BY FORCE OF IMPULSE.
A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS.
BY
HARRY V. VOGT.
PRICE, 15 CENTS.
[Illustration]
NEW YORK:
HAROLD ROORBACH, PUBLISHER,
9 MURRAY STREET.
BY FORCE OF IMPULSE.
CAST OF CHARACTERS.
=MORRIS MAITLAND=, A Stern Puritan, with unbending will, whose word is
law.
=REGINALD MAITLAND=,--His Son; one of Nature's noblemen.
=HENRY LOWVILLE=, True as Steel; a little soured against the female
sex, and a hater of "fashionable society."
=RALPH MURDELL=,--A polished, smooth tongued scoundrel.
=COLONEL MORRELL=, A True Soldier, with a keen sense of duty.
=GEO. WASHINGTON DOLLERCLUTCH=, An Eccentric Lawyer of the "Old
School," who possesses a large, sympathetic heart.
=SAMMY DEWDROP=, The Son of a Millionaire; fresh from college, full of
romantic nonsense.
=ADOLPHUS SOFTHEAD=, His Chum, whose mental faculties have not kept
pace with his physical.
=CORIOLANUS WELLINGTON=, Who never smiles, and who thinks he was born
to fill a higher station in life than that of menial.
=ADRIENNE LOWVILLE=, A Proud, Impulsive Beauty, who loves not wisely
but too well.
=HILDA WALLACE=, Her Maid, whose birth is obscure. An innocent victim
of misplaced love.
=ANASTASIA MAITLAND=, A Gushing Maiden of Forty-five Summers; very
susceptible.
GUESTS, SOLDIERS, ETC., ETC.
SYNOPSIS.
=ACT I.= LOVE VERSUS IMPULSE.
=ACT II.= THE SEPARATION.
=ACT III.= DUTY VERSUS IMPULSE.
=ACT IV.= THE RECONCILIATION AND SEQUEL.
=ACT V.= DIVINE IMPULSE.
COSTUMES.
=MORRIS MAITLAND.=--ACT II.--Plain dark suit, white cravat, long haired
gray wig, quarter bald, close shaven face; change coat for long wrapper
in 3d Scene. ACTS IV. and V.--Plain gray business suit, light slouch
hat.
=REGINALD MAITLAND.=--ACT I.--Black dress suit, black slouch hat. ACT
II.--Dark traveling suit. ACTS III., IV. and V.--Uniform of a Private,
U. S. A. Cloak to throw over uniform in 4th Act.
=HENRY LOWVILLE.=--ACT I.--Rich hunting suit, gun, game bag, etc.
ACT II.--Uniform of a Recruiting Officer, U. S. A. ACTS III. and
V.--Uniform of a Captain, U. S. A.
=RALPH MURDELL.=--ACT I.--Black dress suit, silk hat. ACT II.--Genteel
sack suit, derby hat. ACTS III., IV. and V.--Uniform of a Major, U. S.
A.
=COLONEL MORRELL.=--Uniform of a Colonel, U. S. A.
=GEO. WASHINGTON DOLLERCLUTCH.=--ACTS I. and II.--Dark pants, dark
cutaway coat, white vest, high collar and cravat, white silk hat, nose
glasses, black crop wig, bald, close shaven face. ACTS III., IV. and
V.--Uniform of a Private, U. S. A. A cloak to throw over uniform in 4th
Act.
=SAMMY DEWDROP.=--ACT I.--Dark foppish suit, showy jewelry, stand-up
collar and flashy necktie, cane, glasses, silk hat with narrow brim,
red crop wig, close shaven face. ACT II.--White linen suit, small
brimmed straw hat with white band.
=ADOLPHUS SOFTHEAD.=--ACT I.--Dark frock suit, small derby hat,
very large stud in shirt front, heavy watch chain, large bouquet in
button-hole, blonde crop wig, close shaven face. ACT II.--Light sack
suit, straw hat with blue band. ACTS III. and V.--Uniform of a Private,
U. S. A. Change coat and cap in 3d Act for a Rebel's.
=CORIOLANUS WELLINGTON.=--ACT I.--Very seedy suit, à la shabby
genteel, long haired black wig. Change in last scene to tight-fitting
black suit, ruffled collar and cravat, white shoe guards, black
square-crowned hat. ACT II.--Same as second change in 1st Act, but
change necktie during Act to a ridiculously large red necktie. ACTS
III. and V.--Uniform of a Private, U. S. A.
=ADRIENNE LOWVILLE.=--ACT I.--Rich evening dress. ACT II.--Handsome
traveling dress. ACTS IV. and V.--Plain white morning dress.
=HILDA WALLACE.=--ACT I.--Very plain black cloth dress, no jewelry or
ornaments, derby hat; change in last scene to white apron and frilled
cap. ACT II.--Same as 1st, and change as before in last scene. ACT
IV.--Same as before, with slight changes. ACT V.--Plain silk dress.
=ANASTASIA MAITLAND.=--ACTS I. and II.--Old-fashioned black silk dress,
large bonnet, large parasol and fan, wig with curls. Change bonnet in
2d Act for a frilled cap. ACTS IV. and V.--Same as before with some
changes.
PROPERTIES.
=Act I.=--SCENE 1.--Writing materials, books, etc., on table. Lawyer's
bag, papers, memorandums, etc., for Dollerclutch. Newspaper with
written paragraph, also sealed letter, writing materials, etc., on
desk. Baby dress and money for Hilda Wallace. Lunch for Coriolanus
to bring on. SCENE 2.--Sign on tree. Segar-case and match-box for
Reginald. SCENE 3.--Small valise with smelling-bottle in it for
Coriolanus. Matches for Sammy Dewdrop. Memorandum tablet and pencil for
Dollerclutch. Card-case for Ralph.
=Act II.=--SCENE 1.--Bell on table. Knitting for Anastasia. Bundle and
wraps for Hilda. SCENE 2.--Roll of draft, pencil and pistol for Henry.
SCENE 3.--Memorandum tablet, pencil and baby dress for Dollerclutch.
Letter for Anastasia. Pistol and roll of draft for Henry. Basket with
broken glass off L. 2 E.
=Act III.=--Card photograph for Reginald. Rebel hat and coat and
whiskers and pieces of rope in L. 3 E. for Adolphus. Switch in L. 3 E.
for Coriolanus. Pistol and baby dress for Dollerclutch. Large wallet
containing two special papers, etc.; also, six letters for Ralph to
bring on. Cloak in tent L. 4 E. for Dollerclutch, and one in tent L. 5
E. for Reginald.
=Act IV.=--SCENE 1.--Pen, ink and paper on table. Knitting and letter
for Anastasia. SCENE 2.--Cloak and two special papers and baby dress
for Dollerclutch. SCENE 3.--Candles on table. Letter for Adrienne. Ring
for Dollerclutch.
=Act V.=--Map on table for officers. Bundle containing letter and
envelope, with blackened paper and bullet in it, for Coriolanus to
bring on. Seal ring and Ralph Murdell's left shoulder strap for
Dollerclutch. Revolver at prompt R. 2 E. Two handkerchiefs for
Adolphus. One handkerchief for Ralph.
SCENERY.
ACT I.
SCENE 1.--Dollerclutch's Office in 4th Grooves.
[Illustration]
C. door in flat. Door, R. 4 E. Fireplace, L. 3 E. Window, L. F. and L.
4 E. Book-case against R. F. Hat-rack, R. 3 E. Desk and chair, L. C.
Table and chairs, R. C.
SCENE 2.--A Wood-pass in 2d Grooves. Sign on tree, R. F.--"Beware! Do
not disturb the Deer. Wm. Lowville."
SCENE 3.--(Entire Stage.)--Grounds adjoining Wm. Lowville's Mansion.
Illuminated by colored lamps. Flat in 5th Grooves representing a
terrace. The wings represent trees.
[Illustration]
Fountain, statuary, flower urns, iron chairs, trees, etc. Rustic
benches, R. 3 E. and L. 2 E.
Act II.
SCENE 1.--Sitting Room in the Maitland Cottage in 4 G. Plainly but
substantially furnished. Scene backed by wood-scene in 5 G. Time,
evening. Moonlight effect back of 4 G.
[Illustration]
Large open window, C. of F. Glass doors, R. and L. F. Doors, L. 2 E.
and R. 3 E. Fireplace, L. 3 E. Table and chairs, L. C. High-back chair,
R. C. Old-fashioned clock, R. 4 E.
SCENE 2.--Street Scene in 1 G.
SCENE 3.--(Entire Stage.)--Outside of Maitland Cottage. Backed by
wood-scene in 5 G. Plain cottage, with ivy and roses, on left. Time,
morning.
[Illustration]
Picket fence, with gate in C., in the background. Rustic bench against
tree, R. C.
ACT III.
CAMP SCENE.--(Entire Stage.)--Scene representing a rocky ravine.
[Illustration]
High set rock, L. 5 E. Cannon and cannon balls, L. 5 E. Tent, C., near
flat. Tent, R. 5 E. and L. 4 E. Camp stools, R. C. 4 E., R. 4 E., R. 2
E., R. C. 2 E., L. 2 E. Camp-fire, R. C. 4 E. Stack of guns, R. 3 E.
ACT IV.
SCENE 1.--(Same as 1st Scene, 2d Act, with addition of child's crib, L.
4 E.) Time, morning. Sunlight effect back of 4 G.
SCENE 2.--Wood-pass in 1 G. Time, night.
SCENE 3.--(Same as 1st Scene.) Time, night. Moonlight effect back of 4
G.
ACT V.
CAMP SCENE.--(Same as Act 3d, with addition of table and three camp
stools R. 2 E.)
STAGE DIRECTIONS.
The player is supposed to be facing the audience. C., centre. R.,
right. L., left. R.C., right of centre. L.C., left of centre. D., door.
R.D., right door. L.D., left door. C.D., centre door. F.D., door in
flat. R.F.D., door in right flat. L.F.D., door in left flat. 1 E.,
first entrance. 2 E., second entrance. U.E., upper entrance. 1 G.,
first groove. 2 G., second groove.
R. R.C. C. L.C. L.
NOTE.
_The character of Coriolanus Wellington, to carry out successfully
the idea of the author, should be played with an extreme degree of
solemnity, so as to appear ludicrous. His action should be of the lofty
and dignified order, but greatly overdrawn, and he should be decidedly
mechanical in his movements and gestures._
BY FORCE OF IMPULSE.
ACT 1.
=Scene 1=: DOLLERCLUTCH'S OFFICE.
=Enter= _DOLLERCLUTCH, D. R. 4 E., with lawyer's bag. He empties
his pockets of papers, etc., on desk, L. 3 E., while speaking._
=Dol.= Now if that isn't confoundedly provoking, I'd just like to know
what is. There I've been on a ninety-mile journey; and what did I gain?
Nothing, absolutely nothing, and just to think of throwing away so much
money for railroad travel, only to have the satisfaction of knowing
that you have added to the pile of monopoly and have nothing in return.
Confound these railroad companies anyhow! Honest people subscribe to
the stock and build them; then come along these "stock jobbing sharks,"
who corner the stocks and put the road in their vest-pockets. And they
call that business; but it's only another name for d--n robbery. But
where is that confounded Coriolanus? [_Calls._] Coriolanus! Coriolanus!
Just like the rascal. Whenever you want him, nowhere to be found.
When he is about, what good is he with his stuck up manners and airs?
Thinks himself born to fill a higher sphere in life. But the only
thing he's good for is to stand him in the entry and use him for a hat
rack. Confound him anyhow! [_Calls._] Coriolanus! [_Listens._] Where
the deuce can he be? To gratify him I answered an advertisement for a
position, which, he says, would be more suitable for his intellectual
and genteel qualities--and, if it is only successful I shall be well
rid of the rascal. [_Picks up letter._] Hello! just the thing, by
jingo! [_Reads._] "Terms satisfactory. If convenient come at once. The
position is man-servant; but, as I am away at business during the day,
I want a reliable and intelligent person to supervise the work about
the premises, and be a protector to the females." That will just please
him, and it will just please me to get rid of him. [_CORIOLANUS puts
his head in C. door._]
=Cor.= Was I mistaken, or did the sound of your voice penetrate the
cavity of my ear?
=Dol.= Did I call? Well, if that ain't cool! Call? Of course I
did!--and why the deuce didn't you come immediately?
CORIOLANUS =Enters=.
=Cor.= Because, my dear sir, I was otherwise engaged, and I felt
assured that you would indulge me to that extent and postpone your
desires to my especial accommodation. Thank you! [_With a wave of the
hand._]
=Dol.= Oh! and how in thunder were you engaged?
=Cor.= [_Loftily._] I was paring my finger nails.
=Dol.= Oh! Oh! [_Falls in chair at desk._] This is too much. To return
travel-wearied and hungry, and be made to wait by such a jackass. And
I must be at court at ten, and [_pulls out watch_] it's nine now.
[_Starts up in a rage._] I'll not stand it, sir! I'll throw you out of
the window!
=Cor.= [_R. C._] Indeed! Then I should be at a loss to wonder what
could be the matter with the door. Stay your temper, sir! It is
decidedly unbecoming a man of your years. Preserve a calm dignity such
as I furnish a striking example of.
=Dol.= [_Disgusted._] There, sir! [_Hands him letter._] This is the
gratitude I receive for what I have done for you. Read it, and I hope
you will have as much joy of it as I have in getting rid of you.
=Cor.= Thank you! Thanks! You have performed your duty well. Some day I
will return the kindness; I shall engage you as my lawyer.
=Dol.= Get out, or I shall be tempted to do you an injury. Get your
things ready to leave to-night, sir! I'll not put up with your nonsense
and impudence another day. Now go, sir! and order a lunch for me at the
restaurant, to be sent here--and mind you see that I am not disturbed
until court time. I've got more than I can do to prepare my cases for
this morning's court. I may forget the flight of time, in which case
you will please come in and remind me of court time.
=Cor.= Your wishes shall be obeyed. I fly to execute your orders.
[=Exit= _D. R. 4 E._]
=Dol.= [_At desk L. 3 E._] George Washington, you're a fool--your
magnanimous nature has suffered you to be imposed upon--you're
a--[_CORIOLANUS puts his head in D. R. 4 E._]
=Cor.= I beg your pardon, sir! [_He_ =Enters=.] In the excitement of
the moment I neglected to inform you that a lady called to see you. I
informed her that you were out of town. She was much distressed at the
information. She waited for you until eight o'clock, when she left in a
state of great mental excitement. She's been waiting since six o'clock
this morning, waiting your arrival.
=Dol.= If she comes back don't let her in. Tell her to come to-morrow
morning. I cannot attend to any more business before court. [_He busies
himself among papers._]
=Cor.= [_Bows._] I fly! [=Exit= _D. R. 4 E._]
=Dol.= Egad! Some people must think lawyers are made of iron and work
like machines! No! I'll listen to no more cases before court. I've
only got one head and one pair of arms. [_CORIOLANUS puts his head in
D. R. 4 E. To CORIOLANUS._] Well, sir! What now?
=Cor.= [=Enters.=] She's come back! I delivered your message. She wrung
her hands and said she came eighteen miles to see you, and she must
return at noon.
=Dol.= I can't help it! She must come another time. I positively
decline to see any one before court.
=Cor.= I quicken! [=Exit= _D. R. 4 E._]
=Dol.= Some one without money to try to enlist my sympathies in helping
some scalawag out of trouble. Not long ago I defended a tramp whom I
thought unjustly used. I helped him out of the scrape and gave him
a bowl of soup and some alms to help him on--and how did the rascal
serve me? He published it about the town, and for two weeks I had every
tramp from fifty miles around at my door begging for soup and alms.
You don't get George Washington Dollerclutch in such a scrape again.
[_Sees newspaper._] Hello! what's this? [_Picks up paper and adjusts
spectacles. Reads._] "On the Brink of a Civil War." Lord bless us!
[_Adjusts his glasses._] "Slavery and Anti-Slavery." "The Inauguration
of Lincoln." Ah! That's my man--Old honest Abe! He'll show those
rascally slave masters a thing or two before he's done with them.
[_Reads._] "Firing on Fort Sumter." "Major Ander--"[_Drops paper._]
Hang it all! I can't get that girl out of my mind. What the dickens
did she want to say that for, anyhow? [_Sighs._] Well! Well! [_Picks
up paper and reads._] "Major Anderson with seventy men, after a brave
resistance of three hours against five thousand Secessionists, was
finally obliged to surrender." Eighteen miles to see me? It must be an
important case. [_Rises to his feet._] Confound it anyhow! Why did I
let it slip? [_Calls._] Coriolanus!
=Enter= _CORIOLANUS, D. R. 4 E._
=Cor.= You have called! I have obeyed your summons.
=Dol.= Hold your tongue! Just go at once, and run after that girl and
bring her back.
=Cor.= [_Bows._] I quicken! [=Exit= _D. R. 4 E._]
=Dol.= Why the dickens does she want to come here and upset my peace of
mind?
=Enter= _CORIOLANUS, D. R. 4 E. He goes to R. C. DOLLERCLUTCH C._
=Cor.= In compliance with your desire, I have brought her back and left
her on the door-step.
=Dol.= You thundering blockhead! Why didn't you bring her up here? Why
the devil did you send her away in the first place? Here I'm losing all
this valuable time. Usher her up at once.
=Cor.= I quicken! [=Exit= _CORIOLANUS, D. R. 4 E. DOLLERCLUTCH busies
himself among his papers._]
=Dol.= Perhaps she's a fine rich lady, and I'll have a fat case. If
not, I'll have nothing to do with her. I'll hustle her off in short
order. I'll crush her with a look.
=Enter= _CORIOLANUS, D. R. 4 E., bowing in HILDA._
=Dol.= [_Aside, looking at HILDA._] H'm! No money in her case. I'll
have nothing to do with it!
=Cor.= [_At D. R. 4 E._] My mission I've fulfilled; your pleasure I
await.
=Dol.= [_To CORIOLANUS._] Get out! Didn't I tell you not to let me be
disturbed before court?
=Cor.= I'll make an honorable retreat. [=Exit= _D. R. 4 E._]
=Hil.= [_C._] I beg your pardon, sir! Are you not Mr. Dollerclutch, the
lawyer?
=Dol.= Now, ain't you ashamed of yourself hanging around a gentleman's
door and carrying on in such an outlandish manner, when I'm so busy, eh?
=Hil.= I am very sorry, sir, but--but--
=Dol.= But what?
=Hil.= Oh, sir! I--I--
=Dol.= It's no use! It'll cost you two hundred dollars to look at me.
Take my advice and go home and leave law alone. I dismiss the case.
I'll not charge you a cent for that advice. Don't you say another
word--good day! [_Waves his hand. He busies himself among his papers.
HILDA wrings her hands. After a pause._] Well, why don't you say
something? What's your name?
=Hil.= Hilda Wallace, sir!
=Dol.= Humph! Trying to raise a subscription for an able-bodied
invalid, I suppose?
=Hil.= Oh, no, sir! I come to see if you could not help a poor girl out
of a sad trouble.
=Dol.= [_Aside._] I thought so! Trying to work the sympathetic dodge.
[_To HILDA._] What! Do you want to get a divorce?
=Hil.= No, sir! I came to see if you could find out who my parents are,
and, also, whether I am married or not.
=Dol.= Lord, bless us! The girl must be crazy!
=Hil.= [_At desk._] Oh, sir! just listen to my story, and I know that
you will be able to help me in this, my sore trouble.
=Dol.= [_Crosses to R., pulls forward two chairs, and motions HILDA to
be seated._] Well, well! go on! [_Aside._] There's the morning's court
business, and not a thing done. [_HILDA sits L. C. DOLLERCLUTCH R. C._]
=Hil.= I was brought up by a family named Wallace, who live in Norfolk,
Virginia, and I supposed that I was their daughter, until a discovery
I made two years ago convinced me that I was not.
=Dol.= [_Getting interested._] And what discovery did you make?
=Hil.= [_Unfolding a package._] I found this dress hidden away in one
of the bureau drawers. [_Hands it to him._]
=Dol.= Lord, bless me! Why, it's a baby dress.
=Hil.= Yes, sir! and when I made inquiries about it I learned that it
was one I wore when a child.
=Dol.= Well, there was nothing strange about that?
=Hil.= No, sir! But on examination, I found these initials, A. M.,
which you see worked in it!
=Dol.= Ah! yes! Precisely!
=Hil.= And when I called their attention to it they seemed confused and
did not know what to reply. I kept the dress, determined to find out
more, if I could!
=Dol.= And you did?
=Hil.= No, sir! but I learned since that the man I married could unveil
the mystery which shrouds my birth.
=Dol.= And won't he enlighten you?
=Hil.= No, sir! all my attempts have proved futile.
=Dol.= But did you not say that this man was your husband?
=Hil.= Yes, sir! But he must have some object in keeping my identity
secret.
=Dol.= But how did you become acquainted with this man, and how did you
come to marry him?
=Hil.= He was a regular visitor at our home, and I noticed on many
occasions that he paid Mrs. Wallace money. However, I fell desperately
in love with him, and when he proposed that we get married, I, of
course, was only too happy to consent.
=Dol.= And his name?
=Hil.= Ralph Murdell!
=Dol.= Ralph Murdell! Humph! I don't like the name--got a bad sound to
it.
=Hil.= He took me to a little village in the suburbs about four miles
from Norfolk, where we were married in a little chapel by an old
country preacher.
=Dol.= And you were happy, I suppose?
=Hil.= Yes, until about two weeks later, when he was about to leave
me. He said he had to go North to attend to some business. I would not
listen to it, unless he took me with him.
=Dol.= That's right, my girl! And he took you, of course?
=Hil.= Yes; but it was on condition that I should keep the marriage a
secret, and not recognize him in the presence of others.
=Dol.= And what the deuce was that for?
=Hil.= He said his family were very proud, and he wanted to gain their
consent before he made our marriage public.
=Dol.= Oh, the rascal! And you listened to him?
=Hil.= Yes, sir! To my sorrow, I did. He recommended me to a young lady
who wanted a lady's maid. I accepted the position on his assurance that
he would soon claim me before the world as his wife.
=Dol.= And who is this lady with whom you now are?
=Hil.= Adrienne Lowville!
=Dol.= What! The daughter of Wm. Lowville, who owns Beachwood, eighteen
miles from here, on the Essex road?
=Hil.= Oh, yes, sir! Do you know him?
=Dol.= Well, I'd like to know who don't! Got a railroad in each pocket.
But, about your husband--is he acquainted there?
=Hil.= Alas! yes! He is a constant visitor, and I more than suspect
that his attentions to my mistress imply more than he wishes me to
believe.
=Dol.= [_Throws baby dress on table, R. 3 E._] Oh! That's his game, is
it? A case of throwing you over for her, eh?
=Hil.= I fear so, sir; for she is madly in love with him, and thinks
him a saint. When I called him to account for his actions, he laughed
at me. He then informed me that he would do as he pleased, and that I
was not his wife at all; that ours was a mock marriage.
=Dol.= [_Jumps up._] The deuce he did! Oh, the villain, to take
advantage of a poor innocent girl.
=Hil.= [_Rises._] Oh, sir! but it was legal--it--
=Dol.= [_DOLLERCLUTCH L. C., HILDA R. C._] Have you got your marriage
certificate?
=Hil.= No, sir! I never thought of that, sir.
=Dol.= Then, what proof have you?
=Hil.= Alas, none! But, oh sir! can't you investigate it? There surely
must be a record kept of all marriages. Can't you get a copy of the
church register, where it must have been entered?
=Dol.= That's so! I never thought of that! But, my dear girl, that will
be a difficult matter, now that the country is in a _furore_ and on the
verge of a civil war; and it will cost money to do it, my dear girl;
money.
=Hil.= [_Crosses to desk L. 3 E._] Oh, sir! I thought of that! Here
are twelve dollars that I saved out of my scanty earnings. Won't it be
enough, sir?
=Dol.= [_Up C._] Enough? Why, it wouldn't pay for dipping a pen into
the ink, to say nothing about the trouble of licking a postage stamp.
=Hil.= [_Sobs._] What shall I do--what shall I do?
=Dol.= [_Taking out handkerchief._] Take up that money and put it in
your pocket immediately! I'll not take a cent of it. I never was so
insulted in my life. [_Crosses to R._]
=Hil.= [_C._] Oh, won't you help me out of my trouble?
=Dol.= Help you? Of course I will! Who said I wouldn't? Do you think
I'll stand by and see an innocent girl wronged in this manner? No! I'll
see this thing through, if it costs me a fortune! Oh, the villain!
[_DOLLERCLUTCH at desk, HILDA at table R. 2 E._]
=Enter= _CORIOLANUS, D. R. 4 E., with lunch._
=Cor.= Your lunch, sir! [_Puts it on desk._]
=Dol.= D--n the lunch! Get out!
=Cor.= I quicken! [=Exit= _D. C. HILDA sobs. She picks up baby dress
from table._]
=Dol.= [_Down C._] What are you crying about?
=Hil.= I am so grateful to you, sir, for taking a poor girl's trouble
to heart.
=Dol.= Now, don't you be deluding yourself with any such idea. This is
business, I tell you; business. What do you know about business, I'd
like to know?
=Hil.= I beg your pardon, sir!
=Dol.= Why do you come and arouse my sympathetic heart, and upset all
my court business?
=Hil.= Can I do aught, sir?
=Dol.= No--yes--that is--shut up! Give me that dress! Now, you go back
and don't let that husband of yours suspect anything. [_Puts on his
hat, etc. DOLLERCLUTCH at desk, HILDA C._]
=Hil.= Are you going out, sir?
=Dol.= Hold your tongue! This is the way I prepare myself for court
business; and there's my nice lunch, too! [_Stuffs baby dress in his
bosom, leaving a part sticking out._] Now, go home and don't bother me
till you hear from me. I'm going to take the first train for Norfolk!
=Enter= _CORIOLANUS at door C._
=Cor.= It's time to go to court!
=Dol.= D--n the court! I'll see this thing through. [_He bolts for the
C. door and upsets CORIOLANUS in his haste to get out._ =Exit= _through
C. door._]
=Cor.= The court is sitting! [_CORIOLANUS C., HILDA L. C. Whistle
scene._]
=Scene 2=: WOOD-PASS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF WILLIAM LOWVILLE'S
RESIDENCE AT BEACHWOOD.
=Enter= _HENRY LOWVILLE, R. 2 E., with gun resting on arm._
=Hen.= [_Looking off L. E._] The guests are beginning to arrive, and
I suppose I must, as a member of the family, be on hand and help do
the honors of entertaining the motley crowd. [_Sighs._] Ah! how I hate
the hollow mockery of fashionable society--how I hate to mingle in the
giddy deception hidden under the guise of polite gentility--bah!
=Enter= _REGINALD, L. 2 E._
=Reg.= Why, how now, Henry! One of your melancholy fits again? Ha! ha!
ha! [_Shakes hands._]
=Hen.= Yes, confoundedly so! I've got the blues with a vengeance.
=Reg.= Come, come, old fellow, shake off this feeling. Why, you look as
if you had buried your best friend. Come, have a weed! [_Offers segar
case._] Nothing like a smoke, you know, to calm a perturbed mind.
=Hen.= [_Lights segar._] Yes, there is a certain soothing influence
about it; that's a fact.
=Reg.= Ah! now you look more like yourself. But how is this--why are
you not at your post, doing the honors to the guests?
=Hen.= Because I hate these empty shows. What are all these receptions
but one maze of dissipation, where everybody seems to outdo the other
in silliness?
=Reg.= I agree with you there, Henry. There are many sins and much
hypocrisy and deceit practiced under the veil of studied politeness,
and the sacred bond of friendship becomes a mere matter of form to
further the ends of frivolous and sordid desires.
=Hen.= And the women! All deception, heartless, fickle. Show me a woman
in this gilded age of fashion devoid of fashion's impress--devoid of--
=Reg.= Nay, Henry! You are prejudiced--all women are not so. There are
still many who possess all the noble attributes that Heaven instilled
in her heart, that make her all that is beautiful and endearing in the
eyes of a true man.
=Hen.= Yes; but artificial show has supplanted her--I know not the
ideal.
=Reg.= Aye! but I know one.
=Hen.= And she is--
=Reg.= Your sister Adrienne!
=Hen.= Oho! I understand. Ha! ha! ha! Well, well, there's my hand on
it. I give in. There is no one in the wide world that I would be more
pleased to call brother.
=Reg.= [_Confused._] You misunderstand--you--
=Hen.= Well, well; so be it. But I had better go up to the mansion
and make the guests comfortable, and help Adrienne complete the
arrangements for the grand ball this evening. Will you come? [_Crosses
to L. REGINALD to R._]
=Reg.= Not just at present. I want to have a little quiet stroll in
these grand old woods; besides, I want to finish my weed.
=Hen.= Well, I'm off! [=Exit= _L. 2 E._]
=Reg.= As good a fellow as ever lived; with a tinge of melancholy in
his make-up, and a little bitter against the female sex in general.
Heigho! Probably a victim of a heartless coquette. Hum! That awkward
slip of the tongue has betrayed me. He has discovered my feelings
toward Adrienne. [_Leans against tree, L. 2 E., in a study._]
=Enter= _SAMMY DEWDROP and ADOLPHUS SOFTHEAD, R. 2 E. They do not
perceive REGINALD._
=Sammy.= [_C._] Hang it all if I don't think we've lost the way!
[_Looks around._]
=Adolphus.= [_R. C._] Why didn't you listen to me and come by the
regular road? Oh, Sammy! What if night should overtake us? Oh! oh!
[_SAMMY scratches his head. REGINALD perceives them._]
=Reg.= [_Aside._] Two big school-boys!
=Sam.= Now, look a'here, Adolphus! How did I know we'd get in such a
pickle? [_Sees sign on tree R. F._] Hurrah! We're all right! Here's a
finger-post! [_SAMMY R. C. ADOLPHUS C. Reads_:] "Beware!" [_ADOLPHUS
jumps in terror._] "Do not disturb the deer." Oh, pshaw! What shall we
do?
=Adol.= I wish I'd stayed home!
=Sam.= It was all your fault that we came. You said there would be lots
of nice girls there, and we should be sure to fall in love with ever so
many.
=Reg.= Ha! ha! ha!
=Adol.= [_Scared._] Oh! oh!
=Sam.= [_Clutches ADOLPHUS fearfully._] What was that?
=Reg.= [_Comes forward, smiling. ADOLPHUS R. C. SAMMY C. REGINALD L.
C._] Gentlemen, you seem distressed. Can I serve you?
=Sam.= [_Brightens up suddenly. To ADOLPHUS._] Oh! you coward, to get
frightened like that! Why can't you be brave like me?
=Adol.= You were just as afraid as I was.
=Reg.= [_Laughs._] Have a smoke? [_Offers cigar-case to SAMMY._] It
will help to quiet your nerves.
=Adol.= [_To SAMMY, aside._] Oh, Lucifer! I never smoked in my life.
=Sam.= Neither did I! But we must take one, you know; it isn't polite
to refuse--besides, all men smoke.
=Adol.= Black as ink! Strong as old Nick, I bet.
=Reg.= You seem to have lost your way.
=Sam.= We were on our way to Holly Mansion, when we lost our way in
this confounded jungle.
=Reg.= Ah! Then I can be of service to you. That is my destination,
also, and if agreeable, I shall be most happy to guide you. [_With mock
politeness. SAMMY and ADOLPHUS both try to shake hands with REGINALD at
once. They both speak together._]
=Sam.= You're a trump.
=Adol.= Put it there, old boy!
=Reg.= This way, gentlemen! [=Exeunt=, _L. 2 E. Whistle scene._]
=Scene 3=: GARDEN ADJOINING WM. LOWVILLE'S MANSION.
=Enter= _ANASTASIA MAITLAND, and CORIOLANUS with valise, L. 2 E._
=Anastasia.= Well, I never! Not a soul about to receive me. And after
all that jaunt from the station, too. I declare it's an outrage. They
could have sent their carriage to the station for me, to say the least.
If there was somebody about, I should feel inclined to faint. [_Sits on
bench, L. 3 E._] Coriolanus!
=Cor.= [_At R. C. Bows stiffly._] Your pleasure, madam!
=Anas.= Get my smelling-bottle out of the valise--be quick!
=Cor.= [_Puts down valise._] I quicken!
=Anas.= And there's Reginald; why was he not at the station? He knew
I was coming. [_CORIOLANUS hands smelling-bottle._] Won't I give him
a piece of my mind! [_Music heard at distance._] Well, I declare.
[_Rises._] If they haven't commenced dancing already! Coriolanus, go at
once and announce my arrival.
=Cor.= Madam, I obey! I will go in advance and have the servants to
announce us. [=Exit= _R. 2 E._]
=Anas.= Announce _us_! Did I ever see such impudence--announce _us_!
Just as if _he_, a common servant, was such a distinguished personage
as I am. Oh! it's disgusting! [=Exit= _R. 2 E._]
=Enter= _ADRIENNE and HILDA, R. 4 E._
=Adrienne.= Did you arrange the flowers on the table, as I desired?
=Hil.= Yes, my lady!
=Adri.= [_Sits on bench, R. 3 E._] What a beautiful evening! All nature
seems hushed, as if it had gone to sleep on the broad bosom of the day.
[_Sighs._] Hilda, were you ever in love?
=Hil.= [_Standing L. of bench._] Yes--no--that is, I--I--
=Adri.= [_Laughs._] Why, you silly little goose. You act as if it were
a crime to be in love. You tremble like a leaf.
=Hil.= I--I am cold. The night air is chilly. If you'll excuse me, I
will go in and get a shawl.
=Adri.= Oh, certainly. [_HILDA is about to go._] Hilda, when you go
in, peep into the parlor and see if Ralph--I mean, Mr. Murdell, has
arrived.
=Hil.= Yes, madam! [_R. C. Aside._] She loves him; she cannot hide it.
[=Exit= _R. 3 E._]
=Adri.= He is late! What can detain him? He begged for the honor of the
first dance. The third has already been danced and he is not here. Oh!
how slowly the minutes glide. Ah! he comes at last.
=Enter= _RALPH, L. 2 E._
=Ralph.= [_L. of bench._] This is an unexpected pleasure!
=Adri.= Truant sir! This is punctuality!
=Ralph.= Allow me to offer my humblest apologies for my offense, and if
a life's devotion could repay it, command me.
=Adri.= Still the disappointment would remain.
=Ralph.= Then you were disappointed, Miss Lowville? Adrienne! [_Takes
her hand._]
=Adri.= Certainly! [_Withdraws her hand._] Why shouldn't I be when I
was debarred from the pleasure of the first dance, simply because it
was pledged to one who did not fulfill his promise? [_Music heard._]
Hark! That's the quadrille I have given to Mr. Maitland. [_About to go
to R._]
=Ralph.= [_Takes her hand and gently forces her to bench._] Nay,
Adrienne! Do not go.
=Adri.= And would you have me be a truant like you? [_They sit._]
=Ralph.= Yes, because I cannot let you go. Adrienne, long have I sought
for such an opportunity [=Enter= _HILDA R. 4 E._] to pour into your
ears the passion that is consuming me.
=Adri.= Ralph, hush! Some one approaches.
=Hil.= [_Comes forward C._] Madam! Mr. Maitland was inquiring for you
for this quadrille.
=Adri.= I almost forgot it. [_Aside to RALPH._] I'll be back presently.
[_To HILDA._] Come, Hilda! [_Both_ =Exeunt= _R. 2 E. RALPH_ =Exits= _L.
2 E._]
=Enter= _SAMMY and ADOLPHUS, L. 2 E._
=Sam.= [_Looking after the girls._] Did you see her? Oh, what a
heavenly being! My heart goes after her, and I guess I'll follow my
heart. [_About to rush after. ADOLPHUS pulls him back._]
=Adol.= No you don't! If anybody goes, it's me. [_About to go. SAMMY
pulls him back._]
=Sam.= I want to pour my heart in her ear!
=Adol.= And I want to let my soul mingle with hers!
=Sam.= Well, we can't both make love to her at once. I have it! We'll
draw lots! [_Pulls matches from pocket._] Who draws the short stick
proposes first, and if she refuses the short stick then the long stick
will have a chance.
=Adol.= Oh, Sammy! What a head you've got.
=Sam= [_Holds sticks towards ADOLPHUS._] Draw! [_ADOLPHUS draws long
stick._]
=Adol.= Just my luck!
=Sam.= Ah! Now, Dolphy, I'll show you how to do it. Hush! She's coming
back! Now you hide behind there. [_Pointing. ADOLPHUS hides behind
flower urn, C._]
=Enter= _ADRIENNE, R. 2 E. SAMMY falls on his knee._
=Sam.= Most adorable angel, whose liquid eyes do penetrate the inmost
depths of my entranced soul, listen to one who has loved you from his
childhood. Fill me with ecstasy by the avowal from thy honeyed lips
that you will be forever mine.
=Adri.= [_Laughs heartily._] Rise, you foolish boy, and go home and
tell your mother to put a mustard draft on your feet and give you a
dose of paregoric.
=Sam.= [_Gets up and scratches his head._] Squashed, by Jupiter! [_He
walks to L._]
=Adri.= [_R. Aside._] Where is Ralph, I wonder!
=Adol.= [_Coming forward, C. To SAMMY._] Go home, you foolish boy, and
get some paregoric and let Adolphus take off the prize. [_ADRIENNE
turns. ADOLPHUS falls on his knee._]
=Adri.= Another proposal?
=Adol.= Fairest of the fair and fairer yet, take this my heart and do
with it what you like. It's yours forevermore. [=Enter= _REGINALD,
R. 2 E., who takes ADRIENNE'S place. ADRIENNE R., REGINALD R. C.,
ADOLPHUS C., SAMMY L._] Play with it, use it for a foot-ball--do
with it what you like, as long as you take your true Adolphus with
it. My father owns sixty-eight brick houses, twenty race horses,
three hundred slaves, and one-quarter of an acre of good farming
land--besides--[_Discovers he is talking to REGINALD._] The devil!
[_Starts and rushes off L. 2 E. SAMMY runs after him._]
=Sam.= Who had better take paregoric now? [=Exit= _L. 2 E. ADRIENNE and
REGINALD laugh._]
=Reg.= Two foolish, overgrown boys, whose mental powers have not kept
pace with their physical. Pray be seated, Miss Lowville. [_ADRIENNE
sits, bench R. 3 E. REGINALD remains standing._]
=Adri.= Mr. Maitland, I owe you an apology. I promised you a quadrille,
but I regret having disappointed you.
=Reg.= Don't mention it. I willingly submit to the disappointment,
since it has afforded me the pleasure of enjoying a few moments' quiet
conversation with one whose amiable disposition and lofty sentiments
command my profoundest respect and admiration.
=Adri.= You flatter me, sir!
=Reg.= Nay, Miss Lowville, believe me, I am sincere. I have watched
the development of noble traits, the unfolding of a noble character
prompted by a pure and loving heart; the expression of high and lofty
thought--all of which impressions have sunk so deeply into my being
that they seem a part of myself. Miss Lowville, I use no honeyed words,
but I offer you the heart and hand of an honest man, who will love,
honor and shield you through all the walks of life.
=Adri.= [_Rises._] Mr. Maitland, you honor me with the offer of such a
noble heart as yours, and could I accept it, I should be proud to wear
it in my bosom. Such noble love requires a noble love in return. But I
cannot.
=Reg.= Perhaps--in time--
=Adri.= Alas! I cannot give you hope. But friends we shall ever be.
[_REGINALD turns away._] Will you accept the hand of friendship?
=Reg.= Yes! Yes! Pardon me! Friends we shall always be. [=Exit=
_ADRIENNE, R. 2 E._]
=Enter= _CORIOLANUS, R. 4 E._
=Cor.= Sir Reginald, your honored aunt awaits your coming in the
conservatory.
=Reg.= I will attend her immediately. [=Exit= _REGINALD, R. 2 E._]
=Cor.= [_Coming down C._] Coriolanus, I am proud of you--you have
acquitted yourself nobly--you have made an impression upon her maiden
heart, I feel assured. She recognizes the true nobility that is hidden
under the garb of the menial. How I hate these clothes! Oh! Anastasia,
thou knowest true worth when thou see'st it. [_Walks to right._]
=Enter= _DOLLERCLUTCH, L. 4 E. Comes down C._
=Dol.= Well, I've got here at last, and if I can only manage
to meet Hilda. But how shall I contrive to see her? [_Looks around
and sees CORIOLANUS._] Ah! there's one of the servants! I'll question
him. [_To CORIOLANUS._] Hey, there, you clown! Come here. [_CORIOLANUS
turns._] Coriolanus, by all that is wonderful. Well, this is
particularly gratifying. But, how is it that I find you here? Have you
left the other place?
=Cor.= I am a visitor here! I have escorted Miss Maitland to the grand
reception.
=Dol.= Oh! I thought you were going to say you owned this place.
However, you are just the person to do me a little service. Run to the
mansion and tell Miss Lowville's maid to step out here a moment, that
a gentleman wishes to speak to her. [_CORIOLANUS about to go in high
dudgeon._] Hold on! That won't do--it will attract attention--a few
lines will be better. [_Pulls out tablet and writes._]
=Cor.= [_Aside._] I'm no common servant! Such impudence, to ask a
gentleman like me. No, thank you! [=Exit= _in high dudgeon, R. 2 E._]
=Dol.= There, I guess that will do! [_Folding up note._]
=Enter= _ANASTASIA, R. 2 E._
=Dol.= Here, you clown, take this note and mind--
=Anas.= Sir!
=Dol.= The devil! [_Aside._] Where did that infernal rascal get to!
[_To ANASTASIA._] I beg a million pardons, madam! [_Aside._] Confound
that rascal! [_To ANASTASIA._] Pray pardon me, madam--a mistake, I
assure you--mistook you for another.
=Anas.= Oh!
=Dol.= [_L. Aside._] What an amiable creature!
=Anas.= [_R. Aside._] What a charming personage, and so very
polite--Hem!
=Dol.= Did you speak, madam?
=Anas.= Such a beautiful evening!
=Enter= _RALPH, L. 4 E. He pauses at C._
=Dol.= Why, yes! and doubly so since the arrival of such charming
simplicity.
=Ralph.= Ha! ha! ha! [_Comes down C. ANASTASIA and DOLLERCLUTCH are
startled. ANASTASIA_ =Exits= _R. 2 E., with great dignity._]
=Dol.= [_L._] Were you laughing at me, sir?
=Ralph.= Yes! at the picture of charming simplicity. Ha! ha! ha!
=Dol.= Hem! perhaps your name is Paul Pry?
=Ralph.= Perhaps it is! [_With a shrug._] If you have any grievance,
there's my card. [_Hands him card, and is about to go._]
=Dol.= [_Looks at card. Aside._] Ralph Murdell?--the devil! [_To
RALPH._] Well, I thought you were either a Paul Pry or a villainous
rascal!
=Ralph.= [_Turns suddenly._] What did you say?
=Dol.= I say we are often mistaken. [_Crosses to R. Aside._] I'll keep
my eyes on you, my fine bird. [=Exit= _R. 2 E._]
=Ralph.= [_Looking around._] Where is Hilda? I did not like the look in
her eye! I must be careful, or she will upset all my plans. She comes.
=Enter= _HILDA, R. 2 E._
=Ralph.= You are late!
=Hil.= I am, sir! but not too late for what I have to say. Think you I
will stand calmly by and witness your villainy and allow you to deceive
another as you have basely deceived me? No! If I am not your wife in
law, I am in the sight of Heaven, and I dare you to make another victim.
=Ralph.= [_L., aside._] I must pacify her somehow. [_To HILDA._] Hilda!
[_Takes her hand and leads her to bench L. 3 E._ =Enter= _ADRIENNE in
background R. 5 E. She listens behind statue L. 4 E._] I have repented
saying those harsh words. I did not mean it. It was in anger I spoke.
=Hil.= Oh, Ralph! if I could only believe you.
=Ralph.= You can; and if you could but look into my heart you would
know that you, and you only, are the one for whom its pulses beat.
=Enter= _REGINALD and ANASTASIA R. 2 E. ADRIENNE comes down C.
majestically. RALPH and HILDA rise. ANASTASIA R., REGINALD R. C.,
ADRIENNE C., RALPH L. C., HILDA L._
=Adri.= Reginald Maitland, you offered me your heart and hand and I
refused. I have reconsidered my refusal. If you still honor me with the
offer, I accept. [=Tableau.= =Enter= _all quickly. DOLLERCLUTCH, R. 3
E. CORIOLANUS, R. 2 E. SAMMY and ADOLPHUS, L. 3 E. HILDA and ANASTASIA
faint. ANASTASIA falls into the arms of DOLLERCLUTCH. CORIOLANUS looks
on with envy. SAMMY and ADOLPHUS try to support HILDA. Comic business.
REGINALD accepts ADRIENNE'S hand eagerly. ADRIENNE, with heaving bosom,
majestically defiant to RALPH. RALPH disconcerted._]
REG. ADRI.
DOLLER. RALPH.
ANAS. SAM., ADOL.
CORIO. HILDA.
_R._ _L._
_C._
=Quick Curtain.=