PR 4974 .M15 H6 1912 iCopy 1 Hartley Manners THE House Next Door A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS Walter H. Baker 6 Co., Boston a, m. pnero's Paps TH F AMA70NS ^^^^® "^ Three Acts. Seven males, five females. aulAl< 1«J Costumes, modern ; scenery, not difScult. Plays a full evening. Tta CABINET MINISTER rr^coTtur^lrnl^! scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. DANDY DICK ^^^'^^ ^^ Three Acts. Seven males, four females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors. Plays two hours and a half. THP flAY TODD fillFT comedy in Four Acts. Four males, ton UH I4 V *^ females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors and an exterior. Plays a full evening. HIS H DUSiF in ORDFR Comedy in Four Acts. Kine males, four ^ females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. THF HORRY HORSF comedy in Three Acts. Ten males, five lilLi II nil II Li fgjjjales. Costumes, modern; scenery easy. Plays two hours and a half. ■ Die Drama in Five Acts. Seven males, seven females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. I ADY RflllNTIFIII ^^^^ "^ Four Acts. Eight males, seven fe- ^ W irf males. Costumes, modern ; scenery, four in- teriors, not easy. Plays a full evening. I FTTY I^rama in Four Acts and an Epilogue, Ten males, five fe- ^ males. Costumes, modern ; scenery complicated. Plays a full evening. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by Waltn ^. OBaSer & Company No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR The House Next Door THE CHARACTERS IN THE COMEDY T/ie Cotswold Family Sir John Cotswold, baronet. Margaret, his wife. Ulrica, his daughter. Cecil, his son. ViNiNG, his servant. Capt. tht Hon. Clive Trevor. The Jacob son Family Sir Isaac Jacobson, M. P. Rebecca, his wife. Esther, his daughter. Adrian, his son. Maximilian, his servant. Walter Lewis, musical agent. Copyright, 191 2, by j. Hartley Manners gCI,D 28287 NG, ( fo THE SCENES IN THE COMEDY ACT I SCENE. — Morning room in Sir John Cotswold*s house in the Cotstuold Park EstntCy Kensingtony London. ACT 11 '^QYj'HVj. —Dmwifig-room in Sir Isaac Jarobson's house. Next Door. The same afternoon. ACT III SCENE. — Same as Act L Three days later. First produced at the Gaiety Theatre, New Tork City, Monday April 12, jgog, with the following company : h The Cotsw old Family Sir John Cotswold Lady Cotswold . Cecil Cotswold . Ulrica Cotswold ViNING Capt. the Hon. Clive Trevor Mr. J. E, Dodson. Miss Ruth Chester. Mr. W. J. Kelley. Miss Mabel Roebuck. Mr. A. T. Hendon. Mr. W. H. Sams, F The Jacobson Family Sir Isaac Jacobson, M. Lady Jacobson . Adrian Jacobson Esther Jacobson Maximilian Walter Lewis . • Mr. Thomas Findlay. Miss Eleanor Moretti. Mr. Regan Hughston. Miss Farnia Marinoff. Mr. Charles Diem. Mr. Herbert Standing, To y. E. DODSON In grateful appreciation J. HARTLEY MANNERS December ^ rgii The House Next Door ACT I SCENE. — The action passes In the morning room of Sir John Cotswold's house. It is somewhat sparsely fur- nishedy but everything in the roofn is old, massive, dig- nified in its simplicity. An old straight-backed piano down R., open, a piece of music on the rest. Chester- field R. c. Writing bureau at hack, r. c. Breakfast table L. c, partly laid. Heavy door at back, c. ; deeply recessed door l. ; smaller door down r. A large, old-fashioned window, l., lights the room, and through it can be seen the foliage of the railed-in gardens, all that is left of the once famous Cotswold Park. It is morning on a day in late spring and a faint, watery sunlight is struggling in through the partly opened windows, \_As the curtain rises, the door-bell rings and Vining, a white-haired, subdued, precise servant, enters with basket of flowers, l., puts it in front of side- board, then hurries out c, leaving the door open. As he disappears, the door r. opens and Ulrica, a fair, Saxon, beautiful girl of twenty-two, enters anxiously ; walks over to door l. and listens appre- hensively. Vining reenters carrying more flowers, luets, wreaths, etc. 1 2 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Ulrica. \_By doof L.] Good-morning, Vining. ViNING. Good -morning, miss. [^Bringing her fiowers, etc^ Mr, Cecil's servant from the opera just brought these, [ Hands fiowers . Ulrica. Oh, how lovely! [^Takes violets and large wreath.'] I was so afraid the ringing would disturb my father. Vining. So was I, miss. I hurried as quickly as I could. Ulrica. [^Burying her face in the fiowers.'] Put these on the table, Vining, and bring me a vase. {Crosses to settee ; puts wreath down. Vining. Yes, miss. It was a wonderful night last night, miss. \^Puts flowers on small table up v.., gets vase from sideboard and brings it to table. Ulrica. Were you there ? Vining. [^At table.] Yes, in the gallery. I carried Mr. Cecil's hymn-book to the first choir he ever sang in. I had to see his first appearance in opera at Covent Garden. THE HOtJSK NEXT J)()OE 3 Ulrica. [At table, puts violets in bowl.'] It was nice of you, Viuing. I'll tell my brother. \_A barrel-organ commences ' ' La Donna e Mobile ' ' immediately under window. Ul- rica and ViNiNG start and look nervously at door l.] Please send him away, Vining. My father will be so angry if it wakes him. Vining. Yes, miss. [Hurries out c. [Ulrica hurries to window and closes it. She smiles through her fears as she glances at the door L. She crosses, takes up wreath frfl?n couch, looks at the card and reads the inscrip- tion. Organ stops. Ulrica. " With the warmest wishes of Sir Isaac and Lady Jacobson." [Kftocker is heard and door-bell rings ; a troubled look fiits across her face as she stands unde- terminedly looking first at the wreath and then at the door l. She makes up her mind ; goes to the piano and places the wreath on the top of the piano. Opens the window again. Vining. [Reenters c] Miss Jacobson. [Vining closes door c, after Esther's entrance : he goes down L,, gets chair and places it foot of table and exits C, first arranging iivo wreaths and flowers on the small cabinet at doorway. Enter Esther Jacobson, a dark, attractive, warm-hearted, impulsive and altogether roman- tic young lady of eighteen. She has an enthusi- astic, excitable, rapid method of talking and a pealing, infectious laugh. 4 THE HOUSE Ni:XT 1)00 H Ulrica. [Gives a little cry of pleasure R. ^Esther, and em- braces her.'\ My dear Esther, how early you are ! \_ Brings her down front of settee. Esther. [Impulsively and excitedly. '\ Oh! I've been up for hours. I scarcely slept last night at all ! 1 was so ex- cited. Oh ! Your brother. Last night ! Oh ! [ Words fail her, she sinks on the Chesterfield, C. Ulrica. [Standing beside her, r., smiling, holds her right hand^ You liked him ? Esther. Liked him? He is wonderful! What an ariist ! It isn't merely iiis voice, but his art. His carriage. His atmosphere. His personality. He was so true — so simple — so powerful. So dignified — so great [Lack of breath stops her. Ulrica. [Places her hand over her mouth : sits, laughing:'} You little enthusiast. Esther. [Ji^mps up c, turns, facing Ulrica.] His poise ! His grace ! And his last scene ! [jFaces audience.'] Oh ! [Impulsively turning to Ulrica.] And all the while I was watching him, I kept thinking: "I know him. I know him. He knows me. Insignificant me." And to think he's your brother. How happy you must be! [Clasping her hands. Ulrica. Of course I am. THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 5 Esther. And proud. Ulrica. Very proud. [^Points to wreath on piano.'] Look, your father's wreath. And ever so much the largest. Esther. What can a mere wreatli convey '^ How can mere prose do justice to such a master ? It would take a poet. And a great poet, too ! \_Vety enthusiastically. Ulrica listens and looks at cioor l. Ulrica. Sssh! [Quiets Esther and crosses to door l. Listens. Esther. [^Alarmed.'] Is your brother in there ? Ulrica, No. My father s in there — asleep. [Turning from door. Esther. Oh I Ulrica. [Crossing to L. of Esther.] Cecil spent his first night with us for years last night. This will be his first break- fast in the bosom of his family since he's become famous. Ivsther. [Pressing her heart.'] Oh ! Oh ! If he were to come in. Ulrica. Well ? And if he were ? 6 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Esther. I think I should die. Ulrica. [^Taking Jier by the hands, swinging her and laughing at her.'] You silly, silly child. I believe you're in love with him. Esther. I am. Ulrica. Oho, I'll tell him. Esther. l^Pulls herself away. '\ If you do I think I'd kill myself. Tell me. How was he? Last night? After the per- formance ? {^Eagerly. Ulrica. {Matter of fact.] Just as he always is. Quite ordinary. And rather tired ! ESTHEl [c] Ulrica! Tired — perhaps; but ordinary — never! Ulrica. And very thirsty. Esther. Thirsty — he thirsty ! '• Don Giovanni " ? Ulrica. {Laughing?^ Doesn't Don Giovanni drink in the ban- quet scene ? Esther. Yes. But out of goblets of gold, and with the world of pleasure and beauty around him. THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 7 Ulrica. Well, Cecil drank out of ordinary glasses, and with us around him. Just us. \Laughs. Takes Esther in her arms and hugs her.^ It's a shame to tease you. Esther. {^Sliiy,~\ Ulrica, my brother comes home to-day ! Ulrica. [^Starts ; releases 'EsTliE.Yt..'\ Adrian! Oh! [^Tums away, R. Esther. Yes. Oh ! He's graduated with honors, and he holds the record for the half-mile. IVe are very proud of him, Ulrica. {^Moves away thinking to R. of couch.'] Of course ! Of course I Esther. {Follows her toward R. c] Come in this afternoon. Ulrica. [^Eagerly turns.'] May I? Esther. Do. Adrian wrote me to ask you. Ulrica. Did he? Oh! Esther. {^Laughing.] Ha, ha, ha ! Ulrica. [7/7 front of settee, indignantly.'] What are you laugh- ing at? 8 THE IKHhSE NEXT DOOR Esther, [l,] He's — he's — oh ! awfully in love with you. Ulrica. Don't be silly. [^7urns aivay. Esther. He is. He is. He is ! \Goe$ to end of couch following Ulrica.] Awfully in love ! Do you love him? Ulrica. \Siis. K. end of settee. \ Esther! Esther. Oil ! [.S//.V beside her on settee L.] I knew I'd forgotten something. On Sunday night we're giving a wonderful reception. Every one will be there. It is to celebrate my father being made a knight. Sir Isaac ! Sec ? After the opera last night my father and mother asked Cecil — 1 mean your brother — if he would sing for us. And he consented. Ulrica. Really ? IRises. Esther. \^Puts her riirht hand on Ulrica's left.'] You must come too, dear, and your father and mother. \fraking\}\A\\ck'S hand. Ulrica. \Shakes her head.'] No. My father doesn't allow Sir Isaac's name to be mentioned in his presence. Esther. [^Pouting, rises and goes a step to c] Oh ! 1 low stupid. Why does he hate papa so much ? Because he is a yeiv? THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 9 Ulrica. Partly ! Esther. How narrow. There are some very nice Jews. I know we are ! {^Goes toward Ulrica.] Because he's rich ? Ulrica. A good deal. Esther. Father couldn't help it. The money seemed to just come to him — and stay there, because he bought up your father's mortgages on the Cotswold estate, and has come to live next door to him ? Ulrica. That, perhaps, most of all. Esther. Motiier did that. She wanted to live next door. And to save arguments and fuss — papa hates fuss — he just gave in, and there we are. But oh, what a pity ! What a pity! [ The door c. opens quietly nf id Cecil, a handsome, powerful young man of thirty, enters. He is carrying a large photograph of a pugilist. Esther. {^Holds out her hand to Ulrica ; goes on impulsive ly.")^ Ulrica, how wretched, how stupid, how beastly money is. Cecil. [^Coming down cheerily. 1 Good-morning, Ulrica. Esther. \_Rises, pressing her hf art violently , in a whisper. '\ Don (iiovanni ! 10 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Cecil. \_Coming- down L. of Ulrica, shows her photograph^ What do you think of this? My old boxing master sent this round to me after the performance last night. Listen. \Reads?^ " To my pwpil, Mr. Cotswold, from the heavy- weight champion of England, Jake Blumenthal. You were very good. Jake." I'liere ! yHolds up photo to L., so that audience can see it, then hands it to Ulrica, who turns up stage a step.] Even he was at the Garden last night to see my success. Wasn't it nice of him .'^ [Cecil /oo/is at Estiikr, who is standing trembling, half turned away from him. He crosses to Esther, takes her hands; enthusiastically.] Why, P^sther ! My child sweetheart! {^Holding her by both hands. "^ I'm delighted to see you again. Delighted ! Esther. [^Struggling bashfully.'] Please let me go ! Cecil. You're trembling ! Just as you used to years and years ago. [Looking at her admiringly.] What a beautiful young lady you've grown into. Why, you're Sit down. [Gently presses her on to Chesterfield, then goes to Ulrica, whispers to her in pantomime, telling her to leave them. Ulrica behind couch laughs and tiptoes to door R. Puts photograph on piano in passim^, fust above book •• The Ghetto." Esther. [Looks around and sees Ulrica at door ; jumps up a/anned.] Ulrica ! [Ulrica laughs and exits R. Cecil. [Laughing, goes to end of sofa.] Splendid! I've got you all to myself. THE HOUSE NEXT DOOB IV Esther. But, Mr. Cotswold- — Cecil. Now sit down The first time I've seen you for hundreds of years, and you want to run away, the mo- ment I speak to you. I'm surprised at you ! You seem to forget that we're old sweethearts. Do you remember when we were married ? Esther. [Blushing, hanging her head ; very faintly^ Yes. Cecil. We toddled up to the altar like grown-up people, and took the marriage-vows, and then, just hke some grown-up people, separated almost at once. How long ago it seems. Now here we are both grown up and you've for- gotten all about me. Esther. Oh, no, I haven't. [ Turns quickly. Cecil. Did you ever think of me ? [Esther nods^ I've often thought o{ you — often ! Esther. Have you ? Cecil. Very often. Sometimes I was on the point of writing to you. But how dare a poor devil of a musical student write to the beautiful daughter of a merchant prince.-* Eh? No right to, at all, had he? At least not until he made a success. Well, I've made it — at last ! 19 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Esther. 1 know you have. {^Tums to him.'\ I am so very, very glad, Mr, Cots Cecil. {Checks her.^ Ah ! Cecil / Esther. {Meekly. '] Cecil ! Cecil. That's right. Do you know the first to come on the stage last night and congratulate me ? Your father ! He seemed as pleased as I was that I'd succeeded. Esther. He was. We were all pleased. Cecil. Were you there ? Esther. Yes. Cecil. Really? [Esther nods.'] Like the opera? [Esther nods.'] Like me ? [Esther nods vti^orously.] Splendid. Coming again ? [Esther ;/^^A.] Often? [E.sth'EK nods .] Magnificent. Do you sing? [Esthkk shakes her head ^^ But you play ? Esther. Oh, yes. {Nvds, Cecil. Then I'll tell you what we'll do. We'll go through all the operas together. Shall we? Esther. Oh, I'd love to. THK MOiJSE NEXT DOOE 13 Cecil. You shall. I'll call und see you this afternoon. [Look of delight from EsTiihK.] And every afternoon if you'll let me — will you? [Estheu nods.'\ You'd really Uke to see me ? [Esther muisP^ Every day ? [i\od.'\ Posi- tive ? [AW.] Tell me — \l>ending toward her\ is there any of the child love left .'' Or is it all gone i Esther. Oh, no Cecil. Some left .'' How much ? [Esther's eyes meet his ; she fives long sigh and drops her head.'] As much as that ? Ulrica enters from door r. Esther nods.'\ Splendid ! [ Esther hears door handle turn ; she Jumps up and exclaims " Oh / " and crosses to R. c. Ulrica. Mother's coming. [Smiles at Cecil and Esther and goes out c, leaving door open. Cecil. [71? Esther.] I'll take you home. Esther, [l. (?/ Cecil.] No! No! Please! Cecil. I'll call this afternoon after rehearsal. Esther. Will you ? Cecil. Certainly I will— till then [ Jakes her hand. J4 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Esther. Good-bye, Mr. Cots Cecil. Ah, Cecil — Cecil Esther. IBasfifuily.'l Cecil. Cecil. Au re voir, Esther. \_Holdmg her hand, Esther turns L. and goes up c. to door, turns, catches Cecil's eye ; business. Exit, closing door. CiiCiL gives expression of delight, turns to piano down R., sees wreath on piano, picks it up a?td reads card.'] " With the warmest wishes of Sir Isaac and Lady Jacobson." Isn't that splendid ? \_Places wreath on couch. Ulrica enters c. To Ulrica.] Isn't she beautiful ? Isn't she perfect ? Ulrica. That's just what she said about you. \Takes small jug from sideboard, and pours water in vase on table. Cecil. [c] Did she ? Has she been coming here often ? Ulrica. Yes — to see me. Cecil. Does father Hke her? Ulrica. Oh, yes, in a grouchy way. But he hates the family worse than ever, especially now they're Sir Isaac and Lady Jacobson. THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 15 Cfxil. [Sitting on l. arm of settee, laughing.'] That must have been a shock to him. By the way, how's the son? Ulrica. ^Blushing.'] The son ? Cecil. Yes — Adrian. Do you ever see him ? Ulrica. [Embarrassed.'] Sometimes. [Comes around front of table.] See, Cecil dear, your flowers — they've just come from the theatre Cecil. [Rises; goes to her.] Why, you're blushing — you're positively crimson. [Ulrica covers her cheeks with her hands, Cecil takes her hands away P] Ulrica, you're in love too. Ulrica. Cecil! Cecil. [Holds her hands, taking her up c] You are, you arc. Own up. Ulrica. [Drops his hands ; places her hands on his shoulders.] Yes, I am. But, oh, please say nothing. Father would make things even more miserable for me than they already are. Cecil. Here's a pretty complication. I'm in love with Esther — you're in love with her brother [Laughing.] I've just come in time. 16 2'HE HOUSE NEXT JJOOK Ulrica. Promise me you'll say nothing to father? Cecil. Say nothing ! I'll say everything. I'll carry him by storm. Ulrica. Oh, no. Cecil. At the right moment. \_Phu'ing his hands on her shoul- ders.] At the right moment. I'm not going to allow him to stand in the way of my happiness, nor in the way of yours. Here — here — where's breakfast? I'm starving! ICrosstng- to bell. Ulrica. \^Ex cited ly?^ Don't. Don't ring! Cecil. Why not? Ulrica. If breakfast were served before father came in he wouldn't eat a thing all day. Cecil. Wouldn't he? Well, it's time he was up. Let us call him. {Going to door \.. Ulrica. {Alaryned.'\ No. Don't. Please. We always have to wait until father wakes. He won't allov^- any one to call him. Cecil. Great heavens! Suppose he slept all day? I'll call him at once. {luming to door. THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 17 Ulrica. {^Insistently J\ Cecil! You mustn't! If you do, he won't leave his room at all. Cl-XIL. What nonsense. {About to knock at door. Ui.KlCA. [Going right over to hint.] Don't. Please. We have enough trouble with him when everything goes smoothly Ckcil. {Turning to her.] But it's so fooUsh. He must be even more difficult to manage than he used to be. Ulrica. {Evasivety.'] Oh, well. He's had a great deal of trou- ble. Don't ; please don't. Cecil. All right, I won't. But Ulrica — tell me— honestly — how do you manage to live ? Ulrica. Mother and I have had to work. Cecil. What kind of work ? Ulrica. Translations, designs for dresses, anything that would earn a little now and then Cecil. Has it been as bad as that? 18 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Ulrica. Everything is mortgaged now — and — and Sir Isaac Jacobson bought the mortgages. Even this house is his. We owe him rent for it. But ihc bitterest thing to father was his coming to hve next door to us. Cecil. \Goes to her, places his hand on her shoulder."] Well, all that is going to be changed. And at once. Last night's success made me. I go to America next. I'm going to make vast sums of money. And the first will go to repay everything I cost my family. [Enter Lady Cotswold, doar r. Ulrica. Don't talk Uke that. We're all proud of you Cecil. Well, I'm not particularly proud of myself. Margaret. {^Commg down from door R. to c, smiling at her chil- dren.'] Good-morning, my dears. Cecil. \Goes to her, kisses her.] Good -morning, mother. Margaret. [Looking lovingly at him.] Are you rested ? Cecil. Quite. Margaret. My boy, I do wish your father had heard you last night. THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 19 Cecil. He will hear me. He must hear me. Every one will hear me Ulrica. Isn't he conceited, mother? Cecil. Why, the whole world is going to hear me. Margaret. The world, dear? {^Turning toward him. Ulrica. He's going to America, mother. Margaret. \^Tums to Cecil, alartned, going to Aim.'] Oh, no. Not America. Not across the sea, dear. Cecil. Across the sea are millions of dollars, and I'm going over to annex some of them, and then [^embracing her], charming mother and devoted sister, no more worries, no more struggles. Everything shall be made easy for you. Margaret. I don't want anything but my own near me. Espe- cially just now when your father is not quite himself. [Bell rings long and loudly. Margaret and Ulrica. [Together, exchange glances and look at door L.] Father ! {^Enter Vmi^G, C, carrying copy of *' The Times." aO THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Cecil. Breakfast at last. I'm starving. [^Crosses to end of couch. Bell goes on ringing till. ViNiNCi reaches door L.] He seems just as impatient as ever. Margaret. \Smiling.'\ Good -morning, Vining. ViNING. \Goes around back of table to door L.] Good-morning, my lady. \_Exit, l, Cecil. [Calling after him.'] Dress him quickly, Vining, and hurry the breakfast. [The bell stops. Margaret. ^Hurriedly and anxiously, comes down to Cecu-.] Be- fore your father comes in I must warn you. Be very careful. He knows nothing about your sister's little legacy. Cecil. What legacy ? Margaret. Her aunt's. Don't you remember? Cecil. Why ? Has she got it already ? Margaret, A year ago, Cecil. Cecil. I didn't know that. Why, that's splendid. Then you've not been so badly off as I thought. Why didn't you tell me ? THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 21 Margaret. We didn't like you to know l^ow it had been spent. Cecil, Spent? Is It spent? All of it? \_Hfl/ding her hands. Margaret. Yes, all of it. That is why 1 don't want you to ever refer to it before your father. He doesn't know. Cecil. \_A thought suddenly coming to him.'] How was it spent, mother? {^PauseJ] On me? [//«^ father was born Sir John — birth, sir, birth. That is what counts — or should count — in the world. Birth. The majesty of birth ! [ Takes up " l^he Times" ; hands it to Ulrica.] Have the kindness to read that, if you please. Ulrica. \^Takes the paper from him, looks at it.'] Where, father.^ Sir John. There— there — there \^Hitting paper with knife handle.^ Where my thumb was. Ulrica. \^Reads.'] "To the Editor of The Times: Sir: It is a matter of the deepest pain and regret to me to see amongst those selected by the Liberal Government as deserving the dignity of a title the name of one who, by birth, race and religion, is rabidly opposed to the best interests of this great Empire. The Majesty of Birth has ever been the watchword of the Conservative party. It is indeed a sorry day for England when self-seeking shopkeepers ob- tain seats on the Liberal benches of the House of Com- mons, and in recognition of their support have titles con- ferred upon them. Believe me to be your obedient serv- ant, John Cotswold, Baronet." Sir John. \_Very pieased.] Ha! Let Mr. Jacobson digest that with his bacon and eggs this morning. \\]\.^\CA passes sandwich to SiR JOHN. Cecil. \^0n the point of eating, stops.'] Bacon, fatlier ? THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 29 Sir John. Yes, sir, bacon and pork. How do we know what he eats when he's in private ? Cecil. {Good-humoredly .\ At any rate your letter does not apply at all to Sir Isaac. He's a splendid type of man. Margaret. {Trying to check hini.'] Now, Cecil. Sir John. Go on, my boy, say it. I'm a fool ! Your father's a har and a fool. Cecil. I'll not say another word. Margaret. I don't think your father slept well, dear. Sir John. Slept well.'* I never slept at all. Just as I was drop- j)ing off into a doze I was roused with the most infernal row right under my window. At first I thought it was a riot. Or a fire. What was it? My son escorted home by a howling mob. Cecil. Just a few of my fellow students who'd been to hear me sing ; that was all. Sir John. All? A/i ? I suppose the whole of the Hebrew aris- tocracy next door were on the balcony to greet you ? Cecil. They were, father. The ladies excitedly waving their handkerchiefs. 30 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Sir John. [Laughs hoarsely.'] Ladies ! Ha ! The Lady Rebecca airing her high born bosom in the night air for a mob to stare at. Margaret. [Reprovingly. "] John! Sir John. Well? Margaret. [Indicaiing Ulrica with both hands. ^ My dear ! Sir John. Eh ? Oh, I beg your pardon, Ulrica. Cecil. \Chaffingly to Sir John.] Remember — the Majesty of Birth ! Sir John. How dare you ? Ulrica. The Jacobsons seemed delighted with Cecil's success. Sir John. I'd rather he'd make a failure. Cecil. Thank you. Sir John. I shall never reconcile myself to the idea that a Cots- wold, the last of his race — must humbly and delightedly bow to every cobbler's apprentice who had paid sixpence to hear him sing indifferent music. THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 31 Cecil. Indifferent ! Mozart I Sm John. WcU. then, to hear him sing good music indifferently —if you prefer it. \To MARGARET. Ulrica drinks cof- fee ^ That in my worthless opinion, sir, is a degradation la damn degradation I beg your pardon, Ulrica. Cecil. May I say one word ? Sir John. You just promised you wouldn't. But go on. The father may not be heard— but the son must be. ,.^ <>»• Out with it, out with it, out with it. [ptts back, Cecil. I stayed away all these years because I didn't care to come back home until I had succeeded. Sir John. Ah! Cecil. Well, I have succeeded. Sir John. Exactly. Cecil. Read the newspapers this morning ? Sir John. I never read the newspapers. Cecil. Except The Times. 32 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Sir John. The limes isn't a newspaper. It is a dignified guider of public opinion ; a broom that sweeps the country clean, sir. That's what The Times is, sir, a broom, sir. \_Eats sandwich. Cecil. Well, even The Times treats me generously. Read what it says. [Sir John takes "The Times " and fiings it across the room. Cecil looks at Margaret and Ulrica ; they give him imploring glances not to anger Sir John.] On all sides I have been treated courteously, congratu- lated, feted, encouraged. Until 1 come home — until I meet my father. Sir John. [Calmly.'] My boy — out with it. Say it. I'm a fool, your father's a fool. Cecil. [jumping up.] Oh, if you can't be reasonable [Margaret puts her hand on his arm. Sir John. [7f7 Margaret.] You hear that .? [r^ Ulrica.] You see, my child ? Cecil. For heaven's sake, father, don't let us quarrel the first day I'm home. I have to earn my living. We're poor Sir John. Ha ! Now he throws my poverty in my face ! THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 33 Cecil. \_Sits ; then speaks.~\ No, 1 don't. 1 sympathize with you. Sir John 1 don't want your sympathy. Ckcil. I'm going to relieve your poverty. SiK John. You, sir.-* ReUeve me/ How dare you! Cecil. Last night's success puts me at the top of the ladder. Sir John. Well, I hope you fall off ! Cecil. Now that I have succeeded, won't you try and see at least a little with my eyes ? Sir John. No, sir, I will not. I've used my own for a great number of years and I'm perfectly satisfied with them, Cecil. [Laughing.~\ Oh, come, come, father, bury the hatchet. Let me sing without your antagonism. Sir John. Never, sir! Never! Sing? As a living ? As a serv- ant ? No, sir. If you must sing, do it in a choir or in a social way for your equals. Not for a lot of ragamuffins whose shillings go to pay your miserable salary. [Drm^s coffee. 34 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Cecil. [^Rises, crosses to c, picks up ''The Times'' ; hotly. '\ Very well, if you won't give me your sanction, I'll go on singing without it. And for all the money I can earn. From any one. Yes, sir — any one. Even the Jacob- sons. I sing there on Sunday night — next door — and for a fee — a professional engagement ! Ulrica. [^Reproachfully.'] Cecil ! Sir John. [Rising, trembling with rage, tiirns to Cecil.] You shall not, sir. You shall not enter that man's house. Cecil. Why not? Just because he's Sir John. A Jew, sir — a damned [Distinct look from Mar- garet and Ulrica.] I beg your pardon, Ulrica. Cecil. But what a Jew .' Sir John. A knighted one — the more disgrace to this miserable government. Cecil. At least give him some credit for his achievements ! Sir John. What achievements ? Beyond making money ? And all his race do that. Cecil. Think what he's done for the poor, the struggling ! The ambitious ! THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 35 Sir John. Show. All done for show. To hide his money-mak- ing. To sneak a title. Cecil. He has no need to do that; Sir Isaac's a genius. A financial genius. Sir John. Genius ! Pah ! What has genius to do with birth, sir? Cecil. I quite agree with you. Margaret. Really, Sir Isaac is not so very dreadful. Sir John. ITuming quickly on her.'\ Are you going to begin too ? Have you forgotten what that tribe has done for us ? Cecil. Now, father ! I Sir John. Silence ! His father had the smallest hovel on the Cotswold estate. He made chairs that came to pieces directly you sat in them. Paid his rent when he could and lived like a rat in a hole. Now— now— forsooth my Lady Rebecca sits in state in real chairs next door to us. Her precious husband practically owns the estate and we pay him rent— sometimes. Rent for our own property ! Schah ! I could tear them to pieces. Jacobson, indeed ! Jacobson ! [^Crosses down l. Cecil. This is pure race hatred. 36 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Sir John. [^Coming back c] It is. I do hate 'em — root and branch. Cecil. His daughter, too 1 Sir John. [Tumiptg to him.'] No, sir. Not liis daughter, too. She's different. 1 don't beheve she's liis daughter at all. Margaret. '^At table, shocked, incite a tmg- Ulrica.'] John! Sir John. [To Ulrica.] I beg your pardon. What I meant was there's nothing of the Old Testament about Esther— ex- cept her name. But her father— see — Cecil — if you dare cross their threshold — out of my house you go bag and baggage, and good riddance, too ! Cecil. [yumps up, turns to door.] I'll take you at your word. I go to an hotel to-night. Margaret. Oh, no ! Ulrica. You mustn't, Cecil. {Turns to Sir John.] Father, ask him to stay here. Make him welcome. He's been away so long. Sir John. Let him learn to obey me — to respect me Cecil. {Up by door.] That I will do better by keeping away fiom you. {Opening door.] Good-morning. THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 37 Ulrica. {^Followin^ him.'] Cecil. Don'l go. For my sake — stay ! Cecil. [^Ai door. In an undertone to her.'] 1 must. I've a re- hearsal of " Hoffman " in half an hour. Perhaps a Uttle later I'll come back — when he's cooled down. \_Exii, c. Margaret. ^Putting- her hand on Sir John's arni?^ John, don't let him go hke that ! Sir John. Don't do that, my dear. I dishke it very much. \Goe!, to door ; calls after him.] Cecil! Cecil! A word— if you please Here! \^\^ ]ow'ii moves down \.. of couch ; Cecil appears in door.] Do not let us enter into this dis- cussion with a spirit of acrimony. S^Looks ; sees C¥.Q\\^ is not beside him, turns to door.] Here-— here — here- [Cecil comes down to Sir John.] We mustn't be hasty, my boy — we mustn't be hasty. You — that is I What was I going to say ? [^Remembers.] Of course. You really wish to continue to — to sing — eh ? Cecil. Continue! As long as there's a cobbler's apprentice left with sixpence to hear me, I'll sing. Good-morning. l^Exit, c. Sir John. Ha! There's a son! There's obedience. [Vining enters with trav, collects breakfast things and exits c] You see. my dear; that's the rising generation. Upon my word ! I wonder what my father would have said if I had dared \ Looks around; takes cigar from his 38 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR casgA Ulrica, come here. [Ulrica goes to Aim.'] Tell me frankly. Word of honor. Never mind what the others say. They don't matter that [Snaps his fin- gers.'] Is Cecil any good ? Eh ? Out with it ! Ulrica. [^IVarm/y.] I never heard any one sing Uke him. [Clasping her hands. Sir John. That might mean anything 1 Good or bad? Ulrica. He's magnificent ! Sir John. [Disappointed, yet half pleased.] Do you really think so, eh ? Ulrica. I do. Sir John. [Moves restlessly a pace or two ; stops.] Ulrica ! Get three seats for to-morrow night. Ulrica. VJoyfully : turns.] Father! Sir John. But in as dark a box as possible. I don't want to be seen, mind. Ulrica. [Turns to Margaret, who is at sideboard 7\ Mother! We're going to the opera to-morrow night to hear Cecil. Margaret. W^^dear? THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 39 Ulrica. Father is going too. Margaret. [Comes C, tears in her eyes.] Oh, John ! Sir John. [Goes c. io her; sharply. '\ What's the matter? Margaret. You've forgiven Cecil? Sir John. No I've not. I'll wait until I hear him sing first. That may be harder to forgive than his disobedience \ Turns uP R-l Where are the matches? Where are the matches ? \He goes to writing-table and sideboard at back; knocks all papers off peevishly. Margaret W«/. sideboard, Ulrica to fender seat ; finds matches.] i- ot goodness' sake, tell Vining to leave them ^^^<^f .t^^>'/^^' be seen [Comes down c. Ulrica brings matches to htm, c. He takes them from her.] Thank you. my dear. Margaret. [At door, to Ulrica.] Come. dear. Sir John. [Strikes match.'] Ulrica! Ulrica. Yes, father. [Slu gee. to him. Sir John. You think the rascal has something in him besides cheek? ^Lighting cigar.] Eh? Ulrica. He's among the finest singers in the world. 40 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Sir John. Dear me ! [^Puffs out smoke.'] That'll do. {^Hands hcf the burned match and box ; she puts it on small table and Margaret and Ulrica exeunt c. Sir John moves about down R., then overi.., sniokmg his cigar savagely. Sees flower on floor, L. ; picks it up and puts it on table ; dusts hands.] Sir Isaac ! The damned Hebrew ! And my son to sing for him, to — to ^Stops in front of paint- ing of Lord Beaconsfteld.] Benjamin Disraeli, Lord Beaconsfield. Another Jew. They even penetrate into our government. Out of this room he goes. To the garret. [Alovhtg about.] Sir Isaac ! [^Picks ufi book from piano.] " Children of the Ghetto," by Israel Zangwill. Damn "The Ghetto." [//urls it across the room.] My son a singer. A tramp bawling songs in the street his equal! \Tums to the piano ; picks up music and reads.] Prelude by Rubenstein. Rubenstein ! Another of them. [^Flings it at door R. Sees the picture of the pugilist on piano, looks at it through his eye-glass.] What in the name of all that is horrible is this? \_Reads^^ "To my pupil — Mr. Cotswold, from the heavy-weight champion of England, Jake Blumenthal.V {Throws it doivn and stamps on it.] Put there to annoy me. To — t-to {Enter Vi'nitiG, c, with card on salver. Sir John, tu7-n- ing, sees him, screatns at him.] What do you want? Can't you make a noise when you come in ? Don't creep about like a cat. What do you want? ViNING. [Frightened.] A gentleman to see Mr. Cecil, Sir John. Sir John. A gentleman ? You surprise me. Who is he ? {Snatches the card from salver and reads it.] " Mr. Walter Lewis." Lewis! Lewis! I wonder if he's a Jew. I wonder! Well, don't stand staring there. Show him in, and then tell Mr. Cecil. [Vining exits c] I suppose THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 41 he's a Hebrew — must be with a name hke that. \ Crosses to fire] Nothing but Hebrews around me. \Goes to sit on fender seat ; sits on cigarette box, picks it up. '\ Moses and Gluckstein. Moses and Gluckstein ! [Throws it into the fireplace ; stands glaring sav- agely. Enter Vining, c. ViNlNG. Mr. Lewis. \^Enter Lewis and exit Vining. Walter Lewis is a genial, somewhat common musical agent, aggressive in manner, loud in attire. He has slightly Hebraic features and accent. He puts silk hat on small table by door, walks well into the room over R., humming an operatic air and smiling in a confident, self-satisfied manner. Sir John. \^Accusingly.^ You're a Jew, sir. Lewis. [/// absolute astonishment, surprised into a slight Jewish intonation.'] I beg your pardon. I'm a Presbyterian. Sir John. Then there must have been a mistake at your baptism. Lewis. Well, upon my Sir John. You wish to speak to my son ? Lewis. Mr. Cecil, yes; but — have I the honor of addressing Sir John Cotswold ? Sir John.. You have, sir ! 42 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Lewis. \Effusively holding out his hand.'] Delighted. My warmest and heartiest congratulations. Sir John. {^Drawing back and looking indignantly.] Congratula- tions? For what, sir? Lewis. Your son — last night ! {^Kisses his fingers.] Superb ! Weren't you there ? Sir John. No, I was not. Lewis. No, really? He's the operatic idol of the hour. The papers this morning ! Oh, the papers! full of him. Ab- solutely full ! [ Taking out press cuttings. Sir John. Ha! Lewis. Columns of praise ! Columns ! Sir John. I'm damn sorry to hear it ! Lewis. {^Horrified:] Sir? Sir John, I say, I'm damn sorry. Isn't that plain, sir? Damn sorry. THE HOUSE NEXT DOOM 43 Lewis. Well, upon my [EnUr Cecil ; sees Lewis ; is annoyed at his being there. Cecil. \Coming down to Lewis.] Why, Lewis, I told you yes- terday I'd call at your hotel this morning. Lewis. I couldn't wait. I positively couldn't wait. {^Pulling out press cuttings.^ Have you seen those 1 Have you seen them .'' Cecil. \^Impatientiy.'] Yes, yes, I've seen them. Lewis. Your fortune's made. Absolutely made. I've a cable from America this morning — from Hammerstein. \PuUing out cable. Sir John. Hammerstein ! Another of 'em. Cecil. What do they say ? You'll excuse us, father? Sir John. Oh, pray don't mind me in the least. Besides, I can leave the room. [Going up c. Lewis. [Crosses over to him, seizing Sir John by the ann.'l No, Sir John — no. Not until you've heard my news. You'll be delighted ! positively delighted. [Puts his right hand on Sir John's left arm. 44 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Sir John. {^ReUasing himself. '\ Don't paw me, sir. \_Pau:ies ; sits.^ What is your news,'* \^Dusts his sleeve where Lewis touched him. Lewis. \_Undertone to Cecil.] Remarkable man, your father. Positively remarkable. Gentleman every inch. [ Getting cable out of pocket. Sir John. Dreadful fellow. All hands ! And such hands ! Ha ! My son's new friends. Lewis. [ Reading cable.] Here we are. " Forty evenings — one hundred pounds. Hammerstein." Cecil. \^Smiling.'] That's very good. Lewis. Good."* Good? Why, it's ridiculous. I won't do it under two hundred. Cecil. [^Laughingly.'] F Cecil.] Take your lather in on Sunday. 48 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Sir John. What? [^Door opens and Margaret and Ulrica enter. Margaret has work-basket ; Ulrica A C est Hen! Mr. Trevor! Esther! l^st^ard E^STHER.] We'll go for a nice, petite drive ! Trevor. Charmed ! Rebecca. Esther. Esther. You must excuse me, mother. My head ! Rebecca. Nonsense, child. The air will do you good. Esther. Not to-day. Please. Rebecca. r/>e'.x//Wv.] Esther! Isaac! Please-— - [7)/r«.. /^ 1 ACOBSON.] The air ! Speak to her ! Make her g o ! •^ [Esther motions to Jacobson that she doesn t wish to go. Jacobson. {Drily. '\ Probably a rest would be better for her. Rebecca. \Anprilyr[ Of course ! My wishes count for nothmg ! Oh^ vfry well. {Goes up R. ./ couch ; meets Trevor at archK^ Come along. Captain Trevor! fEsTHim crosses to Jacobson. 7vho pats her cheek and motions her to door l. She exits. 76 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Lewis. Which way are you going ? Rebecca. Oh ! To the Park, eh, Mr. Trevor ? Trevor. Capital ! Lewis. Well, just drop me at the corner of Park Lane, will you? Rebecca. Delighted ! [^Exit with Trevor. Lewis. [777 Jacobson.] I'm getting a few people for the Gold- bergs to-morrow. They've just moved into the Bark- shire" s old place. Know the Goldbergs ? Jacobson. No ! I do not ! Lewis. Oh, nice people — seem to grow on one — so to speak. They sent me these diamond studs for getting Violetta, the dancer, straight from Paris. Oh I I'm not wearing them to-day. Show 'em to you on Sunday. Oh, they're splendid people — made their money in oil — rolling in it ! In money — not oil! Ha, ha, ha ! I will have my little joke ! \_Shakes hands.'] They're making a splash with music, too — and pictures ! Ah ! What would become of art in England to-day — but for us Jews ? Jacobson. Us f {Looking at him, Lewis realizes and pulls him- self up.'] I thought you were a THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 77 Lewis. [^Quickly.'] I am ! A Presbyterian ! But at heart I'm a Jew ! — 1 am realh at heart ! [^Exit r. arch, Adrian. \^PVith feeling.'] Father, you surely don't sanction what mother is doing ? Jacobson. What is your mother doing t Adrian. Forcing that fellow Trevor on Esther ! Jacobson. I'll not permit any one to be forced on Esther against her wishes. [ The " Hoffman ' ' music comes distinctly from I.., played on a deep-toned grand piano, with Esther humming ; they both listen. Jacobson, looking at doori.., listens and smile s.'\ Her head is better. Adrian. \(Jomes to R. of couch, after a pause through which the music comes very softly. '\ Please don't do anything to hurt or humiliate Sir John Cotswold. Jacobson. If by that you mean ejecting him, that I certainly will not do. Such a thought never entered my mind. Adrian. But mother said Jacobson. I didn't contradict her so as to avoid useless discussion. As for hurting and humihating Sir John Cotswold, that the British government has already done by honoring me. 78 THE HOUSE NEXT DooR Adrian. Poor Sir John ! He is humbled now with poverty. Jacobson. His son will lift that from him. That is why I am in- terested in Cecil Cotswold. He is the right kind of young man. His birth helps instead of handicapping him. He is going to seek with his talent the fortune Sir John squan- dered with his hands. Adrian. l^^a^erly.'] How splendid to be able to do that. To make one's own name. To help one's own family. It's fine! It's Jacobson. [(9« couch ] Adrian, you are beginning life. You must make your own way. You must work. Use the gifts nature has given you, profit by the advantages money has been able to buy you. From to-day that money ceases. Just the bare necessities 1*11 provide. Nothing else. Extravagance I'll never countenance. I'll not de- prive you, my boy, of the birthright of making your own way by your own effort. Adrian. You speak as if you doubted me. Jacobson. [^Places hands on Adrian's shoulders.'] No, I don't doubt you. But Sir John's letter has set me thinking. He has put his finger with masterly intelligence on the important thing in Ufe. Birth ! The majesty of birth ! It should be ever present. If one bears a great name live up to it. If one comes of humble origin, create a name for oneself — if one can, but never for a moment be ashamed of your origin. I want you to be proud of the fact that your grandfather was a poor struggling chair- maker on the estate 1 own to-dav. THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 79 Adrian. I am. I faced all that, father, at school and at college. Why, my first school fight and my last university one were both about you. Jacobson. \_Snii/ini^.'] Indeed? Did you win them ? Adrian. The hrst one easily. The iast one — well, it was a draw. But if my foot hadn't slipped Jacobson. {^Laughs. Slaps Adrian on back.'\ In the broader arena of life you won't find that necessary Adrian. Father ! One thing more ! In marriage. Would you object to my marrying a Gentile? Jacobson. \_^Pauses ; looks at hn'&w.^. Re/lecting.'\ If you saw in such a marriage the possibility of happiness Adrian. [Enthusiastic ally.~\ Happiness ! Jacobson. 1 wouldn't allow my personal feeUngs to stand in your way ; but, Adrian, I'd feel that my life's work had been in vain. Adrian. \^Looks up at him.'\ Why ? Jacobson. Because I want^^z/ to carry out what I've begun. Jacobson. Adrian. 80 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Adrian. And I will. Jacobson. In such a marriage you wouldn't find it easy. Are you in love with such a woman ? Adrian. Yes. Whom? Miss Cotswold. Jacobson. What ! [^Astonished.^ Have you spoken to Sir John? Adrian. Not yet. I wished to speak to you first. Jacobson. \^Shaking his head.'] 1 am afraid you are making a heavy rod for your back, my boy. He hates me. Adrian. But if I get his consent, shall I \i2iVt yours f Jacobson. I don't wish to dictate to you as to your future life. All I'd like would be to guide you. But I should be sorry ; more than sorry. [ir«/oug/it, sir, bought and paid {ox. Hut let us finish tliis matter. THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 105 Jacobson. Please do. {Slightly bowing. Sir John. lExciiedly.^ Be good enough to understand that the son of Sir John Cotswold does not accept payment for the honor of his visit. Jacobson. Neither does one pay Sir John Cotsvvold's son, but the ariist, who also honors by acccepting the invitation. Sir John. You beg the question, sir. You juggle words. If my son should ever call on you— which I hope most emphat- ically he never will do— [JACOBSON looks at door i.. ; smiles] if he sings in your house— which is absolutely out of the question at any and all times — then he does so be- cause it amuses \i\vc\— amuses, sir— and not for payment. Do you grasp that, sir? If you do not then you are but Httle better than a Jacobson. {Interrupting.] Sir John ! Let us try to keep this dis- cussion within moderate bounds. [ With dignity,'] Please remember you are in my house. Sir John. Ha! Just so. Exactly. K^«r house. You do well to remind me. And who built this house, sir? My father, sir. .A.nd who leased the smallest hovel on this estate for the purpose of making a wretched living out of equally wretched chairs, sir ? Your father, sir ! Your father ! Jacobson. {With growing heat.] And who owns the estate now ? 106 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Sir John. [/« white heat.^ You, sir, damme ! You ! And how ? By what means ? You got control of money — as your race always does — and you buy up by the most under- hand Jacobson. Sir John ! Sir John. I repeat, you buy up in the most underhand, secret, and surreptitious way, the mortgages ill luck compelled me to encumber the estate with. And had I not in my contract expressly reserved the right to live as tenant in one of my houses, you would have driven me out of that. Jacobson. [^■/' debt, /'//repay it. Sir John. Tshist ! I allow no man to meddle in my affairs. Cecil. But remember — two days ago, you disowned mt ! Sir John. And I will, if you marry that man's daughter. [Fjjfe?- ViNING. Vining. [^Breathiessiy.'\ The receipt, Sir John ! \^Puts it on the table. Sir John. Ha ! One debt removed ! Now for the other ! Vining, my hat, my gloves, my cane. At once. Vining. Yes, Sir John. {^Hurries out C. Sir John. What did that man mean by lending you money ? How dare he lend you money ? Mark my words, there was some object behind all this. Mark my words. Ulrica. It is only one of his many kindly acts. THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 131 Sir John. \7uming to her.'] Kindly — rubbish ! I don't want his kindness. Oh, no' There's something more. For months he asks for no rent. Why ? He sacrifices a thousand pounds for my son's education. My son's! And then he allows me to insult him in his own house ! Why ? Why .? I tell you the man is sinister ! Margaret. \^Ai^reeing with Sir John.] It is certainly strange ! SiK John. Strange.'' It's inconceivable. It's — it's — bitter — liit- ter Well! \_Squaring his shouldersJl It remains for me to hft this mountain of debt. By to-night every pound, shilling and penny will be repaid. Ulrica. Where will you get it ? Cecil. Yes, father, where ? Sir John. Where.'' Where.'' There are a miUion Jews in Lon- don lending money. Is there not one amongst 'em who will lend Sir John Cotswold a thousand pounds? If he gets twelve hundred in return ? Eh ? Ha ! 1 know 'em. They'll jump at me 1 Jump ! [Ulrica and Cecil exchange glances. Margaret. {^Rises.l Oh, but John Ulrica. \ At same time.'] Father! Cecil. [.4/ same time.] No one will lend you 132 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Sir John. Silence ! Cecil. But, father, what security can you offer them ? [^EnUr ViNiNG, with hat, gloves and cane, which he gives to Sir John, theji returns to door and holds it open. Sir John. My name! It is good yet, sir. There is no stain on it so far. My name! \^Exits erect and dignified. Margaret, {Following him out.'] John ! John ! [Vining follows her and closes door. Cecil is standing by chair R. of table, back to audience, Ulrica. \Comes c. Cecil turns as she speaks.] It is war be- tween the famihes now, Cecil. No more visits next door! Cecil. How do you know ? Ulrica. Read your letter. Cecil. Eh? Oh! \Takes out letter, sits R. of table and opens it, Ulrica. Don't pretend you'd forgotten it. Cecil. {^Laughs.'] I hadn't. I've been longing to read it. Mav I? THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 133 Ulrica. 0\ course. [ Watches him as he reads. Cecil. \Glances quickly through it.~\ By George, you're right. but how did you ? [Ulrica holds up her letter J\ From Adrian ? \She nods.] What rot ! Ulrica. Isn't it? Cecil. Father's got to apologize. That's all. Ulrica. [Shakes her head. ~\ He won't ! Cecil. Then I'll do it for him ! If it comes really to Hecuba, I'll carry Esther off in spite of both of 'em and marry her under their very noses. Ulrica. What's to become of me? Cecil. You do the same thing. Ulrica. Carry Adrian off? Cecil. [Laughs.] Why not? [Sudden thought.] Tvegotit! Let's have them both in ! Ulrica. Here ! Cecil. Certainly. Write a note to Adrian [Ulrica goes up L. toward wriiins,- table. Cecil crosses to bell.] I'll send it in by Vining. 134 THE Souse next doob Ulrica. [At table.] But will they come ? Cecil. Come .'' Of course they'll come ! [^Rings bell.'] Hurry up! Quickly as you can. [Crosses to window. Ulrica sits and opens drawer for paper.] By George — they're going out together! Where's Vining ? [Enter Vnii'HG C. C^cii. goes across to him. Ulrica rises.] Vining! Quickly ! Mr. and Miss Jacobson have just gone out — run after them — tell them to come here — most important — say it's life and death — run ! [Hurrying him out c. Cecil runs to the bay window ; excitedly.] They're at the corner. They've just turned. Where's Vining.'' There he goes ! Well, I'm Call that running? Go on ! Go on ! He's round the corner ! Ulrica. But Cecil! Suppose father comes back while they're here ? Cecil. All the better. We've got to clear all this nonsense up some time. Here they come ! Ulrica. [By doorc, excitedly.] I'll run and tidy up. Cecil. [Goes to her.] Don't bother about tidying up. [Sud- denly.] This is the first room father would come to, isn't it? Yes. Ulrica. Cecil. Very well. Leave this room to me. Ulrica. To you ? THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR llJo Cecil. You go into the library. I'll send Adrian in to you. [Runs io Ulrica and opens doorc, Ulrica. But I must tidy up. Cecil. Don't bother about tidying up ! Hurry ! Ulrica. But— but Cecil. And don't stand there but-butting— get out ! [Cecil hands her out, closes door and then walks down C. "tidy- ing up," brushing his clothes, smoothing his hair, arrang- ing tie, etc.'] The time women waste " tidying up" ! It's ridiculous ! \Turns and is facing door C. Door c. opens ; enter Yi^iNG, who shows in Esther and Adrian and exits.] Come in. How are you? [^Shakes hands with them and they all come down, Esther r. of Cecil, Adrian l. of Cecil. Adrian. What has ? Esther. Yes — how did you ? Cecil. Why, you see my father's Adrian and Esther. Yes Cecil. Gone to — to — well, he'll be away a long time. See? Sit down. So I thought — that is, my sister and I thought — that we might have a little cabinet meeting. Eh? To decide on our plan of campaign. What do you think ? 136 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Esther. Splendid ! But our fathers Cecil. We've simply got to leave our fathers entirely out of the question ; for a while at least. This is an age of children. Fathers have had their innings. Now it's our turn. Adrian. But Ulrica ? Cecil. [ Turns to Adrian.] Exactly. Ulrica's the very per- son to talk it over witli. The very person. Suppose you go into the library and join her? [ 7 a/^(f5 Adrian up to door c] Eh.-* And I'll stay here and thrash it out with Esther. What.-* [Cecil wa/ks Adrian up to door c, passing him out.'\ See that door in front of you .-* Just turn the handle and walk in. That's it. Don't knock. Come back by and by. Don't hurry, though. \Closes door C. ; comes down to couch. Esther. [Sitting c. of couch.'] Oh, but I feel this is very wrong. Cecil. You being here ? Esther. What would my father say ? Cecil. I don't know. Esther. What will vonr father sav ? THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 137 Cecil. I don't care. But you must care. Esther. Cecil. Not a bit. Do you know what I'll do if they go on rowing with each other ? ^Leaning- over couch, Esther. What? Cecil. Get a special license and marry you one morning before either of 'em are up, and then stroll in to breakfast here and next door and say, " Hello, here we are ! Married ! What ? Bless us ! " \Stts.'\ What do you think of that ? Do you like that ? Will you? Esther. Yes, I will. Cecil. Oh, that's lovely ! at hundred pounds. Esther. Cecil! Father didn't send It was mother. you Cecil. For goodness' sake, let us forget all about it. Esther. I gave mother my opinion pretty freely just now. She's caused all the trouble. Just think— father defended her. He said a daughter shouldn't criticize her parents. Isn't that ridiculous ? 138 THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR Cecil. Absolutely. Esther. It's so old-fashioned. Cecil. Decidedly. ESTHKR, I think parents are growing more and more impossible, don't your Cecil. Entirely. Esther. They seem to think it's a sin to be a child. Cecil. Dreadful : Dreadful ! 1 wonder if we shall be like that — as parents ? Esther. Certainly not. My children shall do just as they like — in reason. Cecil. And their father.^ Won't he have anything to say ? Esther. Yes. Now and again ! But men don't really under- stand these things. They'd much better leave them to the mothers — because [She cati/ies /its evt ; baws her head : biushes.^ Oh, I shouldn't be talking like this — to you. Cecil. Esther, [/>V//f ^ialent in the drama, is equally rich in humor and sympathy, and her offices in relation to a prettv little love-story are the basis of the action. The invention of the author has provided a very exceptional picturesqueness and variety of incident and of costume for so short a piece, which is proportionallv strong in interest. Highly recommended. Professional rights reserved ; a royalty of five dollars required for amateur performance. PRICE J5 CENTS. i'LAYS FOR FEMALE CHARACTERS. A CORNER IN STRAIT-JACKETS. A Farce in One Act for Female Characters only. By AMELIA SANFORD. Eight female characters and three children, sex niiiinportant. Costumes, outside of a few necessary articles, alniust anything ; scenery equally ad libi- tum. An eccentric pieceof the "go-as-you-please" order, by the author of "The Advertising Girls," and characterized by a similar strain of fancy. Mrs. Smartly is in the business of altering circumstances to fit cases, and the clash of her'naturally numerous clients, including a discouraged maker of strait- jaokets and a re.sourceful bill-poster, provides the action of the piece. Plays thirty minutes. PRICE J5 CENTS. NOVELTIES. FIT AND SUITEMALL. A Fantastic Entertainment in T'wo Scenes* By KATE F. ELLIS. Seven male, ten female characters. Costumes, modern and fashionable ; scene, two easy interiors, A whimsical skit, introducing four speaking parts, and a number of tailor's lay figures and dummies who do specialties. Miss Fit, the fashionable dressmaker, has opened an emporium next door to Mr. Suitemall, the swell tailor, and like him has set up in her window a number of dummies to show off her goods. She falls asleep, and dreams that her show ladies have formed attachments to their corresponding gentlemen in the tailor's window. Awaking, she visits her neighbor, and, after a demonstration of his talented and life-like figures, proposes a partnership for their mutual benefit, to which Mr. Suitemall agrees. Full of specialties and opportunities for local and occasional i>oints. A first rate "novelty." Plays according to specialties. PRICE 15 CENTS. THE PEDLERS^ PARADE An Entertainment in One Scene. By JESSIE A. KELLEY. Twenty-one men, fifteen women, more or less, the number being unim- portant, and depending upon size of the stage, and other limitations. It is not important, either, whether men or women play some of the parts, and the piece may be given, at a pinch, by all men or all women. An absolutely novel and uproariously funny entertainment for fairs or miscellaneous programmes, intro- ducing all kinds of pedlers, in songs, recitations, dances and other specialties, and leading up to a sale. This has been literally a " howling " success in manu- script, and will surely be the " hit " of the year. Plays according to specialties introduced. PRICE J5 CENTS. M 12 1912 SKETCHES. LOOK OUT FOR THE CAT. c4 Sketch in One s- vAulUfUl^ tumes, modern ; scenery, varied. Plays a full evening. INIiOMAD ^^y *" ^^^ Acts. TWrteen males, three females. lilUvIli/U\ Scenery varied ; costumes, Greek. Plays a full evening. MADV ^TlIAirr Tragedy in Hve Acts. Thirteen males, four fe- inAIM iJIUAAl males, and supernumeraries. Costumats, of the period ; scenery, varied and elaborate. Plays a full evening. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE SXfl^fi'.^'o^Sf: SISJ^S; picturesque ; scenery varied. Plays a full evening. DiriTFI IFIT ^^*^y ^^ ^^* Acts. Fifteen males, tvro females. Seen - iVlVULil^iLfV ery elaborate; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. TflfF RIVAT S Co™^7 ^D ^^e Acts. Nine males, five females. llitf ikllAkiiJ Scenery varied; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER SkT^LS fS:S^"=U^,5^ ried ; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. TWELFTH NIfiHT; OR, WHAT TOO WILL SiC^JiS! three females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, varied. Plays a full evening. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by IS^alter i^. TBafier & Company No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts