r ^u PS 635 h1649 Copy 1 ,, . ^_ ^—. . . . . . ^ : ■ : >. i .. id U tt M 0^ i'] (,'■' :=af<^'<«^;c A Domestic Drama IN FOUR ACTS. «?/ /;. p. //. 1885. Entered accoi-diug- to A (' 'r V c N (; It k s s , 1883. Brooklyn: ST. FRANCIS' COLLEGE PRINT, 1885. iOUOHMOI^I *— ■ t :o.'' \ Domestic Drama IN FOUR ACTS. Jii/ It. p. •!. / «i\- ^./• Entei-f^d according- to A (.' 1' V C N (1 U J<: 8 s , 1.885. I'>i:i)'>Ki,y.\: ST. FRANCIS" ('(JLLKO.K rUf^'T; PREFACE. Ij'y'.i XH )'V.-: \\\< l)('!_>n wciUini eXj^-essly t'of tli<.' Sr. i''it\N'(ls" L: ;'iCi;A:iv ITxio-: by one of its nienihni-s. Owiu.;- to liio furl liiat the "litlSil AOENT" was yei-y luuis'Uly received oii tii.; oc.ijasiou of its lirst pivs^Mitttiuii at i!iiei.'e. It is predicte'l fOi' LouaJlMOfiE tU;it it will siu'ce.ssfiilly rival tho " Irish Auent." It will he presented for the first ti:ne at the ACAOEMf OP MusiC» in April of this year, ISsG, under the auspie-s of the CoUei^'e. This ])ie,'e portrays IRISH Wit and. Valor, as well as Maiden Vu'tao — ^whicdi is unexcelled in aav counLrv on the 2;lobe. It is the intention of the author to put tho Ikish Agent in print (luring the year. The Press of the city, whose represeatjitivos were present, spoke in flattering terms of the plot and spirit of th^g pitH:. tui well as of its p^jwer QA-er the uutlieuc-e. Dramatis (''ULONTiOL IXWIDSON", - MoiiTV TiAxrd.vx, , - , - Mr. GrKATTAN". ,- . - \V.VT II A ^? La's" , ) Tim Lackv, \ BOI! M[LKS, 8lep:k, i .Sulks, \ Lkstkr, t . Frkd, pomgkmex. Cl.ARA GrATTAN-, Catiierin-e, - - MlN'N'IE, - -. - Gran, ^ . . Lkitik. . _ ,. - - An'irish Fanner. MaT^tor of ■ IIol 1 ymount, - ., Garileuer iifc IIoll yiuoimt, Davidsou's Lawyer. Olara'a uncle. Detectives. A Villager, - Davidson's Reliables. - .Office, Boy to D.ividson. - Page to Clank Notes. Two Books.; Two Fans, Two StulTed Clubs., Cup Pancy .l!^eedlework', Spon:^e. Bandage. Is, B.— On Clara's last cntranee, "shs is veiled for th« bridal. The bridal party should number about twelve. ■ The musicfor this piece,as Avell a^ for the "Irish Agkn'T.*' is in the possession of the author; ... The eosfcuraesfor Ijouglimore and tne "Irish Agent " ?.re in modern stvle. f^ '">-■.-- -y < . .*. A Domestic Drama — IN— IV ACTS. By B. p. H. . •--♦--•' ACT I. SCEKE I— i]s' 4. — Interior of the O'Neil Farm House. Practical Door, 11. C. Plain, but Neat, Furniture. Music, Amlante, Furniture: an easy chair, two plain cliairs, sofa and table, Pro2Jerties: a basket, flotoers, fruits, sjjectacles, symffbox and cane. Catheehste axd Mixxie Seated. MlKxlE. — Let me remind you that our year of mourning is over, and also of your promise to receive our friends, who are coming to offer their congratulations, on the celebration of Edwakd's majority. AVe must make it as pleasant as possible for Miss Claka. CATHERIKE.-My year of mourning will terminate only when the grave opens to receive me: my sorrows are sweetened, however, by the recollection of your father's honored career. The breaJ| of slander was never whispered against his fair naflR^ ^ {Both rise and come forward.) MiJf. — That's so, mother; but promise me that you will receive Miss Claka with open arms. Cath. — Miss Clara is most amiable; but do not forget the social distinctions that separate the rich from tlie poor. 3 LOUGHMOl^E. Mix. — Clara does not distinguish so nicely as 5*011 do., mother: she feels most keenly the reserve that yon deem neces- sary. She thinks very differently of the matter. Oath. — That may he, child; hut we must not strive to cement a friendship that might result in lasting misery to Miss Clara. Mix. — Much less should we check the growing affection that promises to hecome the mainspring of her happiness; I don^t know how you could doubt Clara's resolution. {Minnie crosses rigid, C'atlieriiie, left.) Oath. — I neither doubt her resolution nor her sincerity: I must renew my caution to you, not to use so much freedom either in speaking to her or of her. Mix. — She has forbidden me to call her by any name less en- dearing than that of sister. But, to the point, mother, tell me that you will receive Clara with open arms, {The women apiyroacli. Minnie ijI aces lier hand on Iter moth- er's shoulder. The mother takes 3finnie's hand. ) Cath. — ^For your sake, Mixxie, as well as for Edward's, I Avill put on my best countenance to-day; but let me again warn you not to encourage the tender sentiments of Miss Clara for Edward. Mix. — We need but allow them to expand. — I even doubt if they could now be suppressed. It were as easy to stop the surges of the ocean under pressure of the storm as to stay the torrent of a woman's love for the worthy object of her affections. Catii. — ^Your happy comparisons do not alter my views, Mix- XIE. Mix. — If you would blast forever the fondest aspirations of Miss Clara, you have but to dampen the ardor of her heart; that she loves Ed'SVARd is an open secret. Cath. — Miss Clara is heiress to the broad lands of Lough- more; and, rumor has it, to the Hollymouxt estate as well. Mix.- — If she were heiress to the brightest crown on earth LOlTOnMOKE. 3 she would lay it at tho feet of Edward: he is her only choice. {A knock at door.) Catii. — There's a knock at the door, Minnie. Mix. — I will goto tho door a]id see who's there — perhaps it is Edward, returned from Hollymount. {Going). Catii. — (Sol.) Minnie may be right; hut, oh! what a dread- ful disappointment it Avould be for Edward to have his hopes kindled only to have them extinguished in the flame. {Minnie goes to door, on flat, R. C, and opens it. Mart y enters. Music. One cliord, lively. Exit Catli., L. 3 E.) Mix. — Is that you, Morty? !MoR. — Faix, thin, I believe it is; and if you'd only allow me to guess I'd say 'tis your own purty self that's lookin' me sthraight in the face, as fresh and fair as the rosebud when the dew is on its face in the mornin'. Mix.— You are quite complimentary, Morty; but who should I be if I were not myself ? MoR. — I was just thinkin' that suj)posin' you wor my betther half you would'nt be yourself at all at all. Mix.— I forgot that, Morty. MoR. — Well, you see, I thought I'd remind you of it. ]\Itx. — But you seem to forget that in such case you would be your own lesser half: what say you Morty? MoH. — Then I'd become your complement, my darlin', and you'd be my supplement. Mix. — AVould it not be better that you should supply defici- encies Morty ? ^roi{. — Faix you're right, Minnie, an' you'll complate my hap- piness. {BnsincKs. ) Mix. — Take that. Master Morty. {Sihe givesliim a stap.eic.) !^^<)l{. — Xo need to masthermeut all. Faith it's too soonrou'U 4 r.OlMilfMOKE. have to begin that kind o^ buslnes's^. Mix. — Doing remarkably well, Morty. MoK.- — I'm glad yon approve o' my way o' doin' bnsiness. Mix. — On the principle, I suppose, that faint heart never won fair lady ? MoE. — That's my motto to a T. They say that a wink is as good as a nod for a dark horse. {Business. Morty re.' ceives a reyninder.) So that's the Avay yox; have for show- in' your friendship. Mix.— I'm glad you think so. The print of my five fingers Avill remain for some time, MoR. — 0, the divel a doubt of it; wherever a woman lays her hand she's sure to make her mark. Mix. — What have you in the basket, Morty? something from Miss Clara ? Mor.— Yes, an' somtliin' from Morty, perhaps; they're mixed up together. {Minnie examines basket, finds flowei^s, etc, ) Mix.— This beautiful bouquet is your contribution, Morty ? MoR. — You're the divel at guessin' : I thought there was; nothin' on earth so sweet as flowers 'till I saw you. JNIix. — {Taking some fruit from haslcet and liolding it uj),) 0, what lovely fruit ! MoR, — Sure 'tis blushin' like your own purty face they are. Mix. — You're a provoking fellow, Morty. MoR. — An' you like me all the betther for it. Mix. — But did Miss Clara send me no message, Morty? MoR. — She sint her compliments; faix here they are, {Morty is again admonished.) MoR. — Mercy! what a souce! — But I forgot to tell you that Miss Clara sint you this bit of a letther, I hope sb© isn't Jealous of you. Mix, — W1iv vou'rc a toi-inciit. Moit. — An' the more I tuizo you the betther you Vikv mr, {Minnie (Jrops: Jctiev; Moiiij picks: it up ; lie rercin'.'i (oioilwr admou itiou,) You're mad with mo for stayin away so long, oh? Sho says nothing; bedad^ silence gives consint; so here goes, a goold cliain or a wooden leg— Faith that'll pay vou back iu^full. " " {Enter CatK, L. 3 E.) Catii, — {A&ide.) A letter! That silly girl will never learn sense. Mix, — This is a letter from ]\[igs Clam; she will be here at four o'clock, Here is everything we want for the reception, {Pointing to findts, etc.) Cath. — Miss Clara is as thoughtful as she is kind. Give her my sincere thanks, Morty, Mix. — Miss Clai'a sends you her love; you can do no less than return yours. Tell Miss Clara, Morty, that Ave will expect the clock to go a little faster to hasten her coming, Mqr, — Very well — (aside): 'Tis in a hurry with the weddin' day she is. I'll be off now. Mix.— It is something to be thankful for, when you give even a short notice of what you intend to do, Mor,— I see, then, that 'tis short notice you want: scure to you, why did you put off the time? Now, I'll not change it one day. What do you think of that ? Mix, — -Be off, now, you rascal, {Morty takes advantage of Catherine's head being famed cticay, to X)lay his old tricks. He is taken in the fact.) MoR. — You see I could'nt forget my good manners. Good day Mrs. O'Xeil. {Ej:. li, F,) Cath, — Good day, ]\Iorty. {Ex. L. 1 E. En. Mor. >i): (Jriicious! hack a.u'ain ? (} LOUCillMOUK. Moi{. — I want to toll yon about Gran's Toth birthday. The celebration is comin' oft' tomorrow. If yon want to see Gran raise the dust, come over tomorrow. She's got lots o' game in her yet. Mix.— Surely you are Jesting, Morty? MoK. — iSTot at all — Didn't you ever see Gran dance? Mix. — Yes, yes: I believe I saw her trip the light fantastic on your 21st birthday. MoK. — You must see her on her own 75th, tomorrow. 'Twill raise the throubles from your heart, my darlin'. Mix. — 'Grief sits lightly on you,, Morty. MoR.— There's too many frettin' a'ready. — I'll come for you myself, an' thrust the job to no one else. Mix. — I will get mother to come, too: it will do her good to see Gran put spirits into the old fiddler. MoR.— Just so: the fiddlers like the spirits put into 'em; but. for all that, they're mighty purtic'lar what kind of spirits they keep company with. Mix, — -That's a new subject, altogether, Morty. MoR.— 0, I see : you don't like to change the subject. AVe were speakin' about dancin'. Gran '11 dance at our wed- din' ; wont that be nice ? Mix.— Indeed! when will it be, Morty? MoR. — -Begorrah! the sooner the betther: say tomorrow, an' make one Job of it with Gran's birthday-spree. Delays are dangerous, mortal dangerous, Minnie. Mix, — -What would mother think of such unseemly haste ? MoR. — What every sinsible woman would think; that you took the readiest, the safest and the best way of gettin' a throublesome fellow off your hands. Mix.— 'Twill be time enough when Edward has put every- thing in order; and then MoR.^An' then, we'll become only one. Mix. — And what if I should be that one, ^Fortv ? LOL'dllMOHR r Mou. — -Ftiix, We'll split the ditt'ereiiee, ]\Iimiie. MiN". — Just so : but liow awfully sudden I MoK.— But awfully delightful, my dear. What do you say? Mix.— Oh I what will mother say? how will she feel? MoE. -^Delighted of coorse to be doublin* her family, d'ye ' see? Mix. — HoAV do you make that out, Morty? MoK.— "Well, you see, Miss Clara and Edward on one side, and Miss Minnie and Mr. ]\Iorty on the other. Mix. — Be off, Morty. Here is mother coming. MoR. — I'll be off like a postman on his rounds. (Exit Morty, R. C. F. Enter Catherine, L. 3 E.) Catii. — I'm ashamed of you, Minnie; I saw something when I first entered that you ought to be ashamed of. Mix. — I let the letter fall, and Morty stooped down to pick it up. Catii. — He renewed his attentions on my second enti-ance. Mix. — He Just stayed a moment to tell me that Gran's birth- day will be celebrated tomorrow — her 75th birthday. I promised him that you and I Avould go to congratulate Gran on the happy event. Cath. — You should not have promised for me. Mix. — I could not go alone, mother. Catii. — Then, you shouldn't go Claka. — {wUliout)—J)i'\\eY, stop the carriage. Mix. — This is Miss Clara, mother. Catii. — Kun, child, and bring her in. Mix". — Yes, mother, instantly. {Exit F.) Catii. — Xotwithstanding that everything looks prosperous, and the future looks bright for EdAvard and Minnie, I have a >;trangc presentiment that all goes not well. {lilnter- Clara, GMltan, Mbinie. ll C P>) CATH.-^Ai'e you not fatigued from your journey, uncle I^ GRAT.^Kot fatigued, cliikt, not fatigued. Vlx. — -{Embi'acinfj CafJu) Mother^ dear) mother! Cath.-^You are heartily welcome, Miss Clara; and you, Mi'» Gi'attan, we are delighted to See you, Cla.— We are delighted to be with you, oUr dear liiother! GEATi— Yes, yes; we ai'e delighted to be with you. {Minnie draws over the easy chair for Grattan; Catherine yets one for Clara,' Clai'a i^vevenis her hy taking one herself; both are seated.) Mix. — 'I hope you feel comfortable ? Geat, — Bless yovi, child! — I feel quite comfortable. Evei'yone is kind to me, Minnie. Everyone is kind to me. ( Grattan ivipes his spectacles, uses smiffbox, etc). Cla. — Dear mother, do not treat me like a strangei*. Call me daughter, or child — anything but Miss Clara. Cath. — Clara, my daughter, my dearest child! Cla. — Not your dearest; I would not be so unreasonable. You are, however, my dearest mother, and eVer have been since my angel mother went to Heaven; blit where is Edward ? MiN.— He is gone for a short walk. I will seek- him out. {exit) Cath. -^Minnie will not be long away. Cla. — I hope so, mother. GEAT.^AVe hope so, Clara; we hope so. Cath.— May; Heaven protect and bless my children, Edward, Minnie and you, Clara. Cla.— 'Clara will try to return your kind love. {Music: piano — cighthars.— Enter Edward, Jlinnic, R, 3 E, Edw. & Cla. simpily shake hands.) LOUOILMOirE. 9 Kdw.— Does Mis* Clara again honor our fiumble dwelling^ \f'itk her presence ? Cla.— Olara, if yon please, Edward; iw titles among' member* of the same family, Edw. — Clara, as you wish it; but let me remind you that ther differenc in our social! standing places an impassable bar- rier between you and me. Cla. — There is no barrier, however great, that may not be overcome by a determined will: between you and me, Edward, there is no bairrier. Edw, — It is not thus the world views distinctions Cla. — Speak not of distinctions: between m;an and man fehera is none but what nobility of character places there; be- tween you and me, let there be none, Obat. — Yes, Edward, let there' be none, Edw, — I have this day been informied that this fftrm-houso' i» no longer the home of the O'Neils, Cla. — While Clara Grattan can command a shilling you shall not want for a home; neither shall your mot he-r nfixr your sister. Gbat. — ^No, indeed, Edward, no, indeeti- ITianks, Clara, thanks. Cl.a. — No thanks. All that I have and all that I am areyotir*. But are you mot HsisinfoTm'ed, Edward ? "~- , Edw, — I am protperly infonae^, Clara. Ci/Jt. — Whose, then, is the home of yoixr- childhood, w^e*# I, alsoy spent many happy days, Skat. — Yes, roany happy days. Ud-w,— Lawyer Welts infbrras me that oivr old honxestead ss Qow the property of CoL DiaTid'eori. €li..— CoL DttVideonr Impoesiblel fiRAT, — ImpoeHiH© I 10 LOlUiHMonR €la. — \Vc iiiust, not give credit to every rumor borne on tUc winds from Ilollymoiuit. I will sec Col. DavidKon> and tthveil this mystery. Geat. — Yes, Claraj we'll unveil this mystery. Edw. — Thanks, Mr. Grattan. I hope your health is good ? Grat. — Clara is very kind to me, Edward; everyone is kind to me. I hope Clara will be kind to you. £j)^v.— Thanks, Mr. Grattan, thanks. {EnicrMlHide, R. 3 E.) Mix. — Mother wishes to sec you, Clara; come in, Mr. Grattan; come, Edward. Edav.— Gp in, Minnie; we will follow quickly. {Exit MiiiiiiCyJi. 3 E\) Cla.— 'Col. Davidson will answer me on this subject. gjj-^v. — Do not trouble yoiirself, Clara: I will sec Col. Davidson myself, and then— ■ Cla. — What then, EdAVard ? Gkat. — Yes, Edward, Avhat then? Edw. — Then, Clara, my secret is my own, Cla. — You should have no secrets from me, Edward. Gkat. — No secrets from us, Edward, no secrets. Edw.— For the present I will have my way; h€reaf ter you shall have yours. Cla. — From ever v ill defend him, Heaven I - " ■ . " ■' . ,,^. c ■. ■ . {Jfumc. Tctblcau.^ j^i^, ^^^ SCENE II. -iN '?. (Jul. David. -ton's Office. Furnilitre : a writing desk, ^cJiairs'/and a 2)racf icalyire. Projyerfies: writing material, cane, eyeglass and two rolls of parchment tied witli ribbon. Watch, hell, 2nsiols, draff. 'DA\iDiio:s.—{l!Jxaming2}aj)ers; rings hell?) — Welks promised to have that statement made out for. mo. {Looking at his watch. Lester, the Page, enters, E. I E.) Lester. — You called me. sir. ..-»,. Dav. — Has^lawyer Welks called-yet ?■ ^;. -^ , , .. -^ - -^:: Les. — He has been waiting for some time to see you, sin Day. — Why did you not let mo knoAv immiediat>ely ? Les. — I saw that you were ohfcagod.. sii\ and T dared not dis- turb you. Dav. — Show him in at once. Les. — Yl's, SIT. [Bonn ng, retires, F. I U .) -•- Dav. — AVelksis my man; he will settle everything- satisfact- orily. (£';i?^er Welks, R. 1 i;.)Gladtosceyou,friendWelks. Welks.— Thanks, Col. Davidson* you are ver}' kind, very .. - kind, indeed. Dav. — Have3-ou presented young O'Neil with the statement ? Welks.— Yes, Col., I have furnished him with a full state- menl; it is a settler, and no mistake. Col. Dav. — How did it seem to aif^ct him ? Welks.— He remaiiieil silent, but I watched the expression of his firmly-knit brow and determied eye; they spoke his resolve more plainly than words. Dav.— That looks rather ominous. - WiiLKS.— No, no. Col. Davidson: I delight in dealing with n toranmmVu just euch people; there is, yon soe, a fine opportunitj to display legal acumen and, of course, a chance to make some money. Dav. — Can I trust to your legal acumen to prove my title clear to CNeil's Farm ? Welks. — Trust to mo, sir; I hold his father's papers, without which it would be impossible for him to establish hia title. That, sir, is the key to the situation. pAV. — That simplifies matters. It appears satisfactory. Welks. — But, you^eem to forgot that bo still holds popsos- fiiOD. Dav, — How do you propose to meet this diflScuIty ? Welkb. — His receipts for ten years are also in my possession. Dav, — Capital! You can make the terms so exacting that he cannot hold possession much longer. WELKfi. — It would be well to keep the case out of the courts; He mufit be made to regard it as hopeless. Put aomd- thing in his way that would make it worth his while t-o abandon the idea of law. Dav.— Why do you favor this plan ? Welks,— Because he may be able to show that 1 have hi* father's papers, among which ate clear receipt* to date. Day, — Destroy them; that will end the difficulty. Welks. — (aside) Old birds are not easily taken with cha£^. (To Dav.) You spoke of destroy mg the papers: I do not approve of the plan. Colonel Davidson; no, indeed. Day. — That's decidedly strange, Mr. Welks, for so eminent a lawyer as you. I am astonished, sir,— amazed. W^liHS. — No cause for astonishment or amazement. I have considered the danger, Coloiiel. Dav. -^Tjio danger lies In keeping them in your possession. Welks. — You misapprehend me. — I have counted the loss. Dav. — Both loss and danger can only come by having them found in your possession. Give them to me^ ril — — WklKS. — Xot so fast. Col,; I uiii not {»it!p:»retl for .-o l»olfore T quarreled with young O'Neil. Welks.— It would bo unprofessional, as well as unkind, to break all the unpleasant news at once. Dav. — {aside)lt is a clear case of blackmail, {fo Welks) I will depend upon you, Mr. Welks, to free me from all such embarrassing situations as the present. Welks. — A good deal Avill depend on yourself, sir; I am a poor man. Dav. — ^What would you have me do, Mr. Welks? Welks, — ^Since that little claim has to bo settled sometime or other, would it not be to your advantage to cash the lit- tle sum in my favor? I am a poor man. Day.— Well, that would rid me of a dangerous rival. Welks. — Freciselv so, my frion^ pnckcL lie (t/so pro(h(cc>! a pisfoL and prrs.'ni'^ it nt Pnt'ldm'^ head.) Here is tlio (Iraft; it wants only your sig:ritai'j. Da v.— Why use that pistol, :Mi'. Wolks? Welks.— 0, merely as a preeaution. — -a husiuess precaution. {D(n\ .sirjns draft.) Day. — Here is your title to paynieut in full of demand : my banker will honor the draft, (iive me the pa})ers. Welks.— It will be time enough. Colonel, when I reeeive the money; until then we can hold on to what avc have, each to his own. I hope that will be satisfactory ? Day.— («i'tV/e)The devil sees through it, (/o WeJks) Surely, you do not doubt my honor, Mr. Welks ? Welks.— ISTot at all; bless your dear soul I it is simply ouo of my business methods. I am a poor man. Day.— I have nothing to say about your private afTalrs. It is rumored that you have amassed half a millioji. Welks. — (rtSiV/c)Kearly three times that amount, {to Dnr.) I am a poor man, Colonel Davidson. If you \vi.sh the papers, come with me direct to your banker. pAv.— I will go with you tomorrow; say 9 o'clock Weeks.— Agreed, Colonel. (ft.5?V/c)- Tli^ coast is clear [to AnO (Toodda)^ Colonel; I will be prompt at 9, adieu. (/wvV, Day.— Good day, Mr. Wclka. {aside) I hope you'll break your neck before you get down the doorsteps. That devil ip as keen as a razor and as unscrupulous as Old Nick; but PvvrrAw -he'll want.all his master's strategy to ilank mc. {■Enter Lester, the }xirje, 1\. 1 />'.) Well, sir; has farmer O'Xeil come? I expect him. Leptetj.- He has just arrived, sir, and desires an audience. Da\ .— .Show him in at on<;c. {f^psfer Iwws and retires, K. 1 /v ^ I'll hum'.'le < hi- ]"■"""' '""'y- I" i !■''''' Ilirnwn down thr jruago nf brittle: will lli;il 1 iiii:- tiikc ii up V No. IG LUCGHMOUE, no; lio must submit, — I'll force him into abject sab- mission. Perhaps, my fine brave cavelier, you will havo to leave your spurs on the tented field. {Enter, Edward, Lseter, R. 1 E. Les., bowing, retires.) You received my order; 1 am glad you have come. Euw.— I have received no order that I feel bound to respect; I have, on the contrary, come of my own free choice, as I have something very important to speak about. Dav.^-1 shall be happy to accommodate you; but as I presume you have reference to my lawyer, s statement, I have here a copy of it, which you may examine if you so desire. This showing fully establishes my claim to the property on which you so foolishly set your claim.— Your father left the land encumbered. Einv.— My father was an honest man; and I have a distinct recollection of having hoard him say that the farm Avas entirely free from encumbrance; and my father Da v.— Your father I Edw. — Ruffian I take back that insult — -- Day.— '0, Sir I— I assure you I meant no offence* Edvv.— Dastard! Go on; — let me hear what you have to say in answer to my father's solemn declaration. Da v. — ^Courts of justice pay no attention to hearsay; thoy are not easily imposed on. Enw. — As they are consitutcd in her majesty's dominions in Ireland they are essentialy inimical to justice, whenerer they deal with the rights of the farmer or the insatiable greed of the worthless, pampered landlord. Da V. —Are Hot your remarks rather pointed ? Ed w. —You seem to have felt their force. Day.— Do not alaj-ra yourself; you can easily provide yourself with a home Isettgr suited to your altered circum- stances. Your lively fancy will readily picture the full force of my remarks. 1B£)W.— Be^'are how you arouse my indignation. -^When I de- sire to make a change I will not be iik^^ly totrotibls C'oi. Davidson. [JU(-Il.\I(»iil''. IT- Dxv. — Xcvci'lhch'ss. lu> Jiiiiy have it in his power li aid you. Edu'. ---Fi'Oiu L-eceut utterances it appears extremely un- likely: wluit is mure, allow lue to inform you that I would not accept any favor tliat Col. Davidson has in Ids power to olter: nioi'c es])ecially since he lias taken ad\a]itag"e of a passing ()])p(n'tiu!ity to insult the mem- ory of an honoi'ed fatiier, i)Av. — ^inee 1 can.uot reason \\iih nou, \'ou are a/c lilrerty to follow your own lights: so am I. I'Idw.— I prefer to follow the footprints of an honest, manly fa- tliei'., rather than the devious windings of the master of J lolly mount. Ihit beu-are. Colonel Davidson; for assure as you have east a slight upon the memory of a saintly antl noble fatlier, his son Avill tear the mask of hypocrisy from the brow of the traducer. I will ex- pose, — 1, Cah Davidson, will (!xposeyou to the scorn and derision of men. May Heaven this day l)e my witness! . ( A'.r/V, AV,'/\. L. 1 /■:.:)- \)\v. — {riiiij-s h('ll).\ terrible fellow that young (^-Xeil: but he httle knows Col. ])avidson's resoui'ces. Does the unfledged gosling think himsell' xi match for two v(^ner- ahle foxes.-' Hal hal(A'///,"r Li'yfcj-, bnii-'uiij.) Li'is. — A messenger from Miss Grattan Ivriugs this note and awaits an answer. {Frvscnls iiofe.] Dav. — (_T('(/i'ii/(/ upeiL tli.p y^o/t'.)From Claral coming to see me? no: 1 will go to see her. Send him in directly. {PagPy bow'nig, retires.) >;ow the conrprest is an easy one. An heiress of eight- een and a supposed millionaire of forty-five I Clara has. bj3:i a companion ot my daughter., but the change irom a position of equality to one of command will be easy for one who has been accustomed to much of her ovt'n way with an imbecile uncle, especially since, she has- a (puirter of million at her disposal- — soon at my disposaL [Enfcr lA'ster. Mortu; Pnge-ddm and rehires.) ■-- ■ You are Miss (J rattan's servant — I hope she is w-oll? Moi;. — i see that she didn/t iiiink (Mioiigh- about you to say- now slu' w;is. i.()r(iii.M()i(K. IS ]^AY. — Miss (imttan will disclmrgv you ;it once when she Iiears of your impudence. Moi;. — Fiiix, then, maybe "tis some one else that 'ud be dhrag- gin' his tail afther him,, ^whin the time cums. Miss Grattaii has a miglity foinc way of dalin' with intiirn- ders. Dav. — I]\trudcrs. ruffian I this letter states that she v/ill this day pay me a visit. Moii. — Begorrah thiii, at a pretty safe distance, take my word for it. Miss Grattan knows what she's doin'. Day.- — Go, fellow.and tell ■Miss Grattan that I will call to see her at my earliest conA'enience. Tell her that I am al- ways devoted to her best interests. Moit. — You must think me rather short-siglited not to see through such a thin-skinjied story. Be sure tliough that "tis a moighty could cumfoi't she'll afford you, whin you cum to see her. Dav. — Be off, knave I MoR. — Whin you're at home you needn't go outside your own doore to foind the heart an'sowl of a knave. Dav. — Out of my house, vagabond I Moi;. — Begorrah thin, it moiglit very soon be tho property of sumbody else; no tellin'. De ye hear? Dav. — Perdition I — My patience is all gcJie. MoR. — If you had now all the patience you iver had, or iver hope to i^ossess, you'd want it all whin you cum across Miss Clara. So, now, I'll bebiddin'you good morniir my ould applejack. We'll meet agin. [Exit, JL F.) Dav. — That lowbred villain is even more tormenting than Welks. Speak of the devil and he'll appear; that's his footstep on the stairs. {Enter Welks, R. F.) Back so soon ? I did not reckon on jo\w return before tomorrow. Wklks. — I called in to remind your banker that you would see him tomorrow. He told me there was no cash to vour name in the bajik. i.()r(;irM()i:K. lo D.w. — I iiitciuk'tl to cle})i)sit soiiio tutliiv. Is not your action in this nuittor a reflection on my honor? W'klks. — (tear no. my friend; but you k)io\v that I ainapoor man and cannot attord to take I'isks. Day. — 1 admire your precautions: but since you do not doubt my word Avhy not trust to it for a month ? \\'i:i-Ks. — I am in no particuUir hurrv with the money. Cob Davidson: I su})pose you are in no hurry with the ])a- jK-rs. Let us hold on to what "we have, each to his own. — here there can be no risks. It is one of my principles never to take risks. I)av. — You are very accommodating, Mr. ^^"elks. \\'klks. — Just so, Colonel, wherever personal inconvenience is not entailed, I always like to be accommodating. it is professional, you see. Dav. — If you have those papers with you, I have the money ready. I must admit that I do not admire your busi- ness methods. Put an end to this at once. W'ki.ks. — I am really astoiiished to hear you run down my methods; I assure you, sir, I liave never known them to fail. Now, sir, since you wish it, Ave can come to an agreement. I should say rather, justification of our dealings in a business way. [Takes tlte pajiers tut.) Here are the papers neatly done up. You may con- sider it the best barter you have ever made: I am also satisfied, I always am. Colonel. {Ddi'idxDii careful/// e.ra mi ja'.'<. papers. I'/i/dei-.s niuiie// drawer, and takes out moneij. ■ Wetks uses /x'sfol as before. lie substi- tu.fes fictitious papers for the re(d ows. The hartjain completed.) Wj':lks. — You will find (U'erything satisfactory, Colonel. I)av. — I will take care of that. Count your moiiey lest you vou should be afterwards fiiuling fault with my methods of calculation. \\'i;lks. — Entirly unnecessary. Colonel, to remind me of my duty; I never charge my bluhders to another's ac- count. I nuike very few. {('ou //tiuf/ the mia/e//.) This is nuitc correct. Cnloncl. I trnsi vnii will luid it satis- i.(»r(iini<»nK. -la f'acton', ;i^. no doulU;, you will. I)Av.. — Give yoursell' no more couoern. my cleur sir.. {Ojwiuinj the roll of papers, he sets; fire to tftpm. one ciJ a Unif-. WeJkfi cnjoiis the yi'tirfinie.) 'V\iv-^ will n^r Irou- blo nic agciiir. "Welks-.— Your mind is soiucvrJiH-i rolicvcil, (.'uJonel-. D.-vv. — Conskleral)!},', Let !is hilk ub:)iit business-. lia\e }"oi'i b.roii:giit yoUng 0'.N-ei"r5 case to matitrity? M'klK^. — I 'cto not care t"o mov(:^ further im tlie case 5x>fore 1 .get my fee, a mere triilo to you, Col-onel. Dav.-^You infer Do v-ou fx.pe-'jt nwre -raonev fnoni mc 0, no, Mr. Welksf Welks-. — For services ah'eady pcrformeVl 1 have here a hill — - Day-.-— Speak not money to me, sir. I h.ave reduced .invself to beggary -on your account Welk&. — On my account' Have I n=ot removed two of the greatest •obstacle-f5 to your happiness. The trifle you have given mc in return bears no proportion to the ser- vices rendered. That little arrangement, Colonel, was perfectly legitimate, on strict business prin-ciples, DAv.-^Y-otir business principles av ill leave me?^"itliout liouse or -home. This must stop someAvhere'; it would ruin me.. Weeks.— LawA'ers' fees, sir; nothing more. Dav.. — Sliow me that contemptible new claim of yours. Welpis. — Here it is, Colonel, onily £15 10s. The items arc .given. I must add i3o this £-5 Ss, making in all £21 18.s\ •say 31 guineas; the last addition will finish my claims ior present businevss. Day.— I will pay the am.ount of your bill, and never let me find you again looking for money, Weeks. — Xever, Colonel Davidson? Day. — Ujitil the present business is completed. W-ELKa.— You will hare .no reason (o complain of mc m thif "iriatU'r. 1 will t;ikc Uic ■^Am':' iu'tcccsi in N ivnr 'IxrisliHCoi us 1 do in 111 A own.. I).\v. — -'JMiut., indeed.. slx)ukl Iw .«i-.t.i:>-.t'ae.tf')rv.. 4 rutvM,r(i}\ 'SCENE III..— A TfKArniTL LvTKima;., l^rcssLt Fntx'isiiEi).. — In i.. ^^LA.. — Fred take thia note to ^loity and hid liini deliver it i'^-y- 'Mw 0''X'ei].. {Fredrocdces IMer, hons cdhI rvifircK) CiRAT. — YetN to Mu. (/XetL Who is Mr. (rXei'l, Clara? 'C'l.\.. — Ethvard is coming t-o see ns today., nncle.. 1 hope iinA:- dear made feels very weli today ? 'trUAT. — I feel very ^y■Q'\'\ t-oday.,. t.h5nk you-, I'ltira, 1 lri)]h.-: VA- ward feels well. I'la, — I have sent for him, nuicle; 1 know yon will b"' p:lad 'ifii see Edward. r Fred L. 3 AV) 13;n-c you delivered ttie note to Morty? Fred, — -Y"es, ma'am. Col.. Davidson liU'S calleil and re.;|newts a:iii audienee, •(.'r.A.-- -Shon- hini iir, hut Ih'si take uncle to his room, "jKA!- Vr.;, I;ike UJe In my I'ooin., { /-'rril //r//is' (I iriUaii in ol.ll Ci.A. —1 know tlitd'o if? ;i wise provideuco ovcn'ulhig m11 ouraf- i'aii's; yet it jippeui's stniugo th^ifc tliis iu;iu should bo t'lic giuinliiiJi of my fortune aiul, together with dear un- ck'. guardian t)f my honor; yet he \\\vs no I'egard for our feelings. 1 will be as firm in the defence of my rights us he is uuserupulous in restricting them. I may ])os- il)ly astonish liim l)efore this interview is over. Here he comes. {Enti'r Daridsou, L. '•\ E. Chira rixi'>^ (Oiil hmns cuhllii. Puiiitiinj tii a cltair,) Be sea-ted, Col. Dav- idson. Dav. — My dear ch I hi I am delighted to see you; but do you not I'eceivc me rather coldly ? ("j.A. — I should consider anything a'pproachiug greater free- dom as unbecoming as it "Would be disrespectful toward o;ie of your age and position. \).\\. — It is. then, to your sense of propriety and res})ect that 1 am indebted for so much formality. I am hapj)y to ijiform you that it is uncalled for, that it is highly distasteful to me, — highly distasteful, Clara. Cla. — I have ever regarded you as my protector, the champion of my rights. aiuI. together with my dear uncle, the guardian of my honor. May I not continue to regard you as unchanged? J)a v.— Decidedly; your interests and your liouor 1 hold as sacred as my own.— In fact. I regard them identical. (3la. — ^Ilow comes it tlien that you have touched my most sensitive fcel'-ngs ? Dav.— Impossible! On the contrary I now offer you my hand. Cla. — -Surely. Colonel D.ividsoa. you must b:' jesting? Dav. — ^Xot at all; I never jest. — I a:n in dowuriglit e.iruest. Cla. — At present marriage givv-s me very little c)uc:'rii. Dav. — It is that happy state that brings the nearest approach to hunum bliss. Cla. — Uftentiuu's to human woe, Marriage must l,ie well nss( rtcil. ii iiui.-i lu- ;i liuioii of h.'Mr: ■. - -.i liun/; nf lov , 1>A\'. — Sui-li. iiuU'Cil. s'.ioiil! (>!!;••; !)■. ;i i:l I'.i^ ii:i ii 's of h'l'il- taii and Davidson would l>i' lionoivd hy tlu' union. Cl.A. — Dismiss tlvat suhjt'ct. ("olonci Drividson. I iravc S"nt for K(l ward (.)'XtMl. 1 trust vo a wiU do hk.' the hono;- oL' ivmaining- until ho an-ives. i aiu anxious to ^t^^ you toiiethei". Dav. — Yes: I thonglit so. ('la. — Von could li;ivo no kUvONvk'dgo of Iiis ( nintni;'. f scrt lor him a I'ow moments before you entn-e(V 1)av. — I liad referer.ee to somethir.i!; else— a passing- tlu>u;_;ht-, a sudden pang. (Hiifcr page. L, '-) />'. ) I'uHi). — ^Ir. (VXeil. ma'am. ('la. — Show him in at onee. {ExK I- r I'll.) Dav. — Von should see my heart. — It is ilowing ovor with devotion for yon. — Do, dearest Clara, aeeept my [)ro- posiil. Say the word that alone has the power to ren- E.. vUh pinjt'- Paiji' hin''s, rxils.) Cla. — Dear Edward [ Eow. — Miss (Jrattan, 1 am jiery at your r.N-(nest; but I did not expect to iind you pre-engaged. Dav. — Ila, ha! Now, perhaps, silly boy, you must begin to see how much astray you have been in your calculations. Ki)\v. — 1 have never been very far astray in my calcnhttions regarding the noble LUA. Davids<»n. ''lai;a. — Yon have come here, jvlward" at my i-cf^ncst. Mi-; Davidson is here on l)usiness. T) A. v.- - Y c's-; 1 ui :-• i n o^^s 'ir[ a vc vy p ron^s i, 1 1 1^- n ;i I a ro., Fa)AT\. — Then i s'uialli tawaiii ryiiiir c®'n\;e!,iix'i;iet',. MLss'. Clnittaii.. C'la, — For mc lulwani, tiris is tlu." iTisitit c-o):nv(.niei:it tmio. i rant te, tse(?' yom ai'ii'l CnL i Javklj^ioii ti)i2:etbcr.. T>A\",— r ^mvliili raai;^"!!: inrfliuM- settk' iTiiV biusiiit'tei^ aU^iie, .Esnv.-— Tir n"v\' p.r.'scRct^ inalvcs y(ovi: feel raif'.omfi'irtable T sliall! C'la. — f liuiivc-'aiirvatth- t«)lil rorr. E-fl^aiid. tliigtt tliiO' present i^^ Ihii" i.iii(A«t !;aTt that niitUoi- l)o!ii! oJ: my wranl in m;v p'L-e.^i^ii.i^e ?' Ei)\v. — Th; want ymir rebitke^ iiiiWiwrtuvtetT. sir r" I'la. — I wM]i C't !*eeni t(.> l).e well LiifovmefL I piLssod the liiLO' dniwii; by: the law this- nuvi-uhig. l\n\\:, — Miss. (Jirattau, my time is; liniiited. Dxv. — It Is wclli that yoiii I'ccogiiiijio the ftict. — I havo givoii; orders for your remojval this cvenuig, V\.\. — It is eat at Ltst. T lioai'd oi the sham.efiil decrce. and I am defcerniiiutx:l t& prevent its executian, J}\v. — -Ha. ha. I. Yon. prevent tlie- law's numdatc from being fultillicd? (.l.s'/V/r.) VVelks has something to say. C'iA,-— I tliiid'i: I can prevent Col. Davislson's unjust order. Ki>\v\ — Thanks. ]\Uss Grattan; but I have already made ar- range ments for my mo-ther and sister. ^ly own course is marked out. Cla. — You grieve me l>v your obstinacy. Yonr mother and sister must live \A'ith mo if it come to the worst. Ku'A'. — I cannot at present accept your kind otter: but I look forward b) a brighter, a happier day.. LOUGH-MORK. U Dav. — For Clara's sake 1 will make you a fair proposition. Edw. — I will not put Miss-Grattau under any obligation to Colonel Davidson. v ' Day. — Nevertheless, he has it in his power to serve you both. (yiside.) The dame must be humbled. (rLA. — 1 do not require Colonel Davidson's aid; I am this day mistressjof my own affairs, and what is mine is yours, Edward. Edw. — Clara, my loved one l{He embraces her.)l am thine for- ever, and thou art mine! Cla. — My delight, my joy, my treasure I You must neve^ leave me I never, never, Edward! Day. — {Asidc.)l have a remedy for the contumacious, a scoiirge for my rival. {To 6V«ra.) What of my proposal? Edw. — It is treated, sir, as it deserves,with scorn and contempt! Begone, base hypocrite! and thank a lady's presence or your worthless carcass would find its level at my feet. — -Clara, my hand and my heart are yours, but the day of our blissful union must be deferred. J)ax.— {Going foivards door in F.,liaf in /ia;jf?.)My love has been blind. My vengeance will be terrible. — ( Waving his hat as he reaches door.) Tahlean.) -•■ -*- ■«— — ACT II, SCENE I. — I^-' 4.— EXTKIilOR OF COTTAGJ!, Qeak. — {Coming from the cottage.) Everythl]!" ready <'ui" nc» one here. I'll sing a little song to keep myself com^ pany "till Morty an^ Minnie an' the other b'ys an'" gir-' rels cnm. Fifty years ago I used to sing for my own poor Morty Lanigan,, rest his sowl. He was the pur- tiest hurler in the townsland; he could throAV a lep over a nine-bar-gate^ or give a hop, lep an' jump with bhamus Dliuv> the besht jumper in Kihnacat. All the dancers from Beagh Cashel to Carrigogunyal gev it up to him; and, as for singin' a purty song, there wasn't the baitin' of him in the parish of Lough more. He was the finesht cumpany at a wake that you ever seen. He'd keep the family in the hoith of good spirits, an' they'd almosht forget that anyone Avas dead in the house. 0' thin, pace to your sowl Morty, an' you wor the foine warrant to handle a shillelagh; but he wouldn't hurt a child. The only wakeness he had in that reshpect was for smashin' a bailiff's head, whin the widdy an' or- phin's wor tlirun out on the roadside. But 'twould do you good, an' no mistake^ to see him take the little ones home with him. One on aich arrum, they'd slitick as close to him as they would to their mother. I v/as ]iear fargettin' my song; I used to sing it for Morty' it ud make 'im feel good, bekase, you know, he made it up for me 'imself. Here it is: {Clearing her throat.) O, I love the bright Shar.uon, whose soft flowin' tide Rolls so proudly serene by Old Lhnerick's side! jiflid I lore ev'ry mouud on Old Erin's fair shore; Bvrt 1 love mv denv Mt-im3.^ they make it hotter thin the otlier place.. Mix. — 'J'hey heighten h:is bliss and sweeten his Atoe.. MoR. --An" lighten his purse: now isn't that so ? Mlx.. Tlii.-; world wcri' W(\-ii-\. if love did mil cheer. 2« i:oruii:\ioiJK. MoR. — Do you love your Morty ? He loves you most dear. Mix. — And I love my Morty, and tliink it no sin, MoR. — 'Tis bettlier to tell it than keep it Avithiii. Mix.— 'Twere better avow it than suffer the pain. MoR. — I've said so before, but I'll say it again. Mix. — Perhaps so, but now you will answ^er me this^. MoR. — I'll answer, dear Minnie, by taking a kiss. {Enter Wat, Bob, Tim, Sc.) Wat. — Three cheers for Gran's 75th birthday! Tim. J Wat. > Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah 1 Bob. ) MoR. — A reel of eight, bo3's. Gran will join in. {Dance goes on, after ivliicli, a double jig.) Wat. — Long live Gran. May she live to celebrate her hun- dredth birthday. Bob. — And may Morty 's grandson be there too. Tim. — And may Minnie, who Avill then be both gi-andmother and gi'anddaughter, be as happy, bright, and free from care as she is today. Mix,— I thank you for all the compliments heaped upon me,, but I refer them all to dear Gran on this her happy birthday. May your good wishes be all realized, and your prayers bring down upon a free people the bles- sings of peace and prosperity. {AU then take Gran up to tlie front, placing her in the middle^ while the band plugs " God Save Ireland.''') Chorus : Hurrah for Old Ireland, the gem of the sea; Huri'ah for the Shamrock, that sprouts on her lea ' Hurrah for the boys that are honest and brave ! Hurrah for the girls— as pure as her wave ! Hurrah for her honor— as wide as earth's span ! Hurrah bovs, hurrah 1 and long life to old Gran'. Lui.'i.iiiMOiM:. -e^ SCENE II- -i^N' 1- A Ko.vinvAY SnADic:) with Tiua:s. {N/if:'r ('/a/-f luiyUxing stronger than coffee., but tli.ero was lots of fun. Bob. i. Wat. -Good m-.orning, MJss (dara.. i^ExnuiL R. 1 E.\ Tim. ) ^ . . i'LA.. — ri.oodi nionii ng,. boys., {.Enter m-ms. R\ 1 E\} WeuvS;.-- d did* iifttcxppct tlio pleasure of meeting you. Miss; Grattan . here,. t'LA ..-—Uncle and I came^ out tor- our customary walk, and we- rested on the old tree- for as while.. As you are here- n;ow., Mr.. Welks,. I am anxious to know if you have any now info,rm.ation on the su,bject of our last conversation.. Wklks.. — The uiiore 1 liiave exam iaed, the- subject the more !■ ani ccmvin-ced that the statement furnished is correct., li have a fullo- ow? h m'c but it only verifies the former., Vou m.a,y look it oa'cm-,. and, 1 will call ou you iu at'ew ^lays,. C't,a.. -O'-i' whivt U'S;'^' is: i.f lam.'., il' i.t o,nly verifi.e.^. your fornver stiit'^ment., \\'i::.T..'cs:..— ^-As a professiouial niani. a,ltow me to tell you that i.t is in my power to, estaUlisli 5f'!);ui" claim. Gi>A.— 'I'o what^ Tb'the O'Neil farm'' Wklks., - Xo-:: to the [joughmore estnte.. t'i,A.— Wliat do you sny. >[]•. Melk?? V'.i.vVr,.— Yes, ^\v. \Vidks: what do vou sav '^ Wf.I.K>. a flriVv (lise'ovort'd Jii I lie tiliir--. '^ *C'l,A-. - -Conic, uncle: now i ix-1 ceil arc \'.n cvVn I'pa'iU'oV-!?; in ; ri^''' with 1m 1 ward, "('/// iJKifinij:) — YvT'.s. iiifioorl. \vc'"i-c 'c-oin piniioi'i ii'i gi-icf. '• {!:xrvuf; /.. 1 A.) N\'i;lk8.-- That's the lirst wcrl^-e in tliat direflion-. ["ll i;'ive. it some time to work in. Hnl kere conic.s tliat witchinji' .^•■ii'i. Minnie. What a pitv that she is sister to voung b'Keii: [Enter ]\n.nriir'. [?.. ] E.} M IN.— Well, this is too ba.rl- Welks^^-No;. no, ifinnie,, t am vcrv happy to meet yoiV. Mix. — And I'm delighted to inform yon that 1 ft^ei nothinp but disgust in your presence. Week's. — Oh. for shame! I admii-e you ardently., \ ador?' you I Mix. — Getting foolish in yoiir old age. I havr' no (ohVj'/]) i yr/.i'r ■ ji .' ' :^ u! ' of Inn. They eay lie has loL.-! Ml' ju 1,1 ;,-. ii ■ ' ;l 1 i.^i'-ivl a coi'-'a-and-four for his \vj]!e. • jLi.ri t;;i.d n'.^ s w^u-ou h,ui a inijiion. MoR. — Ve-/; aii' 'i.^^^Juid;i■t t.ike hi:n long to steal as much more. Mix. — lie can't live long. MoR. — Well. I'll tell him how you're fcelin" about him. Good- by, and don't forget ould tijues. {Exit, L. 1., smiling.) Mix. — I've driveji him away. Wlnit shall I do? I'll run after him. {Exit.) {Morty steals in, R. C.) M.OR.— Begorrah, that Minnie of mine is the sweetest little divil of a girl that you'd meet from here to the cross- roads of Ballycooly, but 'twouldn't do to let her knoAV that. She might begin to think too much of herself, an' 1 don't want anyone to think more of her than I do. She thinks I am out wid her about that ould dhry- bones Welk:^; but faith she's awfully mistaken. But here she comes. {?Ip r/oi\<; tint at rear.) (Enter Minnie. ].. 1 /:'. ) l.()r'(;f1M(>KK. :n ^fl.v.— Morty's k'l't inc. Who'd v\vv Hunk it;-' {Eiilcr Morhi from rear. (ic.ts /li.s ami (iron ltd her trai.f/.) ^^'llel•e oil vartli did you go, ^lorty !" ^lui;. — iSliuiv I wont out to sec M'elks, but he Avas iou fur away, liut now as ]\roi'ty is near you Mix. — The farther lie keei)i> away the ])etter. Mou. — For Morty':' Mix.— For Welks. MuK. — Didn't Bob dance illegantiy at (J ran*.-: »i)ree ? Mix. — I didn't notice anyone but MoK. — Morty. Bob danced the sowls of his shoes away and left 11 whole Aveek's work for the carpenther. Now, Miji- nie. let ns make for home, SAveet home. !Mix. — Come, and neA-er play me sucli tricks again. Mou. — XeA"er fear me, my darlin*; you'll loike ivery thriek I'll play you in future. Mix. — I can forgiA'e yon CAerything bnt pretending to be out Avith me. Mou. — If Avo "Vi'orn't out wanee in a while, where ud be the fun of gettin' in agin? .Mix. — ( (/(;/'y/r/. )ril know you in future, Morty. (E.i-eiiiii. L. I E.) 34 LOCGHMORE. SCENE III.— i^^ 2. — Colonel Davidhox'.s OFincsE, {Davidson and IVelks.) Day. — I had an interview witli tliat proud dame» and 1 do not feel at all comfortable after it. Welks. — Yon found it rather a diflicult matter to bring hei* to your Avay of thinking, eh* Colonel ? Bav. — I would be much better pleased • AVelks. — To have remained at home. Perhaps yon came to the point too quickly. You should have used a little diplomacy, Colonel. Day. — Young O'l^eil is in the way; — confusion I Weeks. — Do not grow impatient, Colonel. You would not leave the affair in my hands. J)\Y. — I now give it entirely into your hands. Weeks. — Aye, noAV when you have all but spoiled every chance of success. Day. — You can easily repair the damage. Weeks. — It Avill be attended Avith risk and expense, 1 am a poor man. Day. — Don't speak to me of money, Mr. Welks, Weeks. — -A new contract, Colonel Davidson. At first it was young O'JSieil; now you tack on Miss Grattan. The second is more difficult than the first, for when a woman sets her heart upon an object, you might as well change the course of the Atlantic as to change the current of her will. Day. — You regard the task as useless. Weeks. — I said you. With me it is different. Day. — What means will yon adopt? Weeks. — Allow me to remind you that I never give away my secrets in advance. I ]iced a I'ttle money to mc^et a pressing demand. Lol'dHMOKK. ;5:> D.VV. — The suiiu' everl.'istiiiii' cry — nioiU'V, inoiieyl Wklks. — \W< must look to the coiuino- generation. Dav. — I thought you were n shigle man. Wklks. — True; but, you see, I am a young man yet. Da.v. — You are at least fifty. Wklks. — A trifle over forty. I am nothing the Avorse for tho wear. If this speculation tunis out satisfactory, we might join hands; go into partnership. Day. — Vagabond! you have already subJ8ct3d me to unparal- leled humiliation. Wf.lks. — Xot at all. Colonel Davidson. It would bo difficult for you to get along without me. I could more easily dispense with your aid. Day. — Come to business. Welks. — That is precisely what I have been doing right through. Now, as an evidence of my good faith, I have here a receipt made out in full— the last I will ever present. {Handing it to Dav.) Dxr.— (Reads.)— £IM01 Welks.— A trifle! Col. Day. — ^A trifle, wretch! I have no more money. Welks. — I will take a mortgage on the HoUymount estate. Day. — I will never agree. I am bankrupt already. ■ Welks. — It would still remain in your family. Day. — What next, devil ? Welks. — Your daughter would become the recipient of your generosity. Day. — I understand you. Y''ou are old enough to be her grandfather. Her consent would be necessary. I will call her in. Welks. — No necessity. I would prefer that you impose it as a filial duty. Day. — AVould you linve me bring her to tlio altar with a rope? Welks. — t>lio will not resist your will. Colonel D.ividson. Dav. — Vou will soon he a1)le to jud^-e for yourself, {qniiiq). ]\lr. Wi'lks. Wklks. — "Where are you going. Colonel ? Do not act rashly. Day. — I know what I am doing. {Exit. L. 1 E.) Wklks. — IIow I make .this scoundrel wince! I will have that fanciful daughter of his, or make him pay dearly. I have a genius for making money. {Enter Dav. 11.) Dav. — My daughter is indisposed, Mr. Welks. I could not think of compelling her to come in. Wklks. — I told you not to he too hasty. You spoil all my plans. Dav. — Miss Grattan has just arrived; so you may go for this time, Mr. Welks. W'klks. — Attend to this matter. I will call again at a con- venient season. {Exit. R. 1 E.) {Pagf enters with Ctara aitd Minnie.) Dav, — (Had to see you. Miss Grattan. V.L\. ^{Bowing coldli/.) — I have come to ask you to show me the ^particulars regarding your asserted claim to the O'Neil property, as well as to the Loughmore estate. Day. — Defer the consideration of such unpleasant topics. Miss O'Neil, you will wait for Miss Grattan in the ante- chambei'. Mix. — I will first consult Miss Grattan's wishes. Dav. — This is my house. Cla. — Q,uite a gallant act to remind us of it! If you insist on my friend's withdrawing. I will go too. and my law- yer will come in person. Dav, — Ha, ha. ha! You have more poAver with me than tlfty law vers. i-oriaiMoKK. :;: Cl.A.-Say at inice. Colonel Davidson, wlictlu'r (»;• not you arc wiilinoto hear nie in i))'esiMu\' oT my sistci'. Dav. — Your yisterl Wiutt infatuation to address us sisti'r ono who stoops to be wooed by a common gardeiiei'I Mix. — A common gardener who earns an honest living; is 1)"^ not as deserving of love and respect as a dishonest and dislionoral>le landowner, who scru})les not to opprc^ss; the widow and the orphan ? Dav. — ]-)e out of my housol {/!ns^n'i>rf for jfiu.) ('i,A. — I go, too: l)ut be prepared to meet a woman's venge- ance. Dav. — Nay, my dearest. {Appntffln'iu/ ('Uira.) Mint. — Lay not hands on her. scoundivll Cla. — -I defy you. Col. Davidson. Dav. — You should love me. and be forever iiappy in thc> em- braces of love, and Cla. — DavidsonI {/'ir////r.\ SCENE IV.— In 4.— Xkat, nvr Plaix, IvrKinoK, (CW//., Edw. and Mi//.) Cattt. — That is terrible news. Edward. Do not leave us, my son. Edw. — Ho comforted, mother; I will soon return. Cath. — Edward, you have not even told us where you a^^ going. -Mix. — At least, Edward, tell us where you are going. Er>w. — T will cross the ocean. ]\Iinnio; and while 1 have good stout armsand a clear conscionco, I have uotliing to fear. :;s L(ir(!ir.M()[?K. ('ATrr.^-[J(Mn;uii :tt Immt', Kdwunl; providoiioe will take cart* of US. Fnitod, we shnW \xtmt for nothing. E!>\v. — -It is iiecesairy for the ends of justice that I leave home. (LiTii. — Is it not true that the fai'in became embtirmssed dur- ing- the lifetime of yonr father? Ef)W.— Sothe lawyer's statement says, but I have no faith in {>rocesses of law as thev are flavored from the Holly- mount castor. 'I'he veil being lifted, there will be re- vealed a pair of whited sepulchres Davidson and hi? pedantic, hypocritical, legal adviser. ('atit. — There is a great deal of evil in the world. Miv. — -Our honoi'el father's mjmory was not proof against the shafts of envy and avarice. Ei>w. — The contrast will be all the more striking when his spot-less character is placed beside that of his traducer. CATiT,—(0.r(7/7cr?/_?/)Has anything been said against the name of your father, Edward? Kmx. ^{a.'^i.de)! must be cuvGhil. (Addre^tsfiig his ')i/of:hpr)(ro in, mother; I will be with you in a few moments. Mix. — Edward desires to be alone; come in, mother. ■Oath. — Come, child; (going) the last heirloom of our house- hold is coveted, the honor of my dear departed husband assailed. Well, Heaven guide my son's footsteps aright. (Exeunt, L. 2 E.) PjDW. — This will break mother's heart. This may be the last time that my eyes shall rest on these time-honored walls, every spot of which has a treasured ])lace in my memory. There is the old rack on Avhich father hung his cloak and mine together, when, after returning from a "holiday sport, we lay down together, and watched - Minnie march soldier-like in father's best hat and coat, with martial tread to her own simple lay. But I must be beside myself.— Ko; trifles like this are green spots in the memory; they powerfully portray that happy and blissful innocence that emparadises earth and give 51 fulX'tasU' ui tJiiit JilAxk' wlicl't' lio (hi|'!;(.';l y ciU'i--. v«>l' rloes injustice liml tlu'rc a ivstiiiii--|)hic('-. 'IMicrc tin' no- blest and the simplest, the most Ijeatitifnl and the most snhlime> nnite in one grand, itnendinn' t^ymplionv. to charm by its matchless luirmony the blest inhabitants? of that blissful abode> But I liave been wandering; ])erhaps. ei'e I return, even if I do succeed in my nndertakina\ one place may be vacant. Mother, dear mother! shall voti not have min- gled your ashes with those of mv noble father? Minnie, dear innocent,, light-hearted, phiyful, Minnie! (ilara! ( ' A TH. — {From cottage. ) Ed ward ! Ed w.— Mother ? {Enter CatJier hie front f'otfttge.) Cath. — You will not leave your mother, Edward ! Edw.- — Do not try to dissuade me from a positive duty — thd vindication of a father-^the assertion of a mother's and a sister's rights. (.1 knuck (tt (toor.) Mix.— 'Someone at the door; I'll see who is tliei'e. [ihilng.) Catii.— Your mother, Edward, Clara, Minnie— all entreat yon not to leave home. {Enter Welles, ^Vr^/.) Mix.^(r/.s;V/c)Oh! that horrid man! I have ahvays detested him. What, sir, do you want — -to disturb us still more? {Edward conducts Catli. and Min, info cottai/e,) Edw. — Why, sir. do you visit this house that 1 am al)out to leave, perhaps, for ever ? WelivS. — 'That is the very reason why I have come. — lean remove the obstacles to remaining in the quiet pos- session of yonr family homestead. It would be attended with inconsiderable expense. Edw. — I have no money; if I had. I should first know the na- ture of the services you can render. 1 will not ac- (•e))l any but such as hoiutr. lioncsly and principle endorse. U'ejwcS; — .\Iy phiusi siv; ruUy ilg'i'c'O Svitli yuui' cxaltud l'011(\^|> tio!iSi--'riie\^ illsO ilgi'tie. sir. A\'itli my coj'i'eet nutiouM of inyst'lf iUul my ])i'trfessioii. 3']i)\\"i^-8tsito your phuiB and yolir torlr..^i WklkBi — My terms arc Oasy>— yuiu' Ixjiul for i;;).0()0; my plans, sin arc my oWib j-lwl);- Jt sounds like mockery to apeak of £;],000 to me. Af- ter my passage is ptiid. I eliall not have £5 in my posses= sion; U EiA\H: — I will not press you fol' money initil yoii are in a- position to pay me. and I will so stipulate in writing. 1 have the agreement drawn up; your sigiiature alone m Avanted. Unless I prove yonr title sound I will not claim a farthi]ig\— You take no risks, Mr. O'Neil. EnWi — Unless you disclose your plans, I must refuse to accept your conditions. Wklks. — I have Just discovered a flaw in the title to tho Loughmore Estate; in five years it reverts to the Holly- mount Demesne. Ei)W. — Scoirndrel i^-what say you ? \Vej.k8. — Misg Grattan-g father lived rather extravagantly $ her education and her uncle's maintenance have almost consumed the I'emiiaUt of the estate.— -My plans under certain conditions^ in vlew^ of certain contingencies — -^ l^]i)W. — I liaVe a loathing for hidden plans and remote contin- gencies; if you would come to an agreement, speak out yonr niind. W'KLKS. — For the present 1 have said yuilicieiit. Consider it carefully, and if you come to the conclusion that I may l)e of advantage to yon> command my services. I am al- ways on hand, and I am ever prepared to give advice on reasonable terms, (lood morning ;Ed ward. {H.df. I\) Knw.^It was sufHciently discouraging' when adversities fell thick and heavy at my own door; but now. the woman whom 1 love as I do lUy life, is made the ol)jert of attack by seheniing and Uns('rU])uloii> scoundrels. r^OUGtlMOItl?. 41 {Enter Mituue R. 2 E.) MiJf. — Edv.'ard, Clara has come to see you; she will be hero di- rectly with mother. She feels intensely grieved on ac- count of your hasty conclusion. Edw. — Dismiss this thought from your mind, Minnie. Have you seen Morty, lately ? I am anxioiis to see him. Mix. — I saw him today^I will see him again tomorrow. Edw,— See him today and give him this note. {Handing it.) I w?nt to see him before I go. MiN. — I will do so, Edward. Moriy will feel wretched, and poor Gran will reget your going as much as if Morty were leaving home. {Oath., Cla., enter, E. 2 E.) Edw. — Clara ! ) n ■ CLA.-Edward ! f ^''''"'''- Oath. — My children! my dear children! Cla. — Welks assures me that he can shoAV your title clear. Edw. — {Aside) — Another dagger to her heart. {To Clara:)'Do not notice what that oily lawyer may say. Oath. — Come, Minnie; leave Edward and Clara together. {Exeunt, Catli., Min., R. 3 E.) Cla. — I would not lyiention it only for the attachment we all have to the .old homestead. Edw. — Did Welks give you no inkling to the means he intends to adopt. Cla. — He said he would use none but honorable means. ED^-, —Place no reliance on that wily lawyer. {Aside.) She knows not her own danger of being turned adrift. Suf- fice it to say, Clara, that it is necesfeary that I go away for a time. But have nothing to do with Welks. Cla,— I have d.r eadful forebodings for your safety. Enw. — Trust to Hp.avpjn., Ckral 42 LOUGH MOKE. Cla. — May Heaven guide and defend you! Wear this cross. {Places it on his bread. Puis a piirse into liis pocket.) it ^\'dQ given me by my sainted niotlier. ]t vill keep you from harm. This ring — your present to nie,, Ed- ward, will cheer mc in your abserice. Your image I will keep only in my heart, Edw. — There too, Clara, shall I treasure yours; aiul though seas divide us, love will make us one. {Song— Duet.) {Clara.) Oh! wilt thou go away, my love':;' Thou'rt aU I prize most dear. 'Twill all but kill your Clara, love ; Without you, life were drear. {Edward. ) When I am far away, my love, Beyond the deep, blue sea, I'll think of thee, my own tnie love; I'll think, I'll think of thee. {Both.) Oil ! it is bitter thus to part, Though not for evermore, Else sorrows treasured in the heart Would rankle at the core. {Exeunt, different sides.) {E'nter Davidson, R. C. F. Comes down front.) Dav. — No one home ? Mix. — (I'EiY/io?^^.) Mother feels ill today, and Edward is gone for a walk. Dav. — I have come in the hope of finding your brother more reasonable. Mix. — I never knew my brother to be unreasonable. {Enter Cath.,R. d E.) Cath. — I suppose you expected to find the house empty by this time ? Dav. — Noj Mrs. O'Neil: I called in to see if I could come to l.oriill.MORK. 4.1 ati ;irr;in2;'.Mii(>ut witli your sou. I wish to settle this im- pU';is;ii\t :i!r;iir satisfactorily' to nil eonc(n-u(M]. Vou are a sensible \voiiiaii, and you have it hi your power to oiul the existing- (iifUculty. Cath.^You say. sir. that you own tl'.is pro^ierty. WHien we are forC'-^d out the door, tb.en. but not Ijei'ore, can this difficulty be settled. T>.\v. — Your son persists in claiming the hand of Miss Grat- tan. She is entirely above his station in. life, and she oould easily find her level without desceitding to his. Oath.— If my son were present, you would not dare utter such sentiments. Day — Xonsense, woman; I am willing to make ^liss Grattan my wife. Catii. — Would it not be prudent to consult the young lady's wishes on the sr.bject. L will call her in. She is talk- ing to Minnie. {Gvinrj toioarcU R. 3 E.) Dav. — Stav, Mrs, O'Xeil; let me reason with you. I Avould s.'ttie the matter with you. A mother's power is un- limited with her son. Catii. — [ have iiever encouraged Edward's love for Miss Grat- tan in the hope of marrying an heiress, nor Avill I now dissuade him froiu his purpose. The happiness of ^liss Grattan, as well as that of my soii, demands this.— • {(roL'i[/lo thi chor), Clara I {(Jlara aii'l Mlniiln enter, R. "i E.) Cj. A. ^Mother, I am desolate! Day. — X'o, no, Clani; I vriU be your protector, friend, hus- band. MiN".— Mag;'.animousI Cla. — Wretch I I would rather be chained to a pillar, and suf- fer d:iily a criminal's punishment, than be wedded to one whom I loathe as much as I despise you, sirl — tho petty master of Hollymount. J [ear me. Heaven! rather would I face the lire of ten thva.-a id cannons than listen for one moment to tho 44 LOUaPlMORR. deceittnl,, iwisoiied tongue of Ool. Dividsoiil {fhlling on Caih's shoulder.) MiN. — Go, Col. Davidson; your presence here is intolerable. We are prepared to leave when your officers of injustice force us out. Dav. — Capitally played. You are an adept, young Avoman, in the arts of deception. You would ruin and disgrace Miss Grattan's name and pedigree. Ola. — Kuin and disgrace, sir, can only come from the course you point out. I will not say I hate, I loathe, I detest you! Dav, — ^Y^oung lady, you are this day without a home, withgut a friend in the world. Clara. MiNKiE. \- It is false ! You know it is false ! Cath. Mi™' [ ^^'® ^^^^^^ befriend you, Clara! Cl^.— And Heaven ! { Tfthleau. ) ACT III. SCENE I —A Cave is a Woou. (Davidson looking canfiHudij ami enrfprhj arMfiid.) Dav. — I am come to this at la-sfc. At first it \v;k-i an iimr'Hn- ate desire ol wealth; later on, I l>egan to use unjust means. Spurred on by Welks, I have set no bountls to my avarice. From avarice to injustice and oppression. not sparing even the widow and orplian: now it is— why does^the word stick on my tonprue ? Uall it byanyothar name,, it is murder still. " I cannot. 1 will not now draw back, but press forward to the wished-for goal. Welks has disappointed me. Nothing now remains but to use the means at hand. The die is cast! my reliables should be here, and not keep me waiting on their hon- ors. {Thunder and lightning.) The elements are fur- ious tonight,— faint emblem of the storm raging withni. If I am discovered I am disgraced and my daughter will be proscribed society, and must forever bear the stigma of infamy; branded on her forehead by my hand. V>\\t away with such sickly s.Mitimonts! One bold s;t,mkt> and the prize is secuiel, Slkkk. — {Stealing in. L. 2 E. )Yes. you arc right.'it must be a bold one. {Dav. starts.)For whom do you wait amid so many terrors as this night presents. {SiUks enterfi. II.) An acquaintance promised to meet me here. Dav. — I would not suppose tliat either of you liad an acquaint- ance outside of prison walls. Sulks. — 'Tis there most of our relations are quartered, and there are still plenty of vacant cells. But we have come here for a purpose. Give me your right Iiand. Slisk. — Civ* me your lei't hand, {Dav. ro/nplic.*, liaiji vhi-,*- p''r .-i : ;i'iPt'i'/:'j /o /ii>n. nviiht lh">i 'ivmriU'i iduiJca liU IudvU.) DaN". — I'm i,b i:! :-; iti^^v^r.ory. A S!^:;;-i!t known only to iiiysulf i ill!) ?:;i\v ubont to eiiLru^it. to you. Si..;;;';. -Ax, wil! uoviir >!;o b')yo:iil this. kJL'i/-c>. — >7''Vf_T! nevor! (/>■;.-. l-a'c::, ijHt a pnrse and gioes it to Sleek, wJio readier out his liaivl b'lfore Sulks. ) J) w. — H ilvo :v\ o]nal divisLon of tlio money, and if everything i; :>3S w A\ I will SCO 3^011 a;5ain. {Exit, L. 1 /.) Hiji:!']!;. —Ft is pleasant to Avork for a good pay. Sl'1/vS. — DivM, 1 tlio prog, Sleek, here and now. k5LiO!-:A. — H ):n'3ono approaches; look oat. Sulks — squalls ahead! h '() if our game is v/itbin gunshot. S Ji,>v>. —You like it on the wing; I pi-efer it under cover, {Elivcu'd enters, R. IE.) E])W. — 'LMiis is a disinil place. Here is the cive where Morty promised to mjet me. Hirk! whxt is that? {Sleok cuii Sidks isswi frj^n the ci-tn.) S.m^k:;. — N"ot mmy stars out toniglit. Su'i^ivS. — !!n'o; the n)>i to> is sunk b3nei.bh th3 fern. E )'V. — Is this the way to Oalierline? SijiOiiiv. — -That is the very way we are going; we know every iiiih of the way, and will gladly accompany you thither. Sulks. — -Our business takes us that way everyday. We live close to the village. Edw. — (^l-S'tV^s) And, no doubt, are well known there. {To S.) Mv dear sirs, give yourselves no trouble about me. I am able to make out the way alone, SLEiiK. — -The way is through a deep morass where those wha who are not well a'! i linte 1 are in d.ing3r of biing swal- lowed alive. 1 S'JLKS. — We'll t;ikiM'.'':('(Mi(_M:u L'lifo of you. aiMl .■•"(' voii spTeciit of the piVM'iit (iaiu:s'i-. Fa)\v. — Many tba.iiks, \n\l 1 |H)yitivr!y ruL'use Lo I'hicc iiivsdf liiiilcr your i',ii nsiiicr. f^[:i.Kti. — {rrcKOHf:Kj a/il^^!i;/)[[ow daro yon, ['ellow, east a >li-lifc v.yon my iioiiof 'r El)\V. — {I'i>!///uiij h) piiliiL) VvaXvv siiuli protfcllon ilrhoal.] In; quiLo ya.Ic. Sli^ek. — (Drairi/ig Itis ]ii.-(::l. hiih Idle dim t^' lii.s hrd/J.) Vnf- lian yoi! ck nut insult us i'jv our kindness. Edw. — VJlliausI v.'h.'t inea.ii you ? [EdiiHtrd seizos an, anti of cacli. icrenclLcs the- j)UU)l from Sul/is, liurli tliQ oHirr pisloJ jroi^i ihe Intitd nf Sh't'l-. Yon are now in my power, scoundiX'LsI Jf yon niove hand or foot I v.'ill lot your worthless spirits ont. {He covers SulJcSs mlio U chss in tJie pidal.) Sleek. — V,"e only hitcnded to I'rigliteJi you. ^\n\'. — Yonr Avorthless lives I scorn to take. Sleek, — You ra-c too noble, too honorable,, sir. Edw. — -To let your worthless blood. Slei:k. — There is, however, honor aniono; thieves. — We will show you liow v,'e appreciiito y^our nobility of souk Sulks. — Y''es we will show our gratitude for such, generosity. {Sulks draws a dlrJc and drives it. int') Edward's shoulder'-, knocks the i)istol from Ids hand. Sleek snatches up t J te pistol, and empfiss' its contents into Edward's heart. The villains de- part, taking pistols with them. Edward utters deep moans, — Mortij hears them, and rushes in.) £dw. — Clara, I am dying! MoK.— riood heavens! Is this you Mr. 0"Neil ? Edw. —Is that Clara? 48 LorcHMr^Ttj^. MoK. It's MorLv. Tcjii me whafs happened ymu {Morhi raises- Edvmrcrs head.) Kdw. — Morty,. 1 h:ivo been waylakl and shot. lam dying. MoR.^Ko. no: I will take you to my house. Gran will nurse you, and you'll be all right in a few days. J]d\v. — Love to Clara. Love to mother, and to Minnie. ( TahleniL Mor/;/ on, om k-nee^ and Edtcard's head resting on it.) SCENE II.— IvrERioR.— Poor Ootiage j"^ 4. [Gran and Edward.) "^ ViKA^. —(Ohqfinff Bdivard's head with a ittponge.) Do you feel betther t'day, asthore? Ki.>w. ^Thanks to your Untiring care. Gran, I feel much bet- tor. 1 hope you are well ? Grant.— I'm all right, avick. Don't thank the loikes o' me; its mesel', shure,^ that ud go to the inds o' the airth to sarve yon, ■^Dv,\— I hope no one knows of my mishap. I would jnot Avish that mother or Clara or Minnie should know it. Gran, — Morty tould me that not a sowl in the world knew the lashte thing about it, (Gran fans the pat lent with « piece of paMeboard, occasionally moistening his head as above.) ii^T>\v.— You are exceedingly kind, dear Gran. I hope that I may live to make you some return for your gentle, loving care of me. Grax. — -'Tis plinty reward for me t' be able.t'/elaive you in your great sufferin's. Your father's son is as dear to me as my own Morty, Kest his father and mother's sowl; he was only a weeney one whin they died, an' iver since he '*a] ways shtuck dose to his Gran, Tour own father- L(JC(iir.M()KK. 49 heaven be good to him, gave Morty the first lift whin h^ sint him to a gard'ner to iarn the thnide, an' Miss Clara now makes him her riglit hand man, an' shure you've always been good to the poor b'y.yourself. Ei)\v. — Mort}' is deserving of all that could be done for him. — • I owe him my life. Gran. — Morty wouldn't hear you mintion it. Ho s:iys you have done much more for him, — poorb'y I Ei)\v. — I have had no opportunity, (Iran. One may yet ])rosent itself. I regard Morty as my brother. (rRAX. — -An' he'd die for you, so he would. He'd give his life for your father or mother's son. Edvv. — May heaven bless you both, and enable me, if I recover, to make you some substantial proof of my gratitude. It is well. Gran, that no one outside of this house knows what has happened to me. (!kan. — Nota sowl in the world knows a word about it but Mor.ty an' myself. Einv. — It is well; it would kill them — mother! Clara, Minuiol {Morty enters L. 3 E.) Gran. — I'm glad you kim, Morty. Mr. Edward is afther havin' a good night's resht; an' as he feels cumfurt- able I'll lave you alone wid Mr. Edward; he'll loike to shpake t' you. I'll git sumthin' for my poor b'y. {Exit U. W E.) Edw. — Is that you, Morty ? MoR. — Faix thin it is; an"tis yourself that's lookin' as bright as a lark this mornin'. Edw. — After Gran's excellent care, Morty, I feel very well. MoR. — Don't spake of it, Misther Edward, Edw. — Say Edward, Morty. — I am yourhrother, and together we shall search the innermost depths of Davidson's ras- cality. MoR. — W^. l)e<2T)rnili. an' iit the .snnc time knock the bottom ^0 l.OlIGimOUE. out of welks' diplomacy. Do you know the dctectivos I have engaged to work iip the job ? |<^DT^v.-=-I have an idea that we should not entrust the matter beyond our own breasts. Have you allowed others to the knowledge of our intention ? ]VloR.— I haven't let the shlightest word or hint that anyone could take a hoult of. I kncAV tliat sum dirty work was goin' on, so I slipoke to Miss G rattan an' she got Wat don't pretind yon know 'im. But here's Gran comin'. Did the docthur examine your wound? Edw.— I do not remember, Morty, as I was so weak at the time from loss of blood. {Enter Gran, IL 3.) MoR.— He towld me it would be well in a few days. Edav.— The fact is, Morty, I feel well enough to get up today. Grak.— No; you're too Avake yit. I must take care o' you for another while. Here, my poor boy, is a little wine Miss Clara sint doAvn to Morty Avhin he had the bad coAvld that kep' him home for a Aveek. It'll do you good. Tiler's four full bottles of it left yit. Edw.— Thanks, dear Gran. {Drinks a little.) Your kind- ness has done me more good than medicine and doctors; yet these Avere excellent. {A noise is heard without, — Gran gathers up hottles, glasses etc. ) Take a little. Gran, it Avill do you good. Give some to Morty. {A knocTc at door. Morty beckons, and goes cautiously to the door, j Grak.— Whisht. — {Draws curtain in front of Edward. Every trace of his 2)resence being removed, Marty enters.) MoR. — All, thin, Minnie, nic angel , is this you? {lie gives i }k[()i;. — 8ulkri got intoo:iL> or liis aj\y inooJ.-. TUoro w d!s})iito over the niO.iey. "'' Day. — Moiieyl wluit nioui-y. seo.ir.drel ? Molt. — 'i'he £50; ;i pretty nice sum, e'.i ? i)A\'. — (.•';;c'',7f/..7// A/.; pistul.) Swear thiit you wil o^(;;i yo:ir li[>5 abovtb tiiisin itfcer ag'aiu. (Hi atr -1 i'-f(' c'')''i';s m ' on. 1 h.v: '■ i\ fHit'il'ul fi'iciul ;i!i;l Wis; cirris ■iior i's Mortv. Ik- li;is ir^tru.vk tlio keYiic>t'. ;ni'! ciionl I'V chord will liarinoniously ro.-^poml to liis mi'-'r. 'rly Ww h, until thj full dicii)aBou of crinic is r^'nch ■(! niu! <■ ;- ))0sed. ] hear eoinroi;^ coininp; it mny \;v. an cneriiy. but it is Very likely tliiit it i« ALorty. 1 must be care- ful, howover, as eiii) iuciutious aot nii^'lit ]n:ir all our prospects of success. es from ■paUct and drai'y< cnrtain. Mar. and Wal citler.) -111 cull MistherO'Nale, Misth^r^ Plero^, ii: h Ts ^VJll LMiough to cum out. {11} (ifi!isfur]ii:ii(tn-l(jit--r(;iiM()i;K. nO Tiiik'S.<, [);.n'.ih'iu(,';\ :iri iiitoxicitiiig one, when tlie stings of conscieiico refused otherwise to be suppressed. Von ure now ^-oinLj; wliero vou will hiivo ample time to prove yoar title good. :\rr/\Velks. MoR. — i^'ciix yoiril bo t(, o ould t.o wed v/hiu yon gifc out of the shtone jug. You'll iiiver agin see the face of a purty colleen. Who'll git all your ill-got money? Jii)\v. — You will have aliuudan.l time to correct all your ill- considered phms. It is to \)o \\i)\K".\ tluit yon Vv'ill turn triis oppoj-tunity to good account. {Ficturv.) SCENE II.— T^^ 2.— Wood and Watkr— liocKV. ( Wat Ila/ihi-ii. as P'wrcs. 7'ini Lacy as Tliorn.) Tim. — Have yoii seen that young Englisliman? What's that they call him, Howe or G-aston ? Wat. — I have seen both of them, but may be you will be a little surprised to know who they arc. 'VvA. — I haven't beeai a detective for so long a time without having learned to get over my surprises. I wouldn't be astonished to find that tliey were no others than young O'Neil and ]\forty Lanigan. Wat. — Pshaw! someone must iiave told you ? Tim. — I belong to the force, Wat. Wat. — ?^OAV as yon arc so good at guessing, you should guess v^dio the villaijis are Wlio attempted the murder. Tim. — I vv'ouldn't put it beyond Sleek and Sulks. VV'at. — The devil vou Vv'ouldn't, and so many of that cloth in the neighborhood. /l'[>^i_ — \ c;iii tell you something moreabout it. Wat: Davidson's iiitv pouiuls had something to do with it. GO LOUdHMO'KK. Wat. —Confound you. you're too much of a detoctivc. Tim. — I can tell you a little more, Wat. Believe me for it, there's another job on hand that you little dream of. VfAT.— What next? Tim.— Without removing a pei'ch from where you are I will introduce you to the gents, themselves, Sleek and Sulks in a new role. A few minutes more and the work will commence. Take position on that side; I will attend to this. {Exentif oil opposife .^ides.) SCENE III —In 1.— BEAUTiFrL Rural Scenery. {Clam; alone.) Cla. — This is a delightful morning, yet my heart is sad; Ed^ ward is torn from me by designing, cruel men. It is well that my dear uncle feels grief only for a mo- ment; then it is all over. Oh! how my heart beats {Enter Sleek, R. 1 E. Clara starts.) W^hy, sir do you intrude -upon the privacy of my mor- ning walk ? None but workmen on the estate are al- lowed to enter here. Sleek. — Pardon me. Miss Grattan, but the present occasion forbids us to stand on ceremony; your intimate friend, Mrs. 0' Neil, is dying Cla. — Dying! good Heavens!! Sleek. — Yes, ma'am; and her daughter, who is beside herself with grief, desired me to come in all haste and acquaint you. I will show you the nearest Avay. Cla. — She carinot be; impossible! Sleek. — You must make haste or she'll be dead. i.orcirMOiMv: 61 Cla. — Good Mothcrl this is clreafll'ull Sleek. — Do not wiistethe time in useless re2:rets. Ola. — I must return home and order m.y carriuire. I)esi(ie?, Morty, poor fellow, has not been at work more tlian two days since Edward went away. I dare not trust the horses to an inexperienced liand. Slkek. — It is altogether unnecessary; you will be there before you could get to the Loughmorc^ Mansion. Cla. — I will go with you. Are you certain that yoai knov/ t!io way ? Slkkk. — I am after coming from there, direct. Ola.— Kind Heaven guide our footsteps aright. {Exeunt L. \ E.) SCENE IV.— In 2.— Same as Scene IL {Salks.) Sulks. — Sleek played me a pretty trick in the division of the money. He kept the lion's share, £30, and gave me only L'lQ. I'll get even with him when the present job is off my hands. Here comes the slippery villain^ and, cure enough, he has the damsel with him. Cla. — (TI'/Y/fO?^;^.) Where are you leading me ? How unfortim- ate that my coachman was not home. Sleek. — {Both enter ing.)^-Ay rather a very fortunate circum- stance. These servants are very stupid fellows; you are much safe]^ in my keeping* OlAv — I- refuse, sir,, to go finy farther^ 1 will make my Avay back, the best I can. iSl.RR-C. ■- -^ f-^Viifl ji-ot ii^liysv van to cx[;<'«i' yoYtrsctlf to ?uch. iliUige.iv US yon have i?o kttovrledge of the vray. ,('LA.— [ positively rcfuHe to go any fji.rthoi-. [Brenl-ing' (itcfiif i)ifen-'^pN_ ]i».i' dnd fi)r:'n-^ har hm^k. Sifc],- ln'Jps In'.< Wr:hifi)lif':'. tn fit\:,> her i!:v(i;;.)}^r:'v, pit^y; ileavoii will ii.'ivo pity (jrs you. Si/KtK. --^ ou :ire iiTiiH'Oc.^Hn-rily alaniioc''. young lady; ,.SuLK"<.^-Yoa iniVrft;!:! iiar, sh;> is not safe. You are trapped, fair daino* You wnli he treat'rd kindly aiul bo subjected to uo indignity. whatpvei% — ileprived of your libei'ty. that is alh Slkkk. — The lady- wilt not be deprived of her liberty; she \yill bo speedily restort'.pine33, set me at liberty^ Do not, cru^l mou. add to your catalogue of crimes the destruction, the uiter ruin, of a helpless orphan girl. ..SuLiJS.— No nouso]is(\. We must earn our money; come along, I'la. — Not while life or limb romaiuSi {7.7^,0 villains drarf her (yruUdly toward-'^ rear of stage.) iSLEKiv.— All farther I'esi stance is useless.^ Ola. --Iloly Mother, help your child! . . SiiiiKS.— Better iiow invoke the devil. {Edwcfjfd and Moriyulisguised as before, rH-t.hiti. They hurl the ■villains, one each, to the earth. Th&tiuo detective,!^ take them in- charg.y. Clara falU into EdivaTd\'^ arms.) {Picture.) SCENE v. — ^>^' r.- — A MAClNlI-iCKXTLV Fl'RN'lSTiEI) {Grattan. seated in a large easn-chalr. Fred shtiuling.) Ghat.— Where is Clara? She is forgetful of her uncle toda}'. Feed.— I think she has gone to see Mrs. O'Neii, who is sitid to have taken sick after Mr. Edward left homo. (iu.VT. — Has Clara left homo, Fred? .. _ - FifED.— I said Mr. Edward — {Enter Davichon, iL 4 E.) - ].)av. — AV here is Miss Grattan ? I liave business of iniport- ance to transact with hen Why do you Jiot answer, petty whelp, when spoken to ? , Fred. — You do not speak so boldly when Mr-. O'jSIeil is horOi Da A'. — Ho is not likely to trouble us again. .Take Mr:' Grattan to his room. {Aslde.)lt is now mine. Gkat.- — Yes, Fred, take me to my room. Fred. — I will, Mr. Grattan, because you wish it, but 1 would do nothing to please him. Ho is our greatest enemy; {Grattan is hdped out hij Fred,) . : Day. — 1 liave secured the prize at last. This beautiful man- sion is now my .own. My reliables are much more sat- isfactory than Welks. They do their Avork without all the foolery that characterizes legvil processes, as shown l)y the methods of Welks. That contemptible miser has an eye only to his own advantage in everything ho does. My visit will disarm suspicion. I'hat she is in my poM'cr by this time is beyond the shadow of uncer- tainty. 1 must now try a little, of Wfllvs' diplomacy: f lifivo'leaniod romeLViug f!4>ra hirrt, biti if has (r'oj?^ rn* m LOU (HI M UK K. iUi iriUiieiiBe priccv {Fr&l enki'-'^') \Vlio*'ts tlutt? l''Kj:i).^Miss (hMttsiu has roturiied, but she is too ill to see anyone tocla3^ I )a v.— Surely not to see mel Does she know I am here ? FrkJ). — 1 told her. You are the last man in Louglimore that Miss (Irattau desires to see. {Exit.) J)av. — Damnation! Has she evaded my misnamed reliables ? Xow for my strategic diplomacy. The villains, even if they are captured cannot compromise me. I took good care to hide my identity. For the present I will con- tent myself. I will return after a little and give the dann^ a surprise. I am not defeated yet. {Exit, R.) {Fred enters and looks cautiously around.) Frkd. — He has gone; the vagabond has almost killed her. Come in now; the scoundrel has gone. ( Edward and Morty bear Clara in. ) Ki)W. — My disguise threw the old rascal, Welks, completely off his guard; Morty remained silent until the trap was sprung. I have an overwhelming surprise in store for Davidson, Avhen he comes to find out who Howe and Gaston are. Hoav did you know me, Clara? Cla.— 1 knew that no other could be so chivalrous. Eow.— Morty deserves the highest praise for all he has done. Cla. — And, next to Edward, the deepest gratitude from Clara. Moi{. — Now you mustn't say a word about Morty, but you mustn't forget that ther's a good deal to be done yet— the biggest fox of all is untrapped yet. Ei)W. — Clara, we must leave you for the present. Our work must be completed. {All but Clara retire, R.) Cla. — May Heaven be praised — I had a narrow escape. Our Good Mother watched over me. But here is that tor- ment, Davidson, again unbidden^ ( Da r idso)L c n iers, L. 2. ) (Clara ri^-c-i and. boim culdlii. Dar^ does so- ohaefrn'om/y:) L()L^(;iI.M()KK. (,;r) ('f,A. — \Vluit c:ui (_'ol. ihividson want? I)a\% — Miss (irattcUi, I como to ofter you an apology for niv hasty words oil the occasion of onr last interview. It is in the nature of man to err; but to forgive, is di- vine. Ci.A. — I forgive yon. Col. Davidson, and desire that you Ix- now content and withdraw. Dav. — The heart that can so readily Cla. — Can]iot so readily forget. Dav. — Your -greatness of soul is such that'the more you repel me, the niore I love you. Consider the misery of this poor heart, Clara, while I otter yon my hand. Cla. — You have my answer, sir, on that subject already. — Your presence here is intolerable. Dav. — Heavens! what infatuation! You reject me for a low- born farmer — a C'LA. — He is, sir, descended from the kingly CNeils. Can you. Col. Davidson, trace your ancestry? Ho\y far can you go? Therc are licenses, sir, that a woman may take, that a woman should take, that a woman will take. .,.Kow, Col.- Davidson,-! will ask a" question, to whichyin view of recent, remarks, . I .think I am en- titled to some answer. How far back can you trace your ancestry? Can .you go back even one generation ? The tale, sir, is unfit to be told. .. T would hot have touched so delicate a point if your meanness and bigotry were not on a par Avith your villainy and irre- ligion. . .You. .^cast : a. slight upon my faith and iiationajjty wkeivyou-toiiched his. .- Dav. — Surely, yon are not a ^lapist ? Cla. — And I glory in it. [)AV. — I glory 'ill sbmrtliing else. Cla. — Yes. in your infamy and disgrace. Nov. sir. 1 (ell vou. once for all. leave my lidusc I his luitiucnt and nevei' let mc .sc,' yon ciilri- il again. (lie III hull, I.: hi hni liilinls III! her. Sli" scrnli/i..-. l-jhi'dnl 6S LOUGH MORE. rushes in, {llsgiiised as hefore.) Enw. — Pardon me, good lady; I heard a scream and I thwiglife my assistance might be required. Cla. — I repeat my order: Leave my house immediately. Dav. — •I)o not repel one avIio adores you, my fair one. Edw. — [Moving Davidson hackwarcl.)lt seems, sir, that your attentions are distasteful to Miss Grattan. DAV.-^Wha are you that dares interfere between Miss Grattan and myself ? Ed^v. — Miss Grattan, leave me to speak to Col. Davidson. CLa. — [To Edward, softly.) Let me caution you to moderation. Edw.— r will be moderate, but r&sohxie. {Exit Clara, J?.) Why, sir, do you pr«ss your suit upon the young lady, when she has so frequently spurned your offers ? Dav. — Who are you, that I should make reply? Edw. — Miss Grattan is engaged to young O'Neil. Dav.— O'Keil is dead. Edw.— Dead, eh ? When did he die? Day. — I mean that he has left the country, and will not re- turn. JIdw. — Eeport says that his murdered body has been found in the old cave a few miles from Caherline. Dav. — Impossible! Edw. — It is even hinted that you — — Day. — Villain! liar! Edw. — Keep down your anger. It is even hinted that you, scoundrel, were seen near the spot not twenty minutes before the deed was committed, Dav.— Well, sir? Edw. — You aro becoming more reasonable than you were in closo eonfiib. wlioii sij^iis wen; chaii^od ami i!)t;:r- ehanged, with two murderers, who aru now ■ Day. — Arrested I Edw. — In safe keeping. It is even hinted that \'oa furnished the pistols as well as the money. — But it is hard to keep cutthroats together. {Dav. moves his hand towards his pistol-pocket.) Keep that lumd still, or you are a dead man. T)av. — Speak, villain! who are you? Edw. — Welks also, the poor craven, has peached. Day. — Damnable ! Edw. — The papers tell their own talo. Day. — I burned them^no, I — Welks - Edw. — Yes, Welks tricked you; took the money and the pa- pers. You burned spurious copies. Welks has given up the genuine papers; and now Day. — Infernal ruffian! who are you ? O'Neil is dead. Edw. — Look me straight in the face, and see if you Lave any recollection of having ever seen me before. Day. — I think I have. No, I have not. {Edward throws off disguise.) Edw. — Davidson, behold him who was so lately your victim, now your victor. {Dav. altm pistal at Edward. Edward turns pistol aside. It is discharged. Detectives rush in. Dav. turm pistol on him- self. Detectives drag him out before the fatal shot is heard.) {All the family enter, dressed in gayest attire. Cath, Clara, Minnie, Gran and Morty.) Edw.— Mother! Clara! Minnie! Cath. — Edward, my dear son, I am lifted from the grave. Cla. — My dear, dear Edward, will cruel fate eYcr sepanito.uS a era in ? 68 l.()r(;!l>i<)KK. E )vv.---rit':-- M-'? t:i',;l;^ th.it \Vc3lks, tlntt sou ol^ p:)i\litl():i. \vaiit.iil toyiit.Lnto yonr possession or mine for money, .AJOK. — ll'j i itiiidod to make off tho moment he got the money; but tive law. hime as it is,, got alicad of bim tbis time. .. ^ : " ^ • ■ - Ei)V\-. — Vouigofcfabrad ofhira, Morty. MoK. — Sbure I only done \ybat yT>u, tonld me; but wo fooled tho wliole of 'em betweeii us, and now Minnie, me dar- lin', you'll niver think that I'm jealous of ould dli'ry-' bones, Welks, agin. . - ■■■ MiK. — No,|Morfcy; and I will never feel displeased with you for the trick yon played me on that' occasion. - {'All taJcepoi^lt ions.) Vj\)W. — Ulara,'o,ur. trials are ended. Yon are heiress to Lough- more, aiid to Holly mount as well. Cla. — lS("o. Edward; you have a claim of £8,000 against the Hoi lyiQount Estate, and damages for injuries woiild more tlian make-up-tho differeiice in our fortunes. Ej^w. — Then, with your consent, Clara, let the Holly mount Estate be tho marriage portion of. Morty and Minnie. Cla. — It is theirs by every -law of justice. .. - . -.■; MoR.- — An' what'll become of Miss Davidson? MiN". — She slrall not want for a. home as long as I have a. roof ' over my lioad. - . / (Jla. — Let us say nothing more about property. Our Mother in Heaven, iieard our- prayers, and we are happy. Euw. — May prosperity and peace b-less- our country, and niay an united people shatter the shackles, of tyranny and oppression, and banish forever from our Shamrock shore the perpetrator of crime. But let us forget the " injustice, of. the past, Clara.,. for the. memory of .our wrongs will■B^V'eeten alt our' 'joys." ". Ilurrali, bovs, hurrah for the i^woctest vduny; bride! 5 That (Iwells on the banks of old sliannon's lair tide. ■2 Ilin-raJi for tlie lady, the liR-ht of our shore. ,S Tlie honoi'. tlie Joy. anil the ))rid(> i>f L(Ui;;-iiniiire : {( 'll I'ldi II.) LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 017 400 562 R •