PS 635 29 L84 Copy 1 1 A MOTHER'S CURSE. An American Drama. IN FIVE ACTS. -WRITTEN FOR- CYRUS B. LAMBERT, -BY JAMES W. LONG, Entered According to Act of Congress, in the Year 1889, BY Cyrus B. Lambert, in the Office of THE Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. PUBLISHED BY WEST MIC EIG AN FEINTING CO., GRAND BAPIDS, MICH., For C. B. Lambert, to whom all proprietary rights belong". 8 g. J1 JtJt Jt. Jt.JK.JT.J K L. ': A MOTHER'S CURSE. An American Drama. IN FIVE ACTS. WRITTEN FOR- CYRUS B. LAMBERT. -BY JAMES W. LON Entered According to Act of Congress, in the Year 1889, BY Cyrus B. Lambert, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. PUBLISHED BY WEST MICHIGAN PRINTING CO., GRAND RAPIDS, MICH., For C. B. Lainhert, to whom all proprietary riorhts belong. T543 r Z 1 0-A.ST oip oh:.a.i^jv.otek.s. Capt. Chas. Yincent — An officer in the Commissary De- partment, U. S. A. Major Eobert Taylor, U. S. A. Hiram Dawson — A Government Detective. Patrick Flavan — An old family servant in the Yincent family, and a native of the " auld sod." Prof. Lighter — An sereonaut. Policeman, etc. Alice Yincent — Mother 'of Charles Yincent. Grace Yincent — Wife of Charles Yincent. Lottie Yincent — Daughter of e/harles Yincent. Nellie Gordon — Cousin and accomplice to Major Taylor. Meg Marineau — A gypsey fortune teller. Mary Doiiavan — A good looking Irish girl, nurse to Lottie Yincent, full of intrigue and to whom Pat Flavan jist takes off his hat, you know. Chorus, etc. A MOTHER'S CURSE. ACT I. Scene I. — Parlor in home of Alice Vincent. To^B. piano near flat. To L. Divan and around the stage parlor furniture. To L,, near fronts a table at which sitting Charles Viyicent is discovered as curtain rises. Vincent. — Heighho!^ what is life after all? The past we know and can see how many mistakes could have been corrected. The present we enjoy, or endure, and often- times repeat the same mistakes we have once regretted. But the future? {rises and advances to center of stage). Oh! the future is to all of us a garden of flowers. Who ever plants seeds of unhappiness in the garden of the future? Who ever, with their pencils, paints a cloud in the sky of the future? Who ever draws upon the alchemy of nature for a pain in the future ? Who ever imagines a heart ache in the future? Oh, happy Arcadia! you begin with the cradle, and end only with eternity, with its clouds rose- tinted, by your happy hopes and predictions. Why should we do this? We are borrowing from the future every day, and destroying its hopes by the irresistable logic of the present. Hopes die for want of fruition. Golden prom- ises fade away, unfulfilled, and death ends all. But a truce to this. I will drive away dull forebodings with a song. (Sings: "It is strange, etc.) SONG. It is strang-e that the joy of happy hours Should be marred by the chill of a blighted trust; It is strange, that the beauty of the flowers Should but end in a mixture with silent dust. Oh, where are the hopes and the loves; where the tears. That lived with our lives, and that tempered life's gales; It is strange they have faded with the years And becalmed we are lying with empty sails. Vincent (speaks). Well, away with this feelinq:. I have A MOTHER S CUE8E. of pQpularity that will elect me to oifice. I will be the people's choice. What is to prevent it? (Eises and walks from E. to L. across stage. ) First, lawyer, then Prosecu- ting Attorney, then to the Legislature, then to Congress, then a Senator; but hold on; I must be a Circuit Judge first, then Senator. Then what is to prevent me from being President? With all this I will have the smiles of fair women at my beck and fortune will smile on me, (Enters at back Meg Marineau who advances toivards Vincent) and I will be her favored child. ( Discovers Marineau. ) Hello! my picturesque gypsy, from what forest do you come ? « Marineau — Let me tell your fortune, my gallant gentle- man. Vincent (holding out his hand, laughing) — Oh well, give me the best you have. ( Marineau 'takes his hand and looks intently at it. ) Marineau. — No lines cross; an even life; a dexter line the broadest; a happy life. Honors, riches, everything that heart could wish for. Vincent (laughing). — That is worth a dollar anyway. Here, my good woman (Hands her a silver dollar, and then holds out his hand again, which Marineau takes in hers, looks at it and starts as if alarmed. ) Marineau (hastily and quickly. )-The lines have changed. The blue blood has faded from the dexter line and gone to the sinister. The lines are crossed. The blood is purple and betokens trouble. Ah, the crossed lines are filling. One near and dear to you has cursed you and invoked mal- edictions upon your head. The blood is receding. You will die by the hand of an assassin. Vinceyit (angrily). — Begone! bird of evil omen. You have your money. Now go and hide it. (Marineau shrinks away towards doors in flat followed by Vincent. As she exits Pat Flavan enters with letters, which he hands to Vincent ) Pat. — And who the divil is that craft, mister Charles? She looks like a cross between a barber's pole and a circus rider. Vincent (tearing open letter). — Oh, that is a gypsy for- tune teller, Pat. She has put me out a little by prognos- ticating too much bad luck for me. I have been cursed by one who is near and dear to me, and am going to be killed by an assassin. (Looks at letter as he taJks.) Pat — Niver ye fear, Mister Charles. As long as Pat Flavan can ate three square meals a day it will niver do for any one'to swear forninst to yes, nor to assassinate you A mother's cuese. neitlier. I'm cork pine, ten lo^s to the tree, and sold for one hundred and twenty dollars a thousand. Vincent. — I always knew that you were a lumbering kind of a fellow, Pat. But I thank you for your honest offer of guardianship. (Aside.) A letter with a good offer in it for me to go to New York. I will go and answer it , at once. {ExiUhrough L door.) Pat — -I have been thinking a good deal lately about the mutability of human affairs. There is Bridget O'Connor. Oh, my ! but she is swate wid her rosy cheeks, black eyes and lips like a blood beet. I call her a human affair. She is mutability, too, for I asked Mister Charles what it meant and he told me it was orny thing that changed. Bridget has changed; she loved me once on a time, but now she has gone back on me. Song — "She has gone back on me." But I must go back to my work no w. Bridget can go with her new love and I'll — I'll — what will I do? I'll hunt for a new one wid all the charms of a Yenus. {Exit at door at back.) (Enter at L Vincent.) Vincent. — I have written to my friend that I will accept his offer. Why should I stay here in idleness? Other men have gone out into the wide world and have been the better for a few rousjh knocks. Why should I not do the same? Besides, my life here is not exactly Elysian (shrugs his shoulders and laughs). Given, a premises. I love a fair young maiden, who also smiles upon me. Madam Mere does not smile upon the match, and Lulu and I can- not marry, for, unfortunately, my mama holds the purse strings, and she will not open the receptacle of wealth ex- cept at her own sweet pleasure, and it is not her own sweet pleasure to open it for this occasion. (Laughs.) She wants me to marry a perpendicular, acidulous accident of wealth and extreme respectability, which I decline to do, having never had any experience in making love to an ice- berg. Ah! I hear my mother's footsteps. I will be pro- priety itself. (Seats himself on divan. As he does so, en- ter Alice Vincent, who advances and takes seat at table. Vincent rises as his mother enters arid bows to her; then remmes his seed. ) Alice V. — Ah, my son! as years advance I hope to see you become more dignified, and I can already see an im- provement. Now one thing I must suggest. Try, some occupation to keep you busy. Work that is not ignoble. CJiarles V, — Just the thing, my dear madame, I have A MOTHEE S CUESE. been thinking about. Work is the very thing that I need, for as it is, I am spoiling for exercise. You will not sanc- tion my ma rriage with Lu . Mrs. V. (angrily).— Excuse me for interrupting you. No! I will not sanction your sacrifice of a splendid posi- tion to the fancied charms of a round doll face. If you would lay seige to the heart of Abigail Springer now — ( Charles shudders. ) Why that shudder? {Rising and facing her son). I tell you what boy, that I do not even hope that she would say you yea, but still she might. Women you know are fool- ish at times, and sometimes allow a passing fancy to run away with their judgment. There you would have wealth and position. {Sloioly as she ivalks Ijackwards and forwards.) Over their door, cut into the stone is a coat of arms. It is English, and belongs to them by lineage and hereditary. Blue blood runs in their veins, and if Abigail would only smile on you, I would be as happy as a woman with a bro- ken heart can be. But you prefer a plebian, whose only merit is a pretty face and a tongue to prattle platitudes. {Advancing to him and raising her hand threateningly.) Here you defy me, boy! I will be just to you. You have never given me an unkind word, but now you concentrate a whole life of loyalty in one single act of defiance. ( Goes to table and seais herself. Vincent rises and goes toward her, and as he speaks, places one hand on the hack of her chair. During his speech she leans her elbow on table and her chin on her hand. ) Charles. — Mother, you accuse me unjustly! As God is my helper, I would not marry Abigail Springer, should she, on her knees ask me to, and back it up with two pages of pedigree in the Herald's college and a wagon, loaded with gold. Alice Vin. {Looking up quickly and angrily). No, you prefer a low, base-born girl, with a pretty face. {Resumes former position. ) Charles V. — Let me finish, mother. I have never con- tradicted you yet, nor will I now, but let me describe a love match to you. The woman may not be equal to the man, but what man ever draws an equation, Avith a pair of soft, white arms around his neck, a warm kiss from sweet lips, and a love light in beautiful soft eyes, beaming only for him. The man may be inferior to th> wo^na : 'n ^ ^ ' stances he is. She onlv covers hi^^ shor^c^m'n ^•-- -" beautiful, bri■ A motheb's curse. ? stage partly facing his mother. ) Ask those who go with- out necessities? They will tell you, no! Love gilds a cot- tage, where hate or indifference make hideous the gilded Griffins upon the walls of the palace. ( Changing his tone to one of pleasantry). But mother, I have news for you! and no doubt but that it will be good news. I will give up Lulu, since you demand it, but 1 will not marry your aris- tocratic Griffin. I am going away to try my fortune. Have received a letter offering me a fine opening, and while I am gone, I shall travel awhile. Does this meet with favor from you? Alice V. — (Sarcastically.) Distasteful to me? How kind in you to ask. No, it is not. (Louder.) No! you may go and try your fortune. Perhaps when you try the world awhile you will be better satisfied at home. Vincent. — ( Coldly. ) Madame, I will not longer trespass on your^hospitality. As you say I will go and try the world. Allow me to bid you adieu. ( Raises her hand to his lips and then exits through door. lie turns and lookn towards Alice Vincent as if he would come back, hut she not notic- ing him, he disappears. ) Alice V. — (Seating herself at table and leaning her elbow on table she clasps her hands. ) He is gone, and I have been unkind and perhaps unjust to him, but I cannot love him as I should. His father was untrue to me — I was true to him. He was a faithless husband — with one woman named Taylor that I know of. I was a faithful wife Oh! in the annals of domestic history, how many records like this could be written? I knew of my desolation before my boy was born, and on my knees — before my Heavenly father — I prayed that his whole life might be accursed for his father's sake, and that I might die in giving him birth. His father is dead, but curses, like lightning, fly on the wings of space. My prayer was, that I might di© and the father live, grow up and disgrace him the same that my husband did for me. (Slowly rising she paces the stage near front from L to R.) I was a happy woman, until my husband met this Mrs. Taylor. I am not handsome, I know, but I was true. I do not know that I hated her, for an innocent woman' is at a terrible disadvantage in the hands of a scoundrel whose business is seduction, unless she is of that type of womanhood that shines with a direct glory. His plans were well laid and she fell, and after that, all the attention I received from him, was simply be- cause I belonged to the animal kingdom. § A MOTHEE's CtJKSE. SCENE CLOSES. Scene 2 — A street in Detroit. Enter from R. ' Vincent followed hy Pat Flavan carrying a valise. Pat — {Looking at the scene). Horray! Here is the first station! Woodward Avenue Depot! ' Across the river and away over Canaday to New York and Newburgh. Vincent. — Yes, this is the first station, Pat, Woodward Avenue. How often will I think of it, when I am away. Its beautiful surroundings and everything connected with it. But Pat! you can wait here awhile, while I replenish my cigar case, or rather you can meet me at the Central depot. [Exit at left). Pat — Yes, I'll meet him at the depot, or the day po, or the de-po, just as he likes. Its strange that, payple don't call it station, and thin they would all say it alike. Over in old Ireland, they all say station. So when a man starts to travel everybody knows he's going on a journey. God bless old Ireland! Its a daisy of a country and I'm proud to say that I'm an Irish lad. Whin I makes a mistake, everybody laughs and says, Oh! that's all right! he's Irish. — (Sings.) Song. It's Irish I am and I want you to know, I'm Irish all over and not very slow. I'm proud of old Ireland, the home of my sires, I'm proud of her altars, though dimmed are their fires. I have a kind master, '(Spoken) I'm Irish you know; I'll never desert him, (Spoken) I'm Irish, 'tis so, I'm Irish all over, a brave Irishman, I'll have all the fun and the mischief I can, I belong to the red- headed Irish from Cork; I'll be as much Irish when I reach New York. And none shall abuse me, for lick him I can; I'm Irish, from Ireland, a full Irishman. Now that song expresses my sentiment in Irish. If you call a man an Englishman, it is no name to call him at all. If you call him an American, he takes it like so much taf- fy. If you call him a Frenchman, he grins, and if you call him a Dutchman, he is so pleased that he goes and drinks another glass of lager, but call him an Irishman and he wants to fight. I'll not be so. Whin they call me Irish, I'll take off my hat and say: "Thank your honor for the compliment." But I must go, or the depot will be gone to New York. [Exits.'] A motheb's cukse. 9 Scene III. — Major Robert Taylor's Parlor at Newhurg. As scene changes Major Taylor and Nellie Gordon are discovered. Nellie is sitting in a chair ne:ir cen- ter of stage, over tvhich Taylor is bending. Taylor — As yon say, cousin Nellie, he is rather prepos- sessing, and if yon will pardon a compliment per se, I will say that you are not bad looking. So the path will be easy for yon to accomplish my pnrpose. Xellie {loolcing up at Taylor). — Tell me, Eobert, exact- ly what yon want me to do. Taylor {sitting down on lounge). — I want yon to do fchis, Nellie. Weave a web aronnd this man Vincent nntil yon have him in love with yon, and consequently nnder yonr control. Hold yonr power with a high hand, so that yon can nse him as / say. Kellie. — How in the world came yon to pick np this ac- quaintance and friend? Taylor. — Why, yon remember the large political meet- ing held here a few weeks ago? Well, while I was stand- ing there listening to the speeches, I noticed a tall, finely formed man in the crowd who seemed to be a stranger. Chance threw us together, and chance started a conversa- tion. I found out that his name was Vincent, and that he was thinking of settling in New York. After the speech w^e went to a restaurant for a bite of supper, and over a bottle of wine he told me of some troubles, and that he was a knight-errant on the highway of life. He also showed me letters of introduction from those whom I knew, hav- ing become acquainted with them while I was stationed in Detroit, in fifty-seven. Well, one thing led to another, and I finally asked him to stay with me and try army life for a while, to which he consented. He suits me exactly. He is quick and capable, and every day I like him better. Now you have the story of our acquaintainship. Jyellie. — It is strange that you should make this friend in this way. His name alone is not a good omen. A man named Vincent was the cause of a great many heart-aches to all of us, and this man looks like him. Supposing that he should be a son or relative of him who once caused so much trouble. Such things have happened, and should this be so, this man may prove to be a source of further evil to you. Taylor. — Never fear that. There were no sons in that family that I ever heard of. {Suddenly.) Nellie, I am in trouble and yon must help me out. I wish to nse this man as a tool, not to have him nse me, and yon, sweet coz., can aid me. Only do as I suggest and all will be well, with 10 A MOTHEE's CUllSE. prosperity in store for me, and when I am prosperous you shall be taken care of. Mellie. — But how about Grace, Robert? You must know that when she becomes your wife that no roof that shelters her can be over my head. Taylor. — Oh, pshaw! never mind Grace. Kellie. — But I do mind her. She will be your wife and will look with a jealous eye at our peculiar relations. Of course I am your housekeeper and your cousin, but sJie will then be your housekeeper and cousinship will be con- fined strictly to that relationship. She will be delighted at an occasional short visit {laughing) . She will not leave us together much, Bobert. She will be a very devoted hostess and will never leave me. {Laug'hs.) Taylor (as if mttled). — Pshaw! Grace Montfort is not my wife yet, and when she is, / will say what shall, and what shall not be done. If / say I w^ish you to stay, you shall stay. {Gonfidentially.) ]Nel]ie,,what if I should not marry Grace at all? Kellie {laugliing). — Oh, Bobert, you are one of the most fickle of men. Not marry Grace? You do not dare to say so to her. Taylor {scowling). Yes, I do dare; and should I wish to, you may have the privilege of hearing me say it. But she is coming here to-night, and so is Yincent. I asked him over to have a game of cards. Come to think of it, I must away to my toilet. {Rises.) Alas! poor men, they must always be fixing t|iemselves up, while as for the dear delightful women they always look like angels. {:>ls Tie says the last lie walks hehind Nellie's cliair, and as Tie concludes Tie pulls Tier Tiead hacTc wards by putting Tiis hands under Tier chin and Tcisses her. Then exits tTirough door in L.) Kellie {looTcing^ after him). — Well, Mr. Impudence, good bye ; that is, if you have gone. I will try and do the bidding, if it will help out my bonnie cousin. ( TaTces a coguetiisTi position on lounge, cTianging position of Tiands- and patting and seemingly arranging her hair. ) Let us see, I must look pre-occupied. {Slowly. ) How does a lady look when she is pre-occupied. {Rests Tier cTiin on her hands. ) This is the way. So now I am ready for Sir Charles the Yincent of Yincentville, town of Yincentburg, county Yincentminster. {:/l hell is heard. ) Oh, there he is! my fate, my fate, my life, my love. ( Takes a hook from table and pretends to read. ) {Enter from Hat Vincent, wTio seeing Kellie advances smiling. Kellie rises and holds out her Tiand whicTi he takes.) A mother's curse. 11 Xellit' — Good evening, Mr. Vincent. This is indeed a pleasure. Take this seat, please. {Hands Mm a chair on which lie sits down, and seats herself near him.) You have made yourself quite a stranger since your stay in Newburgh. Vincent — I have only to apologize by saying that noth- ing but duty would have made me have missed so much pleasure as your society. Kel'lie {coguettislily). — A flatterer, Mr. Vincent. With your splendid physique, I would not have thought it of you. Vincent. — A reproof so gilded with a compliment, that I thank you for it. Mellie. — How a reproof? Vincent — By the insinuation that a perfect manhood, and admiration of the fair sex are incompatible. Kellie {coldly.) — Where then the compliment, if I may be so bold as to ask? Vincent — The ^'^^^d^A physique. You know, I suppose that men are inordinately vain. Kellie. — I did .not. {Slowly). I have always supposed where so much perfection existed, that the consciousness of its possession, excluded vanity, especially wben those who might be disposed to attack this impregnable fortress are so weak. Vincent {aside)' — I have nettled her a little, but by Jove she is not bad looking. {Moud). Miss Gordon do not crush me with sarcasm. I will make an apology broad enough to cover all my offendings. Meilie {smiling). I will accept the apology made so handsomely, and in granting forgiveness will add that I do not think you very much of a sinner. But seriously speak- ing. Captain Vincent, I have become somewhat interested in you, and should you not think it impertinent, I should like to know something of your past life. Vincent {carelessly and waving his hand.) Oh, I sup- pose that I am a black sheep. My mother is a very pecu- liar woman, and although she is wealthy and I am her heir, here I am, out in the world, making my own living and not asking her for a copper cent. Meilie {earnestly.) — Was she unkind to you? Vinceni {laughing.) — No — but if she had been, your genuine iuterest in me would repay me for a great many acts of unkindness from ma mere. Xellie {confusedly.)— ^^cvi^Q me. I did not mean to be bold. Vincent — Not bold, I never would think that {Sighing). Women create an equipoise in this world. If one breaks 12 A mother's curse. a man's heart, some other daughter of Eve, will become both his champion and comforter. {Earnestly. ) But Miss Gordon I am sincerely obliged to you for your interest in me and I assure you that I shall endeavor to deserve it. — {Bell rings, Mellie rises. ) Kellie — There comes the rest of the company. Miss Monfort, I must go and receive her. I will not be absent long, and for a short while I will crave your indulgence. Vincent — Walling with Jier to door z/ZT^^r.— Certainly, but make your absence as short as possible. {Exit JSfellie through door in fiat. Vincent walks towards front oj stage, rubhing his hands. ) Vincent — Why not? A trim little figure, pleasant face, ordinarily accomplished no doubt, and a good housekeeper. Why not? She on one side of a fire place, looking very prettily, I on the other side. She at the head of my table presiding with womanly grace. Why not? {Tales seat and leans arm on table. ) It is strange what a sense of superiority, the possession of a woman gives a man. After all it is strength playing with weakness; but the weakness is only physical, for in moral force they are stronger than any man. But how beautiful and enchanling they are. A taper waist, fair features, laughing eyes, a tempting mouth, pink ears, white, pearly teeth, delicate hands — but I will have to stop or people will think I am giving the pointers on a blooded horse. {Enters from door in flat unob- served G-r ace Monfort, kellie Gordon and Major Taylor). But if I have bad luck with Venus, I am sure of Mammon for I will have my mother's thousands. Major Taylor — Ahem! {Vincent starts and looks around discovering the trio. He appears confused, Tay- lor laughs. ) Allow me Captain to break into your romantic reverie. You are acquainted with my cousin Miss Gordon. ( Crosses over and takes Miss Monforfs hand and leads her up to Vincent ) I v/ill now make your life addition- ally happy by introducing to you, my very dear friend, Miss Monfort. Vincent — {taking Grace' s hand in his, and holding it) It gives me great pleasure to meet with my dear friends. I hope Miss Monfort that you will inscribe my name among those entitled to your kind thoughts. Grace Monfort — {withdrawing her hand.)—! most cer- tainly shall Captain Yincent, for a previous predilection based on say-so from Major Taylor is only confirmed by a personal view. Vincent {aside). — Bless me, but I must be a regular masher. A mothee's cuese. 13 {During iJie foregoing, Mllie Gordon has deen husy fix- ing the table and placing cards thereon. Major Taylor helps her to move the taUe to centre and towards front of stage, Vincent and Alice turn towards table and Vincent walks to back of stage and brings chair to table). :)ilice {aside.)— His motlier's thousands and he the heir. Unloved by Major Taylor, I will try my hand on the heir to his mother's thousands. Taylor. — Come Grace, don't indulge in a brown study now. Here Nellie, I wilPassign you as Vincent's partner while Grace and I will try and beat you. Alice — I believe in every one for themselves. Let us play Pedro, and then each one is independent. Taylor— Agreed. {They seat themselves, Alice next to Vincent and J\ ellie opposite, and Taylor throws round for the deal, ) You have the deal, sweet Grace. Now give me a good hand. {Alice deals.) Vincent {looking at his ha?id).—Tll ^ive two. Taylor—Three ! Mllie—'FiYe ! Alice — Save your hearts. Vincent— IIow can we, with two charmers, to make your warning an impossibility. Taylor {laughing as tliey discard, calls their cards and Alice deals them) — Look here Yincent, are you going to demolish me with your compliments in the house of my fathers ? Vi7icent ■{playing)—Yo-u. surprise me, {Enter Mary Donovan with tray on which is champagne and cake. ) Taylor— hei us stop and worship at the shrine of Bac- chus! {Takes bottle and fills glasses, while Mary hands round the cake.) ' ■ G-race {taking glass and looking steadily at Taylor).— This is champagne. It is intoxicating. Do you wish me to drink it, Robert? Taylor— OiaoMrsel do. Such nonsense. Champagne is drank in the most fashionable society and on all occa- sions. Grace~T\\ei\ of course, you are willing that I should drink it. /tell you that it is intoxicating. Jou say that itis the custom in fashionable society to drink it. As I under- stand^ you, we must sacrifice our conviction to the usa- ges of society. Taylor {haug?itily)—Yes, that is it. Ladies, my kind- est regards. {Tliey all drinh ) {During this time they have been playing, and as the conversation ends the deal is out. ) ' 14 A mother's cuese. Grace {counting Tier liand). Pedro five, game six, Jack seven, low eight. Count me eight Captain Vincent, if you please. Vincent — ( talces out paper and marks. ) Vincent {as he takes the cards and shuffles them). Nothing gives me more pleasure, Miss Montfort than to record a victory for you. {Taylor picks up hottle and fills glasses, then hands them aroujid.) Alice { looking at Taylor) — Kobert, is it your wish that I take more of this? Taylor — Certainly, or I would not have offered it to you. {TJiey all drink. ) {Vincent is dealing). Taylor — Five. Kellie — I pass. Klice — Six. Vincent {laughing) — I'll pass. You must wish to unde- mine the Major. ( Vincent deals out cards after discard. They play.) Taylor. — Mary, go and bring another bottle of cham- pagne. Grace {reproachfully). — Eobert, do we need any more? Taylor — Yes; what we have taken is but an appetizer. Go. {Exit Mary.) Grace. — Pedro, ^yQ\ jack, six; game, seven; low, eight. Captain Yincent, will you write down my victory? Vincent. — Certainly. Here, Major, are the cards. ( Hands them to Major Taylor who deals. While he is dealing enter Mary with another hottle of champagne, whic'h Ma- jor Taylor pours out, filling glasses and he drinks. ) Taylor {as lie deals, showing the signs of intoxication. ) — Yincent can you not give us your heroic on the "Glori- ous Yintage of champagne ?"^ Xellie — Had you not better deal the cards, Robert? Taylor — We can do both, I will deal the cards, and Yin- cent can sing. So here goes. ( Deals — Music — Glorious Vintage of champagne — Satanella Balfe. jit the conclu- sion of the song, the players take up their hands. ) Kellie {looking spitefully at :^lice) — Seven. Grace — Eight. Vincent — I'll pass. Grace — Delightful man. Always considerate. Taylor {moodily) — I'll pass. {Taylor deals cards around after discard. They play.) Grace — Pedro, five ; low ? Keliie — I have low. Grace — Jack? Taylor {savagely.) I have Jack. Grace — High. A mothee's curse. 15 Vincent — Allow me to contribute my high to your gen- eral result. Grace {Jiesitatingly .) — I guess I am eight on the other side. {Earnestly^. Captain Yincent I had rather have you mark my failure than any one else. Taylor {savagely.) May I ask why? Mary some cham- pagne. (Mary hands champagne, which Vincent drinks and the rest take cake. ) Taylor (aside). See how Nellie stands it. She is sea- soned. Nellie (to Grace spitefully). You can now see Miss Monfort, that diamonds representing wealth does -not al- ways triumph over hearts, and you know what they rep- resent. Grace (ivhile Nellie is dealing). But diamonds and hearts make a pretty good combination, don't they, Captain Yincent? Vincent — Always, my dear lady. Taylor (to Vincent) — Could you not have said. Miss Monfort, instead of my dear lady. Grace (haughtily). I prefer the latter appellation. Taylor — Pardon me, for my suggestion. Mary, serve the wine. (He drinks.) Grace (picking up her cards) — Three. Vincent — I'll be gallant and pass. Taylor — Eight. Grace ( laughing, ) — Oh, eight or fate. Taylor — Yes, madame; that is what I mean. Grace — If you are that positive now, what will you be when you are married. Taylor— 1 will be more positive, madame! (rrace— Madame ? — Captain Yincent, you would make a delightful husband, you are always so polite. Vincent — I would cheerfully serve in that capacity. Nellie (spitefidly) — That is, I suppose if you were asked to. Sometimes gentlemen do things for an accommodation, through gallantry, that common sense would dictate to them to object to and refuse compliance with. (During this they play. ) Taylor (counting his hand) — Pedro, five; high, six; low, seven; game, eight — side, ped.ro, five, thirteen. It seems as if assertioii wins. Vincent (earnestly) — Not in the end. Major. (Nellie takes the cards and deals.) Taylor — Yes, in the end Mary bring some of the Bur- gundy. (Exit Mary. They take up their cards.) Grace — {looking at her hand). Ten. I will try assertion awhile. 16 A mother's curse. Vincent — I am a gentle-man, so I'll pass. Taylor — Gallantry and safety v/ill keep me quiet. {En- ier Mary ivHh tray on which are two bottles). Taylor drinks and the rest touch their glasses ajid set them doivn. ] Nellie {moodily^. I will pass. I liacl rather try treach- ery than assertion. It is safer. ^The cards are . dealt. They cdl play.^ ^During the play, Taylor makes another sign to Mary ivho advnces with the tray. Taylor pours Old a glass for himself. ] Taylor [huskily']. A toast to my fiancee Miss Monfort, who bets on assertion. Grace — Excuse me sir. If in your own house I am sub- jected to insult, I am fortunate in having o, gentleman ^tq^- ent, who I know will protect me. Captain Vincent, can I ask you to escort me home? Vincent — Most certainly. Miss Monfort, [rising.] Taylor [rising] — I may have something to say about this. Vincent [laying his hand on Taylor's shoulder). No Major, you will not have a word to say about this. I am responsible for what I say and do, and to-morrow I wdll explain all to you, when you are more reasonable, [draw- ing himself up. ] To-night, Miss Monfort has asked me to escort her home. I may not get through, but I am going to start, and I would not advise any one to stand in my path. [Grace exits through door in flat, hut soon reappears with her wraps on]. Grace — Good night, Nellie! Good night, Kobert! I hope in the morning, that you will be in better spirits. Captain Vincent, I am ready. [Exit Vincent and Alice.] Taylor — Well, Nellie, what do you think of that? Nellie — {scornfully). I think that you have tried to make a fool of yourself and that you have succeeded most admirably, {yawning) but I believe I will go to bed. Do you Avant Mary any more? She is about half asleep. Taylor — {savagely). You can go to your room. When I am through with Mary I will let her know [Exit Nellie through door in left smiling superciliously.] Mary, bring me a bottle of brandy! Mary — ( standing as if as leep. ) Sir ! Taylor — A bottle of brandy. Do you hear? [Exit Mary. Taylor seats himself by table]. Strange dreams come over me to-night. [Looks at bottle on table.] Ha! a little Burgundy. [Drinks.] A child's face! [Enters Mary unth brandy, ivhicJi she sets on table]. You can go to bed now, Mary. Mary — Thank you sir. [Exits.] A mother's cuese. 17 Taylor — {drinks from brandy bottle^ Champagne, Bur- gundy and Brandy. An exliilirating compound, but not half so exciting as a dead child's face. My God! can I never outlive this, or must my punishment come in a forc- ed marriage to a little doll-faced girl whom I do not love. Grace would make me a good wife. She would read the old Testament through the first six months of the year, and the balance of the year would be devoted to the new Testament. She is good. But I had rather have Nellie with her wickednesss and brains, than the other with her goodness and nothing else. But the dead child — ( drinks ) this will drown her memory. Little Nellie, with her sev- enty-five thousand dollars. My sweet little neice left to my care and Guardianship. ( Walks up and doivn stage wringing his hands. ) Gambling and fast life did me up. I was unlucky with cards and lucky with women. Both being very expensive. I did not mean to use her money ; I first took some of it to replace some government funds I had used. I lost that, and took more, and finally most of it went, {Goes to table, sits down. ) Oh, little Nellie, you come back to me to-night with your sweet face, as you used to sit upon my knee to tell Uncle Robert how much you loved him. ( Rises and faces the stage ) The money went and the day of settlement approached, when 1 had to show my accounts, {slowly and in subdued voice). In case of Nellie's death, I was her heir. Fear drove me to a crime. There are drugs that poison slowly, and to save myself, I gave them to her, while she would look up into my face with her dancing eyes, and thank me for the nice lemon- ade. {Faces the audience at center and places his hands on his head. Oh, my God! when I think of it, it turns all the glories of a hope in heaven into the dispair of a remorse- less hell. She died! {laughs hystericcdly) and no one knows how, but myself. ( Walks across the stage back- luard and forwards hanging his head, ivith his hands lock- ed behind hi)}i.) The money was all gone and I was her heir. I had to do it or perish myself. I am not a bad man — only a weak one. The world is full of such men. Withall the intentions of heaven in their hearts, the result of all their efforts is an apothesis of hell. I wonder if, at the last day, our great Judge will take this into consid- eration. Knowing what we meant to do — knowing what our heart beats were — knowing how weak we were, will he judge us by our intentions or the result? {Goes to the table and pours out liquor. ) But a truce to this {Drinks. ) I am again in arrears, and I am going to use this Vincent to help me out. {Laughs. ) To-morrow I shall apologize to my dear Grace and of course be forgiven. I shall ex- 18 A mother's curse. plain to Vincent and use him. (Suddenly). Why can't I marry Grace to him and then have Nellie Gordon to my- self. I'll do it. After all it is a contest between despera- tion backed by brains and an unsuspecting dupe, ( laughs as he pours out liquor). I wonder how many bottles of liquor I've drank to-night, but I'me steady. Here's to brains — they always win they're better than money, posi- tion or anything else. Here's to brains. [ Curtain. ] End of Act 1st. ACT II. Scene I — Sitting room in Taylor's House — To hack of stage two single doors I and r of center. The left door is open — To right a hay window with lace curtains di- vans, tahle, escritoire, etc. [^Enters from left door in flat Nellie Gordon.^ Nellie — Poor Robert, I fear his hours are numbered, as the doctor seems to think there is no hope. Fate seems against me. ( Sits on divan to I. ) With his death will end my living here, and I have lost Captain Yincent who is thoroughly infatuated with Grace Monfort. I lost my chance when Yincent was so sick. Grace went to take care of him and won his heart, when really at the time he liked me better than he did her. But now the great big baby loves her because he is greateful to her. {Sh7'ugsher shoidders). Robert took it easily. He ,gave Grace up without a word, and just as I was building fairy castles of a future supremacy here, I am threatened with ruin by Robert's death. (Rises and ivalks to tahle.) Everything is Charles Yincent now. If Robert wants anything he calls for Yincent. ( Sits doiun at tahle. ) If there is a lawn party in town Captain Yincent is the hero; if a select diinier, Yincent is the honored guest. If anything grand is to be done they have Yincent do it. Grace loves him, (spite- fully) or pretends to, and he is the hero of the hour. [A hell is heard from left doorinflai^ — Rising. There is Robert ringing his bell (Louder. ) I'm coming. (Exit through door, 7'eappearing again). He wants Yin- cent of course. ( Goes to hay loindoiv and looks oid. ) There he is in the garden making love to Grace. ( Opens win- doiu and calls) Captain Yincent? Robert wants you. (Shuts window.) He is coming, here he is. [ Vincent enters through R door. ] Yin. — Did you say Major Taylor wanted me? Nellie — Yes, and while you are with him I will take a A mothek's cuese. 19 little air [Exits through E door as Vincent exits through Taylor's room, shutting door.'] [Enter Mary Donovan from left wing loith duster in her hand. She begins to tidy up the room and dust the furni- ture. ] Mary—'Woil, well, well, if this house isn't turned up topsy turvey. The master has got the influmatics, the Captain has taken his girl, and Miss Nellie has got the dumps for all its worth. If the master dies, Miss Nellie's cake is baked. Then the Captain will marry Miss Grace and like as not settle right in here. Then there is Pat. He's the most impudentest fellow I ever see. He had'nt been acquanted with me for three days before one day he came in and says he: "How do you do? where's your hat rack?" and says I, just in fun, "I'm hat rack enough for you." Then he put his hat on my head and says he: "You're just a regular old mahogany," and he kissed me. I got mad and says he, "You mus'nt get mad for we're rela- tions;" says I, "we're not," and says he, "Why not? You're working now for Major Taylor and I am working for Cap- tain Vincent." "What has that to do with it." says I, and says he, "don't they work together?" Yes says I. Then says he, "don't they have a relative duty?" Yes, says I, taking Pat's hat off my head and holding it in my hand. "Then" says he, "ain't they related as far as duty is con- cerned?" "I guess so," says I, "'then ain't our interests identical?" says he "bein as you work for one and I for the other" says he, "and of course were related, and among re- lations there's no harm in kissing among the sexes," and with that he kissed me again, before I could help myself. {Pat opens door in E and sticks his head in.) — Pat — Is their any company, Mary? Mary— {saucily). No! there ain't any company, mister Pat, and there's none wanted. Pat — {entering the room. ) None wanted? That's a nice spache to drop from two such rosy lips and pearly taath, besids that I'm not company. Come here Mary, by this bay windy, and I'll whisper something into your left ear, that will make you feel as if you were swimming in a river of Ice Cream flavored with vanilla. Mary — Be off with you Pat with your blarney. {Pat goes to hay window and Mary as she talks, gradually ap- proaches to him. ) What would I want to be swiming in ice cream when it costs twenty-five cents a quart? It would be pure extravagance. What do you want, anyway, Pat? {By this time she is standing beside him). Pat — Mary did ye's ever study ana-to-my? if ar?/— No! What for do you ask that question? 20 A mother's curse. Pat — Stand there and I'll answer yes. {He takes Mary's hand and pulls her over near him.) Now look at me arrum. Dye see it? Mary — Yes, I see it; its big enough. Pat — {holding his arm out straight.) Dye see how straight me arrum is? Now whist: {Bends it gradually toivards Mary's ivaist until as he stops speakiny it is around it. ) Now I'll draw up the confabulation of the right periodical, and that slaps the polar equinox right in the face. Old Pole gets mad and contracts. So mad, that it effects the whole arrum until it bends and bends, until it stops, and then it is supported by your phalanx. That is ana-to-my. Mary — {pushing him away.) Go way with you ana-to- my and big words. You had your arm around my waist. Pa^— "Why not? Mary — {mimicking him.) Why not. Because, why not, and not why. Pat — And is that the reason. Mary {coaxingly) come closer to me and let me whisper to you. Mary — I'll not. ( Pat takes tier hand and with his hack to the tvindow he pulls her toivards him. She resists, and he pulls all the harder. Mary suddenly leans toivards him when Pcd loses his balance and falls out the tvindow). Mary — There goes your ana to-my now, and you can just pick it up. [Dusts around the room and goes to win- doiv.) Pat has fallen into the tub of rain water — now he is picking himself up — go way with you, kissing your hand to me. \^Bell rings\ There is Miss Nellie's bell, so I must go. [Exits. ~\ {^Enters from Taylor' s room, Vincent, in cm excited man- ner Jiolding a manuscript in his hand. ] Vincent — {walking to Divan near B F.) Here is a hor- rible tale. ( Seats himself. ) I will read this over again to be certain of it. Taylor has broken down at last, and here IS his confession. {Unfolds manuscript and reads aloud). "Dying Confession of Robeet Taylor!" Believing that I am about to die, I dare not leave the world with my lips sealed, as to a dreadful secret con- nected with my past life, which I now confess, placing the same in writing and confiding it to my friend, Captain Charles Vincent, to be used only after my death. My sister Julia married a gentleman by the name of Armitage, who, after marriage accumulated considerable wealth. A daughter was born to them, and for awhile ev- erything went well and happily. After awhile all this A mother's curse. ' 21 changed. First Armitage sickened and died, leaving his widow and fatherless daughter in my charge, as their nat- ural protector. God knows that I at least tried to do this duty faithfully. My sister and I gathered np what he had, and by judicious handling, it footed up about eighty thous- and dollars, of which at Julia's request, I invested seventy- five thousand dollars in interest bearing securities. Most of women would have been resigned if not happy, under these circumstances, but every fresh development of the affairs of Armitage seemed to add to her grief. He had made her his executrix, without bonds, and left everything to her, either for herself or their child. This confidence in her seemed to draw her closer to him, even in death. She never recovered from it. Every dollar she used in maintaining herself and child, seemed to her a messenger of loving care and foresight from her dead husband. Five thousand dollars went to pay doctors and for traveling and other expenses, to save her from the grave, but all in vain. In spite of all that I could do; in spite of all that kind skillful physicians could do, she sickened and died. Her only thought seeming to be a heartsick desire to go to her husband. I believe that at this time I was a good man. Her very trust in me awoke a corresponding degree of faithfulness on my part, and she told me on her dying bed, that one thing that consoled her, was that she felt that next to a mother, her own dear brother would be good to her f atherles s and soon to be motherless child. After her death, her will was read. In it she left everything to her child, and in case that Nellie should marry, have children, and die, then the property was to be evenly divided among the surviving children. But in case Nellie should die, either before marriage or childless, then the property should all be mine, thus making me the absolute heir in that contingency. If I had married some true woman at this time, I believe everything would have been well, but I did not. Habits acquired on the frontier, came back to me. I began gamb- ling and lost. I formed the acquaintanship of dangerous women, whose smiles cost gold. My salary was insufficient to meet expenses and I used some government funds. Fearing detection, for I did not know at what minute an inspector might visit me, I took some of the money be- longing to my dead sister's child and replaced the govern- ment funds. This started a new idea. I could use this money in my keeping as guardian and executor, and not fear an inspector. I used the most of it, and lost it, year by year, until people began to talk, and an accounting was hinted at. I knew what this meant, and was almost frantic 22 A mother's curse. and to save myself I made the hellisli resolve to get rid of little Nellie, and thus become the heir. After that, day by day, I gave her a subtle poison, giving it to her in lemon- ade, of which she was very fond. She grew thinner and paler and more lovely every day. People noticed it and shook their heads saying, "she is going the same way her parents did." I had always been kind to her and she lov- ed me dearly, and would sit on my knee and drink the poisoned lemonade, laughing at me as she did so, and thanking me for my goodness. At last she was confined to her bed, and after a short time she died, poisoned by me, and blessing me as her best friend. Her death left me with no one but myself to settle with. There is something left which I wish should be paid to the next heirs in New York who are mentioned in my will, and I leave this to my friend Captain Charles Yincent, as well as the arrange- ments for a support for my cousin Nellie Gordon. As I have said before, I cannot die with this secret on my mind, and hoping that God may forgive my terrible sin where desperation conquered over all that was good in me, I subscribe to the truth of all the above. EOBEKT TAYLOE. Vinceyd — {speaks). He broke entirely down once or twice while dictating this to me, but a dose or two of bran- dy pulled him through. It is terrible though. [Enters through R door Grace Monfort Vincent rises.^ Grace — {pouting). You did me nice. Captain Yincent, to leave me out on the lawn all alone all this time. Vincent — {leading her to a seat). Pardon me Grace, but I could not get away from poor Taylor any sooner. Oh, by the way, here is pen and ink and I would like to have you witness his signature to a business document. It will not be necessary for you to read it as you know his signa- ture. [ Goes to secretary, opens it. Grace rises and taking pen signs manuscript held folded by Vincent. She then sits on Divan to R. Vincent folds manuscript after signing ii, puts it in his pocket and sits down by Grace.^ Vincent — And now my dear Grace let us talk of our future. I love you dearly, and you have been partial enough to say you return it. I can speak of this to you here, without reproaching myself, as Taylor feeling that you and he were not mated, gave you up willingly for your own sake. Will you not set the day now and tell me again that you love me? Grace — Yoit may set the day Captain. {Captain Vincent takes her hand smiling. ) You foolish boy, what do you A MOTHEK^S CUESE. • 2B want me to tell you that I love you for, when I am Roine to marry you. Is not that enough? Vincent— li seems like a dream, as if I could not be so happy. {Grace sudderily places he?- handkerchief to her face). What is the matter dear Grace, are you faint '-^ Grace— A fan, please ? [Vincent rises and hands her a fan ivhich she uses. He stands near her anxiously looking at her.'] Grace— {aside). This is almost too much to bear. I do not love him, and I am going to make a terrible sacrifice. {aloud.) I am better now. Vincent~{taling chair and sittinq down facing Grace.) Are you better now? Grace— Yqq, it was only a faint feeling, which has gone Vincent— I wish to tell you one thing Grace, that hith- erto i have kept concealed, as I wished to win you as I was Now that I have done this, I wish to tell you of our future My mother is rich and I am her heir. After our marriage we will visit her, and I know she will love you as a daugh- ter. Your life will be a golden one, and as happy as devo- tion and wealth can make it. Grace — I did not need this to make me love you Captain but of course I cannot be averse to it. I sincerely hope our lite may be a happy one. {Bell rings. ) Go to Major laylor now and then we will walk home. ( Vince?it tales her hand and kisses it) Vincent — You make me so happy. [Exits into Taylor's room.] Grace— {rising and crossing stage.) Oh this is terrible. i am going to marry this man when I love another. When he even touches me with his hand, a cold chill runs through my veins. But revenge is sweet and a woman is an enig- ma. Robert Taylor whom I love threw me off and to spite him I am going to marry Captain Vincent whom I do not love or even care for. But then, he says he has plenty of gold and that will be a wonderful peacemaker. Scene Closes. ACT II. Scene VL—S^zrrces to front. Sitting room in Grace Mon- forfs Rouse. Doors in flat. Enter Taylor in full dress rubUng his hands and smiling. Taylor— 'EYQYjihhig goes on prosperously for me. Vin- cent and Grace are married. Poor Grace! she does "not care a fig for Vincent, but she doesloye, me. Well, {shrug- 24 A mother's curse. ^272^ kis shouldtrs and laughing.) She began the flirta- tion as a piece of spite work expecting to have me at her feet in short order, but I did not carry out the programme. Owing to the inclemency of the weather I did not appear. But Vincent did, and Grace, poor girl could not retrace her steps. If ever I saw the spider and fly episode re- inacted, it has been done in this instance. Then Nellie she was half way in love with either Vincent or his money and she is now in just the humor to do any devilment to- wards either of them I want her to, and she is able to do it. Vincent and Grace are going to New York and from there to Detroit on their wedding tour, where I suppose ma mere as Vincent calls her, will meet them at the door with her gold in flour sacks to present to them. But Vin- cent has my confession yet, and by hook or crook I must get it away from him. He says he has it put away so I must wait I suppose until he returns and then I will have that confession. [Exits to L F.^ Enter Nellie Gordon. Nellie — {laughing). Well the climax is reached and Captain Vincent has married that goose Grace, when he might have married me. It is a queer ending of what might have been a happier termination. Grace does not care a snap for Vincent, and married him out of spite and also thinking him rich. / did care for him. Grace loves cousin Robert and he does not care for her. ( Slowly)^ Now I will have my revenge out of this, and serve two pur- poses. I will wrench that fool's heart out -of her, and help Robert. {Laughs.) I'll write to Mrs. Vincent, the Cap- tain's mother and tell her anonymously that her son has married a woman who was thrown oft by another man. The letter will not stop in New York on its wedding trip, so it will reach Detroit before them. I'll go now, and write it. \^Exit through L door in liat.A, \^Mary's voice is heard at right iving front. '] *'You need'nt coax me any more Pat. Flavan {enters followed by Pat. ) "The sight of a weddin has turned you crazy. What would I marry you now for? Pat — Oh, just to be in the style, Mary. Did'nt you see how slick everything went off. First the minister, he back- ed up under the flowers in the corner and looked awful solemn, and then whin Mister Charles walked in with Miss Grace, he looked so solemn, and then says he: ''Charles Vincent, do you take this woman," tfec, ldvanci?ig toward Mm and raising her right hand. ) You were not born into this world as the offspring of love, but with deceit on one hand and hate on the other. May everything that you touch wither in your hands, may everything that you love, dishonor you, may every friend you have betray you, and above all, may my curse rest on you and about you, for I hate you ! I hate you ! ( Exits through door in flat. Charles endeavors to rise, hut staggers and falls on the floor in a swoon. Grace steps into room and going up to where Vincent is lying, she pushes Mm cojitemptuouslg with her foot. ) Grace — I never loved you, and only married you for your money! You liar! You told me you were an only son, and would have unbounded wealth. To gain this, I have pros- tituted myself under the form of law. I will rid myself of you as soon as the law will let me do so. Property and expectations indeed! You have neither. While I am your wife I will not dishonor you, but I will not be your wife a day longer than I can help. Who is Lulu, that you loved 30 A mothek's curse. so? you false liound! Do you think that I did not know of your first passion for Nellie Gordon? Liar and traitor! I hate you. When I desert you, as I shall, you can then enjoy the embraces of Nellie Gordon, and not feel that I am in the way. [ Curtain. ] End of Act II. [pin Interval oj Three Years.} ACT III. Scene I— j^ Western Fort. Interior of Major Taylor's Quarters, representing a log house. To right of stage is a chintz covered lounge. Plain chairs around room. In centre a pine table with pens, ink, hand hell, etc., on it. On wall maps are hung. l^Major Taylor discovered at table as if in a hrown study. ] Taylor—HQTQ is my infernal luck again. I went down to Omaha the other day and drew my funds for the next quarter. I tempted the fickle goddess and again she desert- ed me. What shall I do. The day of accounting has come and I am a lost sheep. {Slowly.) Vincent can help me out. {Rings hell on table.) .Orderly! ( If. 8. Soldier appears at door in flat). Orderly — Did you call, sir? Taylor — Yes! Give my compliments to Captain Vin- cent and tell him if he is not too much engaged that I should like to see him. Orderly — Yes, sir. {Salutes and exits.) Taylor — It is going to he hard work, but I have already told Nellie, that if I fail she must come to the rescue. She has received a letter from Grace that will fix Vincent. {Enters Kellie from side.) JS'ellie — Robert, when are these troubles of yours going to end. {Sits on lounge). You no sooner get out of one scrape than you get into another, and as much as I wish to serve you, it is becoming monotonous. Common sense must tell you that detection will come sooner or later; and in the interim, there is all this feverish anxiety. Why do you not stop gambling? You never win, but always lose. {Suddenly) How much are you short now? Taylor — {despondently) About two thousand. Kellie — Well Robert, I will help you out of this, but do MOTHEK^S CUBSE. 81 not, ask me to any more, andbesides I think Captain Vincent has been victimized about enongh. Taylor — {laugTiing sarcastically). Ettu Brute. You are smitten with him too, are you? Nellie — No, but I am playing a despicable part that I am tired of. Now what is the particular program? You have already given me the general plan. Taylof — I have sent for Vincent, and am going to get him to help me, by a few entries on his return, that I will make all right after a while. If I succeed in doing this, I will not need you, but if not, I will When he comes I want you to be in the next room and watch results. Here, I will give you a cue. If I am unsuccessful I will leave the house and say. Oh! Vincent, I am undone, God help me. Wait a moment and then come in. Use every means in your power to gain him over. This will be the last time I will ask you to aid me. Kellie — (reproachfully). You have said that before Robert. (;^ hioclc at the door. Kellie rises and runs out of side. ) Taylor — Come in. ( Vincent enters through door in flat). Ah, Captain, I'm glad to see you. {Rises and advances towards Vincent and shaTcing hands with him.) Here! take a pipe and a se'esta on the lounge. (They fill pipes and light them. Vincent lies on lounge and Taylor takes chair and sits near Vincent). Vincent — The orderly said you wanted to see me. What is it? Taylor — Well, the truth of the business is that I am in a fix. Vincent — How so? Taylor — Well, I bucked the tiger when I was in Omaha and lost, and I want you to help me temporarily. Vincent— ^^j dear man, / am in no shape to help you. You know that two-thirds of my salary goes to my wi that is Grace, to support her and our daughter, and it cer- tainly takes the third to support me, and then I have to deprive myself of many things I need. Taylor — {leaning over towards Vincent.) You have government funds on hand, Vincent? Vincent — ( rises to a sitting position. ) I know it, but what has that to do with my ability to help you? Taylor — I want you to let me have two thousand dollars for a while. Vincent — I hav'nt two thousand cents. Taylor — You have a good deal more than what I want. It will be only temporary. 82 A MOTHER^S CUESE. Vincent — Taylor, do you mean that you want me to let you have two thousand dollars of government funds ? Taylor — Only for a little while. Vincent — How can I do it. It is stealing. Taylor — (excitedly). No it is not, Yincent, I will repay you. Vincent — But how would I escape detection? Taylor — Buy a few extra horses, and a few thousand feet of lumber. Vincent — Make false returns? If that is what is needed, why do you not do it? Taylor — Because I have to pay to disbursing officers, while you buy of the many. Vincent — {rising and emptying his pipe). I will not do this Taylor, for you or any man in existence. I have led an unhappy life it is true, banished by my mother, and de- serted by my wife, but I have never yet been a thief. Taylor — {rising and laying doivn his pipe. ) Then all is over with me — and I must perish. {Louder. ) Oh, Yin- cent, I am undone, God help me! {Rushes towards door in flat and exits. ) Vincent — {sitting on lounge.) Poor Taylor is almost crazy. I would like to help him, but I cannot do this. {Enter from side, Nellie. She approaches lounge and sits doivn beside Vincent). Nellie — Good morning. Captain^ Vincent — {half rising.) Good morning, Miss Gordon. Nellie — (looking around as if surprised). "Why! where is Eobert? I thought he was here! Vincent — (slowly). He was here, but left a minute ago, like a crazy lunatic. Nellte — He must be in some trouble. He has acted very strangely the last few weeks. Do you know what it is? Vincent — {aside.) I wilt tell her. {Aloud.) Yes, Miss Gordon, I do. He has been gambling again, and is short in his accounts. Nellie — What does short in his accounts mean? Vincent — It means that he has used and lost government money. Nellie — What does he propose to do? Vincent — He wants me to help him by doing the same thing. It is more than I am willing to do. Nellie — Captain, aid Bot)ert, if you can. He is not bad only weak. Vincent — You seem to be a very devoted friend of Ma- jor Taylor's, Miss Gordon. Nellie — I am his cousin. A mother's cuese. 33 Vincent — {haughtily). You seem to take a more than cousinly interest in him, to thus advise me to be dishonest for his sake. - Nellie — {in ci'loiv tone.) You are the last man on earth who should accuse me of this. {Louder and turning to him she lays her hand on his shoulder). It is unjust and cruel in you. Vincent — {as if surprised.) Why Nellie — or excuse me, Miss Gordon, what does this mean? Be frank with me. Nellie — {clasping her hand over Vincent's shoulder). I ivill be frank with you, even at the expense of maidenly mod- esty. When I first met you, I loved you. ( Vincent staiis). Nay do not be shocked, at the avowal. Robert saw it, and it pleased him very much. You thought something of me then, too, or I was much mistaken. When you were so ill, it was not lack of interest in you that kept me from your side, but a regard to propriety. Another stole you from me and both Robert and myself were unhappy for he loved her and I loved you. You think that I take an interest in my cousin ? I do ! He has been a good, kind friend to me, a brother, and I can never repay him. {Rising and walking to chair she leans against it.) You belonged to me Cap- tain, and we should have married. Do you think that I should have deserted you? No! I would have made you happy. Every day I would have striven to find some new way of pleasing you. I would not have treated you like that traitress, Grace'. Vincent — {rising and loalking the stage). There! you have gone far enough. Remember that she is my wife and the mother of my daughter. Nellie — Oh, you should speak of her kindly. ( Takes letter from her pocket and sits in chair.) Listen! Vi/i- cent ivalks towards front of stage and stands nervously with his hands in his pocket.) I have a letter from Grace that I want to read to you. Do you want to hear it? Vincent — (hoarsely). Read on. Nellie — ( reading. ) "My Dear Nellie: — ^ I had never thought that I could bring myself to address you as above, but after so long a time, it seems as if cer- tain events were as a blank, and again I am your happy friend and the affianced wife of the only man I ever loved, Robert Taylor." {Dumb show of intense interest by Vincent during read- ing of letter. ) "It may be that I have been somewhat to blame, but nothing^ compared to the lying scoundrel, ( Vincent starts 34 A motheb's cuese. and puts his hand to his head, withdraws it and clasps his hands hefore him) who plead his wealth, his dear mother's wealth. He did have a certain type of manly beauty, which is reflected in his daughter who looks so much like him that I almost hate her, but his attractions were all ex- ternal, within he was false as hell itself. Oh, how I hate him." Vincent — Oh, my God! {Sinks on lounge and buries his face in his hands. ) Go on ! Nellie — {continues reading. ) "But the farce is about to end. My lawyer tells me that in a short time I shall re- ceive an absolute divorce and then I shall be free from him I loathe. My only regret will be that I have borne him a child, for she will be a constant reminder of an un- happy episode in my life that I would fain have blotted out. But still I will have some mercy on him. You liked him once and he loved you. He is near you now. Take him to your arms and comfort him. You need have no fear of me as a rival. Kiss him and tell him he is beloved. You can have him, for I hate him. Grace (not) Yincent. Vincent — Oh that is hard. Nellie — {rising and going to lounge, she sits down by Vincent and crosses her hands again on his shoulder. ) It may be humiliating to a woman, but with my love for you I am willing to follow the advice of your unworthy wife. She married you for your money, loving another; without your money she hated you. I loved you, money or no money, for yourself alone. {Vincent — {turning toivards Nellie, he puts his arm around her and draws her head on his shoidder. ) Oh Nellie! my heart is broken, but in the midst of my deso- lation, your loving words come like a benediction. I love you simply because in my sorrow you love me. Tell me now what you wish me to do to prove the sincerity of my devotion. Nellie — Save my cousin Robert. Vincent — {drawiny aivay from her.) That is a crucial test. Nellie — {rising and facing Vincent.) My cousin Robert took me from an unhappy home when I was a child, and spread over my life a rainbow of promise for the future. He has filled in every harmonious color, and made my life complete. Where before I heard quarrelling and discord, from his lips I have heard nothing but peace and happi- ness. He has his fault I know. If he had not, he would be more than human. Were he more than human, I might worship him, but in my inferiority, I could not plead for A mother's curse. 35 him, for he would not need it. Oh Vincent, if you have any regard for me, save him who has been so good to me. If it were not for him, I would not be what I am. Vincent — (rising and taking Nellie's hands). Enough! I will do as you say. One more sacrifice will not do me any harm. Your words are very precious, Nellie. Let us seal our new love with a kiss. (He kisses her. ) Now I must away, and fix my returns, for the pony mail passes here this afternoon. Good-bye, sweetheart. One more kiss. (Kisses her and exits through door in flat). Nellie — (laughing). Pretty well done, I should say. A little compromising perhaps, but that is no matter now-a- days. How he did bite. (Slowly.) Poor fellow. (Sits on chair near table. ). I pitty him, and cannot help liking him after all. That letter did the business. (Enter Taylor cautiously from R door in flat). Hullou! Robert, is that you? Taylor — (advancing anxiously). Did you succeed, Nel- lie ? Tell me quickly, for this suspense is becoming unen- durable. Nellie — He has consented Robert, to aid you before night. I will, I hope have the pleasure of handing you two thousand dollars that you so much need. Taylor — Bless you for that, sweet coz., and I imll try and take this lesson to heart. But now I must go to Yin- cent and be near him or he may fail me after all. Good- bye, until we meet again. (Exit. ) Nellie — After all, this is a detestable farce that is being carried on. I will try a little music to scare away my thoughts and quiet my conscience. (Exit to B.) Enter Vincent. Vincent — I have done it. It did not take long. I only had to buy ten horses at one hundred and fifty dollars apiece, that made fifteen hundred dollars. Then I bought five hundred dollars worth of lumber and that made two thousand. When Taylor pays me back I will sell the hors- es again and expend the lumber. (Sits down on divan.) God help me, here I am a thief, and a forger, for I had to sign the receipt to the voucher. (Enter Taylor hurriedly.) Taylor — Yincent have you fixed me out? I see the pony mail has come. Vincent — Yes, here is your money. (Hands him hills.) My papers are made out and in the mail. (A knock heard at the door. ) Taylor — Come in. (Orderly enters through door in flat and hands mail to Taylor. 36 A mothee's cuese. Taylor — Hullou! here is a letter for you and one forme from the War Department. {Hands Vincent letter, who takes it inechanically and opens it. Taylor opens his letter eagerly.) Here it is, by Jove: My leave of absence for ninety days, with permission to apply for ninety days more and to go beyond the department. What have you got, Vincent ? Vincent — {carelessly,) The same kind of a document. But / don't care for it now, for I can't turn over my prop- erty. Taylor — You won't have to, or here! we can have a stam- pede by Indians and lose the horses. And now Vincent, I want you to crown this with one more favor. Give me back my confession? Vincent — {rising and speaking angrily.) Have a care Major Taylor, how far you proceed. The possession of that confession is now my only defence, if you should ever turn upon me. Taylor — {coolly.) 1 could iuTu upon you now Vincent, and have you arrested before an hour. Vi^icent — {hotly). Yes, you could and disgrace me, but it would be the penitentiary for me, and the hangman for you. Taylor — {laughing.) Well, well, let us talk no more about penitentiaries and hangmen. Keep the confession and be doubly armed against me, my good friend. We will not quarrel with a pleasant leave of absence before us. Vincent — {moodily.) Do not talk too much then about penitentiaries. But I am poor company tO-day, so if you will excuse me, I'll go to my quarters and mope. Taylor — All right, come over to-night and have a game of draw? Vincent — Perhaps so. {Exits through door in flat.) Taylor — Excellent! The pony mail has gone with Vin- cent's returns and I have the money. So far, so good. {Calls.) Nellie! Nellie — {outside.) Coming, cousin Robert. {Enter Nel- lie, at R side.) What is in the wind now? {Stands near door. ) Taylor— {turning towards her.) Nellie! I have the money, and tried to obtain the confession I gave Vincent when I was so sick, but he demurrs. Now I must have it. Vincent cannot save himself, but with that confession he can draw me down with him ; without it I can laugh at the statements made by a suspected criminal. How can I get it? {Suddenly). Nellie, you- know Aw-te-we-zhick, the A mothee's curse. 37 Indian. He could be hired to quiet Captain Vincent, and then I could get the confessioj. Nellie — No! Eobert, no murder if you please. I will get the confession for you during your leave. You and Captain Yincent are going to meet in Michigan, at Kalam- azoo, and be together some time. While you are there I will get the confession and perhaps before. That is all that I will do. Taylor — You must do another thing for ine, Nellie. I want now to put a flea in the official ear at Washington, so as to have Yincent under survillance at least. To do this, it must be done by you in person. I don't want him ar- rested, until I am ready for it. Suspicious circumstances, you know. Send a detective to me and Fll set him to work. You. want to say that it is not sure, but as a govern- ment ofiicer I have my suspicions and am trying to keep him with me so that he can be watched. If it does not answer my purpose, I need not have him arrested at all. Will you do this for me. Nellie — {walking up to him. ) Eobert, as in the past, so in the future, I will do anything you ask me to. {Sits on divan.) Now come here and let us plan a little. ( Taylor sits on chair astraddle facing her, leaning on back of chair.) When do you expect to start. Taylor— Day after to-morrow. Nellie — Shall I go with you? Taylor — Yes, as far as Detroit. There I want you to leave for Washington. Nellie — I want to go by East Saginaw and see Grace, Taylor — Yery well, then to Washington and you will find me at Kalamazoo on your return. You can write there to me. Nellie — Is Captain Yincent going at the same time? ■ Taylor — I hope so. He is going to take Pat, and you can take Mary with you. Nellie — Has my lord any further commands? Taylor — No! you can begin to get ready, and I will go and have a talk with" my clerks. Nellie — '{arising.) All right! {Exits through R side.) Taylor — Now for business, next for pleasure, and finally safety ! ( Exit It door in flat. ) {Enter Pat Flavan dressed in uniform.) Pat — Where is the Captain, I cannot discover him. But ain't I glad, that we'er going to the States and see civilized people once more. I shall polish up my buttons, cock my hat on sideways and just paralyze the girls, for they won't be able to resist me. And then Mary is going, and that will be the time 1 will make her just green with jealousy. 38 A mother's curse. It's a nice place, the army and I tell you so for sure. Sings : — The army is just a dandy, A garden of nicest flowers, For flirting and love, and poker to prove A solace to lonesome hours; The girls can't resist the soldiers, They fall down and die right there; Until they are raised and petted and praised, And told they are very fair. The army's the place for pleasure, With a battle or two thrown in, To prove to the world, with banner unfurled, We fight with a will to win; No wonder the girls all tumble, Brass buttons will bring them down, But just the same they are not to blame, For soldiers just rule the town. [ Curtain. ] , End of Act III. ACT IV. Scene I — Parlors at Hotel at Kalamazoo. Double rooms. The front one with wr'iting table, chairs, lounge, etc. As curtain rises Vincent is discovered sitting at table. As the curtain rises enter Pat from L F with mail, which he hands to Vincent, who opens it icithout looking edit. , [Exit Pat^] Vhicent — (looking at letter.) Ah ! here is treachery. It was lucky I opened the letter, for here I am forewarned. {Reads.) "Washington, D. C. My Dear Cousin: I went to the Department last week and hinted at Y's defalcation, and undoubtedly ere now .you have a detective with you. His name is Dawson. I met him and told him the story, just as you wanted me to tell it. He will be placed under you.r orders. Will be back in a day or so. Nellie." {Speaks. ) So, this is the Mister Dawson. ( Folds his hands. ) Cursed infatuation. Betrayed by her I loved, scorned by him I have served, branded as a villain, stigma- tized as a traitor, a price set upon my head! All, all is gone ! hope, home, friends, money and my country. Yet I am a man and he who possesses all these, is no more. ( Rais- ing his right hand and looking up. ) Oh God, in heaven ! A mothek's cukse. 39 thou eternal one ! mercy, mercy, and take from me my mother's curse. {Drops hard on table as if iveepi/ig.) {E/iterfrom L C Major Taylor, who observing Vincents agitation, stops. ) Taylor—Why Vincent, old boy, what is the matter? Some bad news? Vincent— {raising his head and looking steadily at Tay- lor.) No! good news. Kead that lettei*. {Bises and hands letter to Taylor. Taylor slirts as he looks at letter. ) Taylor— {aside.) The devil! but I must brass it out. {Aloud). So you have added opening letters addressed to others, to your many accomplishments. Vincent— ^o and yes. I did not look at the superscript- ion. There I was wrong, but when I once opened it and got a glance at it, I read it, there I was right, as the con- tents seem to be entirely devoted to me. Your hand has been pretty well played, Taylor, but you will find me too many for you. I still have your confession. Taylor— Yes, and if you had given me that confession, this would never have happened. You have brought it on yourself. Vincent — Brought what on myself? Do you imagine that your scheme will be successful now that it is unmask- ed. You should be contented. Major Taylor, with wh at I am and what you have brought me too. My wife has left me, my daughter I cannot see, my mother has cursed me, and driven me from her doors, and in helping you, I have dis- graced myself. Have a care. Major Taylor ! Have a care! Let whatever happen, I will save myself. Taylor — I will see you later, when you are more rational, All I want is my confession, and that is the only reason for my course. The detective. Miss Gordon speaks about, I have not seen. When she arrives, she can probably ex- plain. But give me that confession and I will stand be- tween you and all earthly harm. Think over it Vincent, until I return. ( Goes to table and looks over letters, takes up two or three. ) In the meantime I will take my letters, as I see they are addressed to me. {Exits tTirougli rear room and to left ) Vincent — There is some treachery going on. Death, be- fore dishonor or prison. {Calls) Pat! {Sits down to ta- ble, arises hurriedly and putting liand in vest poclcet, pulls out money. ) { Enter Pat L 0- ) Pat — Did you call, sir ? Vincent— Yqs, take this to the nearest drug store and have it filled at once. If any one is here when you return hand it to me quietly. ( Hands paver to Pat who starts. ) Here! ( Pat stops). I might want their attention divert- 40 A mothee's cuese. ed. If I put my fingers in my hair, I want you to try and divert their attention the best you can. Pat — Yes sir, I'll di-vert it, if I have to do it with a club. (Exits.) {Enter from rear room Taylor and Dawson, the detec- tive). Taylor — Captain Yincent, my friend Mr. Armstrong You will find him to be a very pleasant gentleman. Vincejit — (aside.) It is Dawson, the detective, {^loud.) Mr. Armstrong I am happy to meet any friend of Major Taylor's. Have a. seat. (They all sit. ) Are you a resi- dent of Kalamazoo? Dawson — I no, or rather I should say I am a resident of no-where. I have traveled so much in my life, that I am at home almost anywhere. But you are a resident here, I suppose, as I see you are settled for life, judging from your rooms. Taylor — No! we have merely stopped here for awhile on business and pleasure combined. But Vincent, where is Pat? for now that Mary Donavan has been employed to take care of your daughter Lottie, Pat is our only hold. Vincent — {carelessly). Oh, Pat is around somewhere. {calls) Pat! He is not within call, the scamp. Ah, here he is. {Enter Pat L C.) Pat — Did you call sir! Vincent — Yes. What was it you wanted, Major? Taylor — Pat, bring up a bottle of wine, three glasses and some sugar and ice water. Pat — Yes sir, as soon as I clear the table. ( Goes to table to clear it off and liajids package to Vincent unseen by the others. Clears table and exits. Vince7it puts pack- age in vest pocket. ) Dawson — {io Vincent.) How do you like armt life on the plains, Captain Vincent? Vincent — Oh, pretty well, although it is fearfully mo- notonous. Dawson — Your business out there would not keep you very busy I should judge. You made purchases, I sup- pose. Vincent-— {aside.) ThisV^ the detective and he is try- ing to pump me. ij^loud.) Oh yes. I purchased horses, cattle and other supplies of that nature. Taylor — {aside.) I must stop this someway or other. {slloud to Dawson). Armstrong, come here and look at my sabre, slrmstrong rises and goes to Taylor in back room. They converse together). Vincent — {aside). Pat has brought the morphine just in the nick of time. A mothee's cuese. 41 {E7iter Pat with bottle, glasses, etc., on tray. Ee places them on table and stands hy watching Vincent. Taylor and Dawson return to tahle^) ^ Taylor— pouring out ivine i?ito glasses). This is a very nice wine for native port. We will finish this bottle and then try something stronger. ( Vincent puts his fingers through his hair and Pat rushes to window and looks out Putting his head haclc, he says, ''There's a man fell dead on the street." Taylor and Dawson run to the window and Pat in pantomine points across the street. Vincent hurriedly puts the mor- phine in their glasses and tales the other one in his hand.) Dawson — {as they returii.) A fainting fit probably. {Taylor and Dawson talce glasses and all drink). Dawson — That wine is slightly bitter. ' Taylor — I did not find it so. It has a little twang to it. {Pours out some in glass and tastes it.) I don't think it bitter. Perhaps you would like something stronger. Dawson — No! that will do. I was probably mistaken. How did you find the wine, Captain Vincent? Vincent — I thought with you, that it was a trifle bitter, but not too much so; just a little taste of the skins. Let us fill again. {Fills glasses hj standing between the table and Taylor and Dawson. He puts morepowder into their glasses and hands them to them. They all drink). Taylor — That certainly does taste bitter. Some old sour stuff probably, that they have foisted off on us. Pat, go down and bring up some whisky. {Exit Pat). Arm- strong, will you have a cigar or a pipe. Dawson — I'll take a cigar. {Taylor hands him oiie which he lights.) Why the cigar is bitter too. {Enter Pat with whisky \ he sits it on table. ) I believe I'll wash my mouth with a drink of whisky. Taylor — I'll make a toddy. {He mixes up sugar and water then pours in whisky and hands three glasses around. ) Vincent — I prefer the wine, I think it is just pleasantly bitter. {Pours out glass and drinks it. Dawson eyes him suspiciously. They all smoke.) Vincent — {aside.) Now for the detective. {Aloud). Oh, Mr. Armstrong, we were talking about horses. Just before I left the West, a man came along with ten as fine horses as you ever saw. It was only a day or so before I left.. I bought them all for only one hundred and fifty dollars apiece. You recollect the purchase, Taylor? Taylor — {in a sleepy way.) Yes-I-guess-I-do. Pat! give-me-some- whisky, I feel devilish sleepy. {Dawson becomes drowsy in his chair and drops his cigar. Pat 42 A mothee's cuese. piclcs it up and Tiands it to Mm, and then hands glass of whisky to Taylor, who drinlcs it. ) Vincent — There is some good lumber out in that coun- try too. {Dawson hy this time is asleep. Taylor lets his cigar fall on the floor and in endeavoring to pick it up he falls forward on the floor unconscious. Vincent smokes his cigar and looks at them unconcernedly i or a moment, then jumps up. ) Vincent — Pat, get my overcoat and pack my hand satch- el with some underclothes, then meet me near the court house. Be quick, and no questions. Pat — Yes sir. Shall I put that bottle of whiskey in, too? Vincent— l^o. Hurry up. {Exit Pat. Vincent goes to Bawson and opens his coat and from his inside pocket takes a document, unfolds it and reads it. ) {Speaks). Here it is, the warrant for my arrest. This has been a close call. Taylor has had this drawn ready for the occasion. He would first get me drunk and I would come to myself in jail. {Puts warrant in his pocket). I guess I will take this with me: it may do some good. And now while the morphine is doing its work I will leave. {Picks U2^ Bawsoii's hat and puts it on). I guess I will borrow Mr. Dawson's hat. Good bye, my friends, I am sorry 1 can't stay with you, but like all criminals, I must fly. When you find me, you can arrest me. Good bye, honor, friends and home, henceforth Charles Vincent is an outlaw. {Rushes out L G .) Scene Changes. Scene II. — A Street in Kalamazoo. {Enter Vincent, folloived by Pat, who hands him over- coat and hand satchel. ) Vincent— kj\A now Pat, I must bid you good bye for a while. I will let you know where to meet me, and will direct the letter to East Saginaw to you. So that if any delay should occur, you must not be uneasy, but keep on asking for a letter, or have it forwarded to you. Pat — {earnestly.) Take me with you Master Charles. I can live on bread and water. Take me, don't leave me! Vincent — I cannot now, and every moment is precious to me. {Hands him money. ) Here is a hundred dollars, take it. Don't detain me now, for moments are precious. Good bye until we meet again. Go back at present to Ma- jor Taylor. {Shakes Paf s hand and exits from opposite side. ) A mother's cuese. 43 Pat~{crying.) Oh-oh-oh-oli, my poor dear master. 1 shall never see Mm again, I know I won't. But I'll spend this hundred dollars in shoes that I'll wear out in walking to find him. {Enter Q-r ace Vincent)-— {aside). If there is not the lady in the case. {Moud.) This is Mrs. Vincent, I be- lieve. {Bows and putsTiis thumbs under Ms arms, strutting around and looTcing at G-race. ) Grace — ^I heard Captain Vincent's voice just now. Where is he? Pat— {still strutting up and down. ) I should not think you would care much where Captain Vincent was. Ma'am, considering that you have shooted him. Grace— {smiling. ) Shooted him? What in the world is that? Pat — Bamboozled him, fired him, dropped him on a hot griddle, sandpapered his head — cleaned him out— let him go to protest and all that. No offense ma'am. Grace— V^i, I like you all the better for taking his part. Oh, Pat, if you know where I can find him, tell me, for I want to get on my knees before him and ask him to forgive me. {Seizing Ms wrist) Pat! {aside). Oh, how shall I ask him? {Moud.) Pat, can-you-tell-me where Miss Nellie is? P«^— She has gone like Master Charles. Grace— { eagerly ). Have they gone together ? Pat— {withdrawing his hand. ) How do I know ma'am. Grace— {wildly.) I will kill him, if he looks on any other woman but me. ( Wringing her hands. ) My feel- ings towards him have all changed now, and by being jeal- ous of him, I know that I love him. That arch traitress Nellie, has been too cunning for me, but I will yet gain my handsome black-eyed lover, who was so good to me. P(2^— He has not gone with Miss Nellie, ma'am for Miss Nellie is in Washington City, and Master Charles has run away from the Major, who is trying to do him some wick- ed wrong and to put him in jail. He has just left and has told me that he would write to me at East Saginaw where to find him. Miss Nellie is against him too, and has been helping the Major, and they had a police man here to take Master Charles away, and then Master Charles, he ran away. Grace — Then Pat, I want you to come to East Saginaw and live with me until you hear from him. Will you? Pat — I must stay here and watch the Major. Then I will come. Grace — Where is the Major? Pat — Where you can't see or find him. 44 A mother's curse. Grace — ( loolcing off the stage to B.) I see him now. I will speak to him. There he goes up the street with a satchel in his hand. I will see you again Pat. Wait for me. {Runs off to R of stage.) Pat — Yes, I'll wait for you, at some other place for now I'll go to the hotel and watch the Major and policeman wake up, and see what they say, for I can do the most good for Master Charles in that way. When they come to, they'll be for asking questions, and I'll be there to answer them. I'll tell them how a man came in and hit them and how he threw red pepper in Master Charles' eyes, and how Master Charles ran to a doctor hollering for help and how I ran away from the man, but before I do, I'll clane the sallyratus out of them glasses. \^Exit iJirougli L F.] Scene III — Reed's Lalce. :^t hack of stage the basket of a balloon is seen swinging gently to and fro. In it is the professor. M. croiod on stage to witness the ascen- sioTi. The pavillion is seen to right and the band stand towards left of stage. The lalce ai back. Professor — Now gentlemen, I am about ready to make the ascent, and I believe that one of you is going with me. Citizen — How far up are you going? Professor — About a mile or so. Citizen — Where do you expect to land? Professor — {smiling.) I cannot tell that. There is no danger, however, for I have made many ascensions and as you see, I am still alive and unhurt. (Enter Vincent hurriedly still wear iiig 'Dawson's hat He stops and looks at the balloon and aeronaut. ) " Citizen — I was going, but my heart fails me. Professor — I am sorry, for I had made arrangements, confiding in your promise to accompany me. Is there no one else who will go with me? some one who is not afraid? Vincent — {aside). Here is my chance for escape. The balloon will land far from here. {:^loud.) I will go with you, if some one will exchange coats with me until I re- turn here. I have valuable papers that I do not wish to take. Citizen — I will exchange with you, as I have been the one to disappoint the crowd. {They take off' coats and ex- change). Vincent — Would you let me have your cap in exchange for my hat. It will not blow off as easily. Citizen — Certainly — {they exchange). Where shall I meet you ? Vincent — I will return here, at pavillion. Citizen — All right. A mothee's curse. 45 ( Vincent enters tlie basket or car, and turning to audi- ence waves Ms cap. The prof essor 'pulls a string and the basket is drawn slowly up into the flies, being swung slow- ly from r to I and then disappears in flies.- 'ks it begins to ascend band at right plays Spanish Serenade as the basket disappears, police run in from right crying Vincent! stop him! They look around and seeing citizen in Vincent's clothes, they seize him. ^2^/2g/z— Unhand me! What does this mean? 1 st Policeman — {searches citizen and takes from pock- et tlie warrant of arrest. ) It means this, that Charles Yincent, I arrest you for embezzlement. Ciiizen — I guess not. That is not my coat, and my name is not Charles Yincent. All — No! he exchanged coats with the man who went uj) in the balloon. We saw him do it. Policeman — Went up in a balloon! Citizen — Yes, a stranger offered to go up in my place and I exchanged coats and hats with him. 1st Policeman — How long ago? Citizen — Not ten minutes. 1st Policeman — Well, you can come with us and explain all this to a justice. Where is the balloon now ? (Scene opens showing balloon painted aivay up. Reed's Lake, Band Stand and Club House below. They all look up at it. ) Citizen — ^It is beyond your reach, even with a step lad- der. BAND PLAYS. [ Cui'tain. ] End of Act IY. ACT Y, Scene I. — An interval of 14 years. A ivood in the Rocky Mountains. Flat or curtain in centre grooves. On flat rocks, stunted undergrowth, and in centre the en- trance to cave. In front of this set bushes. This scene can be made so in changing it can be drawn from cen- tre displaying a interior of cave at back. On right of flat a mountain road. {Enter from Cave — Vinceid as the Mountain Idiot — leaning on staff. ) Vincent — For fourteen years I have not heard my name spoken by mortal lips. Eighteen years ago to-day my mother cursed me — seventeen years have elapsed since my 46 A mothee's oukse. daughter was born. These memories are all I have when I am awake, for sleep does not bring to me even a dream of the past. ( Chuckles and rubs his hands. ) But my es- cape was complete. The balloon descended in the Oscoda pineries, and the professor fell out and was killed. I caught a limb and climed down to the ground and here fate favored me once more. Some unfortunate hunter or land-looker had perished there, and his body I disrobed and changed outer clothes with him. I saw in a paper a few weeks after that, an account of my horrible death, but no identification, as the features were eaten beyond recog- nition by wild beasts. ( Laughs ivildly. ) This ended the chase after me, for Taylor must have heard of my escape in the balloon and of my supposed subsequent fate, {Pla- ces his hand on his bosom. ) But his confession is safe here sewed in oil skin, and some day I will use it. Five years ago my faithful Pat found me out by the slender cue I gave him in my letter. He started with the money I sent him, and kept up the search for me twelve long years, until finally he heard of the mountain idiot, and by a nat- ural psychomancy he both guessed and felt that it must be me. He searched these mountains until he found me. I knew him, ( chuckles ) but he did not know me. Just as he was turning away with a sigh, my heart failed me in my loneliness, and I discovered myself by calling him "Pat." He looked at me astonished, and then drew closer and looked into my eyes. In a moment he was at my feet, his arms about me and kissing my hand, exclaiming, "Oh Master Charles, I knew I should find you. This is the happiest moment of my life. He has been with me since. {Eaqerly and stepping foi'ward on one foot leaiiing on his staff. ) I am not the only one who has fled to these moun- tains to escape the law. I have met them and even now I am their leader. ( Laughs. ) A trusty band with a com- mon interest, evasio*! of the law. But I am tired and here on this green earth, ( lies doivn ) good, mother earth, I will lie me down and rest me. (Sleeps.) — VISION. — Scene opens at back and Alice Vincent appears kneeling. She speaks, "Oh God! now that I am dying take back my curse over my poor boys' life. Protect him, luherever he is, and give him a happy future I ha,ve provided for him in all things temporal; Oh, Father! provide cdl things else needful for my persecuted boy. Forgive me for my cruel- ty, and as I hope for forgiveness myself, take the unjust curse from my son.'' (Scene Closes.) A mother's cuese. 47 ( Vincent starts awakes and rises.) Vincent — Oh, what a dream I have had. I dreamed that my mother was dying, and that in dying she prayed to have the curse taken away from my life. Oh, God! if jus- tice is to be done at last, to one who has been so wronged, fulfil my dream, and give me back mine happiness. {Enters Pat from cave; he is dressed in rags and patches. ) Bat — Master Charles, ar'nt yes about ready for your dinner? Vincent — ^No, Pat! hunger is a stranger to me, but ere long I will be in, and try and eat something. I have had a strange dream Pat. {Sits down at foot of tree). I dreamed that my mother was dying, and she was praying to have her curse removed from me. Oh, if the dream would only come true. Pat — Why don't you change yourself into a human being again Master Charles, and go back to the States, and see if everything is not clear. Perhaps your mother is dead, and has left you her property. Its a voice from heaven. Master Charles, telling yez to go back and claim your own. ( A horn is heard in the distance. ) Vincent — Ah! ha! travellers! {Bloivs ivhistle). I must have my men about me. {Enters from side twenty or thirty men, dressed raggedly and savagely, headed by one a lieutenant, with feathers in his hat.) Lieut. — What is the matter? Vincent — {rising). Oh, some visitors. Do you hide in the bushes so as to be within call. Exeunt comers, except Vincent. Outlaws to side of stage and Pat in cave). {Enter Major Taylor, Daivson and three soldiers in uni- form). Taylor — {pointing to Vincent). There he is, the moun- tain idiot alias Charles Yincent. Seize him! ( Vincent starts back. ) Surrender, Charles Yincent, and at least save your life. DaiDson — {pulling handcuffs from his pocket.)-^to sol- diers: Take him dead or alive! Vincent — (blows whistle, whereuioon outlaivs rush in, over- power soldiers, and seize Dawson and Major Ta,ylor. Not so fast gentlemen. You are not enough to capture me in my own stronghold. Take away from that man, {pointing to Dawson) his hand cuffs and revolvers and then release him. Take the arms away from those soldiers, and take them into the cave. You may guard that man awhile Ion- 48 A mother's curse. ger, points to Taylor. All except Taylor's guard, Dawson and Vincent exeunt into cave. Vincent — {takes papers from his breast, and holds it in his hand. ) Mr. Dawson you had at one time a warrant for my arrest for defalcation from the government. I was a defaulter, but never touched a cent of the money. It was all done to save that scoundrel. {Pointing to Taylor.) He had lost government funds by gambling, and begged so hard for me to save him, that I did so, by perjuring my- self by making false returns. Through him I was driven into ex'ile and the wilderness. Now my turn has come, {Handing papers to Daivson.) There is his confession to theft and murder given when he thought he was dying. I want you to take that and arrest him instead of me, and then exonerate ine, for I am guiltless of any crime. Daivson — {heretofore has unfolded papers and. read them). This is horrible: Major Taylor, is this true? Taylor — Yes, that is true. What of it? Daivson — What of it? You cold-blooded villain, do you dare to stand there and ask me such a question as that? ( To Vincent-^ You need not fear me any longer, for I will make such a report in your case that you will not be troubled any further, as Major Taylor has plenty to make the amount good, and he has acknowledged that your state- ment and his confession is true. Can I see my soldiers, before I go, or will you release them and allow them to go with me? Vincent — I will release them after awhile. You can go into the cave where they are. {Exit Dawson into cave). Taylor — {savagely). Where am I to go? Vincent — {to outlaws). You may release him and retire. I have a few words to say to him. ( Outlaws exeunt at side. ) Now Robert Taylor, you and I will settle. Stand there where you are, for I want to talk to you. Many years ago you took me for your tool and used me well. You had a mistress, who was likewise, your cousin, and you placed her on my track with all the seductive wiles that a pretty female devil could use on a man susceptible to the influence of the fair sex. She succeeded. She turned me from an honest man into a thief, and made me lose all that I could be proud of. You and she together banished me to these wilds where I have fared but little better than the wild beasts. But there is a just God above us, and in the end these things will be righted. Now your turn has come. You will be arrested, for if Dawson does not do so now, I will keep you here until some one else does. Now what have you to say for your treacherj^ you black-hearted vil- lain? A mother's cuesi^. 49 Taylor — I have this to say. I hate you, you smooth- tongued hypocrite. You think to escape and expect me to suffer. IS o, I'll right this thing here and at once. {Draivs pistol and springs at Vincent, who draivs, fires and kills Taylor, who falls. Outlaws, soldiers, Dawson and Pat rush in. ) Vincent — {to Daivson. ) I was unwise in trying to talk to him. He drew his pistol, which you will still see in his hand, to kill me. I killed him in self defense, nothing else. ( To outlaws). You know what to do with his body. ( They take off body to side. ) And now Mr. Dawson, if you will enter my cave with me, I will explain all and prove my innocence by proofs legible and positive. {Exeunt all. Dawson and Vincent into cave, Pat and outlaivs to side. ) {Enter from r on road hack of stage and over cave, Grace and Lottie Vincent, and Mary Donovan in travel- ling habits. Grace — {talking to right as if to persons outside. ) You may leave the horses there until we return. It looks as if it were inhabited here, and I am certain I heard the sound of a pistol a few minutes ago. We will see anyway. ( They all cross to left and disappear. ) Scene II — Interior of cave, ^rojind cave are settees cov- ered with the slcins of wild animals. .^ rude long table to left. M hack a natural fire place in the rock. ■ Depending from the ceiling a lamp. Firearms on hooks. .^5 the scene is discovered Dawson and Vin- cent are discovered sitting on one of the settees. Vincent — I have told you all that can be told. I was no^ guilty of any crime. Taylor was, and of several of them- He is beyond your reach now, but Nellie Gordon was his accomplice and shared his money. You can reach her cer- tainly. Dawson — I'll tell you exactly what I will do, Captain. As you say Taylor is beyond my reach. As far as Miss Gordon is concerned, she had an attack of paralysis and is now a helpless imbecile in an Asylum. As far as you are concerned, I think I shall say nothing, except to do all I can to establish your innocence. You had better return to the States, for it is the best thing you can do. You need fear me no longer, but can call on me for aid whenever you wish to, or need to. But as I am already your prisoner, perhaps I am talking too confidently, for you could dispose of me and my small guard, so that we would never bother you any more. 50 " A mother's cuese. Vincent — You are free Mr. Dawson, and I shall also re- lease the soldiers who came with yon. But you had better remain here with me to-night. I cannot give yon any su- perlative accommodations, but I can promise you a soft couch of skins and plenty of cover. Pat can get up a meal by no means a mean one. Dawson— Tha-nks for your offer, but with your leave, we will depart at once. Before nightfall we can reach a vil- lage, and to-morrow I can reach the overland stage and dismiss the soldiers, who can then return to their post. Will you kindly release them now. (Eises.) Vincent — {rising). I will go with you at once and re- lease them. Dawson — At your pleasure. {They exeunt at side. In a moment Vincent re-enters. ) Vincent — {shrugging his shoulders). I was not to blame. Taylor was not disposed to be polite, and although I was the host, hospitality does not require that the host shall al- low himself to be killed by his guest. I guess I am about even with them now, Taylor is dead and . his body will be food for vultures at a convenient distance from here. Pa- pers found on his person, goes to exo-:erate me. Nellie Gordon is paralyzed and in an asylum, a hopeless imbecile. I will away to the States. I am young yet, and can stand a wife who hates me and a daughter who probably has not been told of me, or if she has, she has been taught to hate me. I can outlive even this, but I would give worlds for one kiss of reconciliation from her, and a daughters' em- brace from my child. {Enter Pat hurriedly). Pat — A car avan sir, and females in it. Vincent — Go, and see that they are not ill treated. Have the ladies conducted into this cave. {Exit Pat.) {Noise heard ontside — screams of women and sou7ids of an encounter. Pafs voice heard outside saying: — Pat — Let them alone, the Master says the ladies are to be brought into the cave, and the men to be well treated. I'll break the first bloody head of the man, who does not do as the Master says. {As Vincent stej^s towards exit, enter Pat hatless, and following him Grace Vincent, Lottie Vincent and Mary Donavan. ) Vincent — {starts) — {aside). My God! am I mistaken, or is not this my own wife. {Aloud.) Be seated ladies, and accept what poor hospitality I have to offer. ( The ladies sit down on settees. ) A MOTHEE S CURSE. 51 Grace— 1 am glad to hear that we have fallen into hands which can dispense hospitality so gracefully, for with our first reception, I feared we were lost. Vincent— 'NeYer fear, lady, you shall not be harmed. May I ask where you are travelling? and from where? Grace— 1 do not know where. I have a very unhappy history, that I will tell you, and perhaps it may gain your kind sympathy for me. Pat— ('pointing io Mary). Master! I believe — Vincent — {sternly.) Keep quiet sir, and go and sit down. {Pat sits down on settee but l^eeps staring at Mary wlio seems greatly confused. ) Proceed madame. Grace — About fifteen years ago I was married to a man I did not love. Pique at the indifference of the man I did love prompted the step. After our marriage we went to the old home of my husband on our bridal trip, and there I overheard a conversation between my husband and his mother in which she disowned and cursed him. He had told me that he would be rich, and finding him poor, I de- tested instead of disliking him, for I believed he had pur- posely deceived me. I left him and have never seen him since. Vincent — {aside.) Heaven help me to control myself. It is my wife. Pat — {edging up to Mary, takes hold of her arm. ) Mary — {jirJcing away from him). Hands off, you bloody robber, or I'll scratch your eyes out of your bald head. Grace — Be quiet Mary. {Pat starts to Vincent!) I then went to my home and after awhile my daughter was born. Years passed and the bitterness died with them. The man I thought I loved, proved to be a scoundrel, and I no longer loved him, as I would sit day by day with my young daugh- ter so like her father. ( Vincent places his hands over his eyes and ahakes as if sobbing). Why, what is the matter, am I calling up unpleasant thoughts ? Vincent — {uncovering his eyes.) No, pray proceed, mad- am. Grace — As I was saying, as I sat day by day alone with my thoughts, I could see how unjust I had been to my hus- band, and how good he had meant to be to me. These thoughts brought a better frame of mind, and then I knew that instead of deserting him when his mother cast him off that I should have clung still closer to him. With this re- proach upon my mind, love for my absent husband grew up in my lonesome heart, and grew until jealousy of anoth- er woman, who I believed cared for him, made my love more intense. I determined to find him, and after months of weary research, only missed sight of him by a few mo- 52 A mothek's cubse. ments, to find that he had fled from the law, and then I went back to my desolate home, giving all my thoughts and care to my young daughter, but still hunting for news of my lost husband. His servant disappeared shortly af- ter him, and we lost trace of him, and I had given up all hope until two things happened, one was the death of my husband's mother, vvdio left her immense property to my husband if living, and to my daughter if he was dead; the other incident was that I received a note from the man I was once infatuated with, telling me that he had found out that my hushand was hiding in the Eocky Mountains, and that he was going to find him and arrest him for the scoun- drel that he was. I started at once and am this far on my search. Do not detain me sir, but suffer me to proceed on my search. Vincent — The name of the false friend was Eobert Tay- lor, was it not? Grace — {sh7'inking froyn Mm and putting her arm around Lottie' sneQk). Merciful heaven! what can this mean? Vincent — The name of the woman whom iyou were jeal- ous of, was Nellie Gordon. ( Grace buries her face in her hands as if bewildered. ) Vincent— The name of your husband was Grace — (starting up and wringing her hands), "What in God's name was his name! Who are you sir, who knows my history so well?" Vincent — (rising). The name of your husband was Charles Yincent and is still. (Holding oid his arms.) He stands before you Grace, blesses you for your love and asks you to come to his arms. (Grace rushes into his arms, cind Lottie rises and moves towards him, Grace sivoons, and Vincent carries her to a settee.) Lottie — Papa have you no welcome for me? Vincent-(e7iibraclng her). Are you my daughter? Let me look at you darling, for it is a sight my eyes have been hungry for. ( They go to Grace and try and revive her. ) (Mary rises to go to her mistress, tvhen Pat catches her round, the ivaist and kisses her. ) Mary — (slapping him vigorously). Take that, and that, and that, you unmannerly brute. There is only one man in this world that can kiss me wid my full consent, and he has gone to be a pirate. Pat — (kissing her again.) I know his name, it is Pat Flavan, and I 'me the same son of a gun. Vincent — Yes, Mary, that is Pat Flavan, Mary — Where is your livery? Pat — Its in the stable sure. A mother's curse. 53 Grace — {recovering and lea?iing on Lottie's shoulder). Merciful Father, I thank thee. Oh, my husband! (crying) what have I to answer for. Here in rags, with unkempt hair, sunken cheeks and in this den. Fincen/— Never mind my own wife, a barber will soon tidy the hair, we will leave this den, the rags will have to go, and happiness will soon bring the color to my cheeks. Mhry — Pat, you wild Irishman, put that ugly mouth in shape and I'll kiss it, if it kills me the next minute. {Kisses him). Pa/— That comes from the same old jug and gets better with age. Now will ye be Mrs. Pat Flavan, say quick? Mary — If yu've got a priest handy, I' me yours in a minute. Vincent — Come to me my daughter. ( Lottie approaches and he puts one arm around her and one around Grace. ) Let us kneel down for we have much to be thankful for. ( They kneel.) Re-united at last, the present happiness re- pa3^s me for all my past misery. Wife — {kisses her) — daughter — {kisses Lottie)— -and soon we will have home, and over all the happy thought that my dream was true, and I have stepped into the sunshine and from under the cloud of MY mother's curse. ( Tableau). {Stage and house is darkened and scene is changed to parlor in Alice Vincent's house, as in Act I. — EPILOGUE. — Vincent rehabilitated, is discovered in easy chair, while on a stool at his side is Lottie looking up into his face. His hand rests lovingly on her head. Grace Vincent sits at table icith her hands folded in her lap looking at them smiling. Lottie — What makes you smile, mama? Grace — I am smiling because I am happy, and besides you make a pretty picture. Lottie — Dear papa, you don't know how proud I am of you. Vincent — My daughter, you shall never have cause to feel otherwise. But where is Pat and his bride? Call them in, for we must have them to make our happiness complete. Lottie — Here they come. ( Enter Pat and Mary, arm in arm. ) Pa/— Now Mary, listen to me: You are my property now, and I had to be a pirate to catch you, and if I want to kiss you four times a minute, I don't want to hear any objection. 54 A mothee's curse. Mary — And ye'll not Pat, for ye've been a brave boy and stuck by the master and I'll stick by you now like a porous plaster. Vincent — [rising and standing icith one arm around Lottie and the other resting on Grace's shoulder. ) The story is told, and the play is ended. Out of the darkness there is light. Out of the agony of Gethsemane comes the happiness of love and joy. As for me, I have gained a wife and found a daughter. As for these, {pointing to Pat and Mary ) they are examples of devoted faithfulness, growing stronger with every demand, unwearying and as faithful as Heaven itself. [Curtain.'] -The End. —