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.

[Pg 3]

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.

[Pg 4]

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.

[Pg 5]

SCENERY.

ACT I.

Scene 1.—Dollerclutch’s Office in 4th Grooves.

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.—[Pg 6]“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.

Fountain, statuary, flower urns, iron chairs, trees, etc. Rustic benches, R. 3 E. and L. 2 E.

[Pg 7]

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.

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.

[Pg 8]

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.

Picket fence, with gate in C., in the background. Rustic bench against tree, R. C.

[Pg 9]

ACT III.

Camp Scene.—(Entire Stage.)—Scene representing a rocky ravine.

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.)

[Pg 10]

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.

[Pg 11]

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[Pg 12]

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.

[Pg 13]

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[Pg 14] 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!

[Pg 15]

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?

[Pg 16]

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[Pg 17] 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?

[Pg 18]

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?