PS 1769 .H68 F5 ICopy 1 15 Cents ^MERICAN AOTIMC3 CHICAGO LiTtiE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY,, THE FIRST KISS A COMEDY IN ONE ACT BY MAURICE IJAGEMAN AUTHOR OF "LOVE'S DIPLOMACY," " IN PAWN," "BY TELEPHONE,'* "A CRAZY IDEA," " SONS OF THEIR SIRES," " PROF. ROBINSON," ETC. (i OCT SX 1^97 Co- I OCT S] ^^^f^-^ter of CHICAGO THB DRAMATIC PUBI^ISHING COMPANY U: CAST OF CHARACTERS. Jack Ludlow— A young benedict Louise — His wife. Plays twenty minutes. Costumes of to-day. Copyright, 1897, by The Dramatic PubHshing Company, Chicago. Notice. — The professional acting rights of this play are reserved by the publishers, from whom wTitten permission must be obtained before performance. All persons giving unauthorized productions will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This notice does not apply to amateurs, who may perform the play without permission. THE FIRST KISS. Scene. — A handsomely furnished drawing-room. In L. flat a glass door leading to a balcony, which overlooks a gardeii. In '9.. flat an arch with portieres, leading to a vesti- bule. Down stage L. a practicable flreplace with a mantel- piece over which hangs a large looking-glass. On the ma^i- telpiece are an ormolu clock, some statues or vases, and other bric-a-brac. Before the flreplace is a round table with an elegant cover and on it a handsome lamp, some books, albums, etc. Near the table some chairs. R. 2, a window with lace drapery curtains, near which is an open desk with writing materials, etc. Lateral doors R. and L. In C. of stage is a round causeuse. Other furniture, statues, paintings, and bric-a-brac added. Louise. [Discovered alone, seated at table L. She is oc- cupied in cutting the leaves of a book with a paper-knife, which is fashioned like a dagger. ~\ "Her firm resolution" — the new novel, which is making such a sensation just now ! Auntie says its heroine should serve me as an example. {Sighs^ Heigho, what a miserable existence is mine ! \Sees Jack com- ing Jrom R.] Ah, my husband. [Pretends to be absorbed in her book.] Jack. [Entering r. f. with a bouquet, which he hides be- hind his back. Places his hat, gloves and catie 071 hat-rack c. back.\ Here I am again ! Louise. [Indifferently, looks up.] So I perceive, again ! I wish you would put an end to this unbearable persecution ! Jack. [Laughing and good-naticredly .\ Persecution ? You should rather call it devotion. Surely my affection for you is a perfectly lawful one ! Louise. No, it is criminal ! Jack. Criminal ? But, am I not your husband ? 3 4 THE FIRST KISS. Louise. You ought not to be ! Jack. Yes, we are often what we ought not to be ! Louise. So much the worse ! Jack. Louise, to-morrow you will celebrate your first birth- day since our wedding. Will you not on the eve of that joyous occasion try to treat me with a little kindness? {^Offers his bouquet.'] Louise. {^Declining z/.] All your attempts to change my resolution are in vain. I repeat what I told you before our wedding. Jack. What childish nonsense ! Louise. Indeed ? Well, maybe ! but now — kindly leave me ! Jack. Leave you ? No ! I prefer to remain and put up with your romantic notions! [Teftderly.] At least I will be able to see and hear you ! ^Offers her his bouquet.'] Louise. [Again declini7ig it.] When you asked so persist- ently for my hand in marriage, I considered it my duty to con- fess to you that since my earliest childhood I had loved my cousin Tom, and that we had sworn to love each other until eternity. You declared it did not matter and called our love youthful pranks. My poor father, who was at that time danger- ously ill, took sides with you. Our union was, he told me, for various reasons, his ardent wish and will. To disobey him might have been his end, — I obeyed, — but I previously declared to you that I could never love, that I never would grant you even so much as a kiss, therefore you have no right to complain now of our unfortunate mutual situation, nor of my lack of candid- ness ! Jack. No, I suppose I haven't, and as far as your resolutions are concerned, you have manfully stuck to them. Many a man would have hesitated to wed you under these peculiar circum- stances, but I loved you so — I had commenced to look upon life as a hideous nightmare. [Offers her the bouquet.] Louise. [Indifferently pushing the bouquet away.] Your feelings, sir, are absolutely indifferent to me ! Jack. I know I am unable to make you forget Tom, I know that any comparison between us will be unfavorable to me ; I know all of that ! I possess neither his intellectual gifts, nor his elegant figure. [Aside.] He's so thin you could pull him through a pneumatic tire. [Aloud.] He is pale, assthetic, romantically interesting, while I, -unfortunately, am healthy, athletic and strong ! [Louise is about to speak, but he stops her with a gesture.] Of course, this is not fashionable, not C07nme' ii'faut, I know — I know, I am sorry for it, but really I can't him THE FIRST KISS. 5 helD it and you ought not to blame me. He happens to be a poetical%nI-foot-in.the.grave young man; and I am an ordi- nary three meals a day, kicking and alive sort of a chap. Louise Whafs the use of all this talk? Now, Tom— - Jack [Interruping her and annoyed.] Do you still love Louise. I have been taught that it is vulgar and low to tell ^ Jack "f ^^1 :«//"T:;;..] you admit then that you stifwove hTm! I suppose you keep up a highly romantic clandestine correspondence with him This is an in- Louise. [Rising and indignantly.] Sir ! This is an in ^""V^^-^^nterruitin?.] The postal authorities ought to re- fus^e ?o car^rt andXlivy such im'moral matter ! There should "'Cre'"^ Enough, sir! We have never written a line to eachTher! Ihfve never even laid eyes on any of his hand- Ax/ritmo- ' I should not know it if I saw it ! Jack' S.rf and good-naturedly.^ There, there my dear, ril tike your word for it ! But it's all so confoundedly Stupid ! J^''- [r.Vt^ to !Zify her.] I beg your pardon, I should havf skid •■■idiotic r The fact of the matter is that you are my wife, and these kindergarten love fancies are but dreams - S^'orveTl' I shall no longer suffer these imaginary killing him in a duel ? ,. , . , i • . LoSse. Kill him? I should have died with him ! S Yes I suppose so ! That's what has prevented it. I think r But ? mighf have shot an ear off. or maybe his nose I A noseless rival is less dangerous ! Louise. I don't know! It all depends, monster ! Jack Louise, will you have a little sense .'' ^- \^::^Zl,r^nself on a chair.] And this is what *l'oSr' v'ou^r y°o°ur'self to blame ! I warned you in time ! jS You did, b'ut think of mv love, my hopes ! [louise about to go. he jumps up.] Stay, for pity's sake stay ! I preter your sarf asm, your insults, your fury to your absence ! 6 THE FIRST KISS. Louise. As you please, but then stop your complaints ! Jack. I will ! You are right, it is getting monotonous ! But I love you so well, that something in my inmost being tells me not to lose heart, for that some day you will relent. And thus I continue to hope, to sigh, to suffer ! Louise. It will be useless ! And auntie thinks I am right. Has she not been a second mother to me, and would she advise me wrongfully ? Because I knew she had my welfare at heart, I invited her to come and stay with us, — with me, I should say. No, do not ask me to love you ; it is impossible ! You know I swore to be true to Tom, and I shall keep my oath. And so will he, I know. Jack. And so I am compelled to live above the coach-house on the other side of the garden, over there, [points to balcony] while you and [sarcastically] " auntie " hold the fort here ! Louise. Tom's last words to me before our marriage were : " Louise, your father may die, if you do not become this fellow's wife ! " Jack. He fellowed me, eh ? [Aside.] I really ought to shoot his nose off! Louise. "Therefore marry him," he said, "but the day when I hear that you also love him, will be my last ! " And therefore I asked auntie to come and live with me, and asked you to live in the coach-house. You could not expect to live in the same house with me under the peculiar circumstances, and if you had gone to live in a hotel, there would have been talk and scandal. So the coach-house was your only alternative. Tom knows of this and has proof of my loyalty to him. Auntie says he'd surely kill himself otherwise. Jack. Bah, he hasn't got the courage to do it ! [Si£;'/is.] I only wish he had, and had occasion to ! Louise. [Going to door r.] Good-bye ! I must go and see how auntie is ! Jack. Are you going ? Very well ! I am boiling over with affection, with love, just like a pot of coffee, and you refuse to drop an ^gg in it. But there may be others who will not be so cruel, and that will settle it. Louise. What ? The coffee ? Jack. No. This absurd situation ! Louise. [Suddenly turning back and going towards Jack ; drain a tic ally.] Jack, I am true to Tom, would you become untrue to me ? Jack. Well, under the circumstances, what else can you expect ? THE FIRST KISS. 7 Louise. Very well, then ! My indifference will simply be changed to contempt and scorn. Jack. Scorn ? No, no, not that ! Your indifference is quite sufficient ! I'll let the coffee boil over ! Louise. As you please ! Once more, adieu ! I have a call to make with auntie. Jack. Will you allow me to accompany you ? ^Offers her the bouquet.] Louise. \DecUnmg z/.] Impossible ! Tom might see us together and form wrong conclusions. Jack. [Aside.] Tom ! Tom ! He'll pay for this with his blood ! \_Sudde7ily, aloud.] Louise, should you ever come to your senses Louise. Sir ! Jack. Should you ever commence to feel a spark of pity for your much abused and unfortunate husband, should you ever get tired of " auntie's " company, — then place this lamp there, in front of the balcony, and I will sail forth from the icebox, — [ mean the coach-house, and come to you over the garden wall on the pinions of Love, Louise. Hope not in vain. I could never do it ! Auntie says I would have a murder on my conscience ! [She crosses to L. and arrajiges her hair, etc., before the mirror over the mantelpiece. Jack. [Aside.] Auntie ! auntie ! always auntie ! Damn auntie ! When I commenced to court Louise, she imagined I was after her, and now, out of spite, she has put my wife against me, and plugs for that dyspeptic, consumptive, pneumatic-tire individual ! Saints above us, if I could only get rid of auntie ! [Louise has finished arranging her toilet and is about to go ; aloud.] Louise, will you not accept my bouquet ? Louise. No, thanks ! It might hurt Tom's feelings if he heard I had accepted flowers from you. Jack. [Angrily throws bouquet on causeuse in C ; aside.] Tom again ! It's too much ! I can't stand it. I'll speak to auntie, and she'll either listen to reason and knock all nonsen- sical romance out of her niece's head, or I'll knock Tom's head to pieces and sing that spindleshank dude a song, of which he won't like to listen to an encore. [Ex. quickly door R. 2 E. Louise. [Alone, after Jack has gone, she runs to door R. and looks after him, shuts the door and runs to bouquet on causeuse C, kneels down and covers it with kisses.] His sweet flowers ! How kind he is ! [Rises slowly.] My heart breaks when I see how he suffers ! But how can I help it ? 8 THE FIRST KISS. He must be punished for his vanity and the overestimation of his own qualities in marrying me, when he knew I loved Tom, and for thinking that he might without any trouble supplant him in my love ! Did he think my heart was made of wax and that he could use it to suit his own lordly fancies ? {Pauses j slowly. '\ But still that is what he has done, only I am too proud to acknowledge it, and bow my, head before him in sub- mission ! If I did — I would be his slave f»r life ! Not that I should mind that a bit, but there's auntie, — she thinks Tom would really kill himself, if he knew. And then he would be sure to reappear again as a ghost, and I'm so afraid of them ! Just think of Tom as a ghost, and he's so thin already, covered with nothing but a bedsheet, and blood all over it — b-r-r-r-r ! Ah, I hear Jack returning — on with my mask again, but first \She kisses the bouquet again, takes one rose from it, which she hides in her dress, places the botiquet 07i the table 'L.,and resumes her former cold attitude.'] Jack. {Entering door R. ; aside.] Auntie is as funny as an owl, we ought to send her to a menagerie. However she seems amenable to reason. [Aloud.] Poor auntie has a head- ache, but she will be ready for you in a minute. Louise. Thank you ! [The stage gradually commences to grow dark. Sunset effect through ^. i E., and balcony Y.. F.j Jack. [Gladly.] And she has graciously allowed me to come along, to offer her my arm ! [Goes to hat-rack to take his hat and cane.] Louise. Indeed ? [After a little pause.] Then I will stay at home ! Jack. So much the better ! I'll stay here with you ; let auntie go alone ! Louise. No, excuse me, but you must go with her ! Jack. And you ? Louise. I told you — I'll remain here ! Jack. [Disgusted.] Don't you think it's bad enough for you not to love me ? Are you also ashamed to be seen in my company ? Louise. [Determinedly .] If you go, I'll stay ! Jack. And if I stay, you'll go ? Louise. Exactly ! Jack. [Furiously.] Well, I'll be teetotally, doggoned Louise. [Stopping him.] Jack, remember you are not at the [Name of some theater.] Jack. [Exasperated.] Great Scott, anyone would excuse a man in my fix for swearing a little ! THE FIRST KISS. Louise. [Coo/ly.] Well, how is it to be? Are you going to stay, or do you want to go ? Choose ! Jack, ril stay ! You'd better go ! The fresh evening air will do you good ! Louise. [Aside.] Always thoughtful of my welfare ! [A/oud.] Then — good-bye ! Jack. [Detaining her.] Louise, haven't you forgotten some- thing ? Won't you take these ? [Points to bouquet on table'L.'] Louise. [Pla> es her hand on the hidden rose.\ No, I have forgotten nothing ! [Aside.] How I would like to give him a good hug, if it was not for that old ghost ! [Sighs, shrugs her shoulders, looks a moment at Jack, who is leaniitg ott the table L., looking at the /lowers, and ex. slowly R. door, still gazing at him. Stage completely dark. Jack sighs, lights the lamp on the table L. and comes down stage. Lights up full.] Jack. Sometimes I really don't know where I am at ! Am I married or not ? Was that my wife just now, or only a living picture ? [Suddejily, and working himself into a rage.] But I'll put an end to all this, it's lasted long enough ! I'll puncture that pneumatic-tire fellow ! [Sits down near table L.] But one thing I swear — I'll kiss my wife before to-morrow, if I have to do it before her mummy-faced auntie ! How to accomplish it though, that's the question. Ah, an idea ! [Jumps up.] If I also threatened her with suicide ! To make her choose be- tween us two — Tom or Jerry — I mean Jack ! Perhaps she'd make us draw straws ! She married me to save her father's life, she obstinately refuses to love me to save her cousin's life, since she is in the life-saving business — to save mine she might [pauses] — no, I don't think she would ! And if I scared her into loving me, she might faint and get sick, and there would be a doctor's bill to pay ! Is there no way out of this ? Ah, another idea ! She said she didn't know Tom's handwriting ! I have it ! I'll have to change my own somewhat ! [Goes to desk R., sits down and co?nmences to write.] " My darling Louise, — Kindly grant me a short interview to-night. I am anxiously awaiting your answer behind the garden wall. Wave your handkerchief from the balcony of your room, when you are ready to receive me. Turn down the lights, so that nobody will see me, when I climb the apple-tree." [runs to balcony, looks out aftd returns to desk] — No, it's a peach-tree " climb tVie peach-tree to your balcony. My life is at stake." [To the audiejice.] That " life at stake " formula will settle her ! It's a peach. [Writing.] "Yours till eternity — Tom." And now the address ! [Writes.] " Mrs. Jno. Ludlow — En Villa." So ! 10 THE FIRST KISS. [Closes envelope.'] How to get it delivered ! \Goes to balcony and looks out.] Ah, there's our gardener ! Lucky! [Calling.] i Thompson ! Oh, Thompson ! What's that you've got there ? What ? A letter for my wife ? Oh, I see ! As soon as she comes home, eh ? All right ! Here, give her this one at the same time, but don't tell her it came from me ! Say they came together ! Now then, catch ! {Throws letter from balco7iy. He holds out his hand.] Ah, it's commencing to rain slightly ! I bet that will bring her home again. She must have gone out on foot, for I can see the coachman cleaning the harness across the lawn. Yes, by Jingo, there they come round the corner, auntie trailing behind, puffing like a steamtug ! There, Thompson has given her the letters ! Now to make myself scarce, and to watch, in this rain. [Takes his hat, turns up his collar and ex. door L. 3 E. Enter Louise d. r. f. with two letters in her hand: These letters must be i?i two distinct and different en- velopes. She takes off her hat and cloak while speaking.] Louise. I'm glad it started to rain, and we had to come back ! Poor tellow, I am teasing him ! He's gone and I sup- pose he is angry ! Ah ! [Sighs, sits down near table L. atid looks at the two letters.] Strange, two letters in unknown hand- writings at a time ! [Opens Jack's letter, and throws the other ojie on the table.] From Tom ! Heavens ! [Follows the lines quickly.] What? Receive him here alone ? Now? No, — im- possible ! And still it may be fate ! It would be our first meet- ing since our wedding, and I might take the occasion to release Tom from his vows, and to beg — to pray him to restore me to my freedom of conscience, my liberty ! Has not poor Jack been punished enough already ? But still to be alone with him, all alone — the courage fails me ! Ah, what a glorious idea ! Auntie will receive him in my place, and ask him to forgive and forget me ! He is waiting near the garden wall for the signal ! So be it ! [Goes to balcony.] Jack. [Slightly opening door L. and watching her.] She has read the note ! Ah ! she waves her handkerchief ! The signal ! [Hides again.] Louise. Now quick to call auntie ! [Ex. down R.] Jack. [Comi7ig slowly dowjt stage.] I commence to feel quite uncomfortable at the idea of going to be quite alone with my wife, that I'll fold her in my arms and press her to my heart, and thinking at the same time that she'll take all these endear- ments as coming from another fellow ! It's a damnable situa- tion ! I'm my own rival ! I'm husband and lover ! Trickster and tricked ! Victor and vanquished ! She comes, I can no THE FIRST KISS. H I longer vaseline I mean vacillate ! Quick, down to the garden mud, by the back staircase ! \Ex. door l ] L'l^uen Louise. ^Entering the door r.] Auntie is lying down with er usual nerve attack and I didn't have the hea?t to dis^u b I er ! [.V,,^.^ ts heard offstage, l. u. E.J Oh. he's jumped over Id or Stage dark.] How I tremble, but there's no way oft of / It ! Heaven give me strength and courage ' I nJfh ^^^'"''' ^^^^'^ ^^'' ^^'^^ony banisters and conies down Z\TTJlT ;^ I. can now imagine how a poor burglar Tntl 1 ^ T ' '^'""''^"'^ {''' voice to a high falsetto to imitate iom'S. I Louise, are you there ? Louise. [Trembling.] Yes ! Jack. Where are you ? Give me your hand ' Louise. My hand ? Never ! Keep away from me ! jxi^?u\ ^ "\ !''' natural voice.] She refuses ! Good ' But that proves nothing ! They always refuse at first ! \ Works his way gradually to R. 7iear desk.] ^ Louise. [Crossing behind causeuse to L.l Tom I have consented to see you, but ^ ", -i na\e Jack. [Feeling his way j aside.] I've lost my bearings' [Bumps against desk.] Oh. there's the desk ! [ Upsets writing ?naterialand inkstand; in so doing he blackens hisfin^ersS Great Scott. I ve upset something ! [Aloud as before.] Louise f^^f^^. yo"^ hand, your sweet, little plump hand ! [Mov- Louise. Tom I forbid you to come any nearer ! [Runs ui stages, passes behind causeuse to R., and comes dozunsta^e/] ^Pi^k}\Jn 'f% ^-^ .^^' '^^y "^'^ ^""''^"^^ coyness? [^Eicks up Paper-knife y aside.] The paper-knife ! Bravo ! [Aloud.] Louise have pity on me, or I will not answer for the consequences ! I am armed ! Louise. [Alarmed.] Armed ? Oh. heavens ' Jack Convince yourself! [He holds the handle of the paper-knife towards her ; she touches it and jnmps back in fright.] Louise, if this meeting is not to be a happy one. I'll blow my brains out with this-this-this-Cuban machete. [Aside.] That s a corker. Louise. But Tom, reflect. I am married, I have a husband ! JaCK. Ihats usual when you're married ! Louise. Against my will, you know ! I was compelled ' Jack. [Aside.] Very flattering ! [^^«^.] ' But you do not love him, eh ? Answer, tell me you do not love your husband ! Louise. [Aside.] He'll kill himself if I tell him the truth ' 12 THE FIRST KISS. Jack. Speak ! The point ot my yatagan pierces my flann^;! shirt. Louise. YQuickly ^^ No, no. I do not love him ! Jack. {Fiercely, turning towards her.~\ Say, you hate him ! \Grabs her wrist.'] Louise. {Trembling.'] I — I hate him ! Jack. {Releasing her, aside.] That's a pleasant confession. It's monstrous. {Aloud, tenderly.] Angel, give me your fairy hand ! Louise. [Aside.] After all it may be best. I may the sooner get rid of him, and there's no harm in it. {Aloud.] But after I give you my hand you must go. Jack. Yes, yes ! I'll go — afterwards ! {Takes her handy aside.] She really gives him her hand, it's scandalous ! {Aloud.] And now let me print one kiss on it ! Louise. {Pulling her hand away.] No, never ! Jack. Must I die ? Louise. No, no ! For heaven's sake — not that ! But then, will you leave me at once ? Jack. Immediately ! {She offers her ha7id, which he kisses j aside.] The female crocodile, to let that fellow kiss her hand ! {Aloud.] Yes, Louise, I will go, after I have pressed you to my burning heart ! {Is about to einbrace her.] Louise. {With firmness.] Oh, Tom, not that! Jack. Louise, will you refuse me to-night one of those sweet kisses with which you formerly used to make me so happy ? {Aside.] That was awfully risky ! Louise. {Angrily.] Sir, are you going crazy ? When have you ever dared to offer me such an insult ? Jack. {Aside.] Thank the Lord ! How noble she is in her justified anger ! It's taken a load of my mind ! Louise. Enough, sir ! Leave me at once ! Jack. Leave you ? Now ? Never ! {Passes up and down as if in anger.] Louise. {Aside.] How can I get rid of him ? If I could only get that dagger away from him ! {Aloud.] Now, please, Tom, don't get excited ! Jack. {Aside.] What ? She hesitates ? Then she's lost ! Oh, woman, woman ! If I wasn't myself, who knows what might happen to me ! Luckily I am here to see that she doesn't go too far with the other fellow ! Louise. {Aside.] Ah, I have it ! [Alotid.] Come, Tom, sit down here beside me ! [Sits down on causeuse C. and makes place for Jack.] THE FIRST KISS. I3 Jack. [Aside] I wouldn't ask for anything better, if I wasn't the other fellow. [Si/s dcnvti <^^j/V/6' Louise.] Louise. Give me your hand ! Jack. [Aside.] My hand ! Faithless wretch ! [Gives her his hand s aiotcd,] Adored one ! Louise. Now promise me to be sensible and cool ! Jack. I promise, my angel ! [Aside.] Hypocrite ! Louise. Put both your hands in mine ! Jack. [Aside.] Both ? Abominable ! She is making the advances now ! Louisa. Well ? Jack. [Aside.] I'll see how far her treachery will go ! [Picts paper-knife between them and places his hands in her left one. She grabs the knife with her right hand and throws it under the desk R. He quickly embraces her. She jumps up a7id pushes him from her.] Louise. Traitor, begone ! Jack. [Jumping up ; aside.] She's allowed me, I mean the other fellow to kiss her ! I'll sue tor a divorce ! Louise. Oh, heavens 1 Jack. What is it ? Louise. I hear footsteps ! My husband is coming ! Go quickly ! Jack. On one condition ! Louise. What is it ? Jack. Write me a note, — I'll wait in the garden below, — throw it from the balcony, — let me know when and where we shall meet again ! [Aside.] That will settle the divorce question ! Louise. Yes, but begone at once. Jack. Farewell, adored one ! [Aside.] Serpent ! Louise. Good-bye ! Go ! Go ! [Jack climbs over the balcony and exit.] Louise. [Alone ; goes to door r., a7id brings out the lamp, which she places on desk R. All lights up full.] Well, I've never been so astonished in all my life. To think that Tom, who has always been so modest and gentle could behave like this ! Now I despise him ! I shall never speak to him again ! Listen, he is walking up and down beneath the balcony ! If Jack should discover him ! I must write that note, or he'll never go 1 [Sits down at desk.] Ev^erything here is upset, even the inkstand ! Tom must have done this in the dark ! I'll use a pencil ! [ Writes and speaks while writing.] I'll make him feel sorry for this ! To dare to kiss me ! The impudent fellow ! 14 THE FIRST KISS. I shall have no more pity on him ! He may commit suicide for all I care, ghost or no ghost ! Even my husband has never dared to take such a liberty, and yet he is entitled to it, and I wish he would ! [Finishes turitifig, places note in envelope, which she seals and goes to balcony j softly. '\ Tom ! Jack. \^Oiitside.'\ Dearest! Louise. Here ! [Throws letter otit.'] Ah, he's going ! Thank heaven, he has vanished in the dark ! [Cojnes down stage.'] And now to rest ! I need it after this scene ! [Goes to table L.] Here's that letter still unopened ! [Goes to desk R., opens letter and reads.] What's this ? From Tom's mother, announcing his engagement to Lily Burbank ! [She falls in chair.] Am I dreaming ? Then it can't have been Tom who was here just now ! Could it have been Jack ? I'll make sure of it. [Takes lamp from desk and places it on small table be- fore the balcony?] Now, I'll have my last revenge on him, poor fellow ! [Sits down near table L.] Jack. [Entering hastily R. F.] Yes, the lamp is there ! I didn't dream. [Takes np lajnp and comes down stage.] Louise, was this signal meant for me ? Louise. [Aside.] His fingers are full of ink ! There can be no mistake ! Aloud.] Yes, I wanted you ! [Aside.] To punish you, traitor. Jack. [Puts lamp on desk.] And to what lucky circum- stance do I owe this unlooked for happiness ! Louise. I wasn't feeling quite well ! I'm burning with fever ! Jack. [Aside.] And she has called her husband to cool her down ! Louise. But I am feeling slightly better now ! Thanks ! You can go back ! I shall not need you any 7nore ! Jack. [Aside.] I've had no time as yet to read that treacher- ous note. Louise. Pardon me, if I have disturbed you ! Jack. Don't mention it, but hadn't I better go and get you some medicine. Louise. No, thanks ! It'll pass ! Good-night ! Jack. [Aside.] Good-night, eh ? No, I must speak ! I must have an explanation, or I'll bust a bloodvessel ! [Aloud.] Louise, I wish to speak with you on a grave and serious subject ! Louise. [Aside.] It's coming ! I can hardly keep from laughing ! [Aloud.] Well sir, I'm at your pleasure, only, please, hurry, it can't be of much consequence ! Jack. Not of much consequence ? No, may be not to you ! THE FIRST KISS. 1 5 It's only about your husband's honor and peace of mind ! \^Sud- dcnly.\ False woman, I know all ! Louise. Indeed .? All about what ? Jack. [Dramatically.] I know that only a short while ago you have received a man in this very room ! [Sees thai his fingers are full of ink ; aside.] Oh, the devil, I upset the ink- stand just now ! [Aides his hands behinds him j aloud.] Do you day dare to deny it, madam ? Louise. If I tell you the entire truth, will you promise me to remain quite calm ? Jack. I do ! [Aside.] I wonder what she is going to say in explanation ! Louise. Will you swear it ? Jack. I swear it. [Lifts up his hand, looks at the ink, and hides it again quickly.] Louise. Yes, then, I confess it — a man was here but a short time ago ! Jack. Angrily.] So, you admit it. Louise. I do 1 Jack. [Excitedly.] All right ! That's enough ! I'll bring suit ! I'll get a divorce. [Goes a?igrily tip and down.] Louise. You've sworn to remain cool, — keep your word ! Furthermore, he is still here ! Jack. What's that ? [Aside.] Can Tom have entered here in reality after I left ? [Alotid?^ He is here, eh ? Louise. Yes ! Jack. Then I'll kill him ! Louise. Kill him ? But he's in my house, — my guest ! Jack. That's why I'll kill him ! Why didn't he stay in his own house ? Any jury will exonerate me, it I kill him ! That is to say, if they're all married men ! Louise. [Imploring hi?n mock-dramatically .] Jack, if you kill that man, you will kill me at the same time, and yourself too ! Jack. Myself too, eh ? Don't you fool yourself! It'll make me feel a better man ! [He searches everywhere.] Where did you hide him ? The scoundrel ! The disturber of my domestic felicity ! [Points to door L.] Ah, may be he is in there ! Louise. [Places herself before the door.] Jack ! Jack. Out of my way, faithless wretch ! [Slings her to c. and opens the door.] Come out of there, sir ! Out, I say ! [Ex. door, L.] Louise. [Alone, bursts out laughing.] Ahaha 1 Jack. [Re-entering.] He's gone 1 He must have escaped l6 THE FIRST KISS. by the back stairs ! But no matter ! \Takes out note. 'I Here will be cause enough for a separation ! [Places chair C. of stage and sits dow 71 J opens note j /^Louise.] Down on your knees, madam, — on your knees ! Louise. . \kneels to him mock-dramatically ,'\ Jack, for pity's sake, have mercy ! {She leans with her right ar?n on his left ktiee, he looks at her, pushes her off, and tiirtis the chair away from her.] Jack, [Reading.] Eh, what's this ? [Reading.] " True love cannot be hidden long, especially when legitimate." [Louise has g07ie to the other side of hiin, kneels again and repeats saine business as before.] She calls her love for him legitimate ! Louise. Yes, dear ! [Jack pushes her off again. Same play as before to the other side] Jack. Her ideas of what's legitimate are slightly muddled. [To Louise.] Don't you blush for your own immoral principles ? Louise. No, dear 1 Jack. [Jumps from the chair. Louise sits down in it,] It's unheard of — unbearable. [Reading.] " He who possesses my heart." [Aside.] Oh, I could jump out of the window ! [Re- fleeting.] No, I couldn't, it's too high! [Reading] "My heart is not yours, Tom," What's that ? Is there still another one ? — " but it is my own dear husband's, my noble and patient Jack ! [Staggers.] Jack ! I ! I know — it's night ! I'm in bed and dreaming ! Louise. It's no dream. Jack ! But now it's my turn ! Come here. [Imitating hi7n.] Down on your knees, sir, — on your knees ! Jack. On my knees ! On all fours, if you wish it ! Louise, you have made me so happy, and I've made such an ass of my- self ! [K7ieels.] Louise. [Takes his head in her hands and kisses him.] What will poor auntie say ! Jack. Oh, auntie be Louise. Jack ! CURTAIN. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS PH 015 973 325 7 PLAYS. BEING the largest theatrical booksellers in the United States, we keep in stock the most complete and best assorted lines of pla^^s and entertainment books to be found in this country. We can supply any pla}^ or book pub- lished. We have issued a 120-page catalogue of the best 1500 plays and entertainment books published in the U. S. and England. It con- tains a full description of each play, giving number of characters, time of playing, scenery, costumes, etc. This catalogue will be sent free on application. The plays described are suitable for am- ateurs and professionals, and nearly all of them may be performed free of ro3^alty. Persons in- terested in dramatic books should examine our catalogue before ordering elsewhere. The Dramatic Publishing Company, CHICAGO.