In filling all orders Is always a ffa.^.e °/«2,'I Wnnk , ness. Catalogues sent free. Any Play, Dialogue Book, - - -, ' Speaker, Guide Book, Wigs and Beards-in fact any- thing you want will sent by ^ AMES' PUBLISHING CO., Clyde. Ohio- PROMPTNESS thinfif van want will sent bj W AMES- SERIES OF ^D AND MINOR DRAMA, 394 T9 The Bird Family. {COMEDY.} WITH CAST OF CHARACTERS, ENTRANCES. AND EXITS, RELATIVE.POSITIONS OF THE PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, DESCRIPTION OF COSTUMES AND THE WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS; CAREFULLY MARKED FROM THE MOST APPROVED ACTING COPY. "t>b'6^ PRICE 15 CENTS. CLYDE, OHIO ; AMES' PUBLISHING CO, ^ "* C. O. D. Money MU^ iimes' ALPHABETICAL LIST DP '^ Editinn of Plays. -^^iXL'^- FXFTSBN CENTS BACH ITNLESS OTHERWISE MARKED. 294 2 164 39 43 100 125 350 14 321 272 310 161 60 342 343 152 279 173 143 162 255 117 52 76 141 26 191 362 337 194 261 336 349 355 46 227 Til M. r. DRAMAS. Arthur Eustace, 25c 10 4 A Desperate Gte,me 3 2 After Ten Years 7 5 A Life's Revenge 7 5 Arrahde Baugh 7 5 Aurora Floyd 7 2 Auld Robin Gray 25o 13 8 By Force of Love 8 3 Beauty of Lyons 11 2 Bill Detrick 7 3 Brae, the Poor House Girl.... 4 4 Brigands of Calabria 6 1 Broken Links 8 4 Beyond Pardon..... 7 5 Conn; or, Love's Victory 11 3 Clearing the Mists 5 3 Claim Ninety-Six (96) 25c 8 5 Dora 5 2 Driven to the Wall 10 3 Defending the Flag II 3 Daisy Garland'? Fortune 5 5 Driven from Home 7 4 Dutch Jake 4 3 East Lynne 8 7 Emigrant's Daughter 8 3 Fielding Manor..: 9 6 Gertie's Vindication 3 3 Grandmother Hildebrand's London Assurance 9 3 Legacy, 25c 5 4 Gyp, The Heiress, 25c «.. 5 4 Haunted by a Shadow 8 2 Hal Hazard, 25c 10 3 Henry Granden 11 8 How!HeDidIt 3 2 Hidden Treasures 4 2 Hunter of the Alps 9 4 Hidden Hand 15 7 Josh Winchester 5 3 Kathleen Mavourneen 12 4 Lights and Shadows ol the Great Rebellion, 25c 10 5 Lady of Lyons 12 5 Lady Audley's Secret... 6 4 Little Goldie, 25o 11 3 Lost in London 6 3 Miller's Daughter, 25c 7 6 Mrs. Willis' Will 5 MyPard 6 5 Man and Wife 12 Maudjs Peril 5 7 Midnight Mistake 6 3 Millie, the Quadroon 5 2 "Tiriam's Crime 5 " " „ : Erie 8 2 U of Derwent Water 5 3 ~ -:h 7 2 [The) 6 3 »k Agent 7 2 NO. II. r. 347 Our Country Aunt 4 223 Old Honesty , 6 i 81 Old Phil's Birthday... 5 2 333 Our Kittie 6 3 86 Outcast's Wife 12 3 83 Out on the World 6 4. 331 Old Wayside Inn, The 9 6 1% Oath Bound 6 2 29 Painter of Ghent 5 3 278 Penn Hapgood...-. 10 3 301 Peleer and Peter, 25c 4 2 18 Poacher's Doom 8 3 280 Phcelim O'Rookes' Curse 8 3 5 Phyllis, the Beggar Girl 6 3 110 Reverses 12 6 45 Rook Allen. , 5 3 363 Stub : 8 3 79 Spy of Atlanta, 25c 14 3 275 Simple Silas : 6 3 266 Sweetbrier ._. 11 5 3:36 Squire's Daughter 6 3 3.51 Tho Winning Hand 6 2 144 Thekla 9 4 318 The Adventuress 8 6 284 The Commercial Drummer.... 6 2 242 The Dutch Recruit 2 jc 14 3 67 The False Friend 6 1 97 The Fatal Blo^ 7 1 119 The Forty-Niners 10 4 304 The General'Manager 5 5 93 The Gentleman in'Black 9 4 314 The Haunted MilL 5 4 112 The New Magdalen 8 3 322 The Raw Recruit.;' 6 71 The Reward of Crime 5 3 306 The Three Hats 4 3 105 Through Snow and Sunshine 6 4 201 Ticket of Leave Man 9 3 293 Tom Blossom 9 4 193 Toodles 7 2 277 The Musical Captain 15 2 200 Uncle Tom's Cabin 15 7 2% Wild Mab .-. - 6 2 121 Will-o'-the-V/isp ; 9 4 41 Won at Last.. 7 3 192 Zion „.... 7 4 TEMPERANCE PLATS. 73 At Last 7 1 75 Adrift 5 4 187 Aunt Dinah's Pledge 6 3 254 Dot; the Miner's Daughter. .. 9 5 202 Drunkard [The] 13 5 185 Drunkard's Warning 6 3 189 Drunkard's^ Doom 15 5 181 Fifteen Years of a Drunk- ard's Life 13 4 183 Fruits of the Wine Cup 6 3 104 Lost 6 2 The Bird Family And Their Friends. A COMEDY, IN THREE ACTS. -BY- l/erna M. Raynnr. TO WHICH IS ADDED A DESCRIPTION "F THE COSTUMES— CAST OF rilE CHARACTERS- ENTRA^^CES AND EXITS— RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, AKD THE WHOLE. OF THE STAGE BUSINESS. Entered according to act of Congress tn the year 1898 5# AMES' PUBLISHING CO., in the o.dlce of the Librarian of Congress at Washington\ AJVIES' PUBLISHING CO. CLYDE, OHIO : THE milB FAMILY Ayn TJlh'Ui rilltJJSV^. ■ CAST OF CHARACTERS. /^ ^^TT. .A gentleman from Boston. &USTAVUS Oriole ^ j-^^ ^^^^^,^j^ ^^ a fortune. Hiram Gull^;- 'Mananer of the Warbler Opera Co. BlusterCrow, 'J -^ \iasliful young lover. Timothy Quail, ^Y^^ ^^^^^ ^ g^^^^e. Uhollie Bird, I.. Of the bald species. Lawyer Eagle, -^ ' misdiievous youngster. RoBmBiRD, T. 7.7 Servant, ). I^ouble. Officer. S ' ,, An Opera singer. Nightengale Ihrush, • • • • • ^^^^ innocent. Magpie Bird, ^vie maiden aunt. LucRETiA Peacock, * Mrs. Powell Bird ^ loeaUhy young widoic. Mrs. Goldfinch, . . * 2581. TIME— The present. PLACE— New York. TIME OF PLAYING— 2 liours. COSTUMES. GixsTAvrs 0Ri0LE.-Act Ist., fashionable street dress. Act 2nd.. -S^^^SXi^^ls^sIJSVl^^^Act ..a., a.. .pp.-opriat. '^^^^^^^:f-^^ r-^ -^^^^^ '-■ ^''' '-'■ -' ''^^^h'^'^^U^'^^^^- Act2na.,.a.e,ui,.. Act '^CHolLSKo'^ct 1st., dressing gown. Act 2nd., cost.nne of a Greek. Act 3rd., evening dress. '^^s^s^:;^^:^':^^": -^^' ««^- ^'-'^ ^-"'^- -"'"■ :>,Kl., costume ot red «1\'=V?,. 1 '^^mnLme evening dress, appropriate character, f' ^3^^,,;„'^t,? ^^rsasll big" Itat. Act 2nd.. .Jrt^Ss^rpr7s«nin^da,Sggirior«o,vergir,. Act 3rd..pret,, evening dress ' , -, . i^uslin dress, trimmed with ga: ^tS-p^Kff&S'-A^rist-rfrs:; apron atrd cap. Act '^krG"i?OH.'J^Act 2nd., appropriate mask. Act 3rd., dinne dress. The Bird Family and Their Friends. ACT I. SCEXE. — Interior of tlie liome of the Bikd Family — doors n. ancli.., curtained arcJncaij c. Iftofc. e. a large easy chair, mirror l. of sofa, window j^. (fc, .sr/vw; n. bark near k. door, meriting desk k. of c. door, table ii. front with decanter . To see old Bald Eagle on business. _][i((j. Keally! {as.idc) There's a chance for Timmy. I'll writr to him and ha\e him come up while she is gone. Won't we have a gay lime here all by ourselves. Where's the ink? Ah! here is a. pencil, that will do. {sits at table Rub. (nsldr) I\ow what's she going to "do? May. [aside] 1 low shall 1 commence it. It wouldn't do to be too alfectionate. (irrdcs) -'Dear Timothy — ma — is going away at noon. Come — and — wc — will ha\e a line time— just us two. Be sure— and come— at twelve — o'clock sharp. Yours— Magpie." There! {fold- iiKj if) Dear me! 1 wonder if that fellow will ever get up the courage lo'ask me to marrv him. [to Robin) Robin! Rob. AVell? May. AVill you take this letter to Timmy? You know Avhere he woi'ks? Rob. Yes, I know. I don't go for nothing, though. .][a(j. [y/rcs him letlcr) AVhen you come back, there's a five cent l)iece— Rob. All right. I'll go. {runs out l.. 2 e. May. Oh! won't we Iuia e a picnic while ma is gone! Wouldn't she be mad if she knew Avhat I've done. Ha, ha! but can't help it. I must see Timnn-. 6 THE BIRD FAMILY A NJ) THE IE FIIIENDS. Enter, Lucretia Peacock, r. e. Lucretia. {affectedly) What a perfectly delicious morning! The soft fleecy clouds are sailing languidly throughthe ethereal blue; the flowers are nodding their heads in the salubrious atmosphere and the birds — {looks out of icindow Mag. {aside) I wonder if she feels very bad. Luc. Why, who is that gazing at the house in that — that strange manner? Mag. I don't know. Luc. AVh}^ he is coming in! {aside) It must be one of my ad- mirers. Mag. {aside) Supposing it was one of my beaus. Enter, Hiram Gull, l. e., ^cit7l memorandum hook. Gull, {pretending to look at hook) Yes, this must be the place — {looks up) Beg pardon, ladies, but, {to Magpie) may I ask if this is the residence of Mrs. Powell Bird? Mag. Of course. Gull, {after a pause) Well, might I ask— Mag. Why certainly. Gull, {after another ptause, impatiently) Of course you needn't tell me unless you feel quite so disposed, my dear young lady. Mag. {demurely) You haven't asked me yet. Gull. Well then, will you please tell me — Mag. Certainly. Gull. Pshaw! Does Mrs. Powell Bird at present take' up her abode on these premises? Luc. {aside) What beautiful language? Mag. She does. Gull. I am an old friend of your father's. Mag. Who says so ? Gull. Why certainly you would not doubt my word. My name is Hiram Gull. And yours? Mag. Magdalena Clementina Bird, if it please you. {icltJi a loin hold) This is my aunt, Lucretia Peacock. Gull, {aside) The very one I'm after. Luc. {simpering) So happy to meet you, Mr. Gull, {aside) How very distinguished looking he is! Gull. Could I speak with your father, Miss Bird? Mag. My father! Why, my father has been dead for five years. Gull, {in astonishment) Dead! Js it possible! I never dreamed that my dear old friend was dead. Mag. {shreicdly) Then why did you -ask me if this was the resi- dence of Mrs. Powell Bird? Gull, {aside) I put my foot in it that time, {aloud— emharrassed) Why— you— see— I— er— why you see the fact is, we boys always had the greatest respect for Mrs. Bird, on account of her superior intel- lect and many excellent qualities, and got in the habit of speaking that way out of compliment to her, you see. THE Bin J) FAMILY AND THEIR FRIENDS, 7 Enter, Robin, l., 3 k. Rob. {aside to Magpie) He's got it. (Magpie nod.'i Mag. Well, Mr. Gull, I'll inform my mother of your presenc*'. (to Robin) Robin, >i uniij L see you auTiiii. 1 implore Noulosend mea favorabli' ri'[yi> . .V .\ai 1 iiig- your answer with burn- ing impatience, 1 am yours (l<'\(ii!';!ly. Jliram Uull."' The dear man! i Icnew he lo\t^d luc i"JI answer at once, [sits at table and xflzcfi pen) Jusc to thinlc of it! Sucli a distinguished gentleman! ••My dear Mr. Gull, it will give me the most exquisite pleasure to re- ceive 3'ou. Come at four o'clock. Your own Jjucretia. {rings hell) Enter, Servant, i.., 2 e. Take this letter to Mr. Gull. (Servant hows and exit, l., 2 e.) And now I must go and touch ui3 m}' toilet a bit. {exit, l. e. Roh. (sticks head ill door) Touch up her toilet! It's put on an extra coat of whitewash she means. {disappears Enter, Kightengale Thrush, r. e. Niglit. At last I have escaped them all! And now to read this letter which came an hour ago, and which I have not had a chance to look at till now. {sits on sofa and reads Enter, Magpie, l. e., tiptoes softly vp heland Nightengale. Mag. Reading a love letter? Night, {springing up, puts letter hehind her, is a little e^nharrassed) Ah! Magpie. Mag. Yes, at your service. Oh! you needn't hide your letter now. I've seen it, and you needn't blush so about it either, {shyly) I — I get them sometimes myself. It is a love letter, isn't it? I know it is. Night. Oh! if you know it, there is no use of denying it. I've half a mind to tell you all about it. Mag. Do! I'll never tell a soul. Night. This isn't exactly a love letter, because I — well I never saw the gentleman wlio wrote it. Mag. Y^ou didn't! That's strange. Why is he writing to you then? Night. Why, you see, in a spirit of jest, I began writing to him through a correspondence Bureau. I called myself Skylark, and he wrote to me under the name of Mr. Primrose. I have been writing to him nearly six months, and his letters are delightful. He is a Boston gentleman and seems ver^^ well educated. Mag/ My! It sounds like a story book! Nigltt. And now listen! He is to-day in this city, staying at the Victoria, and he wishes to see me. 77//-; lUlU) FAMILY AM) Til Hill FItIKNI)<. LJ ^fh-iii(/ ((t letter) Gustavus Oriole. Mi'i(/. Of coui'st' you'll see him? Xifj/it. I do not Think so, for I do not wish him to know who I am. Jlt^ iias some very straight laced ideas about wonicii. llcliatt-s public sing-ers, and detests all actresses heaiMily, and 1, asyou know. H.m both. Mag. J)ear me. that's akward. {suddc/th/) I've got an idea. Mght. Really: M(if/. Yes, and it's all my own too. Til li'II you how to manage* il. You write to him and I'll have the siM-va::L take the note and bring him back with him, and Avhen he gets here, 1 will be Skylark Mid receive him, and he will never know llie difference. \i(jht. But 1 scarcely think that would be right. Mag. Who's straight-laced now? It won't harm a tlea — Xiglit. But he Avould discover the deception, tor he knows I am twenty-one, and you are only seventeen, and young for your age at that. ^[ag. I'll be very demure and dignified. I'll deceive him too nice tor anything. I'll put my hair on top of my head and— Xight. Very well. It shall be as you say. {goes to table and takes ven, ■icrite.s) "Mr. Oriole, dear sir" — Mag. Oh! dear me, how formal. Xight. You must remember we have never met. (writes) ''I shall be pleased to see you at my home this afternoon. Will send this by my servant. You can return with him. Hoping to see you soon, I am — " {pauses M'ig. {dictating) Yours until death. yig/tt. Oh! no. not at all. {writes) "Yours truly" — sign this and you can put Skylark after it in jiarenthesis. (Magpie sigiu Mag . T h H r f' ' 1 1 1 at" s d o n e . {strikes bell Enter, Servant, l., 2 e. Take this note to the hotel across the way, inquire for Mr. Oriole, give it to him. and bring him back with you. Go quickly, {exit, Servant, l.. 2 e.) And now to x)repare for tlie great event — the ar- « rival of the Hon. Gustavus Oriole, Esq. {gathers hair up on top of head Xight. I am almost sorry I consented. Mag. Xow Gaylie, don't. It's no harm. When he comes, I will receive him, and you will be in the other room with mamma. After a while you can come in and 1 will introduce my friend, Miss Thrush, so you can have a chance to see and talk to him. Xiyht. That will be delightful. Mag. And I'll call myself Magdalen Bird — not Magpie, mind, and I'll call you. Gaylie. And now, Nightengale, [shaking her finger) there's just one thing, don't go and fall in love with this Mr. Oriole. Xight. Ha. ha, ha! I fall in lo\e! J, who have traveled the world over, who has seen nearly every type of man under the sun, and escaped unscathed. Oh! no, impossible. Mag. Not at all. Xow. he may be the very one — Serv((nt. (outside) This way, sir! Xight. I declare, here they come alread3\ I must become invis:- We for a time. Remember your part. {exit, r. e. IJf. THE BIRD FAMILY ASD THEIR FRIEXUS. Mag. Now Magdalen, don't forget that yon are twenty-one years Did. {dts at table Enter, SehyajsT and Gustayus Okiole, l., 2 e. Servant, {announcing) Mr. Oriole. {exit, i,., 2 e. Mag. {rising quickig ami ojfering her liand) Mr. Oriole, so glad you came', (aside) My! Isn" I lie handsome! On.siaru.s. [Inking her hand) My delightful correspondent, {aside) AVhat a sweet innocent face I Mag. I have enjoyed your letters so much. Qii8. {both sit at table) And I yours. But I can scarcely realize that this is indeed my correspondent. 3fag. {aside) Neither can I. Gus. You look so very young for twenty-one. Mag. Yes, everyone takes me for about seventeen, {aside) Strange too. {aloud) I supiDOse it is because I'm so inexperienced. T have seen so little of the world. Ous. Why, I thought you said you traveled. Mag. {aside) Never vras outside of New York in my life, {aloud) Oh! yes, I traveled with a cii;)ri table institution. But I see little of the gay thoughtless world. {sighs Gus'. {aside) So young and yet so thoughtful. Mag. And I'm always so glad to get home again. ^Gus. You seem to be a very great home bird. You will make ■omeone a good wife some day. Mag. {rising) Yes, so Timmy says, {suddenly remembering) I — I mean so my brother says, and my mother. Gus. {starting up in amaze) Your brother! And your mother! Why, did you not tell me that you w^ere an orphan and alone in the world ? Mag. Oh! I forgot to tell you sir! It is the strangest thing — like a fairy tale. Until two weeks ago, I thought I was alone in the world, but through an unforseen chain of circumstances, I found I had a mother and two brothers living, {aside) Pretty near put my foot in it then. Gus. You were fortunate. Mag, Yes, my younger brother is a dear little pet. Gus. And the other one? Mag. He's out of sight — {quickly) in his room you know, Gus. {aside) How strange she acts! {aloud) Did you read that book I sent you? {music outsid9 Mag. You mean — {sits at \i. of table Gus. IlPenseroso. {sits Jj. of table Mag. {aside) Eel poundser oh so. What is that? Must be that new eel soup, they're talking so much about, {aloud siceetly. leans across table) Oh! yes, and I've eaten it, too. Gus. Eaten it? {rises Mag. {rises) Yes, isn't it delicious? Gus. Beg pardon, I w^as speaking of Milton's II Penseroso. {aside) She doesn't seem a bit like her letters. Mag. Oh! pardon me. I know now what you mean, that music outside distracted me so, that I didn't know what you were saying to me. I am passionately fond of music. 77//; liini) FAMirA' AND TllFLll FllltJNDlS. 15 Has. You sing, do you not? Mag. Ohl no, I can't sing, {turns vpoii him suddenly with arms outstretched) But I can dance ! I can dance the ^\<.— {starts to illustrate, then remembers and draws hei'self np icith a jerk, demurely) the kermis :ind the waltz Gus. But I thought you said you loved to sing. Mag. I do: But then {shyly) nobody likes to listen to me. Mght. {oj}A\.) Very well, I shall do so. {appears at door v..) Good- bye, Mrs. Bird. :Magdalen, I— {pauses at door) I— I beg pardon— I— Mag. Come in Gay lie. Enter, Nightengale, r. b. Mr. Oriole, my friend, Miss Thrush. {they how Night. So glad to meet you, Mr. Oriole, {a^de) How very hand- some. Gus. And I you. {aside) What a beautiful girl I Mag. Miss Thrush is my dearest friend, and I assure you she is just as good as she is beautiful. JSfight. {laughing) Isn't she a sweet lilUe liallerer, Mr. Primrose? {sees her mistake and makes a gesture of dismay Gus. {astonished) Mr.— Primrose? Mag. {quickly) I liave told her of our innocent little corre- spondence, Mr. Oriole, and she sees no harm in ir. Do you Gaylie? Gus. You — you have read my letters to her? Mag. {emphatically) Oh! no, I w^ouldn't do that. Sight. And I w^ould not ask her to, Mr. Oriole, you may be sure. Mrs. B. {outside) Magpie! Mag-pie! Mag. Excuse me just a moment, Mr. Oriole. My mother is calling me. Y'es, mamma. {exit, r. e. Gus. A very sweet little girl, {picks up invitation) What is this? A grand masquerade ball at Mrs. Goldfinch's. She is an old friend of mine. {tliey sit at table Night. Then you will be there? Gus. Perhaps, {reads) "A selection will be rendered by Nigh- y e n gal e . ■ ' (Nightengale watches him closely Night. Y^ou have heard her, iDerhaps? Gus. No, never. They say she is as celebrated for her beauty as for her voice. Have you seen her? Night. Y"es. {aside) Once or twice. Gus. And is she as beautiful as they say? Night, {embarrassed) I — I scarcely like to give an opinion on that subject, Mr. Oriole. Gus. Because she is not beautiful in your ej^es, I see. That type of woinan is never attractive to such as you. Night. Why so? What do you mean by "that type of women"? Gus. A woman who leads a life of publicity. A woman w^ho Haunts her beauty before the eyes of the Avorld. In a word, an actress. Night. Y'ou seem very much prejudiced against the poor actresses. Gus. Because I know what they are— the life they lead. An actress is a degradation to herself and a disgrace to society\ Night, {momentarily forgetting herself) Sir! {rises Gus. {also rising) I beg pardon if I spoke too emphatically. But 16 THE BIllB FAMILY AND THE IB BBlENBB. of what possible interest can it be to 3'ou? Night, {recollecting Jierself ■ None, except you — 3'ou were a little severe, that is all. Oils, {aside) Perhaps some relative of hers is in the profession. {aloud) I am very sorry that 1 spoke as I did. But my opinion of such women is very poor. You will XJardon my rudeness? Night, {quickly) Yes, oh 3'es, of course, it is nothing to me. Ous. {Jiolds out hand) Then shall we be friends? Night, {places her hand in. hiii, sloidy) If you wish it. Ous. Then that is settled. Night, (aside) Ought I to accept his friendship, leaving him in ignorance? Ali! well, it is only a joke, any way. {aloud) Yes, it is settled, and v.c ;-. re friends until you yourself break the compact. But I cannot w;;,ii for Magdalen any longer. I have a rehear — some work on hand anel must go. Gus. Allow me to escort you. Night. But Miss Bird— Enter, Magpie, k. e. 3Iag. Doesn't object in the least. Night, Very well, then. Good-bye, dear. 3fag. Good-bye. Giis. I shall see you again, soon, I hope. Miss Bird. (GusTAvus l>o/r.'< — exit, Gustavus and Nightengale, L. , 2 e., taVcing Mag. {looking after them) Tliere they go like twin turtle doves. He looks down in her face and she smiling up into his. Oh! aren't they just taken up with each otlier thougiil (Lucretia 7^ga?'(^ shriek- ing outside — site continues louder and louder, till her entrance) What on earth is that? Sounds like a hyena! Enter, Chollie, l. e. Choi. Whatdweadful deed is being p^rpetwated in our vewy midst? Luc. {outside) Oh, oh, oh! Enter, Robin, r. , 2 e. Bol). {aside) Aunt's been trying some of her new face paint. Enter, Mrs. Bird, r. e. Mrs. B. Where's that dreadful howling? Sounds like a screech owl. Omnes. What ever can it be? {all search under the table, behind sofa, etc. Enter, Lucretia, l. e., on a run, shrieking, her wig is on crooked, a large bright red spot on each cheek, face covered loith flour. Luc. Oh, oh, oh! It won't come off ! It won't come ojEf! {scrub- bing at cheek) Oh, oh, oh! {scrubs again Bob. What's the matter, aunt? Got a pain? Luc. It w^on't come off, I sa.y. Oh, oh, oh! THE niRD FAMILY A.W TllElll FRIENDS. 17 Enter, Gull, l., 2 e. Gull MyJ.dear madam. I- (Mops in amaze LucRETiA seeinyhim, shrieks and faints in Ciiollie's arms, he supports her with difficulty— all stand looking at her in amase— Robin, l., laughing. CmtTAIK ACT II. SCENE.— Boom at Mrs. Goldfinch's home— evening— rich furniture, curtains c. door, hacked by interior; door r. lack, leading to conserva- tory, door L. . take l. with large j^lants, tete L. front, chairs, etc. , large mirror r. front. Enter, Nightengale and Gustavus, r., 2 e., ^oith long cloaks on, cdn- cealing costumes. Night. I am afraid we are late. Ou^. I think we are a little. Then you will not let me know what 3^our costume is? Night, (gayly) Oh: no, I couldn't think of telling you. Besides, isn't turn about fair play ■' You have not told me ^v^lat you represent. Gus. {eagerly) It you will— Night. Thanks, no. (goes to door and looks of l. ) I wOnder who all is here. Gus. (sarcastically) I wonder if the much advertised Nightengale, queen of song is here yet. Night, (comes to tete and sits, aside) . I think she is. Gus. She sings to-night, does she not? Night. I — I believe so. Gus. I wonder what she is like. Have you ever spoken to her? Nigh'J. Oh! yes, I have talked with her several times. Gus. Is she such a fine singer? Night, (after a slight pause) Her voice is very well trained. Gus. She is married I have heard. Night. Oh! no, you are mistaken. She is no more married than I am. But, by the Ava}^; if j^ou should be introduced to her, what would you do ? Gus. I would treat her politely, but would excuse myself as soon as good breeding would i3ermit. Night Ah: (aside) I shall know what to expect, (aloud) Sup- posing, Mr. Oriole, that I should be, that is, become an actress, what then? Gus. You would not be an actress. Night. Why not? Gus. You would not lead the life they do. Night, (leaning toiimrd him, impetuously) And yet I am — (pauses, aside) Ko. I cannot tell him. Gus. What is it? Night. Nothing now. Go and prepare yourself to join the motley throng. la THE BIRD FAMILY AND THEIR FRIENDS. Ous. I shall anxiously a^yait unmasking- time, when I may return to you. Night. Ah! when you have heard this Ni.ijhtengale sing, you will desert me {aside) I fear. Gus. {catcJiing her hand, reproachfully) Gaylie! {she draws herself up haughtily) I beg- pardon, Miss Thrush. I forgot myself. Will you pardon me? Night. Yes— this time, Gus. I promise not to offend again, {going) Adieu, till unmask- ing time, {aside, at door) She little knows how dear she has become tome. {exit, -L., 2 v.. Night, {rises, tJirows off cloak) Strange that he should not ha\(' discovered my identity long before this. We have met at Mr^s. Bird's nearly every day; it is unaccountable that no one has told him. And to-night he will know me for what I am — an actress, a public singer. Jt will be a good joke to see his aristocratic nose elevated in disgust — to see the look of polite horror on his face; and yet — somehow I — I cannot bear to think of it. {exit, l. e. Enter, Mrs. Goldfinch, l., 2 e., mask in hand. Mrs. G. Dear me! I must say that the position of hostess at a mask ball is no sinecure. I am tired already, {goes to tete, listens) Someone is coming. {puts on mask, sits Enter, GtjLL, l. e., masked. It's that arrant flatterer that I danced with half an hour ago. Gull. Ah! my delightful partner, I am most happy to find you. Mrs. G. Thanks, {aside) I wonder' who he is anyway, (aloud) Do you know I can't make out who you are. I am acquainted with nearlj^ all the guests, but really, I don't recognize you. Gull. I will tell you this much. I Avas a great friend of Mrs. Goldfinch's deceased husband. Mrs. G. Indeed! {aside) I don't remember any such a friend. {aloud) Then of course you are acquainted with Mrs. Goldfinch? Gull. Not to any great extent. In fact, I was not formally invited to this ball, but being such a great friend of Mrs. Goldfinch's hus- band, I made free to come any way on the strength of that friend- ship, M'S. G. {aside) Rather a cool proceeding, {aloud) Ah! yes, I see. By the way, do you know who I am. Enter, Lucretia, l. e., masked, steps lehind plant and listens. Gull. I do not. I only know that you are a beautiful woman. Luc. {tears off mask and glares at him — aside) Oh! the vile deceit- ful wretch! Mrs. G. How do you know that? Gull, {gallantly) If your face is as charming as your manner, and I feel sure it is, it must be indeed lovely. Luc. {aside) I shall evaporate! Mrs. G. You are flattering me, Mr. who-ever-you-are. Gull. Not at all. I assure you I never enjoyed anyone's society so much in my life. THE niUD FAMILY AM) Tll/'JIIi FRIENDS. 10 Luc. {aside) After all his protesUilions oi undying adoration to mo. The heartless deceiver! Mrs. G. {rmng) Ha, ha, ha! Oh! that is too much. \hiU. iSut really— .. ^t t i i, i Mrs G. No more, p':':..?.se. I can t endure it. No, 1 shall be obliged to leave you, sir! Too much taffy is liable to make one ill, vou know, {at c. e.) Au revoir, sweetmeats. {exit, l., 3 e. ' Gull. A very strange woman, but decidedly charming. (Lucretia comes out ami confronts kirn) Lucretia! you here! {aside) The deuce! Luc. Yes, I've heard all— all! Oh! you deceitful, wretched, base, vile — Gull But my dear— Luc. Silence! Don't say a word! {shakes Mm) You dreadful, awful, horrible man! You false perjured sinner! After all your . protestations to me — Gull. My dear Luc-retia— Magpie appears at c. door, maslc in hand, runs behind plants and listens. Luc. {giving him another shake) Keep still, I say. After you swore you loved me alone — Gull. I assure you — Luc. Don't try to excuse yourself. Didn't I see you with that-r- that creature's hand in 3-ours? Didn't I hear you tell her she was beautiful — {shakes him again Gull. But — {aside) Slie's shaking the life out of me. Luc. Didn't I hear you say you never enjoyed any one's society so well in your life — you wretch! Gull. Except yours, my Lucretia. {aside) Especially at the present moment. i Luc. Haven't I told you to keep silent? {gives Mm another shake) You contemptible worm ! Gull. I SAvear to you — Luc. Not another word! I'll never forgive you. Oh, Hiram! you have broken my poor heart! {puts handkerchief to face and hurriedly exits, r. e. Gull, {draws a long breath) Am I all here? If that wasn't a hurri- cane. I'd like to know w^hat is. Well, I suppose I must go and effect a reconciliation w^th the old ladj'. {exit, r, e. Mag. {comes out) My! What a tempest in a teapot — and all on account of a little jealousy. It seems to make people very eloquent. {as if struck by an idea) I'll do it! I'll flirt with Crow till Timmy is so jealous he can't see straight. May be then he will get up spunk enough to propose. {puts on mask Enter, Crgw, l. , 2 e. CroiD. {rubbing Ids hands) Everything is moving along smoothly. I flatter myself that my management has been a success. Mag. How d'ye do, Mr. Crow. CroiD. Who speaks? Ah! I see. But I do not recognize you. It is strange too, as I flatter myself that my powers of divination are extensively developed. Mag. {aside) I wonder how many dictionarys he ate for dinner. 20 THE Bill D FAMILY AND THEIR Fill ENDS. {aloud) No matter "who I am. Why are vou not masked? Croio. Well, you see, lam the manager, the director, the — {leaving his hands) the general superiiitendaiit ot tliis brilliant enterprise. and. the attendant responsibilities ^vl]ich devolve upon me, Avould render a costume an inconvenient and supertiuous incumbrance. Mag. Oh! is that all? Croio. I think I begin to get an inkling of your identity. Mag. Do you though? Croofi. I think you are my little Magpie. Mag. You are mistaken, Mr. Crow. Crow. Why, ar^-n't you Miss Magdalen Bird? Mag. Yes, but ihaJ doesn't give you any claim to me. Croio. Unkind as (^er, Ma.gpie. Mag. Of course, {lakes off mask) But 1 say, Mr. Crow, aren't you afraid some of those revolving responsibilities may get away, if you don't attend to them? Crow, Scarcely, I think. Mag. But I'm sure I see Mrs. Goldfinch' searching for you. Of course she's afraid everything will go to smash the minute you are out. CroiD. Perhaps you are right. Ah! me, it is a great responsibility, such an affair. Au re voir, my dear. {exit, l., 2 e. Mag. "My dear!" listen to that, Avill you. Enter, Nightengale, l. e., masked. Mag. Ah ! here you are. Night, {takes off^ mask) Yes! Mag. How are you enjoying yourself? Night, {going to tete) Oh! very well. I'm very tired. Mag. And a little low spirited too, eh? Night, {nervously) Oh! no, I think not. Mag. But you are, just because you've got to sing to-night. Does Mr. Oriole know who you are yet ? Night. No. I feel as if I ought to have told him long before this, but somehoAV I— couldn't bring myself to do it. Mag. {leaning over tete and looking into her face) Say, you aren't falling in love with him, are you? Night, {quickly, turning away a little) Oh! no. Mag. Well, that's a good thing, {aside) But I don't believe it, just the same, {aloud) By the way, I witnessed a cyclone a little while ago. Night. A what ? Mag. Cyclone, hurricane, tornado. Aunt Lucretia saw Mr. Gull talking to another woman. JSfight. Mr. Gull? The one I saw with her nearly all the evening? Mag. The very one. Night. Why should she care? Mag. Why, they're engaged, goosie. Night. Engaged I Impossible! Mag. But it isn't. They've been engaged for three days. Night. And he calls himself, Mr. Gull? Mag. Yes. Why? Night. Nothing, only the name suits him. TRE BIRD FAMILY AND THE 111 FllIENDS. 21 Mag. Sol think. IJslen! I hear someone coming, (goesi,., looks off) It's that Gull. I'm going to run, Kiglitengale. I don't want to see him. I detest that man. Exit, Magpie, l., 2 e. — 1^igiitk:sgai.¥. rises, puts on mash, goes to mirror and arranges her hair. Enter, Gull, l. e. Gull. At last I have escaped her. The reconciliation was worse than the shaking, {sees Nightengale) Ah! Avhat a beautiful woman, or rather, what a hatKlsonie costume! I wonder who she is. ( Nightengale starts to go back tmrurd \.., drops fan, Guhi. picks it v])) Allow me to return your fan, iiuidam. Night. Thank you very much. Gull. Not at ail. It is a pleasure to serve the fair. Pardon me, but are you engaged for this dance? Night. I am not. Gull. "Will you dance it with me? Night. I think not. I am too tired, Mr. Gull. Gull. Mr. Gull! You know me then? Night. I know j^ou call yourself Mr. Gull. I also know, that it is not your name. Gull. Who are you, madam? NigJit. It matters not. I know you. Youleaveyour helpless wife and children to starve, Avhile you live in luxury, how obtained, heaven only knows. In no honest way, that is certain. Gull. How do you know this? Night. That I know it, is enough. 1 know, even now, you are planning a new alliance; in a word, you intend to marry the wealthy Lucretia Peacock, leaving the wife you promised to love and cherish, to die in the streets. But your change of name has not protected you; I know you, Hiram Daw. Gull. And what if that is my name? "What \\ill 3'ou do? Night. Do! Put a stop to your infamous plan. G^ll. You cannot do it. Night, Cannot! I can send you to prison. Gull. To prison! Night. Ay, to prison. Forgery is a sufficiently serious charge to take you there. Did you think for one moment, I would not find out that you forged-my name? Gull. Your name! Then you are — Night, {removing mask) Nightengale Thrush, at your service. Gull. Great heavens! But you will not betray me? Night. For the sake of your wife, my poor 'friend Lucy. I will keep silent — on one condition. Gull. And that? Night. That you at once relinquish this scheme, and return to .your wife. Gull As it must be then, I will {aside) not. {aloud) Shall we shake luxnds? N((jht. {coldly) I should prefer not. GuU. Just as you say. An revoir, my beautiful enemv. {aside) \ oil shall pay dearly for that stroke, my lady. '{exit, r. e. Night. AVill he keep his promise? I doubt it. But I have him in « THE BUID FAMILY AND THEIR FRIENDS. pToAT;w^n\:':°te^ile^^ "^ Wse.„oteve„„,,aflectio„,or -E'^ito', Mrs. Goldfinch, l. e., masked. Mrs. G. I'm tired to death,'and I'm ffoino- to Ye^\ n fpw rv^^w,. . iiow before the musicale. No matter it^the" whoTe thfn J n^nf ^^' isztsontete) Dear me! A ball is a very ni^e hi I fut^ ^^^^^^^^^ monotonous after awhile. J^^nug, out it gets Magpie n';2fZ Chollie appear atL.,2 e., J^j.V^ viasJced. Mag (pomtmo to Mrs. Goi.i>Fmcn) There she is! (exit j. 2e you! ■ ^^^''^'"^^^''^^'^''■^^' ''^«^%) Atlast,mytweasure, Ihav^'found Mrs. G. (looks up)) Eh? Choi. I said, at last I have found you. Mrs. G. Well! What of it? <7A^^. What of it: I have been searching for vou all thi. Inn. long weary evening. ° -^ ^^^ ^^^^^ ^0"g: JTr^ 6^ Forme? (puts liand on losovi) Me'' ga£ '' '"''''"' ''''''^"-^- ^^' ^«^ can't deceive me, lighten- il/^'5. G^. (aside) Niffhteno-ale' nhnliio "r^./i rm / , AVho art thou, OApolfo. Disdose th°"elf ' " ^''^"- '■"'"'"^> Ch^Ue BirT'' "^"'"'^ "'"^ ""''^ "" '"'' ""'''> ^'»« 'l^™'e yo" mean? JK)s. tr. Ah! you love me then? ° C/io?. I adore you. And you? Mrs G. I love you as well as you do me. ten^ale! ^'^''''■■'""'' '"'■'""'"<««""«%* '■«i'««««.;^) Dahling Nigh- aml^'ighient""^"'''"^'^ ^"'^ ^'^ ^^ <1-'^ Po-^'ve thai 1 werele.'*-'™"'"''"^^ ^''^"'™' ^ -«"Icl stake my head that you Mi-s & {taking off maslc) Behold! Ohol (exclaims) Mrs. Goldfinch! i^L.fs^hreis-^£i£s5;S^^ ^^^i^er, Ceow, l,, 2 E., a?ic? tito Servants THE BIRD FAMILY AND THEIR FRIENDS. 23 They take positions — maskers come in couples, each taking off mask and 'handing it— some of them recognize each other and converse in dvmb show. Enter, Gustavus «?i(^ Magpie, l., 2 b., and cross r. Mag, (aside) Nowifpr the grand finale! Gus. {aside, looks around anxiously) Where can she be? Enter, Timothy and LADy, cross to u Mag. Hello! there's Timmy. I wonder how he's enjoying him- self. He doesn't look quite perfectly happy, (laughs, observes GusTAYUS looking around) Have you lost something, Mr. Oriole? Gus. (slightly embarassed) Yes — that is, no, I was merely looking around to see if I could find any one I knew. Mag. (aside) You won't find her yet a while. Enter, Gull and Lucretl\, cross to l. There comes the spoons — sugar spoon and mustard spoon. I wonder where Chollie is. Didn't I play a good joke on him though. Brought liim to the door and said, ''There she is," but I didn't say what she. He thought it was Gaylie, He's been hunting for her all the evening, but hasn't found her. Trust an actress to conceal her identity. Here he comes now. Enter, Chollie, l,, 3 e., with Lady, they unmask, Choi, (aside) The deuce! this isn't her? I tliought I had found iier this time sure. Wheah is my Nightengale? Tim. She has hardly looked at me the whole evening. She's ilirted with that Crow all the Avhile. But I'll make her choose be- tAveen us before the eveuing is over. Grow. We will now have our musicale, after which refreshments will be served in the dining-hall. (pompously) And now, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you the queen of song, the divine Nightengale. (all look toward door Nightengale throws back curtain of c. e. and enters — she pauses at door and looks at Gustatus, icho starts nolently — all applaud. Choi, (aside) Theah she is! Theah's my dahling Nightengale! Ous. (aside) Great heavens! She! Nightengale comes slowly to front of stage, keeping her eyes on Gustayus face — Gull icatches her. Gull, (aside, as if at ruck by an idea) Ah! I have it. Gus. (aside) She — a notorious public singer — an actress! (folds arms and turns away Mag. (aside)' His nose has elevated sixteen inches already. Night, (aside) My fate is sealed. 24 THE BIllD FAMILY AND THEIR FRIENDS. NmnTB:sGAi.B sings song— as s7ie2^roceeds, Gustavus turns and icatcJies her— as she sings last few bars of song she turns ajid looks at Gvstayus loho looks at her haughtily, then crosses to l. and exit, l. ^.—at dose of song, all move toioard c. E., Nightengale starts hurriedly toward n E. — song can be omitted if necessary. Choi, {intercepting Iter eagerly) Will you allow me to escort— Night. No! Choi. But weally you — Night, {imperiously) Stand aside, sir! and let me pass! ^, , ,, , . , , {^^Q moms hurriedly aside, she exits JK.^. Choi {looking after her) Well, if I evah! Now what's the mattah withher? Heahl vebeen searching for her all the evening, and now that 1 ye found her, she won't even look at me and tells me to get out of the way, as if I was a common servant. What an achino- void her absence leaves in my heart. I believe I'll go to supper Nightengale, you are a heartless girl. But I'll be wevenged, I'll take some one else to supper. {exit, loith Lady, l., 2 e. troio. Miss Magpie, will you allow me to escort you to supper*^ Mag. Certainly, Mr. Cl•0Yv^ ' Tim. {crossing to VxAGYm) Are vou eogao-ed— 3fag. Just engaged to Mr. Grow"! Tim. Mr. Crov/ be hanged! {exit i. ^ Mag. Excuse me, Mr. Crow, Tve changed my mind. I don't rpNl/"^'7^''?"wrV,/'''' ^" ii^Portant matter of business to settle. Anem! {aside) I 11 go and smoothe Timmy dowai. io- -nr Ti -r {exit, L. E. 6mo. Well, I must say, that is a nice way to serve the Hon. Bluster Crow, the manager of the Warbler Opera Co. Ahem! n n / ^ ■ 1 ■ . ^ i^^^h L-, 2 E. (tuU. {offering his arm) Lucretia, dear. Luc -Yes, Hiram. I don't feel as if I could eat common food now, but to please you I'll go. aull {aside) Won't it be a caution though the way the victuals will disappear. {Ixeunt, j.., 2 ^. Enter, Magpie and Timothy, l. e, Mag. Now Timmy, you know I never flirt. Tim. I don't You've been flirting with Crow all the evenino- I tell you. It's abominable, it's shameful! Mag. Now Timmy — Tim. And as if that wasn't enough, you've been makino- all «n,.f^ GusL'us'orrole^"'""'"" Boston,^ha\ stnught^Ja'^l'p.u-ul^^cal Mag {aside) Idobelievehe's jealous of Mr. Oriole, {aloud) Mv' how eloquent you are! Now I see I shall have to tell you all about Tim. About what ? Enter, Gustayus, l. e., stands and listens. Mag. About Mr. Oriole and Nightengale. Well then, Gavlie cor- responded with Mr. Oriole several months before she evei^4w him Now you know, he hates actresses, Tim. Like rat poison. THE BIRD FAMILY AM) Tllhlli FRIENDS. 25 Mag. She never told him slie was an acti-ess. 'Twasn't any of his business anyway; at least she tlioii<;ht so. When she got his letter sayino- he was here and wished to see her, she didn't know what to do. §0 she and I played the greatest joke on him you ever heard ol. Ti7}i. What! 3Ia(/. When he came, I met him and made believe I was the one he'd been writing to instead of her. He told me I Avas a beautiful writer— jus*' t^^i"!^ o^ those hen scratches— you know, you've seen them. Oh, it was a good joke I Tim. Capital! (laughs) Goon. 3Iag. AVell, you see— let's go into the supper-room. I'll tell you there. I'm just starving. Tm. So am I. {exeunt, l.. 2 e.— Gustavus comes forward Enter, Gull, l. e. Gus. Can it be possible? Have I heard aright? Is .it true that Miss Thrush would wilfully deceive me thus? Enter, ]Mks. Goldfinch, l. e., goes behind plants. Gull. Not only possible, but true. Gus. AVhai's lliat? What do you know about it? What do you mean ? Gull. You have been nicely duped by a very clever woman. Gus. What do you mean, I say? Gull. This Nightengale Thrush is an adventuress! Gus. What! Gull. It is quite true, though few people are aAvare of the fact. She is too subtle for them. Gus. How do you know? Gull. I have myself suffered at her hands. Gus. You! Gull. Yes, and I could tell you of dozens that she has lured to their destruction with her beauty and her voice. With you she adopted the artless innocent role. Gus. You tliink tiien that she — Gull. She discoveredyou had mone3\ She thought to gain a rich husband, that failing, to get as much of your v/ealth into her posses- sion as possible. Gus. Sir! Gull. It is true; I could prove her character, if necessary, (aside) Fortunately you are too proud to ask for proofs, (((loud) She would have fleeced you finel}^ had I not luckily been on hand to warn you. (exit, Mks. Goldfinch, l. k. Gus. (aside) Can it be true? And I thought her so good and pure, so near perfection. I cannot believe it, and yet — she deceived me. (aloud) Sir, excuse me, I must have quiet and a chance lo think, I will return shortly. {exit, l.. 2 e. Gull. I think I have settled your hopes in tliat direction, my charming Nightengale, (exit, r., 2 e. Enter, TmoTHY, l., 2 b. Tim. I can't stand it any longer. I shall propose to her the moment I see her alone again. We had no more than got into the f6- THE BlUD FAMILY AND THEIR FBI ENDS. ()r>er room than she went to flirting again with Ibat Crow. There l/ey sat like a pair of idiots — Enter, Magpie, l., 2 e. Mag. What's that about idiots? Tim. Oh — ah — I saw a i^air once. Mag. {walks over ancllooks at plants) Where? Tim. At a dime museum, (aside) Here goes! (goes upbeJundher, stretches out 7iis arms and bends over her — aloud) Mag— (she turns suddenly, he hacks to u, of stage, and stands trembling Tim. I didn't mean — I — Mag. What disease is tliat, Timmy? St. Vitus dance? Tim. No, it's — I — I — was just — just — thinl^ing — Mag. Wei], don't do it again, if 'it's going to have such an effect on you. Tim. (sidling up to her) Magpie, I — I— want — I want— Mag. What? Tim. (jumping) N — nothing! Mag. (aside) Well, that isn't me. (aloud) Is that all? Tim, No, I — I — (dancing round her) wouldn't it be nice — ah — wouldn't it be lovely — wouldn't it be — why — wouldn't it — Mag. Can't say. Tim.. But wouldn't you like — wouldn't you really like — a — a — Mag. Well. Tim. A — nother piece of cake? Mag. What for? Mim. Oh — ah — h'm — you might get hungry, you know. Mag. You seem greatly concerned about it. Tim. I am. I feel strongly — I — I can't tell you all I feel — Mag. (aside) I should think not. Tim. I know I — that is I know you — I mean I know we both — I know — there is — there is a man motioning to me in the other room. (exit, L. E., hurriedly Mag. Oh, dear, isn't it awful! I shall go and take suicide — I mean poison, as sure as the world. Was there ever such a idiot. Timothy Quail, you shall not escape me. I'll have you yet, so help me Queen Kokohemia. (exit, l. e. Mes. Goldfinch and Gustavus appear at c. e. Mrs. O. I am so sorry, and I don't see any sense in it. Enter, Nightengale, r. e. Will nothing I can say, induce you to change your decision? Gus. Nothing. To-morrow I leave New York. JSfight. (aside) To-morrow! Mrs. G. I shall expect you over before you go, to bid me good-bye, (aside) and I've a few things to say to you too, sir! (aloud) Au revoir, then until to-morroAV. (disappears Enter, Gustavus, c. e., sees Nightengale, bows stiffly and starts to retreat. Night, (extending Jiand) Mr. Oriole. THE BIRD FAMILY AND Til FA II FRIENDS. 27 Gus. {haiighUly) I beg parelou, madaiii, did you speak to me? Nirjlit. (aside) Madam! (alomi) Yes, I— I— Avisbed to say— to explain — Gus. Surely there is nothing left to explain— Hir/Za. Only that— surely the mere fact that I am an actress, can- not make such a difference. Gus. Madam, you knew my feelings in regard to actresses long before you ever saw me. Night, (starts) I — Gus. (aside) Ah! that shot told. (afoi^fZ)_ You knew that I would never knowingly address such a one on term's of equality. And yet, you knov\ang this, deliberately kept me in ignorance of your identity. Night. I never told anyone to conceal my identity from you. Gus. Perhaps not, though I rather doubt it. (Nightengale draws herself lip) Yet even then, if you had not intended to deceive me, you would have told me yourself. Night. I — I — did not intend to deceive you. Gus. Explain then why it is you never revealed your profession. Night, (aside) Explain to him why I could not tell him — confess my weakness. Never! (aloud) I have nothing to say. Gus. Ah! you cannot give any explanation. No, it was a system- atic deception from first to last. Night. I do not understand. Gus. No? Listen! Know then that I am aware of the trick you i^layed upon me. I know that it was you, and not Miss Bird Avho was my correspondent. T know you inveigled that innocent little girl into your scheme, persuaded her to take your place — Night. You — you — mistake — Gus. I do not mistake. No, madam, you can deceive me no lon- ger. You thouglit by 3'our infamous scheme to lure me into an al- liance with yourself — because I had wealth. But my eyes have been opened in time — I have been saved from being trapped by an adven- turess! Night, (drawing herself up haughtily) Sir! Gus. You need not put on that air of injury — it will not serve you, I know you for what you are, a creature utterly lacking in those virtues which go to make up a true woman— who uses her beauty to lure the unwary to their ruin. (Nightengale essays to speak Enter, Tuviothy and Magpie, l. e. Do not speak! I will not hea;r you! You are utterly unworthy any man's esteem. I leave New York to-morrow, and raj only wish is, that I may never look upon yoiu* face again! (exit, e., 2 e. Night, (stretches out arms) Gustavusl (staggers, is caught hy Timothy and Magpie CURTAIN. 28 THE BIRD FA3IIJ.Y AND THEIR FRIENDS. ACT III. SCENE. — Sitting-room in the home of the Bird family, (not same as Act 1st.) — c. E. with curtains, harked by interior; doors l. and ii., table k. ofc, witit rase of flowers, uooxh, etc.; chairs k. aiid l. of table, also other ch.aus in convenient positions, sofa l. of c. front, mirror hack l. ofc. — 1^\g>wiw^G:Mj^ is discovered sitting on sofa, Magpfe leaning over hack. Mag. Isn't it strange? He doesn't blame me a bit for changing characters with you. He just seems to think I am a regular little lamby-lamby, that's been led into mischief by a cunning old wolf— you being the wolf. Night. Yes, I know. Mag. But I'm going to tell him a thing or two to-night. Night, {starting) To-night! Mag. (aside) Tliere! I've let the-cat out of the bag. Night. Will he be here to-night? I thought— Mag. Yes, he intended to leave New York the night after the ball, but some business kept him here. And I asked him to come. (aside) He doesn't know she'Jl be here though. Night, (aside) And I shall see him once more. 3Iag. So I'm going to give him a piece of my mind. Night. It will be useless. He thinks I am everything that is un- worthy. He believes me to be an adventuress. Mag. A what? Night. An adventuress! Mag. AY ell, I declare! Y'ou don't really mean that? Night. I do indeed! 3Iag. Well, I never! Why, he doesn't know much, does he? I tell you, if I were you, I'd never look at him again. Of course he'll find out his mistake, all right, but I'd never forgive him. I suppose you would, though ? Night. I — I think not. (rising Mag. (looking at her) Why Gaylie! what is the matter? I hadn't noticed it before, but — why what have you been doing to yourself? Night. I— why? Mag. You look as if you'd died about twenty years ago and had just been resurrected. Are you sick? (aside) Heart disease! Night, (nervously) Oh! no, I am quite well. It — it must be your fancy. Mag. Fancy! (takes Nightengale hy hand and drags her to mirror) Look at that! Survey that reflection. See for yourself. Call it fancy if you dare! Night. It is only the effect of — I'm a little tired from hard study, that's all. Mag. Oh! that's all, is it? (knock outside, holds up finger) Listen! Someone is coming. ■ Night. If it should be — I could not meet him now, Magpie. [quickly) Y"ou understand — it would be so akward, so^ 3Iag. I don't think it is he, but here! go in there! (pointsto l. e., Nightengale exit, l. e. , Magpie looks after her) Well, i f ever any one was dead in love, it's her. I suppose she thinks t don't Icnow it though. Humph! Ain't such a geese as that. People don't faint THE nillD FAMILY AM) Til Kill FlllESl)^. 29 II way when any one leaves them Tor noll\iiijL;-. and ih'-y don't get pale as a ghost, because of his adverse opinion lor nothing either. Enter, Timothy, l., 2 e. Why Timmy, you I How did you get up tlie courage to come? Tim. {startled) Why — I — I — thought 1 saw your ma go away. Mag. You are mistaken, but don't worry, slie is busy in the oilier part of the house. 7'*!???. But — bur slic niiglit come. Mag. Oh! but > , miI. You're the biggest coward I ever saw. Mr. Crowdoesni ... maL way. Tim. Mr. Crow : Does he come here? Ahig. Often. Tim. And j^ou receive him? Afag. No, 1 pitch him out of the window every time. Tim. That's just an excuse^to get out of answering. Do you like him? Afag. N — not exactly. 'Tim. ])o vou dislike him? Mag. X--no. Tcm. (angrily) Then what do you do? Afag. 1 hate Jiim. Tim. {runs and takrs ],!}■ hand) Oh, Magpie, I'm so glad; I — Afag. {eagerly) Wliy? Tim. {drops her hand and backs off) I — I think he— he — isn't a ■ \ ery nice man. tliat's all. Al7)g. (aside) So near and yet — so far. Enter, Robin, l., 2 e. liob. {looking out door r.) Here comes mal Afrs. B. {ouisid(') I'll kill that man yet. Timothy crouches down under table, pulling cloth overji. and back, to con- ceal him — books, 'cases, etc. almost fall off. Mag. Goodness gracious! She's got us this time I'm afraid — - {stands back to table to hide it Rob. You're in for it now. Enter, Mrs. Bird, r. e. Mrs. B. I never did see such work as that gardener makes. Mag. Why so? ^•1^ Mrs. Bird starts to cross to l., Mag moves round i,., Mrs. Bird stctrts toicard chair l. of table. Rob. {quickly) Y^our cap's on crooked, ma, Mrs. B. {running to mirror) Dear me, is it? Why no, it's all right. Rob. Well, it looks crooked from down here. Mrs. B. {arranging Jiair) It isn't though. But as I was sa3ing, I never saw such a gardener. He's so careless. The howers are dis- appearing every dxij. I just believe someone is hiding — (Magpie 20 THE BIRD FAMILY AND THE III Flilh^M)^. gives a little cry, Mrs. Bird turns around quickly) W^lial's the mailer V Mag. {stammerinrj) I — I — why — I — Roh. She Ihinks maybe it's burglars that'll kill us ;>ll some nighl. Mrs. B. 1 think it's someone that's thieving i iic ilowers. (Robin goes too. e.) And if I ever catch him — (ytart^ to go toicard tabic Roh. {suclclenly) Oh, ma! Quick, what's thatv Look! {points off I.., Mrs. Bird runs to c. e Tim. {whispering) M — Magpie — Mag. {aside to Timotwy) Keep still, Timmy! Tim. I — I — am — b — but — Mag. Sh— ! Mrs. B. AVhy, I don't see anything. Roh. I thought it looked like a fire. Mrs. B. It's only the reflection of the lights, {goes to inirr,.r) There, my collar's come unfastened. Come and pin it for me. Magpie. Mag. {aside) It'll be a tight squeeze now, I'm afraid, but I'll sa^■e him yet, so help me Queen Kokohemia. {aloud) Yes, mamma. {crosses l., pins collar) It's all right now\ Mrs. B. {turns suddenly round and sees taMe cloth all on one side) Why, how on earth did that table cloth get all twisted like that? {!< tarts for tahle Mag. {quickly) Xever mind, mamma dear, I'll fix it. {goes to tahle, ptretends to arrange it) You — you see Rover — he was in here and he — he — grabbed the cloth — in fun you know, and gave it a jerk, so it nearly came off. {exit, Robin, l., 2 e. 3Irs. B. And I can't see as you are bettering it much. Let me — {starts for tahle Mag. {gives a scream) Look I There's a mouse! {points near tahle Mrs. B. {screams, runs and jumps on chair) Where I Where is it? {gathers up skirts Mag. There! He wentUnto the other room. {points t.. Mrs. B. {getting doicn) Well I'm glad, I hate them. -Bat I just thought — (Magpie knocks hook on floor) Look at you! You're knock- ing everything ou the floor, {starts for tahle, a crash is Jieard outside and "RoBUi screaming) Massy me! what has hai^pened! My precious child is killed, I know. " \exit, l., 2e., hastily Tim. {jumps up, runs to c. e.) Goo — good-bye Magpie. {exit, R., 2 E., after seeing that Mrs. Bird is out of sight Mag. {strikes an attitude) Ha, ha! The field is won! Enter, ■NIiis. Bird and Robin, l., 2 e., Robin limps. Mrs. B. The dear boy had accidentally knocked the hat-rack over, and it must have hurt iiim dreadfully. Roh. {aside) Wasn't within ten feet of it. Mrs. B. Come, Robbie, let us go and get some linament now. Magpie arranges tahle, they cross l., Mrs. Bird exit, l. e., Robin turns at door. Roh. {gives a jump, kicks up heels) Do I look as if I'd been smashed ? {exit, L. E. Mag. Ha, ha, ha! Bless the boy! THE BI 111) FAMLLY AM) TllhUll FJilKJS'D^. oi Enter, C'uow, l. e, Gi-oic. {coming down) At last I liiid you alone. At last 1 have the opportunity, loi\o- and oag-eriy sought to reveal to you my heart. 3fag. Don't tronble yourself. Oroic. Magpie, I have discovered that I can no longer live with- out you. Mag. (aside) AVonder if he's ordered his coffin. Crow. That my only happiness is in your presence. Mag. (aside) Sounds like the last seven cent novel I read. CroQi. And so to-night 1 have come to throw myself at your feet — Mag. Poor feet! Ha, ha, ha! (Jroto. AVhat are you laughing at? Mag. I was thinking of the spectacle of your throwing yourself at my feet. How would you go about it? Oroic. Can you not be serious for one moment? Mag. Certainly, an hour if necessary. Croic. Listen, adored one, I offer you my hand, my heart, my fortune. Mag. All right. Leave them on the hall table. Grotc. (aside) Confound her! If she Avasn't so pretty, so alto- gether bewitching, I'd give it up. (aloud) But you fail to under- stand me. I have come to honor you by asking j-ou to become m\- wife. Ahem! Mag. (aside) Honor me! (aloud) Is that all? (imitating Jiiin) I'hen Mr. Crow, I must beg to do myself the honor of declining the lionor that you would do me the honor of honoring me with. Ahem ! Grow, (amazed) What! You don't mean to say you refuse! Absurd! Mag. H'm! "Well yes, I should rather say I did mean it. CroiD. But think! Why, my very heart is knit with yours. Mag. And so is mine — nit — with yours. Sorry! Can't help it tlio'. Groic. Then you really won't marry me? Mag. No sir, I won't! I shall not marry till I^can find someone I like better than I do you. Grow. I suppose you mean Quail. Mag. Does that concern you? Groic. Certainly. I should hate to see a charming young lady like yourself, throw herself away on a low cowardly vagabond like Timothy Quail. Mag. Mr. Crow! Grow. Yes ? Mag. (points to door) Will you please perambulate with an ac- celerated motion to the exterior atmosphere? Grow. I — don't understand. Mag. (still pointing) In plain words then, get out! Groic. Very Avell, I go. Unfeeling girl, you have broken my heart. Mag, Pick up the pieces, they'll be good for the next one. (exit. Crow, l., 3 e.) Call my Timmy a vagabond! If ever he comes here again, I'll— I'll an— annihilate him, so help me Queen Kokohemia. (exit, R. E. m 32 TEE BlUB FAMILY ANB THE III FlUENDS, ^ Enter, Gull and Lucr^ETiA, r., 2 e. Luc. And just think, in a few days we will be married. How delightful! Enter, Nightengale, l. e., stops and listens. Gull. And it is about that, that I wish to speak. Lur. Yes, Hiram. Gull. Now my dear, I have good reasons for not wishing any one to know of our marriage at present? Luc. Why not? Gull. I cannot tell you yet, but I will later. Now I think it would be best if Ave would go to some little village without saying anything to any one. Luc. An elopement. Oh, won't it be romantic! Gull. It will indeed. There we can be married, then we can embark for Italy — Ltic. The land of poetry — and I do so love poetry. Yes! Gull. Or we can go to Spain — L^uc. The land of romance! Won't it be delightful! Gull. You w ill go then, my own Lucretia? LjUC. Go! Of course. Oh! I'm so exquisitely happy! Luc. Not more so than I. I felt you would do as I wished. Luc. Always, Hiram, {aside) An elopement, and a secret mar- riage. Just like a poem! {exeunt, r., 2 e. Night, {comes doicn) So that is your game, Hiram Gull. But I think I shall have a hand in it also. Scoundrel! After his promise tome! How dare he? Enter, Mrs. Goldfinch, l., 2 b. Mrs. G. Just the person I wanted to see. Night. Me, and why? Mrs. G. I have something to tell you of vital interest to yourself. That man, that Hiram Gull, as he calls himself, is trying to do you harm. Night, {startled) How so? Mrs. G. The night of my ball I accidentally overheard a conver- sation between him and Mr. Oriole. Night. Mr. Oriole! Goon. Mrs. G. I heard him telling Gustavus, that you were a fascina- ting, but scheming woman — in a word, an adventuress. - Night. Merciful heaven! Mrs. G. Any one hearing him, would have thought that you were Circe herself. Night, (passionateli/) Villain! Coward! This then is the reason he called me adventuress — the reason he would not listen tome! ''.Phis is why lie believed I was trying to entrap him. for his wealth — I, who would die to save him one instant's suffering. Oh heaven! To think that he believes that of me — that he could believe me capable of it. Oh! Gustavus. why could you not trust me? I would not believe aught against you, tliougli all the world accused you! Mrs. G. Gaylie, Ga,jlie, what does this mean? THE BIRD FAMILY AND Til I£ 111 FRIENDS. 3 J Hiram Gull appears atu., 2 e. MgJit [aside, ifi dismay) I have betrayed myself. Mrs. G. Why should this thing- agitate you so ? {goes and puts arm ^//•ozi/id! NiGHTENaAT,E) A Tter such treatment as he has vouchsafed you, why should vou care for his opinion? (Nightengale ^««'«s mmy and is silent) tell me, Niglitengale, why is it? What is Gustavus Oriole to you? Ntglit. {turning around impetuously) He is everything to me, be- cause I love him. But he— despises me. {iceeps — Gull makes gesture of triumph and disappears Mrs. O. {caressing her) Poor girl! I am so sorry. Night, {recovering) There is no time for idle repining. Not even for his wife's sake will I spare that villain longer. I shall pay him back in his own coin, {goes to table, takes icriting material and icrites) "Dear Mr. Eagle — 1 — have — found Hiram Daw. Come — as soon — as possible. Bring— police with you. Nightengale Thrush." (folds it Mrs. Gf. What does this mean? NigJit. That justice shall take its course, {goes up stage) And now for a messenger. (a^L.,2E.) Hiram Daw, you shall bitterly rue the day you so basely maligned me. {exit, l., 2 e. 3Irs. G. I wonder what she means. Enter, Chollie, k. b. {airly) Ah! how d'ye do, Mr. Bird. Choi {shortly) Quite well, thank you. {aside) I wish I'd stayed away. Mrs. G. And how do you feel since the ball? You enjoyed it? Choi. Immensely. Mrs. G. By th.e'way, Mr. Bird,Vhen do I get that head? Choi. Oh ! now, give us a Avest. Mrs. G. When I get the head. I always insist upon having all debts paid. Choi. Oh! now, I— 3Irs. G. Besides, as you love me so dearly, you should be glad to pay your obligations to me! Choi. I won't listen, I'll wetire to my apartment. Mrs. G. But my dear Chollie — Choi. I tell you, I won't listen. I won't be chaffed so. Deuce take it anyway. {exit, l. e. Mrs. G. Ha, ha, ha! AVhat a silly boy he is! And yet I rather like him. {looks at loatch) Bless me, is it as late as that. I must go or I shall be late at Mrs. Kingsley's reception, and that would never do. {exit, L. , 2 E. Enter, Magpie, r. e. Mag. Oh dear! I wish Timmy was rich, so ma would let him come here too, and I wish he would hurry up and ask me to marry him, I'm getting so old. {goes to c. e. and looks off l) Why, I declare, there he is now, standing over there on the corner, (makes signal) Ah! he sees me and is coming. {arranges tilings on table sit THE BIRD FAMILY A2S1) TlLELlt FlittJXDS, Enter, Timothy, l., 2 e. Tim. What do you ^vanl? Mag. I've got some news to tell you. Don' t look so frighlenev'. Ma's up — stairs. 2Hm. But Uin news? Mag. I Iks'1 ;i. ])n»[)(),sal a little while ago. Tim. {sliarplu) \V ho from".' Mag. Mr. Crmv, manager of the Warbler Opera Oo. Tim. The deuce! Did you accept him? Mag. No, I didn't Avant to marry him. Tim. Why not? Mag. {shyly) I don't want to marry a rich man. Tim. iS'o! (aside) If I wasn't such a coward. Mag. I should ]ik(^ to get married though — awfully well. 2'im. Well, wliy doirt you? Mag. Because you won't ask me. (aside) There! Tim. Magpie! do vou mean it? Mag. Well, rather. Tim. And you will marry me? Mag. To-morrow, if you want me. (tJiey embrace Enter, Mbs. Bird, l. e. Mrs. B. Ah! so Tve caught you, haven't I? Magpie screams and runs l., Timothy goes r. and makes a dash for the door. Enter, Eagle, l., 2 e. — Timothy ru7is against Mm as he enters. Eagle. Sir! do you not know any better than to run against any- one like that? (/'^'Viwc/' Timothy) Why, it's Timothy Quail. Just the person I've bt'en Jooking for, for the last three days. I have to inform you that your uncle, Erastus Quail died some little time ago, and has left tiie bulk of his fortune to you. Mag. (aside) Then I shall marry a rich man after all. Tim. Are you quite sure? Eagle. QuitH. Mrs. B. {hol'dng out hand) I hope you will pardon my rudeness, Mr. Quail, but— you— see — really — Tim, Don't speak of it, madam. And you consent to my mar- riage with Magpie? Mrs. B. Certainly, Mr. Quail, certainly. Mag. (looking out of c. -E.) There's Mr. Oriole out in the garden with Chollie. Come on Timm3^ (aside) I want to see him about Gaylie. (exit, Magpie and Timothy, r. , 2 e. Eagle. Is my client. Miss Thrush here? Mrs. B. Yes, she is here somewhere. Come with me and we will find her. Mr. Eagle. (exeunt, l. e. Enter, Luciietia, r. , 2 b. Luc. Oh dear! I don't see what is the matter with Hiram. Ever since the folks came into the garden, he has scarcely noticed me at all — me, his own Lucretia! Tilt: nUlD FAMILY AND Till-: I II FllIl^NDS, 3d Enter, Nightengale, l., 2 e. Xifjht. Madam, I wish to speak to you. Taic. Very well, my dear. JS'ight. First, will \uu allow me to ask you one question; are you going to marry Hiram Gull? Luc. (simpermg) Well I— he has asknd me, and I— ye.s, I have accepted. Enter, Gull, k., 2 k. Night. Miss Peacock, he cannot marry you. He already has a wife. Luc. {screams) AVhat? Gull, {coming f one anl) Do not believe it, Lucretia. Night. Hiram Daw% do you dare! Luc. Daw! AY hat do you call him that for? NigJd. That is his name. Gull is only an alias. Liic. Can you prove it? Night. lean. Luc. And you say he has a wife? Night. A w'ife and two children. Taic. {scream^, turns to G\ji,-l) Sir! is that true? Gull, {aside) The game's up. There's no use of trying to get out of it now. {aloud) Yes. madam, 1 regret to say it is. And the chidren are really strappers. Luc. Deceived, deceived! How dared you come here and pass yourself oil: as a single man, you wretch! And I believed you loved "me. You monster! Oh! how can you look me in the face, you vih' man. And we were to be married so soon. To think of it. My idooi- heart is broken! {e.vit, l. e. Night. So you see, Hiram Daw, that your elopement plan was a failure. Did you suppose you could escape me like that? Gull. I had hopes of so doing, but you — yoM have outwitted me. Night. Aye, I have. Gull. But my revenge will be all the sw^eeter. NigM. What? Gull. You too have a secret. Night. I — Gull. Which I shall make use of. Night. You mean — Gull. That Gustavus Oriole will be delighted to learn that the famous queen of song loves him dearly. Night. You cannot. Y^ou have no x)roof. Gull. Haven't I? I happened to hear you make a little confession to Mrs. Goldfinch a short time ago. Night. So you are a spy too, are you? Your virtues increase upon acquaintances trul}-. Well, tell him, I shall not try to iDrevent you. You will but disprove 3'our own former assertion, that I was trying lo entrap him for his money, you would but show out your own evil nature. Gull, {aside) Confound her tongue! Night. Go to him if you will, with the story of my aU'eclion on 3-our lips. There is nothing debasing in a true steadfast love, noth- 38 THE BIUD FAJilLY AND THEIR FRIENDS iiig- to blush at. Tell him, I almost wish you would. Gull, {aside) Confound her! I'd like to throw her in a well. {aloud) The g-entleman in question, knows your true charactor, and despises you for it. Night. It is false! He knows the character you have given me, he has given credence to t!ie vile story you have set atioat; but he does not know my character, nor do you either. You fancied I would quail at your threat, but you have made a great mistake. Mr. Daw, or Gull, whichever you like best, don't you think you've made a slight mistake? Gull. If you weren't a woman — Night. Bnt I am. Don't look so fiendish. You v/on't make any- thing by it. (Gull starts for door Enter, Eagle, l. e. Don't go yet, Mr. Gull. See, here is a dear friend, waiting to see you. Oull. {sees 'E.'^G'L-E., aside) The deuce! Eagle. So, Hiram Daw, I have found j^ou at last. Gull. So it would seem. Very glad to see you, I am sure, but as I have some pressing business on hand, allow me to wish you a very good morning. Eagle. jSTot so fast, my fine fellow. {steps to c. e, and motions Enter, Officer, c. e. There is your prisoner. Gull, {starts) What does this mean? Officer. Hiram Daw, I arrest you on a charge of forgery. Gull, {aside) It's all up v/ith me now. She evidently got onto my little game. She isn't such a fool as she might be, if she is a woman. (Officer handcuifs Gull Enter, Gustavus, r. , 2 e. Eagle. Yo\x should have tried something Avhere the chances of escape were not so few. On behalf of my client, Miss Thrush, I vowed to find you, and with her help I have succeeded. Gull. And yet you must confess that 1 have kept clear of you for a long time, considering my crime was forgery. Gus. {aside) A forger — great heavens! Eagle. Too long, by half. Officer, remove the prisoner. Gull. Very well, I'm ready any time, {turns at door) Farewell, my charming enemy, (sees- Oriole) Ah! Oriole, you here? Sorry to leave you, but business must be attended to. Had I the time, I should tell you something of interest, but you see, my friend here, is anxious for my departure. Perhaps, as I will not see you again, i!. Avill give you some satisfaction to know that little adventuress story I told you in regard to Miss Thrush, was not true — just a little bit of fiction out of my own head — quite original, 1 assure you. Au revoir, {exit, Officer and Gull, l., 2 e. Night, {coldly) Mr. Oriole, you see of that, at least, I am innocent. {exit, L. E. Gus. {aside) Innocent! And Magdalen has alreadj^ told me how blameless she was in that little joke, how averse she was to changing THE BIRD FAMILY AM) Til Hill Fill ENDS. 31 parts. Will she ever forgive me? I fear iiol. Eagle. Mr. Gustavus Oriole, allow me to say iluit you are a fool. Gm. Thanks. Eagle. You don't know a good thing when you see it. Giis. May I ask what you mean? Eagle. Most certainly, I have heard of your treatment ol" my client, Miss Thrush, sir! You met her nearly every day and lia^l :in opportunity to study her character, yet just as soon as yon dis- covered her profession, you turned your back upon her, as thou<;ii she were some criminal, giving her no chance to justify herselT. A man that will do that sir — I say, a man that will do that, is uol worthy that woman's notice. Gus. I beg your pardon — Eagle. I have been her attorney, her confidential man fur three- years, sir! and never in all that time, have I known her to be any- thing but a lady, and more, a pure, true, noble woman. {exit, L., 2e. Gils. I have been a fool, a dotard, to allow myself to suspeci hei- of being anything other that she is a true, pure woman. How I hav<' wronged her! And can I ever hope to be forgiven? Ah! no, neve^r. {exit, R., 2 E. Enter, JSTightengale, l, e. Night, {looks around) Gone! gone, and perhaps forever, {situ at table) "What is there left me now? Nothing but a memory, nothing but the reflection of what might have been. What a mistake it all was. How wrong of me to consent to Magdalen's plan. He thinks me utterly unworthy, because I am an actress, and he believes 1 deceived him wilfully. Oh! if he would only tell me he did not be- lieve me entirely unworthy, I would be so happy. But he never will, never! {tceep.^ Enter, Gustavus, r., 2 e. Gus. {aside) She is here alone, and weeping, {comes liurriedb/ down, aloud) Nightengale! Night. Mr. Ofiole! You? (r/^^.v '^us. Yes, I. Miss Thrush, I have come to you as a penitent. Night. You mean? Gus. I wronged 3'ou deeply. I spoke to j'ou as no man should speak to a woman. I confess my error. I know now that you arc as true and pure as I first thought you. Night, {coldly) And yet, Mr. Oriole, I am still an actress. Gu3. I care not what your i^rofession is, I love you. Night. Love me! And yet you could believe me to be an adven- turess, you could not trust me, but judged me by appearances only. ,T)o you call that love? Gas. Forgive me Gaylie, I was blind. Night. {iKi-ssionately) Forgive youl forgive you the pain, the humiliation j'ou have caused me' Xo. no! I cannot. Leave me, I have suffered enough at your hands already. Go! Gus. I have done what I could. I have confessed my fault. If you cannot forgive me— {sadly) I can do no more. I will go, and for- ever. 2S THE BIllD FAMILY AND THEIR FRIENDS, Night, {aside) Forever! Ous. Farewell, Gaylie. I shall never forget you, but you have bidden me leave you and I go. I shall leave New York to-night. Night. Xo, no! You must not go! QiLs. {turns) Why not? Remain here when my love is hopeless, when you cannot even forgive me for misjudging you. Why — why should I stay? Night. Because I love you! {runs into Ids arms Oils. Gaylie! (clasps Iter — aftei' a shoH pause Enter, Magpie, r., 2 e. Mag. Tableau! (GusTAvusa/zd! Nightengale 5^j)a7'a^e) Oh! don't mind me, I'm harmless, beside I am in the same boat myself, Enter, Mrs. Bird, Chollii:, Hobin and Ti:mothy, r., 2 e. far Timmy and I are going to get married too, aren'c we, Timmy? Tim. That we are. GJiol, {aside) What! M}^ Nightengale going to marry him! And now I have no one to love. I — I can't stand it. It leaves such a dewadful void in my heart. Ah! I have it; Mrs. Goldfinch! She's the vewy one! I'll seek her now, and tell her how I love her. {exit, L. , 2 E. Mag. So, Mr. Oriole, you have found out your mistake at last. Gus. Yes, I have indeed, tliough almost too late. And I hav(^, found that it is not safe to judge by appearances — that whatever ;i, woman's profession, whatever circumstances may seem to indicat(j her, could we but know the truth, we might still find her as I have, "A perfect woman, nobly planned. " CURTAIN, THE END. THE null) FA.]fI/.V AXD THE HI FR TENDS. SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. ACT I.— Homo oC Mrs. liir.i -Chollio {iiul his mother— He en- deavors to write to Nig-hleiigale Thrush, hut is too exhausted to col- lect his thoughts— Robin phiysa trick on liis Aunt Peacock— Magpie returns from a stroll — Her opinion of Bluster Crow — Robin liiul Magpie— She sends a letter to Timothy Quail, her timid lover— Ar- rival of Hiram Gull— Lucretia falls in love— Mrs. Bird, who is about to call on laAvyer Eagle, forbids Magpie receiving Mr. Quail- Timothy calls— The rug man with rugs— Return ot Mrs. Bird- Timothy hides under the rugs— Robin comes to his rescue— Magpit' and Bluster Crow— Robin helps Magpie to get rid of Mr. Cro'^Nv— Lucretia receives a letter from Hiram Gull— Nightengale and Mag- pie's plot— Gustavus Oriole, Nightengale's unknown correspondent— The interview— His opinion of actresses— Lucretia, a victim of Robin's jokes. ACT n. — The masquerade at Mrs. Goldfinchs'— Gustavus and Nigh- tengale, an actress, but unknown to Gustavus — He expresses his opinion of her — Lucretia overhears Hiram Gull making love to Mrs. Goldfinch — A scene in which Hiram Gull gets the worst of it Nightengale learns of the engagement of Lucretia and Hiram Gull. a base scoundrel — Hiram Gull recognizes Xiuhtengale — "I'll let j-ou goon one condition" — Chollie and Mrs. Goldfincir, the wager lost — Gustavus recognizes Nightengale as the singer and actress — His disgust — "My fate is sealed" — Magpie and Timoth}-, he resolves to propose, but is too timid — Gull overhears Nightengale's confession— ^Magpie and Timothy— "He'll never propose"— Gustavus accuses Nightengale of deception — "I hope I may never look upon your face again." ACT HL — Nightengale and Magpie — She decides to give Mr. Oriole a piece of her mind — Magpie and Timoth}^ — Mrs. Bird arrives on the scene — Timothy hides under the table — As usual, Robin comes to the rescue — Magpie refuses Bluster Crow — "He insulted my Timothy" — Lucretia and Hiram Gull propose an eloxDement, overheard by Nighteno-ale, who exposes Mr. Gull — Lucretia in hysterics — The ar- rest of Hiram Gull, or Daw, for forgery — Timothy Quail receives a fortune and Mrs. Bird welcomes him as her future son-in-lav»' — Lawyer Eagle enlightens Gustavus Oriole regarding Nightengale — Nightengate receives Gustavus confession coldly, but relents and confesses that she loves him — Magpie and Timothy, Gustavus and Nightengale happy at last. STAGE DIRECTIONS. J!., means Right ; l., Left; e. h., Right Hand; l. h.. Left Hand; c, Center; s. e., (2dE.,) Second Entrance ; u, e., Upper Entrance; M. D., Middle Door ; f., the Flat ; d. r.. Door in Flat ; r. c, Right of Center ; l. c.. Left of Center, Tv. R. C. C. L. C. L. %* The reader is supposed to be upon the stage facing the audience. Katie's Deception; -OR- The Troublesome Kid. Farce in 1 act, by W. L. Bennett, 4 male and 2 female characters. Costumes modeni. Time of playing, 30 minutes. A bright sparkling' furc!' i'or amateurs. "Good negro charac- ter. J^'armor from "Way back" answers Katie's matrimonial advertisement. Characters are all good. Price 15 cents. Our Family Umbrella. A Comedietta in 2 acts, by E. E. Cleveland, 4 male and 2 female characters. Scenery interior. Costum^es modern. The old man character is excellent, is alway buying umbrellas, but never has one when needed. Amateurs will find this a good after-piece. Price 15c. Yacob's Hotel Experience. Farce in 1 act by B. F. Eberhart, 3 male characters. Time of playing 20 minutes. This will make a good after-piece. The dutch- man is immense. His experience in a first class hotel is uproarously funny — HOME RULE. A Charade in 2 scenes, by the author of Yacob's Hotel Experience, 8 male and 3 female characters. Time of playing, 20 minutes. Price 15 cents. Joan of Arc Drill. A Spectacular Shepherd drill for 8 to 16 girls, by B. P.- Eberhart. This drill is simple and easy to get up, requiring no scenery, can be produced indoor or out, no special music is needej" in the march. Costume, Shepherd girls dress — girls carry| Shepherd's crook. A diagram gives the line of march, so it is eal understood. Ends with a tableau of Joan of Arc at the stake, f Price 15 cenl 3J- L£ iimes^ Plays — G antiniiBd. wo. M. P. 146 Our Awful Aunt 4 4 53 Out in the Streets 6 4 51 Rescued - 5 3 59 Saved 2 3 102 Turn of the Tide 7 4 (53 Three Glasses a Day 4 2 62 Ten Nights in a Bar-Room... 7 3 58 Wrecked 9 3 COMEDIES. 324 A Day In A Doctor's Office... 5 1 136 A Legal Holiday. i 3 168 A Pleasure Trip 7 3 124 An Afflicted Family 7 5 257 Caught in the Aet 7 3 248 Captured 6 4 178 Caste 6 3 176 Factory Qirl fi 3 207 Heroic Dutchman of '76 8 3 199 Home 4 3 174 Love's Labor Not Lost 3 3 158 Mr.Hudaon's Tifrer Hunt...- 1 1 149 New Years in N. Y 7 6 37 Not So Bad After All 6 5 237 Not Such a Fool as He Looks 6 3 838 OurB.ys 6 4 126 Our Daughters 8 6 265 Pug and the Baby 5 3 114 Passions 8 4 264 Prof. Jamss' Experience Teaching Country School 4 3 219 Rags and Bottles 4 1 239 Scale with Sharps and Flats.. 3 2 221 Solon Shingle 14 2 262 Two Bad Boys 7 3 87 The Biter Bit 3 2 131 The Cigarette 4 2 240 12,000 Reward 2 TRAGEDIES. 16 The Serf 6 3 S. 1 1 3 2 3 2 5 4 2 3 3 3 HO. 8 86 22 84 287 Better Half 6 Black vs. White 4 Captain Smith - 3 Cheek Will Win 3 Cousin Josiah 1 Cupids Capers 4 Cleveland's Reception Party. 5 Double Election 9 Der Two Surprises 1 Deuce is in Him 6 Did I Dream it 4 Dutchy vs. Nigger 3 Dutch Prize Fighter 8 Domestic Felicity 1 Eh? What Did You Say 3 Everybody Astonished 4 Fooling with the Wrong Man 2 Freezing a Mother-in-Law... 2 Fun in a Post Office 4 Family Discipline Family Jars 5 Goose with the Golden Eggs.. 5 Give Me My Wife 3 Hallabahoola, the Medicine Man 4 Hans, the Dutch J. P 3 Hans Brummel's Cafe 5 Hash 4 H. M.S. Plum 1 How She has Own Way 1 How He Popped the Quest'n. 1 How to Tame M-in-Law 4 How Stout Your Getting 5 Incompatibility of Temper... 1 In the Wrong Clothes 5 Jacob ShlafE's Mistake 3 Jimmie Jones 3 John Smith 6 Johanes Blatz's Mistake 4 Jumbo Jum „ » 4 Killing Time 1 Kittie's Wedding Cake....- 1 Lick Skillet Wedding 2 Lauderbach's Little Surprise 3 Locked in a Dress-maker's Pvoom 3 Lodgings for Two 3 Love in all Corners 5 Matrimonial Bliss 1 Match for a other- Min-Law.. 2 More Blunders than one 4 Mother's Fool 6 My Heart's in Highlands 4 My Precious Betsey 4 My Turn Next 4 My Wife's Relations 4 My Day and Now-a-Days My Neighbor's Wife 3 Nanka's Leap Year Venture- 5 Nobody's Moke 5 Our Hotel - 5 Olivet 3 Obedience 1 On the Sly 3 r€ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 3^ iimes^ Plays — Lun ta: 57 217 165 195 159 171 180 267 309 48 138 115 55 327 232 241 270 1 326 339 137 315 40 38 101 167 291 295 54 28 292 142 276 263 7 281 312 269 170 213 332 151 56 70 135 147 155 111 157 Paddy Miles' Boy 5 Patent Washing Machine 4 Persecuted Dutchman 6 Poor Pilicody 2 Quiet Family 4 Rough Diamond 4 Ripples 2 Room 44 2 Santa Glaus' Daughter. 5 Schnaps 1 Sewing Circle of Period S. H. A. M. Pinafore 3 Somebody's Nobody 3 Strictly Temperance 2 Stage Struck Yankee 4 Struck by Lightning 2 Slick and Skinner 5 Slasher and Crasher 5 Too Many Cousins 3 Two Gentlemen in a Fix 2 Taking the Census 1 The Landlords Revenge 3 That Awful Carpet Bag 3 That Rascal Pat 3 That Mysterious B 'die 2 The Bewitched Closet 5 The Coming Man 3 Turn Him Out 3 The Actor's Scheme 4 The Irish Squire of Squash Ridge 4 The Mashers Mashed 5 The Sham Professor 4 TheSpellin' Skewl 7 The Two T. J's 4 Thirty-three Next Birthday.. 4 Tim Flannigan 5 Tit for Tat 2 The Printer and His Devils.. 3 Trials of a Country Editor.... 6 The Wonderful Telephone.... 3 Two Aunt Emilys Uncle Ethan 4 Unjust Justice 6 U.S. Mail 2 Vermont Wool Dealer 5 Which is Which 3 Wanted a Husband 2 Wooing Under Difficultie.'' 5 Which will he Marry 2 . 1 Widower's Trials... Waking Him Up Why they Joined the Re- Yankee Duelist.... Yankee Peddler... GUIBE BOOKS. Hints on Elocution Hints to Amateurs CANTATA. On to Victory ~ ETHIOPIAN FARCES. 204 Academy of Stars 6 325 A Coincidence 8 65 An Unwelcome Return ;i 1 15 An Unhappy Pair _1 1 172 Black Shoemaker 4 2 98 BlackStatue 4 2 22 Colored Senators '. (i 214 Chops ; u 145 Cuff's Luck 2 1 190 Crimps Trip 5 27 Fetter Lane to Gravesend 2 153 Haunted House 2 230 Hamlet the Dainty 6 1 103 How Sister Paxey got her Child Baptized 2 1 24 Handy Andy .„ 2 236 Hypochondriac The 2 319 In For It ....^ 3 1 47 In the Wrong Box 3 77 Joe's Visit ...2 1 88 Mischievous Nigger 4 2 256 Midnight Colic 2 1 128 Musical Darkey 2 90 No Cure No Pay 3 1 61 Not as Deaf as He Seems 3 244 Old Clothes 3 234 Old Dad's Cabin , 2 1 150 OldPompey 1 1 246 Othello 4 1 109 Other People's Children 3 2 297 Pomp Green's Snakes 2 134 Pomo's Pranks 2 258 Prof. Bones'Latest Invention 5 177 Quarrelsome Servants 3 96 Rooms to Let .2 1 107 School 5 133 Seeing Bosting.... 3 179 Sham Doctor >. 3 3 94 16.000 Years Ago 3 243 Sports on a Lark 3 25 Sport with a Sportsman 2 92 Stage Struck Darkey 2 1 238 Strawberry Shortcake. 2 10 Stocks Up, Stocks Down 2 64 That Boy Sam 3 1 253 The iJest Cure 4 1 282 The Intelligence Office 8 122 The Select School 6 118 The Popcorn Man -. 3 1 6 The Studio .3 108 Those Awful Boys.- 5 245 Ticket Taker 3 4 Twain's Dodging ~.... 3 1 197 Tricks 5 2 198 Uncle Jeff 5 2 216 Vice Versa 3 1 206 Villkens and Dinah 4 1 210 Virginia Mumrcv^ 6 1 203 Who Stole the Cmckeng 1 1 205 William Tell 4 166 Wig-Makerand His Servants 3 Happy Franks Songter The Little^Gem Make-Up Box. Price 50 Cents.