?m%. V emoTi VWk Gra-nciVat\ieT- W^teYieaA a Tl .1 A Tic\-nal drama a, in Lwo acus fc • Class JBitllH Book JL U Q> 1 No. X. MODERN STANDARD DRAMA. EDITED BY EPES SARGENT, Author of " Velasco, a Tragedy," &c. GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 2ln ©rtginal Drama. IN TWO ACTS BY MARK LEMON, ESQ AS PLAYED AT THE PARK THEATRE. WITH STAGE DIRECTIONS. AND COSTUMES. MARKED AND CORRECTHfl BY J. B ADDIS, PROMPTER. NEW-YORK : WILLIAM TAYLOR & CO., No. 18 ANN-STREET. ?W&f EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION. Tiij . favorite little two-act piece is an adaptation from tlie Pre tch. It was originally produced in its present An- glicised form at the Haymarket Theatre, 27th September, 1S42. Ot % Farren's performance of the old man on this occasion, oi±e of the critics of the day remarks : " Frequent- ly and oft have we witnessed and admired his perform- ances of the old man, and especially of Uncle Foozle ; but, however praiseworthy we deemed these several represen- tations, they are as nothing in comparison with his Grand- father Whitehead. The doting fondness for his little grandson — the childlike participation and joy in his a- musements- — the delight at his boyish interruptions to grandad's writing-lesson — the screening him from correc- tion, and taking the rod into his own hands — are exceed- ingly natural; and then, again, the fine universal benevo- lence of the old man — his wish, and almost irritability at not being able to make every one happy — his content- ment, interrupted only by the thought now and then breaking in upon the weakened intellect of eighty-three, of his being a burden to others, — are most life-like ; and farther, his tottering walk — his chuckling laugh — his short breathing and hesitating sentences — and, under oreat m-ief! his stricken body and mind, — are all most admirably, but painfully true; in short, the portrait is perfect." This commendation may be applied without qualifica- tion to Mr. H. Placide's excellent acting in the same part. It is one of those artist-like pictures, which once seen live in the memory as distinctly as our recollections of real personages, with^whom we may have been familiar, and who may have impressed us by their saliency of character or by their being mingled up with circumstances, that have left their ineffaceable print upon oui minds. COSTUMES. DRAYTON. — Light mixed body coat, white basket buttons, drab breeches and gaiters, flowered waistcoat. GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD.— Dark brown long-lapelled body coat, black breeches. LANGLEY.— Brown frock coat, black trousers, grey morning gown black velvet collar and cufi's. DRIVER. — Black body coat, brown satin waistcoat, light grey trou- sers, black stocking gaiters, white hat. BOB LINCOLN.— Black jacket, black glazed buttons, black trousers, • low crowned white hat. SNAP. — Black coat buttoned up to the neck, black trousers. EDWARD DRAYTON.— Brown holland blouse, light coloured trou. sers, black waistcoat. LOUISA DRAYTON.— Blue merino dress, and black silk apron. SUSAN. — Brown silk dress, and white apron. EXITS AND ENTRANCES. E. means Right; L. Left; R. D. Right Door; L. D. Left Door ; S. E. Second Entrance ; U. E. Upper Entrance ; M. D, Middle Door. RELATIVE POSITIONS. R. means Right ; L. Left ; C. Centre ; R. C. Right of Centre ; L. Left of Centre. The reader is supposed to be on the stage, facing the Audience, * * GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. ACT I. Scene I. — Driver's Office — easy chair, c. stool and desk, ft, Snap discovered arranging books, papers, fye. &pc. Snap. There, every thing's ready for business. [Bell rings.] That's Master Bobby Lincoln, I suppose ; his un- cle, Mr. Langley, keeps him pretty close to his work. Enter Bob Lincoln, l. Bob. Well, Snap, has Mr. Driver, the governor, done breakfast ] Snap. Yes, sir, it only wants a minute to nine, and he'll be here directly. [Exit, l. Bob. [Takes up books, fyc] Ah, the trap's baited, I see, and there are certain to be plenty of flats before the day's out. Why did they make me a lawyer ? I've too much humanity for the profession, for I'd rather go to Green- wich any day, than serve a writ or a declaration. [Taking up a parchment?^ I never see a sheep but it puts me in mind of a lawyer, parchment and fleece — oh ! very well flir ! Oh, here's Mr. Driver. Enter Mr. Driver, r. Mr. D. Mr. Lincoln, good morning. [Crosses to c. Bob. Good morning, sir. Mr. D. This punctuality promises well, Mr. Lincoln, too many look upon law as a luxury. Bob* Do you mean clients, sir 1 8 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. I - ct i Mr. D. Ng, sir, I allude to clerks, they set 21 tc con..vle r that the great end and aim of law is a guinea a w«*Qk # whereas, their ambition should be to exhibit the beauty 0! justice, by working as hard as they can for their employ ers. Have the other clerks arrived ] Bob. [Lookiiig off.] Yes, sir, there's Nix in the loan o^ fice, and Tap in the common law. [Sits- at desk, 7 Mr. D. Oh, that loan office was a splendid thought o mine, there's philanthropy and forty per ce»t. in the very sound. [Bell rings, Bob jmlh the string and looks off. Bob. [Aside.] Why it's my Louisa's father. [Aloud.\ — It's Mr. Drayton, sir. Mr. D. Drayton ! what the deuce can he want ! Bob. [Aside.] That's just the question I was about to ask myself. Mr. D. Perhaps he has called for his father-in-law, Whitehead's allowance. Hem! moneymaker money, and I shan't part with that till I am obliged. Enter Sxap, l. Snap. A letter, sir, from Mr. Drayton. [Crosses to e. Mr, D. [Reads.] " Dear sir, 1 am greatly in want of thirty pounds, in fact, my credit depends upon payment 01 that sum to-day — will you assist me I I offer you as secu- rity, the allowance which some unknown friend has hither- to commanded you to pay to my father-in-law, White- head" — hum — " the interest I leave to you" — hum — "but remember, I must have the money to-day. - Your's obediently, JOHN DRAYTON." [Aside.] And so you shall, if Langley orders the allowance to be continued. Tell Mr. Drayton, I will send him an answers [Exit Snap, l.] Mr. Lincoln, did your uncle Langley send any message to me \ Bob. Oh dear, I had quite forgotten — yes, sir, he wishes to see you before you go out, about something concerning somebody that he could'nt mention to any body but you. Mr. D. Oh, very well. [Bob resumes his ^/arc at the desk.] I understand what he requires, — his will ; I hope he will remember my past services, the clever way in which I save 1 him from the consequences of that pretty little piece of roguery, by which he made his own fortune and ruined old Whitehead. $C£5X I.] GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD 9 Enter Snap, l. Snap. Mr. Langley, sir. Mr. D. [To Bob.] Oh, Mr. Lincoln, shew him in — stay, I'll wait upon him myself. [Exeunt Snap and Driver, L. Bob. What an old spider the governor is, if ever a very fat fly gets into his web, he always attends upon his exe cution himself, and uncle Langley is, figuratively speak ing, a blue bottle of a client. Mr. D. [ Within.] There, my dear sir, lean upon me. Sus. [ Within.] Mind the step, sir. Enter Driver and Susan, l. supporting Langley, who ap- pears suffering from weakness. Lan. [Impatiently '.] Don't hurry so, Driver, you grasp my arm as though I were iron. Mr. D. My dear sir, 1 thought I was handling you as tenderly as a ward in chancery. S-us. [Placing a chair.] A chair — Mr. Lincoln, have you a pillow 1 Bob. No, we have not, but here's Coke and Littleton, [hands her a large book,] and I've slept over that many a time. Lan. No jesting, sir, my sufferings ought to excite your sympathy and not your merriment. Bob: 1 beg pardon, sir, if I've made a joke it was with- out malice prepense, + Lan. But I have deserved it, for have 1 not matured, clothed and, cherished you as my own, and when did cha- rity beget aught else but ingratitude. Bob. L T ncle, I beg to move for a rule nisi. Lan. Cease your senseless jargon. Mr. D. Senseless jargon Mr. Langley, are you a"ware that the phrase is professional 1 Lan. I will not be baited — to you, Mr. Driver, I have paid thousands, and have a right to your respect — to that boy I have been a parent, and demand obedience. Bob. And you have it, sir ; here's a proof of it — look at these pantaloons, hav'nt I had them turned twice, and ieft off straps because you said it wore 'em out at the knees 1 Lan. Do you not wish to leave me — have you not dared 10 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. fAcx I. to form an attachment to Drayton's daughter — you, a beg- gar ] Mr. B. Now you are compromising the character of my office. Mr. Lincoln is a gentleman, sir, on a guinea a week. Bob. If that fact's not enough to soften a heart of stone, I don't know what is — hard work and a hard seat are quite enough, without hard words, uncle. Lan. Well, perhaps I was wrong — Susan ! Sus. Yes, sir. Lan. You can go home. [Exit Susan, l.] Robert, I wish to speak with Mr. Driver alone. [Takes out a note book. Bob. Yes, sir. Mr. D. [Beckons him aside.] Lincoln, run down to Drayton, and tell him I will see him in an hour's time. — [Aloud.] Mind your uncle. [Takes his hat from nail. Bob. [As he is going.] Of course, sir. [Bows respectfully and exits, L. Lan. [Offering paper.] Driver, you will here find in- structions for the distribution of my property when — I am dead. Mr. D. My dear sir, you should'nt distress yourself; yours will be a most respectable will, your personal pro- perty can't be sworn under 20,000Z. Lan. More, Driver, more, and you know how I obtain- ed it. Mr. D. By fair and honest speculation. Lan. [Earnestly.] You think so, truly, as between man and man 1 Mr. D. Has not the law decided so ] Lan. Ah ! but was the truth all told, did not you shirk and quibble ] Mr.D. Sir, I exercised my professional knowledge. Lan. And so defeated Whitehead, beggared him to pour his wealth into my coffers. Mr. D. You were my client ; had you been in his posi* tion I should have done the same for him. In our honour- able profession one interest is always paramount. Lan. Then the tale the old man has told was true — we did ruin him. Mr. D. Mr. Langley, I'm not used to have my services 80 requited : gratitude, sir, ought to — Scene I.J GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 11 Lan. [Shewing paper. \ Look at that paper-— you see I have not been unmindful of you ; one-third of all I have I shall bequeath to you. Mr. D. My dear sir, I have been warm — over 20,000£. did you say, forgive me — threes into twenty are six and a fraction. Lan. There is one condition that I will not — dare not insert in my will. Mr.D. Indeed! Lan. You must see it fulfilled. During old Whitehead's life you must continue to him the allowance of 507. which hitherto you have paid him on my account. .Mr. D. Certainly, but if it were named in the will the whole property — Lan. What ! would you have me write down my own shame — has not my life been made a hell by that old man's story of his ruin % ~1 have seen the finger of scorn point- ed at me in the streets, — I have heard under my own roof how the adopted orphan sacrificed his benefactor ; I will not write an epitaph to blacken my own memory. Mr. D. Mr. Langley, but for this admirable disposition of your property, I should almost question your fitness to execute so important a document as your will. This re- morse — - Lan. Remorse ! It is not remorse. True, Whitehead found me a neglected orphan, reared me, made me his equal in society, and I ruined him, — but with what unwea- rying enmity has he pursued me ! ^Mr. D. Indeed ! I never knew that he had even re- gretted his loss of wealth. Lan. In what bosom has he not awakened pity, in what heart has he not called up love, whilst I — am shunn'd, despised, with all the means that should ensure respect. .3L\ D. [Taking his hand.] And you have it, sir ; for if ever a client was adored by his professional adviser, you are the man, sir. [Boivs.] Lan. [Aside.] Sycophant ! '[Rises, and crosses to r.] [Aloud.] You have, of course, paid the money due last month to Whitehead. Mr. D. I have had no orders, but to-day I will send it to him. Lan. You were not so considerate wnen he was the vic^ 12 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. [Aci L tim of our cupidity. Pay it, Driver, let me at least feel that for my childhood I owe him nothing. Mr. D. It shall be done, sir. [Exeunt, l Scene II. — A neat room in a house in the suburbs of London* Loutsa and Edward discovered, the former seated at ta- bic, r., (writing materials on table') teaching Edward to read from a book in he?' lap. — A bureau, l. Lou. Well, what follows that ? Go oh, Edward. Edw. Oh, no ! I am tired — Grandad never makes me read so much as this. Lou. Grandfather is too indulgent to you, he spoils you by letting you do as you please. Come, go on, sir. Edw. I'd rather go and have a lesson with him in the garden. Lou. You shall stay here, you will only plague and worry poor grandfather. Now, sir, what follows ? Edw. Oh, I'm tired of that. [Takes his skipping rope from table, L. and jumps. Lou. Will you come here, and give me that skipping rope 1 Edw. No, I won't, I'm going to look for grandad. [Exit, r. skipping — as Louisa is about tofolloic — Enter Bob Lincoln, c. Bob. Louisa ! Louisa ! - Lou. La, Robert, how you made me jump. Bob. What, I suppose there was something connubial in the sound of my voice, something of the lord and master. Lou. How can you be so absurd I Bob, Absurd ! Why havn't I been talking uf getting married for these six months past ; havn't I ordered a pair of white ducks for my wedding day, and made a contract for a fat goose for my wedding dinner ? Havn't you spoke to your father, and — Lou, No, Robert, I have not dared to do so. Bob. What, you're ashamed, I suppose — leave it to me [consequentially]. I havn't attended Westminster Hall for nothing, hem ! The plaintiffs in this case are Bobby Lin coin and Louis i Drayton. Lou. Hush ! rny father wil bear you. Scene II.] GRANDVATI1LU WHITEHEAD. 13 Bob. So much the better. La, bless you, your father's not like my uncle ; my uhcle's a harsh, ignorant, rich man, your father's a kind, sensible, poor one ; so you dare tell him that you'd like to have a husband, and that you give a decided preference to me. Lou. There was a time that I should not have hesitated to have done so, that is, if I had had such a wish or had felt such a preference ; but lately my poor father is so changed, misfortunes have followed misfortunes until he has grown sour and petulant. Bob. Rat me if I didn't think something was wrong, for I've seen him at our office, and that's only one remove from the Insolvent Court. Lou. [looking off, c] Hush ! I thought I heard grand- father. [Going up, c. Bob. What, Mr. Whitehead, that good jolly old boy 1 ' Lou. Boy, indeed ! for though eighty years of age, see how he is playing with my little brother Edward. [ White- head laughs without.] Ha! [Goes up. ,] I thought he would have fallen. Bob. Ha! ha! see how he's laughing, what a merry old soul it is. Does he know of your father's troubles ! [Comes down. Lou. Oh, no, grandfather is so easily deceived, poor old man — his confiding disposition has been his ruin — he's coming this way, go now, Robert ! Bob. Egad, I must, but I want to see your father; so I'll go to him in the workshop. [Grosses to r".] Louisa, [Kisses her. \ Take care of that till I see you again. [Exit,n. . Lou. Robert ! Enter Edward dragging Whitehead on icith a hoop, r. c. Wlii. There, there, have done, let me go, will you ] Ediv. [Pulling him.] Ye3, grandad. [Louisa puts table and two chairs forward, c. Whi. Louisa, help me, my dear, for this little rogue does nothing but say " Yes " and pull me about. [He re- leases himself.] But he should mind what is said to him, he should. Where's he got to now! [Edward runs under the table.] Come here, sir,- — if I'd only my young legs a^ain. Now don't be so giddy, you know what I promised v<;u if you were good. [Sits at table, B* 14 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. '[Act I Edw. What, grandad 1 [Plays with hoop.] Whi. That splendid cart and horses, and tl.at drum ; and if you're very good we'll hare the kite and the wheel- barrow. Lou. Oh, grandfather, you mus'nt indulge Edward so much. Whi. Indulge ! Why, he did seem so pleased with them, poor child, he laughed, and the tears came into his little eyes when he found I couldn't buy them. I was obliged to promise him, and I shall keep my word; chil- dren should never be deceived, but he was to be a good boy, and go on with his writing. Come, Edward. Edw. Oh, not now, grandad, by and bye. Whi. [r. of table.] By and bye ] No, sir, now directly. [Places his spectacles on the table.] Be a good boy? you wanted to play at hoop, and we played at hoop ! you wanted a game at ball, and we played at ball, and we've broken a window into the bargain. [He gets pens, paper, Spc.] So, now, [Edward steals spectacles, puts them on, and sits on a chair, l., mimicking the old man.] we are gomg to play at something else, to rest ourselves a bit. Hallo ! where are my spectacles ] Louisa, have you moved my glasses 1 Lou. (r.) No, grandfather, perhaps you've left them in the garden, or Edward may have hidden them to prevent you giving him his lesson. Whi. I should like to see him playing me such a trick. Lou\ Why, look, grandfather. [She y>oints to Edward, ■who has taken the spectacles, and is mimicking the old man in a chair, l.] Wlii. Now this is too bad. [Sternly.] Edward ! come here directly, that I may scold you, sir. Edw. You musn't scold gentlemen in spectacles. Whi. [Laughing.] Ha! ha! there, Louisa, there, there's a wicked little dog. Lou. Don't laugh at him, grandfather, it will only en- courage him. [Louisa crosses to Edward, takes spectacles from him and gives them to Whitehead.] Whi. I can't help it — " Gentlemen in spectacles," ha ! ha ! he puts me in mind of when I was a boy, I was a wicked one ; only let me see a bit of fun going on, and away went books, and pen, and slate, and every thing else S^eke II.] GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 15 Lou. You should not say such things befo ,e Edward. Whi. Eh ! but it's quite true. [Seriously.] Come, sir, now be steady, or no carts, no kites — Edw. [Playing with ball.] Ah, you may say so, but you'll give them to me for all that. Whi. [To Louisa.] Do you hear that 1 Cunning little dog, how well he knows me. Come here, come and kiss me, Edw. [Runs to him.] Oh, yes, grandad. [Embraces 7ii?n 9 and siu upon his knce.\ YVlii. There, that's right. [To Louisa.] There, you see, I've only to humour him, and I can make him do what 1 please. Lou. Or rather what he pleases. Whi. Louisa, you don't understand children. Now, where did we leave off yesterday! [Puts on spectacles. Edw. At Y and Z, grandad. Whi. Very well — Y and Z. But where's the leaves, some one's torn them oat ! Edw. Oh, I know where they are. [Jumps down, and brings forward a cocked hat and boats mad.c of writing paper, from table, L. Whi. What's he after now — I asked you where the Ys and the Zs were ? Edw. [Shewing the figures.] Here are the Ys, and here are the Zs. Whi. [Laughing.] Now did you ever see — if he — if he hasn't actually made them into cocked hats and boats. Lou. You see what an idle fellow he is. [Edward now goes and gets humming-top from table, l., and, tries to wind it up. Whi. Yes, yes, I'm going to be very angry, you are a naughty little boy, sir. Do you think your father has the means to maintain you in idleness ? you think he's very well off, I dare say, but you're mistaken, perhaps you're mistaken. [To Louisa.] There's no harm in saying that. Lou. How little does he suspect that it is the truth ! Whi. Instead of studying and working and — [sees Ed- ward trying to wind up his humming top] and paying a Iter* • don — you — now that's not the way, [tales the top] a boy at your age not to know how to spin a humming-top i shameful — now watch me do it, [icinds it up, changing hi* 16 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. [Act 1 tone]. You should study whilst you're g( ing. Are you attending to mel Edw. Yes, grandad. WJd. You must think of something beside amusement, and when I read you a lecture so — Edw. {ivatching top.) Is it done, grandad ] Whi. Yes, yes, now there it is (kneels down). Now see how I do it — you must spin it this way. (Spins top, Ed- ward jumps about, and then they try to take it tip with a spoon. Noise, Drayton speaking off, l. Dra. Sir, I have told you the truth : you must now do as you please. Put in an execution if you will, for I have not the means of_ paying you. Lou. My father, and the room in this litter! Dra. (entering L.) What is the reason of this confusion ? Lou. Why, father — Whi. Stay, stay, I'll tell him. Master Poppet, here, wanted to — to — to do something, and Louisa — Louisa, you see — Dra. (looking in his pocket hook.) I understand — why is Edward not at school 1 Whi. Oh, that's — that's my fault; you see he wished — no, I mean I wished- — that is, I didn't get up till late, and what with the breakfast and ever so many other things, the time has slipped away. [Edward helps up Whitehead. Dra. He's aii idle dunce. Whi. Oh, oh, don't say that, the child's so fond of his school — you like going to school, don't you, Edward ? Edw. No, grandad. [Getting behind Whitehead. Whi. Hold your tongue, you rogue. , Dra. I'm right, you see — come here, sir ! WJii. No, no! he didn't understand the question. — - [Aside to Edyvard.] Go about your business. Dra. Well, we'll see, leave him to me. Whi. No, no ! he didn't intend to say that — [aside, \ now run, run. v [Exit Edward, n. Bra. (ii.) You are wrong in spoiling that child, as \ou do. Whi. [aside.] That's right, scold me, scold me, my dear fellow, I don't mind it. Dra. You ought to ehastise him,. L^EHE II.] GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD 17 Whi. Ah, he'd better mind that I don't do it. — \ Aside.) a little darling. Dra. He needs correction : I shall punish him, if you do not. Whi. [aside.] I should like to see you lay a finger on him, that's all. [Crosses to l. Dra. Look at these toys — they are fitted for the child of a nobleman. Whi. Oh, they're mine — they are — I bought them, they all came out of my allowance. Dra. Your allowance ! JLou. [restraining him.] Father ! Dra. What if rny timber merchant had followed me in- to this room ] Whi. Why, you'd have paid him if he had made any remark. Dra. [aside.] Paid him ! that, I'm afraid, will be impos- sible. [Crosses to l. and walks about. Whi. There, there, now you're fretting about some- thing I've said ; I've annoyed you. Dra. [taking Whitehead's hand.] You, father ] no, no ! I'm vexed, worried — Whi. On account of little Neddy 1 Dra. [aside.] Would that I had no other cause of an- noyance ! W hi. Don't you think about him, I'll see to him — he's not fond of work just yet, but — but — I'll be bound he's at his books now. j A window pane is heard to break, and a ball bounds upon the stage.] Oh la ! oh la ! there's another window ! that's the second we've broken this morning. Dra. [angrily.] What, again ? Whi. Don't you go, don't you go ; I'll see what he's about. I'll give it him, Drayton, I'll let him know — Lou- isa, stay where you are, Miss, I can manage him best — he minds what I say to lrirn. He shall catch it. — he's very much frightened at me, — he shall catch it. [ Exit, r. Dra. I shall go mad, what with that boy ar.d this poor old man. Lou. Oh, father, he may hear you. What, has happened to change you so ] [weeps.] Dra. Tears, my child ! I was wrong, but I have so inueh to vex me. 18 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. [Act I Lou. I have long feared as much; but let us not de spair, I will work night and day to aid you. Dra. Poor child, your labour would assist me little. [Rises.] Memel, my timber merchant, has sued me for his debt, and unless I can pay him five-and-twenty pounds to- day, threatens me with a prison. I have applied to Driver to lend me the sum required, but he hesitated, and pro- ' mised to send to me. Lou. His clerk, Mr. Lincoln, went to the workshop to seek you some time since. [Goes to door.] Mr. Lincoln, Robert ! [catting.] Enter Bob Lincoln, r. Bob. Ah, Mr. Drayton ! Dra. My dear young friend, what message have you for me 1 Bob. The governor sent me to tell you he would be with you within one hour — the time has almost expired. Dra. Then there is yet hope — excuse me, Mr. Lincoln. |-4$M?e.] I will write to Memel, and beg of him to be pa- tient till the evening. [Exit, l. Bob. Louisa, as I was sitting on one of the benches in the workshop, kicking my heels and cutting cut your name with a chisel, a thought struck me, by which I think I can be of service to your daddy. Lou. Indeed ! Bob. My uncle Langley is very rich ; it is he that keeps our loan office going. Now I we thought, that instead of your father going to Driver, why not go to my uncle ? — I '11 try my oratory, and if he will assist my rogue of a mas- ter, he'll not do less for an honest man like Mr. Drayton. Enter Whitehead, c. r. Lou. He can but be refused. Bob. That's all ; and should he succeed he'll make a fortune, and reward me with this dear little hand. [Kisses her hand. Whi. Hallo ! very pretty, up-m my word. Lou. Grandfather ! Whi. Yes, miss, it's your grandfather — one's never too old to learn. [Bows to Bob,] You have the advantage of me. [Goes nearer.] Oh, i see, it's Mr. Driver's lad. ScEOTt II.] GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 19 Bob. Lad I Clerk, sir ! Lou. Yes, clerk, grandfather — lad, indeed ! Whl. Well, I don't dispute the gentleman's word. — Pray, sir, who gave you permission to kiss that young la- dy's hand ] Bob. Who, sir ] Why — Louisa, who did give me per- mission 1 WM. Have you told her father of your intentions ? Bob. Why, not exactly ; but as Fm such a young timid thing, you perhaps will do so for me. WM. With all my heart — I should like to dance at & wedding again ! I'll go to Drayton at once. Lou. Not now, grandfather — not to-day. WJii. Why not ? Bob. Yes, why not] Lou. You know, Robert, that you are not free to act as you please, and I have no fortune to assist you should you displease your uncle. Whi. Never mind him ; if he's unkind you shall have my allowance, my fifty pounds a-year. Stay, stay — not all of it just yet, for I've some little debts I must pay first. Lou. Little debts, grandfather ! Whi. Yes, and why not, pray 1 You see, when I go past the shop next door, and see something that I think would please Edward or you, Louisa, I stop and look, and then I think I see you both smiling, — and then I can't go on — then — then I'm obliged to go in and buy it. Lou. Dear, kind grandfather ! Bob. Dear, kind grandfather ! [About to embrace him.] Whi. Stop, stop, young man, I'm not going to own you rill I know something more about you. Bob. Sir, I can bring evidence as to character. Oh, Mr. Whitehead, if you could get me married shortly I should esteem it such an obligation. Lou. For shame, Robert ! Whi. Not at all, not at all ! I'll do all for the best, rely upon me. Now go, young man, in case you lose your si- tuation ; clerks should never make love until after office hours. Bob. Sir, you're quite right, I'll be off. [Crosses to 1*., goivg c] But with your permission, I will return in the evening to beg a cup of tea and your blessing. [Exit, l. c. 20 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. Act I. Wki. Certainly, certainly. Louisa, I am so happy I shall see you settled before I die. I shall give you away myself; we'll have a glass coach, and I shall wear a bow, a white bow, in my coat. Lou. You shall do just as you please, grandfather, when I am married. Whi. When you are married ! you shall be married directly. My allowance will keep you, and the clerk must keep himself. Lou. I thank you for your kind intentions, but I'm afraid we must not depend upon your annuity. It seems to be too uncertain. Whi. Not at all. Mr. — Mr. — what's his name 1 Lou. Lambert, grandfather. Whi. Ay, ay. Mr. Lambert pays it to me, and he will be sure to be punctual, for when he was about to fail in business I saved him from doing so. Lou. It's not Mr. Lambert who pays it to you. Whi. No ! who is it, then ? Lou. We suspect that it is — but you'll be angry if. I tell you. Whi. No, no, I shan't. Lou. We suspect it is your former partner. Whi. [earnestly.] What, Langley 1 No, no, I'll not be- lieve that. How I did love that man ! I brought him up, and then he cruelly — no, no ! he would not dare to give me back -my own money in the shape of charity. Lou. Perhaps he repents his conduct to you. Whi. But I'll not touch another penny. I'd rather die than have recourse to that ungrateful man. [ Weeps.] Lou. Come, grandad, calm yourself; it is Mr. Lambert that pays you. IV hi. Then why did you tell me that it was Langley ? it was unkind, very, very — Lou. Grandfather ! Whi. [kissing her.] There ! but I will have my revenge — only let my first quarter arrive, and you shall see what I'll do. I've a sort of presentiment that I shall have my money to-day. I believe in presentiments. Won't Ed- ward be happy — he shall have such toys ! Lou. Ah, grandad, you'll spoil — Whi. That is, if lie's good. I put him in the corner for Scene II.] GKANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 21 breaking the windows, but I — I built him -a house of tiles, that he might not be melancholy, poor child ! But he shall be happy by and by. Would that I could make all the world happy ! [Goes up. Enter Drayton, with a note, l., crosses to c. Dra. [to Lou.] Driver has consented to assist me. Lou. You see, father, you should never despair. Dra. He has promised to let me have thirty pounds, which will enable me to pay Mem el. Driver will be here directly with the money. JVlri. [coming down, l.] Hey ! Driver with the money 1 Dra. Yes, father. Will. You see, Louisa, my presentiment has been re- alised. Dra. What do you mean % Lou,, [aside to her father. \ Oh, nothing, nothing, father. WJii. I was certain the day would not pass without the arrival of my allowance. Dra. But it is not — [Louisa, checks hi??i] — poor old man, 1 will not undeceive him. [Grosses to n., going.] Whi. Stay, Drayton. [Aside.] There's some mystery about this money. Dra. Louisa, remain here. Whi. [aside.] I must find it out, I must find it out. Dra. Let me know when Mr. Driver arrives. [Exit t R. Lou. Yes, father. Whi. Drayton! Drayton! [To Louisa, solemnly?^ Lou- isa, the good never deceive, and the old are forced to be credulous, for they cannot search after the truth : you will answer me truly about this money. Lou % La, grandfather, you are always thinking of mo- ney — you should not be so mercenary. Whi. All is not ri^ht — you are trifling: with me. If misfortune has fallen upon your father, we must all work for ourselves : he must give me some employment. Lou. You work, grandfather ! No. no, we are prosper- ous — indeed, we are. Whi. You are sure, o.uite sure '! Lou. Yes. [Aside.] I cannot distress him. Whi. I breathe again. What a load is taken from my heart ! for when I thought that you were 'n difficulty, and 22 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. [Act i. that I — I was a burthen to you, I longed — I longed to die. Lou. Oh, grandfather ! WJd. But I don't now, I don't now ; I'm too happy to think of such a thing — [kisses her.] And see — Enter Driver, l. c, and comes down r. Good day — Here's Mr. Driver with my allowance. .Dri. Hem! your allowance ? why — Lou. [aside to Driver.] Do not undeceive him. ^Dri. Oh, yes, Mr. Whitehead, I have brought you your money at last. [Aside.] That's too near the truth to be pleasant. Whi. Ah ! Dri. [To Louisa — goes to table.] Here are twenty-five pounds, Miss Drayton — [gives money, 'which Louisa jd&ces on the bureau^] Your father, I presume, is at home 1 Lou. Yes, sir, he will be here instantly. Wlii. I may as well see that it's all right. [Goes to bu* reau and counts the money.] Dri. I have a few words to say to Miss Drayton ; Mr. Whitehead, will you pardon me 1 Whi. Certainly — I 've some little affairs of my own to settle.