Chapter II: Part 2

[_Between her sobs._] I--I--I--I know what is in your mind.

_Sir William._

[_Drawing a long breath._] Ah--h--h--h!

_Miss Gower._

Oh, my dear brother, be patient!

_Sir William._

Patient!

_Miss Gower._

Forgive me; I should have said hopeful. Be hopeful that I shall yet succeed in ameliorating the disturbing conditions which are affecting us so cruelly.

Sm William.

Ye never will, Trafalgar; _I've_ tried.

_Miss Gower._

Oh, do not despond already! I feel sure there are good ingredients in Rose's character. [_Clinging to him._] In time, William, we shall shape her to be a fitting wife for our rash and unfortunate Arthur----

[_He shakes his head._] In time, William, in time!

_Sir William._

[_Soothing her._] Well, well, well! there, there, there! At least, my dear sister, I am perfectly aweer that I possess in you the woman above all others whose example should compel such a transformation.

_Miss Gower._

[_Throwing her arms about his neck._] Oh, brother, what a compliment----!

_Sir William._

Tut, tut, tut! And now, before Charles sets the card-table, don't you think we had better--eh, Trafalgar?

_Miss Gower._

Yes, yes--our disagreeable duty; let us discharge it. [_Sir William takes snuff._] Rose, dear, be seated. [_To everybody._] The Vice Chancellor has something to say to us. Let us all be seated.

[_There is consternation among the young people. All sit._]

_Sir William._

[_Peering about him._] Are ye seated?

_Everybody._

Yes.

_Sir William._

What I desire to say is this. When Miss Trelawny took up her residence here, it was thought proper, in the peculiar circumstances of the case, that you, Arthur--[_pointing a finger at Arthur_] you----

_Arthur._

Yes, sir.

_Sir William._

That you should remove yourself to the establishment of your sister Clara and her husband in Holies Street, round the corner--

_Arthur._

Yes, sir.

_Clara._

Yes, grandpa.

_De Foenix._

Certainly, Sir William.

_Sir William._

Taking your food in this house, and spending other certain hours here, under the surveillance of your great-aunt Trafalgar.

Miss Gower.

Yes, William.

_Sir William._

This was considered to be a decorous, and, toward Miss Trelawny, a highly respectful, course to pursue.

_Arthur._

Yes, sir.

_Miss Gower._

Any other course would have been out of place.

_Sir William._

And yet--[_again extending a finger at Arthur_] what is this that is reported to me?

_Arthur._

I don't know, sir.

_Sir William._

I hear that ye have on several occasions, at night, after having quitted this house with Captain and Mrs. De Foenix, been seen on the other side of the way, your back against the railings, gazing up at Miss Trelawny's window; and that you have remained in that position for a considerable space of time. Is this true, sir?

_Rose._

[_Boldly._] Yes, Sir William.

_Sir William._

I venture to put a question to my grandson, Miss Trelawny.

_Arthur._

Yes, sir, it is quite true.

_Sir William._

Then, sir, let me acqueent you that these are not the manners, nor the practices, of a gentleman.

_Arthur._

No, sir?

_Sir William._

No, sir, they are the manners, and the practices, of a Troubadour.

_Miss Gower._

A troubadour in Cavendish Square! quite out of place!

_Arthur._

I--I'm very sorry, sir; I--I never looked at it in that light.

_Sir William._

[_Snuffing._] Ah--h--h--h! ho! pi--i--i--sh!

_Arthur._

But at the same time, sir, I dare say--of course I don't speak from precise knowledge--but I dare say there were a good many--a good many-----

_Sir William._

Good many--what sir?

_Arthur._

A good many very respectable troubadours, sir----

_Rose._

[_Starting to her feet, heroically and defiantly. _] And what I wish to say, Sir William, is this. I wish to avow, to declare before the world, that Arthur and I have had many lengthy interviews while he has been stationed against those railings over there; I murmuring to him softly from my bedroom window, he responding in tremulous whispers----

_Sir William._

[_Struggling to his feet_]. You--you tell me such things---! [_All rise._]

_Miss Gower._

The Square, in which we have resided for years----! Our neighbors----!

_Sir William._

[_Shaking a trembling hand at Arthur. _] The--the character of my house---!

_Arthur._

Again I am extremely sorry, sir--but these are the only confidential conversations Rose and I now enjoy.

_Sir William._

[_Turning upon Clara and De Foenix._] And you, Captain de Foenix--an officer and a gentleman! and you, Clara! this could scarcely have been without your cognizance, without, perhaps, your approval----!

[_Charles, in plush and powder and wearing luxuriant whiskers, enters, carrying two branch candlesticks with lighted candles._]

_Charles._

The cawd-table, Sir William?

_Miss Gower._

[_Agitatedly._] Yes, yes, by all means, Charles; the card-table, as usual. [_To Sir William._] A rubber will comfort you, soothe you----

[_Charles carries the candlesticks to the card-table, Sir William and Miss Gower seat themselves upon a couch, she with her arm through his affectionately. Clara and De Foenix get behind the screen; their scared faces are seen occasionally over the top of it. Charles brings the card-table, opens it and arranges it, placing four chairs, which he collects from different parts of the room, round the table. Rose and Arthur talk in rapid undertones._]

_Rose._

Infamous! infamous!

_Arthur._

Be calm, Rose, dear, be calm!

_Rose._

Tyrannical! diabolical! I cannot endure it.

[_She throws herself into a chair. He stands behind her, apprehensively, endeavoring to calm her._]

_Arthur._

[_Over her shoulder._] They mean well, dearest----

_Rose._

[_Hysterically._] Well! ha, ha, ha!

_Arthur._

But they are rather old-fashioned people---

_Rose._

Old-fashioned! they belong to the time when men and women were put to the torture. I am being tortured--mentally tortured----

_Arthur._

They have not many more years in this world-----

_Rose._

Nor I, at this rate, many more months. They are killing me--like Agnes in _The Specter of St. Ives._ She expires, in the fourth act, as I shall die in Cavendish Square, painfully, of no recognized disorder--

_Arthur._

And anything we can do to make them happy----

_Rose._

To make the Vice Chancellor happy! I won't try! I will not! he's a fiend, a vampire-!

_Arthur._

Oh, hush!

_Rose._

[_Snatching up Sir William's snuff-box, which he has left upon the table._] His snuff-box! I wish I could poison his snuff, as Lucrezia Borgia would have done. She would have removed him within two hours of my arrival--I mean, her arrival. [_Opening the snuff-box and mimicing Sir William._] And here he sits and lectures me, and dictates to me! to Miss Trelawny! "I venture to put a question to my grandson, Miss Trelawny!" Ha, ha! [_Talcing a pinch of snuffy thoughtlessly but vigorously._] "Yah--h--h--h! pish! Have we no cheers? do we lack cheers here, Trafalgar?" [_Suddenly._] Oh!

_Arthur._

What have you done?

_Rose._

[_In suspense, replacing the snuff-box._] The snuff---!

_Arthur._

_Rose._ dear!

_Rose._

[_Putting her handkerchief to her nose, and rising._] Ah-----!

[_Charles, having prepared the card-table, and arranged the candlesticks upon it, has withdrawn. Miss Gower and Sir William now rise._]

_Miss Gower._

The table is prepared, William. Arthur, I assume you would prefer to sit and contemplate Rose----?

_Arthur._

Thank you, aunt.

[_Rose sneezes violently, and is led away, helplessly, by Arthur._]

_Miss Gower._

[_To Rose._] Oh, my dear child! [_Looking round._] Where are Frederick and Clara?

[_Appearing from behind the screen, shamefacedly._] Here.

[_The intending players cut the pack and seat themselves. Sir William sits facing Captain de Foenix, Miss Gower on the right of the table, and Clara on the left._]

_Arthur._

[_While this is going on, to Rose._] Are you in pain, dearest? Rose!

_Rose._

Agony!

_Arthur._

Pinch your upper lip---

[_She sneezes twice, loudly, and sinks back upon the couch._]

_Sir William._

[_Testily._] Sssh! sssh! sssh! this is to be whist, I hope.

_Miss Gower._

Rose! Rose! young ladies do not sneeze quite so continuously. [_De Foenix is dealing._]

_Sir William._

[_With gusto._] I will thank you, Captain de Foenix, to exercise your intelligence this evening to its furthest limit.

_De Foenix._

I'll twy, sir.

_Sir William._

[_Laughing unpleasantly._] He, he, he! last night, sir----

_Clara._

Poor Frederick had toothache last night, grandpa.

_Sir William._

[_Tartly._] Whist is whist, Clara, and toothache is toothache. We will endeavor to keep the two things distinct, if you please. He, he!

_Miss Gower._

Your interruption was hardly in place, Clara, dear,--ah!

_De Foenix._

Hey! what?

_Miss Gower._

A misdeal.

_Clara._

[_Faintly._] Oh, Frederick!

_Sir William._

[_Partly rising._] Captain de Foenix!

_De Foenix._

I--I'm fwightfully gwieved, sir----

[_The cards are re-dealt by Miss Gower. Rose now gives way to a violent paroxysm of sneezing. Sir William rises._]

_Miss Gower._

William-----! [_The players rise._]

_Sir William._

[_To the players._] Is this whist, may I ask?

[_They sit._]

_Sir William._

[_Standing._] Miss Trelawny--

_Rose._

[_Weakly._] I--I think I had better--what d'ye call it?--withdraw for a few moments.

_Sir William._

[_Sitting again._] Do so.

[_Rose disappears. Arthur is leaving the room with her._]

_Miss Gower._

[_Sharply._] Arthur! where are you going?

_Arthur._

[_Returning promptly._] I beg your pardon, aunt.

_Miss Gower._

Really, Arthur---!

_Sir William._

[_Rapping upon the table._] Tsch, tsch, tsch!

_Miss Gower._

Forgive me, William. [_They play._]

_Sir William._

[_Intent upon his cards._] My snuff-box, Arthur; be so obleeging as to search for it.

_Arthur._

[_Brightly._] I'll bring it to you, sir. It is on the----

_Sir William._

Keep your voice down, sir. We are playing--[_emphatically throwing down a card, as fourth player_] whist. Mine.

_Miss Gower._

[_Picking up the trick._] No, William.

_Sir William._

[_Glaring._] No!

_Miss Gower._

_Clara._played a trump.

De Foenix.

Yes, sir, Clara played a trump--the seven----

_Sir William._

I will not trouble you, Captain de Foenix, to echo Miss Gower's information.

_De Foenix._

Vevy sowwy, sir.

_Miss Gower._

[_Gently._] It was a little out of place, Frederick.

_Sir William._

Sssh! whist. [_Arthur is now on Sir William's right, with the snuff-box._] Eh? what? [_Taking the snuff-box from Arthur._] Oh, thank ye. Much obleeged, much obleeged.

[_Arthur walks away and picks up a book. Sir William turns in his chair, watching Arthur._]

_Miss Gower._

You to play, William. [_A pause._] William, dear----?

[_She also turns, following the direction of his gaze. Laying down his cards, Sir William leaves the card-table and goes over to Arthur slowly. Those at the card-table look on apprehensively._]

_Sir William._

[_In a queer voice._] Arthur.

_Arthur._

[_Shutting his book._] Excuse me, grandfather.

_Sir William._

Ye--ye're a troublesome young man, Arthur.

_Arthur._

I--I don't mean to be one, sir.

_Sir William._

As your poor father was, before ye. And if you are fool enough to marry, and to beget children, doubtless your son will follow the same course. [_Taking snuff._] Y--y--yes, but I shall be dead 'n' gone by that time, it's likely. Ah--h--h--h! pi--i--i--sh! I shall be sitting in the Court Above by that time--- [_From the adjoining room comes the sound of Rose's voice singing "Ever of Thee" to the piano. There is great consternation at the card-table. Arthur is moving towards the folding-doors, Sir William detains him._] No, no, let her go on, I beg. Let her continue. [_Returning to the card-table, with deadly calmness._] We will suspend our game while this young lady performs her operas.

_Miss Gower._

[_Rising and taking his arm._] William----!

_Sir William._

[_In the same tone._] I fear this is no' longer a comfortable home for ye, Trafalgar; no longer the home for a gentlewoman. I apprehend that in these days my house approaches somewhat closely to a Pandemonium. [_Suddenly taking up the cards, in a fury, and flinging them across the room._] And this is whist--whist----!

[_Clara and De Foenix rise and stand together. Arthur pushes open the upper part of the folding-doors._]

_Arthur._

_Rose._ stop! Rose!

[_The song ceases and Rose appears._]

_Rose._

[_At the folding-doors._] Did anyone call?

_Arthur._

You have upset my grandfather!

_Miss Gower._

Miss Trelawny, how--how dare you do anything so--so out of place?

_Rose._

There's a piano in there, Miss Gower.

_Miss Gower._

You are acquainted with the rule of this household--no music when the Vice Chancellor is within doors.

_Rose._

But there are so many rules. One of them is that you may not sneeze.

_Miss Gower._

Ha! you must never answer---

_Rose._

No, that's another rule.

_Miss Gower._

Oh, for shame!

_Arthur._

You see, aunt, Rose is young, and--and--you make no allowance for her, give her no chance----

_Miss Gower._

Great Heaven! what is this you are charging me with?

_Arthur._

I don't think the "rules" of this house are fair to Rose I oh, I must say it--they are horribly unfair!

_Miss Gower._

[_Clinging to Sir William._] Brother!

_Sir William._

Trafalgar! [_Putting her aside and advancing to Arthur._] Oh, indeed, sir! and so you deliberately accuse your great-aunt of acting toward ye and Miss Trelawny _mala fide_----

_Arthur._

Grandfather, what I intended to----

_Sir William._

I will afford ye the opportunity of explaining what ye intended to convey, downstairs, at once, in the library. [_A general shudder._] Obleege me by following me, sir. [_To Clara and De Foenix._] Captain de Foenix, I see no prospect of any further social relaxation this evening. You and Clara will do me the favor of attending in the hall, in readiness to take this young man back to Holies Street. [_Giving his arm to Miss Gower._] My dear sister---- [_To Arthur._] Now, sir.

[_Sir William and Miss Gower go out Arthur comes to Rose and kisses her._]

_Arthur._

Good-night, dearest: Oh, good-night! Oh, Rose!

_Sir William._

[_Outside the door._] Mr. Arthur Gower!

_Arthur._

I am coming, sir--- [_He goes out quickly._]

_De Foenix._

[_Approaching Rose and taking her hand sympathetically._] Haw-----! I--weally--haw!----

_Rose._

Yes, I know what you would say. Thank you, Captain Fred.

_Clara._

[_Embracing Rose._] Never mind! we will continue to let Arthur out at night as usual. I am a married woman! [_joining De Foenix_], and a married woman will turn, if you tread upon her often enough-----!

[_De Foenix and Clara depart._]

_Rose._

[_Pacing the room, shaking her hands in the air desperately._] Oh--h--h! ah--h--h!

[_The upper part of the folding-doors opens, and Charles appears._]

_Charles._

[_Mysteriously._] Miss Rose---

_Rose._

What--

_Charles._

[_Advancing._] I see Sir William h'and the rest descend the stairs. I 'ave been awaitin' the chawnce of 'andin' you this, Miss Rose.

[_He produces a dirty scrap of paper, wet and limp, with writing upon it, and gives it to her._]

_Rose._

[_Handling it daintly._] Oh, it's damp!--

_Charles._

Yes, miss; a little gentle shower 'ave been takin' place h'outside--'eat spots, cook says.

_Rose._

[_Reading._] Ah! from some of my friends. Charles.

[_Behind his hand._] Perfesshunnal, Miss Rose?

_Rose._

[_Intent upon the note._] Yes--yes---

_Charles._

I was reprimandin' the organ, miss, when I observed them lollin' against the square railin's examinin' h'our premises, and they wentured for to beckon me. An egstremely h'affable party, miss. [_Hiding his face._] Ho! one of them caused me to laff!

_Rose._

[_Excitedly._] They want to speak to me--[_referring to the note_] to impart something to me of an important nature. Oh, Charles, I know not what to do!

_Charles._

[_Languishingly._] Whatever friends may loll against them railin's h'opposite, Miss Rose, you 'ave one true friend in this 'ouse--Chawles Gibbons----

_Rose._

Thank you, Charles. Mr. Briggs, the butler, is sleeping out to-night, isn't he?

_Charles._

Yes, miss, he 'ave leave to sleep at his sister's. I 'appen to know he 'ave gone to Cremorne.

_Rose._

Then, when Sir William and Miss Gower have retired, do you think you could let me go forth; and wait at the front door while I run across and grant my friends a hurried interview?

_Charles._

Suttingly, miss.

_Rose._

If it reached the ears of Sir William, or Miss Gower, you would lose your place, Charles!

_Charles._

[_Haughtily._] I'm aweer, miss; but Sir William was egstremely rood to me dooring dinner, over that mis'ap to the ontray----- [_A bell rings violently._] S'william!

[_He goes out. The rain is heard pattering against the window panes. Rose goes from one window to another, looking out. It is now almost black outside the windows._]

_Rose._

[_Discovering her friends._] Ah! yes, yes! ah--h--h--h! [_She snatches an antimacassar from a chair and jumping onto the couch, waves it frantically to those outside._] The dears! the darlings! the faithful creatures----! [_Listening._] Oh------!

[_She descends, in a hurry, and flings the antimacassar under the couch, as Miss Gower enters. At the same moment there is a vivid flash of lightning._]

_Miss Gower._

[_Startled._] Oh, how dreadful! [_To Rose, frigidly._] The Vice Chancellor has felt the few words he has addressed to Arthur, and has retired for the night. [_There is a roll of thunder. Rose alarmed, Miss Gower clings to a chair._] Mercy on us! Go to bed, child, directly. We will all go to our beds, hoping to awake to-morrow in a meeker and more submissive spirit. [_Kissing Rose upon the brow._] Good-night. [_Another flash of lightning._] Oh----! Don't omit to say your prayers, Rose--and in a simple manner. I always fear that, from your peculiar training, you may declaim them. That is so out of place--oh!

[_Another roll of thunder. Rose goes across the room, meeting Charles, who enters carrying a lantern. They exchange significant glances, and she disappears._]

_Charles._

[_Coming to Miss Gower._] I am now at liberty to accompany you round the 'ouse, ma'am----[_A flash of lightning._]

_Miss Gower._

Ah-----! [_Her hand to her heart._] Thank you,

Charles--but to-night I must ask you to see that everything is secure, alone. This storm--so very seasonable; but, from girlhood, I could never---

[_A roll of thunder._] Oh, good-night!

[_She flutters away. The rain beats still more violently upon the window panes._]

_Charles._

[_Glancing at the window._] Ph--e--e--w! Great 'evans!

[_He is dropping the curtains at the window when Rose appears at the folding-doors._]

_Rose._

[_In a whisper._] Charles!

_Charles._

Miss?

_Rose._

[_Coming into the room, distractedly._] Miss Gower has gone to bed.

_Charles._

Yes, miss--oh----! [_A flash of lightning._]

_Rose._

Oh! my friends! my poor friends!

_Charles._

H'and Mr. Briggs at Cremorne! Reelly, I should 'ardly advise you to wenture h'out, miss----

_Rose._

Out! no! Oh, but get them in!

_Charles._

In, Miss Rose! indoors!

_Rose._

Under cover---- [_A roll of thunder._] Oh!

[_Wringing her hands._] They are my friends! is it a rule that I am never to see a friend, that I mayn't even give a friend shelter in a violent storm? [_To Charles._] Are you the only one up?

_Charles._

I b'lieve so, miss. Any'ow the wimming-servants is quite h'under my control.

_Rose._

Then tell my friends to be deathly quiet, and to creep--to tip-toe-- [_The rain strikes the window again. She picks up the lantern which Charles has deposited upon the floor, and gives it to him._]

Make haste! I'll draw the curtains--[_He hurries out. She goes from window to window, dropping the curtains, talking to herself excitedly as she does so._] My friends! my own friends! ah! I'm not to sneeze in this house! nor to sing! or breathe, next! wretches! oh, my! wretches! [_Blowing out the candles and removing the candlesticks to the table, singing, under her breath, wildly._] "Ever of thee I'm fondly dreaming----" [_Mimicking Sir William again._] "What are ye upon the floor for, my dear? Have we no cheers? do we lack cheers here, Trafalgar----?" [_Charles returns._]

_Charles._

[_To those who follow him._] Hush! [_To Rose._] I

discovered 'em clustered in the doorway----

[_There is a final peal of thunder as Avonia, Gadd, Colpoys, and Tom Wrench enter, somewhat diffidently. They are apparently soaked to their skins, and are altogether in a deplorable condition. Avonia alone has an umbrella, which she allows to drip upon the carpet, but her dress and petticoats are bedraggled, her finery limp, her hair lank and loose._]

_Rose._

'Vonia!

_Avonia._

[_Coming to her, and embracing her fervently._] Oh, ducky, ducky, ducky! oh, but what a storm!

_Rose._

Hush! how wet you are! [_Shaking hands with Gadd_] Ferdinand--[_crossing to Colpoys and shaking hands with him_] Augustus--[_shaking hands with Tom_] Tom-Wrench--

_Avonia._

[_To Charles._] Be so kind as to put my umbrella on the landing, will you? Oh, thank you very much, I'm sure.

[_Charles withdraws with the umbrella. Gadd and Colpoys shake the rain from their hats on to the carpet and furniture._]

_Tom._

[_Quietly, to Rose._] It's a shame to come down on you in this way. But they would do it, and I thought I'd better stick to 'em.

Gadd.

[_Who is a little flushed and unsteady._] Ha! I shall remember this accursed evening.

_Avonia._

Oh, Ferdy----!

_Rose._

Hush! you must be quiet. Everybody has gone to bed, and I--I'm not sure I'm allowed to receive visitors----

_Avonia._

Oh!

_Gadd._

Then we are intruders?

_Rose._

I mean, such late visitors.

[_Colpoys has taken off his coat, and is shaking it vigorously._]

_Avonia._

Stop it, Augustus! ain't I wet enough? [_To Rose._] Yes, it is latish, but I so wanted to inform you--here--[_bringing Gadd forward_] allow me to introduce --my husband.

_Rose._

Oh! no!

_Avonia._

[_Laughing merrily._] Yes, ha, ha, ha!

_Rose._

Sssh, sssh, sssh!

_Avonia._

I forgot. [_To Gadd._] Oh, darling Ferdy, you're positively soaked! [_To Rose._] Do let him take his coat off, like Gussy----

_Gadd._

[_Jealously._] 'Vonia, not so much of the Gussy!

_Avonia._

There you are, flying out again I as if Mr. Colpoys wasn't an old friend!

_Gadd._

Old friend or no old friend----

_Rose._

[_Diplomatically._] Certainly, take your coat off, Ferdinand.

[_Gadd joins Colpoys; they spread out their coats upon the couch._]

_Rose._

[_Feeling Tom's coat sleeve._] And you?

_Tom._

[_After glancing at the others--quietly._] No, thank you.

_Avonia._.

[_Sitting._] Yes, dearie, Ferdy and I were married yesterday.

_Rose._

[_Sitting. _] Yesterday!

_Avonia._.

Yesterday morning. We're on our honeymoon now. You know, the "Wells" shut a fortnight after you left us, and neither Ferdy nor me could fix anything, just for the present, elsewhere; and as we hadn't put by during the season--you know it never struck us to put by during the season--we thought we'd get married.

_Rose._

Oh, yes.

_Avonia._.

You see, a man and his wife can live almost on what keeps one, rent _and_ ceterer; and so, being deeply attached, as I tell you, we went off to church and did the deed. Oh, it will be such a save. [_Looking up at Gadd coyly._] Oh, Ferdy------!

_Gadd._

[_Laying his hand upon her head, dreamily._] Yes, child, I confess I love you--.

Colpoys

[_Behind Rose, imitating Gadd._] Child, I confess I adore you.

_Tom._

[_Taking Colpoys by the arm and swinging him away from Rose._] Enough of that, Colpoys!

_Colpoys._

What!

_Rose._

[_Rising._] Hush!

_Tom._

[_Under his breath._] If you've never learnt how to behave----

_Colpoys._

Don't you teach behavior, sir, to a gentleman who plays a superior line of business to yourself! [_Muttering. _] 'Pon my soul! rum start!

_Avonia._

[_Going to Rose._] Of course I ought to have written to you, dear, properly, but you remember the weeks it takes me to write a letter--- [_Gadd sits in the chair Avonia has just quitted; she returns and seats herself upon his knee._]And so I said to Ferdy, over tea, "Ferdy, let's spend a bit of our honeymoon' in doing the West End thoroughly, and going and seeing where Rose Trelawny lives." And we thought it only nice and polite to invite Tom Wrench and Gussy----

_Gadd._

'Vonia, much less of the Gussy!

_Avonia._

[_Kissing Gadd._] Jealous boy! [_Beaming._] Oh, and we have done the West End thoroughly. There, I've never done the West End so thoroughly in my life! And when we got outside your house I couldn't resist. [_Her hand on Gadd's shirt sleeve._] Oh, gracious! I'm sure you'll catch your death, my darling---!

_Rose._

I think I can get him some wine. [_To Gadd._] Will you take some wine, Ferdinand?

[_Gadd rises, nearly upsetting Avonia._]

_Avonia._

Ferdy!

_Gadd._

I thank you. [_ With a wave of the hand._] Anything, anything----

_Avonia._

[_To Rose._] Anything that goes with stout, dear.

_Rose._

[_At the door, turning to them._] 'Vonia--boys--be very still.

_Avonia._

Trust us!

[_Rose tiptoes out. Colpoys is now at the card-table, cutting a pack of cards which remains there._]

_Colpoys._

[_To Gadd._] Gadd, I'll see you for pennies.

_Gadd._

[_Loftily._] Done, sir, with you!

[_They seat themselves at the table, and cut for coppers. Tom is walking about, surveying the room._]

_Avonia._

[_Taking off her hat and wiping it with her handkerchief._] Well, Thomas, what do you think of it?

_Tom._

This is the kind of chamber I want for the first act of my comedy-----

_Avonia._

Oh, lor', your head's continually running on your comedy. Half this blessed evening----

_Tom._

I tell you, I won't have doors stuck here, there, and everywhere; no, nor windows in all sorts of impossible places!

_Avonia._

Oh, really! Well, when you do get your play accepted, mind you see that Mr. Manager gives you exactly what you ask for--won't you?

_Tom._

You needn't be satirical, if you _are_ wet. Yes, I will I [_Pointing to the left._] Windows on the one side [_pointing to the right_], doors on the other--just where they should be, architecturally. And locks on the doors, _real locks_, to work; and handles--to turn! [_Rubbing his hands together gleefully._] Ha, ha! you wait! wait--!

[_Rose re-enters, with a plate of biscuits in her hand, followed by Charles, who carries a decanter of sherry and some wine-glasses._]

_Rose._

Here, Charles-----

[_Charles places the decanter and the glasses on the table._]

_Gadd._

[_Whose luck has been against him, throwing himself, sulkily, onto the couch._] Bah! I'll risk no further stake.

_Colpoys._

Just because you lose sevenpence in coppers you go on like this!

[_Charles, turning from the table, faces Colpoys._]

======== below this needs correction ===

_Colpoys._

[_Tearing his hair, and glaring at Charles wildly._] Ah--h--h, I am ruined! I have lost my all! my children are beggars----!

_Charles._

Ho, ho, ho! he, he, he!

_Rose._

Hush, hush! [_Charles goes out laughing. To everybody;_]Sherry?

_Gadd._

[_Rising._] Sherry!

[_Avonia, Colpoys; and Gadd gather round the table, and help themselves to sherry and biscuits._]

_Rose._

[_To Tom._] Tom, won't you-----?

_Tom._

[_Watching Gadd anxiously._] No, thank you. The fact is, we--we have already partaken of refreshments, once or twice during the evening----

[_Colpoys and Avonia, each carrying a glass of wine and munching a biscuit, go to the couch, where they sit._]

_Gadd._

[_Pouring out sherry--singing._] "And let me the canakin clink, clink---"

_Rose._

[_Coming to him._] Be quiet, Gadd!

_Colpoys._

[_Raising his glass._] The Bride!

_Rose._

[_Turning, kissing her hand to Avonia._] Yes, yes [_Gadd hands Rose his glass; she puts her lips to it._] The Bride!

[_She returns the glass to Gadd._]

_Gadd._

[_Sitting._] My bride!

[_Tom, from behind the table, unperceived, takes the decanter and hides it under the table, then sits. Gadd, missing the decanter, contents himself with the biscuits._]

_Avonia._

Well, Rose, my darling, we've been talking about nothing but ourselves. How are you getting along here?

_Rose._

Getting along? oh, I--I don't fancy I'm getting along very well, thank you!

_Colpoys. and Avonia._

Not----!

_Gadd._

[_His mouth full of biscuit._] Not----!

_Rose._

[_Sitting by the card-table._] No, boys; no 'Vonia. The truth is, it isn't as nice as you'd think it. I suppose the Profession had its drawbacks--mother used to say so--but [_raising her arms_] one could fly. Yes, in Brydon Crescent one was a dirty little London sparrow, perhaps; but here, in this grand square----! Oh, it's the story of the caged bird, over again.

_Avonia._

A love-bird, though.

_Rose._

Poor Arthur? yes, he's a dear. [_Rising._] But the Gowers--the old Gowers! the Gowers! the Gowers I [_She paces the room, beating her hands together. In her excitement, she ceases to whisper, and gradually becomes loud and voluble. The others, following her leady chatter noisily--excepting Tom, who sits thoughtfully, looking before him._]

_Rose._

The ancient Gowers! the venerable Gowers!

_Avonia._

You mean, the grandfather-----?

_Rose._

And the aunt--the great-aunt--the great bore of a great-aunt! The very mention of 'em makes something go "tap, tap, tap, tap" at the top of my head.

_Avonia._

Oh, I am sorry to hear this. Well, upon my word----!

_Rose._

Would you believe it? 'Vonia--boys--you'll never believe it! I mayn't walk out with Arthur alone, nor see him here alone. I mayn't sing; no, nor sneeze even----

_Avonia._

[_Shrilly._]Not sing or sneeze!

_Colpoys._

[_Indignantly. _] Not sneeze!

_Rose._

No, nor sit on the floor--the floor!

_Avonia._

Why, when we shared rooms together, you were always on the floor!

_Gadd._

[_Producing a pipe, and knocking out the ashes on the heel of his boot._] In Heaven's name, what kind of house can this be!

_Avonia._

I wouldn't stand it, would you, Ferdinand?

_Gadd._

[_Loading his pipe._] Gad, no!

_Avonia._

[_To Colpoys._] Would you, Gus, dear?

_Gadd._

[_Under his breath._] Here! not so much of the Gus dear----

_Avonia._

[_To Colpoys._] Would you?

_Colpoys._

No, I'm blessed if I would, my darling.

_Gadd._

[_His pipe in his mouth._] Mr. Colpoys! less of the darling!

_Avonia._

[_Rising._] Rose, don't you put up with it! [_Striking the top of the card-table vigorously._] I say, don't you stand it! [_Embracing Rose._] You're an independent girl, dear; they came to you, these people; not you to them, remember.

_Rose._

[_Sitting on the couch._] Oh, what can I do? I can't do anything.

_Avonia._

Can't you! [_Coming to Gadd._] Ferdinand, advise her. You tell her how to----

_Gadd._

[_Who has risen._] Miss Bunn--Mrs. Gadd, you have been all over Mr. Colpoys this evening, ever since we----

_Avonia._

[_Angrily, pushing him back into his chair._] Oh, don't be a silly!

_Gadd._

Madam!

_Avonia._

[_Returning to Colpoys._] Gus, Ferdinand's foolish. Come and talk to Rose, and advise her, there's a dear boy----

[_Colpoys rises; she takes his arm, to lead him to Rose. At that moment Gadd advances to Colpoys and slaps his face violently._]

_Colpoys._

Hey----!

_Gadd._

Miserable viper!

[_The two men close. Tom runs to separate them. Rose rises with a cry of terror. There is a struggle and general uproar. The card-table is overturned, with a crash, and Avonia utters a long and piercing shriek. Then the house-bells are heard ringing violently._]

_Rose._

Oh----! [_The combatants part; all look scared. At the door, listening._] They are moving--coming! Turn out the----!

[_She turns out the light at the table. The room is in half-light as Sir William enters, cautiously, closely followed by Miss Gower. They are both in dressing-gowns and slippers; Sir William carries a thick stick and his bedroom candle. Rose is standing by a chair; Gadd, Avonia, Colpoys, and Tom are together._]

_Sir William._

Miss Trelawny----!

_Miss Gower._

_Rose._----! [_Running behind the screen._] Men!

_Sir William._

Who are these people?

_Rose._

[_Advancing a step or two._] Some friends of mine who used to be at the "Wells" have called upon me, to inquire how I am getting on.

[_Arthur enters, quickly._]

_Arthur._

[_Looking round._] Oh! Rose----!

_Sir William._

[_Turning upon him._] Ah--h--h--h! How come you here?

_Arthur._

I was outside the house. Charles let me in, knowing something was wrong.

_Sir William._

[_Peering into his face._] Troubadouring-?

_Arthur._

Troubadouring; yes, sir. [_To Rose._] Rose, what is this?

_Sir William._

[_Fiercely._] No, sir, this is my affair. [_Placing his candlestick on the table._] Stand aside! [_Raising his stick furiously._] Stand aside!

[_Arthur moves to the right._]

_Miss Gower._

[_Over the screen._] William----

_Sir William._

Hey?

_Miss Gower._

Your ankles---

_Sir William._

[_Adjusting his dressing-gown._] I beg your pardon. [_To Arthur._] Yes, I can answer your question. [_Painting his stick, first at Rose, then at the group._] Some friends of that young woman's connected with--the playhouse, have favored us with a visit, for the purpose of ascertaining how she is--getting on. [_Touching Gadd's pipe, which is lying at his feet, with the end of his stick._] A filthy tobacco-pipe. To whom does it belong? whose is it?

[_Rose picks it up and passes it to Gadd, bravely._]

_Rose._

It belongs to one of my friends.

_Sir William._

[_Taking Gadd's empty wine-glass and holding it to his nose._] Phu, yes! In brief, a drunken debauch. [_To the group._] So ye see, gentlemen--[_to Avonia_] and you, madam; [_to Arthur_] and you, sir; you see, all of ye, [_sinking into a chair, and coughing from exhaustion_] exactly how Miss Trelawny is getting on.

_Miss Gower._

[_Over the screen._] William----

_Sir William._

What is it?

_Miss Gower._

Your ankles---

_Sir William._

[_Leaping to his feet, in a frenzy._] Bah!

_Miss Gower._

Oh, they seem so out of place!

_Sir William._

[_Flourishing his stick--to the group down L. _] Begone! a set of garish, dissolute gypsies! begone!

[_Gadd, Avonia, Colpoys, and Wrench gather, the men hastily putting on their coats, etc._]

_Avonia._

Where's my umbrella?

_Gadd._

A hand with my coat here!

_Colpoys._

'Pon my soul! London artists----!

_Avonia._

We don't want to remain where we're not heartily welcome, I can assure everybody.

_Sir William._

Open windows! let in the air!

_Avonia._

[_To Rose, who is standing above the wreck of the card-table._] Good-bye, my dear----

_Rose._

No, no, 'Vonia. Oh, don't leave me behind you!

_Arthur._

Rose.

_Rose._

Oh, I'm very sorry, Arthur. [_To Sir William._] Indeed, I am very sorry, Sir William. But you are right--gypsies--gypsies! [_To Arthur._] Yes, Arthur, if you were a gypsy, as I am, as these friends o' mine are, we might be happy together. But I've seen enough of your life, my dear boy, to know that I'm no wife for you. I should only be wretched, and would make you wretched; and the end, when it arrived, as it very soon would, would be much as it is to-night-!

_Arthur._

[_Distractedly._] You'll let me see you, talk to you, to-morrow, Rose?

_Rose._

No, never!

_Sir William._

[_Sharply._] You mean that?

_Rose._

[_Facing him._] Oh, don't be afraid. I give you my word.

_Sir William._

[_Gripping her hand._] Thank ye. Thank ye.

_Tom._

[_Quietly to Arthur._] Mr. Gower, come and see me to morrow----- [_He moves away to the door._]

_Rose._

[_Turning to Avonia, Gadd, and Colpoys._] I'm ready----

_Miss Gower._

[_Coming from behind the screen to the back of the couch._] Not to-night, child! not to-night! where will you go?

_Avonia._

[_Holding Rose._] To her old quarters in Brydon Crescent. Send her things after her, if you please.

_Miss Gower._

And then----?

_Rose._

Then back to the "Wells" again, Miss Gower! back to the "Wells"----!

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

THE THIRD ACT.

_The scene represents an apartment on the second floor of Mrs. Mossop's house. The room is of a humbler character than that shown in the first act; but, though shabby, it is neat. On the right is a door, outside which is supposed to be the landing. In the wall at the back is another door, presumably admitting to a further chamber. Down L. there is a fireplace, with a fire burning, and over the mantelpiece a mirror. In the left-hand corner of the room is a small bedstead with a tidily-made bed, which can be hidden by a pair of curtains of some common and faded material, hanging from a cord slung from wall to wall. At the foot of the bedstead stands a large theatrical dress-basket. On the wall, by the head of the bed, are some pegs upon which hang a skirt or two and other articles of attire. On the right, against the back wall, there is a chest of drawers, the top of which is used as a washstand. In front of this is a small screen, and close by there are some more pegs with things hanging upon them. On the right wall, above the sofa, is a hanging bookcase with a few books. A small circular table, with a somewhat shabby cover upon it, stands on the left. The walls are papered, the doors painted stone-color. An old felt carpet is on the floor. The light is that of morning. A fire is burning in the grate._

[_Mrs. Mossop, now dressed in a workaday gown, has just finished making the bed. There is a knock at the center door._]

_Avonia._

[_From the adjoining room._] Rose!

_Mrs. Mossop._

[_Giving a final touch to the quilt._] Eh?

_Avonia._

Is Miss Trelawny in her room?

_Mrs. Mossop._

No, Mrs. Gadd; she's at rehearsal.

_Avonia._

Oh----

[_Mrs. Mossop draws the curtains, hiding the bed from view. Avonia enters by the door on the right in a morning wrapper which has seen its best days. She carries a pair of curling-tongs, and her hair is evidently in process of being dressed in ringlets._]

_Avonia._

Of course she is; I forgot. There's a call for _The Peddler of Marseilles_. Thank Gawd, _I'm_ not in it. [_Singing._] "I'm a great guerrilla chief, I'm a robber and a thief, I can either kill a foe or prig a pocket-handkerchief----"

_Mrs. Mossop._

[_Dusting the ornaments on the mantelpiece._] Bless your heart, you're very gay this morning!

_Avonia._

It's the pantomime. I'm always stark mad as the pantomime approaches. I don't grudge letting the rest of the company have their fling at other times--but with the panto comes _my_ turn. [_Throwing herself full length upon the sofa gleefully._]Ha, ha, ha! the turn of Avonia Bunn! [__With a change of tone.__] I hope Miss Trelawny won't take a walk up to Highbury, or anywhere, after rehearsal. I want to borrow her gilt belt. My dress has arrived.

_Mrs. Mossop._

[_Much interested._] No! has it?

_Avonia._

Yes, Mrs. Burroughs is coming down from the theatre at twelve-thirty to see me in it. [_Singing. "Any kind of villainy cometh natural to me. So it endeth with a combat and a one, two, three----!"_] *

_Mrs. Mossop._

[_Surveying the room._] Well, that's as cheerful as I can make things look, poor dear!

* These snatches of song are from "The Miller and His Men," a burlesque mealy-drama, by Francis Talfourd and Henry J. Byron, produced at the Strand Theatre, April 9, 1860.

_Avonia._

[_Taking a look round, seriously._] It's pretty bright--if it wasn't for the idea of Rose Trelawny having to economize!

_Mrs. Mossop._

Ah--h I

_Avonia._

[_Rising._] That's what I can't swallow. [_Sticking her irons in the fire angrily._] One room! and on the second floor! [_Turning to Mrs. Mossop._] Of course, Gadd and me are one-room people too--and on the same floor; but then Gadd is so popular _out_ of the theatre, Mrs. Mossop--he's obliged to spend such a load of money at the "Clown"----

_Mrs. Mossop._

[_Who has been dusting the bookcase, coming to the table._] Mrs. Gadd, dearie, I'm sure I'm not in the least inquisitive; no one could accuse me of it--but I should like to know just one thing.

_Avonia._

[_Testing her irons upon a sheet of paper which she takes from the table._] What's that?

_Mrs. Mossop._

Why _have_ they been and cut down Miss Trelawny's salary at the "Wells"?

_Avonia._

[_Hesitatingly._] H'm, everybody's chattering about it; you could get to hear easily enough----

_Mrs. Mossop._

Oh, I dare say.

_Avonia._

So I don't mind--poor Rose! they tell her she can't act now, Mrs. Mossop.

_Mrs. Mossop._

Can't act!

_Avonia._

No, dear old girl, she's lost it; it's gone from her--the trick of it----

[_Tom enters by the door on the right, carrying a table-cover of a bright pattern._]

_Tom._

[_Coming upon Mrs. Mossop, disconcerted._] Oh----!

_Mrs. Mossop._

My first-floor table-cover!

_Tom._

Y--y--yes. [_Exchanging the table-covers._] I thought, as the Telfers have departed, and as their late sitting room is at present vacant, that Miss Trelawny might enjoy the benefit--hey?

_Mrs. Mossop._

[_Snatching up the old table-cover._] Well, I never---! [_She goes out._]

_Avonia._

[_Curling her hair, at the mirror over the mantelpiece._] I say, Tom, I wonder if I've done wrong----

_Tom._

It all depends upon whether you've had the chance.

_Avonia._

I've told Mrs. Mossop the reason they've reduced Rose's salary.

_Tom._

You needn't.

_Avonia._

She had only to ask any other member of the company-----

_Tom._

To have found one who could have kept silent!

_Avonia._

[_Remorsefully._] Oh, I could burn myself!

_Tom._

Besides, it isn't true.

_Avonia._

What?

_Tom._

That Rose Trelawny is no longer up to her work.

_Avonia._

[_Sadly._] Oh, Tom!

_Tom._

It isn't the fact, I say!

_Avonia._

Isn't it the fact that ever since Rose returned from Cavendish Square----?

_Tom._

She has been reserved, subdued, ladylike----

_Avonia._

[_Shrilly._]She was always ladylike!

_Tom._

I'm aware of that!

_Avonia._

Well, then, what do you mean by--?

_Tom._

[_In a rage, turning away._] Oh----!

_Avonia._

[_Heating her irons again._] The idea!

_Tom._

[_Cooling down._] She was always a ladylike actress, on the stage and off it, but now she has developed into a--[_at a loss_] into a----

_Avonia._

[_Scornfully._] Ha!

_Tom._

Into a ladylike human being. These fools at the "Wells"! Can't act, can't she! No, she can no longer _spout_, she can no longer _ladle_, the vapid trash, the--the--the turgid rodomontade----

_Avonia._

[_Doubtfully._] You'd better be careful of your language, Wrench.

_Tom._

[_With a twinkle in his eye--mopping his brow._] You're a married woman, 'Vonia----

_Avonia._

[_Holding her irons to her cheek, modestly._] I know, but still----

_Tom._

Yes, deep down in the well of that girl's nature there has been lying a little, bright, clear pool of genuine refinement, girlish simplicity. And now the bucket has been lowered by love; experience has turned the handle; and up comes the crystal to the top, pure and sparkling. Why, her broken engagement to poor young Gower has really been the making of her! It has transformed her! Can't act, can't she! [__Drawing a long breath.__] How she would play Dora in my comedy!

_Avonia._

Ho, that comedy!

_Tom._

How she would murmur those love-scenes!

_Avonia._

Murder----!

_Tom._

[_Testily._] Murmur. [_Partly to himself._] Do you know, 'Vonia, I had Rose in my mind when I imagined Dora----?

_Avonia._

Ha, ha! you astonish me.

_Tom._

[_Sitting._] And Arthur Gower when I wrote the character of Gerald, Dora's lover. [_In a low voice._] Gerald and Dora--Rose and Arthur--Gerald and Dora. [_Suddenly._] 'Vonia----!

_Avonia._

[_Singeing her hair._] Ah--! oh, lor'! what now?

_Tom._

I wish you could keep a secret.

_Avonia._

Why, can't I?----

_Tom._

Haven't you just been gossiping with Mother Mossop?

_Avonia._

[_Behind his chair, breathlessly, her eyes bolting._]

A secret, Tom?

_Tom._

[_Nodding._] I should like to share it with you, because--you are fond of her too----

_Avonia._

Ah----!

_Tom._

And because the possession of it is worrying me. But there, I can't trust you.

_Avonia._

Mr. Wrench!

_Tom._

No, you're a warm-hearted woman, 'Vonia, but you're a sieve.

_Avonia._

[_Going down upon her knees beside him._] I swear! By all my hopes, Tom Wrench, of hitting 'em as Prince Charming in the coming pantomime, I swear I will not divulge, leave alone tell a living soul, any secret you may intrust to me, or let me know of, concerning Rose Trelawny of the "Wells." Amen!

_Tom._

[_In her ear._] 'Vonia, I know where Arthur Gower is.

_Avonia._

Is! isn't he still in London?

_Tom._

[_Producing a letter mysteriously._] No. When Rose stuck to her refusal to see him--listen--mind, not a word----!

_Avonia._

By all my hopes-----!

_Tom._

[_Checking her_]. All right, all right! [_Reading._] "Theatre Royal, Bristol. Friday---------"

_Avonia._

Theatre Royal, Br----!

_Tom._

Be quiet! [_Reading._] "My dear Mr. Wrench. A whole week, and not a line from you to tell me how Miss Trelawny is. When you are silent I am sleepless at night and a haggard wretch during the day. Young Mr. Kirby, our Walking Gentleman, has been unwell, and the management has given me temporarily some of his business to play------"

_Avonia._

_Arthur._Gower------!

_Tom._

Will you? [_Reading._] "Last night I was allowed to appear as Careless in _The School for Scandal_. Miss Mason, the Lady Teazle, complimented me, but the men said I lacked vigor,"--the old cry!--"and so this morning I am greatly depressed. But I will still persevere, as long as you can assure me that no presuming fellow is paying attention to Miss Trelawny. Oh, how badly she treated me----!"

_Avonia._

[_Following the reading of the letter._] "How badly she treated me----!"

_Tom._

"I will never forgive her--only love her----"

_Avonia._

"Only love her----"

_Tom._

"Only love her, and hope I may some day become a great actor, and, like herself, a gypsy. Yours very gratefully, Arthur Gordon."

_Avonia._

In the Profession!

_Tom._

Bolted from Cavendish Square--went down to Bristol----

_Avonia._

How did he manage it all? [_Tom taps his breast proudly._] But isn't Rose to be told? why shouldn't she be told?

_Tom._

She has hurt the boy, stung him to the quick, and he's proud.

_Avonia._

But she loves him now that she believes he has forgotten her. She only half loved him before. She loves him!

_Tom._

Serve her right.

_Avonia._

Oh, Tom, is she never to know?

_Tom._

[_Folding the letter carefully._] Some day, when he begins to make strides.

_Avonia._

Strides! he's nothing but General Utility at present?

_Tom._

[_Putting the letter in his pocket._] No.

_Avonia._

And how long have you been that?

_Tom._

Ten years.

_Avonia._

[_With a little screech._] Ah--h--h! she ought to be told!

_Tom._

[_Seizing her wrist._] Woman, you won't----!

_Avonia._

[_Raising her disengaged hand._] By all my hopes of hitting 'em----!

_Tom._

All right, I believe you. [_Listening._] Sssh!

[_They rise and separate, he moving to the fire, she to the right, as Rose enters. Rose is now a grave, dignified, somewhat dreamy young woman._]

_Rose._

[_Looking from Tom to Avonia._] Ah----?

_Tom. and Avonia._

Good-morning.

_Rose._

[_Kissing Avonia._] Visitors!

_Avonia._.

My fire's so black [_showing her irons_]; I thought you wouldn't mind----

_Rose._

[_Removing her gloves._] Of course not. [_Seeing the table-cover._] Oh----!

_Tom._

Mrs. Mossop. asked me to bring that upstairs. It was in the Telfers' room, you know, and she fancied-----

_Rose._

How good of her! thanks, Tom. [_Taking off her hat and mantle._] Poor Mr. and Mrs. Telfer! they still wander mournfully about the "Wells"; they can get nothing to do.

[_Carrying her hat and umbrella, she disappears through the curtains._]

_Tom._

[_To Avonia, in a whisper, across the room._] The Telfers----!

_Avonia._

Eh?

_Tom._

She's been giving 'em money.

_Avonia._

Yes.

_Tom._

Damn!

_Rose._

[_Reappearing._] What are yous saying about me.

_Avonia._

I was wondering whether you'd lend me that belt you bought for Ophelia; to wear during the first two or three weeks of the pantomime---

_Rose._

Certainly, 'Vonia, to wear throughout----

_Avonia._

[_Embracing her._] No, it's too good; I'd rather fake one for the rest of the time. [_Looking into her face._] What's the matter?

_Rose._

I will make you a present of the belt, 'Vonia, if you will accept it. I bought it when I came back to the "Wells," thinking everything would go on as before. But--it's of no use; they tell me I cannot act effectively any longer----

_Tom._

[_Indignantly. _] Effectively----!

_Rose._

First, as you know, they reduce my salary-----

_Tom. and Avonia._

[_With clenched hands._] Yes!

_Rose._

And now, this morning--[_sitting_] you can guess----

_Avonia._

[_Hoarsely._] Got your notice?

_Rose._

Yes.

_Tom. and Avonia._

Oh--h--h!

_Rose._

[_After a litle pause._] Poor mother! I hope she doesn't see. [_Overwhelmed, Avonia and Tom sit._] I was running through Blanche, my old part in _The Peddler of Marseilles_, when Mr. Burroughs spoke to me. It is true I was doing it tamely, but--it is such nonsense.

_Tom._

Hear, hear!

_Rose._

And then, that poor little song I used to sing on the bridge---

_Avonia._

[_Singing softly._] "Ever of thee I'm fondly-dreaming-----"

_Tom. and Avonia._

[_Singing._] "Thy gentle voice my spirit can cheer."

_Rose._

I told Mr. Burroughs I should cut it out. So ridiculously inappropriate!

_Tom._

And that--did it?

_Rose._

[_Smiling at him._] That did it.

_Avonia._

[_Kneeling beside her, and embracing her tearfully._] My ducky! oh, but there are other theatres besides the "Wells"-----

_Rose._

For me? only where the same trash is acted.

_Avonia._

[_With a sob._] But a few months ago you l--l--liked your work.

_Rose._

Yes [_dreamily_], and then I went to Cavendish Square, engaged to Arthur----[_Tom rises and leans upon the mantelpiece, looking into the fire._] How badly I behaved in Cavendish Square! how unlike a young lady! What if the old folks were overbearing and tyrannical, Arthur could be gentle with them. "They have not many more years in this world," he said--dear boy!--"and anything we can do to make them happy----" And what _did_ I do? _There_ was a chance for me--to be patient, and womanly; and I proved to them that I was nothing but--an actress.

_Avonia._

[_Rising, hurt but still tearful._] It doesn't follow, because one is a---

_Rose._

[_Rising._] Yes, 'Vonia, it does! We are only dolls, partly human, with mechanical limbs that _will_ fall into stagey postures, and heads stuffed with sayings out of rubbishy plays. It isn't the world we live in, merely _a_ world--such a queer little one! I was less than a month in Cavendish Square, and very few people came there; but they were _real_ people--_real!_ For a month I lost the smell of gas and oranges, and the hurry and noise, and the dirt and the slang, and the clownish joking, at the "Wells." I didn't realize at the time the change that was going on in me; I didn't realize it till I came back. And then, by degrees, I discovered what had happened----

[_Tom is now near her. She takes his hand and drops her head upon Avonia's shoulder. Wearily._]

Oh, Tom! oh, 'Vonia------[_From the next room comes the sound of the throwing about of heavy objects, and of Gadd's voice uttering loud imprecations. Alarmed._] Oh----!

_Avonia._

[_Listening attentively._] Sounds like Ferdy. [_She goes to the center door. At the keyhole._] Ferdy! aint you well, darling?

_Gadd._

[_On the other side of the door._]Avonia!

_Avonia._

I'm in Miss Trelawny's room.

_Gadd._

Ah!

_Avonia._

[_To Rose and Tom._] Now, what's put Ferdy out? [_Gadd enters with a wild look._] Ferdinand!

_Tom._

Anything wrong, Gadd?

_Gadd._

Wrong! wrong! [_Sitting._] What d'ye think?

_Avonia._

Tell us!

_Gadd._

I have been asked to appear in the pantomime.

_Avonia._

[_Shocked._] Oh, Ferdy! you!

_Gadd._

I, a serious actor, if ever there was one; a poetic actor----!

_Avonia._

What part, Ferdy?

_Gadd._

The insult, the bitter insult! the gross indignity!

_Avonia._

What part, Ferdy?

_Gadd._

I have not been seen in pantomime for years, not since I shook the dust of the T. R. Stockton from my feet.

_Avonia._

Ferdy, what part?

_Gadd._

I simply looked at Burroughs, when he preferred his request, and swept from the theatre.

_Avonia._

What part, Ferdy?

_Gadd._

A part, too, which is seen for a moment at the opening of the pantomime, and not again till its close.

_Avonia._

Ferdy.

_Gadd._

Eh?

_Avonia._.

What part?

_Gadd._

A character called the Demon of Discontent.

[_Rose turns away to the fireplace; Tom curls himself up on the sofa and is seen to shake with laughter._]

_Avonia._.

[_Walking about indignantly._]Oh! [_Returning to Gadd._] Oh, it's a rotten part! Rose, dear, I assure you, as artist to artist, that part is absolutely rotten. [_To Gadd._] You won't play it, darling?

_Gadd._

[_Rising._] Play it! I would see the "Wells" in ashes first.

_Avonia._.

We shall lose our engagements, Ferdy. I know Burroughs; we shall be out, both of us.

_Gadd._

Of course we shall. D'ye think I have not counted the cost?

_Avonia._

[_Putting her hand in his._] I don't mind, dear--for the sake of your position--[_struck by a sudden thought_] oh!

_Gadd._

What-----?

_Avonia._

There now--we haven't put by!

[_There is a knock at the door._]

_Rose._

Who is that?

_Colpoys._

[_Outside the door._] Is Gadd here, Miss Trelawny?

_Rose._

Yes.

_Colpoys._

I want to see him.

_Gadd._

Wrench, I'll trouble you. Ask Mr. Colpoys whether he approaches me as a friend, an acquaintance, or in his capacity of stage manager at the "Wells"--the tool of Burroughs.

[_Tom opens the door slightly. Gadd and Avonia join Bose at the fireplace._]

_Tom._

[_At the door, solemnly._]Colpoys, are you here as Gadd's bosom friend, or as a mere tool of Burroughs?

[_An inaudible colloquy follows between Tom and Colpoys. Tom's head is outside the door; his legs are seen to move convulsively, and the sound of suppressed laughter is heard._]

_Gadd._

[_Turning._] Well, well?

_Tom._

[_Closing the door sharply, and facing Gadd with great seriousness._] He is here as the tool of Burroughs.

_Gadd._

I will receive him.

[_Tom admits Colpoys, who carries a mean-looking "part," and a letter._]

[_After formally bowing to the ladies._] Oh, Gadd, Mr. Burroughs instructs me to offer you this part in the pantomime. [_Handing the part to Gadd._] Demon of Discontent.

[_Gadd takes the part and flings it to the ground; Avonia picks it up and reads it._]

_Colpoys._

You refuse it?

_Gadd._

I do. [_With dignity._] Acquaint Mr. Burroughs with my decision, and add that I hope his pantomime will prove an utterly mirthless one. May Boxing-night, to those unfortunate enough to find themselves in the theatre, long remain a dismal memory; and may succeeding audiences, scanty and dissatisfied----! [_Colpoys presents Gadd with the letter. Gadd opens it and reads._] I leave. [_Sitting._] The Romeo, the Orlando, the Clifford--leaves!

_Avonia._

[_Coming to Gadd, indicating some lines in the part._] Ferdy, this aint so bad. [_Reading._]=

```"I'm Discontent! from Orkney's isle to Dover

```To make men's bile bile-over I endover-"=

_Gadd._

'Vonia! [_Taking the part from Avonia, with mingled surprise and pleasure._] Ho, ho! no, that's not bad. [_Reading._]=

```Tempers, though sweet, I whip up to a lather,

```Make wives hate husbands, sons wish fathers farther."=

'Vonia, there's is something to lay hold of here! I'll think this over. [_Rising, addressing Colpoys._] Gus, I have thought this over. I play it.

[_They all gather round him, and congratulate him. Avonia embraces and kisses him._]

_Tom. and Colpoys._

That's right!

_Rose._

I'm very pleased, Ferdinand.

_Avonia._

[_Tearfully._] Oh, Ferdy!

_Gadd._