_A Saloon with bay windows opening on a Terrace, from which steps
descend to lawn and grounds at back--Piano, R. U. E.--Books,
Papers, Vases, &c., &c._
_DE BEVANNES, DR. DESMARETS, MAD. LAROQUE, MARGUERITE,
MADEMOISELLE HELOUIN, MAD. AUBREY discovered. As Curtain rises, M.
DE BEVANNES is conversing with several young ladies on the terrace
at back. DESMARETS reading paper, L. C. MADAME LAROQUE wrapped in
furs, L. reading a book. MARGUERITE near her mother, at tapestry
work. MADAME AUBREY, R. C. knitting. MAD'LLE HELOUIN arranging
flowers in vase, R. Great talking and laughing from the party on
the terrace as the curtain rises._
_Bevannes._ Very well, very well, young ladies, if you insist upon it.
The ladies are determined on a waltz on the terrace.
_Madame Laroque._ What! in the broiling sun?
_Bev._ The roses do not fear the sun. Why should the lilies?
_Ladies_ [_all courtesey._] Oh, how pretty.
_Bev._ Yes, rather neat, I think. [_To MARGUERITE_] Mademoiselle, may I
hope for the honor?
_Mar._ Thank you. Despite your pretty speech, I confess to a fear of
waltzing in the sun. But I'll play for you with pleasure.
[_Goes towards Piano, R._
_Bev._ [_Aside to her._] Always cruel. [_To M'LLE HELOUIN_,]
Mademoiselle, may I request the pleasure?
_Mlle Helouin._ Oh! certainly.
_Bev._ [_Aside to her._] Ever kind.
[_MARGUERITE plays--they waltz and gradually disappear._
_Mad. L._ Have you seen my new conservatory, Doctor?
_Des._ No, Madame.
_Mad. L._ Well, I must show it to you, if I can drag myself so far.
_Des._ Drag? Why, good gracious! You're the picture of health this
morning--fresh as a rose.
_Mad. L._ Fresh? Frozen. It's a curious fact, Doctor, that since I left
the Antilles, twenty years ago, I have never yet known what it was to
feel comfortably warm.
_Des._ That accounts for your continued good looks. Consult your Cookery
Book, page 18. If you want to preserve things fresh, you must keep them
cold. And you, Madame, [_To MADAME AUBREY_] how do _you_ find yourself?
_Madame Aubrey._ Very weak, Doctor. I ate a tolerable breakfast this
morning.
_Des._ [_Aside._] You may say that. Three eggs and a broiled chicken.
_Mad. A._ And I feel a fullness--
_Des._ [_Aside._] I should think so.
_Mad. A._ In the head.
_Des._ Ah!
_Mad. A._ The fact is, Doctor, I am subject to such continual chagrin,
such cruel mortifications here. Dependent upon others for certain
luxuries which I can't get for myself.
_Des._ Why not?
_Mad. A._ Things are so dear. Ah, Doctor, nothing will soothe me but
death.
_Des._ Well, _that's_ cheap!
_Mad. A._ Brute! [_Aside._
_Mar._ [_at Piano._] Here they come again.
_She plays. The waltzers appear on terrace. In the midst of this
dancing, MANUEL comes up steps, as if from lawn below. They
separate R. and L. and regard him with some astonishment. He has
a portfolio under his arm._
_Mar._ Well, why don't you go on?
_Des._ [_Aside._] At last, [_aloud._] Madame Laroque, permit me to
present to you, M. Manuel, the new Steward.
_MAD. LAROQUE rises and salutes MANUEL, at the same time ringing a
bell. A servant enters and goes to MANUEL, taking from him a small
portmanteau, which he carries off. MARGUERITE goes over to L. of
MAD. LAROQUE._
_Bev._ Rather a stylish looking steward!
_Mad. L._ Why, Doctor, what does this mean? You promised a quiet,
simple, steady young man, and you bring me a fine gentleman like this.
_As MANUEL comes down R. C., MAD'LLE HELOUIN sees him._
_Mlle. H._ [_Aside._] It is the Marquis de Champcey!
[_Goes up to ladies._
MAD. AUBREY--MANUEL--DESMARETS--BEVANNES--MAD. LAROQUE--MADEMOISELLE
HELOUIN--MARGUERITE.
_Mad. L._ Pardon, sir, you are Monsieur--
_Man._ Manuel, Madame.
_Mad. L._ The new Steward?
_Man._ Yes, Madame.
_Mad. L._ You are quite sure?
_Des._ [_Aside._] That's not bad.
_Man._ Madame!
_Bev._ The lady wishes to know whether you are yourself.
_Man._ I have always been under that impression, sir.
[_BEVANNES goes up._
_Des._ [_Aside._] The conversation is becoming brilliant--I'll leave
them to enjoy it. [_Exit at back--BEVANNES comes down to MARQUIS._
_Mad. L._ Sir, we are indebted to you for devoting your talents to our
service; we really require them, for we have the misfortune to be
immensely rich.
_Mad. A._ Misfortune, dear?
_Mad. L._ Yes, love; wealth is a heavy burthen.
_Mad. A._ But a very pleasant one.
_Mad. L._ You'd find it hard to bear, dear.
_Mad. A._ I should like to _try_, darling.
_Mad. L._ I feel that I was born for the devotion and self-sacrifice
entailed by poverty. Ah! my dear Bevannes, should I not have made an
excellent Sister of Charity?
_Bev._ You are already the next thing to it, Madame?
_Mad. L._ How so?
_Bev._ [_Indicating MARGUERITE._] The mother of goodness.
_Mar._ Oh, sir.
_Mad. L._ But do you not agree with me?
_Bev._ In what?
_Mad. L._ That wealth is a heavy responsibility.
_Bev._ Doubtless. But then you have the comfort of knowing that
there are always some devoted friends willing to relieve you.
_Mad. L._ [_Rings._] But _my_ fortune is not mine to dispose of--for
my duty obliges me to preserve it for my child.
_Enter ALAIN._
Alain, show this gentleman to his apartments--but first, you must be
introduced to my father-in-law. Ask if Monsieur Laroque can see the
gentleman. [_Exit ALAIN--MANUEL up stage._] And now, we will take a
stroll to the conservatory. What has become of that horrid doctor?
[_As she rises, her shawl falls off--MANUEL comes forward and assists
her._] Oh! thank you, sir.
_Re-enter ALAIN._
_Alain._ Monsieur Laroque is coming down, Madame. [_Exit at back._
_Mad. L._ [_To MARGUERITE._] My dear, will you stay and introduce
Monsieur Manuel to your grandpapa?
_Mar._ Certainly, if you wish it.
_Mad. L._ Now, my dear Bevannes, your arm.
_Bev._ [_Who has been talking to MARGUERITE._] Eh?
_Mad. L._ You shall accompany us--
_Bev._ [_To MARGUERITE._] This is too bad.
[_Gives arm to MADAME LAROQUE._
_Mar._ Oh! Monsieur de Bevannes, how happy you ought to feel--arm in arm
with "the mother of goodness."
_Bev._ I do feel happy--blessed. [_MADAME AUBREY takes his other arm._]
Doubly blessed. [_Exeunt BEVANNES, MADAME LAROQUE and MADAME AUBREY._
_Mlle. H._ [_Aside._] So, so, my lord Marquis. Well, I will keep your
secret, _perhaps_. [_Exit--MARGUERITE seats herself as they go off._
_Mar._ [_After a pause._] Is this your first visit to Brittany, sir?
_Man._ It is, Mademoiselle.
_Mar._ It is an interesting country, I believe, to strangers.
_Man._ Deeply interesting; though I travelled through it so rapidly,
that I had hardly time to appreciate its beauties. What I _did_ see,
however, charmed me.
_Mar._ Ah! an admirer of the picturesque, I perceive, like our
governess. You two will get on very well together--you'll be excellent
companions.
_Man._ Mademoiselle--
_Mar._ Oh, yes; she adores trees, rocks, rivers, etcetera--things that,
for my own part, I don't think very interesting.
_Man._ [_Smiling, and throwing himself carelessly into a chair._] Pray,
then, may I ask what you _do_ think interesting?
_Mar._ [_Rising._] Excuse me, sir.
[_Goes out with a slight and disdainful inclination._
_Man._ A timely reproof--for I was already forgetting my position.
[_ALAIN is crossing the stage._] My friend, a word with you.
_Alain._ Certainly, sir.
_Man._ Monsieur Laroque is very old, is he not?
_Alain._ Oh, yes sir, _very_ old.
_Man._ He was a seaman formerly, I believe?
_Alain._ Yes sir, and a bold one too. Up in the picture gallery, there
are paintings of some of his most famous battles with the English. Ah!
he was a terrible man. Why, sir, if you'll believe me, when the fit is
on him, he will walk for hours alone in that gallery, in a sort of
dream, muttering to himself, and fancying that he is again on board his
ship in the midst of fire and slaughter, and between you and I, sir,
they _do_ say--but hush! he's coming with his granddaughter. [_Music._
_Enter M. LAROQUE, leaning on MARGUERITE._
_Mar._ This way, dear grandfather. So, so. How well and strong you are
to-day. [_ALAIN places chairs and exits._
_Laroque._ Always better and stronger when you are near me, my darling,
[_sits down._] Thank ye, thank ye.
_Mar._ Let me present to you Mons. Manuel, our new steward.
_LAROQUE, on seeing MANUEL, is transfixed and gazes with a sort of
terror at him._
_Lar._ No--no--no--it cannot be!
_Mar._ What is this?
_Lar._ But I tell you he is dead--dead--
_Mar._ Dearest grandfather! [_To_ MANUEL.] For heaven's sake, sir, speak
to him.
_Man._ Really, Mademoiselle--I--I--
_Mar._ Speak, sir! Say something--anything--
_Man._ I am happy, sir, that I can devote my humble talents to your
service.
_Lar._ But he is dead--
_Man._ Who?
_Mar._ The last steward-- [_Signs to MANUEL to speak on._
_Man._ All the more happy, sir, as I have heard of your many brilliant
exploits, and had relatives who, like yourself, have often fought
against the English--
_Lar._ The English! Aye--aye--aye--they did it--they were the cause, but
they paid it all--paid dearly--dearly.
_Man._ [_Approaching._] Permit me, sir, to--
_Lar._ Ah! No--no--no. He has blood upon him! See--see--see--
_Mar._ Grandfather, dear grandfather! Do not regard him, [_To MANUEL._]
he is often thus--his great age--and--and--oh, sir, pray retire; join my
mother, I beg of you.
_Man._ Certainly, Mademoiselle. [_Aside._] A good beginning, truly.
[_Exit._
_Mar._ Grandfather, dearest, what terrible thoughts are troubling you?
See, it is I, Marguerite, your child.
_Lar._ Eh! my child! Ah, yes, true, my child, my own dear child; but
where is--are we alone? Who stood _there_ just now?
_Mar._ That was our new steward, Monsieur Manuel.
_Lar._ Manuel--Manuel--'tis very strange! I thought--
_Mar._ What, dear grandfather?
_Lar._ Thought that--that--
_Mar._ Oh, you thought you recognized him? He is like some one you have
seen before?
_Lar._ Yes--yes--yes--like some one I have seen before. But I am very
old, darling, and have seen so many faces in my time. Well, well, I
think I shall like him. Does he play picquet?
_Mar._ Indeed I do not know--
_Lar._ I hope so, I hope so--
_Enter MAD. AUBREY._
_Mad. H._ Ah, my dear cousin, how do you find yourself now? They told me
you were ill, and almost frightened me to death.
_Lar._ Thank ye, cousin, thank ye. It was only a passing weakness.
_Mad. A._ Indeed, I rejoice to hear it, for I was fearful of some
sudden--Oh, why did you not send for me? 'Tis very unkind of you
to forget those who love you so. [_Weeps._
_Mar._ Grandpapa, there's one for you. [_Aside to him._
_Lar._ [_To MAD. AUBREY._] Well, well it's very kind of you to be so
fearful of _something sudden_, but you needn't--I've made my _will_.
[_Aside to MARGUERITE._] There's one for _her_!
_Mad. A._ Come now, take my arm, a walk upon the terrace will do you so
much good. There, don't be afraid to lean on me.
_Lar._ You're very kind, cousin. Thank ye, thank ye. [_Going._]
Marguerite, my darling, ask him if he plays picquet.
_Mar._ I will.
_Lar._ Umph! do you think he does?
_Mar._ I have no doubt of it.
_Lar._ [_As he goes out with_ MAD. AUBREY.] I hope so--I hope so--I
hope so! [_Exeunt LAROQUE and MAD. AUBREY._
_Mar._ My poor grandfather; spite of his failing memory, he sees through
the disinterestedness of our good cousin Aubrey. But those wild words,
his terror at the appearance of this young man, what could that mean? Or
had it any meaning? [_Sees MAD. LAROQUE and MANUEL coming in at back._]
My mother--and leaning on the arm of that person!
_Mad. L._ Precisely my own opinion, sir, my impression exactly; this
is really charming; we agree upon every point.
_Man._ I am flattered, Madame, to think such should be the case.
_Bev._ [_Without._] 'Pon my honor, young ladies, I can't, I really
can't!
_Enter BEVANNES, surrounded by ladies, exclaiming_, "You must,
Indeed!"
_Bev._ Would you believe it, Madame? Those unconscionable ladies
insist on another waltz.
_Mar._ Oh, indeed I cannot play any more--I must finish this to-day--It
is a promise--
_Man._ Pray do not let that inconvenience the ladies--I will play a
waltz with much pleasure. [_Touches Piano._
_Bev._ Sir!
_Mar._ [_Haughtily._] Thank you, sir--it is not requisite.
_Man._ [_Aside._] Forgetting again. [_Goes up Terrace._
_Bev._ [_Aside._] Pretty cool!
_Mar._ Very presuming of that steward.
_Mad L._ Very polite of that _gentleman_.
_Bev._ Highly disgusting to _this_ gentleman.
_Mad. L._ Well, de Bevannes, you must find some other amusement for the
ladies.
_Bev._ 'Gad, I'll soon do that. It's positively fatiguing to be in such
general request with them. They can't do without me for one moment--they
absolutely--
_Turns and perceives MANUEL, who, during the preceding dialogue,
has entered into conversation with the ladies, and has, by this
time, offered his arm to two of them--They all accompany him off._
_Bev._ [_Aside._] Well, if I were given to strong sentiments, I should
wish that fellow at the deuce. As it is, I'll content myself with simply
damning his impudence.
_Mad. L._ Do you know, my dear, that I don't feel quite easy in my mind
about that young man.
_Bev._ [_Aside._] Nor I, either.
_Mar._ Why not, mamma?
_Mad. L._ He is much too charming to make a good steward.
_Mar._ Really; I do not perceive it. A person may be honest and
well-behaved, although he does happen to play on the piano.
_Bev._ I don't know that; I flatter myself I have seen something of the
world, and experience has specially taught me to beware of the man who
plays the piano.
_Mar._ Mamma, dear, will you hand me those scissors?
_Mad. L._ Yes, my child. [_Perceives MANUEL'S portfolio._] Whose
drawing-book is this?
_Mar._ That? oh! that is the steward's--I saw it in his hand when he
came in.
_Mad. L._ I positively must take a peep. Oh! De Bevannes, look!
beautiful! What a charming accomplishment it is to draw well.
_Mar._ Yes, for an engineer, or a builder--
_Bev._ Or an actor--
_Mar._ Why gracious! Monsieur de Bevannes, you have said a good thing.
_Bev._ Have I? Allow me to apologize.
_Mar._ Not at all; it's your _first_ offence.
_Mad. L._ How beautifully finished these groups are.
_Bev._ Positively, they're not so bad.
_Mad. L._ Bad! my dear sir; they're exquisite. Look, for instance at
that horse--is it not perfection?
_Bev._ It would be, doubtless--only it happens to be a cow.
_Mad.L._ A cow?
_Bev._ I think so; horses don't go about with two horns.
_Enter MANUEL._
_Man._ Your pardon, ladies; but I believe I left my drawing-book--
_Mad. L._ Allow me to return it, sir--and to thank you for an accident
which has afforded us much pleasure.
_Man._ Madame, you are too kind--so kind, indeed, that you have too long
refrained from permitting me to commence my duties. With your consent, I
will at once set about them. Your farm at Langeot, of which you spoke to
me, is not more, I think, than a mile or two from this. I will walk over
there this afternoon, and--
_Mad. L._ Walk! over such a miserable bad road as it is. Indeed, sir, I
could not allow it.
_Enter MADAME AUBREY._
_Mad. A._ Hush! Pray, _pray_, not so much noise. My dear cousin has
composed himself to sleep.
_Bev._ Noise! it appears to me we were pretty quiet.
_Mad. A._ Ah, sir, you might think so; but the least sound jars upon
his poor nerves. [_Weeps._
_Bev._ [_Aside._] I never saw such a devil of a woman as this is, to
cry.
_Man._ But I assure you, Madame, that I would rather walk. If I pretend
to be your steward--why steward I must be, and not fine gentleman.
_Mad. L._ [_To_ MARGUERITE.] My dear, would it be proper to allow M.
Manuel to walk?
_Mar._ I believe it is usual for the steward to do so. However, I see no
reason why he should not ride, if he chooses. There are plenty of horses
in the stable.
_Mad. A._ Ah! [_Weeps._
_Bev._ What's the matter, Madame?
_Mad. A._ Talking of riding always overcomes me.
_Bev._ Excuse my peculiar mode of expression--but you appear to me to
pass your life in being perpetually overcome.
_Mad. A._ Women are but fragile flowers. [_Weeps._
_Bev._ They seem to require a deal of water.
_Mad. A._ But horses, sir--talking of horses, puts me in mind of a pet
I had.
_Mad. L._ A pet horse, dear?
_Mad. A._ No, love, a donkey. Oh! [_Weeps._
_Bev._ [_Aside._] Now she's watering the donkey.
_Mad. A._ I had the dear little creature for two years. Just long enough
to--pray listen, sir. [_To MANUEL._
_Man._ I beg your pardon, Madame--I'm all attention--I heard. The
creature had two ears just long enough-- [_All laugh._
_Mad. A._ No, no; I said I had him for two years--just a sufficient time
to love him like a child--when he died--died, sir, of one of those
diseases peculiar to that class of quadruped.
_Man._ Children?
_Mad. A._ No, sir, Donkies! Dear me, it was, Umph! let me see, you must
know, sir, what I mean? [_To BEVANNES._
_Bev._ Measles?
_Mad. A._ No, no, but no matter; He died--
_Bev._ Peace to his ashes. But as you were saying, Madame Laroque, there
are plenty of horses in the stable, and, really, all but ruined for want
of exercise.
_Enter DR. DESMARETS._
_Des._ Yes, that's what you'll _all_ be, if you continue to lounge away
the days as you do.
_Mad. L._ Ah, Doctor, we've missed you dreadfully.
_Des._ What's the matter? anybody sick?
_Bev._ You ought to have been here just now, Doctor; Madame Aubrey has
told the most touching tale--
_Des._ Of a donkey? I know, I've heard it often.
_Bev._ But with regard to a horse for M. Manuel. There's Black Harry--
_Des._ Black Harry! Nobody can ride the brute! He's perfectly
untameable! Why, de Bevannes, you tried it yourself and couldn't.
_Bev._ Ahem! Oh--ah--yes, but I had no spurs.
_Des._ Spurs! Why, you couldn't even get upon his back!
_Bev._ Eh--why--no--not exactly--[_Aside_] Confound him!
_Man._ [_To BEVANNES_] And is Black Harry so very unmanageable?
_Bev._ 'Pon my word I don't see it. He has an insuperable objection to
being mounted, but if you can get upon his back, and _being_ on his
back, can _keep_ there, why, of course, it's a great point in your
favor.
_Man._ [_Smiling._] Certainly an important one.
_Des._ If you except a partiality for biting, and ditto for kicking,
occasionally shying, and always prone to running away, he's a pleasant
beast.
_Mar._ But such a beauty! I never saw a horse I should like so much to
ride, if he were but properly broken.
_Man._ [_To MAD. LAROQUE_] Madame, have I your permission?
_Mad. L._ Certainly. [_MANUEL rings._
_Bev._ [_Aside._] What's he at now?
_Enter ALAIN._
_Man._ Tell one of the grooms to saddle Black Harry.
_Alain._ Sir!
_Des._ What?
_Mad. L._ No--no--
_Man._ [_To_ ALAIN.] Did you hear my order?
_Alain._ Yes, sir. [_Aside._] There'll be work for the Doctor to-day.
[_Exit._
_Bev._ [_Aside._] Good.
_Man._ Pray do not fear, Madame, I have been used to restive horses.
I'll just make his acquaintance now, and if I can succeed in gaining a
small portion of his esteem, I will do myself the honor of riding him
daily until he is fit for your daughter's use.
_Des._ [_To BEVANNES._] What the devil made you mention that confounded
animal? You don't like the new steward, eh?
_Bev._ Not particularly.
_Des._ He's good looking.
_Bev._ Inconveniently.
_Des._ And you want his neck broken?
_Bev._ No. But I should like his nose put out of joint.
_Mad. L._ I do not think I ought to permit this.
[_Noise below the terrace._
_Enter ALAIN._
_Alain._ The horse is ready, sir.
_Bev._ I will lend you a pair of my spurs. Alain, get my spurs as you go
down.
_Alain._ Very well, sir. [_Exit._
_Mad. L._ Let me entreat you, sir.
_Man._ I do assure you, there is nothing to fear. With your good wishes
I am certain of success. [_Exit down steps._
_Des._ [_On a terrace._] Why, here are all the servants and grooms.
Quite an assemblage.
_Noise--Cries of_ "Hold him," "Quiet, sir," "Out of the way,"
"Stand clear," &c.--_Enter LADIES and MLLE HELOUIN._
_Des._ A nice, quiet animal. [_Leans over._] Manuel, my dear boy. Sir!
if you break your leg, you may mend it yourself--I won't.
_Bev._ [_On a sofa._] Doctor, report progress. [_Aside._] I'll bet a
thousand francs he doesn't even mount him.
_Mar._ [_Who has overheard him._] I'll take that bet, sir.
_Bev._ Eh? oh! as you please Mademoiselle.
_Des._ By the Lord, he's up! [_Noise as before--then shout._
_Bev._ In the air?
_Des._ No, in the saddle. [_Noise again._] Ah, he's off!
_Bev._ Off the horse?
_Des._ No; off on a gallop. [_Noise gets more distant._] Egad! they're
all scampering after him. What's he doing now? The ditch! take care!
_Mad. L._ He'll be killed.
_Mad. A._ Oh! oh! [_Weeps._
_Mar._ The horse can never do it. [_Shouts distant._
_Des._ Ah! he's--
_Bev._ In it?
_Des._ No, _over_ it! Back again! [_Shouts distant._] Here he comes.
Egad! Black Harry's had enough of it. [_Shouts approach nearer._
_Mar._ [_Aside._] There's some mystery about this man. He has hardly
arrived, when all eyes seem turned to him. There certainly _is_ a
mystery.
_Mlle H._ It will be cleared up, Mademoiselle.
_Enter ALAIN._
_Mar._ What do you mean?
_Mlle H._ Hush!
_Alain._ [_To BEVANNES._] Your spurs, sir.
_Bev._ Oh! I hope they assisted him.
_Alain._ Didn't want 'em sir.
_Great shouting below--The ladies, who have been witnessing the
ride, crowd upon the terrace, waving their handkerchiefs, and
appear surrounding and congratulating MANUEL as he comes on up
steps._
_Des._ [_To BEVANNES._] Somebody's nose is out of joint.