Chapter VI: Part II: SCENE.--Same as before. Enter FESTUS, C (1)

_Festus._ It is astonishing how much a little borrowed plumage becomes a bashful man. The ice once broken by the inspiring thoughts and words of the love-sick “Raphael,” I feel now almost equal to the composition and delivery of an energetic and passionate appeal that shall carry the heart of the lady by storm; but then, having once been refused, I dread a second attempt. “A burnt child fears the fire;” and a singed lover trembles before the blazing eyes of the object of his adoration. I have yet a short time before the expiration of my hour of trial, and the character of “Sir Thomas Clifford” from which to borrow courage. (_Enter STELLA, C._)

_Stella._ Well, mysterious “Festus,” what new fancy is agitating your fertile brain?

_Festus._ Madam, to tell you the truth, I was--thinking--of you.

_Stella._ Of me, or of your future salary?

_Festus._ Both.

_Stella._ What of me?

_Festus._ (_Very awkward and confused._) That I think--I think--that you--you--are--are--

_Stella._ Well, what am I?

_Festus._ (_Abruptly._) A very fine reader.

_Stella._ Oh! is that all?

_Festus._ All worth mentioning.

_Stella._ Sir!

_Festus._ That is all I am at liberty to mention.

_Stella._ What if I should grant you liberty to say more?

_Festus._ Oh! then--then I should say--I should say--

_Stella._ Well, what would you say?

_Festus._ It’s your turn to read.

_Stella._ (_Aside._) Stupid! (_Aloud._) Well, sir, what shall I read?

_Festus._ Oh! oblige me by making your own selection.

_Stella._ There’s “The Bells,” by Poe. Do you like that?

_Festus._ Oh, exceedingly!

_Stella._ But I don’t know how to read it: it’s very difficult.

_Festus._ Perhaps I can assist you. (_Aside._) I’ll provoke her a bit; see if she has a temper.

_Stella._ Well, you are very kind. (_Aside._) I’ll see if I can make him talk.

_Festus._ Well, then, you take the book, and read. (_Hands her copy of Poe._) When I think you need correcting, I will speak.

_Stella._ Very well. (_They sit, C. STELLA reads in a very tragic tone, emphasizing the words in italics._)

“Hear the sledges with the _bells_,
Silver _bells_!”

_Festus._ Oh, stop, stop, stop! Dear me! that’s not the way to read. There’s no silver in _your_ bells. Listen:--

“Hear the sledges with the bells,
_Sil_-ver bells!”

Very silvery, don’t you see?

_Stella._ Oh, yes! excuse me. (_Reads in a very silly tone._)

“Hear the sledges with the bells,
Sil----ver bells!”

_Festus._ Oh, no, no! that’s too _sil_ly.

_Stella._ Sir!

_Festus._ I mean, there’s too much of the _sil_ in _silver_. (_Repeats his reading. She imitates it._)

_Festus._ Ah! that’s better. Thank you: you are charming. (_She looks at him._) That is, a charming reader. Go on.

_Stella._ (_Reads._)

“What a world of merriment their melody foretells!
How they tinkle”--

_Festus._ (_Interrupting._) I beg your pardon: “twinkle.”

_Stella._ No, sir: “tinkle.”

_Festus._ But I am sure it is “twinkle.”

_Stella._ Can’t I believe my own eyes?

_Festus._ Not unless they “twinkle.”

_Stella._ Look for yourself. (_Shows him the book._)

_Festus._ My stars! it is “tinkle.” I beg your pardon. Go on.

_Stella._

“How they tinkle, tinkle, tinkle,
In the icy air”--

_Festus._ No, no: frosty,--frosty air.

_Stella._ No, sir: it’s icy air.

_Festus._ You are mistaken: “frosty.”

_Stella._ Am I? Look for yourself.

_Festus._ Well, I declare! It is, _I see_, _icy_. I beg your pardon. Go on.

_Stella._ I see, I see. You are bent on interrupting me. What do you mean, sir?

_Festus._ What can you expect, if you don’t know how to read?

_Stella._ Sir, this is provoking. I don’t know how to read?

_Festus._ Not “The Bells,” I know.

_Stella._ Oh! do you? Well, sir, I know you are no gentleman; and I know, if you want “The Bells” read (_starts up, and throws book at him_), read it yourself.

_Festus._ Madam, what am I to understand by this?

_Stella._ That your presence is no longer agreeable to me.

_Festus._ Oh, very well, very well! I understand you wish me to go. (_STELLA stands, R., with her back to him._) You wish me to go. I will intrude no longer. (_Very loud._) Since you--wish--me--to--go-- (_Aside._) Confound it, I believe she does! (_Aloud._) Very well, madam, very well. Good-evening. (_Exit, L._)

_Stella._ He’ll be back in three minutes. (_Enter FESTUS, L._)

_Festus._ I forgot my hat. You’ll excuse me if I take my-- (_Aside._) Confound it, she won’t speak! (_Stands irresolute a moment, then approaches her._) Madam,--Stella,--I was wrong. You can read “The Bells” divinely. I hear them ringing in my ears now. I beg your pardon. Read “The Bells” in any manner you please: I shall be delighted to listen.

_Stella._ Oh, very well! Since you have returned, I will read.

_Reading. “The Bells,” Poe. STELLA._

_Festus._ Splendid, splendid!

_Stella._ Now, sir, I shall be happy to listen to you once more.

_Festus._ Your “Bells” have stirred the fires of patriotism within my heart; and I will give you, as my selection, “Sheridan’s Ride.”

_Reading. “Sheridan’s Ride,” Reid. FESTUS._

_Stella._ Excellent! Mr. Festus, you are a very spirited rider,--I mean reader. Now, suppose, for variety, we have another scene.

_Festus._ With all my heart. What shall it be?

_Stella._ Oh! you select. Pray, Mr. Festus, did you have any design in selecting the scene from “The Marble Heart”?

_Festus._ Well, I like that. You selected it yourself.

_Stella._ But the play was your selection; and you were very perfect in the part of “Raphael.”

_Festus._ Well, I selected what I thought I should most excel in.

_Stella._ _You_ excel in love-making! That’s good. But I must say, you act it well.

_Festus._ Yes--that is--I think that circumstances--occurring--which would make--circumstances--perfectly--that is, I mean to say that--circumstances--indeed--what were you saying?

_Stella._ Ha, ha, ha! O mighty Festus! you’ve lost your place; but, as you have a partiality for love-scenes, what is your next?

_Festus._ What say you to a scene from “The Hunchback”? “The secretary of my lord”? You know the scene,--“Julia” and “Sir Thomas Clifford.”

_Stella._ Oh, yes! I am familiar with it; but I think, as an applicant for a situation, you are making me perform more than my share of work.

_Festus._ Oh! if you object--

_Stella._ Oh! but I don’t object. Proceed. (_Sits, L. of table. FESTUS exits, L._)

SCENE FROM “THE HUNCHBACK.”

(_Arranged for this piece._)

_Julia_, STELLA. _Sir Thomas Clifford_, FESTUS.

_Jul._ (_Alone._) A wedded bride?
Is it a dream?
Oh, would it were a dream!
How would I bless the sun that waked me from it!
I am wrecked
By mine own act! What! no escape? no hope?
None! I must e’en abide these hated nuptials!
Hated!--ay, own it, and then curse thyself
That mad’st the bane thou loathest for the love
Thou bear’st to one who never can be thine!
Yes, love! Deceive thyself no longer. False
To say ’tis pity for his fall,--respect
Engendered by a hollow world’s disdain,
Which hoots whom fickle fortune cheers no more!
’Tis none of these: ’tis love, and, if not love,
Why, then, idolatry! Ay, that’s the name
To speak the broadest, deepest, strongest passion
That ever woman’s heart was borne away by!
He comes! Thou’dst play the lady,--play it now!

(_Enter CLIFFORD, L._)

Speaks he not?
Or does he wait for orders to unfold
His business? Stopped his business till I spoke,
I’d hold my peace forever!

(_CLIFFORD kneels, presenting a letter._)

Does he kneel?
A lady am I to my heart’s content!
Could he unmake me that which claims his knee,
I’d kneel to him,--I would, I would! Your will?

_Clif._ This letter from my lord.

_Jul._ Oh, fate! who speaks?

_Clif._ The secretary of my lord.

(_Rises._)

_Jul._ I breathe!
I could have sworn ’twas he!

(_Makes an effort to look at him, but is unable._)

So like the voice!--
I dare not look lest there the form should stand.
How came he by that voice? ’Tis Clifford’s voice
If ever Clifford spoke! My fears come back.
Clifford, the secretary of my lord!
Fortune hath freaks, but none so mad as that.
It cannot be!--it should not be! A look,
And all were set at rest.

(_Tries to look at him again, but cannot._)

So strong my fears,
Dread to confirm them takes away the power
To try and end them. Come the worst, I’ll look.

(_She tries again, and is again unequal to the task._)

I’d sink before him if I met his eye!

_Clif._ Wilt please your ladyship to take the letter?

_Jul._ There, Clifford speaks again! Not Clifford’s breath
Could more make Clifford’s voice; not Clifford’s tongue
And lips more frame it into Clifford’s speech.
A question, and ’tis over! Know I you?

_Clif._ Reverse of fortune, lady, changes friends:
It turns them into strangers. What I am
I have not always been.

_Jul._ Could I not name you?

_Clif._ If your disdain for one, perhaps too bold
When hollow fortune called him favorite,
Now by her fickleness perforce reduced
To take an humble tone, would suffer you--

_Jul._ I might?

_Clif._ You might.

_Jul._ O Clifford! is it you?

_Clif._ Your answer to my lord.

(_Gives the letter._)

_Jul._ Your lord!

_Clif._ Wilt write it?
Or, will it please you send a verbal one?
I’ll bear it faithfully.

_Jul._ You’ll bear it?

_Clif._ Madam,
Your pardon; but my haste is somewhat urgent.
My lord’s impatient, and to use despatch
Were his repeated orders.

_Jul._ Orders? Well (_takes letter_),
I’ll read the letter, sir. ’Tis right you mind
His lordship’s orders. They are paramount.
Nothing should supersede them. Stand beside them!
They merit all your care, and have it! Fit,
Most fit, they should. Give me the letter, sir.

_Clif._ You have it, madam.

_Jul._ So! How poor a thing
I look! so lost while he is all himself!
Have I no pride?
If he can freeze, ’tis time that I grow cold.
I’ll read the letter.

(_Opens it, and holds it as about to read it._)

Mind his orders! So!
Quickly he fits his habits to his fortunes!
He serves my lord with all his will! His heart’s
In his vocation. So! Is this the letter?
’Tis upside down, and here I’m poring on’t!
Most fit I let him see me play the fool!
Shame! Let me be myself!

(_She sits awhile at table, vacantly gazing on the letter, then looks at CLIFFORD._)

How plainly shows his humble suit!
It fits not him that wears it. I have wronged him!
He can’t be happy--does not look it--is not!
That eye which reads the ground is argument
Enough. He loves me. There I let him stand,
And I am sitting!

(_Rises, and points to a chair._)

Pray you, take a chair.

(_He bows as acknowledging and declining the honor. She looks at him awhile._)

Clifford, why don’t you speak to me!

(_Weeps._)

_Clif._ I trust
You’re happy.

_Jul._ Happy? Very, very happy!
You see I weep I am so happy. Tears
Are signs, you know, of naught but happiness.
When first I saw you, little did I look
To be so happy. Clifford!

_Clif._ Madam?

_Jul._ Madam!
I call thee Clifford, and thou call’st me madam!

_Clif._ Such the address my duty stints me to.
Thou art the wife elect of a proud earl
Whose humble secretary sole am I.

_Jul._ Most right! I had forgot! I thank you, sir,
For so reminding me, and give you joy
That what, I see, had been a burthen to you
Is fairly off your hands.

_Clif._ A burthen to me?
Mean you yourself? Are you that burthen, Julia?
Say that the sun’s a burthen to the earth!
Say that the blood’s a burthen to the heart!
Say health’s a burthen, peace, contentment, joy,
Fame, riches, honors, every thing that man
Desires, and gives the name of blessing to!--
E’en such a burthen Julia were to me
Had fortune let me wear her.

_Jul._ (_Aside._) On the brink
Of what a precipice I’m standing! Back,
Back! while the faculty remains to do’t!
A minute longer, not the whirlpool’s self
More sure to suck thee down! One effort! (_Sits._) There!

(_Recovers her self-possession, takes up the letter, and reads._)

To wed to-morrow night! Wed whom? A man
Whom I can never love! I should before
Have thought of that. To-morrow night! This hour
To-morrow,--how I tremble!
At what means
Will not the desperate snatch! What’s honor’s price?
Nor friends, nor lovers,--no, nor life itself!
Clifford, this moment leave me!

(_CLIFFORD retires up the stage out of her sight._)

Is he gone?
Oh, docile lover! Do his mistress’ wish
That went against his own! Do it so soon,
Ere well ’twas uttered! No good-by to her!
No word, no look! ’Twas best that so he went.
Alas the strait of her who owns that best
Which last she’d wish were done! What’s left me now?
To weep, to weep!

(_Leans her head upon her arm, which rests upon the table, her other arm hanging listless at her side. CLIFFORD comes down the stage, looks a moment at her, approaches her, and, kneeling, takes her hand._)

_Clif._ My Julia!

_Jul._ Here again?
Up, up! By all thy hopes of heaven go hence!
To stay’s perdition to me! Look you, Clifford!
Were there a grave where thou art kneeling now,
I’d walk into’t and be inearthed alive
Ere taint should touch my name! Should some one come
And see thee kneeling thus! Let go my hand!--
Remember, Clifford, I’m a promised bride--
And take thy arm away! It has no right
To clasp my waist! Judge you so poorly of me
As think I’ll suffer this? My honor, sir!

(_She breaks from him, quitting her seat._)

I’m glad you’ve forced me to respect myself:
You’ll find that I can do so.

_Clif._ There was a time I held your hand unchid;
There was a time I might have clasped your waist:
I had forgot that time was past and gone.
I pray you, pardon me.

_Jul._ (_Softened._) I do so, Clifford.

_Clif._ I shall no more offend.

_Jul._ Make sure of that.
No longer is it fit thou keep’st thy post
In’s lordship’s household. Give it up! A day,
An hour, remain not in it.

_Clif._ Wherefore?

_Jul._ Live,
In the same house with me, and I another’s?
Put miles, put leagues, between us! The same land
Should not contain us.
O Clifford, Clifford!
Rash was the act, so light that gave me up,
That stung a woman’s pride, and drove her mad,
Till in her frenzy she destroyed her peace!
Oh, it was rashly done! Had you reproved,
Expostulated, had you reasoned with me,
Tried to find out what was indeed my heart,
I would have shown it, you’d have seen it, all
Had been as nought can ever be again.

_Clif._ Lov’st thou me, Julia?

_Jul._ Dost thou ask me, Clifford?

_Clif._ These nuptials may be shunned--

_Jul._ With honor?

_Clif._ Yes.

_Jul._ Then take me! Hold!--hear me, and take me, then!
Let not thy passion be my counsellor;
Deal with me, Clifford, as my brother. Be
The jealous guardian of my spotless name.
Scan thou my cause as ’twere thy sister’s. Let
Thy scrutiny o’erlook no point of it,
And turn it o’er not once, but many a time,
That flaw, speck, yea, the shade of one,--a soil
So slight not one out of a thousand eyes
Could find it out,--may not escape thee; then
Say if these nuptials can be shunned with honor!

_Clif._ They can.

_Jul._ Then take me, Clifford--

_Festus._ Stop one moment. (_Looks at watch._) Time’s up.

_Stella._ So soon?

_Festus._ The tone of your voice expresses regret. What is your decision?

_Stella._ My decision?

_Festus._ Upon my application for the situation of reader. Shall I have it?

_Stella._ Perhaps the terms will not suit.

_Festus._ Madam, I am willing to serve you on any terms. Allow me to throw off the mask of “Festus,” which of course you have seen through, and offer myself for a situation under the name of--

_Stella._ Stop: you are not going to pronounce that name before all these good people?

_Festus._ Of course not. But what shall I do? Stella, I feel that “Raphael” and “Sir Thomas Clifford” have inspired me to attempt love-making on my own account. Grant me the opportunity to make application for the situation made vacant by my unceremonious exit the other night. Let “Festus” apply once more.

_Stella._ What shall I say? (_To audience._) Would you? He seems to have found his tongue; and who knows but what he may make an agreeable beau? I think he had better call again; for to have a lover who can make love by borrowing, is, at least,--under the circumstances--under the circumstances--what is it, Festus?

_Festus._ Circumstances? Why, under the circumstances, I should say it was “_An Original Idea_.”

CURTAIN.

NOTE. The “Readings” and “Scenes” may be varied to suit the
taste of the performers. “The Garden Scene” in “Romeo and
Juliet,” scenes from “Ingomar,” “The School for Scandal,” &c.,
have been used with good effect.

[4] Or the evening of the performance.

“MY UNCLE, THE CAPTAIN.”

CHARACTERS.

MR. SOL HANSCOMB, JR. (landlord of “The Fatted Calf”).
CAPT. NAT SKILLINGS (skipper and owner of the “Jemima Matilda”).
SAM SKILLINGS (his nephew).
PETE WHITE (a colored waiter).
STEVE BLACK (a white waiter).
BOBBY SMALL (a boot-black).

COSTUMES.

_Hanscomb._--Modern.
_Nat Skillings._--Sailor rig; blue pants and shirt, pea-jacket,
old fisherman’s hat, gray wig.
_Sam Skillings._--Dark mixed pants, blue coat with brass buttons,
white hat, shawl, red wig.
_Pete and Steve._--Waiters’ dress, white aprons, wigs to suit.
_Bobby Small._--Red shirt, black pants rolled up, glazed cap.

SCENE.--_Room No. 86,“Fatted Calf” Hotel. Table and two chairs,
C. Entrances, R. and L._

_Hanscomb_ (_outside, L._). Steve, Pete, come, come, hurry, hurry, wake up! (_Enter, L._) This is really encouraging. The Fatted Calf, just opened, is rapidly filling up, and such customers, too; real upper crust,--nabobs, millionnaires, heiresses, generals, majors, captains, colonels, and all sorts of stylish people! Now let’s look at the situation. I have on my books already thirty permanent boarders at five dollars a day. Pretty high for the times, but that draws the style. Of these thirty, ten will pay up promptly, ten wont pay at all, and the other ten will be obliged to leave their baggage to settle the bill. Well, I think that will pay. We must give a wide margin for profit, and in course of time may make a fortune, or manage to fail for seventy-five or a hundred thousand, either of which will create a sensation. Where can those waiters be? Ah, here’s Steve at last, as stiff and pompous as one of the nabobs whom he delights to wait upon. (_Enter Steve, L._)

_Steve._ Mr. Hanscomb, allow me to present for your inspection this document just left at the bar, with the compliments of the landlord of the Hotel Bullock. (_Gives Hanscomb printed handbill._)

_Mr. H._ What is it? (_Reads._) “Stop, thief! Nab him! Strayed from the Hotel Bullock an individual passing by the singular name of John Smith.” John Smith? I think I’ve heard that name before.

_Steve._ It has a very _distangue_ air.

_Mr. H._ “Tall, red hair, pale, ferocious-looking countenance; wore, when last seen, dark mixed pants, blue coat with brass buttons, white hat, and a shawl. A reward of one cent will be given for the arrest of the missing individual, and fifty dollars for the recovery of one dozen silver spoons, which said individual, probably accidentally, took with him.” So, so, a hotel thief. Mr. John Smith will no doubt pay me a visit; so, Steve, just keep a sharp look-out for this spoony. (_Enter Pete, R., muttering and shaking his head._) Well, what’s the matter with you?

_Pete._ Mr. Hanscomb, I don’t wish to be _troubulous_,--I don’t wish to be _troubulous_, Mr. Hanscomb, but dar are t’ings, Mr. Hanscomb, dat stir de heart of man, as Deacon Foster eloquentially distresses himself, and--and--and--well, what I mean--rile him--rile him.

_Mr. H._ What’s the matter, stupid?

_Pete._ Mr. Hanscomb, you’re my massa.

_Mr. H._ Well, well?

_Pete._ You’re my massa, Mr. Hanscomb, and I s’pose you can call me what you please.

_Mr. H._ Of course I can.

_Pete._ Ob course, ob course, kase I look upon you as my equel.

_Mr. H._ Well, I’m much obliged--

_Pete._ Don’t apologize; no matter ’bout nuffin; but dat ar hostler down dar, he’s an ignoramus, down dar, he is, down dar; he’s low and insultin’, he is. By golly! de imperance of dat feller is distressin’. He says I’m bound to _asswociate_ wid him kase he’s a man and a brudder. Guess not, Mr. Hanscomb,--guess not; don’t asswociate wid people dat smell ob de stable.

_Mr. H._ You attend to your business, and he shall not trouble you.

_Pete._ Dat’s all I ask, Mr. Hanscomb,--dat’s all I ask. Jes’ you keep hisself to hisself, and I wont say nuffin. I’s perfectly dissatisfied, but if he jes’ trubble me, I’ll brush him off--brush him off.

_Mr. H._ Well, well, you go about your business.

_Steve_ (_at door, L., looking off_). Here’s a queer-looking customer, and I’m not sure but what it is our friend, John Smith, of the spoon adventure; just the dress, even to the shawl.

_Mr. H._ Ah, so soon? Now, boys, look sharp and catch him in the act,--in the act, mind. (_Exit, L. Pete about to follow._)

_Steve._ Where are you going, Pete?

_Pete._ Going? Going after de axe, ob course.

_Steve._ After the axe! What do you want of the axe?

_Pete._ Cotch dat ar spoon feller. Didn’t massa say be sure and cotch him wid de axe?

_Steve._ Well, you _are_ an ignoramus.

_Sam_ (_outside, L., in Cockney dialect_). Up this way, eh? Oh! never mind, Mister, I’ll find the way. First turn to the right, second to the left, and then keep straight on, and here you are. (_Enter, L._) So this is eighty-six, first floor from the roof. It’s airy, anyhow. (_Steve, L., Pete, R., step up each side of Sam with the exclamation, “Take your baggage!” One seizes umbrella, the other carpet-bag, and start for entrances, R. and L._) Here, you African, bring back that umbrella, and you, Mr. Upstart, bring back that valise. I choose to have them under my own observation.

_Pete._ Don’t you want your wardrobe aired?

_Sam._ No, I don’t want it aired. What’s your name, African?

_Pete._ My name, massa, am White; dey calls me Pete.

_Sam._ And what’s your name, Upstart?

_Steve._ My name is Black; I am called here Stephen.

_Pete._ “Steben, Steben; don’t you bleeb ’im.” He’s called Steeb, short Steeb.

_Sam._ Well, you cut short, African, and cut off. Do you see that entrance? Well, you both get outside that entrance instantly. (_Steve and Pete go to entrance, L._)

_Steve._ Pete, that is John Smith.

_Pete._ No! De spoon feller?

_Steve._ The same. Don’t you see the pants and the coat and the shawl? ’Tis the pettifogger.

_Pete._ Petti who? I fought it was Smiff,--John Smiff.

_Steve._ So it is; look out for spoons. Sh! (_Exit, L._)

_Pete._ Look out for de spoons. Sh! (_Exit, L._)

_Sam_ (_during this speech busies himself taking off his shawl, brushing his clothes, smoothing his hair, etc._). What ails them objects? They look at me awful hard; they are evidently not accustomed to the presence of so elegant an individual in this hotel. So this is an hotel; this is the first time that ever I was in one. I declare, it’s quite elegant. And this is Boston, the hub of the universe, as Artemus Ward says. I wonder I have ever lived to get here, after having been cooped up in that horrid hole, Dismaltown. It is refreshing to get among civilized individuals. I’ve passed my whole life in that place without ever seeing anybody or anything, and I should be there now but for my uncle, the captain; and somehow I do feel quite homesick when I think of my Annastasia; but then my Annastasia is not there; she is nearer to me in Boston than in Dismaltown, for my Annastasia is now on a visit to her aunt in Brighton. I have received epistles often from the object of my heart’s adoration, and the last one was particularly interesting. She invited me in the name of her aunt to come and spend Christmas with her. I was particularly overjoyed at first, but how was I to get there? The people of Dismaltown never go anywhere, and I should never have got here but for my uncle, the captain. My uncle has always been called captain, though he never went to sea, but for years has been behind the counter of the little grocery at Dismaltown, where he made some money. Well, my uncle took it into his head to buy a sloop; so he bought a sloop; it was a very good sloop for a second-hand one. The sloop was well sold, and so, they said, was my uncle, the captain. My uncle bought her, and then was bent on going a voyage in her as skipper, and so he invited me to go with him on his first voyage to Boston. He never went to sea before, and don’t know anything about a sloop, and he was awful sick all the way, but he had a good mate, and he is a beautiful skipper; he talks such sea lingo, and swears so beautifully, though people do say that he knows no more about the sea than an owl; but that is all envy. Well, after I got aboard, I happened to think of one sentence in Annastasia’s letter, which read, “Be sure to learn how to carve before you come, as uncle is away, and aunt will expect you to carve the Christmas goose.” What an idea! they might as well ask me to carve an ox or an alligator. However, when I reached Boston, I bought a little book on the art of carving, and came up to this hotel to have a little practice. Look here, African. (_Pete and Steve have been bobbing in and out of the door, L., during the speech, watching Sam. Enter Pete, L._) Do you know what a goose is?

_Pete._ Yes, massa; one ob dem two-legged fellers dat flops his wings jes’ so--dis way--so.

_Sam._ Well, I want one of them.

_Pete._ One ob dem flappers? Live one?

_Sam._ No, ignorance,--roasted.

_Pete._ Yes, massa. (_Calls, L._) Roast goose for 86.

_Sam._ No, no, stupid! Not for eighty-six; I only want it for one.

_Pete._ It’s all right, massa; dat’s what I fought,--dat’s what I fought. Dar wont but one goose come up here, so decompose yourself,--decompose yourself. (_Exit, L._)

_Sam._ What horrid grammar that African does indulge in! (_Capt. Skillings outside--“Ship ahoy! ahoy!” through speaking-trumpet._) There’s my uncle, the captain. (_Enter Captain, L._)

_Capt._ Shiver my timbers, blast my eyes, and keel-haul _me_, if this here craft ar’n’t the biggest seventy-four that ever I saw in all my cruisings. Such a climbing up hatchways and over bulkheads is trying to the narves of a tar with his sea-legs on.

_Sam_ (_aside_). Now, isn’t that beautiful language? It sounds so briny! (_Aloud._) But I say, uncle, where’s your tar?

_Capt._ Blast my eyes! Shiver my timbers! Do you mean to insult me? Aint I the skipper of the “Jemima Matilda,” as stanch a craft as ever sailed out of harbor, with spanker jib-boom hauled taut, and foretop main-truck flying at the mast-head?

_Sam_ (_enthusiastically_). Oh, aint he a spanker?

_Capt._ Now, look here, nevy, none of your jokes, or, shiver my timbers, I’ll disinherit you. Aint I the skipper of the “Jemima”--

_Sam._ Oh, uncle, you said that before.

_Capt._ Blast my eyes, I’ll say it again. (_Enter Steve, L._) Look here, messmate, I’m a sailor; not one of your fresh-water sailors, but a regular-built old sea-dog.

_Sam_ (_aside_). Eight days old; hasn’t got his eyes open yet.

_Capt._ I’ve climbed the rigging in the darkest night.

_Sam_ (_aside_). So dark nobody could see him.

_Capt._ I’ve seen the waves roll mountains high.

_Sam_ (_aside_). That’s a great idea.

_Capt._ I’ve been alone in the middle of the ocean in a jolly-boat.

_Sam_ (_aside_). That’s a jolly lie.

_Steve._ Well, captain, what can I do for you?

_Capt._ I say, messmate, did you ever hear of the escape of the “Jemima Matilda” on her trip from Dismaltown to Puddock?

_Steve._ Never did.

_Capt._ Then, blast my eyes, but you shall now, messmate.

_Sam._ I say, uncle, don’t tell that horrid fiction again.

_Capt._ Fiction! You young dog, I’ll have you court-martialed. (_Steve takes out tobacco-box and takes a chew._) Well, you must know, messmate--What you got there?

_Steve._ Tobacco; will you have a chew?

_Capt._ No, I thank you; I don’t chew.

_Steve._ You don’t? Well you are the first sailor I ever saw who didn’t chew.

_Capt._ I say, messmate, give us a chew. (_Aside._) If sailors chew this, I can.

_Sam._ Don’t, uncle, don’t chew that horrid stuff; it’ll make you as sick as a horse.

_Capt._ Shiver my timbers, nevy, what’s the use in being a sailor, if you don’t do as sailors do? Give us another chew, messmate. Thank ye. You must know, messmate, that the “Jemima Matilda,” of which I am the skipper, left the harbor of Dismaltown on the second of July for a trip to Puddock.

_Sam._ With a cargo of onions.

_Capt._ We hauled off from the wharf wing and wing.

_Sam_ (_aside_). It takes a pretty good sailor to put a sloop wing and wing.

_Capt._ As the wind freshened, we put more sail on the mizzenmast, and took a reef in the capstan, and set a hen-coop on top of the caboose, as a look-out. Then came on a perfect hurricane. We were within the latitude of forty-two degrees below zero, when I went below to take an observation. I hadn’t been gone long before there was a cry from the look-out of “There she blows!” I rushed on deck, and sure enough it did blow strong from the nor-nor-east, nor-east-by-nor, and the ship was nearly on her bulkheads. The crew clung around me and entreated me to save the ship. I alone was calm. I had all the heavy furniture of my cabin, consisting of a pine table, a musquito netting, and a looking-glass, brought up and consigned to the waves; but all in vain. Desperation nerved my arm, and seizing a hatchet, I rushed abaft the hen-coop, and with one terrific blow cut away--

_Steve._ The mast!

_Capt._ No, three feet of the cook’s stove-pipe. But she righted, and we were saved. Then a new danger arose on our weather bow. Three fathoms to windward arose a rock with a shelving surface nearest us even with the water, but the farthest part rising four feet. We were in danger of striking, when I rushed to the helm, bore hard on the compass, doused the binnacle lights, and steered straight for the rock. Fortune favored the bold manœuvre, for a sudden squall from the sou-sou-west raised the ship upon the rock. She slid swiftly over, and came down into the water with such a shock that, blast my eyes, if all the salt junk in the caboose didn’t turn of its own accord. Give us another chew, messmate.

_Sam_ (_aside_). If my uncle aint a sailor, it isn’t for want of ability to lie.

_Steve._ Captain, is there anything I can do for you?

_Capt._ Ay, ay, messmate; show me a room, and give me something comfortable.

_Steve._ Ay, ay, sir! A warm room and a good pipe.

_Capt._ Pipe! Blast my eyes, I don’t smoke!

_Steve._ You are the first sailor that ever I saw who didn’t smoke.

_Capt._ Oh, shiver my timbers, let’s have the pipe!

_Sam._ I say, uncle, don’t smoke a horrid pipe; you’ll be awful sick.

_Capt._ Blast my eyes, nevy, do you take me for a land-lubber? You just keep a sharp look-out here on the quarter-deck, while I turn in and take a shot in the locker. Heave ahead, my hearty (_to Steve_), or, shiver my timbers, I’ll rake you fore and aft. (_Exit Steve and Captain, L._)

_Sam._ My uncle knows a thing or two, but I’m afraid that, with smoking and chewing, he’ll get awful sick of this sailor business. Ah, here comes my goose. (_Enter Steve and Pete, L., with table-cloth, dishes, and a roast goose. They spread the cloth on table, C., and arrange dishes._) What an elegant spread!

_Pete._ Anything else, massa?

_Sam._ Let me see: there’s no ale; bring me some ale; and--why, there’s no spoons!

_Steve._ Spoons?

_Pete._ Spo-spo-spo-spoons?

_Sam._ Yes, spoons. How do you suppose an individual is to eat without spoons?

_Steve._ I’ll bring them, sir. (_Exit, L._)

_Sam._ Well, African, what are you grinning at?

_Pete._ At de goose, massa,--at de goose. (_Enter Steve, L., with spoons._)

_Sam._ Now leave. Get out. (_Steve and Pete come down._)

_Steve._ Keep your eye on the spoons.

_Pete._ By golly, Steve, if he take de spoons, he must take African too. (_Exit Pete, R., Steve, L._)

_Sam._ It seems to me that those individuals have a great deal of anxiety on my account. Well, now to business. Where’s my “Art of Carving”? (_Pulls small book from his pocket._) Now let me see. No. 1 is the head, this must be it. (_Points to tail._) No, this is the head. Now for it. (_Reads._) “Grasp the knife firmly in the right hand,”--that’s so,--“take the fork in the left;” but what shall I do with the “Art of Carving”? It doesn’t say anything about that: I’ll fix it. (_Places book on the table._) Now (_reads_), “stick the fork in No. 8.” That must be No. 8. “Draw your knife across No. 11”-- (_Enter Pete, R._)

_Pete._ Did you ring, sar?

_Sam._ No, I didn’t ring, you outrageous ignorant--

_Pete._ Beg pardon, sar. Must have been 84. (_Aside._) Spoons are dar. (_Exit, R._)

_Sam._ Blast 84! What does he ring for just as I’ve got my knife across No. 11? I must go all over it again. (_Reads._) Put your fork in No. 4, draw your knife across No. 11-- (_Enter Steve, L._)

_Steve._ Did you ring, sir?

_Sam._ Ring, you blasted upstart? (_Aside._) With my fork in No. 4 and my knife across No. 11! How was I to ring? (_Aloud._) Ring?--no.

_Steve._ Beg pardon, sir; it must have been 82. (_Aside._) Spoons all right. (_Exit, L._)

_Sam._ 82 be blowed! This is a queer proceeding. I’ll try it again. Put your fork in No. 4, draw your knife across No. 11, force yourself, and off comes the (_pulls the goose on to the floor_) blasted animal. (_Enter Pete, R., and Steve, L._)

_Pete._ } Did you ring, sir?
_Steve._ }

(_Sam stands by the table trying to hide the goose with the table-cloth, looking first at Pete then at Steve._)

_Sam._ Ring? Blast your ignorance, no! Where’s your bell?

_Steve._ (_Pointing, R._) There it is, sir.

_Sam._ When I want you, I’ll ring it loud, and open the door,--so get out. (_Exit Pete, R., Steve, L._) After all my trouble, I must go back to No. 4. (_Places goose on platter._) No, I wont; I’ll push ahead and trust to luck. (_During the remainder of this speech tries in various places to carve the goose._) This is the toughest old gander that ever I saw. I can do nothing with it. O Annastasia! that leg wont come off. O Annastasia! if you could only see me now,--I can’t start that wing. Why did you not ask me to get a horn of the moon, or extinguish the Etna volcano. O Annastasia!--there’s a piece of the breast; what a horrid looking object! What shall I do with him? I can’t eat him, and I should get laughed at if it should be seen. I’ll give him away to some poor individual. (_Looks out of door, L._) Nobody about--yes, there’s an urchin. Sh! look here.

_Bobby Small_ (_outside, L._) Shine your boots? (_Enter, with box and brush, L._) Yes, sir, all right; put yer foot there, and I’ll give yer true Union polish in about forty-five seconds.

_Sam._ I don’t want my boots polished.

_Bobby._ Oh, can’t stand the press? Look ahere, gent, stand on my head, play yer a tune on my chin, and give yer the Union polish, all for five cents.

_Sam._ I don’t want your Union polish. I’m an Englishman.

_Bobby._ Oh, yer an Englishman! Say, don’t yer want to go over to Bunker Hill? Stand on my head, play yer a tune, and carry yer over to Bunker Hill, for five cents.

_Sam._ I don’t want to go to Bunker Hill.

_Bobby._ Well, say what do you want?

_Sam._ Sh! Do you want a goose?

_Bobby._ Do I want--Say that again, gent.

_Sam._ Do you want a goose? This one?

_Bobby._ What’s the matter with the poor old gobbler? somebody’s been mauling on him.

_Sam._ Yes, all right, just cooked; here, take him and leave. (_Ties up goose in a napkin, accidentally slipping in a gravy spoon._)

_Bobby._ Thank yer. I’ll take him right down among the Union Polishers, and if we don’t polish his bones, my name is not Bobby Small.

_Sam_ (_giving goose_). Well, Bobby, here you are.

_Bobby._ Thank yer, sir; may yer live forever! But I say, can’t I do something for yer? Stand on my head? No! Play yer a tune on my chin? No! Union polish yer? Oh! yer don’t like that. Well, when yer do want a shine, just drop down into Brattle Square. You’ll find me there in business hours, ready to stand on my head, give yer a tune on my chin, or give yer the Union polish. (_Sings “Jordan:”_)

“Take off yer coat, boys, roll up yer sleeves,
Spread well de blacking on de boots,
De people bound to shine, and no make believes,
And de Union am de polish dat suits.”

(_Exit, L._)

_Sam._ Well, I’ve got rid of that unfortunate animal, and now let’s see if I can find my uncle, the captain. (_Enter Pete, L._) Here, African, clear away this truck. (_Exit, L._)

_Pete._ Clear away de truck? By golly! I t’ink it pretty well cleared itself, bones and all. (_Enter Steve, L._) I say, Steve, de old gobbler am clean gone.

_Steve._ Is it possible? Look under the table.

_Pete._ By golly! dere am no goose dar. Dat are feller is a what yer call him, he is.

_Steve._ What do you mean by a what yer call him?

_Pete._ Why, one of dem fellers, connubial, connubial.

_Steve._ Connubial? You mean a cannibal.

_Pete._ Dat’s what I said, a connubial.

_Steve._ Well, cannibal or connubial, our gravy spoon is missing.

_Pete._ By golly! Steve, it’s Smiff,--John Smiff. Cotch him wid de axe! cotch him wid de axe!

_Steve._ Here, take these things right down, and tell Mr. Hanscomb. Be quick, for the gong will sound for dinner in three minutes. (_Enter Sam, L._) More spoons, monsieur. (_Exit, L._)

_Pete._ More spoons, spoons, monster! (_Exit, R._)

Sam. What does this mean? Oh, horror! a light dawns upon me. Spoons, spoons! I must have given away one of the spoons with the goose. I remember there was one in the dish. Oh, heavens! what’s to be done? They’ll have me arrested. Where can my uncle, the captain, be? I can’t find him anywhere, and he’s got all the money. Oh, Annastasia, why did you ask me to learn the horrid art of carving? Oh, what will become of me? Oh, agony, agony! I’ll ring the bell and disclose all. (_Rings the bell, R. As the gong sounds outside, Sam stumbles back over the carpet-bag, then over a chair, falls behind table, and crawls out in front as the gong ceases._) Oh, what have I done, what have I done? Hear the crockery go! I’ve pulled down a whole crockery shop. (_Enter Steve, L._)

_Steve_ (_fiercely_). Did you ring?

_Sam._ No, I didn’t touch anything,--I say, much broke?

_Steve._ Much broke! you’ll find out what’s broke. (_Exit, L._)

_Sam._ What’s to be done? That upstart’s gone for an officer. It wont do for me to stop here. I’ll make a run of it. (_Starts for door, L. Enter Steve, with a broom._)

_Steve._ You can’t pass here.

_Sam._ Oh, excuse me; I’ll go the other way. (_Enter Pete, R., with a paper._) This port blockaded?

_Pete._ Yes, massa, by Burnside. (_Touches him in side with poker._)

_Sam._ Oh, oh, you ignoramus! do you want to torture me?

_Pete._ Only a little game of poker, massa.

_Sam_ (_fiercely_). This is insulting! What do you mean by stopping an Englishman in this way?

_Steve._ Want to overhaul you, to see if there is anything contraband aboard.

_Pete._ ’Taint de fust time a British _mail_ has been stopped.

_Sam._ I must submit. What would Annastasia say? It must be that unfortunate goose. I can’t pay my bill till I find my uncle, the captain. (_Enter Bobby, stealthily, L., with the goose. Makes frantic efforts to attract Sam’s attention._) There’s that urchin again. What is he making such awful faces for?

_Bobby_ (_aside_). The gent gave me a spoon with the goose. It must have been by mistake, so I brought it back. Perhaps the gent will stand a dime. (_To Sam._) Sh, sh! I’ve got it.

_Sam_ (_seizing him_). Got it! so have I. Audacious! (_Seizes goose._) Here’s the goose (_takes out spoon_), and here’s the spoon. Hurrah! I’m saved. (_Enter Mr. Hanscomb, L._)

_Hanscomb._ Are you? That’s a very ingenious dodge, Mr. John Smith, but it wont do. Steve, seize that man; and you, Pete, look after the boy. (_Steve seizes Sam; Pete takes Bobby by the collar._) You’re a handsome couple, you are! What have you to say for yourselves?

_Bobby._ Look here, contraband, don’t soil my linen. I say, gent, what kind of a scrape have you got me into?

_Sam._ I am innocent, I am innocent, I am innocent!

_Pete._ Dat’s a lie, dat’s a lie, dat’s a lie! Jest look at dat poor old gobbler; somebody’s massacred him.

_Hanscomb._ Take them to the station-house at once.

_Sam._ Oh, dear! is there no escape? Oh, Annastasia, if thou couldst only see the agony of thy unfortunate Samuel! Will nobody save me?

_Capt._ (_outside, L._) O Sammy, Sammy! where are you, Sammy?

_Sam._ My uncle, the captain, at last. (_Enter captain, L., his face very pale, wrapped in a blanket, and shivering._)

_Capt._ Oh, Sammy, oh, Sammy, I’m so sick! I want to go home, I want to go home. I went down-stairs, and a chap there as was a sailor wanted me to go over to Chelsea, and the horrid ferry-boat made me sick, and the awful pipe made me sick, and I want to go home. (_Falls into Sam’s arms._)

_Sam._ In the “Jemima”?

_Capt._ No, never; don’t let me see the water again, or a ship, or a sailor. I hate the sea, and I want to go home. (_Falls into Sam’s arms again._)

_Sam._ But I can’t go; I’m arrested for stealing.

_Capt._ Arrested for stealing! Who accuses the nephew of Capt. Nat Skillings of stealing?

_Hanscomb._ Capt. Nat Skillings, of Dismaltown, Nova Scotia?

_Capt._ Just so.

_Hanscomb._ I used to know a Capt. Skillings, of Dismaltown, but he was not a sea captain.

_Capt._ Well, I guess it’s the same man. I sha’n’t be one after to-day.

_Hanscomb._ Captain, don’t you remember your old friend, Sol Hanscomb?

_Capt._ To be sure I do.

_Hanscomb._ Well, I’m his son.

_Capt._ Be you, though? Why, how you have grown! But what have you been doing to my nephew?

_Hanscomb._ That your nephew! I thought it was John Smith.

_Capt._ Not a bit of it. That’s Sam Skillings.

_Hanscomb._ Not John Smith! I’m confounded.

_Steve._ Not Smith? I’m dumb.

_Pete._ Not Smiff? I’m (_Bobby touches him with the poker, which he has rescued_) scorched.

_Sam._ Yes, Sam Skillings, who would scorn to do a mean action, but who accidentally purloined one of this gentleman’s spoons, for which he is willing to make all possible reparation.

_Capt._ Oh, I see how it is; Sam has been practising the art of carving.

_Hanscomb._ The art of carving? Why, I’ll teach him that in twenty minutes.

_Sam._ Will you, though? I’ll be greatly obliged to you; so will Annastasia, and my uncle, the captain, skipper of the “Jemima”--

_Capt._ Sammy, sink the ship. I’ve concluded that the sea don’t agree with my constitution. I’ll sell her. (_To audience._) Is there anybody here wants her? She’s A1¾, stanch and well-built, copper-bottomed, and tarred throughout, especially the cabin; Morgan stock, sound and kind in harness; will stand all winds, especially nor-nor-east, nor-east by nor, shiver my timbers--

_Steve_ (_offering tobacco-box_). Have a chew, captain?

_Capt._ (_falls into Sam’s arms._) Oh, Sam, Sam, take me home!

_Hanscomb._ Ladies and Gentlemen, “The Fatted Calf” has been opened under rather unfavorable circumstances, but if you will give us another call, you shall find a hospitable landlord--

_Steve._ Accommodating waiters--

_Pete._ Who--who--who will gib you ebery detention, wid--wid--

_Bobby._ De Union polish.

_Sam._ And if a word from me would not be out of place, I would recommend this house, as I expect to stop here with my Annastasia on our bridal tour, on which occasion we expect to be accompanied by that extraordinary seaman--

_Capt._ Oh, Sammy, don’t.

_Sam._ My uncle, the captain.

DISPOSITION OF CHARACTERS.

L. Steve, Hanscomb, Capt., Sam, Bobby, and Pete. R.

NOTE.--The characters of Sam and Capt. Skillings were
originally performed as “Cockney Englishmen.” The performers
can use their own discretion,--make them Cockneys by placing
“h’s” before the vowels and dropping the “h’s” where they
belong, or they can be performed as Yankees from down East.
As Artemus Ward says, “You pay your money, and you has your
choice.”

NO CURE, NO PAY: A FARCE.

FOR FEMALE CHARACTERS ONLY.

CHARACTERS.

MRS. LANGUISH, a Lady who has lately acquired Wealth.
ALICE, her Daughter.
LUCY AIKEN, }
JENNY CARTER, } Friends of Alice.
SUSAN DEAN, }
BRIDGET, the Queen of the Kitchen.
AUNT MARIA MIDGET, a little hard of hearing.

SCENE.--_Parlor in MRS. LANGUISH’S house. Small table and
chair, L.; arm-chair, C.; rocking-chair, R._

_Enter BRIDGET, L., showing in LUCY AIKEN._

_Bridget._ Tak’ a sate, Miss Lucy, if ye plaze, while I spake to the young misthress. It’s glad she’ll be to see yer, for it’s a hape of throuble we have here ony how.

_Lucy._ Trouble, Bridget! Why, what’s the matter?

_Bridget._ Shure, mam, it’s all along of the misthress; she’s too sick intirely, and is failin’, and failin’, and failin.’

_Lucy._ Mrs. Languish sick? I am sorry to hear that.

_Bridget._ Oh! indade, and indade she is. Ivery breath she draws is nearer and nearer her last.

_Lucy._ What seems to be the matter?

_Bridget._ An’ shure, ma’m, I dont know, except that she’s failin’, and failin’, and failin’; an’ its sorry the day whin she fell ill; she’s the kindest and bist misthress in the world. (_Crying._) Oh, musha, musha! Oh, dear! Oh, dear!

_Lucy._ Well, well, Bridget, be calm, and hope for the best.

_Bridget._ Faith, and that’s what I’m doin’. Oh, here comes Miss Alice, the poor disconsilite orphan. (_Exit, L._)

(_Enter ALICE, R._)

_Alice._ (_Running to LUCY and kissing her._) Why, Lucy Aiken! You dear, good-for-nothing thing! Where have you been all this while?

_Lucy._ It is an age since we met. I must congratulate you, and I assure you I do, with all my heart, on your altered position. So, the rich and crusty old uncle, who forgot his relations while living, has remembered you in his will?

_Alice._ Yes, Lucy; thanks to uncle Caleb, we are rich. And, I assure you, we were glad to be remembered.

_Lucy._ But, dear me, Alice, what a careless creature I am! How is your mother? Bridget tells me she is very sick.

_Alice._ Poor mother! this sudden turn in the wheel of fortune has been too much for her; she is a confirmed invalid. I don’t know what to make of her. Dr. Tincture can find no symptoms of disease. He says she is in sound bodily health; her suddenly dropping her usual employments has occasioned her seeming illness.

_Lucy._ Seeming! Why, Alice, you treat lightly what your Bridget seems to consider a very serious illness.

_Alice._ Well, I do; for I am convinced nothing ails mother. Her head is turned with the idea that she is an invalid, because she thinks it fashionable for rich ladies to be ailing, and she has the queerest notions. I suppose you will laugh, but I am going to tell you her last freak. She is highly incensed at Dr. Tincture, refuses to see him, and declares her illness can only be cured by some mysterious agency. Yesterday she bade me prepare this note to be inserted in the evening papers. (_Reads._) “NO CURE, NO PAY.--A lady who is suffering from a disease which baffles the skill of the medical profession, and who is desirous of testifying her appreciation of the efforts now being made to institute a school of female practitioners, offers the sum of five hundred dollars to any female who will cure her. Address, with real name, ‘BEDRIDDEN,’ Station A, Boston Post Office; and remember, No cure, no pay.” Did you ever hear of such a nonsensical whim?

_Lucy._ What an odd idea! And do you propose to send it?

_Alice._ No, indeed; that is, if I can possibly prevent it. But she believes it has already gone. Dear me! I wish I could find a way to frighten her into health again.

_Lucy._ That’s just what you must do. If you will be guided by me, her cure can be effected. You remember our “Private Theatricals” last winter, and what fun we had. Let us turn our practice then to profit now. There’s Jenny Carter and Susie Dean all ready for any harmless sport, I know. You leave this to me, and I’ll send your mother a few samples of the new school she so much admires.

_Alice._ Oh, capital! capital! But are you quite sure you can carry out this scheme?

_Lucy._ Sure. Remember what Richelieu says about “the bright lexicon of youth,” and leave all to me. Good-by; I must run and see the girls. Set your heart at rest; we’ll have your mother well before she knows it herself. Good-by. (_Exit, L._)

_Alice._ Good-by. I have great faith in Lucy. And I do hope this scheme of hers will be a success. Perhaps it is wrong to deceive poor mother; but that advertisement once inserted in the papers, we should have no peace day or night. Here she comes. Poor mother; she works very hard to keep up her sickness. I can hardly refrain from laughing to see her bright, rosy face, and the utter lassitude of her body.

(_Enter MRS. LANGUISH, R., supported by AUNT MIDGET, very slowly._)

_Aunt M._ Keerful, Angelina; keerful, my child. Remember you’re a drefful sick woman; drefful sick.

_Mrs. L._ (_Sinking into easy chair, C._) Oh, dear! Oh, dear! I know--I am. I know--I am weaker--and weaker--every--day. My camphor-bottle--aunt Midget--fan me--my child. (_AUNT M. applies camphor, and ALICE fans MRS. L._)

_Alice._ Don’t you feel any better, mother?

_Mrs. L._ No, child; your--poor--mother--is failing rapidly; a few short days--and then--

_Aunt M._ (_Sneezes._) Massy sakes, child! who left that door open? Do you want your marm to catch her death? (_ALICE shuts door, L._)

_Alice._ Have you had your breakfast, mother?

_Mrs. L._ Yes, child--all I wanted--but I have no appetite.

_Aunt M._ Well, Angelina, how do you feel now?

_Mrs. L._ Very feeble.

_Aunt M._ What does she say?

_Alice._ Very feeble.

_Aunt M._ Hay?

_Mrs. L._ Dear--dear! Aunt Midget, don’t speak so loud.

_Aunt M._ Loud? Why, Angelina! you know how feeble my voice is. I couldn’t speak loud. (_Sits in rocking-chair, R., and knits._)

_Mrs. L._ Alice, do you--hear any thing from the advertisement?

_Alice._ Oh, yes, mother; I hear from it. Several people are anxious to see you.

_Mrs. L._ I knew it--I knew it. My cure can only come from such a source. Look in the paper--child--there may be some new discovery advertised.

_Alice._ (_Sits, L., and takes up paper._) Yes, there are a number. (_Reads._) “Dr. Kresote’s Extract of Lignumvitæ for the cure of Lumbago”--

_Mrs. L._ Oh, dear! I must try that. I know I’ve got the lunbago.

_Aunt M._ Who’s that? Tom Bago! Is that a new doctor?

_Alice._ (_Reads._) “Elias’s Great Cure-all”--

_Aunt M._ Who’s that’s got a new carry-all?

_Mrs. L._ Aunt Midget--please, don’t.

_Aunt M._ Law, Angelina, what’s the use of living, if you don’t know what’s goin’ on?

_Alice._ “The most Wonderful Discovery of the Age! A Speedy Cure for all Diseases of the Spine”--

_Mrs. L._ Oh, dear! I know my spine is diseased--

_Alice._ “Heart Disease”--

_Mrs. L._ O--O--O--I know I’ve got that! I’ve got such a pain here and here--and here.

_Alice._ “General Debility”--

_Aunt M._ General who? What new military man is that?

_Alice._ “Consumption”--

_Mrs. L._ Oh, dear! that’s my case! I feel it! I’m sure I’m a victim to that--

_Aunt M._ Yes, Angelina, I told you this morning at the breakfast-table, when you ate four hard-boiled eggs, six pertaters, a big piece of steak, and so many flap-jacks! sartin’ sure it was a forerunner of consumption.

_Alice._ “And all diseases which flesh is heir to”--