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diff --git a/old/63198-0.txt b/old/63198-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 2029658..0000000 --- a/old/63198-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,2275 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Lords of Creation, by Ella Cheever Thayer - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Lords of Creation - Woman Suffrage Drama in Three Acts - -Author: Ella Cheever Thayer - -Release Date: September 14, 2020 [EBook #63198] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LORDS OF CREATION *** - - - - -Produced by Jessica Hope - - - - -LORDS OF CREATION. - -WOMAN SUFFRAGE DRAMA -IN -THREE ACTS. - -BY -ELLA CHEEVER THAYER. - - - -BOSTON: -GEO. M. BAKER & CO., PUBLISHERS. -1883. - - -Copyright, -1883, -BY GEORGE M. BAKER. - -All rights reserved. - - - -LORDS OF CREATION. - -CHARACTERS. - -Dr. Endicott, a true Man. -Mr. Grovenor, the Head of his Family. -Eugene, his Son, taking Life easy. -Harold Doughlass, with more Money than Brains. -Jim, a Coachman, much in Love. -Kate Grovenor, who has a Mind of her own. -Lizzie, a young Seamstress. -Mrs. Grovenor, Mr. Grovenor's lesser half. -Alice Grovenor, anxious for a rich Husband. -Jennie, a Chambermaid who believes in Woman's Rights. - -COSTUMES. - -Kate. Act I., handsome evening dress. Act II., house dress. Act III., -black silk. -Alice. Act I., elegant evening dress. Act II., house dress. Act III., -street costume, hat, etc. -Mrs. Grovenor. Act I., evening dress. Act II., house dress. -Act III., wrapper. -Lizzie. Act I., plain street costume. Act II. and Act III., plain -house dress. -Jennie. Pretty light calico and apron. -Dr. Endicott. Business suit. -Mr. Grovenor. Same. -Eugene. Elegant suit, rather flashy. Plain suit in Act III. -Doughlass. Elegant suit, not quite so loud as Eugene. -Jim. Handsome livery. - - - -LORDS OF CREATION. - - - - -ACT I. - - -Scene--Elegant Drawing-Room. Door C., Sofa, R., Chairs, etc. -Table, L. C. - -(Enter Jennie, C., holding small bouquet in her hand.) - -Jennie. Here is Mr. Eugene's bouquet, and now where is Mr. Eugene? Not -here, of course, and I must be running all over the house to find him. -All a body has to do is to wait on him, that is what _he_ thinks! For -he is a lord of creation, he is! And he must have his buttonhole -bouquet, and his hair parted in the middle, and his mustache waxed, and -everybody must bow down and worship him! But after all, he isn't as bad -as his father. Oh! isn't _he_ just awful! Dear me, what a terrible -thing it must be to think yourself so superior, all on account of your -sex! - -Jim (looking in, C.). May I come in? - -Jen. (looking over shoulder). Oh! You are here, are you? I might have -known you would be! - -Jim (coming down R. awkwardly). Yes, because I always come where you -are, if I can. - -Jen. (L.) Too bad, ain't it, I don't appreciate it any better? You -haven't seen Mr. Eugene anywhere, have you? - -Jim. Seen him? No! That is, not since two o'clock this morning, when -I helped him up-stairs, and he called me his darling Jim. - -Jen. How awful! - -Jim. I guess you would have said so if he had hugged you the way he did -me! - -Jen. (coquettishly) Well, I don't know; perhaps that might not have -been quite so awful either! - -Jim (walking about angrily). Just let me catch him hugging you, or any -other fellow, that's all. - -Jen. Dear me! And what business would that be of yours, I should like -to know? This is a free country, sir, and I am a single woman, and -hugging isn't a crime, and no man shall dictate to me. So! (Stamps -foot.) - -Jim. Who _is_ dictating? How you do fly off! You know, Jennie, I -think all the world of you! - -Jen. Yes, I dare say! Men always say so _before_ they get married. I -suppose that is what our master said to our mistress once, and now see -the way he orders her about! And you would like to do the same by me, -wouldn't you? But I am altogether too smart for that, sir! - -Jim. But, good gracious, Jennie, how you do fly off! Never thought of -such a thing in my life! - -Jen. Oh, pshaw! Men are all alike! Now I will bet a pound of candy -that you think you know more than I do, just because you are a man! - -Jim. Well--I--of course about some things. - -Jen. Some things! just tell me one. - -Jim. Well--I--you see it would take me some time to think. - -Jen. Yes, I guess it would! Well, I have my eyes open, and I haven't -lived in this house going on a year for nothing, and seen the airs -master and Mr. Eugene give themselves! Over Miss Kate, too, who knows -more than both of them put together. - -Jim (gesticulating). But, Jennie, a woman isn't _supposed_ to know as -much as a man. It isn't natural, you see! But a man likes them all the -better for it, and he likes to be looked up to, you know. - -Jen. (drawing herself up). You don't say so! How sorry I am I can't -make you happy in that way. But the fact is, I'd rather have a man who -likes me for what I know and not for what I _don't_ know! So -(courtesying) I'll leave you to find a woman with less brains than you -have--_if you can_. (Exit C.) - -Jim (following). Jennie! here, Jennie! She has gone and she is mad! -How she does fly off! And oh, how I do love her! Good gracious, how -I do love her! (Comes down C.) Now why on earth should she get mad -about a little thing like that! Does she want me to say every man is -a natural-born fool? Hang me if I don't believe they are, where a woman -is concerned! Here for the last six months I've been a perfect slave to -her. And all I get for it is to be told I belong to a tyrannical sex! -But I won't stand it. No, I won't! (Going. Stops at door C.) I am -afraid I can't help it, though. Oh, what an awful thing it is to be in -love! And between me and the furniture, I do believe if a woman _is_ -the weaker sex, she always gets the best of a man somehow. (Exit, -L. 2 E.) - -(Enter Mrs. Grovenor and Alice, C.) - -Mrs. G. (as she enters). Well, no, my dear, Dr. Endicott is not a -particularly good match. But Mr. Doughlass has an immense fortune, -you know. - -Alice (sits R. on sofa). Yes, but Mr. Doughlass is _such_ a bore, ma. - -Mrs. G. (sitting, L.). Ah, well, a bore is better than a tyrant, child. - -Alice. But there must be some men who are neither. - -Mrs. G. That kind are very hard to find, and, by some strange chance, -are usually poor in purse when found. Witness Dr. Endicott, for -instance. - -Alice. It would never do to marry a poor man. - -Mrs. G. Do! With your extravagant tastes it would be madness. I have -no doubt Mr. Doughlass would make you a very good husband, and it is -time you were thinking of settling in life now. - -Alice. But Kate is older than I am. - -Mrs. G. I fear poor Kate will surely be an old maid, in spite of all I -can do. Alas! there has never been one in the family yet, and to think -one of _my_ daughters should be first to bear that stigma is terrible to -contemplate. - -Alice. Isn't it strange that she _never_ tries to be attractive to -gentlemen? - -Mrs. G. And she actually wants to vote. I am sure I cannot conceive -where she obtained such thoughts. Certainly not from _me_. - -(Enter Kate, C.) - -Kate (stopping at door). You are mistaken, mother. - -Mrs. G (rising quickly). _You_ here, Kate? How you do startle one! -What do you mean by that remark? - -Kate (coming down C.). I mean, mother, that I first conceived my horror -of occupying a dependent position from seeing how you were obliged to -coax and manage, to bear cross looks and sarcastic remarks, whenever -you asked father for money. - -Mrs. G. (looking around alarmed). Hush! Do not speak so loud; your -father is in the library, and might hear. - -Kate. I am not afraid to say to any one that I had rather earn _my_ -money than have it doled out to me as a favor grudgingly bestowed. -(Sits at table L. C.) - -Mrs. G. (sitting L.). I will admit, Kate, that it has always been very -hard to obtain money from your father; and now listen to reason. You -are aware that we spend every cent of our income in order to keep up our -style of living. The future of you two girls cannot be provided for by -us, so there is but one thing for you to do,--to marry. - -Kate. Are you sure that is the only thing? - -Mrs. G. Why, what else is there--for a woman? - -Kate. Many women are independent by the fruit of their own exertions. -Why could not I be? - -Mrs. G. (with slight scream). You quite shock me. Do you not know you -would lose your position in society by such a course? - -Kate. I am willing to lose it, if to keep it I must barter my own -self-respect. - -Mrs. G. Barter your self-respect! What _do_ you mean? - -Kate. I mean sell myself for the sake of being supported in idleness. - -Alice (languidly fanning herself). The idea of a lady actually wanting -to work! - -Kate. _I_ cannot live on husks, Alice. - -Mrs. G. I cannot understand why you should be so opposed to marriage. - -Kate. You mistake me very much if you think I am. Oh, no! I know well -that the deepest and truest happiness in life is in love and marriage. -It is against making marriage a trade, degrading it to a means of -support, that I protest, with all my soul! (Rises.) - -Alice. A trade! How absurd! Would you marry a poor man for love? - -Kate. Without an instant's hesitation, and I would never be a dependent -burden on him! Oh! mother, can you not see how much of the misery in -the world is caused by the way girls are educated, in helpless -dependence, often obliged to sell themselves to the first man who -offers, because they cannot support themselves? Do not condemn me to -such a fate. Give me a chance to be independent of all such -considerations in my choice of a husband. - -Mrs. G. (with impatient gesture). Nonsense. You are crazy. - -Alice. The best thing you can do, Kate, is to set your cap for Dr. -Endicott. - -Kate. I am very much mistaken in Dr. Endicott if he would deign to -notice a woman who had stooped to set her cap. (Sits L. C.) - -Mrs. G. (sighing). I am sure I do not know what will become of you with -such ideas. - -Mr. G. (outside). Where is Eugene? I want him. - -Mrs. G. Hush! here comes your father. - -Alice (starting up from reclining position). Oh, mother! _do_ try to -get some money of him for a new ball dress. Mine are shameful! - -Mrs. G. I will do my best, but it is hard work. I hope you may never -know how hard when you have a husband of your own. - -(Enter Mr. Grovenor, C., his hands full of papers, bills, etc.) - -Mr. G. (very crossly). Where is that boy? What do these bills mean? -The expenses of this house _must_ be cut down. Do you think I am made -of money, Mrs. Grovenor? - -Mrs. G. (timidly). I am very sorry. I am sure I do the best I can. - -Mr. G. (sitting R. of table and looking over bills). I think you would -find a way to be more economical if you had to earn the money you spent. -It's a pity you women did not have to do it once in a while, and then -you would know how good it was. - -Kate (leaning on table, earnestly). That is just what I wish to do, -father. Give me the chance and I will relieve you of the burden of my -support. - -Mr. G. (staring at his own papers). You would do fine things, I dare -say. I do not believe you know exactly what you are talking about, but -then a woman never does. Now, for instance, how long do you suppose it -would take you to earn that dress you have on, at women's average wages? - -Kate. I could wear a cheaper dress, if need be. I am aware that men, -in whose hands now rests the power, show their boasted "chivalry" to the -so-called "weaker sex" by paying her half they pay a man for the same -work. - -Mr. G. (dropping papers angrily). What confounded folly you talk! If a -woman did her work as well as a man she would get the same wages; but -she does not. She isn't thinking of her work. When she is young she -is thinking of getting married, when she is old she is mad because she -can't. - -Kate (with dignity). Pardon me, father, but I think it is you who are -talking folly. - -Mr. G. Humph! I suppose you would like to vote? - -Kate. I see no reason why I should not. - -Mr. G. (rises and looks her over, then looks at Mrs. G.) What kind of -sentiments have you instilled into your eldest daughter, Mrs. Grovenor? - -Mrs. G. _I_, Mr. Grovenor! Do Kate's remarks sound like _my_ -teachings? - -Mr. G. (C.). Well, no, I will acquit you of ever having any tendencies -towards doing anything to bring money into the family, Mrs. Grovenor. - -Kate. Father, I have some artistic talent, I think; why may I not study -and become an artist? All I ask is that I may not be a burden on you -or any one (going to him). You will not refuse me this, father. - -Mr. G. (putting arm around her). There, there, Kate, you are a good -girl, and if you was only a boy I would make something of you; but as -you are not, the best advice I can give you is to go and marry some good -man and forget these foolish ideas of yours about voting and all that -stuff. (Going, stops.) Mrs. Grovenor, send that boy to me at once, do -you hear? Here is a bill of his for champagne that is something -frightful! He certainly has inherited your extravagant taste. (Exit, -C.) - -Mrs. G. (rising). There, Kate, you heard what your father said. -Perhaps you will take his advice if you will not take mine. Do you -think you can find Eugene? - -Kate. I will try. (Aside.) They all discourage me, but I will not -be daunted! (Exit, L. 2 E.) - -Alice. You did not say a word about my dress, mother. - -Mrs. G. But he is in such a bad humor! However, I will go now and see -what can be done. Talk about earning money! I am sure I doubly earn -every cent I get from Mr. Grovenor, and always have. (Exit, C.) - -Alice. I believe father grows more stingy every day. Oh, dear! I -suppose I shall have to marry that dreadful Mr. Doughlass. What a -strange girl Kate is! And yet I do not know, I am not sure but what it -would be nice to be independent. - -(Enter Jennie, C.) - -Jen. (coming down and handing card). Are you at home, Miss Alice? - -Alice (takes it and reads). "Harold Doughlass." Yes (sighs), I suppose -so. - -Jen. Yes'm. (Aside.) _He_ is one of the superior sex, and he don't -know so much as an idiot! (Exit, C.) - -Alice. Now, were I independent, I should certainly have said I was -engaged and could not see him. How shall I be able to endure him for a -life time, when he bores me so for an hour? - -(Enter Doughlass, eye-glass, cane, etc., C.) - -Alice (rising). I am delighted to see you, Mr. Doughlass! - -Doug. (C.) Aw! thank you. You are looking more chawming than ever this -evening, Miss Alice. - -Alice (aside). He always says that. (Aloud.) You quite flatter me. -Please be seated. (Offers chair.) - -Doug. (sitting, L.). Aw! this has been a fine day hasn't it, now? - -Alice (sitting, R.). Very fine indeed. - -Doug. I hope we shall have as fine to-morrow. - -Alice. I hope so, truly. - -Doug. But I weally feaw we shall have wain. - -Alice. You quite alarm me. - -Doug. Aw! I do not like wain. - -Alice. Nor I. (Aside, yawning.) Can't he talk about something besides -the weather? - -Doug. (adjusting eye-glasses). I hope your pawents are both well! - -Alice. Quite well, thank you. - -Doug. I need not ask if you are, for you look more chawming than usual! - -Alice. Ah! you are very complimentary. (Aside.) How many times is he -going to say that? - -Doug. Aw! yes, you are always chawming to me, you know! (Aside.) A -fellow must flatter these girls. That's the secret! - -Alice. You quite confuse me. (Aside.) Is he going to propose? - -Doug. Aw! I--aw--I twust you do not dislike to be confused, because I -think you chawming, you know? (Goes and sits beside her on sofa.) - -Alice. Of course I am only too pleased to be so favored. - -Doug. Yes--aw--and some day I shall tell you just how chawming I do -think you. You are so different from your sister, you know. -Why--aw--but weally a fellow is quite afwaid of her. - -Alice. Afraid? What, you afraid of a lady? - -Doug. Well, not--not exactly afwaid, of course, but you see--aw--I -never know what to say to her. We fellows do not like -these--aw--strong-minded ladies, you know. We like these--aw--gentle, -clinging, soft girls, that do not know so much, you know, of whom you, -Miss Alice, are such a chawming type! - -Alice (rising). Indeed. Thanks for the implied compliment to my -intellect, sir! (Crosses to C.) - -Doug. Eh? (Aside.) What the deuce did I say to put her out like that? -(Aloud.) I mean that you are vewy chawming, the style of girl we -fellows pwefer, you know. (Rises and bows low.) - -Alice (aside). It will not do to get angry with him yet. But if I -marry him I'll let him know whether I have any brains or not! (Aloud.) -Indeed, Mr. Doughlass? But really, I do not think Kate so very -formidable. Ah! here she comes now. (Goes to R. C.) - -Doug. I'm sorry--aw--to have our _tête-à-tête_ interrupted, and I am -sure I do not know what to say to her, nevaw do, you know! - -(Enter Kate, L. 2 E., and bows to Doughlass coldly.) - -Doug. (aside). She looks at a fellow in a way that fweezes him all -over. Aw--I'll flatter her. (Aloud.) Aw--you are looking as chawming -as usual, Miss Grovenor. - -Kate. I am very glad if you have been so fortunate as to discover the -fact. - -Doug. (aside). That always does please them, to be sure. - -(Enter Eugene, L. 2. E.) - -Eug. (going to C.) Well, Kittie, here I am; now where is the governor, -and what's the row? Ah, Harold, my boy, how are you? Where were you -last night? Jolly old time the boys had. But champagne does make a -fellow feel like the deuce the next day. - -Kate (L.). Is it worth while to drink it, then? - -Eug. Oh! come now! don't preach. Confound it, a woman is always -preaching. If they had their way a fellow would have no fun at all, -eh, Harold? - -Doug. No--aw--that is, the ladies think so much of us, they want to -make us saints, you know. - -Eug. Can't be done, though, eh? What is the use of living if a man -can't have a good time? (Sings.) By Jove, I am glad I wasn't born a -woman. They take things too seriously altogether. But they look up -to us, for all their preaching, eh, Harold? - -Doug. (R.). To be sure--aw. - -Kate. That must require quite a stretch of the imagination sometimes. - -Eug. Hope that isn't personal, Kittie. Never mind, you will be proud -of me some time, only a fellow must have his fling, you know. Now I -must go and get my dose from the governor. By by, Harold, see you -again. (Exit, C.) - -Kate. Poor Eugene. - -Doug. I beg pardon. (Aside.) What the deuce ails her now? (Aloud.) -Poor Eugene? Why, he is the liveliest fellaw I know. The boys nevaw -think of having a champagne supper without Eugene, you know. - -Kate. I am sorry if my brother is sought only for the purpose of -gracing champagne suppers and disgracing himself. - -Doug. Aw--weally, now, weally, aren't you a little too severe. - -Alice (C.). Of course she is. A young man must sow his wild oats. - -Kate (L.). But I believe a young lady is not allowed that privilege. -What is wrong for one must be for the other? - -Alice. You shock me, Kate. - -Doug. Aw--weally now, 'pon my honor, that is such a strange wemark, -Miss Grovenor; a lady is of course above such things. - -Kate. Then in that respect, at least, she must be superior to a man. -I am glad to hear you acknowledge even so little. - -Doug. Aw--now--aw--you quite confuse me. (Aside.) I must go wight -away; never could stand these strong-minded ladies. (Aloud.) Aw--I--I -never argue with a lady, you know. But I am afwaid I shall have to tear -myself away, as I have a very particular engagement. - -Alice. I am so sorry! But we shall see you again soon? - -Doug. Aw--vewy soon--aw--I should only be too happy to wemain forever -in your chawming pwesence. (Kisses her hand, bows to Kate, and exit, -C.) - -Alice. Well, you have driven him away. It will be very convenient to -have you around _after_ he and I are married, but previously the -experiment is too dangerous, and I shall have to ask you to be kind -enough to keep your strange ideas exclusively for our family circle. -(Exit, L. 2 E.) - -Kate. Strange ideas! Is it so strange to long to be independent? Is -it strange to shrink from being a burden on an already over-burdened -father, or dependent upon the whims of some unloved husband? Is it -strange to wish to exercise the talents and energy God has given you -instead of allowing them to rust out in darkness? Does the fact of my -being a woman make me content to drift along aimlessly, in a stream that -leads nowhere? No! a thousand times, no! - -(Enter Jennie, C.) - -Jen. Dr. Endicott, miss. - -Kate. Please ask him in. - -Jen. Yes'm. (Aside.) _He_ is a man what _is_ a man. (Exit, C.) - -Kate. I wonder does he, too, think me strange? - -(Enter Dr. Endicott, C.) - -Dr. E. (coming down L.). At last I am with you once more, where I -should have been long ago had not duty called me elsewhere. - -Kate. I am delighted to welcome you. Father was saying yesterday he -wished to see you. - -Dr. E. Oh, yes, there is a little business matter between us. And -what have you been doing since I was last here? - -Kate. Oh, nothing. - -Dr. E. Nothing? Really nothing? - -Kate. Oh, I have embroidered a little, painted a little, and practised -music a little. But it all amounted to--as I said--nothing. - -Dr. E. It served to pass away the time pleasantly, at least. - -Kate. Yes. But is that what we are living for, to pass away time? - -Dr. E. You are right. Such a life is not suited to a woman of your -temperament. - -Kate. But what can I do? Father and mother object to my doing anything -that is real. Because I seek some aim in life, because I seek an -independent position, they call me unwomanly and strange. - -Dr. E. Is it indeed so? Alas that these old prejudices of a by-gone -age should trammel a woman now! - -Kate. I just frightened Mr. Doughlass away with my strange ideas. - -Dr. E. (laughing). Poor Harold! But you cannot frighten _me_ away, -Miss Grovenor. It is just this free, untrammelled, independent woman we -need in the world now. - -Kate (C.). I can feel now that I have one friend who knows and -sympathizes with me. - -Dr. E. (going towards her). And who honors you above all women. Kate, -may I add that this woman I have described is the woman I want at my -fireside for my companion, friend, and my wife? There is one woman who -is all I ask, one woman whom I love, but I dare not even hope for her -favor. (Enter Eugene, C.) That woman, Kate, is-- (Takes her hand.) - -Eug. (coming down C. between them). That's right, doctor, shake hands -with her, but after that keep at a discreet distance, for she hates men, -you know. Wants to vote and smoke cigars, and wear bloomers and all -that sort of thing, you know. - -Kate (R.). Eugene! I am ashamed of you. - -Eug. Ah, never mind me, sis. The doctor won't take too much stock in -what I say, will you, doctor. And as for you, Kit, you will get over -all those notions of yours some day and acknowledge that we men are -capable of taking care of the nation, eh, doctor? - -Dr. E. (L.). Such very excellent care as we take of it! - -Kate. And such pains as you take to elect none but honest men to -office! - -Eug. Ha! ha! that isn't a bad one for you, sis, it's a pity you are a -woman, for you would have been a smart man and no mistake. But what the -deuce of a temper the governor is in! Making such a fuss over a little -bill for our champagne supper last night as I never heard. - -Kate. I wish you would let champagne alone, Eugene. - -Eug. Now don't preach. Say, can't you coax some money out of him some -way? You women know how to do that sort of thing. - -Kate. I fear I am deficient in that feature of our sex. - -Eug. Oh, hang it! but I must have the money some way. - -(Enter Lizzie, C. Looks at Kate.) - -Lizzie. Excuse me, but I was told I should find Mrs. Grovenor here. -Are you the lady? - -Eug. (aside). By Jove, Lizzie, and here! (Goes to L. of Dr. E.) - -Kate. Please come in and be seated. I will call mother. - -Liz. (entering and going down R.). I believe she advertised for a -seamstress, and I-- (Looks at the gentlemen, screams, and sinks into -chair, R. C. Dr. E. and Kate go to her.) - -Eug. (aside). This is devilish awkward. Hope she will know enough to -hold her tongue. By Jove, I'm in a fix all around. (Exit hastily, C.) - -Kate (as Lizzie revives). Are you better? - -Liz. Yes--I--yes, thank you. (Looking around. Aside.) He has gone. - -Dr. E. The heat of the room overpowered her, doubtless. I will leave -her to your care while I go and see your father. - -Kate. You will find him in the library. - -Dr. E. I will soon return. (Exit, C.) - -Kate (aside). She looked very strangely at the doctor before she -fainted. What can it mean? - -Liz. I--I beg pardon for troubling you so much. I cannot imagine what -made me so dizzy. - -Kate. I am very glad you have recovered. - -Liz. Thank you. I--I will go now. (Rises.) - -Kate. But I thought you wished to see my mother? - -Liz. Yes--but I--I think I cannot attend to it now. (Goes up C.) - -Kate (aside). There is something strange in her behavior. I will try -and find out what is the matter. Perhaps I can help her. (Aloud.) Do -not go until you are quite well. I thought you recognized the--the -gentleman who was here just now. May I ask if it was so? - -Liz. (coming down R. confusedly). Yes--I--I have seen him before, in -the country, where I lived. He boarded there one summer. - -Kate (L.). Then you are acquainted? - -Liz. (C.). Acquainted? Have I not sat by his side hour after hour -underneath the trees and--oh! what have I said? - -Kate (aside). Why do I tremble? (Aloud, going to her.) Do not fear, -child, have confidence in me and let me be your friend. I see you have -some great trouble. - -Liz. Forgive me for having said what I did, but his appearance took me -so by surprise, and I have not yet recovered myself. - -Kate (putting arm around her). Poor child, tell me all without fear, -and I will do anything I can to help you. - -Liz. You are good and kind, I know, and I will confide in you. He--he -told me he loved me, and I--I--believed it. And I loved him with all my -heart. Life was nothing to me without him. But one day, with promises -to return soon and make me his wife, he left me and I never saw him -again until to-day. Ah! it broke my heart! it broke my heart! - -(Sinks sobbing on chair, R. C.) - -Kate (C., aside). And I, too, loved him. And he dared to speak of love -to me, after having ruined the happiness of this confiding child. He -whom I thought so good, so noble, who was my ideal of what a man should -be. And how unmoved he was in her presence. (Aloud.) Poor girl (goes -to Lizzie, kneels and puts her arm around her), you have my deepest -sympathy. Be brave; he is not worth those tears. I will be your friend -and comfort you all I can. Here (rising), go in this room; he will be -back soon and I do not wish you to have the pain of meeting him. What -you have told me shall be sacred. I will see you again soon. (Takes -her to R.) - -Liz. Ah! thank you a thousand times for your goodness. (Exit, R.) - -Kate. Yes, he is coming back. Will he speak of his love again, -trusting to her silence? His love? His noble words but now were decoys -to catch the hand of a supposed heiress by pandering to her theories. -Ah, heavens! is there no truth in the world? Unhappy, indeed, must the -woman be whose whole life is dependent on the truth or falsehood of a -man. Oh, woman's heart! who can escape the suffering its tenderness -brings? Strong-minded let me be, and deal with him as he deserves! - -(Enter Dr. Endicott, C.) - -Dr. E. (coming down R.). I am happy to say your father and I have -settled our little affair with mutual satisfaction; and now, Kate (going -to her), may I finish the sentence so rudely interrupted? May I dare to -ask the one woman in the world for me, to share my life? - -Kate (turning from him). I should hardly think you _would_ dare, sir. -(Goes to L.) - -Dr. E. Kate, do I merit that strange tone of severity? - -Kate. Sir, do you think you are worthy of such a woman as you have -described? - -Dr. E. No, Kate, no man is. But I would hope by her aid and the -influence of her pure example to make myself more worthy day after day. - -Kate. Your hypocrisy deceives me no longer, Dr. Endicott. The man I -marry I must honor as well as love. I cannot honor you. Farewell. -(Points to door, C.) - -Tableau. Music. Dr. Endicott, R.; Kate, L. - - - - -ACT II. - - -Scene.--Library in Mr. Grovenor's House. Desk, R., Books, etc. Jennie -discovered arranging Books at Desk. Chairs R. and L. - -Jen. Now I wonder what it all means? Let me see. (Counts on fingers.) -Mr. Grovenor is cross all the time, Mrs. Grovenor is frightened all the -time, Miss Alice is nervous all the time, Miss Kate is sober all the -time, and Mr. Eugene is drunk--I mean jolly--all the time. Dr. -Endicott don't come here any more, Eyeglass Doughlass is here all the -time, there is a sighing seamstress up-stairs, and Jim--but I know what -the matter is with Jim--_he_ is in love with _me_, _that's_ what ails -_him_. But what ails everybody else is more than I can tell. - -(Enter Mr. Grovenor, L. U. E.) - -Mr. G. (going to desk). That will do, Jennie, that will do. - -Jen. Very well, sir. (Aside.) What a scowl he has on him! I do -believe I should be tempted to marry Jim, if it wasn't for the awful -example before me. (Exit, L. U. E.) - -Mr. G. (sitting at desk, R.). Nothing but debts, debts. What a fool a -man is to get married and saddle himself with an expensive family! -Well, there is one consolation, my girls will be off my hands some time. -Not a bad bargain will the man make who gets Kate. It's a pity, a great -pity she isn't a boy. A very different son she would have been to me -from the one I have. If I had time to spare from money matters, Eugene -would give me great anxiety. Here is that note of Brown's due next -week; how am I to meet it? But it must be done or my credit is lost! - -Jen. (outside). This way, sir; you will find him in the library. - -Doug. (outside). Aw--pwecisely. (Enter Doughlass, L. U. E.) Aw--good -morning, sir. I twust you are well to-day. - -Mr. G. (rising). Not quite well, I am sorry to say. Will you be -seated? - -Doug. (sitting L.). Aw--thank you, but you seem vewy busy. - -Mr. G. We business men are always busy. (Sits, R.) - -Doug. Aw, pwecisely. I will not twespass long on your valuable time. -To pwoceed to business at once, I came to ask--aw--for your daughter's -hand. - -Mr. G. Indeed! Have you my daughter's consent? - -Doug. Aw--not exactly, but I weally do not think there will be any -twouble about that. (Aside.) Does he think _any_ woman would wefuse -_me_? - -Mr. G. I was not aware matters had gone so far. But I have two -daughters. Do you mean my eldest or-- - -Doug. Aw--no, no, your youngest. (Aside.) Does he take me for a -woman's wights convention? - -Mr. G. If my daughter is agreeable, then, you have my full consent. -(Aside.) How little he knows what an expensive luxury he is about to -indulge in. - -Doug. (rising). Aw--thank you, I thought it was best to see you first, -you know, and now I will not twespass on your valuable time any longer. -Good morning. - -Mr. G. (rising and shaking hands with him). Good morning, and I wish -you success. (Exit Doughlass, L. U. E.) Ay, that I do with all my -heart. One burden less. Oh, if that note was only paid! (Exit into -anteroom, R. 1 E.) - -(Enter Doughlass, L. U. E.) - -Doug. I beg pardon, but I believe I left my glove--aw--the old man has -gone. Well, no matter, I'll just find my glove and depart. (Looks for -glove.) - -(Enter Jennie, L. U. E.) - -Jen. If you please, sir--oh! - -Doug. (aside, looking at her through eye-glass). Always thought she was -devilish pwetty. (Aloud) Aw--do not be afwaid, my dear. - -Jen. (coming down L.). Afraid of _you_? Oh, no, indeed, sir! - -Doug. Aw--that is wight. Let me see, what is your name, my dear? - -Jen. Jennie, sir. (Aside.) Oh, what a fool he is! - -Doug. Jennie--aw--vewy pwetty name, Jennie. - -Jen. Do you think so, sir? It _must_ be if you do. - -Doug. Aw--yes, and a vewy pwetty girl owns it, too. - -(Enter Jim, L. U. E. Stops up stage listening.) - -Jen. You don't say so! - -Doug. (getting closer to her). Aw--didn't you know you were a vewy -pwetty girl, Jennie? - -Jen. (imitating). Aw--weally, sir! - -Doug. You little wogue, I have a good mind to snatch a-- - -(Jim comes down C. and throws him over to R.) - -Jim (C.). You have, have you? - -Doug. (R.). You vulgaw fellow, how dare you lay your hands on a -gentleman! - -Jim. Because you forgot to be a gentleman, sir, that's how, and I'll do -it every time, too, so you needn't try to come any of them games here. - -Jen. (L.). Ain't you ashamed of yourself, Jim? Suppose the gentleman -did say I was pretty, what then? There was no occasion for you to show -your superiority, and it's entirely out of place. (Aside.) Just as if -I should have allowed that jackanapes to kiss me! What stupid things -these men are! - -Jim. He had no business to do it. He had no business to be so near -you; I won't stand by and see it done. - -Doug. Weally, this is a most extraordinary thing! Look here, fellow-- -(Going towards him.) - -Jim. Don't call me fellow, sir. (Crossing to L.) - -(Enter Dr. Endicott, L. U. E.) - -Dr. E. (coming down R. C.). Oh, Mr. Doughlass, you here? - -Doug. Aw--yes, happy to see you. (Aside.) Good gwacious! It will -never do to have him catch me in a wow with the coachman. (Aloud.) -Aw--I was about leaving. Here, my good fellow. (Gives money to Jim -and exit L. U. E.) - -Jim (looks at money, then throws it after him). There, sir! You will -find money is not a plaster for everything. - -Jen. Ain't you ashamed of yourself, Jim! Is this the way you show -your superiority, I'd like to know? - -Dr. E. (C.). What does all this mean? - -Jim. Excuse me, sir, it's nothing but a little quarrel that Jennie and -I were having. Nothing uncommon, sir. She is like all women, the -better a man likes her the worse he gets treated. - -Jen. Do not listen to him, please, doctor. It's all a bit of nonsense, -anyway. If that last you said is true, Jim, all I have got to say is -that it shows a great weakness in the sex. (Exit, L. U. E.) - -Jim. There you hear her, sir? - -Dr. E. Your sweetheart is a little wilful, I fear. - -Jim. Sh! don't let her hear you say that, for she ain't my sweetheart, -you know. That is, she won't acknowledge it. It's me who am a dangling -and a dangling after her, and she is laughing at me, or berating me for -it all the time. Oh, sir! it is an awful thing to be in love. Why, -sir, if this goes on much longer, I shan't have flesh enough left to -keep my bones together with. - -Dr. E. Then why do you not insist on either yes or no from her and -abide by it. - -Jim. _Insist_, did you say, sir? _Insist_? Why, sir, I have to get -down on my marrow bones, sir, and then she ain't satisfied! - -Dr. E. But what does she wish you to do? - -Jim. I'll tell you what she wants, sir. She wants me to give up the -dignity of my sex. - -Dr. E. (surprised). I fear I do not quite understand. - -Jim. She wants me to acknowledge that I am a fool, sir; nothing will -content her but my admitting I am a perfect fool. - -Dr. E. That is very strange. - -Jim. You see, she thinks it her duty to sit down on me! just to show -she ain't inferior, you know. - -Dr. E. I am afraid she and you also have gone to the two extremes of an -idea. Now I do not believe you would wish to exercise any undue -authority over her. - -Jim. Authority? over Jennie? No, indeed, sir, and to tell you the -truth, I don't believe there is any fellow alive who _could_ do it and -live. - -Dr. E. I have more faith in Jennie than to believe she would really -like a man who was inferior to herself. I think she adopts that tone -as a safeguard because she has a misgiving that the masculine instinct -is to assert itself over the feminine. But if you give her to -understand that as far as you are concerned she is wrong, I think there -will be no trouble. - -Jim. Thank you, sir, I'll try. I suppose a man and a woman _are_ two -halves, equal halves, but I have a feeling that Jennie won't be content -with half; she will want two thirds at least. (Exit, L. U. E.) - -Dr. E. Poor fellow, I trust his Jennie will not be obdurate. As he -says, it is an awful thing to be in love. Love! Is it a blessing or a -curse? A week ago, and for me it meant happiness, and now--ah, Kate, -what is it that stands between us? I can obtain no explanation from -her; she refuses to see me alone. Is it what a man who has less faith -in the sex than I would call a woman's caprice? No! Kate is a noble, -a true woman, nothing can make me doubt that! "I must honor as well -as love the man I marry." What can she have meant? What have I done? -I am groping in the darkness, but I will find my way into the light yet! - -(Enter Mr. Grovenor, R. 1 E.) - -Mr. G. Ah, my dear doctor, you are a stranger indeed. I sent for you -to-day, as I am feeling far from well. I have had a great mental strain -of late and I fear it has been too much for me. - -Dr. E. I can truly believe it. I am grieved to see you looking so ill. - -Mr. G. My head troubles me sadly. - -Dr. E. You need rest. - -Mr. G. Rest! Rest is impossible for me. - -Dr. E. Cannot your son-- - -Mr. G. Eugene! no! He is good for nothing except to sing comic songs -at champagne suppers and talk soft nonsense to equally soft girls. No. -I regret to say Eugene is not a son of whom I can be proud, or who is -willing to be useful to me. - -Dr. E. But your daughter Kate. I am positive she could be of great -assistance to you if you would allow her. - -Mr. G. What! a woman meddling in my business matters? Absurd! - -Dr. E. I am sorry I cannot agree with you. I know Miss Grovenor has -business ability, energy, and brains; what more do you want? - -Mr. G. But she is a woman and that settles the matter. Let us not -discuss this point. And now can you not give me something that will -stop this burning in my head? - -Dr. E. I will try, but I fear, without rest, medicine will do you -little good. - -(Enter Kate, L. U. E.) - -Kate (coming down C.). Father, I--Dr. Endicott! - -Dr. E. (L.). Kate! - -Kate. I thought my father was alone; excuse my intrusion. (Aside.) It -is hard to remember how dishonorable he was when I see him as now. But -I must. - -Dr. E. Do not go, I was about leaving. May I ask to be favored with an -interview, at any time possible to you? - -Kate. I regret to be obliged to say no to your request. - -Mr. G. Why, what do you mean, Kate? - -Kate. What I say, father. - -Dr. E. I appeal to your sense of justice. Is it right to refuse me all -explanation? - -Kate. Can you say you _need_ one? - -Dr. E. I can. - -Kate (aside). His eyes meet mine unfalteringly. Can there have been a -mistake? But no, that is impossible. (Aloud.) As you will. I will -see you to-morrow at this hour. - -Dr. E. I thank you. Pardon me, Mr. Grovenor, but as this is a matter -that concerns me very nearly I could do no otherwise than speak in your -presence--my only opportunity. I will send the medicine for you very -soon. To-morrow at this hour, Kate, I hope to clear up all your doubts. -(Exit, L. U. E. Kate looks after him.) - -Mr. G. What cursed nonsense is all this? - -Kate. Nothing, father, only Dr. Endicott asked me to be his wife. - -Mr. G. The devil he did. - -Kate. And I refused. - -Mr. G. What! refused? why, you are a bigger fool than most women! - -Kate. Thank you, father. But in a matter like that, you must allow -even a woman has the right to choose. - -Mr. G. And are you expecting a prince, that the doctor, a fine, -handsome man, is not good enough for you? It is not every one who would -want you, with your unfeminine ideas! - -Kate. Well, father, I think I can manage to exist unmarried. - -Mr. G. Exist? on what? I have no property to leave you. - -Kate. Then at least I shall escape taxation without representation. - -Mr. G. There you go again with your crazy ideas! I declare I have no -patience with you. What was that he meant about an explanation? - -Kate. That I am not at liberty to tell, as it is a secret that concerns -others. - -Mr. G. A secret? Ah, well, it will come out soon enough, then. No -woman yet ever kept a secret. - -Kate. We shall see. - -Mr. G. Well, Kate, I will not deny you have always been a good girl; I -believe you never teased me for money in your life, but you were a fool -to refuse the doctor. However, there is no accounting for a woman's -whims, and you may think better of it. - -Kate. Let us dismiss that subject. I came here, father, to beg you to -let me help you. I know you are ill and need rest. I know you are -oppressed by many cares, while I--I have absolutely nothing to fill my -time. I feel I could help you. Forget I am a woman, if need be, and -let me try. - -Mr. G. I know you mean right, child, but if I should agree to your -proposition, you would be more bother than you were worth; don't you -see you would, you goose? - -Kate. At first I might until I learned your way. But that would not be -long; at least let me try. - -Mr. G. Well, some time when I have plenty of time, perhaps, I will see! -(Sits at desk, R.) - -Kate. You only say that to get rid of me. Is there no way I can induce -you? - -Mr. G. No, no. Now do not annoy me any more. (Writes busily.) - -(Enter Mrs. Grovenor, L. U. E.) - -Mrs. G. (L.). Ah, Kate, you here? I would like to speak to your father -alone a moment, my dear. - -Kate. Very well, mother. (Aside.) Poor father so worn and harassed. -I know I could lighten his labors. Why is he so obstinate? (Exit -L. U. E.) - -Mr. G. (without looking at her). Well, Mrs. Grovenor, what is -it--money? You can't have it. - -Mrs. G. Not for myself. But Eugene is in great distress. He says he -must have five hundred dollars at once, and goes on in a way that is -frightful. - -Mr. G. (looking over shoulder). Five hundred dollars! Do you see that -note, due next week and not a cent raised to pay it with? Do you see -these bills? Go back and teach your son to earn his money. - -Mrs. G. (putting handkerchief to eyes). Oh, would I not if I could! -But alas! I am helpless and Eugene is going to ruin! - -Mr. G. (writing). There, do not snivel. You have an easy time enough. -So spare a man at least your everlasting whimpering! - -Mrs. G. An easy time? Bound, fettered, helpless, is that easy? - -Mr. G. (turning in his chair and staring at her). You are in an -extraordinary mood to-day, Mrs. Grovenor! Bound, fettered--clothed, -fed, given all the luxuries of life without lifting your own white -hands, you mean. Helpless? To raise five hundred dollars to pay -Eugene's--gambling--debts--doubtless. Who has been talking such stuff -to you? Kate? - -Mrs. G. Sneer if you will, but it is true that of Kate I have learned -to think upon things I never did before, and to believe that, had I been -differently educated, had my life been broadened instead of narrowed, -had I been taught to be independent, and to make my matrimonial choice -from love alone, I might have been a better mother to my daughters, and -guided the steps of my son away from ruin and dishonor. (Exit, -L. U. E.) - -Mr. G. (staring after her). Have all the women gone crazy? I have been -married twenty-five years and I never knew my wife to speak in that way -before. It's all Kate's fault! I must forbid this radical talk or my -household will be utterly demoralized. But she was right in saying that -Eugene is going to ruin. This constant struggle with money matters has -given me no time to attend to my son, and now, what shall be done? -(Rises and walks back and forth.) - -(Enter Eugene, L. U. E.) - -Eug. Father! - -Mr. G. Ah! have you come to tell me what you mean by your disgraceful -conduct, sir? - -Eug. Disgraceful conduct? You are talking in enigmas to me; I'm all -right. I have been a little jolly sometimes, to be sure, but that is no -more than all the boys are. You had your fun when you were young, I -suppose, so why shouldn't I? - -Mr. G. How dare you, boy, insinuate that I-- - -Eug. Ah! come, come, father, you know you wasn't a milk-sop any more -than I am. It's all very well for the girls, but it won't do for us -men, you know. So, now, let me have that five hundred, that's a good -old dad. - -Mr. G. Five hundred dollars! Do you know that I am on the verge of -ruin? - -Eug. The deuce you are! - -Mr. G. Nothing but a steady hand will save me. While I am struggling -with all my might--sick enough to be in bed--to pull through, you all, -not content with being dead weights on my shoulders, run into -extravagance and profligacy. (Takes bill from desk.) The bill for my -daughter Alice's last ball dress is here, $500. Here are two of your -champagne bills, $100. I tell you this must be stopped. Your -debauchery must be stopped. You have not the strength of mind to go -through profligacy and come out solvent; if you had Kate's brains you -might, but you have not; so I tell you this must be stopped, or you will -have the pleasure of sowing the remainder of your wild oats in a -pauper's back yard, if you do not fill a drunkard's grave! (Exit, -R. 1 E.) - -Eug. By Jove! He means it every word! I never saw him so worked up -before! And to say I, a man, had not so much strength of mind as Kate, -he must be crazy! But what a fix I am in! I never dreamed but I could -get the money without any trouble before the time to take up the note -came, and if I cannot--great heavens! what I did was a crime, a State -prison offence! State prison? Bah! the idea is absurd, I shall get the -money some way. I will not think of it. It annoys me, too, to have -Lizzie under the same roof. I have avoided her so far, but--oh! I will -go and get a glass of whiskey and forget it all. - -(Enter Lizzie, L. U. E. She gives a startled exclamation.) - -Eug. Lizzie! - -Liz. You! - -Eug. What are you doing here? - -Liz. (up L.). I came to look for Miss Kate; they said she was in the -library. Heaven knows I would not have come had I known you were here! - -Eug. Now, Lizzie, what is the use of making such a fuss about nothing? -Because we had a jolly little flirtation once, it is no reason why we -should go into heroics now, is it? Come, let us be friends, Lizzie. - -Liz. (coming down L.). Friends with you, who broke my heart? - -Eug. Nonsense! broken hearts went out of fashion years ago. There, -forgive me, Lizzie, but what _is_ the use of taking things so seriously? -Life was never made to be taken seriously. - -Liz. Perhaps not for you, but for those who have hearts life is indeed -serious. - -Eug. I know it's a way women have to make themselves miserable, if they -can. Now be sensible. Suppose we were awful spoons once; it was very -pleasant while it lasted, but, of course, it could not last forever. - -Liz. And why? - -Eug. Why? Do summer flirtations ever last? Certainly not. - -Liz. But you said you never could be happy without me, that some day I -should be your wife. - -Eug. By Jove! was I so far gone as all that? Well, I did like you -amazingly, Lizzie, but, of course, that was mere talk. - -Liz. (looking at him earnestly and moving towards him). You did not -mean it when you asked me to be your wife? - -Eug. Of course not, and I did not suppose you thought I did. - -Liz. (C.). And you call yourself a man, you who thus trifled with the -heart of an innocent girl who loved you! Then if you are a type of a -man, I thank heaven _I_ am a woman. - -Eug. Now, Lizzie, don't get mad. I did not mean any harm, 'pon my word -I didn't. (Aside.) By Jove, I believe I did treat the little girl -confounded mean. - -Liz. I loved not _you_, but the man I dreamed you were. _You_ I -despise. - -Eug. Lizzie, I am sorry it ever happened. You see, I am a thoughtless -kind of a fellow. I--I--have done a great many things I ought not. -(Tries to take her hand.) - -Liz. (C., repulsing him). Then cultivate a different disposition in -amends for the past and to save yourself from ruin, to which -thoughtlessness is too often a guide. (Goes up R.) - -Eug. (L.). 'Pon my word, I--I believe I will try. - -(Enter Mr. Grovenor, R. 1 E., hastily, with paper clutched in his hand.) - -Mr. G. This--this is a forgery, and you, Eugene, do you--do you -know--was it--can it have been you? - -Eug. (L., aside). Heaven! that note to-day! I thought it was -to-morrow. What shall I do? - -Mr. G. (C.). Answer and contradict if you can the guilt I see in your -face. - -Eug. Father, forgive me. It was a debt of honor and I hoped to be able -to pay the note before it came due. I-- - -Mr. G. Then it was you, my son. My curse upon you, ungrateful and -miserable son. Go--to a prison. I will have no mercy on you. - -(Lizzie screams and comes down R.) - -Eug. Oh! a prison! (Staggers to R., and falls into chair. Lizzie -leans over him.) - -Mr. G. Yes, a prison, and rot there. You have ruined me; do you hear, -ruined me! What have I done that I should be the father of a son like -this? A forger and a--(Staggers.) Ah, my head! how it burns! What -was I saying? Mercy! I will have no mercy! Where is Kate? (Rings bell -over desk furiously.) Yes, ruined! ruined! - -(Enter Mrs. Grovenor and Alice, L. U. E.) - -Alice (L. C.). Father, what is the matter? - -Mrs. G. (L.). What can I do? Are you ill? Speak to me. - -Mr. G. (raving). Yes, you have ruined me. (Enter Kate, L. U. E.) Who -will pay these bills? I am ill, dying, dishonored; no one will -straighten out my affairs. My son--no. I have no son. I--who will, -who can help, save me? (Falls, C. Kate comes down L. C., kneels and -puts her arms around him.) - -Kate. Your _daughter_, father! (Slow music.) - -TABLEAU. - -Eugene in chair. Lizzie bending over him, R. Mr. Grovenor on floor. -Kate kneeling beside him, C. Alice weeping, with arms around her -mother, L. - - - - -ACT III. - - -Scene--Same as First Act. Mrs. Grovenor, sitting on sofa, R. Alice, -chair, L. Dr. Endicott, R., at table, discovered. - -Mrs. G. Thank heaven, my husband is in his right mind once more, and -after heaven we must thank you, doctor. - -Dr. E. I have done all I could, and I am happy to have been so -successful. - -Mrs. G. But since he has recovered his senses, his business affairs are -worrying him. Would it not be better to explain everything? - -Dr. E. Yes, I think it will do to speak to-day, and, as a change of -scene will be beneficial, get him up in his easy-chair and out here, if -possible. - -Mrs. G. And Eugene, that unhappy boy. - -Dr. E. I doubt not this experience will be the needed one to arouse him -to better things. You had best leave him to Kate. - -Mrs. G. Yes, I suppose so. Alas! I fear I have been much to blame for -what has happened. I was too ignorant and helpless to be a wise mother. -Dear Kate, what should we have done without her? (Rising.) But I must -now go to my husband, who needs me every moment. I will follow your -directions, doctor. (Exit, L. 2 E.) - -Dr. E. I am sorry to see you looking pale, Miss Alice, I hope you are -not going to be ill also? - -Alice. Oh, no! I have been anxious about father. - -Dr. E. But now all occasion for anxiety has passed. - -Alice. Yes, and now I am to confess the truth somewhat out of sorts -with myself. - -Dr. E. That is unfortunate, as we cannot easily get away from -ourselves. - -Alice. Too true. - -(Enter Doughlass, C.) - -Doug. (coming L. of table). Aw--good afternoon, doctor. I thought I -would come to take you out to wide, Alice. - -Alice (pettishly). Why, you have been here once to-day. - -Doug. Aw--yes--you cannot complain that I am not devoted, you know! - -Alice (aside). I wish I could. (Aloud.) Well, I suppose I may as well -go out to ride as anything else. (Rising.) - -Doug. That is right; get your hat and we will go at once. (Alice, -exit, L. 2 E.) You see I like to have her go out to wide, for it makes -the fellows all envy me, you know. Alice is a devilish handsome girl, -now, isn't she, doctor? - -Dr. E. Very handsome indeed. - -Doug. Yes--aw--and it's weally wough on a fellow, you know, to have to -pay his attentions in a lunatic asylum. - -Dr. E. A lunatic asylum! - -Doug. Aw--yes--that is all I could think of whenever I have come here -for the last two weeks, what with the old man waving wound, Eugene -moping and tearing his hair, and Miss Kate having everything all her own -way. - -Dr. E. Her father has cause to be thankful that his daughter does have -everything her own way, at last. (Rises.) - -Doug. You surprise me. Aw--I have no doubt my--aw--future -sister-in-law is a very smart woman, you know, but you see a fellow is -afwaid of these smart women. - -(Enter Alice, L. 2 E., with hat, etc.) - -Alice. Yes, it makes things too unequal, no doubt. - -Doug. Aw--pwecisely. (Aside.) What the deuce does she mean? (Aloud.) -Aw--if you are weady, my dear, we will bid the doctor good by. - -Alice. Ah, yes. We will go. (Aside, as they go up.) I will teach him -something about a woman's smartness after we are married. (Exit with -Doughlass, C.) - -Dr. E. (R., looking after them). Poor foolish couple! I pity you both. -She is marrying him for his money, and he her for her good looks. And -good looks fade, and money is powerless to satisfy the cravings of the -heart, and then, what? (Enter Jim, C.) Well, Jim? - -Jim. If you please, sir, will you want the carriage? - -Dr. E. Not yet. By the by, Jim, have you fixed everything all right -with Jennie? - -Jim. Not--not exactly, sir. To tell the truth (comes down L.), she has -been going on worse than ever since the master has been sick, and Miss -Kate has been, as it were, the head of the family. "There's a woman for -you!" says Jennie, "and do you dare tell me you have any business to go -and vote and Miss Kate stay at home?" says Jennie, and what can I say, -sir? It's not for me to set myself up above Miss Kate! - -Dr. E. Poor Jim! Your love matters really do not glide along very -smoothly. But they never do, Jim (sighing), they never do. - -Jim. You're very right, sir. To be in love is the most wearing thing I -know of. - -Dr. E. I fear Jennie is a sad tease. - -Jim. Tease, sir! Why, she even teases me in my dreams! - -Dr. E. Then if she makes you so unhappy, why not give up all thoughts -of her, and-- - -Jim. Give up all thoughts of Jennie! Never, sir! Why, I had rather be -made that miserable that I am reduced to walking about in my bones than -give up Jennie. No, sir! It's a curious fact. (Enter Jennie, C.) A -strange weakness in the composition of a man is that the more unhappy a -woman makes him the better he likes her! - -Jen. (coming down, C.). You don't say so! - -Jim. Gracious Peter! I have done it now! - -Jen. Yes, you are caught in a confession of great weakness! - -Jim. I--I--take it all back. - -Jen. You can't; it's boarded. - -Dr. E. Right, Jennie. But what is this I hear about you? - -Jen. (confused). About me, sir? - -Dr. E. Yes, about your great aversion to our unfortunate sex? - -Jen. Lor, sir, I don't know. I suppose Jim has been telling you some -nonsense or other! (Turns and makes face at Jim.) - -Jim. No, I haven't, Jennie, upon my soul I haven't. I only told him -what you said about a man being inferior to a woman, that's all. - -Jen. Oh! that was _all_, was it? Well, Mr. Jim, you are a smart young -man, you are! And besides, I never said anything of the kind. The fact -is, doctor, I expressed my sentiments to him, that's all. - -Dr. E. And may I inquire what those sentiments are? - -Jen. Oh! it's only that I don't believe in getting married and being -made a slave of and perhaps beat and told you don't know anything -because you are a woman: those are the sentiments he objects to, sir. - -Jim. Good gracious, Jennie! Did I ever do any such thing? - -Jen. Of course not; you never had a chance. - -Dr. E. But really, my good girl, I do not believe you think in your -heart quite so meanly of Jim as your words would signify. In your zeal -for your own sex, do not be unjust to ours, for remember that is the -very thing you condemn in us. (Exit, C.) - -Jen. (half crying). Well, Jim, I don't see what on earth you wanted to -go and make me out so horrid to the doctor for. Just because I think a -good deal of his opinion, I suppose. - -Jim. There, now! oh, dear! how you do fly off, to be sure. Make you -out horrid? I, who would think you was perfect if you would only let -up a little once in a while on me about your rights. - -Jen. Yes, and you went and made the doctor think that I not only wanted -my rights, which I do, but yours, too, which I don't. - -Jim. You don't? I'm sure I thought you did. - -Jen. (stamping foot). Oh! is there anything in the world so stupid as a -man? - -Jim. Stupid! I have a good mind to get mad. - -Jen. (turning her back to him). I would if I were you. - -Jim. Well, I-- (Goes up C., then returns.) No, I can't get mad with -you, Jennie. But won't you please just remember how you went on about -the tyranny of the sex, and all that sort of thing, and then don't blame -me if I thought you wanted to tyrannize a little. I am sure that wasn't -stupid. - -Jen. It was absurd, then. I only want my share, that's all. - -Jim. Is that all? Oh, Jennie (gets down on knees), if you will only -marry me, you shall have your share, yes, and a little more. - -Jen. My share of being trampled on, do you mean? - -Jim. Who said anything about being trampled on? Well, your share of -trampling, if you must have it. - -Jen. I think it is just awful of you to say that I am a tyrant. - -Jim (jumping up). Good gracious, there you go again! How you do fly -off. When did I ever say any such thing? - -Jen. Well, Jim, supposing--just supposing, you know--that I should make -up my mind to marry you-- - -Jim. Oh, Jennie! If you only would. The very idea makes me so happy, -I--I could jump way to the ceiling. - -(Holds out arms to embrace her, she runs under them.) - -Jen. Could you? Well, don't be in too much of a hurry, because it -might hurt you when you came down, for you know I was only _supposing_. - -Jim. Jennie, do you want to see me pine to a shadow and blow away with -love? I can't stand this sort of thing any longer. I will go away to -California, that's what I will do! - -Jen. (coquettishly). But, Jim, don't you think you had better wait -until I get through _supposing_? - -Jim. Wait! I will wait until I am bald if you will only promise to -have me then. - -Jen. Dear me, I shouldn't want you _then_. In fact, I couldn't think -of having you any way, if I thought you would _ever_ be bald! - -Jim (very fast). Oh, I never shall; no, indeed, we are not a bald -family, there never was a bald man in it, the babies are all born with -thick heads of hair. One of the family was scalped once, to be sure, -but it was accidental, and his hair all grew out again in a few days. -Look at mine. (Sticks it up.) - -Jen. (screams). Oh, don't! Nature has made you homely enough without -your trying to help her. - -Jim. But I only wanted to settle this bald question forever. And now, -Jennie, won't you go on _supposing_? - -Jen. Well, supposing I should marry you some time, would you find a -minister who was willing to leave "obey" out of the marriage service? - -Jim. If there is one in America I'll find him. For I shouldn't want to -make you swear to a lie, Jennie. - -Jen. And then would you respect my rights and acknowledge equal rights -for both of us? - -Jim. Of course, your rights and equal rights,--principally your rights. - -Jen. Well, then, perhaps--but wait a moment; if there should ever be a -balance over equal rights, it must come on my side, must it not? -Because a man is apt to misuse his power, you know. - -Jim (going near her). You shall have all the balances. - -Jen. (edging away). I don't know but you are almost _too_ willing. - -Jim. Now she is off on another tack. What _can_ a man do? - -Jen. However, I can get a divorce if you don't keep your word, so, as -you are a pretty good fellow, Jim, I think I will condescend to try you -as a husband. - -Jim. Hurrah! (Embraces her.) But about this condescending-- - -Jen. That is one of the balances, Jim. - -Jim. Oh, well! (Kisses her and is about to repeat when she stops him.) - -Jen. No, Jim. Equal rights. I must give you half, you know. (Kisses -him and runs off, C.) - -Jim. Equal rights ain't so bad, after all. (Goes after Jennie and runs -against Eugene, who enters moodily, C.) I beg pardon, sir, but I am so -equal--happy. (Exit, C.) - -Eug. What is the matter with Jim? Happy! Well, I am glad some one is. -I never shall be again. This is what my cursed easy disposition has -brought me to. I have ruined myself and almost killed my father. If it -was not for Kate I would blow my brains out--if I have any. (Sits -dejectedly, R.) - -(Enter Lizzie, C.) - -Liz. Eugene! - -Eug. Lizzie, is it you? (Aside.) I am ashamed to look her in the -face. - -Liz. I have been trying to see you ever since that--that trouble, but I -never have been able to find you alone. I thought perhaps it might be -some little comfort to you to know that I sympathized with and pitied -you, and that I had faith enough in you to believe you would redeem the -past. - -Eug. (starting up). These words to me from you? Oh, Lizzie, I am a -miserable wretch. - -Liz. You have been gay, careless, reckless, but oh, I cannot believe -you wholly bad. My share in your thoughtless past I freely forgive. I -wanted to tell you this, and say I hope in the future to see you worthy -the esteem of every one. - -Eug. I dare not hope that, Lizzie. - -Liz. But you will try? - -Eug. Oh, yes! I shall try. But my father,--he will surely never -forgive me, will banish me from his house. - -Liz. Not if you tell him how penitent you are. - -Eug. He has not a heart like yours, Lizzie. - -Liz. But Kate will intercede for you. - -Eug. Kate, heaven bless her, I know she will. What has she not done -for me already? And to think that I once set myself up as so far above -her, and plumed myself on being a lord of creation,--I, a poor, weak -fool, not worthy to touch the hem of her garment. - -Liz. Those words prove to me that you are no longer the Eugene you -were. - -Eug. I hope, I trust not. As you say, I did not mean to be really bad. -I was inexperienced, thoughtless, eager for the pleasures of life, and -I never stopped to think of consequences. How could you have loved -me--for you did love me once, Lizzie? - -Liz. It was your best side you showed me, Eugene. - -Eug. At first, yes; but I showed you my worst afterwards. - -Liz. The flaws in her idol cannot kill a woman's love. - -Eug. Lizzie, I did not mean to break your heart. Do you believe me? - -Liz. I do; and, as I said, forgive you freely. - -Eug. For the first time I begin to realize the happiness that might -have been mine, the value of the heart I threw away. - -Liz. The heart that has always been yours, Eugene. - -Eug. (taking her hand). Mine! Mine now! What! Do you mean to say -that you love me now, ruined and disgraced as I am, soon perhaps to be -driven from my father's door, and go forth into the world penniless and -alone? - -Liz. How little you know of woman's love! Think you it endures only -through the bright summer days of sunshine? No, Eugene. In the time of -darkness and sorrow a woman's love never fails. - -Eug. And would you share my fate _now_? - -Liz. Would I? Oh, how gladly! But you forget, I am a poor girl, a -seamstress in your mother's house, and-- - -Eug. I would indeed be unworthy of the blessing of your love should I -think of _that_. Lizzie, your love shall raise me from the depths into -which I have fallen. (Embraces her as Kate enters, C.) - -Kate. Eugene! Lizzie! - -Eug. (R. C.). Do not misapprehend, Kate. Let me explain before you -judge. - -Kate (coming down L.). Go on. - -Liz. (aside, R.). Dare I hope she will approve? - -Eug. Lizzie and I met--a year ago! - -Kate. What! is it possible! - -Liz. Do you not remember, I told you all the first day I came to your -house? - -Kate. What do you say? Do you mean (staggers back against table for -support)--can it be that it was to him--to _Eugene_ that you then -referred? - -Liz. To whom else? It was of course Eugene. - -Kate. Eugene! Oh, what a cruel mistake! Oh, what a wrong I have done -a noble man! Heaven forgive me! - -Eug. (going to her). Dear Kate, what is the matter? what do you mean? - -Kate. Do not ask me; dear, forget what I have said. It is all right -now--yes! all right now! Eugene--Lizzie--you do not need tell me -anymore. I understand (joins their hands); I am very glad, and now will -you please leave me? I--I would like to be alone. - -Liz. You are not offended? - -Kate. Offended? no indeed, child. I am sure you have both acted for -the best. - -Eug. Dear Kate, with the help of my sister and my wife, I hope I may -one day be what I once thought I was--a man! (Exit, C., with Lizzie, -who comes back to kiss Kate, then exit.) - -Kate. Can it be true? Has the heavy load that has lain on my heart, -at the bottom of all the other loads that have lain there of late, -really gone? Yes--gone--all gone! Will he, can he forgive me? I must -see him at once! (Rings bell.) How could I for a moment mistrust him? - -(Enter Jennie, C.) - -Kate. Please ask Dr. Endicott to come here. - -Jen. Yes'm. (Aside.) They two would make another nice equal-rights -couple. (Exit, C.) - -Kate. What shall I say to him? Oh! if they could see me tremble, they -would no longer call me "strong-minded." - -(Enter Dr. Endicott, C.) - -Dr. E. You sent for me, Kate? At last we meet alone! - -Kate. Yes, I sent for you to say, forgive me! - -Dr. E. Forgive you! For refusing me an explanation, do you mean? - -Kate. For ever having doubted you. Oh! how can I say how bitterly I -have wronged you? - -Dr. E. Wronged me? and how? Do not fear: tell me all. Whatever it may -be, it is forgiven. - -Kate. I doubted you. It seems impossible now that I could have done -so, but I did; circumstances caused me to lay the wrong-doing of another -at your door. - -Dr. E. If the cloud that has been between us so long has gone, I am too -thankful to give anything else a second thought. So ask me not to -forgive you, but rather let me ask you if you love me? - -Kate. I love and honor you with all my heart. - -Dr. E. As I do you. (Embraces her.) - -Kate. And please heaven our home shall be a happy one, if I _am_ -strong-minded! - -Dr. E. _Because_ you are strong-minded, dear. And now we must prepare -to relieve your father's mind of the anxiety that is growing greater -every moment. Hark! they are bringing him in. - -(Mr. Grovenor is pushed in on chair by Mrs. Grovenor and Jennie, C. -Jennie immediately exits, C. Mrs. Grovenor goes to L.) - -Kate (going R. of him). Dear father, I am so happy to see you out of -your room once more. - -Mr. G. Thank you, Kate. I--I hope to get back to business again soon. - -Dr. E. (L. of Mr. G.). Do not give yourself any uneasiness about your -business. That has gone on well. - -Mr. G. No, no, that cannot be. I remember-- - -Dr. E. That you were on the verge of ruin. But the crisis has passed, -and now all is well. - -Mr. G. But--Brown's note. - -Dr. E. Brown has given you three months' time. - -Mr. G. Strange--oh! but Eugene-- - -Dr. E. That note has been paid. - -Mr. G. Paid! can it be? But how, who has done all this--you, doctor? - -Dr. E. Not I, but one nearer and dearer, one more deserving of your -thanks--your daughter. (Indicates Kate to him, who is leaning over his -chair.) - -Mr. G. What, my daughter! _You_, Kate, have done this? - -Kate (coming around to his side, R.). Yes, dear father, my woman's wit -has been equal to the occasion. I saw Brown myself. I had saved up a -little money for the purpose of some day using in studying art, and with -that I settled Eugene's debts. I have taken your place in the business -as far as with my limited knowledge I could. So do not worry any more, -dear father. - -Mr. G. Ah! my daughter, how foolish, how blind I have been! But the -scales have fallen from my eyes at last, and I thank God for the great -gift of my daughter. (Embraces Kate.) - -(Enter Eugene and Lizzie, C. Eugene goes and kneels before Mr. -Grovenor. Lizzie stops up stage.) - -Eug. Father, can you overlook what has passed and let me try once more? - -Mr. G. My boy, I have erred too much myself to condemn you. We will -both redeem the past. (Lays hand on his head.) - -Eug. Father, your confidence will not, shall not be misplaced. - -Kate (bringing down Lizzie, R.). And now, father, give your blessing, -will you not, on his union with one who has long loved him, and who will -help him to keep his word? - -Mr. G. What! He wishes to marry Lizzie! - -Kate. Yes, father, and she will make him a good wife. - -Mr. G. (taking Lizzie's hand). Let me look at you. You have a good, -sweet face, child. Away with all false ideas of caste. Help my son to -overcome his past errors and I will love you always. (Lizzie kneels at -Eugene's side and he joins their hands.) - -Eug. (rising and taking Lizzie L. to Mrs. Grovenor). And you, mother, -do you consent? - -Mrs. G. I will confess that once I might have said no, but -now--now--now that I realize how false have been so many of my ideas, I -dare trust myself only to say, may you be happy. (Goes back of Mr. -Grovenor's chair, leaning over it.) - -(Enter Doughlass and Alice, followed by Jim and Jennie, C.) - -Doug. (R.). Aw--quite a family gathering, I declare. - -Alice. We are just in time to complete the circle. - -Dr. E. (R. of Mr. Grovenor's chair with Kate). And now, Mr. Grovenor, -will you give your blessing? For Kate has promised to be my wife. - -Mrs. G. My dear Kate. - -Alice. Can it be? - -Doug. (aside). Going to mawwy the strong-minded one? Good gracious! - -Mr. G. Doctor, you have won a pearl of great price, but you are worthy -of it. Heaven bless you both. - -Alice (aside). My ideas have been all wrong, but my fate is fixed now. - -Jim (coming down L. with Jennie). If you please, now, there is so much -being said about getting married, I would like to mention that Jennie -and I are going to get married, too. - -Jen. On equal rights. - -Dr. E. Equal rights to all. - -Kate. And I wish to every woman in the land might come equal rights, -independence, and last, but not least, love. - -Music, curtain. - -Alice, Doughlass, R. Kate, Dr. Endicott, R. C.; Mr. Grovenor in chair -C.; Mrs. Grovenor at back of chair; Eugene, Lizzie, L. C.; Jim, -Jennie, L. - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Lords of Creation, by Ella Cheever Thayer - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LORDS OF CREATION *** - -***** This file should be named 63198-0.txt or 63198-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/1/9/63198/ - -Produced by Jessica Hope -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. 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