Chapter VI: Act V: =Scene 1=: CAMP; SAME AS THIRD ACT

_Table, R. 2 E. CORIOLANUS on duty as sentinel, L. 1 E. ADOLPHUS in
front of tent, C., cleaning gun; COLONEL MORRELL, CAPTAIN LOWVILLE
and MAJOR MURDELL at table, R. 2 E., in consultation, as curtain
rises._

=Colonel Morrell.= I agree with you, gentlemen, fully, and I have concluded not to advance further until I receive more definite news of the movements of the main body. We will, therefore, continue in camp till I give you further instructions.

=Hen.= According to all reports, the rebs are badly crippled, and Lee cannot hold out much longer. At all events, I should not be surprised to hear of his surrender to Grant in the near future.

=Mor.= Yes, there is all prospect of a speedy ending of this bloody strife, and I hope we will soon have peace restored, that we may be enabled to return to our homes and families! [_About to rise._]

=Ralph.= One moment, Colonel! before you go! It is with regret that I must call your attention to a private in our command who deserted his post as sentinel!

=Mor.= Indeed! His name!

=Ralph.= Reginald Maitland! [_HENRY rises._]

=Mor.= [_Jumps up._] What! Reginald Maitland? Impossible!

=Ralph.= [_Rises._] I beg your pardon, Colonel, but it is a fact!

=Hen.= Surely, Major, you must be mistaken!

=Mor.= Reginald Maitland--a soldier ever ready to respond to the call of duty; always fulfilling his orders in the most praiseworthy manner--he desert his post? [_Shakes his head._] Please explain, Major!

=Ralph.= 'Tis surprising, indeed! but, nevertheless, a fact! I saw him leave myself--he seemed to be greatly agitated. He was absent three hours!

=Mor.= Enough! Send for him to report to me at once!

=Ralph.= [_To ADOLPHUS._] Adolphus! [_ADOLPHUS salutes._] Request Private Maitland to report to Colonel Morrell immediately! [_ADOLPHUS salutes and goes to tent, R. 5 E._]

=Hen.= [_Aside._] Strange! What can it mean?

=Ralph.= [_Aside._] At last!

=Enter= _REGINALD from tent; he comes down and salutes. RALPH, R.,
HENRY, R. C., COL. MORRELL, C., REGINALD, L. C., ADOLPHUS, L._

=Reg.= Colonel Morrell, I'm at your service, sir!

=Mor.= Maitland, were you not detailed as sentinel last night?

=Reg.= I was, sir!

=Mor.= Did you fulfill your duty to the letter? [_REGINALD hangs his head._] You are silent! Speak!

=Reg.= Colonel Morrell, it is with shame I acknowledge that I have proved unfaithful to my duty--I deserted my post, sir!

=Mor.= Maitland, it pains me to know that you, on whose honor and probity I would have staked my existence, should be guilty of this offense. It is with regret that I am obliged to perform the duty which devolves upon me!

=Reg.= Colonel, the offense is a grave one. I have merited the punishment it demands. I am ready to receive it.

=Mor.= What was your motive in forsaking duty?

=Reg.= It was an uncontrollable impulse to see my child, whom I had never seen before, that swayed my being--I knew not what I did! My heart was filled with a mad desire to see my child. Duty, honor, all was forgotten. I could not resist the longing, the yearning of the father, but I followed the impulse which completely overpowered my reason.

=Mor.= And do you know that the penalty for your offense, according to the rules and regulations of war, is death?

=Reg.= I do! and I will not shrink from receiving my punishment. I am ready, Colonel, to receive sentence.

=Hen.= [_Aside._] As fearless and brave as a lion!

=Mor.= [_Aside._] No! I cannot do it! [_To REGINALD._] Maitland, under the circumstances, and in consideration of your past praiseworthy service, and your undaunted gallantry in action, I will not execute the punishment which the offense merits.

=Hen.= [_Aside._] Bravo, Colonel!

=Ralph.= [_Aside._] Curse his sympathy!

=Mor.= But I cannot let the matter pass unnoticed. I place you under arrest for three weeks. You will be confined in the guard-house under close surveillance. Private Softhead, deprive him of his arms and accoutrements, and conduct him in disgrace to the guard-house. [_ADOLPHUS takes REGINALD'S gun, etc., and places them on the table._]

=Ralph.= [_Aside._] How it cuts his proud nature!

=Hen.= [_Aside to MORRELL._] These are hard lines, Colonel!

=Mor.= [_Aside to HENRY._] Yes, Captain! I regret it sincerely! I never before was obliged to do anything that gave me so much pain. But duty, as a true soldier, demanded it!

=Adol.= [_To REGINALD._] Right face! Forward march. [=Exit= _REGINALD and ADOLPHUS, R. 4 E._]

=Cor.= [_Looking off L. 2 E._] Halt! Who goes there? [_Voice off entrance_, "Friend bearing dispatches for the commanding officer."] Advance, and deliver! [_CORIOLANUS gets them and hands them to COLONEL MORRELL._] Colonel, allow me! [_He salutes and retires to his post._]

=Mor.= [_Opening dispatches._] What's this? Can I believe my eyes? [_Reads._] "Adrienne Maitland, the wife of Reginald Maitland, was found last night, shot in the head. From the evidence I have collected, I am satisfied that the husband is the murderer. I send you the proofs. H. Carson, Chief of Police." No! no! I cannot believe that that man is guilty of such an infamous charge. [_To RALPH._] Major! read that, and say if that is not the most outrageous lie against such an honorable soldier as Reginald Maitland! [_Hands him paper._]

=Ralph.= [_Aside._] Ha! ha! ha! Now will I have my revenge.

=Hen.= How now, gentlemen, have you bad news?

=Mor.= There! [_Pointing to paper._] Read for yourself! [_RALPH hands HENRY paper._]

=Hen.= Merciful father! Adrienne killed! [_Staggers._] My sister shot? [_With force._] Tell me, Colonel, who is the cowardly wretch that committed this deed? [_RALPH shrugs his shoulders._]

=Mor.= [_Pointing to paper in HENRY'S hand._] Read!

=Hen.= [_Looks on paper._] No! no! no! What! he guilty of her murder! No! a thousand times no! I would just as readily believe an angel guilty of the crime as I would Reginald Maitland! No! I will wager my life on his innocence!

=Ralph.= [_Sneeringly._] But everybody is not likely to share your opinion!

=Mor.= [_Taking HENRY by the hand._] Lowville, I agree with you! I cannot believe so noble a character invested with so foul a heart! Let us investigate the proofs! [_He unfolds another paper. Reads._] "I inclose the deposition of William Harding, who swears that he saw Reginald Maitland prowling about the premises in a cautious and suspicious manner, and that he saw him enter the house about half past nine o'clock, which was about the time when the deed was committed."

=Hen.= That evidence proves nothing, Colonel.

=Ralph.= It is very significant though!

=Mor.= One moment, gentlemen! [_Reads._] "I also inclose a piece of blackened paper, evidently the wadding of the gun--also a bullet which we found imbedded in the wall." [_He pulls blackened paper from envelope--he smells it._] The wadding of the gun! [_He smooths it out._] There is writing upon it! H'm! part of a letter. [_Reads._] "i-l-d Alice!" i-l-d? child Alice, that's it! "loving fath--" father, I suppose--"Morris Mai--" the rest is burned away.

=Ralph.= A letter from his father. [_To HENRY._] The evidence is getting strong, Captain, is it not? [_HENRY is silent._]

=Mor.= [_Takes bullet from envelope._] The fatal bullet! [_Examines it._] Here are two letters on it, R. M.

=Ralph.= Gentlemen, the evidence is conclusive--he is guilty.

=Mor.= Do not be hasty, Major! I am not yet satisfied of his guilt. [_Aside._] I fear the worst. [_To ADOLPHUS._] Adolphus! conduct Private Maitland here at once! [_ADOLPHUS salutes and_ =Exits= _R. 4 E._]

=Ralph.= [_Aside._] He cannot escape now.

=Hen.= [_Aside._] Alas! I fear the result!

=Enter= _REGINALD and ADOLPHUS, R. 4 E._

=Mor.= Maitland, I have evidence here which accuses you of murder!

=Reg.= [_Recoiling._] Murder? I, Colonel? I accused of murder?

=Mor.= Yes, you!

=Reg.= [_Quietly._] Whom am I accused of murdering?

=Mor.= Your wife!

=Reg.= [_Staggers._] My wife?--my wife? my Adrienne murdered?--merciful father! [_Pause. With forced calmness._] I beg your pardon, Colonel, but I pray you make me not a victim of such cruel jest! [_MORRELL turns away._] No! no! Tell me 'tis but a jest--tell me it is not true. Oh, Colonel, tell me that my Adrienne lives--lives--lives! [_He is silent. To HENRY._] Henry, end this suspense, this torture. Is Adrienne dead?

=Hen.= [_Taking his hand._] Yes, Reginald, it is true!

=Reg.= Alas!--alas! [_His head droops. Slight pause. With force._] Who--who is the hellish fiend that robbed me of my Adrienne? Tell me, that I might tear his cowardly body limb from limb.

=Mor.= Maitland, you alone are accused of the crime. [_To ADOLPHUS._] Softhead! you will take down in writing the proceedings of this examination. [_ADOLPHUS at table R., HENRY, R. C., RALPH near table, COL. MORRELL, C., REGINALD, L. C., CORIOLANUS, R. To REGINALD._] Are you guilty or are you not guilty of the murder of your wife, Adrienne Maitland?

=Reg.= I murder Adrienne--my wife? ha! ha! ha!--no! She, in whose happiness my whole soul was wrapped up? No--no!

=Mor.= Answer, guilty or not guilty!

=Reg.= Not guilty!

=Mor.= [_To RALPH._] At what hour did he desert his post?

=Ralph.= Eight o'clock!

=Mor.= [_To REGINALD._] At what hour were you in company with your wife?

=Reg.= About nine o'clock!

=Mor.= Did you have your gun with you?

=Reg.= I did!

=Mor.= When did you load it last, and where?

=Reg.= Yesterday morning, in my tent!

=Mor.= Did you discharge it since?

=Reg.= No, sir!

=Mor.= Is it still loaded?

=Reg.= It is, sir!

=Mor.= Major Murdell, hand me Maitland's gun. [_He examines it._] Gentlemen, the gun has been discharged! [_He hands gun back--he then hands REGINALD blackened paper._] Do you recognize that paper?

=Reg.= [_Looks at paper._] I do! It is part of a letter from my father! I used it for wadding.

=Mor.= Do you recognize this bullet? [_Hands it._]

=Reg.= [_Examines._] It is from my mould.

=Mor.= Did you have any ill feeling against your wife?

=Reg.= None!

=Ralph.= Colonel, I can prove that there has existed bad feeling between them since their marriage!

=Mor.= Make your statement!

=Ralph.= They lived unhappily together until an open rupture caused him to leave her and enlist in the army.

=Mor.= Your proof! [_RALPH points to HENRY._] Lowville, do you corroborate Major Murdell's assertion? [_HENRY looks at REGINALD. HENRY is silent._]

=Reg.= Speak, Henry!

=Hen.= [_Aside._] Must I speak? [_After a pause, to MORRELL._] I do!

=Mor.= [_To REGINALD._] What was the nature of the rupture?

=Reg.= I decline to answer.

=Ralph.= That was his motive for the crime!

=Mor.= Silence! [_To REGINALD._] In the face of the evidence, I am forced to believe you guilty. I regret that a soldier such as you have heretofore proved yourself to be, should come to such an ignominious end. [_RALPH consulting with others. HENRY walks aside._]

=Reg.= Do you believe me guilty, Colonel? [_He turns from REGINALD._] And do you all think me guilty of this cowardly crime? [_They all look away but HENRY, who takes REGINALD by the hand._]

=Hen.= No! I would believe you innocent, had they ten times the evidence.

=Ralph.= The evidence has proven his guilt most conclusively!

=Mor.= [_To REGINALD._] Have you anything to say why I should not pass sentence upon you?

=Reg.= I have not!

=Hen.= Oh, Reginald, why do you not defend yourself? Why not make an effort to prove your innocence?

=Reg.= Henry, what have I to live for now? Adrienne is gone from me. She has left the world dark and dreary to me. I long to join her there! [_Points upward._]

=Hen.= Prove your innocence. Let not the stain of murder rest on your honorable name!

=Reg.= Henry, this is but the judgment of men. I bow to the judgment of Him alone who knoweth all things. He knows I am innocent--that is sufficient. I am satisfied! His will be done! [_To MORRELL._] Colonel, I await your orders!

=Mor.= [_Aside._] I would I could believe him innocent. The evidence condemns him! [_Sighs._] I must fulfill my duty! [_To REGINALD._] Maitland, the evidence that has been brought to bear shows conclusively that you are guilty! Nothing remains but for me to pass sentence. I therefore condemn you to be shot until you are dead. [_REGINALD bows his head._] The sentence shall be executed immediately. I will allow you five minutes to prepare yourself to meet your God! [_Takes out watch. To RALPH._] Major! you will detail your men to execute the order. [_RALPH whispers to CORIOLANUS and ADOLPHUS._]

=Hen.= [_To REGINALD._] Reginald, this is terrible! The Colonel has no right to use such haste. The evidence is purely circumstantial, and should require deeper investigation!

=Reg.= Nay, do not blame Colonel Morrell; he has simply done his duty. Besides, why should the execution be deferred? Why should I longer drag out a miserable existence? I will soon be happy, Henry, for I shall meet Adrienne. But my child, Henry! my darling little Alice! Take her, Henry--be a father to her--guide her footsteps in the path of honor and virtue. Teach her not to despise her father--that he is innocent. Teach her not to listen to the sneers of the world, but to place an everlasting faith in the Father of us all, so that at the last she will find peace and joy in the beautiful realms above!

=Hen.= I accept the trust, Reginald. God grant I will be faithful to it. [_They shake hands._] Have you any further wishes?

=Reg.= Tell my father I am innocent--that will be sufficient--he will believe me. Now leave me, Henry!

=Hen.= Farewell, my brother! [_They embrace._] Farewell! [_REGINALD kneels a moment with bowed head in silent prayer, after which he rises with a quiet air._]

=Reg.= I am ready, Colonel! [_MORRELL waves his hand. ADOLPHUS blindfolds REGINALD, ties his hands behind him, and places him in position, L. C. ADOLPHUS and CORIOLANUS take position on right._]

=Ralph.= [_COLONEL MORRELL, R., HENRY, R. C., RALPH, R. C., CORIOLANUS and ADOLPHUS up R., REGINALD, L. C. Pulls handkerchief from pocket._] Carry arms! Ready! [_Holds handkerchief at arms length._]

=Enter= _DOLLERCLUTCH, R. 4 E., hurriedly._

=Dol.= [_C._] Hold! If you shoot that man you commit murder! He is innocent!

=Mor.= [_R. C._] What mean you?

=Ralph.= Will you allow this interference, Colonel?

=Mor.= Yes! God forbid that I should shoot an innocent man! [_To DOLLERCLUTCH._] Your proofs!

=Dol.= My proofs are crushing! There is no murder! [_REGINALD pulls off handkerchief._] His wife lives. She is even now on her way to this camp!

=Reg.= Adrienne lives? Thanks be to God!

=Mor.= How do you know this?

=Dol.= I overtook her on the road on my way to camp. She was almost exhausted, and begged of me to run on and save Reginald from being shot for her murder. I did so, and here I am, just in the nick of time! By jingo, I feel so good, I could shake hands with the greatest scoundrel that ever breathed. [_He shakes RALPH'S hand._]

=Ralph.= Colonel, you surely will not be imposed upon by that rascal's concocted story?

=Mor.= Silence! If she is not dead, it was not the fault of the intended murderer. He meant to kill her, and the intent is sufficient for which to carry out the penalty!

=Dol.= [_R. C._] Correct, Colonel! But that man is not the one who attempted the murder. I swear that Reginald Maitland left the house fifteen minutes before the shot was fired. I was watching one whom I know to be the murderer, prowling around the house; but looking after Maitland's departure, I lost sight of the other chap. Some time after I heard the shot and rushed into the house and into the arms of the attempted assassin, who was trying to escape. I struggled to overpower him, but he was too much for me. [_Rubs his side and grimaces._] He got away. I pursued, but he got off in the darkness. In my eagerness to catch him, I fell into the hands of the rebels.

=Mor.= And how did you get away from the rebels?

=Dol.= This morning, by indomitable bravery and courage, I fought my way out of their lines and hastened back here to camp.

=Mor.= Who is the man that attempted the deed?

=Dol.= The room was dark; the scoundrel had put out the light; I could not recognize him!

=Ralph.= [_Aside._] Safe! safe!

=Mor.= How do you know, then, that it was not Maitland?

=Dol.= In the struggle, the villain's ring slipped into my hand. Here it is, Colonel! [_MORRELL takes and examines it._] Later I also found this shoulder strap hanging to one of my buttons. [_MORRELL hands ring to RALPH._] Colonel, do privates wear these things?

=Ralph.= Colonel, here are some letters engraved on the seal--R. M. Reginald Maitland!

=Dol.= You lie! R. M.--Ralph Murdell, and here is where this belongs, you cowardly assassin! [_He claps the shoulder strap on RALPH'S shoulder, which is minus one._]

=Mor.= Men, secure him! [_ADOLPHUS and CORIOLANUS do so. HENRY, R., CORIOLANUS, RALPH and ADOLPHUS, R. C., COLONEL MORRELL, C., DOLLERCLUTCH and REGINALD, L. C._]

=Ralph.= [_To DOLLERCLUTCH._] Curse you for a meddlesome hound!

=Dol.= I said I would, and so I did, by jingo!

=Enter= _ADRIENNE, R. 4 E., out of breath; her head is bandaged;
she is very pale and exhausted. REGINALD takes C._

=Adri.= Reginald, my husband!

=Reg.= Adrienne! [_She falls in his arms half fainting._]

=Adri.= Safe! safe! You are safe!

=Reg.= Yes, yes, my wife. Heaven is just! You have been spared to me by His great mercy.

=Mor.= [_Approaching them._] Pardon me, Maitland, for interrupting. Allow me to ask you one question, Madam? [_She nods._] Who was it that fired the shot?

=Adri.= [_Pointing to RALPH._] There stands the coward who, failing in his effort to make me unfaithful to my true and loyal husband, attempted to murder me!

=Mor.= [_To REGINALD, taking his hand._] Forgive me, Maitland, for entertaining one moment the thought that you were guilty of such cowardly villainy! I have wronged you deeply.

=Reg.= I have naught to forgive, Colonel; you have acted only as a true soldier, and, had you not done as you did, you would have neglected your duty.

=Enter= _HILDA, R. 4 E._

=Hil.= [_L. C., to ADRIENNE._] You are safe, Adrienne. You rushed from the house in your frantic excitement. I feared your mind was wandering.

=Adri.= Nay, Hilda! When I learned that my husband was accused of my supposed murder, I dreaded the consequences, and determined to save him ere it was too late.

=Hil.= They knew not where you had fled. But I knew where your heart would lead you, and I followed.

=Hen.= [_Aside._] What a wealth of true womanly feeling is hidden by her quiet demeanor! [_To HILDA._] Will you be kind enough to enlighten us, how it was that we received news from the Chief of Police that Adrienne was murdered?

=Hil.= When we found her last night, we supposed her to be dead, until this morning I thought I detected signs of life. I begged of them to summon a physician at once. He pronounced her alive, but in a death-like stupor. After hard work she was restored to consciousness. Examination of her wound showed that the bullet had only grazed the head, inflicting a scalp wound, but sufficient to effectually stun her.

=Hen.= Kind Providence turned the bullet's fatal course, but it was almost the means of bringing a noble life to an ignominious end. [_Pointing to REGINALD._]

=Hil.= Have you discovered the real culprit?

=Hen.= Yes! he is there! [_Points to RALPH._]

=Hil.= [_Staggers._] Ralph!--my husband?

=Hen.= Your husband? Is that man your husband?

=Hil.= Alas! yes! With what feelings of loathing must I make the acknowledgment.

=Ralph.= Bah! you she-devil! I never married you--you were only a mistress!

=Dol.= You lie, you black-hearted villain!

=Hil.= [_Producing papers._] You could ruin my character in the eyes of the world did I not possess this! [_Holding paper aloft._] The record of my marriage to you. [_RALPH recoils._]

=Dol.= [_To RALPH._] And I was the individual who saved that girl from your base villainy! I--do you understand?--I!

=Ralph.= Curse you!

=Hen.= [_Aside._] Alas for my hopes!

=Enter= _MORRIS and ANASTASIA, R. 4 E._

=Anas.= [_Going to ADRIENNE and embracing her._] You dear child! How glad I am that we've found you at last!

=Mor.= Heaven be praised, my daughter, I find you safe. [_He embraces REGINALD._] My son!

=Reg.= Father!

=Mor.= I am overjoyed at this happy union of loving hearts. [_To HILDA._] Alice, my child! [_Beckons her to come. To REGINALD._] Reginald, God has been merciful to restore to us your lost sister--my darling daughter, Alice!

=Reg.= My sister?

=All.= Your daughter?

=Mor.= Yes! my daughter! [_Embraces her._] After many years of suffering and anguish has Heaven sent me the joy that I thought was buried in the past. [_Takes =Dollerclutch= by the hand._] Here is the instrument of Providence who saved an innocent girl and brought happiness to a father's heart. [_HILDA converses with HENRY._] Bless your kind heart! How can I ever repay you?

=Dol.= Tut! tut! tut! I acted only on business--only on business, sir!--do you understand? Entirely on business--without any kindness whatever. I am more than repaid when I see the happiness and joy that surrounds me! [_He goes to ANASTASIA. Up L. C._]

=Mor.= That man's father [_pointing to RALPH_] was the wretch who stole the child from our parental bosom! His father and I aspired for the hand of the same lady--I was the successful one. He, being of a very passionate and revengeful nature, darkened our domestic bliss by stealing from the cradle our youngest child, Alice! I did not think I had an enemy in the world who could be guilty of such baseness, until last night I received the proof which exposed him and restored to me a daughter. All doubts of her identity were removed by the discovery of a mole behind her left ear, which we remembered our child's having.

=Morrell.= I congratulate you, sir, upon your new found joy! The mills of justice grind slowly sometimes, but they are sure. Righteousness and truth will always receive its blessed reward. [_To CORIOLANUS and ADOLPHUS._] Men, remove the depraved scoundrel to the guard house and see that he is strongly guarded. [_They do so._ =Exit= _RALPH, CORIOLANUS and ADOLPHUS, R. 2 E._] It is a pity to mar the happiness of this hour with the presence of such a vile and cowardly rascal! [_To REGINALD._] Maitland, in consideration of the terrible mistake and injustice by which I almost sacrificed your life, I hereby revoke the order for your disgrace and restore you to honorable recognition by promoting you to the position of Major!

=Hen.= Bravo, Colonel!

=Dol.= Good! your heart is in the right place, Colonel! [_Aside._] And so is mine! [_Turning to ANASTASIA._]

=Reg.= [_Taking MORRELL by the hand._] Thanks, Colonel, thanks!

=Morrell.= Do not thank me, Maitland; you are more than deserving. Had you accepted promotion before when it was offered, for your gallant conduct and bravery on the field, you would long since have been even my superior officer. [_A shot is heard._] What's that? [_All are alarmed and look off entrance._]

=Enter= _ADOLPHUS and CORIOLANUS, R. 2 E._

=Adol.= [_R._] He's done it, Colonel!--he's done it!

=Morrell.= Done what? Who?

=Adol.= Ralph Murdell! He pulled a revolver and shot himself through the head.

=Cor.= Yes! His rash act has precipitated him into eternity--he's dead!

=Morrell.= [_Shrugs his shoulders._] Well, he has only saved me the stern duty of condemning him to such a fate.

=Hen.= [_Aside._] His act has freed Hilda from the yoke of misery and despair. [_Commotion outside. Voices heard crying_ "Hurrah!" _in the distance._]

=Morrell.= What means this excitement? Dollerclutch, go and learn the cause! [=Exit= _DOLLERCLUTCH, L. 2 E., hastily._] They are yelling hurrah! There must be some good news from the front. They seem wild with joy!

=Re-enter= _DOLLERCLUTCH, L. 2 E._

=Dol.= [_Rushing around excitedly._] Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!

=Morrell.= [_Stopping him._] Give us the news.

=Dol.= Hurrah! The war is over! Lee has surrendered to Grant!

=Omnes.= Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah! [_Wild excitement and joy._]

=Reg.= [_Embracing ADRIENNE._] Then is our happiness complete. We shall never part again.

=Dol.= And I will, at last, leave my bachelorhood and worship at the shrine of my charming Anastasia!

=Anas.= [_Falls in his arms._] You dear man!

=Cor.= [_Aside._] She throws true nobility aside [_pointing to himself_] for such a presumptuous old fool! Oh! woman! woman! [_Sighs deeply and walks aside._]

=Hen.= [_Leading HILDA forward. To MORRIS._] If you will allow me, let me add my joy to the already o'erflowing cup! Hilda has--[_HILDA pulls his coat._] I beg your pardon--Alice has promised to administer to my future joy, with your permission!

=Morris.= [_Joins their hands._] Bless you, my children!

=Adri.= [_To REGINALD._] Dearest Reginald! The joy I have found in the new born love for my noble husband will make me never regret that it was by force of impulse that I was led to accept your heart and hand!

=Reg.= Let the agony of the past be buried in the joy of the present. [_To audience._] And if you will forgive the impulse that led me from my post of duty, there will not be a cloud to obscure the sunshine of our future happiness.

=Morrell.= The end has justified the act.

=Dol.= I, too, have left my post of duty--but let the result be an extenuation of my desertion.

=Morrell.= [_Takes him by hand._] Yes! I overlook it freely! and I feel satisfied that He, who watches over us all, will not censure us for being led BY FORCE OF IMPULSE!

=Tableau.=

MORRIS. REG.

COL. M. ADRI.

HENRY. ANAS.

HILDA. DOLLER.

ADOL. CORIO.

_R._ _C._ _L._

=Curtain.=

NEW PLAYS.

PRICE 15 CENTS EACH.

THE TRIPLE WEDDING.

A DRAMA, IN THREE ACTS, BY CHARLES BARNARD.

Four male, four female characters--Leading juvenile man, comic old man, first and second comedians; leading juvenile lady, two walking ladies and servant. Plain room scene; modern costumes.

The plot is novel and ingenious, the situations well worked out, and the interest continuous.

SYNOPSIS.--Act I., The Trust; Act II., The Search; Act III., The Wedding. Time of performance, one hour and a quarter.

SECOND SIGHT; OR, YOUR FORTUNE FOR A DOLLAR.

A FARCICAL COMEDY, IN ONE ACT, BY BERNARD HERBERT.

Four male and one female characters--Light comedian, low comedian, Irishman, Mexican nobleman and juvenile lady. Scene: A Clairvoyant's Parlor in New York. Time of playing, one hour.

The frantic efforts of Mr. Birdwhistle, a timorous music teacher, to escape the fury of Don Fiasco de Caramba, an untamed Mexican; the dismal predicaments of Dionysius O. Rourké and the clairvoyant scenes will keep the audience in a continuous ripple. Companies in search of a serious piece should NOT select this play.

WANTED: A CONFIDENTIAL CLERK.

A FARCE, IN ONE ACT, BY W. F. CHAPMAN.

Six male characters, _viz._: Eccentric old man, with a partiality for proverbs; Irishman, "dude," shabby genteel comedian, talkative "sport," and clerk. No scenery required. Time of playing, thirty minutes.

A capital farce, containing none but "star" parts, with scope for easy character acting, racy dialogue, funny situations and comical "business."

A LESSON IN ELEGANCE.

A COMEDY IN ONE ACT, BY BERNARD HERBERT.

Four female characters--A butterfly of fashion, comic servant, old lady and unsophisticated young widow. The scene (interior) is laid at Newport in the height of the season.

Consists purely of light comedy, is bright and brisk in action, with plenty of "business," and has a _dénouement_ as unexpected as it is welcome. The play can be effectively staged and costumed, if desired. Time of representation, thirty minutes.

BY FORCE OF IMPULSE.

A DRAMA, IN FIVE ACTS, BY H. V. VOGT.

Nine male and three female characters, _viz._: Leading and second juvenile men, old man, genteel villain, walking gentleman, first and second light comedians, heavy character, low comedian, leading and second juvenile ladies and comic old maid.

A thoroughly good drama, worthy of the best talent. The action takes place during the period of the late civil war, the scene being laid partly in the army. Well adapted to the use of G. A. R. posts, though not confined to them in interest. The plot is interesting and well developed; the situations are striking; the "business" is effective, and every tableau will fetch an _encore._ Time of representation, two hours and a half.

* * * * *

Copies of any of the above Plays will be mailed, post-paid, to any address, on receipt of the price.

HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher,
9 MURRAY STREET, NEW YORK.

ROORBACH'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE.

ILLUSTRATED TABLEAUX FOR AMATEURS.

A new series of _Tableaux Vivants_, by MARTHA C. WELD. In this series each description is accompanied with a full page illustration of the scene to be represented. The introduction of Part I. is the most complete and practical treatment of the subject ever written. The books are the best of the kind published, and should be in the hands of everybody about to arrange an entertainment of this kind.

_NOW READY._

=PART I.--MISCELLANEOUS TABLEAUX.=--Contains General Introduction, 12 Tableaux and 14 Illustrations. =Price, 25 Cents.=

=PART II.--MISCELLANEOUS TABLEAUX.=--Contains Introduction, 12 Tableaux and 12 Illustrations. =Price, 25 Cents.=

A Few Opinions.

"Excellent Manuals."--_Book Chat._

"Two Pretty Little Volumes."--_Cincinnati Inquirer._

"Admirably suited for the purpose intended."--_Albany Argus._

"Mrs. WELD is a well known adept in this kind of
entertainment."--_New York Evangelist._

"These small volumes form a complete assistant to any one desirous
of giving tableaux."--_St. Louis Republican._

"They will be helpful to young people preparing this pleasant
method of entertainment."--_Christian Register._

"Will be of much practical use and value to schools and persons
interested in social amusements for church or home."--_N. Y. School
Journal._

"They will be of service for private entertainments. The directions
as to dress and posing are full, and the illustrations will be very
helpful."--_Hartford Courant._

"They contain all the directions which can possibly be necessary to
enable a company of amateurs to successfully present a number of
tableaux of a varied character."--_Troy Times._

"When we finished the second we wished we had a couple more. They
are as indispensable to the amateur as a salary and a return ticket
are to the professional."--_Puck._

"As there is just now a revival of the olden time amusement of
tableaux, these two little volumes come in just at the right time.
Nothing pertaining to tableaux has been forgotten or left out. To
persons interested in this kind of amusement, the little books will
prove invaluable."--_New Orleans Picayune._

"To any one who contemplates indulging in tableaux, these little
books of Mrs. Weld's will be invaluable. So clearly does she
explain the minutiæ, that a manager under her guidance may feel all
the confidence which experience can bring. The writer is especially
explicit in showing how the effects of scenery and costume may
be secured with the simplest of material, so that the degree of
expense may be made a matter of choice."--_Buffalo Express._

MISCELLANEOUS GOODS.

==> _An illustrated descriptive price list of miscellaneous articles, Wigs, Beards, etc., and Scenery, will be sent to any address on receipt of a stamp._ <==

Lightning for Private Theatricals $0 25 " Flash Box 50 Colored Tableau Lights 25 " " Fire, per lb. 1 75 " " " " by Exp. 1 50 Magnesium Lights 25 Carmine 30 Dutch Pink 25 Ruddy Rouge 30 Mongolian 30 Fuller's Earth 30 Burnt Cork 40 Paste Powder 30 Nose Putty 25 Lip Rouge, domestic 25 " imported 40 Clown White 40 Dry Whiting 25 Powdered Antimony 30 " Blue 25 Spirit Gum 30 Email Noir 30 Joining Paste 25 Moustache Masks 15 Water Cosmetique 25 Cocoa Butter 25 Multiform Cream 50 " Powder 25 Artist's Stomps 15 Hares' Feet 50 Powder Puffs 25 Miniature Puffs 15 India Ink 10 Lining Brushes 5 Cosmetique 25 Rouge de Theatre 25 Blanc de Perle 25 Hair Powder 50 Eyebrow Pencils 25 Bleu pour Veins 75 Fard Indien 75 Make-up Boxes $1.50, 4.00 and 5 00 Grease Paints, 30 tints, 8 in. sticks: Flesh Colors 35 Lining Colors 20 Grease Paints, set of 9 necessary colors 1 00 Scenery, Printed on Paper, per set $7 50 to 12 00 Scenery, Painted on Canvas, per set $8 00 to 75 00

==> _Canvas Scenery is delivered by Express only. Paper Scenes and the Make-up Boxes can be sent by mail at a slightly increased expense for postage._ <==

THEATRICAL WIGS.

_LADIES' WIGS._

Court $6 00 Ringlet 5 50 Frou-Frou 5 50 Bourgeoise 7 50 Peasant Girl 7 50 Mother-in-Law 5 50 Witch 3 75 Short Curly 5 50 " with Parting 6 25 Plain Long Hair 7 50 Wig made up in Present Fashion 5 00 Wench 5 00 Frontals 2 00

_GENTLEMEN'S WIGS._

Court Wig, with Bag or Tie $4 00 Rip Van Winkle 4 00 Peasant 4 00 Monk 4 00 Judge 7 50 Bald 4 00 Comic Bald 4 00 Chinaman 3 00 Crop 4 00 Dress 4 00 Indian 3 50 Fright 5 00 Irish 4 00 Yankee 4 00 Flow 5 00 Scalp 2 00 Negro 1 00 " Extra Quality 1 50 " White or Grey 1 50 " with Top Knot 1 50

BEARDS, WHISKERS & MOUSTACHES

Full Beard, without Moustache, on Wire $1 75 " " " Ventilated 2 50 " with " on Wire 2 00 " " " Ventilated 2 75 Side Whiskers and Moustache on Wire 1 50 Short Side Whiskers on Wire 75 " " " Ventilated 1 00 Mutton Chop Whiskers, Ventilated 1 50 Chin Beard, Ventilated 1 00 Moustaches on Wire 35 " Ventilated 40 Imperials 25 Throat Whiskers 75

WIGS AND BEARDS TO RENT.

For terms and discounts see separate list, which will be mailed to any address on receipt of a stamp.

BY FORCE OF IMPULSE.

A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS, BY H. V. VOGT.

Price, 15 Cents.

Nine male, three female characters, _viz._: Leading and Second Juvenile Men, Old Man, Genteel Villain, Walking Gentleman, First and Second Light Comedians, Heavy Character, Low Comedian, Leading and Second Juvenile Ladies and Comic Old Maid. Time of playing, Two hours and a half.

SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS.