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Adolf. Be calm, sir; it is impossible. Bar. Don't tell me of being calm, sir; I know it is not impossible; I know who it is, sir. Adolf. You do! Who, who?

Bar. A man I thought more worthy of my esteem, but who has deceived me. It is not the first time he has been here! Adolf. How?

Bar. I feel assured of it. I have never seen him, we have never met; but I am now convinced she has been in the habit of receiving him in my absence.

Adolf. Impossible!

Bar. Not at all; for she loves him.
Adolf. I tell you it's impossible.

Bar. And I tell you she dotes upon him.
Adolf. Perfidious creature!

Bar. Aye, so she is! Hypocritical, treacherous girl! I see, sir, you feel for me, as I have felt for you; but I will show you, sir, that the Cortenberg de Valkenbergs are not the only family that know how to prize their honor.

Adolf. Hold, sir; I insist upon punishing this seducer.

Bar. No, I cannot consent; in your situation-
Adolf. But I am resolved-he shall not escape.
Bar. Good young man!

Adolf. I will have him out-
Bar. Noble young man !

Adolf. And slay him on the spot!

Bur. Excellent young man! Well, be it so; do you guard this door; I will down into the garden, to see that he does not escape out of the window. I'll call up the servants, I'll loose the great dog. Oh! my dear young friend, little did I think you would so soon return your obligations to me.

[Exit c.

Adolf. Now, sir-[at the door]-I am alone, open the door; open the door, I say, if you are not a coward!

The CAPTAIN opens the door and enters, R. 'Sdeath, it is a man! and the very man I saw in the garden this evening. So, then, my suspicions were well founded!

Capt. The very gentleman I expected to see. Have you bought the house, sir?

Adolf. No fooling! You must be aware, sir, that the man who comes out of that chamber at such an hour must account to me for his happiness or his audacity.

Capt. I should be delighted to pay for my happiness; but I'm afraid, in this case, it would not ruin me.

andy words, sir;

Adolf. I have no time to draw, and defend yourself. Capt. Certainly-one moment--Adolf. Where are you going? Capt. Only to call the uncle.

Capt. Nay, faith, I should like to see how you'll keep up the joke; I defy you to repeat the story of Louise.

Adolf. I beg you won't call; I have, perhaps, been too hasty. I have heard some fragments of a strange story of a sister dishonored, a person being wounded or killed

Capt. Exactly! I am the brother and the avenger!

Adolf. And you did not come here to see Kristina?

Capt. Certainly not!

Adolf. In that case, sir, I- [Stopping suddenly.] But now I remember what you told me this afternoon in the garden, am I not justified in suspecting that this story of yours is a pure invention?

Capt. You are; and so it is, from beginning to end.

Adolf. Ha! Then how can I believe your assurance respecting Kristina ?

Capt. Nay, if you doubt that, I must call the uncle.

Adolf. No, no! I will believe-I am too anxious to believe! But what's to be done? we have, unintentionally, exchanged characters.

Capt. Well, we must change back again. Adolf. Not for the world, at present. Oblige me by playing out the last one you have appeared in, to the end.

Capt. How do you mean?

Adolf. The Baron, it seems, takes you for me; do not undeceive him.

Capt. But suffer myself to be turned out of the house instead of you?

Adolf. Precisely!

Capt. Well, anything to be agreeable. I believe, by this time, I may walk home in safety. I think you will own I am a very accommodating_person; just as you called me out of that room I was on the point of jumping out of the window in order to oblige the lady's maid, who was making signals of distress to me from the garden; but having risked my neck from the second floor of a house once before this evening, I preferred availing myself of your polite invitation.

Adolf. You give me your honor, then, sir?

Capt. I do, to continue your representative; it is a much easier task, I fancy, than you have undertaken. You must continue the romance of Louise De Valkenberg de Cortenberg. Hang me if I can help you out there, for I have almost forgotten what I had invented already. Enter the BARON with a pistol, followed by GARDENER and SERVANT, armed.

Bar. Ha! there he is.

Capt. [aside to ADOLF.] Who is this gentle

man? [Approaching door L. Adolf. Sir, you shall answer to me, and not to

him.

Adolf. The uncle, Baron Vanderpotter. Capt. Oh! [Bows to him very politely. Bar. He bows to me; impudence unparalleled! [Aside to ADOLF.] You have not fought? Adolf. No-I—–

Capt. With all my heart. But perhaps, when the good gentleman shall find that it was me whom he left in the garden, and that it was you whom he found there on his return, that his genBar. I am glad of it. Leave us, my dear friend, erous champion is the clandestine visitor of the for a few minutes; don't be alarmed, I mean no young lady, and that I am here by his own invi-violence; I have made up my mind. [To SERtation, he may be inclined to hear reason, if you VANTS.] Retire till I call you. [SERVANTS retire. Enter KRISTINA, with wine, etc. Krist. Here's the wine and

are not.

Adolf. Don't call, sir, don't call; if I am mistaken

TAIN.] Ah!

[Seeing the CAP

Capt. [seeing she is about to let the things fall.] faith, then here goes. [Aloud.] Beautiful KristiPermit me, mamselle! na, at your feet I swear to youBar. [angrily.] Sir!

Capt. Sir! did you not see the young lady was so agitated, she had nearly dropped the salver, with everything upon it?

Bar. What's that to you, sir? [To ADOLF.] Leave us, my good friend. [To KRISTINA.] Kristina! stay you there.

Krist. Sir!

Bar. Enough! enough!

Capt. No, sir, not half enough-in the relation we now stand to each other. Upon this white hand I seal the bond of mutual, of eternal affection.

Enter ADOLF, hastily, L. D. F., and down L. Adolf. How's this? At her feet-what are you doing?

Capt. [aside.] Following your instructions to the letter!

Adolf. [aside to KRISTINA.] Don't speak a word; be dumb, whatever is said to you, or we are lost. [Exit L. Bar. Unworthy girl, well may you tremble! Look upon your partner in iniquity, who awaits, Bar. [to ADOLF.] How can you be so impruwith equal agitation, the sentence that- [Turns dent-in your situation? [To CAPTAIN.] Sir, this and sees the CAPTAIN, who is dipping a biscuit gentleman is a friend of mine, who is, no doubt, in a glass of wine.] What the devil are you about, surprised at my weakness in thus giving you my

sir?

Capt. Listening to you, sir, with the greatest respect.

Bar. Sir! Do you know that, in the first transports of my fury, I had determined to kill you? Capt. Indeed!

Bar. I have renounced that intention.
Capt. You have done very right.

Bar. Yes, happily for you, I have had time to reflect, and to feel that the honor of my family would not be satisfied by so barren a vengeance. Sir, you shall marry my niece.

Capt. The deuce I shall! [Aside.] Here's a new incident.

Krist. And I must not say a word!

Bar. Do not hope, however, that I shall forgive either of you. No, as long as I live, I never will. But the man who has been surprised in her chamber cannot refuse to make that reparation. Sir, you shall marry her!

Capt. Permit me one moment—

Bar. Sir, consent to marry her instantly, or I'll blow your brains out.

Capt. My dear sir, under such circumstances I couldn't hesitate for a moment.

Bar. Enough. You hear, Kristina

Capt. [aside.] She hears yes, and egad, she doesn't say no.

Bar. You shall be married to-morrow morning -no feasting-no friends-privately and suddenly-and the moment the ceremony is over, you shall quit this house, never to enter it more. Capt. Together, of course

Bar. Of course.

Capt. [aside.] And she doesn't say no. [Aloud.] Sir, I am delighted with this arrangement; but I should like to hear what the young lady has to say on the subject.

Bar. Sir, she has nothing to say--my will is law --she has but to obey in silence. [Retires up.

Capt. [aside.] And, egad, she seems inclined to. Well, this is the most whimsical affair-but it isn't my fault-the young gentleman himself requested, the uncle insists, and the young lady does not say "no." Faith, she's a very lovely person-I don't know that I could do better. [Aloud.] Mamselle, may I flatter myself that this is not a dream -that your silence is really a proof that this decision of your excellent uncle is not displeasing to you?

Krist. Sir! [Aside.] I don't know what to do. He conjured me to be dumb, whatever was said!

Capt. [aside.] She will not say "no." Nay,

niece.

Adolf. Giving him your niece!

Bar. Yes, my friend, yes! Oh, I know what you will say--I know that in my place you would have acted differently, but—

Adolf. And he accepts her!

Bar. Of course. If he had dared to refuse, I[Showing pistol. Adolf. And you-you, mamselle, have not protested

Krist. [aside.] You told me not to say a word. Adolf. This is downright treason. Sir, I will not suffer--

Bar. But, my good friend-my dear friend

Adolf. Baron, you are imposed upon-I will bear this no longer-you do not know to whom you are giving your niece-I am Adolf de Courtray. Bar. Eh!

Capt. [aside.] Ah! Adolf de Courtray! so, so-[Pulling a dispatch hastily out of his pocket and glancing over it.

Adolf. Yes, Adolf de Courtray, Lieutenant in the second regiment of Walloon Guards.

Capt. [aside.] Exactly so.

Adolf. Absent without leave from his quarters at Louvain.

Capt. [aside.] Exactly so.

Adolf. And who has risked the loss of his commission-who runs the chance of being arrested this moment

Capt. [aside.] Exactly so. [Putting up paper. Adolf. For the love he bears this lady.

Bar. How-what-you are not Cæsar de Valkenberg de

Adolf. No, sir, no! I am not the person you found in your garden-nor is there any truth in the story you have been told.

Bar. Fiends and fury! have I passed a whole night in sympathizing with a family that had no existence? [To ADOLF.] Sir-[to CAPTAIN]-sir, I will have satisfaction. I will have an explanation. Who are you, sir?

Capt. The unhappy brother of Louise deBar. Sir, you shall repent this usage, whoever you are. [Goes to C. D.] Hollo! Pierre! Louis! Run! call the watch-raise the neighborhood!

Capt. By all means. [Aside.] Now I have good reason for being here, it doesn't signify.

Bar. If you attempt to escape, I'll fire!
Capt. Oh, you needn't be alarmed, sir.

[Seats himself. Bar. Was there ever such assurance? [To ADOLF.] As for you, sir, quit this house, and never let me see you more.

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Enter an OFFICER OF THE WATCH, with GUARD.

Offi. What is the matter?

Bar. There he is, sir-that's the man.

Capt. Hush! don't betray yourself; you know very well who it was.

Bar. [confused.] I?

Capt. Of course-it was you!

Bar. No such thing! I came out at the door. Capt. Indeed! Oh! we'll alter it, then, in the

Offi. [going up to CAPTAIN, recognizing and report, and put your name in, as you have consaluting him.] Who am I to arrest, sir? Bar. [in great astonishment.] Eh!

Capt. [pointing to ADOLF.] That gentleman. Adolf. Me!

Krist. Oh, Adolf.

Capt. "Adolf de Courtray, Lieutenant in the second regiment of Walloon Guards, absent without leave from his quarters at Louvain." [Passing over to him.] You cannot be surprised, sir-you expected as much-there, you perceive, are my orders.

[Handing him the dispatch.

Adolf. [reading.] "To the CAPTAIN OF THE WATCH."

Capt. Which I have the honor to be.
Bar.

Krist. The Captain of the Watch!
Kat.

Kat. [aside.] Well, for the head of the police, he certainly has the most extraordinary manners! Bar. I am positively thunderstruck! How, sir! a public officer, appointed especially to watch over the morals of a great city-to be surprised in a situation

Capt. Wherein he had placed himself in order to prevent a clandestine meeting, and to arrest the principal offender.

Bar. Eh! nay-certainly if it was with that

intention

Capt. Harkye, Baron; when the head of a family is unmindful of what is passing in his own house, it is the business of a paternal government to act for him, and a hard task it has to execute. See, sir, here is an official report [taking it from OFFICER], of every misdemeanor which has occurred this night in Brussels. [Handing it to him. Aside.] My own adventure is, no doubt, in the list.

Bar. [aside.] What's this? [Reads aloud.] "About ten o'clock last night, a man was seen to

fessed.

Bar. 'Sdeath! No-I-confound it!

Capt. Just as you please. It shall stand as it is, provided you consent cheerfully to the marriage of that young gentleman with your niece. Bar. Never, sir, never! I

Capt. Then I must correct the report; my duty as Custos Morum

Bar. Stop, stop, I'll-I'll think of it.

Capt. I felt assured you would. [To KRISTINA.] Mamselle, I have the pleasure to inform you that I have persuaded your worthy uncle to give his Consent to your marriage with Lieutenant Adolf de Courtray!

Adolf. Is it possible? Krist. Oh, sir!

Bar. But- But

Capt. But he is arrested, you would say-so he is, but I will take his word of honor not to quit this house [motions men off] without my permission; and, in the meanwhile, I have some influence with his colonel, which I will gladly exercise in his behalf.

Adolf. Generous man!

Kat. Oh, if all the police were like him!
Bar. Still I must say-

Capt. Nothing-unless you wish me to alter the report. Be satisfied, the Marchioness dotes upon you; and I have means of ascertaining, and should she ever dream of proving false to you-I shall be at her elbow.

Bar. My dear sir, I may confide, then, in your vigilance.

Capt. You may. [Aloud.] And I trust the adventures of this evening, Baron, will induce you, as well as others, to rest perfectly satisfied with the good intentions, at any rate, of THE CAPTAIN OF THE WATCH.

THE END.

COSTUMES.

CAPTAIN OF THE WATCH.-Tab jacket and trunks, slouched hat turned up at the side, with feather, white neckcloth, sash and sword, large black boots, and gauntlets. BARON-Square-cut brown coat with loose sleeves, trimmed with black, full trunks, high riding boots, hat and feather, baldric and sword.

ADOLF-Square-cut red coat, full trunks, white neckcloth, hat and feather, baldric and sword, high boots.

OFFICER-Same style as Captain of the Watch, but plainer.. LOUIS and PIERRE.-Old-fashioned French liveries. OFFICERS.-French uniforms.

KRISTINA.-White satin dress with red over-train, white satin KATRYN-Tucked-up old-fashioned chambermaid's dress, and shoes, and powdered hair.

high-heeled shoes.

The scene is laid in Paris, in the reign of Louis XIV., of France, and the dresses should therefore be of that period.

THE NEW YORK DRAMA

TRAGEDIES.

A CHOICE COLLECTION

OF

COMEDIES,

WITH

FARCES, ETC..

CASTS OF CHARACTERS, STAGE BUSINESS, COSTUMES, RELATIVE POSITIONS. &c.,

ADAPTED TO

THE HOME CIRCLE, PRIVATE THEATRICALS, AND THE AMERICAN STAGE.

VOL. 2.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1876, by WHEAT & CORNETT, in the Office
of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.

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SCENE.-A room in HARFORD's villa, with windows to the ground, leading on to the lawn, with view of the country beyond. A table partly laid for luncheon c. Side-table with newspaper L. C. Sofa R. C. Eight chairs. Doors R. 2 E. and L. 2 E. As the curtain ascends JAMES is discovered, humming an air and placing the chairs round the table.

Lucy. [without, L. H.] James, James, open the door! [JAMES opens the door, L. 2 E., and LUCY enters with a dish in each hand, L. 2 E.

James. Allow me to assist you. [Takes a dish from her, and as she places the other on the table he passes his arm around her waist and kisses her. She crosses to R.

Lucy. [R.] James, fie, sir! What if any one should see you?

James. [L.] Is there any chance of that? Lucy. Yes, master may pop in any minute from the garden.

James. But consider, Lucy, my name is Bunks, and that you facetiously call me the busy B; consequently, in my flittings about I'm privileged to sip the honeyed sweetness from off those lips. Lucy. I've no objection to that, James, but if master saw you

James. Well, what if he did?

Lucy. I should expire for very shame, James. James. Why, he kisses his wife often enough, for he has only been married three months.

Lucy. Yes, his wife. Now if you were my husband

James. Ah, how long will it be before I am?
Lucy. [sighing.] Goodness only knows.

NO. 13.

James. [embracing her.] At all events, longer than you have any desire to wait.

[Placing his arm around her waist. Lucy. [breaking away.] Don't speak so certain of what you know nothing about. [Both arrange the table, fetching glasses, etc., from side-table. HENRY HARFORD comes from the lawn, remains at the window unperceived, and listens.] Master's father and mother-in-law are coming to luncheon.

James. Yes, and to rejoice in the happiness of the young couple. Lucy, I can't say that I can give you a father-in-law.

Lucy. That is of no consequence. James. Besides, I think we should find ourselves quite sufficient for one another, without fathers or mothers-in-law. There, thank goodness the table is spread! Lucy. Yes.

James. What?

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Lucy. Say what?

James. "Thank goodness the table is spread."
Lucy. Why?

James. Why-be-cause-be-cause-you must.
Lucy. How stupid.

James. When one has finished anything, it is customary and proper to say-thank goodness that is finished.

Lucy. Go along with your nonsense.

James. It is not nonsense. You must not have such a will of your own, Lucy. [Softly.] Now, there's a dear, do say, "Thank goodness the table is spread."

Lucy. No.

James. If you love me, do!
Lucy. I won't!

James. [getting angry.] You won't?
Lucy. I won't.

James. When I ask you to do anything, can you say no?

Lucy. Yes, yes! and if you were to ask me ten times, I'd still do so.

James. What am I to think of that?
Lucy. Whatever you please.

James. Allow me to ask ten times and still be answered in the negative?

Lucy. Yes, if you were to ask anything so fool

ish.

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Lucy. I won't say it!

James. [in a threatening tone.] Lucy!
Lucy. [imitating him.] James!
James. Now you must say it.
Lucy. I must, must I?

James. [decidedly.] Yes! I command it!
Lucy. Why, surely the man is dreaming, or got
out of bed wrong foot foremost this morning!

James. No joking-I'm in earnest. You shall say, "Thank goodness the table is spread." Lucy. I shall and must, eh!

James. Yes! you shall and must.

Lucy. Now then, I won't do it.

Enter JESSY, R. 2 E.

Your walk has done you good, love; you have got quite a color, and look charming.

Jes. Flattery! but, Henry, you must really give it up. Recollect, we have been married for three months, so that it is time you should appear in the character of a husband, and give up playing the part of a lover.

Hen. Do you desire that?

Jes. Why, all the world says that you men change with marriage, and I must make up my mind to put up with it, and the longer you delay

James. [trying to keep down his anger.] Lucy, making this change, the greater difficulty I shall

I beg you will.

Lucy. I won't!

James. For the last time I ask you.

have in reconciling myself to it when it does happen.

Hen. But you shall never find any difference in

Lucy. I won't-I won't, no, not even if you were my conduct, dear wife. I shall never change, to stand upon your head and ask me. James. We shall see!

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Lucy. Very well, sir!

James. And can you give me up so easily? Lucy. Yes, if you are so stupid! James. [scornfully.] But you can yet prove yourself to be more than woman, by not continuing obstinate, and saying it!

Lucy. But I won't! I won't! I won't! There, then!

James. [passionately.] Then go to [bell rings] -your mistress's room, for that is her bell!

Lucy. [going.] I've not finished with you yet, my gentleman.

James. [runs after and takes hold of her dress,] Now, Lucy, "Thank goodness the table is spread!"

Lucy. [stamps her foot.] No! [Exit R. 2 E. James. Obstinacy—as I think a distant relation of the king of Denmark says in the play-"thy name is woman." Request-entreaty-threatening-force-all, all in vain! If I was to tell her that I would kill her, I wonder if she would say it? Hen. [coming forward.] Whether she would or no, pray let her live.

James. Sir, I did not think-you've heardHen. Something of your and Lucy's dispute, yes. She is an obstinate girl, James.

James. Yes, sir; but otherwise she is an uncommon nice young woman. But I can't tell what is in the girl's head to-day.

Hen. That is a problem that the wisest have been unable to solve, so don't bother yourself about it, but go and see to the wine. [Retires up R. James. [crosses to L., aside.] I must be firm; she shall and must say it, "Thank goodness the table is spread." [Exit L. 2 E

Hen. I think that was my wife's bell, so she must have come in from her walk. Ah, here she is!

|

precious!

Jes. And I will never give you cause to do so, darling! [Shaking hands very cordially. Hen. I believe you are the dearest creature on earth, and you fulfill my every wish almost before I give them utterance.

Jes. And do you not the same for me? [They seat themselves; she takes up her work.] I wonder where my father and mother can be? I have not seen them for nearly a fortnight, and I so long to see them.

Hen. [playing with her work.] Do you miss them, my dear?

Jes. You never thought when you asked that! Hen. No, no! I was thinking of—[laughs]— something that happened just now.

Jes. Well, what was it?

Hen. Something comic in the extreme! As I stepped in from the lawn, I heard Lucy and James amusing themselves with the conversational powers with which they are gifted-out of curiosity I listened. When they had finished laying the table, James, in a self-satisfied manner, viewed the whole arrangements, and made use of the natural expression, "Thank goodness the table is spread," and as Lucy had also been engaged in the work, he desired her to show her thankfulness for the completion of the task, by making use of the same expression.

Jes. Rather imperious!

Hen. Lucy refused to say it-James insisted on it—and out of this arose a quarrel-James endeavored to compel her-while she continued peremptorily to refuse. Very obstinate of Lucy, wasn't it, dear?

Jes. It is rather difficult, dear, to say which of the two was most obstinate.

Hen. But he begged her to do it.
Jes. But it was such a foolish request.
Hen. But so insignificant that no justification
can be found for her obstinate refusal.

Jes. [more warmly.] Even as little as one can find for his obstinately persisting in requesting her to say it.

Hen. Now do not let us quarrel about it-nothing of the kind can ever happen to us--for I am sure if I was to request anything of you, you would not refuse me!

Jes. [doubtingly.] Hum, hum!

Hen. [decidedly. I am quite convinced you would do whatever I asked youJes. But what if I did not?

Hen. What if you did not? why, that is with

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