Three Female and Two Male Figures.
This tableau represents the interior of one of the homes of the
starving poor, such as are found in all large towns, where vice and
intemperance go hand in hand. To make the scene look as natural as
possible, a partition should be made to fill up the back of the stage,
covered with cheap room paper. Two old window sashes should be
inserted in it, with the glass partially broken out, and filled up
with old hats and articles of clothing. The furniture of the room
consists of an old and broken table, a large chest, three or four old
and broken chairs, a few pieces of broken crockery on the table, a
black bottle, a candlestick, a bundle of straw, with a few ragged bed
clothes, and a few cheap prints hanging from the wall. The table is
placed at the back part of the room, and supports the crockery,
bottle, and candlestick. The bed is at the left side of the room, and
on it reclines a female dressed in dirty and ragged clothing; her hair
hangs loosely over her shoulders; right hand supporting her head, and
eyes directed to a group of children in the foreground of the picture;
the face should be made as white as possible; a small quantity of dark
paint about the eyes will give a haggard and sickly look to the
features. On the opposite side of the room, seated on the old chest,
is the woman's husband. He is dozing in a drunken slumber; his clothes
hang about him in tatters; his hat is partially drawn down over his
forehead, his matted hair protruding through a hole in the crown; face
bloated, from the effects of liquor. By the use of water colors, the
face can be made to assume the above description. His position is such
that a partial front view is had of the body, the arms hanging
carelessly at his side, feet crossed and stretched out on the floor.
Seated at the table, and sewing by the light of the candle, is a young
girl. She is dressed in dirty and ragged clothes; her hair is tied up
in a rough manner; the body bent forward, and eyes cast down upon her
work; her face should be made white; the eyes slightly shaded with
dark paint, to give a haggard look to the features. In the centre of
the room are grouped three small children; they are engaged in eating
crusts of bread from a broken plate. Their costume may be varied, and
of cheap material. The light for this piece should come from the side
on which the man is sitting. The front of the scene must be quite
light, while the background is thrown in shadow. Music of a mournful
order.