»R 4974 
 .M15 Q4 
 1900a 
 Copy 1 
 
 national Copyrighted (in England, her Colonies, and the 
 itatesj Edition of the Works of the Best Authors. 
 
 No. 40. 
 
 "A QUEEN'S 
 
 MESSENGER" 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 BY 
 
 J. HARTLEY MANNERS 
 
 ^ 
 
 Copyright, 1900, by T. H. French. 
 
 CAUTION :— Professionals and Amateurs are hereby notified 
 that this play is fully copyrighted under the existing laws 
 of the United States Government, and nobody is allowed 
 to do this piav without first havine: obtained permission of 
 Samuel French, 24 West 22d Street, New York City, U. S. A. 
 
 i/i< 
 
 PRICE 30 CENTS 
 
 New York 
 SAMUEL FRENCH 
 
 PUBLISHER 
 
 ■>.. wt^^T -^Sth street 
 
 London 
 
 SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd 
 
 26 Southampton Street, 
 
 STRAND 
 
 
 ^ 
 
BILLETED. 
 
 A comedy in 3 acts, by F. Tennison Jesse and H. Harwood. 4 males, 
 5 females. One easy interior scene. A charming comedy, constructed 
 with uncommon skill, and abounds with clever lines. Margaret Anglin's 
 big success. Amateurs will find this comedy easy to produce and popular 
 with all audiences. Price, 60 Cents. 
 
 NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. 
 
 A comedy in 3 acts. By James Montgomery. 5 males, 6 females. Cos- 
 tumes, modern. Two interior scenes. Plays 2^^ hours. 
 
 Is it possible to tell the absolute truth— even for twenty-four hours? It is— 
 at least Bob Bennett, the hero of "Nothing But the Truth," accomplished the 
 feat. The bet he made with his business partners, and the trouble he got into— 
 with his partners, his friends, arid his fiancee— this is the subject of William 
 Collier's tremendous comedy hit. "Nothing But the Truth" can be whole-heartedly 
 recommended as one of the most sprightly, amusing and popular comedies that 
 this country can boast. Price, 60 Cents. 
 
 IN WALKED JIMMY. 
 
 A comedy In 4 acts, by Minnie Z. Jaffa. 10 males, 2 females (although 
 any number of males and females may be used as clerks, etc.) Two 
 interior scenes. Costumes, modern. Plays 2^ hours. The thing into 
 which Jimmy walked was a broken-down shoe factory, when the clerks 
 'had all been fired, and when the proprietor was in serious contemplation 
 of suicide. 
 
 Jimmy, nothing else but plain Jimmy, would have been a' mysterious figure 
 had it not been for his matter-of-fact manner, his smile and his everlasting 
 humanness. He put the shoe business on its feet, won the heart of the girl 
 clerk, saved her erring brother from jail, escaped that place as a permanent 
 boarding house himself, and foiled the villain. 
 
 Clean, wholesome comedy with just a touch of human nature, just a dash of 
 excitement and more than a little bit of true philosophy make "In Walked Jimmy" 
 one of the most delightful of plays. Jimmy is full of the religion of life, the 
 religion of happiness and the religion of helpfulnes^i and he so permeates the 
 atmosphere with his "religion" that everyone is happy. The spirit of optimism, 
 good cheer, and hearty laughter dominates the play. There is not a dull moment 
 in any of the four acts. We strongly recommend it. Price, 60 Cents. 
 
 MARTHA BY-THE-DAY. 
 
 An optimistic comedy in three acts, by Julie M. LIppmann, author of 
 the "Martha" stories. 5 males, 5 females. Three Interior scenes. Cos- 
 tumes modern. Plays 2^^ hours. 
 
 It is altogether a gentle thing, this play. It is full of quaint humor, old- 
 fashioned, homely sentiment, the kind that people who see the play will recall 
 and chuckle over tomorrow and the next day. 
 
 Miss Lippmann has herself adapted her very successful book for stage service, 
 and in doing this has selected from her novel the most telling incidents, infectious 
 comedy and homely sentiment for the play, and the result is thoroughly delightful. 
 
 Price, 60 Cents. 
 
 (The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 
 SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York City 
 
 New and Explicit Descriptive Catalog:ue Mailed Free on Request 
 
^ A QUEEN'S MESSENGER^' 
 
 ^V^^^ BY 
 
 J. HARTLEY MANNERS 
 
 Copyright, 1900, by T, H. French 
 
 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 
 CAUTION: — Professionals and Amateurs are hereby warned that 
 "Queens Messenger," being fully protected under the copyright laws 
 of the United States, is subject to a royalty, and anyone presenting 
 the play without the consent of the owner or his authorized agents 
 will be liable to the penalties by law provided. Application for pro- 
 fessional and amateur acting rights must be made to Samuel French, 
 28-30 West 38th Street, New York. 
 
 New York 
 SAMUEL FRENCH 
 
 PUBLISHER 
 
 28-30 WEST 38TH STREET 
 
 London 
 SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 
 
 26 Southampton Street, 
 STRAND 
 
i 
 
 "A QUEEN'S MESSENGER" 
 
 DRAMA IN ONE ACT 
 
 BY 
 
 J. HARTLEY MANNERS. 
 
 Originally Produced at the Haymarket Theatre, June 26th, iSgf. 
 
 CHARACTERS. 
 
 An English Officer Mr. C. Aubrey Smithc 
 
 A Masked Lady Miss Granville. 
 
 Scene. — A Lonely House on the Outskirts of Berlin. 
 
 Revived at the Avenue Theatre on October 6th, iSgg^ 
 with the following cast: 
 
 An English Officer Mr. A. Holmes Gore 
 
 \ Masked Lady Miss Granville. 
 
 ■:---<'^xtA from 
 
 rEC-97] 
 
"A QUEEN'S MESSENGER 
 
 Folding windows at back opening on to garden. Table 
 C, on which are a large triple photo-frame and a 
 bowl of matches. Chairs R. and L. of table and be- 
 hind table. Small writittg-table down R,, with writ- 
 ing materials. Cabinet at back to L. of window. 
 Fireplace L, Sofa down L. There are two candle- 
 sticks with candles on mantelpiece L. arid ott cabinet 
 at back. Lamp at back to R. of window. Vase to be 
 brokejt L. of witidow. In the cabinet are a bottle of 
 wine, glasses and a corkscrew, hi the drawer of the 
 writing-table is a small revolver. The rooin is per- 
 fectly dark save for the rays of moonlight str earning 
 through the window and indicating clearly the gravel 
 walk leading up to the room. Dead silence for a sec- 
 ond or two after rising of the curtain, theft the sou7id 
 of horses' hoofs coining at a smart trot, together with 
 the rattle of wheels and the jingling of bells, is heard. 
 Then the grating sound of the horse beifig brought to 
 a standstill, two or three peals of bells as the horse 
 tosses his head j then the sound of voices and foot' 
 steps, and two figures are seen in the moonlight walk< 
 ittg up the path. A man, carrying something heavy ^ 
 which he changes fro?n one hand to the other on ac- 
 count of its weight, and a lady in a 7nask and domino. 
 They walk straight to the window, the lady a little in 
 advance, talking to each other indistinctly. The lady 
 inserts a key into the lock in the frame of the window, 
 a sharp click is heard ; she pushes the window in- 
 wards, quite wide open, then enters the room cau- 
 tiously. She turns when inside atid speaks to the man 
 in a slightly foreign accent. 
 
 5 
 
6 "A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." ^ 
 
 Lady. You had better remain outside. Vou will 
 break things. 
 
 Officer. All right. Go ahead. 
 
 Lady. It is so 7/<?ry dark, {feeling her way carefully 
 to R. of windozv, s lie finds the lamp R.) Ah, yes ! 
 
 Offi. {changing the heavy article from one haiid to 
 the other') I say I 
 
 Lady. What do you say .? {inoving down R. c. and 
 groping on table for something) 
 
 Offi. I, must put this confounded bag down. It's 
 breaking both my arms. {Stepping cautiously inside, 
 moon full on him j he is seen to be carrying a large 
 bag) 
 
 Lady, {still searching on table) Be ve-ry careful ! 
 
 Offi. {drops bag with sigh of relief — it falls on 
 the vase to L. of window, which noisily crumbles to 
 pieces) Confound ! {picks up the bag and deposits it 
 L. C.) 
 
 Lady. Ah ! I knew you would break things. Keep 
 still. 
 
 Offi. Dreadfully sorry. I say, look sharp and light 
 up. 
 
 Lady. I have no — matches — eh ? 
 
 Offi. Oh, that's all right, I have, {takes a step to- 
 wards her, comes in coiitact with a small chair up- 
 right, which yields to his weight, and falls to the floor) 
 Ugh! 
 
 Lady. You will break every\S\\\\<g \ 
 
 Offi. {striking a match) Such footle leaving 'em 
 about like that, {limping over towards her) 
 
 Lady. You have hurt yourself, eh ? 
 
 Offi. About two inches of skin gone, {sheltering 
 match from draught with his hand) 
 
 Lady. Give it to me. {she takes ?natch from him 
 and proceeds to light the lamp ; he rests his foot on a 
 chair L. of table and aggrievedly rubs the injury) I 
 told you to keep still, eh ? Poor boy ! I'm sorry. There 
 {she has now succeeded in lighting the lamp) Have you 
 another match, eh ? {she is R. of table) 
 
 Offi. Heaps, {taking out box) 
 
 Lady. Then will you light the candles ? See ! {indi- 
 cating them on mantelpiece L.) 
 
 Offi. Certainly, {strikes matches and limps about 
 lightijig candles on mantelpiece) 
 
«'A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." 7 
 
 Lady. There is no one at home yet. They are all at 
 the dance, {going over to writing-table R.) 
 
 Offi. Is that enough ? {he has now lighted the 
 candles on the mantelpiece) 
 
 Lady, {surveying them over her shoulder) Ye-es ! 
 Oh ! the two over there, {indicating cabinet) Ihat is 
 where the "what you drink" is. {sits at table, begins 
 to IV rife) 
 
 Offi. Ah ! Must light that up. {limps across and 
 lights them) Quite an illumination. 
 
 Lady. I will not keep you a moment. It is so good 
 of you to be my messenger. 
 
 Offi. On the contrary, it is a privilege, {inoving 
 down C.) Besides the occasion is so extraordinary. 
 
 Lady. Is it not ? Fancy you knowing Leo ! It is 
 wonderful. He will be so surprised when you hand him 
 my letter. 
 
 Offi. That very important letter, {taking off cloak, 
 places it on sofa) 
 
 Lady. Oh, it is most important. If it miscarried, the 
 consequences would be terrible, {during the speeches 
 she is writing a letter) 
 
 Offi. Really? You alarm me. {picks tip chair "B.. 
 off floor) 
 
 Lady. That is why I did not like to trust it to the 
 postman. See ? Letters from Berlin are not always safe. 
 {addressing e7ivelope) There ! You will wait a little 
 while ? 
 
 Offi. If I may. 
 
 Lady. My people should be back at once. What is 
 the time 1 {rises) 
 
 Offi. {looking at watch) Twenty-five past one. 
 
 Lady. And your train ? 
 
 Offi. Train goes at half-past two. 
 
 Lady. And you must go away when ? {juoving to- 
 wards him) 
 
 Offi. In — let me see — in half an hour, (^pockets 
 watch) 
 
 Lady. The carriage will wait for you, eh ? {quite 
 close to him) 
 
 Offi. Oh, yes. I made that all right. Used up most 
 of my German trying to make him understand. 
 
 Lady. But he is French, {with a little gesture oj 
 mmuse?nent) 
 
8 "A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." ^^ 
 
 Offi. So I found out. {laughing) 
 
 Lady, {laughs with him — then hands hijn letter) 
 Here is the important letter {reads the address with 
 ?nni) " To Count Leo Morovski, Russian Embassy, Lon- 
 don." I cannot thank you enough for taking all this 
 trouble and going so much out of your way for me. 
 
 Offi. Not at all. The house is en route to the sta- 
 tion. I'm charmed to do even so slight a service for you. 
 {pauses — loo/es at her a moment) May I, in return, ask 
 a favor ? 
 
 Lady. Mais oui. 
 
 Offi. I am afraid you will think it presumption. It 
 is that you remove that mask. 
 
 Lady. But why ? 
 
 Offi. So that I may know my companion of a few 
 pleasant hours. 
 
 Lady. But you will not know then. 
 
 Offi. But I shall see. 
 
 Lady. How very English. You always want to see — ■ 
 and you never know what you see. There ! {she re- 
 moves her mask, drops her domino, and stands revealed 
 — a dark, passionate, handsome woman, superbly dressed 
 a7td bejeweled) 
 
 Offi. {taking a step backwards, in admiratioji) By 
 Jove ! 
 
 Lady, {ivith a little pleased Unigh) You are sur- 
 prised, eh ? 
 
 Offi. Surely — surely — we have met before ? 
 
 Lady. Do you think so ? 
 
 Offi. You were at the reception at the Embassy on 
 Monday night ? 
 
 Lady. I was. 
 
 Offi. And at Lady Cleveden's afterwards ? 
 
 Lady. Yes. 
 
 Offi. I am so glad to meet you — you quite puzzled me. 
 
 Lady. Why ? 
 
 Offi. Because, although you seemed to know every- 
 body, no one could tell me your name. 
 
 Lady. And for a very good reason — they could not 
 pronounce it. {puts mask and domino on chair by 
 writing table) 
 
 Offi. {a little pause) I wonder it I could ? 
 
 Lady. No — no — no — it is a horrid — stupid — long, 
 nasty name. 
 
" A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." 9 
 
 Offi. Yet the owner of it is very beautiful. 
 
 Lady. Ah ! a compliment — from an Englishman. It 
 is good ! (r.) 
 
 Offi. It is the truth, (r. c.) 
 
 Lady. Of course. It is always a compliment for an 
 Englishman to speak the truth. And so you must go 
 away in half an hour, eh ? 
 
 Offi. [regretfully) Unfortunately. 
 
 Lady. Unfortunately ? Do you not wish to go ? 
 
 Offi. Not now. 
 
 Lady. {goi7ig up to him) Then go by another train. 
 
 Offi. Daren't ! 
 
 Lady. Dare — not ! 
 
 Offi. No. Duty ! 
 
 Lady. So ? But — [coviing closer to him) a man's 
 duty is always to a woman, eli ? 
 
 Offi. Always. 
 
 Lady, {touchi^ig hiiii ivith her fan) Well 1 
 
 Offi, My duty is to a woman — to my Queen ! Her 
 Imperial Majesty calls me to Whitehall, London. 
 
 Lady. Indeed! You are a very disappointing person. 
 {crosses over to sofa) 
 
 Offi. I am a Queen's messenger. 
 
 Lady, [turning quickly) So? You carry messages.? 
 
 Offi. Yes, I carry messages. 
 
 Lady. Then you are a very important person t 
 
 Offi. Very, {lightly and chaffingly) I carry the des- 
 tinies of countries in my breast pocket, treaties in my 
 cigar case, and an emperor's ransom in my travelling bag. 
 
 Lady. But you are so young. 
 
 Offi. Nine and twenty. 
 
 Lady. A beautiful age. {sits on sofa) One knows 
 nothing at nine and twenty. Oh, I wish I were nine and 
 twenty instead of- 
 
 Offi. Instead of ? {crossing to head of sofa) 
 
 Lady. A hundred 1 That is what I feel to-night. 
 But tell me, Messenger, do you not sometimes feel afraid? 
 
 Offi. Sometimes. 
 
 Lady. Aha ! I thought an Englishman never felt 
 afraid ? 
 
 Offi. Only when he looks in a woman's eyes, {look- 
 ing down at her) 
 
 Lady. Oho ! {smiling up into his eyes) V«m are 
 frightened now, eh ? 
 
lo «* A QUEEN'S MESSENGER.' 
 
 Offi. 
 
 Almost. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lady. 
 
 Of me? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Offi. 
 
 Of myself 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lady. 
 
 And yet there 
 
 is a 
 
 little 
 
 word 
 
 that 
 
 banishes 
 
 fear, eh? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Offi. 
 
 {betiding over her) 
 
 Love 
 
 ? 
 
 
 
 Lady. 
 
 Duty ! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Offi. 
 
 (looks at her a moment) 
 
 True. 
 
 {jHoves to C.) 
 
 I had forgotten. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lady. 
 
 Duty before all 
 
 else 
 
 . eh ? 
 
 Your 
 
 Queen before 
 
 all others, eh ? 
 
 Offi. Yes — my Queen before all others. 
 
 Lady. It is beautiful. 
 
 Offi. It is English. 
 
 Lady. Lucky Queen. 
 
 Offi. Lucky messenger. 
 
 Lady. Oh, but how stupid of me. You are thirsty, 
 eh ? {going np to cabifiet) I wonder if we have any- 
 thing {scarchi7ig) No — no — ah, yes ! 
 
 Offi. {goes to table^ C, picks up photo-frame) What 
 wonderful photographs, {opening out frame) 
 
 Lady, {coining down ivith bottle and corkscrew) Do 
 you like them ? 
 
 Offi. {taking bottle from her a7id opening it) They 
 are beautiful. Where were they taken ? 
 
 Lady. In Petersburg. 
 
 Offi. Petersburg ? 
 
 Lady. I was born in Petersburg. 
 
 Offi. Why, my next appointment will be there, {pour- 
 ing out wine) 
 
 Lady. Indeed! {takiiig tip glass) Then we may meet 
 again. 
 
 Offi. I'm sure I hope we do. {fills glass while 
 talking, and raises it to his lips) To our next meeting, 
 {drinks) 
 
 Lady. Hooks first at big bag) To our present meet- 
 ing, {drinks) 
 
 Offi. By Jove, it's good stuff. 
 
 Lady. Is it not ? I like all good stuff. 
 
 Offi. What a lucky chance my going to the ball last 
 night ; wasn't it ? {approaching her) 
 
 Lady. I meant that you should go to the ball last 
 night, {sits l. of table) 
 
"A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." ii 
 
 Offi. You meant that I should go ? {leaning against 
 table) 
 
 Lady. I sent you the ticket. 
 
 Offi. Did you ? 
 
 Lady. Yes. You arrived four days ago. The first 
 night you were here you went to the theatre — so did L 
 You drove to the Embassy each morning — past my hotel. 
 I said, " Who is that 'i'' " An English officer." "So? 
 and where does he stay ? " •' At the Hotel Royale." 
 " Bien ! I like him. I will send for him. But how ? 
 You English are so distant — when anyone is looking — 
 especially you diplomatic English. Suppose I send for you 
 where everyone loolcs and no one — sees a bal masque at 
 the Opera. It is a happy thought. But will he go ? I 
 send you the ticket and wait impatiently all day. At 
 night I hear you have left your hotel. It is good ! I 
 drive to I'opera ... I see you enter ... I make you 
 speak with me — you tell me you are going to England to- 
 night. I think of my message to Leo — I ask you — you 
 consent — Voila !'we are here, (rising) 
 
 Offi. And in half an hour's time I will have gone. 
 
 Lady, {tozvards him) And we may never meet 
 again ! Why must you go by that train ? 
 
 Offi. If I missed it my despatches would be late. 
 
 Lady. Would that matter very much .? 
 
 Offi. Yes, it would. 
 
 Lady. They are so important t 
 
 Offi. They are 7'ery important. 
 
 Lady. Well, go ! {crossing to mantelpiece L.) I 
 don't want to keep you. You are like all Englishmen. 
 YoLi are allself, self, self! You never care for anyone 
 but yourself, [walks up and down indignantly) 
 
 Offi, What do you mean ? [rises and crosses to c.) 
 
 Lady. It does not matter if / miss yoit so long as 
 you do not miss your train. 
 
 Offi. That is rather unreasonable. 
 
 Lady. Of course. A woman is always unreasonable 
 to an Englishman. 
 
 Offi. Would you really miss me ? [going towards 
 her — the bag between them) 
 
 Lady. Certainly not. Go away at once ! Take your 
 big bag and go. [slight pause — look of sudden thought 
 comes into her eyes, theti smilingly she repeats slowly] 
 Your big — bag ! Oho ! [looking at it) They are in 
 
12 «'A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." 
 
 there, eh ? How very wonderful. They are lying quietly 
 asleep in that big bag, eh ? A country's peace or a coun- 
 try's trouble sealed up in an envelope {she is L. of the 
 bag — the man R. of if) 
 
 Offi. a country's peace or a country's trouble often 
 lies in my big bag sealed in an envelope. 
 
 Lady. It makes me quite frightened {with a little 
 shudder^ 
 
 Offi. Why ? 
 
 Lady. Because it makes me think . 
 
 Offi. Of what? 
 
 Lady. My country — my poor country. 
 
 Offi. That is Europe's safeguard {inoving to c.) 
 
 Lady, {quickly) What is ? 
 
 Offi. That Russia is poor. 
 
 Lady. She may not be always, {icp to him) 
 
 Offi. No ? 
 
 Lady. India is rich. 
 
 Offi. And belongs to us. 
 
 Lady. That may not be always. 
 
 Offi. [easily) Oh, I think so. 
 
 Lady. You English think so much. You are so sure. 
 
 Offi. We have to be. 
 
 Lady. How do you know that the Russian bear is not 
 crossing the frontier at this moment ? 
 
 Offi. Not the slightest chance of that. 
 
 Lady. Prevention is better than cure, eh ? 
 
 Offi. Much better. 
 
 Lady. So-o ? Your despatches are indeed impor- 
 tant, messenger, {tapping him on the sleeve with her fan) 
 
 Offi. {on his guard in an instant) I know nothing 
 they contain. 
 
 Lady. No ? {^laughing) Then what a good guess ! 
 Ha, ha, ha ! Why do you not go ? 
 
 Offi. I have twenty minutes yet. Don't turn me out. 
 
 Lady. You can do just what you like, {back to him) 
 
 Offi. {sitting down) May I smoke ? 
 
 Lady. Do whatever you please, {arraiiging her hair 
 in the mirror) 
 
 Offi. I say, don't be angry, {sits L. of table, takes 
 out cigar-case, and selects a cigar) You'll spoil every- 
 thing. 
 
 Lady. It is you who spoil everything {jnoving down 
 snd bending suddenly over him) Go by the next train. 
 
"A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." 13 
 
 Offi. {shaking his finger at her) Ah! Duty! Duty! 
 
 Lady, {inipatiently) Oh ! You English regulate 
 your lives by a silly little word of four letters. 
 
 Offi. Jolly good little word for all that, {taking out 
 cigar-cutter, which is attached, together with key-ring 
 and signet-ring, to a steel chain fastened at the waist) 
 Now do sit down. 
 
 Lady. I shall do nothing of the kind, {sitting down 
 suddenly at back of table/ seeing the cutter) Oh, what 
 a funny little thing. May I look at it ? 
 
 Offi. Of course {detaching the entire key-ring, sig- 
 net-ring, and cutter frofn his chain and handing them 
 to her) Rather neat, isn't it t . 
 
 Lady. What is it for ? 
 
 Offi. Cigar-cutter. See ? {showing the cut cigar) 
 
 Lady. It is very clever — {holding it up) and very 
 beautiful. A moonstone mounted in opals. It is un- 
 lucky, eh ? 
 
 Offi. {lighting cigar) That never troublesome. 
 
 Lady. Has it a history ? 
 
 Offi. No. Bought it in a Cairo bazar. 
 
 Lady, {touching sigjiet-riiig) What is this ? 
 
 Offi. Signet-ring. That has a history. 
 
 Lady. /;/deed ! 
 
 Offi. It belonged to an old warrior-ancestor of mine. 
 Dates back to the Knights of Malta ! 
 
 Lady. Why do you not wear it ? 
 
 Offi. Can't, {holds up hand) They don't make 
 fingers that size this generation. 
 
 Lady. It could be altered. 
 
 Offi. Sacrilege. 
 
 Lady. And so you carry it on there ? 
 
 Offi. Yes. I carry it on there. 
 
 Lady. With your keys 1 
 
 Offi. Yes. They're like the messenger — very impor- 
 tant. 
 
 Lady. Oh, what a large one ! What is it for ? 
 
 Offi. Latch key, Conduit Street, London. Brought it 
 away by mistake. 
 
 Lady. So ? And that one ? 
 
 Offi. That one ? Bureau — Conduit Street, London^ 
 
 Lady. And this ? 
 
 Offi. Locker — Guards' Club, London. 
 
 Lady. Oh, what a funny little key. 
 
14 
 
 A QUEEN'S MESSENGER.' 
 
 Offi. 
 
 Lady. 
 
 Offi. 
 
 Lady. 
 one ? 
 
 Offi. 
 
 Lady. 
 
 Offi. 
 
 Lady. 
 honor. 
 
 Offi. 
 
 Lady. 
 
 Offi. 
 
 Lady. 
 
 Offi. 
 
 Lady. 
 
 Made in New York. 
 
 Really ? What is it for ? 
 {pause, looks at bag) " The big bag." 
 
 [looks across at bag) So-o ? And 
 
 that 
 
 Both belong to the bag. 
 
 The big message bag, eh ? 
 Yes. Well guarded, isn't it? {laughing) 
 
 In Russia we give our messenger a guard of 
 
 In England each man guards his own. 
 It is wise ? 
 It seems to be. 
 
 Do the messages ever miscarry ? 
 Never. 
 And if they did ? What would become of the 
 messenger ? 
 
 Offi. Depends on the man. 
 Lady. What would you do ? 
 Offi. Never thought of it. 
 
 Lady. I wonder ! {the jingle of bells outside is heard 
 as the horse tosses his head, and the sound of the hoofs 
 stamping 07i the hard road. The man and woman look 
 at each other for a second. She turns away repeatifig) 
 I wonder ! 
 
 Offi. 
 expect. 
 
 Lady. 
 
 Offi. 
 
 Lady. 
 
 Offi. 
 
 Lady. 
 
 Offi. 
 
 Lady. 
 the face. 
 
 Offi. 
 
 Lady. 
 
 Offi. 
 
 Lady. 
 
 Offi. 
 
 {second pause) Walk off the edge of things I 
 
 Kill yourself? 
 I expect so. 
 
 Yet you are not a coward. 
 Don't think I am. 
 
 Could you not look trouble in the face ? 
 Not that sort. 
 
 I know one trouble you do not mind looking in 
 
 Do you ? 
 
 And one you will always seek. 
 Oh ! What's that ? 
 {pause, brings her face near his) Woman ! 
 By Jove, yes. But then that trouble has a face 
 worth looking at — sometimes, {bending across the table 
 to her and unwittingly allowing a cloud of smoke to 
 pass over her. She rises and coughs) I'm awfully 
 sorry. 
 
"A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." 15 
 
 Lady. Horrid smoke, {coughing^ Your cigar is like 
 yourself — large and strong, {still coughing and moving 
 doivfi R.) 
 
 Offi. I'll throw it away, {walks tip to fireplace and 
 throws it in grate) 
 
 Lady. I'll give you a cigarette, {layijig dowji bunch 
 of keys Ofi table, crosses to C.) 
 
 Offi. Oh, no. That's all right, {movitigl.. C.) 
 
 Lady. Please, {holding out cigarette case to him) 
 
 Offi. It's awfully good of you. 
 
 Lady. I'm always awfully good. 
 
 Offi. {takes the case from her, is about to take 
 one, hands case back and takes case from pocket) I'm 
 afraid I'm rather conservative. I'll smoke one of my 
 own. 
 
 Ladv. No, no, no. Please ! See — I'll smoke with 
 you. 
 
 Offi. Very well, {about to take one) 
 
 Lady. No — no — take a big one — the little ones are for 
 me. {they take one each — he lights hers first — then his 
 own. Indicating his cigarette) I do not like them. 
 
 Offi. Ah ! {inhaling and blowing a cloud through 
 his nose) They are curious, {exami fling texture of cigar-- 
 ette) Where do they come from ? 
 
 Lady. Petersburg. 
 
 Offi. {inhaling again) They're not pure tobacco. 
 
 Lady. No ? A mixture ? 
 
 Offi. It reminds me of something. 
 
 Lady, {turning quickly) Of what ? 
 
 Offi. I can't fix it. 
 
 Lady. I should not try. {crossing to L. — gets rid of 
 cigarette) 
 
 Offi. I won't, {looking at her admiringly) By the 
 way — why did you invite me to the ball — in the first in- 
 stance ? {sits on edge of table) 
 
 Lady. Why did I ? Because I am a very stupid per- 
 son, sometimes. 
 
 Offi. Oh ! come • 
 
 Lady. Ve-ry stupid. I have what you English call 
 the sentiments. 
 
 Offi. Sentiments ? 
 
 Lady. Yes, I am a very sentimental person. That 
 was why I sent for you. 
 
 Offi. Yes, but I say 
 
i6 «'A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." 
 
 Lady. You inspired me with a great sentiment. I 
 was so sorry for you. I pitied you from the top of my 
 heart, 
 
 Offi. Pitied me ? 
 
 Lady. You were walking with your eyes shut, on the 
 edge of an abyss, and there was no one to say to you, 
 " Keep back ! " All day I thought of you — all night I 
 dreamed of you. {rises and moves to C) 
 
 Offi. Dreamed 1 
 
 Lady. That you had fallen in ! 
 
 Offi. {laughing) To the abyss ? 
 
 Lady, {facing him) To the trap ! ! 
 
 Offi. What trap ? 
 
 Lady. The trap that has been set for you ever since 
 you arrived in Berlin. 
 
 Offi. I don't understand. 
 
 Lady. I did not expect that you would. I saw you 
 rushing headlong into danger, and then I said to myself, 
 *' Poor stupid fellow, I will save him." And I have saved 
 you. {he gives a little ejaculation) You do not believe 
 me. I will make you. Spies have followed you every 
 day you have been here. Whenever you have gone out 
 you have been dogged, when you have stayed in you 
 have been watched. 
 
 Offi. May I ask why ? 
 
 Lady. So that the papers you carry shall not reach 
 England. 
 
 Offi. Indeed ? And the spies ? Germans ? 
 
 Lady. No ! Russians ! 
 
 Offi. {turns quickly) How do you know this ? 
 
 Lady, {a little embarrassed — turning away) I know 
 a good deal about my country. 
 
 Offi. They would have had some little difficulty in 
 preventing the papers from reaching England, {sitting 
 071 table) 
 
 Lady. They would have had no difficulty at all. 
 
 Offi. Pardon me, I have conducted missions far more 
 dangerous than this one. 
 
 Lady. Yet, had you gone back to your hotel last 
 night, your despatches would never have been deliv- 
 ered. (Officer s?nilingly strokes his motistache) You 
 think not, eh ? Very good. li you drive past your 
 hotel on the way to the train, you will see men wait- 
 ing in the shadows. They are waiting for you. 
 
«'A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." 17 
 
 {movement by Officer) You begin to believe ! I said 
 to myself, " He is a brave man, he is armed, he will 
 fight, and they will kill him. What a pity ! " So I sent 
 for you. I made you send for your big\i7i<g — the precious 
 bag. // is here — yoii are here — in a few moments you 
 will go away quite safely — and then — you will forget all 
 about me. Is it not so ? You are silent. You believe 
 me now ? 
 
 Offi. Yes. {rises) 
 
 Lady. See ? Am I not a very ^^surd person ? 
 {inoves down L.) 
 
 Offi. {walks right over to her L. Pause) A 
 very extraordinary — a very kind one. {holds out his 
 hand) 
 ■ Lady. That is all right, {ignoring his hand) 
 
 Offi. I owe you the safety of my charge. 
 
 Lady. Ha, ha, ha ! {little light laugh) 
 
 Offi. {quietly and intensely) I owe you, perhaps, my 
 life. 
 
 Lady. Your life ? {she turns inwards to him^ their 
 eyes meet — again is heard the jingle of bells and the 
 pawing of horses' hoofs upon the road — little pause. 
 In low tones, meeting his gaze) You mean that had you 
 escaped, but your papers had been stolen — you would 
 have — killed yourself. 
 
 Offi. Yes. 
 
 Lady. That would be very foolish. 
 
 Offi. Perhaps. 
 
 Lady, {crossing over to C, then breaking the tensity 
 of the situation) But then, all your countrymen are 
 foolish, eh 1 
 
 Offi. {throivs cigarette in fireplace, moves to c.) I, 
 for one, plead guilty. A moment ago I dreamt you had 
 brought me here because — because I had made — a con- 
 quest. 
 
 Lady. Oh— an Englishman's most beautiful dream!— 
 that he is taking something he has no right to from some- 
 one else, {withdrawing her hand) Have another cigar- 
 ette, {hands him case. OFFICER takes one, lights it, and 
 puts case on table) And another glass of wine, {pour- 
 ing it out) 
 
 Offi. {pause) I, too, am a sentimental person, on 
 occasions. I am now. 
 
 Lady. Is it for me ? 
 2 
 
i8 "A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." 
 
 Offi. Yes — for you. 
 
 Lady. Ha, ha, ha ! 
 
 Offi. It is one of gratitude. You have saved my 
 honor — my life — my love, {little pause between each. 
 She laughs at " honor" and ''life" but on the word 
 " love,'' she looks him in the eyes. Pause) 
 
 Lady. Your love! Oho ! Then there is some one you 
 love ? 
 
 Offi. With all my heart and soul. 
 
 Lady. Is she English } 
 
 Offi. Yes. 
 
 Lady. Poor girl ! (aside, pityingly, tinder her 
 breath) 
 
 Offi. Had those papers been stolen, it would have 
 meant not merely disgrace, ruin, a blot on an old name, 
 it would have meant the breaking of the dearest heart 
 God ever made. Strange lady, I am grateful. 
 
 Lady. That is all right, messenger. Now you 
 will understand why you received the invitation for last 
 night. 
 
 Offi. Yes. {sits L. of table) 
 
 Lady. Were you not surprised when I asked you to 
 come here ? 
 
 Offi. {brightly — entire change — tosses off glass — re- 
 places it on table) I never thought of that — the whole 
 thing was an adventure. I had been kept at the grind- 
 stone pretty tightly the four days I had been here. It was 
 thought wiser to travel at night. I was left with my last 
 evening on my hands. Your invitation came 
 
 Lady. Ha, ha, ha ! 
 
 Offi. T went — met you — and 
 
 Lady. And you came here to do something for me. 
 
 Offi. To be your messenge 
 
 Lady, {down r., looking straight before her) Sup- 
 pose that was not my real reason for bringing you with 
 me. Suppose I have nothing important to sent to Count 
 Morovski, that I have no mother and no sisters — that I 
 live here all alone, what would you say to that ? 
 
 Offi. You are not serious ? 
 
 Lady. Suppose I am — quite serious ? 
 
 Offi. You liv^e here alone ? 
 
 Lady. Quite alone ! And that letter I gave you is so 
 important that you can tear it up. Now, do you under- 
 stand ? 
 
"A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." 19 
 
 Offi. I'm afraid I don't. 
 
 Lady. Ha, ha, ha ! do not be alarmed ! It was only- 
 si woman's whim. There is no harm done. You can go 
 away now, and no one will be any the wiser. 
 
 Offi. {looks at her — suddenly passion leaps into his 
 eyes) Not yet ! 
 
 Lady. You do not wish to go yet ? 
 
 Offi. No. {excitedly) I want to be near you — to hear 
 the sound of your voice, to {he is quite close to her) 
 
 Lady. Oh, ha, ha ! So — you are like all other men 
 — weak — eh ? 
 
 Offi. Weak ? What of it ? If man was never weak, 
 half the history of the world would not be written. 
 
 Lady, {crossing to c.) Because the world is made 
 of men and women ! 
 
 Offi. {vehemently — catching her tone) Yes ! Men 
 and women ! {Pause — suddenly takes her in his arms) 
 
 Lady, {repulses him with) No, no no ! {he stag, 
 gers to table — pause) A moment ago you spoke of the 
 dearest heart God ever made — eh ? {he looks at her a 
 moment, while she holds his gaze, then he drops his 
 eyes on to the ground, and leans for support on table) Is 
 this loyal to that heart ? You do not answer ? It is con- 
 temptible, eh ? So you brave men are sometimes con- 
 temptible ! Again you are silent. A false step with the 
 papers you carry, and you would betray your Queen, 
 For that you would kill yourself. Yet a false step at a 
 bal masque, with a stranger, betrays the Queen of your 
 love, and poof ! — it is nothing. Yes — you English are 
 brave, {he staggers up to window to get air. Again 
 is heard the jingle of the bells outside — the man and 
 woman look at each other. He throws away his 
 cigarette, takes out his watch — looks at it under the 
 lamp) You have a little longer, {anxiously) 
 
 Offi. Five minutes. 
 
 Lady, {relieved) Ah ! {holding out case again) 
 
 Offi. {comes down, looking inside) Only two left. 
 (Lady makes movement pressing him to accept) Thanks. 
 They rather grow on one. {falls back into chair L. of 
 table) Gad, that wine has gone to my head. 
 
 Lady. Is that weak too ? {right round back of table, 
 to R.) 
 
 Offi. Ha, ha, ha ! You're rather severe, {lights 
 cigarette — inhales with apparejit enjoyment) 
 
20 "A QUEEN'S messenger- 
 
 Lady. I am very severe, sometimes. 
 
 Offi. I suppose you are never weak. 
 
 Lady. Alas ! I am a woman. 
 
 Offi. Deucedly strongmmded one. Ha, ha, ha ! 
 
 Lady. That is only one side of me. 
 
 Offi. It is the only one you've given me a glimpse of. 
 
 Lady. I would not like you to see the other. 
 
 Offi. I suppose you have never felt a grande pas* 
 sion ? 
 
 Lady. Do you .? Well, you are quite wrong, {she 
 moves nervously up to back, near window — watching 
 him) 
 
 Offi. You have a lover ? {iin steadily) 
 
 Lady. I have, {coining down C.) 
 
 Offi. Indeed. Ha, ha, ha ! Is he — is he brave ? 
 
 Lady, {her face lighting up for a moment) Brave! 
 Mon Dieu ! {turning fiercely on him) He is a 7nan, a 
 soldier— a soldier of his Czar's — his King's ! Parbleu ! 
 Had he the mission you have entrusted to you, he would 
 lay them at the feet of his Queen if he had to cut a pass- 
 age through a thousand men. 
 
 Offi. {slightly dazed, his hand on his forehead) 
 Eh ? what's that ? A thousand men ? So would I — ten 
 — ten thousand. 
 
 Lady. He is a soldier of the battlefield, not of the cafe, 
 the opera and the boudoir. Do you think he would fall 
 openly into a trap — carry his precious messages into the 
 very hands of the enemy 1 
 
 Offi. {trying to collect his thoughts) Enemy ? 
 What do you mean ? 
 
 Lady. I mean, Captain Standish, emissary of your 
 Queen, that I am an. emissary of the Imperial Court of 
 Russia— that I have brought you here to rob you of what 
 you profess to be dearer to you than life ! 
 
 Offi. Rob me ? 
 
 Lady, {back of chair \.. of table) Your train leaves 
 at two-thirty. You will not travel by it. Be careful, 
 Captain, when next you smoke with a Russian lady that 
 her cigarettes are pure tobacco and not a mixture! 
 {the cigarette drops from his fingers ; he leans iack 
 against the table, holding it with one hand for support, 
 whilst the other goes to his forehead. He looks straight 
 before him) Your mission is more dangerous than you 
 supposed, eh ? and yet instead of a thousand — ten thou- 
 
«A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." 21 
 
 sand men — you have to face only one woman. You say 
 nothing ? 1 forgot — you English think so much I 
 {crossing doivn R.) 
 
 Offi. My head ! my head ! {pressing his forehead 
 with both hands) 
 
 Lady, {tip to writing-table R.) What a beautiful 
 trap. Had the opiate failed — had you not smoked — I 
 would have had to use this. See ? {shows a tiny revol- 
 ver, which she takes from drawer in writing-table) It 
 is full of little bullets, and it goes off quite easily. Had 
 
 you escaped that, there was yet another risk {jingle 
 
 of bells again, the sound of a ina7is voice soothing the 
 horse) Listen — Francois — he is all over pistols — and he 
 is waiting for yott. They wait for you at the hotel — at 
 the station. A very dangerous mission, eh ? Ha ! ha ! 
 You escape them all, and yet fall a victim to a poor, weak 
 woman. How very English. 
 
 Offi. {rises feebly) Ha, ha, ha ! What are you 
 talking about ? Oh, my head. What's the time .? Train 
 goes — half-past two — I must be going — no time to lose — 
 {totters away from table) Good-bye — awfully obliged — 
 Oh, my head ! ha, ha, ha ! How stupid of me — to feel 
 like this — been drinking — where's the bag {feeling his 
 way as he staggers, aided by the furniture, towards the 
 bag) Carriage outside — sorry to have to go — messenger, 
 you know — qu — queen's messenger — the bag — ah ! Here 
 — {stumbles against it j is about to stoop down to lift 
 it — staggers again — presses both hands to his forehead) 
 Oh — my head — I — I — don't know — what I'm doing. Ha, 
 ha, ha ! {laughing hysterically) What am I laughing 
 at ? — train — must catch it — queen's — queen's — messen- 
 ger — Oh-h ! {sinks asleep across bag) 
 The lady stands watching hi7n for a mometit ; then she 
 goes to him, listens to his breathing, which is thick. 
 She fiods with satisfaction, and kneels down and 
 gently removes the bag from beneath him. Her face 
 has now completely changed j it is stern, pale, im- 
 placable ; the brows knit, the features working with 
 suppressed excite7nent. Dead silence in the room 
 save for the heavy breathing of the matt. She thinks 
 a moment, then goes quickly to the window and gives 
 a low whistle. It is answered. Then the soufid of a 
 man's voice j the rattling of steel as the reins are 
 gathered ; the toss of the bells j then tHe sound of a 
 
22 «'A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." 
 
 horse's hoof s going off at a smart trot ; the rattle oj 
 the wheels, the jingling of the bells, loudly at first^ 
 then dying away gradually in the distatice j then 
 silence. 
 
 Lady. Gone ! {moving to prostrate figure) You 
 will not catch your train, Captain Standish. Sleep 
 soundly ! [looks doivn at him, shrugs her shoulders 
 cotitemptuously) To trust you with despatches ! Eng- 
 land is a great country. Mais oui — it is very wonderful 
 —the material is sometimes so small. I must be quick 
 or he will wake, {crosses to table, takes up bunch of 
 keys) The keys — all right {kneels down to bag, tries 
 two ; third f Is J- she uttlocks) That is one ! {she utt- 
 locks the other, presses the lever j the bag opetis j she 
 throws the keys on the table, turns back to the bag) 
 Sesame ! {ransackijig) Clothes ! Letters ! Books ! 
 Clothes again — ah, what is this ! {takes out a packet 
 with a big red seal.) Kismet ! Af/ mission has not failed. 
 I talk not of my loyalty to every stranger — it is here 
 {touching her heart) For if I would cheat, lie, kill, and 
 at the end — what .? What my reward ? Exile ! Death ! 
 Who knows ? Who cares ? No one except Leo ! Ex- 
 cept Leo ! {lays despatch on table while speaking, 
 closes bag, but does not re-lock it ; then drags the bag 
 to its old position, and lifts his arm on it. The man 
 moaiis slightly, as though in pain. She looks at him, 
 then bends down over him. A changed look comes into 
 her eyes) Poor fellow ! 
 
 Offi. {moves restlessly in his sleep, eyes closed ; 
 then speaks in a hoarse whisper) Quick, or we'll miss 
 it ! Go on ! Faster — faster still — go like hell — that's 
 right — ha, ha, like hell, {feeble, hysterical laugh) Ha, 
 ha, ha ! Is that the whistle in the distance — it can't be ! 
 How beautiful you are — What ? In danger ? No one 
 dare touch them — I bear a charmed life — with — my des- 
 patches — they are my life — Take off — that mask, won't 
 you ? {she silefitly goes to table, soaks her handkerchief 
 in the wine — goes back — places it on his forehead. 
 The man moves under her touch) I can't hear you — ■ 
 what would Constance say ? She'd love you for having 
 saved me — you don't know how she loves me — she thinks 
 the world of me — and — and — I'm not worth it ! Go on 1 
 I can see the lights — look ! — there's the train ! It's on 
 the crest of the hill — don't you see it ? Hurrah I I'll 
 
"A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." 23 
 
 do it! Stop! — wait! — you imist f — a messenger — she 
 called me her messenger — {breathing gets more reg- 
 idar ; she bends down over him, moistening his hands 
 with the handkerchief) 
 
 Lady. He is waking — waking to what ? Disgrace, 
 shame, death — for he will kill himself — I saw it in his 
 face. And why not ? Leo would do it too. It is the 
 only thing. Nothing can heal dishonor — for a woman 
 — yes — for a man — no ! Poor fellow ! Why sliould I 
 pity him ! {a thought coming to her) If this were Leo 
 — if he lay in some woman's room — drugged — robbed — 
 if he — [shaking off tlie thought) Leo ! No — no ! He 
 would not run such a risk — he is loyal to his country — 
 and to me ! {another thought as she glances down at 
 the man) Yet what was that he said ? " If man was 
 never weak, half the history of the world would not be 
 written." It is true ! All men have their moments — yes 
 — even the bravest — and he is brave — {looking down at 
 him) Poor fellow ! {inovementby Officer) He has had 
 his moment — he is waking now to pay the price. 
 The Officer opens his eyes — presses his hand to his 
 forehead. She rises, watching him. He seems to be 
 endeavoriiig to gather his thoughts, and struggles 
 ijito a kneeling position. She walks slowly backwards 
 to the table, watching him intently. Suddenly some- 
 thing of the truth breaks in on him, and he convul- 
 sively looks for the bag. He rapidly feels the lock. 
 She takes advantage of his turning away to hurriedly 
 take the despatch from the table a)id thrust it into 
 the triple photo-fra7ne, and place it face downwards 
 on the table. She turns — the man staggers to his 
 feet. They stand facifig each other — a neighboring 
 clock' strikes two. 
 
 Offi. {hoarsely) Two ! The train ! [totters weakly 
 to window) 
 
 Lady. Stop. The carriage has gone, {by table c.) 
 Offi. Gone .? 
 Lady. Yes. 
 
 Offi. But I must get to the train — I must, {down by 
 her) 
 
 Lady. Too late. 
 
 Offi. Too late. No, no — it can't be too late. Don't 
 you understand, I must catch it — don't — you understand 1^ 
 Lady. I understand. 
 
24 "A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." 
 
 Offi. Oh, my head — get me away — I've only half an 
 hour — help me to get away. 
 
 Lady. No ! 
 
 Offi. No ? Good God, You decoyed me here ! 
 
 Lady. Yes — so that the papers you carry should not 
 reach England. 
 
 Offi. [pause — looks at her — grasps the sitiiatiott — 
 turns away — takes a step dowti L. iu undertone) What 
 can I do ? What can I do ? {then drawing himself up") 
 The carriage you say has gone ? {turning towards her) 
 
 Lady. Yes. 
 
 Offi. We two are alone — beyond earshot ? 
 
 Lady. Quite alone. 
 
 Offi, Then listen to me. Close as the net is that you 
 have drawn around me you have forgotten one thing. 
 
 Lady. Indeed ? 
 
 Offi. You have forgotten to draw it tightly enough. 
 Madam, spy of the Russian Government, you are my 
 prisoner, {taking C.) 
 
 Lady. So ? 
 
 Offi. Further still — my despatch shall reach White- 
 hall in time. 
 
 Lady. Indeed ? And how ? 
 
 Offi. At daybreak you shall be under arrest — and the 
 despatch flashed across Europe. 
 
 Lady. To do this you would want the despatch, eh ? 
 
 Offi. {instinctively his hand goes to his chain — the 
 keys are missing — kneels down to bag — presses the lever 
 — the bag files open — searches — misses despatch) The 
 despatch — where is it ? 
 
 Lady. In the hands of an official of the Russian gov- 
 ernment. 
 
 Offi. In yours ? {up to her) 
 
 Lady, {pointing to window) You forget Francois 
 and the carriage, {officer makes mov ement towards wiiu 
 dow) He is miles away by now. My net was closer than 
 you thought ! {the 7nan leajis on cabinet for a moment 
 — rage first of all rushes into his face, into his speech — ■ 
 he tries to speak — nothing artictilate comes-^then lean 
 fill his eyes — he brushes them away with back of his 
 hajid — his face gradually becomes hard and set — he half 
 turns his back on the woman — he draws revolver slowly 
 "—then with a heart-broken cry) 
 
 Offi. Constance ! The end of it all. {presses revol'^ 
 
"A QUEENS MESSENGER." 25 
 
 ver to his temple. The woman has gradttally moved 
 down to him — contempt first of allin her face and move- 
 inents — then astonishment^followed by pity and horror 
 as she strikes his arm up) 
 
 Lady. Ah, no, no ! Not that — not death ! You have 
 conquered ! Captain Standish, you are a man ! I respect 
 you — I will save you. You will have your despatch un- 
 opened — you will catch your train — you will be at White- 
 hall in time, and all through me. You wonder why ? I 
 will tell you. I saw something in your face then that I 
 have never seen before. I saw you looking at death — 
 meeting it — with the name on your lips of the woman you 
 love. Captain Standish, I have learnt a good deal. You 
 are a great man — England is a great country ; you are 
 heroes, {movement by Oyycer) No, no, no, do not speak. 
 {dozan to table c.) It was to serve the man I love I sought 
 to betray you — it is for the love some woman bears you I 
 stepped between you and death. Oh ! why are we women 
 born with hearts ? It is woman's wit betrays mankind ; 
 it is woman's heart that betrays herself. Mine has be- 
 trayed me ! (sinhs into chair sobbing. Officer stands 
 motionless, watching her; then, with gesture of pity, 
 moves to her. Looking up) There ! it is all over ! 
 {smiling at him) Weak, eh ? Quick, quick, quick ! 
 There is no time to lose ! Ah ! your keys, eh 1 [takes 
 the ring off table — looks at it) Messenger! I would — 
 like something — of yours — something you value — give me 
 that ring, [hajtding him the whole thing) 
 
 Offi. (l. C.) The signet ring ? There, {hands it to 
 her) 
 
 Lady. {"B.. C. looking at it) It was handed down to 
 you by a brave man, it is given to me by a foolish one, 
 eh? 
 Offi. A very foolish one. 
 
 Lady. Shall I give you something ? Wliai. will I give 
 you ? A picture, eh ? Choose, {indicatifig frame on 
 table — then moving round back of table to R. He takes 
 up frame, looks at the first one — opens it — the despatch 
 falls out — pantomime — their eyes meet. He silently 
 places the despatch in his pocket — takes out picture — 
 holds out his hand — she extends hers — he kisses it) A 
 great risk, eh ? Poof! It is all over! Come — quick — 
 300 yards aw^ay there is a coach-house — in it a trap — the 
 •tables are next door — I will harness the horse myself — 
 
 ^ 
 
26 '♦ A QUEEN'S MESSENGER." 
 
 drive you to the station — and all with one minute to spare. 
 Take up your big bag. Ah, it is not so precious now, eh ? 
 The jewel is not there. Are you ready? {Jie is putting 
 on his coat) Oh, will you blow out those candles? {Jie 
 extinguishes candles on cabinet and on mantelpiece) 
 Wait for me outside the window, {he takes the bag atid 
 goes to window. She turns the lamp out — only moon- 
 light in the room. He moves outside the window) Don't 
 move until I tell you — you might stumble. You must not 
 make another false step now, eh ? {she joins him at win- 
 dow) How beautiful the air is ! 
 
 Offi. You are shivering ! 
 
 Lady. Am I ? And yet I am burning. How pale you 
 look in the moonlight. Give me your hand, messenger ! 
 How strong you are. You may trust me nov^' — I will 
 guide you safely — as safely as if you were my messenger ! 
 {she closes the window — the click of the lock is heard — 
 the two figures walk tip the path in the jnoonlight hand 
 in hand, and when they have quite vanished the curtain 
 falls. 
 
THE REJUVENATION OF AUNT MARY. 
 
 The famous comedy in three acts, by Anne Warner. 7 males, 6 
 males. Three interior scenes. Costumes modern. Plays 2% hours. 
 
 This is a genuinely funny comedy with splendid parts for "Aunt Mary," 
 ack," her lively nephew; "Lucinda," a New England ancient maid of all work; 
 ack's" three chums; the Girl "Jack*' loves; "Joshua," Aunt Mary's hired 
 in, etc. 
 
 "Aunt Mary" was played by May Robson in New York and on tour for over 
 o years, and it is sure to be a big success wherever produced. We strongly 
 :ommend it. Price, 60 Cents. 
 
 MRS. BUMSTEAD-LEIGH. 
 
 A pleasing comedy, in three acts, by Harry James Smith, author of 
 ,ie Tailor-Made Man." 6 males, 6 females. One interior scene. Cos- 
 mes modern. Plays 2^4 hours. 
 
 Mr. Smith chose for* his initial comedy the complications arising from the 
 deavors of a social climber to land herself in the altitude peopled lay hyphenated 
 mes— a theme permitting innumerable complications, according to the spirit of 
 e writer. 
 
 This most successful comedy was toured for several seasons by Mrs. Fiske 
 th ^enormous success. Price, 60 Cents. 
 
 MRS. TEMPLE'S TELEGRAM. 
 
 A most successful farce in three acts, by Frank Wyatt and William 
 orris. 5 males, 4 females. One interior scene stands throughout the 
 ree acts. Costumes modern. Plays 2^ hours. 
 
 "Mrs. Temple's Telegram" is a sprightly farce in which there is an abund- 
 ce of fun without any taint of impropriety or any element of ofifence. As 
 ticed by Sir Walter Scott, "Oh, what a tangled web we weave when lirst we 
 actice to deceive!" 
 
 There is riot a dull moment in the entire farce, and from the time the curtain 
 ies until it makes the final drop the fun is fast and furious. A very exceptional 
 rce. Price, 60 Cents. 
 
 THE NEW CO-ED. 
 
 A comedy in four acts, by Marie Doran, author of "Tempest and 
 mshine," etc. Characters, 4 males, 7 females, though any number of 
 )ys and girls can be introduced in the action of the play. One interior 
 id one exterior scene, but can be easily played in one interior scene. 
 Dstumes modern. Time, about 2 hours. 
 
 The theme of this play is the coming of a new student to the college, her 
 caption by the scholars, her trials and final triumph. 
 
 There are three especially good girls' parts, Letty, Madge and Estelle. but 
 c others have plenty to do. "Punch" Doolittle and George Washington Watts, 
 gentleman of color, are two particularly good comedy characters. We can 
 rongly recommend "The New Co- Ed" to high schools and amateurs. 
 
 Price, 30 Cent-s. 
 
 (The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 
 SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York City 
 
 New and Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free on Request 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 DOROTHY'S NE 
 
 014 525 851 # 
 
 'he 
 
 ys. 
 
 A brand new comedy in four acts, 1 
 New Co-Ed," "Tempest and Sunshine," 
 4 males, 7 females. The scenes are extremely easy to arrange ; two plain 
 interiors and one exterior, a garden, or, if necessary, the two interiors 
 will answer. Costumes modern. Plays 2^ hours. 
 
 The story is about vocational training, ^ subject now widely discussed; also, 
 the distribution of large wealth. 
 
 B'^:k of the comedy situation and snappy dialogue there is good logic and 
 :. sound moral in this pretty play, which is worthy the attention of the experi- 
 enced amateur. It is a clean, wholesome play, particularly suited to high school 
 production. Price, 30 Cents. 
 
 MISS SOMEBODY ELSE. 
 
 A modem play in four acts by Marion Short, author of "The Touch- 
 down," etc. 6 males, 10 females. Two interior scenes. Costumes mod- 
 ern. Plays 2% hours. 
 
 This delightful comedy has gripping dramatic moments, unusual character 
 types, a striking and original plot and is essentially modern in theme and treat- 
 ment. The story concerns the adventures of Constance Darcy, a multi-million- 
 aire's young daughter. Constance embarks on a trip to find a young man who 
 had been in her father's employ and had stolen a large sum of money. She 
 almost succeeds, when suddenly all traces of the young man are lost. At this 
 point she meets some old friends who are living in almost want and, in order to 
 assist them through motives benevolent, she determines to sink hex own aristo- 
 cratic personality in that of a refined but humble little Irish waitress with the 
 family that are in want. She not only carries her scheme to success in assisting 
 the family, but finds romance and much tense and lively adventure during the 
 period of her incognito, aside from capturing the young man who had . defrauded 
 her father. The story is full of bright comedy lines and dramatic situations and 
 is highly recommended for amateur production. This is one of the best come- 
 dies we have ever oflFered with a large number of female characters. The dialogue 
 is bright and the play is full of action from start to finish; not a dull moment in 
 it. This is a great comedy for high schools and colleges, and the wholesome 
 story will please the parents and teachers. We strongly recommend it. 
 
 Price, 30 Cents. 
 
 PURPLE AND FINE LINEN. 
 
 An exceptionally pretty comedy of Puritan New England, in three 
 acts, by Amita B. Fairgfieve and Helena Miller. 9 male, 5 female char- 
 acters. ^ 
 
 This is the Lend A Hand Smith College prize play. It is an admirable play 
 for amateurs, is rich in character portrayal of varied types and is not too difficult 
 while thoroughly pleasing. Price, 30 Cents. 
 
 (The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 
 
 SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York City 
 
 New and Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free on Request