=Scene 1=: SITTING ROOM OF THE MAITLAND COTTAGE.
_ANASTASIA discovered knitting, seated at table, L. C. CORIOLANUS
at door, R. 3 E._
=Anas.= Coriolanus, have you ordered the carriage to the station?
=Corio.= Your orders have been obeyed, madam! [_With bow. Crosses to
C._]
=Anas.= Then everything is in readiness for the reception of the bride
and groom. You may retire, Coriolanus, and be pleased to announce them
as soon as they arrive.
=Corio.= I will hold myself in readiness to gratify your desires.
[_Going, aside._] The darling creature! She cannot trust her feelings
when alone in my presence. Every look, every action, speak of the great
admiration she has for me.
=Anas.= Well! [_Impatiently._] Will you go?
=Corio.= I quicken! [=Exit= _D. R. 3 E._]
=Anas.= The stupid dolt, with his stuck-up manners. I hate him! I
wonder whether Mary has attended to the room. [_Goes to door, L. 2
E., and calls._] Mary! Mary! [_MARY answers off entrance_, "Ma'am."]
Have you thoroughly aired Reginald's apartments? [_MARY, as before_,
"Yes, Ma'am." _ANASTASIA closes door._] So! Reginald and his bride will
soon be here, and they will find everything well regulated, thanks to
my personal supervision. I can't say that I like Reginald's choice.
The bold thing, to throw herself upon a man like that, and before
everybody, too! It's outrageous--not a bit of maidenly modesty--I shall
hate her, I know I shall. And Reginald was so pleased to accept the
proud thing. What fools men are! Well, well; I hope the dear boy will
not be disappointed in her and live unhappily. [_She sighs heavily
and resumes knitting._] What a strange thing love is, to be sure. Who
could that stranger have been I met in the garden--such a splendid man!
So full of good sense! So polite! Oh, perfectly lovely! I could fall
in love with such a dear man. [=Enter= _MORRIS MAITLAND, D. R. 2 E._]
I----Morris!
=Mor.= [_C._] Not yet arrived? H'm! The train must be late. Has the
carriage gone?
=Anas.= Yes, brother! I gave Coriolanus strict orders to attend to it!
=Mor.= Well, I suppose they will get here in good time. But it's
getting late--past nine o'clock. [_At table, L. C._] Sister, you will
do all in your power to make Reginald's wife comfortable and receive
her with the respect due the wife of my honored son.
=Anas.= I will do my part, Morris, provided she does hers. But I'm
afraid Reginald has made a poor choice.
=Mor.= Sister, you are prejudiced. Reginald is an honest, sensible and
dutiful son. Although her connections are very aristocratic, more so,
in fact, than I could cordially approve, yet, I have faith in him to
believe that his choice has been wise, and that she will prove an honor
to my son and the pride of his father's heart.
=Anas.= Well, I have no more to say. I hope that she will fulfill your
expectations.
=Mor.= She is now my daughter and shall receive a hearty welcome into
the bosom of our family.
=Enter= _CORIOLANUS, D. R. 3 E._
=Corio.= Reginald and Adrienne Maitland! [_MORRIS at L. C.; ANASTASIA
rises and goes to fireplace, L. 3 E._]
=Enter= _REGINALD, ADRIENNE and HILDA, D. R. 3 E. HILDA, R.,
ADRIENNE, R. C., REGINALD, C., MORRIS, L. C., ANASTASIA, L._
=Mor.= [_Embracing REGINALD._] My son! welcome to your paternal home.
=Reg.= Father, allow me to bring to you a daughter, my wife. [_Leads
her to him, then crosses to shake hands with ANASTASIA._]
=Mor.= My daughter, welcome to our humble home--receive the blessing
of--
=Adri.= [_Coldly._] Thanks! You honor me. [_Crosses to L._] Reginald,
[_wearily_] I am tired. [_MORRIS retreats painfully. ANASTASIA
exchanges looks with him and draws herself loftily erect._]
=Reg.= Adrienne, my aunt--Miss Maitland.
=Adri.= [_Bows haughtily._] We've met before. [_To REGINALD._] Conduct
me to my room. [_REGINALD bows._ =Exeunt= _ADRIENNE and REGINALD, D.
L. 2 E. HILDA follows with wraps, etc. MORRIS crosses to R. Sinks in
armchair R. of table._]
=Anas.= H'm! I thought so! An iceberg. Proud and dignified. Above such
humble surroundings! Brother!
=Mor.= My son! my son!
=Anas.= Did I not tell you? Perhaps you'll give me credit in the future
for a little sense.
=Mor.= [_Sternly._] Anastasia! Leave me.
=Anas.= Well, you needn't bite my head off because I spoke the truth.
[=Exit= _in dudgeon, D. R. 3 E._]
=Mor.= My fondest expectations blighted. Heaven grant they will be
happy! but--[_shakes his head_] I doubt it--I doubt it.
=Enter= _REGINALD, D. L. 2 E. He approaches table slowly. MORRIS
rises and turns away._
=Reg.= Father!
=Mor.= [_Turns suddenly and embraces him._] Oh, my son! I had such
hopes for your future happiness! But alas!
=Reg.= Why, father, can you for a moment doubt it? [_MORRIS shakes his
head._] Adrienne is fatigued--worn out--weary from travel. Our journey
has been extensive. In the morning she will be herself again.
=Mor.= I sincerely hope so, my son! but I fear you have made a great
mistake. You may have loved well, but I fear too unwisely.
=Reg.= Father, you are mistaken in Adrienne. She is all that is
noble--as free from deceit and the taint of the world as a child
unborn. No, no, father! she is all that an honorable man could wish.
=Mor.= For your sake, I wish I could think as you do, but I cannot. Did
she love you as a wife should, she would honor her husband so much as
to show her respect, at least, to his father.
=Reg.= You had a right to expect a warmer acknowledgment of your
welcome. But consider her fatigue. Time will command the respect and
love due her husband's father.
=Mor.= Love is a spontaneous outburst of the heart. It is not of
gradual growth. It takes not time to discover true innate worth in a
person. Love detects it at a glance, and time only confirms the first
impression. My son, is she all that you desire?
=Reg.= Yes, father, all.
=Mor.= And are you sure that she loves you?
=Reg.= [_Confused._] Yes, father--that is--I--
=Mor.= Why this confusion?
=Reg.= I think she does.
=Mor.= Think? Why, did she not tell you as much?
=Reg.= Father, we will not discuss this subject any further. Suffice it
to say that she is my wife, and I have sworn to love and honor her till
death do us part, and I will do my duty, sir!
=Mor.= So be it, my son! and may Providence, who watches over us all,
grant you a happy life. Heaven bless you, my son! [_Clock strikes._]
The hour for retiring is at hand. You will call your wife to attend our
usual family devotion in the library ere retiring for the night.
=Reg.= I attend your pleasure! [=Exit= _D. L. 2 E. MORRIS strikes bell
on table._]
=Enter= _ANASTASIA, followed by CORIOLANUS, D. R. 3 E. CORIOLANUS
R., ANASTASIA C., MORRIS L._
=Anas.= Shall I call Reginald's wife?
=Mor.= Reginald has gone to do so.
=Anas.= Oh!
=Mor.= Please retire to the library; I will follow shortly. [=Exit=
_ANASTASIA, followed by CORIOLANUS, D. R. 3 E._]
=Enter= _REGINALD, D. L. 2 E. MORRIS crosses to R. C._
=Reg.= [_L. C._] Father, Adrienne wishes to be excused; she is too
tired!
=Mor.= My son, you know the laws of this house. All the members of the
family must attend family prayer. This law has ever been kept inviolate
by my ancestors, and it shall not be broken in this instance. You will
inform your wife that I insist upon her attendance. [=Exit= _REGINALD
D. L. 2 E. MORRIS walks the floor._]
=Enter= _ADRIENNE quickly, D. L. 2 E., followed by REGINALD. She
crosses to table, L. C. MORRIS R. C._
=Adri.= Sir, in answer to your request, I asked to be excused;
nevertheless, you insist upon a sacrifice of my own inclinations and
desires. In this matter, I wish to inform you, I will suit my own
pleasure. Good-night, sir! [_Going._]
=Mor.= Madam, I respect your desires, and as the wife of my son, I
honor you. But there are certain rules in this household from which
there is no departure, and this is one. From time immemorial has this
custom been a law at our fireside. As you are now a member of our
family, I ask of you, [_ADRIENNE turns away_] nay, I beg of you, be not
the first to violate this rule.
=Adri.= [_Haughtily._] I refuse to comply!
=Mor.= [_Sternly._] Then, madam, you compel me to assert my authority.
As the master of this house, I insist upon your attendance at family
prayer!
=Adri.= [_Drawing herself erect._] Sir!
=Reg.= [_At fire-place._] Father!
=Mor.= Nay! I command you!
=Adri.= [_To REGINALD._] Will you stand by and allow this indignity?
=Reg.= Adrienne--I--
=Mor.= [_Crosses to D. R. 3 E._] Enough! I await your presence in the
library. [=Exit= _D. R. 3 E. ADRIENNE sinks into chair on R. of table.
REGINALD in a pleading attitude. Whistle scene._]
=Scene 2=: A STREET IN 1ST GROOVES.
=Enter= RALPH, _L. 1 E._
=Ralph.= Confound it, I cannot bear it any longer. This wandering
around, nursing my wrath, is becoming unendurable. After having won
her love, to be snatched from me by that infernal Maitland--curse
him!--and all through that she-devil, Hilda--curse them both! Oh! I
could tear them to pieces!
=Enter= _HENRY, R. 1 E., in officer's uniform with paper in hand.
RALPH turns away._
=Hen.= [_Aside._] Ralph Murdell! I never liked the looks of that man.
[_To RALPH._] Hello! Lost your tongue? [_R. C._]
=Ralph.= [_C._] No! but I lost something else!
=Hen.= Lost a love, perhaps?
=Ralph.= No! I've lost my temper!
=Hen.= [_Aside._] Was spooney on Adrienne! [_To RALPH._] Well, I'm glad
you lost it!
=Ralph.= Glad I lost what?
=Hen.= Your temper.
=Ralph.= Oh! I didn't understand.
=Hen.= Why, if you _lost_ your temper, you are well rid of it, and
ought to be jolly. But you look as if you had it still. Ha! ha! ha!
=Ralph.= Confound your jokes; I'm in no humor for levity.
=Hen.= No, I guess not. But where have you kept yourself buried? I have
not seen you since my sister's Grand Ball. I suppose you know she's
married to Maitland?
=Ralph.= Yes! yes! I wish her much joy. What are you doing in that
uniform?
=Hen.= Oh! I've enlisted in the army and was made a recruiting officer.
There is going to be a hot time. The rebels have taken possession of
all the prominent military stations in the South. And when Lincoln
made a call for three hundred thousand volunteers, I could not resist
the desire to do my duty and help preserve the Union. Besides, I was
getting tired of the lazy, drone-like life of society.
=Ralph.= And are you seeking volunteers?
=Hen.= Yes; besides, I am looking up a lot of individuals whose names I
have here.
=Ralph.= Volunteers?
=Hen.= No! The President has ordered a draft to be made for men, and I
am on the look-out for some.
=Ralph.= Have you got me down in the draft?
=Hen.= No! You are one of the lucky ones!
=Ralph.= Indeed! But it would have pleased me if you had. Still, you
can accept me as a volunteer.
=Hen.= [_Aside._] H'm! his disappointment has made him desperate. [_To
RALPH._] You surprise me, Murdell--you have more patriotism than I gave
you credit for.
=Ralph.= This sort of life is too tame for me. I long for excitement!
=Hen.= [_Hands him paper and pencil._] You will please sign here!
=Ralph.= [_Signs paper._] And when shall I report for duty?
=Hen.= To-morrow morning at ten o'clock, at headquarters.
=Ralph.= All right! I'll go and make the necessary preparations. I
shall be on hand. [=Exit= _R. 1 E._]
=Hen.= [_Crosses to L._] I'm glad Adrienne did not marry that chap, for
I did think that she thought a great deal of him. But you can never
tell anything about women. They never do what you think they will.
However, I am more than pleased that things have turned out as they
did. A better or truer man never lived than Reginald Maitland.
=Enter= _SAMMY and ADOLPHUS arm in arm, R. 1 E. They do not
perceive HENRY._
=Sam.= I for one am getting discouraged. I've proposed to twenty-three
women in two weeks and been rejected twenty-three times. [_HENRY
examines paper._]
=Adol.= And I've been rejected as many times as I've proposed. If I
only had the courage I'd drown myself.
=Sam.= And if I only had the chance I'd enlist. But come, let us drown
our troubles in a glass of soda water. [_Going towards L. 1 E._]
=Hen.= Halt! [_SAMMY and ADOLPHUS clutch each other in terror._]
=Sam.= } Oh! Oh! [_ADOLPHUS and SAMMY C. HENRY L._]
=Adol.= }
=Hen.= [_To SAMMY._] Your name!
=Sam.= Sammy Dewdrop!
=Hen.= Right! [_To ADOLPHUS._] And yours?
=Adol.= Adolphus Softhead!
=Hen.= Right again! Gentlemen, I am happy to inform you that you have
been drafted! [_SAMMY and ADOLPHUS collapse, terror-stricken._]
=Adol.= Oh! I shall die!
=Sam.= [_Trying to brace up, but shaking like a leaf._] Why don't you
take it bravely like me? [_To ADOLPHUS._]
=Adol.= I can't. I'll never come back alive--I know I shan't.
=Sam.= [_Brightening up suddenly._] I have it. Happy thought. [_To
HENRY._] But they won't take me--I am in the last stage of consumption.
[_Coughs._] And they don't take consumptives.
=Adol.= [_Eagerly._] And I have got--[_Beckons HENRY to come nearer--he
whispers in his ear._]
=Hen.= Very well, gentlemen. If that is so, you are exempt. [_SAMMY and
ADOLPHUS elated, about to go._] Halt! You will first accompany me to
headquarters, where you will be examined by the doctor; and then, if
you are in the condition you say you are, you will be allowed to go.
[_SAMMY and ADOLPHUS get weak in the knees._]
=Sam.= [_To ADOLPHUS._] It's no use, Dolphy, the jig's up!
=Adol.= Why was I born?
=Hen.= About face! Forward, march. [=Exeunt= _all L. 1 E. Whistle
scene._]
=Scene 3=: OUTSIDE OF THE MAITLAND COTTAGE.
=Enter= _HILDA, L. 2 E._
=Hil.= Oh! what shall I do! my mistress is so unhappy. She is pining
away day by day, and all for love for that worthless villain, Ralph.
Oh, if I could only unburden my heart to her and tell her all! If she
only knew how base he is she would not grieve so. Sometimes, when I
see her silent despair, I feel tempted to tell her all. But I promised
to keep silent until I heard from Mr. Dollerclutch. I fear he also has
deserted me. Here comes my mistress! I will avoid her! I cannot witness
her misery--my heart goes out to her. [=Exit= _R. 2 E._]
=Enter= _ADRIENNE, L. 2 E. She is very pale. Sits on bench R. C._
=Adri.= When will this torture end? Could I but recall the fatal words
that doomed me to a loveless life! I can only blame my impulsive
nature. I knew not what I did--I was mad--and I must suffer the bitter
consequences. Oh, cruel, cruel fate! [_Her head sinks on her arm, which
is resting on back of bench._]
=Enter= _MORRIS from cottage on L._
=Mor.= [_At L. C._] Madam!
=Adri.= [_Starts and rises haughtily._] Your pleasure, sir!
=Mor.= There is a matter I wish to speak to you about.
=Adri.= Proceed, sir!
=Mor.= It is about my son. [_ADRIENNE braces herself._] Until your
advent into our family all was peace and sunshine; but now all is
mystery and clouds. And you, madam, are the cause of this condition of
affairs. [_ADRIENNE presses her hand to her heart._] I speak in behalf
of my son. Since his marriage to you I have noted a change in him.
There is something weighing heavily on his mind.
=Adri.= And has _he_ sent you to plead his cause?
=Mor.= No, madam! He has defended you in every particular; he has tried
to hide the true state of affairs. His sense of honor is so high that
he would not listen to a word against your action. His vow at the altar
is sacred to him; he would suffer anything without a murmur, and he
will ever defend his wife from the sneers of the world.
=Adri.= Will you enlighten me, sir, as to the nature of my offense?
=Mor.= You have destroyed the happiness of my son's life. He cannot
hide the disappointment of his honest heart from the searching gaze of
a father.
=Adri.= Sir! It is best that we understand each other. I decline
further to listen to your upbraidings. You have no right to question
my actions. I forbid you ever to broach this subject again. The die is
cast. I know my duty as a wife; and to my husband, and to him alone,
will I hold myself accountable for my actions. [=Exit= _majestically L.
2 E. MORRIS looks after her._]
=Enter= _ANASTASIA, R. 2 E._
=Anas.= Brother Morris, I'll not put up with it any longer. Things are
getting to be in a pretty strait when a person of my standing must
submit to such snubbing--yes, brother, I repeat, _snubbing_.
=Mor.= Don't bother me! [=Exit= _into cottage._]
=Enter= _DOLLERCLUTCH, gate C._
=Anas.= [_Looking after MORRIS, angrily._] Well, I never! another snub!
=Dol.= [_Down R._] Ahem!
=Anas.= [_Turns suddenly._] There's that sweet man again. [_She affects
shyness._]
=Dol.= I beg your pardon, madam! but allow me to express my pleasure in
being so fortunate as to meet your lovely self under such auspicious
circumstances.
=Anas.= You flatter me!
=Dol.= By no means, madam!--by no means. That is something I would not
be guilty of. What I said came from the heart, madam--from the heart!
Do you understand?
=Anas.= I think I do, sir! [_Aside._] Perfectly captivating!
=Dol.= Allow me to conduct you to a seat, you are tired standing. [_He
leads her to bench R. C. They sit at each end of bench and gradually
move up closer to each other during the subsequent dialogue. Comic
business._]
=Anas.= [_Aside._] I believe he is going to propose! If he does, I'll
accept him on the instant.
=Dol.= [_Fidgeting._] Madam, I--I--really I have not the pleasure of
your name.
=Anas.= Anastasia Maitland, sir!
=Dol.= Anastasia! What a beautiful name!
=Anas.= Thank you!
=Dol.= And so appropriate to your charming self. It will always remind
me of an angel.
=Anas.= Did you ever see an angel?
=Dol.= Yes, many a one--but they were all painted!
=Anas.= Oh! But I really forgot what you said your name was!
=Dol.= George Washington Dollerclutch, at your service, madam! You may
call me Father of my Country Dollerclutch for short.
=Anas.= Such a grand name! It is so poetical!
=Dol.= [_Nudges up closer._] Ahem!
=Anas.= [_Aside._] The declaration is coming! I will fall in his arms
as soon as he makes it.
=Dol.= Madam--I--I--[_Pulls out baby dress instead of handkerchief and
wipes his face._]
=Anas.= My heart goes pitti-di-pat! [_Sees baby dress._] Oh! [_She
turns away._]
=Dol.= [_Notices it for the first time. Aside._] Confound it! I thought
I had my handkerchief. [_To ANASTASIA._] I beg your pardon, madam!
[_Puts it away and gets his handkerchief. ANASTASIA smiles sweetly and
bows her head._] Ahem! as I was going to say--
=Enter= _CORIOLANUS, L. 2 E._
=Dol.= You are--you are--[_Sees CORIOLANUS._] The devil! [_Starts
up. CORIOLANUS holds himself proudly erect. ANASTASIA_ =Exits= _with
dignity into cottage._]
=Cor.= [_Aside._] A rival?
=Dol.= Playing the eavesdropper, eh! [_Aside._] I'll bounce the rascal!
[_Leaps upon him suddenly and runs him off R. 2 E._] I'll teach you
better manners. [_Walks down stage._]
=Enter= _HILDA, R. 2 E._
=Dol.= Don't come back or I'll--[_Sees HILDA._] Oh!
=Hil.= [_Comes forward quickly._] Oh, sir! You have come at last. What
news have you--is it good or bad?
=Dol.= My dear child, I have both good and bad. I have searched the
church register, but found no record of the marriage.
=Hil.= Alas! Then I have no hope. [_Sobs._]
=Dol.= [_Pulls out handkerchief._] Now don't you cry--if you do I'll
throw up the case. [_She continues to sob._] Didn't I tell you my news
was both good and bad?
=Hil.= [_Looks up hopefully._] Yes! Yes!
=Dol.= But I found that about the time you were married a leaf was torn
out--and I'll stake my life that it was the record of your marriage.
=Hil.= But who could have done such a thing?
=Dol.= I strongly suspect that infernal villain of a husband of yours,
to hide the evidence of your marriage to him!
=Hil.= Then I am lost! for he surely must have destroyed it. Oh, what
shall I do--what shall I do!
=Dol.= Shut up! If you get me all excited, I'll have nothing to do
with it. I don't believe he has destroyed it at all, but has it in his
possession. I'm going to do a little detective work, and I warrant you
that I'll spare no money to gain my point. I said I'd see this thing
through, and hang me if I don't go my length in it.
=Hil.= Oh, thank you, sir!
=Dol.= Now listen to my plan. [_Noise heard, L. 2 E._]
=Hil.= Some one approaches! Let us walk on a piece, where there is no
danger of being overheard. [=Exeunt= _HILDA and DOLLERCLUTCH, R. 2 E._]
=Enter= _ANASTASIA, L. 2 E., with letter in hand._
=Anas.= [_Looks around._] I have written a few lines to the dear man,
just to encourage him a bit--he seemed so confused. I will leave it
here on this bench. [_Lays it on bench R. C._] He will surely come back
and find it. George Washington Dollerclutch! Oh! he must be a brave man
to have such a grand name! [_Noise heard, R. 2 E._] I hear footsteps!
It must be he returning--I'll retire for a few moments. [=Exit= _L. 2
E._]
=Enter= _CORIOLANUS, R. 2 E._
=Cor.= How dare he lay violent hands upon me--a gentleman of nobility!
I cannot suffer such indignity to pass unnoticed. [_Sees letter on
bench._] What's this! a letter?--and her handwriting, too! [_Reads._]
"To one I love"--hem! that's me! [_Opens it--reads._] "Thou adorable
one with the brave sounding name,"--she likes my name! "Ever since
our first meeting have you made the profoundest impression upon my
heart."--I knew it! "Maidenly modesty has prevented me from making an
open expression of my affection. My heart expands within my bosom. If
you love me wear a red necktie and smile upon me when next we meet.
With all maidenly reserve, I am yours, A. M." I will procure the
necktie at once, and prepare to satisfy the longing of her heart with
the knowledge that her love is returned. [=Exit= _CORIOLANUS, L. 2 E._]
=Enter= _HENRY, gate C._
=Hen.= [_With draft in hand._] I think I have secured all the
persons in the draft but two, and they are Coriolanus Wellington and
George Washington Dollerclutch. That Dollerclutch has led me quite a
chase--been looking for him two days. Wherever I've looked for him I
was informed he had just left. I believe the rascal is dodging me. But
I guess I'm sure of the other chap--he's a servant here with Adrienne's
father-in-law. I'll go in and secure him. [=Exit= _into cottage._]
=Enter= _DOLLERCLUTCH and HILDA, R. 2 E._
=Dol.= Now you leave everything in my hands and I'll see that I bring
you through your trouble all right. I've got all the points on this
paper. Now go into the house before we are discovered. I'll soon bring
the smiles back again.
=Hil.= Oh, thank you! Heaven bless you for befriending a helpless girl.
[=Exit= _HILDA into cottage._]
=Enter= _ANASTASIA, L. 2 E. DOLLERCLUTCH puts paper into pocket._
=Anas.= [_Aside._] He has just read my letter. Ahem!
=Dol.= [_Turns._] My dear madam! Pray be seated! [_Leads her to bench
R. C._] I regret extremely that our last interview was so abruptly
terminated by the advent of that ignorant jackass--
=Enter= _CORIOLANUS, L. 2 E., wearing a ridiculously large red
necktie. He strikes dignified attitudes and tries to attract
ANASTASIA'S attention to it. He tries to smile--but they are very
sickly smiles._
=Anas.= [_Stares at CORIOLANUS._] Oh!
=Dol.= [_Aside._] There's that confounded idiot again. Look at the
grinning hyena.
=Anas.= Well, I never! The man must be crazy.
=Dol.= [_Rising._] Madam! with your permission, I will crush the
rascal. [_ANASTASIA nods assent. DOLLERCLUTCH bounces him--they
struggle off L. 2 E. Sound of broken glass. DOLLERCLUTCH returns, his
clothes ruffled._] I guess I fixed him that time--I landed him in the
hot-house.
=Anas.= [_Admiringly._] I knew you were a brave man!
=Dol.= Well, I must say I am rather proud of my bravery. I was not
named George Washington for nothing.
=Enter= _HENRY from cottage._
=Hen.= [_Aside._] At last! [_To DOLLERCLUTCH._] George Washington
Dollerclutch, I beg to inform you that you are drafted. You will
accompany me to headquarters.
=Dol.= [_Terror-stricken._] Oh, Lord!
=Enter= _CORIOLANUS, L. 2 E., face and hands cut--his clothes
disordered. ANASTASIA R., DOLLERCLUTCH R. C., HENRY C., CORIOLANUS
L. C._
=Cor.= What! I calmly submit to this outrage? Never! I'll tear him to
pieces.
=Hen.= [_Seizing CORIOLANUS._] You are drafted to help preserve
the Union. [_CORIOLANUS is frightened. During the above ANASTASIA
pantomimes to DOLLERCLUTCH to follow her and escape._ =Exit= _ANASTASIA
R. 2 E. DOLLERCLUTCH about to follow her. HENRY sees him and points
revolver at him._] Halt! [_DOLLERCLUTCH turns and sees revolver and is
frightened._] Advance three paces--halt! About face! [_CORIOLANUS takes
position on his right._] That will do. Now, gentlemen, before we go to
headquarters, you will accompany me into the house until I get some
lunch; then we will proceed on our journey. Left face! Forward march!
[=Exeunt= _all into cottage._]
=Enter= _ADRIENNE, followed by REGINALD, L. 2 E._
=Reg.= Adrienne!
=Adri.= [_R. C. Turns._] Your pleasure, Reginald!
=Reg.= [_Quietly, but firmly._] Adrienne, I desire a few moments'
conversation. What I have to say is for your ears only!
=Adri.= Proceed, Reginald. I hear you!
=Reg.= Adrienne, the time has come when I must speak--I can no longer
bear the cold, dignified reserve with which you treat me--your husband.
There is a motive for all things--and there must be a motive that
prompts your action. We are man and wife, and open candor and frankness
should exist between us.
=Adri.= Have I not fulfilled my duty, sir? Have I not shown you the
honor and respect that you have a right to demand from a wife?
=Reg.= You have honored and respected me, Adrienne, but I have a right
to expect even more.
=Adri.= I do not understand!
=Reg.= I have a right to expect your love! [_ADRIENNE retreats a step,
her hand pressed to her heart._] Yes, Adrienne! Marriage is a holy act
which ought to be based on the rock of love; else it becomes a sordid
and disgraceful bargain, devoid of sacredness and heavenly sanction.
[_She recoils._] When I led you to the altar it was with the firm
belief that our marriage would be a holy and sacred bond, founded upon
the eternal principle of love. But your manner since has caused me to
doubt the sincerity of your heart.
=Adri.= [_Haughtily._] Did I, when I accepted your hand, say that I
returned your love?
=Reg.= No! In my eyes you were an ideal woman, of the highest and
noblest sentiment--devoid of worldly ambition and desire. That was
sufficient. Could I then doubt the feeling which actuated your
acceptance of my heart and hand? [_Slight pause._] Adrienne! say that I
am not disappointed in you--say that your sacred vow at the altar, "to
love, honor and obey," was not a hollow sham--speak, Adrienne, speak!
[_Pause. REGINALD turns away._]
=Adri.= [_Recovering slowly._] I will be honest with you, sir! You have
a right to know. Could I but recall those fatal words that bound me for
life to one I can never love, I would willingly lay down my life. I
refused you when you first offered yourself, because I loved another.
When I witnessed his perfidy, a few moments later, in a fit of pique,
I accepted you. When I recovered from the mad impulse that swayed my
being, I awakened to the misery into which I had plunged myself, and I
almost hated you for tempting me to this agonizing bondage.
=Reg.= [_With intense feeling suppressed._] Madam, the die is cast! You
bear my name--you are my wife--that cannot be recalled, for that is
recorded above. You will ever receive at my hands the respect that is
due my wife. I shall provide for and protect you as long as He, in His
good mercy, does grant me life. You will always find this, my paternal
home, yours to enjoy.
=Adri.= [_Alarmed._] What would you do?
=Reg.= Madam, it must be evident to you that my hopes in life are
blighted; that I would not weary your sight with the presence of one
who would be a constant reproach to your misery and folly. I will
leave you. Perhaps the day may come when your heart may change and
turn toward the husband. If so, the words, "Reginald, I love you--come
back," will bring to your bosom the husband, who will always be true to
his sacred vow at the altar. [_Crosses to L._]
=Enter= _HENRY, DOLLERCLUTCH and CORIOLANUS, followed by
ANASTASIA, MORRIS and HILDA, from cottage. HENRY back of bench, R.
DOLLERCLUTCH and ADOLPHUS, R. MORRIS and ANASTASIA, up C. HILDA
crosses to ADRIENNE. ADRIENNE is overcome. She sinks on bench, R.
C._
=Reg.= [_To HENRY._] Henry, accept a new recruit, who is ready to fight
for the preservation of the Union and protect the Stars and Stripes.
[_Takes roll and pencil and signs it._]
=Adri.= [_Starting up, with outstretched hands._] Reginald, stay!
=Hen.= Too late! [_ADRIENNE faints. HILDA attends her at bench, R. C._]
=Tableau.=
DOLLER. CORIO.
HEN. MORRIS.
HIL. ADRI. REG. ANAS.
=Curtain.=