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 LIFE'S BATTLE, 
 
 DRAMATIZED 
 
 BY 
 
 Daniel T. Wells, 
 
 United States Army. 
 
 •-^•V'-'V^- 
 
 1 l ISLAND, CALIFORNIA 
 
 1884. > 
 
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 DRAMATIZED 
 
 BY 
 
 Daniel T. Wells, 
 
 United States Army 
 
 -^vV-.V^. 
 
 ANGEL ISLAND, CALIFORNIA, 
 
 1884. 
 
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 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1884, 
 
 BY 
 
 Daniel T. Wells, U. S. Army, 
 
 In the office of the Librarian at Washington, D. C. 
 
 TMP92-007504 
 
Cast of Characters. 
 
 Doctor Juddler. 
 
 Alfred Heathfield, Doctor Juddler's Ward. 
 
 Michael Warden, a Gentleman. 
 
 Mr. Snitchey. I ... , T 
 
 ,, ~ } Attorneys at Law. 
 
 Mr. Craggs. ) 
 
 .. > Doctor Juddler's Daughters. 
 
 Marion, j & 
 
 Mrs. Snitchey. ) w . , a ., , , ~ 
 
 Mrs. Craggs. ) Wlves of Smtch ^ and Cra ^ s - 
 
 Martha, Doctor Juddler's Sister, (Spinster.) 
 
 Clemency Newcombe. ) ^ T , ,, , 
 
 R V Doctor Juddlers Servants. 
 
 Marion. (Young Daughter of Alfred and Grace Heathfield.) 
 
 Boy. Servant of Britian and Clemency. 
 
 Porter. To Alfred Heathfield. 
 
 Six Peasant Women. 
 
 Male and Female Guests. 
 
 Stage Driver and Passengers. 
 
 ■•••^4r-V^- 
 
ACT I. 
 
 SCENE FIRST. — Orchard attached to old stone house — honeysuckle 
 porch — bright autumn morning — sounds of music and laughter — two 
 girls dancing together on the grass. Half-dozen peasant women stand- 
 ing on ladders gathering apples from the trees — they stop in their work 
 to look down and share in the enjoyment. Pleasant lively natural 
 scene. Retired spot — two girls quite unconstrained — careless dance in 
 freedom and gayety. The younger sister out of breath, laughiug gaily, 
 throws herself upon a bench to rest — the other leans against a tree'hard 
 by. Music ceases. The apple-pickers raise murmur of applause and 
 resume work. Enter Dr. Judciler from the house. 
 
 Dr. Jud: [Speaking as to himself] Music and dancing to-day? 1 
 thought they dreaded to-day. [To Grace.] Why Grace ! Why Marion ! 
 Is the world more mad than usual this morning 1 
 
 Mar: [Goes close to him and looks him in the face.] Make some 
 allowance father, for its somebody's birthday. 
 
 Dr. Jud: Somebody's birthday Marion. Don't you know it is always 
 somebody's birthday 1 
 
 Mar: No father. 
 
 Dr. Jud: No, not you of course you're a woman almost. By the 
 
 by its your birthday. 
 
 Mar: No! Do you really father — [Pursing up her lij>.< to be kissed. 
 
 Dr. Jud: [Kisses her.] Take my love with it and many happy re- 
 turns of the day. Well ! Where did the minstrels come from i 
 
6 LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 Grace: [Adjusts the flowers in Marions hair.] Alfred sent the 
 music. 
 
 Dr. Mar- Oh ! Alfred sent the music did he 1 
 
 Grace- Yes, he met them in town, and as it was Marion's birthday 
 sent them to serenade her, provided I thought it would please her. [Grace 
 and Morion move away. Dr. Juddler stands aside, hsiens awl Looks 
 after them. 
 
 Dr. Jud: He always takes your opinion. 
 
 Grace- And so we danced to Alfred's music till out of breath, and 
 we thought it all the gayer for being sent by Alfred. Did we not dear 
 Marion 1 
 
 Mar: Oh, I don't know Grace. How you tease me about Alfred. 
 Grace: Tease you by mentioning your lover 1 
 
 Mar: 1 am almost tired of hearing of him and as to him being my 
 lover — 
 
 , ; u vce: Hush ! Don't speak lightly of a.true heart which is all your 
 own Marion, even in jest. There is not a truer heart than Alfreds in 
 the world. 
 
 Mar- No no, Perhaps not, but I— I don't want him to be so very 
 true _I never asked him— If he expects that I-but dear Grace why need 
 we talk of him at all just now? [The sisters walk among the tree* lov- 
 ingly; the younger sister's eyes being filled with tears. 
 Dr. Jud: Britian ! Britian ! Hallo. 
 
 Brit: [Enter Britian from the house. A small man, uncommonly 
 sour ami discontented face] Now then. 
 Dr. Jud: Where's the breakfast table? 
 Brit: In the house. 
 
 1) R Jud- Are you going to spread it out here as you were told last 
 nhdit'- don't you know there are gentlemen coming; that there s business 
 to°be done tins morning before the coach con.es by on this particular 
 occasion. 
 
 Brit- I could'nt do anything Dr. Juddler till the women had done 
 cetting'in the apples, could 1 1. [His voice raises with his reasoning so it 
 Is- eery loud at last. Goes for the table and dishes. 
 
 Dr. Jud: [Looking at his watch and clapping his hands.] Come! 
 Make haste ! Where's Clemency 1 
 
 Clem- [Descending from one of the ladders briskly.] Here I am, 
 Its all don, : clear away gals, everything shall be ready m a minute Mister^ 
 [The apple-pickers descend the ladders and clear up the apples while 
 Clemency is talking. Clemency busys herself in preparing the table a 
 interV als rubbing her grazed elbows with opposite hands star emy at the 
 table composedly. Remembering something joggs off to /etch d.\ ±ieres 
 them lawyers coming Master ! 
 Enter Snitchey and Craggs, law partners. 
 
 Dr Jud: [Advances to the gate to meet them.] Good morning Good 
 morning. Grace my dear ! Marion! Here are Messrs Snitchey and 
 Craggs; where's Alfred 1 ? 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 7 
 
 Grace: He'll be buck directly father. Good morning gentlemen. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Ladies ! For self and Craggs — [Craggs bows, j — good morn- 
 ing Miss ! [To Marion.] I kiss your 'hand and wish you many returns of 
 this auspicious day 
 
 Dr. Jud: [ Lazighing, with his hands in his pockets. \ The great farce 
 in a hundred acts. 
 
 Mr. Snit: [Stands his professional blue bar/ against' one leg of the 
 table.] You would'nt 1 am sure cut the farce short for this actress Dr. 
 Juddler. [Takes Marions hand. 
 
 Dr. Jud - God forbid, may she too laugh at it as long as she can and 
 then say the farce is ended draw the curtain. 
 
 Mr. Snit: The French wit — [Peeping sharply into his blue bag.] — was 
 wrong Doctor, your philosophy is wrong, depend upon it, nothing serious in 
 life ! What do you call law ? 
 
 Dr. Jud: A joke. 
 
 Mr. Snit: [Looking out of his blue bag.] Did you ever go to law? 
 
 Dr. Jud: Never. 
 
 Mr. Snit: If you ever do, you'll alter that opinion. 
 
 Mr. Craggs: It's made a great deal too easy. 
 
 Dr. Jud: Law is? 
 
 Mr. Craggs: Yes. Everything is, everything appears to me to be 
 made too easy nowadays. It's the vice of these times. If the world's a 
 joke it ought to be made very difficult to crack, but it's being made far too 
 easy, we are oiling the gates of life, they ought to be rusty ; they ought to 
 giate on their hinges Sir ! 
 
 Enter Alfred Heath-field, through the orchard at a brisk pace and with an 
 air °f g a y e Ly, followed by a porter bearing several packages and 
 baskets. 
 
 Dr. Jud: Happy returns Alf. 
 
 Mr. Snit: A hundred happy returns of this auspicious day Mr. Heath- 
 field. 
 
 Mr. Craggs: Returns ! [Murmured in a deep voice all alone. 
 
 Alf: Why what a battery ! [Stops short.] One, two, three, all fore- 
 boders of no good in the great sea before me, I am glad you are not the 
 first I have met this morning, I should have taken it for a bad omen, but 
 Grace was the first so 1 defy you all. 
 
 Clem : If you please Mister, I was the first, she was walking out here 
 before sun-rise, you remember I was in the house. 
 
 Alf: That's true, Clemency was the first, so I defy you with Clemency. 
 
 Mr. Snit: [Laughing.] What a defiance. 
 
 Alf: [Shaking hands with the Doctor, Snitchey and Craggs and 
 
 looking around. Not so bad a one as it appears maybe, where are the 
 
 Good heavens: [Betakes himself hastily to the sisters, embraces Marion 
 first aid Grace afterward*. 
 
8 LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 Dr. Jud: [Makes hasty move towards the breakfast table, and they all 
 sit down, Grace presides, Dr. Juddler opposite to Grace, Snitchey and 
 Craggs together with blue bag between them. Alfred and Marion together. 
 Clemency hovers galvanica/ly about the table as waitress, arid melancholy 
 Britian at a small board acts as carver of a round of beef and a ham.] 
 Come, come ! Breakfast is i-eady. 
 
 Brit: [Approaches Air. Snitchey with carving-knife and fork in his 
 hands. J Meat? [Throws the question at him like a missile. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Certainly. 
 
 Brit: [To Craggs.] l)o you want any? 
 
 Mr. Craggs: Lean and well done. [Having executed these orders 
 Britian lingers near the "Firm " and watches them, waits on no one else 
 and does not rehix the severe expression of his face. ' 
 
 Mr. Craggs: [Partially choking, cries out with animation..] L thought 
 he was gone ! 
 
 Dr. Jud: Now Alfred for a word or two of business while yet at 
 breakfast. 
 
 Mr. Snit: (_ [Together, who seem to have no idea of leaving off.] 
 Mr. Craggs: j While yet at breakfast 1 ? 
 
 Alf: If you please, Sir ! 
 
 Dr. Jud: If anything could be serious in such a 
 
 Alf: Farce as this, Sir ! 
 
 Dr. Jud: In such a farce as this, it might be this recurrence, on the 
 eve of separation, of a double birthday which is connected with many 
 associations pleasant to us four and with the recollections of a long and 
 amicable intercourse. That's not to the purpose ! 
 
 Alf: Ah yes, yes it is to the purpose as my heart bears witness this 
 morning, and as yours does too I know, if you would let it speak I leave 
 your house to-day. [ cease to be your ward to-day, we part with tender 
 relations stretching far behind us that never can be exactly renewed and 
 with others dawning yet before us — ] Looks down at Marion.] — fraught 
 with such considerations as I must not trust myself to speak of now, come, 
 come, — [llallys his own and the Doctor s spirits.] — there's a serious grain 
 in this foolish dust-heap Doctor, let us allow to-day there is one. 
 
 Dr. Jud: To-day. Hear him, — [Laughs.] — ha, ha, ha. Of all the days 
 in the foolish year, why on this day, the great battle was fought on this 
 ground, on this ground where we now sit, where I saw my two girls dance 
 this morning, where the fruit has just been gathered for our eating from 
 these trees, the roots of which are stuck in men not in earth — so many 
 lives were lost that within my recollection generations afterwards, a church- 
 yard full of bones, and dust of bones, and chips of cloven skulls have been 
 dug up from underneath our feet here. Yet not a hundred people in that 
 battle knew for what they fought or why ! Not a hundred of the incon- 
 siderate rejoicers in the victory knew why they rejoiced, not half a hundred 
 were better for the gain or less, not half a dozen men agree to this hour on 
 the cause or merits, and no body, in short, ever knew anything distinct 
 about it, but the mourners of the slain, serious to ! — [Laughing.] — such 
 a system. 
 
 Alf: But all this seems to me to be very serious. 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 9 
 
 Dr. Jud: If you allowed such things to be serious, you must go mad, or 
 die, or climb up to the mountain and turn hermit. 
 
 Alf: Besides — so long ago. 
 
 Dr. Jud: Long ago. Do you know what the world has been doing 
 ever since 'I I don't. 
 
 Mr. Snit: [Stirling his ten.} It has gone to law a little. 
 
 Mr. Craggs : Although the way out has been always too easy. 
 
 Mr. Snit: You'll excuse me Doctor, having been already put a thousand 
 times in possession of my opinion, in the cause of our discussion that, in its 
 having gone to law and in its legal system altogether, I do observe a serious 
 side — now really a something tangable, with a purpose and intention in 
 it. [CUmencg tumbles over the blue bag against the table, making the 
 caps and saucers rattle. 
 
 Dr. Jud: Hey day ! What's the matter there ? 
 
 Clem : It's the evil inclined blue bag always tripping up somebody. 
 
 Mi?. Snit: With ;i purpose and intention in it, I was saying, that 
 commands respect. Life a farce Doctor 1 With law in it 1 [Dr. Juddler 
 laughs and looks at Alfred. | Granted if you please, that war is foolish, 
 there we agree. Here's a smiling country — [Pointing it out with his 
 fork,] — once over-run by soldiers — trespassers every man of 'em — and laid 
 waste by fire and sword. He, he, he ' The idea of man exposing himself 
 voluntarily to tire and sword, stupid, wasteful, positively rediculous ; you 
 laugh at your fellow-creatures, when you think of it. But take this smil- 
 ing country as it stands. Think of the laws appertaining to real property, 
 to the bequest and devise of real property, to household, freehold-mortgage, 
 and copyhold estate. [Smacks his lips witJt great emotion.] Think of 
 the complicated laws relating to title and proof title, contradictory pre- 
 cedents and acts of parliament connected with them ! Think of the in- 
 finite 'number of ingenious and interminable chancery suits, to which 
 this pleasant prospect gives rise and acknowledge Dr. Juddler that 
 there is a green spot in the scheme about us. I believe — [Looking 
 at Craggs.] — that I speak for self and Craggs. [Craggs nods his 
 head in assent.] I will take a little more beef and tea. [Freshens 
 in eloquence.] 1 stand up for life in general, — [Hubs his hands chuck- 
 lij/g.] — it's full of folies, full of something worse, professions of trust, 
 conlidence and unselfishness and all that ! Bah, bah, bah ! We see what 
 they're worth. But you mustn't laugh at life ! you've got a game to play ! 
 a very serious game indeed ' Everybody playing against you, and you're 
 placing against them. There are deep moves upon the board, you must 
 only laugh Dr. Juddler when you win — and then not much ; he, he, he, 
 — and then not much. [Laughs, rolling his head and winks his eyes. 
 
 Dr. Jud: Well Alfred, what do you say now 1 
 
 Alf: I say Sir, that the greatest favor you could do me and yourself 
 would be to try sometimes to forget this battle-field and others like it, in 
 that broader batt.'e-rield of life, on which the sun looks every day. 
 
 Mr. Snit: I'm afraid that wouldn't soften his opinion. The combat- 
 ants are eager and very bitter. There's a deal of cutting, slashing and 
 firing into peoples' heads from behind. 
 
 Alf: I believe Mr. Snitchey, there are victories and struggles, sacrifices 
 of self and noble acts of heroism in it — not the less difficult to achive 
 
10 LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 because they have uo earthly chronicle or audience — [Grace and Marion 
 listen keenly.] — clone every day in little households, and in men and 
 womens' hearts, which might reconcile the sternest man to such a world, 
 though three forths were at war and the other forth at law. 
 
 Dr. Jud: Well, well ! I am too old to be converted even by my friend 
 Snitchey here, or my good spinster sister, Martha Juddler, who had what 
 she calls her domestic trials ages ago, and has lead a sympathizing life with 
 all sorts of people since and who is so much of your opinion — only she's 
 less reasonable and more obstinate being a woman that we can't agree, 
 and seldom meet. I was born on this battle-field. Sixty years have gone 
 over my head and I have never seen the christian world, including heaven 
 knows how many loving mothers and good enough girls like mine here, 
 anything but mad for a battle-field. The same contradictions prevail in 
 everything, one must laugh or cry at such stupendous inconsistencies, and 
 I prefer to laugh. 
 
 Britian pays profound respect to each speaker in turn, suddenly decides 
 in favor of some preference by deep sepulchral sounds; his face perfectly 
 unaffected by it, although one or two of the breakfast party look roan,/ 
 startled by the mysterious noise, no one connects the offender with it 
 except Clemency, who rousing him with one of her favorite elbow joints 
 inquires in reproachful whisper: 
 Clem: [Aside.] What are you laughing at ? 
 Brit: \ Aside.] Not you. 
 Clem: [Aside.] Who then ? 
 Brit: [Aside.] Humanity. That's the joke. 
 
 Clem; reside.] What between master and them lawyers, he's getting 
 more and more addle-headed every day ! [Gives Britian a lounge with 
 her elbow.] Do you know where you are? Do you want to get a warning? 
 
 Brit: [Aside. ] i don't know anything. | With leaden eyes and t/n- 
 movab'e visage.] 1 don't care for anything. 1 don't make out anything. 
 I don't believe anything. I don't want anything. 
 
 Dr. Jud: But this is not our business Alfred, ceasing to be my ward — 
 as you said — to day you are away now into the world. The first term of 
 probation appointed by your poor father being over, away you go, now 
 yoiir cwn master, to fulfil his second desire. And long before your three 
 years' tour among foreign schools of medicine is finished, you'll have for- 
 gotten us. Lord ! you'll forget us easily in six months. 
 
 Alf: If 1 do But you know better ! Why should I speak to 
 
 you ! [Laughs. 
 
 Dr. Juir. I don't know anything of the sort. What do you say Mar- 
 ion? [Marion trifles with her lea cup; Grace pr esses her face against 
 Marion's and smiles.] I haven't been I hope a very unjust steward in 
 the execution of my trust, but I am to be at any rate formally discharged 
 and released and what not this morning, and here are our good friends 
 Snitchey ami Craggs with a bagful of papers and accounts and documents 
 for the transfer of the balance of the trust-fund to you, and other drolleries 
 of that sort, which are to be signed, sealed and delivered. 
 
 Mit. Snit: And duly witnessed as by law required. [Pushes away his 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 11 
 
 plate, proceeds to spread out his papers from his bag on the table.] We 
 shall want you two servants to attest the signatures. Can you read Mrs. 
 Newcome? 
 
 Clem: I ain't married Mister. 
 
 Mi:. Snit: Oh! I beg your pardon. I should think not. [Chuckles 
 and casts his eyes over her extraordinary Jigure.] You can read? 
 
 Clem: A little. 
 
 Mr. Snit: [Jocosely.] Marriage service night and morning, eh? 
 Clkm: No! Tco hard. I only reads a thimble. 
 
 Mi:. Snit: R,(\ads a thimble: What are you talking about young 
 woman ? 
 Clem: [Jo'k] And a nut- meg grater. 
 
 Mr. Snit: [Stares at her.] Why this is a lunatic, a subject for the 
 Lord High Chancellor. 
 
 Grace: The articles in question bear an engraved motto, and form the 
 pocket-library of Clemency Newcome, who is not much given to the study 
 of books. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Oh, that it, is it Miss Grace. Yes, Yes ! Ha, ha, ha. I 
 thought your friend was an idiot, she looks like it. And what does the 
 thimble say ? 
 
 Clem: I ain't married Mister. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Well, Newcome, will that do? What does the thimble say 
 Newcome ? [Clemency before replying holds one pocket open and looks 
 down info its yawning depths for Jie thimble, them she holds open the 
 opposite pocket still searching fur the pearl of great price, and clears away 
 intervening obstacles, faking them oat in the following order, handing 
 them to Britian to hold: — Handkerchief; end of wax candle; .a flashed 
 apple; an orange; a lucky penny; a cramp-bone; a padlock; a pair of 
 scissors in a sheath; a handful of loose beads; several balls of cotton; a 
 needle-case; collection of curl-papers; a biscuit; at last she produces the 
 thimble and nutmeg-grater, which she rattles.] That's the thimble is it 
 young woman, and what does the thimble say ? 
 
 Clem: It says — [She reids slowly around it as if it were a lower.] — 
 forget and forgive. [Snitchey and Craggs laugh heartily. 
 
 Mr. Snit: So new ! 
 
 Mr. Craggs: So easy ! 
 
 Mr. Snit: Such a knowledge of human nature in it ! 
 
 Mr. Craggs: So applicable; to the affairs of life ! 
 
 Mr. Snit : And the nutmeg-grater? 
 
 Clem: The grater says, — do as you-would-be-done-by. 
 
 Mr. Snit: £)o, or you'll be done brown, you mean. 
 
 Clem: I don't understand — [shakes her head vaguely.] — I ain't no 
 lawyer. 
 
12 LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 Mr. Snit: I am afraid that if she was Doctor, she'd rind it to be the 
 golden rule of half her clients. They are sei'ious enough in that — whini- 
 icil as your world is — and lay the blame on us afterwards ; we in our pro- 
 fession are little else but mirrors after all, Mr. Alfred ! But we are 
 generally consulted by angry and quarrelsome people who are not in 
 their best looks, and it's rather hard to quarrel with us if we reflect un 
 pleasant aspects. I think that I speak for self and Craggs. 
 
 Mr. Craggs: Decidedly. 
 
 Mr. Snit: And so if Mr. Britian will oblige us with a mouthful of ink 
 —[Britian produces the ink.] — we'll sign, seal and deliver as soon as 
 possible, or the coach will be coming past before we know where we are. 
 Now Britian, you and Clemency must attest this document ! [Britian 
 and Clemency sign the paper, laboring under the. use of pen and ink so 
 common to those unused to such things. The document being signed 
 Snitchey hands it to Dr. Jaddler ivith a bow, who in turn delivers it to 
 Alfred. 
 
 Dr. Jud: Britian ! Run to the gate and watch for the coach. Time 
 flies Alfred ! 
 
 Alf: Yes sir, yes. Dear Grace ! A moment ! Marion — -so young 
 and beautiful, so winning and so much admired, dear to my heart as no- 
 thing else in life is — remember ! I leave Marion to you. 
 
 Grace: She has always been a sacred charge to me Alfred, she is 
 doubly so now, I will be faithful to my trust, believe me. 
 
 Alf: I do believe it Grace, I know it well. Who could look upon your 
 face and hear your voice and not know it. Ah, Grace ! If 1 had your 
 well governed heart and tranquil mind, how bravely I would leave this 
 place to-day. 
 
 Grace: Would you 1 [Smiles quietly. 
 
 Alf: And yet Grace — sister seems the natural word. 
 
 Grace:. Use it, I am glad to hear it. Call me nothing else. 
 
 Alf: And yet sister then, Marion and I had better have your stedfast 
 qualities serving us here and making us both happier and better. I wouldn't 
 carry them away, to sustain myself if I could. 
 
 Brit: Coach upon the hill-top ! 
 
 Dr. Jud: Time flies Alfred. 
 
 During the conversation between Alfred and Grace, Marion stands aside 
 with her eyes fixed upon the ground. Hearing the learning Alfred 
 approaches Morion, brings her to Grace, gives her into her embrace. 
 
 Alf. I have been telling Grace dear Marion, that you are her charge, 
 my precious trust at parting. And when 1 come back and reclaim you 
 dearest and the bright prospect of our married life lies stretched before us, 
 it shall be one of our chief pleasures to consult how we can make Grace 
 happy ! how we can anticipate her wishes, how we can return her some- 
 thing of the debt she will have heaped upon us. [Marion holds Alfred's 
 hand in her own, the other resting on Graces neck. Marion looks calm, 
 sere ae and cheerfully into Grace's face, while Grace looks at Alfred and 
 Marion in turn.] And when the time comes, as it must one day, I won- 
 der it has never come yet, but Grace knows best, for Grace is always right 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 13 
 
 — when she will want a friend to open her whole heart to, and to be to her 
 something of what she has been to us — then Marion how faithful we will 
 prove, and what delight to us to know that she, our dear good sister loves 
 and is loved again, as we would have her. And when all that is past and 
 we are old and living — as we must — together — close together — talking 
 often of old times — this day most of all — and telling each other what we 
 thought and felt and hoped and feared at parting ! and how we couldn't 
 bear to say good-bye. 
 
 Brit: Coach coming through the wood. 
 
 Alf: Yes. I am ready — and how we met again so happy in spite of 
 all ; we'll make this day the happiest in all the year and keep it as a 
 trebble birthday. Shall we dear 1 ? 
 
 Grace: Yes! [Interposing eagerly with a radian/ smile.] Yes! 
 Alfred don't linger, there's no time. Say good-bye to Marion and heaven 
 be with you. [Alf red embraces Marion to his heart; being released Mar- 
 ion clings to Grace, looking calm, serene and cheerful into Grace's eyes. 
 
 Dr. Jud: Farewell my boy ! To talk about any serious correspondence 
 or serious affections, and engagements and so forth in such a ha, ha, ha, 
 you know what 1 mean — why that of course would be sheer nonsense. All 
 I can say that if you and Marion should continue in the same foolish minds, 
 I shall not object to have you for a son-in-law one of these days. 
 
 Brit: Over the bridge ! 
 
 Alf: Let it come. [Wrings Dr. Juddler's hand stoutly.] Think of 
 me sometimes my old friend and guardian, as seriously as you can. Adieu, 
 Mr. Snitchey ! Farewell, Mr. Craggs ! 
 
 Brit: Coining down the road. 
 
 Alf : A kiss of Clemency Newcome for long acquaintance, shake hands 
 Britian. Marion, dearest heart, goodly sister Grace, remember ! [Grace 
 terns her face towards Alfred in reply, but Marion remains unchanged 
 in her calm serene attitude. An English coach, with horses, passengers 
 and driver enters, stops at the gate. There is a bustle with the baggage, 
 Alfred enters the coach. The coach drives away. Alfred waves his hat 
 to Marion. Marion does not move. 
 
 Grace: [To Marion. | He waves his hat to you my love. Your chosen 
 husband darling, look ! [ Marion raises her head a moment, quickly turns 
 it back, meets Grace's eyes and Jails sobbing on Grace's neck. 
 
 Mar: Oh ! Grace. God bless you. But I cannot bear it Grace. It 
 breaks my heart. 
 
 CURTAIN FALLS. 
 
 -^4----/yfa-. 
 
ACT II. 
 
 SCENE FIRST. — Three years is supposed to elapse between 1st and, 2d 
 acts. Law office of Snitchey and Cragys. Low dark ceiling, fur- 
 nished with high-back chairs. Framed print of a judge with curly wig, 
 hanging on the wall. Bales of papers on shelves and tables, and round, 
 the wainscot tiers of boxes, padlocked, with peoples' names painted on 
 the outside. High desk — Snitchy on one side — Craggs on the other. 
 Candles burning on desk between them, — one of the boxes, unopened, sets 
 o.i the desk — marked Michael Warden, Esquire. Contents of the box 
 strewn upon table and desk — Snitchey brings documents one at a time 
 to the candles, examines them carefully, shakes his head and hands it to 
 Mr. Craggs, who looks over if, shakes his head and lays it aside. Some- 
 times they both stop, shake their heads in concert and look towards their 
 abstracted client. Michael Warden sits in the arm-chair of state — 
 negligently dressed but ivell made — somewhat haggard in face. Well 
 attired — well looking, with one hand in his breast and the other in his 
 dishevelled hair, pondering moodily. 
 
 Mu. Snit: [Turning up the last paper. \ That's all. Really there's no 
 other resource. No other resource. 
 
 Warden: All lost, spent, wasted, pawned, borrowed and sold, eh ! 
 [Looks up towards Snitchey. 
 
 Mr. Snit: All. 
 
 Warden: Nothing else to be done, you say 1 
 
 Mr. Snit: Nothing at all. 
 
 Warden: [Bites //is nails and jjonders again.] And I am not even 
 personally safe in England 1 You hold that, do you 'I 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 15 
 
 Mr. Snit: In no part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and 
 Ireland. 
 
 Warden: A mere prodigal son with no father to go back to, no swine 
 to keep, and no husks to share with them ! Eh 1 [Bocks one leg over the 
 other searching the floor with his eyes. Mr. Snitchey and Crayys cough 
 to deprecate their being supposed to participate in any figurative illus- 
 tration of a legal position.] Ruined at thirty — Humph ! 
 
 Mr. Snit: Not ruined, Mr. Warden ! Not so had as that, You have 
 done a good deal towards it, I must say, but you are not ruined. A little 
 nursing 
 
 Warden: A little devil. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Mr. Craggs will you oblige me with a pinch of snuff? 
 [Craggs hands him the snuff-box.} Thank you, sir ! {Snitchey applies the 
 snuff to hts nose with apparent relish, Warden looks up with a smile. 
 
 Warden: You talk of nursing. How lono- nursinw 1 
 
 Mr. Snit: How long nursing? [Dusts the snuff of his fingers, mak* 
 xng slow calculations in his mind.] For an involved estate, sir? In «Dod 
 hands ? T and C's say ? Six or seven years. 
 
 Warden: [With a fretful laugh and impatient change of position.] 
 To starve for six or seven years. 
 
 Mr. Snit: To starve for six or seven years Mr. Warden would be very 
 uncommon indeed. You might get another estate by showing yourself the 
 while But we don't think you could do it— speaking for self and Craggs 
 —and consequently don't advise it. 
 
 Warden: What do you advise? 
 
 Mr. Snit: Nursing I say. Some few years of nursing by self and 
 Craggs would bring it round. But to enable us to make terms and hold 
 terms, and you keep terms, you must go away, you must live abroad. As 
 to starvation, we could insure you some hundreds a year to starve upon 
 even in the beginning— I dare say— Mr. Warden. 
 
 Warden; Hundreds, and I have spent thousands. 
 
 Mr. Snit: That— [Puts the papers back info the box, slowing repeating 
 to himself aloud.]— there is no doubt about. No doubt about. 
 
 Warden: [Gradually raises his head looking at Snitchey, smiles 
 which breaks into a laugh.] After all my iron-hearted friend - 
 
 Mr. Snit: [Pointing to Craggs.] Self and excuse me Craggs. 
 
 Warden: I beg Mr. Craggs pardon. After all my iron-hearted friends 
 — [Leans forward in his chair and drops his voice a little.]— you don't 
 know half my rum yet. [Snitchey stares at Warden, so does Craqqs 1 . I 
 am not only deep in debt, but 1 am deep in 
 
 -Mi;. Snit: Not in love ! 
 
 Warden: Yes. [Falling back info his chair, with his hands in his 
 pockets. Surveys Snitchey and Crayys.} Deep in love ! 
 
 Mr. Snit: And not with an heiress? 
 
 Warden: Not with an heiress. 
 
16 LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Nor a rich lady 1 
 
 Warden: Nor a rich lady that I know of — except in beauty and 
 merit. 
 
 Mr. Snit: A single lady I trust, f With great expression. 
 
 Warden: Certainly. 
 
 Mr. Snit: [Suddenly squaring his elbows on his knees, and advancing 
 his face towards Warden.] It's not one of Dr. Juddler's daughters 1 
 
 Warden: Yes. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Not his younger daughter 1 
 
 Warden: Yes. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Mr. Craggs — [Much relieved.] — will you oblige me with 
 another pinch of snuff? [Craggs hands snuff-box to Snitchey, who takes 
 a pinch and hands the box back to Craggs. | Thank you. I am happy to 
 say it don't signify Mr. Warden, she's engaged sir, she's bespoke, my part 
 ner can corroborate me. We know the fact. 
 
 Mr. Craggs: We know the fact. 
 
 Warden: So do I perhaps, what of that ! Are you men of the world 
 and did you never hear of a women changing her mind 1 
 
 Mr. Snit: There certainly have been actions for breach, brought 
 against both spinsters and widows, but in the majority of cases 
 
 Warden: Cases. [Impatiently.] Don't talk to me of cases. The 
 general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law-books. 
 Besides, do you think I have lived six weeks in the Doctor's house for no- 
 thing. 
 
 Mr. Snit: [Addresses himself very gravely to Craggs.] I think, Sir, 
 that of all the scrapes Mr. Warden's horses have brought him into atone 
 time and another — and they have been pretty numerous, and pretty expen- 
 sive as none know better than himself, and you and 1 — the worst scrape 
 may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, his having been left by one of 
 them at the Doctor's garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar- 
 bone and the Lord knows how many bruises. We didn't think so much 
 of it at the time when we knew he was going on well, under the Doctor's 
 hands and roof ! But it looks bad now, sir, bad ! It looks very bad. Dr. 
 Juddler too — our client — Mr. Craggs. 
 
 Mr. Craggs: Mr. Alfred Heathfield too — a sort of client. 
 
 Warden: Mr. Michael Warden too — a kind of client, and no bad one 
 either ! having played the fool for ten or twelve years. However Mr. 
 Warden has sown his wild oats now — there's the crop in that box — ]Points 
 to the box of papers on the desk.] — and he "means to repent and be wise. 
 And in proof of it, Mr. Michael Warden means — if he can — to marry 
 Marion, the Doctor's lovely daughter and to carry her away with him. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Really, Mr. Craggs 
 
 Warden: [Interrupting Snitchey.] Really, Mr. Snitchey and Mr. 
 Craggs, partners both, you know your duty to your clients and you know 
 well enough, I am sure, that it is no part of it to interfere in a mere love 
 affair, which I am obliged to contide to you. I am not going to carry the 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 17 
 
 your.g lady off without her own consent. There's nothing illegal in it. J 
 never was Mr. Heathfield's bosom friend. I violate no confidence of his. 
 1 love where he loves, and I mean to win where he would win, if I can. 
 
 Mr. Snit: He can't, Mr. Craggs. j Anxious and discomforted.] He 
 can't do it, sir. She dotes on Mr. Alfred. 
 
 Warden: Does she? 
 
 Mr. Snit: Mr. Craggs, she dotes on him, sir. 
 
 Warden: I didn't live six weeks, some months ago, in the Doctor's 
 house for nothing! And I doubted that soon — she would have doted on 
 him, if her sister could have brought it about — but I watched them. Mar- 
 ion avoided his name, avoided the subject, shrunk from the least allusion 
 to it, with evident distress. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Why should she, Mr. Craggs, you know. Why should she 1 
 
 Mr. Craggs: T don't know why she should, though there are many 
 likely reasons — [Smiles at the petplexity expressed in Mr. Snitchey's face, 
 and the 'cautious manner in which he carries on the conversation.] — but I 
 know she does. She was very young when she made the engagement — if 
 it may be called one, I am not even sure cf that — and has repented of it. 
 Perhaps, perhaps — it seems a foppish thing to say, but upon my soul I 
 don't mean it in that light — she may have fallen in love with me, as I have 
 fallen in love with her. 
 
 Mr. Snit: [With a disconcerted laugh.] He, he. Mr. Alfred, her old 
 playfellow too. Mr. Craggs knew her from a baby, 
 
 Mr. Craggs: [Speaks calmly.] Which makes it more probable that she 
 may be tired of this idea, and not indisposed to exchange it for a newer 
 one of another lover, who presents himself — or is presented by his horse — 
 under romantic circumstances ! Has the not unfavorable reputation — with 
 a country girl — of having lived thoughtlessly and gaily, without doing much 
 harm to anybody ! And who, for his youth and figure and so forth — this 
 may seem foppish again, but upon my soul I don't mean it in that light — 
 might perhaps pass muster in a crowd with Mr. Alfred himself ! 
 
 Mr. Snit: [Aside.] A dangeious sort of libertine to seem to catch the 
 spark he wants, from a young lady's eyes. [Glances at Warden from head 
 
 to feet. 
 
 Warden: [Mining takes Snitchey by the button, also Craggs by the 
 button, placing one partner on either side of him, so (hat neither can 
 evade him.] Now observe, Snitchey I don't ask you for any advice, you 
 are right to keep quite aloof from all parties in such a matter, which is not 
 one in which grave men like you, could interfere on any side. I am briefly 
 going to review, in half a dozen words, my position and intention, and then 
 I shall leave it to you to do the best for me in money matters, that you 
 can ! Seeing that if I run away with the Doctor's beautiful daugh- 
 ter — as I hope to do and become another man under her bright influence 
 —it will be for the moment more changeable than running away alone. 
 But I shall soon make all that up in an altered life. 
 
 Mr. Snit: I think it will be better not to hear this Mr. Craggs. [Looks 
 across to Craggs, 
 
 Mr. Craggs: I think not. [Snitchey and Craggs listen attenively. 
 
 Warden: Well, you needn't hear it, I'll mention it however. I don't 
 
18 LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 mean to ask the Doctor's consent, because lie wouldn't give it me. But J 
 mean to do the Doctor no wrong or harm, because — besides there being 
 nothing serious in such trifles as he says. I hope to rescue his child, my 
 Marion, from what I see — I know — she dreads, and contemplates with 
 misery ! and that is, the return of this old lover. If anything in the world 
 is true, it is true she dreads his return, no one is injured so far. I am so 
 harrowed and worried here, just now, that I lead the life of a flying-fish. 
 I skulk about in the dark, I am shut out of my own house and warned off 
 my own grounds ! But that house and those grounds and many an acre be- 
 sides, will come back to me one clay, as you know and say ! And Marion 
 will probably be richer — on your showing, who are never sanguine — ten 
 years hence as my wife, than as the wife of Alfred Heathtield, whose re- 
 turn she dreads — remember that — and in whom, or in any man, my passion 
 is not surpassed, who is injured yet? It is a fair case throughout. My 
 right is as good as his, if she decides in my favor ; and I will try my right 
 by her alone. You will like to know more after this, and I will tell you 
 no more. Now you know my purpose and wants. When must I leave 
 here ? 
 
 Mr. Snit: In a week, Mr. Craggs ? 
 
 Mr. Craggs: In something less, I should say. 
 
 Warden: In a month. [Attentively watches the two facts.} This day 
 month. To-day is Thursday, succeed or fail, on this day month I go. 
 
 Mr. Snit: It's too long a delay, much too long. But let it be so. [To 
 himself aside.] 1 thought he'd have stipulated for three. [Warden moves 
 as if to leave the office.] Are you going? Good night, sir. 
 
 Warden: Good night. [Shakes hands with Snitchey and Craggs.} 
 You'll live to see me making a good use of riches yet. Henceforth the star 
 of my destiny is, Marion ! [Exit Warden slowly. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Take care of the stairs, sir, for she don't shine there — Good 
 night ! 
 
 Warden: [From the outside.} Good night. 
 
 Snitchey and Craggs with a pair of office candles stand at the door watch- 
 ing Warden down. When he is gone they stand looking at each other. 
 
 Mr. Snit: What do you think of all this, Mr. Craggs? [Mr. Craggs 
 shakes his head.} It was our opinion on the day when that release was 
 executed, that there was something curious in the parting of that pair, I 
 recollect. 
 
 Mr. Craggs: It was. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Perhaps he deceives himself altogether — [Locks up War- 
 den's box, puts it away.} — or if he don't, a little bit of fickleness or perfidy 
 is not a miracle Mr. Craggs. And yet 1 thought — [Putting on his great- 
 coat, drawing on his gloves and snuffing out one candle.} — that I had even 
 seen her character becoming stronger and more resolved of late. More like 
 her sister. 
 
 Mr. Craggs: Mrs. Craggs was of the same opinion. 
 
 Mr. Snit: I'd really give a trifle to-night if I could believe that Mr. 
 Warden was reckoning without his host ! But light-headed, capricious 
 and unballasted as he is, he knows something of the world and its people 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 19 
 
 —he ought to, for he has bought what he does know, dear enough — and I 
 can't quite think that. We had better not interfere, we can do nothing 
 Mr. Craggs but keep quiet. 
 
 Mk. Craggs: Nothing ! 
 
 Mr. Snit: Our friend the Doctor makes light of such things. [Shakes 
 his head.] I hope lie rnay'nt stand in need of his philosophy. Our friend 
 Alfred talks of the battle of life. \ Shakes his head again.] I hope he 
 rnay'nt be cut down early in the day. Have you got your hat Mr. Craggs 1 ? 
 I'm going to put the other candle out. [Craggs seizes his hat and great- 
 coal. Snitchey puts out the candle — and they grope their way out of 
 the office. 
 
 CURTAIN FALLS. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE II. — Study in Dr. J tiddler's house — Doctor sitting by the fire- 
 pluce in dressing-gown and flippers, feel spread out upon the rug, lean 
 ing hack in easy chair looking at his daughters. Grace working on a 
 piece of embroidery. Marion reading aloud from book beside the lamp 
 tight. 
 
 Mar: [Reads aloud.] And being in her own home, her home made 
 exquisitely dear by these remembrances, she now began to know that the 
 great trial of her heart must soon come on, and could not be delayed. O, 
 home, our comforter and friend, when others fall away, to part with whom,, 
 
 at any step between the cradle and the grave [She stretches out her 
 
 hand towards Grace; her voice falters and trembles. 
 
 Grace- ( \ T oaether 1 Mai ' ion ln y love ! 
 Dr. Jud: 1 l I0 9 e " ier -\ why Marion ! 
 
 Mar: [Continues to read.] To part with whom at any step between 
 the cradle and the grave, is always sorrowful. O, home, so true to us, so 
 often slighted in return, be lenient to them that turn away from thee, and 
 do not haunt their erring footsteps too reproachfully ! Let no kind looks, 
 no well remembered smiles, be seen upon thy phantom face. Let no ray 
 of affection, welcome, gentleness, forbearance, cordiality, shine from thy 
 white head. Let no old loving word, or tone rise up in judgement against 
 thy deserter ; but if thou canst look harshly and severely, do, in mercy to 
 the penitent ! [ Weeps.] 
 
 Grace: Dear Marion read no more to-night. 
 
 Mar: [Closes the book.] I cannot. The words seem all on fire ! 
 
 Dr. Jud: [Doctor rises laughing, pats Marion on the head.] What! 
 overcome by a story-book ! Print and paper ! Well, well, its all one. Its 
 as rational to make a serious matter of print and paper as anything else. 
 But dry your eyes love, dry your tears. I dare say the heroine has got 
 home again long ago, and made it up all round, and if she hasn't a real 
 
20 LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 home is only four walls ! and a factitious, one, mere rags and ink. [Enter 
 Clemency hi good humor, rubbing her elbows trying to attract the Doctor's 
 attention from behind Marion and Grace — Doctor observes her.'] What's 
 the matter now 1 
 
 Clem: Its only me, Mister. 
 
 Dr. Jud: And what's the matter with you? 
 
 Olem: Oh bless you nothing ain't the matter with me, nothing ain't the 
 matter with me, but — come a little closer Mister. [Doctor complys, with 
 astonishment.] You said I wasn't to give you one before them you know. 
 [Hunts in one pocket and then the other, for a letter, coining back to the 
 first one finds it. | Bi itian w;is riding by on an errand — [Chuckling hands 
 the Doctor a letter.] — and see the mail come in and waited for it. [Doctor 
 looks at the letter, then opens it slowly, reads to himself] There's A. H., 
 in the corner. Mr. Alfred's on his journey home I bet. We shall have a 
 wedding in the house — there was two spoons in my saucer this morning. 
 O luck, how slow he opens it. [Clemency in her impatience to hear the 
 news, looks over the Dodoes shoulder, rising higher and higher on tip- 
 toes, making a cork-screw of her apron and a bottle of her mouth. Un- 
 able to gain any news, she comes down flat upon the soles of her feet again 
 and casts her apron over her head in mate dispait. 
 
 Dr. Jud: Here girls, I can't help it ! I never could keep a secret in 
 my life. Alfred is coming home my clears — directly. 
 
 Mar: Directly ! [Surprisedly. 
 
 Dr. Jud: What ! The story-book is soon forgotten. [Pinches Mar- 
 ion's cheek.] 1 thought the news would dry those tears. Yes, let it be a 
 surprise, he says here. But 1 can't let it be a surprise. He must have a 
 welcome. 
 
 Mar: Directly ! 
 
 Dr. Jud: Why, perhaps ; not what your impatience calls directly, but 
 pretty soon too. Let us see. Let us see. To-day is Thursday is it not. 
 Then he promises to be here this day month. 
 
 Mar: \Softly.] This day month ! 
 
 Grace: A gay day and a holiday for us — [Kisses Marion in congratu- 
 lation.] — to look forward to dearest, and come at last. [Marion smiles 
 mournfully looking at Grace who resumes her work humming a familar 
 tune and ceases it upon the Doctor's speaking. Dr. Juddler resumes his 
 seat beside the fire-place, reads the letter to himself. 
 
 Dr. Jud: Ah ! The day was when you and he, Grace, used to trot 
 about arm-in-arm, in his holiday time, like a couple of walking dolls. You 
 remember 1 
 
 Grace: [Laughing and plying her needle busily.] I remember! 
 
 Dr. Jud: This day month. That hardly seems a twelve-month ago. 
 And where was my little Marion then ! 
 
 Mar: Never far from her sister, however little. Grace was everything 
 to me, even when she was a young child herself. 
 
 Dr. Jud: True, true Marion, she was a staid little woman, was Grace, 
 and a wise house-keeper and a busy, quiet, pleasant body ! bearing with 
 our humors and anticipating our wishes and always ready to forget her 
 own, even in those times I never knew you positive or obstinate Grace, my 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 21 
 
 darling even then, on any subject but one. 
 
 Grace: I am afraid I have changed sadly for the worse since. [Laui/h- 
 ing and still bust/ with her work.] What was that one, father'? 
 
 Dr. Jud: Alfred of course, nothing would serve ycu, but you must In- 
 called Alfred's wife ! so we called you Alfred's wife and you liked it bet- 
 ter, I believe — odd as it seems now — than being called a duchess, if we 
 could have made you one. 
 
 Grace: [Placidly.] Indeed 1 ? 
 
 Dr. Jud: Why, don't you remember? 
 
 Grace: I think I remember something of it but not much. Its so long 
 ago. Alfred will find a real wife soon and that will be a happy time in- 
 deed for us all. My three years' trust is nearly at an end. Marion, it has 
 been a very easy one. I shall tell Alfred when I give you back to him, 
 that you have loved him dearly all the time and that he has never once 
 needed my good service, may I tell him so Marion 1 
 
 Mar: Tell him Grace that there never was a trust so generously, 
 nobly, steadfastly discharged ; and that I have loved you all the time, 
 dearer and dearer every day ! And oh ! how dearly now. 
 
 Grace : Nay, I can scarcely tell him that ! We will leave my deserts 
 to Alfred's immagination. It will be liberal enough, dear Marion like 
 your own. 
 
 Dr. Jud: Grace my darling, sing me the song you were, humming just 
 now and then we must all retire. 
 
 Grace: [Sings. 
 
 " Mary, Go and Call the Cattle Home." 
 
 " O Mary, go and call the cattle home, 
 
 And call the cattle home, 
 
 And call the cattle home, 
 
 Across the sands o' Dee !" 
 The western wind was wild and dank wi' foam, 
 
 And all alone went she. 
 
 The creeping tide came up along the sand, 
 
 And o'er and o'er the sand, 
 
 And round and round the sand, 
 
 As far as eye could see ; 
 The blinding mist came down and hid the land : 
 
 And never home came she. 
 
 " O, is it weed, or fish, or floating hair, — 
 
 A tress of golden hair, 
 
 O' drowned maiden's hair, — 
 
 Above the nets at sea 1 
 Was never salmon yet that shone so fair, 
 
 Among the stakes on Dee." 
 
 They rowed her in across the rolling foam, — 
 
 The cruel crawling foam, 
 
 The cruel hungary foam, — 
 
 To her grave beside the sea ; 
 But still the boatmen hear her call the cattle home 
 
 Across the sands o' Dee. 
 
22 LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 Doctor sitting in his easy-chair, beats time with Alfred's letter on his 
 knee. Exit Clemency while Grace is singing. 
 
 CURTAIN FALLS. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE III". — Kitchen in Dr. Juddler's house. Pots, kettles, saucepans, 
 eic, arranged on the walls and shelves. Remains of Britian' s supper 
 on the table — Britian regaling himself with his pipe and a jug of beer. 
 Clemency on opposite side of the table, candle between them. Britian 
 looking sour and cross. Door of kitchen opens out upon the garden of 
 Dr. Juddler's house, enclosed by stone wall. 
 
 Brit: Well, Clemmy. How are you by this time, and what's the 
 news. 
 
 Clem: The news is Mister Alfred is coming home this day month to be 
 married. [Britian acts happy and cheerful. 
 
 Brit: There'll be another job for Snitchey and Craggs, I suppose — 
 [Puffs his pipe slowly.] — more witnessing for you and me perhaps Clem- 
 my! 
 
 Clem: Lor ! [Twists and rubs her elboiv joints.] 1 wish it was me 
 Britian. 
 
 Brit: Wish what was you 1 
 
 Clem: A-going to be married. 
 
 Brit: [Takes his pipe out of his mouth and laughs heartily — Clemency 
 also laughs.] Yes you'er h likely subject for that. Poor Clem ! 
 
 Clem: Yes. • I'm a likely subject for that, ain't I 1 
 
 Brit: You'll never be married you know. [Resumes his pipe. 
 
 Clem: [In perfect good faith.] Don't you think I ever shall though? 
 
 Brit: [Shakes his head.] Not a chance of it. 
 
 Clem: Only think ' Well — I suppose you mean to Britian, one of 
 these days, don't you 1 
 
 Brit: [Britian blows great clouds of smoke from his pipe, looks at it, 
 now with his head on this side, and now on that.] Ye — es, I may. 
 
 Clem: I wish her joy, whoever she may be. 
 
 Brit: Oh ! She'll have that, sure enough. 
 
 Clem: [Spreads herself partly on the table staring at the candle.] But 
 she would'nt have led quite such a joyful life, as she will lead, and would'nt 
 have had quite such a sociable sort of a husband as she will have, if it 
 ha'd'nt been for — — not that I went to do it, for it was accidental, I am 
 sure if it had'nt been for me, would she Britian 1 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 23 
 
 Brit: \ Condescendingly.] Certainly not. Oh! ['m greatly beholden 
 to you, you know Clem. 
 
 Clem: Lor how nice that is to think of ! [Bring her eyes to bear on 
 the candle-grease on the table, applying it to her elbow-joints one after the 
 other. 
 
 Brit: You see I've made a good many investigations of one sort and 
 another in my time, having been always of an inquiring turn of mind ! and 
 I've read a good many hooks about the general rights of things and wrongs 
 of things, for I went into the literary line myself when I began life ! 
 
 Clem: Did you though ! 
 
 Brit: Yes. I was hid for the best part of two years behind a book- 
 stall, ready to fly out if anybody pocketed a volume ! and after that, I was 
 light porter to a stay and mantua-maker, in which capacity I was employed 
 to carry about, in oilskin baskets, nothing but deceptions — which soured 
 my spirits and disturbed my confidence in human nature ! and after that, I 
 heard a world of discussions in this house, which soured my spirits fresh, 
 and my opinion after all is, that as a safe and comfortable sweetener of the 
 same, and as a pleasant guide through life, there's nothing like a nutmeg- 
 grater — [Clemency is about to offer a suggestion but is stoppedby Britian, 
 by anticipating it] — com bined — [Gravely.] — with a thimble. 
 
 Clem: Do as you would, you know and ceterer eh ! [Folds her arms 
 comfortably and pain her elbows.] .Such a short cut, ain't it? 
 
 Brit: I'm not sure, that it's what would be considered good philosophy, 
 I've my doubt about that but it saves a quantity of snarling which the gen- 
 article don't always. 
 
 Clem: See how you used to go on once yourself you know ! 
 
 Brit: Ah ! But the most extraordinary thing Clemmy, is that I 
 should live to be brought round through you. That's the strange part of 
 it. Through you ! Why, I suppose you haven't as much as half an idea 
 in your head. 
 
 Clem: [Xot the least offended shakes her head, hags herself and laughs.] 
 No ! I don't suppose I have. 
 
 Brit: I'm pretty sure of it. 
 
 Clem- Oh ! I dare say you are right. I don't pretend to none. I 
 don't want any. [Britian takes his pipe from his mouth, laughs till thr 
 fears run doivn his face, shaking his head with infinite relish of the joke, 
 wipes his eyes, Clemency laughs also, as hearty as Britian. 
 
 Brit: What a natural you are Clemmy. I can't help liking you, 
 you'er a regular good creature in your way, so shake hands Clem. [Ejt- 
 tend their hands across the table and shake hands.] Whatever happens, 
 I'll always take notice of you and be a friend to you. [Michael Warden 
 scales the garden wall approaches the house cautiously, looking for Mar- 
 ion, signals for her. 
 
 Clem: Will you 1 Well, that's very good of you. 
 
 Brit: Yes, yes. [Hands her his pipe, she knocks tin- ashes out.] I'll 
 stand by you. Hark ! That's a curious noise. 
 
 Clem: Noise? 
 
 Brit: A footstep outside. Sounded like somebody dropping from the 
 
24 LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 garden wall ! Are they all a-bed up-stairs ? 
 
 Clem: Yes — all a-bed by this time. 
 
 Brit: Did'nt you hear anything? 
 
 Clem: No ! [They both listen. 
 
 Brit: Tell you what. [Takes down the lantern.] I'll have a look 
 round, before 1 go to bed myself, for satisfaction sake, undo the door while 
 I light this Clemmy. [ Lights the lantern while Clemency proceeds to un- 
 do the door. Britian sallies out the kitchen-door armed with the poker, 
 casting the light of the lantern far and near in all directions, searches 
 about the grounds but finds nothing. 
 
 Clem: [Looking after Britian. J Its as quiet as a church-yard. [Mar- 
 ion approaches stealthily through the kitchen, wrapped in a shawl thrown 
 partly over her head.] — and almost as ghostly too ! [Clemency glancing 
 back into the kitchen cries out fearfully at Marion's figure.] What's that ! 
 
 Mar: [In an agitated whisper.] Hush ! You have always loved me, 
 have you not ? 
 
 Clem: Loved you, child. You may be sure I have. 
 
 Mar: I am sure. And I may trust you, may I not? There is no one 
 else just now, in whom I can trust. 
 
 Clem: Yes ! With all my heart. 
 
 Mar: There is some one out there — [Points to the door.] — whom I must 
 see, and speak with to-night. [By stealth Michael Warden has evaded 
 Britian, stands looking at Marion from the door. Is about to speak. \ 
 Michael Warden for God's sake retire ! Not now ! [Clemency startled, 
 follows with her eyes the direction of Marion's eyes. Sees Michael War- 
 den standing in the door.] In another moment you may be discovered. 
 Not now ! Wait if you can in some concealment. I will come presently. 
 [He waves his hand to Marion and conceals himself behind the house. 
 Marion turns and addresses Clemency again.] Don't go to bed. Wait 
 here for me. I have been seeking to speak to you for an hour past. 
 [Seizes Clemency's hand pressing it to her breast in expressive passion of 
 entreaty.] Oh, be true to me. [Marion withdraws to a place of conceal- 
 ment in the room, as she sees Britian returning to the kitchen. Britian 
 returns to the kitchen. 
 
 Brit: All still and peaceable. [Locks and bars the door. | Nobody 
 there. Fancy I suppose, one of the effects of having a lively imagination. 
 [Looks towards Clemency who is sitting in a chair, pale and trembling 
 from head to foot.] Hallo ! Why ! What's the matter? 
 
 Clem: Matter ! [Chafing her hinds and elbows nervously, looking 
 anywhere except at Britian. That's good in you Britian that is ! After 
 going and frightening one out of one's life with noises and lanterns, and I 
 don't know what all. Matter ! Oh yes ! 
 
 Brit: If you'er frightened out of your life by a lantern Clemency — 
 [Composedly blows out the lantern.] — that apparition is very soon to begot 
 rid of. But you'er as bold as brass in general, and were after the noise 
 and the lantern too. What have you taken into your head ? Not an 
 idea, eh ! 
 
 Clem- I have an idea of going to bed. 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 25 
 
 Brit: [Brltian lakes up his candle and strolls drowsily out of the 
 room muttering.] Only a woman's whims I suppose. Good night 
 Clem my. 
 
 Clem: Good night. [Marion returns from li>'r hiding-place^ and ap- 
 proaches Clemency. They move towards the door. 
 
 Mar: Open the door — [Clemency unlocks the door softly.] — and stand 
 there close beside me, while 1 speak to him outside. 
 
 Clem: It's little that I know, my dear — [Bursts into tears and throws 
 her arms round Marion's neck, j — very little ! But I know that this 
 should not bo. Think of what you do ! 
 
 Mar: [Gently.] I have thought of it many times. 
 
 Clem: Once more. [Marion shakes her head.] Till to-morrow — 
 [Earnestly.] — for Alfred's sake. Him that you used to love so dearly. 
 
 Mar: [Marion hides her face in her hands, repeating as if if rent her 
 heart.] Once ! Once ! 
 
 Clem: Let me go out. [Soothing Marion.] I'll tell him what you 
 like. Don't cross the door-step to-night. I'm sure no good will come of 
 it. Oh, it was an unhappy clay when Mr. Warden was ever brought here ! 
 Think of your good father — of your sister — 
 
 Mar: [Marion rising her head and looking calmly at Clemency.] I 
 have. You don't know what I do, I must speak to him. You are the 
 best and truest friend in all the world, for what you have said to me, but 1 
 must take this step. Will you go with me, Clemency or shall I go alone. 
 [Clemency sorrowing and wondering opens the door. Marion holds 
 Clemency's hand and they both go out into the garden. Meets Warden 
 who approaches them from behind the house. Warden and Marion em- 
 brace. They retire aside from Clemency. 
 
 Warden: Marion, I must leave England for a while. 1 have come to 
 plead with you, to share with me my temporary exile. Let us stniggle 
 together in life's battle for a few years only and all will then be well. 
 When my Attorneys have arranged my affairs, we will return, until then 
 my allowance is abundant to make us happy. Exiled without you I never 
 can be happy. 
 
 Mar: No, it cannot be. You must go without me. I will tell you 
 when to come again, perhaps then if Grace is married to Alfred, as I hope 
 she will be, I shall then feel free to bestow my whole heart and soul upon 
 you. Until then I shall leave my home, and seek seclusion with Aunt 
 Martha ; she knows all and approves. Do as I ask and all will be well. 
 Leave England, at once. We must sutler and love in silence for some 
 time. It will prove how truly we love. It cannot be otherwise, 1 cannot 
 say more. 
 
 Warden: It must not be, that my dream of love shall so soon be shat- 
 tered. I cannot leave England without you. 
 
 Mar: For once take h woman's advice ; If we remain longer — [They 
 approach the door.] — all will be lost. I will write and tell you when to 
 come again, until then I must say farewell. [Tliey embrace, Marion goes 
 towards Clemency, takes her hand and they approach the door, followed 
 
26 LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 by Warden. Clemency enters the Kitchen. Warden and Marion linger 
 at the door. He kisses her hand, then stealthily withdraws. Marion 
 stands in the door watching Warden's departure. 
 
 CURTAIN FALLS. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE IV. — One month is supposed to elapse between the third and 
 forth scenes. Drawing-room in Dr. Juddler's house, with lawn and 
 garden wall surrounding same. Room prepared for Alfred's reception, 
 hung with mistletoe, evergreens and holly. Guests arrive for 
 the party — received by Grace, Marion and Dr. Juddler. Music 
 — laughter — dancing — light jovial entertainment. A raging winter 
 night without. Clemency mingles in the throng, glancing anxiously 
 and fear fully at Marion — pleads silently with her to forego the deser- 
 tion of her home. Marion resolute— pale, but with a sweet composed 
 face. Grace, Dr. Juddler and Britian, full of life and joy. Enter 
 Grace and Marion — arm-in-arm, Grace carrying the favorite flowers 
 of Alfred to entwine in Marion's hair. 
 
 Grace: [Adjusts the flowers in Marion's hair.] The next wreath I 
 adjust on this fair head will be a marriage wreath, or I am no true prophet 
 dear. [Marion smiles and holds Grace in her arms. 
 
 Mar: A moment Grace, don't leave me yet. Are you sure that I want 
 nothing more 1 
 
 Grace: My art can go no farther, dear girl ! nor your beauty, I never 
 saw you look so beautiful as now. 
 
 Mar: I never was so happy ! 
 
 Grace: Ay, but there is greater happiness in store. In such another 
 home as cheerful and bright as this looks now, Alfred and his young wife 
 will soon be living. 
 
 Mar: [Smiling.] It is a happy home Grace in your fancy, I can see it 
 in your eyes. I know it will be happy dear. How glad I am to know it. 
 
 Dr. Jud: [Enter bustling in.] Well ! Here we are all ready for 
 Alfred, eh 1 He can't be here until pretty late — an hour or so before mid- 
 night — -so there'll be plenty of time for making merry before he conies. 
 He'll not find us with the ice unbroken. Hello ! Britian. [Enter Brit- 
 ian.] Pile up the fire here, Britian ! Let it shine upon the holly till it 
 winks again. \ Britian stirs the f re and exit Britian.] Its a world of 
 nonsense Marion, true lovers and all the rest of it — all nonsense ! But 
 we'll be nonsensical with the rest of 'em and give our true lover a mad 
 welcome. Upon my word I'm not clear to-night, among other absurdities 
 but that I'm the father of two handsome girls. 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 27 
 
 M ar: All that one of them has ever done, or may do — may do dearest 
 father — to cause you pain or grief, forgive her, forgive her now, when her 
 heart is full. Say that you forgive her. That you will forgive her. That 
 
 she shnll always share your love and [Hides her face on her father's 
 
 shoulder and weeps, 
 
 Dr. Jud: Tut, tut, tut. Forgive! What have I to forgive 1 ? Hey- 
 day, if our true lovers come back to Hurry us like this, we must hold them 
 at a distance ! We must send expresses, out to stop 'em short upon the 
 road, and bring em on a mile or two a day, until we're properly prepared 
 to meet 'em. Kiss me Marion. [Marion kisses him.] Forgive! Why, 
 what a silly child you are. If you had vexed and crossed me fifty times a 
 day, instead of not at all, I'd forgive you everything, but such a suppli- 
 cation. Kiss me again Marion. [Marion kisses him.] There! Prospec- 
 tive and retrospective — a clear score between u». [The guests com ', flock- 
 ing in, they welcome Marion, all are interested, animated and expectant. 
 Enter Mr. and Mrs. Craggs, arm-in-arm — Mrs. Snitchey, alone, just 
 after them. Dr. Juddler approaclies Mrs. Snitchey and Craggs.] Why, 
 what's become of him.' 
 
 Mrs. Snit: Mr. Craggs doubtless knows. 
 
 Mrs. Craggs: That nasty office. 
 
 Mrs. Snit: \ wish it was burnt down. 
 
 Mr. Craggs: [Looks uneasily about him. | He's — he's — there's a little 
 matter of business that keeps my partner rather late. 
 
 Mrs. Snit- Oh — h. Business. Don't tell me. 
 
 Mrs. Craggs: We know what business means. I wonder you could 
 come away Mr. Craggs. 
 
 Mrs. Snit: Mr. Craggs is fortunate, I'm sure. 
 
 Mrs. Craggs: That office so engrosses 'em. 
 
 Mrs. Snit: A person with an office has no business to be married 
 at all. 
 
 Mr. Craggs : [Mr. Craggs looks uneasily about him during the dia- 
 logue, observes Grace, presents himself to her.] Good evening Ma'am. 
 You look charmingly. Your — Miss — your sister, Marion, is she 
 
 Grace: Oh ! she's quite well Mr. Craggs. 
 
 Mr. Craggs: Yes — T — is she here 1 
 
 Grace: Here ! Don't you see her yonder 1 Going to dance ? [Mr. 
 Craggs puts on his spectacles to see the better, looks at Marion, coughs, 
 puts them buck in the sheathe and pocket with an air of satisfaction. 
 Music strikes up, dancing commences. They join in a general lively 
 dance; music ceases. Craggs looking on at the dance. Enter Snitchey; 
 approaches Craggs, touching him on the arm. 
 
 Mr. Craggs: \ Startled as if a spectre had touched him, turns towards 
 Snitchey.] Is he gone 1 
 
 Mr. Snit: Hush ! He has been with me for three hours and more. 
 He went over everything. He looked into all our arrangements for him, 
 
 and was very particular indeed. He Humph ! [Marion passes close 
 
 before Snitchey and Craggs, looking over her shoulder towards Grace. 
 
28 LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 Slowly makes her way into the crowd and passes out of their view into the 
 garden, through the garden gale stealthily, looking back sadly upon her 
 home. Meets Michael Warden near the gate, exit Marion and Warden. 
 
 Mr. Craggs: You see ! All safe and well. He did'nt recur to that 
 subject I suppose 1 
 
 Mr. Snit: Not a word. 
 
 Mr. Craggs: And is he really gone 1 Is he safe away 1 
 
 Mr. Snit: He keeps to his word. He drops down the river with the 
 tide in that shell of a boat of his and goes out to sea on this dark night- 
 a dare devil he is — before the wind. There's no such lonely l^oad any- 
 where else. That's one thing. The tide flows, he says an hour before 
 mid-night — about this time, I'm glad it's over. [ Looks anxious and hot, 
 wipes his forehead with handkerchief. 
 
 Mr. Craggs: What do you think about r- 
 
 Mr. Snit: Hush ! 1 understand you. Don't mention names, and 
 don't let us seem to be talking secrets. I don't know what to think, 
 and to tell you the truth I don't care now. Its a great relief His self- 
 love deceived him I suppose. Perhaps the young lady coquetted a little ! 
 Evidence would seem to point that way. Alfred not arrived 1 
 
 Mr. Craggs: Not yet. Expected every minute. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Good! [Wipes his forehead again.] Its a great relief. 1 
 haven't been so nervous since we've been in partnership. I intend to spend 
 the evening now Mr. Craggs. 
 
 Mrs. Craggs and Mrs. Snitchey approach and join Craggs and Snitchey. 
 
 Mrs. Snit: It has been the theme of general comment Mr. Snitchey. 1 
 hope the office is satisfied. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Satistied with what, my dear ! 
 
 Mrs. Snit- With the exposure of a defenceless woman to ridicule and 
 remark. That is quite in the way of the office, thai is. 
 
 Mrs. Craggs: I really myself have been so long accustomed to connect 
 the office with everything opposed to domesticity, that I am glad to know 
 it as the avowed enemy of my peace. There is something honest in that, 
 at all events. 
 
 Mr Craggs: My dear your good opinion is invaluable, but 1 never 
 avowed that the office was the enemy of your peace. 
 
 Mrs. Craggs: No I Not you, indeed. You wouldn't be worthy of the 
 office, if you had the candor to. 
 
 Mr. Snit: [Giving his arm- to Mrs. Snitchey, moving a distance from 
 Mr. and Mrs. Craggs.] As to my having been away to-night, my dear, 
 the deprivation has been mine I'm sure, but as Mr. Craggs — 
 
 Mrs. Snit: [Cuts the reference short, hitching Snitchey to a distance.] 
 Do me the favor to look at him! Look at that man. 
 
 Mr. Snit: At which man my dear ! Your chosen companion ? 
 
 Mrs. Snit: I'm no companion to you, Mr. Snitchey. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Yes, Yes you are my dear. 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 29 
 
 Mrs. Snit: No. No I'm not. I know my station, will you look at 
 your chosen companion, Mr. Snitchey, at your referee, at the keeper of 
 your secrets, at the man you trust ! at your other self in short. [Habitual 
 association with Graggs causes Snitchey to look towards Graggs.] If you 
 can look that man in the eye this night and not know that you are de- 
 luded, practiced upon, made the victim of his arts, and bent down prostrate 
 to his will, by some unaccountable fascination, which it is impossible to ex- 
 plain and against which no warning of mine is of the least avail, all I can 
 say is — I pity you. 
 
 Dr. Jud: Come ! Come ! Let us have another dance. A country 
 dance this time. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Graggs move to where Mr. and Mrs. Snitchey are standing, 
 Mr. Graggs offers his arm to Mrs. Snitchey and takes places in the fig- 
 ure. Mr. Snitchey does the same with Mrs. Craggs. Dr. Juddler 
 forms at the head of the set with partner. They all dance with life, 
 especially Dr. Juddler. Craggs, Snitchey, also Mrs. Graggs and Mrs. 
 Snitchey, cutting capers in the dance. Music strikes up. Clemency 
 moves about the room with letter in her hand in search of Grace, hands 
 it to Grace just as the dance ends. Grace reads agitated. Alfred 
 Healhtield scales the garden wall in a happy mood, approacltes the door, 
 listens to the music; when if ceases goes quickly towards the door. 
 
 Dr. Jud: \_Hot and. breathless.] Anything been seen Britian '? Any- 
 thing been heard 'I 
 
 Brit: Too dark to see far, sir. Too much noise inside the house 
 to hear. 
 
 Dr. Jud: That's right ! The gayer welcome for him. How goes the 
 time 1 
 
 Brit: Just twelve, sir. He can't be long, sir. 
 
 Dr. Jud: Stir up the tire and throw another log upon it. Let him see 
 his welcome blazing out upon the night — -good boy— as he comes along. 
 
 Grace staggers towards her father, hands him the letter shrieking, dis- 
 tracted in looks and manners; rushes out of the door towards the gar- 
 den. While the dialogue is going on between Dr. Juddler and Britian, 
 Clemency stands outside the door looking out on the garden for Alfred, 
 who approaches her. 
 
 Alf: Clemency ! Don't you know me? 
 
 Clem: Don't come in ! Go away don't ask me why — Don't come in. 
 
 Alf: What is the matter 'I 
 
 Clem: 1 don't know — I — 1 am afraid to think. <lo back. Hark ! 
 
 A ivil<i tumult within. Grace continues to scream distracted, rushes out 
 the door and faints, falling is caught in Alfred's arms. Alfred gently 
 lays her down, kneeling beside her. A crowd of figures come out of 
 the house, among them Dr. Juddler, with sorrowful downcast face, with 
 the letter in his hand. 
 
30 LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 Alf; Grace, what is it ? Is she dead 1 [Grasping his hair with Jiis 
 hands and looking in agony from face to facJ.] Will no one look at me '? 
 Will no one speak to me 'I Does no one know me 1 Is there no voice 
 among you all, to tell me what it is 1 
 
 Many Voices : She is gone. 
 
 Alf: Gone ! 
 
 Dr. Jud: [In a broken voire with his hands before his face.] Fled, 
 my dear Alfred. Gone from her home and us to-night. She writes that 
 she has made her innocent and blameless choice — entreats that we will for- 
 give her — prays that we will not forget her — and is gone. 
 
 Alf: With whom 1 Where? [Starts up as if to follow in pursuit 
 looking wildly about himself staggers back to Grace, sinks down grasping 
 her hand. The crowd harry to and fro in confusion and disorder to no 
 purpose. Some rush about and out the garden gate looking for Marion. 
 Others approach Alfred as if in consolation; others move as if to remove 
 Grace into the house. Snow falling thick and fast. 
 
 CURTAIN FALLS. 
 
 •^t-V % fa — 
 
ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. — Six years is supposed to elapse between the second and third 
 acts. Autumn afternoon after shower of rain. Road-side Inn snugly 
 sheltered behind a great elm-tree, seats for idlers encircling same — 
 Ruddy sign-board perched upon the tree with golden letters, marked 
 " The Nutmeg Grater." — By Benjamin Britian. Flower garden at 
 lached, enclosed by a wicket fence, road-way outside the same. Bright 
 green shutters upon, house marked beer and ale, good wines, good beds, 
 &c, and affecting picture of a brown jug, frothing over at the top. 
 Upon the window-sills within, set bright red pots containing plants, in 
 further corner of room a bar with bottles of wine, ale, &c, wiih large 
 tankards of liquor. Britian stands in the door-way looking out upon 
 the garden, with hands in his pockets, cold supper set fur two, on 
 small table within. 
 
 Brit: Mrs. B is rather late. It's tea time. [Strolls out into th< 
 
 road, looking up at the house with much satisfaction.] It's just the sort 
 of house I should wish to stop at, if 1 didn't keep it, [Strolls towards the 
 garden pailing looking over at the flower 's .] You must be looked after. 
 Memorandum, not to forget to tell her so. She's a long time coming. She 
 had'nt much to do I think. There were a few little matters of business 
 after market, but not many ! Oh, here we are at last. | Enter a chaise 
 cart, driven by a bog in a chair. With large saturated umbrella spread 
 out behind her to dry, sits Clemency with bare arms folded across a bas- 
 ke 1 , which she carries on her knee, several other baskets awl parcels lying 
 crowded about her in the carl. She alights with the assistance of Britian, 
 slipping nimbly through his arms upon the path-way. j You're late Clemmv. 
 
.,., LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 Clem: Why you see Ben, I've had a deal to do. [Looking busily after 
 the removal of the packages and baskets, handing them to Britian. j 
 Eight, nine, ten -where's eleven 1 Oh! my basket's eleven, [tsallright. 
 Put the horse up Harry, and it' he coughs again give him a warm mash 
 to-night. Eight, nine, ten -why where's eleven ? Oh, 1 forgot, its all 
 right. How's the children Ben? [Exit boy with cart. 
 
 Brit: Hearty Clemmy, hearty. \Britian an<l Clemency enter the 
 house, laying the parcels on the bar. 
 
 Clem: Bless their precious faces! [Takes off' her bonnet, smoothing 
 
 her hair with her open hands. | (live us a kiss old man. [They kiss.] 1 
 think — [Applying herself to her pockets, drawing forth an immense bulk 
 of thin books and crumpled paper.]— I've done everything. Bills all set- 
 tled — turnips sold — brewer's account looked into and paid — bacco, pipes 
 ordered — seventeen pounds four, paid into the bank — Dr. Heathfield's 
 charge for little Clein — you'll guess what that is — Dr. Heathtield won't 
 take nothing again, Hen. 
 
 Brit: I thought he wouldn't. 
 
 Clem: No. He says whatever family you was to have Ben, he never 
 would put you to the cost of a halfpenny, not if you would have twenty. — 
 [B r it inn's face assumes a serious expression, and he looks hard at the 
 trull.} — Ain't it kind of him ? 
 
 Brit: Very. Its the sort of kindness I wouldn't presutne upon on any 
 
 account. 
 
 Clem: No. Of course not. Then there's the pony, he fetched eight 
 pounds two ! And that ain't bad is it? 
 
 Brit: Its very good. 
 
 Clem: I'm glad you're pleased. I thought you would be, and I think 
 that's all, and so no more at present from yours and ceterer — C. Britian. 
 
 Ha, ha, ha. There ! Take all the papers and lock 'em up — Oil — wait a 
 minute. Here's a printer's bill to stick on the wall, wet from the printers. 
 
 How nice it smells ! 
 
 Brit: What's this? | Looking at the bill. 
 
 Clem: 1 don't know, I haven't read a word of it. 
 
 Brit: [Beads.] To be sold by auction, unless previously disposed of 
 by private contract. 
 
 Clem: They always put that 
 
 Brit: Yes, but they don't always put this. Look here. [Continues 
 to read.] Mansion, &c. — Offices, ifcc. — Shrubberies, &c. — Ring fence. At. 
 
 Messrs. Snitchey and Craggs, etc. — Ornamental portion of the unincum- 
 bered freehold property of Michael Warden, Esquire, intending to continue 
 to reside abroad. 
 
 Clem: Intending to continue to reside abroad ! 
 
 Brit: Here it is. Look. 
 
 Clem: And it wis only this very day that I heard it whispered at the 
 old house, that better and plainer news had been half promised of her soon. 
 [Shaking her head sorrowfully and patting her elbows.] Dear, dear, dear. 
 There'll be heavy hearts Ben, yonder. 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 Brit: \ Shakes his head heaving a heavy sigh.] 1 can't make it out. 
 I've left off trying to find out long ago. [Moves towards the window and 
 pins up the bill so as it can he read from the inside, which reads as 
 follows: — 
 
 TO BE SO LD BY A UGTION! Unless disposed of by private contract. 
 The wnincumbered freehold property of Michael Warden, Esquire, 
 intending to continue to reside abroad. Consisting of Mansion, Offices, 
 Shurbberies, Fences, Horses, Carriages, Personal property, &c. Apply 
 to Messrs. Snitchey and Craggs for further imformation. 
 
 Clem: [Clemency sits down at the supper table. Britian having 
 finished sticking up the bill joins her. Its the first time I have sat down 
 quietly to-day I declare. How that bill does set me thinking of old times ! 
 That same Mr Michael Warden — [Shaking her head at the notice of sale.] 
 — lost me my old place. 
 
 Brit: And got you your husband. 
 
 Clem: Well ! So he did and many thanks to him. 
 
 Brit : Man's the creature of habit. I had somehow got used to you 
 Clem, and I found I shouldn't be able to get on without you. So we went 
 and got made man and wife. Ha, ha, we ! — who'd have thought it ! 
 
 Clem: Who indeed. It was very good of you, Ben. 
 
 Brit: [With an air of self denial.] No. No. No. Nothing worth 
 mentioning. 
 
 Clem: Oh, yes it was, Ben — [ With great simplicity.] — I'm sure. I 
 think so, and am very much obliged to you. Ah — [Looking at the bill.] 
 — when she was known to be gone and out of reach, dear girl, I couldn't 
 help telling — for her sake quite as much as theirs — what I knew, could I 1 
 
 Brit: You told it anyhow ! 
 
 Clem: And Dr. Juddler in his grief and passion, turned me out of 
 house and home ! I never have been so glad of anything in all my life, as 
 that I did not say an angry word to him, and hadn't an angry feeling to- 
 wards him, even then, for he repented that truly, afterwards. How often 
 he has sat in this room and told me over and over again, he was sorry for 
 it, the last time only yesterday, when you were out. How often he has sat 
 in this room and talked to me, how often, how — about one thing and ano- 
 ther, in which he made believe to be interested — but only for the sake of 
 the days that are gone by and because he knows she used to like me, Ben ! 
 
 Enter Michad Warden, iDtobserved while. Clemency is speaking, stands 
 at the open door listening. 
 
 Brit: Why, how did you ever come to catch a glimpse of that Clem .' 
 
 Clem: I don't know I'm sure. [Blowing her tea to cool it.] Bless 
 you I couldn't tell you if you was to offer me a reward of a hundred pound. 
 [Clemency getting sight of Warden rises hastily. Britian also rises and 
 salu/es him.] Will you please to walk up stairs, sir. There's a very nice 
 room up stairs, sir. 
 
 Wardex: Thank you. [Looking earnestly at Clemency.] May I come 
 i n here 1 
 
.. LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 Clem: Oh surely, if you like sir, what would you please to want, Sir. 
 [Warden gets sight of the bill, reads to himself. 
 
 Brit: Excellent property that, sir. [Warden after reading the bill 
 turns, looking at Clemency with curiosity. 
 
 Warden: You were asking me 
 
 Clem: [Stealing a glance at Warden.] What you would please to 
 take, Sir ' 
 
 Warden: If you would let me have a draught of ale — [Moving to the 
 table by the window.] — and will let me have it here without being any in- 
 terruption to your meal, I shall be much obliged to you. [Britian draws 
 the ale, Warden situ down by the fable looks out the window. His ale is 
 brought to him by Britian. Warden fills his glass and drinks, good 
 humoredly.] Good cheer to your house ! May, it ever prosper. [Sets 
 down the tumbler.] Its a new house is it not 1 
 
 Brit: Not particularly new, sir. 
 
 Clem: \Speaks very distinctly.] Between five and six years old. 
 
 Warden: I think I heard you mention Dr. Juddler's name as I came 
 in. The bill reminds me of him, for I happen to know some of that story, 
 by hearsay and certain connections of mine. Is the old man living 1 ? 
 
 Clem: Yes he's living, sir. 
 
 W \i;dkn: Much changed 1 ? 
 
 Clem: [With remarkable emphasis and expression.] Since when, sir. 
 
 Warden: Since his daughter — — went away. 
 
 Clem: Yes, he's greatly changed since then. He's gray and old and 
 hasn't the same way with him at all ; but I think he's happy now ! He has 
 taken on with Ins sister since then, and writes her very often. That did 
 him good directly. At first, he was sadly broken down, and it was enough 
 to make one's heart bleed, to see him wandering about railing at the world, 
 but a great changt for the better came over him after a year or two, and 
 then he began to like to talk about his lost daughter and to praise her. 
 Ay, and the world too, and was never tired of saying with the tears in his 
 poor eyes, how beautiful and good she was. He had forgiven her then. 
 That was about the same time of Miss Grace's marriage, Britian you re- 
 member? Britian nodds his head in assent. 
 
 Warden: The sister is married then. [Pausing.] To whom. 
 
 Clem: Nervously and excited.] Did you never hear'? 
 
 Warden: I should like to hear. [Filling his glass again, drinking 
 from it. 
 
 Clem: Ah! It would be a long story, if it was properly told. It 
 would be a long story, I am sure. 
 
 Warden: But told as a short one? 
 
 Clem: Told as a short one. What would there be to tell 1 That they 
 grieved together, and remembered her together, like a person dead ! That 
 they were so tender of her, never would reproach her, called her back to 
 one another as she used to be, and found excuses for her ! Every one knows 
 that. I'm sure I do, no one better. [Wipes her weeping eyes wit h her ha ud. 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 35 
 
 Warden: And so- 
 
 Clem: And so they were at last married. They were married on 
 
 her birthday — it comes around to-morrow — very quite, very humble like, 
 but very happy. Mr. Alfred said one night when they were walking in 
 the orchard, Grace shall our wedding-day be Marion's birthday ? And 
 it was. 
 
 Warden: And they lived happy together. [ Warden looks attentively 
 out of the window at the prospect before him. 
 
 Clem: Ay ! No two people ever more so. They have had no sorrow 
 but this, [liaises her head suddenly, seeing Warden attentively looking 
 out of the window. Moves her lips making signs to Britian to look at 
 the bill, at Warden, tries to make him understand by siyns, that the j>er- 
 son at the fable in Michael Warden. Britian stares at the bill, Warden, 
 at the spoons, at the table, &c., in blank amazement and perplexity, of 
 Clemency's meaning. Clemency gives uj> hopelessly trying to make Brit- 
 ian understand, mooes her chair slowly and by degrees a little closer to 
 Warden, waiting for him to speak. 
 
 Warden: And what was the after history of the young lady who went 
 away. 
 
 Clem: [Shakes her head.] I've heard that Dr. Juddler is thought to know 
 more of it than he tells. Miss Grace has had letters from her sister, say- 
 ing that she was well and happy, and made much happier by her being 
 married to Mr. Alfred, and has written letters back. But there's a mys- 
 tery about her life and fortunes, altogether, which nothing has cleared up 
 to this hour and which -[<V/ie falters and sto/>«. 
 
 Warden: And which. 
 
 Clem : Which only one person — [Draws her breath quickly.] — I believe 
 could explain. 
 
 Warden: Who may that be? 
 
 Clem: [With a shriek, conveying to Britian what she would have had 
 him understand before, and letting Warden know she recognized him.] Mr. 
 Michael Warden, you remember me, sir. [Trembling with emotion.] I 
 saw you did! You remember me that night in the garden. 1 was with her! 
 
 Warden: [Composedly.] Yes. You were. 
 
 Clem: Yes, sir. Yes to be sure. This is my husband, if you please. 
 Ben, my dear Ben, run to Miss Grace — Run to Mr. Alfred — run somewhere 
 Ben. Bring somebody here directly. Britian attempts to leave the room, 
 but Warden stands before the door with outstretched hands, prevents 
 him.] Let them know that you are here, sir. Let them know that they 
 may hear of her from your own lips! Let them know that she is not quite 
 lost to them, but that she will soon come home again yet, to bless her father 
 and loving sister — even her old servant, even me — [Strikes her self upon the 
 breast with both hands, j with a sight of her sweet face. Run Ben, run ! 
 | Presses Britian to wards the door, still barred by Warden's person ami 
 outstretched, arms.] Or perhaps — [Running past Britian ami catching 
 Warden in her emotion by his cloak.] — perhaps she's here now, perhaps 
 she's close by. I think from your manner she is. Let me see her. 
 sir, if you please. I waited on her when she was a little child. 1 saw her 
 grow to be the pride of all this place. I knew her when she was Alfred's 
 promised wife. I tried to warn her when you tempted her away. I 
 know what her old home was when she was like the soul of it, and how 
 
36 LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 changed when she was gone and lost. Let me speak to her, if you please. 
 j Warden gazes at Clemency with compassion, making no jesture of as- 
 sent. ] I don't think she can know how truly they forgive her ! How they 
 love her ! What joy it would lie to them, to see her once more. She may 
 be timorous of going home, perhaps if she see me it may give her new 
 heart. Only tell me truly Mr. Warden, is she with you 1 
 
 Warden: [ With sad and sorrowful fate and expression, shaking his 
 head.] She is not. 
 
 CLEM: Dead? Yes she is dead ! [Clemency sits down, hi ies her face 
 a/ian the table ami weeps. Ilritutn goes to console her. Enter Mr. Snit- 
 chey, running, oaf of breath, /raiding so his voice can scarcely be recognized. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Good heavens Mr. Warden! [Taking Warden aside."] 
 What wind has blown you here. 
 
 Warden: An ill wind, I'm afraid. If you could have heard what has 
 just passed — how 1 have been besought and entreated to perform impossi- 
 bilities — what confusion and affliction I carry with me I 
 
 M k. Snit: I can guess all. Why did you ever come here, my good sir 1 
 
 Warden: Come ! How should I know who keep the house 1 When 
 sent my servant on to you, I strolled in here because the place was new 
 to me, and I had a natural curiosity in everything new and old in these 
 old scenes, and it was outside the town I wanted to communicate with you 
 first, before appearing there. I wanted to know what people would say to 
 me. I see by your manner that you can tell me. If it were not for your 
 confounded caution, I should have been possessed of everything long ago. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Our caution, speaking for self and Craggs — deceased — j Mr. 
 Snitchey glances at the crape on his hat, shakes his head. | — how can you 
 reasonably blame us, Mr. Warden. It was understood between us that the 
 subject was never to be renewed, and that it wasn't a subject on which 
 grave and sober men like us — I made a note of your observation at the 
 time — could interfere ! Our caution too ! When Mr. Craggs, sir, went 
 down to his respected grave in the full belief 
 
 Warden: [ Interrupting.] I had given a solemn promise of silence 
 until 1 should return, whenever that might be, and I have kept it. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Well, sir, and I repeat it, we were bound to silence too. 
 We were bound to silence in our duty towards ourselves, and in our duty 
 towards a variety of clients, you among them, who were as close as wax. 
 It was not our place to make inquiries of you on such a delicate subject. 1 
 had my suspicions, sir, but it is not six months since I have known the 
 truth, and been assured that you lost her. 
 
 Warden: By whom 1 
 
 Mr. Snit: By Dr. Juddler himself, sir, who at last reposed that confid- 
 ence in me voluntarily. He and only he, lias known the whole truth years 
 and years. 
 
 W \KDE\: And you know it? 
 
 Mr. Snit- I do, sir ! And I have also reason to know that it will be 
 broken to her sister to-morrow evening. They have given her that pro- 
 mise. In the meantime, perhaps you'll give me the honor of your company 
 at my house, being unexpected at your own. But not to run the chance 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 37 
 
 of any more such difficulties as you have had here, in case you should he 
 recognized — though you're a good deal changed '. I think 1 might have 
 passed you myself, Mr. Warden — we had better dine here and walk on in 
 the evening. Its a very good place to dine, Mr. Warden ; your own pro- 
 perty by the by. Self and Craggs — deceased — took a chop here sometimes 
 and had it very comfortably served. Mr. Craggs, sir, — [Shutting his eyes 
 tight for an instant and then opening I hem.] — was struck off the role of 
 life too soon. 
 
 Warden: Heaven forgive me for not condoling with you — [Passing 
 his hand across his forehead.] — but I'm like a man in a dream a*, present. 
 I seem to want my wits. Mr. Craggs — yes — I am very sorry we have lost 
 Mr. Craggs. [Looks at Clemency, seeming to sympathise with Britian 
 consoling her. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Mr. Craggs, sir, didn't find life, I regret to say, as easy to 
 have and to hold, as his theory made it out, or he would have been among 
 us now. Its a great loss to me. He was my right arm, my right leg, my 
 right ear, my right eye, was Mr. Craggs. lam paralytic without him. He 
 bequeathed his share of the business to Mrs. Craggs, her executors, admin- 
 istrators and assigns. His name remains in the firm to this hour. I try 
 in a childish sort of a way, to make believe sometimes, that he's alive, you 
 may observe that I speak for self and Craggs — deceased, sir — deceased. 
 [ Wiping his eyes and waving his pocket handkerchief. 
 
 Warden: [Looking towards Clemency, whispering in Snitchey's ear.] 
 Poor thing, she thinks Marion dead. 
 
 Mr. .Snit: Ah! Poor thing — [Shaking his head.] — yes, she was 
 always very faithful to Marion. She was always very fond of her. Pretty 
 Marion ! Poor Marion ! [Addressing Clemency.] Cheer up, mistress, 
 you are married now you know, Clemency. [Clemency only sighs and 
 shakes her head. Snitchey speaks kindly.] Well, well ! Wait till to- 
 morrow. 
 
 Clem: [Sobbing.] To-morrow can't bring back the dead to life, mister ? 
 
 Mr. Snit: ]S"o. It can't do that or it would bring back Mr. Craggs — 
 deceased — but it may bring some soothing circumstances, it may bring 
 some comfort. [Extends his hand to Clemency, motioning with the other 
 for Warden to leave the room, Clemency shakes his proffered hand. 
 Snitchey and Warden move to go upstairs. Britian standing beside 
 Clemency trying to console her, looking sad. and despondent at Clemency.] 
 Wait till to-morrow ! 
 
 CURTAIN FALLS. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE II. — Bright autumn afternoon. Orchard and lawn of Dr. 
 Juddler's house. Same scene as i>i opening act. Grace and Alfred 
 sitting on bench, under the shade of great elm tree — child playing on 
 the lawn near them. 
 
38 LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 Alp: The time lias flown dear Grace, since them ! And yet it seems a 
 long while ago, we count by changes and events within us. Not by years. 
 
 Grace: Yet we have years to count by too. Since Marion was with 
 us. Six times dear husband — counting to-night as one — we have sat here 
 on her birthday and spoken together of that happy return, so eagerly ex- 
 pected and so long deferred. Ah ! When will it be ! When will it be .' 
 [ Weeps. ] 
 
 Alp: \Percsioing Grace weeping, draws her nearer to him.] But 
 Marion told you in that farewell letter which she left for you, and which 
 you read so often, that years must pass away before it could be. Lid 
 she not 1 
 
 Grace: [She fakes the letter from her breast and kisses it. | Yes ! 
 
 Alf: That through those intervening years, however happy she might 
 be, she would look forward to the time when you would meet again, and 
 all would be made clear, and that she prayed you, trustfully and hopefully 
 to do the same. The letter runs so, does it not my dear 1 
 
 Grace: Yes Alfred. 
 
 Alf: And every other letter she has written since ; except the last — 
 some months ago — i:i which she spoke of you and what you then knew, 
 and what I was to learn to-night. The appointed time for her return was 
 sunset, was it not Grace 1 
 
 Grace: Alfred — [Laying her hand upon his shoulder.] — there is some- 
 thing in this letter — tliis old letter which you say I read so often — that I 
 have never told you. But to-night dear husband with the sunset drawing 
 near, and all our life seeming to soften and become hushed with the depart- 
 ing day, I cannot keep it secret. 
 
 Alf: What is it love 1 
 
 Grace: When Marion went away, she wrote me here, that you had 
 once left her a sacred trust to me, and that now she left you, Alfred, such 
 a trust in my hands, praying and beseeching me, as I loved her, and as I 
 loved you, not to reject the affection she believed — she knew, she said — you 
 would transfer to me, when the new wound was healed, but to encourage 
 and return it. 
 
 Alf: And make me a proud and happy man again, Grace, did she 
 say so 1 
 
 Grace: She meant, to make myself so blest and honored in your love. 
 [Alfred holds Grace in his arms, her head lying on his shoulder. She 
 weeps, attempting fo interrupt Alfred. Looks down at the child who is 
 ploying at their feet with a little basket of flowers. 
 
 Alf: Hear me, my dear. No. Hear me. I know why I have never 
 heard this passage in the letter until now. I know why no trace of it ever 
 showed itself in any word or look of yours at that time. I know why, 
 Grace, although so true a friend to me, was hard to win to be my wife. 
 And knowing it, my own, I knew the priceless value of the heart I gird 
 within my arms, and thank God for the rich possession ! 
 
 Grace: [Quickly raising her head from Alfred's shoulder.] Alfred! 
 The sun is going down. You have not forgotten what I am to know be- 
 fore it sets. 
 
 Alf: You are to know the truth of Marion's history, my love. 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 39 
 
 Grace: [Imploringly.] All the truth. Nothing veiled from me any 
 more. That was the promise, was it not? 
 
 Alf: It was. 
 
 Grace: [Looking towards the setting sun.] Before the sun went down 
 on Marion's birthday. And you see it Alfred ! It is sinking fast. 
 
 Alf: [Putting his arms about her waist looking info her eyes.] That 
 is not reserved so long for me to tell dear Grace. It is to come from 
 other lips. 
 
 Grace: \ Faintly.] From other lips ! 
 
 Alf: Yes. I know your constant heart. I know how brave you are. 
 I know that to you a woicl of preparation is enough. You have said truly 
 that the time is come. It is. Tell me that you have present fortitude to 
 bear a trial — a surprise — a sliock and the messenger is waiting at the gate. 
 
 Grace: What messenger and what intelligence does he bring 1 
 
 Alf: I am pledged to say no more. Do you think you understand me ] 
 
 Grace: [Trembliny, frightened with emotion, hides her face on Alfred's 
 shoulder.] 1 am afraid to think. 
 
 Alf: Courage my wife. When you have firmness to receive the mes- 
 senger, the messenger is waiting at the gate. The sun is setting on Mar- 
 ion's birthday. Courage. Courage, Grace. [Alfred leaves Grace, taking 
 the child with him. Grace sitting silently, gazing at the basket of flowers 
 at her feet and looking after Alfred and the child. 
 
 Grace: Marion darling, come here. [The child returns to Grace, being 
 kissed and released, runs b wk to Alfred. Alfred and the child go out the 
 gale beside the garden wall, returning with Marion and Dr. Juddler. 
 Marion leaning on Dr. Juddler's shoulder, ivaving her liands to Grace. 
 Marion and Grace meet at the garden gate. Embrace, weeping and 
 agitated.. They are followed closely by Martha Juddler.] Oh ! Marion ! 
 Marion ! Oh, my sister ! Oh, my heart's dear love ! Oh, joy and hap- 
 piness unutterable, so to meet again ! [Grace clingling to Marion they 
 approach the seal under the elm-tree. Marion sits down, Grace still 
 clinging to Marion smiling through her tears, kneeling close beside her, 
 looking at Marion steadfastly. 
 
 Mar: When this was my dear home Grace, as it will be now again — 
 
 Grace: Stay. My sweet love ! A moment ! Oh ! Marion, to hear 
 you speak again. 
 
 Mar: When this was my dear home Grace, as it will be now again, 1 
 loved him from my soul. I loved him most devotedly. 1 would have died 
 for him, though I was so young. I never slighted his affection in my 
 secret breast for one brief instant. It was far beyond all price to me. 
 Although it is so long ago and past and gone, and everything is wholly 
 changed, I could not bear to think that you, who loved so well, should 
 think I did not truly love him once. I never loved him better Grace, than 
 when he left this very scene upon this very day. I never loved him better, 
 dear one, than I did that night when I left here. But he gained uncon- 
 sciously — [With a. gentle smile.] — another heart, before [ knew that I had 
 one to give him. That heart — yours my sister — was so yeilded up in all 
 its other tenderness to me ! Was so devoted, and so noble, that it plucked 
 its love away and kept its secret from all eyes but mine. All ! What 
 
40 LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 other eves were quickened by such tenderness and gratitude, and was 
 content to sacrifice itself to me. But I knew something of its depths, I 
 knew the struggle it had made, I knew its high inestimable worth to him, 
 and his appreciation of it, let him love me as he would. I knew the debt, 
 I owed it, I had its great example every day before me. What you had 
 done for me, I knew I could do Grace, if I would for you. I never laid 
 my head down on my pillow, but I prayed with tears to do it. I never laid 
 my head on my pillow but I thought of Alfred's own words, on the day of 
 his departure and how truly he had said — for I knew that, knowing you — 
 that there were victories gained every day, in struggling hearts, to which 
 these fields of battle were as nothing. Thinking more and more upon the 
 great endurance cheerfully sustained, and never known or cared for, that 
 there must be, every day and hour, in that great strife of which he 
 spoke, my trial seemed to grow light and easy. And He who knows our 
 hearts, my dearest, at this moment, and who know there is no drop of bit- 
 terness or grief — -of anything but unmixed happiness — in mine, enabled me 
 to make the resolution that I never would be Alfred's wife ; that he should 
 be my brother and your husband, if the course I took could bring that 
 happy end to pass. But that I never would — Grace I then loved him 
 dearly, dearly — be his wife. 
 
 Grace: O, Marion ! O, Marion ! 
 
 Mar: I had tried to seem indifferent to him, but that was hard, and 
 you were always his true advocate. I had tried to tell you of my resolu 
 tion, but you would never hear me ! You would never understand me. 
 The time was drawing near for his return. T felt that I must act, before 
 the daily intercourse between us was renewed. I knew that one great trial 
 undergone, at that time, would save a lengthened agony to all of us. 1 knew 
 that if I went away then, that eM(\ must follow which has followed, and 
 which has made us both so happy, Grace. I wrote to good Aunt Martha, for 
 a refuge in her house, 1 did not then tell her all, but something of my 
 story, and she freely promised it. While I was contesting that step with 
 myself, and with my love of you and home, Mr. Warden, brought here by 
 an accident became, for some time, our conpanion. 
 
 Grace: 1 have sometimes feared of late years, that this might have 
 been — -you never loved him — and you married him in your self-sacrifice 
 to me. 
 
 Mar: He was then on the eve of going secretly away for a long time. 
 He wrote to me after leaving here, told me what his condition and prospects 
 really were, and offered me his hand. He told me he had seen I was not 
 happy in the prospect of Alfred's return. 1 believe he thought my heart 
 had no part in that contract ; perhaps thought I might have loved him 
 once and did not then ; perhaps thought that when 1 tried to seem indiffer- 
 ent,! tried to hide indifference — I cannot tell. But I wished that you 
 should feel me wholly lost to Alfred — hopeless to him — dead. Do you un- 
 derstand me love 1 [Grac3 looks attentively but doubtfully at Marion ] J 
 saw Mr. Warden and confided in his honor, charged him with my secret, 
 on the eve of his and my departure. He kept it. Uo you understand me, 
 dear 1 ? [Grace looks confusedly at Marion, and scarcely seems to hear.] 
 My love, my sister, recall your thoughts a moment, listen to me ! Do not 
 look so strangely at me. There are countries dearest, where those who 
 would abjure a misplaced passion, or would strive against some cherished 
 feeling of their hearts and conquer it, retire in a hopeless solitude and 
 close the world against themselves and worldly loves and hopes for- 
 ever. When women does so they assume that name which is so dear to 
 you and me, and call each other sisters, but there may be sisters Grace, 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 41 
 
 who in the broad world out of doors, and underneath its free sky, and in 
 its crowded places, and among its busy life, and trying to assist and cheer 
 it, and to do some good — learn the same lesson — and who with hearts still 
 fresh and young and open to all happiness and means of happiness, can say 
 the battle is long past, the victory long won. Such a one am I ! You un- 
 derstand me now 1 [Grace still looks fixedly at Marion, making no reply. 
 Marion dinging more tenderly to Grace.] Oh, Grace, dear Grace ! If you 
 were not a happy wife and mother — if I had no little namesake here — if 
 Alfred, my kind brother, were not your own fond husband — from whence 
 could I derive the ecstasy I feel to-night. But as I left here, so I have 
 returned. My heart has known no other love, my hand has never been 
 bestowed apart from it. I am still your maiden sister, unmarried, unbe 
 trothed, your own old loving Marion, in whose affection you exist alone 
 and have no partner, Grace. [Grace understands Marion, relaxes the 
 fixed expression of her face, falls upon Marions neck, weeps, sobs and 
 fondles Marion as if a child. When composed they find Dr. Juddler, his 
 sister, Martha Juddler, with Alfred standing near at hind. 
 
 Aunt Martha: This is a weary day for me — [Smiling through her 
 tears, embraces her nieces Marion, and Grace.] — for I lose my dear com- 
 panion in making you all happy, and what can you give me in return for 
 my Marion 1 
 
 Dr. Jud: A converted brother ! 
 
 Aunt Martha: That's something to be sure, in such a farce as — 
 
 Dr. Jud: [Patiently.] No, pray don't. 
 
 Aunt Martha: Well, I won't. But I consider myself ill-used. T 
 don't know what's to become of me without my Marion, after we have 
 lived together half a dozen years. 
 
 Dr. Jud: You must come and live here, I suppose, we shan't quarrel 
 now Martha. 
 
 Alf: Or you must get married Aunt. 
 
 Aunt Martha: Indeed, I think it might be a good speculation if I 
 were to set my cap at Michael Warden, who, I hear is come home much 
 the better for his absence in all respects. But as I knew him when he was 
 a boy, and I was not a very young woman then, perhaps he mightn't re- 
 spond. So I'll make up my mind to go and live with Marion when she 
 marries and until then — it will not be very long I dare say — to live alone ; 
 what do you say brother ? 
 
 Dr. Jud: I've a great mind to say its a rediculous world altogether, 
 and there's nothing serious in it. 
 
 Aunt Martha: You might take twenty affidavits of it if you choose, 
 Anthony, but nobody would believe you with such eyes as those. 
 
 Dr. Jud: It's a world full of hearts — [Hugging Grace and Marion.] — 
 and a serious world, with all it's folly, even with mine, which was enough 
 to have swamped the whole globe ! and it is a world on which the sun 
 never rises, but it looks upon a thousand bloodless battles that are some 
 set-off against the miseries and wickedness of battle-rields, and it is a world 
 we need be careful how we libel ; heaven forgive us, for it is a world of 
 sacred mysteries, and its creator only knows what lives beneath the surface 
 of his lightest immage. [Enter Mr. and Mrs. Snitchey. Mr. Snitchey 
 standing at the gale. 
 
42 LIFE'S BATTLE. 
 
 Mr. Snit: [ Without waiting for permission.] 1 beg your pardon 
 Doctor, but have I liberty to come in 1 j Goes to Marion and kisses her 
 hum! quite joyfully.] If Mr. Craggs had been alive my dear Miss Marion, 
 he would have had great interest in this occasion. It might have suggest- 
 ed to him Mr. Alfred, that our life is not too easy perhaps ; that taken 
 altogether it will bear any little smoothing we can give it, but Mr. Craggs 
 was a man who could endure to be convinced, sir. He was always open to 
 conviction — I — this is weakness 
 
 Mrs. Snit: My dear you are among old friends. [Shaking hands with 
 Mn ion, taking Mr Snitchey aside.] One moment Mr. Snitchey — It is 
 not in my nature to rake up the ashes of the departed. 
 
 Mr. Snit: No, my dear. 
 
 Mrs. Snit: Mr. Craggs is — 
 
 Mr. Snit: Yes my dear, he is deceased. 
 
 Mrs. Snit: But I ask you if you recollect that evening of the ball, 1 
 only ask you that. If you do and if your memory has not entirely failed 
 you Mr. Snitchey and if you are not absolutely in your dotage, I ask you 
 to connect this time with that — to remember how I begged and prayed 
 you, on my knees 
 
 Mr. Snit: Upon your knees, my dear ! 
 
 Mrs. Snit: Yes, and you know it — to beware of that man — to observe 
 his eye, and now to tell me whether I was right, and whether at that 
 moment he knew secrets which he didn't choose to tell. 
 
 Mr. Snit: [Li Mrs. Snitchey's ear.] — Did you ever observe anything 
 in my eye 1 
 
 Mrs. Snit: No. Don't natter yourself 
 
 Mr. Snit: Because Ma'am, that night — [Twitches her by the sleeved- 
 it happened that we both knew secrets which we didn't choose to tell, and 
 both knew just the same professionally. And so the less you say about 
 such things the better Mrs. Snitchey, and take this as a warning to have 
 wiser and more charitable eyes another time. Miss Marion, I brought a 
 friend of yours along with me. Here, mistress ! [Clemency with her 
 apron to her eyes weeping, come slowly escorted by Britian, the latter very 
 doleful.] Now, mistress! — \ Interposing his hands to stop Marion, who 
 runs to meet Clemency.] — what's the matter with you? 
 
 Clem: The matter — | Looking up in. wonder at Britians roar of 
 
 astonishment at seeing Marion. Clemency sees Marion, goes close to her, 
 stares at her, sobs, laughs, cries, screams, embraces her, holds her fast, 
 releases her in turn, embraces Snitchey, the Doctor and Britian, throws 
 her apron over her head going into hysterics. Michael Warden enters 
 the gate looking on. Aunt Martha espies him, goes to were Mario)i and 
 Grace are standing with the child, whispers in Marioris ear. Aunt 
 Martha and Marion join Warden at the gate, engage in conversation 
 witii him. 
 
 Mr. Snit: Mr. Britian — [Putting his hand in his pocket brings out a 
 legal-looking document, hands it to Britian.] — I congratulate you. You 
 are now the whole and sole proprietor of that freehold tenement, at present 
 occupied and held by yourself, and commonly called or known by the sign 
 of the " Nutmeg Grater." Your wife lost one home through my client 
 
LIFE'S BATTLE. 43 
 
 Michael Warden, and nows gains another. I shall have the pleasure of 
 canvassing you for the County one of these fine mornings. 
 
 Brit: Would it make any difference in the vote if the sign was alter- 
 ed, sir 1 ? 
 
 Mr. Snit: Not in the least. 
 
 Brit: Then — [Hamlin;/ him back the conveyance.] — just clap in the 
 words and Thimble — will you be so good? And Til have the two mottoes 
 painted up in the parlor, instead of my wife's portrait. 
 
 Warden: And let me — [From behind Snitchey and Britian.]-— claim 
 the benefit of those inscriptions. Mr. Heathfield and Dr. Juddler, I might 
 have deeply wronged you both ! That I did not, is no virtue of my own. 
 I will not say that I am six years wiser than I was, or better ; but I have 
 known at any rate, that term of self reproach. I can urge no reason why 
 you should deal gentle with me. I abused the hospitality of this house 
 and learnt my own demerits, with a shame i never have forgotten, yet 
 with some profit too I would fain hope, from one — [Glancing at Marion, 
 lakes her hand.] — to whom I made my humble supplication for forgiveness, 
 T knew her merit and my deep unworthiness, I entreat your pardon. 
 Do as you would be done by. Forget and forgive. If you do not — [Looks 
 affectively, pleadingly at Marion, who returns his pleadings kindly, as 
 does also Alfred, Dr. Juddler and Grace.] — cannot — I must quit this 
 place forever. 
 
 CURTAIN PALLS. 
 
 -THE END- 
 
 ••^%--V^ 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 015 793 039 4 t