sir. Of
+course, you will not have it in the drawing-room as a rule.
+
+Allen. No, a’ coorse not. No; us alius used to have it in the kitchen at
+home.
+
+Piff. Yes, sir. Must have been very convenient. But I think I’ll get
+you to put up with the breakfast parlour in future, sir--when the room’s
+ready. Have you quite finished, sir?
+
+Allen. (_Humbly suggesting._) I think I’d like a little more o’ that
+pie. (_Looking longingly at pie the other side of table._) You see, I
+alius wur a hearty eater. (_Said as apology_).
+
+Piff. Yes, sir, I’m delighted to hear it, sir; but I wouldn’t eat any
+more breakfast, sir. You will find it is considered correct among _bons
+vivants_ to eat a very sparse dejeuner. My late lamented master, the
+Count de Fizziani, never partook of anything but a cup of weak tea and a
+little dry toast, and he was one of the oldest families in Europe.
+
+(_Allen rises, Peters bows as he does so, and Allen returns the bow and
+comes dozen R._)
+
+Allen. Ah, I shouldn’t ’a’ thought as anyone could ‘a’ lived long on
+that. (_He bows_).
+
+Piff. No necessity to bow, sir.
+
+Allen. He did it. (_Indicating Peters_).
+
+Piff. He’s paid for it.
+
+Allen. I allus seem to want a good feed myself in the morning. (_Takes
+out an old clay pipe and prepares to fill it. Goes down r. and sits in
+chair. Peters is clearing away the breakfast things_).
+
+Piff. Are you thinking of smoking, sir?
+
+Allen. Yes; I allus has a whiff or two arter breakfast.
+
+Piff. It’s very soothing, sir. My late lamented master, the Count de
+Fizziani, used to follow precisely the same course. But I wouldn’t smoke
+a pipe, sir. Pipes are going out in good society. (_Takes cigarette case
+from pocket and offers it to Allen. Takes pipe from Allen and puts it on
+corner of table R.c._) I have some cigarettes here, sir, which I think
+you will like, sir. These are much more _comme il faut_, sir. This case
+is a present from my late lamented master, the Count.
+
+(_Allen looks at them and gingerly takes one._)
+
+Allen. Which end?
+
+Piff. (_Lighting match._) Either end, sir. Allow me. (_Showing
+matchbox._) Another little souvenir from my late master. He was always
+acknowledging, if I may say so, my value to him. That sort of thing
+is always done in good society now. (_Lights cigarette._) It is a full
+flavored one, sir. (_Piffin takes Allen’s pipe from table r.c., crossing
+with it to window r._)
+
+Allen. (_Watching him, anxiously._) Don’t hurt him.
+
+Piff. (_Turning round._) I was just going to put it outside on the
+window-sill, sir.
+
+Allen. No, don’t put him there. We used to sit up together of a night
+watching the sheep. I don’t like the thought of putting him outside the
+window, now I’m a gentleman. Drop him in the pocket of that old shooting
+coat o’ mine that thee won’t let me wear. They know each other. (_Sits
+r.and smokes his cigarette. Piff. puts the pipe on table and returns
+r.c._)
+
+Piff. (_Noticing that Allen is looking at his cigarette._) All right,
+sir? (_r._)
+
+Allen. Yes--yes, thank you, Mr. Puffin--
+
+Piff. Piffin, sir.
+
+Allen. I wur looking to see if it wur alight, that’s all.
+
+Piff. You will soon get to like them, sir. And whenever you are ready to
+dress, sir--
+
+Allen. (_Surprised._) Dress? Why, I be dressed, bain’t I?
+
+Piff. Oh, only for breakfast, you see, sir. I understood you were going
+out walking, sir.
+
+Allen. Why can’t I walk in these?
+
+Piff. Oh, no, sir--all London would laugh at you.
+
+Allen. Lord! I should never a’ thought as they’d take so much notice.
+(_Rising. Piff. crosses to l. near down stage door._) Ah, well, I’ll
+dress. (_Crossing l._) I don’t want to upset London if I can help it.
+I’ll dress. (_Exit l. Bows to Piffin as Piffin does so to him_).
+
+Piff. No necessity to bow, sir. (_Aside._) Ah, I’ve got a big job on
+here!
+
+(_Exit Piffin, following Allen l. Piffin immediately returns, having
+forgotten the pipe, which he takes. He is recrossing l. as enter Dexter
+and Clara, c., preceded by Peters, who takes tray from table R.c. and
+exits up L._)
+
+And I’ve got to live in the house with this.
+
+(_Dexter goes c., Clara r. at back._)
+
+Dex. (_Coming down._) Good-morning, Piffin, goodmorning. Having a quiet
+whiff?
+
+Piff. Thank you, sir. My stomach does not permit my indulging in the
+luxury of a cutty pipe.
+
+Dex. Is Mr. Rollitt about?
+
+Piff. He has just this minute gone upstairs to dress, sir. I will let
+him know you are here, sir.
+
+Dex. No hurry--no hurry at all, Piffin. We are before our time. You are
+not looking well, Piffin.
+
+Piff. Anxiety, sir. May be anxiety. You see Mr. Rollitt’s unacquaintance
+with the manners of the _beaux esprits_ throws much responsibility on
+myself.
+
+Dex. But you must be careful, Piffin. What would he do without you?
+
+Piff. (_Smiling._) Well, I’m afraid he would be a little up a tree, sir,
+if I may be permitted a vulgarism. (_Moving to door l._) I will go and
+acquaint him with your arrival, sir. (_Takes plate from table l., puts
+pipe on it._) I’ll send him to you directly, sir. (_Smells pipe._) Shag!
+(_Exit l.l._)
+
+Dex. Thank you, Mr. Piffin, thank you. (_Turning round._) Always be
+affable with your inferiors--never know when you may want ‘em.
+
+Clara. (_By window, looking out._) Do you come across many of that sort?
+(_Comes down r. of table R._)
+
+Dex. Ah, you beast--you vixen. I wonder you don’t cut yourself with that
+tongue of yours.
+
+Clara. (_Turning round with a hard laugh. At fireplace R._) It must be
+pretty sharp if it goes through your skin.
+
+Dex. Ah, you damned--
+
+(_Enter Allen l. He has on slippers and a smoking coat_).
+
+Allen. (_Crossing._) Don’t ’ee look at us too closely. I bean’t
+properly dressed yet.
+
+Clara. (_r.c. turns head away._) I don’t think we had better look at you
+at all under those circumstances, Mr. Rollitt. (_Laughs._)
+
+Allen. (_Laughs._) Oh, I be covered up all right everywhere. I merely
+meant as I wasn’t up to fashion plate standard. (_Crossing c._) And how
+be Colonel Dexter? (_Shaking hands._)
+
+Dex. (_l._) Jolly, my boy--and how’s yourself?
+
+Allen, (_c._) Oh, I be spry enough. (_Crossing before him and shaking
+hands with Clara, and keeping her hand._) I think us’ll have a pleasant
+day.
+
+Clara, (_r. looking tenderly at him._) I’m sure we shall. (_Crosses to
+sofa, stands at head of it._)
+
+Dex. Well, you young folks will, I know, and the old folks will be happy
+looking on. (_Sitting, and taking Clara’s hand in his and fondling it.
+Allen crosses r._) To see his little girl happy, that’s always happiness
+enough for old Jack Dexter.
+
+Clara. (_Leaning over and kissing the top of his hand._) Silly old dad.
+
+Dex. (_Taking out his handkerchief and pretending to weep._) Ah, like
+her mother--like her mother.
+
+Allen, (_r. c., laughs nervously._) Her--her mother must ha’ been rare
+beautiful, mustn’t her?
+
+Dex. (_c. rising and taking Allen by the hand._) Thank you,--ah, Mr.
+Rollitt, you have never known the blessing of a wife--(_Clara looks at
+him_)--you do not understand the feelings of a widower. (_Weeping._)
+
+Allen. No--but--(_laughing_)--but--I hopes to one day; no--no--I don’t
+mean that--I--(_confused_)--Have thee had breakfast? (_Clara sits on the
+soft L._)
+
+Dex. Yes, thank you, Allen, my boy.
+
+Allen. (_Cheerfully._) Have another.
+
+Dex. No thanks, not to-day.
+
+Allen. What’s the matter? Off thee feed?
+
+Dex. No, my lad, but we old folks ain’t like you young country
+ones--nothing at present thank you--(_pauses_)--to eat.
+
+Allen. Have summat to drink. (_Clara crosses l. Both men laugh, each in
+his own distinctive way. Dex. turns l. and catches Clara’s face._)
+There be some rare old whiskey in the library. Thee’ll find it on the
+sideboard--(_Dex. goes up c._)--and it be more comfortable like in there
+than here. I’ll just go and finish making myself beautiful. (_Crosses to
+l._)
+
+Clara. Don’t be too long. (_Crossing and sitting L.c._)
+
+Allen. (_Laughing._) No, it oughtn’t to take me long to--(_Dex. has his
+back to them, wine business at table r.c._)--do that, ought it? (_Goes
+to l. door down stage. Laughs, and then low to Clara as he is going._) I
+am not likely to stop upstairs long when I know thee’s downstairs.
+
+Clara. Go away, go away.
+
+(_Exit Allen down stage l. Bus. She kisses her hand._)
+
+Dex. And I suppose you will go and throw this chance away, like you have
+every other.
+
+Clara. Well, what if I do? (_Rises, crosses it._)
+
+Dex. What if you do? What are we to live on? (_Goes to Clara l._)
+
+Clara. Gulls, I suppose--as we always have done.
+
+Dex. Yes, and is it pleasant living? Is it pleasant to have to slave
+and trick for every dinner? Is it pleasant to be kicked--sooner or
+later--out of every society one goes into? (_Coming close and speaking
+low._) Was it pleasant to be buried for two years in that God-forsaken
+hole by Exmoor, not daring to show our heads above ground for a moment?
+You’ve got a fine chance of being respectable now.
+
+Clara. Too late, I’m afraid, though.
+
+Dex. (_r. c._) Too late?
+
+Clara. Yes--you see, papa, dear, you haven’t exactly brought me up
+in that way, and I’m afraid I’m too old to learn now. I don’t think I
+should be quite at home as the wife of a piously brought up young man
+from the country. (_Leans back--laughs._)
+
+Dex. And so you’re going to let six thousand a year slip through your
+fingers. It’s wicked--it’s wicked.
+
+Clara. (_Laughs--rises._) Well, it hasn’t slipped through my fingers
+just at present, it is sticking to them pretty freely. (_Crosses to
+R.--Dex is c.--toys with ring._)
+
+Dex. (_Goes to table r.c._) And how long do you think he will stand you
+playing with him?
+
+Clara. Oh, a good long while yet. (_Goes up._)
+
+Dex. (_Puts hat on table r.c._) That’s just where you’re making a
+mistake then. He’s not a fool. He’ll want an answer, “Yes,” or “No,”
+ soon, and what are you going to say then?
+
+Clara. (_Looking out of window._) No. (_Looking into fireplace r._)
+
+Dex. (_After a pause--violently._) Luke Cranbourne’s at the bottom
+of this. What devil’s game is it that’s going on between you and him?
+(_Loudly._)
+
+Clara. I do wish you wouldn’t drink when you’re coming out anywhere, it
+always makes you so noisy. (_At glass._)
+
+Dex. (_Violently._) Take care, Clara--you seem to forget I’m your
+father.
+
+Clara. (_Coldly._) The relationship was none of my seeking.
+Whatever responsibility attaches to the unfortunate--(_moves near
+Dex._)--occurrence is not mine.
+
+Dex. (_l. making movement as if to strike her._) Clara.
+
+Clara. (_Facing him with quiet contempt--a pause._) Put down your hands,
+father. That period of my life is over. (_Crosses. Dex. steps back, then
+throws himself into chair, leans his head on his arms, and bursts into
+tears r.c._)
+
+Dex. (_Crying._) My own child hates me.
+
+Clara. (_Crossing and laying a hand on his shoulder gently._) I don’t
+mean to be hard, father, but you can’t expect much love and duty from
+me. Curses and blows were all you ever gave me as a child, and ever
+since I became a woman you have merely hawked me about as your decoy.
+
+Dex. (_ Whimpering._) I only want you to do what’s for your own good.
+
+Clara. (_Turns away L._) Yes, but you must allow me to be the judge of
+that--and come--you haven’t had much cause to grumble up to now. You’ve
+been able to be drunk every night for the last three months.
+
+Dex. (_Rises c._) I ain’t been drunk. (_Takes hat off table r. c._)
+
+Clara. Not for you perhaps--(_goes l. a little_)--drunk in the ordinary
+sense of the word--and I will get you something to-day if I can.
+
+Dex. (_Drying his eyes._) God bless you, Clara, you’re a good girl. Do
+you think you’ll be able to get a twenty?
+
+Clara. You must leave it to me. I’ll get you as much as I can.
+
+Allen. (_Off l._) Thank you, Mr. Puffin.
+
+Piff. (_Off l._) Piffin, Piffin, sir.
+
+Clara. (_Moving away towards door--upper l._) Come into the next room
+now. Here’s Allen coming back.
+
+Dex. (_As he follows her out._) Say you want to help a poor woman who’s
+very ill, and has been ordered nourishing food and--(_gags._)
+
+(_Exeunt Clara and Dex. upper l._)
+
+(_Enter Allen and Piff. l. Allen is completely dressed in the height of
+walking costume, and is evidently very uncomfortable. Enter Peters c.
+Pet. puts photo case on table r. c. Exits down c. Allen has on hat and
+coat, and Piff. is carrying his umbrella and gloves. Allen should be got
+up in a slightly exaggerated masher style. He is smoking a cigarette._)
+
+Allen. I carn’t breathe, Mr. Puffin.
+
+Piff. Oh, you will soon get used to that, sir. And would you please to
+remember my name is Piffin, sir? (_Taking his hand._) Why, surely these
+are nines, sir, I think we could get them down to eight and a half, and
+if I were you, sir, I would show a little more cuff, sir, it’s always
+done in good society, sir; besides, it makes the hand look smaller; a
+little cuff, sir, goes a long way in good society.
+
+Allen. Thank you, Mr. Piffin. (_Shakes his hand._)
+
+Piff. Thank you, sir, but I don’t think you ought to shake hands with
+me, sir. And when you do shake hands with your friends, sir--allow me
+(_takes Allen’s hand_) shake high, sir. (_Shakes his hand high._) You’ll
+see it’s always done in good society, sir. Lord Carmichael’s man told me
+he met you yesterday, sir.
+
+Allen. I--I don’t know him, do I?
+
+Piff. Oh, no, sir, but he knows you, sir, and he was rather complaining
+of your walk, sir?
+
+Allen. Why, what’s it got to do with him?
+
+Piff. Well, sir, knowing as I’m your coach, sir, he meant it as a
+friendly hint. You have rather a countrified walk, if you will forgive
+me for saying so--a more _négligé_ style is adopted by the _savoir
+vivre_ now, sir, and a more _insouciant_ manner of carrying the
+umbrella. You walk too much in this way, sir. (_Taking up umbrella,
+gags, and imitates._)
+
+Allen. Lord love us, do I walk like that?
+
+Piff. Just like that, sir. You see yourself, sir, what a very
+_undestingué_ appearance it presents. The present fashionable style is
+more like this, sir. (_Performing an exaggerated Piccadilly dawdle._)
+See, sir--body a little forward--knees stiff--and a slight wobble,
+sir--very slight. (_Handing Allen the umbrella._) Perhaps, sir, you
+would take the umbrella and try it, sir.
+
+(_Allen attempts the business._)
+
+Piff. (_Criticising Allen’s practice. Allen crosses to R._) A little
+more bend, sir--a little wobble, sir--umbrella held lightly between
+the first and second fingers, sir, (_Allen goes l._) and if you could
+manage--allow me, sir--. (_takes umbrella, shows him, and returns it_)
+to swing it right round now and then, sir, it adds great _aplomb_.
+
+Allen. Great what?
+
+Piff. French, sir.
+
+Allen. (_Swings umbrella round awkwardly._) Like that?
+
+Piff. Not quite like that, sir. A little more airily, sir.
+
+Allen. (_Swinging it._) Does it ever put anybody’s eye out behind?
+
+Piff. I don’t think that point is considered of much importance in good
+society, sir--that is much better, sir. (_Goes r.Allen l._) If you
+would practice like that a little every day, sir, you would soon pick it
+up, sir. A little more bend, sir, and--er--don’t forget the wobble.
+
+(_Exit l. down stage._)
+
+(_Allen goes on practicing to himself, making as much fun as possible,
+consistent with comedy, out of the bus. As he is in the middle of it,
+enter Mrs. R.and Deb. door c., the door being opened for them by Peters.
+They stand c. staring aghast at Allen, who continues, unconscious of
+their presence._)
+
+Allen. (_Gags._) Soon pick it up! Strikes me someone’ll have to pick me
+up. It puts me in mind of one of our old turkey cocks.
+
+(_Mrs. R. and Deb. come down stage a little._)
+
+Allen. (_Bus. in r. corner of stage. Peters withdraws, grinning._)
+
+Deb. (_After a long pause, clapping her hands._) I know what it is,
+aunt. It’s our Allen.
+
+Allen. (_Seeing them._) Mother! (_Comes down r.c. Deb. l. c._)
+
+Mrs. R. My boy! (_They rush into each other’s arms c. and Mrs. R. gives
+him a huge hug--gets r.of Allen, Deb. l. Then he and Deb. have an
+embrace, and then he and Mrs. R. for the second time._)
+
+Allen. (_In the middle of Mrs. R. second hug._) Hold hard!
+
+Mrs. R. (_Alarmed._) What’s the matter, lad?
+
+Allen. Summat’s gone.
+
+Mrs. R. What?
+
+Allen. I don’t know; summat behind. (_Drawing back r. and looking down
+at himself._) Mother, you’ve spoilt me.
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, they used to tell me I allus did that, lad. (_Laughs._)
+
+Deb. (_After gazing in silent admiration at Allen._) Oh, aunt, isn’t it
+lovely? Look at its hat!
+
+Mrs. R. (_Critically examining his clothes._) Ah--and there’s some good
+stuff there, too. (_Moving away._)
+
+Deb. (_Going near and sniffing._) Oh, oh! Doesn’t it smell
+nice--and--oh, look at its collar! (_Allen pleased--begins to plume
+himself--Deb. begins to laugh._)
+
+Allen. What’s the matter with the collar--what are you laughing at?
+(_Trying to look at his own collar. Debt’s laugh only grows, and Allen’s
+indignation begins to rise._)
+
+Allen. What’s the matter--what are you laughing at? (_Deb. laughing more
+and more, goes to walk round him. Turning round, so as to face her--his
+collar prevents him turning his head, and he has to walk round._) What
+are you up to?
+
+Deb. I want to see it all round.
+
+Allen. (_Very indignantly._) Well then, you can’t do it. I ain’t a show.
+What are you laughing at? There’s nothing to laugh at. (_Mrs. R. laughs
+first time._) It’s your ignorance, because you don’t understand things.
+What are you laughing at?
+
+(_Mrs. R., who has hitherto sat R. looking on, now also begins to laugh,
+and she and Deb. go on laughing more and more, Allen growing more and
+more indignant._)
+
+Allen. I am surprised at you, mother. Deb. allus was a--(_the two women
+only laugh louder, and Allen in spite of himself begins to laugh too;
+afterwards he joins in heartily and all three laugh, after which they
+have another hug. Bus._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Exhausted._) Well, lad, and how dost thee like being a
+gentleman? (_Sits r., Deb. sits l._)
+
+Allen, (_c. doubtfully._) Well, it’s got its drawbacks, mother. There’s
+more work about it than you’d think for, you know,--but I think I shall
+be all right, I’ve got a good man learning me. He wur teaching me to
+walk this morning. That wus the Park stroll I wur practicing when you
+come in; see, mother? (_Imitates stroll._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, well, us made a good man of ’ee down in Devon. I hopes
+they don’t spoil ’ee, lad, in turning thee into a gentleman.
+
+Allen. Ah, no, mother. It’s only a polishing up the outside. I’m old
+Exmoor oak--(_puts his hat and umbrella on table r. c._)--I hope, right
+through, and they can’t hurt that. When did ’ee come up? (_Sits r.
+c._)
+
+Mrs. R. Only yesterday, and us went to Mrs. Clouter’s and slept, and
+then us come on here this morning.
+
+Allen. And how long can you stop?
+
+Mrs. R. Well, us must start off to-morrow, some time.
+
+Allen. To-morrow! Oh, nonsense, mother.
+
+Mrs. R. Nonsense! Why, bless the lad, thee wouldn’t have me away on
+Saturday. Why, who’d pay the wages, and see to everything?
+
+Allen. Why, there’s Rogers there, ain’t there?
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, why thee might just as well leave the key of the stable in
+charge o’ the old bay mare, as trust him to look arter anything, except
+his own inside.
+
+Allen. (_After a pause._) Mother! (_Rises, goes to Mrs. R. r._) What do
+ye want to go back at all for, and work and worry yourself to death? Let
+me take a little house up here in London for thee and Deb, and then we
+can all be together.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Aghast._) And leave the farm?
+
+Deb. (_Turning round._) Oh, Allen!
+
+Allen. Why not? You’ve worked hard enough, mother--give the farm up and
+enjoy yourself.
+
+Mrs. R. Enjoy myself! Away from Woodbarrow
+
+Farm! Why, lad, thy father wur born there and brought me home there--and
+he died there, and thee wur born there--and there be the pigs and the
+poultry! (_Begins to cry._)
+
+Allen. (_Tenderly patting her._) All right, mother, all right. Us’ll
+keep it on.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Wiping her eyes._) And thee might want to come back to it
+theeself some day, lad.
+
+Allen. (_Laughing._) Why, thee don’t think I’m going to run through two
+hundred thousand, do ye, mother? We Devonshire lads win fortunes, not
+lose ‘em. (_Crossing c._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, no, lad. But thee knows the saying “Roses blossom for a day,
+But stout old ivy’s green al-way.” Thee ain’t likely to lose the money,
+if thee can help it, lad, but us all be in God’s hands, and I’ll be
+easier in my mind if the farm’s there for thee to come home to. If
+anything happens, thee knows the way across the Moor, and thee knows how
+the latch goes, and me and the lass will be inside to welcome thee.
+
+Allen. (_Goes l. takes Deb.’s hand._) Ah, I know you will, mother, both
+of you.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Music--piano._) Leastways I shall--and the lass until her gets
+married, I suppose. (_Deb. goes up a little; gets r._)
+
+Allen. (_Surprised._) Until her gets married? (_Deb. goes to Mrs. R. r.;
+tries to stop her speaking._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Sharply._) Ah, the lads ain’t all fools.
+
+Allen. (_Evidently troubled._) I never seemed to think o’ Deb’s getting
+married, somehow.
+
+Mrs. R. Well, other folks have.
+
+Allen. I can’t fancy the old farm wi’out Deb. Lord, how lonesome it
+would be.
+
+Deb. (_Who has been trying to stop Mrs. R., has come down and stands by
+her aunt, l._) Oh, it’s only aunt’s fun. (_Goes to Allen, l. c._) I’m
+not going to get married. Sure the pigs and cows are worrit enough wi’
+their foolish ways. I don’t want any husband.
+
+Allen. Ah, thee will some day, o’ course, and when thee does we must
+make thee comfortable, lass. (_Taking her hand._) Thee shalt ha’ the
+best farm in all the country, and the best dairy, and the best stock.
+
+Deb. (_Little c._) Thank thee, Allen dear. (_Turns up stage._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Rising; music dies away._) Well, lass, I suppose us had better
+have a clean down and summat to eat, and then see about our bit o’
+shopping.
+
+Allen. Lord help us! (_Starting._) If I ain’t forgot all about ‘em.
+
+Mrs. R. All about whom?
+
+Allen. Why, Clara--Miss Dexter and her father--they be in the library
+waiting for me.
+
+Deb. Oh, don’t let us keep you from them. (_A little spitefully._)
+
+Allen. Oh, I shan’t go out this morning, now. (_Gets hat and umbrella
+from table r.c._) I shall get them to stop here instead, and us can
+have a nice quiet day all together. (_Going towards door, lower l._)
+Come on, mother. (_Crosses to c._) I’ve got a room fitted up a’purpose
+for thee and Deb, with a roost just outside the window with a cock and
+three hens in it, and he crows all night.
+
+(_Exeunt Allen, Deb., and Mrs. R. down stage._)
+
+(_Enter Baron von Schorr (1) and the Hon. Tom. Gus-sett (2), ushered in
+by Peters c. (3). Enter Luke c., and Dexter u. l. (4), afterwards Clara
+(5.) Baron goes down l., Gussett r., Luke r. c., Dexter l. c._)
+
+Dex. (_l._) Rollitt’s going out. You can’t see him. It’s no good your
+coming here to try and fleece him this morning. I tell you he’s going
+out.
+
+Luke. (_Coming down r.c._) Ah, we’ll wait and say good-bye to him,
+Jack.
+
+Baron. (_l. c._) Ah, greedy Jack,--greedy Jack--you want de bird all
+to yourself. Nein--nein, zhare and zhare alike. Herr Cranbourne have a
+ving, Tom Gussett, he have de oder ving. You and your fair daughter have
+de legs, and I vill have de breast.
+
+Clara. No, you shall have the bones after we’ve done with them. Make
+’em into a stew--keep a German baron for a week. (_Others laugh._)
+
+Baron. Ah, Trickey, you here. (_Motioning towards Clara and her
+father._) Ah, de early birds--de early birds.
+
+Clara. Yes, we have to be. (_Rises, and goes r.imitating him._) De
+worms get up so early nowadays. (_Enter Allen lower l. Baron goes to
+meet him. Guss. puts him away and he turns up c. Speaks to Dex._)
+
+Allen. Hullo! Unexpected pleasure!
+
+(_Luke comes forward and greets Allen c._)
+
+Guss. (_r._) Haven’t seen you for an age, dear boy.
+
+Allen. No. (_Goes to Luke r._) I’ve been keeping pretty respectable of
+late--I--I mean, you know, I haven’t been going out much.
+
+Luke, (_l._) Tom and I are going over to Paris for the Vincennes
+meeting, and we’ve come to see if you will join.
+
+Guss. (_l. of Allen r._) Yes, do come; then we can show you about Paris
+a bit, you know.
+
+Luke. Ah, yes, and we shall be able to get you into one or two things
+in the betting line if you are with us. We can introduce you to some
+friends of ours.
+
+Allen. Ah, it be very kind of thee, I’m sure.
+
+(_They go on talking r._)
+
+Baron. (_Aside to the Dexters, back of Clara._) I say, Jack, my boy, how
+long have you been Colonel? I did not know you vas a militaire.
+
+Clara. Papa joined the Salvation Army about the same time that you were
+raised to the German Peerage. Don’t talk so loud, my dear Baron.
+
+Baron. Gut, gut.
+
+(_Luke sits down stage r. with back to audience, looking at betting
+book._)
+
+Guss. (_To Allen r._) Of course we shall take care of your interests as
+if it was for ourselves.
+
+Baron. (_Comes and puts arm in Allen’s._) Of course they vill take care
+ob your interests for themselves. Come here. (_Goes l._) You know I have
+been tinking about you so much ob late. Ja!
+
+Allen. Ah, very kind of thee, I’m sure.
+
+Baron, (_l._) Ja, I say to myself, my fren Rollitt--I always call you my
+fren--my fren Rollitt, I say, he is a gut fellow--he has money--all
+he vants is family. (_Guss. goes to Dex. l. c._) He must marry family.
+(_Dex. goes c. and tries to hear conversation--Baron notices it and
+crosses to r.with Allen._) Now, Miss Dexter, she is a nice girl--ach,
+such a nice girl--but she has no family.
+
+Allen. No--not yet. (_Luke gets near fireplace R._)
+
+Baron, (_r. Seeing it after a while._) Ah, nein, nein--I do not mean vat
+you mean--I mean family de oder vay--backvards--dead uns.
+
+Allen. Oh!
+
+Baron. Ja. Now, dere is my niece, look at her family! Look at her
+ancestors--all barons--German barons! And she is such a nice girl--so
+beaudiful--so plump--ach, I will indroduce her to you. She vill mash
+you--so much. She--
+
+(_Enter Mrs. R., Deb. behind her, lower l. door. Seeing the room full
+she stands by door hesitatingly._)
+
+Guss. (_Coming down and interrupting, with a sneering laugh._) Your
+nurse, Rollitt, I think. (_Comes c. Luke goes to fireplace R._)
+
+Allen. (_Turns and sees them, and then goes towards them._) Yes, Mr.
+Gussett--the best nurse a man can have--my mother.
+
+(_Guss. confused, but soon recovers himself and laughs it off. Col. D.,
+Luke, and Clara come forward to greet Mrs. R. and Deb. l. c., and the
+customary ceremony, etc., is gone through--all speaking together._)
+
+Clara. (_Smiling pleasantly, shakes hands with Mrs. R._) Good-morning,
+Mrs. Rollitt. You are looking so well and jolly. How are you, my dear?
+(_To Deb. Between these two the greeting is really strained and awkward,
+although outwardly pleasant enough. Clara kisses Deb., but Deb. seems
+to shrink--she turns away. Clara notices this, and follows Deb. as she
+turns away up c., with a meaning look. While it has been going on the
+greeting between Mrs. R. and Luke has taken place--Mrs. R. down l._)
+
+Allen. (_Finishing his introduction of Mrs. R. and Baron._) The Baron
+von Schnorr--Mrs. Rollitt, my mother.
+
+Baron. Your mudder--Oh, impossible. (_Goes l. c._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Huffy._) I beg your pardon, Mr. Snort.
+
+Baron. Ach, ja, you are laughing at me--not your mudder.
+
+(_Clara walks round at back, drops down r. near Luke._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Very indignant._) Yes--his mother. Don’t you cast any of your
+nasty foreign insinuations upon me. I’m his lawful married mother, and
+his father was his father, and a better man never lived, as anyone in
+Exmoor--
+
+Allen. (_Soothing her._) It’s all right, mother, the Baron only means
+it complimentary. Thee’st supposed to look too young to be anybody’s
+mother. He has to take (_Clara sits r._) thee for my sister.
+(_Laughing--goes up l. c. with Dex._)
+
+Baron. Ja--I take you for his sister. Ach, you English ladies, you never
+seem to get more old--you only get more round, more--more jolly.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Still indignant._) Ah--foolishness. (_Ruffling her dress and
+sitting very stiff l. on sofa._)
+
+Baron. (_Sitting on sofa beside her._) It must be de climate keep you
+so moist. (_Drawing closer._) I knew a man, he lives in your Manchester,
+and--(_goes on talking to Mrs. R. but is not heard._)
+
+(_Allen goes up and joins Col. Dex. up l. c. and Clara. After a little
+while Col. Dex. appropriates him, leaving Clara a little to r.of them
+unnoticed. Guss. continues talking to Deb. Deb. evidently bored and
+anxious to get away. Guss. trying to be very agreeable. At this point
+when all the others are occupied, Luke r. beckons Clara to him and she
+crosses. Their conversation is in eager undertone and they watch to see
+that no one is noticing them._)
+
+Luke. Have you got him to join yet?
+
+Clara. No--he kicks against it.
+
+Luke. If his name isn’t down in the list of directors before Monday I
+shall be arrested.
+
+Clara. Can’t you get away?
+
+Luke. No, I’m watched night and day. If he joins, the company will float
+and it will be all right.
+
+Clara. I shall be seeing him alone this morning. I will try again.
+
+Luke. And keep to plain gold and diamonds for presents. Those fallal
+things (_touching her bracelet_) are no good. Don’t fetch ten per cent,
+of their value.
+
+Deb. (_Part of the conversation between herself and Guss. Abstractedly,
+her attention being fixed on Luke and Clara._) Ha, ha! that was very
+funny.
+
+(_Guss. r. with Deb. looks at her in amazement._)
+
+Luke. (_Down r._) There’s that milkmaid watching us--don’t look around,
+answer as though I had been proposing to you--that will account for our
+talking together. (_In a louder but still undertone._) Is there no hope
+for me?
+
+Clara. (_Down r.--smiling._) None, Luke--please don’t refer to the
+subject again. I like you--respect you--will be a sister to you--but
+love--
+
+Luke. (_Grinning._) Yes, it’s that Rollitt that you love. (_Deb.,
+followed by Guss., has moved away to window._)
+
+Clara. Mr. Cranbourne, you have no right--
+
+Luke. (_Who has been watching Deb._) Chuck it up, it’s all right, she’s
+gone to the window.
+
+Clara. I don’t suppose we’ve deceived her very much, she’s a sharp
+little minx. Get these men away.
+
+(_Clara takes up book, and standing, toys with it up r. front of r.c.
+table._)
+
+Baron. (_Finishing._) She never leave her bed for eighteen years--she
+take dree dozes--den she get up and go for a dree mile walk.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Rising._) Lor! It must have been quite a change for her.
+
+Baron. (_Rising._) Ja. It vas a miragle. (_Turning and seeing Luke
+beside him._) Ha, my dear boy, ready?
+
+Luke. (_Crosses to Baron._) Ready and off.
+
+Allen. (_Coming down c. followed by Dex._) Oh, are you three going?
+
+(_Baron goes c._)
+
+Luke. Yes, I know you’ll be glad to be rid of us. (_Laughing._)
+
+Allen. Well, I have (_looking at watch_) one or two little things to do
+this morning.
+
+(_Baron goes up c._)
+
+Dex. Well, look here, Allen, I’m just going to have a quiet weed in the
+smoking room till you’re ready. See?
+
+Allen. Oh, it be a billiard room now, thee know.
+
+Luke. Oh. have you had a table put up?
+
+Clara. (_Who has just crossed over and joined the group l. to Mrs. R.
+who is just about quitting the room by door l. lower._) Do you allow
+your little boy to play billiards, Mrs. Rollitt? I don’t think I should
+if I had charge of him. (_Playfully._)
+
+Mrs. R. Oh, the more he’s up to every sort o’ game that’s played the
+better for him, to my thinking.
+
+(_Exit Mrs. R. l._)
+
+Allen. (_Laughing._) Oh, it keeps me at home out of mischief, like.
+(_Moves to upper door L._) Come and have a look at it. (_Goes up c._)
+
+Baron. (_As they go._) Ach, billiards iz a beaudiful game. (_Aside to
+Luke._) But you cannot vin much at id, id take so dam long.
+
+(_Exeunt all but Guss. and Deb. [l.]--all talking as they go. Guss. and
+Deb. near fireplace._)
+
+Deb. (_r._) Well, I’m afraid, Mr. Gussett, I must really go now. (_Goes
+down stage. Guss. goes l. c. and stops her._)
+
+Guss. (_Getting between her and the door l. to which she is backing._)
+Oh, no, don’t go. Do you know, I shall really think you are trying to
+avoid me.
+
+Deb. (_Retreating behind table--Guss. takes a step._) Oh, not at all.
+
+Guss. (_c. gets l. of r. c. table._) Ah, so pleasant to hear you say so.
+You know, Miss Deacon, I so want you to like me.
+
+Deb. Yes, well--I do very much, only I can’t stop to do it now, because
+you see aunt wants me. (_Moves c. up stage. Guss. stops her. Bus. of
+Deb. trying to get away and of Guss. cutting her off and trying to get
+near her; is kept up throughout the scene._)
+
+Guss. Ah, but your aunt sees so much of you and I can see so little.
+
+Deb. (_Laughing, walks l. c. up stage. Guss. at head of sofa._) I’m
+afraid there’s not very much more of me to see. I must go really,
+because we have got to do some shopping this morning.
+
+Guss. Ah, let me come with you?
+
+Deb. Oh, no, I won’t tax your kindness. I know you men hate shopping,
+and we are going into drapers’ and dressmakers’ and all sorts of
+dreadful places, (_c._)
+
+Guss. Ah, they will not be dreadful if you are there, Miss Deacon.
+
+Deb. And aunt always takes such a long time shopping. (_Goes up c._)
+Never can make up her mind, and I’m worse still, and--(_makes movement,
+Guss. moves behind settle and stops her down l._)
+
+Guss. Ah, the longer you take, the better I shall like it. I shall enjoy
+coming, I assure you.
+
+Deb. (_Getting more and more cross, comes r.c._) Well you know I really
+don’t think you will; and really, Mr. Gussett--(_turns r.a little._)
+
+Guss. (_Interrupting._) Ah, I know better. No, I quite insist upon
+coming.
+
+Deb. (_With calm, suppressed temper._) Ah, all right, Mr. Gussett, you
+shall. (_Crossing l. meets Mrs. R. just entering l._) Aunt, I want you.
+(_Turning her round again._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_l._) Why, whatever’s the--
+
+Deb. I’ll tell you, come along.
+
+(_Exeunt Mrs. R. and Deb. l._)
+
+Guss. (_r. turns and arranges his moustache in glass over chimney_).
+Might do worse, Gussy, my boy. (_Turns round again._) She’s not a bad
+little thing, lick her into shape a bit.
+
+(_Enter Luke, upper l._)
+
+Luke. (_Crossing to table and taking up his hat._) Coming?
+
+Guss. No, dear boy. (_Laughing._) Got a little job on.
+
+Luke. Oh, on the war-path?
+
+Guss. Yes--well, I may as well keep it in hand--Chawbacon will make her
+good for a thousand or two, I expect--if nothing better turns up.
+
+Luke. Ah--wish you luck--she’ll be a good match for you, I think, Gussy.
+
+(_Exit Luke c._)
+
+(_Enter Mrs. R. and Deb. lower door l. Both are wearing old-fashioned
+big country shawls, and big bonnets. Deb. evidently has on one of her
+aunt’s. Their dress altogether is as extravagant as comedy will permit,
+and has evidently been hastily put on. Deb. also carries a big country
+hand-basket covered with a cloth, the neck of a bottle sticking
+prominently out, and a huge gamp. Deb. smothering her laughter_).
+
+Deb. (_Crossing r.c._) We are quite ready, Mr. Gussett
+
+Mrs. R. Yes, we are quite ready.
+
+Guss. (_Who has regarded them with a horrified stare._) Ah, yes, if you
+will wait a minute I think I will call a cab.
+
+Deb. Oh, we’d rather walk, thank you--you would rather walk, wouldn’t
+you, aunt?
+
+Mrs. R. Oh, I’ve made up my mind for a walk.
+
+Deb. Yes, we would both rather walk. Will you give your arm to aunty,
+Mr. Gussett? (_Guss. crosses to c._) And be very careful of her at the
+crossings, because she’s rather nervous, and so am I.
+
+Deb. (_r.c. handing the basket to Guss._) You won’t mind carrying the
+basket, will you, Mr. Gussett, because it’s so heavy? (_He takes it
+bewildered and helpless._)
+
+(_As Guss., Deb. and Mrs. R. reach door c., enter Allen and Clara l.
+upper e._)
+
+Allen. Hulloa! Where be thee off to?
+
+Deb. Down Regent street, and up--Piccadilly, I think you call it.
+Good-bye.
+
+(_Exeunt Mrs. R., Deb. and Guss. c._)
+
+Clara. (_Comes l. laughing._) I should like to be there to see the Hon.
+Tom Gussett at the crossings.
+
+Allen. (_Half amused, half cross._) Ah, her be a madcap, her be, that
+girl. What makes thee so anxious that I should join the company?
+
+Clara. (_Sitting l. on sofa, Allen stands by her, behind sofa, leaning
+over._) Why, don’t you see, poor papa could be secretary if you joined.
+They would let you nominate him, and we should be so glad to be earning
+something--(_very low_)--and we are so poor. (_Laying her hand on him._)
+Do join, Allen, for my sake.
+
+Allen. (_Yielding--back of sofa._) Ah, thee don’t know how hard thee
+makes it for me to say no.
+
+Clara. Then don’t say it--it would make me so happy. (_Looking up at
+him._)
+
+Allen. It would?
+
+Clara. (_Laying her hand as if unwittingly on his._)
+
+And I should think you--(_drooping her head._) Ah! I’d better not say
+what I should think you.
+
+Allen. Ah, well, lass, if you wish it, I will then.
+
+Clara. You will really?
+
+Allen. Yes--if it will make thee happy I will. And now let’s talk about
+yourself. (_Sits l. next to Clara._) Thee is the company I most wants to
+join. How have thee been getting on?
+
+Clara. (_Looking down._) Oh, dear!
+
+Allen. What does “Oh dear” mean?
+
+Clara. “Oh, dear” means very bad. Debts. (_With assumed bewilderment._)
+Awful!
+
+Allen. (_Smiling._) What sort of debts?
+
+Clara. Oh, all sorts--tradespeople, you know, and all that, and then I
+thought I could win a little by betting--(_Allen rises_)--and put it all
+right--and I’ve been and lost. Oh dear!
+
+Allen. (_Vexed, goes c._) I should ha’ thought there wur enough fools
+among us men trying to win money that way.
+
+Clara. I am naughty, I know--but papa leaves everything to me, and I get
+so frightened when I see the debts mounting up and nothing to meet them,
+and I’ve no one to advise me. (_Crosses l._)
+
+Allen. (_After a pause, rises, goes to Clara--kindly._) I didn’t mean
+to speak unkind, lass. I’m full of old-fashioned notions about women, I
+suppose. I like ’em to be women--not mere men in petticoats. How much
+does thee owe?
+
+Clara. Oh, heaps! (_Handing him pocket-book._) Look. (_Allen crosses to
+R. and sits at table._) And I haven’t any money. (_Rising and looking
+over his shoulder R., as he examines the book._) Do you think they’ll
+put me in prison?
+
+Allen. (_Turns--laughing._) Thee ought to be taken in charge by
+somebody, that’s certain. (_Allen rises, puts some notes from his
+pocket-book into hers, and hands it back to her._) I owe your father
+a little over one or two bets. I can take it off that and give him the
+rest, like. (_Crosses to l._)
+
+Clara. (_Takes book and lays it on the table--the notes drop out on to
+the table._) You are good, Allen, really. (_Puts book on table R.--half
+to herself._) I wish sometimes that you weren’t--that you were more like
+other men I have met. (_Turning away r._)
+
+Allen. Why, would thee like me better?
+
+Clara. No, but I should like myself better.
+
+Allen. What do thee mean, lass?
+
+Clara. Nothing. I’m not used to your sort of men. (_Goes to fireplace,
+then up R., throwing off her seriousness and turning towards him._) You
+are like the knight, Allen, out of some old legend that comes and slays
+the dragon and sets the frightened princess free from all her trouble.
+(_Laughing._)
+
+Allen. (_Goes to table r. Clara r.c. at top of table._) When art thee
+going to gie me the right to be thy knight always?
+
+Clara..(_Sits at table playfully._) Ah, the gallant knights are apt
+to turn into grim jailers--(_comes l. of r. table_)--when they get the
+princess into their own castles.
+
+Allen. Can’t thee believe me, Clara? Trust me, lass--I’m only a rough
+country chap to be asking a beautiful lady like thee to be my wife. But
+if I can’t gie thee anything very showy on the outside, it will make me
+the more eager alius to keep a loving heart for thee within.
+
+Clara. Oh, no. (_Sits in chair l. of table._) A lover on his knees is so
+much nicer than a lover on your arm. You are so nice, Allen, as you are,
+you can’t think. I really couldn’t bring myself to risk a change.
+
+Allen, (_c._) It would be a change for thee, Clara--(_leans on table at
+back of Clara, puts hand on Clara’s chair_)--from a rough and troubled
+road to one where every stone wur smoothed away from your path---where
+every thorn wur held back as you passed--where, instead of care for
+the day and dread for the morrow, thee would feel that a strong arm wur
+round thee--that a loving hand wur working out thy life for thee. Cannot
+thee risk the change, Clara?
+
+Clara. (_Rises, Allen takes her right hand, turns away R._) Ah, I
+suppose there are such lives for some women. It must be very good when
+you are tired. (_Facing round to L.c._) And you, Allen--women do not
+always seem so charming after marriage as they did before. It might be a
+risk for you.
+
+Allen. To have the sweetest, noblest woman in the world to be my wife?
+I’ll risk that. (_Laughs, comes c._)
+
+Clara. (_Turning away again to R., Allen l.c._) Ah, you boys, you think
+all women are angels.
+
+Allen. So they are--a good woman is an angel.
+
+Clara. (_At Are, facing round and looking at him._) How do you know I am
+good? (_Very low and serious. Allen drops down c. A pause. He looks in
+surprise and inquiry at her, not knowing what to answer._)
+
+Clara. Hadn’t you better make sure, Allen? (_Laughing._) What do you
+know of my past--of even my present--of whence I came--what I am?
+(_Laughs._) Suppose, Allen, suppose I were only an adventuress.
+(_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her
+veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café
+and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness
+and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the
+footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
+Ah, Allen, take care. Cupid ties a bandage over men’s eyes. Hymen, when
+it is too late, plucks it off. Hadn’t you better lift a corner off the
+handkerchief, Allen, while we are yet upon the step without, lest beside
+your hearth, when the door has shut us in, you cast it loose, to find
+I am a stain upon your name--a shadow in your home--a blight upon your
+life? (_Laughing._) Allen, take care--take care. (_Crosses to l. Allen
+moves up a trifle._)
+
+Allen. (_Recovering from the bewilderment with which he has heard her._)
+Ah, it’s well for thee that it is thee, and not anyone else that talks
+like this about ’ee.
+
+Clara. Ah, but Allen, try and find out a little more about me; it’s just
+a whim of mine--I want to feel sure that you know me--just to please me.
+
+Allen. If I couldn’t trust thee--(_takes her hand_)--lass, I shouldn’t
+love thee.
+
+Clara. (_Crosses to R.c. Allen follows._) Ah, you are a dear good
+fellow, Allen, and I won’t tease you any more. And you will join the
+company, won’t you? And then you shall get me that dear little diamond
+bracelet that we looked at--do you remember it?--and you shall put it
+on yourself. (_Allen by her side r. All this is said with every trick of
+fascination at her command, and now she playfully holds up her arm, from
+which the loose sleeve falls back, close to his face._) On that. (_He
+drops on his knees and kisses her arm_).
+
+(_Enter Deb. c._)
+
+Clara. (_Snatches her arm away._) Deborah! (_Allen rises._)
+
+Allen. (_Turning and seeing her, goes to fireplace R._) Hullo, thee’s
+back soon.
+
+Deb. Yes, aunt met Mrs. Clouter just outside, so I pleaded a headache
+and left them. (_Throwing off bonnet and shawl on chair and coming
+down._) Don’t you think Col. Dexter would like a game of billiards,
+Allen?
+
+Allen. No, he’s all right--he’s smoking. (_Crosses l._)
+
+Deb. Oh, I’m sure he’d like a game (_Clara motions Allen away_), and I
+want to have a chat with Miss Dexter. We shan’t see each other after
+this morning for goodness knows how long.
+
+Allen. (_Moving away l._) Ah, I understand now. (_Goes up stage l._)
+I’ll go, and you can tell each other about your new frocks.
+
+(_Exit Allen l., Clara goes c., Deb. l.c. and Clara look at each
+other._)
+
+Deb. (_After a pause._) I came back to see you, Miss Dexter, before you
+left.
+
+Clara. (_Coldly._) It was very good of you.
+
+Deb. I want to know whether you are playing the fool with Allen, or
+whether you mean to marry him.
+
+Clara. I have heard of that sort of question being put to a gentleman
+under certain circumstances. (_Crosses to L._)
+
+Deb. It is put to the person who is supposed to be acting
+dishonorably--I put it to you.
+
+Clara. I am afraid I have been mixing things up. I was under the
+impression that it was the stout lady, your aunt, that was Mr. Rollitt’s
+mother.
+
+Deb. You are very smart, Miss Dexter, and I am not, but this is no
+game--it is earnest.
+
+Clara. Then I would suggest to you that your cousin is quite capable of
+taking care of himself.
+
+Deb. Yes, against a man; but not against the woman he loves and trusts.
+It is his love that enables you to deceive him.
+
+Clara. (_Crossing to R.--sits on chair near table r._) You seem to have
+made up your mind, my dear child, that I am deceiving him.
+
+Deb. (_l.c._) I know that he has asked you to become his wife, and I
+know that although you have let him think it is all right, you have
+never given him a real answer. I know that you accept his attentions,
+his invitations, his presents. (_Noticing the book and notes on the
+table, points to them._) And all the while you are having whispered
+interviews and secret meetings with another man.
+
+Clara. (_Coolly counting notes._) If you are thinking of the
+conversation you were trying to listen to just now--
+
+Deb. That is only the latest of many such I have noticed. They began
+three months ago, down in Devonshire. I come to London and find the same
+thing going on.
+
+Clara. (_Sneering._)’ You really ought to have been a detective, the
+force might have been some use then.
+
+Deb. I’m not blind. (_Goes c._) Allen is. But that is not all. These
+things might be explained by themselves--suspicious though they are--but
+just now, going downstairs, I picked up a purse. (_Pausing and looking
+at Clara, who, however, makes no sign._) It is your purse. (_Throws it
+into Clara’s lap._) I opened it to see whom it belonged to--and inside
+it is a wedding ring. Is your name Dexter or Cranbourne?
+
+Clara. (_Rising._) I really must decline to answer any questions of
+yours. You are so exceedingly rude. (_Crosses up behind table R.c._)
+
+Deb. You need not answer me. Answer Allen. Tell him that you will be
+his wife--or that you cannot. (_Clara takes no notice._) Do you refuse?
+(_Crossing l._)
+
+Clara. I refuse to be dictated to.
+
+Deb. Then I shall communicate my suspicions to Allen.
+
+Clara. (_Turning fiercely._) Do so. Tell him--(_walks round table to
+back of Deb. c._)--that you believe that I am the wife of another man,
+and am playing a shameful part with him merely to sponge on him. That
+I am fondling him with the one hand only the better to pick his pocket
+with the other. Tell him that you believe he is surrounded by a gang of
+adventurers and thieves, of which I am the willing decoy. Tell him your
+suspicions, and I will tell him that they are the poisonous concoctions
+of a jealous woman--of a woman who loves him herself--(_laughs_)--and
+seeks to win him from her more favored rival, by lies and trickery.
+(_Goes dozen r._)
+
+Deb. (_Quietly._) You shall answer him for all that, or he shall know
+the reason why you dare not. (_Crosses L., and calls._) Allen! Allen!
+
+(_Enter Allen l. up stage_).
+
+Deb. (_l. c._) Allen, is Miss Dexter engaged to be married to you or
+not?
+
+Allen, (_l._) Well. (_Laughs._) Blest if I could tell ‘ee that, Deb.
+That be the very thing I ha’ been trying to find out myself. Bain’t it,
+Clara? Only her be such a tease. (_All said laughingly._)
+
+Deb. (_Sharply._) You mean you have never been able to get a plain
+answer, yes or no?
+
+Allen. Gently, lass. Thee be mistaking this for some business of thine.
+
+Deb. Allen, we’ve been like brother and sister all our lives, and your
+happiness is my happiness. I have my reasons--very strong reasons--for
+asking you to ask Miss Dexter now, before me, whether she will be your
+wife.
+
+Allen. I can’t say I thank thee, Deb, for interfering in a matter that
+don’t concern thee. (_To Clara, crossing to her._) I hope, Clara, you
+don’t think as I have any hand in this, but as things stand now, it will
+perhaps be best (_advancing_) if I do ask thee. Will thee be my wife?
+
+Clara. (_Crosses down. Very quietly and deliberately._) Yes! (_Stepping
+forward and, putting her hand in Allen’s, c. A pause. She then, glancing
+first at Deb., draws Allen slowly to her, and they kiss. They cross r._)
+
+Allen. I think now, Deb, that Miss Dexter has a right to know thy
+“reasons.”
+
+Deb. They were mistaken ones, Allen. Please forgive me, both of you.
+
+(_Exit Deb. l._)
+
+Allen. (_Bewildered--looks after Deb._) What does it all mean?
+
+Clara. I will tell you some time. Never mind now.
+
+Allen. Ah, well, us oughtn’t to be angry with her, anyhow, for what
+her’s done. (_Takes Clara’s hand in his._) Ought us? (_Draws her to him
+and kisses her forehead_).
+
+Clara. (_Disengaging herself gently._) I am going to tell papa. I am so
+happy. (_Crosses l., looking back to him laughingly._)
+
+(_Exit Clara l. up stage_).
+
+Allen, (_c. after a pause._) Everything I want in the whole wide world,
+and three months ago--(_Breaks off and pauses his hand over his eyes._)
+I wonder if I shall wake up in a minute in the old farm and find that
+the £200,000 and Clara have only been dreams. (_Rousing himself._) Ah,
+no, it be real enough. (_Looks round._) Ah, they call Fortune a fickle
+jade, but her’s been a firm friend to me. I’ll drink thee a bumper,
+Fortune lass. (_Turns to table r., On which are wine and glasses, and
+pours out a glassful._) I don’t know how much a bumper is, but I expects
+it’s about a glassful, and thee shall ha’ it. (_Takes glass in his right
+hand, and raises it._) Here’s thy jolly good health, my lass. To Lady
+Fortune!
+
+(_Enter Peters c. upper door, with card on salver._)
+
+Allen. (_Lowers glass untouched._) What’s the matter?
+
+Peters. (_Coming forward and presenting salver._) A gentleman to see
+you, sir.
+
+Allen. (_Takes card, but does not look at it._) He’ll have to be quick
+about it then. Send un up. (_Footman seems to hesitate. Sharply._) Send
+un up. Send un up.
+
+(_Exit Peters c._)
+
+Another of my swell friends, I suppose; they seem to be swarming
+this--(_r. c. glances at card, his hand holding the glass sinks lower
+and lower, he gazes round bewilderingly._)
+
+(_Enter Richard Hanningford c._)
+
+(_Reads card in amazed tone._) Richard Hanningford, I saw him lying dead
+before my own eyes three months ago! Hann. (_At door, raising hat._) I
+beg your pardon! (_The glass in Allen’s hand overturns_).
+
+
+MEDIUM CURTAIN.
+
+
+
+
+ACT III.
+
+Scene I. The library at Allen’s Chambers. Fire l. Doors r.and c. Table
+L.c. Big easy chair l. by fire. Peters discovered l. c. arranging and
+cutting papers on table and whistling.
+
+(_Enter Piffin r. Music to open._)
+
+Piff. Have you seen my cub about?
+
+Peters. (_Without looking up._) No, Foxey, I ain’t. Didn’t know as you
+had had one.
+
+Piff. (_c._) You know who I mean--your master. Peters. (_Going to door
+c._) Not far off from where yours is I suppose.
+
+(_Exit Peters c._)
+
+Piff. Um! The master has been getting impertinent to me of late, so the
+servants seem to be following suit. (_Shrugging his shoulders._) I shall
+throw this job up when I’ve made another hundred or two. I wonder how
+much longer he’s going to keep me waiting.
+
+(_Exit Piff. c._)
+
+(_Enter Allen r. creeping in cautiously in a mysterious and watchful
+manner. He has a huge pewter pot in one hand and a large church-warden
+clay pipe alight in the other. He looks round stealthily, listens, then
+crosses nervously and sits l. in easy chair. He stretches himself out
+as luxuriously as his tight clothes will allow--especially the collar.
+Takes a long pull at the pot and long puffs at the pipe. In the middle
+of each pull, grunts “good” in evident enjoyment._)
+
+Allen. (_Chuckling in a deep undertone. Crosses to c. and sits._)
+Ah-h-h, I’ve done un this time. He’s waiting upstairs to curl my hair.
+(_Chuckling again._) Told un I’d come up when (_grandly_) I’d finished
+conducting my correspondence. (_Chuckles, pulls at pipe, and takes a
+deep draught._) First time I’ve ever enjoyed myself since I came into my
+property. (_Breaks out into some country ale-house sort of song, sings,
+warming as he goes on with great gusto._)
+
+(_Enter Piffin c., unseen by Allen. Piff. comes down and stands c.
+looking on. Allen finishes song and then buries his face in the pot.
+As his eyes emerge over the brim he catches sight of Piff. He remains
+looking at him for a while and then slowly puts the pot on the table._)
+
+Allen. What do thee want? Didn’t I tell ’ee I wur going to conduct my
+correspondence, and that I didn’t want to be disturbed?
+
+Piff. (_Goes up table._) I beg pardon, sir, but I thought maybe you had
+completed your correspondence, especially as there was only one letter
+this morning, and that was a circular about coals.
+
+Allen. Oh, did you. Well, I ain’t you see. I’m going to write a lot of
+original correspondence this morning, and I’m collecting my thoughts.
+(_Goes on smoking sulkily._)
+
+Piff. Yes, sir--certainly, sir--but might I be allowed to suggest, sir,
+that a pot of ale and a clay pipe are hardly the _dolce far niente_ of a
+_grand seigneur_.
+
+Allen. Hardly the what of my which? Look here, don’t you be so spry at
+calling me them jaw-breaking foreign names, because I don’t like it.
+It wur only yesterday you alluded to me as a _bo-mo_, and last week
+you said I ought to be in the _hot tongs_. I didn’t say anything at the
+time, but you drop it.
+
+Piff. I referred to you as belonging to the _beau monde_, sir, and I
+may have said your position was now among the _haut ton_. We always talk
+like that in good society, sir. Both expressions were flattering, very
+flattering.
+
+Allen. Ah, maybe they wur and maybe they wurn’t. Next time, you call
+it me in English, and then I can judge for myself. And don’t worrit me
+to-day at all. I’ve got a trying morning before me, and I’m going to
+have a little quiet enjoyment to set myself up before it begins.
+
+Piff. Might I suggest, then, sir, that a cigarette and a little absinthe
+would be more _de rigueur?_ My late lamented master the Count de
+Fizziani invariably took a little absinthe after breakfast and found
+great benefit from it.
+
+Allen. Yes, I know. I tried your friend’s cough mixture before, you
+know. Old ale’s good enough for me.
+
+Piff. But, sir--
+
+Allen. Don’t you worrit. I’ve been a gentleman for a month; I think I
+might have a morning off.
+
+Piff. Very well, sir. Just as you please, of course, sir; but I’ve my
+character to consider, sir--and--and--I am not accustomed to the service
+of gentlemen with pothouse proclivities.
+
+Allen. (_Sotto voce._) Oh, go and hang yourself.
+
+Piff. (_Up c._) That’s never done now, sir, in good society. My late
+lamented master, the Count de Fizziani--
+
+Allen. (_Springing up, working Piff. round, from table l. to desk r._)
+Oh, you go to your late lamented master, the fizzing Count, and tell him
+to--I have had eno’ of him and I’ve had eno’ of you. Blest if I’ve had a
+happy moment since you came into the house. You’ve dressed me up like a
+tailor’s dummy, and curled my hair like a Sunday school kid; you’ve made
+me talk like a man in a play, and walk like a monkey on stilts. Thee’ve
+chivied me about from morning till night, and thee’ve rammed that old
+lamented corpse of yours down my throat every two minutes of the day.
+I’ve put up wi’ it all for a long while because I thought thee meant
+well, and wur a-trying to make me into a gentleman, but blest if I think
+thee knows much more about the genuine article than I does, and I’m
+going to go it in my own way now. Look here. (_Takes off his tie and
+collar and throws them down and jumps on them, pulls off his coat and
+throws it in a corner, nifties his hair, unbuttons and throws back his
+waistcoat, kicks off his boots, and throws himself into easy chair,
+sticks his feet on table, takes long pull from the pot, slams it on
+table> again, and commences to smoke his pipe vigorously, looking
+defiantly at Piff._) That’s the sort o’ man I’m going to be now. (_Sits
+l._)
+
+Piff. (_Who has stood aghast, moving off._) Very well, sir; then I have
+only to say that I wash my hands of you entirely. (_Pause._) You can’t
+make a gentleman out of a pig’s ear. (_Sneeringly_).
+
+Allen. (_Puffing quietly at pipe._) No, it ain’t the usual method.
+
+Piff. (_By door c. muttering to himself, but meant to be heard by
+Allen._) Only what I might have expected from mixing myself up with such
+canaille. (_Pauses. Allen takes no notice._) Pray understand, sir, I
+give you a week’s warning on the spot. My late master, the--
+
+Allen. (_Springing up and throwing book at him. Piff. exits r._) Yes.
+(_Piff. again appears hurriedly at door r. and cries, “Upstart bumpkin,”
+ and exit quickly._) I’ll give ’ee my toe on the spot if I hear any
+more of--(_reseats himself, with a grunt of disgust; a pause, during
+which he smokes._) He is right, I wurn’t meant for a gentleman after
+all. Some of us was built for gaiters, and some on us for patent leather
+shoes, and I be one of the gaiter sort--all my tastes are low. I doan’t
+like claret and I doan’t like cigarettes. I’m uncomfortable in a
+collar (_picking his up and fixing it_) and I prefer shove-ha’penny to
+billiards. (_Sighs, continues dreamily._) Ah, I’d gie a trifle to be
+going to spend this evening at the Dunkery Arms a-halping to sing a
+chorus with old Joe Steddles and young Jem Whalley and Jack Clouter. Ah,
+he’d got a fine voice, had old Jack Clouter. Never heard a man sing so
+loud in all my life. Lord, I shall never forget her’s doing “Rock me
+to sleep, mother,” round at the lodge, and a waking up mother Hammond’s
+three kids just as her’d got un all off to sleep. Lord, how her let us
+have it. (_Laughing._) Ah, us went home early that night. (_Chuckling._)
+They coned back wi’ me, old Jack and Jim, and Deb made us a veal pasty
+for supper. (_Smiling._) Ah, her do make good--
+
+(_Enter Peters, followed by Purtwee, door c., says, “Mr. Purtwee,” takes
+P.’s hat and exit. Allen rises and commences to pick up his various
+articles of apparel and re fix them while talking to Purt._)
+
+Purt. (_Coming forward._) Well, my boy.
+
+Allen. Ah, it does me good to see thee again.
+
+Purt. How are you?
+
+Allen. (_Shakes hands._) Oh, I be all right outside. (_Rises, crosses
+to L._) Bean’t very spry inside, so I tell ’ee. (_Explanatory of his
+dressing arrangements._) Just been having a quiet smoke, you know.
+
+Purt. (_With a smile._) And do you always undress to smoke?
+
+Allen. (_Laughing._) No--but I has to now when I want to sit down
+comfortable. (_Continues to dress--brings wine down to table._) Have a
+glass of wine. I’m glad thee’ve come, I wur afraid from thy letter that
+thee wouldn’t.
+
+Purt. (_Sits in arm-chair l._) Well, it’s a very informal proceeding I’m
+bound to say--not at all professional.
+
+Allen. Perhaps not, but it’s simple and straightforward like and maybe
+that’s as good. Have ’ee read the papers I sent thee?
+
+Purt. Yes--most carefully--and they certainly make the story appear
+very plausible--very plausible, indeed. Have you said anything to your
+mother?
+
+Allen. No--no, I thought I wouldn’t say a word to anybody until I was
+sure one way or t’other. (_Sits L._)
+
+Purt. Quite right--quite right. What sort of a man was he?
+
+Allen. Blest if I could tell ’ee--I wur that taken aback I couldn’t
+tell ’ee what it wur, but thee’ll see him for theeself in a minute. I
+told Father Christmas to send him straight up when he comes.
+
+Purt. (_Looking at his watch._) Well, if he’s an impostor, he’ll hardly
+venture to come to a meeting of this kind.
+
+(_Enter Peters announcing Richard Hanningford, door at back._)
+
+Pet. Mr. Richard Hanningford.
+
+(_Exit Peters._)
+
+Hann. Morning, gentlemen. (_Allen goes r.c. Hann. goes c._)
+
+Allen. Good-morning. (_Motioning to Purt., who is l._) Mr. Purtwee, the
+gentleman I spoke of.
+
+Hann. Good-morning, (_c. and then coming r.sits L.c._) Guess I’m not a
+particularly welcome visitor here.
+
+Allen, (_r._) Well, I owns as I’ve come across folks as I’ve felt more
+at home wi’. (_Allen sits R._) But I suppose we’ve got to get used to
+’ee.
+
+Purt. Well now, gentlemen, we’ve come for business and must not
+waste time. Mr. Rollitt has told you who I am, and if you are Richard
+Hanningford I shall be only too anxious for you to have your rights.
+But then, my dear sir, I shall want to be very sure that you are Richard
+Hanningford.
+
+Hann. That’s right and square. I’ve got to prove it, I know, and I don’t
+say that it will be an easy job.
+
+Purt. At present you see we have nothing but your bare word for it. You
+say this man who called himself Richard Hanningford and who died at Mrs.
+Rollitt’s was an impostor.
+
+Hann. And a damned scoundrel.
+
+Purt. Quite so, if he were not Richard Hanningford, he must have been.
+But then if he were Richard Hanningford--
+
+Hann. Why then, I am the damned scoundrel.
+
+Purt. Well--I wasn’t going to say that--but one of you must be the right
+Hanningford--and the other the wrong one--and if we made a mistake three
+months ago we don’t want to make another now.
+
+Allen, (_r._) You see it ain’t so much the money I care about. There was
+a time that I thought it would be a grand thing to be rich, but now
+I’ve tried it, danged if I see so much fun in it as I thought there
+wur. (_Rises._) It ain’t only that: it’s the girl I love--if I lose the
+money, I loses her. I can’t expect her to have me wi’out it. She’s a
+lady--I’m only a country bumpkin and I know it. With this money I can
+win her and make her life happy--even if she doesn’t much care for me.
+If I were sure you were Dick Hanningford, I’d gie it up. But I ain’t
+sure and I’m going to fight--that’s plain. (_Turns and crosses r. Sits
+R.c._)
+
+Hann. (_Coes to Allen r.c._) Plain and sensible, and I don’t like you
+any the less for it; but I am Dick Hanningford, and the money’s mine,
+and I’m going to have a good fight to get it. (_Coes l. puts foot on
+chair._)
+
+Purt. (_After a pause._) You say this man who tried to--and, as he
+thought, did--murder you--had been a friend of yours.
+
+Hann. (_Fiercely--takes foot off chair._) He’d been my chum for over two
+years--the cur--and knew everything about me--I saved his life when the
+gang were going to hang him--he shared my diggings when we were in the
+mining lay, and he had half my blanket every night when we were with the
+cattle. And I trusted him--the skunk.
+
+Purt. What was his name?
+
+Hann. Cassidy--Dan Cassidy. (_Sits again._)
+
+Purt. And then he murdered you--or tried to as you say--took your papers
+from you, and came over here to impersonate you?
+
+Hann. I suppose so.
+
+Allen. He was uncommonly like you, too.
+
+Hann. Like me! Not at all!
+
+Purt. Oh, yes, my dear sir, I never saw him alive, but his features were
+yours one for one.
+
+Hann. Dan Cassidy was no more like me than I’m like a colored angel out
+of a picture book.
+
+(_Purt. and Allen exchange glances._)
+
+Allen. Well, all I know is, that if the man who called himself Richard
+Hanningford, and who fell down dead in my mother’s kitchen three months
+ago was standing beside you now, nobody would know which wur you and
+which wur him. .
+
+Hann. (_Rising._) I don’t know that man! (_All rise and look at one
+another._)
+
+(_Enter Peters c._)
+
+Purt. (_Pause._) Then what has become of Dan Cassidy? . .
+
+Peters. Mr. Luke Cranbourne is downstairs, sir, and would like to see
+you.
+
+Allen. Oh, bother Luke Cranbourne--tell him I’m out.
+
+Peters. Yes, sir. (_Going. As he is by door._)
+
+Allen. Stop! (_Peters turns._) Ask Mr. Cranbourne to come back in a
+quarter of an hour. (_Looks at watch._)
+
+Peters. Yes, sir. (_Exit c._)
+
+Allen. What sort of a man was Dan Cassidy?
+
+Hann. A pale, dark-eyed man with a long black beard.
+
+Allen. Would you know him again without the black beard, and under
+another name?
+
+Hann. (_Fiercely._) Know him! Will you bring me face to face with him?
+
+Allen. Maybe I will.
+
+Hann. (_c._) See here! I’ve lived among a set that like to wipe off a
+score, no matter what the price. You put that man into my hands so that
+justice may be done on him, and we share the old man’s money between us.
+(_Crosses R._)
+
+Allen. Is that a bargain?
+
+Purt. You don’t suspect--(_goes to r.of l. table._)
+
+Allen. (_Crosses to Purt. Hann. goes R._) Yes I do. He’s been no friend
+of mine. Is it a bargain?
+
+Hann. Yes. Without Dan Cassidy my case might be hard to prove. With him
+it would be easy. £100,000 and my revenge are good enough for me. You
+give me that. (_Goes to extreme R._)
+
+(_Enter Dexter from door c. He draws back on seeing strangers, and
+stands r.c._)
+
+Dex. Beg pardon, my dear boy. Found the door open (_Allen goes up c.
+to Dex._) and took the liberty of an old friend to walk in. Thought I
+should find you alone.
+
+Allen. (_Crosses up c._) Shall be in a minute, Colonel, if you will
+excuse me. (_Draws the two men together near fireplace, Allen nearest,
+Purt. next, Hann. r._) Can thee play billiards?
+
+Hann. I can, but I don’t crave for them at this particular moment.
+
+Allen. You’ll just have time to play fifty up afore the man as I takes
+to be Dan Cassidy is here.
+
+Purt. How will you let us know?
+
+Allen. (_Looks round thinking, then catches sight of glasses on table l.;
+takes one up and holds it over hearth._) Keep thee, ears open, and
+when thee hears this glass fall and break, open the door and come in.
+(_All go up c. speaking low._)
+
+(_Exit Purt. and Hann. Dex. goes L._)
+
+Allen. (_Returning c._) Well, Colonel Dexter, what do thee want? Glad to
+see thee, thee know.
+
+Dex. (_l.c._) Nothing, dear boy--nothing for myself. I have only brought
+a letter from my little girl, and am to take back an answer. (_Produces
+letter and hands to Allen._) I’m only Cupid to you young folks. Ha! Hat
+Only Cupid.
+
+Allen. Ah, they usen’t to wrap ’em up so much when I wur young.
+(_Crosses R., opens and reads letter._)
+
+Dex. (_Who is very much wrapped and buttoned up, laughs with much
+ostentation._) Ha! Ha! Very good, very good. We really must bring you
+out more, Allen. Ha! Ha! Ha!
+
+Allen. (_Who has sat r.in front of desk, reading._) “My darling
+Popsy-wopsy.” (_Looks up puzzled and round at Dex. Aside._) That ain’t
+Clara’s usual style. (_Reads._) “I am so terribly sorry to worry my own
+darling boy, but I am in such fearful trouble--I want £100 to pay some
+debts owing to a wicked man having cheated us. Would my own darling lend
+it to his broken-hearted little blossom, and don’t say anything to me
+afterwards until I pay you back, as I shall be so ashamed of it. I send
+papa with this. He knows nothing about it, so please don’t tell him--he
+is so proud.--(_Allen looks at Dex., who turns away and tries to assume
+airy unconsciousness_)--and would be so angry with me, but you are the
+only friend I have. Oh, my darling, do let me have the money or I shall
+go mad. A million, million kisses to my own sweet, precious lubby-dubby
+from his ever loving little birdie, Clara.” (_Dex. sits c._) “P.
+S.--Please don’t cross the cheque.”
+
+(_Takes cheque-book from desk and begins to write._) Was Clara ill when
+she wrote this?
+
+Dex. (_Who is sitting at table L.c. having wine._) No, my dear boy--oh,
+no.
+
+Allen. Oh, because the writing seems a bit shaky like, and the letter so
+funny--thought maybe she wur a bit queer.
+
+Dex. (_Confused._) Oh--ah--yes. She was a little queer--very shaky
+indeed--and she seemed very much worried, too, she wouldn’t tell me what
+about. She tries to keep all her trouble away from her old father, dear
+child. (_Enter Clara unseen by either._) Ah, I know how anxiously she’s
+waiting for me now. “Come back soon, dear, dear papa,” she said--“and
+bring it with you.” (_Crying r.c._)
+
+(_Allen having put the cheque in an envelope rises and crosses and holds
+it to Dex. Clara steps forward and takes it._)
+
+Clara. Thank you! (_c. of the two men._)
+
+Allen. Miss Dexter!
+
+Dex. Clara!
+
+Clara. This letter is addressed to me, I believe. (_Opens it and takes
+out cheque, which she returns to Allen._) It’s very kind of you, Mr.
+Rollitt, but I do not require it.
+
+Allen, (_r._) Didn’t thee write for it? (_Showing letter to her._) Isn’t
+this thy letter?
+
+Clara. (_Looking at it._) It is the first time I have seen it. It has
+the appearance of having been written by someone who was drunk over
+night--possibly my father--imitating other people’s handwriting is one
+of the few things at which he has attained eminence. (_Looks at Dex._)
+
+Dex. Clara, my dear!
+
+Clara. And perhaps it will be better, Mr. Rollitt, for me to take this
+opportunity of ending our relationship by telling you that I am already
+married. (_Crosses l._)
+
+Allen. (_Starts hack._) Married!
+
+Dex. (_c. frantic and jumping about and screaming and hissing the words
+out._) She ain’t. It’s a lie. Don’t believe her. She ain’t. She ain’t.
+(_Goes c. Clara to l._) It’s only a trick to try your love. Ah, you
+hussy! It’s all been planned. This is all part of it. She ain’t married.
+We planned it to test your love for her. Ah, you beast! I’ll strangle
+you. I’ll murder you. She’s only trying it on to see what you say. It’s
+a trick. Don’t believe her. Don’t believe her.
+
+Clara. And have been for the last three years.
+
+Dex. (_As before._) No, she ain’t been, Mr. Rollitt. It’s a lie--it’s
+a lie. It’s a lie. She says it to spite her old father. Ah you devil,
+you--
+
+Allen. Silence!
+
+Dex. (_Cowed, but continuing in nervous undertone._) She’s not married.
+I’m her father.
+
+Allen. (_Pointing to door c._) And leave the room--afore I forget thee
+art an old man. (_Turns him r.Backs Dex. up to c. door._)
+
+Dex. (_Slinks out muttering._) She ain’t married! It’s a lie. It’s a
+lie. (_Repeats_.)
+
+(_Exit Dex. c._)
+
+Allen. (_Turning to Clara._) What does it all mean?
+
+Clara. (_Defiantly._) That I’ve been playing with you only for the
+sake of sponging on you. And to get money out of you for my father and
+husband--I haven’t had much myself--and that at last I’m grown tired of
+it. (_Crosses R._)
+
+Allen. (_l.c. after a pause._) Thee might have had all the money thee
+wanted, lass, wi’out deceiving me.
+
+Clara. (_Falling on her knees before him._) Forgive me, Allen, you
+don’t know what my life has been. Dragged up among thieves and sharpers,
+taught to trick and lie before I could speak plainly, I have never
+know what truth and honor meant except as a dim longing. All the
+humanity--all the womanhood--has been dried out of me till I am only the
+thing you see me--a vulture--a human beast of prey. Ah, Allen, thank
+God for your sake that I am married and that you have escaped me--forget
+me--it is the only thing you can do. You can never hate me as I loathe
+myself--you can never despise me as I shudder at my own life.
+
+Allen. (_Puts his hand to his own forehead _) Poor lass! Poor lass!
+
+Clara. (_Takes’ Allen’s hand, left._) You are the only man that has been
+good to me, and I have brought you only pain and shame.
+
+Allen. (_Raising her._) Ah, never mind that, lass. Thee didn’t mean to
+do it. Come! I be more sorry for thee than for myself. I could see what
+sort of life thee had got around thee, and I wanted to take thee away
+from it all. I can do so little for thee now. (_Both at cabinet, Allen
+r._)
+
+Clara. You have taught me, Allen, that there are good men in the world;
+forgive me for having taught you that there are bad women. (_Clara
+crosses in front of Allen to r.door._)
+
+Allen. Not bad, Clara. I guess thee’s been more sinned against than
+sinning. Thy life has been very dark and thee’s stumbled here and there.
+God grant that it may grow brighter for thee one day.
+
+Clara, (_l._) Ah, Allen, don’t keep speaking kindly to me. Don’t think
+kindly of me. Despise me--I can bear that--I am used to it. (_Sits at
+cabinet._)
+
+Allen. (_r.c. next to Clara._) No, lass, I can’t do that. I shall alius
+think kindly of thee. I’ve loved thee too well to change now--because I
+knows thy lot’s harder than I thought it wur.
+
+Clara. (_Turns and looks at Allen._) Try not to think of me at all,
+Allen--I am not worth it--forget me. There is one who loves you better
+than I could ever do, and who is good and pure. (_Rises._) You men never
+see the love that is under your feet--you reach only for what is beyond
+you. Go back to her, Allen. She will make you a better wife than I could
+ever have done. (_Allen at back of Clara up stage R._)
+
+Allen. (_After a pause._) Who--who is this man--your husband?
+
+Clara. Luke Cranbourne! (_She does not look at Allen._)
+
+Allen. Luke Cranbourne! (_Looks nervously at door c. and then at
+clock--then crosses to door and stands near it. He assumes to do this
+naturally and not to let Clara notice his anxiety._)
+
+Clara. We were married secretly before he left for America. Not even my
+father knew it until a day or two ago.
+
+Allen. And do you care for him? (_Allen at door c._)
+
+Clara. With such love as a woman can feel without respect. He was the
+first that I can remember ever speaking a kind word to me. He is the
+only human being I have to cling to--and he is good to me in his way.
+(_Looks up at Allen._) I don’t expect we shall ever see each other
+again. For your sake, I wish we had never met--for myself, my life will
+always seem a bit brighter for the love that an honest man once had for
+me.
+
+Allen. (_Taking her hand in his._) Good-bye--if ever thee wants a
+friend, Allen Rollitt, Woodbarrow Farm, Exmoor, will find him. (_Kissing
+her on the forehead._) God bless thee, Clara!
+
+Clara. Good-bye! (_She goes without a word r.After a few seconds enter
+Luke c. announced by Pet._)
+
+Luke. (_Coming down._) How de do, dear boy? (_Shaking hands. Allen
+does so listlessly and almost unconsciously._) I wanted to see you
+particularly this morning, before I went to the city. I’ve come across
+something that will just double your fortune. Here. (_Laying papers on
+table l. and taking up and pouring out a glass of wine._) You do have
+such capital wine, Rollitt, I really must help myself to a glass. It is
+a splendid scheme.
+
+Allen, (_r.c._) Very like, but we won’t discuss it now. (_Taking notes
+from his pocket-book._) I want thee to leave by the noon train for the
+Continent.
+
+Luke. (_Turns round, face to audience, glass in left hand._) What’s up?
+
+Allen. (_Crosses l. c., hands him the notes._) Thy wife can join thee
+there afterwards. (_Luke starts and looks hard at Allen._) And thee can
+get away to Australia, or somewhere in that direction.
+
+Luke. (_Defiantly._) And why, pray?
+
+Allen. Because there is a man in the next room who be more anxious to
+see thee than thee may be to see him.
+
+Luke. What man?
+
+Allen. Richard Hanningford.
+
+(_Luke lets fall the glass._)
+
+Allen. Good God! Thee’ve given the signal to call him in! Quick! (_Luke
+rushes in terror to door at back._) Not that way. (_Luke bewildered and
+helpless with fright, turns wildly about like a hunted thing not knowing
+which way to fly. Is about to make for other door, when handle of door
+at back is heard to move._) Too late--keep where thee art.
+
+Luke. (_Clinging to Allen’s arm._) Save me! (_Allen thrusts him behind
+door at c. as it opens and enter Hann. and Purt. following. Allen goes
+r. Hann. comes down and stands c. Purt. remains near door and is about
+to close it._)
+
+Allen. (_Who has moved down to r.c., nervously, with effort to appear
+calm and careless._) Leave the door, Mr. Purtwee, leave the door.
+
+Purt. Wide open? (_Surprised._)
+
+Allen. Yes, yes, it’s fearfully hot in here! (_Wiping his brow._)
+
+Hann. (_Looking at him suspiciously._) I don’t find it so. I think we’ll
+have it shut over this job. (_Turns to door._)
+
+Allen. (_Eagerly._) No, no! Don’t shut it--don’t shut it.
+
+Hann. Why not? (_Looks hard at Allen._)
+
+Allen. Why--why--don’t I tell you. It’s so close--so--
+
+(_Hann. crosses, goes to door c. and locks it, then returns, eyeing
+Allen sternly. Luke has crept behind the curtain, which hangs like a
+pillar by the side of the door. Allen watches with intense suspense._)
+
+Hann. (_c._) Well--you gave the signal!
+
+(_Allen r.c. a little to front of Hann. He keeps in front of Hann.
+all through the scene until Luke has got away and prevents his turning
+round--he is very excited but tries to appear careless--the result being
+a slightly hysterical manner. When Luke comes from behind the curtain
+and while he is crossing Allen catches Hann. by the lapels of his coat
+and holds and works him round so that his back is to Luke. He grows
+more and more eager and intense until Luke is off, when he gradually
+subsides into a quieter manner, but not too suddenly. At Hann’s hint
+that he has had too much brandy, he catches at the idea to cover his
+excitement, to account for his conduct._)
+
+Allen. Yes, my dear fellow--but--but--I wur going to explain to thee--it
+wurn’t the signal--it wur an accident. I dropped the glass by accident.
+Thee see I had just had a glass of brandy.
+
+Hann. More than one glass, cousin?
+
+Allen. (_Laughs loudly._) Ha! ha! Perhaps it wur two. (_First movement
+of Luke._) (_At this point Luke creeps from behind curtain, Purt. sees
+him and is about to make an exclamation, when Allen, covering his action
+by assumed drunkenness, lunges half round and catches Purt. on his
+shoulder, clutching it tightly with his left hand while holding Hann.
+with his right--laughing boisterously all the time. Purt. understands
+and remains silent. Allen grows more and more excited. Laughs._) Well,
+now, look’ee here.
+
+Hanningford. Cousin Dick--my long lost--(_laughs as before and slaps him
+on the shoulder. Hann. impatient half turns round--Allen seises his coat
+with both hands and keeps him round._) No--no--look thee here, Cousin
+Dick. Now you say this Cassidy, this creeping, crawling, lying cur, Dan
+Cassidy, tried to murder thee--(_Hann. again seems as though he would
+turn round_)--and these papers--these papers that you sent me. Well,
+I sent ’em on to Purtwee. Ah, he’s a sharp one. (_Door clicks after
+Luke’s exit._) Purtwee, he’ll know who’s who. He’ll put us right. Won’t
+’ee, Purtwee, old friend? Won’t ’ee--won’t ’ee?
+
+(_He slaps Purt. on back, laughing boisterously and half staggering
+forward into Purt.’s arms. Luke has got away by door r., and from now
+Allen’s excitement gradually subsides, and an air of exhaustion follows.
+Sits l.c._)
+
+Hann. (_c._) Say! Are you drunk or playing the fool? Where’s this man
+Cassidy?
+
+Allen. (_Pause._) I don’t know.
+
+Hann. Isn’t he coming here?
+
+Allen. No!
+
+Hann. (_Angrily._) Didn’t you lead me to believe--
+
+Allen. That you should be brought face to face wi’ him? Yes--but I’ve
+changed my mind since then.
+
+Hann. (_After a pause._) I understand: it was only a trick to give you
+time to get him out of the way. You thought that without him I should
+not be able to prove my case. I thought I was dealing with an honest man
+and a friend, and I offered to share the money with you. (_With tierce
+anger._)
+
+Allen. (_Fiercely, rising._) And I tell you to take the whole of it!
+(_A pause--Hann. steps back and stares at him._) I have learnt enough
+within the last few minutes to believe that you are the man you say you
+are, and if so, take it all. You offered me £100,000 to give thee
+Dan Cassidy, I offer thee £200,000 to let him go his way in peace.
+(_Pause._) Come, you may find it hard to prove thee art Hanningford
+afore the law. Prove it to me and Mr. Purtwee, and give me thy hand on
+it that thee’ll never seek to find Dan Cassidy or harm him, and thee art
+old Hanningford’s heir, and I, Allen Rollitt, farmer and yeoman.
+
+Hann. (_After a pause._) Your secrets are your own, cousin. I’d dearly
+have loved to have my revenge upon the hound, but if Dan Cassidy is
+worth £100,000 to you, you can have him--I shouldn’t have thought he
+was.
+
+Allen. He goes free, so far as you are concerned, for ever?
+
+Hann. For ever.
+
+Allen. Right, Dick Hanningford! (_They grasp hands._) And now we’ll
+say good-bye for to-day if you don’t mind. Mr. Purtwee will see thee
+to-morrow, and arrange things. I’d like to be quiet a bit just now.
+
+Hann. You’ve had a rough morning, cousin, and I guess the kindest thing
+I can do is to take myself off. Good-bye. (_Shakes hands._) Good-bye,
+Mr. Purtwee.
+
+Purt. Good-bye, Mr. Hanningford; I will write to you to-morrow.
+
+Hann. (_Goes to door c._) No hurry. Good-bye.
+
+(_Exit c._)
+
+Purt. Well, I can’t understand you, my boy. It’s really a very Quixotic
+thing to do. Why shouldn’t the man suffer for his crime?
+
+Allen, (_l._) Because he can’t suffer without bringing suffering to them
+as I’d rather spare--because he’s the husband of the woman I have been
+calling Clara Dexter.
+
+Purt. (_Astonished._) You don’t say that, lad! When did you learn it?
+
+Allen. About five minutes ago. (_Crosses to r.; leans on chair._)
+
+Purt. (_After a pause._) Hanningford said true; it’s been a rough
+morning for you. (_Going up to Allen and laying his hand on his
+shoulder._) Would you rather that I stopped with you a bit, lad, or left
+you alone?
+
+Allen. Leave me alone, old friend. (_Purt. goes to c. door._) I shall be
+off soon.
+
+Purt. (_At door c._) Where are you going to?
+
+Allen. I’m going back to Woodbarrow Farm. I’ve had eno’ of the big
+world. I’ve had enough of fine folks and their ways. I’m going back to
+my own people--I’m going back to see the faces of them as I know loves
+me, to feel the hands of them as I know thinks well of me--I’m going
+back home.
+
+(_Purt. exit R., Allen stands l. by fire, stage darkens, and scene
+changes. Slow tableau. Music plays till change of scene and through
+Scene 2._)
+
+Scene 2. Same as Act i. Time, evening, fire burning brightly, and lamp
+lit on table, where supper is laid. Deb. discovered by fire, attending
+to cooking operations; Mrs. R. by fire, laying supper.
+
+Mrs. R. Be it done, lass?
+
+Deb. (_Who is kneeling down, looking into oven._) Yes, aunt, just to a
+turn.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Crossing and looking over Deb’s shoulder._) Ah, that be just
+right. Thee’s a good cook, lass. (_Crossing back to table._) Ah, how un
+used to like a veal pasty. (_Sighs._)
+
+Deb. It’s a bad thing going to bed, though, ain’t it, aunt?
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, anything be bad for them as ain’t got no stomachs, and
+underdone bricks be all right for them as has. (_Gets dishes from
+dresser; lays table._) Besides, we bain’t going to bed yet. Us’ll sit
+and have a chat after supper.
+
+Deb. It seems so lonely of an evening here now. (_Looking into fire._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_In front of table r.c._) So it do, lass. (_Crossing L._)
+Ah, the lads bean’t so big to look at, but they leaves a rare space
+behind ’em when they goes away.
+
+Deb. (_After a pause, still gazing dreamily into fire._) I wonder if
+he’ll ever come back.
+
+Mrs. R. Aye, aye; he’ll come back, never fear.
+
+Deb. (_Turns._) What, to stop?
+
+Mrs. R. (_l. sits on settle._) Ah, to stop.
+
+Deb. What makes you think so, aunt?
+
+Mrs. R. I dunno. It’s never seemed real to me, any on it. I’m awaiting
+every day to hear un lift the latch and walk in to find as it had all
+been a dream. So I alius lays for three (_l._)
+
+(_Enter Allen c. He is dressed much as in Act 1. He shuts the door and
+stands by it._)
+
+Allen. Well, mother, (_c._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_l. staring at him._) Allen, lad! (_Bewildered, not grasping
+it. Deb. having risen, stands with the hot pie that she has that moment
+taken from the oven, transfixed R._)
+
+Allen. (_At door c._) I’ve come home, you see, to stop--for good. Are
+thee glad to see me, mother?
+
+Mrs. R. (_l._) Come home! To stop! For good! Ah! (_Rushes across with a
+cry of joy and hugs him up c._) I said he would--I said he would--I said
+he would. My boy! My boy! (_After a pause._) And--and all the money,
+and--and Miss Dexter?
+
+Allen. (_Taking off his hat and throwing it down at hack._) Shadows,
+mother, that have passed away, out of my life, for ever. I’ll tell
+thee all about it later on, never mind to-night. Let’s think only about
+ourselves. (_Going to Deb. r._) Are thee glad to see me?
+
+(_Mrs. R. pushes them together from behind r. Deb. still with pie in her
+hands, puts her face up. Allen bends and kisses it. Mrs. R. catches the
+two in her arms, and embraces both at once, laughing. Deb. holds pie out
+at arm’s length to save it._)
+
+Allen. Mind the pie, mother.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Still embracing them._) Are thee hungry, lad?
+
+Allen. Rather.
+
+Mrs. R. Bless un, and thee’ve come back just in time for supper, as thee
+alius used to. (_Laughs, sits up stage, top of table._) Can thee eat
+veal pasty?
+
+Allen. Can I eat veal--(_taking off overcoat and throwing it on chair r.
+c._) Let me get at un, that’s all.
+
+Mrs. R. Poor boy! Come and sit ’ee down. (_Pushing him in chair l. of
+table._) Where be the potatoes, Deb.?
+
+Deb. (_Bewildered, turns round and round._) I don’t know. (_Laughs._)
+
+Mrs. R. Well, have a look in the saucepan, then. (_Sits back of table
+r. c. Allen l. Deb. r._) Thee won’t find ‘em by turning round and
+round. Now come lad, and get a bit inside thee. Us’ll do the talking
+afterwards.
+
+(_Deb. potters about between fire and table in a bewildered manner. She
+brings potatoes, and puts them in front of Allen._)
+
+Allen. Ah, it do smell lovely, don’t it? (_Sniffing at pie._)
+
+Mrs. R. Never thee mind smelling it, thee taste it. Lud, how thin thee
+art looking, lad. (_To Deb. who is almost doing so._) Don’t pour the
+beer into the pie, child, and look where thee’s put the potatoes!
+(_Takes jug away from her._)
+
+Deb. (_Sitting down, laughing._) I don’t know what I’m doing. (_Takes
+saucepan off table._)
+
+Mrs. R. Well, us can see that.
+
+Allen. And how’s everything been going on? How’s the colt?
+
+Mrs. R. Kicked Parsons clean into the ditch yestermorning, the little
+dear! (_All are now seated._)
+
+Allen. No, did un? (_Laughs._)
+
+Deb. One of the guinea hens is dead, the little one of all.
+
+Allen. What, the one as used to squint?
+
+Deb. Yes, Parsons left his shot on the pigstye wall, and she ate two
+ounces. Oh, and you remember Jim?
+
+Allen. What, the bantam?
+
+Deb. Yes. He’s given his own father such a licking, and won’t let him
+come near the yard.
+
+Allen. (_Laughing heartily._) Plucky little beggar! Serve the old ‘un
+right. He wur always a bully. Now, mother--(_about to hand her the
+pie._) Why, mother, thee art crying!
+
+Mrs. R. (_Crying._) No, I ain’t. Go on with thee supper, lad.
+
+Allen. (_Looking at Deb._) And--why, here be Deb. crying too!
+
+(_The two women laugh through their tears. Allen joins them as curtain
+descends._)
+
+Mrs. R. It’s wi’ joy, lad; it’s wi’ joy!
+
+
+SLOW CURTAIN.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Woodbarrow Farm, by Jerome K. Jerome
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 54698 ***
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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Woodbarrow Farm, by Jerome K. Jerome

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most

-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions

-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of

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-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.

-

-

-

-Title: Woodbarrow Farm

-       Play in Three Acts

-

-Author: Jerome K. Jerome

-

-Release Date: May 10, 2017 [EBook #54698]

-Last Updated: September 3, 2016

-

-Language: English

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-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WOODBARROW FARM ***

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-</pre>

-

-    <div style="height: 8em;">

-      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h1>

-      WOODBARROW FARM

-    </h1>

-    <h3>

-      Play In Three Acts

-    </h3>

-    <h2>

-      By Jerome K. Jerome

-    </h2>

-    <h4>

-      Samuel French: London

-    </h4>

-    <h3>

-      1904

-    </h3>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br />

-    </p>

-    <hr />

-

-

-<div class="fig" style="width:50%;">

-      <img src="images/0007.jpg" alt="0007 " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-<h5>

-      <a href="images/0007.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a>

-    </h5>

-

-<p>

-      <br /><br />

-    </p>

-

-<div class="fig" style="width:50%;">

-      <img src="images/0010.jpg" alt="0010 " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-<h5>

-      <a href="images/0010.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a>

-    </h5>

-

-<p>

-      <br /><br />

-    </p>

-<hr />

-<p>

-      <br /><br />

-    </p>

-

-

-

-

-    <p>

-    Piffin.........

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Allen Rollitt.......

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Luke Cranbourne.....

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Mike Stratton.......

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Mr. Purtwee.........

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Hon. Tom Gussett....

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Baron Von Schnorr...

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Richard Hanningford

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Ichabod.............

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Peters.............

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Colonel Jack Dexter.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Clara Dexter........

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Mrs. Rollitt........

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Rachael.............

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Deborah Deacon......

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br />

-    </p>

-    <hr />

-    <p>

-      <br /><br />

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CONTENTS</b>

-    </p>

-    <p class="toc">

-      <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY </a>

-    </p>

-    <p class="toc">

-      <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> WOODBARROW FARM </a>

-    </p>

-    <p class="toc">

-      <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> ACT I. </a>

-    </p>

-    <p class="toc">

-      <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> ACT II. </a>

-    </p>

-    <p class="toc">

-      <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> ACT III. </a>

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br />

-    </p>

-    <hr />

-    <p>

-      <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div style="height: 4em;">

-      <br /><br /><br /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h2>

-      SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY

-    </h2>

-    <p>

-      Act I

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Woodbarrow Farm, Exmoor

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Act II

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      13a, St. James&rsquo; Mansions

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Act III

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Scene 1&mdash;Same as Act II., or Library at 13a, St. James&rsquo; Mansion

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Scene 2&mdash;Woodbarrow Farm

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Time: The Present

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br />

-    </p>

-    <hr />

-    <p>

-      <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div style="height: 4em;">

-      <br /><br /><br /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h1>

-      WOODBARROW FARM

-    </h1>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br />

-    </p>

-    <hr />

-    <p>

-      <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div style="height: 4em;">

-      <br /><br /><br /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h2>

-      ACT I.

-    </h2>

-    <h3>

-      MUSIC TO OPEN ACT: OLD ENGLISH AIR

-    </h3>

-    <p>

-      SCENE: <i>Kitchen at Woodbarrow Farm. An ideal old farmhouse kitchen. From

-      the smoke-blackened ceiling beams hang huge sides of bacon, strings of

-      onions, and herbs, and poultry. Over the great fireplace are the guns, and

-      in profusion everywhere are the homely furnishings of a prosperous

-      farmhouse kitchen. A huge fire burns r. in old-fashioned fireplace, with

-      settle on each side. Door l.c. at back opening on corner of farmyard.

-      Latticed window looking out on yard to r. of door. Table r.c. piled with

-      linen waiting to be folded. Linen press l. Door l. below press. Settle in

-      front of press. Mrs. Rollitt at table r.c. discovered ironing. She folds

-      up clothes as she finishes with them, and crosses and places them one by

-      one in press l.</i>

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Rachael! Rachael!! (Crossing l. then crosses to r. at back

-      of table r.c.) Ah, drat the girls&mdash;alius philandering about with the

-      boys when they&rsquo;re wanted. Rachael!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (Enter Rachael, she comes slowly forward to l.c.)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>RACH.</b> Did you call, ma&rsquo;am?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (At table.) Did I call? Why thee be getting deaf in thee

-      old age sure, Rachael.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>RACH.</b> I was in the dairy, ma&rsquo;am.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> In the dairy! Well, and the dairy bean&rsquo;t a mile off, be it?

-      I expect there wur Joe&rsquo;s thick head &rsquo;twixt you and the sound of my

-      voice, warn&rsquo;t there?

-    </p>

-<p>

-<b>RACH.</b> No, ma&rsquo;am.

-</p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Whose wur it, then?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>RACH.</b> Ichabod&rsquo;s, ma&rsquo;am. I&mdash;I mean Mr. Ichabod was helping me,

-      ma&rsquo;am.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> What at? (<i>Pause.</i>) How often am I to tell &rsquo;ee

-      I won&rsquo;t have that hulking scamp hanging about here after his work&rsquo;s done.

-      Do &rsquo;ee understand?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>RACH.</b> Yes, ma&rsquo;am.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Here&rsquo;s getting on for 8 o&rsquo;clock, and thee master may be

-      home any minute as hungry as a hunter, poor lad, and noothing ready for

-      his supper. Get down the ham (<i>Rachael goes to fireplace r.</i>), and

-      bring me in the frying-pan and I&rsquo;ll do it myself.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>RACH.</b> (<i>Turning to go.</i>) Yes, ma&rsquo;am.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> And don&rsquo;t be half-an-hour about it. Is Ichabod gone?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>RACH.</b> Oh yes, ma&rsquo;am.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Mrs. R. turns to her work, Ichabod appears at door at hack, with a

-      trout in his hand. Rachael catching sight of him stops, and motions him to

-      go away.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, a good thing for un as he has, if I catch un here again

-      to-night, I&rsquo;ll&mdash;(<i>Rachael makes sign to Ichabod who is up c. Mrs.

-      R. looks at Rachael</i>)&mdash;Lord help the lass, be she struck foolish?

-      Bean&rsquo;t &rsquo;ee agoing?

-    </p>

-<p>

-<b>RACH</b>. Yes, ma&rsquo;am.

-</p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well then, do ut. Thee keeps on saying, &ldquo;yes, ma&rsquo;am,&rdquo; &ldquo;yes,

-      ma&rsquo;am,&rdquo; and there &rsquo;ee sticks. (<i>Drops eyes. Rachael makes sign to

-      Ichabod. Mrs. Rollitt catches her.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Ichabod does not understand Rachel, and tries to explain to her in

-      pantomime about the trout, which he holds up and points to. Mrs. Rollitt

-      follows Rachael&rsquo;s eyes, and sees Ichabod. Rachael is struck dumb, and

-      Ichabod grins and pulls his hair.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> If thee don&rsquo;t take theeself off pretty, soon, my boy, I&rsquo;ll

-      do that for un. (<i>He makes no answer but continues pulling his hair and

-      grinning, making a few steps forward and still holding out the trout. Mrs.

-      Rollitt advances to him slowly.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Comes c.</i>) How often am I to tell &rsquo;ee I won&rsquo;t

-      have &rsquo;ee loafing about here after thee work&rsquo;s done, and thee mother

-      waiting for thee at home, thee good-for-nothing young&mdash;(<i>eyeing the

-      trout</i>)&mdash;aye, but he be a bonny un that.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ICH.</b> Thowt maybe he&rsquo;d do for the measter&rsquo;s supper, ma&rsquo;am. He wur

-      a-having his own not half-an-hour agone, ma&rsquo;am.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l. with fish in hand.</i>) Her be a three pound un,

-      Ichabod.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ICH.</b> As full as an egg, her be, just. Thee feel her, ma&rsquo;am.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, well, I won&rsquo;t say but what thee art a thoughtful lad,

-      Ichabod, and it will be main good for thee measter&rsquo;s supper. See there&rsquo;s a

-      clear fire. (<i>Crosses r.Enter Deborah from staircase L.</i>) Rachael,

-      and bring me the stew pan and we&rsquo;ll boil un.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> No, don&rsquo;t boil it, aunt. (<i>Takes fish from Mrs. R.</i>) Let

-      me fry it. Allen alius likes &lsquo;em best that way. (<i>Goes r. c. up stage.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> So un does, lass, so un does. Ah, thee knaw what the lad

-      loikes, thee shall fry it. (<i>Hands trout to Deb.</i>) And I&rsquo;ll finish

-      the linen while I&rsquo;ve got my hand on it. (<i>At back of table r.c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Allen will like that, I know. Where did you get it?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ICH.</b> (<i>Confused and grinning.</i>) What, me, Miss?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Not poached, I hope, Ichabod?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ICH.</b> (<i>Offended.</i>) Poached, Miss? No, Miss, I wur trying to

-      teach a fly of mine to swim, that wur all, Miss, and when I took un from

-      the water there wur this thing hanging on to the end of un, and I couldn&rsquo;t

-      get &lsquo;un off.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>At table r. c.</i>) Thee&rsquo;d best stop awhile now,

-      Ichabod, and the girls will gie un a bit sup. Thee mother will be main

-      glad to be rid o&rsquo; ye a bit, I take it.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ICH.</b> Thank ye, ma&rsquo;am. Mother&rsquo;s alius glad to be rid of me at supper

-      toime. (<i>To Deborah.) Gie me un, Miss, I&rsquo;ll clean un for ye. (</i>Takes

-      fish from Deborah, goes down l. at back of settle.)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>RACH.</b> Shall I cook un, Miss?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Na, na, thee bring the pan in here, Rachael, I woan&rsquo;t trust

-      the master&rsquo;s supper to &lsquo;ee, while there&rsquo;s a pair of breeches about the

-      room.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>RACH.</b> (<i>Crosses l. with a toss of her head.) I&rsquo;m sure I don&rsquo;t

-      want &lsquo;em there at all. (</i>Picks up buckets near door l. down stage.)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, thee wouldn&rsquo;t ha&rsquo; the lad theer wi&rsquo;out &lsquo;em! Go and do

-      as I tell &lsquo;ee.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      [Rachael hits Ichabod with bucket. Exeunt Rachael and Ichabod l. door down

-      stage.]

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b><b>MRS. R.</b> The lad will enjoy it all the more if thee

-      cook it for un. Ah. and he do enjoy his food too. It do me good to see un

-      eat.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> He does you a lot of good that way, doesn&rsquo;t he, aunt?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Laughing.&lsquo;</i>) Ah, yes, he be like his father wur

-      before him, a rare trencher man. Ah, but they&rsquo;re better than those as

-      doesn&rsquo;t eat much, but sits a-turning and a-smelling, and a-grumbling at

-      everything that&rsquo;s set before them, for all the world like an overfed

-      turkey cock trying to eat potato peelings. Thee wean&rsquo;t ha&rsquo; much trouble

-      looking arter un when I&rsquo;m gone.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Goes to fireplace R.</i>) Oh, aunt, how naughty you are,

-      always talking of being &ldquo;gone,&rdquo; just as if you were an old woman.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> No, no, lass, I bean&rsquo;t talking of being gone now. I&rsquo;ve many

-      a year before me yet, please God. But it must come sometime, thee knaws,

-      and I like to think that when it do there&rsquo;ll be someone to gie the lad his

-      bit of food, and look arter un loike&mdash;and, Lord, a man do want a

-      power of looking arter to be sure.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>At fire R. making it up.</i>) I think that&rsquo;s why we love

-      &lsquo;em, aunt, because they&rsquo;re so helpless.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Cross to l.</i>) Ah, maybe it is. There must be summut

-      to account for it.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> And I suppose they be like the poultry. They get fond of us

-      because we feed them. He does say I&rsquo;ve got a good hand for cooking, aunt.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Cross to r.</i>) Ah, yes, lass. It be a light hand for

-      the kitchen and a cool hand for the dairy. It will make a good hand for a

-      farmer&rsquo;s wife. (<i>Takes Deborah&rsquo;s hand at table R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> I don&rsquo;t think Allen will want a farmer&rsquo;s wife, aunt.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Lord, whose wife should a farmer want, then?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Pokes fire r.</i>) I don&rsquo;t think Allen wants to be a

-      farmer at all. He says he wants to be a somebody, not a nobody.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, bean&rsquo;t a farmer somebody?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Somebody, aunt, but not a somebody. Allen wants to be in the

-      world, you know, aunt.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, and he be in the world sure, ain&rsquo;t he? Sure I think I

-      ought to know. (<i>Cross to l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> No, not in the world he means, aunt. Not in the great world as

-      they call it.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah! he be in God&rsquo;s world, that ought to be big enough for

-      un. (<i>Cross to r.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>A little spitefully.</i>) Yes, aunt, but it&rsquo;s not select

-      enough. There&rsquo;s all sorts of common people in God&rsquo;s world. Allen wants to

-      be in the big world of lords and ladies and big folk up in London. He says

-      it&rsquo;s being buried alive down here; that he wants to be among the stir and

-      bustle.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Cross to h., putting clothes in press.</i>) Ah! that be

-      only his talk. The young uns be all alike. They run arter shadows like the

-      chickens do arter chaff. (<i>Cross l.</i>) Why, I mind when I wur a lass,

-      I used to look in the glass and think I&rsquo;d be a duchess. But the dook

-      didn&rsquo;t come, so I just married thee uncle. The young ducks all fancies as

-      they&rsquo;ll paddle off to the sea, But they live and dies in the old pond

-      arter all. (<i>Crosses to R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) And you think that your duck will live and

-      die in the Woodbarrow pond, aunt? (<i>Helps Mrs. Rollitt to fold.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, bless un, yes, the lads they fancy that any place is

-      better than the old home; but arter they&rsquo;ve had a good look round, they

-      know that the old home&rsquo;s better than any place else. He&rsquo;ll flutter about a

-      bit maybe (<i>looks at Deborah</i>), but he&rsquo;ll settle down in the nest

-      &lsquo;fore long, and the children will be running about the house (<i>Deborah

-      turns away a little</i>) and making it untidy&mdash;Bless &lsquo;em&mdash;afore

-      I close my eyes.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Demurely.</i>) I wonder who he&rsquo;ll marry.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, I wonder now. (<i>Crosses to put linen in chest of

-      drawers.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>r. folding linen.</i>) There&rsquo;s Polly Steddles. He walked

-      home from church with her last Sunday. I think he&rsquo;s a little sweet on

-      Polly Steddles, don&rsquo;t you, aunt?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Mrs. R. comes l. of table r.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, it bean&rsquo;t much good being a little sweet on a girl that

-      size. It would take a power of sweetness to go round her. (<i>Crosses L.

-      with linen.</i>).

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> She&rsquo;s big, but then men like big women, don&rsquo;t they, aunt?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Ah, some on &rsquo;em goes in for quantity,

-      and some on &rsquo;em goes in for quality. The little ones, they go in

-      for size cause they bean&rsquo;t much of it themselves; and the big ones goes in

-      for sense, cause that be what they be most in need of. (<i>Goes R.</i>)

-      And Allen, he be&rsquo;s medium, so he can just please himself.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> And there&rsquo;s Miss Dexter, that he drives over to Minehead so

-      often. (<i>Mrs. Rollitt goes l.</i>) He thinks a lot of her, I know.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l.</i>) What, Colonel Dexter&rsquo;s darter, oop at Lucott&rsquo;s

-      Hill? Oh, yes, her&rsquo;d be a fine un to make the butter and cure the hams,

-      her would. Her be loike them umbrellas they be a selling at Peter&rsquo;s for

-      1s. 11d.&mdash;only meant to be walked out wi&rsquo;. (<i>Near press l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Ah, but she&rsquo;s so beautiful, aunt, and she&rsquo;s a lady! (<i>Sighs.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah! (<i>goes to table r. c.</i>) there be a good many sorts

-      o&rsquo; them.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> She is a lady, isn&rsquo;t she, aunt?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Her&rsquo;s got the clothes all right. (<i>Sits l. of table r. A

-      pause&mdash;goes up and pats Deborah&rsquo;s cheek.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      As if thee didn&rsquo;t know the lad were in love with theeself.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Tossing her head.</i>) Sure an&rsquo; I don&rsquo;t see how I should&mdash;he

-      never says anything.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, the men bain&rsquo;t much to say for their-selves, poor

-      things. Thee must go by what they does. Why, thee uncle kept company wi&rsquo;

-      me for three years, an&rsquo; un never said a word. The first year un only sot

-      and stared, and the second year un put un&rsquo;s arm round my waist, and the

-      third year un kissed me, and then mother said it were time to put up the

-      banns, and her done it.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Laughs.</i>) Ah, the man that wants to marry me will have

-      to ask me ever and ever so many times and plead, oh, as if his life

-      depended on it (<i>tossing her head&mdash;at fire.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, the lad be shy, that be all. He be frightened &rsquo;o

-      thee.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Smiling.</i>) Of me, aunt?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, sure!&mdash;(<i>Laughs.</i>)&mdash;I expect un be

-      worrying hisself finely for fear thee doan&rsquo;t care for un, a fancying thee

-      prefers Jim Harkabuck, maybe.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Demurely&mdash;goes up r. and gets l. of Mrs. Rollitt.</i>)

-      Jim Harkabuck is a very nice fellow, and he does stare. (<i>Smiling, and

-      going to her aunt.</i>) Do you think Allen really&mdash;really does&mdash;Aunt?

-      (<i>Kneels to Mrs. Rollitt, who turns her head away r. a little.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Laughing, and shaking her off playfully. Pauses.</i>)

-      Does he! Why beant he alius quarreling wi&rsquo; thee, and doan&rsquo;t he eat twice

-      as much o&rsquo; anything if he knows thee cooked it&mdash;and besides&mdash;(<i>Pauses

-      and becomes absorbed in stockings.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Besides what, aunt?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Why didn&rsquo;t I find un only the evening afore last when un

-      didn&rsquo;t know I wur there. (<i>Laughing.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Rachael l. door with fish in frying-pan.&mdash;Deborah rises.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>RACH.</b> (<i>Crossing r. and giving it to Deborah.</i>) Shall I put it

-      on, Miss?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>c. goes R. to fireplace.</i>) No, I&rsquo;ll see to it; Rachael,

-      thank you.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>RACH.</b> I have put some butter in the pan, Miss.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Rachael l. down stage.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, aunt. (<i>r. of table and seeing to fish with back to

-      Mrs. Rollitt.</i>) You&mdash;you were saying how you came upon Allen the

-      other evening, aunt, when he didn&rsquo;t know you were there, and he was doing

-      something.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, yes, it wur Toosday, and he&mdash;not in love wi&rsquo; &rsquo;ee&mdash;(<i>laughing</i>)&mdash;why&mdash;(<i>taking

-      up stocking and looking at hole.</i>) Ah, look at that now, blest if I can

-      make out where the holes come from, just.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> What was he doing, aunt?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Why there un wur wi&rsquo; your&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Purtwee c.&mdash;who coughs.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Turning, and seeing him as he stands in doorway.</i>)

-      What, Mr. Purtwee! (<i>Deborah in despair goes to fire and cooks fish.</i>)

-      Well, &rsquo;ee do surprise me! &rsquo;Ee be quite a stranger. Come in.

-      Thee be just in time for a bit of sup.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Coming down l. c., puts hat on staircase rail.</i>) I

-      couldn&rsquo;t pass the place without looking in, I&rsquo;ve just left the trap

-      outside. (<i>Shakes hands.</i>) And how are we?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Oh, I be middlin&rsquo; well, thank &rsquo;ee, and how&rsquo;s

-      yerself?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> Oh, nicely enough, and&mdash;(<i>To Deborah crossing r.</i>)&mdash;how&rsquo;s

-      Miss Deborah Deacon?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Very well, thank you, Mr. Purtwee.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> That&rsquo;s all right&mdash;you look it, my dear (<i>Taking her

-      hands.</i>) Why I declare she&rsquo;s getting quite a woman!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah! she&rsquo;s been that for some time. Her be thinking more

-      about getting a man now. (<i>Purtwee crosses to l. c. laughing.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, aunt!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Did &rsquo;ee see the lad up town?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> What, Allen?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, that be the only lad in the world I know. Did &rsquo;ee

-      see un? (<i>Goes up l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> Yes, I met him, and I wanted to have a chat with him. (<i>Mrs.

-      Rollitt is up l. near linen press.</i>) But, Lord! There he was off to

-      Lucott&rsquo;s Hill, and there was no holding him. (<i>Taking off his coat.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Who has been engaged in her cooking, at this suddenly

-      stops, and looks up.</i>) What was he going up there for?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Stopping and facing round.</i>) What for?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Excitedly, but quietly.</i>) Who was he going to see up

-      there?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Laughing and folding coat.</i>) Ah! who is it he always

-      goes to see up there?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Deborah turns a little sick at this confirmation of her fears.

-      Purtwee, who is a sharp old fellow, notices the expression of her face and

-      the whole truth flashes across him. He pauses suddenly, looks hard at her,

-      then assuming an ordinary laughing tone, continues&mdash;Mrs. Rollitt (up

-      l.) is engaged with the linen, and does not notice this.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> Why, the Walleys, of course. He and Jim seem to be

-      inseparable of late.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, yes, I know. I asked him to try and see if the Walleys

-      would part with one of their short-horns.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> Ah! that was it, then&mdash;yes, I remember that was it. (<i>Turns

-      away and looks back at Deborah, who has resumed her cooking&mdash;aside.</i>)

-      Poor child! There&rsquo;s trouble for her I fear. (<i>Throws coat over chair l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Comes c.</i>) Well, what be going on up at Minehead?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> The same that is going on everywhere, Mrs. Rollitt&mdash;people

-      lying and slandering and evil-speaking; everybody thieving and cheating

-      and quarreling. (<i>Sits on table l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, I guess I could have told thee that. Haven&rsquo;t thee any

-      real news to gie us. Tell us what one person&rsquo;s be a-doing. Never mind

-      &ldquo;everybody,&rdquo; I don&rsquo;t know him.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> Well, you see, Susan, a lawyer mustn&rsquo;t gossip. (<i>Shakes

-      finger.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Deborah crosses to linen press L., sets tablecloth and lays table r.

-      c. for meal.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>c.</i>) Oh, hoity, toity! What be the use of being a

-      lawyer and knowing things if &rsquo;ee never tells a body a bit o&rsquo; news?

-      And now I come to think of it, I&rsquo;ve got a bone to pick wi&rsquo; thee about that

-      very thing. Thee never told me old Hanningford wur agoing to die without

-      leaving my boy so much as a brass farthing. Do you think as how I&rsquo;d &rsquo;a&rsquo;

-      gone on sending the old skinflint the best turkey in the yard every

-      Christmas, and the best goose come every Michaelmas, if I&rsquo;d known as how

-      he&rsquo;d hadn&rsquo;t given us so much as the price as a suit o&rsquo; black, and Allen

-      his own cousin&rsquo;s child. (<i>Crossing R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      A cousin is a cousin, even if it be a distant one. (<i>Sits l. of table r.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> Now, my dear Mrs. Rollitt, how could I tell he was going to

-      die?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Thee knowed he wur going to die sometime, and thee knowed

-      he hadn&rsquo;t left the boy anything, and thee might a&rsquo; dropped me a hint.

-      &ldquo;Mrs. Rollitt,&rdquo; thee might ha&rsquo; said, &ldquo;thee&rsquo;s only wasting good poultry on

-      a worthless man. The old sinner&rsquo;s a going to die as hard-fisted and

-      ungrateful as he&rsquo;s lived.&rdquo; It would &rsquo;a&rsquo; been a neighbourly act o&rsquo;

-      thee!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) But I didn&rsquo;t know he wasn&rsquo;t going to

-      leave you anything. You see he died intestate.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> In&mdash;&mdash;&mdash; what?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Rises.</i>) Intestate. (<i>Deborah laughs a little.</i>)

-      Without leaving a will; he left nobody anything.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) Well, then, where does the old fool&rsquo;s

-      money go to?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> Why, to his son, of course! (<i>Cross to r. near chair,

-      fireplace down stage.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, where be his son?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Folding his knee in his hand and looking at her quietly.</i>)

-      On the road from Texas to Devon. (<i>Sits r.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> What! Thee don&rsquo;t mean to say thee&rsquo;ve found un! (<i>Deborah

-      gets dish off dresser r. and puts it down in front of firm Mrs. R. in

-      front of table r., Mrs. R. and Deborah draw near interested.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> That&rsquo;s just exactly what I do mean. We traced him at last&mdash;found

-      him at Port Chadbourne black as a nigger and dressed as a red Indian.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> What was he doing there&mdash;play-acting?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> No, cow-boy. (<i>Mrs. R. sits l. of table r.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Lord love us all! and do un know?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> Yes, my agent saw him&mdash;went down to meet him as he came

-      through with a drove of cattle, gave him my letters and told him

-      everything.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Has he written to you?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> No, didn&rsquo;t know how to write&mdash;a sort of half savage he

-      seems to be, he and all his companions. He said he was going to give the

-      boys a three days&rsquo; drink, or as he expressed it, &ldquo;paint the town red,&rdquo; and

-      then start straight for home.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> When do you expect him?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> Any day now; it was six weeks ago my agent saw him. He might

-      walk into my office to-morrow morning.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Lor! to think o&rsquo; it all. Him running away&mdash;driven

-      away, as a body might say, by &rsquo;is own father, when scarce more than

-      a baby, and now coming back to all this money. When do &rsquo;ee expect

-      un?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> To-morrow&mdash;in six months time&mdash;never!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Never! (<i>Purtwee rises, crosses to l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> Perhaps never.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Why I thought thee said he&rsquo;d started.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> Started, yes; but there&rsquo;s a long road between that and

-      arriving. He may be dead and buried&mdash;drowned&mdash;murdered&mdash;for

-      all we can tell. They&rsquo;re a rough lot where he&rsquo;s coming from. (<i>Takes

-      coat off settle L. Feels for snuff box in pockets; rises; goes c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, thee&rsquo;s picturing a nice fate for the lad. An&rsquo; who

-      would the money all go to if he were gone?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> Why the next o&rsquo; kin of course! He isn&rsquo;t married.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> And who be the next of kin?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Dryly.</i>) Oh! there&rsquo;s no need to worry about that now.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Mrs R. Well, I&rsquo;d just like to know, that&rsquo;s all. Would it be any of the

-      Leeds folk?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> Oh, I really can&rsquo;t say! (<i>Gets snuff box, puts coat on

-      settle l.</i>) I&mdash;I can&rsquo;t say at all who it would be. (<i>Angrily,

-      rather.</i>) Why there&rsquo;s about a hundred different relations scattered all

-      over the country, and goodness knows who it might turn out to be. It isn&rsquo;t

-      a matter to be considered yet at all.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Lord bless us all, don&rsquo;t put theeself out, man. I didn&rsquo;t

-      know as a body&rsquo;s relations wur any secret&mdash;(<i>pauses</i>)&mdash;provided

-      they be coom by honestly. Doan&rsquo;t tell us if &rsquo;ee doan&rsquo;t want to. (<i>Turns

-      away r. a little.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> No&mdash;no, Mrs. Rollitt! I&rsquo;m not put out, only you see

-      it&rsquo;s always a most complicated question a next of kin, especially in a

-      case of this kind where the man shunned all his relations. It might be

-      someone in Hong Kong; it might be someone here in Devonshire&mdash;(<i>Enter

-      Allen c. door.</i>)&mdash;it might be,&mdash;(<i>he is l., taking

-      handkerchief from his overcoat pocket, and turning sees Allen in doorway

-      and stops. Deborah puts on the fish.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Coming down r. c.</i>) Well mother! (<i>Kisses her.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Why, my boy, wherever ha&rsquo; ye been to&mdash;I wur getting

-      quite anxious about &rsquo;ee!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Taking off his hat and coat and throwing them down at

-      back.</i>) Ah, I be a rare anxiety to &rsquo;ee, baint I, mother? (<i>To

-      Mr. Purtwee.</i>) Mother alius fancies as I&rsquo;ve been run off with by

-      gypsies if I be out more than an hour. (<i>Crossing and shaking hands with

-      Mr. Purtwee.</i>) And how be Mr. Purtwee for the second time to-day?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Laughing and shaking hands.</i>) Ah! your mother&rsquo;s a

-      regular old hen with one chick I expect. (<i>Sits l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Never thee mind, mother, thee be quite right to be careful

-      o&rsquo; me! There baint another son like me in the whole country, be there?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>At fire.</i>) To the credit of old Devon be it said.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Halloa! (<i>Goes r. to Deborah.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah! now that just serves thee right for laughing at thee

-      old mother. (<i>Crosses l. and sits knitting next to Purtwee.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah! that be the worst of letting the children stop oop arter

-      their proper toime, they allus gets so saucy. What have thee there? Lurd

-      bust me, I have got a vacuum inside o&rsquo; me. Poached eggs?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> No; poached trout.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> Eh! what&rsquo;s that?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Hulloa! Thee&rsquo;ve done it now. Why, Mr. Purtwee be Lord

-      Netherby&rsquo;s lawyer, and he&rsquo;ll ha&rsquo; thee hanged in chains on Dunkery Beacon,

-      sure as fate.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Ah, well, you see I didn&rsquo;t poach him, I&rsquo;m only frying him.

-      There&rsquo;s no law against frying fish, is there?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.c.</i>) Aye, well, us&rsquo;ll forgive thee this time, if

-      ee&rsquo;ll promise to do it again soon. Come and give us a kiss.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Thee&rsquo;ll kiss the frying-pan if you come any o&rsquo; your nonsense

-      round here.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> What! won&rsquo;t thee, when I tell &rsquo;ee I&rsquo;ve bought Jim

-      Whalley&rsquo;s tan and cream shorthorn for &rsquo;ee?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Pleased.</i>) No! Have you?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> I bought her this afternoon, and I got her for&mdash;(<i>l.c.,

-      turning to his mother</i>) I say, mother, our Deb&rsquo;s bin and smoshed young

-      Whalley.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Done what to un.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Smoshed him.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Why, I never touched him.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes thee have, thee&rsquo;ve smoshed un&mdash;that be the new

-      Lunnun word; made un in love wi&rsquo; thee.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> It&rsquo;s a funny way o&rsquo; doing it.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> I doan&rsquo;t know how her done it, but her done it. Why he

-      wanted £25 for the cow at first, and when I told un her wur for Deb he

-      looked as stupid as an old cow unself and said I could have her for £20,

-      and then he asked me if she would like a calf. (<i>Goes R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> We could do with one. What did you say?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) I told un her&rsquo;d better let the calf come

-      down and ask for unself. (<i>Laughs boisterously.</i>) He never saw what I

-      meant. (<i>All laugh.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, I expect he saw it all right. Jim Whalley is a very sharp

-      fellow; there was no need to insult him just because he&rsquo;d done a kind

-      action. (<i>Warmly&mdash;turns away r. a little.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, I wouldn&rsquo;t ha&rsquo; said it if I&rsquo;d known. I didn&rsquo;t know thee

-      was in love wi&rsquo; him.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Half laughing and half indignant.</i>) Oh, don&rsquo;t be silly,

-      Allen, as if I cared for Jim Whalley.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> I might ha&rsquo; guessed it too. Why, I expect that&rsquo;s why thee

-      wanted the cow so as to have something about the place to remind thee o&rsquo;

-      un.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, you great stupid!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why, look how you&rsquo;re blushing. Look, look at her face,

-      mother. (<i>Goes to back of settle r. takes up looking-glass which is

-      hanging on settle r., brings it down and holds it before her.</i>) Look at

-      yourself! (<i>she catches him a sound box on the ear. He puts his hand to

-      his face, and crossing puts back glass.</i>) I didn&rsquo;t know thee was so

-      strong. That all comes of those squab pies o&rsquo; yourn, mother, I told thee

-      thee wur putting too much meat in &lsquo;em.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) Ah, it&rsquo;s thy sauce lad, not my meat,

-      that&rsquo;s done it. (<i>Rises.</i>) Thee&rsquo;d better try and make thy peace,

-      while me and Mr. Purtwee has a look round the out-buildings. (<i>To Mr.

-      Purtwee</i>) I&rsquo;ve been wanting to get hold of thee for a long time. Thee&rsquo;s

-      never given us so much as a bit o&rsquo; paint for the last ten years, and the

-      stable roof won&rsquo;t bear an owl on it. (<i>Goes up c. with Purtwee.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r. near settle.</i>) Thee might show Mr. Purtwee the

-      barn floor while thee&rsquo;s about it, mother. It be more like an earthquake

-      than a floor.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Oh, I be a going to show him more than he wants to see,

-      don&rsquo;t thee worrit. (<i>Aside to Mr. Purtwee at door c.</i>) Ah, they&rsquo;d

-      make a pretty couple, wouldn&rsquo;t they?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Looking at them.</i>) No, no, we must make &rsquo;em

-      one.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Mrs. Rollitt and Mr. Purtwee c. door.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>After a pause, r.c.</i>) Well I&rsquo;ve got thee the cow,

-      anyhow, and it&rsquo;s a beauty.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>At tire in a tone of severe and offended dignity.</i>)

-      Thank you, Mr. Rollitt, it is very kind of you.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>After a pause, with exaggerated politeness.</i>) Don&rsquo;t

-      mention it, Miss Deacon&mdash;quite a pleasure!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Allen crosses to l., whistles&mdash;a pause&mdash;pretends to take off

-      leggings. Puts foot on settle.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Thee may bring me over the butter.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Looking up.</i>) Hulloa! come back again! Butter,

-      certainly! (<i>Takes it from chair off l. on staircase, crosses with it,

-      and holds it for Deborah while she takes some.</i>) Jolly good butter this

-      week; who made it? Thee?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Other side of plate.</i>) Of course I did! I make all the

-      butter now, and the cream.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> What, wi&rsquo; them little hands. They don&rsquo;t look big enough to

-      do anything but be kissed.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Looking up and smiling.</i>) They can do something else,

-      can&rsquo;t they?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah! They be like the parson&rsquo;s, not as soft as they looks. (<i>Puts

-      down butter on the table&mdash;pause&mdash;during which Deborah proceeds

-      with her cooking, and Allen stands watching her.</i>) What a jolly little

-      farmer&rsquo;s wife thee&rsquo;d make.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Yes; I only want the jolly little farmer.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, thee won&rsquo;t find many of that sort about. Farming don&rsquo;t

-      pay enough for a man to get jolly on, now-a-days.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, we have enough to eat and drink, and a little to spend on

-      foolishness. You want so much.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Goes l.</i>) Not more than what a many has. Not more

-      than a little bit of what this young Hanning-ford is coming back to&mdash;enough

-      to let a man see what the world&rsquo;s like a bit, instead of being cooped oop

-      all one&rsquo;s life, like an old cow, in one corner of it.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> But you can&rsquo;t live all over it, and one corner must be much as

-      good as another.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Crosses r.</i>) Ah, thee don&rsquo;t understand it, lass. Thee

-      women folk can stand day arter day the same, but we lads are restless wi&rsquo;

-      it. We feel as there&rsquo;s summat big and stirring going on somewhere, and we

-      long to be among it&mdash;to be in the great world. It seems to call to me&mdash;(<i>puts

-      foot on settle L.</i>)&mdash;to come to it, sometimes. I hear it of a

-      night when I&rsquo;m watching the sheep on the hill fields. Maybe it&rsquo;s only the

-      sea breaking on the rocks down by Glenthorn&mdash;or the wind among the

-      old oaks, but it sounds like a distant far-off voice&mdash;(<i>gets l. of

-      table R. with back to Deborah</i>)&mdash;calling to me, and it rings and

-      echoes in my ears, till I feel at times that I must start up then and

-      there and follow it. (<i>Deborah r. of table r. Allen l. of table r.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Very gravely, laying her hand on his arm.</i>) Allen, lad,

-      don&rsquo;t you remember reading one evening to us of the sirens, who in the old

-      days used to haunt the sea caves, and sing so sweetly that the sailors who

-      once paused to listen, were lured on and on till they were wrecked among

-      the cruel rocks? May not the voices that you hear be like the singing of

-      those sirens?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Maybe, lass; but the sailors couldn&rsquo;t help but follow when

-      they did hear it. (<i>Sits in chair l. of table R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) What be the matter, Allen? Thee used

-      to be contented enough. Now thee&rsquo;s always talking about riches, and

-      wanting to go away from the dear old farm. Somethin&rsquo;s come over thee, lad.

-      (<i>Puts hand on Allen&rsquo;s shoulder.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, I wur allus like an old crow&mdash;(<i>Deborah takes her

-      hand away</i>)&mdash;sitting on a fence, and looking at summat too far off

-      to see. But thee be right partly, lass. Summat has come over me, and made

-      me want what I can&rsquo;t get more than ever now.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Very kindly, r.</i>) What be it? (<i>With elbows leaning

-      on table, R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Rises, goes l. c.</i>) Well, I be in love, lass. (<i>Still

-      looking away from her.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a pause, during which she has smiled to herself with

-      a happy little sigh, and clasped her hands together in a sort of little

-      joyful ecstacy, unnoticed by Allen.</i>) In love!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> I fancy it must be that. I think of her all day and I dream

-      of her all night, and I&rsquo;m jolly miserable. (<i>At settle, R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Demurely.</i>) Have you any reason to suppose that she

-      returns your affection?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> I don&rsquo;t know, her&rsquo;s never said anything.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Have you?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Me! No, I haven&rsquo;t said anything.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Most extraordinary that she doesn&rsquo;t propose. Have you given

-      her any encouragement? (<i>Leans against settle R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Noa&mdash;I can&rsquo;t say as I have, much. (<i>Goes r.c.</i>)

-      I&rsquo;ve looked at her, you know&mdash;soft like&mdash;and sighed. (<i>Does

-      so.</i>) But her&rsquo;s mostly been looking t&rsquo;other way and an&rsquo;t seen it, and

-      as for saying anything to her&mdash;well, I can talk to her all right

-      about other things and joke and laugh wi&rsquo; her, but the moment I goes to

-      say I love her&mdash;it&mdash;it seems as if I&rsquo;d got a hot potato stuck in

-      my throat. (<i>Speaking as if she had, turns away to l. corner of r.table,

-      back to Deborah. His manner throughout this scene carries out the idea

-      that it is Deborah he is in love with.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a pause, with a coquettish smile to herself.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      I&mdash;I can&rsquo;t do anything to help thee, I suppose? (<i>Goes and leans

-      against settle R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Do thee think as her could care for a mere common farmer,

-      Deborah?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Turning and looking at him earnestly&mdash;comes to front

-      of table R.</i>) Well&mdash;I think if he were a good farmer, and pleaded

-      very hard, I&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Delighted.</i>) No, lass! Do &rsquo;ee really think a

-      girl could? (<i>Advancing to her.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Putting her hand to stop him with dignity.</i>) A girl

-      might&mdash;though, of course, a superior sort of girl, such as she

-      appears to be, might think it presumption for&mdash;(<i>turns away r.puts

-      hand on corner of table R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Depressed.</i>) Yes&mdash;I&rsquo;m afraid her would. (<i>Turns

-      away l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Eagerly turning around again.</i>) Then, of course, she

-      mightn&rsquo;t. You never can tell till you try. (<i>Goes to fireplace r. Fish

-      is changed.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Scratching his head.</i>) Blest if I know how to go

-      about it! I say, Deb, you&rsquo;ve been proposed to, how do they begin?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Bending over fire.</i>) Don&rsquo;t thee think thee&rsquo;d better

-      tell me who it is and let me ask her for thee? (<i>Looking slyly round,

-      pauses.</i>) Who be her, Allen?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Going up to window R.c.</i>) Ah, I expect thee knows who

-      her be!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Beginning softly to creep toward him.</i>) How should I

-      when thee&rsquo;s never told me? What be her name? (<i>Close to him, his back is

-      still towards her and he doesn&rsquo;t see her.</i>) Eh?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Without turning, looking out of the back window up R.c.</i>)

-      Clara. (<i>Music cue.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Bus. Deb. stands still&mdash;for the first moment she hardly

-      comprehends. Then she understands, and stands staring straight before her

-      with a wild scared look&mdash;shivers, crosses back to fireplace on

-      tip-toe and bends down over it attending to the fish&mdash;after Deb. sobs

-      Allen comes down c.&mdash;music dies away.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Half turning round.</i>) Colonel Dexter&rsquo;s daughter, you

-      know. Thee&rsquo;ve seen her. Her wur at the Barnstaple ball and I danced wi&rsquo;

-      her and thee said how beautiful her wur and that her dress was all made o&rsquo;

-      some&rsquo;at or other, and you&mdash;(<i>he has gradually come close over to

-      her r.</i>) What be the matter, Deb?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>In a changed, hard tone, bending more intently than ever

-      over her cooking.</i>) Nothing&mdash;Nothing.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Taking her hand.</i>) Why, thee be quite cold, lass; be

-      thee ill?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Snatching her hand away.</i>) No, no, there&rsquo;s nothing the

-      matter with me. Don&rsquo;t be so foolish, don&rsquo;t don&rsquo;t.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Surprised.</i>) I say, Deb, have I said anything I

-      oughtn&rsquo;t to? I know I&rsquo;m allus a-doing it. (<i>A pause&mdash;Allen stands

-      looking at her, troubled and bewildered&mdash;Deb. bends closer over the

-      fire&mdash;then takes the pan off the fire and with it in her hand turns

-      to Allen smiling.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Gives dish to Allen.</i>) Yes, thee have&mdash;talking to

-      a cook at the very moment the trout is on the turn. (<i>Puts trout on

-      dish.</i>) Serve thee right if I&rsquo;d spoilt it.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Lor&rsquo;, thee quite frightened me! (<i>Pauses.</i>) Yes&mdash;I

-      went up there this afternoon. (<i>Deb. takes dish from Allen, puts it down

-      in front of fireplace.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Arranging fish.</i>) Did you see her?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes, I saw her.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> It doesn&rsquo;t seem to have made thee any more cheerful. Did thee

-      quarrel.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Us never got a chance. There wur a cousin or summat of the

-      kind hanging about all the time&mdash;just come over with some chap from

-      America. Can&rsquo;t say as I like un much.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Thee&rsquo;d best summon up thy courage and speak quick or thee may

-      lose thy turn. (<i>Allen turns away L.</i>) Go and tell aunt supper&rsquo;s

-      ready&mdash;be quick, it&rsquo;s all spoiling.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Moving quickly towards door l. down stage.</i>) Where

-      shall I find her?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Sharply.</i>) How should I know?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Looks around surprised&mdash;sotto voce.</i>) How the

-      fire do draw out a woman&rsquo;s temper, to be sure.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Allen l., down stage.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Left alone stands r.a moment without speaking.</i>) What

-      right has she to come down here and take him away? She doesn&rsquo;t love him.

-      Couldn&rsquo;t she have found enough fine gentlemen in London to amuse her? I

-      don&rsquo;t believe she&rsquo;s a good woman, and I hate her. (<i>Stamps her foot.</i>)

-      She shan&rsquo;t have him&mdash;she&mdash;(<i>bursts into quiet tears and,

-      slipping down on ground, buries her face in chair by fire&mdash;pause&mdash;after

-      a few seconds Luke Cranbourne appears in door c. front r., Mike Stratton

-      behind him. Luke pauses on threshold and coughs. Deb. hastily rises,

-      trying to hide her tears and stands r. Luke comes forward slowly, followed

-      by Mike at some distance.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>After pause, coming forward r.c.</i>) I&mdash;beg pardon&mdash;there

-      was nobody about. Are Mrs. Rollitt and Mr. Rollitt at home?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, they are at home. I will go and find them. (<i>Crosses to

-      l.</i>) Who shall I say it is?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>r.c.</i>) Ah, thank you very much, my dear. Would you say

-      Mr. Cranbourne&mdash;Mr. Luke Cranbourne and Mr. Richard Hanningford?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Amazed.</i>) Dick Hanningford!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Smiling.</i>) You know the name?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Old Mr. Hanningford&rsquo;s son? Why, we were only speaking of him

-      just this instant, and wondering when he&rsquo;d come back. (<i>To Luke

-      hesitatingly.</i>) Are&mdash;are you&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> No&mdash;this is Mr. Hanningford. (<i>Turns to Mike, who

-      stands awkward and shy l.c. looking at the ground.</i>) Did you know him?

-      (<i>Laughs.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, I&rsquo;m Miss Deacon&mdash;Miss Deborah Deacon. We were

-      school-fellows, you know. (<i>Timidly approaching Mike with outstretched

-      hand.</i>) I am very glad to see you Mr.&mdash;Mr. Hanningford.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MIKE.</b> Thank you, Miss&mdash;I&rsquo;m very pleased to see you.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Sitting r.</i>) I suppose you hardly recognize our

-      friend? (<i>Watches her intently without her noticing it. Mike has turned

-      away again, and looks down, flicking leg with cane.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Hesitating.</i>) Um! (<i>Laughs.</i>) Well, he&rsquo;s certainly

-      altered since we used to go to school together. But yes&mdash;(<i>examining

-      his face</i>)&mdash;there&rsquo;s something of the old face left, I think.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> We only arrived from America last night, traveling hard all

-      the time. Pretty nearly worked me to death. Dick has&mdash;(<i>with a yawn</i>)&mdash;but

-      there, I suppose I should have hurried up pretty smart myself if I&rsquo;d been

-      coming home to a fortune.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> You are staying in the village then, I suppose?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> Yes, we&rsquo;ve put up at Colonel Dexter&rsquo;s&mdash;my uncle&rsquo;s&mdash;slow

-      place. (<i>Laughing.</i>) But better than the inn apparently.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Oh. then you are the&mdash;Miss Dexter&rsquo;s cousin that Allen&mdash;(<i>pauses

-      hesitating</i>)&mdash;was&mdash;was speaking of?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> Oh, the young fellow that was there this afternoon&mdash;was

-      that Allen? (<i>With a would-be playful laugh.</i>) And who&rsquo;s Allen, eh?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>A little stiffly.</i>) Allen is Mr. Rollitt.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> Oh, I wish I&rsquo;d known that this afternoon. Dick&rsquo;s been dying

-      to see him and his mother all day. I wanted him to wait till the morning,

-      but he would come down to-night.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, I&rsquo;m sure Allen and Aunt will both be delighted. (<i>Approaching

-      Mike, who still stands aside and looks down.</i>) Won&rsquo;t you be seated, Mr.

-      Hanningford? (<i>He makes no sign&mdash;hesitatingly.</i>) Dick. (<i>Mike

-      still takes no notice. Luke has risen and crossed with assumed

-      carelessness, towards him and nozu from opposite side of him to Deborah

-      gives him a sharp kick. Mike starts and looks up.</i>),

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Turning away carelessly.</i>) Lost in reveries of old

-      scenes, Dick, eh? Miss Deacon is asking you if you won&rsquo;t sit down.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>Sitting L.c.</i>) Oh, I beg your pardon, Miss, I&rsquo;m sure.

-      Oh, thank you, I will.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Going.</i>) I shan&rsquo;t be a minute. They are only somewhere

-      about the yard.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Deborah c. door l. down stage. Luke goes to door, looks off,

-      closes door, then goes up to door c., looks off, then closes it. Comes r.

-      of Mike, who is l.c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>After waiting an instant, and making sure that no one is

-      about.</i>) Try and keep some of your wits about you, Mike&mdash;if you

-      don&rsquo;t mind.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>Sulkily.</i>) I don&rsquo;t see the darned good of this part of

-      the trick, so I tell you.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> I&rsquo;m afraid we shall have a rough time if your memory doesn&rsquo;t

-      improve. I&rsquo;ve explained to you at least half-a-dozen times that it was as

-      a sort of trial canter that I wanted to come here. If anyone in Devon can

-      tell who is Dick Hanningford and who isn&rsquo;t it will be these Rollitts. If

-      you pass here you pass anywhere.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MIKE.</b> Well, it&rsquo;s the very place I should have avoided, and for the

-      same reason. The old woman knew Dick Hanningford as well as she knows her

-      own son, and I&rsquo;d rather avoid her.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Luke, (<i>r.</i>) You&rsquo;re bound to meet her sooner or later. Better get it

-      over and know the worst&mdash;or the best. (<i>Turns away r. a little.</i>)

-      Sixteen years make it a little difficult to tell a man, especially between

-      the age of nine and twenty-five, and you&rsquo;re like him enough, and always

-      were.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MIKE.</b> And suppose she gets asking questions&mdash;do I remember

-      this, do I remember that&mdash;you know what old women are.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> Well, you can&rsquo;t be expected to remember all the details of

-      your pinafore days after all this time, and knocking about as you have

-      been. You know all that is necessary for you to know. You knew the old

-      man, and you were in the house, and you knew young Hanningford. Besides,

-      you needn&rsquo;t recollect anything yourself. You recollect what other people

-      recollect, that&rsquo;s all you&rsquo;re wanted to do.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) I hope we don&rsquo;t make a mess of it! (<i>Turns

-      L.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Crossing and laying his hand on Mike&rsquo;s shoulder, turns

-      him to c.</i>) We shan&rsquo;t make a mess of it&mdash;don&rsquo;t you. You know what

-      it&rsquo;s for&mdash;£100,000 apiece. I&rsquo;ve done my share of the job&mdash;you do

-      yours. (<i>Turns r.a little.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>Turning round and facing him.</i>) Are you sure you did

-      your share?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>l.</i>) What do you mean? (<i>Turns c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>r.</i>) Are you sure he was dead?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>After pausing, during which they have looked steadily at

-      each other, turning away l.</i>) Well, the bullet went in above his ear,

-      because I examined the wound: and his body went over a two hundred-foot

-      precipice&mdash;that I could also take an affidavit to&mdash;only I&rsquo;d

-      rather not. (<i>Turning round and facing Mike again.</i>) What makes you

-      doubt it?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MIKE.</b> I don&rsquo;t know&mdash;nothing. The idea occurred to me, that&rsquo;s

-      all. (<i>Turns l. a little.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> Don&rsquo;t you drink so much and you won&rsquo;t have so many ideas. (<i>After

-      a pause, during which he seems troubled, shaking it oft with an effort.</i>)

-      Have you got the letters with you? It will look well to take them out

-      casually while talking. (<i>Crosses R.; sits on table.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>Who has crossed to L., taking them out of his breast

-      pocket and holding them in his hand.</i>) Yes, here they are all right.

-      Bah! (<i>With a shudder.</i>) I always see his face when I look on the

-      darned things&mdash;I&mdash;Mrs. R. (<i>Without, loudly.</i>) Dick

-      Hanningford&mdash;Dick Hanningford, my boy! (<i>Mike drops suddenly in

-      sitting posture on sofa L. with a cry &ldquo;Ah.&rdquo; Luke works round at back and

-      drops down l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Mrs. R., excitedly, followed at little distance by Allen and

-      Deborah from c. Allen and Deborah remain up. Rachel from door down l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Coming down towards Mike.</i>) What, Dick, my boy,

-      where be thee? (<i>Sees Mike on sofa; making towards him.</i>) Ah, there

-      thee be&mdash;I thought I&rsquo;d know thee again though thee wur only in

-      knickerbockers when I last saw &rsquo;ee. Tain&rsquo;t thy fault thy father wur

-      a bit stingy. Come and gie us a hug, lad. Lord love us&mdash;(<i>she is

-      just in font of him, begins to speak in a bewildered, hesitating manner,

-      in tones gradually dying away to an awed whisper, as she slowly step by

-      step backs from him.</i>) How&mdash;how you&rsquo;ve grown&mdash;Dick&mdash;Dick

-      Hanningford&mdash;what&mdash;(<i>stands staring at him; a strange awed

-      silence prevails</i>).

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Advancing in a terrified voice.</i>) Aunt.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Motioning her back with her arm, but not turning and

-      speaking in a quick, excited, loud tone.</i>) Keep back, child, don&rsquo;t come

-      near. (<i>Luke is near Mike down c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Springing forward.</i>) Mother! What&rsquo;s the matter?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>As before.</i>) The man&rsquo;s dead.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>r. stepping forward.</i>) Dead!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Who has entered c. followed by Ichabod and Rachel l. He

-      goes quietly up to Mike and lays his hand on his heart, and bends over him

-      earnestly, and it is a few seconds before he speaks.</i>) Heart disease, I

-      suppose. (<i>At back of settee l. Gets r.c. of settle.</i>) My letter in

-      his hand. (<i>Gets to back of settle.</i>) It&rsquo;s an ill wind that blows

-      nobody any good. (<i>Turns and feels Mike&rsquo;s heart once again, then quietly

-      turns away to Allen. Comes c.</i>) He stood between you and £200,000. You

-      are now old Hanningford&rsquo;s heir!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> I!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Allen!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>To corpse of Mike&mdash;aside as he crosses to back.</i>)

-      Curse you!

-    </p>

-    <h3>

-      MEDIUM CURTAIN.

-    </h3>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br />

-    </p>

-    <hr />

-    <p>

-      <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div style="height: 4em;">

-      <br /><br /><br /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h2>

-      ACT II.

-    </h2>

-    <p>

-      Scene: <i>Morning room in a handsome flat&mdash;a showily furnished room&mdash;rather

-      ostentatious and loud in its decoration and appointments. Large table in

-      bay window r.upper corner. Fire-place r.Doors at back l.c. and two in l.

-      wing. Small tables r.and L.. Easy chairs l. and R.</i>

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <i>Breakfast is laid on large table&mdash;it is a gorgeously laid meal&mdash;silver

-      and plate in profusion, and a great number of dishes&mdash;tea urn and

-      coffee urn&mdash;a boiling kettle&mdash;flowers and ferns in vases and

-      stands. One, a large wavy one, is at left edge of table close to Allen.

-      The table in short is crowded and showy to the last degree. A magnificent

-      footman in gorgeous livery is standing behind; and Mr. Piffin in solemn

-      black waits close to Allen&rsquo;s chair, a dish in his hand. Allen is

-      discovered sitting l. of table, and eating his breakfast in a most

-      melancholy fashion. He looks intensely miserable and awed. The terrible

-      solemnity of the whole affair has depressed his spirits to their lowest

-      ebb. He glances nervously now and then as the meal proceeds, from the

-      footman to the valet, and vice versa, as they silently and with much

-      ceremony walk about and wait on him. The fern by his side keeps getting in

-      his way, tickling and irritating him, but he dare not move it. He eats in

-      silence, and when he does speak, does so in a humble, deprecating, nervous

-      manner. He is dressed in a loose morning costume. Music to open Act.</i>

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Standing by Allen&rsquo;s l. elbow c. Peters r. of table R.</i>)

-      May I get you a little pâté de foie gras, sir?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Looking round, and speaking in a hushed voice.</i>) I

-      beg pardon?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> A little pâté de foie gras, sir.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Patty who?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Goose&rsquo;s liver, sir. I think you will like it.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, thanks; I never eats liver. It don&rsquo;t agree with me. I

-      will have a bit o&rsquo; the bacon though.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> No, sir; it is not dressed that way, sir. I would get used to

-      it if I were you, sir. You will so often come across it. Peters, just pass

-      your master the pâté de foie gras.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Peters goes to do so. Allen who has turned again towards his breakfast

-      is about to take up some gravy from his plate with his knife</i>).

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Checks him.</i>) I wouldn&rsquo;t lap up the gravy with my

-      knife, sir. I don&rsquo;t think. It&rsquo;s never done now in good society, sir.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> It&mdash;it&rsquo;s the best part of it, you know, I alius thinks&mdash;the

-      gravy

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Yes, it&rsquo;s very tasty, sir. It&rsquo;s unfortunate it&rsquo;s so sloppy;

-      and you see, sir, eating it in that way does not show off the figure to

-      advantage. Peters, remove your master&rsquo;s plate.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Peters does so, placing it a few feet beyond Allen&rsquo;s left hand. Allen

-      watches it with jealous eyes. Peters then holds the pâté de foie gras to

-      Allen. He slowly runs his eye up Peters with awe, and then looks at the

-      pâté de foie gras, then using one hand attempts to take it. Peters, not

-      moving a muscle, holds it tight. Allen seems surprised, and partly rising,

-      attempts to take it with both hands.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Coming to his rescue, cutting a piece, and putting it on

-      his plate.</i>) Allow me, sir. Peters, the brown bread and butter.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PET.</b> (<i>Looking for it.</i>) It is not on the table, sir.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> No brown bread and butter; dear me, how remiss!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Crosses l. and rings bell. Peters also crosses l.c. door, Allen looks

-      cautiously round and sees they are not watching him, and stealthily

-      reaches over and secures a knifeful of gravy. He is about having a second

-      and has the knife close to his mouth, when he becomes aware that Piff has

-      returned and is watching him. He tries to hide the knife out of sight.

-      Peters has returned with bread and butter.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Severely.</i>) Peters, remove your master&rsquo;s knife. Don&rsquo;t

-      you see that it is in his way?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Peters does so, and then holds the bread and butter to Allen, who

-      takes a thin slice, folds it up, and holds it in his left hand while

-      taking the pâté on a fork in his right. He puts first the pâté and then

-      the bread and butter into his mouth and swallows them.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> I must apologize for serving you your breakfast in here, sir.

-      Of course, you will not have it in the drawing-room as a rule.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, a&rsquo; coorse not. No; us alius used to have it in the

-      kitchen at home.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Yes, sir. Must have been very convenient. But I think I&rsquo;ll

-      get you to put up with the breakfast parlour in future, sir&mdash;when the

-      room&rsquo;s ready. Have you quite finished, sir?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Humbly suggesting.</i>) I think I&rsquo;d like a little more

-      o&rsquo; that pie. (<i>Looking longingly at pie the other side of table.</i>)

-      You see, I alius wur a hearty eater. (<i>Said as apology</i>).

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Yes, sir, I&rsquo;m delighted to hear it, sir; but I wouldn&rsquo;t eat

-      any more breakfast, sir. You will find it is considered correct among <i>bons

-      vivants</i> to eat a very sparse dejeuner. My late lamented master, the

-      Count de Fizziani, never partook of anything but a cup of weak tea and a

-      little dry toast, and he was one of the oldest families in Europe.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Allen rises, Peters bows as he does so, and Allen returns the bow and

-      comes dozen R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, I shouldn&rsquo;t &rsquo;a&rsquo; thought as anyone could &lsquo;a&rsquo; lived

-      long on that. (<i>He bows</i>).

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> No necessity to bow, sir.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> He did it. (<i>Indicating Peters</i>).

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> He&rsquo;s paid for it.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> I allus seem to want a good feed myself in the morning. (<i>Takes

-      out an old clay pipe and prepares to fill it. Goes down r. and sits in

-      chair. Peters is clearing away the breakfast things</i>).

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Are you thinking of smoking, sir?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes; I allus has a whiff or two arter breakfast.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> It&rsquo;s very soothing, sir. My late lamented master, the Count

-      de Fizziani, used to follow precisely the same course. But I wouldn&rsquo;t

-      smoke a pipe, sir. Pipes are going out in good society. (<i>Takes

-      cigarette case from pocket and offers it to Allen. Takes pipe from Allen

-      and puts it on corner of table R.c.</i>) I have some cigarettes here, sir,

-      which I think you will like, sir. These are much more <i>comme il faut</i>,

-      sir. This case is a present from my late lamented master, the Count.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Allen looks at them and gingerly takes one.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Which end?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Lighting match.</i>) Either end, sir. Allow me. (<i>Showing

-      matchbox.</i>) Another little souvenir from my late master. He was always

-      acknowledging, if I may say so, my value to him. That sort of thing is

-      always done in good society now. (<i>Lights cigarette.</i>) It is a full

-      flavored one, sir. (<i>Piffin takes Allen&rsquo;s pipe from table r.c., crossing

-      with it to window r.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Watching him, anxiously.</i>) Don&rsquo;t hurt him.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Turning round.</i>) I was just going to put it outside on

-      the window-sill, sir.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, don&rsquo;t put him there. We used to sit up together of a

-      night watching the sheep. I don&rsquo;t like the thought of putting him outside

-      the window, now I&rsquo;m a gentleman. Drop him in the pocket of that old

-      shooting coat o&rsquo; mine that thee won&rsquo;t let me wear. They know each other. (<i>Sits

-      r.and smokes his cigarette. Piff. puts the pipe on table and returns r.c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Noticing that Allen is looking at his cigarette.</i>) All

-      right, sir? (<i>r.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes&mdash;yes, thank you, Mr. Puffin&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Piffin, sir.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> I wur looking to see if it wur alight, that&rsquo;s all.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> You will soon get to like them, sir. And whenever you are

-      ready to dress, sir&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Surprised.</i>) Dress? Why, I be dressed, bain&rsquo;t I?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Oh, only for breakfast, you see, sir. I understood you were

-      going out walking, sir.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why can&rsquo;t I walk in these?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Oh, no, sir&mdash;all London would laugh at you.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Lord! I should never a&rsquo; thought as they&rsquo;d take so much

-      notice. (<i>Rising. Piff. crosses to l. near down stage door.</i>) Ah,

-      well, I&rsquo;ll dress. (<i>Crossing l.</i>) I don&rsquo;t want to upset London if I

-      can help it. I&rsquo;ll dress. (<i>Exit l. Bows to Piffin as Piffin does so to

-      him</i>).

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> No necessity to bow, sir. (<i>Aside.</i>) Ah, I&rsquo;ve got a big

-      job on here!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Piffin, following Allen l. Piffin immediately returns, having

-      forgotten the pipe, which he takes. He is recrossing l. as enter Dexter

-      and Clara, c., preceded by Peters, who takes tray from table R.c. and

-      exits up L.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      And I&rsquo;ve got to live in the house with this.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Dexter goes c., Clara r. at back.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Coming down.</i>) Good-morning, Piffin, goodmorning.

-      Having a quiet whiff?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Thank you, sir. My stomach does not permit my indulging in

-      the luxury of a cutty pipe.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> Is Mr. Rollitt about?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> He has just this minute gone upstairs to dress, sir. I will

-      let him know you are here, sir.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> No hurry&mdash;no hurry at all, Piffin. We are before our

-      time. You are not looking well, Piffin.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Anxiety, sir. May be anxiety. You see Mr. Rollitt&rsquo;s

-      unacquaintance with the manners of the <i>beaux esprits</i> throws much

-      responsibility on myself.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> But you must be careful, Piffin. What would he do without you?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Smiling.</i>) Well, I&rsquo;m afraid he would be a little up a

-      tree, sir, if I may be permitted a vulgarism. (<i>Moving to door l.</i>) I

-      will go and acquaint him with your arrival, sir. (<i>Takes plate from

-      table l., puts pipe on it.</i>) I&rsquo;ll send him to you directly, sir. (<i>Smells

-      pipe.</i>) Shag! (<i>Exit l.l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> Thank you, Mr. Piffin, thank you. (<i>Turning round.</i>)

-      Always be affable with your inferiors&mdash;never know when you may want

-      &lsquo;em.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>By window, looking out.</i>) Do you come across many of

-      that sort? (<i>Comes down r. of table R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> Ah, you beast&mdash;you vixen. I wonder you don&rsquo;t cut yourself

-      with that tongue of yours.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Turning round with a hard laugh. At fireplace R.</i>) It

-      must be pretty sharp if it goes through your skin.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> Ah, you damned&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Allen l. He has on slippers and a smoking coat</i>).

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Crossing.</i>) Don&rsquo;t &rsquo;ee look at us too closely.

-      I bean&rsquo;t properly dressed yet.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>r.c. turns head away.</i>) I don&rsquo;t think we had better

-      look at you at all under those circumstances, Mr. Rollitt. (<i>Laughs.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughs.</i>) Oh, I be covered up all right everywhere. I

-      merely meant as I wasn&rsquo;t up to fashion plate standard. (<i>Crossing c.</i>)

-      And how be Colonel Dexter? (<i>Shaking hands.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Jolly, my boy&mdash;and how&rsquo;s yourself?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>c.</i>) Oh, I be spry enough. (<i>Crossing before him

-      and shaking hands with Clara, and keeping her hand.</i>) I think us&rsquo;ll

-      have a pleasant day.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>r. looking tenderly at him.</i>) I&rsquo;m sure we shall. (<i>Crosses

-      to sofa, stands at head of it.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> Well, you young folks will, I know, and the old folks will be

-      happy looking on. (<i>Sitting, and taking Clara&rsquo;s hand in his and fondling

-      it. Allen crosses r.</i>) To see his little girl happy, that&rsquo;s always

-      happiness enough for old Jack Dexter.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Leaning over and kissing the top of his hand.</i>) Silly

-      old dad.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Taking out his handkerchief and pretending to weep.</i>)

-      Ah, like her mother&mdash;like her mother.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r. c., laughs nervously.</i>) Her&mdash;her mother must

-      ha&rsquo; been rare beautiful, mustn&rsquo;t her?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>c. rising and taking Allen by the hand.</i>) Thank you,&mdash;ah,

-      Mr. Rollitt, you have never known the blessing of a wife&mdash;(<i>Clara

-      looks at him</i>)&mdash;you do not understand the feelings of a widower. (<i>Weeping.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> No&mdash;but&mdash;(<i>laughing</i>)&mdash;but&mdash;I hopes

-      to one day; no&mdash;no&mdash;I don&rsquo;t mean that&mdash;I&mdash;(<i>confused</i>)&mdash;Have

-      thee had breakfast? (<i>Clara sits on the soft L.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> Yes, thank you, Allen, my boy.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Cheerfully.</i>) Have another.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> No thanks, not to-day.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> What&rsquo;s the matter? Off thee feed?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> No, my lad, but we old folks ain&rsquo;t like you young country ones&mdash;nothing

-      at present thank you&mdash;(<i>pauses</i>)&mdash;to eat.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Have summat to drink. (<i>Clara crosses l. Both men laugh,

-      each in his own distinctive way. Dex. turns l. and catches Clara&rsquo;s face.</i>)

-      There be some rare old whiskey in the library. Thee&rsquo;ll find it on the

-      sideboard&mdash;(<i>Dex. goes up c.</i>)&mdash;and it be more comfortable

-      like in there than here. I&rsquo;ll just go and finish making myself beautiful.

-      (<i>Crosses to l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Don&rsquo;t be too long. (<i>Crossing and sitting L.c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) No, it oughtn&rsquo;t to take me long to&mdash;(<i>Dex.

-      has his back to them, wine business at table r.c.</i>)&mdash;do that,

-      ought it? (<i>Goes to l. door down stage. Laughs, and then low to Clara as

-      he is going.</i>) I am not likely to stop upstairs long when I know thee&rsquo;s

-      downstairs.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Go away, go away.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Allen down stage l. Bus. She kisses her hand.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> And I suppose you will go and throw this chance away, like you

-      have every other.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Well, what if I do? (<i>Rises, crosses it.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> What if you do? What are we to live on? (<i>Goes to Clara l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Gulls, I suppose&mdash;as we always have done.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> Yes, and is it pleasant living? Is it pleasant to have to

-      slave and trick for every dinner? Is it pleasant to be kicked&mdash;sooner

-      or later&mdash;out of every society one goes into? (<i>Coming close and

-      speaking low.</i>) Was it pleasant to be buried for two years in that

-      God-forsaken hole by Exmoor, not daring to show our heads above ground for

-      a moment? You&rsquo;ve got a fine chance of being respectable now.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Too late, I&rsquo;m afraid, though.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>r. c.</i>) Too late?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Yes&mdash;you see, papa, dear, you haven&rsquo;t exactly brought

-      me up in that way, and I&rsquo;m afraid I&rsquo;m too old to learn now. I don&rsquo;t think

-      I should be quite at home as the wife of a piously brought up young man

-      from the country. (<i>Leans back&mdash;laughs.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> And so you&rsquo;re going to let six thousand a year slip through

-      your fingers. It&rsquo;s wicked&mdash;it&rsquo;s wicked.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Laughs&mdash;rises.</i>) Well, it hasn&rsquo;t slipped through

-      my fingers just at present, it is sticking to them pretty freely. (<i>Crosses

-      to R.&mdash;Dex is c.&mdash;toys with ring.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Goes to table r.c.</i>) And how long do you think he will

-      stand you playing with him?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Oh, a good long while yet. (<i>Goes up.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Puts hat on table r.c.</i>) That&rsquo;s just where you&rsquo;re

-      making a mistake then. He&rsquo;s not a fool. He&rsquo;ll want an answer, &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; or

-      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; soon, and what are you going to say then?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Looking out of window.</i>) No. (<i>Looking into

-      fireplace r.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>After a pause&mdash;violently.</i>) Luke Cranbourne&rsquo;s at

-      the bottom of this. What devil&rsquo;s game is it that&rsquo;s going on between you

-      and him? (<i>Loudly.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> I do wish you wouldn&rsquo;t drink when you&rsquo;re coming out

-      anywhere, it always makes you so noisy. (<i>At glass.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Violently.</i>) Take care, Clara&mdash;you seem to forget

-      I&rsquo;m your father.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Coldly.</i>) The relationship was none of my seeking.

-      Whatever responsibility attaches to the unfortunate&mdash;(<i>moves near

-      Dex.</i>)&mdash;occurrence is not mine.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>l. making movement as if to strike her.</i>) Clara.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Facing him with quiet contempt&mdash;a pause.</i>) Put

-      down your hands, father. That period of my life is over. (<i>Crosses. Dex.

-      steps back, then throws himself into chair, leans his head on his arms,

-      and bursts into tears r.c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Crying.</i>) My own child hates me.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Crossing and laying a hand on his shoulder gently.</i>)

-      I don&rsquo;t mean to be hard, father, but you can&rsquo;t expect much love and duty

-      from me. Curses and blows were all you ever gave me as a child, and ever

-      since I became a woman you have merely hawked me about as your decoy.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i> Whimpering.</i>) I only want you to do what&rsquo;s for your

-      own good.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Turns away L.</i>) Yes, but you must allow me to be the

-      judge of that&mdash;and come&mdash;you haven&rsquo;t had much cause to grumble

-      up to now. You&rsquo;ve been able to be drunk every night for the last three

-      months.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Rises c.</i>) I ain&rsquo;t been drunk. (<i>Takes hat off table

-      r. c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Not for you perhaps&mdash;(<i>goes l. a little</i>)&mdash;drunk

-      in the ordinary sense of the word&mdash;and I will get you something

-      to-day if I can.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Drying his eyes.</i>) God bless you, Clara, you&rsquo;re a good

-      girl. Do you think you&rsquo;ll be able to get a twenty?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> You must leave it to me. I&rsquo;ll get you as much as I can.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Off l.</i>) Thank you, Mr. Puffin.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Off l.</i>) Piffin, Piffin, sir.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Moving away towards door&mdash;upper l.</i>) Come into

-      the next room now. Here&rsquo;s Allen coming back.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>As he follows her out.</i>) Say you want to help a poor

-      woman who&rsquo;s very ill, and has been ordered nourishing food and&mdash;(<i>gags.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exeunt Clara and Dex. upper l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Allen and Piff. l. Allen is completely dressed in the height of

-      walking costume, and is evidently very uncomfortable. Enter Peters c. Pet.

-      puts photo case on table r. c. Exits down c. Allen has on hat and coat,

-      and Piff. is carrying his umbrella and gloves. Allen should be got up in a

-      slightly exaggerated masher style. He is smoking a cigarette.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> I carn&rsquo;t breathe, Mr. Puffin.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Oh, you will soon get used to that, sir. And would you please

-      to remember my name is Piffin, sir? (<i>Taking his hand.</i>) Why, surely

-      these are nines, sir, I think we could get them down to eight and a half,

-      and if I were you, sir, I would show a little more cuff, sir, it&rsquo;s always

-      done in good society, sir; besides, it makes the hand look smaller; a

-      little cuff, sir, goes a long way in good society.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Thank you, Mr. Piffin. (<i>Shakes his hand.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Thank you, sir, but I don&rsquo;t think you ought to shake hands

-      with me, sir. And when you do shake hands with your friends, sir&mdash;allow

-      me (<i>takes Allen&rsquo;s hand</i>) shake high, sir. (<i>Shakes his hand high.</i>)

-      You&rsquo;ll see it&rsquo;s always done in good society, sir. Lord Carmichael&rsquo;s man

-      told me he met you yesterday, sir.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> I&mdash;I don&rsquo;t know him, do I?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Oh, no, sir, but he knows you, sir, and he was rather

-      complaining of your walk, sir?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why, what&rsquo;s it got to do with him?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Well, sir, knowing as I&rsquo;m your coach, sir, he meant it as a

-      friendly hint. You have rather a countrified walk, if you will forgive me

-      for saying so&mdash;a more <i>négligé</i> style is adopted by the <i>savoir

-      vivre</i> now, sir, and a more <i>insouciant</i> manner of carrying the

-      umbrella. You walk too much in this way, sir. (<i>Taking up umbrella,

-      gags, and imitates.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Lord love us, do I walk like that?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Just like that, sir. You see yourself, sir, what a very <i>undestingué</i>

-      appearance it presents. The present fashionable style is more like this,

-      sir. (<i>Performing an exaggerated Piccadilly dawdle.</i>) See, sir&mdash;body

-      a little forward&mdash;knees stiff&mdash;and a slight wobble, sir&mdash;very

-      slight. (<i>Handing Allen the umbrella.</i>) Perhaps, sir, you would take

-      the umbrella and try it, sir.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Allen attempts the business.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Criticising Allen&rsquo;s practice. Allen crosses to R.</i>) A

-      little more bend, sir&mdash;a little wobble, sir&mdash;umbrella held

-      lightly between the first and second fingers, sir, (<i>Allen goes l.</i>)

-      and if you could manage&mdash;allow me, sir&mdash;. (<i>takes umbrella,

-      shows him, and returns it</i>) to swing it right round now and then, sir,

-      it adds great <i>aplomb</i>.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Great what?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> French, sir.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Swings umbrella round awkwardly.</i>) Like that?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Not quite like that, sir. A little more airily, sir.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Swinging it.</i>) Does it ever put anybody&rsquo;s eye out

-      behind?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> I don&rsquo;t think that point is considered of much importance in

-      good society, sir&mdash;that is much better, sir. (<i>Goes r.Allen l.</i>)

-      If you would practice like that a little every day, sir, you would soon

-      pick it up, sir. A little more bend, sir, and&mdash;er&mdash;don&rsquo;t forget

-      the wobble.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit l. down stage.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Allen goes on practicing to himself, making as much fun as possible,

-      consistent with comedy, out of the bus. As he is in the middle of it,

-      enter Mrs. R.and Deb. door c., the door being opened for them by Peters.

-      They stand c. staring aghast at Allen, who continues, unconscious of their

-      presence.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Gags.</i>) Soon pick it up! Strikes me someone&rsquo;ll have

-      to pick me up. It puts me in mind of one of our old turkey cocks.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Mrs. R. and Deb. come down stage a little.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Bus. in r. corner of stage. Peters withdraws, grinning.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a long pause, clapping her hands.</i>) I know what

-      it is, aunt. It&rsquo;s our Allen.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Seeing them.</i>) Mother! (<i>Comes down r.c. Deb. l. c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> My boy! (<i>They rush into each other&rsquo;s arms c. and Mrs. R.

-      gives him a huge hug&mdash;gets r.of Allen, Deb. l. Then he and Deb. have

-      an embrace, and then he and Mrs. R. for the second time.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>In the middle of Mrs. R. second hug.</i>) Hold hard!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Alarmed.</i>) What&rsquo;s the matter, lad?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Summat&rsquo;s gone.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> What?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> I don&rsquo;t know; summat behind. (<i>Drawing back r. and looking

-      down at himself.</i>) Mother, you&rsquo;ve spoilt me.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, they used to tell me I allus did that, lad. (<i>Laughs.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After gazing in silent admiration at Allen.</i>) Oh, aunt,

-      isn&rsquo;t it lovely? Look at its hat!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Critically examining his clothes.</i>) Ah&mdash;and

-      there&rsquo;s some good stuff there, too. (<i>Moving away.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Going near and sniffing.</i>) Oh, oh! Doesn&rsquo;t it smell

-      nice&mdash;and&mdash;oh, look at its collar! (<i>Allen pleased&mdash;begins

-      to plume himself&mdash;Deb. begins to laugh.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> What&rsquo;s the matter with the collar&mdash;what are you

-      laughing at? (<i>Trying to look at his own collar. Debt&rsquo;s laugh only

-      grows, and Allen&rsquo;s indignation begins to rise.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> What&rsquo;s the matter&mdash;what are you laughing at? (<i>Deb.

-      laughing more and more, goes to walk round him. Turning round, so as to

-      face her&mdash;his collar prevents him turning his head, and he has to

-      walk round.</i>) What are you up to?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> I want to see it all round.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Very indignantly.</i>) Well then, you can&rsquo;t do it. I

-      ain&rsquo;t a show. What are you laughing at? There&rsquo;s nothing to laugh at. (<i>Mrs.

-      R. laughs first time.</i>) It&rsquo;s your ignorance, because you don&rsquo;t

-      understand things. What are you laughing at?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Mrs. R., who has hitherto sat R. looking on, now also begins to laugh,

-      and she and Deb. go on laughing more and more, Allen growing more and more

-      indignant.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> I am surprised at you, mother. Deb. allus was a&mdash;(<i>the

-      two women only laugh louder, and Allen in spite of himself begins to laugh

-      too; afterwards he joins in heartily and all three laugh, after which they

-      have another hug. Bus.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Exhausted.</i>) Well, lad, and how dost thee like being

-      a gentleman? (<i>Sits r., Deb. sits l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>c. doubtfully.</i>) Well, it&rsquo;s got its drawbacks,

-      mother. There&rsquo;s more work about it than you&rsquo;d think for, you know,&mdash;but

-      I think I shall be all right, I&rsquo;ve got a good man learning me. He wur

-      teaching me to walk this morning. That wus the Park stroll I wur

-      practicing when you come in; see, mother? (<i>Imitates stroll.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, well, us made a good man of &rsquo;ee down in Devon. I

-      hopes they don&rsquo;t spoil &rsquo;ee, lad, in turning thee into a gentleman.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, no, mother. It&rsquo;s only a polishing up the outside. I&rsquo;m

-      old Exmoor oak&mdash;(<i>puts his hat and umbrella on table r. c.</i>)&mdash;I

-      hope, right through, and they can&rsquo;t hurt that. When did &rsquo;ee come

-      up? (<i>Sits r. c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Only yesterday, and us went to Mrs. Clouter&rsquo;s and slept,

-      and then us come on here this morning.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> And how long can you stop?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, us must start off to-morrow, some time.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> To-morrow! Oh, nonsense, mother.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Nonsense! Why, bless the lad, thee wouldn&rsquo;t have me away on

-      Saturday. Why, who&rsquo;d pay the wages, and see to everything?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why, there&rsquo;s Rogers there, ain&rsquo;t there?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, why thee might just as well leave the key of the stable

-      in charge o&rsquo; the old bay mare, as trust him to look arter anything, except

-      his own inside.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) Mother! (<i>Rises, goes to Mrs. R.

-      r.</i>) What do ye want to go back at all for, and work and worry yourself

-      to death? Let me take a little house up here in London for thee and Deb,

-      and then we can all be together.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Aghast.</i>) And leave the farm?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Turning round.</i>) Oh, Allen!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why not? You&rsquo;ve worked hard enough, mother&mdash;give the

-      farm up and enjoy yourself.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Enjoy myself! Away from Woodbarrow

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Farm! Why, lad, thy father wur born there and brought me home there&mdash;and

-      he died there, and thee wur born there&mdash;and there be the pigs and the

-      poultry! (<i>Begins to cry.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Tenderly patting her.</i>) All right, mother, all right.

-      Us&rsquo;ll keep it on.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Wiping her eyes.</i>) And thee might want to come back

-      to it theeself some day, lad.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) Why, thee don&rsquo;t think I&rsquo;m going to run

-      through two hundred thousand, do ye, mother? We Devonshire lads win

-      fortunes, not lose &lsquo;em. (<i>Crossing c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, no, lad. But thee knows the saying &ldquo;Roses blossom for a

-      day, But stout old ivy&rsquo;s green al-way.&rdquo; Thee ain&rsquo;t likely to lose the

-      money, if thee can help it, lad, but us all be in God&rsquo;s hands, and I&rsquo;ll be

-      easier in my mind if the farm&rsquo;s there for thee to come home to. If

-      anything happens, thee knows the way across the Moor, and thee knows how

-      the latch goes, and me and the lass will be inside to welcome thee.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Goes l. takes Deb.&lsquo;s hand.</i>) Ah, I know you will,

-      mother, both of you.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Music&mdash;piano.</i>) Leastways I shall&mdash;and the

-      lass until her gets married, I suppose. (<i>Deb. goes up a little; gets r.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Surprised.</i>) Until her gets married? (<i>Deb. goes to

-      Mrs. R. r.; tries to stop her speaking.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Sharply.</i>) Ah, the lads ain&rsquo;t all fools.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Evidently troubled.</i>) I never seemed to think o&rsquo;

-      Deb&rsquo;s getting married, somehow.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, other folks have.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> I can&rsquo;t fancy the old farm wi&rsquo;out Deb. Lord, how lonesome it

-      would be.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Who has been trying to stop Mrs. R., has come down and

-      stands by her aunt, l.</i>) Oh, it&rsquo;s only aunt&rsquo;s fun. (<i>Goes to Allen,

-      l. c.</i>) I&rsquo;m not going to get married. Sure the pigs and cows are worrit

-      enough wi&rsquo; their foolish ways. I don&rsquo;t want any husband.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, thee will some day, o&rsquo; course, and when thee does we

-      must make thee comfortable, lass. (<i>Taking her hand.</i>) Thee shalt ha&rsquo;

-      the best farm in all the country, and the best dairy, and the best stock.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Little c.</i>) Thank thee, Allen dear. (<i>Turns up stage.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Rising; music dies away.</i>) Well, lass, I suppose us

-      had better have a clean down and summat to eat, and then see about our bit

-      o&rsquo; shopping.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Lord help us! (<i>Starting.</i>) If I ain&rsquo;t forgot all about

-      &lsquo;em.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> All about whom?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why, Clara&mdash;Miss Dexter and her father&mdash;they be in

-      the library waiting for me.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, don&rsquo;t let us keep you from them. (<i>A little spitefully.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, I shan&rsquo;t go out this morning, now. (<i>Gets hat and

-      umbrella from table r.c.</i>) I shall get them to stop here instead, and

-      us can have a nice quiet day all together. (<i>Going towards door, lower

-      l.</i>) Come on, mother. (<i>Crosses to c.</i>) I&rsquo;ve got a room fitted up

-      a&rsquo;purpose for thee and Deb, with a roost just outside the window with a

-      cock and three hens in it, and he crows all night.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exeunt Allen, Deb., and Mrs. R. down stage.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Baron von Schorr (1) and the Hon. Tom. Gus-sett (2), ushered in

-      by Peters c. (3). Enter Luke c., and Dexter u. l. (4), afterwards Clara

-      (5.) Baron goes down l., Gussett r., Luke r. c., Dexter l. c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Rollitt&rsquo;s going out. You can&rsquo;t see him. It&rsquo;s no

-      good your coming here to try and fleece him this morning. I tell you he&rsquo;s

-      going out.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Coming down r.c.</i>) Ah, we&rsquo;ll wait and say good-bye to

-      him, Jack.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>l. c.</i>) Ah, greedy Jack,&mdash;greedy Jack&mdash;you

-      want de bird all to yourself. Nein&mdash;nein, zhare and zhare alike. Herr

-      Cranbourne have a ving, Tom Gussett, he have de oder ving. You and your

-      fair daughter have de legs, and I vill have de breast.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> No, you shall have the bones after we&rsquo;ve done with them.

-      Make &rsquo;em into a stew&mdash;keep a German baron for a week. (<i>Others

-      laugh.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>BARON.</b> Ah, Trickey, you here. (<i>Motioning towards Clara and her

-      father.</i>) Ah, de early birds&mdash;de early birds.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Yes, we have to be. (<i>Rises, and goes r.imitating him.</i>)

-      De worms get up so early nowadays. (<i>Enter Allen lower l. Baron goes to

-      meet him. Guss. puts him away and he turns up c. Speaks to Dex.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Hullo! Unexpected pleasure!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Luke comes forward and greets Allen c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>r.</i>) Haven&rsquo;t seen you for an age, dear boy.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> No. (<i>Goes to Luke r.</i>) I&rsquo;ve been keeping pretty

-      respectable of late&mdash;I&mdash;I mean, you know, I haven&rsquo;t been going

-      out much.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Tom and I are going over to Paris for the

-      Vincennes meeting, and we&rsquo;ve come to see if you will join.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>l. of Allen r.</i>) Yes, do come; then we can show you

-      about Paris a bit, you know.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> Ah, yes, and we shall be able to get you into one or two

-      things in the betting line if you are with us. We can introduce you to

-      some friends of ours.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, it be very kind of thee, I&rsquo;m sure.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>They go on talking r.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>Aside to the Dexters, back of Clara.</i>) I say, Jack,

-      my boy, how long have you been Colonel? I did not know you vas a

-      militaire.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Papa joined the Salvation Army about the same time that you

-      were raised to the German Peerage. Don&rsquo;t talk so loud, my dear Baron.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>BARON.</b> Gut, gut.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Luke sits down stage r. with back to audience, looking at betting

-      book.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>To Allen r.</i>) Of course we shall take care of your

-      interests as if it was for ourselves.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>Comes and puts arm in Allen&rsquo;s.</i>) Of course they vill

-      take care ob your interests for themselves. Come here. (<i>Goes l.</i>)

-      You know I have been tinking about you so much ob late. Ja!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, very kind of thee, I&rsquo;m sure.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Ja, I say to myself, my fren Rollitt&mdash;I

-      always call you my fren&mdash;my fren Rollitt, I say, he is a gut fellow&mdash;he

-      has money&mdash;all he vants is family. (<i>Guss. goes to Dex. l. c.</i>)

-      He must marry family. (<i>Dex. goes c. and tries to hear conversation&mdash;Baron

-      notices it and crosses to r.with Allen.</i>) Now, Miss Dexter, she is a

-      nice girl&mdash;ach, such a nice girl&mdash;but she has no family.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> No&mdash;not yet. (<i>Luke gets near fireplace R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>r. Seeing it after a while.</i>) Ah, nein, nein&mdash;I

-      do not mean vat you mean&mdash;I mean family de oder vay&mdash;backvards&mdash;dead

-      uns.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>BARON.</b> Ja. Now, dere is my niece, look at her family! Look at her

-      ancestors&mdash;all barons&mdash;German barons! And she is such a nice

-      girl&mdash;so beaudiful&mdash;so plump&mdash;ach, I will indroduce her to

-      you. She vill mash you&mdash;so much. She&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Mrs. R., Deb. behind her, lower l. door. Seeing the room full

-      she stands by door hesitatingly.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>Coming down and interrupting, with a sneering laugh.</i>)

-      Your nurse, Rollitt, I think. (<i>Comes c. Luke goes to fireplace R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Turns and sees them, and then goes towards them.</i>)

-      Yes, Mr. Gussett&mdash;the best nurse a man can have&mdash;my mother.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Guss. confused, but soon recovers himself and laughs it off. Col. D.,

-      Luke, and Clara come forward to greet Mrs. R. and Deb. l. c., and the

-      customary ceremony, etc., is gone through&mdash;all speaking together.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Smiling pleasantly, shakes hands with Mrs. R.</i>)

-      Good-morning, Mrs. Rollitt. You are looking so well and jolly. How are

-      you, my dear? (<i>To Deb. Between these two the greeting is really

-      strained and awkward, although outwardly pleasant enough. Clara kisses

-      Deb., but Deb. seems to shrink&mdash;she turns away. Clara notices this,

-      and follows Deb. as she turns away up c., with a meaning look. While it

-      has been going on the greeting between Mrs. R. and Luke has taken place&mdash;Mrs.

-      R. down l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Finishing his introduction of Mrs. R. and Baron.</i>)

-      The Baron von Schnorr&mdash;Mrs. Rollitt, my mother.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>BARON.</b> Your mudder&mdash;Oh, impossible. (<i>Goes l. c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Huffy.</i>) I beg your pardon, Mr. Snort.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>BARON.</b> Ach, ja, you are laughing at me&mdash;not your mudder.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Clara walks round at back, drops down r. near Luke.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Very indignant.</i>) Yes&mdash;his mother. Don&rsquo;t you

-      cast any of your nasty foreign insinuations upon me. I&rsquo;m his lawful

-      married mother, and his father was his father, and a better man never

-      lived, as anyone in Exmoor&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Soothing her.</i>) It&rsquo;s all right, mother, the Baron

-      only means it complimentary. Thee&rsquo;st supposed to look too young to be

-      anybody&rsquo;s mother. He has to take (<i>Clara sits r.</i>) thee for my

-      sister. (<i>Laughing&mdash;goes up l. c. with Dex.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>BARON.</b> Ja&mdash;I take you for his sister. Ach, you English ladies,

-      you never seem to get more old&mdash;you only get more round, more&mdash;more

-      jolly.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Still indignant.</i>) Ah&mdash;foolishness. (<i>Ruffling

-      her dress and sitting very stiff l. on sofa.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>Sitting on sofa beside her.</i>) It must be de climate

-      keep you so moist. (<i>Drawing closer.</i>) I knew a man, he lives in your

-      Manchester, and&mdash;(<i>goes on talking to Mrs. R. but is not heard.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Allen goes up and joins Col. Dex. up l. c. and Clara. After a little

-      while Col. Dex. appropriates him, leaving Clara a little to r.of them

-      unnoticed. Guss. continues talking to Deb. Deb. evidently bored and

-      anxious to get away. Guss. trying to be very agreeable. At this point when

-      all the others are occupied, Luke r. beckons Clara to him and she crosses.

-      Their conversation is in eager undertone and they watch to see that no one

-      is noticing them.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> Have you got him to join yet?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> No&mdash;he kicks against it.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> If his name isn&rsquo;t down in the list of directors before Monday

-      I shall be arrested.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Can&rsquo;t you get away?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> No, I&rsquo;m watched night and day. If he joins, the company will

-      float and it will be all right.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> I shall be seeing him alone this morning. I will try again.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> And keep to plain gold and diamonds for presents. Those

-      fallal things (<i>touching her bracelet</i>) are no good. Don&rsquo;t fetch ten

-      per cent, of their value.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Part of the conversation between herself and Guss.

-      Abstractedly, her attention being fixed on Luke and Clara.</i>) Ha, ha!

-      that was very funny.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Guss. r. with Deb. looks at her in amazement.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Down r.</i>) There&rsquo;s that milkmaid watching us&mdash;don&rsquo;t

-      look around, answer as though I had been proposing to you&mdash;that will

-      account for our talking together. (<i>In a louder but still undertone.</i>)

-      Is there no hope for me?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Down r.&mdash;smiling.</i>) None, Luke&mdash;please

-      don&rsquo;t refer to the subject again. I like you&mdash;respect you&mdash;will

-      be a sister to you&mdash;but love&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Grinning.</i>) Yes, it&rsquo;s that Rollitt that you love. (<i>Deb.,

-      followed by Guss., has moved away to window.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Mr. Cranbourne, you have no right&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Who has been watching Deb.</i>) Chuck it up, it&rsquo;s all

-      right, she&rsquo;s gone to the window.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> I don&rsquo;t suppose we&rsquo;ve deceived her very much, she&rsquo;s a sharp

-      little minx. Get these men away.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Clara takes up book, and standing, toys with it up r. front of r.c.

-      table.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>Finishing.</i>) She never leave her bed for eighteen

-      years&mdash;she take dree dozes&mdash;den she get up and go for a dree

-      mile walk.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) Lor! It must have been quite a change for

-      her.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) Ja. It vas a miragle. (<i>Turning and

-      seeing Luke beside him.</i>) Ha, my dear boy, ready?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Crosses to Baron.</i>) Ready and off.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Coming down c. followed by Dex.</i>) Oh, are you three

-      going?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Baron goes c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> Yes, I know you&rsquo;ll be glad to be rid of us. (<i>Laughing.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Well, I have (<i>looking at watch</i>) one or two little

-      things to do this morning.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Baron goes up c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> Well, look here, Allen, I&rsquo;m just going to have a quiet weed in

-      the smoking room till you&rsquo;re ready. See?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, it be a billiard room now, thee know.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> Oh. have you had a table put up?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Who has just crossed over and joined the group l. to

-      Mrs. R. who is just about quitting the room by door l. lower.</i>) Do you

-      allow your little boy to play billiards, Mrs. Rollitt? I don&rsquo;t think I

-      should if I had charge of him. (<i>Playfully.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Oh, the more he&rsquo;s up to every sort o&rsquo; game that&rsquo;s played

-      the better for him, to my thinking.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Mrs. R. l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) Oh, it keeps me at home out of mischief,

-      like. (<i>Moves to upper door L.</i>) Come and have a look at it. (<i>Goes

-      up c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>As they go.</i>) Ach, billiards iz a beaudiful game. (<i>Aside

-      to Luke.</i>) But you cannot vin much at id, id take so dam long.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exeunt all but Guss. and Deb. [l.]&mdash;all talking as they go. Guss.

-      and Deb. near fireplace.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>r.</i>) Well, I&rsquo;m afraid, Mr. Gussett, I must really go

-      now. (<i>Goes down stage. Guss. goes l. c. and stops her.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>Getting between her and the door l. to which she is

-      backing.</i>) Oh, no, don&rsquo;t go. Do you know, I shall really think you are

-      trying to avoid me.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Retreating behind table&mdash;Guss. takes a step.</i>) Oh,

-      not at all.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>c. gets l. of r. c. table.</i>) Ah, so pleasant to hear

-      you say so. You know, Miss Deacon, I so want you to like me.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, well&mdash;I do very much, only I can&rsquo;t stop to do it

-      now, because you see aunt wants me. (<i>Moves c. up stage. Guss. stops

-      her. Bus. of Deb. trying to get away and of Guss. cutting her off and

-      trying to get near her; is kept up throughout the scene.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>GUSS.</b> Ah, but your aunt sees so much of you and I can see so

-      little.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Laughing, walks l. c. up stage. Guss. at head of sofa.</i>)

-      I&rsquo;m afraid there&rsquo;s not very much more of me to see. I must go really,

-      because we have got to do some shopping this morning.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>GUSS.</b> Ah, let me come with you?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, no, I won&rsquo;t tax your kindness. I know you men hate

-      shopping, and we are going into drapers&rsquo; and dressmakers&rsquo; and all sorts of

-      dreadful places, (<i>c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>GUSS.</b> Ah, they will not be dreadful if you are there, Miss Deacon.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> And aunt always takes such a long time shopping. (<i>Goes up

-      c.</i>) Never can make up her mind, and I&rsquo;m worse still, and&mdash;(<i>makes

-      movement, Guss. moves behind settle and stops her down l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>GUSS.</b> Ah, the longer you take, the better I shall like it. I shall

-      enjoy coming, I assure you.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Getting more and more cross, comes r.c.</i>) Well you know

-      I really don&rsquo;t think you will; and really, Mr. Gussett&mdash;(<i>turns r.a

-      little.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>Interrupting.</i>) Ah, I know better. No, I quite insist

-      upon coming.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>With calm, suppressed temper.</i>) Ah, all right, Mr.

-      Gussett, you shall. (<i>Crossing l. meets Mrs. R. just entering l.</i>)

-      Aunt, I want you. (<i>Turning her round again.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Why, whatever&rsquo;s the&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> I&rsquo;ll tell you, come along.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exeunt Mrs. R. and Deb. l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>r. turns and arranges his moustache in glass over chimney</i>).

-      Might do worse, Gussy, my boy. (<i>Turns round again.</i>) She&rsquo;s not a bad

-      little thing, lick her into shape a bit.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Luke, upper l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Crossing to table and taking up his hat.</i>) Coming?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>GUSS.</b> No, dear boy. (<i>Laughing.</i>) Got a little job on.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> Oh, on the war-path?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>GUSS.</b> Yes&mdash;well, I may as well keep it in hand&mdash;Chawbacon

-      will make her good for a thousand or two, I expect&mdash;if nothing better

-      turns up.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> Ah&mdash;wish you luck&mdash;she&rsquo;ll be a good match for you,

-      I think, Gussy.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Luke c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Mrs. R. and Deb. lower door l. Both are wearing old-fashioned

-      big country shawls, and big bonnets. Deb. evidently has on one of her

-      aunt&rsquo;s. Their dress altogether is as extravagant as comedy will permit,

-      and has evidently been hastily put on. Deb. also carries a big country

-      hand-basket covered with a cloth, the neck of a bottle sticking

-      prominently out, and a huge gamp. Deb. smothering her laughter</i>).

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Crossing r.c.</i>) We are quite ready, Mr. Gussett

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Yes, we are quite ready.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>Who has regarded them with a horrified stare.</i>) Ah,

-      yes, if you will wait a minute I think I will call a cab.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, we&rsquo;d rather walk, thank you&mdash;you would rather walk,

-      wouldn&rsquo;t you, aunt?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Oh, I&rsquo;ve made up my mind for a walk.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, we would both rather walk. Will you give your arm to

-      aunty, Mr. Gussett? (<i>Guss. crosses to c.</i>) And be very careful of

-      her at the crossings, because she&rsquo;s rather nervous, and so am I.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>r.c. handing the basket to Guss.</i>) You won&rsquo;t mind

-      carrying the basket, will you, Mr. Gussett, because it&rsquo;s so heavy? (<i>He

-      takes it bewildered and helpless.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>As Guss., Deb. and Mrs. R. reach door c., enter Allen and Clara l.

-      upper e.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Hulloa! Where be thee off to?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Down Regent street, and up&mdash;Piccadilly, I think you call

-      it. Good-bye.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exeunt Mrs. R., Deb. and Guss. c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Comes l. laughing.</i>) I should like to be there to see

-      the Hon. Tom Gussett at the crossings.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Half amused, half cross.</i>) Ah, her be a madcap, her

-      be, that girl. What makes thee so anxious that I should join the company?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Sitting l. on sofa, Allen stands by her, behind sofa,

-      leaning over.</i>) Why, don&rsquo;t you see, poor papa could be secretary if you

-      joined. They would let you nominate him, and we should be so glad to be

-      earning something&mdash;(<i>very low</i>)&mdash;and we are so poor. (<i>Laying

-      her hand on him.</i>) Do join, Allen, for my sake.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Yielding&mdash;back of sofa.</i>) Ah, thee don&rsquo;t know

-      how hard thee makes it for me to say no.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Then don&rsquo;t say it&mdash;it would make me so happy. (<i>Looking

-      up at him.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> It would?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Laying her hand as if unwittingly on his.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      And I should think you&mdash;(<i>drooping her head.</i>) Ah! I&rsquo;d better

-      not say what I should think you.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, well, lass, if you wish it, I will then.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> You will really?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes&mdash;if it will make thee happy I will. And now let&rsquo;s

-      talk about yourself. (<i>Sits l. next to Clara.</i>) Thee is the company I

-      most wants to join. How have thee been getting on?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Looking down.</i>) Oh, dear!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> What does &ldquo;Oh dear&rdquo; mean?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> &ldquo;Oh, dear&rdquo; means very bad. Debts. (<i>With assumed

-      bewilderment.</i>) Awful!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Smiling.</i>) What sort of debts?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Oh, all sorts&mdash;tradespeople, you know, and all that,

-      and then I thought I could win a little by betting&mdash;(<i>Allen rises</i>)&mdash;and

-      put it all right&mdash;and I&rsquo;ve been and lost. Oh dear!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Vexed, goes c.</i>) I should ha&rsquo; thought there wur

-      enough fools among us men trying to win money that way.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> I am naughty, I know&mdash;but papa leaves everything to me,

-      and I get so frightened when I see the debts mounting up and nothing to

-      meet them, and I&rsquo;ve no one to advise me. (<i>Crosses l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>After a pause, rises, goes to Clara&mdash;kindly.</i>) I

-      didn&rsquo;t mean to speak unkind, lass. I&rsquo;m full of old-fashioned notions about

-      women, I suppose. I like &rsquo;em to be women&mdash;not mere men in

-      petticoats. How much does thee owe?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Oh, heaps! (<i>Handing him pocket-book.</i>) Look. (<i>Allen

-      crosses to R. and sits at table.</i>) And I haven&rsquo;t any money. (<i>Rising

-      and looking over his shoulder R., as he examines the book.</i>) Do you

-      think they&rsquo;ll put me in prison?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Turns&mdash;laughing.</i>) Thee ought to be taken in

-      charge by somebody, that&rsquo;s certain. (<i>Allen rises, puts some notes from

-      his pocket-book into hers, and hands it back to her.</i>) I owe your

-      father a little over one or two bets. I can take it off that and give him

-      the rest, like. (<i>Crosses to l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Takes book and lays it on the table&mdash;the notes drop

-      out on to the table.</i>) You are good, Allen, really. (<i>Puts book on

-      table R.&mdash;half to herself.</i>) I wish sometimes that you weren&rsquo;t&mdash;that

-      you were more like other men I have met. (<i>Turning away r.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why, would thee like me better?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> No, but I should like myself better.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> What do thee mean, lass?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Nothing. I&rsquo;m not used to your sort of men. (<i>Goes to

-      fireplace, then up R., throwing off her seriousness and turning towards

-      him.</i>) You are like the knight, Allen, out of some old legend that

-      comes and slays the dragon and sets the frightened princess free from all

-      her trouble. (<i>Laughing.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Goes to table r. Clara r.c. at top of table.</i>) When

-      art thee going to gie me the right to be thy knight always?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b>.(<i>Sits at table playfully.</i>) Ah, the gallant knights

-      are apt to turn into grim jailers&mdash;(<i>comes l. of r. table</i>)&mdash;when

-      they get the princess into their own castles.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Can&rsquo;t thee believe me, Clara? Trust me, lass&mdash;I&rsquo;m only

-      a rough country chap to be asking a beautiful lady like thee to be my

-      wife. But if I can&rsquo;t gie thee anything very showy on the outside, it will

-      make me the more eager alius to keep a loving heart for thee within.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Oh, no. (<i>Sits in chair l. of table.</i>) A lover on his

-      knees is so much nicer than a lover on your arm. You are so nice, Allen,

-      as you are, you can&rsquo;t think. I really couldn&rsquo;t bring myself to risk a

-      change.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>c.</i>) It would be a change for thee, Clara&mdash;(<i>leans

-      on table at back of Clara, puts hand on Clara&rsquo;s chair</i>)&mdash;from a

-      rough and troubled road to one where every stone wur smoothed away from

-      your path&mdash;-where every thorn wur held back as you passed&mdash;where,

-      instead of care for the day and dread for the morrow, thee would feel that

-      a strong arm wur round thee&mdash;that a loving hand wur working out thy

-      life for thee. Cannot thee risk the change, Clara?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Rises, Allen takes her right hand, turns away R.</i>)

-      Ah, I suppose there are such lives for some women. It must be very good

-      when you are tired. (<i>Facing round to L.c.</i>) And you, Allen&mdash;women

-      do not always seem so charming after marriage as they did before. It might

-      be a risk for you.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> To have the sweetest, noblest woman in the world to be my

-      wife? I&rsquo;ll risk that. (<i>Laughs, comes c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Turning away again to R., Allen l.c.</i>) Ah, you boys,

-      you think all women are angels.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> So they are&mdash;a good woman is an angel.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>At Are, facing round and looking at him.</i>) How do you

-      know I am good? (<i>Very low and serious. Allen drops down c. A pause. He

-      looks in surprise and inquiry at her, not knowing what to answer.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Hadn&rsquo;t you better make sure, Allen? (<i>Laughing.</i>) What

-      do you know of my past&mdash;of even my present&mdash;of whence I came&mdash;what

-      I am? (<i>Laughs.</i>) Suppose, Allen, suppose I were only an adventuress.

-      (<i>Takes a step.</i>) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in

-      her veins&mdash;whose nursery was the gambling house&mdash;whose school

-      was the Café and the Boulevards&mdash;a woman who earned her daily bread

-      by shamelessness and cunning&mdash;a woman whose past would ever follow

-      like a shadow the footsteps of her life&mdash;whose future must ever be a

-      darker shadow still. Ah, Allen, take care. Cupid ties a bandage over men&rsquo;s

-      eyes. Hymen, when it is too late, plucks it off. Hadn&rsquo;t you better lift a

-      corner off the handkerchief, Allen, while we are yet upon the step

-      without, lest beside your hearth, when the door has shut us in, you cast

-      it loose, to find I am a stain upon your name&mdash;a shadow in your home&mdash;a

-      blight upon your life? (<i>Laughing.</i>) Allen, take care&mdash;take

-      care. (<i>Crosses to l. Allen moves up a trifle.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Recovering from the bewilderment with which he has heard

-      her.</i>) Ah, it&rsquo;s well for thee that it is thee, and not anyone else that

-      talks like this about &rsquo;ee.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Ah, but Allen, try and find out a little more about me; it&rsquo;s

-      just a whim of mine&mdash;I want to feel sure that you know me&mdash;just

-      to please me.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> If I couldn&rsquo;t trust thee&mdash;(<i>takes her hand</i>)&mdash;lass,

-      I shouldn&rsquo;t love thee.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Crosses to R.c. Allen follows.</i>) Ah, you are a dear

-      good fellow, Allen, and I won&rsquo;t tease you any more. And you will join the

-      company, won&rsquo;t you? And then you shall get me that dear little diamond

-      bracelet that we looked at&mdash;do you remember it?&mdash;and you shall

-      put it on yourself. (<i>Allen by her side r. All this is said with every

-      trick of fascination at her command, and now she playfully holds up her

-      arm, from which the loose sleeve falls back, close to his face.</i>) On

-      that. (<i>He drops on his knees and kisses her arm</i>).

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Deb. c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Snatches her arm away.</i>) Deborah! (<i>Allen rises.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Turning and seeing her, goes to fireplace R.</i>) Hullo,

-      thee&rsquo;s back soon.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, aunt met Mrs. Clouter just outside, so I pleaded a

-      headache and left them. (<i>Throwing off bonnet and shawl on chair and

-      coming down.</i>) Don&rsquo;t you think Col. Dexter would like a game of

-      billiards, Allen?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, he&rsquo;s all right&mdash;he&rsquo;s smoking. (<i>Crosses l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, I&rsquo;m sure he&rsquo;d like a game (<i>Clara motions Allen away</i>),

-      and I want to have a chat with Miss Dexter. We shan&rsquo;t see each other after

-      this morning for goodness knows how long.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Moving away l.</i>) Ah, I understand now. (<i>Goes up

-      stage l.</i>) I&rsquo;ll go, and you can tell each other about your new frocks.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Allen l., Clara goes c., Deb. l.c. and Clara look at each other.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) I came back to see you, Miss Dexter,

-      before you left.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Coldly.</i>) It was very good of you.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> I want to know whether you are playing the fool with Allen, or

-      whether you mean to marry him.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> I have heard of that sort of question being put to a

-      gentleman under certain circumstances. (<i>Crosses to L.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> It is put to the person who is supposed to be acting

-      dishonorably&mdash;I put it to you.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> I am afraid I have been mixing things up. I was under the

-      impression that it was the stout lady, your aunt, that was Mr. Rollitt&rsquo;s

-      mother.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> You are very smart, Miss Dexter, and I am not, but this is no

-      game&mdash;it is earnest.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Then I would suggest to you that your cousin is quite

-      capable of taking care of himself.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, against a man; but not against the woman he loves and

-      trusts. It is his love that enables you to deceive him.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Crossing to R.&mdash;sits on chair near table r.</i>)

-      You seem to have made up your mind, my dear child, that I am deceiving

-      him.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>l.c.</i>) I know that he has asked you to become his wife,

-      and I know that although you have let him think it is all right, you have

-      never given him a real answer. I know that you accept his attentions, his

-      invitations, his presents. (<i>Noticing the book and notes on the table,

-      points to them.</i>) And all the while you are having whispered interviews

-      and secret meetings with another man.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Coolly counting notes.</i>) If you are thinking of the

-      conversation you were trying to listen to just now&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> That is only the latest of many such I have noticed. They

-      began three months ago, down in Devonshire. I come to London and find the

-      same thing going on.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Sneering.</i>)&rsquo; You really ought to have been a

-      detective, the force might have been some use then.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> I&rsquo;m not blind. (<i>Goes c.</i>) Allen is. But that is not all.

-      These things might be explained by themselves&mdash;suspicious though they

-      are&mdash;but just now, going downstairs, I picked up a purse. (<i>Pausing

-      and looking at Clara, who, however, makes no sign.</i>) It is your purse.

-      (<i>Throws it into Clara&rsquo;s lap.</i>) I opened it to see whom it belonged

-      to&mdash;and inside it is a wedding ring. Is your name Dexter or

-      Cranbourne?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) I really must decline to answer any

-      questions of yours. You are so exceedingly rude. (<i>Crosses up behind

-      table R.c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> You need not answer me. Answer Allen. Tell him that you will

-      be his wife&mdash;or that you cannot. (<i>Clara takes no notice.</i>) Do

-      you refuse? (<i>Crossing l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> I refuse to be dictated to.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Then I shall communicate my suspicions to Allen.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Turning fiercely.</i>) Do so. Tell him&mdash;(<i>walks

-      round table to back of Deb. c.</i>)&mdash;that you believe that I am the

-      wife of another man, and am playing a shameful part with him merely to

-      sponge on him. That I am fondling him with the one hand only the better to

-      pick his pocket with the other. Tell him that you believe he is surrounded

-      by a gang of adventurers and thieves, of which I am the willing decoy.

-      Tell him your suspicions, and I will tell him that they are the poisonous

-      concoctions of a jealous woman&mdash;of a woman who loves him herself&mdash;(<i>laughs</i>)&mdash;and

-      seeks to win him from her more favored rival, by lies and trickery. (<i>Goes

-      dozen r.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Quietly.</i>) You shall answer him for all that, or he

-      shall know the reason why you dare not. (<i>Crosses L., and calls.</i>)

-      Allen! Allen!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Allen l. up stage</i>).

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>l. c.</i>) Allen, is Miss Dexter engaged to be married to

-      you or not?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Well. (<i>Laughs.</i>) Blest if I could tell &lsquo;ee

-      that, Deb. That be the very thing I ha&rsquo; been trying to find out myself.

-      Bain&rsquo;t it, Clara? Only her be such a tease. (<i>All said laughingly.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Sharply.</i>) You mean you have never been able to get a

-      plain answer, yes or no?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Gently, lass. Thee be mistaking this for some business of

-      thine.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Allen, we&rsquo;ve been like brother and sister all our lives, and

-      your happiness is my happiness. I have my reasons&mdash;very strong

-      reasons&mdash;for asking you to ask Miss Dexter now, before me, whether

-      she will be your wife.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> I can&rsquo;t say I thank thee, Deb, for interfering in a matter

-      that don&rsquo;t concern thee. (<i>To Clara, crossing to her.</i>) I hope,

-      Clara, you don&rsquo;t think as I have any hand in this, but as things stand

-      now, it will perhaps be best (<i>advancing</i>) if I do ask thee. Will

-      thee be my wife?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Crosses down. Very quietly and deliberately.</i>) Yes! (<i>Stepping

-      forward and, putting her hand in Allen&rsquo;s, c. A pause. She then, glancing

-      first at Deb., draws Allen slowly to her, and they kiss. They cross r.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> I think now, Deb, that Miss Dexter has a right to know thy

-      &ldquo;reasons.&rdquo;

-     </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> They were mistaken ones, Allen. Please forgive me, both of

-      you.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Deb. l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Bewildered&mdash;looks after Deb.</i>) What does it all

-      mean?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> I will tell you some time. Never mind now.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, well, us oughtn&rsquo;t to be angry with her, anyhow, for what

-      her&rsquo;s done. (<i>Takes Clara&rsquo;s hand in his.</i>) Ought us? (<i>Draws her to

-      him and kisses her forehead</i>).

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Disengaging herself gently.</i>) I am going to tell

-      papa. I am so happy. (<i>Crosses l., looking back to him laughingly.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Clara l. up stage</i>).

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>c. after a pause.</i>) Everything I want in the whole

-      wide world, and three months ago&mdash;(<i>Breaks off and pauses his hand

-      over his eyes.</i>) I wonder if I shall wake up in a minute in the old

-      farm and find that the £200,000 and Clara have only been dreams. (<i>Rousing

-      himself.</i>) Ah, no, it be real enough. (<i>Looks round.</i>) Ah, they

-      call Fortune a fickle jade, but her&rsquo;s been a firm friend to me. I&rsquo;ll drink

-      thee a bumper, Fortune lass. (<i>Turns to table r., On which are wine and

-      glasses, and pours out a glassful.</i>) I don&rsquo;t know how much a bumper is,

-      but I expects it&rsquo;s about a glassful, and thee shall ha&rsquo; it. (<i>Takes

-      glass in his right hand, and raises it.</i>) Here&rsquo;s thy jolly good health,

-      my lass. To Lady Fortune!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Peters c. upper door, with card on salver.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Lowers glass untouched.</i>) What&rsquo;s the matter?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PETERS.</b> (<i>Coming forward and presenting salver.</i>) A gentleman

-      to see you, sir.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Takes card, but does not look at it.</i>) He&rsquo;ll have to

-      be quick about it then. Send un up. (<i>Footman seems to hesitate.

-      Sharply.</i>) Send un up. Send un up.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Peters c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Another of my swell friends, I suppose; they seem to be swarming this&mdash;(<i>r.

-      c. glances at card, his hand holding the glass sinks lower and lower, he

-      gazes round bewilderingly.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Richard Hanningford c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Reads card in amazed tone.</i>) Richard Hanningford, I saw him lying

-      dead before my own eyes three months ago! Hann. (<i>At door, raising hat.</i>)

-      I beg your pardon! (<i>The glass in Allen&rsquo;s hand overturns</i>).

-    </p>

-    <h3>

-      MEDIUM CURTAIN.

-    </h3>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br />

-    </p>

-    <hr />

-    <p>

-      <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div style="height: 4em;">

-      <br /><br /><br /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h2>

-      ACT III.

-    </h2>

-    <p>

-      Scene I. The library at Allen&rsquo;s Chambers. Fire l. Doors r.and c. Table

-      L.c. Big easy chair l. by fire. Peters discovered l. c. arranging and

-      cutting papers on table and whistling.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Piffin r. Music to open.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Have you seen my cub about?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PETERS.</b> (<i>Without looking up.</i>) No, Foxey, I ain&rsquo;t. Didn&rsquo;t

-      know as you had had one.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>c.</i>) You know who I mean&mdash;your master. Peters. (<i>Going

-      to door c.</i>) Not far off from where yours is I suppose.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Peters c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Um! The master has been getting impertinent to me of late, so

-      the servants seem to be following suit. (<i>Shrugging his shoulders.</i>)

-      I shall throw this job up when I&rsquo;ve made another hundred or two. I wonder

-      how much longer he&rsquo;s going to keep me waiting.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Piff. c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Allen r. creeping in cautiously in a mysterious and watchful

-      manner. He has a huge pewter pot in one hand and a large church-warden

-      clay pipe alight in the other. He looks round stealthily, listens, then

-      crosses nervously and sits l. in easy chair. He stretches himself out as

-      luxuriously as his tight clothes will allow&mdash;especially the collar.

-      Takes a long pull at the pot and long puffs at the pipe. In the middle of

-      each pull, grunts &ldquo;good&rdquo; in evident enjoyment.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Chuckling in a deep undertone. Crosses to c. and sits.</i>)

-      Ah-h-h, I&rsquo;ve done un this time. He&rsquo;s waiting upstairs to curl my hair. (<i>Chuckling

-      again.</i>) Told un I&rsquo;d come up when (<i>grandly</i>) I&rsquo;d finished

-      conducting my correspondence. (<i>Chuckles, pulls at pipe, and takes a

-      deep draught.</i>) First time I&rsquo;ve ever enjoyed myself since I came into

-      my property. (<i>Breaks out into some country ale-house sort of song,

-      sings, warming as he goes on with great gusto.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Piffin c., unseen by Allen. Piff. comes down and stands c.

-      looking on. Allen finishes song and then buries his face in the pot. As

-      his eyes emerge over the brim he catches sight of Piff. He remains looking

-      at him for a while and then slowly puts the pot on the table.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> What do thee want? Didn&rsquo;t I tell &rsquo;ee I wur going to

-      conduct my correspondence, and that I didn&rsquo;t want to be disturbed?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Goes up table.</i>) I beg pardon, sir, but I thought

-      maybe you had completed your correspondence, especially as there was only

-      one letter this morning, and that was a circular about coals.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, did you. Well, I ain&rsquo;t you see. I&rsquo;m going to write a lot

-      of original correspondence this morning, and I&rsquo;m collecting my thoughts. (<i>Goes

-      on smoking sulkily.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Yes, sir&mdash;certainly, sir&mdash;but might I be allowed to

-      suggest, sir, that a pot of ale and a clay pipe are hardly the <i>dolce

-      far niente</i> of a <i>grand seigneur</i>.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Hardly the what of my which? Look here, don&rsquo;t you be so spry

-      at calling me them jaw-breaking foreign names, because I don&rsquo;t like it. It

-      wur only yesterday you alluded to me as a <i>bo-mo</i>, and last week you

-      said I ought to be in the <i>hot tongs</i>. I didn&rsquo;t say anything at the

-      time, but you drop it.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> I referred to you as belonging to the <i>beau monde</i>, sir,

-      and I may have said your position was now among the <i>haut ton</i>. We

-      always talk like that in good society, sir. Both expressions were

-      flattering, very flattering.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, maybe they wur and maybe they wurn&rsquo;t. Next time, you

-      call it me in English, and then I can judge for myself. And don&rsquo;t worrit

-      me to-day at all. I&rsquo;ve got a trying morning before me, and I&rsquo;m going to

-      have a little quiet enjoyment to set myself up before it begins.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Might I suggest, then, sir, that a cigarette and a little

-      absinthe would be more <i>de rigueur?</i> My late lamented master the

-      Count de Fizziani invariably took a little absinthe after breakfast and

-      found great benefit from it.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes, I know. I tried your friend&rsquo;s cough mixture before, you

-      know. Old ale&rsquo;s good enough for me.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> But, sir&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Don&rsquo;t you worrit. I&rsquo;ve been a gentleman for a month; I think

-      I might have a morning off.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> Very well, sir. Just as you please, of course, sir; but I&rsquo;ve

-      my character to consider, sir&mdash;and&mdash;and&mdash;I am not

-      accustomed to the service of gentlemen with pothouse proclivities.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Sotto voce.</i>) Oh, go and hang yourself.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Up c.</i>) That&rsquo;s never done now, sir, in good society.

-      My late lamented master, the Count de Fizziani&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Springing up, working Piff. round, from table l. to desk

-      r.</i>) Oh, you go to your late lamented master, the fizzing Count, and

-      tell him to&mdash;I have had eno&rsquo; of him and I&rsquo;ve had eno&rsquo; of you. Blest

-      if I&rsquo;ve had a happy moment since you came into the house. You&rsquo;ve dressed

-      me up like a tailor&rsquo;s dummy, and curled my hair like a Sunday school kid;

-      you&rsquo;ve made me talk like a man in a play, and walk like a monkey on

-      stilts. Thee&rsquo;ve chivied me about from morning till night, and thee&rsquo;ve

-      rammed that old lamented corpse of yours down my throat every two minutes

-      of the day. I&rsquo;ve put up wi&rsquo; it all for a long while because I thought thee

-      meant well, and wur a-trying to make me into a gentleman, but blest if I

-      think thee knows much more about the genuine article than I does, and I&rsquo;m

-      going to go it in my own way now. Look here. (<i>Takes off his tie and

-      collar and throws them down and jumps on them, pulls off his coat and

-      throws it in a corner, nifties his hair, unbuttons and throws back his

-      waistcoat, kicks off his boots, and throws himself into easy chair, sticks

-      his feet on table, takes long pull from the pot, slams it on table> again,

-      and commences to smoke his pipe vigorously, looking defiantly at Piff.</i>)

-      That&rsquo;s the sort o&rsquo; man I&rsquo;m going to be now. (<i>Sits l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Who has stood aghast, moving off.</i>) Very well, sir;

-      then I have only to say that I wash my hands of you entirely. (<i>Pause.</i>)

-      You can&rsquo;t make a gentleman out of a pig&rsquo;s ear. (<i>Sneeringly</i>).

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Puffing quietly at pipe.</i>) No, it ain&rsquo;t the usual

-      method.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>By door c. muttering to himself, but meant to be heard by

-      Allen.</i>) Only what I might have expected from mixing myself up with

-      such canaille. (<i>Pauses. Allen takes no notice.</i>) Pray understand,

-      sir, I give you a week&rsquo;s warning on the spot. My late master, the&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Springing up and throwing book at him. Piff. exits r.</i>)

-      Yes. (<i>Piff. again appears hurriedly at door r. and cries, &ldquo;Upstart

-      bumpkin,&rdquo; and exit quickly.</i>) I&rsquo;ll give &rsquo;ee my toe on the spot

-      if I hear any more of&mdash;(<i>reseats himself, with a grunt of disgust;

-      a pause, during which he smokes.</i>) He is right, I wurn&rsquo;t meant for a

-      gentleman after all. Some of us was built for gaiters, and some on us for

-      patent leather shoes, and I be one of the gaiter sort&mdash;all my tastes

-      are low. I doan&rsquo;t like claret and I doan&rsquo;t like cigarettes. I&rsquo;m

-      uncomfortable in a collar (<i>picking his up and fixing it</i>) and I

-      prefer shove-ha&rsquo;penny to billiards. (<i>Sighs, continues dreamily.</i>)

-      Ah, I&rsquo;d gie a trifle to be going to spend this evening at the Dunkery Arms

-      a-halping to sing a chorus with old Joe Steddles and young Jem Whalley and

-      Jack Clouter. Ah, he&rsquo;d got a fine voice, had old Jack Clouter. Never heard

-      a man sing so loud in all my life. Lord, I shall never forget her&rsquo;s doing

-      &ldquo;Rock me to sleep, mother,&rdquo; round at the lodge, and a waking up mother

-      Hammond&rsquo;s three kids just as her&rsquo;d got un all off to sleep. Lord, how her

-      let us have it. (<i>Laughing.</i>) Ah, us went home early that night. (<i>Chuckling.</i>)

-      They comed back wi&rsquo; me, old Jack and Jim, and Deb made us a veal pasty for

-      supper. (<i>Smiling.</i>) Ah, her do make good&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Peters, followed by Purtwee, door c., says, &ldquo;Mr. Purtwee,&rdquo; takes

-      P.&lsquo;s hat and exit. Allen rises and commences to pick up his various

-      articles of apparel and re fix them while talking to Purt.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>Coming forward.</i>) Well, my boy.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, it does me good to see thee again.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> How are you?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Shakes hands.</i>) Oh, I be all right outside. (<i>Rises,

-      crosses to L.</i>) Bean&rsquo;t very spry inside, so I tell &rsquo;ee. (<i>Explanatory

-      of his dressing arrangements.</i>) Just been having a quiet smoke, you

-      know.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>With a smile.</i>) And do you always undress to smoke?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) No&mdash;but I has to now when I want to

-      sit down comfortable. (<i>Continues to dress&mdash;brings wine down to

-      table.</i>) Have a glass of wine. I&rsquo;m glad thee&rsquo;ve come, I wur afraid from

-      thy letter that thee wouldn&rsquo;t.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>Sits in arm-chair l.</i>) Well, it&rsquo;s a very informal

-      proceeding I&rsquo;m bound to say&mdash;not at all professional.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Perhaps not, but it&rsquo;s simple and straightforward like and

-      maybe that&rsquo;s as good. Have &rsquo;ee read the papers I sent thee?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> Yes&mdash;most carefully&mdash;and they certainly make the

-      story appear very plausible&mdash;very plausible, indeed. Have you said

-      anything to your mother?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> No&mdash;no, I thought I wouldn&rsquo;t say a word to anybody

-      until I was sure one way or t&rsquo;other. (<i>Sits L.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> Quite right&mdash;quite right. What sort of a man was he?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Blest if I could tell &rsquo;ee&mdash;I wur that taken

-      aback I couldn&rsquo;t tell &rsquo;ee what it wur, but thee&rsquo;ll see him for

-      theeself in a minute. I told Father Christmas to send him straight up when

-      he comes.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>Looking at his watch.</i>) Well, if he&rsquo;s an impostor,

-      he&rsquo;ll hardly venture to come to a meeting of this kind.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Peters announcing Richard Hanningford, door at back.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PET.</b> Mr. Richard Hanningford.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Peters.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> Morning, gentlemen. (<i>Allen goes r.c. Hann. goes c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Good-morning. (<i>Motioning to Purt., who is l.</i>) Mr.

-      Purtwee, the gentleman I spoke of.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> Good-morning, (<i>c. and then coming r.sits L.c.</i>) Guess

-      I&rsquo;m not a particularly welcome visitor here.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.</i>) Well, I owns as I&rsquo;ve come across folks as I&rsquo;ve

-      felt more at home wi&rsquo;. (<i>Allen sits R.</i>) But I suppose we&rsquo;ve got to

-      get used to &rsquo;ee.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> Well now, gentlemen, we&rsquo;ve come for business and must not

-      waste time. Mr. Rollitt has told you who I am, and if you are Richard

-      Hanningford I shall be only too anxious for you to have your rights. But

-      then, my dear sir, I shall want to be very sure that you are Richard

-      Hanningford.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> That&rsquo;s right and square. I&rsquo;ve got to prove it, I know, and I

-      don&rsquo;t say that it will be an easy job.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> At present you see we have nothing but your bare word for it.

-      You say this man who called himself Richard Hanningford and who died at

-      Mrs. Rollitt&rsquo;s was an impostor.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> And a damned scoundrel.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> Quite so, if he were not Richard Hanningford, he must have

-      been. But then if he were Richard Hanningford&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> Why then, I am the damned scoundrel.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> Well&mdash;I wasn&rsquo;t going to say that&mdash;but one of you

-      must be the right Hanningford&mdash;and the other the wrong one&mdash;and

-      if we made a mistake three months ago we don&rsquo;t want to make another now.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.</i>) You see it ain&rsquo;t so much the money I care about.

-      There was a time that I thought it would be a grand thing to be rich, but

-      now I&rsquo;ve tried it, danged if I see so much fun in it as I thought there

-      wur. (<i>Rises.</i>) It ain&rsquo;t only that: it&rsquo;s the girl I love&mdash;if I

-      lose the money, I loses her. I can&rsquo;t expect her to have me wi&rsquo;out it.

-      She&rsquo;s a lady&mdash;I&rsquo;m only a country bumpkin and I know it. With this

-      money I can win her and make her life happy&mdash;even if she doesn&rsquo;t much

-      care for me. If I were sure you were Dick Hanningford, I&rsquo;d gie it up. But

-      I ain&rsquo;t sure and I&rsquo;m going to fight&mdash;that&rsquo;s plain. (<i>Turns and

-      crosses r. Sits R.c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Coes to Allen r.c.</i>) Plain and sensible, and I don&rsquo;t

-      like you any the less for it; but I am Dick Hanningford, and the money&rsquo;s

-      mine, and I&rsquo;m going to have a good fight to get it. (<i>Coes l. puts foot

-      on chair.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) You say this man who tried to&mdash;and,

-      as he thought, did&mdash;murder you&mdash;had been a friend of yours.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Fiercely&mdash;takes foot off chair.</i>) He&rsquo;d been my

-      chum for over two years&mdash;the cur&mdash;and knew everything about me&mdash;I

-      saved his life when the gang were going to hang him&mdash;he shared my

-      diggings when we were in the mining lay, and he had half my blanket every

-      night when we were with the cattle. And I trusted him&mdash;the skunk.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> What was his name?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> Cassidy&mdash;Dan Cassidy. (<i>Sits again.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> And then he murdered you&mdash;or tried to as you say&mdash;took

-      your papers from you, and came over here to impersonate you?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> I suppose so.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> He was uncommonly like you, too.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> Like me! Not at all!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> Oh, yes, my dear sir, I never saw him alive, but his features

-      were yours one for one.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> Dan Cassidy was no more like me than I&rsquo;m like a colored angel

-      out of a picture book.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Purt. and Allen exchange glances.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Well, all I know is, that if the man who called himself

-      Richard Hanningford, and who fell down dead in my mother&rsquo;s kitchen three

-      months ago was standing beside you now, nobody would know which wur you

-      and which wur him. .

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) I don&rsquo;t know that man! (<i>All rise and look

-      at one another.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Peters c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>Pause.</i>) Then what has become of Dan Cassidy?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PETERS.</b> Mr. Luke Cranbourne is downstairs, sir, and would like to

-      see you.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, bother Luke Cranbourne&mdash;tell him I&rsquo;m out.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PETERS.</b> Yes, sir. (<i>Going. As he is by door.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Stop! (<i>Peters turns.</i>) Ask Mr. Cranbourne to come back

-      in a quarter of an hour. (<i>Looks at watch.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PETERS.</b> Yes, sir. (<i>Exit c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> What sort of a man was Dan Cassidy?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> A pale, dark-eyed man with a long black beard.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Would you know him again without the black beard, and under

-      another name?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Fiercely.</i>) Know him! Will you bring me face to face

-      with him?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Maybe I will.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>c.</i>) See here! I&rsquo;ve lived among a set that like to

-      wipe off a score, no matter what the price. You put that man into my hands

-      so that justice may be done on him, and we share the old man&rsquo;s money

-      between us. (<i>Crosses R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Is that a bargain?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> You don&rsquo;t suspect&mdash;(<i>goes to r.of l. table.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Crosses to Purt. Hann. goes R.</i>) Yes I do. He&rsquo;s been

-      no friend of mine. Is it a bargain?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> Yes. Without Dan Cassidy my case might be hard to prove. With

-      him it would be easy. £100,000 and my revenge are good enough for me. You

-      give me that. (<i>Goes to extreme R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Dexter from door c. He draws back on seeing strangers, and

-      stands r.c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> Beg pardon, my dear boy. Found the door open (<i>Allen goes up

-      c. to Dex.</i>) and took the liberty of an old friend to walk in. Thought

-      I should find you alone.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Crosses up c.</i>) Shall be in a minute, Colonel, if you

-      will excuse me. (<i>Draws the two men together near fireplace, Allen

-      nearest, Purt. next, Hann. r.</i>) Can thee play billiards?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> I can, but I don&rsquo;t crave for them at this particular moment.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> You&rsquo;ll just have time to play fifty up afore the man as I

-      takes to be Dan Cassidy is here.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> How will you let us know?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Looks round thinking, then catches sight of glasses on

-      table l.; takes one up and holds it over hearth.</i>) Keep thee, ears

-      open, and when thee hears this glass fall and break, open the door and

-      come in. (<i>All go up c. speaking low.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Purt. and Hann. Dex. goes L.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Returning c.</i>) Well, Colonel Dexter, what do thee

-      want? Glad to see thee, thee know.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>l.c.</i>) Nothing, dear boy&mdash;nothing for myself. I

-      have only brought a letter from my little girl, and am to take back an

-      answer. (<i>Produces letter and hands to Allen.</i>) I&rsquo;m only Cupid to you

-      young folks. Ha! Hat Only Cupid.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, they usen&rsquo;t to wrap &rsquo;em up so much when I wur

-      young. (<i>Crosses R., opens and reads letter.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Who is very much wrapped and buttoned up, laughs with much

-      ostentation.</i>) Ha! Ha! Very good, very good. We really must bring you

-      out more, Allen. Ha! Ha! Ha!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Who has sat r.in front of desk, reading.</i>) &ldquo;My

-      darling Popsy-wopsy.&rdquo; (<i>Looks up puzzled and round at Dex. Aside.</i>)

-      That ain&rsquo;t Clara&rsquo;s usual style. (<i>Reads.</i>) &ldquo;I am so terribly sorry to

-      worry my own darling boy, but I am in such fearful trouble&mdash;I want

-      £100 to pay some debts owing to a wicked man having cheated us. Would my

-      own darling lend it to his broken-hearted little blossom, and don&rsquo;t say

-      anything to me afterwards until I pay you back, as I shall be so ashamed

-      of it. I send papa with this. He knows nothing about it, so please don&rsquo;t

-      tell him&mdash;he is so proud.&mdash;(<i>Allen looks at Dex., who turns

-      away and tries to assume airy unconsciousness</i>)&mdash;and would be so

-      angry with me, but you are the only friend I have. Oh, my darling, do let

-      me have the money or I shall go mad. A million, million kisses to my own

-      sweet, precious lubby-dubby from his ever loving little birdie, Clara.&rdquo; (<i>Dex.

-      sits c.</i>) &ldquo;P. S.&mdash;Please don&rsquo;t cross the cheque.&rdquo;

-     </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Takes cheque-book from desk and begins to write.</i>) Was Clara ill

-      when she wrote this?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Who is sitting at table L.c. having wine.</i>) No, my dear

-      boy&mdash;oh, no.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, because the writing seems a bit shaky like, and the

-      letter so funny&mdash;thought maybe she wur a bit queer.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Confused.</i>) Oh&mdash;ah&mdash;yes. She was a little

-      queer&mdash;very shaky indeed&mdash;and she seemed very much worried, too,

-      she wouldn&rsquo;t tell me what about. She tries to keep all her trouble away

-      from her old father, dear child. (<i>Enter Clara unseen by either.</i>)

-      Ah, I know how anxiously she&rsquo;s waiting for me now. &ldquo;Come back soon, dear,

-      dear papa,&rdquo; she said&mdash;&ldquo;and bring it with you.&rdquo; (<i>Crying r.c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Allen having put the cheque in an envelope rises and crosses and holds

-      it to Dex. Clara steps forward and takes it.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Thank you! (<i>c. of the two men.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Miss Dexter!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> Clara!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> This letter is addressed to me, I believe. (<i>Opens it and

-      takes out cheque, which she returns to Allen.</i>) It&rsquo;s very kind of you,

-      Mr. Rollitt, but I do not require it.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.</i>) Didn&rsquo;t thee write for it? (<i>Showing letter to

-      her.</i>) Isn&rsquo;t this thy letter?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Looking at it.</i>) It is the first time I have seen it.

-      It has the appearance of having been written by someone who was drunk over

-      night&mdash;possibly my father&mdash;imitating other people&rsquo;s handwriting

-      is one of the few things at which he has attained eminence. (<i>Looks at

-      Dex.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> Clara, my dear!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> And perhaps it will be better, Mr. Rollitt, for me to take

-      this opportunity of ending our relationship by telling you that I am

-      already married. (<i>Crosses l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Starts hack.</i>) Married!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>c. frantic and jumping about and screaming and hissing the

-      words out.</i>) She ain&rsquo;t. It&rsquo;s a lie. Don&rsquo;t believe her. She ain&rsquo;t. She

-      ain&rsquo;t. (<i>Goes c. Clara to l.</i>) It&rsquo;s only a trick to try your love.

-      Ah, you hussy! It&rsquo;s all been planned. This is all part of it. She ain&rsquo;t

-      married. We planned it to test your love for her. Ah, you beast! I&rsquo;ll

-      strangle you. I&rsquo;ll murder you. She&rsquo;s only trying it on to see what you

-      say. It&rsquo;s a trick. Don&rsquo;t believe her. Don&rsquo;t believe her.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> And have been for the last three years.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>As before.</i>) No, she ain&rsquo;t been, Mr. Rollitt. It&rsquo;s a

-      lie&mdash;it&rsquo;s a lie. It&rsquo;s a lie. She says it to spite her old father. Ah

-      you devil, you&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Silence!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Cowed, but continuing in nervous undertone.</i>) She&rsquo;s not

-      married. I&rsquo;m her father.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Pointing to door c.</i>) And leave the room&mdash;afore

-      I forget thee art an old man. (<i>Turns him r.Backs Dex. up to c. door.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Slinks out muttering.</i>) She ain&rsquo;t married! It&rsquo;s a lie.

-      It&rsquo;s a lie. (<i>Repeats</i>.)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit Dex. c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Turning to Clara.</i>) What does it all mean?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Defiantly.</i>) That I&rsquo;ve been playing with you only for

-      the sake of sponging on you. And to get money out of you for my father and

-      husband&mdash;I haven&rsquo;t had much myself&mdash;and that at last I&rsquo;m grown

-      tired of it. (<i>Crosses R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>l.c. after a pause.</i>) Thee might have had all the

-      money thee wanted, lass, wi&rsquo;out deceiving me.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Falling on her knees before him.</i>) Forgive me, Allen,

-      you don&rsquo;t know what my life has been. Dragged up among thieves and

-      sharpers, taught to trick and lie before I could speak plainly, I have

-      never know what truth and honor meant except as a dim longing. All the

-      humanity&mdash;all the womanhood&mdash;has been dried out of me till I am

-      only the thing you see me&mdash;a vulture&mdash;a human beast of prey. Ah,

-      Allen, thank God for your sake that I am married and that you have escaped

-      me&mdash;forget me&mdash;it is the only thing you can do. You can never

-      hate me as I loathe myself&mdash;you can never despise me as I shudder at

-      my own life.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Puts his hand to his own forehead </i>) Poor lass! Poor

-      lass!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Takes&rsquo; Allen&rsquo;s hand, left.</i>) You are the only man

-      that has been good to me, and I have brought you only pain and shame.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Raising her.</i>) Ah, never mind that, lass. Thee didn&rsquo;t

-      mean to do it. Come! I be more sorry for thee than for myself. I could see

-      what sort of life thee had got around thee, and I wanted to take thee away

-      from it all. I can do so little for thee now. (<i>Both at cabinet, Allen

-      r.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> You have taught me, Allen, that there are good men in the

-      world; forgive me for having taught you that there are bad women. (<i>Clara

-      crosses in front of Allen to r.door.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Not bad, Clara. I guess thee&rsquo;s been more sinned against than

-      sinning. Thy life has been very dark and thee&rsquo;s stumbled here and there.

-      God grant that it may grow brighter for thee one day.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Clara, (<i>l.</i>) Ah, Allen, don&rsquo;t keep speaking kindly to me. Don&rsquo;t

-      think kindly of me. Despise me&mdash;I can bear that&mdash;I am used to

-      it. (<i>Sits at cabinet.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.c. next to Clara.</i>) No, lass, I can&rsquo;t do that. I

-      shall alius think kindly of thee. I&rsquo;ve loved thee too well to change now&mdash;because

-      I knows thy lot&rsquo;s harder than I thought it wur.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Turns and looks at Allen.</i>) Try not to think of me at

-      all, Allen&mdash;I am not worth it&mdash;forget me. There is one who loves

-      you better than I could ever do, and who is good and pure. (<i>Rises.</i>)

-      You men never see the love that is under your feet&mdash;you reach only

-      for what is beyond you. Go back to her, Allen. She will make you a better

-      wife than I could ever have done. (<i>Allen at back of Clara up stage R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) Who&mdash;who is this man&mdash;your

-      husband?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Luke Cranbourne! (<i>She does not look at Allen.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Luke Cranbourne! (<i>Looks nervously at door c. and then at

-      clock&mdash;then crosses to door and stands near it. He assumes to do this

-      naturally and not to let Clara notice his anxiety.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> We were married secretly before he left for America. Not

-      even my father knew it until a day or two ago.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> And do you care for him? (<i>Allen at door c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> With such love as a woman can feel without respect. He was

-      the first that I can remember ever speaking a kind word to me. He is the

-      only human being I have to cling to&mdash;and he is good to me in his way.

-      (<i>Looks up at Allen.</i>) I don&rsquo;t expect we shall ever see each other

-      again. For your sake, I wish we had never met&mdash;for myself, my life

-      will always seem a bit brighter for the love that an honest man once had

-      for me.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Taking her hand in his.</i>) Good-bye&mdash;if ever thee

-      wants a friend, Allen Rollitt, Woodbarrow Farm, Exmoor, will find him. (<i>Kissing

-      her on the forehead.</i>) God bless thee, Clara!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>CLARA.</b> Good-bye! (<i>She goes without a word r.After a few seconds

-      enter Luke c. announced by Pet.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Coming down.</i>) How de do, dear boy? (<i>Shaking hands.

-      Allen does so listlessly and almost unconsciously.</i>) I wanted to see

-      you particularly this morning, before I went to the city. I&rsquo;ve come across

-      something that will just double your fortune. Here. (<i>Laying papers on

-      table l. and taking up and pouring out a glass of wine.</i>) You do have

-      such capital wine, Rollitt, I really must help myself to a glass. It is a

-      splendid scheme.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.c.</i>) Very like, but we won&rsquo;t discuss it now. (<i>Taking

-      notes from his pocket-book.</i>) I want thee to leave by the noon train

-      for the Continent.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Turns round, face to audience, glass in left hand.</i>)

-      What&rsquo;s up?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Crosses l. c., hands him the notes.</i>) Thy wife can

-      join thee there afterwards. (<i>Luke starts and looks hard at Allen.</i>)

-      And thee can get away to Australia, or somewhere in that direction.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Defiantly.</i>) And why, pray?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Because there is a man in the next room who be more anxious

-      to see thee than thee may be to see him.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> What man?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Richard Hanningford.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Luke lets fall the glass.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Good God! Thee&rsquo;ve given the signal to call him in! Quick! (<i>Luke

-      rushes in terror to door at back.</i>) Not that way. (<i>Luke bewildered

-      and helpless with fright, turns wildly about like a hunted thing not

-      knowing which way to fly. Is about to make for other door, when handle of

-      door at back is heard to move.</i>) Too late&mdash;keep where thee art.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Clinging to Allen&rsquo;s arm.</i>) Save me! (<i>Allen thrusts

-      him behind door at c. as it opens and enter Hann. and Purt. following.

-      Allen goes r. Hann. comes down and stands c. Purt. remains near door and

-      is about to close it.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Who has moved down to r.c., nervously, with effort to

-      appear calm and careless.</i>) Leave the door, Mr. Purtwee, leave the

-      door.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> Wide open? (<i>Surprised.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes, yes, it&rsquo;s fearfully hot in here! (<i>Wiping his brow.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Looking at him suspiciously.</i>) I don&rsquo;t find it so. I

-      think we&rsquo;ll have it shut over this job. (<i>Turns to door.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Eagerly.</i>) No, no! Don&rsquo;t shut it&mdash;don&rsquo;t shut it.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> Why not? (<i>Looks hard at Allen.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why&mdash;why&mdash;don&rsquo;t I tell you. It&rsquo;s so close&mdash;so&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Hann. crosses, goes to door c. and locks it, then returns, eyeing

-      Allen sternly. Luke has crept behind the curtain, which hangs like a

-      pillar by the side of the door. Allen watches with intense suspense.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>c.</i>) Well&mdash;you gave the signal!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Allen r.c. a little to front of Hann. He keeps in front of Hann. all

-      through the scene until Luke has got away and prevents his turning round&mdash;he

-      is very excited but tries to appear careless&mdash;the result being a

-      slightly hysterical manner. When Luke comes from behind the curtain and

-      while he is crossing Allen catches Hann. by the lapels of his coat and

-      holds and works him round so that his back is to Luke. He grows more and

-      more eager and intense until Luke is off, when he gradually subsides into

-      a quieter manner, but not too suddenly. At Hann&rsquo;s hint that he has had too

-      much brandy, he catches at the idea to cover his excitement, to account

-      for his conduct.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes, my dear fellow&mdash;but&mdash;but&mdash;I wur going to

-      explain to thee&mdash;it wurn&rsquo;t the signal&mdash;it wur an accident. I

-      dropped the glass by accident. Thee see I had just had a glass of brandy.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> More than one glass, cousin?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughs loudly.</i>) Ha! ha! Perhaps it wur two. (<i>First

-      movement of Luke.</i>) (<i>At this point Luke creeps from behind curtain,

-      Purt. sees him and is about to make an exclamation, when Allen, covering

-      his action by assumed drunkenness, lunges half round and catches Purt. on

-      his shoulder, clutching it tightly with his left hand while holding Hann.

-      with his right&mdash;laughing boisterously all the time. Purt. understands

-      and remains silent. Allen grows more and more excited. Laughs.</i>) Well,

-      now, look&rsquo;ee here.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Hanningford. Cousin Dick&mdash;my long lost&mdash;(<i>laughs as before and

-      slaps him on the shoulder. Hann. impatient half turns round&mdash;Allen

-      seises his coat with both hands and keeps him round.</i>) No&mdash;no&mdash;look

-      thee here, Cousin Dick. Now you say this Cassidy, this creeping, crawling,

-      lying cur, Dan Cassidy, tried to murder thee&mdash;(<i>Hann. again seems

-      as though he would turn round</i>)&mdash;and these papers&mdash;these

-      papers that you sent me. Well, I sent &rsquo;em on to Purtwee. Ah, he&rsquo;s a

-      sharp one. (<i>Door clicks after Luke&rsquo;s exit.</i>) Purtwee, he&rsquo;ll know

-      who&rsquo;s who. He&rsquo;ll put us right. Won&rsquo;t &rsquo;ee, Purtwee, old friend?

-      Won&rsquo;t &rsquo;ee&mdash;won&rsquo;t &rsquo;ee?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>He slaps Purt. on back, laughing boisterously and half staggering

-      forward into Purt.&lsquo;s arms. Luke has got away by door r., and from now

-      Allen&rsquo;s excitement gradually subsides, and an air of exhaustion follows.

-      Sits l.c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>c.</i>) Say! Are you drunk or playing the fool? Where&rsquo;s

-      this man Cassidy?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Pause.</i>) I don&rsquo;t know.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> Isn&rsquo;t he coming here?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> No!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Angrily.</i>) Didn&rsquo;t you lead me to believe&mdash;

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> That you should be brought face to face wi&rsquo; him? Yes&mdash;but

-      I&rsquo;ve changed my mind since then.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) I understand: it was only a trick to

-      give you time to get him out of the way. You thought that without him I

-      should not be able to prove my case. I thought I was dealing with an

-      honest man and a friend, and I offered to share the money with you. (<i>With

-      tierce anger.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Fiercely, rising.</i>) And I tell you to take the whole

-      of it! (<i>A pause&mdash;Hann. steps back and stares at him.</i>) I have

-      learnt enough within the last few minutes to believe that you are the man

-      you say you are, and if so, take it all. You offered me £100,000 to give

-      thee Dan Cassidy, I offer thee £200,000 to let him go his way in peace. (<i>Pause.</i>)

-      Come, you may find it hard to prove thee art Hanningford afore the law.

-      Prove it to me and Mr. Purtwee, and give me thy hand on it that thee&rsquo;ll

-      never seek to find Dan Cassidy or harm him, and thee art old Hanningford&rsquo;s

-      heir, and I, Allen Rollitt, farmer and yeoman.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) Your secrets are your own, cousin.

-      I&rsquo;d dearly have loved to have my revenge upon the hound, but if Dan

-      Cassidy is worth £100,000 to you, you can have him&mdash;I shouldn&rsquo;t have

-      thought he was.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> He goes free, so far as you are concerned, for ever?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> For ever.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Right, Dick Hanningford! (<i>They grasp hands.</i>) And now

-      we&rsquo;ll say good-bye for to-day if you don&rsquo;t mind. Mr. Purtwee will see thee

-      to-morrow, and arrange things. I&rsquo;d like to be quiet a bit just now.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> You&rsquo;ve had a rough morning, cousin, and I guess the kindest

-      thing I can do is to take myself off. Good-bye. (<i>Shakes hands.</i>)

-      Good-bye, Mr. Purtwee.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> Good-bye, Mr. Hanningford; I will write to you to-morrow.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Goes to door c.</i>) No hurry. Good-bye.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Exit c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> Well, I can&rsquo;t understand you, my boy. It&rsquo;s really a very

-      Quixotic thing to do. Why shouldn&rsquo;t the man suffer for his crime?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Because he can&rsquo;t suffer without bringing

-      suffering to them as I&rsquo;d rather spare&mdash;because he&rsquo;s the husband of

-      the woman I have been calling Clara Dexter.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>Astonished.</i>) You don&rsquo;t say that, lad! When did you

-      learn it?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> About five minutes ago. (<i>Crosses to r.; leans on chair.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) Hanningford said true; it&rsquo;s been a

-      rough morning for you. (<i>Going up to Allen and laying his hand on his

-      shoulder.</i>) Would you rather that I stopped with you a bit, lad, or

-      left you alone?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Leave me alone, old friend. (<i>Purt. goes to c. door.</i>)

-      I shall be off soon.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>At door c.</i>) Where are you going to?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> I&rsquo;m going back to Woodbarrow Farm. I&rsquo;ve had eno&rsquo; of the big

-      world. I&rsquo;ve had enough of fine folks and their ways. I&rsquo;m going back to my

-      own people&mdash;I&rsquo;m going back to see the faces of them as I know loves

-      me, to feel the hands of them as I know thinks well of me&mdash;I&rsquo;m going

-      back home.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Purt. exit R., Allen stands l. by fire, stage darkens, and scene

-      changes. Slow tableau. Music plays till change of scene and through Scene

-      2.</i>) &lt;/p <br /><br />

-    </p>

-    <hr />

-    <p>

-      <br /><br />

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Scene 2. Same as Act I.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <i>Time:</i> evening, fire burning brightly, and lamp lit on table, where

-      supper is laid. Deb. discovered by fire, attending to cooking operations;

-      Mrs. R. by fire, laying supper.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Be it done, lass?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Who is kneeling down, looking into oven.</i>) Yes, aunt,

-      just to a turn.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Crossing and looking over Deb&rsquo;s shoulder.</i>) Ah, that

-      be just right. Thee&rsquo;s a good cook, lass. (<i>Crossing back to table.</i>)

-      Ah, how un used to like a veal pasty. (<i>Sighs.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> It&rsquo;s a bad thing going to bed, though, ain&rsquo;t it, aunt?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, anything be bad for them as ain&rsquo;t got no stomachs, and

-      underdone bricks be all right for them as has. (<i>Gets dishes from

-      dresser; lays table.</i>) Besides, we bain&rsquo;t going to bed yet. Us&rsquo;ll sit

-      and have a chat after supper.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> It seems so lonely of an evening here now. (<i>Looking into

-      fire.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>In front of table r.c.</i>) So it do, lass. (<i>Crossing

-      L.</i>) Ah, the lads bean&rsquo;t so big to look at, but they leaves a rare

-      space behind &rsquo;em when they goes away.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a pause, still gazing dreamily into fire.</i>) I

-      wonder if he&rsquo;ll ever come back.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Aye, aye; he&rsquo;ll come back, never fear.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Turns.</i>) What, to stop?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l. sits on settle.</i>) Ah, to stop.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> What makes you think so, aunt?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> I dunno. It&rsquo;s never seemed real to me, any on it. I&rsquo;m

-      awaiting every day to hear un lift the latch and walk in to find as it had

-      all been a dream. So I alius lays for three (<i>l.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Enter Allen c. He is dressed much as in Act 1. He shuts the door and

-      stands by it.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Well, mother, (<i>c.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l. staring at him.</i>) Allen, lad! (<i>Bewildered, not

-      grasping it. Deb. having risen, stands with the hot pie that she has that

-      moment taken from the oven, transfixed R.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>At door c.</i>) I&rsquo;ve come home, you see, to stop&mdash;for

-      good. Are thee glad to see me, mother?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Come home! To stop! For good! Ah! (<i>Rushes

-      across with a cry of joy and hugs him up c.</i>) I said he would&mdash;I

-      said he would&mdash;I said he would. My boy! My boy! (<i>After a pause.</i>)

-      And&mdash;and all the money, and&mdash;and Miss Dexter?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Taking off his hat and throwing it down at hack.</i>)

-      Shadows, mother, that have passed away, out of my life, for ever. I&rsquo;ll

-      tell thee all about it later on, never mind to-night. Let&rsquo;s think only

-      about ourselves. (<i>Going to Deb. r.</i>) Are thee glad to see me?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Mrs. R. pushes them together from behind r. Deb. still with pie in her

-      hands, puts her face up. Allen bends and kisses it. Mrs. R. catches the

-      two in her arms, and embraces both at once, laughing. Deb. holds pie out

-      at arm&rsquo;s length to save it.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Mind the pie, mother.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Still embracing them.</i>) Are thee hungry, lad?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Rather.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Bless un, and thee&rsquo;ve come back just in time for supper, as

-      thee alius used to. (<i>Laughs, sits up stage, top of table.</i>) Can thee

-      eat veal pasty?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Can I eat veal&mdash;(<i>taking off overcoat and throwing it

-      on chair r. c.</i>) Let me get at un, that&rsquo;s all.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Poor boy! Come and sit &rsquo;ee down. (<i>Pushing him in

-      chair l. of table.</i>) Where be the potatoes, Deb.?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Bewildered, turns round and round.</i>) I don&rsquo;t know. (<i>Laughs.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, have a look in the saucepan, then. (<i>Sits back of

-      table r. c. Allen l. Deb. r.</i>) Thee won&rsquo;t find &lsquo;em by turning round and

-      round. Now come lad, and get a bit inside thee. Us&rsquo;ll do the talking

-      afterwards.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>Deb. potters about between fire and table in a bewildered manner. She

-      brings potatoes, and puts them in front of Allen.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, it do smell lovely, don&rsquo;t it? (<i>Sniffing at pie.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Never thee mind smelling it, thee taste it. Lud, how thin

-      thee art looking, lad. (<i>To Deb. who is almost doing so.</i>) Don&rsquo;t pour

-      the beer into the pie, child, and look where thee&rsquo;s put the potatoes! (<i>Takes

-      jug away from her.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Sitting down, laughing.</i>) I don&rsquo;t know what I&rsquo;m doing.

-      (<i>Takes saucepan off table.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, us can see that.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> And how&rsquo;s everything been going on? How&rsquo;s the colt?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> Kicked Parsons clean into the ditch yestermorning, the

-      little dear! (<i>All are now seated.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, did un? (<i>Laughs.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> One of the guinea hens is dead, the little one of all.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> What, the one as used to squint?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, Parsons left his shot on the pigstye wall, and she ate

-      two ounces. Oh, and you remember Jim?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> What, the bantam?

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>DEB.</b> Yes. He&rsquo;s given his own father such a licking, and won&rsquo;t let

-      him come near the yard.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing heartily.</i>) Plucky little beggar! Serve the

-      old &lsquo;un right. He wur always a bully. Now, mother&mdash;(<i>about to hand

-      her the pie.</i>) Why, mother, thee art crying!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Crying.</i>) No, I ain&rsquo;t. Go on with thee supper, lad.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Looking at Deb.</i>) And&mdash;why, here be Deb. crying

-      too!

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      (<i>The two women laugh through their tears. Allen joins them as curtain

-      descends.</i>)

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <b>MRS. R.</b> It&rsquo;s wi&rsquo; joy, lad; it&rsquo;s wi&rsquo; joy!

-    </p>

-    <h3>

-      SLOW CURTAIN.

-    </h3>

-    <div style="height: 6em;">

-      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

-    </div>

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-<pre>

-

-

-

-

-

-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Woodbarrow Farm, by Jerome K. Jerome

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-</pre>

-

-  </body>

-</html>

+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+
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+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" />
+    <title>Woodbarrow Farm, by Jerome K. Jerome</title>
+    <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" />
+    <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" />
+    <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve">
+
+    body { margin:20%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify}
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+    hr  { width: 50%; text-align: center;}
+    .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;}
+    blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;}
+    .mynote    {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;}
+    .toc       { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;}
+    .toc2      { margin-left: 20%;}
+    .xx-small {font-size: 60%;}
+    .x-small {font-size: 75%;}
+    .small {font-size: 85%;}
+    .large {font-size: 115%;}
+    .x-large {font-size: 130%;}
+    .indent5   { margin-left: 5%;}
+    .indent10  { margin-left: 10%;}
+    .indent15  { margin-left: 15%;}
+    .indent20  { margin-left: 20%;}
+    .indent30  { margin-left: 30%;}
+    .indent40  { margin-left: 40%;}
+    div.fig    { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; }
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+               border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left;
+               text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;
+               font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border:        solid 1px;}
+    .head      { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em;
+               border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center;
+               text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;
+               font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border:        solid 1px;}
+    p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0}
+    span.dropcap         { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 }
+    pre        { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;}
+
+</style>
+  </head>
+  <body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 54698 ***</div>
+
+    <div style="height: 8em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h1>
+      WOODBARROW FARM
+    </h1>
+    <h3>
+      Play In Three Acts
+    </h3>
+    <h2>
+      By Jerome K. Jerome
+    </h2>
+    <h4>
+      Samuel French: London
+    </h4>
+    <h3>
+      1904
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:50%;">
+      <img src="images/0007.jpg" alt="0007 " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+<h5>
+      <a href="images/0007.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a>
+    </h5>
+
+<p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:50%;">
+      <img src="images/0010.jpg" alt="0010 " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+<h5>
+      <a href="images/0010.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a>
+    </h5>
+
+<p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+<hr />
+<p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+
+
+
+
+    <p>
+    Piffin.........
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Allen Rollitt.......
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Luke Cranbourne.....
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mike Stratton.......
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Purtwee.........
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hon. Tom Gussett....
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Baron Von Schnorr...
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Richard Hanningford
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ichabod.............
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Peters.............
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Colonel Jack Dexter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Clara Dexter........
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Rollitt........
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rachael.............
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Deborah Deacon......
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CONTENTS</b>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> WOODBARROW FARM </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> ACT I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> ACT II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> ACT III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Act I
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Woodbarrow Farm, Exmoor
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Act II
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      13a, St. James&rsquo; Mansions
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Act III
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Scene 1&mdash;Same as Act II., or Library at 13a, St. James&rsquo; Mansion
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Scene 2&mdash;Woodbarrow Farm
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Time: The Present
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h1>
+      WOODBARROW FARM
+    </h1>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ACT I.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      MUSIC TO OPEN ACT: OLD ENGLISH AIR
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      SCENE: <i>Kitchen at Woodbarrow Farm. An ideal old farmhouse kitchen. From
+      the smoke-blackened ceiling beams hang huge sides of bacon, strings of
+      onions, and herbs, and poultry. Over the great fireplace are the guns, and
+      in profusion everywhere are the homely furnishings of a prosperous
+      farmhouse kitchen. A huge fire burns r. in old-fashioned fireplace, with
+      settle on each side. Door l.c. at back opening on corner of farmyard.
+      Latticed window looking out on yard to r. of door. Table r.c. piled with
+      linen waiting to be folded. Linen press l. Door l. below press. Settle in
+      front of press. Mrs. Rollitt at table r.c. discovered ironing. She folds
+      up clothes as she finishes with them, and crosses and places them one by
+      one in press l.</i>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Rachael! Rachael!! (Crossing l. then crosses to r. at back
+      of table r.c.) Ah, drat the girls&mdash;alius philandering about with the
+      boys when they&rsquo;re wanted. Rachael!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (Enter Rachael, she comes slowly forward to l.c.)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> Did you call, ma&rsquo;am?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (At table.) Did I call? Why thee be getting deaf in thee
+      old age sure, Rachael.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> I was in the dairy, ma&rsquo;am.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> In the dairy! Well, and the dairy bean&rsquo;t a mile off, be it?
+      I expect there wur Joe&rsquo;s thick head &rsquo;twixt you and the sound of my
+      voice, warn&rsquo;t there?
+    </p>
+<p>
+<b>RACH.</b> No, ma&rsquo;am.
+</p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Whose wur it, then?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> Ichabod&rsquo;s, ma&rsquo;am. I&mdash;I mean Mr. Ichabod was helping me,
+      ma&rsquo;am.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> What at? (<i>Pause.</i>) How often am I to tell &rsquo;ee
+      I won&rsquo;t have that hulking scamp hanging about here after his work&rsquo;s done.
+      Do &rsquo;ee understand?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> Yes, ma&rsquo;am.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Here&rsquo;s getting on for 8 o&rsquo;clock, and thee master may be
+      home any minute as hungry as a hunter, poor lad, and noothing ready for
+      his supper. Get down the ham (<i>Rachael goes to fireplace r.</i>), and
+      bring me in the frying-pan and I&rsquo;ll do it myself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> (<i>Turning to go.</i>) Yes, ma&rsquo;am.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> And don&rsquo;t be half-an-hour about it. Is Ichabod gone?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> Oh yes, ma&rsquo;am.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Mrs. R. turns to her work, Ichabod appears at door at hack, with a
+      trout in his hand. Rachael catching sight of him stops, and motions him to
+      go away.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, a good thing for un as he has, if I catch un here again
+      to-night, I&rsquo;ll&mdash;(<i>Rachael makes sign to Ichabod who is up c. Mrs.
+      R. looks at Rachael</i>)&mdash;Lord help the lass, be she struck foolish?
+      Bean&rsquo;t &rsquo;ee agoing?
+    </p>
+<p>
+<b>RACH</b>. Yes, ma&rsquo;am.
+</p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well then, do ut. Thee keeps on saying, &ldquo;yes, ma&rsquo;am,&rdquo; &ldquo;yes,
+      ma&rsquo;am,&rdquo; and there &rsquo;ee sticks. (<i>Drops eyes. Rachael makes sign to
+      Ichabod. Mrs. Rollitt catches her.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Ichabod does not understand Rachel, and tries to explain to her in
+      pantomime about the trout, which he holds up and points to. Mrs. Rollitt
+      follows Rachael&rsquo;s eyes, and sees Ichabod. Rachael is struck dumb, and
+      Ichabod grins and pulls his hair.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> If thee don&rsquo;t take theeself off pretty, soon, my boy, I&rsquo;ll
+      do that for un. (<i>He makes no answer but continues pulling his hair and
+      grinning, making a few steps forward and still holding out the trout. Mrs.
+      Rollitt advances to him slowly.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Comes c.</i>) How often am I to tell &rsquo;ee I won&rsquo;t
+      have &rsquo;ee loafing about here after thee work&rsquo;s done, and thee mother
+      waiting for thee at home, thee good-for-nothing young&mdash;(<i>eyeing the
+      trout</i>)&mdash;aye, but he be a bonny un that.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ICH.</b> Thowt maybe he&rsquo;d do for the measter&rsquo;s supper, ma&rsquo;am. He wur
+      a-having his own not half-an-hour agone, ma&rsquo;am.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l. with fish in hand.</i>) Her be a three pound un,
+      Ichabod.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ICH.</b> As full as an egg, her be, just. Thee feel her, ma&rsquo;am.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, well, I won&rsquo;t say but what thee art a thoughtful lad,
+      Ichabod, and it will be main good for thee measter&rsquo;s supper. See there&rsquo;s a
+      clear fire. (<i>Crosses r.Enter Deborah from staircase L.</i>) Rachael,
+      and bring me the stew pan and we&rsquo;ll boil un.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> No, don&rsquo;t boil it, aunt. (<i>Takes fish from Mrs. R.</i>) Let
+      me fry it. Allen alius likes &lsquo;em best that way. (<i>Goes r. c. up stage.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> So un does, lass, so un does. Ah, thee knaw what the lad
+      loikes, thee shall fry it. (<i>Hands trout to Deb.</i>) And I&rsquo;ll finish
+      the linen while I&rsquo;ve got my hand on it. (<i>At back of table r.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Allen will like that, I know. Where did you get it?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ICH.</b> (<i>Confused and grinning.</i>) What, me, Miss?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Not poached, I hope, Ichabod?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ICH.</b> (<i>Offended.</i>) Poached, Miss? No, Miss, I wur trying to
+      teach a fly of mine to swim, that wur all, Miss, and when I took un from
+      the water there wur this thing hanging on to the end of un, and I couldn&rsquo;t
+      get &lsquo;un off.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>At table r. c.</i>) Thee&rsquo;d best stop awhile now,
+      Ichabod, and the girls will gie un a bit sup. Thee mother will be main
+      glad to be rid o&rsquo; ye a bit, I take it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ICH.</b> Thank ye, ma&rsquo;am. Mother&rsquo;s alius glad to be rid of me at supper
+      toime. (<i>To Deborah.) Gie me un, Miss, I&rsquo;ll clean un for ye. (</i>Takes
+      fish from Deborah, goes down l. at back of settle.)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> Shall I cook un, Miss?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Na, na, thee bring the pan in here, Rachael, I woan&rsquo;t trust
+      the master&rsquo;s supper to &lsquo;ee, while there&rsquo;s a pair of breeches about the
+      room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> (<i>Crosses l. with a toss of her head.) I&rsquo;m sure I don&rsquo;t
+      want &lsquo;em there at all. (</i>Picks up buckets near door l. down stage.)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, thee wouldn&rsquo;t ha&rsquo; the lad theer wi&rsquo;out &lsquo;em! Go and do
+      as I tell &lsquo;ee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      [Rachael hits Ichabod with bucket. Exeunt Rachael and Ichabod l. door down
+      stage.]
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b><b>MRS. R.</b> The lad will enjoy it all the more if thee
+      cook it for un. Ah. and he do enjoy his food too. It do me good to see un
+      eat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> He does you a lot of good that way, doesn&rsquo;t he, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Laughing.&lsquo;</i>) Ah, yes, he be like his father wur
+      before him, a rare trencher man. Ah, but they&rsquo;re better than those as
+      doesn&rsquo;t eat much, but sits a-turning and a-smelling, and a-grumbling at
+      everything that&rsquo;s set before them, for all the world like an overfed
+      turkey cock trying to eat potato peelings. Thee wean&rsquo;t ha&rsquo; much trouble
+      looking arter un when I&rsquo;m gone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Goes to fireplace R.</i>) Oh, aunt, how naughty you are,
+      always talking of being &ldquo;gone,&rdquo; just as if you were an old woman.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> No, no, lass, I bean&rsquo;t talking of being gone now. I&rsquo;ve many
+      a year before me yet, please God. But it must come sometime, thee knaws,
+      and I like to think that when it do there&rsquo;ll be someone to gie the lad his
+      bit of food, and look arter un loike&mdash;and, Lord, a man do want a
+      power of looking arter to be sure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>At fire R. making it up.</i>) I think that&rsquo;s why we love
+      &lsquo;em, aunt, because they&rsquo;re so helpless.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Cross to l.</i>) Ah, maybe it is. There must be summut
+      to account for it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> And I suppose they be like the poultry. They get fond of us
+      because we feed them. He does say I&rsquo;ve got a good hand for cooking, aunt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Cross to r.</i>) Ah, yes, lass. It be a light hand for
+      the kitchen and a cool hand for the dairy. It will make a good hand for a
+      farmer&rsquo;s wife. (<i>Takes Deborah&rsquo;s hand at table R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> I don&rsquo;t think Allen will want a farmer&rsquo;s wife, aunt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Lord, whose wife should a farmer want, then?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Pokes fire r.</i>) I don&rsquo;t think Allen wants to be a
+      farmer at all. He says he wants to be a somebody, not a nobody.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, bean&rsquo;t a farmer somebody?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Somebody, aunt, but not a somebody. Allen wants to be in the
+      world, you know, aunt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, and he be in the world sure, ain&rsquo;t he? Sure I think I
+      ought to know. (<i>Cross to l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> No, not in the world he means, aunt. Not in the great world as
+      they call it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah! he be in God&rsquo;s world, that ought to be big enough for
+      un. (<i>Cross to r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>A little spitefully.</i>) Yes, aunt, but it&rsquo;s not select
+      enough. There&rsquo;s all sorts of common people in God&rsquo;s world. Allen wants to
+      be in the big world of lords and ladies and big folk up in London. He says
+      it&rsquo;s being buried alive down here; that he wants to be among the stir and
+      bustle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Cross to h., putting clothes in press.</i>) Ah! that be
+      only his talk. The young uns be all alike. They run arter shadows like the
+      chickens do arter chaff. (<i>Cross l.</i>) Why, I mind when I wur a lass,
+      I used to look in the glass and think I&rsquo;d be a duchess. But the dook
+      didn&rsquo;t come, so I just married thee uncle. The young ducks all fancies as
+      they&rsquo;ll paddle off to the sea, But they live and dies in the old pond
+      arter all. (<i>Crosses to R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) And you think that your duck will live and
+      die in the Woodbarrow pond, aunt? (<i>Helps Mrs. Rollitt to fold.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, bless un, yes, the lads they fancy that any place is
+      better than the old home; but arter they&rsquo;ve had a good look round, they
+      know that the old home&rsquo;s better than any place else. He&rsquo;ll flutter about a
+      bit maybe (<i>looks at Deborah</i>), but he&rsquo;ll settle down in the nest
+      &lsquo;fore long, and the children will be running about the house (<i>Deborah
+      turns away a little</i>) and making it untidy&mdash;Bless &lsquo;em&mdash;afore
+      I close my eyes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Demurely.</i>) I wonder who he&rsquo;ll marry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, I wonder now. (<i>Crosses to put linen in chest of
+      drawers.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>r. folding linen.</i>) There&rsquo;s Polly Steddles. He walked
+      home from church with her last Sunday. I think he&rsquo;s a little sweet on
+      Polly Steddles, don&rsquo;t you, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Mrs. R. comes l. of table r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, it bean&rsquo;t much good being a little sweet on a girl that
+      size. It would take a power of sweetness to go round her. (<i>Crosses L.
+      with linen.</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> She&rsquo;s big, but then men like big women, don&rsquo;t they, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Ah, some on &rsquo;em goes in for quantity,
+      and some on &rsquo;em goes in for quality. The little ones, they go in
+      for size cause they bean&rsquo;t much of it themselves; and the big ones goes in
+      for sense, cause that be what they be most in need of. (<i>Goes R.</i>)
+      And Allen, he be&rsquo;s medium, so he can just please himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> And there&rsquo;s Miss Dexter, that he drives over to Minehead so
+      often. (<i>Mrs. Rollitt goes l.</i>) He thinks a lot of her, I know.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l.</i>) What, Colonel Dexter&rsquo;s darter, oop at Lucott&rsquo;s
+      Hill? Oh, yes, her&rsquo;d be a fine un to make the butter and cure the hams,
+      her would. Her be loike them umbrellas they be a selling at Peter&rsquo;s for
+      1s. 11d.&mdash;only meant to be walked out wi&rsquo;. (<i>Near press l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Ah, but she&rsquo;s so beautiful, aunt, and she&rsquo;s a lady! (<i>Sighs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah! (<i>goes to table r. c.</i>) there be a good many sorts
+      o&rsquo; them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> She is a lady, isn&rsquo;t she, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Her&rsquo;s got the clothes all right. (<i>Sits l. of table r. A
+      pause&mdash;goes up and pats Deborah&rsquo;s cheek.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As if thee didn&rsquo;t know the lad were in love with theeself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Tossing her head.</i>) Sure an&rsquo; I don&rsquo;t see how I should&mdash;he
+      never says anything.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, the men bain&rsquo;t much to say for their-selves, poor
+      things. Thee must go by what they does. Why, thee uncle kept company wi&rsquo;
+      me for three years, an&rsquo; un never said a word. The first year un only sot
+      and stared, and the second year un put un&rsquo;s arm round my waist, and the
+      third year un kissed me, and then mother said it were time to put up the
+      banns, and her done it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Laughs.</i>) Ah, the man that wants to marry me will have
+      to ask me ever and ever so many times and plead, oh, as if his life
+      depended on it (<i>tossing her head&mdash;at fire.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, the lad be shy, that be all. He be frightened &rsquo;o
+      thee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Smiling.</i>) Of me, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, sure!&mdash;(<i>Laughs.</i>)&mdash;I expect un be
+      worrying hisself finely for fear thee doan&rsquo;t care for un, a fancying thee
+      prefers Jim Harkabuck, maybe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Demurely&mdash;goes up r. and gets l. of Mrs. Rollitt.</i>)
+      Jim Harkabuck is a very nice fellow, and he does stare. (<i>Smiling, and
+      going to her aunt.</i>) Do you think Allen really&mdash;really does&mdash;Aunt?
+      (<i>Kneels to Mrs. Rollitt, who turns her head away r. a little.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Laughing, and shaking her off playfully. Pauses.</i>)
+      Does he! Why beant he alius quarreling wi&rsquo; thee, and doan&rsquo;t he eat twice
+      as much o&rsquo; anything if he knows thee cooked it&mdash;and besides&mdash;(<i>Pauses
+      and becomes absorbed in stockings.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Besides what, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Why didn&rsquo;t I find un only the evening afore last when un
+      didn&rsquo;t know I wur there. (<i>Laughing.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Rachael l. door with fish in frying-pan.&mdash;Deborah rises.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> (<i>Crossing r. and giving it to Deborah.</i>) Shall I put it
+      on, Miss?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>c. goes R. to fireplace.</i>) No, I&rsquo;ll see to it; Rachael,
+      thank you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> I have put some butter in the pan, Miss.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Rachael l. down stage.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, aunt. (<i>r. of table and seeing to fish with back to
+      Mrs. Rollitt.</i>) You&mdash;you were saying how you came upon Allen the
+      other evening, aunt, when he didn&rsquo;t know you were there, and he was doing
+      something.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, yes, it wur Toosday, and he&mdash;not in love wi&rsquo; &rsquo;ee&mdash;(<i>laughing</i>)&mdash;why&mdash;(<i>taking
+      up stocking and looking at hole.</i>) Ah, look at that now, blest if I can
+      make out where the holes come from, just.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> What was he doing, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Why there un wur wi&rsquo; your&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Purtwee c.&mdash;who coughs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Turning, and seeing him as he stands in doorway.</i>)
+      What, Mr. Purtwee! (<i>Deborah in despair goes to fire and cooks fish.</i>)
+      Well, &rsquo;ee do surprise me! &rsquo;Ee be quite a stranger. Come in.
+      Thee be just in time for a bit of sup.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Coming down l. c., puts hat on staircase rail.</i>) I
+      couldn&rsquo;t pass the place without looking in, I&rsquo;ve just left the trap
+      outside. (<i>Shakes hands.</i>) And how are we?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Oh, I be middlin&rsquo; well, thank &rsquo;ee, and how&rsquo;s
+      yerself?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Oh, nicely enough, and&mdash;(<i>To Deborah crossing r.</i>)&mdash;how&rsquo;s
+      Miss Deborah Deacon?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Very well, thank you, Mr. Purtwee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> That&rsquo;s all right&mdash;you look it, my dear (<i>Taking her
+      hands.</i>) Why I declare she&rsquo;s getting quite a woman!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah! she&rsquo;s been that for some time. Her be thinking more
+      about getting a man now. (<i>Purtwee crosses to l. c. laughing.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, aunt!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Did &rsquo;ee see the lad up town?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> What, Allen?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, that be the only lad in the world I know. Did &rsquo;ee
+      see un? (<i>Goes up l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Yes, I met him, and I wanted to have a chat with him. (<i>Mrs.
+      Rollitt is up l. near linen press.</i>) But, Lord! There he was off to
+      Lucott&rsquo;s Hill, and there was no holding him. (<i>Taking off his coat.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Who has been engaged in her cooking, at this suddenly
+      stops, and looks up.</i>) What was he going up there for?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Stopping and facing round.</i>) What for?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Excitedly, but quietly.</i>) Who was he going to see up
+      there?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Laughing and folding coat.</i>) Ah! who is it he always
+      goes to see up there?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Deborah turns a little sick at this confirmation of her fears.
+      Purtwee, who is a sharp old fellow, notices the expression of her face and
+      the whole truth flashes across him. He pauses suddenly, looks hard at her,
+      then assuming an ordinary laughing tone, continues&mdash;Mrs. Rollitt (up
+      l.) is engaged with the linen, and does not notice this.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Why, the Walleys, of course. He and Jim seem to be
+      inseparable of late.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, yes, I know. I asked him to try and see if the Walleys
+      would part with one of their short-horns.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Ah! that was it, then&mdash;yes, I remember that was it. (<i>Turns
+      away and looks back at Deborah, who has resumed her cooking&mdash;aside.</i>)
+      Poor child! There&rsquo;s trouble for her I fear. (<i>Throws coat over chair l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Comes c.</i>) Well, what be going on up at Minehead?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> The same that is going on everywhere, Mrs. Rollitt&mdash;people
+      lying and slandering and evil-speaking; everybody thieving and cheating
+      and quarreling. (<i>Sits on table l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, I guess I could have told thee that. Haven&rsquo;t thee any
+      real news to gie us. Tell us what one person&rsquo;s be a-doing. Never mind
+      &ldquo;everybody,&rdquo; I don&rsquo;t know him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Well, you see, Susan, a lawyer mustn&rsquo;t gossip. (<i>Shakes
+      finger.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Deborah crosses to linen press L., sets tablecloth and lays table r.
+      c. for meal.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>c.</i>) Oh, hoity, toity! What be the use of being a
+      lawyer and knowing things if &rsquo;ee never tells a body a bit o&rsquo; news?
+      And now I come to think of it, I&rsquo;ve got a bone to pick wi&rsquo; thee about that
+      very thing. Thee never told me old Hanningford wur agoing to die without
+      leaving my boy so much as a brass farthing. Do you think as how I&rsquo;d &rsquo;a&rsquo;
+      gone on sending the old skinflint the best turkey in the yard every
+      Christmas, and the best goose come every Michaelmas, if I&rsquo;d known as how
+      he&rsquo;d hadn&rsquo;t given us so much as the price as a suit o&rsquo; black, and Allen
+      his own cousin&rsquo;s child. (<i>Crossing R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A cousin is a cousin, even if it be a distant one. (<i>Sits l. of table r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Now, my dear Mrs. Rollitt, how could I tell he was going to
+      die?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Thee knowed he wur going to die sometime, and thee knowed
+      he hadn&rsquo;t left the boy anything, and thee might a&rsquo; dropped me a hint.
+      &ldquo;Mrs. Rollitt,&rdquo; thee might ha&rsquo; said, &ldquo;thee&rsquo;s only wasting good poultry on
+      a worthless man. The old sinner&rsquo;s a going to die as hard-fisted and
+      ungrateful as he&rsquo;s lived.&rdquo; It would &rsquo;a&rsquo; been a neighbourly act o&rsquo;
+      thee!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) But I didn&rsquo;t know he wasn&rsquo;t going to
+      leave you anything. You see he died intestate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> In&mdash;&mdash;&mdash; what?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Rises.</i>) Intestate. (<i>Deborah laughs a little.</i>)
+      Without leaving a will; he left nobody anything.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) Well, then, where does the old fool&rsquo;s
+      money go to?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Why, to his son, of course! (<i>Cross to r. near chair,
+      fireplace down stage.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, where be his son?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Folding his knee in his hand and looking at her quietly.</i>)
+      On the road from Texas to Devon. (<i>Sits r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> What! Thee don&rsquo;t mean to say thee&rsquo;ve found un! (<i>Deborah
+      gets dish off dresser r. and puts it down in front of firm Mrs. R. in
+      front of table r., Mrs. R. and Deborah draw near interested.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> That&rsquo;s just exactly what I do mean. We traced him at last&mdash;found
+      him at Port Chadbourne black as a nigger and dressed as a red Indian.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> What was he doing there&mdash;play-acting?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> No, cow-boy. (<i>Mrs. R. sits l. of table r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Lord love us all! and do un know?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Yes, my agent saw him&mdash;went down to meet him as he came
+      through with a drove of cattle, gave him my letters and told him
+      everything.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Has he written to you?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> No, didn&rsquo;t know how to write&mdash;a sort of half savage he
+      seems to be, he and all his companions. He said he was going to give the
+      boys a three days&rsquo; drink, or as he expressed it, &ldquo;paint the town red,&rdquo; and
+      then start straight for home.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> When do you expect him?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Any day now; it was six weeks ago my agent saw him. He might
+      walk into my office to-morrow morning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Lor! to think o&rsquo; it all. Him running away&mdash;driven
+      away, as a body might say, by &rsquo;is own father, when scarce more than
+      a baby, and now coming back to all this money. When do &rsquo;ee expect
+      un?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> To-morrow&mdash;in six months time&mdash;never!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Never! (<i>Purtwee rises, crosses to l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Perhaps never.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Why I thought thee said he&rsquo;d started.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Started, yes; but there&rsquo;s a long road between that and
+      arriving. He may be dead and buried&mdash;drowned&mdash;murdered&mdash;for
+      all we can tell. They&rsquo;re a rough lot where he&rsquo;s coming from. (<i>Takes
+      coat off settle L. Feels for snuff box in pockets; rises; goes c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, thee&rsquo;s picturing a nice fate for the lad. An&rsquo; who
+      would the money all go to if he were gone?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Why the next o&rsquo; kin of course! He isn&rsquo;t married.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> And who be the next of kin?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Dryly.</i>) Oh! there&rsquo;s no need to worry about that now.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs R. Well, I&rsquo;d just like to know, that&rsquo;s all. Would it be any of the
+      Leeds folk?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Oh, I really can&rsquo;t say! (<i>Gets snuff box, puts coat on
+      settle l.</i>) I&mdash;I can&rsquo;t say at all who it would be. (<i>Angrily,
+      rather.</i>) Why there&rsquo;s about a hundred different relations scattered all
+      over the country, and goodness knows who it might turn out to be. It isn&rsquo;t
+      a matter to be considered yet at all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Lord bless us all, don&rsquo;t put theeself out, man. I didn&rsquo;t
+      know as a body&rsquo;s relations wur any secret&mdash;(<i>pauses</i>)&mdash;provided
+      they be coom by honestly. Doan&rsquo;t tell us if &rsquo;ee doan&rsquo;t want to. (<i>Turns
+      away r. a little.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> No&mdash;no, Mrs. Rollitt! I&rsquo;m not put out, only you see
+      it&rsquo;s always a most complicated question a next of kin, especially in a
+      case of this kind where the man shunned all his relations. It might be
+      someone in Hong Kong; it might be someone here in Devonshire&mdash;(<i>Enter
+      Allen c. door.</i>)&mdash;it might be,&mdash;(<i>he is l., taking
+      handkerchief from his overcoat pocket, and turning sees Allen in doorway
+      and stops. Deborah puts on the fish.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Coming down r. c.</i>) Well mother! (<i>Kisses her.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Why, my boy, wherever ha&rsquo; ye been to&mdash;I wur getting
+      quite anxious about &rsquo;ee!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Taking off his hat and coat and throwing them down at
+      back.</i>) Ah, I be a rare anxiety to &rsquo;ee, baint I, mother? (<i>To
+      Mr. Purtwee.</i>) Mother alius fancies as I&rsquo;ve been run off with by
+      gypsies if I be out more than an hour. (<i>Crossing and shaking hands with
+      Mr. Purtwee.</i>) And how be Mr. Purtwee for the second time to-day?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Laughing and shaking hands.</i>) Ah! your mother&rsquo;s a
+      regular old hen with one chick I expect. (<i>Sits l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Never thee mind, mother, thee be quite right to be careful
+      o&rsquo; me! There baint another son like me in the whole country, be there?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>At fire.</i>) To the credit of old Devon be it said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Halloa! (<i>Goes r. to Deborah.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah! now that just serves thee right for laughing at thee
+      old mother. (<i>Crosses l. and sits knitting next to Purtwee.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah! that be the worst of letting the children stop oop arter
+      their proper toime, they allus gets so saucy. What have thee there? Lurd
+      bust me, I have got a vacuum inside o&rsquo; me. Poached eggs?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> No; poached trout.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Eh! what&rsquo;s that?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Hulloa! Thee&rsquo;ve done it now. Why, Mr. Purtwee be Lord
+      Netherby&rsquo;s lawyer, and he&rsquo;ll ha&rsquo; thee hanged in chains on Dunkery Beacon,
+      sure as fate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Ah, well, you see I didn&rsquo;t poach him, I&rsquo;m only frying him.
+      There&rsquo;s no law against frying fish, is there?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.c.</i>) Aye, well, us&rsquo;ll forgive thee this time, if
+      ee&rsquo;ll promise to do it again soon. Come and give us a kiss.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Thee&rsquo;ll kiss the frying-pan if you come any o&rsquo; your nonsense
+      round here.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What! won&rsquo;t thee, when I tell &rsquo;ee I&rsquo;ve bought Jim
+      Whalley&rsquo;s tan and cream shorthorn for &rsquo;ee?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Pleased.</i>) No! Have you?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I bought her this afternoon, and I got her for&mdash;(<i>l.c.,
+      turning to his mother</i>) I say, mother, our Deb&rsquo;s bin and smoshed young
+      Whalley.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Done what to un.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Smoshed him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Why, I never touched him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes thee have, thee&rsquo;ve smoshed un&mdash;that be the new
+      Lunnun word; made un in love wi&rsquo; thee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> It&rsquo;s a funny way o&rsquo; doing it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I doan&rsquo;t know how her done it, but her done it. Why he
+      wanted £25 for the cow at first, and when I told un her wur for Deb he
+      looked as stupid as an old cow unself and said I could have her for £20,
+      and then he asked me if she would like a calf. (<i>Goes R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> We could do with one. What did you say?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) I told un her&rsquo;d better let the calf come
+      down and ask for unself. (<i>Laughs boisterously.</i>) He never saw what I
+      meant. (<i>All laugh.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, I expect he saw it all right. Jim Whalley is a very sharp
+      fellow; there was no need to insult him just because he&rsquo;d done a kind
+      action. (<i>Warmly&mdash;turns away r. a little.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, I wouldn&rsquo;t ha&rsquo; said it if I&rsquo;d known. I didn&rsquo;t know thee
+      was in love wi&rsquo; him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Half laughing and half indignant.</i>) Oh, don&rsquo;t be silly,
+      Allen, as if I cared for Jim Whalley.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I might ha&rsquo; guessed it too. Why, I expect that&rsquo;s why thee
+      wanted the cow so as to have something about the place to remind thee o&rsquo;
+      un.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, you great stupid!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why, look how you&rsquo;re blushing. Look, look at her face,
+      mother. (<i>Goes to back of settle r. takes up looking-glass which is
+      hanging on settle r., brings it down and holds it before her.</i>) Look at
+      yourself! (<i>she catches him a sound box on the ear. He puts his hand to
+      his face, and crossing puts back glass.</i>) I didn&rsquo;t know thee was so
+      strong. That all comes of those squab pies o&rsquo; yourn, mother, I told thee
+      thee wur putting too much meat in &lsquo;em.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) Ah, it&rsquo;s thy sauce lad, not my meat,
+      that&rsquo;s done it. (<i>Rises.</i>) Thee&rsquo;d better try and make thy peace,
+      while me and Mr. Purtwee has a look round the out-buildings. (<i>To Mr.
+      Purtwee</i>) I&rsquo;ve been wanting to get hold of thee for a long time. Thee&rsquo;s
+      never given us so much as a bit o&rsquo; paint for the last ten years, and the
+      stable roof won&rsquo;t bear an owl on it. (<i>Goes up c. with Purtwee.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r. near settle.</i>) Thee might show Mr. Purtwee the
+      barn floor while thee&rsquo;s about it, mother. It be more like an earthquake
+      than a floor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Oh, I be a going to show him more than he wants to see,
+      don&rsquo;t thee worrit. (<i>Aside to Mr. Purtwee at door c.</i>) Ah, they&rsquo;d
+      make a pretty couple, wouldn&rsquo;t they?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Looking at them.</i>) No, no, we must make &rsquo;em
+      one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Mrs. Rollitt and Mr. Purtwee c. door.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>After a pause, r.c.</i>) Well I&rsquo;ve got thee the cow,
+      anyhow, and it&rsquo;s a beauty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>At tire in a tone of severe and offended dignity.</i>)
+      Thank you, Mr. Rollitt, it is very kind of you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>After a pause, with exaggerated politeness.</i>) Don&rsquo;t
+      mention it, Miss Deacon&mdash;quite a pleasure!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Allen crosses to l., whistles&mdash;a pause&mdash;pretends to take off
+      leggings. Puts foot on settle.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Thee may bring me over the butter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Looking up.</i>) Hulloa! come back again! Butter,
+      certainly! (<i>Takes it from chair off l. on staircase, crosses with it,
+      and holds it for Deborah while she takes some.</i>) Jolly good butter this
+      week; who made it? Thee?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Other side of plate.</i>) Of course I did! I make all the
+      butter now, and the cream.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What, wi&rsquo; them little hands. They don&rsquo;t look big enough to
+      do anything but be kissed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Looking up and smiling.</i>) They can do something else,
+      can&rsquo;t they?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah! They be like the parson&rsquo;s, not as soft as they looks. (<i>Puts
+      down butter on the table&mdash;pause&mdash;during which Deborah proceeds
+      with her cooking, and Allen stands watching her.</i>) What a jolly little
+      farmer&rsquo;s wife thee&rsquo;d make.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes; I only want the jolly little farmer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, thee won&rsquo;t find many of that sort about. Farming don&rsquo;t
+      pay enough for a man to get jolly on, now-a-days.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, we have enough to eat and drink, and a little to spend on
+      foolishness. You want so much.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Goes l.</i>) Not more than what a many has. Not more
+      than a little bit of what this young Hanning-ford is coming back to&mdash;enough
+      to let a man see what the world&rsquo;s like a bit, instead of being cooped oop
+      all one&rsquo;s life, like an old cow, in one corner of it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> But you can&rsquo;t live all over it, and one corner must be much as
+      good as another.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Crosses r.</i>) Ah, thee don&rsquo;t understand it, lass. Thee
+      women folk can stand day arter day the same, but we lads are restless wi&rsquo;
+      it. We feel as there&rsquo;s summat big and stirring going on somewhere, and we
+      long to be among it&mdash;to be in the great world. It seems to call to me&mdash;(<i>puts
+      foot on settle L.</i>)&mdash;to come to it, sometimes. I hear it of a
+      night when I&rsquo;m watching the sheep on the hill fields. Maybe it&rsquo;s only the
+      sea breaking on the rocks down by Glenthorn&mdash;or the wind among the
+      old oaks, but it sounds like a distant far-off voice&mdash;(<i>gets l. of
+      table R. with back to Deborah</i>)&mdash;calling to me, and it rings and
+      echoes in my ears, till I feel at times that I must start up then and
+      there and follow it. (<i>Deborah r. of table r. Allen l. of table r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Very gravely, laying her hand on his arm.</i>) Allen, lad,
+      don&rsquo;t you remember reading one evening to us of the sirens, who in the old
+      days used to haunt the sea caves, and sing so sweetly that the sailors who
+      once paused to listen, were lured on and on till they were wrecked among
+      the cruel rocks? May not the voices that you hear be like the singing of
+      those sirens?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Maybe, lass; but the sailors couldn&rsquo;t help but follow when
+      they did hear it. (<i>Sits in chair l. of table R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) What be the matter, Allen? Thee used
+      to be contented enough. Now thee&rsquo;s always talking about riches, and
+      wanting to go away from the dear old farm. Somethin&rsquo;s come over thee, lad.
+      (<i>Puts hand on Allen&rsquo;s shoulder.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, I wur allus like an old crow&mdash;(<i>Deborah takes her
+      hand away</i>)&mdash;sitting on a fence, and looking at summat too far off
+      to see. But thee be right partly, lass. Summat has come over me, and made
+      me want what I can&rsquo;t get more than ever now.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Very kindly, r.</i>) What be it? (<i>With elbows leaning
+      on table, R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Rises, goes l. c.</i>) Well, I be in love, lass. (<i>Still
+      looking away from her.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a pause, during which she has smiled to herself with
+      a happy little sigh, and clasped her hands together in a sort of little
+      joyful ecstacy, unnoticed by Allen.</i>) In love!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I fancy it must be that. I think of her all day and I dream
+      of her all night, and I&rsquo;m jolly miserable. (<i>At settle, R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Demurely.</i>) Have you any reason to suppose that she
+      returns your affection?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I don&rsquo;t know, her&rsquo;s never said anything.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Have you?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Me! No, I haven&rsquo;t said anything.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Most extraordinary that she doesn&rsquo;t propose. Have you given
+      her any encouragement? (<i>Leans against settle R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Noa&mdash;I can&rsquo;t say as I have, much. (<i>Goes r.c.</i>)
+      I&rsquo;ve looked at her, you know&mdash;soft like&mdash;and sighed. (<i>Does
+      so.</i>) But her&rsquo;s mostly been looking t&rsquo;other way and an&rsquo;t seen it, and
+      as for saying anything to her&mdash;well, I can talk to her all right
+      about other things and joke and laugh wi&rsquo; her, but the moment I goes to
+      say I love her&mdash;it&mdash;it seems as if I&rsquo;d got a hot potato stuck in
+      my throat. (<i>Speaking as if she had, turns away to l. corner of r.table,
+      back to Deborah. His manner throughout this scene carries out the idea
+      that it is Deborah he is in love with.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a pause, with a coquettish smile to herself.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      I&mdash;I can&rsquo;t do anything to help thee, I suppose? (<i>Goes and leans
+      against settle R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Do thee think as her could care for a mere common farmer,
+      Deborah?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Turning and looking at him earnestly&mdash;comes to front
+      of table R.</i>) Well&mdash;I think if he were a good farmer, and pleaded
+      very hard, I&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Delighted.</i>) No, lass! Do &rsquo;ee really think a
+      girl could? (<i>Advancing to her.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Putting her hand to stop him with dignity.</i>) A girl
+      might&mdash;though, of course, a superior sort of girl, such as she
+      appears to be, might think it presumption for&mdash;(<i>turns away r.puts
+      hand on corner of table R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Depressed.</i>) Yes&mdash;I&rsquo;m afraid her would. (<i>Turns
+      away l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Eagerly turning around again.</i>) Then, of course, she
+      mightn&rsquo;t. You never can tell till you try. (<i>Goes to fireplace r. Fish
+      is changed.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Scratching his head.</i>) Blest if I know how to go
+      about it! I say, Deb, you&rsquo;ve been proposed to, how do they begin?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Bending over fire.</i>) Don&rsquo;t thee think thee&rsquo;d better
+      tell me who it is and let me ask her for thee? (<i>Looking slyly round,
+      pauses.</i>) Who be her, Allen?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Going up to window R.c.</i>) Ah, I expect thee knows who
+      her be!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Beginning softly to creep toward him.</i>) How should I
+      when thee&rsquo;s never told me? What be her name? (<i>Close to him, his back is
+      still towards her and he doesn&rsquo;t see her.</i>) Eh?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Without turning, looking out of the back window up R.c.</i>)
+      Clara. (<i>Music cue.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Bus. Deb. stands still&mdash;for the first moment she hardly
+      comprehends. Then she understands, and stands staring straight before her
+      with a wild scared look&mdash;shivers, crosses back to fireplace on
+      tip-toe and bends down over it attending to the fish&mdash;after Deb. sobs
+      Allen comes down c.&mdash;music dies away.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Half turning round.</i>) Colonel Dexter&rsquo;s daughter, you
+      know. Thee&rsquo;ve seen her. Her wur at the Barnstaple ball and I danced wi&rsquo;
+      her and thee said how beautiful her wur and that her dress was all made o&rsquo;
+      some&rsquo;at or other, and you&mdash;(<i>he has gradually come close over to
+      her r.</i>) What be the matter, Deb?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>In a changed, hard tone, bending more intently than ever
+      over her cooking.</i>) Nothing&mdash;Nothing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Taking her hand.</i>) Why, thee be quite cold, lass; be
+      thee ill?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Snatching her hand away.</i>) No, no, there&rsquo;s nothing the
+      matter with me. Don&rsquo;t be so foolish, don&rsquo;t don&rsquo;t.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Surprised.</i>) I say, Deb, have I said anything I
+      oughtn&rsquo;t to? I know I&rsquo;m allus a-doing it. (<i>A pause&mdash;Allen stands
+      looking at her, troubled and bewildered&mdash;Deb. bends closer over the
+      fire&mdash;then takes the pan off the fire and with it in her hand turns
+      to Allen smiling.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Gives dish to Allen.</i>) Yes, thee have&mdash;talking to
+      a cook at the very moment the trout is on the turn. (<i>Puts trout on
+      dish.</i>) Serve thee right if I&rsquo;d spoilt it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Lor&rsquo;, thee quite frightened me! (<i>Pauses.</i>) Yes&mdash;I
+      went up there this afternoon. (<i>Deb. takes dish from Allen, puts it down
+      in front of fireplace.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Arranging fish.</i>) Did you see her?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes, I saw her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> It doesn&rsquo;t seem to have made thee any more cheerful. Did thee
+      quarrel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Us never got a chance. There wur a cousin or summat of the
+      kind hanging about all the time&mdash;just come over with some chap from
+      America. Can&rsquo;t say as I like un much.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Thee&rsquo;d best summon up thy courage and speak quick or thee may
+      lose thy turn. (<i>Allen turns away L.</i>) Go and tell aunt supper&rsquo;s
+      ready&mdash;be quick, it&rsquo;s all spoiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Moving quickly towards door l. down stage.</i>) Where
+      shall I find her?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Sharply.</i>) How should I know?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Looks around surprised&mdash;sotto voce.</i>) How the
+      fire do draw out a woman&rsquo;s temper, to be sure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Allen l., down stage.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Left alone stands r.a moment without speaking.</i>) What
+      right has she to come down here and take him away? She doesn&rsquo;t love him.
+      Couldn&rsquo;t she have found enough fine gentlemen in London to amuse her? I
+      don&rsquo;t believe she&rsquo;s a good woman, and I hate her. (<i>Stamps her foot.</i>)
+      She shan&rsquo;t have him&mdash;she&mdash;(<i>bursts into quiet tears and,
+      slipping down on ground, buries her face in chair by fire&mdash;pause&mdash;after
+      a few seconds Luke Cranbourne appears in door c. front r., Mike Stratton
+      behind him. Luke pauses on threshold and coughs. Deb. hastily rises,
+      trying to hide her tears and stands r. Luke comes forward slowly, followed
+      by Mike at some distance.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>After pause, coming forward r.c.</i>) I&mdash;beg pardon&mdash;there
+      was nobody about. Are Mrs. Rollitt and Mr. Rollitt at home?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, they are at home. I will go and find them. (<i>Crosses to
+      l.</i>) Who shall I say it is?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>r.c.</i>) Ah, thank you very much, my dear. Would you say
+      Mr. Cranbourne&mdash;Mr. Luke Cranbourne and Mr. Richard Hanningford?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Amazed.</i>) Dick Hanningford!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Smiling.</i>) You know the name?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Old Mr. Hanningford&rsquo;s son? Why, we were only speaking of him
+      just this instant, and wondering when he&rsquo;d come back. (<i>To Luke
+      hesitatingly.</i>) Are&mdash;are you&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> No&mdash;this is Mr. Hanningford. (<i>Turns to Mike, who
+      stands awkward and shy l.c. looking at the ground.</i>) Did you know him?
+      (<i>Laughs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, I&rsquo;m Miss Deacon&mdash;Miss Deborah Deacon. We were
+      school-fellows, you know. (<i>Timidly approaching Mike with outstretched
+      hand.</i>) I am very glad to see you Mr.&mdash;Mr. Hanningford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> Thank you, Miss&mdash;I&rsquo;m very pleased to see you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Sitting r.</i>) I suppose you hardly recognize our
+      friend? (<i>Watches her intently without her noticing it. Mike has turned
+      away again, and looks down, flicking leg with cane.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Hesitating.</i>) Um! (<i>Laughs.</i>) Well, he&rsquo;s certainly
+      altered since we used to go to school together. But yes&mdash;(<i>examining
+      his face</i>)&mdash;there&rsquo;s something of the old face left, I think.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> We only arrived from America last night, traveling hard all
+      the time. Pretty nearly worked me to death. Dick has&mdash;(<i>with a yawn</i>)&mdash;but
+      there, I suppose I should have hurried up pretty smart myself if I&rsquo;d been
+      coming home to a fortune.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> You are staying in the village then, I suppose?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Yes, we&rsquo;ve put up at Colonel Dexter&rsquo;s&mdash;my uncle&rsquo;s&mdash;slow
+      place. (<i>Laughing.</i>) But better than the inn apparently.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh. then you are the&mdash;Miss Dexter&rsquo;s cousin that Allen&mdash;(<i>pauses
+      hesitating</i>)&mdash;was&mdash;was speaking of?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Oh, the young fellow that was there this afternoon&mdash;was
+      that Allen? (<i>With a would-be playful laugh.</i>) And who&rsquo;s Allen, eh?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>A little stiffly.</i>) Allen is Mr. Rollitt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Oh, I wish I&rsquo;d known that this afternoon. Dick&rsquo;s been dying
+      to see him and his mother all day. I wanted him to wait till the morning,
+      but he would come down to-night.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, I&rsquo;m sure Allen and Aunt will both be delighted. (<i>Approaching
+      Mike, who still stands aside and looks down.</i>) Won&rsquo;t you be seated, Mr.
+      Hanningford? (<i>He makes no sign&mdash;hesitatingly.</i>) Dick. (<i>Mike
+      still takes no notice. Luke has risen and crossed with assumed
+      carelessness, towards him and nozu from opposite side of him to Deborah
+      gives him a sharp kick. Mike starts and looks up.</i>),
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Turning away carelessly.</i>) Lost in reveries of old
+      scenes, Dick, eh? Miss Deacon is asking you if you won&rsquo;t sit down.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>Sitting L.c.</i>) Oh, I beg your pardon, Miss, I&rsquo;m sure.
+      Oh, thank you, I will.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Going.</i>) I shan&rsquo;t be a minute. They are only somewhere
+      about the yard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Deborah c. door l. down stage. Luke goes to door, looks off,
+      closes door, then goes up to door c., looks off, then closes it. Comes r.
+      of Mike, who is l.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>After waiting an instant, and making sure that no one is
+      about.</i>) Try and keep some of your wits about you, Mike&mdash;if you
+      don&rsquo;t mind.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>Sulkily.</i>) I don&rsquo;t see the darned good of this part of
+      the trick, so I tell you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> I&rsquo;m afraid we shall have a rough time if your memory doesn&rsquo;t
+      improve. I&rsquo;ve explained to you at least half-a-dozen times that it was as
+      a sort of trial canter that I wanted to come here. If anyone in Devon can
+      tell who is Dick Hanningford and who isn&rsquo;t it will be these Rollitts. If
+      you pass here you pass anywhere.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> Well, it&rsquo;s the very place I should have avoided, and for the
+      same reason. The old woman knew Dick Hanningford as well as she knows her
+      own son, and I&rsquo;d rather avoid her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Luke, (<i>r.</i>) You&rsquo;re bound to meet her sooner or later. Better get it
+      over and know the worst&mdash;or the best. (<i>Turns away r. a little.</i>)
+      Sixteen years make it a little difficult to tell a man, especially between
+      the age of nine and twenty-five, and you&rsquo;re like him enough, and always
+      were.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> And suppose she gets asking questions&mdash;do I remember
+      this, do I remember that&mdash;you know what old women are.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Well, you can&rsquo;t be expected to remember all the details of
+      your pinafore days after all this time, and knocking about as you have
+      been. You know all that is necessary for you to know. You knew the old
+      man, and you were in the house, and you knew young Hanningford. Besides,
+      you needn&rsquo;t recollect anything yourself. You recollect what other people
+      recollect, that&rsquo;s all you&rsquo;re wanted to do.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) I hope we don&rsquo;t make a mess of it! (<i>Turns
+      L.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Crossing and laying his hand on Mike&rsquo;s shoulder, turns
+      him to c.</i>) We shan&rsquo;t make a mess of it&mdash;don&rsquo;t you. You know what
+      it&rsquo;s for&mdash;£100,000 apiece. I&rsquo;ve done my share of the job&mdash;you do
+      yours. (<i>Turns r.a little.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>Turning round and facing him.</i>) Are you sure you did
+      your share?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>l.</i>) What do you mean? (<i>Turns c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>r.</i>) Are you sure he was dead?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>After pausing, during which they have looked steadily at
+      each other, turning away l.</i>) Well, the bullet went in above his ear,
+      because I examined the wound: and his body went over a two hundred-foot
+      precipice&mdash;that I could also take an affidavit to&mdash;only I&rsquo;d
+      rather not. (<i>Turning round and facing Mike again.</i>) What makes you
+      doubt it?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> I don&rsquo;t know&mdash;nothing. The idea occurred to me, that&rsquo;s
+      all. (<i>Turns l. a little.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Don&rsquo;t you drink so much and you won&rsquo;t have so many ideas. (<i>After
+      a pause, during which he seems troubled, shaking it oft with an effort.</i>)
+      Have you got the letters with you? It will look well to take them out
+      casually while talking. (<i>Crosses R.; sits on table.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>Who has crossed to L., taking them out of his breast
+      pocket and holding them in his hand.</i>) Yes, here they are all right.
+      Bah! (<i>With a shudder.</i>) I always see his face when I look on the
+      darned things&mdash;I&mdash;Mrs. R. (<i>Without, loudly.</i>) Dick
+      Hanningford&mdash;Dick Hanningford, my boy! (<i>Mike drops suddenly in
+      sitting posture on sofa L. with a cry &ldquo;Ah.&rdquo; Luke works round at back and
+      drops down l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Mrs. R., excitedly, followed at little distance by Allen and
+      Deborah from c. Allen and Deborah remain up. Rachel from door down l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Coming down towards Mike.</i>) What, Dick, my boy,
+      where be thee? (<i>Sees Mike on sofa; making towards him.</i>) Ah, there
+      thee be&mdash;I thought I&rsquo;d know thee again though thee wur only in
+      knickerbockers when I last saw &rsquo;ee. Tain&rsquo;t thy fault thy father wur
+      a bit stingy. Come and gie us a hug, lad. Lord love us&mdash;(<i>she is
+      just in font of him, begins to speak in a bewildered, hesitating manner,
+      in tones gradually dying away to an awed whisper, as she slowly step by
+      step backs from him.</i>) How&mdash;how you&rsquo;ve grown&mdash;Dick&mdash;Dick
+      Hanningford&mdash;what&mdash;(<i>stands staring at him; a strange awed
+      silence prevails</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Advancing in a terrified voice.</i>) Aunt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Motioning her back with her arm, but not turning and
+      speaking in a quick, excited, loud tone.</i>) Keep back, child, don&rsquo;t come
+      near. (<i>Luke is near Mike down c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Springing forward.</i>) Mother! What&rsquo;s the matter?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>As before.</i>) The man&rsquo;s dead.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>r. stepping forward.</i>) Dead!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Who has entered c. followed by Ichabod and Rachel l. He
+      goes quietly up to Mike and lays his hand on his heart, and bends over him
+      earnestly, and it is a few seconds before he speaks.</i>) Heart disease, I
+      suppose. (<i>At back of settee l. Gets r.c. of settle.</i>) My letter in
+      his hand. (<i>Gets to back of settle.</i>) It&rsquo;s an ill wind that blows
+      nobody any good. (<i>Turns and feels Mike&rsquo;s heart once again, then quietly
+      turns away to Allen. Comes c.</i>) He stood between you and £200,000. You
+      are now old Hanningford&rsquo;s heir!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Allen!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>To corpse of Mike&mdash;aside as he crosses to back.</i>)
+      Curse you!
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      MEDIUM CURTAIN.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ACT II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Scene: <i>Morning room in a handsome flat&mdash;a showily furnished room&mdash;rather
+      ostentatious and loud in its decoration and appointments. Large table in
+      bay window r.upper corner. Fire-place r.Doors at back l.c. and two in l.
+      wing. Small tables r.and L.. Easy chairs l. and R.</i>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <i>Breakfast is laid on large table&mdash;it is a gorgeously laid meal&mdash;silver
+      and plate in profusion, and a great number of dishes&mdash;tea urn and
+      coffee urn&mdash;a boiling kettle&mdash;flowers and ferns in vases and
+      stands. One, a large wavy one, is at left edge of table close to Allen.
+      The table in short is crowded and showy to the last degree. A magnificent
+      footman in gorgeous livery is standing behind; and Mr. Piffin in solemn
+      black waits close to Allen&rsquo;s chair, a dish in his hand. Allen is
+      discovered sitting l. of table, and eating his breakfast in a most
+      melancholy fashion. He looks intensely miserable and awed. The terrible
+      solemnity of the whole affair has depressed his spirits to their lowest
+      ebb. He glances nervously now and then as the meal proceeds, from the
+      footman to the valet, and vice versa, as they silently and with much
+      ceremony walk about and wait on him. The fern by his side keeps getting in
+      his way, tickling and irritating him, but he dare not move it. He eats in
+      silence, and when he does speak, does so in a humble, deprecating, nervous
+      manner. He is dressed in a loose morning costume. Music to open Act.</i>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Standing by Allen&rsquo;s l. elbow c. Peters r. of table R.</i>)
+      May I get you a little pâté de foie gras, sir?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Looking round, and speaking in a hushed voice.</i>) I
+      beg pardon?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> A little pâté de foie gras, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Patty who?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Goose&rsquo;s liver, sir. I think you will like it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, thanks; I never eats liver. It don&rsquo;t agree with me. I
+      will have a bit o&rsquo; the bacon though.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> No, sir; it is not dressed that way, sir. I would get used to
+      it if I were you, sir. You will so often come across it. Peters, just pass
+      your master the pâté de foie gras.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Peters goes to do so. Allen who has turned again towards his breakfast
+      is about to take up some gravy from his plate with his knife</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Checks him.</i>) I wouldn&rsquo;t lap up the gravy with my
+      knife, sir. I don&rsquo;t think. It&rsquo;s never done now in good society, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> It&mdash;it&rsquo;s the best part of it, you know, I alius thinks&mdash;the
+      gravy
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Yes, it&rsquo;s very tasty, sir. It&rsquo;s unfortunate it&rsquo;s so sloppy;
+      and you see, sir, eating it in that way does not show off the figure to
+      advantage. Peters, remove your master&rsquo;s plate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Peters does so, placing it a few feet beyond Allen&rsquo;s left hand. Allen
+      watches it with jealous eyes. Peters then holds the pâté de foie gras to
+      Allen. He slowly runs his eye up Peters with awe, and then looks at the
+      pâté de foie gras, then using one hand attempts to take it. Peters, not
+      moving a muscle, holds it tight. Allen seems surprised, and partly rising,
+      attempts to take it with both hands.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Coming to his rescue, cutting a piece, and putting it on
+      his plate.</i>) Allow me, sir. Peters, the brown bread and butter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PET.</b> (<i>Looking for it.</i>) It is not on the table, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> No brown bread and butter; dear me, how remiss!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Crosses l. and rings bell. Peters also crosses l.c. door, Allen looks
+      cautiously round and sees they are not watching him, and stealthily
+      reaches over and secures a knifeful of gravy. He is about having a second
+      and has the knife close to his mouth, when he becomes aware that Piff has
+      returned and is watching him. He tries to hide the knife out of sight.
+      Peters has returned with bread and butter.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Severely.</i>) Peters, remove your master&rsquo;s knife. Don&rsquo;t
+      you see that it is in his way?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Peters does so, and then holds the bread and butter to Allen, who
+      takes a thin slice, folds it up, and holds it in his left hand while
+      taking the pâté on a fork in his right. He puts first the pâté and then
+      the bread and butter into his mouth and swallows them.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> I must apologize for serving you your breakfast in here, sir.
+      Of course, you will not have it in the drawing-room as a rule.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, a&rsquo; coorse not. No; us alius used to have it in the
+      kitchen at home.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Yes, sir. Must have been very convenient. But I think I&rsquo;ll
+      get you to put up with the breakfast parlour in future, sir&mdash;when the
+      room&rsquo;s ready. Have you quite finished, sir?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Humbly suggesting.</i>) I think I&rsquo;d like a little more
+      o&rsquo; that pie. (<i>Looking longingly at pie the other side of table.</i>)
+      You see, I alius wur a hearty eater. (<i>Said as apology</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Yes, sir, I&rsquo;m delighted to hear it, sir; but I wouldn&rsquo;t eat
+      any more breakfast, sir. You will find it is considered correct among <i>bons
+      vivants</i> to eat a very sparse dejeuner. My late lamented master, the
+      Count de Fizziani, never partook of anything but a cup of weak tea and a
+      little dry toast, and he was one of the oldest families in Europe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Allen rises, Peters bows as he does so, and Allen returns the bow and
+      comes dozen R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, I shouldn&rsquo;t &rsquo;a&rsquo; thought as anyone could &lsquo;a&rsquo; lived
+      long on that. (<i>He bows</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> No necessity to bow, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> He did it. (<i>Indicating Peters</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> He&rsquo;s paid for it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I allus seem to want a good feed myself in the morning. (<i>Takes
+      out an old clay pipe and prepares to fill it. Goes down r. and sits in
+      chair. Peters is clearing away the breakfast things</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Are you thinking of smoking, sir?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes; I allus has a whiff or two arter breakfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> It&rsquo;s very soothing, sir. My late lamented master, the Count
+      de Fizziani, used to follow precisely the same course. But I wouldn&rsquo;t
+      smoke a pipe, sir. Pipes are going out in good society. (<i>Takes
+      cigarette case from pocket and offers it to Allen. Takes pipe from Allen
+      and puts it on corner of table R.c.</i>) I have some cigarettes here, sir,
+      which I think you will like, sir. These are much more <i>comme il faut</i>,
+      sir. This case is a present from my late lamented master, the Count.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Allen looks at them and gingerly takes one.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Which end?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Lighting match.</i>) Either end, sir. Allow me. (<i>Showing
+      matchbox.</i>) Another little souvenir from my late master. He was always
+      acknowledging, if I may say so, my value to him. That sort of thing is
+      always done in good society now. (<i>Lights cigarette.</i>) It is a full
+      flavored one, sir. (<i>Piffin takes Allen&rsquo;s pipe from table r.c., crossing
+      with it to window r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Watching him, anxiously.</i>) Don&rsquo;t hurt him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Turning round.</i>) I was just going to put it outside on
+      the window-sill, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, don&rsquo;t put him there. We used to sit up together of a
+      night watching the sheep. I don&rsquo;t like the thought of putting him outside
+      the window, now I&rsquo;m a gentleman. Drop him in the pocket of that old
+      shooting coat o&rsquo; mine that thee won&rsquo;t let me wear. They know each other. (<i>Sits
+      r.and smokes his cigarette. Piff. puts the pipe on table and returns r.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Noticing that Allen is looking at his cigarette.</i>) All
+      right, sir? (<i>r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes&mdash;yes, thank you, Mr. Puffin&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Piffin, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I wur looking to see if it wur alight, that&rsquo;s all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> You will soon get to like them, sir. And whenever you are
+      ready to dress, sir&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Surprised.</i>) Dress? Why, I be dressed, bain&rsquo;t I?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Oh, only for breakfast, you see, sir. I understood you were
+      going out walking, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why can&rsquo;t I walk in these?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Oh, no, sir&mdash;all London would laugh at you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Lord! I should never a&rsquo; thought as they&rsquo;d take so much
+      notice. (<i>Rising. Piff. crosses to l. near down stage door.</i>) Ah,
+      well, I&rsquo;ll dress. (<i>Crossing l.</i>) I don&rsquo;t want to upset London if I
+      can help it. I&rsquo;ll dress. (<i>Exit l. Bows to Piffin as Piffin does so to
+      him</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> No necessity to bow, sir. (<i>Aside.</i>) Ah, I&rsquo;ve got a big
+      job on here!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Piffin, following Allen l. Piffin immediately returns, having
+      forgotten the pipe, which he takes. He is recrossing l. as enter Dexter
+      and Clara, c., preceded by Peters, who takes tray from table R.c. and
+      exits up L.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And I&rsquo;ve got to live in the house with this.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Dexter goes c., Clara r. at back.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Coming down.</i>) Good-morning, Piffin, goodmorning.
+      Having a quiet whiff?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Thank you, sir. My stomach does not permit my indulging in
+      the luxury of a cutty pipe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Is Mr. Rollitt about?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> He has just this minute gone upstairs to dress, sir. I will
+      let him know you are here, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> No hurry&mdash;no hurry at all, Piffin. We are before our
+      time. You are not looking well, Piffin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Anxiety, sir. May be anxiety. You see Mr. Rollitt&rsquo;s
+      unacquaintance with the manners of the <i>beaux esprits</i> throws much
+      responsibility on myself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> But you must be careful, Piffin. What would he do without you?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Smiling.</i>) Well, I&rsquo;m afraid he would be a little up a
+      tree, sir, if I may be permitted a vulgarism. (<i>Moving to door l.</i>) I
+      will go and acquaint him with your arrival, sir. (<i>Takes plate from
+      table l., puts pipe on it.</i>) I&rsquo;ll send him to you directly, sir. (<i>Smells
+      pipe.</i>) Shag! (<i>Exit l.l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Thank you, Mr. Piffin, thank you. (<i>Turning round.</i>)
+      Always be affable with your inferiors&mdash;never know when you may want
+      &lsquo;em.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>By window, looking out.</i>) Do you come across many of
+      that sort? (<i>Comes down r. of table R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Ah, you beast&mdash;you vixen. I wonder you don&rsquo;t cut yourself
+      with that tongue of yours.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Turning round with a hard laugh. At fireplace R.</i>) It
+      must be pretty sharp if it goes through your skin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Ah, you damned&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Allen l. He has on slippers and a smoking coat</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Crossing.</i>) Don&rsquo;t &rsquo;ee look at us too closely.
+      I bean&rsquo;t properly dressed yet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>r.c. turns head away.</i>) I don&rsquo;t think we had better
+      look at you at all under those circumstances, Mr. Rollitt. (<i>Laughs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughs.</i>) Oh, I be covered up all right everywhere. I
+      merely meant as I wasn&rsquo;t up to fashion plate standard. (<i>Crossing c.</i>)
+      And how be Colonel Dexter? (<i>Shaking hands.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Jolly, my boy&mdash;and how&rsquo;s yourself?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>c.</i>) Oh, I be spry enough. (<i>Crossing before him
+      and shaking hands with Clara, and keeping her hand.</i>) I think us&rsquo;ll
+      have a pleasant day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>r. looking tenderly at him.</i>) I&rsquo;m sure we shall. (<i>Crosses
+      to sofa, stands at head of it.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Well, you young folks will, I know, and the old folks will be
+      happy looking on. (<i>Sitting, and taking Clara&rsquo;s hand in his and fondling
+      it. Allen crosses r.</i>) To see his little girl happy, that&rsquo;s always
+      happiness enough for old Jack Dexter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Leaning over and kissing the top of his hand.</i>) Silly
+      old dad.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Taking out his handkerchief and pretending to weep.</i>)
+      Ah, like her mother&mdash;like her mother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r. c., laughs nervously.</i>) Her&mdash;her mother must
+      ha&rsquo; been rare beautiful, mustn&rsquo;t her?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>c. rising and taking Allen by the hand.</i>) Thank you,&mdash;ah,
+      Mr. Rollitt, you have never known the blessing of a wife&mdash;(<i>Clara
+      looks at him</i>)&mdash;you do not understand the feelings of a widower. (<i>Weeping.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No&mdash;but&mdash;(<i>laughing</i>)&mdash;but&mdash;I hopes
+      to one day; no&mdash;no&mdash;I don&rsquo;t mean that&mdash;I&mdash;(<i>confused</i>)&mdash;Have
+      thee had breakfast? (<i>Clara sits on the soft L.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Yes, thank you, Allen, my boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Cheerfully.</i>) Have another.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> No thanks, not to-day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What&rsquo;s the matter? Off thee feed?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> No, my lad, but we old folks ain&rsquo;t like you young country ones&mdash;nothing
+      at present thank you&mdash;(<i>pauses</i>)&mdash;to eat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Have summat to drink. (<i>Clara crosses l. Both men laugh,
+      each in his own distinctive way. Dex. turns l. and catches Clara&rsquo;s face.</i>)
+      There be some rare old whiskey in the library. Thee&rsquo;ll find it on the
+      sideboard&mdash;(<i>Dex. goes up c.</i>)&mdash;and it be more comfortable
+      like in there than here. I&rsquo;ll just go and finish making myself beautiful.
+      (<i>Crosses to l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Don&rsquo;t be too long. (<i>Crossing and sitting L.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) No, it oughtn&rsquo;t to take me long to&mdash;(<i>Dex.
+      has his back to them, wine business at table r.c.</i>)&mdash;do that,
+      ought it? (<i>Goes to l. door down stage. Laughs, and then low to Clara as
+      he is going.</i>) I am not likely to stop upstairs long when I know thee&rsquo;s
+      downstairs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Go away, go away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Allen down stage l. Bus. She kisses her hand.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> And I suppose you will go and throw this chance away, like you
+      have every other.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Well, what if I do? (<i>Rises, crosses it.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> What if you do? What are we to live on? (<i>Goes to Clara l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Gulls, I suppose&mdash;as we always have done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Yes, and is it pleasant living? Is it pleasant to have to
+      slave and trick for every dinner? Is it pleasant to be kicked&mdash;sooner
+      or later&mdash;out of every society one goes into? (<i>Coming close and
+      speaking low.</i>) Was it pleasant to be buried for two years in that
+      God-forsaken hole by Exmoor, not daring to show our heads above ground for
+      a moment? You&rsquo;ve got a fine chance of being respectable now.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Too late, I&rsquo;m afraid, though.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>r. c.</i>) Too late?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Yes&mdash;you see, papa, dear, you haven&rsquo;t exactly brought
+      me up in that way, and I&rsquo;m afraid I&rsquo;m too old to learn now. I don&rsquo;t think
+      I should be quite at home as the wife of a piously brought up young man
+      from the country. (<i>Leans back&mdash;laughs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> And so you&rsquo;re going to let six thousand a year slip through
+      your fingers. It&rsquo;s wicked&mdash;it&rsquo;s wicked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Laughs&mdash;rises.</i>) Well, it hasn&rsquo;t slipped through
+      my fingers just at present, it is sticking to them pretty freely. (<i>Crosses
+      to R.&mdash;Dex is c.&mdash;toys with ring.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Goes to table r.c.</i>) And how long do you think he will
+      stand you playing with him?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Oh, a good long while yet. (<i>Goes up.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Puts hat on table r.c.</i>) That&rsquo;s just where you&rsquo;re
+      making a mistake then. He&rsquo;s not a fool. He&rsquo;ll want an answer, &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; or
+      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; soon, and what are you going to say then?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Looking out of window.</i>) No. (<i>Looking into
+      fireplace r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>After a pause&mdash;violently.</i>) Luke Cranbourne&rsquo;s at
+      the bottom of this. What devil&rsquo;s game is it that&rsquo;s going on between you
+      and him? (<i>Loudly.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> I do wish you wouldn&rsquo;t drink when you&rsquo;re coming out
+      anywhere, it always makes you so noisy. (<i>At glass.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Violently.</i>) Take care, Clara&mdash;you seem to forget
+      I&rsquo;m your father.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Coldly.</i>) The relationship was none of my seeking.
+      Whatever responsibility attaches to the unfortunate&mdash;(<i>moves near
+      Dex.</i>)&mdash;occurrence is not mine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>l. making movement as if to strike her.</i>) Clara.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Facing him with quiet contempt&mdash;a pause.</i>) Put
+      down your hands, father. That period of my life is over. (<i>Crosses. Dex.
+      steps back, then throws himself into chair, leans his head on his arms,
+      and bursts into tears r.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Crying.</i>) My own child hates me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Crossing and laying a hand on his shoulder gently.</i>)
+      I don&rsquo;t mean to be hard, father, but you can&rsquo;t expect much love and duty
+      from me. Curses and blows were all you ever gave me as a child, and ever
+      since I became a woman you have merely hawked me about as your decoy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i> Whimpering.</i>) I only want you to do what&rsquo;s for your
+      own good.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Turns away L.</i>) Yes, but you must allow me to be the
+      judge of that&mdash;and come&mdash;you haven&rsquo;t had much cause to grumble
+      up to now. You&rsquo;ve been able to be drunk every night for the last three
+      months.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Rises c.</i>) I ain&rsquo;t been drunk. (<i>Takes hat off table
+      r. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Not for you perhaps&mdash;(<i>goes l. a little</i>)&mdash;drunk
+      in the ordinary sense of the word&mdash;and I will get you something
+      to-day if I can.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Drying his eyes.</i>) God bless you, Clara, you&rsquo;re a good
+      girl. Do you think you&rsquo;ll be able to get a twenty?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> You must leave it to me. I&rsquo;ll get you as much as I can.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Off l.</i>) Thank you, Mr. Puffin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Off l.</i>) Piffin, Piffin, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Moving away towards door&mdash;upper l.</i>) Come into
+      the next room now. Here&rsquo;s Allen coming back.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>As he follows her out.</i>) Say you want to help a poor
+      woman who&rsquo;s very ill, and has been ordered nourishing food and&mdash;(<i>gags.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exeunt Clara and Dex. upper l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Allen and Piff. l. Allen is completely dressed in the height of
+      walking costume, and is evidently very uncomfortable. Enter Peters c. Pet.
+      puts photo case on table r. c. Exits down c. Allen has on hat and coat,
+      and Piff. is carrying his umbrella and gloves. Allen should be got up in a
+      slightly exaggerated masher style. He is smoking a cigarette.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I carn&rsquo;t breathe, Mr. Puffin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Oh, you will soon get used to that, sir. And would you please
+      to remember my name is Piffin, sir? (<i>Taking his hand.</i>) Why, surely
+      these are nines, sir, I think we could get them down to eight and a half,
+      and if I were you, sir, I would show a little more cuff, sir, it&rsquo;s always
+      done in good society, sir; besides, it makes the hand look smaller; a
+      little cuff, sir, goes a long way in good society.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Thank you, Mr. Piffin. (<i>Shakes his hand.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Thank you, sir, but I don&rsquo;t think you ought to shake hands
+      with me, sir. And when you do shake hands with your friends, sir&mdash;allow
+      me (<i>takes Allen&rsquo;s hand</i>) shake high, sir. (<i>Shakes his hand high.</i>)
+      You&rsquo;ll see it&rsquo;s always done in good society, sir. Lord Carmichael&rsquo;s man
+      told me he met you yesterday, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I&mdash;I don&rsquo;t know him, do I?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Oh, no, sir, but he knows you, sir, and he was rather
+      complaining of your walk, sir?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why, what&rsquo;s it got to do with him?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Well, sir, knowing as I&rsquo;m your coach, sir, he meant it as a
+      friendly hint. You have rather a countrified walk, if you will forgive me
+      for saying so&mdash;a more <i>négligé</i> style is adopted by the <i>savoir
+      vivre</i> now, sir, and a more <i>insouciant</i> manner of carrying the
+      umbrella. You walk too much in this way, sir. (<i>Taking up umbrella,
+      gags, and imitates.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Lord love us, do I walk like that?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Just like that, sir. You see yourself, sir, what a very <i>undestingué</i>
+      appearance it presents. The present fashionable style is more like this,
+      sir. (<i>Performing an exaggerated Piccadilly dawdle.</i>) See, sir&mdash;body
+      a little forward&mdash;knees stiff&mdash;and a slight wobble, sir&mdash;very
+      slight. (<i>Handing Allen the umbrella.</i>) Perhaps, sir, you would take
+      the umbrella and try it, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Allen attempts the business.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Criticising Allen&rsquo;s practice. Allen crosses to R.</i>) A
+      little more bend, sir&mdash;a little wobble, sir&mdash;umbrella held
+      lightly between the first and second fingers, sir, (<i>Allen goes l.</i>)
+      and if you could manage&mdash;allow me, sir&mdash;. (<i>takes umbrella,
+      shows him, and returns it</i>) to swing it right round now and then, sir,
+      it adds great <i>aplomb</i>.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Great what?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> French, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Swings umbrella round awkwardly.</i>) Like that?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Not quite like that, sir. A little more airily, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Swinging it.</i>) Does it ever put anybody&rsquo;s eye out
+      behind?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> I don&rsquo;t think that point is considered of much importance in
+      good society, sir&mdash;that is much better, sir. (<i>Goes r.Allen l.</i>)
+      If you would practice like that a little every day, sir, you would soon
+      pick it up, sir. A little more bend, sir, and&mdash;er&mdash;don&rsquo;t forget
+      the wobble.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit l. down stage.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Allen goes on practicing to himself, making as much fun as possible,
+      consistent with comedy, out of the bus. As he is in the middle of it,
+      enter Mrs. R.and Deb. door c., the door being opened for them by Peters.
+      They stand c. staring aghast at Allen, who continues, unconscious of their
+      presence.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Gags.</i>) Soon pick it up! Strikes me someone&rsquo;ll have
+      to pick me up. It puts me in mind of one of our old turkey cocks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Mrs. R. and Deb. come down stage a little.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Bus. in r. corner of stage. Peters withdraws, grinning.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a long pause, clapping her hands.</i>) I know what
+      it is, aunt. It&rsquo;s our Allen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Seeing them.</i>) Mother! (<i>Comes down r.c. Deb. l. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> My boy! (<i>They rush into each other&rsquo;s arms c. and Mrs. R.
+      gives him a huge hug&mdash;gets r.of Allen, Deb. l. Then he and Deb. have
+      an embrace, and then he and Mrs. R. for the second time.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>In the middle of Mrs. R. second hug.</i>) Hold hard!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Alarmed.</i>) What&rsquo;s the matter, lad?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Summat&rsquo;s gone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> What?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I don&rsquo;t know; summat behind. (<i>Drawing back r. and looking
+      down at himself.</i>) Mother, you&rsquo;ve spoilt me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, they used to tell me I allus did that, lad. (<i>Laughs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After gazing in silent admiration at Allen.</i>) Oh, aunt,
+      isn&rsquo;t it lovely? Look at its hat!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Critically examining his clothes.</i>) Ah&mdash;and
+      there&rsquo;s some good stuff there, too. (<i>Moving away.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Going near and sniffing.</i>) Oh, oh! Doesn&rsquo;t it smell
+      nice&mdash;and&mdash;oh, look at its collar! (<i>Allen pleased&mdash;begins
+      to plume himself&mdash;Deb. begins to laugh.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What&rsquo;s the matter with the collar&mdash;what are you
+      laughing at? (<i>Trying to look at his own collar. Debt&rsquo;s laugh only
+      grows, and Allen&rsquo;s indignation begins to rise.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What&rsquo;s the matter&mdash;what are you laughing at? (<i>Deb.
+      laughing more and more, goes to walk round him. Turning round, so as to
+      face her&mdash;his collar prevents him turning his head, and he has to
+      walk round.</i>) What are you up to?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> I want to see it all round.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Very indignantly.</i>) Well then, you can&rsquo;t do it. I
+      ain&rsquo;t a show. What are you laughing at? There&rsquo;s nothing to laugh at. (<i>Mrs.
+      R. laughs first time.</i>) It&rsquo;s your ignorance, because you don&rsquo;t
+      understand things. What are you laughing at?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Mrs. R., who has hitherto sat R. looking on, now also begins to laugh,
+      and she and Deb. go on laughing more and more, Allen growing more and more
+      indignant.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I am surprised at you, mother. Deb. allus was a&mdash;(<i>the
+      two women only laugh louder, and Allen in spite of himself begins to laugh
+      too; afterwards he joins in heartily and all three laugh, after which they
+      have another hug. Bus.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Exhausted.</i>) Well, lad, and how dost thee like being
+      a gentleman? (<i>Sits r., Deb. sits l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>c. doubtfully.</i>) Well, it&rsquo;s got its drawbacks,
+      mother. There&rsquo;s more work about it than you&rsquo;d think for, you know,&mdash;but
+      I think I shall be all right, I&rsquo;ve got a good man learning me. He wur
+      teaching me to walk this morning. That wus the Park stroll I wur
+      practicing when you come in; see, mother? (<i>Imitates stroll.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, well, us made a good man of &rsquo;ee down in Devon. I
+      hopes they don&rsquo;t spoil &rsquo;ee, lad, in turning thee into a gentleman.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, no, mother. It&rsquo;s only a polishing up the outside. I&rsquo;m
+      old Exmoor oak&mdash;(<i>puts his hat and umbrella on table r. c.</i>)&mdash;I
+      hope, right through, and they can&rsquo;t hurt that. When did &rsquo;ee come
+      up? (<i>Sits r. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Only yesterday, and us went to Mrs. Clouter&rsquo;s and slept,
+      and then us come on here this morning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> And how long can you stop?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, us must start off to-morrow, some time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> To-morrow! Oh, nonsense, mother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Nonsense! Why, bless the lad, thee wouldn&rsquo;t have me away on
+      Saturday. Why, who&rsquo;d pay the wages, and see to everything?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why, there&rsquo;s Rogers there, ain&rsquo;t there?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, why thee might just as well leave the key of the stable
+      in charge o&rsquo; the old bay mare, as trust him to look arter anything, except
+      his own inside.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) Mother! (<i>Rises, goes to Mrs. R.
+      r.</i>) What do ye want to go back at all for, and work and worry yourself
+      to death? Let me take a little house up here in London for thee and Deb,
+      and then we can all be together.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Aghast.</i>) And leave the farm?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Turning round.</i>) Oh, Allen!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why not? You&rsquo;ve worked hard enough, mother&mdash;give the
+      farm up and enjoy yourself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Enjoy myself! Away from Woodbarrow
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Farm! Why, lad, thy father wur born there and brought me home there&mdash;and
+      he died there, and thee wur born there&mdash;and there be the pigs and the
+      poultry! (<i>Begins to cry.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Tenderly patting her.</i>) All right, mother, all right.
+      Us&rsquo;ll keep it on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Wiping her eyes.</i>) And thee might want to come back
+      to it theeself some day, lad.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) Why, thee don&rsquo;t think I&rsquo;m going to run
+      through two hundred thousand, do ye, mother? We Devonshire lads win
+      fortunes, not lose &lsquo;em. (<i>Crossing c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, no, lad. But thee knows the saying &ldquo;Roses blossom for a
+      day, But stout old ivy&rsquo;s green al-way.&rdquo; Thee ain&rsquo;t likely to lose the
+      money, if thee can help it, lad, but us all be in God&rsquo;s hands, and I&rsquo;ll be
+      easier in my mind if the farm&rsquo;s there for thee to come home to. If
+      anything happens, thee knows the way across the Moor, and thee knows how
+      the latch goes, and me and the lass will be inside to welcome thee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Goes l. takes Deb.&lsquo;s hand.</i>) Ah, I know you will,
+      mother, both of you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Music&mdash;piano.</i>) Leastways I shall&mdash;and the
+      lass until her gets married, I suppose. (<i>Deb. goes up a little; gets r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Surprised.</i>) Until her gets married? (<i>Deb. goes to
+      Mrs. R. r.; tries to stop her speaking.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Sharply.</i>) Ah, the lads ain&rsquo;t all fools.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Evidently troubled.</i>) I never seemed to think o&rsquo;
+      Deb&rsquo;s getting married, somehow.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, other folks have.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I can&rsquo;t fancy the old farm wi&rsquo;out Deb. Lord, how lonesome it
+      would be.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Who has been trying to stop Mrs. R., has come down and
+      stands by her aunt, l.</i>) Oh, it&rsquo;s only aunt&rsquo;s fun. (<i>Goes to Allen,
+      l. c.</i>) I&rsquo;m not going to get married. Sure the pigs and cows are worrit
+      enough wi&rsquo; their foolish ways. I don&rsquo;t want any husband.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, thee will some day, o&rsquo; course, and when thee does we
+      must make thee comfortable, lass. (<i>Taking her hand.</i>) Thee shalt ha&rsquo;
+      the best farm in all the country, and the best dairy, and the best stock.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Little c.</i>) Thank thee, Allen dear. (<i>Turns up stage.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Rising; music dies away.</i>) Well, lass, I suppose us
+      had better have a clean down and summat to eat, and then see about our bit
+      o&rsquo; shopping.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Lord help us! (<i>Starting.</i>) If I ain&rsquo;t forgot all about
+      &lsquo;em.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> All about whom?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why, Clara&mdash;Miss Dexter and her father&mdash;they be in
+      the library waiting for me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, don&rsquo;t let us keep you from them. (<i>A little spitefully.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, I shan&rsquo;t go out this morning, now. (<i>Gets hat and
+      umbrella from table r.c.</i>) I shall get them to stop here instead, and
+      us can have a nice quiet day all together. (<i>Going towards door, lower
+      l.</i>) Come on, mother. (<i>Crosses to c.</i>) I&rsquo;ve got a room fitted up
+      a&rsquo;purpose for thee and Deb, with a roost just outside the window with a
+      cock and three hens in it, and he crows all night.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exeunt Allen, Deb., and Mrs. R. down stage.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Baron von Schorr (1) and the Hon. Tom. Gus-sett (2), ushered in
+      by Peters c. (3). Enter Luke c., and Dexter u. l. (4), afterwards Clara
+      (5.) Baron goes down l., Gussett r., Luke r. c., Dexter l. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Rollitt&rsquo;s going out. You can&rsquo;t see him. It&rsquo;s no
+      good your coming here to try and fleece him this morning. I tell you he&rsquo;s
+      going out.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Coming down r.c.</i>) Ah, we&rsquo;ll wait and say good-bye to
+      him, Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>l. c.</i>) Ah, greedy Jack,&mdash;greedy Jack&mdash;you
+      want de bird all to yourself. Nein&mdash;nein, zhare and zhare alike. Herr
+      Cranbourne have a ving, Tom Gussett, he have de oder ving. You and your
+      fair daughter have de legs, and I vill have de breast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> No, you shall have the bones after we&rsquo;ve done with them.
+      Make &rsquo;em into a stew&mdash;keep a German baron for a week. (<i>Others
+      laugh.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> Ah, Trickey, you here. (<i>Motioning towards Clara and her
+      father.</i>) Ah, de early birds&mdash;de early birds.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Yes, we have to be. (<i>Rises, and goes r.imitating him.</i>)
+      De worms get up so early nowadays. (<i>Enter Allen lower l. Baron goes to
+      meet him. Guss. puts him away and he turns up c. Speaks to Dex.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Hullo! Unexpected pleasure!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Luke comes forward and greets Allen c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>r.</i>) Haven&rsquo;t seen you for an age, dear boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No. (<i>Goes to Luke r.</i>) I&rsquo;ve been keeping pretty
+      respectable of late&mdash;I&mdash;I mean, you know, I haven&rsquo;t been going
+      out much.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Tom and I are going over to Paris for the
+      Vincennes meeting, and we&rsquo;ve come to see if you will join.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>l. of Allen r.</i>) Yes, do come; then we can show you
+      about Paris a bit, you know.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Ah, yes, and we shall be able to get you into one or two
+      things in the betting line if you are with us. We can introduce you to
+      some friends of ours.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, it be very kind of thee, I&rsquo;m sure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>They go on talking r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>Aside to the Dexters, back of Clara.</i>) I say, Jack,
+      my boy, how long have you been Colonel? I did not know you vas a
+      militaire.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Papa joined the Salvation Army about the same time that you
+      were raised to the German Peerage. Don&rsquo;t talk so loud, my dear Baron.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> Gut, gut.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Luke sits down stage r. with back to audience, looking at betting
+      book.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>To Allen r.</i>) Of course we shall take care of your
+      interests as if it was for ourselves.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>Comes and puts arm in Allen&rsquo;s.</i>) Of course they vill
+      take care ob your interests for themselves. Come here. (<i>Goes l.</i>)
+      You know I have been tinking about you so much ob late. Ja!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, very kind of thee, I&rsquo;m sure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Ja, I say to myself, my fren Rollitt&mdash;I
+      always call you my fren&mdash;my fren Rollitt, I say, he is a gut fellow&mdash;he
+      has money&mdash;all he vants is family. (<i>Guss. goes to Dex. l. c.</i>)
+      He must marry family. (<i>Dex. goes c. and tries to hear conversation&mdash;Baron
+      notices it and crosses to r.with Allen.</i>) Now, Miss Dexter, she is a
+      nice girl&mdash;ach, such a nice girl&mdash;but she has no family.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No&mdash;not yet. (<i>Luke gets near fireplace R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>r. Seeing it after a while.</i>) Ah, nein, nein&mdash;I
+      do not mean vat you mean&mdash;I mean family de oder vay&mdash;backvards&mdash;dead
+      uns.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> Ja. Now, dere is my niece, look at her family! Look at her
+      ancestors&mdash;all barons&mdash;German barons! And she is such a nice
+      girl&mdash;so beaudiful&mdash;so plump&mdash;ach, I will indroduce her to
+      you. She vill mash you&mdash;so much. She&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Mrs. R., Deb. behind her, lower l. door. Seeing the room full
+      she stands by door hesitatingly.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>Coming down and interrupting, with a sneering laugh.</i>)
+      Your nurse, Rollitt, I think. (<i>Comes c. Luke goes to fireplace R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Turns and sees them, and then goes towards them.</i>)
+      Yes, Mr. Gussett&mdash;the best nurse a man can have&mdash;my mother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Guss. confused, but soon recovers himself and laughs it off. Col. D.,
+      Luke, and Clara come forward to greet Mrs. R. and Deb. l. c., and the
+      customary ceremony, etc., is gone through&mdash;all speaking together.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Smiling pleasantly, shakes hands with Mrs. R.</i>)
+      Good-morning, Mrs. Rollitt. You are looking so well and jolly. How are
+      you, my dear? (<i>To Deb. Between these two the greeting is really
+      strained and awkward, although outwardly pleasant enough. Clara kisses
+      Deb., but Deb. seems to shrink&mdash;she turns away. Clara notices this,
+      and follows Deb. as she turns away up c., with a meaning look. While it
+      has been going on the greeting between Mrs. R. and Luke has taken place&mdash;Mrs.
+      R. down l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Finishing his introduction of Mrs. R. and Baron.</i>)
+      The Baron von Schnorr&mdash;Mrs. Rollitt, my mother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> Your mudder&mdash;Oh, impossible. (<i>Goes l. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Huffy.</i>) I beg your pardon, Mr. Snort.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> Ach, ja, you are laughing at me&mdash;not your mudder.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Clara walks round at back, drops down r. near Luke.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Very indignant.</i>) Yes&mdash;his mother. Don&rsquo;t you
+      cast any of your nasty foreign insinuations upon me. I&rsquo;m his lawful
+      married mother, and his father was his father, and a better man never
+      lived, as anyone in Exmoor&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Soothing her.</i>) It&rsquo;s all right, mother, the Baron
+      only means it complimentary. Thee&rsquo;st supposed to look too young to be
+      anybody&rsquo;s mother. He has to take (<i>Clara sits r.</i>) thee for my
+      sister. (<i>Laughing&mdash;goes up l. c. with Dex.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> Ja&mdash;I take you for his sister. Ach, you English ladies,
+      you never seem to get more old&mdash;you only get more round, more&mdash;more
+      jolly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Still indignant.</i>) Ah&mdash;foolishness. (<i>Ruffling
+      her dress and sitting very stiff l. on sofa.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>Sitting on sofa beside her.</i>) It must be de climate
+      keep you so moist. (<i>Drawing closer.</i>) I knew a man, he lives in your
+      Manchester, and&mdash;(<i>goes on talking to Mrs. R. but is not heard.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Allen goes up and joins Col. Dex. up l. c. and Clara. After a little
+      while Col. Dex. appropriates him, leaving Clara a little to r.of them
+      unnoticed. Guss. continues talking to Deb. Deb. evidently bored and
+      anxious to get away. Guss. trying to be very agreeable. At this point when
+      all the others are occupied, Luke r. beckons Clara to him and she crosses.
+      Their conversation is in eager undertone and they watch to see that no one
+      is noticing them.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Have you got him to join yet?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> No&mdash;he kicks against it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> If his name isn&rsquo;t down in the list of directors before Monday
+      I shall be arrested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Can&rsquo;t you get away?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> No, I&rsquo;m watched night and day. If he joins, the company will
+      float and it will be all right.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> I shall be seeing him alone this morning. I will try again.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> And keep to plain gold and diamonds for presents. Those
+      fallal things (<i>touching her bracelet</i>) are no good. Don&rsquo;t fetch ten
+      per cent, of their value.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Part of the conversation between herself and Guss.
+      Abstractedly, her attention being fixed on Luke and Clara.</i>) Ha, ha!
+      that was very funny.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Guss. r. with Deb. looks at her in amazement.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Down r.</i>) There&rsquo;s that milkmaid watching us&mdash;don&rsquo;t
+      look around, answer as though I had been proposing to you&mdash;that will
+      account for our talking together. (<i>In a louder but still undertone.</i>)
+      Is there no hope for me?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Down r.&mdash;smiling.</i>) None, Luke&mdash;please
+      don&rsquo;t refer to the subject again. I like you&mdash;respect you&mdash;will
+      be a sister to you&mdash;but love&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Grinning.</i>) Yes, it&rsquo;s that Rollitt that you love. (<i>Deb.,
+      followed by Guss., has moved away to window.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Mr. Cranbourne, you have no right&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Who has been watching Deb.</i>) Chuck it up, it&rsquo;s all
+      right, she&rsquo;s gone to the window.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> I don&rsquo;t suppose we&rsquo;ve deceived her very much, she&rsquo;s a sharp
+      little minx. Get these men away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Clara takes up book, and standing, toys with it up r. front of r.c.
+      table.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>Finishing.</i>) She never leave her bed for eighteen
+      years&mdash;she take dree dozes&mdash;den she get up and go for a dree
+      mile walk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) Lor! It must have been quite a change for
+      her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) Ja. It vas a miragle. (<i>Turning and
+      seeing Luke beside him.</i>) Ha, my dear boy, ready?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Crosses to Baron.</i>) Ready and off.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Coming down c. followed by Dex.</i>) Oh, are you three
+      going?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Baron goes c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Yes, I know you&rsquo;ll be glad to be rid of us. (<i>Laughing.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Well, I have (<i>looking at watch</i>) one or two little
+      things to do this morning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Baron goes up c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Well, look here, Allen, I&rsquo;m just going to have a quiet weed in
+      the smoking room till you&rsquo;re ready. See?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, it be a billiard room now, thee know.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Oh. have you had a table put up?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Who has just crossed over and joined the group l. to
+      Mrs. R. who is just about quitting the room by door l. lower.</i>) Do you
+      allow your little boy to play billiards, Mrs. Rollitt? I don&rsquo;t think I
+      should if I had charge of him. (<i>Playfully.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Oh, the more he&rsquo;s up to every sort o&rsquo; game that&rsquo;s played
+      the better for him, to my thinking.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Mrs. R. l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) Oh, it keeps me at home out of mischief,
+      like. (<i>Moves to upper door L.</i>) Come and have a look at it. (<i>Goes
+      up c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>As they go.</i>) Ach, billiards iz a beaudiful game. (<i>Aside
+      to Luke.</i>) But you cannot vin much at id, id take so dam long.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exeunt all but Guss. and Deb. [l.]&mdash;all talking as they go. Guss.
+      and Deb. near fireplace.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>r.</i>) Well, I&rsquo;m afraid, Mr. Gussett, I must really go
+      now. (<i>Goes down stage. Guss. goes l. c. and stops her.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>Getting between her and the door l. to which she is
+      backing.</i>) Oh, no, don&rsquo;t go. Do you know, I shall really think you are
+      trying to avoid me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Retreating behind table&mdash;Guss. takes a step.</i>) Oh,
+      not at all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>c. gets l. of r. c. table.</i>) Ah, so pleasant to hear
+      you say so. You know, Miss Deacon, I so want you to like me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, well&mdash;I do very much, only I can&rsquo;t stop to do it
+      now, because you see aunt wants me. (<i>Moves c. up stage. Guss. stops
+      her. Bus. of Deb. trying to get away and of Guss. cutting her off and
+      trying to get near her; is kept up throughout the scene.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> Ah, but your aunt sees so much of you and I can see so
+      little.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Laughing, walks l. c. up stage. Guss. at head of sofa.</i>)
+      I&rsquo;m afraid there&rsquo;s not very much more of me to see. I must go really,
+      because we have got to do some shopping this morning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> Ah, let me come with you?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, no, I won&rsquo;t tax your kindness. I know you men hate
+      shopping, and we are going into drapers&rsquo; and dressmakers&rsquo; and all sorts of
+      dreadful places, (<i>c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> Ah, they will not be dreadful if you are there, Miss Deacon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> And aunt always takes such a long time shopping. (<i>Goes up
+      c.</i>) Never can make up her mind, and I&rsquo;m worse still, and&mdash;(<i>makes
+      movement, Guss. moves behind settle and stops her down l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> Ah, the longer you take, the better I shall like it. I shall
+      enjoy coming, I assure you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Getting more and more cross, comes r.c.</i>) Well you know
+      I really don&rsquo;t think you will; and really, Mr. Gussett&mdash;(<i>turns r.a
+      little.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>Interrupting.</i>) Ah, I know better. No, I quite insist
+      upon coming.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>With calm, suppressed temper.</i>) Ah, all right, Mr.
+      Gussett, you shall. (<i>Crossing l. meets Mrs. R. just entering l.</i>)
+      Aunt, I want you. (<i>Turning her round again.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Why, whatever&rsquo;s the&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> I&rsquo;ll tell you, come along.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exeunt Mrs. R. and Deb. l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>r. turns and arranges his moustache in glass over chimney</i>).
+      Might do worse, Gussy, my boy. (<i>Turns round again.</i>) She&rsquo;s not a bad
+      little thing, lick her into shape a bit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Luke, upper l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Crossing to table and taking up his hat.</i>) Coming?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> No, dear boy. (<i>Laughing.</i>) Got a little job on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Oh, on the war-path?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> Yes&mdash;well, I may as well keep it in hand&mdash;Chawbacon
+      will make her good for a thousand or two, I expect&mdash;if nothing better
+      turns up.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Ah&mdash;wish you luck&mdash;she&rsquo;ll be a good match for you,
+      I think, Gussy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Luke c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Mrs. R. and Deb. lower door l. Both are wearing old-fashioned
+      big country shawls, and big bonnets. Deb. evidently has on one of her
+      aunt&rsquo;s. Their dress altogether is as extravagant as comedy will permit,
+      and has evidently been hastily put on. Deb. also carries a big country
+      hand-basket covered with a cloth, the neck of a bottle sticking
+      prominently out, and a huge gamp. Deb. smothering her laughter</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Crossing r.c.</i>) We are quite ready, Mr. Gussett
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Yes, we are quite ready.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>Who has regarded them with a horrified stare.</i>) Ah,
+      yes, if you will wait a minute I think I will call a cab.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, we&rsquo;d rather walk, thank you&mdash;you would rather walk,
+      wouldn&rsquo;t you, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Oh, I&rsquo;ve made up my mind for a walk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, we would both rather walk. Will you give your arm to
+      aunty, Mr. Gussett? (<i>Guss. crosses to c.</i>) And be very careful of
+      her at the crossings, because she&rsquo;s rather nervous, and so am I.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>r.c. handing the basket to Guss.</i>) You won&rsquo;t mind
+      carrying the basket, will you, Mr. Gussett, because it&rsquo;s so heavy? (<i>He
+      takes it bewildered and helpless.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>As Guss., Deb. and Mrs. R. reach door c., enter Allen and Clara l.
+      upper e.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Hulloa! Where be thee off to?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Down Regent street, and up&mdash;Piccadilly, I think you call
+      it. Good-bye.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exeunt Mrs. R., Deb. and Guss. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Comes l. laughing.</i>) I should like to be there to see
+      the Hon. Tom Gussett at the crossings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Half amused, half cross.</i>) Ah, her be a madcap, her
+      be, that girl. What makes thee so anxious that I should join the company?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Sitting l. on sofa, Allen stands by her, behind sofa,
+      leaning over.</i>) Why, don&rsquo;t you see, poor papa could be secretary if you
+      joined. They would let you nominate him, and we should be so glad to be
+      earning something&mdash;(<i>very low</i>)&mdash;and we are so poor. (<i>Laying
+      her hand on him.</i>) Do join, Allen, for my sake.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Yielding&mdash;back of sofa.</i>) Ah, thee don&rsquo;t know
+      how hard thee makes it for me to say no.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Then don&rsquo;t say it&mdash;it would make me so happy. (<i>Looking
+      up at him.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> It would?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Laying her hand as if unwittingly on his.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And I should think you&mdash;(<i>drooping her head.</i>) Ah! I&rsquo;d better
+      not say what I should think you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, well, lass, if you wish it, I will then.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> You will really?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes&mdash;if it will make thee happy I will. And now let&rsquo;s
+      talk about yourself. (<i>Sits l. next to Clara.</i>) Thee is the company I
+      most wants to join. How have thee been getting on?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Looking down.</i>) Oh, dear!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What does &ldquo;Oh dear&rdquo; mean?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> &ldquo;Oh, dear&rdquo; means very bad. Debts. (<i>With assumed
+      bewilderment.</i>) Awful!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Smiling.</i>) What sort of debts?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Oh, all sorts&mdash;tradespeople, you know, and all that,
+      and then I thought I could win a little by betting&mdash;(<i>Allen rises</i>)&mdash;and
+      put it all right&mdash;and I&rsquo;ve been and lost. Oh dear!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Vexed, goes c.</i>) I should ha&rsquo; thought there wur
+      enough fools among us men trying to win money that way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> I am naughty, I know&mdash;but papa leaves everything to me,
+      and I get so frightened when I see the debts mounting up and nothing to
+      meet them, and I&rsquo;ve no one to advise me. (<i>Crosses l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>After a pause, rises, goes to Clara&mdash;kindly.</i>) I
+      didn&rsquo;t mean to speak unkind, lass. I&rsquo;m full of old-fashioned notions about
+      women, I suppose. I like &rsquo;em to be women&mdash;not mere men in
+      petticoats. How much does thee owe?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Oh, heaps! (<i>Handing him pocket-book.</i>) Look. (<i>Allen
+      crosses to R. and sits at table.</i>) And I haven&rsquo;t any money. (<i>Rising
+      and looking over his shoulder R., as he examines the book.</i>) Do you
+      think they&rsquo;ll put me in prison?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Turns&mdash;laughing.</i>) Thee ought to be taken in
+      charge by somebody, that&rsquo;s certain. (<i>Allen rises, puts some notes from
+      his pocket-book into hers, and hands it back to her.</i>) I owe your
+      father a little over one or two bets. I can take it off that and give him
+      the rest, like. (<i>Crosses to l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Takes book and lays it on the table&mdash;the notes drop
+      out on to the table.</i>) You are good, Allen, really. (<i>Puts book on
+      table R.&mdash;half to herself.</i>) I wish sometimes that you weren&rsquo;t&mdash;that
+      you were more like other men I have met. (<i>Turning away r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why, would thee like me better?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> No, but I should like myself better.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What do thee mean, lass?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Nothing. I&rsquo;m not used to your sort of men. (<i>Goes to
+      fireplace, then up R., throwing off her seriousness and turning towards
+      him.</i>) You are like the knight, Allen, out of some old legend that
+      comes and slays the dragon and sets the frightened princess free from all
+      her trouble. (<i>Laughing.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Goes to table r. Clara r.c. at top of table.</i>) When
+      art thee going to gie me the right to be thy knight always?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b>.(<i>Sits at table playfully.</i>) Ah, the gallant knights
+      are apt to turn into grim jailers&mdash;(<i>comes l. of r. table</i>)&mdash;when
+      they get the princess into their own castles.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Can&rsquo;t thee believe me, Clara? Trust me, lass&mdash;I&rsquo;m only
+      a rough country chap to be asking a beautiful lady like thee to be my
+      wife. But if I can&rsquo;t gie thee anything very showy on the outside, it will
+      make me the more eager alius to keep a loving heart for thee within.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Oh, no. (<i>Sits in chair l. of table.</i>) A lover on his
+      knees is so much nicer than a lover on your arm. You are so nice, Allen,
+      as you are, you can&rsquo;t think. I really couldn&rsquo;t bring myself to risk a
+      change.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>c.</i>) It would be a change for thee, Clara&mdash;(<i>leans
+      on table at back of Clara, puts hand on Clara&rsquo;s chair</i>)&mdash;from a
+      rough and troubled road to one where every stone wur smoothed away from
+      your path&mdash;-where every thorn wur held back as you passed&mdash;where,
+      instead of care for the day and dread for the morrow, thee would feel that
+      a strong arm wur round thee&mdash;that a loving hand wur working out thy
+      life for thee. Cannot thee risk the change, Clara?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Rises, Allen takes her right hand, turns away R.</i>)
+      Ah, I suppose there are such lives for some women. It must be very good
+      when you are tired. (<i>Facing round to L.c.</i>) And you, Allen&mdash;women
+      do not always seem so charming after marriage as they did before. It might
+      be a risk for you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> To have the sweetest, noblest woman in the world to be my
+      wife? I&rsquo;ll risk that. (<i>Laughs, comes c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Turning away again to R., Allen l.c.</i>) Ah, you boys,
+      you think all women are angels.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> So they are&mdash;a good woman is an angel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>At Are, facing round and looking at him.</i>) How do you
+      know I am good? (<i>Very low and serious. Allen drops down c. A pause. He
+      looks in surprise and inquiry at her, not knowing what to answer.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Hadn&rsquo;t you better make sure, Allen? (<i>Laughing.</i>) What
+      do you know of my past&mdash;of even my present&mdash;of whence I came&mdash;what
+      I am? (<i>Laughs.</i>) Suppose, Allen, suppose I were only an adventuress.
+      (<i>Takes a step.</i>) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in
+      her veins&mdash;whose nursery was the gambling house&mdash;whose school
+      was the Café and the Boulevards&mdash;a woman who earned her daily bread
+      by shamelessness and cunning&mdash;a woman whose past would ever follow
+      like a shadow the footsteps of her life&mdash;whose future must ever be a
+      darker shadow still. Ah, Allen, take care. Cupid ties a bandage over men&rsquo;s
+      eyes. Hymen, when it is too late, plucks it off. Hadn&rsquo;t you better lift a
+      corner off the handkerchief, Allen, while we are yet upon the step
+      without, lest beside your hearth, when the door has shut us in, you cast
+      it loose, to find I am a stain upon your name&mdash;a shadow in your home&mdash;a
+      blight upon your life? (<i>Laughing.</i>) Allen, take care&mdash;take
+      care. (<i>Crosses to l. Allen moves up a trifle.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Recovering from the bewilderment with which he has heard
+      her.</i>) Ah, it&rsquo;s well for thee that it is thee, and not anyone else that
+      talks like this about &rsquo;ee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Ah, but Allen, try and find out a little more about me; it&rsquo;s
+      just a whim of mine&mdash;I want to feel sure that you know me&mdash;just
+      to please me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> If I couldn&rsquo;t trust thee&mdash;(<i>takes her hand</i>)&mdash;lass,
+      I shouldn&rsquo;t love thee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Crosses to R.c. Allen follows.</i>) Ah, you are a dear
+      good fellow, Allen, and I won&rsquo;t tease you any more. And you will join the
+      company, won&rsquo;t you? And then you shall get me that dear little diamond
+      bracelet that we looked at&mdash;do you remember it?&mdash;and you shall
+      put it on yourself. (<i>Allen by her side r. All this is said with every
+      trick of fascination at her command, and now she playfully holds up her
+      arm, from which the loose sleeve falls back, close to his face.</i>) On
+      that. (<i>He drops on his knees and kisses her arm</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Deb. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Snatches her arm away.</i>) Deborah! (<i>Allen rises.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Turning and seeing her, goes to fireplace R.</i>) Hullo,
+      thee&rsquo;s back soon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, aunt met Mrs. Clouter just outside, so I pleaded a
+      headache and left them. (<i>Throwing off bonnet and shawl on chair and
+      coming down.</i>) Don&rsquo;t you think Col. Dexter would like a game of
+      billiards, Allen?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, he&rsquo;s all right&mdash;he&rsquo;s smoking. (<i>Crosses l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, I&rsquo;m sure he&rsquo;d like a game (<i>Clara motions Allen away</i>),
+      and I want to have a chat with Miss Dexter. We shan&rsquo;t see each other after
+      this morning for goodness knows how long.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Moving away l.</i>) Ah, I understand now. (<i>Goes up
+      stage l.</i>) I&rsquo;ll go, and you can tell each other about your new frocks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Allen l., Clara goes c., Deb. l.c. and Clara look at each other.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) I came back to see you, Miss Dexter,
+      before you left.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Coldly.</i>) It was very good of you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> I want to know whether you are playing the fool with Allen, or
+      whether you mean to marry him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> I have heard of that sort of question being put to a
+      gentleman under certain circumstances. (<i>Crosses to L.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> It is put to the person who is supposed to be acting
+      dishonorably&mdash;I put it to you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> I am afraid I have been mixing things up. I was under the
+      impression that it was the stout lady, your aunt, that was Mr. Rollitt&rsquo;s
+      mother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> You are very smart, Miss Dexter, and I am not, but this is no
+      game&mdash;it is earnest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Then I would suggest to you that your cousin is quite
+      capable of taking care of himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, against a man; but not against the woman he loves and
+      trusts. It is his love that enables you to deceive him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Crossing to R.&mdash;sits on chair near table r.</i>)
+      You seem to have made up your mind, my dear child, that I am deceiving
+      him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>l.c.</i>) I know that he has asked you to become his wife,
+      and I know that although you have let him think it is all right, you have
+      never given him a real answer. I know that you accept his attentions, his
+      invitations, his presents. (<i>Noticing the book and notes on the table,
+      points to them.</i>) And all the while you are having whispered interviews
+      and secret meetings with another man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Coolly counting notes.</i>) If you are thinking of the
+      conversation you were trying to listen to just now&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> That is only the latest of many such I have noticed. They
+      began three months ago, down in Devonshire. I come to London and find the
+      same thing going on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Sneering.</i>)&rsquo; You really ought to have been a
+      detective, the force might have been some use then.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> I&rsquo;m not blind. (<i>Goes c.</i>) Allen is. But that is not all.
+      These things might be explained by themselves&mdash;suspicious though they
+      are&mdash;but just now, going downstairs, I picked up a purse. (<i>Pausing
+      and looking at Clara, who, however, makes no sign.</i>) It is your purse.
+      (<i>Throws it into Clara&rsquo;s lap.</i>) I opened it to see whom it belonged
+      to&mdash;and inside it is a wedding ring. Is your name Dexter or
+      Cranbourne?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) I really must decline to answer any
+      questions of yours. You are so exceedingly rude. (<i>Crosses up behind
+      table R.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> You need not answer me. Answer Allen. Tell him that you will
+      be his wife&mdash;or that you cannot. (<i>Clara takes no notice.</i>) Do
+      you refuse? (<i>Crossing l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> I refuse to be dictated to.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Then I shall communicate my suspicions to Allen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Turning fiercely.</i>) Do so. Tell him&mdash;(<i>walks
+      round table to back of Deb. c.</i>)&mdash;that you believe that I am the
+      wife of another man, and am playing a shameful part with him merely to
+      sponge on him. That I am fondling him with the one hand only the better to
+      pick his pocket with the other. Tell him that you believe he is surrounded
+      by a gang of adventurers and thieves, of which I am the willing decoy.
+      Tell him your suspicions, and I will tell him that they are the poisonous
+      concoctions of a jealous woman&mdash;of a woman who loves him herself&mdash;(<i>laughs</i>)&mdash;and
+      seeks to win him from her more favored rival, by lies and trickery. (<i>Goes
+      dozen r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Quietly.</i>) You shall answer him for all that, or he
+      shall know the reason why you dare not. (<i>Crosses L., and calls.</i>)
+      Allen! Allen!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Allen l. up stage</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>l. c.</i>) Allen, is Miss Dexter engaged to be married to
+      you or not?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Well. (<i>Laughs.</i>) Blest if I could tell &lsquo;ee
+      that, Deb. That be the very thing I ha&rsquo; been trying to find out myself.
+      Bain&rsquo;t it, Clara? Only her be such a tease. (<i>All said laughingly.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Sharply.</i>) You mean you have never been able to get a
+      plain answer, yes or no?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Gently, lass. Thee be mistaking this for some business of
+      thine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Allen, we&rsquo;ve been like brother and sister all our lives, and
+      your happiness is my happiness. I have my reasons&mdash;very strong
+      reasons&mdash;for asking you to ask Miss Dexter now, before me, whether
+      she will be your wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I can&rsquo;t say I thank thee, Deb, for interfering in a matter
+      that don&rsquo;t concern thee. (<i>To Clara, crossing to her.</i>) I hope,
+      Clara, you don&rsquo;t think as I have any hand in this, but as things stand
+      now, it will perhaps be best (<i>advancing</i>) if I do ask thee. Will
+      thee be my wife?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Crosses down. Very quietly and deliberately.</i>) Yes! (<i>Stepping
+      forward and, putting her hand in Allen&rsquo;s, c. A pause. She then, glancing
+      first at Deb., draws Allen slowly to her, and they kiss. They cross r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I think now, Deb, that Miss Dexter has a right to know thy
+      &ldquo;reasons.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> They were mistaken ones, Allen. Please forgive me, both of
+      you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Deb. l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Bewildered&mdash;looks after Deb.</i>) What does it all
+      mean?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> I will tell you some time. Never mind now.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, well, us oughtn&rsquo;t to be angry with her, anyhow, for what
+      her&rsquo;s done. (<i>Takes Clara&rsquo;s hand in his.</i>) Ought us? (<i>Draws her to
+      him and kisses her forehead</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Disengaging herself gently.</i>) I am going to tell
+      papa. I am so happy. (<i>Crosses l., looking back to him laughingly.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Clara l. up stage</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>c. after a pause.</i>) Everything I want in the whole
+      wide world, and three months ago&mdash;(<i>Breaks off and pauses his hand
+      over his eyes.</i>) I wonder if I shall wake up in a minute in the old
+      farm and find that the £200,000 and Clara have only been dreams. (<i>Rousing
+      himself.</i>) Ah, no, it be real enough. (<i>Looks round.</i>) Ah, they
+      call Fortune a fickle jade, but her&rsquo;s been a firm friend to me. I&rsquo;ll drink
+      thee a bumper, Fortune lass. (<i>Turns to table r., On which are wine and
+      glasses, and pours out a glassful.</i>) I don&rsquo;t know how much a bumper is,
+      but I expects it&rsquo;s about a glassful, and thee shall ha&rsquo; it. (<i>Takes
+      glass in his right hand, and raises it.</i>) Here&rsquo;s thy jolly good health,
+      my lass. To Lady Fortune!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Peters c. upper door, with card on salver.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Lowers glass untouched.</i>) What&rsquo;s the matter?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PETERS.</b> (<i>Coming forward and presenting salver.</i>) A gentleman
+      to see you, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Takes card, but does not look at it.</i>) He&rsquo;ll have to
+      be quick about it then. Send un up. (<i>Footman seems to hesitate.
+      Sharply.</i>) Send un up. Send un up.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Peters c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Another of my swell friends, I suppose; they seem to be swarming this&mdash;(<i>r.
+      c. glances at card, his hand holding the glass sinks lower and lower, he
+      gazes round bewilderingly.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Richard Hanningford c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Reads card in amazed tone.</i>) Richard Hanningford, I saw him lying
+      dead before my own eyes three months ago! Hann. (<i>At door, raising hat.</i>)
+      I beg your pardon! (<i>The glass in Allen&rsquo;s hand overturns</i>).
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      MEDIUM CURTAIN.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ACT III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Scene I. The library at Allen&rsquo;s Chambers. Fire l. Doors r.and c. Table
+      L.c. Big easy chair l. by fire. Peters discovered l. c. arranging and
+      cutting papers on table and whistling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Piffin r. Music to open.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Have you seen my cub about?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PETERS.</b> (<i>Without looking up.</i>) No, Foxey, I ain&rsquo;t. Didn&rsquo;t
+      know as you had had one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>c.</i>) You know who I mean&mdash;your master. Peters. (<i>Going
+      to door c.</i>) Not far off from where yours is I suppose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Peters c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Um! The master has been getting impertinent to me of late, so
+      the servants seem to be following suit. (<i>Shrugging his shoulders.</i>)
+      I shall throw this job up when I&rsquo;ve made another hundred or two. I wonder
+      how much longer he&rsquo;s going to keep me waiting.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Piff. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Allen r. creeping in cautiously in a mysterious and watchful
+      manner. He has a huge pewter pot in one hand and a large church-warden
+      clay pipe alight in the other. He looks round stealthily, listens, then
+      crosses nervously and sits l. in easy chair. He stretches himself out as
+      luxuriously as his tight clothes will allow&mdash;especially the collar.
+      Takes a long pull at the pot and long puffs at the pipe. In the middle of
+      each pull, grunts &ldquo;good&rdquo; in evident enjoyment.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Chuckling in a deep undertone. Crosses to c. and sits.</i>)
+      Ah-h-h, I&rsquo;ve done un this time. He&rsquo;s waiting upstairs to curl my hair. (<i>Chuckling
+      again.</i>) Told un I&rsquo;d come up when (<i>grandly</i>) I&rsquo;d finished
+      conducting my correspondence. (<i>Chuckles, pulls at pipe, and takes a
+      deep draught.</i>) First time I&rsquo;ve ever enjoyed myself since I came into
+      my property. (<i>Breaks out into some country ale-house sort of song,
+      sings, warming as he goes on with great gusto.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Piffin c., unseen by Allen. Piff. comes down and stands c.
+      looking on. Allen finishes song and then buries his face in the pot. As
+      his eyes emerge over the brim he catches sight of Piff. He remains looking
+      at him for a while and then slowly puts the pot on the table.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What do thee want? Didn&rsquo;t I tell &rsquo;ee I wur going to
+      conduct my correspondence, and that I didn&rsquo;t want to be disturbed?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Goes up table.</i>) I beg pardon, sir, but I thought
+      maybe you had completed your correspondence, especially as there was only
+      one letter this morning, and that was a circular about coals.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, did you. Well, I ain&rsquo;t you see. I&rsquo;m going to write a lot
+      of original correspondence this morning, and I&rsquo;m collecting my thoughts. (<i>Goes
+      on smoking sulkily.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Yes, sir&mdash;certainly, sir&mdash;but might I be allowed to
+      suggest, sir, that a pot of ale and a clay pipe are hardly the <i>dolce
+      far niente</i> of a <i>grand seigneur</i>.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Hardly the what of my which? Look here, don&rsquo;t you be so spry
+      at calling me them jaw-breaking foreign names, because I don&rsquo;t like it. It
+      wur only yesterday you alluded to me as a <i>bo-mo</i>, and last week you
+      said I ought to be in the <i>hot tongs</i>. I didn&rsquo;t say anything at the
+      time, but you drop it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> I referred to you as belonging to the <i>beau monde</i>, sir,
+      and I may have said your position was now among the <i>haut ton</i>. We
+      always talk like that in good society, sir. Both expressions were
+      flattering, very flattering.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, maybe they wur and maybe they wurn&rsquo;t. Next time, you
+      call it me in English, and then I can judge for myself. And don&rsquo;t worrit
+      me to-day at all. I&rsquo;ve got a trying morning before me, and I&rsquo;m going to
+      have a little quiet enjoyment to set myself up before it begins.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Might I suggest, then, sir, that a cigarette and a little
+      absinthe would be more <i>de rigueur?</i> My late lamented master the
+      Count de Fizziani invariably took a little absinthe after breakfast and
+      found great benefit from it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes, I know. I tried your friend&rsquo;s cough mixture before, you
+      know. Old ale&rsquo;s good enough for me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> But, sir&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Don&rsquo;t you worrit. I&rsquo;ve been a gentleman for a month; I think
+      I might have a morning off.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Very well, sir. Just as you please, of course, sir; but I&rsquo;ve
+      my character to consider, sir&mdash;and&mdash;and&mdash;I am not
+      accustomed to the service of gentlemen with pothouse proclivities.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Sotto voce.</i>) Oh, go and hang yourself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Up c.</i>) That&rsquo;s never done now, sir, in good society.
+      My late lamented master, the Count de Fizziani&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Springing up, working Piff. round, from table l. to desk
+      r.</i>) Oh, you go to your late lamented master, the fizzing Count, and
+      tell him to&mdash;I have had eno&rsquo; of him and I&rsquo;ve had eno&rsquo; of you. Blest
+      if I&rsquo;ve had a happy moment since you came into the house. You&rsquo;ve dressed
+      me up like a tailor&rsquo;s dummy, and curled my hair like a Sunday school kid;
+      you&rsquo;ve made me talk like a man in a play, and walk like a monkey on
+      stilts. Thee&rsquo;ve chivied me about from morning till night, and thee&rsquo;ve
+      rammed that old lamented corpse of yours down my throat every two minutes
+      of the day. I&rsquo;ve put up wi&rsquo; it all for a long while because I thought thee
+      meant well, and wur a-trying to make me into a gentleman, but blest if I
+      think thee knows much more about the genuine article than I does, and I&rsquo;m
+      going to go it in my own way now. Look here. (<i>Takes off his tie and
+      collar and throws them down and jumps on them, pulls off his coat and
+      throws it in a corner, nifties his hair, unbuttons and throws back his
+      waistcoat, kicks off his boots, and throws himself into easy chair, sticks
+      his feet on table, takes long pull from the pot, slams it on table> again,
+      and commences to smoke his pipe vigorously, looking defiantly at Piff.</i>)
+      That&rsquo;s the sort o&rsquo; man I&rsquo;m going to be now. (<i>Sits l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Who has stood aghast, moving off.</i>) Very well, sir;
+      then I have only to say that I wash my hands of you entirely. (<i>Pause.</i>)
+      You can&rsquo;t make a gentleman out of a pig&rsquo;s ear. (<i>Sneeringly</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Puffing quietly at pipe.</i>) No, it ain&rsquo;t the usual
+      method.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>By door c. muttering to himself, but meant to be heard by
+      Allen.</i>) Only what I might have expected from mixing myself up with
+      such canaille. (<i>Pauses. Allen takes no notice.</i>) Pray understand,
+      sir, I give you a week&rsquo;s warning on the spot. My late master, the&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Springing up and throwing book at him. Piff. exits r.</i>)
+      Yes. (<i>Piff. again appears hurriedly at door r. and cries, &ldquo;Upstart
+      bumpkin,&rdquo; and exit quickly.</i>) I&rsquo;ll give &rsquo;ee my toe on the spot
+      if I hear any more of&mdash;(<i>reseats himself, with a grunt of disgust;
+      a pause, during which he smokes.</i>) He is right, I wurn&rsquo;t meant for a
+      gentleman after all. Some of us was built for gaiters, and some on us for
+      patent leather shoes, and I be one of the gaiter sort&mdash;all my tastes
+      are low. I doan&rsquo;t like claret and I doan&rsquo;t like cigarettes. I&rsquo;m
+      uncomfortable in a collar (<i>picking his up and fixing it</i>) and I
+      prefer shove-ha&rsquo;penny to billiards. (<i>Sighs, continues dreamily.</i>)
+      Ah, I&rsquo;d gie a trifle to be going to spend this evening at the Dunkery Arms
+      a-halping to sing a chorus with old Joe Steddles and young Jem Whalley and
+      Jack Clouter. Ah, he&rsquo;d got a fine voice, had old Jack Clouter. Never heard
+      a man sing so loud in all my life. Lord, I shall never forget her&rsquo;s doing
+      &ldquo;Rock me to sleep, mother,&rdquo; round at the lodge, and a waking up mother
+      Hammond&rsquo;s three kids just as her&rsquo;d got un all off to sleep. Lord, how her
+      let us have it. (<i>Laughing.</i>) Ah, us went home early that night. (<i>Chuckling.</i>)
+      They comed back wi&rsquo; me, old Jack and Jim, and Deb made us a veal pasty for
+      supper. (<i>Smiling.</i>) Ah, her do make good&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Peters, followed by Purtwee, door c., says, &ldquo;Mr. Purtwee,&rdquo; takes
+      P.&lsquo;s hat and exit. Allen rises and commences to pick up his various
+      articles of apparel and re fix them while talking to Purt.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>Coming forward.</i>) Well, my boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, it does me good to see thee again.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> How are you?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Shakes hands.</i>) Oh, I be all right outside. (<i>Rises,
+      crosses to L.</i>) Bean&rsquo;t very spry inside, so I tell &rsquo;ee. (<i>Explanatory
+      of his dressing arrangements.</i>) Just been having a quiet smoke, you
+      know.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>With a smile.</i>) And do you always undress to smoke?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) No&mdash;but I has to now when I want to
+      sit down comfortable. (<i>Continues to dress&mdash;brings wine down to
+      table.</i>) Have a glass of wine. I&rsquo;m glad thee&rsquo;ve come, I wur afraid from
+      thy letter that thee wouldn&rsquo;t.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>Sits in arm-chair l.</i>) Well, it&rsquo;s a very informal
+      proceeding I&rsquo;m bound to say&mdash;not at all professional.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Perhaps not, but it&rsquo;s simple and straightforward like and
+      maybe that&rsquo;s as good. Have &rsquo;ee read the papers I sent thee?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Yes&mdash;most carefully&mdash;and they certainly make the
+      story appear very plausible&mdash;very plausible, indeed. Have you said
+      anything to your mother?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No&mdash;no, I thought I wouldn&rsquo;t say a word to anybody
+      until I was sure one way or t&rsquo;other. (<i>Sits L.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Quite right&mdash;quite right. What sort of a man was he?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Blest if I could tell &rsquo;ee&mdash;I wur that taken
+      aback I couldn&rsquo;t tell &rsquo;ee what it wur, but thee&rsquo;ll see him for
+      theeself in a minute. I told Father Christmas to send him straight up when
+      he comes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>Looking at his watch.</i>) Well, if he&rsquo;s an impostor,
+      he&rsquo;ll hardly venture to come to a meeting of this kind.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Peters announcing Richard Hanningford, door at back.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PET.</b> Mr. Richard Hanningford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Peters.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Morning, gentlemen. (<i>Allen goes r.c. Hann. goes c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Good-morning. (<i>Motioning to Purt., who is l.</i>) Mr.
+      Purtwee, the gentleman I spoke of.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Good-morning, (<i>c. and then coming r.sits L.c.</i>) Guess
+      I&rsquo;m not a particularly welcome visitor here.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.</i>) Well, I owns as I&rsquo;ve come across folks as I&rsquo;ve
+      felt more at home wi&rsquo;. (<i>Allen sits R.</i>) But I suppose we&rsquo;ve got to
+      get used to &rsquo;ee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Well now, gentlemen, we&rsquo;ve come for business and must not
+      waste time. Mr. Rollitt has told you who I am, and if you are Richard
+      Hanningford I shall be only too anxious for you to have your rights. But
+      then, my dear sir, I shall want to be very sure that you are Richard
+      Hanningford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> That&rsquo;s right and square. I&rsquo;ve got to prove it, I know, and I
+      don&rsquo;t say that it will be an easy job.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> At present you see we have nothing but your bare word for it.
+      You say this man who called himself Richard Hanningford and who died at
+      Mrs. Rollitt&rsquo;s was an impostor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> And a damned scoundrel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Quite so, if he were not Richard Hanningford, he must have
+      been. But then if he were Richard Hanningford&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Why then, I am the damned scoundrel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Well&mdash;I wasn&rsquo;t going to say that&mdash;but one of you
+      must be the right Hanningford&mdash;and the other the wrong one&mdash;and
+      if we made a mistake three months ago we don&rsquo;t want to make another now.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.</i>) You see it ain&rsquo;t so much the money I care about.
+      There was a time that I thought it would be a grand thing to be rich, but
+      now I&rsquo;ve tried it, danged if I see so much fun in it as I thought there
+      wur. (<i>Rises.</i>) It ain&rsquo;t only that: it&rsquo;s the girl I love&mdash;if I
+      lose the money, I loses her. I can&rsquo;t expect her to have me wi&rsquo;out it.
+      She&rsquo;s a lady&mdash;I&rsquo;m only a country bumpkin and I know it. With this
+      money I can win her and make her life happy&mdash;even if she doesn&rsquo;t much
+      care for me. If I were sure you were Dick Hanningford, I&rsquo;d gie it up. But
+      I ain&rsquo;t sure and I&rsquo;m going to fight&mdash;that&rsquo;s plain. (<i>Turns and
+      crosses r. Sits R.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Coes to Allen r.c.</i>) Plain and sensible, and I don&rsquo;t
+      like you any the less for it; but I am Dick Hanningford, and the money&rsquo;s
+      mine, and I&rsquo;m going to have a good fight to get it. (<i>Coes l. puts foot
+      on chair.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) You say this man who tried to&mdash;and,
+      as he thought, did&mdash;murder you&mdash;had been a friend of yours.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Fiercely&mdash;takes foot off chair.</i>) He&rsquo;d been my
+      chum for over two years&mdash;the cur&mdash;and knew everything about me&mdash;I
+      saved his life when the gang were going to hang him&mdash;he shared my
+      diggings when we were in the mining lay, and he had half my blanket every
+      night when we were with the cattle. And I trusted him&mdash;the skunk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> What was his name?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Cassidy&mdash;Dan Cassidy. (<i>Sits again.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> And then he murdered you&mdash;or tried to as you say&mdash;took
+      your papers from you, and came over here to impersonate you?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> I suppose so.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> He was uncommonly like you, too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Like me! Not at all!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Oh, yes, my dear sir, I never saw him alive, but his features
+      were yours one for one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Dan Cassidy was no more like me than I&rsquo;m like a colored angel
+      out of a picture book.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Purt. and Allen exchange glances.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Well, all I know is, that if the man who called himself
+      Richard Hanningford, and who fell down dead in my mother&rsquo;s kitchen three
+      months ago was standing beside you now, nobody would know which wur you
+      and which wur him. .
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) I don&rsquo;t know that man! (<i>All rise and look
+      at one another.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Peters c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>Pause.</i>) Then what has become of Dan Cassidy?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PETERS.</b> Mr. Luke Cranbourne is downstairs, sir, and would like to
+      see you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, bother Luke Cranbourne&mdash;tell him I&rsquo;m out.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PETERS.</b> Yes, sir. (<i>Going. As he is by door.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Stop! (<i>Peters turns.</i>) Ask Mr. Cranbourne to come back
+      in a quarter of an hour. (<i>Looks at watch.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PETERS.</b> Yes, sir. (<i>Exit c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What sort of a man was Dan Cassidy?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> A pale, dark-eyed man with a long black beard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Would you know him again without the black beard, and under
+      another name?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Fiercely.</i>) Know him! Will you bring me face to face
+      with him?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Maybe I will.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>c.</i>) See here! I&rsquo;ve lived among a set that like to
+      wipe off a score, no matter what the price. You put that man into my hands
+      so that justice may be done on him, and we share the old man&rsquo;s money
+      between us. (<i>Crosses R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Is that a bargain?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> You don&rsquo;t suspect&mdash;(<i>goes to r.of l. table.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Crosses to Purt. Hann. goes R.</i>) Yes I do. He&rsquo;s been
+      no friend of mine. Is it a bargain?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Yes. Without Dan Cassidy my case might be hard to prove. With
+      him it would be easy. £100,000 and my revenge are good enough for me. You
+      give me that. (<i>Goes to extreme R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Dexter from door c. He draws back on seeing strangers, and
+      stands r.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Beg pardon, my dear boy. Found the door open (<i>Allen goes up
+      c. to Dex.</i>) and took the liberty of an old friend to walk in. Thought
+      I should find you alone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Crosses up c.</i>) Shall be in a minute, Colonel, if you
+      will excuse me. (<i>Draws the two men together near fireplace, Allen
+      nearest, Purt. next, Hann. r.</i>) Can thee play billiards?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> I can, but I don&rsquo;t crave for them at this particular moment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> You&rsquo;ll just have time to play fifty up afore the man as I
+      takes to be Dan Cassidy is here.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> How will you let us know?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Looks round thinking, then catches sight of glasses on
+      table l.; takes one up and holds it over hearth.</i>) Keep thee, ears
+      open, and when thee hears this glass fall and break, open the door and
+      come in. (<i>All go up c. speaking low.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Purt. and Hann. Dex. goes L.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Returning c.</i>) Well, Colonel Dexter, what do thee
+      want? Glad to see thee, thee know.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>l.c.</i>) Nothing, dear boy&mdash;nothing for myself. I
+      have only brought a letter from my little girl, and am to take back an
+      answer. (<i>Produces letter and hands to Allen.</i>) I&rsquo;m only Cupid to you
+      young folks. Ha! Hat Only Cupid.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, they usen&rsquo;t to wrap &rsquo;em up so much when I wur
+      young. (<i>Crosses R., opens and reads letter.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Who is very much wrapped and buttoned up, laughs with much
+      ostentation.</i>) Ha! Ha! Very good, very good. We really must bring you
+      out more, Allen. Ha! Ha! Ha!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Who has sat r.in front of desk, reading.</i>) &ldquo;My
+      darling Popsy-wopsy.&rdquo; (<i>Looks up puzzled and round at Dex. Aside.</i>)
+      That ain&rsquo;t Clara&rsquo;s usual style. (<i>Reads.</i>) &ldquo;I am so terribly sorry to
+      worry my own darling boy, but I am in such fearful trouble&mdash;I want
+      £100 to pay some debts owing to a wicked man having cheated us. Would my
+      own darling lend it to his broken-hearted little blossom, and don&rsquo;t say
+      anything to me afterwards until I pay you back, as I shall be so ashamed
+      of it. I send papa with this. He knows nothing about it, so please don&rsquo;t
+      tell him&mdash;he is so proud.&mdash;(<i>Allen looks at Dex., who turns
+      away and tries to assume airy unconsciousness</i>)&mdash;and would be so
+      angry with me, but you are the only friend I have. Oh, my darling, do let
+      me have the money or I shall go mad. A million, million kisses to my own
+      sweet, precious lubby-dubby from his ever loving little birdie, Clara.&rdquo; (<i>Dex.
+      sits c.</i>) &ldquo;P. S.&mdash;Please don&rsquo;t cross the cheque.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Takes cheque-book from desk and begins to write.</i>) Was Clara ill
+      when she wrote this?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Who is sitting at table L.c. having wine.</i>) No, my dear
+      boy&mdash;oh, no.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, because the writing seems a bit shaky like, and the
+      letter so funny&mdash;thought maybe she wur a bit queer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Confused.</i>) Oh&mdash;ah&mdash;yes. She was a little
+      queer&mdash;very shaky indeed&mdash;and she seemed very much worried, too,
+      she wouldn&rsquo;t tell me what about. She tries to keep all her trouble away
+      from her old father, dear child. (<i>Enter Clara unseen by either.</i>)
+      Ah, I know how anxiously she&rsquo;s waiting for me now. &ldquo;Come back soon, dear,
+      dear papa,&rdquo; she said&mdash;&ldquo;and bring it with you.&rdquo; (<i>Crying r.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Allen having put the cheque in an envelope rises and crosses and holds
+      it to Dex. Clara steps forward and takes it.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Thank you! (<i>c. of the two men.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Miss Dexter!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Clara!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> This letter is addressed to me, I believe. (<i>Opens it and
+      takes out cheque, which she returns to Allen.</i>) It&rsquo;s very kind of you,
+      Mr. Rollitt, but I do not require it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.</i>) Didn&rsquo;t thee write for it? (<i>Showing letter to
+      her.</i>) Isn&rsquo;t this thy letter?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Looking at it.</i>) It is the first time I have seen it.
+      It has the appearance of having been written by someone who was drunk over
+      night&mdash;possibly my father&mdash;imitating other people&rsquo;s handwriting
+      is one of the few things at which he has attained eminence. (<i>Looks at
+      Dex.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Clara, my dear!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> And perhaps it will be better, Mr. Rollitt, for me to take
+      this opportunity of ending our relationship by telling you that I am
+      already married. (<i>Crosses l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Starts hack.</i>) Married!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>c. frantic and jumping about and screaming and hissing the
+      words out.</i>) She ain&rsquo;t. It&rsquo;s a lie. Don&rsquo;t believe her. She ain&rsquo;t. She
+      ain&rsquo;t. (<i>Goes c. Clara to l.</i>) It&rsquo;s only a trick to try your love.
+      Ah, you hussy! It&rsquo;s all been planned. This is all part of it. She ain&rsquo;t
+      married. We planned it to test your love for her. Ah, you beast! I&rsquo;ll
+      strangle you. I&rsquo;ll murder you. She&rsquo;s only trying it on to see what you
+      say. It&rsquo;s a trick. Don&rsquo;t believe her. Don&rsquo;t believe her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> And have been for the last three years.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>As before.</i>) No, she ain&rsquo;t been, Mr. Rollitt. It&rsquo;s a
+      lie&mdash;it&rsquo;s a lie. It&rsquo;s a lie. She says it to spite her old father. Ah
+      you devil, you&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Silence!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Cowed, but continuing in nervous undertone.</i>) She&rsquo;s not
+      married. I&rsquo;m her father.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Pointing to door c.</i>) And leave the room&mdash;afore
+      I forget thee art an old man. (<i>Turns him r.Backs Dex. up to c. door.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Slinks out muttering.</i>) She ain&rsquo;t married! It&rsquo;s a lie.
+      It&rsquo;s a lie. (<i>Repeats</i>.)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Dex. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Turning to Clara.</i>) What does it all mean?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Defiantly.</i>) That I&rsquo;ve been playing with you only for
+      the sake of sponging on you. And to get money out of you for my father and
+      husband&mdash;I haven&rsquo;t had much myself&mdash;and that at last I&rsquo;m grown
+      tired of it. (<i>Crosses R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>l.c. after a pause.</i>) Thee might have had all the
+      money thee wanted, lass, wi&rsquo;out deceiving me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Falling on her knees before him.</i>) Forgive me, Allen,
+      you don&rsquo;t know what my life has been. Dragged up among thieves and
+      sharpers, taught to trick and lie before I could speak plainly, I have
+      never know what truth and honor meant except as a dim longing. All the
+      humanity&mdash;all the womanhood&mdash;has been dried out of me till I am
+      only the thing you see me&mdash;a vulture&mdash;a human beast of prey. Ah,
+      Allen, thank God for your sake that I am married and that you have escaped
+      me&mdash;forget me&mdash;it is the only thing you can do. You can never
+      hate me as I loathe myself&mdash;you can never despise me as I shudder at
+      my own life.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Puts his hand to his own forehead </i>) Poor lass! Poor
+      lass!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Takes&rsquo; Allen&rsquo;s hand, left.</i>) You are the only man
+      that has been good to me, and I have brought you only pain and shame.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Raising her.</i>) Ah, never mind that, lass. Thee didn&rsquo;t
+      mean to do it. Come! I be more sorry for thee than for myself. I could see
+      what sort of life thee had got around thee, and I wanted to take thee away
+      from it all. I can do so little for thee now. (<i>Both at cabinet, Allen
+      r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> You have taught me, Allen, that there are good men in the
+      world; forgive me for having taught you that there are bad women. (<i>Clara
+      crosses in front of Allen to r.door.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Not bad, Clara. I guess thee&rsquo;s been more sinned against than
+      sinning. Thy life has been very dark and thee&rsquo;s stumbled here and there.
+      God grant that it may grow brighter for thee one day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Clara, (<i>l.</i>) Ah, Allen, don&rsquo;t keep speaking kindly to me. Don&rsquo;t
+      think kindly of me. Despise me&mdash;I can bear that&mdash;I am used to
+      it. (<i>Sits at cabinet.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.c. next to Clara.</i>) No, lass, I can&rsquo;t do that. I
+      shall alius think kindly of thee. I&rsquo;ve loved thee too well to change now&mdash;because
+      I knows thy lot&rsquo;s harder than I thought it wur.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Turns and looks at Allen.</i>) Try not to think of me at
+      all, Allen&mdash;I am not worth it&mdash;forget me. There is one who loves
+      you better than I could ever do, and who is good and pure. (<i>Rises.</i>)
+      You men never see the love that is under your feet&mdash;you reach only
+      for what is beyond you. Go back to her, Allen. She will make you a better
+      wife than I could ever have done. (<i>Allen at back of Clara up stage R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) Who&mdash;who is this man&mdash;your
+      husband?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Luke Cranbourne! (<i>She does not look at Allen.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Luke Cranbourne! (<i>Looks nervously at door c. and then at
+      clock&mdash;then crosses to door and stands near it. He assumes to do this
+      naturally and not to let Clara notice his anxiety.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> We were married secretly before he left for America. Not
+      even my father knew it until a day or two ago.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> And do you care for him? (<i>Allen at door c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> With such love as a woman can feel without respect. He was
+      the first that I can remember ever speaking a kind word to me. He is the
+      only human being I have to cling to&mdash;and he is good to me in his way.
+      (<i>Looks up at Allen.</i>) I don&rsquo;t expect we shall ever see each other
+      again. For your sake, I wish we had never met&mdash;for myself, my life
+      will always seem a bit brighter for the love that an honest man once had
+      for me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Taking her hand in his.</i>) Good-bye&mdash;if ever thee
+      wants a friend, Allen Rollitt, Woodbarrow Farm, Exmoor, will find him. (<i>Kissing
+      her on the forehead.</i>) God bless thee, Clara!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Good-bye! (<i>She goes without a word r.After a few seconds
+      enter Luke c. announced by Pet.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Coming down.</i>) How de do, dear boy? (<i>Shaking hands.
+      Allen does so listlessly and almost unconsciously.</i>) I wanted to see
+      you particularly this morning, before I went to the city. I&rsquo;ve come across
+      something that will just double your fortune. Here. (<i>Laying papers on
+      table l. and taking up and pouring out a glass of wine.</i>) You do have
+      such capital wine, Rollitt, I really must help myself to a glass. It is a
+      splendid scheme.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.c.</i>) Very like, but we won&rsquo;t discuss it now. (<i>Taking
+      notes from his pocket-book.</i>) I want thee to leave by the noon train
+      for the Continent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Turns round, face to audience, glass in left hand.</i>)
+      What&rsquo;s up?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Crosses l. c., hands him the notes.</i>) Thy wife can
+      join thee there afterwards. (<i>Luke starts and looks hard at Allen.</i>)
+      And thee can get away to Australia, or somewhere in that direction.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Defiantly.</i>) And why, pray?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Because there is a man in the next room who be more anxious
+      to see thee than thee may be to see him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> What man?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Richard Hanningford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Luke lets fall the glass.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Good God! Thee&rsquo;ve given the signal to call him in! Quick! (<i>Luke
+      rushes in terror to door at back.</i>) Not that way. (<i>Luke bewildered
+      and helpless with fright, turns wildly about like a hunted thing not
+      knowing which way to fly. Is about to make for other door, when handle of
+      door at back is heard to move.</i>) Too late&mdash;keep where thee art.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Clinging to Allen&rsquo;s arm.</i>) Save me! (<i>Allen thrusts
+      him behind door at c. as it opens and enter Hann. and Purt. following.
+      Allen goes r. Hann. comes down and stands c. Purt. remains near door and
+      is about to close it.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Who has moved down to r.c., nervously, with effort to
+      appear calm and careless.</i>) Leave the door, Mr. Purtwee, leave the
+      door.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Wide open? (<i>Surprised.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes, yes, it&rsquo;s fearfully hot in here! (<i>Wiping his brow.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Looking at him suspiciously.</i>) I don&rsquo;t find it so. I
+      think we&rsquo;ll have it shut over this job. (<i>Turns to door.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Eagerly.</i>) No, no! Don&rsquo;t shut it&mdash;don&rsquo;t shut it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Why not? (<i>Looks hard at Allen.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why&mdash;why&mdash;don&rsquo;t I tell you. It&rsquo;s so close&mdash;so&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Hann. crosses, goes to door c. and locks it, then returns, eyeing
+      Allen sternly. Luke has crept behind the curtain, which hangs like a
+      pillar by the side of the door. Allen watches with intense suspense.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>c.</i>) Well&mdash;you gave the signal!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Allen r.c. a little to front of Hann. He keeps in front of Hann. all
+      through the scene until Luke has got away and prevents his turning round&mdash;he
+      is very excited but tries to appear careless&mdash;the result being a
+      slightly hysterical manner. When Luke comes from behind the curtain and
+      while he is crossing Allen catches Hann. by the lapels of his coat and
+      holds and works him round so that his back is to Luke. He grows more and
+      more eager and intense until Luke is off, when he gradually subsides into
+      a quieter manner, but not too suddenly. At Hann&rsquo;s hint that he has had too
+      much brandy, he catches at the idea to cover his excitement, to account
+      for his conduct.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes, my dear fellow&mdash;but&mdash;but&mdash;I wur going to
+      explain to thee&mdash;it wurn&rsquo;t the signal&mdash;it wur an accident. I
+      dropped the glass by accident. Thee see I had just had a glass of brandy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> More than one glass, cousin?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughs loudly.</i>) Ha! ha! Perhaps it wur two. (<i>First
+      movement of Luke.</i>) (<i>At this point Luke creeps from behind curtain,
+      Purt. sees him and is about to make an exclamation, when Allen, covering
+      his action by assumed drunkenness, lunges half round and catches Purt. on
+      his shoulder, clutching it tightly with his left hand while holding Hann.
+      with his right&mdash;laughing boisterously all the time. Purt. understands
+      and remains silent. Allen grows more and more excited. Laughs.</i>) Well,
+      now, look&rsquo;ee here.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hanningford. Cousin Dick&mdash;my long lost&mdash;(<i>laughs as before and
+      slaps him on the shoulder. Hann. impatient half turns round&mdash;Allen
+      seises his coat with both hands and keeps him round.</i>) No&mdash;no&mdash;look
+      thee here, Cousin Dick. Now you say this Cassidy, this creeping, crawling,
+      lying cur, Dan Cassidy, tried to murder thee&mdash;(<i>Hann. again seems
+      as though he would turn round</i>)&mdash;and these papers&mdash;these
+      papers that you sent me. Well, I sent &rsquo;em on to Purtwee. Ah, he&rsquo;s a
+      sharp one. (<i>Door clicks after Luke&rsquo;s exit.</i>) Purtwee, he&rsquo;ll know
+      who&rsquo;s who. He&rsquo;ll put us right. Won&rsquo;t &rsquo;ee, Purtwee, old friend?
+      Won&rsquo;t &rsquo;ee&mdash;won&rsquo;t &rsquo;ee?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>He slaps Purt. on back, laughing boisterously and half staggering
+      forward into Purt.&lsquo;s arms. Luke has got away by door r., and from now
+      Allen&rsquo;s excitement gradually subsides, and an air of exhaustion follows.
+      Sits l.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>c.</i>) Say! Are you drunk or playing the fool? Where&rsquo;s
+      this man Cassidy?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Pause.</i>) I don&rsquo;t know.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Isn&rsquo;t he coming here?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Angrily.</i>) Didn&rsquo;t you lead me to believe&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> That you should be brought face to face wi&rsquo; him? Yes&mdash;but
+      I&rsquo;ve changed my mind since then.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) I understand: it was only a trick to
+      give you time to get him out of the way. You thought that without him I
+      should not be able to prove my case. I thought I was dealing with an
+      honest man and a friend, and I offered to share the money with you. (<i>With
+      tierce anger.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Fiercely, rising.</i>) And I tell you to take the whole
+      of it! (<i>A pause&mdash;Hann. steps back and stares at him.</i>) I have
+      learnt enough within the last few minutes to believe that you are the man
+      you say you are, and if so, take it all. You offered me £100,000 to give
+      thee Dan Cassidy, I offer thee £200,000 to let him go his way in peace. (<i>Pause.</i>)
+      Come, you may find it hard to prove thee art Hanningford afore the law.
+      Prove it to me and Mr. Purtwee, and give me thy hand on it that thee&rsquo;ll
+      never seek to find Dan Cassidy or harm him, and thee art old Hanningford&rsquo;s
+      heir, and I, Allen Rollitt, farmer and yeoman.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) Your secrets are your own, cousin.
+      I&rsquo;d dearly have loved to have my revenge upon the hound, but if Dan
+      Cassidy is worth £100,000 to you, you can have him&mdash;I shouldn&rsquo;t have
+      thought he was.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> He goes free, so far as you are concerned, for ever?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> For ever.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Right, Dick Hanningford! (<i>They grasp hands.</i>) And now
+      we&rsquo;ll say good-bye for to-day if you don&rsquo;t mind. Mr. Purtwee will see thee
+      to-morrow, and arrange things. I&rsquo;d like to be quiet a bit just now.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> You&rsquo;ve had a rough morning, cousin, and I guess the kindest
+      thing I can do is to take myself off. Good-bye. (<i>Shakes hands.</i>)
+      Good-bye, Mr. Purtwee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Good-bye, Mr. Hanningford; I will write to you to-morrow.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Goes to door c.</i>) No hurry. Good-bye.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Well, I can&rsquo;t understand you, my boy. It&rsquo;s really a very
+      Quixotic thing to do. Why shouldn&rsquo;t the man suffer for his crime?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Because he can&rsquo;t suffer without bringing
+      suffering to them as I&rsquo;d rather spare&mdash;because he&rsquo;s the husband of
+      the woman I have been calling Clara Dexter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>Astonished.</i>) You don&rsquo;t say that, lad! When did you
+      learn it?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> About five minutes ago. (<i>Crosses to r.; leans on chair.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) Hanningford said true; it&rsquo;s been a
+      rough morning for you. (<i>Going up to Allen and laying his hand on his
+      shoulder.</i>) Would you rather that I stopped with you a bit, lad, or
+      left you alone?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Leave me alone, old friend. (<i>Purt. goes to c. door.</i>)
+      I shall be off soon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>At door c.</i>) Where are you going to?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I&rsquo;m going back to Woodbarrow Farm. I&rsquo;ve had eno&rsquo; of the big
+      world. I&rsquo;ve had enough of fine folks and their ways. I&rsquo;m going back to my
+      own people&mdash;I&rsquo;m going back to see the faces of them as I know loves
+      me, to feel the hands of them as I know thinks well of me&mdash;I&rsquo;m going
+      back home.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Purt. exit R., Allen stands l. by fire, stage darkens, and scene
+      changes. Slow tableau. Music plays till change of scene and through Scene
+      2.</i>) &lt;/p <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Scene 2. Same as Act I.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <i>Time:</i> evening, fire burning brightly, and lamp lit on table, where
+      supper is laid. Deb. discovered by fire, attending to cooking operations;
+      Mrs. R. by fire, laying supper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Be it done, lass?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Who is kneeling down, looking into oven.</i>) Yes, aunt,
+      just to a turn.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Crossing and looking over Deb&rsquo;s shoulder.</i>) Ah, that
+      be just right. Thee&rsquo;s a good cook, lass. (<i>Crossing back to table.</i>)
+      Ah, how un used to like a veal pasty. (<i>Sighs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> It&rsquo;s a bad thing going to bed, though, ain&rsquo;t it, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, anything be bad for them as ain&rsquo;t got no stomachs, and
+      underdone bricks be all right for them as has. (<i>Gets dishes from
+      dresser; lays table.</i>) Besides, we bain&rsquo;t going to bed yet. Us&rsquo;ll sit
+      and have a chat after supper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> It seems so lonely of an evening here now. (<i>Looking into
+      fire.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>In front of table r.c.</i>) So it do, lass. (<i>Crossing
+      L.</i>) Ah, the lads bean&rsquo;t so big to look at, but they leaves a rare
+      space behind &rsquo;em when they goes away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a pause, still gazing dreamily into fire.</i>) I
+      wonder if he&rsquo;ll ever come back.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Aye, aye; he&rsquo;ll come back, never fear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Turns.</i>) What, to stop?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l. sits on settle.</i>) Ah, to stop.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> What makes you think so, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> I dunno. It&rsquo;s never seemed real to me, any on it. I&rsquo;m
+      awaiting every day to hear un lift the latch and walk in to find as it had
+      all been a dream. So I alius lays for three (<i>l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Allen c. He is dressed much as in Act 1. He shuts the door and
+      stands by it.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Well, mother, (<i>c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l. staring at him.</i>) Allen, lad! (<i>Bewildered, not
+      grasping it. Deb. having risen, stands with the hot pie that she has that
+      moment taken from the oven, transfixed R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>At door c.</i>) I&rsquo;ve come home, you see, to stop&mdash;for
+      good. Are thee glad to see me, mother?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Come home! To stop! For good! Ah! (<i>Rushes
+      across with a cry of joy and hugs him up c.</i>) I said he would&mdash;I
+      said he would&mdash;I said he would. My boy! My boy! (<i>After a pause.</i>)
+      And&mdash;and all the money, and&mdash;and Miss Dexter?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Taking off his hat and throwing it down at hack.</i>)
+      Shadows, mother, that have passed away, out of my life, for ever. I&rsquo;ll
+      tell thee all about it later on, never mind to-night. Let&rsquo;s think only
+      about ourselves. (<i>Going to Deb. r.</i>) Are thee glad to see me?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Mrs. R. pushes them together from behind r. Deb. still with pie in her
+      hands, puts her face up. Allen bends and kisses it. Mrs. R. catches the
+      two in her arms, and embraces both at once, laughing. Deb. holds pie out
+      at arm&rsquo;s length to save it.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Mind the pie, mother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Still embracing them.</i>) Are thee hungry, lad?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Rather.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Bless un, and thee&rsquo;ve come back just in time for supper, as
+      thee alius used to. (<i>Laughs, sits up stage, top of table.</i>) Can thee
+      eat veal pasty?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Can I eat veal&mdash;(<i>taking off overcoat and throwing it
+      on chair r. c.</i>) Let me get at un, that&rsquo;s all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Poor boy! Come and sit &rsquo;ee down. (<i>Pushing him in
+      chair l. of table.</i>) Where be the potatoes, Deb.?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Bewildered, turns round and round.</i>) I don&rsquo;t know. (<i>Laughs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, have a look in the saucepan, then. (<i>Sits back of
+      table r. c. Allen l. Deb. r.</i>) Thee won&rsquo;t find &lsquo;em by turning round and
+      round. Now come lad, and get a bit inside thee. Us&rsquo;ll do the talking
+      afterwards.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Deb. potters about between fire and table in a bewildered manner. She
+      brings potatoes, and puts them in front of Allen.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, it do smell lovely, don&rsquo;t it? (<i>Sniffing at pie.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Never thee mind smelling it, thee taste it. Lud, how thin
+      thee art looking, lad. (<i>To Deb. who is almost doing so.</i>) Don&rsquo;t pour
+      the beer into the pie, child, and look where thee&rsquo;s put the potatoes! (<i>Takes
+      jug away from her.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Sitting down, laughing.</i>) I don&rsquo;t know what I&rsquo;m doing.
+      (<i>Takes saucepan off table.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, us can see that.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> And how&rsquo;s everything been going on? How&rsquo;s the colt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Kicked Parsons clean into the ditch yestermorning, the
+      little dear! (<i>All are now seated.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, did un? (<i>Laughs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> One of the guinea hens is dead, the little one of all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What, the one as used to squint?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, Parsons left his shot on the pigstye wall, and she ate
+      two ounces. Oh, and you remember Jim?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What, the bantam?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes. He&rsquo;s given his own father such a licking, and won&rsquo;t let
+      him come near the yard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing heartily.</i>) Plucky little beggar! Serve the
+      old &lsquo;un right. He wur always a bully. Now, mother&mdash;(<i>about to hand
+      her the pie.</i>) Why, mother, thee art crying!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Crying.</i>) No, I ain&rsquo;t. Go on with thee supper, lad.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Looking at Deb.</i>) And&mdash;why, here be Deb. crying
+      too!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>The two women laugh through their tears. Allen joins them as curtain
+      descends.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> It&rsquo;s wi&rsquo; joy, lad; it&rsquo;s wi&rsquo; joy!
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      SLOW CURTAIN.
+    </h3>
+    <div style="height: 6em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 54698 ***</div>
+  </body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Woodbarrow Farm, by Jerome K. Jerome
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
+the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
+to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
+
+
+
+Title: Woodbarrow Farm
+       Play in Three Acts
+
+Author: Jerome K. Jerome
+
+Release Date: May 10, 2017 [EBook #54698]
+Last Updated: September 3, 2016
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WOODBARROW FARM ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Widger from page images generously
+provided by the Internet Archive
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+WOODBARROW FARM
+
+Play In Three Acts
+
+By Jerome K. Jerome
+
+Samuel French: London
+
+1904
+
+
+
+
+Piffin..............
+
+Allen Rollitt.......
+
+Luke Cranbourne.....
+
+Mike Stratton.......
+
+Mr. Purtwee.........
+
+Hon. Tom Gussett....
+
+Baron Von Schnorr...
+
+Richard Hanningford
+
+Ichabod.............
+
+Peters..............
+
+Colonel Jack Dexter.
+
+Clara Dexter........
+
+Mrs. Rollitt........
+
+Rachael.............
+
+Deborah Deacon......
+
+
+
+
+SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY
+
+Act I
+
+Woodbarrow Farm, Exmoor
+
+Act II
+
+13a, St. James’ Mansions
+
+Act III
+
+Scene 1--Same as Act II., or Library at 13a, St. James’ Mansion
+
+Scene 2--Woodbarrow Farm
+
+Time: The Present
+
+
+[Illustration: 0007]
+
+[Illustration: 0010]
+
+[Illustration: 0011]
+
+
+
+
+WOODBARROW FARM
+
+
+
+
+ACT I.
+
+
+MUSIC TO OPEN ACT: OLD ENGLISH AIR
+
+SCENE: _Kitchen at Woodbarrow Farm. An ideal old farmhouse kitchen. From
+the smoke-blackened ceiling beams hang huge sides of bacon, strings of
+onions, and herbs, and poultry. Over the great fireplace are the guns,
+and in profusion everywhere are the homely furnishings of a prosperous
+farmhouse kitchen. A huge fire burns r. in old-fashioned fireplace, with
+settle on each side. Door l.c. at back opening on corner of farmyard.
+Latticed window looking out on yard to r. of door. Table r.c. piled with
+linen waiting to be folded. Linen press l. Door l. below press. Settle
+in front of press. Mrs. Rollitt at table r.c. discovered ironing. She
+folds up clothes as she finishes with them, and crosses and places them
+one by one in press l._
+
+Mrs. R. Rachael! Rachael!! (Crossing l. then crosses to r. at back of
+table r.c.) Ah, drat the girls--alius philandering about with the boys
+when they’re wanted. Rachael!
+
+(Enter Rachael, she comes slowly forward to l.c.)
+
+Rach. Did you call, ma’am?
+
+Mrs. R. (At table.) Did I call? Why thee be getting deaf in thee old age
+sure, Rachael.
+
+Rach. I was in the dairy, ma’am.
+
+Mrs. R. In the dairy! Well, and the dairy bean’t a mile off, be it?
+I expect there wur Joe’s thick head ’twixt you and the sound of my
+voice, warn’t there?
+
+Rach. No, ma’am.
+
+Mrs. R. Whose wur it, then?
+
+Rach. Ichabod’s, ma’am. I--I mean Mr. Ichabod was helping me, ma’am.
+
+Mrs. R. What at? (_Pause._) How often am I to tell ’ee I won’t have
+that hulking scamp hanging about here after his work’s done. Do ’ee
+understand?
+
+Rach. Yes, ma’am.
+
+Mrs. R. Here’s getting on for 8 o’clock, and thee master may be home
+any minute as hungry as a hunter, poor lad, and noothing ready for his
+supper. Get down the ham (_Rachael goes to fireplace r._), and bring me
+in the frying-pan and I’ll do it myself.
+
+Rach. (_Turning to go._) Yes, ma’am.
+
+Mrs. R. And don’t be half-an-hour about it. Is Ichabod gone?
+
+Rach. Oh yes, ma’am.
+
+(_Mrs. R. turns to her work, Ichabod appears at door at hack, with a
+trout in his hand. Rachael catching sight of him stops, and motions him
+to go away._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, a good thing for un as he has, if I catch un here again
+to-night, I’ll--(_Rachael makes sign to Ichabod who is up c. Mrs. R.
+looks at Rachael_)--Lord help the lass, be she struck foolish? Bean’t
+’ee agoing?
+
+Rach. Yes, ma’am.
+
+Mrs. R. Well then, do ut. Thee keeps on saying, “yes, ma’am,” “yes,
+ma’am,” and there ’ee sticks. (_Drops eyes. Rachael makes sign to
+Ichabod. Mrs. Rollitt catches her._)
+
+(_Ichabod does not understand Rachel, and tries to explain to her in
+pantomime about the trout, which he holds up and points to. Mrs. Rollitt
+follows Rachael’s eyes, and sees Ichabod. Rachael is struck dumb, and
+Ichabod grins and pulls his hair._)
+
+Mrs. R. If thee don’t take theeself off pretty, soon, my boy, I’ll do
+that for un. (_He makes no answer but continues pulling his hair and
+grinning, making a few steps forward and still holding out the trout.
+Mrs. Rollitt advances to him slowly._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Comes c._) How often am I to tell ’ee I won’t have ’ee
+loafing about here after thee work’s done, and thee mother waiting for
+thee at home, thee good-for-nothing young--(_eyeing the trout_)--aye,
+but he be a bonny un that.
+
+Ich. Thowt maybe he’d do for the measter’s supper, ma’am. He wur
+a-having his own not half-an-hour agone, ma’am.
+
+Mrs. R. (_l. with fish in hand._) Her be a three pound un, Ichabod.
+
+Ich. As full as an egg, her be, just. Thee feel her, ma’am.
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, well, I won’t say but what thee art a thoughtful lad,
+Ichabod, and it will be main good for thee measter’s supper. See there’s
+a clear fire. (_Crosses r.Enter Deborah from staircase L._) Rachael,
+and bring me the stew pan and we’ll boil un.
+
+Deb. No, don’t boil it, aunt. (_Takes fish from Mrs. R._) Let me fry it.
+Allen alius likes ‘em best that way. (_Goes r. c. up stage._)
+
+Mrs. R. So un does, lass, so un does. Ah, thee knaw what the lad loikes,
+thee shall fry it. (_Hands trout to Deb._) And I’ll finish the linen
+while I’ve got my hand on it. (_At back of table r.c._)
+
+Deb. Allen will like that, I know. Where did you get it?
+
+Ich. (_Confused and grinning._) What, me, Miss?
+
+Deb. Not poached, I hope, Ichabod?
+
+Ich. (_Offended._) Poached, Miss? No, Miss, I wur trying to teach a fly
+of mine to swim, that wur all, Miss, and when I took un from the water
+there wur this thing hanging on to the end of un, and I couldn’t get ‘un
+off.
+
+Mrs. R. (_At table r. c._) Thee’d best stop awhile now, Ichabod, and the
+girls will gie un a bit sup. Thee mother will be main glad to be rid o’
+ye a bit, I take it.
+
+Ich. Thank ye, ma’am. Mother’s alius glad to be rid of me at supper
+toime. (_To Deborah.) Gie me un, Miss, I’ll clean un for ye. (_Takes
+fish from Deborah, goes down l. at back of settle.)
+
+Rach. Shall I cook un, Miss?
+
+Mrs. R. Na, na, thee bring the pan in here, Rachael, I woan’t trust the
+master’s supper to ‘ee, while there’s a pair of breeches about the room.
+
+Rach. (_Crosses l. with a toss of her head.) I’m sure I don’t want ‘em
+there at all. (_Picks up buckets near door l. down stage.)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, thee wouldn’t ha’ the lad theer wi’out ‘em! Go and do as I
+tell ‘ee.
+
+[Rachael hits Ichabod with bucket. Exeunt Rachael and Ichabod l. door
+down stage.]
+
+Mrs. R. The lad will enjoy it all the more if thee cook it for un. Ah.
+and he do enjoy his food too. It do me good to see un eat.
+
+Deb. He does you a lot of good that way, doesn’t he, aunt?
+
+Mes. R. (_Laughing.’_) Ah, yes, he be like his father wur before him,
+a rare trencher man. Ah, but they’re better than those as doesn’t eat
+much, but sits a-turning and a-smelling, and a-grumbling at everything
+that’s set before them, for all the world like an overfed turkey cock
+trying to eat potato peelings. Thee wean’t ha’ much trouble looking
+arter un when I’m gone.
+
+Deb. (_Goes to fireplace R._) Oh, aunt, how naughty you are, always
+talking of being “gone,” just as if you were an old woman.
+
+Mrs. R. No, no, lass, I bean’t talking of being gone now. I’ve many a
+year before me yet, please God. But it must come sometime, thee knaws,
+and I like to think that when it do there’ll be someone to gie the lad
+his bit of food, and look arter un loike--and, Lord, a man do want a
+power of looking arter to be sure.
+
+Deb. (_At fire R. making it up._) I think that’s why we love ‘em, aunt,
+because they’re so helpless.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Cross to l._) Ah, maybe it is. There must be summut to account
+for it.
+
+Deb. And I suppose they be like the poultry. They get fond of us because
+we feed them. He does say I’ve got a good hand for cooking, aunt.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Cross to r._) Ah, yes, lass. It be a light hand for the
+kitchen and a cool hand for the dairy. It will make a good hand for a
+farmer’s wife. (_Takes Deborah’s hand at table R._)
+
+Deb. I don’t think Allen will want a farmer’s wife, aunt.
+
+Mrs. R. Lord, whose wife should a farmer want, then?
+
+Deb. (_Pokes fire r._) I don’t think Allen wants to be a farmer at all.
+He says he wants to be a somebody, not a nobody.
+
+Mrs. R. Well, bean’t a farmer somebody?
+
+Deb. Somebody, aunt, but not a somebody. Allen wants to be in the world,
+you know, aunt.
+
+Mrs. R. Well, and he be in the world sure, ain’t he? Sure I think I
+ought to know. (_Cross to l._)
+
+Deb. No, not in the world he means, aunt. Not in the great world as they
+call it.
+
+Mrs. R. Ah! he be in God’s world, that ought to be big enough for un.
+(_Cross to r._)
+
+Deb. (_A little spitefully._) Yes, aunt, but it’s not select enough.
+There’s all sorts of common people in God’s world. Allen wants to be
+in the big world of lords and ladies and big folk up in London. He says
+it’s being buried alive down here; that he wants to be among the stir
+and bustle.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Cross to h., putting clothes in press._) Ah! that be only
+his talk. The young uns be all alike. They run arter shadows like the
+chickens do arter chaff. (_Cross l._) Why, I mind when I wur a lass,
+I used to look in the glass and think I’d be a duchess. But the dook
+didn’t come, so I just married thee uncle. The young ducks all fancies
+as they’ll paddle off to the sea, But they live and dies in the old pond
+arter all. (_Crosses to R._)
+
+Deb. (_Laughing._) And you think that your duck will live and die in the
+Woodbarrow pond, aunt? (_Helps Mrs. Rollitt to fold._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, bless un, yes, the lads they fancy that any place is better
+than the old home; but arter they’ve had a good look round, they know
+that the old home’s better than any place else. He’ll flutter about a
+bit maybe (_looks at Deborah_), but he’ll settle down in the nest ‘fore
+long, and the children will be running about the house (_Deborah turns
+away a little_) and making it untidy--Bless ‘em--afore I close my eyes.
+
+Deb. (_Demurely._) I wonder who he’ll marry.
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, I wonder now. (_Crosses to put linen in chest of drawers._)
+
+Deb. (_r. folding linen._) There’s Polly Steddles. He walked home
+from church with her last Sunday. I think he’s a little sweet on Polly
+Steddles, don’t you, aunt?
+
+(_Mrs. R. comes l. of table r._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, it bean’t much good being a little sweet on a girl that
+size. It would take a power of sweetness to go round her. (_Crosses L.
+with linen._).
+
+Deb. She’s big, but then men like big women, don’t they, aunt?
+
+Mrs. R. (_l._) Ah, some on ’em goes in for quantity, and some on ’em
+goes in for quality. The little ones, they go in for size cause they
+bean’t much of it themselves; and the big ones goes in for sense, cause
+that be what they be most in need of. (_Goes R._) And Allen, he be’s
+medium, so he can just please himself.
+
+Deb. And there’s Miss Dexter, that he drives over to Minehead so often.
+(_Mrs. Rollitt goes l._) He thinks a lot of her, I know.
+
+Mrs. R. (_l._) What, Colonel Dexter’s darter, oop at Lucott’s Hill? Oh,
+yes, her’d be a fine un to make the butter and cure the hams, her
+would. Her be loike them umbrellas they be a selling at Peter’s for 1s.
+11d.--only meant to be walked out wi’. (_Near press l._)
+
+Deb. Ah, but she’s so beautiful, aunt, and she’s a lady! (_Sighs._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah! (_goes to table r. c._) there be a good many sorts o’ them.
+
+Deb. She is a lady, isn’t she, aunt?
+
+Mrs. R. Her’s got the clothes all right. (_Sits l. of table r. A
+pause--goes up and pats Deborah’s cheek._)
+
+As if thee didn’t know the lad were in love with theeself.
+
+Deb. (_Tossing her head._) Sure an’ I don’t see how I should--he never
+says anything.
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, the men bain’t much to say for their-selves, poor things.
+Thee must go by what they does. Why, thee uncle kept company wi’ me for
+three years, an’ un never said a word. The first year un only sot and
+stared, and the second year un put un’s arm round my waist, and the
+third year un kissed me, and then mother said it were time to put up the
+banns, and her done it.
+
+Deb. (_Laughs._) Ah, the man that wants to marry me will have to ask me
+ever and ever so many times and plead, oh, as if his life depended on it
+(_tossing her head--at fire._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, the lad be shy, that be all. He be frightened ’o thee.
+
+Deb. (_Smiling._) Of me, aunt?
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, sure!--(_Laughs._)--I expect un be worrying hisself finely
+for fear thee doan’t care for un, a fancying thee prefers Jim Harkabuck,
+maybe.
+
+Deb. (_Demurely--goes up r. and gets l. of Mrs. Rollitt._) Jim
+Harkabuck is a very nice fellow, and he does stare. (_Smiling, and going
+to her aunt._) Do you think Allen really--really does--Aunt? (_Kneels to
+Mrs. Rollitt, who turns her head away r. a little._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Laughing, and shaking her off playfully. Pauses._) Does he!
+Why beant he alius quarreling wi’ thee, and doan’t he eat twice as
+much o’ anything if he knows thee cooked it--and besides--(_Pauses and
+becomes absorbed in stockings._)
+
+Deb. Besides what, aunt?
+
+Mrs. R. Why didn’t I find un only the evening afore last when un didn’t
+know I wur there. (_Laughing._)
+
+(_Enter Rachael l. door with fish in frying-pan.--Deborah rises._)
+
+Rach. (_Crossing r. and giving it to Deborah._) Shall I put it on, Miss?
+
+Deb. (_c. goes R. to fireplace._) No, I’ll see to it; Rachael, thank
+you.
+
+Rach. I have put some butter in the pan, Miss.
+
+(_Exit Rachael l. down stage._)
+
+Deb. Yes, aunt. (_r. of table and seeing to fish with back to Mrs.
+Rollitt._) You--you were saying how you came upon Allen the other
+evening, aunt, when he didn’t know you were there, and he was doing
+something.
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, yes, it wur Toosday, and he--not in love wi’
+’ee--(_laughing_)--why--(_taking up stocking and looking at hole._)
+Ah, look at that now, blest if I can make out where the holes come from,
+just.
+
+Deb. What was he doing, aunt?
+
+Mrs. R. Why there un wur wi’ your--
+
+(_Enter Purtwee c.--who coughs._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Turning, and seeing him as he stands in doorway._) What, Mr.
+Purtwee! (_Deborah in despair goes to fire and cooks fish._) Well, ’ee
+do surprise me! ’Ee be quite a stranger. Come in. Thee be just in time
+for a bit of sup.
+
+Mr. P. (_Coming down l. c., puts hat on staircase rail._) I couldn’t
+pass the place without looking in, I’ve just left the trap outside.
+(_Shakes hands._) And how are we?
+
+Mrs. R. Oh, I be middlin’ well, thank ’ee, and how’s yerself?
+
+Mr. P. Oh, nicely enough, and--(_To Deborah crossing r._)--how’s Miss
+Deborah Deacon?
+
+Deb. Very well, thank you, Mr. Purtwee.
+
+Mr. P. That’s all right--you look it, my dear (_Taking her hands._) Why
+I declare she’s getting quite a woman!
+
+Mrs. R. Ah! she’s been that for some time. Her be thinking more about
+getting a man now. (_Purtwee crosses to l. c. laughing._)
+
+Deb. Oh, aunt!
+
+Mrs. R. Did ’ee see the lad up town?
+
+Mr. P. What, Allen?
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, that be the only lad in the world I know. Did ’ee see un?
+(_Goes up l._)
+
+Mr. P. Yes, I met him, and I wanted to have a chat with him. (_Mrs.
+Rollitt is up l. near linen press._) But, Lord! There he was off to
+Lucott’s Hill, and there was no holding him. (_Taking off his coat._)
+
+Deb. (_Who has been engaged in her cooking, at this suddenly stops, and
+looks up._) What was he going up there for?
+
+Mr. P. (_Stopping and facing round._) What for?
+
+Deb. (_Excitedly, but quietly._) Who was he going to see up there?
+
+Mr. P. (_Laughing and folding coat._) Ah! who is it he always goes to
+see up there?
+
+(_Deborah turns a little sick at this confirmation of her fears.
+Purtwee, who is a sharp old fellow, notices the expression of her face
+and the whole truth flashes across him. He pauses suddenly, looks hard
+at her, then assuming an ordinary laughing tone, continues--Mrs. Rollitt
+(up l.) is engaged with the linen, and does not notice this._)
+
+Mr. P. Why, the Walleys, of course. He and Jim seem to be inseparable of
+late.
+
+Deb. Oh, yes, I know. I asked him to try and see if the Walleys would
+part with one of their short-horns.
+
+Mr. P. Ah! that was it, then--yes, I remember that was it. (_Turns away
+and looks back at Deborah, who has resumed her cooking--aside._) Poor
+child! There’s trouble for her I fear. (_Throws coat over chair l._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Comes c._) Well, what be going on up at Minehead?
+
+Mr. P. The same that is going on everywhere, Mrs. Rollitt--people lying
+and slandering and evil-speaking; everybody thieving and cheating and
+quarreling. (_Sits on table l._)
+
+Mrs. R. Well, I guess I could have told thee that. Haven’t thee any
+real news to gie us. Tell us what one person’s be a-doing. Never mind
+“everybody,” I don’t know him.
+
+Mr. P. Well, you see, Susan, a lawyer mustn’t gossip. (_Shakes finger._)
+
+(_Deborah crosses to linen press L., sets tablecloth and lays table r.
+c. for meal._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_c._) Oh, hoity, toity! What be the use of being a lawyer and
+knowing things if ’ee never tells a body a bit o’ news? And now I come
+to think of it, I’ve got a bone to pick wi’ thee about that very thing.
+Thee never told me old Hanningford wur agoing to die without leaving my
+boy so much as a brass farthing. Do you think as how I’d ’a’ gone on
+sending the old skinflint the best turkey in the yard every Christmas,
+and the best goose come every Michaelmas, if I’d known as how he’d
+hadn’t given us so much as the price as a suit o’ black, and Allen his
+own cousin’s child. (_Crossing R._)
+
+A cousin is a cousin, even if it be a distant one. (_Sits l. of table
+r._)
+
+Mr. P. Now, my dear Mrs. Rollitt, how could I tell he was going to die?
+
+Mrs. R. Thee knowed he wur going to die sometime, and thee knowed he
+hadn’t left the boy anything, and thee might a’ dropped me a hint. “Mrs.
+Rollitt,” thee might ha’ said, “thee’s only wasting good poultry on
+a worthless man. The old sinner’s a going to die as hard-fisted and
+ungrateful as he’s lived.” It would ’a’ been a neighbourly act o’
+thee!
+
+Mr. P. (_Laughing._) But I didn’t know he wasn’t going to leave you
+anything. You see he died intestate.
+
+Mrs. R. In------ what?
+
+Mr. P. (_Rises._) Intestate. (_Deborah laughs a little._) Without
+leaving a will; he left nobody anything.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Rising._) Well, then, where does the old fool’s money go to?
+
+Mr. P. Why, to his son, of course! (_Cross to r. near chair, fireplace
+down stage._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, where be his son?
+
+Mr. P. (_Folding his knee in his hand and looking at her quietly._) On
+the road from Texas to Devon. (_Sits r._)
+
+Mrs. R. What! Thee don’t mean to say thee’ve found un! (_Deborah gets
+dish off dresser r. and puts it down in front of firm Mrs. R. in front
+of table r., Mrs. R. and Deborah draw near interested._)
+
+Mr. P. That’s just exactly what I do mean. We traced him at last--found
+him at Port Chadbourne black as a nigger and dressed as a red Indian.
+
+Mrs. R. What was he doing there--play-acting?
+
+Mr. P. No, cow-boy. (_Mrs. R. sits l. of table r._)
+
+Mrs. R. Lord love us all! and do un know?
+
+Mr. P. Yes, my agent saw him--went down to meet him as he came through
+with a drove of cattle, gave him my letters and told him everything.
+
+Mrs. R. Has he written to you?
+
+Mr. P. No, didn’t know how to write--a sort of half savage he seems to
+be, he and all his companions. He said he was going to give the boys a
+three days’ drink, or as he expressed it, “paint the town red,” and then
+start straight for home.
+
+Mrs. R. When do you expect him?
+
+Mr. P. Any day now; it was six weeks ago my agent saw him. He might walk
+into my office to-morrow morning.
+
+Mrs. R. Lor! to think o’ it all. Him running away--driven away, as a
+body might say, by ’is own father, when scarce more than a baby, and
+now coming back to all this money. When do ’ee expect un?
+
+Mr. P. To-morrow--in six months time--never!
+
+Mrs. R. Never! (_Purtwee rises, crosses to l._)
+
+Mr. P. Perhaps never.
+
+Mrs. R. Why I thought thee said he’d started.
+
+Mr. P. Started, yes; but there’s a long road between that and arriving.
+He may be dead and buried--drowned--murdered--for all we can tell.
+They’re a rough lot where he’s coming from. (_Takes coat off settle L.
+Feels for snuff box in pockets; rises; goes c._)
+
+Mrs. R. Well, thee’s picturing a nice fate for the lad. An’ who would
+the money all go to if he were gone?
+
+Mr. P. Why the next o’ kin of course! He isn’t married.
+
+Mrs. R. And who be the next of kin?
+
+Mr. P. (_Dryly._) Oh! there’s no need to worry about that now.
+
+Mrs R. Well, I’d just like to know, that’s all. Would it be any of the
+Leeds folk?
+
+Mr. P. Oh, I really can’t say! (_Gets snuff box, puts coat on settle
+l._) I--I can’t say at all who it would be. (_Angrily, rather._) Why
+there’s about a hundred different relations scattered all over the
+country, and goodness knows who it might turn out to be. It isn’t a
+matter to be considered yet at all.
+
+Mrs. R. Lord bless us all, don’t put theeself out, man. I didn’t know as
+a body’s relations wur any secret--(_pauses_)--provided they be coom
+by honestly. Doan’t tell us if ’ee doan’t want to. (_Turns away r. a
+little._)
+
+Mr. P. No--no, Mrs. Rollitt! I’m not put out, only you see it’s always
+a most complicated question a next of kin, especially in a case of this
+kind where the man shunned all his relations. It might be someone in
+Hong Kong; it might be someone here in Devonshire--(_Enter Allen c.
+door._)--it might be,--(_he is l., taking handkerchief from his overcoat
+pocket, and turning sees Allen in doorway and stops. Deborah puts on the
+fish._)
+
+Allen. (_Coming down r. c._) Well mother! (_Kisses her._)
+
+Mrs. R. Why, my boy, wherever ha’ ye been to--I wur getting quite
+anxious about ’ee!
+
+Allen. (_Taking off his hat and coat and throwing them down at back._)
+Ah, I be a rare anxiety to ’ee, baint I, mother? (_To Mr. Purtwee._)
+Mother alius fancies as I’ve been run off with by gypsies if I be out
+more than an hour. (_Crossing and shaking hands with Mr. Purtwee._) And
+how be Mr. Purtwee for the second time to-day?
+
+Mr. P. (_Laughing and shaking hands._) Ah! your mother’s a regular old
+hen with one chick I expect. (_Sits l._)
+
+Allen. Never thee mind, mother, thee be quite right to be careful o’ me!
+There baint another son like me in the whole country, be there?
+
+Deb. (_At fire._) To the credit of old Devon be it said.
+
+Allen. Halloa! (_Goes r. to Deborah._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah! now that just serves thee right for laughing at thee old
+mother. (_Crosses l. and sits knitting next to Purtwee._)
+
+Allen. Ah! that be the worst of letting the children stop oop arter
+their proper toime, they allus gets so saucy. What have thee there? Lurd
+bust me, I have got a vacuum inside o’ me. Poached eggs?
+
+Deb. No; poached trout.
+
+Mr. P. Eh! what’s that?
+
+Allen. Hulloa! Thee’ve done it now. Why, Mr. Purtwee be Lord Netherby’s
+lawyer, and he’ll ha’ thee hanged in chains on Dunkery Beacon, sure as
+fate.
+
+Deb. Ah, well, you see I didn’t poach him, I’m only frying him. There’s
+no law against frying fish, is there?
+
+Allen. (_r.c._) Aye, well, us’ll forgive thee this time, if ee’ll
+promise to do it again soon. Come and give us a kiss.
+
+Deb. Thee’ll kiss the frying-pan if you come any o’ your nonsense round
+here.
+
+Allen. What! won’t thee, when I tell ’ee I’ve bought Jim Whalley’s
+tan and cream shorthorn for ’ee?
+
+Deb. (_Pleased._) No! Have you?
+
+Allen. I bought her this afternoon, and I got her for--(_l.c., turning
+to his mother_) I say, mother, our Deb’s bin and smoshed young Whalley.
+
+Mrs. R. Done what to un.
+
+Allen. Smoshed him.
+
+Deb. Why, I never touched him.
+
+Allen. Yes thee have, thee’ve smoshed un--that be the new Lunnun word;
+made un in love wi’ thee.
+
+Mrs. R. It’s a funny way o’ doing it.
+
+Allen. I doan’t know how her done it, but her done it. Why he wanted £25
+for the cow at first, and when I told un her wur for Deb he looked as
+stupid as an old cow unself and said I could have her for £20, and then
+he asked me if she would like a calf. (_Goes R._)
+
+Deb. We could do with one. What did you say?
+
+Allen. (_Laughing._) I told un her’d better let the calf come down and
+ask for unself. (_Laughs boisterously._) He never saw what I meant.
+(_All laugh._)
+
+Deb. Oh, I expect he saw it all right. Jim Whalley is a very sharp
+fellow; there was no need to insult him just because he’d done a kind
+action. (_Warmly--turns away r. a little._)
+
+Allen. Oh, I wouldn’t ha’ said it if I’d known. I didn’t know thee was
+in love wi’ him.
+
+Deb. (_Half laughing and half indignant._) Oh, don’t be silly, Allen, as
+if I cared for Jim Whalley.
+
+Allen. I might ha’ guessed it too. Why, I expect that’s why thee wanted
+the cow so as to have something about the place to remind thee o’ un.
+
+Deb. Oh, you great stupid!
+
+Allen. Why, look how you’re blushing. Look, look at her face, mother.
+(_Goes to back of settle r. takes up looking-glass which is hanging on
+settle r., brings it down and holds it before her._) Look at yourself!
+(_she catches him a sound box on the ear. He puts his hand to his face,
+and crossing puts back glass._) I didn’t know thee was so strong. That
+all comes of those squab pies o’ yourn, mother, I told thee thee wur
+putting too much meat in ‘em.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Laughing._) Ah, it’s thy sauce lad, not my meat, that’s done
+it. (_Rises._) Thee’d better try and make thy peace, while me and Mr.
+Purtwee has a look round the out-buildings. (_To Mr. Purtwee_) I’ve been
+wanting to get hold of thee for a long time. Thee’s never given us so
+much as a bit o’ paint for the last ten years, and the stable roof won’t
+bear an owl on it. (_Goes up c. with Purtwee._)
+
+Allen, (_r. near settle._) Thee might show Mr. Purtwee the barn floor
+while thee’s about it, mother. It be more like an earthquake than a
+floor.
+
+Mrs. R. Oh, I be a going to show him more than he wants to see, don’t
+thee worrit. (_Aside to Mr. Purtwee at door c._) Ah, they’d make a
+pretty couple, wouldn’t they?
+
+Mr. P. (_Looking at them._) No, no, we must make ’em one.
+
+(_Exit Mrs. Rollitt and Mr. Purtwee c. door._)
+
+Allen. (_After a pause, r.c._) Well I’ve got thee the cow, anyhow, and
+it’s a beauty.
+
+Deb. (_At tire in a tone of severe and offended dignity._) Thank you,
+Mr. Rollitt, it is very kind of you.
+
+Allen. (_After a pause, with exaggerated politeness._) Don’t mention it,
+Miss Deacon--quite a pleasure!
+
+(_Allen crosses to l., whistles--a pause--pretends to take off leggings.
+Puts foot on settle._)
+
+Deb. Thee may bring me over the butter.
+
+Allen. (_Looking up._) Hulloa! come back again! Butter, certainly!
+(_Takes it from chair off l. on staircase, crosses with it, and holds
+it for Deborah while she takes some._) Jolly good butter this week; who
+made it? Thee?
+
+Deb. (_Other side of plate._) Of course I did! I make all the butter
+now, and the cream.
+
+Allen. What, wi’ them little hands. They don’t look big enough to do
+anything but be kissed.
+
+Deb. (_Looking up and smiling._) They can do something else, can’t they?
+
+Allen. Ah! They be like the parson’s, not as soft as they looks. (_Puts
+down butter on the table--pause--during which Deborah proceeds with her
+cooking, and Allen stands watching her._) What a jolly little farmer’s
+wife thee’d make.
+
+Deb. Yes; I only want the jolly little farmer.
+
+Allen. Ah, thee won’t find many of that sort about. Farming don’t pay
+enough for a man to get jolly on, now-a-days.
+
+Deb. Oh, we have enough to eat and drink, and a little to spend on
+foolishness. You want so much.
+
+Allen. (_Goes l._) Not more than what a many has. Not more than a little
+bit of what this young Hanning-ford is coming back to--enough to let
+a man see what the world’s like a bit, instead of being cooped oop all
+one’s life, like an old cow, in one corner of it.
+
+Deb. But you can’t live all over it, and one corner must be much as good
+as another.
+
+Allen. (_Crosses r._) Ah, thee don’t understand it, lass. Thee women
+folk can stand day arter day the same, but we lads are restless wi’ it.
+We feel as there’s summat big and stirring going on somewhere, and
+we long to be among it--to be in the great world. It seems to call to
+me--(_puts foot on settle L._)--to come to it, sometimes. I hear it of
+a night when I’m watching the sheep on the hill fields. Maybe it’s only
+the sea breaking on the rocks down by Glenthorn--or the wind among the
+old oaks, but it sounds like a distant far-off voice--(_gets l. of table
+R. with back to Deborah_)--calling to me, and it rings and echoes in
+my ears, till I feel at times that I must start up then and there and
+follow it. (_Deborah r. of table r. Allen l. of table r._)
+
+Deb. (_Very gravely, laying her hand on his arm._) Allen, lad, don’t you
+remember reading one evening to us of the sirens, who in the old days
+used to haunt the sea caves, and sing so sweetly that the sailors who
+once paused to listen, were lured on and on till they were wrecked among
+the cruel rocks? May not the voices that you hear be like the singing of
+those sirens?
+
+Allen. Maybe, lass; but the sailors couldn’t help but follow when they
+did hear it. (_Sits in chair l. of table R._)
+
+Deb. (_After a pause._) What be the matter, Allen? Thee used to be
+contented enough. Now thee’s always talking about riches, and wanting to
+go away from the dear old farm. Somethin’s come over thee, lad. (_Puts
+hand on Allen’s shoulder._)
+
+Allen. No, I wur allus like an old crow--(_Deborah takes her hand
+away_)--sitting on a fence, and looking at summat too far off to see.
+But thee be right partly, lass. Summat has come over me, and made me
+want what I can’t get more than ever now.
+
+Deb. (_Very kindly, r._) What be it? (_With elbows leaning on table,
+R._)
+
+Allen. (_Rises, goes l. c._) Well, I be in love, lass. (_Still looking
+away from her._)
+
+Deb. (_After a pause, during which she has smiled to herself with a
+happy little sigh, and clasped her hands together in a sort of little
+joyful ecstacy, unnoticed by Allen._) In love!
+
+Allen. I fancy it must be that. I think of her all day and I dream of
+her all night, and I’m jolly miserable. (_At settle, R._)
+
+Deb. (_Demurely._) Have you any reason to suppose that she returns your
+affection?
+
+Allen. I don’t know, her’s never said anything.
+
+Deb. Have you?
+
+Allen. Me! No, I haven’t said anything.
+
+Deb. Most extraordinary that she doesn’t propose. Have you given her any
+encouragement? (_Leans against settle R._)
+
+Allen. Noa--I can’t say as I have, much. (_Goes r.c._) I’ve looked at
+her, you know--soft like--and sighed. (_Does so._) But her’s mostly
+been looking t’other way and an’t seen it, and as for saying anything to
+her--well, I can talk to her all right about other things and joke and
+laugh wi’ her, but the moment I goes to say I love her--it--it seems as
+if I’d got a hot potato stuck in my throat. (_Speaking as if she
+had, turns away to l. corner of r.table, back to Deborah. His manner
+throughout this scene carries out the idea that it is Deborah he is in
+love with._)
+
+Deb. (_After a pause, with a coquettish smile to herself._)
+
+I--I can’t do anything to help thee, I suppose? (_Goes and leans against
+settle R._)
+
+Allen. Do thee think as her could care for a mere common farmer,
+Deborah?
+
+Deb. (_Turning and looking at him earnestly--comes to front of table
+R._) Well--I think if he were a good farmer, and pleaded very hard, I--
+
+Allen. (_Delighted._) No, lass! Do ’ee really think a girl could?
+(_Advancing to her._)
+
+Deb. (_Putting her hand to stop him with dignity._) A girl
+might--though, of course, a superior sort of girl, such as she appears
+to be, might think it presumption for--(_turns away r.puts hand on
+corner of table R._)
+
+Allen. (_Depressed._) Yes--I’m afraid her would. (_Turns away l._)
+
+Deb. (_Eagerly turning around again._) Then, of course, she mightn’t.
+You never can tell till you try. (_Goes to fireplace r. Fish is
+changed._)
+
+Allen. (_Scratching his head._) Blest if I know how to go about it! I
+say, Deb, you’ve been proposed to, how do they begin?
+
+Deb. (_Bending over fire._) Don’t thee think thee’d better tell me who
+it is and let me ask her for thee? (_Looking slyly round, pauses._) Who
+be her, Allen?
+
+Allen. (_Going up to window R.c._) Ah, I expect thee knows who her be!
+
+Deb. (_Beginning softly to creep toward him._) How should I when thee’s
+never told me? What be her name? (_Close to him, his back is still
+towards her and he doesn’t see her._) Eh?
+
+Allen. (_Without turning, looking out of the back window up R.c._)
+Clara. (_Music cue._)
+
+(_Bus. Deb. stands still--for the first moment she hardly comprehends.
+Then she understands, and stands staring straight before her with a wild
+scared look--shivers, crosses back to fireplace on tip-toe and bends
+down over it attending to the fish--after Deb. sobs Allen comes down
+c.--music dies away._)
+
+Allen. (_Half turning round._) Colonel Dexter’s daughter, you know.
+Thee’ve seen her. Her wur at the Barnstaple ball and I danced wi’ her
+and thee said how beautiful her wur and that her dress was all made o’
+some’at or other, and you--(_he has gradually come close over to her
+r._) What be the matter, Deb?
+
+Deb. (_In a changed, hard tone, bending more intently than ever over her
+cooking._) Nothing--Nothing.
+
+Allen. (_Taking her hand._) Why, thee be quite cold, lass; be thee ill?
+
+Deb. (_Snatching her hand away._) No, no, there’s nothing the matter
+with me. Don’t be so foolish, don’t don’t.
+
+Allen. (_Surprised._) I say, Deb, have I said anything I oughtn’t to?
+I know I’m allus a-doing it. (_A pause--Allen stands looking at her,
+troubled and bewildered--Deb. bends closer over the fire--then takes the
+pan off the fire and with it in her hand turns to Allen smiling._)
+
+Deb. (_Gives dish to Allen._) Yes, thee have--talking to a cook at the
+very moment the trout is on the turn. (_Puts trout on dish._) Serve thee
+right if I’d spoilt it.
+
+Allen. Lor’, thee quite frightened me! (_Pauses._) Yes--I went up there
+this afternoon. (_Deb. takes dish from Allen, puts it down in front of
+fireplace._)
+
+Deb. (_Arranging fish._) Did you see her?
+
+Allen. Yes, I saw her.
+
+Deb. It doesn’t seem to have made thee any more cheerful. Did thee
+quarrel.
+
+Allen. Us never got a chance. There wur a cousin or summat of the kind
+hanging about all the time--just come over with some chap from America.
+Can’t say as I like un much.
+
+Deb. Thee’d best summon up thy courage and speak quick or thee may lose
+thy turn. (_Allen turns away L._) Go and tell aunt supper’s ready--be
+quick, it’s all spoiling.
+
+Allen. (_Moving quickly towards door l. down stage._) Where shall I find
+her?
+
+Deb. (_Sharply._) How should I know?
+
+Allen. (_Looks around surprised--sotto voce._) How the fire do draw out
+a woman’s temper, to be sure.
+
+(_Exit Allen l., down stage._)
+
+Deb. (_Left alone stands r.a moment without speaking._) What right has
+she to come down here and take him away? She doesn’t love him. Couldn’t
+she have found enough fine gentlemen in London to amuse her? I don’t
+believe she’s a good woman, and I hate her. (_Stamps her foot._) She
+shan’t have him--she--(_bursts into quiet tears and, slipping down on
+ground, buries her face in chair by fire--pause--after a few seconds
+Luke Cranbourne appears in door c. front r., Mike Stratton behind him.
+Luke pauses on threshold and coughs. Deb. hastily rises, trying to hide
+her tears and stands r. Luke comes forward slowly, followed by Mike at
+some distance._)
+
+Luke. (_After pause, coming forward r.c._) I--beg pardon--there was
+nobody about. Are Mrs. Rollitt and Mr. Rollitt at home?
+
+Deb. Yes, they are at home. I will go and find them. (_Crosses to l._)
+Who shall I say it is?
+
+Luke. (_r.c._) Ah, thank you very much, my dear. Would you say Mr.
+Cranbourne--Mr. Luke Cranbourne and Mr. Richard Hanningford?
+
+Deb. (_Amazed._) Dick Hanningford!
+
+Luke. (_Smiling._) You know the name?
+
+Deb. Old Mr. Hanningford’s son? Why, we were only speaking of him
+just this instant, and wondering when he’d come back. (_To Luke
+hesitatingly._) Are--are you--
+
+Luke. No--this is Mr. Hanningford. (_Turns to Mike, who stands awkward
+and shy l.c. looking at the ground._) Did you know him? (_Laughs._)
+
+Deb. Oh, I’m Miss Deacon--Miss Deborah Deacon. We were school-fellows,
+you know. (_Timidly approaching Mike with outstretched hand._) I am very
+glad to see you Mr.--Mr. Hanningford.
+
+Mike. Thank you, Miss--I’m very pleased to see you.
+
+Luke. (_Sitting r._) I suppose you hardly recognize our friend?
+(_Watches her intently without her noticing it. Mike has turned away
+again, and looks down, flicking leg with cane._)
+
+Deb. (_Hesitating._) Um! (_Laughs._) Well, he’s certainly altered
+since we used to go to school together. But yes--(_examining his
+face_)--there’s something of the old face left, I think.
+
+Luke. We only arrived from America last night, traveling hard all the
+time. Pretty nearly worked me to death. Dick has--(_with a yawn_)--but
+there, I suppose I should have hurried up pretty smart myself if I’d
+been coming home to a fortune.
+
+Deb. You are staying in the village then, I suppose?
+
+Luke. Yes, we’ve put up at Colonel Dexter’s--my uncle’s--slow place.
+(_Laughing._) But better than the inn apparently.
+
+Deb. Oh. then you are the--Miss Dexter’s cousin that Allen--(_pauses
+hesitating_)--was--was speaking of?
+
+Luke. Oh, the young fellow that was there this afternoon--was that
+Allen? (_With a would-be playful laugh._) And who’s Allen, eh?
+
+Deb. (_A little stiffly._) Allen is Mr. Rollitt.
+
+Luke. Oh, I wish I’d known that this afternoon. Dick’s been dying to see
+him and his mother all day. I wanted him to wait till the morning, but
+he would come down to-night.
+
+Deb. Oh, I’m sure Allen and Aunt will both be delighted. (_Approaching
+Mike, who still stands aside and looks down._) Won’t you be seated,
+Mr. Hanningford? (_He makes no sign--hesitatingly._) Dick. (_Mike still
+takes no notice. Luke has risen and crossed with assumed carelessness,
+towards him and nozu from opposite side of him to Deborah gives him a
+sharp kick. Mike starts and looks up._),
+
+Luke. (_Turning away carelessly._) Lost in reveries of old scenes, Dick,
+eh? Miss Deacon is asking you if you won’t sit down.
+
+Mike. (_Sitting L.c._) Oh, I beg your pardon, Miss, I’m sure. Oh, thank
+you, I will.
+
+Deb. (_Going._) I shan’t be a minute. They are only somewhere about the
+yard.
+
+(_Exit Deborah c. door l. down stage. Luke goes to door, looks off,
+closes door, then goes up to door c., looks off, then closes it. Comes
+r. of Mike, who is l.c._)
+
+Luke. (_After waiting an instant, and making sure that no one is
+about._) Try and keep some of your wits about you, Mike--if you don’t
+mind.
+
+Mike. (_Sulkily._) I don’t see the darned good of this part of the
+trick, so I tell you.
+
+Luke. I’m afraid we shall have a rough time if your memory doesn’t
+improve. I’ve explained to you at least half-a-dozen times that it was
+as a sort of trial canter that I wanted to come here. If anyone in
+Devon can tell who is Dick Hanningford and who isn’t it will be these
+Rollitts. If you pass here you pass anywhere.
+
+Mike. Well, it’s the very place I should have avoided, and for the same
+reason. The old woman knew Dick Hanningford as well as she knows her own
+son, and I’d rather avoid her.
+
+Luke, (_r._) You’re bound to meet her sooner or later. Better get
+it over and know the worst--or the best. (_Turns away r. a little._)
+Sixteen years make it a little difficult to tell a man, especially
+between the age of nine and twenty-five, and you’re like him enough, and
+always were.
+
+Mike. And suppose she gets asking questions--do I remember this, do I
+remember that--you know what old women are.
+
+Luke. Well, you can’t be expected to remember all the details of your
+pinafore days after all this time, and knocking about as you have been.
+You know all that is necessary for you to know. You knew the old man,
+and you were in the house, and you knew young Hanningford. Besides, you
+needn’t recollect anything yourself. You recollect what other people
+recollect, that’s all you’re wanted to do.
+
+Mike. (_Rising._) I hope we don’t make a mess of it! (_Turns L._)
+
+Luke. (_Crossing and laying his hand on Mike’s shoulder, turns him
+to c._) We shan’t make a mess of it--don’t you. You know what it’s
+for--£100,000 apiece. I’ve done my share of the job--you do yours.
+(_Turns r.a little._)
+
+Mike. (_Turning round and facing him._) Are you sure you did your share?
+
+Luke, (_l._) What do you mean? (_Turns c._)
+
+Mike, (_r._) Are you sure he was dead?
+
+Luke. (_After pausing, during which they have looked steadily at each
+other, turning away l._) Well, the bullet went in above his ear,
+because I examined the wound: and his body went over a two hundred-foot
+precipice--that I could also take an affidavit to--only I’d rather not.
+(_Turning round and facing Mike again._) What makes you doubt it?
+
+Mike. I don’t know--nothing. The idea occurred to me, that’s all.
+(_Turns l. a little._)
+
+Luke. Don’t you drink so much and you won’t have so many ideas.
+(_After a pause, during which he seems troubled, shaking it oft with an
+effort._) Have you got the letters with you? It will look well to take
+them out casually while talking. (_Crosses R.; sits on table._)
+
+Mike. (_Who has crossed to L., taking them out of his breast pocket and
+holding them in his hand._) Yes, here they are all right. Bah! (_With
+a shudder._) I always see his face when I look on the darned
+things--I--Mrs. R. (_Without, loudly._) Dick Hanningford--Dick
+Hanningford, my boy! (_Mike drops suddenly in sitting posture on sofa L.
+with a cry “Ah.” Luke works round at back and drops down l._)
+
+(_Enter Mrs. R., excitedly, followed at little distance by Allen and
+Deborah from c. Allen and Deborah remain up. Rachel from door down l._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Coming down towards Mike._) What, Dick, my boy, where be thee?
+(_Sees Mike on sofa; making towards him._) Ah, there thee be--I thought
+I’d know thee again though thee wur only in knickerbockers when I last
+saw ’ee. Tain’t thy fault thy father wur a bit stingy. Come and gie us
+a hug, lad. Lord love us--(_she is just in font of him, begins to speak
+in a bewildered, hesitating manner, in tones gradually dying away to
+an awed whisper, as she slowly step by step backs from him._) How--how
+you’ve grown--Dick--Dick Hanningford--what--(_stands staring at him; a
+strange awed silence prevails_).
+
+Deb. (_Advancing in a terrified voice._) Aunt.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Motioning her back with her arm, but not turning and speaking
+in a quick, excited, loud tone._) Keep back, child, don’t come near.
+(_Luke is near Mike down c._)
+
+Allen. (_Springing forward._) Mother! What’s the matter?
+
+Mrs. R. (_As before._) The man’s dead.
+
+Luke. (_r. stepping forward._) Dead!
+
+Mr. P. (_Who has entered c. followed by Ichabod and Rachel l. He goes
+quietly up to Mike and lays his hand on his heart, and bends over him
+earnestly, and it is a few seconds before he speaks._) Heart disease, I
+suppose. (_At back of settee l. Gets r.c. of settle._) My letter in his
+hand. (_Gets to back of settle._) It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any
+good. (_Turns and feels Mike’s heart once again, then quietly turns away
+to Allen. Comes c._) He stood between you and £200,000. You are now old
+Hanningford’s heir!
+
+Allen. I!
+
+Mrs. R. Allen!
+
+Luke. (_To corpse of Mike--aside as he crosses to back._) Curse you!
+
+
+MEDIUM CURTAIN.
+
+
+
+
+ACT II.
+
+Scene: _Morning room in a handsome flat--a showily furnished
+room--rather ostentatious and loud in its decoration and appointments.
+Large table in bay window r.upper corner. Fire-place r.Doors at back
+l.c. and two in l. wing. Small tables r.and L.. Easy chairs l. and R._
+
+_Breakfast is laid on large table--it is a gorgeously laid meal--silver
+and plate in profusion, and a great number of dishes--tea urn and coffee
+urn--a boiling kettle--flowers and ferns in vases and stands. One, a
+large wavy one, is at left edge of table close to Allen. The table in
+short is crowded and showy to the last degree. A magnificent footman in
+gorgeous livery is standing behind; and Mr. Piffin in solemn black waits
+close to Allen’s chair, a dish in his hand. Allen is discovered sitting
+l. of table, and eating his breakfast in a most melancholy fashion. He
+looks intensely miserable and awed. The terrible solemnity of the
+whole affair has depressed his spirits to their lowest ebb. He glances
+nervously now and then as the meal proceeds, from the footman to the
+valet, and vice versa, as they silently and with much ceremony walk
+about and wait on him. The fern by his side keeps getting in his
+way, tickling and irritating him, but he dare not move it. He eats
+in silence, and when he does speak, does so in a humble, deprecating,
+nervous manner. He is dressed in a loose morning costume. Music to open
+Act._
+
+Piff. (_Standing by Allen’s l. elbow c. Peters r. of table R._) May I
+get you a little pâté de foie gras, sir?
+
+Allen. (_Looking round, and speaking in a hushed voice._) I beg pardon?
+
+Piff. A little pâté de foie gras, sir.
+
+Allen. Patty who?
+
+Piff. Goose’s liver, sir. I think you will like it.
+
+Allen. No, thanks; I never eats liver. It don’t agree with me. I will
+have a bit o’ the bacon though.
+
+Piff. No, sir; it is not dressed that way, sir. I would get used to it
+if I were you, sir. You will so often come across it. Peters, just pass
+your master the pâté de foie gras.
+
+(_Peters goes to do so. Allen who has turned again towards his breakfast
+is about to take up some gravy from his plate with his knife_).
+
+Piff. (_Checks him._) I wouldn’t lap up the gravy with my knife, sir. I
+don’t think. It’s never done now in good society, sir.
+
+Allen. It--it’s the best part of it, you know, I alius thinks--the gravy
+
+Piff. Yes, it’s very tasty, sir. It’s unfortunate it’s so sloppy; and
+you see, sir, eating it in that way does not show off the figure to
+advantage. Peters, remove your master’s plate.
+
+(_Peters does so, placing it a few feet beyond Allen’s left hand. Allen
+watches it with jealous eyes. Peters then holds the pâté de foie gras to
+Allen. He slowly runs his eye up Peters with awe, and then looks at the
+pâté de foie gras, then using one hand attempts to take it. Peters,
+not moving a muscle, holds it tight. Allen seems surprised, and partly
+rising, attempts to take it with both hands._)
+
+Piff. (_Coming to his rescue, cutting a piece, and putting it on his
+plate._) Allow me, sir. Peters, the brown bread and butter.
+
+Pet. (_Looking for it._) It is not on the table, sir.
+
+Piff. No brown bread and butter; dear me, how remiss!
+
+(_Crosses l. and rings bell. Peters also crosses l.c. door, Allen looks
+cautiously round and sees they are not watching him, and stealthily
+reaches over and secures a knifeful of gravy. He is about having a
+second and has the knife close to his mouth, when he becomes aware that
+Piff has returned and is watching him. He tries to hide the knife out
+of sight. Peters has returned with bread and butter._)
+
+Piff. (_Severely._) Peters, remove your master’s knife. Don’t you see
+that it is in his way?
+
+(_Peters does so, and then holds the bread and butter to Allen, who
+takes a thin slice, folds it up, and holds it in his left hand while
+taking the pâté on a fork in his right. He puts first the pâté and then
+the bread and butter into his mouth and swallows them._)
+
+Piff. I must apologize for serving you your breakfast in here, sir. Of
+course, you will not have it in the drawing-room as a rule.
+
+Allen. No, a’ coorse not. No; us alius used to have it in the kitchen at
+home.
+
+Piff. Yes, sir. Must have been very convenient. But I think I’ll get
+you to put up with the breakfast parlour in future, sir--when the room’s
+ready. Have you quite finished, sir?
+
+Allen. (_Humbly suggesting._) I think I’d like a little more o’ that
+pie. (_Looking longingly at pie the other side of table._) You see, I
+alius wur a hearty eater. (_Said as apology_).
+
+Piff. Yes, sir, I’m delighted to hear it, sir; but I wouldn’t eat any
+more breakfast, sir. You will find it is considered correct among _bons
+vivants_ to eat a very sparse dejeuner. My late lamented master, the
+Count de Fizziani, never partook of anything but a cup of weak tea and a
+little dry toast, and he was one of the oldest families in Europe.
+
+(_Allen rises, Peters bows as he does so, and Allen returns the bow and
+comes dozen R._)
+
+Allen. Ah, I shouldn’t ’a’ thought as anyone could ‘a’ lived long on
+that. (_He bows_).
+
+Piff. No necessity to bow, sir.
+
+Allen. He did it. (_Indicating Peters_).
+
+Piff. He’s paid for it.
+
+Allen. I allus seem to want a good feed myself in the morning. (_Takes
+out an old clay pipe and prepares to fill it. Goes down r. and sits in
+chair. Peters is clearing away the breakfast things_).
+
+Piff. Are you thinking of smoking, sir?
+
+Allen. Yes; I allus has a whiff or two arter breakfast.
+
+Piff. It’s very soothing, sir. My late lamented master, the Count de
+Fizziani, used to follow precisely the same course. But I wouldn’t smoke
+a pipe, sir. Pipes are going out in good society. (_Takes cigarette case
+from pocket and offers it to Allen. Takes pipe from Allen and puts it on
+corner of table R.c._) I have some cigarettes here, sir, which I think
+you will like, sir. These are much more _comme il faut_, sir. This case
+is a present from my late lamented master, the Count.
+
+(_Allen looks at them and gingerly takes one._)
+
+Allen. Which end?
+
+Piff. (_Lighting match._) Either end, sir. Allow me. (_Showing
+matchbox._) Another little souvenir from my late master. He was always
+acknowledging, if I may say so, my value to him. That sort of thing
+is always done in good society now. (_Lights cigarette._) It is a full
+flavored one, sir. (_Piffin takes Allen’s pipe from table r.c., crossing
+with it to window r._)
+
+Allen. (_Watching him, anxiously._) Don’t hurt him.
+
+Piff. (_Turning round._) I was just going to put it outside on the
+window-sill, sir.
+
+Allen. No, don’t put him there. We used to sit up together of a night
+watching the sheep. I don’t like the thought of putting him outside the
+window, now I’m a gentleman. Drop him in the pocket of that old shooting
+coat o’ mine that thee won’t let me wear. They know each other. (_Sits
+r.and smokes his cigarette. Piff. puts the pipe on table and returns
+r.c._)
+
+Piff. (_Noticing that Allen is looking at his cigarette._) All right,
+sir? (_r._)
+
+Allen. Yes--yes, thank you, Mr. Puffin--
+
+Piff. Piffin, sir.
+
+Allen. I wur looking to see if it wur alight, that’s all.
+
+Piff. You will soon get to like them, sir. And whenever you are ready to
+dress, sir--
+
+Allen. (_Surprised._) Dress? Why, I be dressed, bain’t I?
+
+Piff. Oh, only for breakfast, you see, sir. I understood you were going
+out walking, sir.
+
+Allen. Why can’t I walk in these?
+
+Piff. Oh, no, sir--all London would laugh at you.
+
+Allen. Lord! I should never a’ thought as they’d take so much notice.
+(_Rising. Piff. crosses to l. near down stage door._) Ah, well, I’ll
+dress. (_Crossing l._) I don’t want to upset London if I can help it.
+I’ll dress. (_Exit l. Bows to Piffin as Piffin does so to him_).
+
+Piff. No necessity to bow, sir. (_Aside._) Ah, I’ve got a big job on
+here!
+
+(_Exit Piffin, following Allen l. Piffin immediately returns, having
+forgotten the pipe, which he takes. He is recrossing l. as enter Dexter
+and Clara, c., preceded by Peters, who takes tray from table R.c. and
+exits up L._)
+
+And I’ve got to live in the house with this.
+
+(_Dexter goes c., Clara r. at back._)
+
+Dex. (_Coming down._) Good-morning, Piffin, goodmorning. Having a quiet
+whiff?
+
+Piff. Thank you, sir. My stomach does not permit my indulging in the
+luxury of a cutty pipe.
+
+Dex. Is Mr. Rollitt about?
+
+Piff. He has just this minute gone upstairs to dress, sir. I will let
+him know you are here, sir.
+
+Dex. No hurry--no hurry at all, Piffin. We are before our time. You are
+not looking well, Piffin.
+
+Piff. Anxiety, sir. May be anxiety. You see Mr. Rollitt’s unacquaintance
+with the manners of the _beaux esprits_ throws much responsibility on
+myself.
+
+Dex. But you must be careful, Piffin. What would he do without you?
+
+Piff. (_Smiling._) Well, I’m afraid he would be a little up a tree, sir,
+if I may be permitted a vulgarism. (_Moving to door l._) I will go and
+acquaint him with your arrival, sir. (_Takes plate from table l., puts
+pipe on it._) I’ll send him to you directly, sir. (_Smells pipe._) Shag!
+(_Exit l.l._)
+
+Dex. Thank you, Mr. Piffin, thank you. (_Turning round._) Always be
+affable with your inferiors--never know when you may want ‘em.
+
+Clara. (_By window, looking out._) Do you come across many of that sort?
+(_Comes down r. of table R._)
+
+Dex. Ah, you beast--you vixen. I wonder you don’t cut yourself with that
+tongue of yours.
+
+Clara. (_Turning round with a hard laugh. At fireplace R._) It must be
+pretty sharp if it goes through your skin.
+
+Dex. Ah, you damned--
+
+(_Enter Allen l. He has on slippers and a smoking coat_).
+
+Allen. (_Crossing._) Don’t ’ee look at us too closely. I bean’t
+properly dressed yet.
+
+Clara. (_r.c. turns head away._) I don’t think we had better look at you
+at all under those circumstances, Mr. Rollitt. (_Laughs._)
+
+Allen. (_Laughs._) Oh, I be covered up all right everywhere. I merely
+meant as I wasn’t up to fashion plate standard. (_Crossing c._) And how
+be Colonel Dexter? (_Shaking hands._)
+
+Dex. (_l._) Jolly, my boy--and how’s yourself?
+
+Allen, (_c._) Oh, I be spry enough. (_Crossing before him and shaking
+hands with Clara, and keeping her hand._) I think us’ll have a pleasant
+day.
+
+Clara, (_r. looking tenderly at him._) I’m sure we shall. (_Crosses to
+sofa, stands at head of it._)
+
+Dex. Well, you young folks will, I know, and the old folks will be happy
+looking on. (_Sitting, and taking Clara’s hand in his and fondling it.
+Allen crosses r._) To see his little girl happy, that’s always happiness
+enough for old Jack Dexter.
+
+Clara. (_Leaning over and kissing the top of his hand._) Silly old dad.
+
+Dex. (_Taking out his handkerchief and pretending to weep._) Ah, like
+her mother--like her mother.
+
+Allen, (_r. c., laughs nervously._) Her--her mother must ha’ been rare
+beautiful, mustn’t her?
+
+Dex. (_c. rising and taking Allen by the hand._) Thank you,--ah, Mr.
+Rollitt, you have never known the blessing of a wife--(_Clara looks at
+him_)--you do not understand the feelings of a widower. (_Weeping._)
+
+Allen. No--but--(_laughing_)--but--I hopes to one day; no--no--I don’t
+mean that--I--(_confused_)--Have thee had breakfast? (_Clara sits on the
+soft L._)
+
+Dex. Yes, thank you, Allen, my boy.
+
+Allen. (_Cheerfully._) Have another.
+
+Dex. No thanks, not to-day.
+
+Allen. What’s the matter? Off thee feed?
+
+Dex. No, my lad, but we old folks ain’t like you young country
+ones--nothing at present thank you--(_pauses_)--to eat.
+
+Allen. Have summat to drink. (_Clara crosses l. Both men laugh, each in
+his own distinctive way. Dex. turns l. and catches Clara’s face._)
+There be some rare old whiskey in the library. Thee’ll find it on the
+sideboard--(_Dex. goes up c._)--and it be more comfortable like in there
+than here. I’ll just go and finish making myself beautiful. (_Crosses to
+l._)
+
+Clara. Don’t be too long. (_Crossing and sitting L.c._)
+
+Allen. (_Laughing._) No, it oughtn’t to take me long to--(_Dex. has his
+back to them, wine business at table r.c._)--do that, ought it? (_Goes
+to l. door down stage. Laughs, and then low to Clara as he is going._) I
+am not likely to stop upstairs long when I know thee’s downstairs.
+
+Clara. Go away, go away.
+
+(_Exit Allen down stage l. Bus. She kisses her hand._)
+
+Dex. And I suppose you will go and throw this chance away, like you have
+every other.
+
+Clara. Well, what if I do? (_Rises, crosses it._)
+
+Dex. What if you do? What are we to live on? (_Goes to Clara l._)
+
+Clara. Gulls, I suppose--as we always have done.
+
+Dex. Yes, and is it pleasant living? Is it pleasant to have to slave
+and trick for every dinner? Is it pleasant to be kicked--sooner or
+later--out of every society one goes into? (_Coming close and speaking
+low._) Was it pleasant to be buried for two years in that God-forsaken
+hole by Exmoor, not daring to show our heads above ground for a moment?
+You’ve got a fine chance of being respectable now.
+
+Clara. Too late, I’m afraid, though.
+
+Dex. (_r. c._) Too late?
+
+Clara. Yes--you see, papa, dear, you haven’t exactly brought me up
+in that way, and I’m afraid I’m too old to learn now. I don’t think I
+should be quite at home as the wife of a piously brought up young man
+from the country. (_Leans back--laughs._)
+
+Dex. And so you’re going to let six thousand a year slip through your
+fingers. It’s wicked--it’s wicked.
+
+Clara. (_Laughs--rises._) Well, it hasn’t slipped through my fingers
+just at present, it is sticking to them pretty freely. (_Crosses to
+R.--Dex is c.--toys with ring._)
+
+Dex. (_Goes to table r.c._) And how long do you think he will stand you
+playing with him?
+
+Clara. Oh, a good long while yet. (_Goes up._)
+
+Dex. (_Puts hat on table r.c._) That’s just where you’re making a
+mistake then. He’s not a fool. He’ll want an answer, “Yes,” or “No,”
+ soon, and what are you going to say then?
+
+Clara. (_Looking out of window._) No. (_Looking into fireplace r._)
+
+Dex. (_After a pause--violently._) Luke Cranbourne’s at the bottom
+of this. What devil’s game is it that’s going on between you and him?
+(_Loudly._)
+
+Clara. I do wish you wouldn’t drink when you’re coming out anywhere, it
+always makes you so noisy. (_At glass._)
+
+Dex. (_Violently._) Take care, Clara--you seem to forget I’m your
+father.
+
+Clara. (_Coldly._) The relationship was none of my seeking.
+Whatever responsibility attaches to the unfortunate--(_moves near
+Dex._)--occurrence is not mine.
+
+Dex. (_l. making movement as if to strike her._) Clara.
+
+Clara. (_Facing him with quiet contempt--a pause._) Put down your hands,
+father. That period of my life is over. (_Crosses. Dex. steps back, then
+throws himself into chair, leans his head on his arms, and bursts into
+tears r.c._)
+
+Dex. (_Crying._) My own child hates me.
+
+Clara. (_Crossing and laying a hand on his shoulder gently._) I don’t
+mean to be hard, father, but you can’t expect much love and duty from
+me. Curses and blows were all you ever gave me as a child, and ever
+since I became a woman you have merely hawked me about as your decoy.
+
+Dex. (_ Whimpering._) I only want you to do what’s for your own good.
+
+Clara. (_Turns away L._) Yes, but you must allow me to be the judge of
+that--and come--you haven’t had much cause to grumble up to now. You’ve
+been able to be drunk every night for the last three months.
+
+Dex. (_Rises c._) I ain’t been drunk. (_Takes hat off table r. c._)
+
+Clara. Not for you perhaps--(_goes l. a little_)--drunk in the ordinary
+sense of the word--and I will get you something to-day if I can.
+
+Dex. (_Drying his eyes._) God bless you, Clara, you’re a good girl. Do
+you think you’ll be able to get a twenty?
+
+Clara. You must leave it to me. I’ll get you as much as I can.
+
+Allen. (_Off l._) Thank you, Mr. Puffin.
+
+Piff. (_Off l._) Piffin, Piffin, sir.
+
+Clara. (_Moving away towards door--upper l._) Come into the next room
+now. Here’s Allen coming back.
+
+Dex. (_As he follows her out._) Say you want to help a poor woman who’s
+very ill, and has been ordered nourishing food and--(_gags._)
+
+(_Exeunt Clara and Dex. upper l._)
+
+(_Enter Allen and Piff. l. Allen is completely dressed in the height of
+walking costume, and is evidently very uncomfortable. Enter Peters c.
+Pet. puts photo case on table r. c. Exits down c. Allen has on hat and
+coat, and Piff. is carrying his umbrella and gloves. Allen should be got
+up in a slightly exaggerated masher style. He is smoking a cigarette._)
+
+Allen. I carn’t breathe, Mr. Puffin.
+
+Piff. Oh, you will soon get used to that, sir. And would you please to
+remember my name is Piffin, sir? (_Taking his hand._) Why, surely these
+are nines, sir, I think we could get them down to eight and a half, and
+if I were you, sir, I would show a little more cuff, sir, it’s always
+done in good society, sir; besides, it makes the hand look smaller; a
+little cuff, sir, goes a long way in good society.
+
+Allen. Thank you, Mr. Piffin. (_Shakes his hand._)
+
+Piff. Thank you, sir, but I don’t think you ought to shake hands with
+me, sir. And when you do shake hands with your friends, sir--allow me
+(_takes Allen’s hand_) shake high, sir. (_Shakes his hand high._) You’ll
+see it’s always done in good society, sir. Lord Carmichael’s man told me
+he met you yesterday, sir.
+
+Allen. I--I don’t know him, do I?
+
+Piff. Oh, no, sir, but he knows you, sir, and he was rather complaining
+of your walk, sir?
+
+Allen. Why, what’s it got to do with him?
+
+Piff. Well, sir, knowing as I’m your coach, sir, he meant it as a
+friendly hint. You have rather a countrified walk, if you will forgive
+me for saying so--a more _négligé_ style is adopted by the _savoir
+vivre_ now, sir, and a more _insouciant_ manner of carrying the
+umbrella. You walk too much in this way, sir. (_Taking up umbrella,
+gags, and imitates._)
+
+Allen. Lord love us, do I walk like that?
+
+Piff. Just like that, sir. You see yourself, sir, what a very
+_undestingué_ appearance it presents. The present fashionable style is
+more like this, sir. (_Performing an exaggerated Piccadilly dawdle._)
+See, sir--body a little forward--knees stiff--and a slight wobble,
+sir--very slight. (_Handing Allen the umbrella._) Perhaps, sir, you
+would take the umbrella and try it, sir.
+
+(_Allen attempts the business._)
+
+Piff. (_Criticising Allen’s practice. Allen crosses to R._) A little
+more bend, sir--a little wobble, sir--umbrella held lightly between
+the first and second fingers, sir, (_Allen goes l._) and if you could
+manage--allow me, sir--. (_takes umbrella, shows him, and returns it_)
+to swing it right round now and then, sir, it adds great _aplomb_.
+
+Allen. Great what?
+
+Piff. French, sir.
+
+Allen. (_Swings umbrella round awkwardly._) Like that?
+
+Piff. Not quite like that, sir. A little more airily, sir.
+
+Allen. (_Swinging it._) Does it ever put anybody’s eye out behind?
+
+Piff. I don’t think that point is considered of much importance in good
+society, sir--that is much better, sir. (_Goes r.Allen l._) If you
+would practice like that a little every day, sir, you would soon pick it
+up, sir. A little more bend, sir, and--er--don’t forget the wobble.
+
+(_Exit l. down stage._)
+
+(_Allen goes on practicing to himself, making as much fun as possible,
+consistent with comedy, out of the bus. As he is in the middle of it,
+enter Mrs. R.and Deb. door c., the door being opened for them by Peters.
+They stand c. staring aghast at Allen, who continues, unconscious of
+their presence._)
+
+Allen. (_Gags._) Soon pick it up! Strikes me someone’ll have to pick me
+up. It puts me in mind of one of our old turkey cocks.
+
+(_Mrs. R. and Deb. come down stage a little._)
+
+Allen. (_Bus. in r. corner of stage. Peters withdraws, grinning._)
+
+Deb. (_After a long pause, clapping her hands._) I know what it is,
+aunt. It’s our Allen.
+
+Allen. (_Seeing them._) Mother! (_Comes down r.c. Deb. l. c._)
+
+Mrs. R. My boy! (_They rush into each other’s arms c. and Mrs. R. gives
+him a huge hug--gets r.of Allen, Deb. l. Then he and Deb. have an
+embrace, and then he and Mrs. R. for the second time._)
+
+Allen. (_In the middle of Mrs. R. second hug._) Hold hard!
+
+Mrs. R. (_Alarmed._) What’s the matter, lad?
+
+Allen. Summat’s gone.
+
+Mrs. R. What?
+
+Allen. I don’t know; summat behind. (_Drawing back r. and looking down
+at himself._) Mother, you’ve spoilt me.
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, they used to tell me I allus did that, lad. (_Laughs._)
+
+Deb. (_After gazing in silent admiration at Allen._) Oh, aunt, isn’t it
+lovely? Look at its hat!
+
+Mrs. R. (_Critically examining his clothes._) Ah--and there’s some good
+stuff there, too. (_Moving away._)
+
+Deb. (_Going near and sniffing._) Oh, oh! Doesn’t it smell
+nice--and--oh, look at its collar! (_Allen pleased--begins to plume
+himself--Deb. begins to laugh._)
+
+Allen. What’s the matter with the collar--what are you laughing at?
+(_Trying to look at his own collar. Debt’s laugh only grows, and Allen’s
+indignation begins to rise._)
+
+Allen. What’s the matter--what are you laughing at? (_Deb. laughing more
+and more, goes to walk round him. Turning round, so as to face her--his
+collar prevents him turning his head, and he has to walk round._) What
+are you up to?
+
+Deb. I want to see it all round.
+
+Allen. (_Very indignantly._) Well then, you can’t do it. I ain’t a show.
+What are you laughing at? There’s nothing to laugh at. (_Mrs. R. laughs
+first time._) It’s your ignorance, because you don’t understand things.
+What are you laughing at?
+
+(_Mrs. R., who has hitherto sat R. looking on, now also begins to laugh,
+and she and Deb. go on laughing more and more, Allen growing more and
+more indignant._)
+
+Allen. I am surprised at you, mother. Deb. allus was a--(_the two women
+only laugh louder, and Allen in spite of himself begins to laugh too;
+afterwards he joins in heartily and all three laugh, after which they
+have another hug. Bus._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Exhausted._) Well, lad, and how dost thee like being a
+gentleman? (_Sits r., Deb. sits l._)
+
+Allen, (_c. doubtfully._) Well, it’s got its drawbacks, mother. There’s
+more work about it than you’d think for, you know,--but I think I shall
+be all right, I’ve got a good man learning me. He wur teaching me to
+walk this morning. That wus the Park stroll I wur practicing when you
+come in; see, mother? (_Imitates stroll._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, well, us made a good man of ’ee down in Devon. I hopes
+they don’t spoil ’ee, lad, in turning thee into a gentleman.
+
+Allen. Ah, no, mother. It’s only a polishing up the outside. I’m old
+Exmoor oak--(_puts his hat and umbrella on table r. c._)--I hope, right
+through, and they can’t hurt that. When did ’ee come up? (_Sits r.
+c._)
+
+Mrs. R. Only yesterday, and us went to Mrs. Clouter’s and slept, and
+then us come on here this morning.
+
+Allen. And how long can you stop?
+
+Mrs. R. Well, us must start off to-morrow, some time.
+
+Allen. To-morrow! Oh, nonsense, mother.
+
+Mrs. R. Nonsense! Why, bless the lad, thee wouldn’t have me away on
+Saturday. Why, who’d pay the wages, and see to everything?
+
+Allen. Why, there’s Rogers there, ain’t there?
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, why thee might just as well leave the key of the stable in
+charge o’ the old bay mare, as trust him to look arter anything, except
+his own inside.
+
+Allen. (_After a pause._) Mother! (_Rises, goes to Mrs. R. r._) What do
+ye want to go back at all for, and work and worry yourself to death? Let
+me take a little house up here in London for thee and Deb, and then we
+can all be together.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Aghast._) And leave the farm?
+
+Deb. (_Turning round._) Oh, Allen!
+
+Allen. Why not? You’ve worked hard enough, mother--give the farm up and
+enjoy yourself.
+
+Mrs. R. Enjoy myself! Away from Woodbarrow
+
+Farm! Why, lad, thy father wur born there and brought me home there--and
+he died there, and thee wur born there--and there be the pigs and the
+poultry! (_Begins to cry._)
+
+Allen. (_Tenderly patting her._) All right, mother, all right. Us’ll
+keep it on.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Wiping her eyes._) And thee might want to come back to it
+theeself some day, lad.
+
+Allen. (_Laughing._) Why, thee don’t think I’m going to run through two
+hundred thousand, do ye, mother? We Devonshire lads win fortunes, not
+lose ‘em. (_Crossing c._)
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, no, lad. But thee knows the saying “Roses blossom for a day,
+But stout old ivy’s green al-way.” Thee ain’t likely to lose the money,
+if thee can help it, lad, but us all be in God’s hands, and I’ll be
+easier in my mind if the farm’s there for thee to come home to. If
+anything happens, thee knows the way across the Moor, and thee knows how
+the latch goes, and me and the lass will be inside to welcome thee.
+
+Allen. (_Goes l. takes Deb.’s hand._) Ah, I know you will, mother, both
+of you.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Music--piano._) Leastways I shall--and the lass until her gets
+married, I suppose. (_Deb. goes up a little; gets r._)
+
+Allen. (_Surprised._) Until her gets married? (_Deb. goes to Mrs. R. r.;
+tries to stop her speaking._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Sharply._) Ah, the lads ain’t all fools.
+
+Allen. (_Evidently troubled._) I never seemed to think o’ Deb’s getting
+married, somehow.
+
+Mrs. R. Well, other folks have.
+
+Allen. I can’t fancy the old farm wi’out Deb. Lord, how lonesome it
+would be.
+
+Deb. (_Who has been trying to stop Mrs. R., has come down and stands by
+her aunt, l._) Oh, it’s only aunt’s fun. (_Goes to Allen, l. c._) I’m
+not going to get married. Sure the pigs and cows are worrit enough wi’
+their foolish ways. I don’t want any husband.
+
+Allen. Ah, thee will some day, o’ course, and when thee does we must
+make thee comfortable, lass. (_Taking her hand._) Thee shalt ha’ the
+best farm in all the country, and the best dairy, and the best stock.
+
+Deb. (_Little c._) Thank thee, Allen dear. (_Turns up stage._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Rising; music dies away._) Well, lass, I suppose us had better
+have a clean down and summat to eat, and then see about our bit o’
+shopping.
+
+Allen. Lord help us! (_Starting._) If I ain’t forgot all about ‘em.
+
+Mrs. R. All about whom?
+
+Allen. Why, Clara--Miss Dexter and her father--they be in the library
+waiting for me.
+
+Deb. Oh, don’t let us keep you from them. (_A little spitefully._)
+
+Allen. Oh, I shan’t go out this morning, now. (_Gets hat and umbrella
+from table r.c._) I shall get them to stop here instead, and us can
+have a nice quiet day all together. (_Going towards door, lower l._)
+Come on, mother. (_Crosses to c._) I’ve got a room fitted up a’purpose
+for thee and Deb, with a roost just outside the window with a cock and
+three hens in it, and he crows all night.
+
+(_Exeunt Allen, Deb., and Mrs. R. down stage._)
+
+(_Enter Baron von Schorr (1) and the Hon. Tom. Gus-sett (2), ushered in
+by Peters c. (3). Enter Luke c., and Dexter u. l. (4), afterwards Clara
+(5.) Baron goes down l., Gussett r., Luke r. c., Dexter l. c._)
+
+Dex. (_l._) Rollitt’s going out. You can’t see him. It’s no good your
+coming here to try and fleece him this morning. I tell you he’s going
+out.
+
+Luke. (_Coming down r.c._) Ah, we’ll wait and say good-bye to him,
+Jack.
+
+Baron. (_l. c._) Ah, greedy Jack,--greedy Jack--you want de bird all
+to yourself. Nein--nein, zhare and zhare alike. Herr Cranbourne have a
+ving, Tom Gussett, he have de oder ving. You and your fair daughter have
+de legs, and I vill have de breast.
+
+Clara. No, you shall have the bones after we’ve done with them. Make
+’em into a stew--keep a German baron for a week. (_Others laugh._)
+
+Baron. Ah, Trickey, you here. (_Motioning towards Clara and her
+father._) Ah, de early birds--de early birds.
+
+Clara. Yes, we have to be. (_Rises, and goes r.imitating him._) De
+worms get up so early nowadays. (_Enter Allen lower l. Baron goes to
+meet him. Guss. puts him away and he turns up c. Speaks to Dex._)
+
+Allen. Hullo! Unexpected pleasure!
+
+(_Luke comes forward and greets Allen c._)
+
+Guss. (_r._) Haven’t seen you for an age, dear boy.
+
+Allen. No. (_Goes to Luke r._) I’ve been keeping pretty respectable of
+late--I--I mean, you know, I haven’t been going out much.
+
+Luke, (_l._) Tom and I are going over to Paris for the Vincennes
+meeting, and we’ve come to see if you will join.
+
+Guss. (_l. of Allen r._) Yes, do come; then we can show you about Paris
+a bit, you know.
+
+Luke. Ah, yes, and we shall be able to get you into one or two things
+in the betting line if you are with us. We can introduce you to some
+friends of ours.
+
+Allen. Ah, it be very kind of thee, I’m sure.
+
+(_They go on talking r._)
+
+Baron. (_Aside to the Dexters, back of Clara._) I say, Jack, my boy, how
+long have you been Colonel? I did not know you vas a militaire.
+
+Clara. Papa joined the Salvation Army about the same time that you were
+raised to the German Peerage. Don’t talk so loud, my dear Baron.
+
+Baron. Gut, gut.
+
+(_Luke sits down stage r. with back to audience, looking at betting
+book._)
+
+Guss. (_To Allen r._) Of course we shall take care of your interests as
+if it was for ourselves.
+
+Baron. (_Comes and puts arm in Allen’s._) Of course they vill take care
+ob your interests for themselves. Come here. (_Goes l._) You know I have
+been tinking about you so much ob late. Ja!
+
+Allen. Ah, very kind of thee, I’m sure.
+
+Baron, (_l._) Ja, I say to myself, my fren Rollitt--I always call you my
+fren--my fren Rollitt, I say, he is a gut fellow--he has money--all
+he vants is family. (_Guss. goes to Dex. l. c._) He must marry family.
+(_Dex. goes c. and tries to hear conversation--Baron notices it and
+crosses to r.with Allen._) Now, Miss Dexter, she is a nice girl--ach,
+such a nice girl--but she has no family.
+
+Allen. No--not yet. (_Luke gets near fireplace R._)
+
+Baron, (_r. Seeing it after a while._) Ah, nein, nein--I do not mean vat
+you mean--I mean family de oder vay--backvards--dead uns.
+
+Allen. Oh!
+
+Baron. Ja. Now, dere is my niece, look at her family! Look at her
+ancestors--all barons--German barons! And she is such a nice girl--so
+beaudiful--so plump--ach, I will indroduce her to you. She vill mash
+you--so much. She--
+
+(_Enter Mrs. R., Deb. behind her, lower l. door. Seeing the room full
+she stands by door hesitatingly._)
+
+Guss. (_Coming down and interrupting, with a sneering laugh._) Your
+nurse, Rollitt, I think. (_Comes c. Luke goes to fireplace R._)
+
+Allen. (_Turns and sees them, and then goes towards them._) Yes, Mr.
+Gussett--the best nurse a man can have--my mother.
+
+(_Guss. confused, but soon recovers himself and laughs it off. Col. D.,
+Luke, and Clara come forward to greet Mrs. R. and Deb. l. c., and the
+customary ceremony, etc., is gone through--all speaking together._)
+
+Clara. (_Smiling pleasantly, shakes hands with Mrs. R._) Good-morning,
+Mrs. Rollitt. You are looking so well and jolly. How are you, my dear?
+(_To Deb. Between these two the greeting is really strained and awkward,
+although outwardly pleasant enough. Clara kisses Deb., but Deb. seems
+to shrink--she turns away. Clara notices this, and follows Deb. as she
+turns away up c., with a meaning look. While it has been going on the
+greeting between Mrs. R. and Luke has taken place--Mrs. R. down l._)
+
+Allen. (_Finishing his introduction of Mrs. R. and Baron._) The Baron
+von Schnorr--Mrs. Rollitt, my mother.
+
+Baron. Your mudder--Oh, impossible. (_Goes l. c._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Huffy._) I beg your pardon, Mr. Snort.
+
+Baron. Ach, ja, you are laughing at me--not your mudder.
+
+(_Clara walks round at back, drops down r. near Luke._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_Very indignant._) Yes--his mother. Don’t you cast any of your
+nasty foreign insinuations upon me. I’m his lawful married mother, and
+his father was his father, and a better man never lived, as anyone in
+Exmoor--
+
+Allen. (_Soothing her._) It’s all right, mother, the Baron only means
+it complimentary. Thee’st supposed to look too young to be anybody’s
+mother. He has to take (_Clara sits r._) thee for my sister.
+(_Laughing--goes up l. c. with Dex._)
+
+Baron. Ja--I take you for his sister. Ach, you English ladies, you never
+seem to get more old--you only get more round, more--more jolly.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Still indignant._) Ah--foolishness. (_Ruffling her dress and
+sitting very stiff l. on sofa._)
+
+Baron. (_Sitting on sofa beside her._) It must be de climate keep you
+so moist. (_Drawing closer._) I knew a man, he lives in your Manchester,
+and--(_goes on talking to Mrs. R. but is not heard._)
+
+(_Allen goes up and joins Col. Dex. up l. c. and Clara. After a little
+while Col. Dex. appropriates him, leaving Clara a little to r.of them
+unnoticed. Guss. continues talking to Deb. Deb. evidently bored and
+anxious to get away. Guss. trying to be very agreeable. At this point
+when all the others are occupied, Luke r. beckons Clara to him and she
+crosses. Their conversation is in eager undertone and they watch to see
+that no one is noticing them._)
+
+Luke. Have you got him to join yet?
+
+Clara. No--he kicks against it.
+
+Luke. If his name isn’t down in the list of directors before Monday I
+shall be arrested.
+
+Clara. Can’t you get away?
+
+Luke. No, I’m watched night and day. If he joins, the company will float
+and it will be all right.
+
+Clara. I shall be seeing him alone this morning. I will try again.
+
+Luke. And keep to plain gold and diamonds for presents. Those fallal
+things (_touching her bracelet_) are no good. Don’t fetch ten per cent,
+of their value.
+
+Deb. (_Part of the conversation between herself and Guss. Abstractedly,
+her attention being fixed on Luke and Clara._) Ha, ha! that was very
+funny.
+
+(_Guss. r. with Deb. looks at her in amazement._)
+
+Luke. (_Down r._) There’s that milkmaid watching us--don’t look around,
+answer as though I had been proposing to you--that will account for our
+talking together. (_In a louder but still undertone._) Is there no hope
+for me?
+
+Clara. (_Down r.--smiling._) None, Luke--please don’t refer to the
+subject again. I like you--respect you--will be a sister to you--but
+love--
+
+Luke. (_Grinning._) Yes, it’s that Rollitt that you love. (_Deb.,
+followed by Guss., has moved away to window._)
+
+Clara. Mr. Cranbourne, you have no right--
+
+Luke. (_Who has been watching Deb._) Chuck it up, it’s all right, she’s
+gone to the window.
+
+Clara. I don’t suppose we’ve deceived her very much, she’s a sharp
+little minx. Get these men away.
+
+(_Clara takes up book, and standing, toys with it up r. front of r.c.
+table._)
+
+Baron. (_Finishing._) She never leave her bed for eighteen years--she
+take dree dozes--den she get up and go for a dree mile walk.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Rising._) Lor! It must have been quite a change for her.
+
+Baron. (_Rising._) Ja. It vas a miragle. (_Turning and seeing Luke
+beside him._) Ha, my dear boy, ready?
+
+Luke. (_Crosses to Baron._) Ready and off.
+
+Allen. (_Coming down c. followed by Dex._) Oh, are you three going?
+
+(_Baron goes c._)
+
+Luke. Yes, I know you’ll be glad to be rid of us. (_Laughing._)
+
+Allen. Well, I have (_looking at watch_) one or two little things to do
+this morning.
+
+(_Baron goes up c._)
+
+Dex. Well, look here, Allen, I’m just going to have a quiet weed in the
+smoking room till you’re ready. See?
+
+Allen. Oh, it be a billiard room now, thee know.
+
+Luke. Oh. have you had a table put up?
+
+Clara. (_Who has just crossed over and joined the group l. to Mrs. R.
+who is just about quitting the room by door l. lower._) Do you allow
+your little boy to play billiards, Mrs. Rollitt? I don’t think I should
+if I had charge of him. (_Playfully._)
+
+Mrs. R. Oh, the more he’s up to every sort o’ game that’s played the
+better for him, to my thinking.
+
+(_Exit Mrs. R. l._)
+
+Allen. (_Laughing._) Oh, it keeps me at home out of mischief, like.
+(_Moves to upper door L._) Come and have a look at it. (_Goes up c._)
+
+Baron. (_As they go._) Ach, billiards iz a beaudiful game. (_Aside to
+Luke._) But you cannot vin much at id, id take so dam long.
+
+(_Exeunt all but Guss. and Deb. [l.]--all talking as they go. Guss. and
+Deb. near fireplace._)
+
+Deb. (_r._) Well, I’m afraid, Mr. Gussett, I must really go now. (_Goes
+down stage. Guss. goes l. c. and stops her._)
+
+Guss. (_Getting between her and the door l. to which she is backing._)
+Oh, no, don’t go. Do you know, I shall really think you are trying to
+avoid me.
+
+Deb. (_Retreating behind table--Guss. takes a step._) Oh, not at all.
+
+Guss. (_c. gets l. of r. c. table._) Ah, so pleasant to hear you say so.
+You know, Miss Deacon, I so want you to like me.
+
+Deb. Yes, well--I do very much, only I can’t stop to do it now, because
+you see aunt wants me. (_Moves c. up stage. Guss. stops her. Bus. of
+Deb. trying to get away and of Guss. cutting her off and trying to get
+near her; is kept up throughout the scene._)
+
+Guss. Ah, but your aunt sees so much of you and I can see so little.
+
+Deb. (_Laughing, walks l. c. up stage. Guss. at head of sofa._) I’m
+afraid there’s not very much more of me to see. I must go really,
+because we have got to do some shopping this morning.
+
+Guss. Ah, let me come with you?
+
+Deb. Oh, no, I won’t tax your kindness. I know you men hate shopping,
+and we are going into drapers’ and dressmakers’ and all sorts of
+dreadful places, (_c._)
+
+Guss. Ah, they will not be dreadful if you are there, Miss Deacon.
+
+Deb. And aunt always takes such a long time shopping. (_Goes up c._)
+Never can make up her mind, and I’m worse still, and--(_makes movement,
+Guss. moves behind settle and stops her down l._)
+
+Guss. Ah, the longer you take, the better I shall like it. I shall enjoy
+coming, I assure you.
+
+Deb. (_Getting more and more cross, comes r.c._) Well you know I really
+don’t think you will; and really, Mr. Gussett--(_turns r.a little._)
+
+Guss. (_Interrupting._) Ah, I know better. No, I quite insist upon
+coming.
+
+Deb. (_With calm, suppressed temper._) Ah, all right, Mr. Gussett, you
+shall. (_Crossing l. meets Mrs. R. just entering l._) Aunt, I want you.
+(_Turning her round again._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_l._) Why, whatever’s the--
+
+Deb. I’ll tell you, come along.
+
+(_Exeunt Mrs. R. and Deb. l._)
+
+Guss. (_r. turns and arranges his moustache in glass over chimney_).
+Might do worse, Gussy, my boy. (_Turns round again._) She’s not a bad
+little thing, lick her into shape a bit.
+
+(_Enter Luke, upper l._)
+
+Luke. (_Crossing to table and taking up his hat._) Coming?
+
+Guss. No, dear boy. (_Laughing._) Got a little job on.
+
+Luke. Oh, on the war-path?
+
+Guss. Yes--well, I may as well keep it in hand--Chawbacon will make her
+good for a thousand or two, I expect--if nothing better turns up.
+
+Luke. Ah--wish you luck--she’ll be a good match for you, I think, Gussy.
+
+(_Exit Luke c._)
+
+(_Enter Mrs. R. and Deb. lower door l. Both are wearing old-fashioned
+big country shawls, and big bonnets. Deb. evidently has on one of her
+aunt’s. Their dress altogether is as extravagant as comedy will permit,
+and has evidently been hastily put on. Deb. also carries a big country
+hand-basket covered with a cloth, the neck of a bottle sticking
+prominently out, and a huge gamp. Deb. smothering her laughter_).
+
+Deb. (_Crossing r.c._) We are quite ready, Mr. Gussett
+
+Mrs. R. Yes, we are quite ready.
+
+Guss. (_Who has regarded them with a horrified stare._) Ah, yes, if you
+will wait a minute I think I will call a cab.
+
+Deb. Oh, we’d rather walk, thank you--you would rather walk, wouldn’t
+you, aunt?
+
+Mrs. R. Oh, I’ve made up my mind for a walk.
+
+Deb. Yes, we would both rather walk. Will you give your arm to aunty,
+Mr. Gussett? (_Guss. crosses to c._) And be very careful of her at the
+crossings, because she’s rather nervous, and so am I.
+
+Deb. (_r.c. handing the basket to Guss._) You won’t mind carrying the
+basket, will you, Mr. Gussett, because it’s so heavy? (_He takes it
+bewildered and helpless._)
+
+(_As Guss., Deb. and Mrs. R. reach door c., enter Allen and Clara l.
+upper e._)
+
+Allen. Hulloa! Where be thee off to?
+
+Deb. Down Regent street, and up--Piccadilly, I think you call it.
+Good-bye.
+
+(_Exeunt Mrs. R., Deb. and Guss. c._)
+
+Clara. (_Comes l. laughing._) I should like to be there to see the Hon.
+Tom Gussett at the crossings.
+
+Allen. (_Half amused, half cross._) Ah, her be a madcap, her be, that
+girl. What makes thee so anxious that I should join the company?
+
+Clara. (_Sitting l. on sofa, Allen stands by her, behind sofa, leaning
+over._) Why, don’t you see, poor papa could be secretary if you joined.
+They would let you nominate him, and we should be so glad to be earning
+something--(_very low_)--and we are so poor. (_Laying her hand on him._)
+Do join, Allen, for my sake.
+
+Allen. (_Yielding--back of sofa._) Ah, thee don’t know how hard thee
+makes it for me to say no.
+
+Clara. Then don’t say it--it would make me so happy. (_Looking up at
+him._)
+
+Allen. It would?
+
+Clara. (_Laying her hand as if unwittingly on his._)
+
+And I should think you--(_drooping her head._) Ah! I’d better not say
+what I should think you.
+
+Allen. Ah, well, lass, if you wish it, I will then.
+
+Clara. You will really?
+
+Allen. Yes--if it will make thee happy I will. And now let’s talk about
+yourself. (_Sits l. next to Clara._) Thee is the company I most wants to
+join. How have thee been getting on?
+
+Clara. (_Looking down._) Oh, dear!
+
+Allen. What does “Oh dear” mean?
+
+Clara. “Oh, dear” means very bad. Debts. (_With assumed bewilderment._)
+Awful!
+
+Allen. (_Smiling._) What sort of debts?
+
+Clara. Oh, all sorts--tradespeople, you know, and all that, and then I
+thought I could win a little by betting--(_Allen rises_)--and put it all
+right--and I’ve been and lost. Oh dear!
+
+Allen. (_Vexed, goes c._) I should ha’ thought there wur enough fools
+among us men trying to win money that way.
+
+Clara. I am naughty, I know--but papa leaves everything to me, and I get
+so frightened when I see the debts mounting up and nothing to meet them,
+and I’ve no one to advise me. (_Crosses l._)
+
+Allen. (_After a pause, rises, goes to Clara--kindly._) I didn’t mean
+to speak unkind, lass. I’m full of old-fashioned notions about women, I
+suppose. I like ’em to be women--not mere men in petticoats. How much
+does thee owe?
+
+Clara. Oh, heaps! (_Handing him pocket-book._) Look. (_Allen crosses to
+R. and sits at table._) And I haven’t any money. (_Rising and looking
+over his shoulder R., as he examines the book._) Do you think they’ll
+put me in prison?
+
+Allen. (_Turns--laughing._) Thee ought to be taken in charge by
+somebody, that’s certain. (_Allen rises, puts some notes from his
+pocket-book into hers, and hands it back to her._) I owe your father
+a little over one or two bets. I can take it off that and give him the
+rest, like. (_Crosses to l._)
+
+Clara. (_Takes book and lays it on the table--the notes drop out on to
+the table._) You are good, Allen, really. (_Puts book on table R.--half
+to herself._) I wish sometimes that you weren’t--that you were more like
+other men I have met. (_Turning away r._)
+
+Allen. Why, would thee like me better?
+
+Clara. No, but I should like myself better.
+
+Allen. What do thee mean, lass?
+
+Clara. Nothing. I’m not used to your sort of men. (_Goes to fireplace,
+then up R., throwing off her seriousness and turning towards him._) You
+are like the knight, Allen, out of some old legend that comes and slays
+the dragon and sets the frightened princess free from all her trouble.
+(_Laughing._)
+
+Allen. (_Goes to table r. Clara r.c. at top of table._) When art thee
+going to gie me the right to be thy knight always?
+
+Clara..(_Sits at table playfully._) Ah, the gallant knights are apt
+to turn into grim jailers--(_comes l. of r. table_)--when they get the
+princess into their own castles.
+
+Allen. Can’t thee believe me, Clara? Trust me, lass--I’m only a rough
+country chap to be asking a beautiful lady like thee to be my wife. But
+if I can’t gie thee anything very showy on the outside, it will make me
+the more eager alius to keep a loving heart for thee within.
+
+Clara. Oh, no. (_Sits in chair l. of table._) A lover on his knees is so
+much nicer than a lover on your arm. You are so nice, Allen, as you are,
+you can’t think. I really couldn’t bring myself to risk a change.
+
+Allen, (_c._) It would be a change for thee, Clara--(_leans on table at
+back of Clara, puts hand on Clara’s chair_)--from a rough and troubled
+road to one where every stone wur smoothed away from your path---where
+every thorn wur held back as you passed--where, instead of care for
+the day and dread for the morrow, thee would feel that a strong arm wur
+round thee--that a loving hand wur working out thy life for thee. Cannot
+thee risk the change, Clara?
+
+Clara. (_Rises, Allen takes her right hand, turns away R._) Ah, I
+suppose there are such lives for some women. It must be very good when
+you are tired. (_Facing round to L.c._) And you, Allen--women do not
+always seem so charming after marriage as they did before. It might be a
+risk for you.
+
+Allen. To have the sweetest, noblest woman in the world to be my wife?
+I’ll risk that. (_Laughs, comes c._)
+
+Clara. (_Turning away again to R., Allen l.c._) Ah, you boys, you think
+all women are angels.
+
+Allen. So they are--a good woman is an angel.
+
+Clara. (_At Are, facing round and looking at him._) How do you know I am
+good? (_Very low and serious. Allen drops down c. A pause. He looks in
+surprise and inquiry at her, not knowing what to answer._)
+
+Clara. Hadn’t you better make sure, Allen? (_Laughing._) What do you
+know of my past--of even my present--of whence I came--what I am?
+(_Laughs._) Suppose, Allen, suppose I were only an adventuress.
+(_Takes a step._) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in her
+veins--whose nursery was the gambling house--whose school was the Café
+and the Boulevards--a woman who earned her daily bread by shamelessness
+and cunning--a woman whose past would ever follow like a shadow the
+footsteps of her life--whose future must ever be a darker shadow still.
+Ah, Allen, take care. Cupid ties a bandage over men’s eyes. Hymen, when
+it is too late, plucks it off. Hadn’t you better lift a corner off the
+handkerchief, Allen, while we are yet upon the step without, lest beside
+your hearth, when the door has shut us in, you cast it loose, to find
+I am a stain upon your name--a shadow in your home--a blight upon your
+life? (_Laughing._) Allen, take care--take care. (_Crosses to l. Allen
+moves up a trifle._)
+
+Allen. (_Recovering from the bewilderment with which he has heard her._)
+Ah, it’s well for thee that it is thee, and not anyone else that talks
+like this about ’ee.
+
+Clara. Ah, but Allen, try and find out a little more about me; it’s just
+a whim of mine--I want to feel sure that you know me--just to please me.
+
+Allen. If I couldn’t trust thee--(_takes her hand_)--lass, I shouldn’t
+love thee.
+
+Clara. (_Crosses to R.c. Allen follows._) Ah, you are a dear good
+fellow, Allen, and I won’t tease you any more. And you will join the
+company, won’t you? And then you shall get me that dear little diamond
+bracelet that we looked at--do you remember it?--and you shall put it
+on yourself. (_Allen by her side r. All this is said with every trick of
+fascination at her command, and now she playfully holds up her arm, from
+which the loose sleeve falls back, close to his face._) On that. (_He
+drops on his knees and kisses her arm_).
+
+(_Enter Deb. c._)
+
+Clara. (_Snatches her arm away._) Deborah! (_Allen rises._)
+
+Allen. (_Turning and seeing her, goes to fireplace R._) Hullo, thee’s
+back soon.
+
+Deb. Yes, aunt met Mrs. Clouter just outside, so I pleaded a headache
+and left them. (_Throwing off bonnet and shawl on chair and coming
+down._) Don’t you think Col. Dexter would like a game of billiards,
+Allen?
+
+Allen. No, he’s all right--he’s smoking. (_Crosses l._)
+
+Deb. Oh, I’m sure he’d like a game (_Clara motions Allen away_), and I
+want to have a chat with Miss Dexter. We shan’t see each other after
+this morning for goodness knows how long.
+
+Allen. (_Moving away l._) Ah, I understand now. (_Goes up stage l._)
+I’ll go, and you can tell each other about your new frocks.
+
+(_Exit Allen l., Clara goes c., Deb. l.c. and Clara look at each
+other._)
+
+Deb. (_After a pause._) I came back to see you, Miss Dexter, before you
+left.
+
+Clara. (_Coldly._) It was very good of you.
+
+Deb. I want to know whether you are playing the fool with Allen, or
+whether you mean to marry him.
+
+Clara. I have heard of that sort of question being put to a gentleman
+under certain circumstances. (_Crosses to L._)
+
+Deb. It is put to the person who is supposed to be acting
+dishonorably--I put it to you.
+
+Clara. I am afraid I have been mixing things up. I was under the
+impression that it was the stout lady, your aunt, that was Mr. Rollitt’s
+mother.
+
+Deb. You are very smart, Miss Dexter, and I am not, but this is no
+game--it is earnest.
+
+Clara. Then I would suggest to you that your cousin is quite capable of
+taking care of himself.
+
+Deb. Yes, against a man; but not against the woman he loves and trusts.
+It is his love that enables you to deceive him.
+
+Clara. (_Crossing to R.--sits on chair near table r._) You seem to have
+made up your mind, my dear child, that I am deceiving him.
+
+Deb. (_l.c._) I know that he has asked you to become his wife, and I
+know that although you have let him think it is all right, you have
+never given him a real answer. I know that you accept his attentions,
+his invitations, his presents. (_Noticing the book and notes on the
+table, points to them._) And all the while you are having whispered
+interviews and secret meetings with another man.
+
+Clara. (_Coolly counting notes._) If you are thinking of the
+conversation you were trying to listen to just now--
+
+Deb. That is only the latest of many such I have noticed. They began
+three months ago, down in Devonshire. I come to London and find the same
+thing going on.
+
+Clara. (_Sneering._)’ You really ought to have been a detective, the
+force might have been some use then.
+
+Deb. I’m not blind. (_Goes c._) Allen is. But that is not all. These
+things might be explained by themselves--suspicious though they are--but
+just now, going downstairs, I picked up a purse. (_Pausing and looking
+at Clara, who, however, makes no sign._) It is your purse. (_Throws it
+into Clara’s lap._) I opened it to see whom it belonged to--and inside
+it is a wedding ring. Is your name Dexter or Cranbourne?
+
+Clara. (_Rising._) I really must decline to answer any questions of
+yours. You are so exceedingly rude. (_Crosses up behind table R.c._)
+
+Deb. You need not answer me. Answer Allen. Tell him that you will be
+his wife--or that you cannot. (_Clara takes no notice._) Do you refuse?
+(_Crossing l._)
+
+Clara. I refuse to be dictated to.
+
+Deb. Then I shall communicate my suspicions to Allen.
+
+Clara. (_Turning fiercely._) Do so. Tell him--(_walks round table to
+back of Deb. c._)--that you believe that I am the wife of another man,
+and am playing a shameful part with him merely to sponge on him. That
+I am fondling him with the one hand only the better to pick his pocket
+with the other. Tell him that you believe he is surrounded by a gang of
+adventurers and thieves, of which I am the willing decoy. Tell him your
+suspicions, and I will tell him that they are the poisonous concoctions
+of a jealous woman--of a woman who loves him herself--(_laughs_)--and
+seeks to win him from her more favored rival, by lies and trickery.
+(_Goes dozen r._)
+
+Deb. (_Quietly._) You shall answer him for all that, or he shall know
+the reason why you dare not. (_Crosses L., and calls._) Allen! Allen!
+
+(_Enter Allen l. up stage_).
+
+Deb. (_l. c._) Allen, is Miss Dexter engaged to be married to you or
+not?
+
+Allen, (_l._) Well. (_Laughs._) Blest if I could tell ‘ee that, Deb.
+That be the very thing I ha’ been trying to find out myself. Bain’t it,
+Clara? Only her be such a tease. (_All said laughingly._)
+
+Deb. (_Sharply._) You mean you have never been able to get a plain
+answer, yes or no?
+
+Allen. Gently, lass. Thee be mistaking this for some business of thine.
+
+Deb. Allen, we’ve been like brother and sister all our lives, and your
+happiness is my happiness. I have my reasons--very strong reasons--for
+asking you to ask Miss Dexter now, before me, whether she will be your
+wife.
+
+Allen. I can’t say I thank thee, Deb, for interfering in a matter that
+don’t concern thee. (_To Clara, crossing to her._) I hope, Clara, you
+don’t think as I have any hand in this, but as things stand now, it will
+perhaps be best (_advancing_) if I do ask thee. Will thee be my wife?
+
+Clara. (_Crosses down. Very quietly and deliberately._) Yes! (_Stepping
+forward and, putting her hand in Allen’s, c. A pause. She then, glancing
+first at Deb., draws Allen slowly to her, and they kiss. They cross r._)
+
+Allen. I think now, Deb, that Miss Dexter has a right to know thy
+“reasons.”
+
+Deb. They were mistaken ones, Allen. Please forgive me, both of you.
+
+(_Exit Deb. l._)
+
+Allen. (_Bewildered--looks after Deb._) What does it all mean?
+
+Clara. I will tell you some time. Never mind now.
+
+Allen. Ah, well, us oughtn’t to be angry with her, anyhow, for what
+her’s done. (_Takes Clara’s hand in his._) Ought us? (_Draws her to him
+and kisses her forehead_).
+
+Clara. (_Disengaging herself gently._) I am going to tell papa. I am so
+happy. (_Crosses l., looking back to him laughingly._)
+
+(_Exit Clara l. up stage_).
+
+Allen, (_c. after a pause._) Everything I want in the whole wide world,
+and three months ago--(_Breaks off and pauses his hand over his eyes._)
+I wonder if I shall wake up in a minute in the old farm and find that
+the £200,000 and Clara have only been dreams. (_Rousing himself._) Ah,
+no, it be real enough. (_Looks round._) Ah, they call Fortune a fickle
+jade, but her’s been a firm friend to me. I’ll drink thee a bumper,
+Fortune lass. (_Turns to table r., On which are wine and glasses, and
+pours out a glassful._) I don’t know how much a bumper is, but I expects
+it’s about a glassful, and thee shall ha’ it. (_Takes glass in his right
+hand, and raises it._) Here’s thy jolly good health, my lass. To Lady
+Fortune!
+
+(_Enter Peters c. upper door, with card on salver._)
+
+Allen. (_Lowers glass untouched._) What’s the matter?
+
+Peters. (_Coming forward and presenting salver._) A gentleman to see
+you, sir.
+
+Allen. (_Takes card, but does not look at it._) He’ll have to be quick
+about it then. Send un up. (_Footman seems to hesitate. Sharply._) Send
+un up. Send un up.
+
+(_Exit Peters c._)
+
+Another of my swell friends, I suppose; they seem to be swarming
+this--(_r. c. glances at card, his hand holding the glass sinks lower
+and lower, he gazes round bewilderingly._)
+
+(_Enter Richard Hanningford c._)
+
+(_Reads card in amazed tone._) Richard Hanningford, I saw him lying dead
+before my own eyes three months ago! Hann. (_At door, raising hat._) I
+beg your pardon! (_The glass in Allen’s hand overturns_).
+
+
+MEDIUM CURTAIN.
+
+
+
+
+ACT III.
+
+Scene I. The library at Allen’s Chambers. Fire l. Doors r.and c. Table
+L.c. Big easy chair l. by fire. Peters discovered l. c. arranging and
+cutting papers on table and whistling.
+
+(_Enter Piffin r. Music to open._)
+
+Piff. Have you seen my cub about?
+
+Peters. (_Without looking up._) No, Foxey, I ain’t. Didn’t know as you
+had had one.
+
+Piff. (_c._) You know who I mean--your master. Peters. (_Going to door
+c._) Not far off from where yours is I suppose.
+
+(_Exit Peters c._)
+
+Piff. Um! The master has been getting impertinent to me of late, so the
+servants seem to be following suit. (_Shrugging his shoulders._) I shall
+throw this job up when I’ve made another hundred or two. I wonder how
+much longer he’s going to keep me waiting.
+
+(_Exit Piff. c._)
+
+(_Enter Allen r. creeping in cautiously in a mysterious and watchful
+manner. He has a huge pewter pot in one hand and a large church-warden
+clay pipe alight in the other. He looks round stealthily, listens, then
+crosses nervously and sits l. in easy chair. He stretches himself out
+as luxuriously as his tight clothes will allow--especially the collar.
+Takes a long pull at the pot and long puffs at the pipe. In the middle
+of each pull, grunts “good” in evident enjoyment._)
+
+Allen. (_Chuckling in a deep undertone. Crosses to c. and sits._)
+Ah-h-h, I’ve done un this time. He’s waiting upstairs to curl my hair.
+(_Chuckling again._) Told un I’d come up when (_grandly_) I’d finished
+conducting my correspondence. (_Chuckles, pulls at pipe, and takes a
+deep draught._) First time I’ve ever enjoyed myself since I came into my
+property. (_Breaks out into some country ale-house sort of song, sings,
+warming as he goes on with great gusto._)
+
+(_Enter Piffin c., unseen by Allen. Piff. comes down and stands c.
+looking on. Allen finishes song and then buries his face in the pot.
+As his eyes emerge over the brim he catches sight of Piff. He remains
+looking at him for a while and then slowly puts the pot on the table._)
+
+Allen. What do thee want? Didn’t I tell ’ee I wur going to conduct my
+correspondence, and that I didn’t want to be disturbed?
+
+Piff. (_Goes up table._) I beg pardon, sir, but I thought maybe you had
+completed your correspondence, especially as there was only one letter
+this morning, and that was a circular about coals.
+
+Allen. Oh, did you. Well, I ain’t you see. I’m going to write a lot of
+original correspondence this morning, and I’m collecting my thoughts.
+(_Goes on smoking sulkily._)
+
+Piff. Yes, sir--certainly, sir--but might I be allowed to suggest, sir,
+that a pot of ale and a clay pipe are hardly the _dolce far niente_ of a
+_grand seigneur_.
+
+Allen. Hardly the what of my which? Look here, don’t you be so spry at
+calling me them jaw-breaking foreign names, because I don’t like it.
+It wur only yesterday you alluded to me as a _bo-mo_, and last week
+you said I ought to be in the _hot tongs_. I didn’t say anything at the
+time, but you drop it.
+
+Piff. I referred to you as belonging to the _beau monde_, sir, and I
+may have said your position was now among the _haut ton_. We always talk
+like that in good society, sir. Both expressions were flattering, very
+flattering.
+
+Allen. Ah, maybe they wur and maybe they wurn’t. Next time, you call
+it me in English, and then I can judge for myself. And don’t worrit me
+to-day at all. I’ve got a trying morning before me, and I’m going to
+have a little quiet enjoyment to set myself up before it begins.
+
+Piff. Might I suggest, then, sir, that a cigarette and a little absinthe
+would be more _de rigueur?_ My late lamented master the Count de
+Fizziani invariably took a little absinthe after breakfast and found
+great benefit from it.
+
+Allen. Yes, I know. I tried your friend’s cough mixture before, you
+know. Old ale’s good enough for me.
+
+Piff. But, sir--
+
+Allen. Don’t you worrit. I’ve been a gentleman for a month; I think I
+might have a morning off.
+
+Piff. Very well, sir. Just as you please, of course, sir; but I’ve my
+character to consider, sir--and--and--I am not accustomed to the service
+of gentlemen with pothouse proclivities.
+
+Allen. (_Sotto voce._) Oh, go and hang yourself.
+
+Piff. (_Up c._) That’s never done now, sir, in good society. My late
+lamented master, the Count de Fizziani--
+
+Allen. (_Springing up, working Piff. round, from table l. to desk r._)
+Oh, you go to your late lamented master, the fizzing Count, and tell him
+to--I have had eno’ of him and I’ve had eno’ of you. Blest if I’ve had a
+happy moment since you came into the house. You’ve dressed me up like a
+tailor’s dummy, and curled my hair like a Sunday school kid; you’ve made
+me talk like a man in a play, and walk like a monkey on stilts. Thee’ve
+chivied me about from morning till night, and thee’ve rammed that old
+lamented corpse of yours down my throat every two minutes of the day.
+I’ve put up wi’ it all for a long while because I thought thee meant
+well, and wur a-trying to make me into a gentleman, but blest if I think
+thee knows much more about the genuine article than I does, and I’m
+going to go it in my own way now. Look here. (_Takes off his tie and
+collar and throws them down and jumps on them, pulls off his coat and
+throws it in a corner, nifties his hair, unbuttons and throws back his
+waistcoat, kicks off his boots, and throws himself into easy chair,
+sticks his feet on table, takes long pull from the pot, slams it on
+table> again, and commences to smoke his pipe vigorously, looking
+defiantly at Piff._) That’s the sort o’ man I’m going to be now. (_Sits
+l._)
+
+Piff. (_Who has stood aghast, moving off._) Very well, sir; then I have
+only to say that I wash my hands of you entirely. (_Pause._) You can’t
+make a gentleman out of a pig’s ear. (_Sneeringly_).
+
+Allen. (_Puffing quietly at pipe._) No, it ain’t the usual method.
+
+Piff. (_By door c. muttering to himself, but meant to be heard by
+Allen._) Only what I might have expected from mixing myself up with such
+canaille. (_Pauses. Allen takes no notice._) Pray understand, sir, I
+give you a week’s warning on the spot. My late master, the--
+
+Allen. (_Springing up and throwing book at him. Piff. exits r._) Yes.
+(_Piff. again appears hurriedly at door r. and cries, “Upstart bumpkin,”
+ and exit quickly._) I’ll give ’ee my toe on the spot if I hear any
+more of--(_reseats himself, with a grunt of disgust; a pause, during
+which he smokes._) He is right, I wurn’t meant for a gentleman after
+all. Some of us was built for gaiters, and some on us for patent leather
+shoes, and I be one of the gaiter sort--all my tastes are low. I doan’t
+like claret and I doan’t like cigarettes. I’m uncomfortable in a
+collar (_picking his up and fixing it_) and I prefer shove-ha’penny to
+billiards. (_Sighs, continues dreamily._) Ah, I’d gie a trifle to be
+going to spend this evening at the Dunkery Arms a-halping to sing a
+chorus with old Joe Steddles and young Jem Whalley and Jack Clouter. Ah,
+he’d got a fine voice, had old Jack Clouter. Never heard a man sing so
+loud in all my life. Lord, I shall never forget her’s doing “Rock me
+to sleep, mother,” round at the lodge, and a waking up mother Hammond’s
+three kids just as her’d got un all off to sleep. Lord, how her let us
+have it. (_Laughing._) Ah, us went home early that night. (_Chuckling._)
+They coned back wi’ me, old Jack and Jim, and Deb made us a veal pasty
+for supper. (_Smiling._) Ah, her do make good--
+
+(_Enter Peters, followed by Purtwee, door c., says, “Mr. Purtwee,” takes
+P.’s hat and exit. Allen rises and commences to pick up his various
+articles of apparel and re fix them while talking to Purt._)
+
+Purt. (_Coming forward._) Well, my boy.
+
+Allen. Ah, it does me good to see thee again.
+
+Purt. How are you?
+
+Allen. (_Shakes hands._) Oh, I be all right outside. (_Rises, crosses
+to L._) Bean’t very spry inside, so I tell ’ee. (_Explanatory of his
+dressing arrangements._) Just been having a quiet smoke, you know.
+
+Purt. (_With a smile._) And do you always undress to smoke?
+
+Allen. (_Laughing._) No--but I has to now when I want to sit down
+comfortable. (_Continues to dress--brings wine down to table._) Have a
+glass of wine. I’m glad thee’ve come, I wur afraid from thy letter that
+thee wouldn’t.
+
+Purt. (_Sits in arm-chair l._) Well, it’s a very informal proceeding I’m
+bound to say--not at all professional.
+
+Allen. Perhaps not, but it’s simple and straightforward like and maybe
+that’s as good. Have ’ee read the papers I sent thee?
+
+Purt. Yes--most carefully--and they certainly make the story appear
+very plausible--very plausible, indeed. Have you said anything to your
+mother?
+
+Allen. No--no, I thought I wouldn’t say a word to anybody until I was
+sure one way or t’other. (_Sits L._)
+
+Purt. Quite right--quite right. What sort of a man was he?
+
+Allen. Blest if I could tell ’ee--I wur that taken aback I couldn’t
+tell ’ee what it wur, but thee’ll see him for theeself in a minute. I
+told Father Christmas to send him straight up when he comes.
+
+Purt. (_Looking at his watch._) Well, if he’s an impostor, he’ll hardly
+venture to come to a meeting of this kind.
+
+(_Enter Peters announcing Richard Hanningford, door at back._)
+
+Pet. Mr. Richard Hanningford.
+
+(_Exit Peters._)
+
+Hann. Morning, gentlemen. (_Allen goes r.c. Hann. goes c._)
+
+Allen. Good-morning. (_Motioning to Purt., who is l._) Mr. Purtwee, the
+gentleman I spoke of.
+
+Hann. Good-morning, (_c. and then coming r.sits L.c._) Guess I’m not a
+particularly welcome visitor here.
+
+Allen, (_r._) Well, I owns as I’ve come across folks as I’ve felt more
+at home wi’. (_Allen sits R._) But I suppose we’ve got to get used to
+’ee.
+
+Purt. Well now, gentlemen, we’ve come for business and must not
+waste time. Mr. Rollitt has told you who I am, and if you are Richard
+Hanningford I shall be only too anxious for you to have your rights.
+But then, my dear sir, I shall want to be very sure that you are Richard
+Hanningford.
+
+Hann. That’s right and square. I’ve got to prove it, I know, and I don’t
+say that it will be an easy job.
+
+Purt. At present you see we have nothing but your bare word for it. You
+say this man who called himself Richard Hanningford and who died at Mrs.
+Rollitt’s was an impostor.
+
+Hann. And a damned scoundrel.
+
+Purt. Quite so, if he were not Richard Hanningford, he must have been.
+But then if he were Richard Hanningford--
+
+Hann. Why then, I am the damned scoundrel.
+
+Purt. Well--I wasn’t going to say that--but one of you must be the right
+Hanningford--and the other the wrong one--and if we made a mistake three
+months ago we don’t want to make another now.
+
+Allen, (_r._) You see it ain’t so much the money I care about. There was
+a time that I thought it would be a grand thing to be rich, but now
+I’ve tried it, danged if I see so much fun in it as I thought there
+wur. (_Rises._) It ain’t only that: it’s the girl I love--if I lose the
+money, I loses her. I can’t expect her to have me wi’out it. She’s a
+lady--I’m only a country bumpkin and I know it. With this money I can
+win her and make her life happy--even if she doesn’t much care for me.
+If I were sure you were Dick Hanningford, I’d gie it up. But I ain’t
+sure and I’m going to fight--that’s plain. (_Turns and crosses r. Sits
+R.c._)
+
+Hann. (_Coes to Allen r.c._) Plain and sensible, and I don’t like you
+any the less for it; but I am Dick Hanningford, and the money’s mine,
+and I’m going to have a good fight to get it. (_Coes l. puts foot on
+chair._)
+
+Purt. (_After a pause._) You say this man who tried to--and, as he
+thought, did--murder you--had been a friend of yours.
+
+Hann. (_Fiercely--takes foot off chair._) He’d been my chum for over two
+years--the cur--and knew everything about me--I saved his life when the
+gang were going to hang him--he shared my diggings when we were in the
+mining lay, and he had half my blanket every night when we were with the
+cattle. And I trusted him--the skunk.
+
+Purt. What was his name?
+
+Hann. Cassidy--Dan Cassidy. (_Sits again._)
+
+Purt. And then he murdered you--or tried to as you say--took your papers
+from you, and came over here to impersonate you?
+
+Hann. I suppose so.
+
+Allen. He was uncommonly like you, too.
+
+Hann. Like me! Not at all!
+
+Purt. Oh, yes, my dear sir, I never saw him alive, but his features were
+yours one for one.
+
+Hann. Dan Cassidy was no more like me than I’m like a colored angel out
+of a picture book.
+
+(_Purt. and Allen exchange glances._)
+
+Allen. Well, all I know is, that if the man who called himself Richard
+Hanningford, and who fell down dead in my mother’s kitchen three months
+ago was standing beside you now, nobody would know which wur you and
+which wur him. .
+
+Hann. (_Rising._) I don’t know that man! (_All rise and look at one
+another._)
+
+(_Enter Peters c._)
+
+Purt. (_Pause._) Then what has become of Dan Cassidy? . .
+
+Peters. Mr. Luke Cranbourne is downstairs, sir, and would like to see
+you.
+
+Allen. Oh, bother Luke Cranbourne--tell him I’m out.
+
+Peters. Yes, sir. (_Going. As he is by door._)
+
+Allen. Stop! (_Peters turns._) Ask Mr. Cranbourne to come back in a
+quarter of an hour. (_Looks at watch._)
+
+Peters. Yes, sir. (_Exit c._)
+
+Allen. What sort of a man was Dan Cassidy?
+
+Hann. A pale, dark-eyed man with a long black beard.
+
+Allen. Would you know him again without the black beard, and under
+another name?
+
+Hann. (_Fiercely._) Know him! Will you bring me face to face with him?
+
+Allen. Maybe I will.
+
+Hann. (_c._) See here! I’ve lived among a set that like to wipe off a
+score, no matter what the price. You put that man into my hands so that
+justice may be done on him, and we share the old man’s money between us.
+(_Crosses R._)
+
+Allen. Is that a bargain?
+
+Purt. You don’t suspect--(_goes to r.of l. table._)
+
+Allen. (_Crosses to Purt. Hann. goes R._) Yes I do. He’s been no friend
+of mine. Is it a bargain?
+
+Hann. Yes. Without Dan Cassidy my case might be hard to prove. With him
+it would be easy. £100,000 and my revenge are good enough for me. You
+give me that. (_Goes to extreme R._)
+
+(_Enter Dexter from door c. He draws back on seeing strangers, and
+stands r.c._)
+
+Dex. Beg pardon, my dear boy. Found the door open (_Allen goes up c.
+to Dex._) and took the liberty of an old friend to walk in. Thought I
+should find you alone.
+
+Allen. (_Crosses up c._) Shall be in a minute, Colonel, if you will
+excuse me. (_Draws the two men together near fireplace, Allen nearest,
+Purt. next, Hann. r._) Can thee play billiards?
+
+Hann. I can, but I don’t crave for them at this particular moment.
+
+Allen. You’ll just have time to play fifty up afore the man as I takes
+to be Dan Cassidy is here.
+
+Purt. How will you let us know?
+
+Allen. (_Looks round thinking, then catches sight of glasses on table l.;
+takes one up and holds it over hearth._) Keep thee, ears open, and
+when thee hears this glass fall and break, open the door and come in.
+(_All go up c. speaking low._)
+
+(_Exit Purt. and Hann. Dex. goes L._)
+
+Allen. (_Returning c._) Well, Colonel Dexter, what do thee want? Glad to
+see thee, thee know.
+
+Dex. (_l.c._) Nothing, dear boy--nothing for myself. I have only brought
+a letter from my little girl, and am to take back an answer. (_Produces
+letter and hands to Allen._) I’m only Cupid to you young folks. Ha! Hat
+Only Cupid.
+
+Allen. Ah, they usen’t to wrap ’em up so much when I wur young.
+(_Crosses R., opens and reads letter._)
+
+Dex. (_Who is very much wrapped and buttoned up, laughs with much
+ostentation._) Ha! Ha! Very good, very good. We really must bring you
+out more, Allen. Ha! Ha! Ha!
+
+Allen. (_Who has sat r.in front of desk, reading._) “My darling
+Popsy-wopsy.” (_Looks up puzzled and round at Dex. Aside._) That ain’t
+Clara’s usual style. (_Reads._) “I am so terribly sorry to worry my own
+darling boy, but I am in such fearful trouble--I want £100 to pay some
+debts owing to a wicked man having cheated us. Would my own darling lend
+it to his broken-hearted little blossom, and don’t say anything to me
+afterwards until I pay you back, as I shall be so ashamed of it. I send
+papa with this. He knows nothing about it, so please don’t tell him--he
+is so proud.--(_Allen looks at Dex., who turns away and tries to assume
+airy unconsciousness_)--and would be so angry with me, but you are the
+only friend I have. Oh, my darling, do let me have the money or I shall
+go mad. A million, million kisses to my own sweet, precious lubby-dubby
+from his ever loving little birdie, Clara.” (_Dex. sits c._) “P.
+S.--Please don’t cross the cheque.”
+
+(_Takes cheque-book from desk and begins to write._) Was Clara ill when
+she wrote this?
+
+Dex. (_Who is sitting at table L.c. having wine._) No, my dear boy--oh,
+no.
+
+Allen. Oh, because the writing seems a bit shaky like, and the letter so
+funny--thought maybe she wur a bit queer.
+
+Dex. (_Confused._) Oh--ah--yes. She was a little queer--very shaky
+indeed--and she seemed very much worried, too, she wouldn’t tell me what
+about. She tries to keep all her trouble away from her old father, dear
+child. (_Enter Clara unseen by either._) Ah, I know how anxiously she’s
+waiting for me now. “Come back soon, dear, dear papa,” she said--“and
+bring it with you.” (_Crying r.c._)
+
+(_Allen having put the cheque in an envelope rises and crosses and holds
+it to Dex. Clara steps forward and takes it._)
+
+Clara. Thank you! (_c. of the two men._)
+
+Allen. Miss Dexter!
+
+Dex. Clara!
+
+Clara. This letter is addressed to me, I believe. (_Opens it and takes
+out cheque, which she returns to Allen._) It’s very kind of you, Mr.
+Rollitt, but I do not require it.
+
+Allen, (_r._) Didn’t thee write for it? (_Showing letter to her._) Isn’t
+this thy letter?
+
+Clara. (_Looking at it._) It is the first time I have seen it. It has
+the appearance of having been written by someone who was drunk over
+night--possibly my father--imitating other people’s handwriting is one
+of the few things at which he has attained eminence. (_Looks at Dex._)
+
+Dex. Clara, my dear!
+
+Clara. And perhaps it will be better, Mr. Rollitt, for me to take this
+opportunity of ending our relationship by telling you that I am already
+married. (_Crosses l._)
+
+Allen. (_Starts hack._) Married!
+
+Dex. (_c. frantic and jumping about and screaming and hissing the words
+out._) She ain’t. It’s a lie. Don’t believe her. She ain’t. She ain’t.
+(_Goes c. Clara to l._) It’s only a trick to try your love. Ah, you
+hussy! It’s all been planned. This is all part of it. She ain’t married.
+We planned it to test your love for her. Ah, you beast! I’ll strangle
+you. I’ll murder you. She’s only trying it on to see what you say. It’s
+a trick. Don’t believe her. Don’t believe her.
+
+Clara. And have been for the last three years.
+
+Dex. (_As before._) No, she ain’t been, Mr. Rollitt. It’s a lie--it’s
+a lie. It’s a lie. She says it to spite her old father. Ah you devil,
+you--
+
+Allen. Silence!
+
+Dex. (_Cowed, but continuing in nervous undertone._) She’s not married.
+I’m her father.
+
+Allen. (_Pointing to door c._) And leave the room--afore I forget thee
+art an old man. (_Turns him r.Backs Dex. up to c. door._)
+
+Dex. (_Slinks out muttering._) She ain’t married! It’s a lie. It’s a
+lie. (_Repeats_.)
+
+(_Exit Dex. c._)
+
+Allen. (_Turning to Clara._) What does it all mean?
+
+Clara. (_Defiantly._) That I’ve been playing with you only for the
+sake of sponging on you. And to get money out of you for my father and
+husband--I haven’t had much myself--and that at last I’m grown tired of
+it. (_Crosses R._)
+
+Allen. (_l.c. after a pause._) Thee might have had all the money thee
+wanted, lass, wi’out deceiving me.
+
+Clara. (_Falling on her knees before him._) Forgive me, Allen, you
+don’t know what my life has been. Dragged up among thieves and sharpers,
+taught to trick and lie before I could speak plainly, I have never
+know what truth and honor meant except as a dim longing. All the
+humanity--all the womanhood--has been dried out of me till I am only the
+thing you see me--a vulture--a human beast of prey. Ah, Allen, thank
+God for your sake that I am married and that you have escaped me--forget
+me--it is the only thing you can do. You can never hate me as I loathe
+myself--you can never despise me as I shudder at my own life.
+
+Allen. (_Puts his hand to his own forehead _) Poor lass! Poor lass!
+
+Clara. (_Takes’ Allen’s hand, left._) You are the only man that has been
+good to me, and I have brought you only pain and shame.
+
+Allen. (_Raising her._) Ah, never mind that, lass. Thee didn’t mean to
+do it. Come! I be more sorry for thee than for myself. I could see what
+sort of life thee had got around thee, and I wanted to take thee away
+from it all. I can do so little for thee now. (_Both at cabinet, Allen
+r._)
+
+Clara. You have taught me, Allen, that there are good men in the world;
+forgive me for having taught you that there are bad women. (_Clara
+crosses in front of Allen to r.door._)
+
+Allen. Not bad, Clara. I guess thee’s been more sinned against than
+sinning. Thy life has been very dark and thee’s stumbled here and there.
+God grant that it may grow brighter for thee one day.
+
+Clara, (_l._) Ah, Allen, don’t keep speaking kindly to me. Don’t think
+kindly of me. Despise me--I can bear that--I am used to it. (_Sits at
+cabinet._)
+
+Allen. (_r.c. next to Clara._) No, lass, I can’t do that. I shall alius
+think kindly of thee. I’ve loved thee too well to change now--because I
+knows thy lot’s harder than I thought it wur.
+
+Clara. (_Turns and looks at Allen._) Try not to think of me at all,
+Allen--I am not worth it--forget me. There is one who loves you better
+than I could ever do, and who is good and pure. (_Rises._) You men never
+see the love that is under your feet--you reach only for what is beyond
+you. Go back to her, Allen. She will make you a better wife than I could
+ever have done. (_Allen at back of Clara up stage R._)
+
+Allen. (_After a pause._) Who--who is this man--your husband?
+
+Clara. Luke Cranbourne! (_She does not look at Allen._)
+
+Allen. Luke Cranbourne! (_Looks nervously at door c. and then at
+clock--then crosses to door and stands near it. He assumes to do this
+naturally and not to let Clara notice his anxiety._)
+
+Clara. We were married secretly before he left for America. Not even my
+father knew it until a day or two ago.
+
+Allen. And do you care for him? (_Allen at door c._)
+
+Clara. With such love as a woman can feel without respect. He was the
+first that I can remember ever speaking a kind word to me. He is the
+only human being I have to cling to--and he is good to me in his way.
+(_Looks up at Allen._) I don’t expect we shall ever see each other
+again. For your sake, I wish we had never met--for myself, my life will
+always seem a bit brighter for the love that an honest man once had for
+me.
+
+Allen. (_Taking her hand in his._) Good-bye--if ever thee wants a
+friend, Allen Rollitt, Woodbarrow Farm, Exmoor, will find him. (_Kissing
+her on the forehead._) God bless thee, Clara!
+
+Clara. Good-bye! (_She goes without a word r.After a few seconds enter
+Luke c. announced by Pet._)
+
+Luke. (_Coming down._) How de do, dear boy? (_Shaking hands. Allen
+does so listlessly and almost unconsciously._) I wanted to see you
+particularly this morning, before I went to the city. I’ve come across
+something that will just double your fortune. Here. (_Laying papers on
+table l. and taking up and pouring out a glass of wine._) You do have
+such capital wine, Rollitt, I really must help myself to a glass. It is
+a splendid scheme.
+
+Allen, (_r.c._) Very like, but we won’t discuss it now. (_Taking notes
+from his pocket-book._) I want thee to leave by the noon train for the
+Continent.
+
+Luke. (_Turns round, face to audience, glass in left hand._) What’s up?
+
+Allen. (_Crosses l. c., hands him the notes._) Thy wife can join thee
+there afterwards. (_Luke starts and looks hard at Allen._) And thee can
+get away to Australia, or somewhere in that direction.
+
+Luke. (_Defiantly._) And why, pray?
+
+Allen. Because there is a man in the next room who be more anxious to
+see thee than thee may be to see him.
+
+Luke. What man?
+
+Allen. Richard Hanningford.
+
+(_Luke lets fall the glass._)
+
+Allen. Good God! Thee’ve given the signal to call him in! Quick! (_Luke
+rushes in terror to door at back._) Not that way. (_Luke bewildered and
+helpless with fright, turns wildly about like a hunted thing not knowing
+which way to fly. Is about to make for other door, when handle of door
+at back is heard to move._) Too late--keep where thee art.
+
+Luke. (_Clinging to Allen’s arm._) Save me! (_Allen thrusts him behind
+door at c. as it opens and enter Hann. and Purt. following. Allen goes
+r. Hann. comes down and stands c. Purt. remains near door and is about
+to close it._)
+
+Allen. (_Who has moved down to r.c., nervously, with effort to appear
+calm and careless._) Leave the door, Mr. Purtwee, leave the door.
+
+Purt. Wide open? (_Surprised._)
+
+Allen. Yes, yes, it’s fearfully hot in here! (_Wiping his brow._)
+
+Hann. (_Looking at him suspiciously._) I don’t find it so. I think we’ll
+have it shut over this job. (_Turns to door._)
+
+Allen. (_Eagerly._) No, no! Don’t shut it--don’t shut it.
+
+Hann. Why not? (_Looks hard at Allen._)
+
+Allen. Why--why--don’t I tell you. It’s so close--so--
+
+(_Hann. crosses, goes to door c. and locks it, then returns, eyeing
+Allen sternly. Luke has crept behind the curtain, which hangs like a
+pillar by the side of the door. Allen watches with intense suspense._)
+
+Hann. (_c._) Well--you gave the signal!
+
+(_Allen r.c. a little to front of Hann. He keeps in front of Hann.
+all through the scene until Luke has got away and prevents his turning
+round--he is very excited but tries to appear careless--the result being
+a slightly hysterical manner. When Luke comes from behind the curtain
+and while he is crossing Allen catches Hann. by the lapels of his coat
+and holds and works him round so that his back is to Luke. He grows
+more and more eager and intense until Luke is off, when he gradually
+subsides into a quieter manner, but not too suddenly. At Hann’s hint
+that he has had too much brandy, he catches at the idea to cover his
+excitement, to account for his conduct._)
+
+Allen. Yes, my dear fellow--but--but--I wur going to explain to thee--it
+wurn’t the signal--it wur an accident. I dropped the glass by accident.
+Thee see I had just had a glass of brandy.
+
+Hann. More than one glass, cousin?
+
+Allen. (_Laughs loudly._) Ha! ha! Perhaps it wur two. (_First movement
+of Luke._) (_At this point Luke creeps from behind curtain, Purt. sees
+him and is about to make an exclamation, when Allen, covering his action
+by assumed drunkenness, lunges half round and catches Purt. on his
+shoulder, clutching it tightly with his left hand while holding Hann.
+with his right--laughing boisterously all the time. Purt. understands
+and remains silent. Allen grows more and more excited. Laughs._) Well,
+now, look’ee here.
+
+Hanningford. Cousin Dick--my long lost--(_laughs as before and slaps him
+on the shoulder. Hann. impatient half turns round--Allen seises his coat
+with both hands and keeps him round._) No--no--look thee here, Cousin
+Dick. Now you say this Cassidy, this creeping, crawling, lying cur, Dan
+Cassidy, tried to murder thee--(_Hann. again seems as though he would
+turn round_)--and these papers--these papers that you sent me. Well,
+I sent ’em on to Purtwee. Ah, he’s a sharp one. (_Door clicks after
+Luke’s exit._) Purtwee, he’ll know who’s who. He’ll put us right. Won’t
+’ee, Purtwee, old friend? Won’t ’ee--won’t ’ee?
+
+(_He slaps Purt. on back, laughing boisterously and half staggering
+forward into Purt.’s arms. Luke has got away by door r., and from now
+Allen’s excitement gradually subsides, and an air of exhaustion follows.
+Sits l.c._)
+
+Hann. (_c._) Say! Are you drunk or playing the fool? Where’s this man
+Cassidy?
+
+Allen. (_Pause._) I don’t know.
+
+Hann. Isn’t he coming here?
+
+Allen. No!
+
+Hann. (_Angrily._) Didn’t you lead me to believe--
+
+Allen. That you should be brought face to face wi’ him? Yes--but I’ve
+changed my mind since then.
+
+Hann. (_After a pause._) I understand: it was only a trick to give you
+time to get him out of the way. You thought that without him I should
+not be able to prove my case. I thought I was dealing with an honest man
+and a friend, and I offered to share the money with you. (_With tierce
+anger._)
+
+Allen. (_Fiercely, rising._) And I tell you to take the whole of it!
+(_A pause--Hann. steps back and stares at him._) I have learnt enough
+within the last few minutes to believe that you are the man you say you
+are, and if so, take it all. You offered me £100,000 to give thee
+Dan Cassidy, I offer thee £200,000 to let him go his way in peace.
+(_Pause._) Come, you may find it hard to prove thee art Hanningford
+afore the law. Prove it to me and Mr. Purtwee, and give me thy hand on
+it that thee’ll never seek to find Dan Cassidy or harm him, and thee art
+old Hanningford’s heir, and I, Allen Rollitt, farmer and yeoman.
+
+Hann. (_After a pause._) Your secrets are your own, cousin. I’d dearly
+have loved to have my revenge upon the hound, but if Dan Cassidy is
+worth £100,000 to you, you can have him--I shouldn’t have thought he
+was.
+
+Allen. He goes free, so far as you are concerned, for ever?
+
+Hann. For ever.
+
+Allen. Right, Dick Hanningford! (_They grasp hands._) And now we’ll
+say good-bye for to-day if you don’t mind. Mr. Purtwee will see thee
+to-morrow, and arrange things. I’d like to be quiet a bit just now.
+
+Hann. You’ve had a rough morning, cousin, and I guess the kindest thing
+I can do is to take myself off. Good-bye. (_Shakes hands._) Good-bye,
+Mr. Purtwee.
+
+Purt. Good-bye, Mr. Hanningford; I will write to you to-morrow.
+
+Hann. (_Goes to door c._) No hurry. Good-bye.
+
+(_Exit c._)
+
+Purt. Well, I can’t understand you, my boy. It’s really a very Quixotic
+thing to do. Why shouldn’t the man suffer for his crime?
+
+Allen, (_l._) Because he can’t suffer without bringing suffering to them
+as I’d rather spare--because he’s the husband of the woman I have been
+calling Clara Dexter.
+
+Purt. (_Astonished._) You don’t say that, lad! When did you learn it?
+
+Allen. About five minutes ago. (_Crosses to r.; leans on chair._)
+
+Purt. (_After a pause._) Hanningford said true; it’s been a rough
+morning for you. (_Going up to Allen and laying his hand on his
+shoulder._) Would you rather that I stopped with you a bit, lad, or left
+you alone?
+
+Allen. Leave me alone, old friend. (_Purt. goes to c. door._) I shall be
+off soon.
+
+Purt. (_At door c._) Where are you going to?
+
+Allen. I’m going back to Woodbarrow Farm. I’ve had eno’ of the big
+world. I’ve had enough of fine folks and their ways. I’m going back to
+my own people--I’m going back to see the faces of them as I know loves
+me, to feel the hands of them as I know thinks well of me--I’m going
+back home.
+
+(_Purt. exit R., Allen stands l. by fire, stage darkens, and scene
+changes. Slow tableau. Music plays till change of scene and through
+Scene 2._)
+
+Scene 2. Same as Act i. Time, evening, fire burning brightly, and lamp
+lit on table, where supper is laid. Deb. discovered by fire, attending
+to cooking operations; Mrs. R. by fire, laying supper.
+
+Mrs. R. Be it done, lass?
+
+Deb. (_Who is kneeling down, looking into oven._) Yes, aunt, just to a
+turn.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Crossing and looking over Deb’s shoulder._) Ah, that be just
+right. Thee’s a good cook, lass. (_Crossing back to table._) Ah, how un
+used to like a veal pasty. (_Sighs._)
+
+Deb. It’s a bad thing going to bed, though, ain’t it, aunt?
+
+Mrs. R. Ah, anything be bad for them as ain’t got no stomachs, and
+underdone bricks be all right for them as has. (_Gets dishes from
+dresser; lays table._) Besides, we bain’t going to bed yet. Us’ll sit
+and have a chat after supper.
+
+Deb. It seems so lonely of an evening here now. (_Looking into fire._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_In front of table r.c._) So it do, lass. (_Crossing L._)
+Ah, the lads bean’t so big to look at, but they leaves a rare space
+behind ’em when they goes away.
+
+Deb. (_After a pause, still gazing dreamily into fire._) I wonder if
+he’ll ever come back.
+
+Mrs. R. Aye, aye; he’ll come back, never fear.
+
+Deb. (_Turns._) What, to stop?
+
+Mrs. R. (_l. sits on settle._) Ah, to stop.
+
+Deb. What makes you think so, aunt?
+
+Mrs. R. I dunno. It’s never seemed real to me, any on it. I’m awaiting
+every day to hear un lift the latch and walk in to find as it had all
+been a dream. So I alius lays for three (_l._)
+
+(_Enter Allen c. He is dressed much as in Act 1. He shuts the door and
+stands by it._)
+
+Allen. Well, mother, (_c._)
+
+Mrs. R. (_l. staring at him._) Allen, lad! (_Bewildered, not grasping
+it. Deb. having risen, stands with the hot pie that she has that moment
+taken from the oven, transfixed R._)
+
+Allen. (_At door c._) I’ve come home, you see, to stop--for good. Are
+thee glad to see me, mother?
+
+Mrs. R. (_l._) Come home! To stop! For good! Ah! (_Rushes across with a
+cry of joy and hugs him up c._) I said he would--I said he would--I said
+he would. My boy! My boy! (_After a pause._) And--and all the money,
+and--and Miss Dexter?
+
+Allen. (_Taking off his hat and throwing it down at hack._) Shadows,
+mother, that have passed away, out of my life, for ever. I’ll tell
+thee all about it later on, never mind to-night. Let’s think only about
+ourselves. (_Going to Deb. r._) Are thee glad to see me?
+
+(_Mrs. R. pushes them together from behind r. Deb. still with pie in her
+hands, puts her face up. Allen bends and kisses it. Mrs. R. catches the
+two in her arms, and embraces both at once, laughing. Deb. holds pie out
+at arm’s length to save it._)
+
+Allen. Mind the pie, mother.
+
+Mrs. R. (_Still embracing them._) Are thee hungry, lad?
+
+Allen. Rather.
+
+Mrs. R. Bless un, and thee’ve come back just in time for supper, as thee
+alius used to. (_Laughs, sits up stage, top of table._) Can thee eat
+veal pasty?
+
+Allen. Can I eat veal--(_taking off overcoat and throwing it on chair r.
+c._) Let me get at un, that’s all.
+
+Mrs. R. Poor boy! Come and sit ’ee down. (_Pushing him in chair l. of
+table._) Where be the potatoes, Deb.?
+
+Deb. (_Bewildered, turns round and round._) I don’t know. (_Laughs._)
+
+Mrs. R. Well, have a look in the saucepan, then. (_Sits back of table
+r. c. Allen l. Deb. r._) Thee won’t find ‘em by turning round and
+round. Now come lad, and get a bit inside thee. Us’ll do the talking
+afterwards.
+
+(_Deb. potters about between fire and table in a bewildered manner. She
+brings potatoes, and puts them in front of Allen._)
+
+Allen. Ah, it do smell lovely, don’t it? (_Sniffing at pie._)
+
+Mrs. R. Never thee mind smelling it, thee taste it. Lud, how thin thee
+art looking, lad. (_To Deb. who is almost doing so._) Don’t pour the
+beer into the pie, child, and look where thee’s put the potatoes!
+(_Takes jug away from her._)
+
+Deb. (_Sitting down, laughing._) I don’t know what I’m doing. (_Takes
+saucepan off table._)
+
+Mrs. R. Well, us can see that.
+
+Allen. And how’s everything been going on? How’s the colt?
+
+Mrs. R. Kicked Parsons clean into the ditch yestermorning, the little
+dear! (_All are now seated._)
+
+Allen. No, did un? (_Laughs._)
+
+Deb. One of the guinea hens is dead, the little one of all.
+
+Allen. What, the one as used to squint?
+
+Deb. Yes, Parsons left his shot on the pigstye wall, and she ate two
+ounces. Oh, and you remember Jim?
+
+Allen. What, the bantam?
+
+Deb. Yes. He’s given his own father such a licking, and won’t let him
+come near the yard.
+
+Allen. (_Laughing heartily._) Plucky little beggar! Serve the old ‘un
+right. He wur always a bully. Now, mother--(_about to hand her the
+pie._) Why, mother, thee art crying!
+
+Mrs. R. (_Crying._) No, I ain’t. Go on with thee supper, lad.
+
+Allen. (_Looking at Deb._) And--why, here be Deb. crying too!
+
+(_The two women laugh through their tears. Allen joins them as curtain
+descends._)
+
+Mrs. R. It’s wi’ joy, lad; it’s wi’ joy!
+
+
+SLOW CURTAIN.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Woodbarrow Farm, by Jerome K. Jerome
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+   "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" >
+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" />
+    <title>Woodbarrow Farm, by Jerome K. Jerome</title>
+    <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" />
+    <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" />
+    <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve">
+
+    body { margin:20%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify}
+    P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; }
+    hr  { width: 50%; text-align: center;}
+    .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;}
+    blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;}
+    .mynote    {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;}
+    .toc       { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;}
+    .toc2      { margin-left: 20%;}
+    .xx-small {font-size: 60%;}
+    .x-small {font-size: 75%;}
+    .small {font-size: 85%;}
+    .large {font-size: 115%;}
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+    .indent10  { margin-left: 10%;}
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+    .indent30  { margin-left: 30%;}
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+    div.fig    { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; }
+    div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; }
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+    .figright  {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;}
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+                font-variant: normal; font-style: normal;
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+
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Woodbarrow Farm, by Jerome K. Jerome
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
+the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
+to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
+
+
+
+Title: Woodbarrow Farm
+       Play in Three Acts
+
+Author: Jerome K. Jerome
+
+Release Date: May 10, 2017 [EBook #54698]
+Last Updated: September 3, 2016
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WOODBARROW FARM ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Widger from page images generously
+provided by the Internet Archive
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+    <div style="height: 8em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h1>
+      WOODBARROW FARM
+    </h1>
+    <h3>
+      Play In Three Acts
+    </h3>
+    <h2>
+      By Jerome K. Jerome
+    </h2>
+    <h4>
+      Samuel French: London
+    </h4>
+    <h3>
+      1904
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:50%;">
+      <img src="images/0007.jpg" alt="0007 " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+<h5>
+      <a href="images/0007.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a>
+    </h5>
+
+<p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+
+<div class="fig" style="width:50%;">
+      <img src="images/0010.jpg" alt="0010 " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+<h5>
+      <a href="images/0010.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a>
+    </h5>
+
+<p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+<hr />
+<p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+
+
+
+
+    <p>
+    Piffin.........
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Allen Rollitt.......
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Luke Cranbourne.....
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mike Stratton.......
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Purtwee.........
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hon. Tom Gussett....
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Baron Von Schnorr...
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Richard Hanningford
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ichabod.............
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Peters.............
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Colonel Jack Dexter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Clara Dexter........
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Rollitt........
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rachael.............
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Deborah Deacon......
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CONTENTS</b>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> WOODBARROW FARM </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> ACT I. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> ACT II. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> ACT III. </a>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Act I
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Woodbarrow Farm, Exmoor
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Act II
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      13a, St. James&rsquo; Mansions
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Act III
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Scene 1&mdash;Same as Act II., or Library at 13a, St. James&rsquo; Mansion
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Scene 2&mdash;Woodbarrow Farm
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Time: The Present
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h1>
+      WOODBARROW FARM
+    </h1>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ACT I.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      MUSIC TO OPEN ACT: OLD ENGLISH AIR
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      SCENE: <i>Kitchen at Woodbarrow Farm. An ideal old farmhouse kitchen. From
+      the smoke-blackened ceiling beams hang huge sides of bacon, strings of
+      onions, and herbs, and poultry. Over the great fireplace are the guns, and
+      in profusion everywhere are the homely furnishings of a prosperous
+      farmhouse kitchen. A huge fire burns r. in old-fashioned fireplace, with
+      settle on each side. Door l.c. at back opening on corner of farmyard.
+      Latticed window looking out on yard to r. of door. Table r.c. piled with
+      linen waiting to be folded. Linen press l. Door l. below press. Settle in
+      front of press. Mrs. Rollitt at table r.c. discovered ironing. She folds
+      up clothes as she finishes with them, and crosses and places them one by
+      one in press l.</i>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Rachael! Rachael!! (Crossing l. then crosses to r. at back
+      of table r.c.) Ah, drat the girls&mdash;alius philandering about with the
+      boys when they&rsquo;re wanted. Rachael!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (Enter Rachael, she comes slowly forward to l.c.)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> Did you call, ma&rsquo;am?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (At table.) Did I call? Why thee be getting deaf in thee
+      old age sure, Rachael.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> I was in the dairy, ma&rsquo;am.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> In the dairy! Well, and the dairy bean&rsquo;t a mile off, be it?
+      I expect there wur Joe&rsquo;s thick head &rsquo;twixt you and the sound of my
+      voice, warn&rsquo;t there?
+    </p>
+<p>
+<b>RACH.</b> No, ma&rsquo;am.
+</p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Whose wur it, then?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> Ichabod&rsquo;s, ma&rsquo;am. I&mdash;I mean Mr. Ichabod was helping me,
+      ma&rsquo;am.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> What at? (<i>Pause.</i>) How often am I to tell &rsquo;ee
+      I won&rsquo;t have that hulking scamp hanging about here after his work&rsquo;s done.
+      Do &rsquo;ee understand?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> Yes, ma&rsquo;am.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Here&rsquo;s getting on for 8 o&rsquo;clock, and thee master may be
+      home any minute as hungry as a hunter, poor lad, and noothing ready for
+      his supper. Get down the ham (<i>Rachael goes to fireplace r.</i>), and
+      bring me in the frying-pan and I&rsquo;ll do it myself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> (<i>Turning to go.</i>) Yes, ma&rsquo;am.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> And don&rsquo;t be half-an-hour about it. Is Ichabod gone?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> Oh yes, ma&rsquo;am.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Mrs. R. turns to her work, Ichabod appears at door at hack, with a
+      trout in his hand. Rachael catching sight of him stops, and motions him to
+      go away.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, a good thing for un as he has, if I catch un here again
+      to-night, I&rsquo;ll&mdash;(<i>Rachael makes sign to Ichabod who is up c. Mrs.
+      R. looks at Rachael</i>)&mdash;Lord help the lass, be she struck foolish?
+      Bean&rsquo;t &rsquo;ee agoing?
+    </p>
+<p>
+<b>RACH</b>. Yes, ma&rsquo;am.
+</p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well then, do ut. Thee keeps on saying, &ldquo;yes, ma&rsquo;am,&rdquo; &ldquo;yes,
+      ma&rsquo;am,&rdquo; and there &rsquo;ee sticks. (<i>Drops eyes. Rachael makes sign to
+      Ichabod. Mrs. Rollitt catches her.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Ichabod does not understand Rachel, and tries to explain to her in
+      pantomime about the trout, which he holds up and points to. Mrs. Rollitt
+      follows Rachael&rsquo;s eyes, and sees Ichabod. Rachael is struck dumb, and
+      Ichabod grins and pulls his hair.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> If thee don&rsquo;t take theeself off pretty, soon, my boy, I&rsquo;ll
+      do that for un. (<i>He makes no answer but continues pulling his hair and
+      grinning, making a few steps forward and still holding out the trout. Mrs.
+      Rollitt advances to him slowly.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Comes c.</i>) How often am I to tell &rsquo;ee I won&rsquo;t
+      have &rsquo;ee loafing about here after thee work&rsquo;s done, and thee mother
+      waiting for thee at home, thee good-for-nothing young&mdash;(<i>eyeing the
+      trout</i>)&mdash;aye, but he be a bonny un that.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ICH.</b> Thowt maybe he&rsquo;d do for the measter&rsquo;s supper, ma&rsquo;am. He wur
+      a-having his own not half-an-hour agone, ma&rsquo;am.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l. with fish in hand.</i>) Her be a three pound un,
+      Ichabod.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ICH.</b> As full as an egg, her be, just. Thee feel her, ma&rsquo;am.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, well, I won&rsquo;t say but what thee art a thoughtful lad,
+      Ichabod, and it will be main good for thee measter&rsquo;s supper. See there&rsquo;s a
+      clear fire. (<i>Crosses r.Enter Deborah from staircase L.</i>) Rachael,
+      and bring me the stew pan and we&rsquo;ll boil un.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> No, don&rsquo;t boil it, aunt. (<i>Takes fish from Mrs. R.</i>) Let
+      me fry it. Allen alius likes &lsquo;em best that way. (<i>Goes r. c. up stage.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> So un does, lass, so un does. Ah, thee knaw what the lad
+      loikes, thee shall fry it. (<i>Hands trout to Deb.</i>) And I&rsquo;ll finish
+      the linen while I&rsquo;ve got my hand on it. (<i>At back of table r.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Allen will like that, I know. Where did you get it?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ICH.</b> (<i>Confused and grinning.</i>) What, me, Miss?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Not poached, I hope, Ichabod?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ICH.</b> (<i>Offended.</i>) Poached, Miss? No, Miss, I wur trying to
+      teach a fly of mine to swim, that wur all, Miss, and when I took un from
+      the water there wur this thing hanging on to the end of un, and I couldn&rsquo;t
+      get &lsquo;un off.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>At table r. c.</i>) Thee&rsquo;d best stop awhile now,
+      Ichabod, and the girls will gie un a bit sup. Thee mother will be main
+      glad to be rid o&rsquo; ye a bit, I take it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ICH.</b> Thank ye, ma&rsquo;am. Mother&rsquo;s alius glad to be rid of me at supper
+      toime. (<i>To Deborah.) Gie me un, Miss, I&rsquo;ll clean un for ye. (</i>Takes
+      fish from Deborah, goes down l. at back of settle.)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> Shall I cook un, Miss?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Na, na, thee bring the pan in here, Rachael, I woan&rsquo;t trust
+      the master&rsquo;s supper to &lsquo;ee, while there&rsquo;s a pair of breeches about the
+      room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> (<i>Crosses l. with a toss of her head.) I&rsquo;m sure I don&rsquo;t
+      want &lsquo;em there at all. (</i>Picks up buckets near door l. down stage.)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, thee wouldn&rsquo;t ha&rsquo; the lad theer wi&rsquo;out &lsquo;em! Go and do
+      as I tell &lsquo;ee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      [Rachael hits Ichabod with bucket. Exeunt Rachael and Ichabod l. door down
+      stage.]
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b><b>MRS. R.</b> The lad will enjoy it all the more if thee
+      cook it for un. Ah. and he do enjoy his food too. It do me good to see un
+      eat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> He does you a lot of good that way, doesn&rsquo;t he, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Laughing.&lsquo;</i>) Ah, yes, he be like his father wur
+      before him, a rare trencher man. Ah, but they&rsquo;re better than those as
+      doesn&rsquo;t eat much, but sits a-turning and a-smelling, and a-grumbling at
+      everything that&rsquo;s set before them, for all the world like an overfed
+      turkey cock trying to eat potato peelings. Thee wean&rsquo;t ha&rsquo; much trouble
+      looking arter un when I&rsquo;m gone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Goes to fireplace R.</i>) Oh, aunt, how naughty you are,
+      always talking of being &ldquo;gone,&rdquo; just as if you were an old woman.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> No, no, lass, I bean&rsquo;t talking of being gone now. I&rsquo;ve many
+      a year before me yet, please God. But it must come sometime, thee knaws,
+      and I like to think that when it do there&rsquo;ll be someone to gie the lad his
+      bit of food, and look arter un loike&mdash;and, Lord, a man do want a
+      power of looking arter to be sure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>At fire R. making it up.</i>) I think that&rsquo;s why we love
+      &lsquo;em, aunt, because they&rsquo;re so helpless.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Cross to l.</i>) Ah, maybe it is. There must be summut
+      to account for it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> And I suppose they be like the poultry. They get fond of us
+      because we feed them. He does say I&rsquo;ve got a good hand for cooking, aunt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Cross to r.</i>) Ah, yes, lass. It be a light hand for
+      the kitchen and a cool hand for the dairy. It will make a good hand for a
+      farmer&rsquo;s wife. (<i>Takes Deborah&rsquo;s hand at table R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> I don&rsquo;t think Allen will want a farmer&rsquo;s wife, aunt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Lord, whose wife should a farmer want, then?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Pokes fire r.</i>) I don&rsquo;t think Allen wants to be a
+      farmer at all. He says he wants to be a somebody, not a nobody.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, bean&rsquo;t a farmer somebody?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Somebody, aunt, but not a somebody. Allen wants to be in the
+      world, you know, aunt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, and he be in the world sure, ain&rsquo;t he? Sure I think I
+      ought to know. (<i>Cross to l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> No, not in the world he means, aunt. Not in the great world as
+      they call it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah! he be in God&rsquo;s world, that ought to be big enough for
+      un. (<i>Cross to r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>A little spitefully.</i>) Yes, aunt, but it&rsquo;s not select
+      enough. There&rsquo;s all sorts of common people in God&rsquo;s world. Allen wants to
+      be in the big world of lords and ladies and big folk up in London. He says
+      it&rsquo;s being buried alive down here; that he wants to be among the stir and
+      bustle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Cross to h., putting clothes in press.</i>) Ah! that be
+      only his talk. The young uns be all alike. They run arter shadows like the
+      chickens do arter chaff. (<i>Cross l.</i>) Why, I mind when I wur a lass,
+      I used to look in the glass and think I&rsquo;d be a duchess. But the dook
+      didn&rsquo;t come, so I just married thee uncle. The young ducks all fancies as
+      they&rsquo;ll paddle off to the sea, But they live and dies in the old pond
+      arter all. (<i>Crosses to R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) And you think that your duck will live and
+      die in the Woodbarrow pond, aunt? (<i>Helps Mrs. Rollitt to fold.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, bless un, yes, the lads they fancy that any place is
+      better than the old home; but arter they&rsquo;ve had a good look round, they
+      know that the old home&rsquo;s better than any place else. He&rsquo;ll flutter about a
+      bit maybe (<i>looks at Deborah</i>), but he&rsquo;ll settle down in the nest
+      &lsquo;fore long, and the children will be running about the house (<i>Deborah
+      turns away a little</i>) and making it untidy&mdash;Bless &lsquo;em&mdash;afore
+      I close my eyes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Demurely.</i>) I wonder who he&rsquo;ll marry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, I wonder now. (<i>Crosses to put linen in chest of
+      drawers.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>r. folding linen.</i>) There&rsquo;s Polly Steddles. He walked
+      home from church with her last Sunday. I think he&rsquo;s a little sweet on
+      Polly Steddles, don&rsquo;t you, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Mrs. R. comes l. of table r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, it bean&rsquo;t much good being a little sweet on a girl that
+      size. It would take a power of sweetness to go round her. (<i>Crosses L.
+      with linen.</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> She&rsquo;s big, but then men like big women, don&rsquo;t they, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Ah, some on &rsquo;em goes in for quantity,
+      and some on &rsquo;em goes in for quality. The little ones, they go in
+      for size cause they bean&rsquo;t much of it themselves; and the big ones goes in
+      for sense, cause that be what they be most in need of. (<i>Goes R.</i>)
+      And Allen, he be&rsquo;s medium, so he can just please himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> And there&rsquo;s Miss Dexter, that he drives over to Minehead so
+      often. (<i>Mrs. Rollitt goes l.</i>) He thinks a lot of her, I know.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l.</i>) What, Colonel Dexter&rsquo;s darter, oop at Lucott&rsquo;s
+      Hill? Oh, yes, her&rsquo;d be a fine un to make the butter and cure the hams,
+      her would. Her be loike them umbrellas they be a selling at Peter&rsquo;s for
+      1s. 11d.&mdash;only meant to be walked out wi&rsquo;. (<i>Near press l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Ah, but she&rsquo;s so beautiful, aunt, and she&rsquo;s a lady! (<i>Sighs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah! (<i>goes to table r. c.</i>) there be a good many sorts
+      o&rsquo; them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> She is a lady, isn&rsquo;t she, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Her&rsquo;s got the clothes all right. (<i>Sits l. of table r. A
+      pause&mdash;goes up and pats Deborah&rsquo;s cheek.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As if thee didn&rsquo;t know the lad were in love with theeself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Tossing her head.</i>) Sure an&rsquo; I don&rsquo;t see how I should&mdash;he
+      never says anything.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, the men bain&rsquo;t much to say for their-selves, poor
+      things. Thee must go by what they does. Why, thee uncle kept company wi&rsquo;
+      me for three years, an&rsquo; un never said a word. The first year un only sot
+      and stared, and the second year un put un&rsquo;s arm round my waist, and the
+      third year un kissed me, and then mother said it were time to put up the
+      banns, and her done it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Laughs.</i>) Ah, the man that wants to marry me will have
+      to ask me ever and ever so many times and plead, oh, as if his life
+      depended on it (<i>tossing her head&mdash;at fire.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, the lad be shy, that be all. He be frightened &rsquo;o
+      thee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Smiling.</i>) Of me, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, sure!&mdash;(<i>Laughs.</i>)&mdash;I expect un be
+      worrying hisself finely for fear thee doan&rsquo;t care for un, a fancying thee
+      prefers Jim Harkabuck, maybe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Demurely&mdash;goes up r. and gets l. of Mrs. Rollitt.</i>)
+      Jim Harkabuck is a very nice fellow, and he does stare. (<i>Smiling, and
+      going to her aunt.</i>) Do you think Allen really&mdash;really does&mdash;Aunt?
+      (<i>Kneels to Mrs. Rollitt, who turns her head away r. a little.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Laughing, and shaking her off playfully. Pauses.</i>)
+      Does he! Why beant he alius quarreling wi&rsquo; thee, and doan&rsquo;t he eat twice
+      as much o&rsquo; anything if he knows thee cooked it&mdash;and besides&mdash;(<i>Pauses
+      and becomes absorbed in stockings.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Besides what, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Why didn&rsquo;t I find un only the evening afore last when un
+      didn&rsquo;t know I wur there. (<i>Laughing.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Rachael l. door with fish in frying-pan.&mdash;Deborah rises.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> (<i>Crossing r. and giving it to Deborah.</i>) Shall I put it
+      on, Miss?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>c. goes R. to fireplace.</i>) No, I&rsquo;ll see to it; Rachael,
+      thank you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>RACH.</b> I have put some butter in the pan, Miss.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Rachael l. down stage.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, aunt. (<i>r. of table and seeing to fish with back to
+      Mrs. Rollitt.</i>) You&mdash;you were saying how you came upon Allen the
+      other evening, aunt, when he didn&rsquo;t know you were there, and he was doing
+      something.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, yes, it wur Toosday, and he&mdash;not in love wi&rsquo; &rsquo;ee&mdash;(<i>laughing</i>)&mdash;why&mdash;(<i>taking
+      up stocking and looking at hole.</i>) Ah, look at that now, blest if I can
+      make out where the holes come from, just.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> What was he doing, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Why there un wur wi&rsquo; your&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Purtwee c.&mdash;who coughs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Turning, and seeing him as he stands in doorway.</i>)
+      What, Mr. Purtwee! (<i>Deborah in despair goes to fire and cooks fish.</i>)
+      Well, &rsquo;ee do surprise me! &rsquo;Ee be quite a stranger. Come in.
+      Thee be just in time for a bit of sup.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Coming down l. c., puts hat on staircase rail.</i>) I
+      couldn&rsquo;t pass the place without looking in, I&rsquo;ve just left the trap
+      outside. (<i>Shakes hands.</i>) And how are we?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Oh, I be middlin&rsquo; well, thank &rsquo;ee, and how&rsquo;s
+      yerself?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Oh, nicely enough, and&mdash;(<i>To Deborah crossing r.</i>)&mdash;how&rsquo;s
+      Miss Deborah Deacon?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Very well, thank you, Mr. Purtwee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> That&rsquo;s all right&mdash;you look it, my dear (<i>Taking her
+      hands.</i>) Why I declare she&rsquo;s getting quite a woman!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah! she&rsquo;s been that for some time. Her be thinking more
+      about getting a man now. (<i>Purtwee crosses to l. c. laughing.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, aunt!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Did &rsquo;ee see the lad up town?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> What, Allen?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, that be the only lad in the world I know. Did &rsquo;ee
+      see un? (<i>Goes up l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Yes, I met him, and I wanted to have a chat with him. (<i>Mrs.
+      Rollitt is up l. near linen press.</i>) But, Lord! There he was off to
+      Lucott&rsquo;s Hill, and there was no holding him. (<i>Taking off his coat.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Who has been engaged in her cooking, at this suddenly
+      stops, and looks up.</i>) What was he going up there for?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Stopping and facing round.</i>) What for?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Excitedly, but quietly.</i>) Who was he going to see up
+      there?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Laughing and folding coat.</i>) Ah! who is it he always
+      goes to see up there?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Deborah turns a little sick at this confirmation of her fears.
+      Purtwee, who is a sharp old fellow, notices the expression of her face and
+      the whole truth flashes across him. He pauses suddenly, looks hard at her,
+      then assuming an ordinary laughing tone, continues&mdash;Mrs. Rollitt (up
+      l.) is engaged with the linen, and does not notice this.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Why, the Walleys, of course. He and Jim seem to be
+      inseparable of late.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, yes, I know. I asked him to try and see if the Walleys
+      would part with one of their short-horns.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Ah! that was it, then&mdash;yes, I remember that was it. (<i>Turns
+      away and looks back at Deborah, who has resumed her cooking&mdash;aside.</i>)
+      Poor child! There&rsquo;s trouble for her I fear. (<i>Throws coat over chair l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Comes c.</i>) Well, what be going on up at Minehead?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> The same that is going on everywhere, Mrs. Rollitt&mdash;people
+      lying and slandering and evil-speaking; everybody thieving and cheating
+      and quarreling. (<i>Sits on table l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, I guess I could have told thee that. Haven&rsquo;t thee any
+      real news to gie us. Tell us what one person&rsquo;s be a-doing. Never mind
+      &ldquo;everybody,&rdquo; I don&rsquo;t know him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Well, you see, Susan, a lawyer mustn&rsquo;t gossip. (<i>Shakes
+      finger.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Deborah crosses to linen press L., sets tablecloth and lays table r.
+      c. for meal.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>c.</i>) Oh, hoity, toity! What be the use of being a
+      lawyer and knowing things if &rsquo;ee never tells a body a bit o&rsquo; news?
+      And now I come to think of it, I&rsquo;ve got a bone to pick wi&rsquo; thee about that
+      very thing. Thee never told me old Hanningford wur agoing to die without
+      leaving my boy so much as a brass farthing. Do you think as how I&rsquo;d &rsquo;a&rsquo;
+      gone on sending the old skinflint the best turkey in the yard every
+      Christmas, and the best goose come every Michaelmas, if I&rsquo;d known as how
+      he&rsquo;d hadn&rsquo;t given us so much as the price as a suit o&rsquo; black, and Allen
+      his own cousin&rsquo;s child. (<i>Crossing R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A cousin is a cousin, even if it be a distant one. (<i>Sits l. of table r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Now, my dear Mrs. Rollitt, how could I tell he was going to
+      die?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Thee knowed he wur going to die sometime, and thee knowed
+      he hadn&rsquo;t left the boy anything, and thee might a&rsquo; dropped me a hint.
+      &ldquo;Mrs. Rollitt,&rdquo; thee might ha&rsquo; said, &ldquo;thee&rsquo;s only wasting good poultry on
+      a worthless man. The old sinner&rsquo;s a going to die as hard-fisted and
+      ungrateful as he&rsquo;s lived.&rdquo; It would &rsquo;a&rsquo; been a neighbourly act o&rsquo;
+      thee!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) But I didn&rsquo;t know he wasn&rsquo;t going to
+      leave you anything. You see he died intestate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> In&mdash;&mdash;&mdash; what?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Rises.</i>) Intestate. (<i>Deborah laughs a little.</i>)
+      Without leaving a will; he left nobody anything.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) Well, then, where does the old fool&rsquo;s
+      money go to?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Why, to his son, of course! (<i>Cross to r. near chair,
+      fireplace down stage.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, where be his son?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Folding his knee in his hand and looking at her quietly.</i>)
+      On the road from Texas to Devon. (<i>Sits r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> What! Thee don&rsquo;t mean to say thee&rsquo;ve found un! (<i>Deborah
+      gets dish off dresser r. and puts it down in front of firm Mrs. R. in
+      front of table r., Mrs. R. and Deborah draw near interested.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> That&rsquo;s just exactly what I do mean. We traced him at last&mdash;found
+      him at Port Chadbourne black as a nigger and dressed as a red Indian.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> What was he doing there&mdash;play-acting?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> No, cow-boy. (<i>Mrs. R. sits l. of table r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Lord love us all! and do un know?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Yes, my agent saw him&mdash;went down to meet him as he came
+      through with a drove of cattle, gave him my letters and told him
+      everything.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Has he written to you?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> No, didn&rsquo;t know how to write&mdash;a sort of half savage he
+      seems to be, he and all his companions. He said he was going to give the
+      boys a three days&rsquo; drink, or as he expressed it, &ldquo;paint the town red,&rdquo; and
+      then start straight for home.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> When do you expect him?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Any day now; it was six weeks ago my agent saw him. He might
+      walk into my office to-morrow morning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Lor! to think o&rsquo; it all. Him running away&mdash;driven
+      away, as a body might say, by &rsquo;is own father, when scarce more than
+      a baby, and now coming back to all this money. When do &rsquo;ee expect
+      un?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> To-morrow&mdash;in six months time&mdash;never!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Never! (<i>Purtwee rises, crosses to l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Perhaps never.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Why I thought thee said he&rsquo;d started.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Started, yes; but there&rsquo;s a long road between that and
+      arriving. He may be dead and buried&mdash;drowned&mdash;murdered&mdash;for
+      all we can tell. They&rsquo;re a rough lot where he&rsquo;s coming from. (<i>Takes
+      coat off settle L. Feels for snuff box in pockets; rises; goes c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, thee&rsquo;s picturing a nice fate for the lad. An&rsquo; who
+      would the money all go to if he were gone?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Why the next o&rsquo; kin of course! He isn&rsquo;t married.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> And who be the next of kin?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Dryly.</i>) Oh! there&rsquo;s no need to worry about that now.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs R. Well, I&rsquo;d just like to know, that&rsquo;s all. Would it be any of the
+      Leeds folk?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Oh, I really can&rsquo;t say! (<i>Gets snuff box, puts coat on
+      settle l.</i>) I&mdash;I can&rsquo;t say at all who it would be. (<i>Angrily,
+      rather.</i>) Why there&rsquo;s about a hundred different relations scattered all
+      over the country, and goodness knows who it might turn out to be. It isn&rsquo;t
+      a matter to be considered yet at all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Lord bless us all, don&rsquo;t put theeself out, man. I didn&rsquo;t
+      know as a body&rsquo;s relations wur any secret&mdash;(<i>pauses</i>)&mdash;provided
+      they be coom by honestly. Doan&rsquo;t tell us if &rsquo;ee doan&rsquo;t want to. (<i>Turns
+      away r. a little.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> No&mdash;no, Mrs. Rollitt! I&rsquo;m not put out, only you see
+      it&rsquo;s always a most complicated question a next of kin, especially in a
+      case of this kind where the man shunned all his relations. It might be
+      someone in Hong Kong; it might be someone here in Devonshire&mdash;(<i>Enter
+      Allen c. door.</i>)&mdash;it might be,&mdash;(<i>he is l., taking
+      handkerchief from his overcoat pocket, and turning sees Allen in doorway
+      and stops. Deborah puts on the fish.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Coming down r. c.</i>) Well mother! (<i>Kisses her.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Why, my boy, wherever ha&rsquo; ye been to&mdash;I wur getting
+      quite anxious about &rsquo;ee!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Taking off his hat and coat and throwing them down at
+      back.</i>) Ah, I be a rare anxiety to &rsquo;ee, baint I, mother? (<i>To
+      Mr. Purtwee.</i>) Mother alius fancies as I&rsquo;ve been run off with by
+      gypsies if I be out more than an hour. (<i>Crossing and shaking hands with
+      Mr. Purtwee.</i>) And how be Mr. Purtwee for the second time to-day?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Laughing and shaking hands.</i>) Ah! your mother&rsquo;s a
+      regular old hen with one chick I expect. (<i>Sits l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Never thee mind, mother, thee be quite right to be careful
+      o&rsquo; me! There baint another son like me in the whole country, be there?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>At fire.</i>) To the credit of old Devon be it said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Halloa! (<i>Goes r. to Deborah.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah! now that just serves thee right for laughing at thee
+      old mother. (<i>Crosses l. and sits knitting next to Purtwee.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah! that be the worst of letting the children stop oop arter
+      their proper toime, they allus gets so saucy. What have thee there? Lurd
+      bust me, I have got a vacuum inside o&rsquo; me. Poached eggs?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> No; poached trout.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> Eh! what&rsquo;s that?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Hulloa! Thee&rsquo;ve done it now. Why, Mr. Purtwee be Lord
+      Netherby&rsquo;s lawyer, and he&rsquo;ll ha&rsquo; thee hanged in chains on Dunkery Beacon,
+      sure as fate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Ah, well, you see I didn&rsquo;t poach him, I&rsquo;m only frying him.
+      There&rsquo;s no law against frying fish, is there?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.c.</i>) Aye, well, us&rsquo;ll forgive thee this time, if
+      ee&rsquo;ll promise to do it again soon. Come and give us a kiss.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Thee&rsquo;ll kiss the frying-pan if you come any o&rsquo; your nonsense
+      round here.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What! won&rsquo;t thee, when I tell &rsquo;ee I&rsquo;ve bought Jim
+      Whalley&rsquo;s tan and cream shorthorn for &rsquo;ee?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Pleased.</i>) No! Have you?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I bought her this afternoon, and I got her for&mdash;(<i>l.c.,
+      turning to his mother</i>) I say, mother, our Deb&rsquo;s bin and smoshed young
+      Whalley.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Done what to un.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Smoshed him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Why, I never touched him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes thee have, thee&rsquo;ve smoshed un&mdash;that be the new
+      Lunnun word; made un in love wi&rsquo; thee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> It&rsquo;s a funny way o&rsquo; doing it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I doan&rsquo;t know how her done it, but her done it. Why he
+      wanted £25 for the cow at first, and when I told un her wur for Deb he
+      looked as stupid as an old cow unself and said I could have her for £20,
+      and then he asked me if she would like a calf. (<i>Goes R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> We could do with one. What did you say?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) I told un her&rsquo;d better let the calf come
+      down and ask for unself. (<i>Laughs boisterously.</i>) He never saw what I
+      meant. (<i>All laugh.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, I expect he saw it all right. Jim Whalley is a very sharp
+      fellow; there was no need to insult him just because he&rsquo;d done a kind
+      action. (<i>Warmly&mdash;turns away r. a little.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, I wouldn&rsquo;t ha&rsquo; said it if I&rsquo;d known. I didn&rsquo;t know thee
+      was in love wi&rsquo; him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Half laughing and half indignant.</i>) Oh, don&rsquo;t be silly,
+      Allen, as if I cared for Jim Whalley.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I might ha&rsquo; guessed it too. Why, I expect that&rsquo;s why thee
+      wanted the cow so as to have something about the place to remind thee o&rsquo;
+      un.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, you great stupid!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why, look how you&rsquo;re blushing. Look, look at her face,
+      mother. (<i>Goes to back of settle r. takes up looking-glass which is
+      hanging on settle r., brings it down and holds it before her.</i>) Look at
+      yourself! (<i>she catches him a sound box on the ear. He puts his hand to
+      his face, and crossing puts back glass.</i>) I didn&rsquo;t know thee was so
+      strong. That all comes of those squab pies o&rsquo; yourn, mother, I told thee
+      thee wur putting too much meat in &lsquo;em.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) Ah, it&rsquo;s thy sauce lad, not my meat,
+      that&rsquo;s done it. (<i>Rises.</i>) Thee&rsquo;d better try and make thy peace,
+      while me and Mr. Purtwee has a look round the out-buildings. (<i>To Mr.
+      Purtwee</i>) I&rsquo;ve been wanting to get hold of thee for a long time. Thee&rsquo;s
+      never given us so much as a bit o&rsquo; paint for the last ten years, and the
+      stable roof won&rsquo;t bear an owl on it. (<i>Goes up c. with Purtwee.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r. near settle.</i>) Thee might show Mr. Purtwee the
+      barn floor while thee&rsquo;s about it, mother. It be more like an earthquake
+      than a floor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Oh, I be a going to show him more than he wants to see,
+      don&rsquo;t thee worrit. (<i>Aside to Mr. Purtwee at door c.</i>) Ah, they&rsquo;d
+      make a pretty couple, wouldn&rsquo;t they?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Looking at them.</i>) No, no, we must make &rsquo;em
+      one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Mrs. Rollitt and Mr. Purtwee c. door.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>After a pause, r.c.</i>) Well I&rsquo;ve got thee the cow,
+      anyhow, and it&rsquo;s a beauty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>At tire in a tone of severe and offended dignity.</i>)
+      Thank you, Mr. Rollitt, it is very kind of you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>After a pause, with exaggerated politeness.</i>) Don&rsquo;t
+      mention it, Miss Deacon&mdash;quite a pleasure!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Allen crosses to l., whistles&mdash;a pause&mdash;pretends to take off
+      leggings. Puts foot on settle.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Thee may bring me over the butter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Looking up.</i>) Hulloa! come back again! Butter,
+      certainly! (<i>Takes it from chair off l. on staircase, crosses with it,
+      and holds it for Deborah while she takes some.</i>) Jolly good butter this
+      week; who made it? Thee?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Other side of plate.</i>) Of course I did! I make all the
+      butter now, and the cream.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What, wi&rsquo; them little hands. They don&rsquo;t look big enough to
+      do anything but be kissed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Looking up and smiling.</i>) They can do something else,
+      can&rsquo;t they?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah! They be like the parson&rsquo;s, not as soft as they looks. (<i>Puts
+      down butter on the table&mdash;pause&mdash;during which Deborah proceeds
+      with her cooking, and Allen stands watching her.</i>) What a jolly little
+      farmer&rsquo;s wife thee&rsquo;d make.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes; I only want the jolly little farmer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, thee won&rsquo;t find many of that sort about. Farming don&rsquo;t
+      pay enough for a man to get jolly on, now-a-days.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, we have enough to eat and drink, and a little to spend on
+      foolishness. You want so much.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Goes l.</i>) Not more than what a many has. Not more
+      than a little bit of what this young Hanning-ford is coming back to&mdash;enough
+      to let a man see what the world&rsquo;s like a bit, instead of being cooped oop
+      all one&rsquo;s life, like an old cow, in one corner of it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> But you can&rsquo;t live all over it, and one corner must be much as
+      good as another.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Crosses r.</i>) Ah, thee don&rsquo;t understand it, lass. Thee
+      women folk can stand day arter day the same, but we lads are restless wi&rsquo;
+      it. We feel as there&rsquo;s summat big and stirring going on somewhere, and we
+      long to be among it&mdash;to be in the great world. It seems to call to me&mdash;(<i>puts
+      foot on settle L.</i>)&mdash;to come to it, sometimes. I hear it of a
+      night when I&rsquo;m watching the sheep on the hill fields. Maybe it&rsquo;s only the
+      sea breaking on the rocks down by Glenthorn&mdash;or the wind among the
+      old oaks, but it sounds like a distant far-off voice&mdash;(<i>gets l. of
+      table R. with back to Deborah</i>)&mdash;calling to me, and it rings and
+      echoes in my ears, till I feel at times that I must start up then and
+      there and follow it. (<i>Deborah r. of table r. Allen l. of table r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Very gravely, laying her hand on his arm.</i>) Allen, lad,
+      don&rsquo;t you remember reading one evening to us of the sirens, who in the old
+      days used to haunt the sea caves, and sing so sweetly that the sailors who
+      once paused to listen, were lured on and on till they were wrecked among
+      the cruel rocks? May not the voices that you hear be like the singing of
+      those sirens?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Maybe, lass; but the sailors couldn&rsquo;t help but follow when
+      they did hear it. (<i>Sits in chair l. of table R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) What be the matter, Allen? Thee used
+      to be contented enough. Now thee&rsquo;s always talking about riches, and
+      wanting to go away from the dear old farm. Somethin&rsquo;s come over thee, lad.
+      (<i>Puts hand on Allen&rsquo;s shoulder.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, I wur allus like an old crow&mdash;(<i>Deborah takes her
+      hand away</i>)&mdash;sitting on a fence, and looking at summat too far off
+      to see. But thee be right partly, lass. Summat has come over me, and made
+      me want what I can&rsquo;t get more than ever now.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Very kindly, r.</i>) What be it? (<i>With elbows leaning
+      on table, R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Rises, goes l. c.</i>) Well, I be in love, lass. (<i>Still
+      looking away from her.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a pause, during which she has smiled to herself with
+      a happy little sigh, and clasped her hands together in a sort of little
+      joyful ecstacy, unnoticed by Allen.</i>) In love!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I fancy it must be that. I think of her all day and I dream
+      of her all night, and I&rsquo;m jolly miserable. (<i>At settle, R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Demurely.</i>) Have you any reason to suppose that she
+      returns your affection?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I don&rsquo;t know, her&rsquo;s never said anything.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Have you?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Me! No, I haven&rsquo;t said anything.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Most extraordinary that she doesn&rsquo;t propose. Have you given
+      her any encouragement? (<i>Leans against settle R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Noa&mdash;I can&rsquo;t say as I have, much. (<i>Goes r.c.</i>)
+      I&rsquo;ve looked at her, you know&mdash;soft like&mdash;and sighed. (<i>Does
+      so.</i>) But her&rsquo;s mostly been looking t&rsquo;other way and an&rsquo;t seen it, and
+      as for saying anything to her&mdash;well, I can talk to her all right
+      about other things and joke and laugh wi&rsquo; her, but the moment I goes to
+      say I love her&mdash;it&mdash;it seems as if I&rsquo;d got a hot potato stuck in
+      my throat. (<i>Speaking as if she had, turns away to l. corner of r.table,
+      back to Deborah. His manner throughout this scene carries out the idea
+      that it is Deborah he is in love with.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a pause, with a coquettish smile to herself.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      I&mdash;I can&rsquo;t do anything to help thee, I suppose? (<i>Goes and leans
+      against settle R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Do thee think as her could care for a mere common farmer,
+      Deborah?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Turning and looking at him earnestly&mdash;comes to front
+      of table R.</i>) Well&mdash;I think if he were a good farmer, and pleaded
+      very hard, I&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Delighted.</i>) No, lass! Do &rsquo;ee really think a
+      girl could? (<i>Advancing to her.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Putting her hand to stop him with dignity.</i>) A girl
+      might&mdash;though, of course, a superior sort of girl, such as she
+      appears to be, might think it presumption for&mdash;(<i>turns away r.puts
+      hand on corner of table R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Depressed.</i>) Yes&mdash;I&rsquo;m afraid her would. (<i>Turns
+      away l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Eagerly turning around again.</i>) Then, of course, she
+      mightn&rsquo;t. You never can tell till you try. (<i>Goes to fireplace r. Fish
+      is changed.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Scratching his head.</i>) Blest if I know how to go
+      about it! I say, Deb, you&rsquo;ve been proposed to, how do they begin?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Bending over fire.</i>) Don&rsquo;t thee think thee&rsquo;d better
+      tell me who it is and let me ask her for thee? (<i>Looking slyly round,
+      pauses.</i>) Who be her, Allen?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Going up to window R.c.</i>) Ah, I expect thee knows who
+      her be!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Beginning softly to creep toward him.</i>) How should I
+      when thee&rsquo;s never told me? What be her name? (<i>Close to him, his back is
+      still towards her and he doesn&rsquo;t see her.</i>) Eh?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Without turning, looking out of the back window up R.c.</i>)
+      Clara. (<i>Music cue.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Bus. Deb. stands still&mdash;for the first moment she hardly
+      comprehends. Then she understands, and stands staring straight before her
+      with a wild scared look&mdash;shivers, crosses back to fireplace on
+      tip-toe and bends down over it attending to the fish&mdash;after Deb. sobs
+      Allen comes down c.&mdash;music dies away.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Half turning round.</i>) Colonel Dexter&rsquo;s daughter, you
+      know. Thee&rsquo;ve seen her. Her wur at the Barnstaple ball and I danced wi&rsquo;
+      her and thee said how beautiful her wur and that her dress was all made o&rsquo;
+      some&rsquo;at or other, and you&mdash;(<i>he has gradually come close over to
+      her r.</i>) What be the matter, Deb?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>In a changed, hard tone, bending more intently than ever
+      over her cooking.</i>) Nothing&mdash;Nothing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Taking her hand.</i>) Why, thee be quite cold, lass; be
+      thee ill?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Snatching her hand away.</i>) No, no, there&rsquo;s nothing the
+      matter with me. Don&rsquo;t be so foolish, don&rsquo;t don&rsquo;t.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Surprised.</i>) I say, Deb, have I said anything I
+      oughtn&rsquo;t to? I know I&rsquo;m allus a-doing it. (<i>A pause&mdash;Allen stands
+      looking at her, troubled and bewildered&mdash;Deb. bends closer over the
+      fire&mdash;then takes the pan off the fire and with it in her hand turns
+      to Allen smiling.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Gives dish to Allen.</i>) Yes, thee have&mdash;talking to
+      a cook at the very moment the trout is on the turn. (<i>Puts trout on
+      dish.</i>) Serve thee right if I&rsquo;d spoilt it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Lor&rsquo;, thee quite frightened me! (<i>Pauses.</i>) Yes&mdash;I
+      went up there this afternoon. (<i>Deb. takes dish from Allen, puts it down
+      in front of fireplace.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Arranging fish.</i>) Did you see her?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes, I saw her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> It doesn&rsquo;t seem to have made thee any more cheerful. Did thee
+      quarrel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Us never got a chance. There wur a cousin or summat of the
+      kind hanging about all the time&mdash;just come over with some chap from
+      America. Can&rsquo;t say as I like un much.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Thee&rsquo;d best summon up thy courage and speak quick or thee may
+      lose thy turn. (<i>Allen turns away L.</i>) Go and tell aunt supper&rsquo;s
+      ready&mdash;be quick, it&rsquo;s all spoiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Moving quickly towards door l. down stage.</i>) Where
+      shall I find her?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Sharply.</i>) How should I know?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Looks around surprised&mdash;sotto voce.</i>) How the
+      fire do draw out a woman&rsquo;s temper, to be sure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Allen l., down stage.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Left alone stands r.a moment without speaking.</i>) What
+      right has she to come down here and take him away? She doesn&rsquo;t love him.
+      Couldn&rsquo;t she have found enough fine gentlemen in London to amuse her? I
+      don&rsquo;t believe she&rsquo;s a good woman, and I hate her. (<i>Stamps her foot.</i>)
+      She shan&rsquo;t have him&mdash;she&mdash;(<i>bursts into quiet tears and,
+      slipping down on ground, buries her face in chair by fire&mdash;pause&mdash;after
+      a few seconds Luke Cranbourne appears in door c. front r., Mike Stratton
+      behind him. Luke pauses on threshold and coughs. Deb. hastily rises,
+      trying to hide her tears and stands r. Luke comes forward slowly, followed
+      by Mike at some distance.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>After pause, coming forward r.c.</i>) I&mdash;beg pardon&mdash;there
+      was nobody about. Are Mrs. Rollitt and Mr. Rollitt at home?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, they are at home. I will go and find them. (<i>Crosses to
+      l.</i>) Who shall I say it is?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>r.c.</i>) Ah, thank you very much, my dear. Would you say
+      Mr. Cranbourne&mdash;Mr. Luke Cranbourne and Mr. Richard Hanningford?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Amazed.</i>) Dick Hanningford!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Smiling.</i>) You know the name?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Old Mr. Hanningford&rsquo;s son? Why, we were only speaking of him
+      just this instant, and wondering when he&rsquo;d come back. (<i>To Luke
+      hesitatingly.</i>) Are&mdash;are you&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> No&mdash;this is Mr. Hanningford. (<i>Turns to Mike, who
+      stands awkward and shy l.c. looking at the ground.</i>) Did you know him?
+      (<i>Laughs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, I&rsquo;m Miss Deacon&mdash;Miss Deborah Deacon. We were
+      school-fellows, you know. (<i>Timidly approaching Mike with outstretched
+      hand.</i>) I am very glad to see you Mr.&mdash;Mr. Hanningford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> Thank you, Miss&mdash;I&rsquo;m very pleased to see you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Sitting r.</i>) I suppose you hardly recognize our
+      friend? (<i>Watches her intently without her noticing it. Mike has turned
+      away again, and looks down, flicking leg with cane.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Hesitating.</i>) Um! (<i>Laughs.</i>) Well, he&rsquo;s certainly
+      altered since we used to go to school together. But yes&mdash;(<i>examining
+      his face</i>)&mdash;there&rsquo;s something of the old face left, I think.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> We only arrived from America last night, traveling hard all
+      the time. Pretty nearly worked me to death. Dick has&mdash;(<i>with a yawn</i>)&mdash;but
+      there, I suppose I should have hurried up pretty smart myself if I&rsquo;d been
+      coming home to a fortune.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> You are staying in the village then, I suppose?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Yes, we&rsquo;ve put up at Colonel Dexter&rsquo;s&mdash;my uncle&rsquo;s&mdash;slow
+      place. (<i>Laughing.</i>) But better than the inn apparently.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh. then you are the&mdash;Miss Dexter&rsquo;s cousin that Allen&mdash;(<i>pauses
+      hesitating</i>)&mdash;was&mdash;was speaking of?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Oh, the young fellow that was there this afternoon&mdash;was
+      that Allen? (<i>With a would-be playful laugh.</i>) And who&rsquo;s Allen, eh?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>A little stiffly.</i>) Allen is Mr. Rollitt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Oh, I wish I&rsquo;d known that this afternoon. Dick&rsquo;s been dying
+      to see him and his mother all day. I wanted him to wait till the morning,
+      but he would come down to-night.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, I&rsquo;m sure Allen and Aunt will both be delighted. (<i>Approaching
+      Mike, who still stands aside and looks down.</i>) Won&rsquo;t you be seated, Mr.
+      Hanningford? (<i>He makes no sign&mdash;hesitatingly.</i>) Dick. (<i>Mike
+      still takes no notice. Luke has risen and crossed with assumed
+      carelessness, towards him and nozu from opposite side of him to Deborah
+      gives him a sharp kick. Mike starts and looks up.</i>),
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Turning away carelessly.</i>) Lost in reveries of old
+      scenes, Dick, eh? Miss Deacon is asking you if you won&rsquo;t sit down.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>Sitting L.c.</i>) Oh, I beg your pardon, Miss, I&rsquo;m sure.
+      Oh, thank you, I will.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Going.</i>) I shan&rsquo;t be a minute. They are only somewhere
+      about the yard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Deborah c. door l. down stage. Luke goes to door, looks off,
+      closes door, then goes up to door c., looks off, then closes it. Comes r.
+      of Mike, who is l.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>After waiting an instant, and making sure that no one is
+      about.</i>) Try and keep some of your wits about you, Mike&mdash;if you
+      don&rsquo;t mind.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>Sulkily.</i>) I don&rsquo;t see the darned good of this part of
+      the trick, so I tell you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> I&rsquo;m afraid we shall have a rough time if your memory doesn&rsquo;t
+      improve. I&rsquo;ve explained to you at least half-a-dozen times that it was as
+      a sort of trial canter that I wanted to come here. If anyone in Devon can
+      tell who is Dick Hanningford and who isn&rsquo;t it will be these Rollitts. If
+      you pass here you pass anywhere.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> Well, it&rsquo;s the very place I should have avoided, and for the
+      same reason. The old woman knew Dick Hanningford as well as she knows her
+      own son, and I&rsquo;d rather avoid her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Luke, (<i>r.</i>) You&rsquo;re bound to meet her sooner or later. Better get it
+      over and know the worst&mdash;or the best. (<i>Turns away r. a little.</i>)
+      Sixteen years make it a little difficult to tell a man, especially between
+      the age of nine and twenty-five, and you&rsquo;re like him enough, and always
+      were.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> And suppose she gets asking questions&mdash;do I remember
+      this, do I remember that&mdash;you know what old women are.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Well, you can&rsquo;t be expected to remember all the details of
+      your pinafore days after all this time, and knocking about as you have
+      been. You know all that is necessary for you to know. You knew the old
+      man, and you were in the house, and you knew young Hanningford. Besides,
+      you needn&rsquo;t recollect anything yourself. You recollect what other people
+      recollect, that&rsquo;s all you&rsquo;re wanted to do.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) I hope we don&rsquo;t make a mess of it! (<i>Turns
+      L.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Crossing and laying his hand on Mike&rsquo;s shoulder, turns
+      him to c.</i>) We shan&rsquo;t make a mess of it&mdash;don&rsquo;t you. You know what
+      it&rsquo;s for&mdash;£100,000 apiece. I&rsquo;ve done my share of the job&mdash;you do
+      yours. (<i>Turns r.a little.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>Turning round and facing him.</i>) Are you sure you did
+      your share?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>l.</i>) What do you mean? (<i>Turns c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>r.</i>) Are you sure he was dead?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>After pausing, during which they have looked steadily at
+      each other, turning away l.</i>) Well, the bullet went in above his ear,
+      because I examined the wound: and his body went over a two hundred-foot
+      precipice&mdash;that I could also take an affidavit to&mdash;only I&rsquo;d
+      rather not. (<i>Turning round and facing Mike again.</i>) What makes you
+      doubt it?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> I don&rsquo;t know&mdash;nothing. The idea occurred to me, that&rsquo;s
+      all. (<i>Turns l. a little.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Don&rsquo;t you drink so much and you won&rsquo;t have so many ideas. (<i>After
+      a pause, during which he seems troubled, shaking it oft with an effort.</i>)
+      Have you got the letters with you? It will look well to take them out
+      casually while talking. (<i>Crosses R.; sits on table.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MIKE.</b> (<i>Who has crossed to L., taking them out of his breast
+      pocket and holding them in his hand.</i>) Yes, here they are all right.
+      Bah! (<i>With a shudder.</i>) I always see his face when I look on the
+      darned things&mdash;I&mdash;Mrs. R. (<i>Without, loudly.</i>) Dick
+      Hanningford&mdash;Dick Hanningford, my boy! (<i>Mike drops suddenly in
+      sitting posture on sofa L. with a cry &ldquo;Ah.&rdquo; Luke works round at back and
+      drops down l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Mrs. R., excitedly, followed at little distance by Allen and
+      Deborah from c. Allen and Deborah remain up. Rachel from door down l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Coming down towards Mike.</i>) What, Dick, my boy,
+      where be thee? (<i>Sees Mike on sofa; making towards him.</i>) Ah, there
+      thee be&mdash;I thought I&rsquo;d know thee again though thee wur only in
+      knickerbockers when I last saw &rsquo;ee. Tain&rsquo;t thy fault thy father wur
+      a bit stingy. Come and gie us a hug, lad. Lord love us&mdash;(<i>she is
+      just in font of him, begins to speak in a bewildered, hesitating manner,
+      in tones gradually dying away to an awed whisper, as she slowly step by
+      step backs from him.</i>) How&mdash;how you&rsquo;ve grown&mdash;Dick&mdash;Dick
+      Hanningford&mdash;what&mdash;(<i>stands staring at him; a strange awed
+      silence prevails</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Advancing in a terrified voice.</i>) Aunt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Motioning her back with her arm, but not turning and
+      speaking in a quick, excited, loud tone.</i>) Keep back, child, don&rsquo;t come
+      near. (<i>Luke is near Mike down c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Springing forward.</i>) Mother! What&rsquo;s the matter?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>As before.</i>) The man&rsquo;s dead.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>r. stepping forward.</i>) Dead!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MR. P.</b> (<i>Who has entered c. followed by Ichabod and Rachel l. He
+      goes quietly up to Mike and lays his hand on his heart, and bends over him
+      earnestly, and it is a few seconds before he speaks.</i>) Heart disease, I
+      suppose. (<i>At back of settee l. Gets r.c. of settle.</i>) My letter in
+      his hand. (<i>Gets to back of settle.</i>) It&rsquo;s an ill wind that blows
+      nobody any good. (<i>Turns and feels Mike&rsquo;s heart once again, then quietly
+      turns away to Allen. Comes c.</i>) He stood between you and £200,000. You
+      are now old Hanningford&rsquo;s heir!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Allen!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>To corpse of Mike&mdash;aside as he crosses to back.</i>)
+      Curse you!
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      MEDIUM CURTAIN.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ACT II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Scene: <i>Morning room in a handsome flat&mdash;a showily furnished room&mdash;rather
+      ostentatious and loud in its decoration and appointments. Large table in
+      bay window r.upper corner. Fire-place r.Doors at back l.c. and two in l.
+      wing. Small tables r.and L.. Easy chairs l. and R.</i>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <i>Breakfast is laid on large table&mdash;it is a gorgeously laid meal&mdash;silver
+      and plate in profusion, and a great number of dishes&mdash;tea urn and
+      coffee urn&mdash;a boiling kettle&mdash;flowers and ferns in vases and
+      stands. One, a large wavy one, is at left edge of table close to Allen.
+      The table in short is crowded and showy to the last degree. A magnificent
+      footman in gorgeous livery is standing behind; and Mr. Piffin in solemn
+      black waits close to Allen&rsquo;s chair, a dish in his hand. Allen is
+      discovered sitting l. of table, and eating his breakfast in a most
+      melancholy fashion. He looks intensely miserable and awed. The terrible
+      solemnity of the whole affair has depressed his spirits to their lowest
+      ebb. He glances nervously now and then as the meal proceeds, from the
+      footman to the valet, and vice versa, as they silently and with much
+      ceremony walk about and wait on him. The fern by his side keeps getting in
+      his way, tickling and irritating him, but he dare not move it. He eats in
+      silence, and when he does speak, does so in a humble, deprecating, nervous
+      manner. He is dressed in a loose morning costume. Music to open Act.</i>
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Standing by Allen&rsquo;s l. elbow c. Peters r. of table R.</i>)
+      May I get you a little pâté de foie gras, sir?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Looking round, and speaking in a hushed voice.</i>) I
+      beg pardon?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> A little pâté de foie gras, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Patty who?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Goose&rsquo;s liver, sir. I think you will like it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, thanks; I never eats liver. It don&rsquo;t agree with me. I
+      will have a bit o&rsquo; the bacon though.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> No, sir; it is not dressed that way, sir. I would get used to
+      it if I were you, sir. You will so often come across it. Peters, just pass
+      your master the pâté de foie gras.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Peters goes to do so. Allen who has turned again towards his breakfast
+      is about to take up some gravy from his plate with his knife</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Checks him.</i>) I wouldn&rsquo;t lap up the gravy with my
+      knife, sir. I don&rsquo;t think. It&rsquo;s never done now in good society, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> It&mdash;it&rsquo;s the best part of it, you know, I alius thinks&mdash;the
+      gravy
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Yes, it&rsquo;s very tasty, sir. It&rsquo;s unfortunate it&rsquo;s so sloppy;
+      and you see, sir, eating it in that way does not show off the figure to
+      advantage. Peters, remove your master&rsquo;s plate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Peters does so, placing it a few feet beyond Allen&rsquo;s left hand. Allen
+      watches it with jealous eyes. Peters then holds the pâté de foie gras to
+      Allen. He slowly runs his eye up Peters with awe, and then looks at the
+      pâté de foie gras, then using one hand attempts to take it. Peters, not
+      moving a muscle, holds it tight. Allen seems surprised, and partly rising,
+      attempts to take it with both hands.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Coming to his rescue, cutting a piece, and putting it on
+      his plate.</i>) Allow me, sir. Peters, the brown bread and butter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PET.</b> (<i>Looking for it.</i>) It is not on the table, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> No brown bread and butter; dear me, how remiss!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Crosses l. and rings bell. Peters also crosses l.c. door, Allen looks
+      cautiously round and sees they are not watching him, and stealthily
+      reaches over and secures a knifeful of gravy. He is about having a second
+      and has the knife close to his mouth, when he becomes aware that Piff has
+      returned and is watching him. He tries to hide the knife out of sight.
+      Peters has returned with bread and butter.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Severely.</i>) Peters, remove your master&rsquo;s knife. Don&rsquo;t
+      you see that it is in his way?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Peters does so, and then holds the bread and butter to Allen, who
+      takes a thin slice, folds it up, and holds it in his left hand while
+      taking the pâté on a fork in his right. He puts first the pâté and then
+      the bread and butter into his mouth and swallows them.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> I must apologize for serving you your breakfast in here, sir.
+      Of course, you will not have it in the drawing-room as a rule.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, a&rsquo; coorse not. No; us alius used to have it in the
+      kitchen at home.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Yes, sir. Must have been very convenient. But I think I&rsquo;ll
+      get you to put up with the breakfast parlour in future, sir&mdash;when the
+      room&rsquo;s ready. Have you quite finished, sir?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Humbly suggesting.</i>) I think I&rsquo;d like a little more
+      o&rsquo; that pie. (<i>Looking longingly at pie the other side of table.</i>)
+      You see, I alius wur a hearty eater. (<i>Said as apology</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Yes, sir, I&rsquo;m delighted to hear it, sir; but I wouldn&rsquo;t eat
+      any more breakfast, sir. You will find it is considered correct among <i>bons
+      vivants</i> to eat a very sparse dejeuner. My late lamented master, the
+      Count de Fizziani, never partook of anything but a cup of weak tea and a
+      little dry toast, and he was one of the oldest families in Europe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Allen rises, Peters bows as he does so, and Allen returns the bow and
+      comes dozen R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, I shouldn&rsquo;t &rsquo;a&rsquo; thought as anyone could &lsquo;a&rsquo; lived
+      long on that. (<i>He bows</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> No necessity to bow, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> He did it. (<i>Indicating Peters</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> He&rsquo;s paid for it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I allus seem to want a good feed myself in the morning. (<i>Takes
+      out an old clay pipe and prepares to fill it. Goes down r. and sits in
+      chair. Peters is clearing away the breakfast things</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Are you thinking of smoking, sir?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes; I allus has a whiff or two arter breakfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> It&rsquo;s very soothing, sir. My late lamented master, the Count
+      de Fizziani, used to follow precisely the same course. But I wouldn&rsquo;t
+      smoke a pipe, sir. Pipes are going out in good society. (<i>Takes
+      cigarette case from pocket and offers it to Allen. Takes pipe from Allen
+      and puts it on corner of table R.c.</i>) I have some cigarettes here, sir,
+      which I think you will like, sir. These are much more <i>comme il faut</i>,
+      sir. This case is a present from my late lamented master, the Count.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Allen looks at them and gingerly takes one.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Which end?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Lighting match.</i>) Either end, sir. Allow me. (<i>Showing
+      matchbox.</i>) Another little souvenir from my late master. He was always
+      acknowledging, if I may say so, my value to him. That sort of thing is
+      always done in good society now. (<i>Lights cigarette.</i>) It is a full
+      flavored one, sir. (<i>Piffin takes Allen&rsquo;s pipe from table r.c., crossing
+      with it to window r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Watching him, anxiously.</i>) Don&rsquo;t hurt him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Turning round.</i>) I was just going to put it outside on
+      the window-sill, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, don&rsquo;t put him there. We used to sit up together of a
+      night watching the sheep. I don&rsquo;t like the thought of putting him outside
+      the window, now I&rsquo;m a gentleman. Drop him in the pocket of that old
+      shooting coat o&rsquo; mine that thee won&rsquo;t let me wear. They know each other. (<i>Sits
+      r.and smokes his cigarette. Piff. puts the pipe on table and returns r.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Noticing that Allen is looking at his cigarette.</i>) All
+      right, sir? (<i>r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes&mdash;yes, thank you, Mr. Puffin&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Piffin, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I wur looking to see if it wur alight, that&rsquo;s all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> You will soon get to like them, sir. And whenever you are
+      ready to dress, sir&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Surprised.</i>) Dress? Why, I be dressed, bain&rsquo;t I?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Oh, only for breakfast, you see, sir. I understood you were
+      going out walking, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why can&rsquo;t I walk in these?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Oh, no, sir&mdash;all London would laugh at you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Lord! I should never a&rsquo; thought as they&rsquo;d take so much
+      notice. (<i>Rising. Piff. crosses to l. near down stage door.</i>) Ah,
+      well, I&rsquo;ll dress. (<i>Crossing l.</i>) I don&rsquo;t want to upset London if I
+      can help it. I&rsquo;ll dress. (<i>Exit l. Bows to Piffin as Piffin does so to
+      him</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> No necessity to bow, sir. (<i>Aside.</i>) Ah, I&rsquo;ve got a big
+      job on here!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Piffin, following Allen l. Piffin immediately returns, having
+      forgotten the pipe, which he takes. He is recrossing l. as enter Dexter
+      and Clara, c., preceded by Peters, who takes tray from table R.c. and
+      exits up L.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And I&rsquo;ve got to live in the house with this.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Dexter goes c., Clara r. at back.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Coming down.</i>) Good-morning, Piffin, goodmorning.
+      Having a quiet whiff?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Thank you, sir. My stomach does not permit my indulging in
+      the luxury of a cutty pipe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Is Mr. Rollitt about?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> He has just this minute gone upstairs to dress, sir. I will
+      let him know you are here, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> No hurry&mdash;no hurry at all, Piffin. We are before our
+      time. You are not looking well, Piffin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Anxiety, sir. May be anxiety. You see Mr. Rollitt&rsquo;s
+      unacquaintance with the manners of the <i>beaux esprits</i> throws much
+      responsibility on myself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> But you must be careful, Piffin. What would he do without you?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Smiling.</i>) Well, I&rsquo;m afraid he would be a little up a
+      tree, sir, if I may be permitted a vulgarism. (<i>Moving to door l.</i>) I
+      will go and acquaint him with your arrival, sir. (<i>Takes plate from
+      table l., puts pipe on it.</i>) I&rsquo;ll send him to you directly, sir. (<i>Smells
+      pipe.</i>) Shag! (<i>Exit l.l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Thank you, Mr. Piffin, thank you. (<i>Turning round.</i>)
+      Always be affable with your inferiors&mdash;never know when you may want
+      &lsquo;em.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>By window, looking out.</i>) Do you come across many of
+      that sort? (<i>Comes down r. of table R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Ah, you beast&mdash;you vixen. I wonder you don&rsquo;t cut yourself
+      with that tongue of yours.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Turning round with a hard laugh. At fireplace R.</i>) It
+      must be pretty sharp if it goes through your skin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Ah, you damned&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Allen l. He has on slippers and a smoking coat</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Crossing.</i>) Don&rsquo;t &rsquo;ee look at us too closely.
+      I bean&rsquo;t properly dressed yet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>r.c. turns head away.</i>) I don&rsquo;t think we had better
+      look at you at all under those circumstances, Mr. Rollitt. (<i>Laughs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughs.</i>) Oh, I be covered up all right everywhere. I
+      merely meant as I wasn&rsquo;t up to fashion plate standard. (<i>Crossing c.</i>)
+      And how be Colonel Dexter? (<i>Shaking hands.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Jolly, my boy&mdash;and how&rsquo;s yourself?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>c.</i>) Oh, I be spry enough. (<i>Crossing before him
+      and shaking hands with Clara, and keeping her hand.</i>) I think us&rsquo;ll
+      have a pleasant day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>r. looking tenderly at him.</i>) I&rsquo;m sure we shall. (<i>Crosses
+      to sofa, stands at head of it.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Well, you young folks will, I know, and the old folks will be
+      happy looking on. (<i>Sitting, and taking Clara&rsquo;s hand in his and fondling
+      it. Allen crosses r.</i>) To see his little girl happy, that&rsquo;s always
+      happiness enough for old Jack Dexter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Leaning over and kissing the top of his hand.</i>) Silly
+      old dad.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Taking out his handkerchief and pretending to weep.</i>)
+      Ah, like her mother&mdash;like her mother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r. c., laughs nervously.</i>) Her&mdash;her mother must
+      ha&rsquo; been rare beautiful, mustn&rsquo;t her?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>c. rising and taking Allen by the hand.</i>) Thank you,&mdash;ah,
+      Mr. Rollitt, you have never known the blessing of a wife&mdash;(<i>Clara
+      looks at him</i>)&mdash;you do not understand the feelings of a widower. (<i>Weeping.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No&mdash;but&mdash;(<i>laughing</i>)&mdash;but&mdash;I hopes
+      to one day; no&mdash;no&mdash;I don&rsquo;t mean that&mdash;I&mdash;(<i>confused</i>)&mdash;Have
+      thee had breakfast? (<i>Clara sits on the soft L.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Yes, thank you, Allen, my boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Cheerfully.</i>) Have another.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> No thanks, not to-day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What&rsquo;s the matter? Off thee feed?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> No, my lad, but we old folks ain&rsquo;t like you young country ones&mdash;nothing
+      at present thank you&mdash;(<i>pauses</i>)&mdash;to eat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Have summat to drink. (<i>Clara crosses l. Both men laugh,
+      each in his own distinctive way. Dex. turns l. and catches Clara&rsquo;s face.</i>)
+      There be some rare old whiskey in the library. Thee&rsquo;ll find it on the
+      sideboard&mdash;(<i>Dex. goes up c.</i>)&mdash;and it be more comfortable
+      like in there than here. I&rsquo;ll just go and finish making myself beautiful.
+      (<i>Crosses to l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Don&rsquo;t be too long. (<i>Crossing and sitting L.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) No, it oughtn&rsquo;t to take me long to&mdash;(<i>Dex.
+      has his back to them, wine business at table r.c.</i>)&mdash;do that,
+      ought it? (<i>Goes to l. door down stage. Laughs, and then low to Clara as
+      he is going.</i>) I am not likely to stop upstairs long when I know thee&rsquo;s
+      downstairs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Go away, go away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Allen down stage l. Bus. She kisses her hand.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> And I suppose you will go and throw this chance away, like you
+      have every other.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Well, what if I do? (<i>Rises, crosses it.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> What if you do? What are we to live on? (<i>Goes to Clara l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Gulls, I suppose&mdash;as we always have done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Yes, and is it pleasant living? Is it pleasant to have to
+      slave and trick for every dinner? Is it pleasant to be kicked&mdash;sooner
+      or later&mdash;out of every society one goes into? (<i>Coming close and
+      speaking low.</i>) Was it pleasant to be buried for two years in that
+      God-forsaken hole by Exmoor, not daring to show our heads above ground for
+      a moment? You&rsquo;ve got a fine chance of being respectable now.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Too late, I&rsquo;m afraid, though.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>r. c.</i>) Too late?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Yes&mdash;you see, papa, dear, you haven&rsquo;t exactly brought
+      me up in that way, and I&rsquo;m afraid I&rsquo;m too old to learn now. I don&rsquo;t think
+      I should be quite at home as the wife of a piously brought up young man
+      from the country. (<i>Leans back&mdash;laughs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> And so you&rsquo;re going to let six thousand a year slip through
+      your fingers. It&rsquo;s wicked&mdash;it&rsquo;s wicked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Laughs&mdash;rises.</i>) Well, it hasn&rsquo;t slipped through
+      my fingers just at present, it is sticking to them pretty freely. (<i>Crosses
+      to R.&mdash;Dex is c.&mdash;toys with ring.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Goes to table r.c.</i>) And how long do you think he will
+      stand you playing with him?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Oh, a good long while yet. (<i>Goes up.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Puts hat on table r.c.</i>) That&rsquo;s just where you&rsquo;re
+      making a mistake then. He&rsquo;s not a fool. He&rsquo;ll want an answer, &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; or
+      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; soon, and what are you going to say then?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Looking out of window.</i>) No. (<i>Looking into
+      fireplace r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>After a pause&mdash;violently.</i>) Luke Cranbourne&rsquo;s at
+      the bottom of this. What devil&rsquo;s game is it that&rsquo;s going on between you
+      and him? (<i>Loudly.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> I do wish you wouldn&rsquo;t drink when you&rsquo;re coming out
+      anywhere, it always makes you so noisy. (<i>At glass.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Violently.</i>) Take care, Clara&mdash;you seem to forget
+      I&rsquo;m your father.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Coldly.</i>) The relationship was none of my seeking.
+      Whatever responsibility attaches to the unfortunate&mdash;(<i>moves near
+      Dex.</i>)&mdash;occurrence is not mine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>l. making movement as if to strike her.</i>) Clara.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Facing him with quiet contempt&mdash;a pause.</i>) Put
+      down your hands, father. That period of my life is over. (<i>Crosses. Dex.
+      steps back, then throws himself into chair, leans his head on his arms,
+      and bursts into tears r.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Crying.</i>) My own child hates me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Crossing and laying a hand on his shoulder gently.</i>)
+      I don&rsquo;t mean to be hard, father, but you can&rsquo;t expect much love and duty
+      from me. Curses and blows were all you ever gave me as a child, and ever
+      since I became a woman you have merely hawked me about as your decoy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i> Whimpering.</i>) I only want you to do what&rsquo;s for your
+      own good.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Turns away L.</i>) Yes, but you must allow me to be the
+      judge of that&mdash;and come&mdash;you haven&rsquo;t had much cause to grumble
+      up to now. You&rsquo;ve been able to be drunk every night for the last three
+      months.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Rises c.</i>) I ain&rsquo;t been drunk. (<i>Takes hat off table
+      r. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Not for you perhaps&mdash;(<i>goes l. a little</i>)&mdash;drunk
+      in the ordinary sense of the word&mdash;and I will get you something
+      to-day if I can.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Drying his eyes.</i>) God bless you, Clara, you&rsquo;re a good
+      girl. Do you think you&rsquo;ll be able to get a twenty?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> You must leave it to me. I&rsquo;ll get you as much as I can.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Off l.</i>) Thank you, Mr. Puffin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Off l.</i>) Piffin, Piffin, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Moving away towards door&mdash;upper l.</i>) Come into
+      the next room now. Here&rsquo;s Allen coming back.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>As he follows her out.</i>) Say you want to help a poor
+      woman who&rsquo;s very ill, and has been ordered nourishing food and&mdash;(<i>gags.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exeunt Clara and Dex. upper l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Allen and Piff. l. Allen is completely dressed in the height of
+      walking costume, and is evidently very uncomfortable. Enter Peters c. Pet.
+      puts photo case on table r. c. Exits down c. Allen has on hat and coat,
+      and Piff. is carrying his umbrella and gloves. Allen should be got up in a
+      slightly exaggerated masher style. He is smoking a cigarette.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I carn&rsquo;t breathe, Mr. Puffin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Oh, you will soon get used to that, sir. And would you please
+      to remember my name is Piffin, sir? (<i>Taking his hand.</i>) Why, surely
+      these are nines, sir, I think we could get them down to eight and a half,
+      and if I were you, sir, I would show a little more cuff, sir, it&rsquo;s always
+      done in good society, sir; besides, it makes the hand look smaller; a
+      little cuff, sir, goes a long way in good society.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Thank you, Mr. Piffin. (<i>Shakes his hand.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Thank you, sir, but I don&rsquo;t think you ought to shake hands
+      with me, sir. And when you do shake hands with your friends, sir&mdash;allow
+      me (<i>takes Allen&rsquo;s hand</i>) shake high, sir. (<i>Shakes his hand high.</i>)
+      You&rsquo;ll see it&rsquo;s always done in good society, sir. Lord Carmichael&rsquo;s man
+      told me he met you yesterday, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I&mdash;I don&rsquo;t know him, do I?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Oh, no, sir, but he knows you, sir, and he was rather
+      complaining of your walk, sir?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why, what&rsquo;s it got to do with him?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Well, sir, knowing as I&rsquo;m your coach, sir, he meant it as a
+      friendly hint. You have rather a countrified walk, if you will forgive me
+      for saying so&mdash;a more <i>négligé</i> style is adopted by the <i>savoir
+      vivre</i> now, sir, and a more <i>insouciant</i> manner of carrying the
+      umbrella. You walk too much in this way, sir. (<i>Taking up umbrella,
+      gags, and imitates.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Lord love us, do I walk like that?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Just like that, sir. You see yourself, sir, what a very <i>undestingué</i>
+      appearance it presents. The present fashionable style is more like this,
+      sir. (<i>Performing an exaggerated Piccadilly dawdle.</i>) See, sir&mdash;body
+      a little forward&mdash;knees stiff&mdash;and a slight wobble, sir&mdash;very
+      slight. (<i>Handing Allen the umbrella.</i>) Perhaps, sir, you would take
+      the umbrella and try it, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Allen attempts the business.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Criticising Allen&rsquo;s practice. Allen crosses to R.</i>) A
+      little more bend, sir&mdash;a little wobble, sir&mdash;umbrella held
+      lightly between the first and second fingers, sir, (<i>Allen goes l.</i>)
+      and if you could manage&mdash;allow me, sir&mdash;. (<i>takes umbrella,
+      shows him, and returns it</i>) to swing it right round now and then, sir,
+      it adds great <i>aplomb</i>.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Great what?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> French, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Swings umbrella round awkwardly.</i>) Like that?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Not quite like that, sir. A little more airily, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Swinging it.</i>) Does it ever put anybody&rsquo;s eye out
+      behind?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> I don&rsquo;t think that point is considered of much importance in
+      good society, sir&mdash;that is much better, sir. (<i>Goes r.Allen l.</i>)
+      If you would practice like that a little every day, sir, you would soon
+      pick it up, sir. A little more bend, sir, and&mdash;er&mdash;don&rsquo;t forget
+      the wobble.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit l. down stage.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Allen goes on practicing to himself, making as much fun as possible,
+      consistent with comedy, out of the bus. As he is in the middle of it,
+      enter Mrs. R.and Deb. door c., the door being opened for them by Peters.
+      They stand c. staring aghast at Allen, who continues, unconscious of their
+      presence.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Gags.</i>) Soon pick it up! Strikes me someone&rsquo;ll have
+      to pick me up. It puts me in mind of one of our old turkey cocks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Mrs. R. and Deb. come down stage a little.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Bus. in r. corner of stage. Peters withdraws, grinning.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a long pause, clapping her hands.</i>) I know what
+      it is, aunt. It&rsquo;s our Allen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Seeing them.</i>) Mother! (<i>Comes down r.c. Deb. l. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> My boy! (<i>They rush into each other&rsquo;s arms c. and Mrs. R.
+      gives him a huge hug&mdash;gets r.of Allen, Deb. l. Then he and Deb. have
+      an embrace, and then he and Mrs. R. for the second time.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>In the middle of Mrs. R. second hug.</i>) Hold hard!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Alarmed.</i>) What&rsquo;s the matter, lad?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Summat&rsquo;s gone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> What?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I don&rsquo;t know; summat behind. (<i>Drawing back r. and looking
+      down at himself.</i>) Mother, you&rsquo;ve spoilt me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, they used to tell me I allus did that, lad. (<i>Laughs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After gazing in silent admiration at Allen.</i>) Oh, aunt,
+      isn&rsquo;t it lovely? Look at its hat!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Critically examining his clothes.</i>) Ah&mdash;and
+      there&rsquo;s some good stuff there, too. (<i>Moving away.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Going near and sniffing.</i>) Oh, oh! Doesn&rsquo;t it smell
+      nice&mdash;and&mdash;oh, look at its collar! (<i>Allen pleased&mdash;begins
+      to plume himself&mdash;Deb. begins to laugh.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What&rsquo;s the matter with the collar&mdash;what are you
+      laughing at? (<i>Trying to look at his own collar. Debt&rsquo;s laugh only
+      grows, and Allen&rsquo;s indignation begins to rise.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What&rsquo;s the matter&mdash;what are you laughing at? (<i>Deb.
+      laughing more and more, goes to walk round him. Turning round, so as to
+      face her&mdash;his collar prevents him turning his head, and he has to
+      walk round.</i>) What are you up to?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> I want to see it all round.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Very indignantly.</i>) Well then, you can&rsquo;t do it. I
+      ain&rsquo;t a show. What are you laughing at? There&rsquo;s nothing to laugh at. (<i>Mrs.
+      R. laughs first time.</i>) It&rsquo;s your ignorance, because you don&rsquo;t
+      understand things. What are you laughing at?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Mrs. R., who has hitherto sat R. looking on, now also begins to laugh,
+      and she and Deb. go on laughing more and more, Allen growing more and more
+      indignant.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I am surprised at you, mother. Deb. allus was a&mdash;(<i>the
+      two women only laugh louder, and Allen in spite of himself begins to laugh
+      too; afterwards he joins in heartily and all three laugh, after which they
+      have another hug. Bus.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Exhausted.</i>) Well, lad, and how dost thee like being
+      a gentleman? (<i>Sits r., Deb. sits l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>c. doubtfully.</i>) Well, it&rsquo;s got its drawbacks,
+      mother. There&rsquo;s more work about it than you&rsquo;d think for, you know,&mdash;but
+      I think I shall be all right, I&rsquo;ve got a good man learning me. He wur
+      teaching me to walk this morning. That wus the Park stroll I wur
+      practicing when you come in; see, mother? (<i>Imitates stroll.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, well, us made a good man of &rsquo;ee down in Devon. I
+      hopes they don&rsquo;t spoil &rsquo;ee, lad, in turning thee into a gentleman.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, no, mother. It&rsquo;s only a polishing up the outside. I&rsquo;m
+      old Exmoor oak&mdash;(<i>puts his hat and umbrella on table r. c.</i>)&mdash;I
+      hope, right through, and they can&rsquo;t hurt that. When did &rsquo;ee come
+      up? (<i>Sits r. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Only yesterday, and us went to Mrs. Clouter&rsquo;s and slept,
+      and then us come on here this morning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> And how long can you stop?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, us must start off to-morrow, some time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> To-morrow! Oh, nonsense, mother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Nonsense! Why, bless the lad, thee wouldn&rsquo;t have me away on
+      Saturday. Why, who&rsquo;d pay the wages, and see to everything?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why, there&rsquo;s Rogers there, ain&rsquo;t there?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, why thee might just as well leave the key of the stable
+      in charge o&rsquo; the old bay mare, as trust him to look arter anything, except
+      his own inside.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) Mother! (<i>Rises, goes to Mrs. R.
+      r.</i>) What do ye want to go back at all for, and work and worry yourself
+      to death? Let me take a little house up here in London for thee and Deb,
+      and then we can all be together.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Aghast.</i>) And leave the farm?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Turning round.</i>) Oh, Allen!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why not? You&rsquo;ve worked hard enough, mother&mdash;give the
+      farm up and enjoy yourself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Enjoy myself! Away from Woodbarrow
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Farm! Why, lad, thy father wur born there and brought me home there&mdash;and
+      he died there, and thee wur born there&mdash;and there be the pigs and the
+      poultry! (<i>Begins to cry.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Tenderly patting her.</i>) All right, mother, all right.
+      Us&rsquo;ll keep it on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Wiping her eyes.</i>) And thee might want to come back
+      to it theeself some day, lad.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) Why, thee don&rsquo;t think I&rsquo;m going to run
+      through two hundred thousand, do ye, mother? We Devonshire lads win
+      fortunes, not lose &lsquo;em. (<i>Crossing c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, no, lad. But thee knows the saying &ldquo;Roses blossom for a
+      day, But stout old ivy&rsquo;s green al-way.&rdquo; Thee ain&rsquo;t likely to lose the
+      money, if thee can help it, lad, but us all be in God&rsquo;s hands, and I&rsquo;ll be
+      easier in my mind if the farm&rsquo;s there for thee to come home to. If
+      anything happens, thee knows the way across the Moor, and thee knows how
+      the latch goes, and me and the lass will be inside to welcome thee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Goes l. takes Deb.&lsquo;s hand.</i>) Ah, I know you will,
+      mother, both of you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Music&mdash;piano.</i>) Leastways I shall&mdash;and the
+      lass until her gets married, I suppose. (<i>Deb. goes up a little; gets r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Surprised.</i>) Until her gets married? (<i>Deb. goes to
+      Mrs. R. r.; tries to stop her speaking.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Sharply.</i>) Ah, the lads ain&rsquo;t all fools.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Evidently troubled.</i>) I never seemed to think o&rsquo;
+      Deb&rsquo;s getting married, somehow.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, other folks have.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I can&rsquo;t fancy the old farm wi&rsquo;out Deb. Lord, how lonesome it
+      would be.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Who has been trying to stop Mrs. R., has come down and
+      stands by her aunt, l.</i>) Oh, it&rsquo;s only aunt&rsquo;s fun. (<i>Goes to Allen,
+      l. c.</i>) I&rsquo;m not going to get married. Sure the pigs and cows are worrit
+      enough wi&rsquo; their foolish ways. I don&rsquo;t want any husband.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, thee will some day, o&rsquo; course, and when thee does we
+      must make thee comfortable, lass. (<i>Taking her hand.</i>) Thee shalt ha&rsquo;
+      the best farm in all the country, and the best dairy, and the best stock.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Little c.</i>) Thank thee, Allen dear. (<i>Turns up stage.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Rising; music dies away.</i>) Well, lass, I suppose us
+      had better have a clean down and summat to eat, and then see about our bit
+      o&rsquo; shopping.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Lord help us! (<i>Starting.</i>) If I ain&rsquo;t forgot all about
+      &lsquo;em.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> All about whom?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why, Clara&mdash;Miss Dexter and her father&mdash;they be in
+      the library waiting for me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, don&rsquo;t let us keep you from them. (<i>A little spitefully.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, I shan&rsquo;t go out this morning, now. (<i>Gets hat and
+      umbrella from table r.c.</i>) I shall get them to stop here instead, and
+      us can have a nice quiet day all together. (<i>Going towards door, lower
+      l.</i>) Come on, mother. (<i>Crosses to c.</i>) I&rsquo;ve got a room fitted up
+      a&rsquo;purpose for thee and Deb, with a roost just outside the window with a
+      cock and three hens in it, and he crows all night.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exeunt Allen, Deb., and Mrs. R. down stage.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Baron von Schorr (1) and the Hon. Tom. Gus-sett (2), ushered in
+      by Peters c. (3). Enter Luke c., and Dexter u. l. (4), afterwards Clara
+      (5.) Baron goes down l., Gussett r., Luke r. c., Dexter l. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Rollitt&rsquo;s going out. You can&rsquo;t see him. It&rsquo;s no
+      good your coming here to try and fleece him this morning. I tell you he&rsquo;s
+      going out.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Coming down r.c.</i>) Ah, we&rsquo;ll wait and say good-bye to
+      him, Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>l. c.</i>) Ah, greedy Jack,&mdash;greedy Jack&mdash;you
+      want de bird all to yourself. Nein&mdash;nein, zhare and zhare alike. Herr
+      Cranbourne have a ving, Tom Gussett, he have de oder ving. You and your
+      fair daughter have de legs, and I vill have de breast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> No, you shall have the bones after we&rsquo;ve done with them.
+      Make &rsquo;em into a stew&mdash;keep a German baron for a week. (<i>Others
+      laugh.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> Ah, Trickey, you here. (<i>Motioning towards Clara and her
+      father.</i>) Ah, de early birds&mdash;de early birds.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Yes, we have to be. (<i>Rises, and goes r.imitating him.</i>)
+      De worms get up so early nowadays. (<i>Enter Allen lower l. Baron goes to
+      meet him. Guss. puts him away and he turns up c. Speaks to Dex.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Hullo! Unexpected pleasure!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Luke comes forward and greets Allen c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>r.</i>) Haven&rsquo;t seen you for an age, dear boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No. (<i>Goes to Luke r.</i>) I&rsquo;ve been keeping pretty
+      respectable of late&mdash;I&mdash;I mean, you know, I haven&rsquo;t been going
+      out much.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Tom and I are going over to Paris for the
+      Vincennes meeting, and we&rsquo;ve come to see if you will join.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>l. of Allen r.</i>) Yes, do come; then we can show you
+      about Paris a bit, you know.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Ah, yes, and we shall be able to get you into one or two
+      things in the betting line if you are with us. We can introduce you to
+      some friends of ours.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, it be very kind of thee, I&rsquo;m sure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>They go on talking r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>Aside to the Dexters, back of Clara.</i>) I say, Jack,
+      my boy, how long have you been Colonel? I did not know you vas a
+      militaire.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Papa joined the Salvation Army about the same time that you
+      were raised to the German Peerage. Don&rsquo;t talk so loud, my dear Baron.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> Gut, gut.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Luke sits down stage r. with back to audience, looking at betting
+      book.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>To Allen r.</i>) Of course we shall take care of your
+      interests as if it was for ourselves.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>Comes and puts arm in Allen&rsquo;s.</i>) Of course they vill
+      take care ob your interests for themselves. Come here. (<i>Goes l.</i>)
+      You know I have been tinking about you so much ob late. Ja!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, very kind of thee, I&rsquo;m sure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Ja, I say to myself, my fren Rollitt&mdash;I
+      always call you my fren&mdash;my fren Rollitt, I say, he is a gut fellow&mdash;he
+      has money&mdash;all he vants is family. (<i>Guss. goes to Dex. l. c.</i>)
+      He must marry family. (<i>Dex. goes c. and tries to hear conversation&mdash;Baron
+      notices it and crosses to r.with Allen.</i>) Now, Miss Dexter, she is a
+      nice girl&mdash;ach, such a nice girl&mdash;but she has no family.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No&mdash;not yet. (<i>Luke gets near fireplace R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>r. Seeing it after a while.</i>) Ah, nein, nein&mdash;I
+      do not mean vat you mean&mdash;I mean family de oder vay&mdash;backvards&mdash;dead
+      uns.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> Ja. Now, dere is my niece, look at her family! Look at her
+      ancestors&mdash;all barons&mdash;German barons! And she is such a nice
+      girl&mdash;so beaudiful&mdash;so plump&mdash;ach, I will indroduce her to
+      you. She vill mash you&mdash;so much. She&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Mrs. R., Deb. behind her, lower l. door. Seeing the room full
+      she stands by door hesitatingly.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>Coming down and interrupting, with a sneering laugh.</i>)
+      Your nurse, Rollitt, I think. (<i>Comes c. Luke goes to fireplace R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Turns and sees them, and then goes towards them.</i>)
+      Yes, Mr. Gussett&mdash;the best nurse a man can have&mdash;my mother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Guss. confused, but soon recovers himself and laughs it off. Col. D.,
+      Luke, and Clara come forward to greet Mrs. R. and Deb. l. c., and the
+      customary ceremony, etc., is gone through&mdash;all speaking together.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Smiling pleasantly, shakes hands with Mrs. R.</i>)
+      Good-morning, Mrs. Rollitt. You are looking so well and jolly. How are
+      you, my dear? (<i>To Deb. Between these two the greeting is really
+      strained and awkward, although outwardly pleasant enough. Clara kisses
+      Deb., but Deb. seems to shrink&mdash;she turns away. Clara notices this,
+      and follows Deb. as she turns away up c., with a meaning look. While it
+      has been going on the greeting between Mrs. R. and Luke has taken place&mdash;Mrs.
+      R. down l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Finishing his introduction of Mrs. R. and Baron.</i>)
+      The Baron von Schnorr&mdash;Mrs. Rollitt, my mother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> Your mudder&mdash;Oh, impossible. (<i>Goes l. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Huffy.</i>) I beg your pardon, Mr. Snort.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> Ach, ja, you are laughing at me&mdash;not your mudder.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Clara walks round at back, drops down r. near Luke.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Very indignant.</i>) Yes&mdash;his mother. Don&rsquo;t you
+      cast any of your nasty foreign insinuations upon me. I&rsquo;m his lawful
+      married mother, and his father was his father, and a better man never
+      lived, as anyone in Exmoor&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Soothing her.</i>) It&rsquo;s all right, mother, the Baron
+      only means it complimentary. Thee&rsquo;st supposed to look too young to be
+      anybody&rsquo;s mother. He has to take (<i>Clara sits r.</i>) thee for my
+      sister. (<i>Laughing&mdash;goes up l. c. with Dex.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> Ja&mdash;I take you for his sister. Ach, you English ladies,
+      you never seem to get more old&mdash;you only get more round, more&mdash;more
+      jolly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Still indignant.</i>) Ah&mdash;foolishness. (<i>Ruffling
+      her dress and sitting very stiff l. on sofa.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>Sitting on sofa beside her.</i>) It must be de climate
+      keep you so moist. (<i>Drawing closer.</i>) I knew a man, he lives in your
+      Manchester, and&mdash;(<i>goes on talking to Mrs. R. but is not heard.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Allen goes up and joins Col. Dex. up l. c. and Clara. After a little
+      while Col. Dex. appropriates him, leaving Clara a little to r.of them
+      unnoticed. Guss. continues talking to Deb. Deb. evidently bored and
+      anxious to get away. Guss. trying to be very agreeable. At this point when
+      all the others are occupied, Luke r. beckons Clara to him and she crosses.
+      Their conversation is in eager undertone and they watch to see that no one
+      is noticing them.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Have you got him to join yet?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> No&mdash;he kicks against it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> If his name isn&rsquo;t down in the list of directors before Monday
+      I shall be arrested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Can&rsquo;t you get away?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> No, I&rsquo;m watched night and day. If he joins, the company will
+      float and it will be all right.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> I shall be seeing him alone this morning. I will try again.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> And keep to plain gold and diamonds for presents. Those
+      fallal things (<i>touching her bracelet</i>) are no good. Don&rsquo;t fetch ten
+      per cent, of their value.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Part of the conversation between herself and Guss.
+      Abstractedly, her attention being fixed on Luke and Clara.</i>) Ha, ha!
+      that was very funny.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Guss. r. with Deb. looks at her in amazement.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Down r.</i>) There&rsquo;s that milkmaid watching us&mdash;don&rsquo;t
+      look around, answer as though I had been proposing to you&mdash;that will
+      account for our talking together. (<i>In a louder but still undertone.</i>)
+      Is there no hope for me?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Down r.&mdash;smiling.</i>) None, Luke&mdash;please
+      don&rsquo;t refer to the subject again. I like you&mdash;respect you&mdash;will
+      be a sister to you&mdash;but love&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Grinning.</i>) Yes, it&rsquo;s that Rollitt that you love. (<i>Deb.,
+      followed by Guss., has moved away to window.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Mr. Cranbourne, you have no right&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Who has been watching Deb.</i>) Chuck it up, it&rsquo;s all
+      right, she&rsquo;s gone to the window.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> I don&rsquo;t suppose we&rsquo;ve deceived her very much, she&rsquo;s a sharp
+      little minx. Get these men away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Clara takes up book, and standing, toys with it up r. front of r.c.
+      table.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>Finishing.</i>) She never leave her bed for eighteen
+      years&mdash;she take dree dozes&mdash;den she get up and go for a dree
+      mile walk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) Lor! It must have been quite a change for
+      her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) Ja. It vas a miragle. (<i>Turning and
+      seeing Luke beside him.</i>) Ha, my dear boy, ready?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Crosses to Baron.</i>) Ready and off.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Coming down c. followed by Dex.</i>) Oh, are you three
+      going?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Baron goes c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Yes, I know you&rsquo;ll be glad to be rid of us. (<i>Laughing.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Well, I have (<i>looking at watch</i>) one or two little
+      things to do this morning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Baron goes up c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Well, look here, Allen, I&rsquo;m just going to have a quiet weed in
+      the smoking room till you&rsquo;re ready. See?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, it be a billiard room now, thee know.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Oh. have you had a table put up?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Who has just crossed over and joined the group l. to
+      Mrs. R. who is just about quitting the room by door l. lower.</i>) Do you
+      allow your little boy to play billiards, Mrs. Rollitt? I don&rsquo;t think I
+      should if I had charge of him. (<i>Playfully.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Oh, the more he&rsquo;s up to every sort o&rsquo; game that&rsquo;s played
+      the better for him, to my thinking.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Mrs. R. l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) Oh, it keeps me at home out of mischief,
+      like. (<i>Moves to upper door L.</i>) Come and have a look at it. (<i>Goes
+      up c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>BARON.</b> (<i>As they go.</i>) Ach, billiards iz a beaudiful game. (<i>Aside
+      to Luke.</i>) But you cannot vin much at id, id take so dam long.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exeunt all but Guss. and Deb. [l.]&mdash;all talking as they go. Guss.
+      and Deb. near fireplace.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>r.</i>) Well, I&rsquo;m afraid, Mr. Gussett, I must really go
+      now. (<i>Goes down stage. Guss. goes l. c. and stops her.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>Getting between her and the door l. to which she is
+      backing.</i>) Oh, no, don&rsquo;t go. Do you know, I shall really think you are
+      trying to avoid me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Retreating behind table&mdash;Guss. takes a step.</i>) Oh,
+      not at all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>c. gets l. of r. c. table.</i>) Ah, so pleasant to hear
+      you say so. You know, Miss Deacon, I so want you to like me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, well&mdash;I do very much, only I can&rsquo;t stop to do it
+      now, because you see aunt wants me. (<i>Moves c. up stage. Guss. stops
+      her. Bus. of Deb. trying to get away and of Guss. cutting her off and
+      trying to get near her; is kept up throughout the scene.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> Ah, but your aunt sees so much of you and I can see so
+      little.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Laughing, walks l. c. up stage. Guss. at head of sofa.</i>)
+      I&rsquo;m afraid there&rsquo;s not very much more of me to see. I must go really,
+      because we have got to do some shopping this morning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> Ah, let me come with you?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, no, I won&rsquo;t tax your kindness. I know you men hate
+      shopping, and we are going into drapers&rsquo; and dressmakers&rsquo; and all sorts of
+      dreadful places, (<i>c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> Ah, they will not be dreadful if you are there, Miss Deacon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> And aunt always takes such a long time shopping. (<i>Goes up
+      c.</i>) Never can make up her mind, and I&rsquo;m worse still, and&mdash;(<i>makes
+      movement, Guss. moves behind settle and stops her down l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> Ah, the longer you take, the better I shall like it. I shall
+      enjoy coming, I assure you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Getting more and more cross, comes r.c.</i>) Well you know
+      I really don&rsquo;t think you will; and really, Mr. Gussett&mdash;(<i>turns r.a
+      little.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>Interrupting.</i>) Ah, I know better. No, I quite insist
+      upon coming.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>With calm, suppressed temper.</i>) Ah, all right, Mr.
+      Gussett, you shall. (<i>Crossing l. meets Mrs. R. just entering l.</i>)
+      Aunt, I want you. (<i>Turning her round again.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Why, whatever&rsquo;s the&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> I&rsquo;ll tell you, come along.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exeunt Mrs. R. and Deb. l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>r. turns and arranges his moustache in glass over chimney</i>).
+      Might do worse, Gussy, my boy. (<i>Turns round again.</i>) She&rsquo;s not a bad
+      little thing, lick her into shape a bit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Luke, upper l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Crossing to table and taking up his hat.</i>) Coming?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> No, dear boy. (<i>Laughing.</i>) Got a little job on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Oh, on the war-path?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> Yes&mdash;well, I may as well keep it in hand&mdash;Chawbacon
+      will make her good for a thousand or two, I expect&mdash;if nothing better
+      turns up.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> Ah&mdash;wish you luck&mdash;she&rsquo;ll be a good match for you,
+      I think, Gussy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Luke c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Mrs. R. and Deb. lower door l. Both are wearing old-fashioned
+      big country shawls, and big bonnets. Deb. evidently has on one of her
+      aunt&rsquo;s. Their dress altogether is as extravagant as comedy will permit,
+      and has evidently been hastily put on. Deb. also carries a big country
+      hand-basket covered with a cloth, the neck of a bottle sticking
+      prominently out, and a huge gamp. Deb. smothering her laughter</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Crossing r.c.</i>) We are quite ready, Mr. Gussett
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Yes, we are quite ready.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>GUSS.</b> (<i>Who has regarded them with a horrified stare.</i>) Ah,
+      yes, if you will wait a minute I think I will call a cab.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, we&rsquo;d rather walk, thank you&mdash;you would rather walk,
+      wouldn&rsquo;t you, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Oh, I&rsquo;ve made up my mind for a walk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, we would both rather walk. Will you give your arm to
+      aunty, Mr. Gussett? (<i>Guss. crosses to c.</i>) And be very careful of
+      her at the crossings, because she&rsquo;s rather nervous, and so am I.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>r.c. handing the basket to Guss.</i>) You won&rsquo;t mind
+      carrying the basket, will you, Mr. Gussett, because it&rsquo;s so heavy? (<i>He
+      takes it bewildered and helpless.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>As Guss., Deb. and Mrs. R. reach door c., enter Allen and Clara l.
+      upper e.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Hulloa! Where be thee off to?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Down Regent street, and up&mdash;Piccadilly, I think you call
+      it. Good-bye.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exeunt Mrs. R., Deb. and Guss. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Comes l. laughing.</i>) I should like to be there to see
+      the Hon. Tom Gussett at the crossings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Half amused, half cross.</i>) Ah, her be a madcap, her
+      be, that girl. What makes thee so anxious that I should join the company?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Sitting l. on sofa, Allen stands by her, behind sofa,
+      leaning over.</i>) Why, don&rsquo;t you see, poor papa could be secretary if you
+      joined. They would let you nominate him, and we should be so glad to be
+      earning something&mdash;(<i>very low</i>)&mdash;and we are so poor. (<i>Laying
+      her hand on him.</i>) Do join, Allen, for my sake.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Yielding&mdash;back of sofa.</i>) Ah, thee don&rsquo;t know
+      how hard thee makes it for me to say no.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Then don&rsquo;t say it&mdash;it would make me so happy. (<i>Looking
+      up at him.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> It would?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Laying her hand as if unwittingly on his.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And I should think you&mdash;(<i>drooping her head.</i>) Ah! I&rsquo;d better
+      not say what I should think you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, well, lass, if you wish it, I will then.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> You will really?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes&mdash;if it will make thee happy I will. And now let&rsquo;s
+      talk about yourself. (<i>Sits l. next to Clara.</i>) Thee is the company I
+      most wants to join. How have thee been getting on?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Looking down.</i>) Oh, dear!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What does &ldquo;Oh dear&rdquo; mean?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> &ldquo;Oh, dear&rdquo; means very bad. Debts. (<i>With assumed
+      bewilderment.</i>) Awful!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Smiling.</i>) What sort of debts?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Oh, all sorts&mdash;tradespeople, you know, and all that,
+      and then I thought I could win a little by betting&mdash;(<i>Allen rises</i>)&mdash;and
+      put it all right&mdash;and I&rsquo;ve been and lost. Oh dear!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Vexed, goes c.</i>) I should ha&rsquo; thought there wur
+      enough fools among us men trying to win money that way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> I am naughty, I know&mdash;but papa leaves everything to me,
+      and I get so frightened when I see the debts mounting up and nothing to
+      meet them, and I&rsquo;ve no one to advise me. (<i>Crosses l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>After a pause, rises, goes to Clara&mdash;kindly.</i>) I
+      didn&rsquo;t mean to speak unkind, lass. I&rsquo;m full of old-fashioned notions about
+      women, I suppose. I like &rsquo;em to be women&mdash;not mere men in
+      petticoats. How much does thee owe?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Oh, heaps! (<i>Handing him pocket-book.</i>) Look. (<i>Allen
+      crosses to R. and sits at table.</i>) And I haven&rsquo;t any money. (<i>Rising
+      and looking over his shoulder R., as he examines the book.</i>) Do you
+      think they&rsquo;ll put me in prison?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Turns&mdash;laughing.</i>) Thee ought to be taken in
+      charge by somebody, that&rsquo;s certain. (<i>Allen rises, puts some notes from
+      his pocket-book into hers, and hands it back to her.</i>) I owe your
+      father a little over one or two bets. I can take it off that and give him
+      the rest, like. (<i>Crosses to l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Takes book and lays it on the table&mdash;the notes drop
+      out on to the table.</i>) You are good, Allen, really. (<i>Puts book on
+      table R.&mdash;half to herself.</i>) I wish sometimes that you weren&rsquo;t&mdash;that
+      you were more like other men I have met. (<i>Turning away r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why, would thee like me better?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> No, but I should like myself better.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What do thee mean, lass?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Nothing. I&rsquo;m not used to your sort of men. (<i>Goes to
+      fireplace, then up R., throwing off her seriousness and turning towards
+      him.</i>) You are like the knight, Allen, out of some old legend that
+      comes and slays the dragon and sets the frightened princess free from all
+      her trouble. (<i>Laughing.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Goes to table r. Clara r.c. at top of table.</i>) When
+      art thee going to gie me the right to be thy knight always?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b>.(<i>Sits at table playfully.</i>) Ah, the gallant knights
+      are apt to turn into grim jailers&mdash;(<i>comes l. of r. table</i>)&mdash;when
+      they get the princess into their own castles.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Can&rsquo;t thee believe me, Clara? Trust me, lass&mdash;I&rsquo;m only
+      a rough country chap to be asking a beautiful lady like thee to be my
+      wife. But if I can&rsquo;t gie thee anything very showy on the outside, it will
+      make me the more eager alius to keep a loving heart for thee within.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Oh, no. (<i>Sits in chair l. of table.</i>) A lover on his
+      knees is so much nicer than a lover on your arm. You are so nice, Allen,
+      as you are, you can&rsquo;t think. I really couldn&rsquo;t bring myself to risk a
+      change.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>c.</i>) It would be a change for thee, Clara&mdash;(<i>leans
+      on table at back of Clara, puts hand on Clara&rsquo;s chair</i>)&mdash;from a
+      rough and troubled road to one where every stone wur smoothed away from
+      your path&mdash;-where every thorn wur held back as you passed&mdash;where,
+      instead of care for the day and dread for the morrow, thee would feel that
+      a strong arm wur round thee&mdash;that a loving hand wur working out thy
+      life for thee. Cannot thee risk the change, Clara?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Rises, Allen takes her right hand, turns away R.</i>)
+      Ah, I suppose there are such lives for some women. It must be very good
+      when you are tired. (<i>Facing round to L.c.</i>) And you, Allen&mdash;women
+      do not always seem so charming after marriage as they did before. It might
+      be a risk for you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> To have the sweetest, noblest woman in the world to be my
+      wife? I&rsquo;ll risk that. (<i>Laughs, comes c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Turning away again to R., Allen l.c.</i>) Ah, you boys,
+      you think all women are angels.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> So they are&mdash;a good woman is an angel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>At Are, facing round and looking at him.</i>) How do you
+      know I am good? (<i>Very low and serious. Allen drops down c. A pause. He
+      looks in surprise and inquiry at her, not knowing what to answer.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Hadn&rsquo;t you better make sure, Allen? (<i>Laughing.</i>) What
+      do you know of my past&mdash;of even my present&mdash;of whence I came&mdash;what
+      I am? (<i>Laughs.</i>) Suppose, Allen, suppose I were only an adventuress.
+      (<i>Takes a step.</i>) A woman with the blood of sharpers and thieves in
+      her veins&mdash;whose nursery was the gambling house&mdash;whose school
+      was the Café and the Boulevards&mdash;a woman who earned her daily bread
+      by shamelessness and cunning&mdash;a woman whose past would ever follow
+      like a shadow the footsteps of her life&mdash;whose future must ever be a
+      darker shadow still. Ah, Allen, take care. Cupid ties a bandage over men&rsquo;s
+      eyes. Hymen, when it is too late, plucks it off. Hadn&rsquo;t you better lift a
+      corner off the handkerchief, Allen, while we are yet upon the step
+      without, lest beside your hearth, when the door has shut us in, you cast
+      it loose, to find I am a stain upon your name&mdash;a shadow in your home&mdash;a
+      blight upon your life? (<i>Laughing.</i>) Allen, take care&mdash;take
+      care. (<i>Crosses to l. Allen moves up a trifle.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Recovering from the bewilderment with which he has heard
+      her.</i>) Ah, it&rsquo;s well for thee that it is thee, and not anyone else that
+      talks like this about &rsquo;ee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Ah, but Allen, try and find out a little more about me; it&rsquo;s
+      just a whim of mine&mdash;I want to feel sure that you know me&mdash;just
+      to please me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> If I couldn&rsquo;t trust thee&mdash;(<i>takes her hand</i>)&mdash;lass,
+      I shouldn&rsquo;t love thee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Crosses to R.c. Allen follows.</i>) Ah, you are a dear
+      good fellow, Allen, and I won&rsquo;t tease you any more. And you will join the
+      company, won&rsquo;t you? And then you shall get me that dear little diamond
+      bracelet that we looked at&mdash;do you remember it?&mdash;and you shall
+      put it on yourself. (<i>Allen by her side r. All this is said with every
+      trick of fascination at her command, and now she playfully holds up her
+      arm, from which the loose sleeve falls back, close to his face.</i>) On
+      that. (<i>He drops on his knees and kisses her arm</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Deb. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Snatches her arm away.</i>) Deborah! (<i>Allen rises.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Turning and seeing her, goes to fireplace R.</i>) Hullo,
+      thee&rsquo;s back soon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, aunt met Mrs. Clouter just outside, so I pleaded a
+      headache and left them. (<i>Throwing off bonnet and shawl on chair and
+      coming down.</i>) Don&rsquo;t you think Col. Dexter would like a game of
+      billiards, Allen?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, he&rsquo;s all right&mdash;he&rsquo;s smoking. (<i>Crosses l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Oh, I&rsquo;m sure he&rsquo;d like a game (<i>Clara motions Allen away</i>),
+      and I want to have a chat with Miss Dexter. We shan&rsquo;t see each other after
+      this morning for goodness knows how long.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Moving away l.</i>) Ah, I understand now. (<i>Goes up
+      stage l.</i>) I&rsquo;ll go, and you can tell each other about your new frocks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Allen l., Clara goes c., Deb. l.c. and Clara look at each other.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) I came back to see you, Miss Dexter,
+      before you left.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Coldly.</i>) It was very good of you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> I want to know whether you are playing the fool with Allen, or
+      whether you mean to marry him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> I have heard of that sort of question being put to a
+      gentleman under certain circumstances. (<i>Crosses to L.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> It is put to the person who is supposed to be acting
+      dishonorably&mdash;I put it to you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> I am afraid I have been mixing things up. I was under the
+      impression that it was the stout lady, your aunt, that was Mr. Rollitt&rsquo;s
+      mother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> You are very smart, Miss Dexter, and I am not, but this is no
+      game&mdash;it is earnest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Then I would suggest to you that your cousin is quite
+      capable of taking care of himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, against a man; but not against the woman he loves and
+      trusts. It is his love that enables you to deceive him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Crossing to R.&mdash;sits on chair near table r.</i>)
+      You seem to have made up your mind, my dear child, that I am deceiving
+      him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>l.c.</i>) I know that he has asked you to become his wife,
+      and I know that although you have let him think it is all right, you have
+      never given him a real answer. I know that you accept his attentions, his
+      invitations, his presents. (<i>Noticing the book and notes on the table,
+      points to them.</i>) And all the while you are having whispered interviews
+      and secret meetings with another man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Coolly counting notes.</i>) If you are thinking of the
+      conversation you were trying to listen to just now&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> That is only the latest of many such I have noticed. They
+      began three months ago, down in Devonshire. I come to London and find the
+      same thing going on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Sneering.</i>)&rsquo; You really ought to have been a
+      detective, the force might have been some use then.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> I&rsquo;m not blind. (<i>Goes c.</i>) Allen is. But that is not all.
+      These things might be explained by themselves&mdash;suspicious though they
+      are&mdash;but just now, going downstairs, I picked up a purse. (<i>Pausing
+      and looking at Clara, who, however, makes no sign.</i>) It is your purse.
+      (<i>Throws it into Clara&rsquo;s lap.</i>) I opened it to see whom it belonged
+      to&mdash;and inside it is a wedding ring. Is your name Dexter or
+      Cranbourne?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) I really must decline to answer any
+      questions of yours. You are so exceedingly rude. (<i>Crosses up behind
+      table R.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> You need not answer me. Answer Allen. Tell him that you will
+      be his wife&mdash;or that you cannot. (<i>Clara takes no notice.</i>) Do
+      you refuse? (<i>Crossing l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> I refuse to be dictated to.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Then I shall communicate my suspicions to Allen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Turning fiercely.</i>) Do so. Tell him&mdash;(<i>walks
+      round table to back of Deb. c.</i>)&mdash;that you believe that I am the
+      wife of another man, and am playing a shameful part with him merely to
+      sponge on him. That I am fondling him with the one hand only the better to
+      pick his pocket with the other. Tell him that you believe he is surrounded
+      by a gang of adventurers and thieves, of which I am the willing decoy.
+      Tell him your suspicions, and I will tell him that they are the poisonous
+      concoctions of a jealous woman&mdash;of a woman who loves him herself&mdash;(<i>laughs</i>)&mdash;and
+      seeks to win him from her more favored rival, by lies and trickery. (<i>Goes
+      dozen r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Quietly.</i>) You shall answer him for all that, or he
+      shall know the reason why you dare not. (<i>Crosses L., and calls.</i>)
+      Allen! Allen!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Allen l. up stage</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>l. c.</i>) Allen, is Miss Dexter engaged to be married to
+      you or not?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Well. (<i>Laughs.</i>) Blest if I could tell &lsquo;ee
+      that, Deb. That be the very thing I ha&rsquo; been trying to find out myself.
+      Bain&rsquo;t it, Clara? Only her be such a tease. (<i>All said laughingly.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Sharply.</i>) You mean you have never been able to get a
+      plain answer, yes or no?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Gently, lass. Thee be mistaking this for some business of
+      thine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Allen, we&rsquo;ve been like brother and sister all our lives, and
+      your happiness is my happiness. I have my reasons&mdash;very strong
+      reasons&mdash;for asking you to ask Miss Dexter now, before me, whether
+      she will be your wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I can&rsquo;t say I thank thee, Deb, for interfering in a matter
+      that don&rsquo;t concern thee. (<i>To Clara, crossing to her.</i>) I hope,
+      Clara, you don&rsquo;t think as I have any hand in this, but as things stand
+      now, it will perhaps be best (<i>advancing</i>) if I do ask thee. Will
+      thee be my wife?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Crosses down. Very quietly and deliberately.</i>) Yes! (<i>Stepping
+      forward and, putting her hand in Allen&rsquo;s, c. A pause. She then, glancing
+      first at Deb., draws Allen slowly to her, and they kiss. They cross r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I think now, Deb, that Miss Dexter has a right to know thy
+      &ldquo;reasons.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> They were mistaken ones, Allen. Please forgive me, both of
+      you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Deb. l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Bewildered&mdash;looks after Deb.</i>) What does it all
+      mean?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> I will tell you some time. Never mind now.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, well, us oughtn&rsquo;t to be angry with her, anyhow, for what
+      her&rsquo;s done. (<i>Takes Clara&rsquo;s hand in his.</i>) Ought us? (<i>Draws her to
+      him and kisses her forehead</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Disengaging herself gently.</i>) I am going to tell
+      papa. I am so happy. (<i>Crosses l., looking back to him laughingly.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Clara l. up stage</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>c. after a pause.</i>) Everything I want in the whole
+      wide world, and three months ago&mdash;(<i>Breaks off and pauses his hand
+      over his eyes.</i>) I wonder if I shall wake up in a minute in the old
+      farm and find that the £200,000 and Clara have only been dreams. (<i>Rousing
+      himself.</i>) Ah, no, it be real enough. (<i>Looks round.</i>) Ah, they
+      call Fortune a fickle jade, but her&rsquo;s been a firm friend to me. I&rsquo;ll drink
+      thee a bumper, Fortune lass. (<i>Turns to table r., On which are wine and
+      glasses, and pours out a glassful.</i>) I don&rsquo;t know how much a bumper is,
+      but I expects it&rsquo;s about a glassful, and thee shall ha&rsquo; it. (<i>Takes
+      glass in his right hand, and raises it.</i>) Here&rsquo;s thy jolly good health,
+      my lass. To Lady Fortune!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Peters c. upper door, with card on salver.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Lowers glass untouched.</i>) What&rsquo;s the matter?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PETERS.</b> (<i>Coming forward and presenting salver.</i>) A gentleman
+      to see you, sir.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Takes card, but does not look at it.</i>) He&rsquo;ll have to
+      be quick about it then. Send un up. (<i>Footman seems to hesitate.
+      Sharply.</i>) Send un up. Send un up.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Peters c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Another of my swell friends, I suppose; they seem to be swarming this&mdash;(<i>r.
+      c. glances at card, his hand holding the glass sinks lower and lower, he
+      gazes round bewilderingly.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Richard Hanningford c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Reads card in amazed tone.</i>) Richard Hanningford, I saw him lying
+      dead before my own eyes three months ago! Hann. (<i>At door, raising hat.</i>)
+      I beg your pardon! (<i>The glass in Allen&rsquo;s hand overturns</i>).
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      MEDIUM CURTAIN.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ACT III.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Scene I. The library at Allen&rsquo;s Chambers. Fire l. Doors r.and c. Table
+      L.c. Big easy chair l. by fire. Peters discovered l. c. arranging and
+      cutting papers on table and whistling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Piffin r. Music to open.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Have you seen my cub about?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PETERS.</b> (<i>Without looking up.</i>) No, Foxey, I ain&rsquo;t. Didn&rsquo;t
+      know as you had had one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>c.</i>) You know who I mean&mdash;your master. Peters. (<i>Going
+      to door c.</i>) Not far off from where yours is I suppose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Peters c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Um! The master has been getting impertinent to me of late, so
+      the servants seem to be following suit. (<i>Shrugging his shoulders.</i>)
+      I shall throw this job up when I&rsquo;ve made another hundred or two. I wonder
+      how much longer he&rsquo;s going to keep me waiting.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Piff. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Allen r. creeping in cautiously in a mysterious and watchful
+      manner. He has a huge pewter pot in one hand and a large church-warden
+      clay pipe alight in the other. He looks round stealthily, listens, then
+      crosses nervously and sits l. in easy chair. He stretches himself out as
+      luxuriously as his tight clothes will allow&mdash;especially the collar.
+      Takes a long pull at the pot and long puffs at the pipe. In the middle of
+      each pull, grunts &ldquo;good&rdquo; in evident enjoyment.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Chuckling in a deep undertone. Crosses to c. and sits.</i>)
+      Ah-h-h, I&rsquo;ve done un this time. He&rsquo;s waiting upstairs to curl my hair. (<i>Chuckling
+      again.</i>) Told un I&rsquo;d come up when (<i>grandly</i>) I&rsquo;d finished
+      conducting my correspondence. (<i>Chuckles, pulls at pipe, and takes a
+      deep draught.</i>) First time I&rsquo;ve ever enjoyed myself since I came into
+      my property. (<i>Breaks out into some country ale-house sort of song,
+      sings, warming as he goes on with great gusto.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Piffin c., unseen by Allen. Piff. comes down and stands c.
+      looking on. Allen finishes song and then buries his face in the pot. As
+      his eyes emerge over the brim he catches sight of Piff. He remains looking
+      at him for a while and then slowly puts the pot on the table.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What do thee want? Didn&rsquo;t I tell &rsquo;ee I wur going to
+      conduct my correspondence, and that I didn&rsquo;t want to be disturbed?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Goes up table.</i>) I beg pardon, sir, but I thought
+      maybe you had completed your correspondence, especially as there was only
+      one letter this morning, and that was a circular about coals.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, did you. Well, I ain&rsquo;t you see. I&rsquo;m going to write a lot
+      of original correspondence this morning, and I&rsquo;m collecting my thoughts. (<i>Goes
+      on smoking sulkily.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Yes, sir&mdash;certainly, sir&mdash;but might I be allowed to
+      suggest, sir, that a pot of ale and a clay pipe are hardly the <i>dolce
+      far niente</i> of a <i>grand seigneur</i>.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Hardly the what of my which? Look here, don&rsquo;t you be so spry
+      at calling me them jaw-breaking foreign names, because I don&rsquo;t like it. It
+      wur only yesterday you alluded to me as a <i>bo-mo</i>, and last week you
+      said I ought to be in the <i>hot tongs</i>. I didn&rsquo;t say anything at the
+      time, but you drop it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> I referred to you as belonging to the <i>beau monde</i>, sir,
+      and I may have said your position was now among the <i>haut ton</i>. We
+      always talk like that in good society, sir. Both expressions were
+      flattering, very flattering.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, maybe they wur and maybe they wurn&rsquo;t. Next time, you
+      call it me in English, and then I can judge for myself. And don&rsquo;t worrit
+      me to-day at all. I&rsquo;ve got a trying morning before me, and I&rsquo;m going to
+      have a little quiet enjoyment to set myself up before it begins.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Might I suggest, then, sir, that a cigarette and a little
+      absinthe would be more <i>de rigueur?</i> My late lamented master the
+      Count de Fizziani invariably took a little absinthe after breakfast and
+      found great benefit from it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes, I know. I tried your friend&rsquo;s cough mixture before, you
+      know. Old ale&rsquo;s good enough for me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> But, sir&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Don&rsquo;t you worrit. I&rsquo;ve been a gentleman for a month; I think
+      I might have a morning off.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> Very well, sir. Just as you please, of course, sir; but I&rsquo;ve
+      my character to consider, sir&mdash;and&mdash;and&mdash;I am not
+      accustomed to the service of gentlemen with pothouse proclivities.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Sotto voce.</i>) Oh, go and hang yourself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Up c.</i>) That&rsquo;s never done now, sir, in good society.
+      My late lamented master, the Count de Fizziani&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Springing up, working Piff. round, from table l. to desk
+      r.</i>) Oh, you go to your late lamented master, the fizzing Count, and
+      tell him to&mdash;I have had eno&rsquo; of him and I&rsquo;ve had eno&rsquo; of you. Blest
+      if I&rsquo;ve had a happy moment since you came into the house. You&rsquo;ve dressed
+      me up like a tailor&rsquo;s dummy, and curled my hair like a Sunday school kid;
+      you&rsquo;ve made me talk like a man in a play, and walk like a monkey on
+      stilts. Thee&rsquo;ve chivied me about from morning till night, and thee&rsquo;ve
+      rammed that old lamented corpse of yours down my throat every two minutes
+      of the day. I&rsquo;ve put up wi&rsquo; it all for a long while because I thought thee
+      meant well, and wur a-trying to make me into a gentleman, but blest if I
+      think thee knows much more about the genuine article than I does, and I&rsquo;m
+      going to go it in my own way now. Look here. (<i>Takes off his tie and
+      collar and throws them down and jumps on them, pulls off his coat and
+      throws it in a corner, nifties his hair, unbuttons and throws back his
+      waistcoat, kicks off his boots, and throws himself into easy chair, sticks
+      his feet on table, takes long pull from the pot, slams it on table> again,
+      and commences to smoke his pipe vigorously, looking defiantly at Piff.</i>)
+      That&rsquo;s the sort o&rsquo; man I&rsquo;m going to be now. (<i>Sits l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>Who has stood aghast, moving off.</i>) Very well, sir;
+      then I have only to say that I wash my hands of you entirely. (<i>Pause.</i>)
+      You can&rsquo;t make a gentleman out of a pig&rsquo;s ear. (<i>Sneeringly</i>).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Puffing quietly at pipe.</i>) No, it ain&rsquo;t the usual
+      method.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PIFF.</b> (<i>By door c. muttering to himself, but meant to be heard by
+      Allen.</i>) Only what I might have expected from mixing myself up with
+      such canaille. (<i>Pauses. Allen takes no notice.</i>) Pray understand,
+      sir, I give you a week&rsquo;s warning on the spot. My late master, the&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Springing up and throwing book at him. Piff. exits r.</i>)
+      Yes. (<i>Piff. again appears hurriedly at door r. and cries, &ldquo;Upstart
+      bumpkin,&rdquo; and exit quickly.</i>) I&rsquo;ll give &rsquo;ee my toe on the spot
+      if I hear any more of&mdash;(<i>reseats himself, with a grunt of disgust;
+      a pause, during which he smokes.</i>) He is right, I wurn&rsquo;t meant for a
+      gentleman after all. Some of us was built for gaiters, and some on us for
+      patent leather shoes, and I be one of the gaiter sort&mdash;all my tastes
+      are low. I doan&rsquo;t like claret and I doan&rsquo;t like cigarettes. I&rsquo;m
+      uncomfortable in a collar (<i>picking his up and fixing it</i>) and I
+      prefer shove-ha&rsquo;penny to billiards. (<i>Sighs, continues dreamily.</i>)
+      Ah, I&rsquo;d gie a trifle to be going to spend this evening at the Dunkery Arms
+      a-halping to sing a chorus with old Joe Steddles and young Jem Whalley and
+      Jack Clouter. Ah, he&rsquo;d got a fine voice, had old Jack Clouter. Never heard
+      a man sing so loud in all my life. Lord, I shall never forget her&rsquo;s doing
+      &ldquo;Rock me to sleep, mother,&rdquo; round at the lodge, and a waking up mother
+      Hammond&rsquo;s three kids just as her&rsquo;d got un all off to sleep. Lord, how her
+      let us have it. (<i>Laughing.</i>) Ah, us went home early that night. (<i>Chuckling.</i>)
+      They comed back wi&rsquo; me, old Jack and Jim, and Deb made us a veal pasty for
+      supper. (<i>Smiling.</i>) Ah, her do make good&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Peters, followed by Purtwee, door c., says, &ldquo;Mr. Purtwee,&rdquo; takes
+      P.&lsquo;s hat and exit. Allen rises and commences to pick up his various
+      articles of apparel and re fix them while talking to Purt.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>Coming forward.</i>) Well, my boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, it does me good to see thee again.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> How are you?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Shakes hands.</i>) Oh, I be all right outside. (<i>Rises,
+      crosses to L.</i>) Bean&rsquo;t very spry inside, so I tell &rsquo;ee. (<i>Explanatory
+      of his dressing arrangements.</i>) Just been having a quiet smoke, you
+      know.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>With a smile.</i>) And do you always undress to smoke?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing.</i>) No&mdash;but I has to now when I want to
+      sit down comfortable. (<i>Continues to dress&mdash;brings wine down to
+      table.</i>) Have a glass of wine. I&rsquo;m glad thee&rsquo;ve come, I wur afraid from
+      thy letter that thee wouldn&rsquo;t.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>Sits in arm-chair l.</i>) Well, it&rsquo;s a very informal
+      proceeding I&rsquo;m bound to say&mdash;not at all professional.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Perhaps not, but it&rsquo;s simple and straightforward like and
+      maybe that&rsquo;s as good. Have &rsquo;ee read the papers I sent thee?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Yes&mdash;most carefully&mdash;and they certainly make the
+      story appear very plausible&mdash;very plausible, indeed. Have you said
+      anything to your mother?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No&mdash;no, I thought I wouldn&rsquo;t say a word to anybody
+      until I was sure one way or t&rsquo;other. (<i>Sits L.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Quite right&mdash;quite right. What sort of a man was he?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Blest if I could tell &rsquo;ee&mdash;I wur that taken
+      aback I couldn&rsquo;t tell &rsquo;ee what it wur, but thee&rsquo;ll see him for
+      theeself in a minute. I told Father Christmas to send him straight up when
+      he comes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>Looking at his watch.</i>) Well, if he&rsquo;s an impostor,
+      he&rsquo;ll hardly venture to come to a meeting of this kind.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Peters announcing Richard Hanningford, door at back.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PET.</b> Mr. Richard Hanningford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Peters.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Morning, gentlemen. (<i>Allen goes r.c. Hann. goes c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Good-morning. (<i>Motioning to Purt., who is l.</i>) Mr.
+      Purtwee, the gentleman I spoke of.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Good-morning, (<i>c. and then coming r.sits L.c.</i>) Guess
+      I&rsquo;m not a particularly welcome visitor here.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.</i>) Well, I owns as I&rsquo;ve come across folks as I&rsquo;ve
+      felt more at home wi&rsquo;. (<i>Allen sits R.</i>) But I suppose we&rsquo;ve got to
+      get used to &rsquo;ee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Well now, gentlemen, we&rsquo;ve come for business and must not
+      waste time. Mr. Rollitt has told you who I am, and if you are Richard
+      Hanningford I shall be only too anxious for you to have your rights. But
+      then, my dear sir, I shall want to be very sure that you are Richard
+      Hanningford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> That&rsquo;s right and square. I&rsquo;ve got to prove it, I know, and I
+      don&rsquo;t say that it will be an easy job.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> At present you see we have nothing but your bare word for it.
+      You say this man who called himself Richard Hanningford and who died at
+      Mrs. Rollitt&rsquo;s was an impostor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> And a damned scoundrel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Quite so, if he were not Richard Hanningford, he must have
+      been. But then if he were Richard Hanningford&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Why then, I am the damned scoundrel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Well&mdash;I wasn&rsquo;t going to say that&mdash;but one of you
+      must be the right Hanningford&mdash;and the other the wrong one&mdash;and
+      if we made a mistake three months ago we don&rsquo;t want to make another now.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.</i>) You see it ain&rsquo;t so much the money I care about.
+      There was a time that I thought it would be a grand thing to be rich, but
+      now I&rsquo;ve tried it, danged if I see so much fun in it as I thought there
+      wur. (<i>Rises.</i>) It ain&rsquo;t only that: it&rsquo;s the girl I love&mdash;if I
+      lose the money, I loses her. I can&rsquo;t expect her to have me wi&rsquo;out it.
+      She&rsquo;s a lady&mdash;I&rsquo;m only a country bumpkin and I know it. With this
+      money I can win her and make her life happy&mdash;even if she doesn&rsquo;t much
+      care for me. If I were sure you were Dick Hanningford, I&rsquo;d gie it up. But
+      I ain&rsquo;t sure and I&rsquo;m going to fight&mdash;that&rsquo;s plain. (<i>Turns and
+      crosses r. Sits R.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Coes to Allen r.c.</i>) Plain and sensible, and I don&rsquo;t
+      like you any the less for it; but I am Dick Hanningford, and the money&rsquo;s
+      mine, and I&rsquo;m going to have a good fight to get it. (<i>Coes l. puts foot
+      on chair.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) You say this man who tried to&mdash;and,
+      as he thought, did&mdash;murder you&mdash;had been a friend of yours.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Fiercely&mdash;takes foot off chair.</i>) He&rsquo;d been my
+      chum for over two years&mdash;the cur&mdash;and knew everything about me&mdash;I
+      saved his life when the gang were going to hang him&mdash;he shared my
+      diggings when we were in the mining lay, and he had half my blanket every
+      night when we were with the cattle. And I trusted him&mdash;the skunk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> What was his name?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Cassidy&mdash;Dan Cassidy. (<i>Sits again.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> And then he murdered you&mdash;or tried to as you say&mdash;took
+      your papers from you, and came over here to impersonate you?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> I suppose so.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> He was uncommonly like you, too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Like me! Not at all!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Oh, yes, my dear sir, I never saw him alive, but his features
+      were yours one for one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Dan Cassidy was no more like me than I&rsquo;m like a colored angel
+      out of a picture book.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Purt. and Allen exchange glances.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Well, all I know is, that if the man who called himself
+      Richard Hanningford, and who fell down dead in my mother&rsquo;s kitchen three
+      months ago was standing beside you now, nobody would know which wur you
+      and which wur him. .
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Rising.</i>) I don&rsquo;t know that man! (<i>All rise and look
+      at one another.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Peters c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>Pause.</i>) Then what has become of Dan Cassidy?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PETERS.</b> Mr. Luke Cranbourne is downstairs, sir, and would like to
+      see you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, bother Luke Cranbourne&mdash;tell him I&rsquo;m out.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PETERS.</b> Yes, sir. (<i>Going. As he is by door.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Stop! (<i>Peters turns.</i>) Ask Mr. Cranbourne to come back
+      in a quarter of an hour. (<i>Looks at watch.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PETERS.</b> Yes, sir. (<i>Exit c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What sort of a man was Dan Cassidy?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> A pale, dark-eyed man with a long black beard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Would you know him again without the black beard, and under
+      another name?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Fiercely.</i>) Know him! Will you bring me face to face
+      with him?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Maybe I will.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>c.</i>) See here! I&rsquo;ve lived among a set that like to
+      wipe off a score, no matter what the price. You put that man into my hands
+      so that justice may be done on him, and we share the old man&rsquo;s money
+      between us. (<i>Crosses R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Is that a bargain?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> You don&rsquo;t suspect&mdash;(<i>goes to r.of l. table.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Crosses to Purt. Hann. goes R.</i>) Yes I do. He&rsquo;s been
+      no friend of mine. Is it a bargain?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Yes. Without Dan Cassidy my case might be hard to prove. With
+      him it would be easy. £100,000 and my revenge are good enough for me. You
+      give me that. (<i>Goes to extreme R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Dexter from door c. He draws back on seeing strangers, and
+      stands r.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Beg pardon, my dear boy. Found the door open (<i>Allen goes up
+      c. to Dex.</i>) and took the liberty of an old friend to walk in. Thought
+      I should find you alone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Crosses up c.</i>) Shall be in a minute, Colonel, if you
+      will excuse me. (<i>Draws the two men together near fireplace, Allen
+      nearest, Purt. next, Hann. r.</i>) Can thee play billiards?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> I can, but I don&rsquo;t crave for them at this particular moment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> You&rsquo;ll just have time to play fifty up afore the man as I
+      takes to be Dan Cassidy is here.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> How will you let us know?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Looks round thinking, then catches sight of glasses on
+      table l.; takes one up and holds it over hearth.</i>) Keep thee, ears
+      open, and when thee hears this glass fall and break, open the door and
+      come in. (<i>All go up c. speaking low.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Purt. and Hann. Dex. goes L.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Returning c.</i>) Well, Colonel Dexter, what do thee
+      want? Glad to see thee, thee know.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>l.c.</i>) Nothing, dear boy&mdash;nothing for myself. I
+      have only brought a letter from my little girl, and am to take back an
+      answer. (<i>Produces letter and hands to Allen.</i>) I&rsquo;m only Cupid to you
+      young folks. Ha! Hat Only Cupid.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, they usen&rsquo;t to wrap &rsquo;em up so much when I wur
+      young. (<i>Crosses R., opens and reads letter.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Who is very much wrapped and buttoned up, laughs with much
+      ostentation.</i>) Ha! Ha! Very good, very good. We really must bring you
+      out more, Allen. Ha! Ha! Ha!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Who has sat r.in front of desk, reading.</i>) &ldquo;My
+      darling Popsy-wopsy.&rdquo; (<i>Looks up puzzled and round at Dex. Aside.</i>)
+      That ain&rsquo;t Clara&rsquo;s usual style. (<i>Reads.</i>) &ldquo;I am so terribly sorry to
+      worry my own darling boy, but I am in such fearful trouble&mdash;I want
+      £100 to pay some debts owing to a wicked man having cheated us. Would my
+      own darling lend it to his broken-hearted little blossom, and don&rsquo;t say
+      anything to me afterwards until I pay you back, as I shall be so ashamed
+      of it. I send papa with this. He knows nothing about it, so please don&rsquo;t
+      tell him&mdash;he is so proud.&mdash;(<i>Allen looks at Dex., who turns
+      away and tries to assume airy unconsciousness</i>)&mdash;and would be so
+      angry with me, but you are the only friend I have. Oh, my darling, do let
+      me have the money or I shall go mad. A million, million kisses to my own
+      sweet, precious lubby-dubby from his ever loving little birdie, Clara.&rdquo; (<i>Dex.
+      sits c.</i>) &ldquo;P. S.&mdash;Please don&rsquo;t cross the cheque.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Takes cheque-book from desk and begins to write.</i>) Was Clara ill
+      when she wrote this?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Who is sitting at table L.c. having wine.</i>) No, my dear
+      boy&mdash;oh, no.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Oh, because the writing seems a bit shaky like, and the
+      letter so funny&mdash;thought maybe she wur a bit queer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Confused.</i>) Oh&mdash;ah&mdash;yes. She was a little
+      queer&mdash;very shaky indeed&mdash;and she seemed very much worried, too,
+      she wouldn&rsquo;t tell me what about. She tries to keep all her trouble away
+      from her old father, dear child. (<i>Enter Clara unseen by either.</i>)
+      Ah, I know how anxiously she&rsquo;s waiting for me now. &ldquo;Come back soon, dear,
+      dear papa,&rdquo; she said&mdash;&ldquo;and bring it with you.&rdquo; (<i>Crying r.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Allen having put the cheque in an envelope rises and crosses and holds
+      it to Dex. Clara steps forward and takes it.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Thank you! (<i>c. of the two men.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Miss Dexter!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Clara!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> This letter is addressed to me, I believe. (<i>Opens it and
+      takes out cheque, which she returns to Allen.</i>) It&rsquo;s very kind of you,
+      Mr. Rollitt, but I do not require it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.</i>) Didn&rsquo;t thee write for it? (<i>Showing letter to
+      her.</i>) Isn&rsquo;t this thy letter?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Looking at it.</i>) It is the first time I have seen it.
+      It has the appearance of having been written by someone who was drunk over
+      night&mdash;possibly my father&mdash;imitating other people&rsquo;s handwriting
+      is one of the few things at which he has attained eminence. (<i>Looks at
+      Dex.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> Clara, my dear!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> And perhaps it will be better, Mr. Rollitt, for me to take
+      this opportunity of ending our relationship by telling you that I am
+      already married. (<i>Crosses l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Starts hack.</i>) Married!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>c. frantic and jumping about and screaming and hissing the
+      words out.</i>) She ain&rsquo;t. It&rsquo;s a lie. Don&rsquo;t believe her. She ain&rsquo;t. She
+      ain&rsquo;t. (<i>Goes c. Clara to l.</i>) It&rsquo;s only a trick to try your love.
+      Ah, you hussy! It&rsquo;s all been planned. This is all part of it. She ain&rsquo;t
+      married. We planned it to test your love for her. Ah, you beast! I&rsquo;ll
+      strangle you. I&rsquo;ll murder you. She&rsquo;s only trying it on to see what you
+      say. It&rsquo;s a trick. Don&rsquo;t believe her. Don&rsquo;t believe her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> And have been for the last three years.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>As before.</i>) No, she ain&rsquo;t been, Mr. Rollitt. It&rsquo;s a
+      lie&mdash;it&rsquo;s a lie. It&rsquo;s a lie. She says it to spite her old father. Ah
+      you devil, you&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Silence!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Cowed, but continuing in nervous undertone.</i>) She&rsquo;s not
+      married. I&rsquo;m her father.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Pointing to door c.</i>) And leave the room&mdash;afore
+      I forget thee art an old man. (<i>Turns him r.Backs Dex. up to c. door.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEX.</b> (<i>Slinks out muttering.</i>) She ain&rsquo;t married! It&rsquo;s a lie.
+      It&rsquo;s a lie. (<i>Repeats</i>.)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit Dex. c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Turning to Clara.</i>) What does it all mean?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Defiantly.</i>) That I&rsquo;ve been playing with you only for
+      the sake of sponging on you. And to get money out of you for my father and
+      husband&mdash;I haven&rsquo;t had much myself&mdash;and that at last I&rsquo;m grown
+      tired of it. (<i>Crosses R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>l.c. after a pause.</i>) Thee might have had all the
+      money thee wanted, lass, wi&rsquo;out deceiving me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Falling on her knees before him.</i>) Forgive me, Allen,
+      you don&rsquo;t know what my life has been. Dragged up among thieves and
+      sharpers, taught to trick and lie before I could speak plainly, I have
+      never know what truth and honor meant except as a dim longing. All the
+      humanity&mdash;all the womanhood&mdash;has been dried out of me till I am
+      only the thing you see me&mdash;a vulture&mdash;a human beast of prey. Ah,
+      Allen, thank God for your sake that I am married and that you have escaped
+      me&mdash;forget me&mdash;it is the only thing you can do. You can never
+      hate me as I loathe myself&mdash;you can never despise me as I shudder at
+      my own life.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Puts his hand to his own forehead </i>) Poor lass! Poor
+      lass!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Takes&rsquo; Allen&rsquo;s hand, left.</i>) You are the only man
+      that has been good to me, and I have brought you only pain and shame.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Raising her.</i>) Ah, never mind that, lass. Thee didn&rsquo;t
+      mean to do it. Come! I be more sorry for thee than for myself. I could see
+      what sort of life thee had got around thee, and I wanted to take thee away
+      from it all. I can do so little for thee now. (<i>Both at cabinet, Allen
+      r.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> You have taught me, Allen, that there are good men in the
+      world; forgive me for having taught you that there are bad women. (<i>Clara
+      crosses in front of Allen to r.door.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Not bad, Clara. I guess thee&rsquo;s been more sinned against than
+      sinning. Thy life has been very dark and thee&rsquo;s stumbled here and there.
+      God grant that it may grow brighter for thee one day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Clara, (<i>l.</i>) Ah, Allen, don&rsquo;t keep speaking kindly to me. Don&rsquo;t
+      think kindly of me. Despise me&mdash;I can bear that&mdash;I am used to
+      it. (<i>Sits at cabinet.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.c. next to Clara.</i>) No, lass, I can&rsquo;t do that. I
+      shall alius think kindly of thee. I&rsquo;ve loved thee too well to change now&mdash;because
+      I knows thy lot&rsquo;s harder than I thought it wur.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> (<i>Turns and looks at Allen.</i>) Try not to think of me at
+      all, Allen&mdash;I am not worth it&mdash;forget me. There is one who loves
+      you better than I could ever do, and who is good and pure. (<i>Rises.</i>)
+      You men never see the love that is under your feet&mdash;you reach only
+      for what is beyond you. Go back to her, Allen. She will make you a better
+      wife than I could ever have done. (<i>Allen at back of Clara up stage R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) Who&mdash;who is this man&mdash;your
+      husband?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Luke Cranbourne! (<i>She does not look at Allen.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Luke Cranbourne! (<i>Looks nervously at door c. and then at
+      clock&mdash;then crosses to door and stands near it. He assumes to do this
+      naturally and not to let Clara notice his anxiety.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> We were married secretly before he left for America. Not
+      even my father knew it until a day or two ago.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> And do you care for him? (<i>Allen at door c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> With such love as a woman can feel without respect. He was
+      the first that I can remember ever speaking a kind word to me. He is the
+      only human being I have to cling to&mdash;and he is good to me in his way.
+      (<i>Looks up at Allen.</i>) I don&rsquo;t expect we shall ever see each other
+      again. For your sake, I wish we had never met&mdash;for myself, my life
+      will always seem a bit brighter for the love that an honest man once had
+      for me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Taking her hand in his.</i>) Good-bye&mdash;if ever thee
+      wants a friend, Allen Rollitt, Woodbarrow Farm, Exmoor, will find him. (<i>Kissing
+      her on the forehead.</i>) God bless thee, Clara!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CLARA.</b> Good-bye! (<i>She goes without a word r.After a few seconds
+      enter Luke c. announced by Pet.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Coming down.</i>) How de do, dear boy? (<i>Shaking hands.
+      Allen does so listlessly and almost unconsciously.</i>) I wanted to see
+      you particularly this morning, before I went to the city. I&rsquo;ve come across
+      something that will just double your fortune. Here. (<i>Laying papers on
+      table l. and taking up and pouring out a glass of wine.</i>) You do have
+      such capital wine, Rollitt, I really must help myself to a glass. It is a
+      splendid scheme.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>r.c.</i>) Very like, but we won&rsquo;t discuss it now. (<i>Taking
+      notes from his pocket-book.</i>) I want thee to leave by the noon train
+      for the Continent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Turns round, face to audience, glass in left hand.</i>)
+      What&rsquo;s up?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Crosses l. c., hands him the notes.</i>) Thy wife can
+      join thee there afterwards. (<i>Luke starts and looks hard at Allen.</i>)
+      And thee can get away to Australia, or somewhere in that direction.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Defiantly.</i>) And why, pray?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Because there is a man in the next room who be more anxious
+      to see thee than thee may be to see him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> What man?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Richard Hanningford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Luke lets fall the glass.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Good God! Thee&rsquo;ve given the signal to call him in! Quick! (<i>Luke
+      rushes in terror to door at back.</i>) Not that way. (<i>Luke bewildered
+      and helpless with fright, turns wildly about like a hunted thing not
+      knowing which way to fly. Is about to make for other door, when handle of
+      door at back is heard to move.</i>) Too late&mdash;keep where thee art.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>LUKE.</b> (<i>Clinging to Allen&rsquo;s arm.</i>) Save me! (<i>Allen thrusts
+      him behind door at c. as it opens and enter Hann. and Purt. following.
+      Allen goes r. Hann. comes down and stands c. Purt. remains near door and
+      is about to close it.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Who has moved down to r.c., nervously, with effort to
+      appear calm and careless.</i>) Leave the door, Mr. Purtwee, leave the
+      door.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Wide open? (<i>Surprised.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes, yes, it&rsquo;s fearfully hot in here! (<i>Wiping his brow.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Looking at him suspiciously.</i>) I don&rsquo;t find it so. I
+      think we&rsquo;ll have it shut over this job. (<i>Turns to door.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Eagerly.</i>) No, no! Don&rsquo;t shut it&mdash;don&rsquo;t shut it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Why not? (<i>Looks hard at Allen.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Why&mdash;why&mdash;don&rsquo;t I tell you. It&rsquo;s so close&mdash;so&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Hann. crosses, goes to door c. and locks it, then returns, eyeing
+      Allen sternly. Luke has crept behind the curtain, which hangs like a
+      pillar by the side of the door. Allen watches with intense suspense.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>c.</i>) Well&mdash;you gave the signal!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Allen r.c. a little to front of Hann. He keeps in front of Hann. all
+      through the scene until Luke has got away and prevents his turning round&mdash;he
+      is very excited but tries to appear careless&mdash;the result being a
+      slightly hysterical manner. When Luke comes from behind the curtain and
+      while he is crossing Allen catches Hann. by the lapels of his coat and
+      holds and works him round so that his back is to Luke. He grows more and
+      more eager and intense until Luke is off, when he gradually subsides into
+      a quieter manner, but not too suddenly. At Hann&rsquo;s hint that he has had too
+      much brandy, he catches at the idea to cover his excitement, to account
+      for his conduct.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Yes, my dear fellow&mdash;but&mdash;but&mdash;I wur going to
+      explain to thee&mdash;it wurn&rsquo;t the signal&mdash;it wur an accident. I
+      dropped the glass by accident. Thee see I had just had a glass of brandy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> More than one glass, cousin?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughs loudly.</i>) Ha! ha! Perhaps it wur two. (<i>First
+      movement of Luke.</i>) (<i>At this point Luke creeps from behind curtain,
+      Purt. sees him and is about to make an exclamation, when Allen, covering
+      his action by assumed drunkenness, lunges half round and catches Purt. on
+      his shoulder, clutching it tightly with his left hand while holding Hann.
+      with his right&mdash;laughing boisterously all the time. Purt. understands
+      and remains silent. Allen grows more and more excited. Laughs.</i>) Well,
+      now, look&rsquo;ee here.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hanningford. Cousin Dick&mdash;my long lost&mdash;(<i>laughs as before and
+      slaps him on the shoulder. Hann. impatient half turns round&mdash;Allen
+      seises his coat with both hands and keeps him round.</i>) No&mdash;no&mdash;look
+      thee here, Cousin Dick. Now you say this Cassidy, this creeping, crawling,
+      lying cur, Dan Cassidy, tried to murder thee&mdash;(<i>Hann. again seems
+      as though he would turn round</i>)&mdash;and these papers&mdash;these
+      papers that you sent me. Well, I sent &rsquo;em on to Purtwee. Ah, he&rsquo;s a
+      sharp one. (<i>Door clicks after Luke&rsquo;s exit.</i>) Purtwee, he&rsquo;ll know
+      who&rsquo;s who. He&rsquo;ll put us right. Won&rsquo;t &rsquo;ee, Purtwee, old friend?
+      Won&rsquo;t &rsquo;ee&mdash;won&rsquo;t &rsquo;ee?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>He slaps Purt. on back, laughing boisterously and half staggering
+      forward into Purt.&lsquo;s arms. Luke has got away by door r., and from now
+      Allen&rsquo;s excitement gradually subsides, and an air of exhaustion follows.
+      Sits l.c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>c.</i>) Say! Are you drunk or playing the fool? Where&rsquo;s
+      this man Cassidy?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Pause.</i>) I don&rsquo;t know.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> Isn&rsquo;t he coming here?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Angrily.</i>) Didn&rsquo;t you lead me to believe&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> That you should be brought face to face wi&rsquo; him? Yes&mdash;but
+      I&rsquo;ve changed my mind since then.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) I understand: it was only a trick to
+      give you time to get him out of the way. You thought that without him I
+      should not be able to prove my case. I thought I was dealing with an
+      honest man and a friend, and I offered to share the money with you. (<i>With
+      tierce anger.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Fiercely, rising.</i>) And I tell you to take the whole
+      of it! (<i>A pause&mdash;Hann. steps back and stares at him.</i>) I have
+      learnt enough within the last few minutes to believe that you are the man
+      you say you are, and if so, take it all. You offered me £100,000 to give
+      thee Dan Cassidy, I offer thee £200,000 to let him go his way in peace. (<i>Pause.</i>)
+      Come, you may find it hard to prove thee art Hanningford afore the law.
+      Prove it to me and Mr. Purtwee, and give me thy hand on it that thee&rsquo;ll
+      never seek to find Dan Cassidy or harm him, and thee art old Hanningford&rsquo;s
+      heir, and I, Allen Rollitt, farmer and yeoman.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) Your secrets are your own, cousin.
+      I&rsquo;d dearly have loved to have my revenge upon the hound, but if Dan
+      Cassidy is worth £100,000 to you, you can have him&mdash;I shouldn&rsquo;t have
+      thought he was.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> He goes free, so far as you are concerned, for ever?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> For ever.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Right, Dick Hanningford! (<i>They grasp hands.</i>) And now
+      we&rsquo;ll say good-bye for to-day if you don&rsquo;t mind. Mr. Purtwee will see thee
+      to-morrow, and arrange things. I&rsquo;d like to be quiet a bit just now.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> You&rsquo;ve had a rough morning, cousin, and I guess the kindest
+      thing I can do is to take myself off. Good-bye. (<i>Shakes hands.</i>)
+      Good-bye, Mr. Purtwee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Good-bye, Mr. Hanningford; I will write to you to-morrow.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>HANN.</b> (<i>Goes to door c.</i>) No hurry. Good-bye.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Exit c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> Well, I can&rsquo;t understand you, my boy. It&rsquo;s really a very
+      Quixotic thing to do. Why shouldn&rsquo;t the man suffer for his crime?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Because he can&rsquo;t suffer without bringing
+      suffering to them as I&rsquo;d rather spare&mdash;because he&rsquo;s the husband of
+      the woman I have been calling Clara Dexter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>Astonished.</i>) You don&rsquo;t say that, lad! When did you
+      learn it?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> About five minutes ago. (<i>Crosses to r.; leans on chair.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>After a pause.</i>) Hanningford said true; it&rsquo;s been a
+      rough morning for you. (<i>Going up to Allen and laying his hand on his
+      shoulder.</i>) Would you rather that I stopped with you a bit, lad, or
+      left you alone?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Leave me alone, old friend. (<i>Purt. goes to c. door.</i>)
+      I shall be off soon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>PURT.</b> (<i>At door c.</i>) Where are you going to?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> I&rsquo;m going back to Woodbarrow Farm. I&rsquo;ve had eno&rsquo; of the big
+      world. I&rsquo;ve had enough of fine folks and their ways. I&rsquo;m going back to my
+      own people&mdash;I&rsquo;m going back to see the faces of them as I know loves
+      me, to feel the hands of them as I know thinks well of me&mdash;I&rsquo;m going
+      back home.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Purt. exit R., Allen stands l. by fire, stage darkens, and scene
+      changes. Slow tableau. Music plays till change of scene and through Scene
+      2.</i>) &lt;/p <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Scene 2. Same as Act I.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <i>Time:</i> evening, fire burning brightly, and lamp lit on table, where
+      supper is laid. Deb. discovered by fire, attending to cooking operations;
+      Mrs. R. by fire, laying supper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Be it done, lass?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Who is kneeling down, looking into oven.</i>) Yes, aunt,
+      just to a turn.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Crossing and looking over Deb&rsquo;s shoulder.</i>) Ah, that
+      be just right. Thee&rsquo;s a good cook, lass. (<i>Crossing back to table.</i>)
+      Ah, how un used to like a veal pasty. (<i>Sighs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> It&rsquo;s a bad thing going to bed, though, ain&rsquo;t it, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Ah, anything be bad for them as ain&rsquo;t got no stomachs, and
+      underdone bricks be all right for them as has. (<i>Gets dishes from
+      dresser; lays table.</i>) Besides, we bain&rsquo;t going to bed yet. Us&rsquo;ll sit
+      and have a chat after supper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> It seems so lonely of an evening here now. (<i>Looking into
+      fire.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>In front of table r.c.</i>) So it do, lass. (<i>Crossing
+      L.</i>) Ah, the lads bean&rsquo;t so big to look at, but they leaves a rare
+      space behind &rsquo;em when they goes away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>After a pause, still gazing dreamily into fire.</i>) I
+      wonder if he&rsquo;ll ever come back.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Aye, aye; he&rsquo;ll come back, never fear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Turns.</i>) What, to stop?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l. sits on settle.</i>) Ah, to stop.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> What makes you think so, aunt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> I dunno. It&rsquo;s never seemed real to me, any on it. I&rsquo;m
+      awaiting every day to hear un lift the latch and walk in to find as it had
+      all been a dream. So I alius lays for three (<i>l.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Enter Allen c. He is dressed much as in Act 1. He shuts the door and
+      stands by it.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Well, mother, (<i>c.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l. staring at him.</i>) Allen, lad! (<i>Bewildered, not
+      grasping it. Deb. having risen, stands with the hot pie that she has that
+      moment taken from the oven, transfixed R.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>At door c.</i>) I&rsquo;ve come home, you see, to stop&mdash;for
+      good. Are thee glad to see me, mother?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>l.</i>) Come home! To stop! For good! Ah! (<i>Rushes
+      across with a cry of joy and hugs him up c.</i>) I said he would&mdash;I
+      said he would&mdash;I said he would. My boy! My boy! (<i>After a pause.</i>)
+      And&mdash;and all the money, and&mdash;and Miss Dexter?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Taking off his hat and throwing it down at hack.</i>)
+      Shadows, mother, that have passed away, out of my life, for ever. I&rsquo;ll
+      tell thee all about it later on, never mind to-night. Let&rsquo;s think only
+      about ourselves. (<i>Going to Deb. r.</i>) Are thee glad to see me?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Mrs. R. pushes them together from behind r. Deb. still with pie in her
+      hands, puts her face up. Allen bends and kisses it. Mrs. R. catches the
+      two in her arms, and embraces both at once, laughing. Deb. holds pie out
+      at arm&rsquo;s length to save it.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Mind the pie, mother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Still embracing them.</i>) Are thee hungry, lad?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Rather.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Bless un, and thee&rsquo;ve come back just in time for supper, as
+      thee alius used to. (<i>Laughs, sits up stage, top of table.</i>) Can thee
+      eat veal pasty?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Can I eat veal&mdash;(<i>taking off overcoat and throwing it
+      on chair r. c.</i>) Let me get at un, that&rsquo;s all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Poor boy! Come and sit &rsquo;ee down. (<i>Pushing him in
+      chair l. of table.</i>) Where be the potatoes, Deb.?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Bewildered, turns round and round.</i>) I don&rsquo;t know. (<i>Laughs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, have a look in the saucepan, then. (<i>Sits back of
+      table r. c. Allen l. Deb. r.</i>) Thee won&rsquo;t find &lsquo;em by turning round and
+      round. Now come lad, and get a bit inside thee. Us&rsquo;ll do the talking
+      afterwards.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>Deb. potters about between fire and table in a bewildered manner. She
+      brings potatoes, and puts them in front of Allen.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> Ah, it do smell lovely, don&rsquo;t it? (<i>Sniffing at pie.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Never thee mind smelling it, thee taste it. Lud, how thin
+      thee art looking, lad. (<i>To Deb. who is almost doing so.</i>) Don&rsquo;t pour
+      the beer into the pie, child, and look where thee&rsquo;s put the potatoes! (<i>Takes
+      jug away from her.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> (<i>Sitting down, laughing.</i>) I don&rsquo;t know what I&rsquo;m doing.
+      (<i>Takes saucepan off table.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Well, us can see that.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> And how&rsquo;s everything been going on? How&rsquo;s the colt?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> Kicked Parsons clean into the ditch yestermorning, the
+      little dear! (<i>All are now seated.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> No, did un? (<i>Laughs.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> One of the guinea hens is dead, the little one of all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What, the one as used to squint?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes, Parsons left his shot on the pigstye wall, and she ate
+      two ounces. Oh, and you remember Jim?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> What, the bantam?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>DEB.</b> Yes. He&rsquo;s given his own father such a licking, and won&rsquo;t let
+      him come near the yard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Laughing heartily.</i>) Plucky little beggar! Serve the
+      old &lsquo;un right. He wur always a bully. Now, mother&mdash;(<i>about to hand
+      her the pie.</i>) Why, mother, thee art crying!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> (<i>Crying.</i>) No, I ain&rsquo;t. Go on with thee supper, lad.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>ALLEN.</b> (<i>Looking at Deb.</i>) And&mdash;why, here be Deb. crying
+      too!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      (<i>The two women laugh through their tears. Allen joins them as curtain
+      descends.</i>)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>MRS. R.</b> It&rsquo;s wi&rsquo; joy, lad; it&rsquo;s wi&rsquo; joy!
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      SLOW CURTAIN.
+    </h3>
+    <div style="height: 6em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Woodbarrow Farm, by Jerome K. Jerome
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+</pre>
+
+  </body>
+</html>
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