S 635 Z9 3837 >py 1 PLAYS EXCHANGED. AhER'5 Edition of PL7\Y3 THE TRUSTEE F COPYRIGHT, 1fW9. BY V/ALTER H. BAKER & CO. JUST PUBLISHED. A Box 9F AeNKEYS. A PARLOR FARCE IN TWO ACTS. By GRACE L. FURNISS, [Reprinted from Harpers' Bazar, by kind permission of Messrs. Harper and Bros.] T\fo male and three female characters. Scene> an easy interior, the same for both acts ; costumes, modern. This clever little play of modern society, by the author of " A Veneered Savage," and other popular pieces, is strong in interest, brilliant in dialogue, sprightly and graceful in movement. Under the title of " American Fascination" it was given several performances last season by the Criterion Dramatic Club, of Boston, with eminent success. It can be successfully played in a parlor Avithout scenery, and is in all respects an admirable successor to Miss Tiffany's popular " RICE PUDDING." Price, 15 cents. JHE Q OUNTRY g CHOOL AN ENTERTAINMENT IN TWO SCENES. By M. R. ORNE. For any number of characters, male or female, either or both, many or few, big or little. Scenery, simple ; costumes, those of cur grandfather's days; time in playing, abont forty minutes. The sketch carries the spectator back to his school-boy days in the Utile red school-house, and is sure to be very popular. Price, . . . . . IR cents. SYNOPSIS: SCENE I. Introductory. Going to school. Hookin' apples and hookin' Jack. Jokes and jollity, SCENE II. The old " deestrick skule " house. The scholars assemble. Calling the roll. Excuses. Thenewboys — " Julius Call and Killious Call." The stuttering boy. The infant class. " This is a warm doughnut ; tread on it." The arithmetic class. "Why does an elephant have a trunk?" A history lesson. One reason why George Washington's birthday is celebrated. A visitor. Somebody's **ma." A very delicate child. Some fun about pickles. A visit from the school convmittee. A school examination in " history, filoserpy, quotations, flirtations, an' kerdrilles." Head to foot. A very bad spell. Blackboard exercises. A motion song. A crush hat. More fun. A boy's composition on *' boys." Walter H. Baker & Co., 23 Winter St., Boston. THE TRUSTEE ^ Plag in jFour ^cts BY / WILLIAM MAYNADIER BROWNE AUTHOR OF "a FOOL FOR LUCK " "BACHELOR'S HALL" ETC, As originally performed by '■'The Players," of West Ncwtofi-, Mass., at City Hall, November 24, i8go 3 ? 6 ^ ^^^ BOSTON 1892 O" TS43r CHARACTERS. 'Z^^^ I I { As originally cast by " The Players.") DANiEt. Vane, a man of fifty, totally blind . . . .-Mr. John A. Conkey. John Allston, Me trustee, conieinporary and old friend of Vane Mr. Cornelius Walker. Edward Elliot, a retired lawyer, old friend of both Vane a?nt Allston Mr. Morton. E. Cohb. Doctor Phaco^-K, a lo/uitry doctor Mr. T. E. Stutson. Philip liROUGHTON, younger brother of Mrs. Allston Mr. Edw. W. Spurr. Y.k•H('.\^o•^ {?i.n 2X\T^^), a doubtful character .... Mr. JA.*;. Walker, Jr. Jerkmiah Marsh, Langdon's assistant, or so- called secretary Mr. Edw. Dkwson. Judge VMTT\r.o'sii,trial justice of the town . . . Mr. Edw. C. Buruai.e. Conn O'Wara, constable Mr. B. P. Cheney, Jr. Hv^r, a detective Mr. Chas. T. Davis. Mrs. Allston, the trustee's wife Mrs. Wm. T. Farley. Barbara Vane, the trustee's ward and Vane's niece Miss EbiTH M. Farley. Miss Allsion, the trustee's sister .... Miss Francis A. Raymond. Mrs. V)i\cocK, the doctor's wife .... Miss Gkorcian.\ M. Harris. SuzETTE Ecuer, maidservant in the trustee's house Mrs. Walter H. Stearns. The scene is laid in a small country town not far from New York City. Act I. — Drawing-room in the trustee's house. Act II. — The trustee's office in the village. Act III. — Same as Act I. Act IV. — The office of the trial justice of the town. Time. — The Present. Copyright, 1S9T, tiy Walter H. Baker & Co. All Rights Reserved. NoTirE. — The publishers of " Tlie Trustee " reserve to themselves all right of perform- ing the play in any p.irt of the United .States. This publication is for the benefit of such managers or actors as may have been duly authorized by the author or his agents to pro- duce the drama. Al! other persons are herely notified that any production of this play withniit due authority will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. ■J'l) Amateuks. — The above notice docs not apply to amateur dramatic clubs, which may perfciCi the drama without nprmission. T^o^ raises his fists threateningly.) Oh, drop that! I can do that too. Langdon {quieting down). All right, but don't call me that, here. Marsh. Excuse 7ne, Mr. Langdon. But I have worked in the dark as long as I'm going to. Langdon. You said you'd let me run the thing. Marsh. And you said you wanted me to come up here and help you place sixty thousand of the queer. Now, I know you've made all the arrangements to buy tliis chemical mill of Allston's, and I know you intend to pay for it with the same old stuff, but what I don't know is this, — how do you expect to sell the mill again and get good money for it, before the bank finds out that the bills you paid for it are queer ? That's wliat I want to know. Langdon. The bank will never find out. Marsh. You"re crazy. Tiiey'd know 'em in a minute. Langdon. The bank will never see them. Marsh. You mean — Langdon. I mean we get them back again. Allston will have to put them in the safe in his office in the village, because there's no bank here. Tiiere's nobody in his ofiice at night except Vane, this blind man. It won't be hard to take care of him, and he can't see who does the job. We crack the safe, take the bills, back to bed at the doctor's, and who is going to suspect Mr. Langdon, the buyer of the property? Now, am I crazy .'' Marsh {admiringly). Not you, Tom, I swear! {Suddenly.) But wait! Those blind fellows can feel what they can't see ! Langdon. That's so. Marsh. I have it. You must wear that coat of Allston's, the one trimmed witli fur, and if Vane feels that, it will throw him way off the scent. Suzette will fix that for us. - ■ Langdon. How do you know she will ? Marsh. Old partner of mine — reformed. THE TRUSTEE, 5 Langdon. Is she safe ? Marsh. Yes. I've fixed her. Langdon. Hark ! Some one's coming. Go. {Exit Marsh, quickly, L.) (Langdon takes position against hack, by door c. at R. Enter Mrs. Allston and Philip c.) Mrs. Allston {exxitedlv, as they enter). No, Philip. {Catch- in^ him by the hand and brijtging him down, neither seeing Langdon.) I am in awful trouble, and I want you to help me. Philip {putting his arm around her). Dora ! my sister ! You may rely upon me. Tell me all about it. (Mrs. Allston hesitates a moment as if to recover her senses. While she hesitates, Langdon quietly conceals himself behind portiere of door c.) Mrs. Allston. Let me sit down. I feel faint. Philip {helping her to chair R.). There, dear. Take your time, and depend'upon it, I will help you if it's a possible thing. Mrs. Allston {agitated). Just a week ago I received a letter — an anonymous letter — Oh, I hate to tell you, Philip. It re- ferred to that wretched, horrible time when I — I thought I was married to — , . / „ • ■ Philip Hush, Dora! Don't speak his name. {Kising ex- citedly, with clinched hands.) If he hadn't died by God's will, I would have — „ • -, Mrs. Allston. PhiHp ! Philip! What are you saying ? Philip Well, never mind, dear. That is past. Go on. Mrs. Allston. This letter — I cannot forget one word of it — I must tell you all it said. {Rising and coming close to him.) I can see it now. " It is reasonable to suppose that you would be unwillincr to have Mr. Allston made aware of the fact that your first husband had another wife living when he married you. and that, in addition to this, he was a professional bank thiet. To prevent Mr Allston's being informed of your history, it is only neces- sary to send a oersonal to the New York Herald, stating where T D. can call and receive $5,000. In case you are unable to raise this amount, the matter can be settled by your giving some slight information in regard to Mr. Allston's safe to one of your former husband's old friends." That was the letter, word for word. Philip. Miserable hound ! What did you do ? Mrs. Allstom. I did nothing, intending to tell John everything, aive him the letter, and let him put the whole matter in the hands Sf the police ; but that very evening he heard that there was a rumor that the mine was flooded, and he would lose everything. He was so worried, Phil, 1 hadn't the heart to tell him then. I have waited since, hoping he might get better news, and — 6 THE TRUSTEE. Philip. Dora, dear, you ought to have told Mr. Allston your history long ago. Mrs. Allston. I did try to, Philip, when he asked me to be his wife. I would have told him how I had myself and my little brother to support, — for you were little then, Pliil, — 1 would have told him how 1 was so poor 1 did not know what would become of us ; how that man offered us a comfortable home ; how froin the wife he had deserted I learned that I was not a wife, that he was a wretched criminal ; and I would iiave told my husband, my dear John, how that very day we fled from that horrible house and canu to this village to live. All this I would have told my husband, tried io tell him before I became his wife, but he wouldn't listen; said that it was enough for him to know that my past had been unhappy, and to have the privilege of making me forget it in his love. Philip. That was like him, Dora. Mrs. Allston. But I haven't told you the worst. I have searched everywhere, and I cannot find the letter. Philip. Do you think it has been stolen ? Mrs. Allston. No, no. I am certain John has taken it by mistake, with some papers about Barbara's estate. This morning I was reading the letter again, and laid it on the desk for a minute while I was out of the room, and when I came back John was there tying up his papers. He lias not read the letter. I am sure, but to-morrow, when he has to use the papers, he will find it. Philip. Take my advice, and tell him all about it. Mrs. Allston {tuith dis/n'ss). I can't Philip. I can't now. Then, it would have been easier, but now that I love him so, I cannot give him pain — now, when he is in so much trouble. Philip. Then how can I help you ? Mrs. Allston. Go to the office, and get the letter back for me from the safe. Only Mr. Vane will be there, and you can make some explanation to him. Philip. But the safe ? How can I unlock the safe ? Mrs. Allston {eagerly). I can tell you that. John showed me how to do it. {Hurriedly.) The letters are D-O-R-A, my name. You turn the dial first to D, then back, all the way round three times, then — Philip {inlerrnptiitg). You'd better write it, dear. I may forget. Mrs. Allston {seatiiig herself at table and ivriting hurriedly). Philip, dear, it is so good of you. I can never thank you enough {Rising and giving hint the paper. ) Philip. Never mind about that, Dora. I wilT do it, if you wish. I suppose any time this evening will do ? Mrs. k\A.^i:o^ {eagerly). Yes, yes. {Starting to leave the room.) Philip {folio-wing and stopping her). Tiiink again, Dora, Hadn't you better take my advice? Mhs. Allston. No, no,' no, — please ! {Exeunt c.) THE TRUSTEE. J Langdon {coming out caiitioiisly from behind portiere) . I was afraid my letter wouldn't work, but after all, Mrs. Allston (laugh- ing), you have answered it unawares. Dora! That's all I need to know. Ha ! {Looking toward door L.) Here comes the trustee. Now for the purchase. Ha, ha! This is a beautiful idea of mine, if it only works. {Enter Mr. Allston l. He carries in his hands numerous papers, books, accounts, etc., and goes to the table at r.) Allston {looking over papers). Well, Mr. Langdon, I think I have everything here, and we may as well finish the business, since you are satisfied to accept my inventory of the machinery and tools and fixtures. Langdon. . Perfectly satisfied, Mr. Allston. In fact, I am quite ready to pass the papers now, and complete the purchase. My secretary has everything that I need for the purpose. Allston. Very well, sir, if you say so. It's delightful to settle a matter of this sort with so little — in fact, no disagreement. I must say, Mr. Langdon, you are an ideal purchaser. Langdon. Thank you. I always try to do everything as smoothly as possible. Besides, the property is so exactly suited to my wants, that I am only too glad to get it at your price. Allston {as he arranges papers). Well, it's only one more good thing for which I have to thank my old friend. Doctor Pea- cock. I'm sure /could never have found so good a customer for my ward's property. Have you known Dr. Peacock long, Mr. Langdon ? Langdon. Oh, no 1 In fact, 'twas only the other day I intro- duced myself to him in New York, in order to discuss with him a matter of chemistry, and one thing led to another, until I happened to mention that I wanted to buy a piece of manufacturing property in some small town, where I could conduct some important scien- tific experiments, and the doctor insisted upon my coming here to look at this, and I find it suits me exactly. {Enter Elliot c.) Allston. Ah, Ned! You're just in time to witness my signa- ture. This is Mr. Langdon. ( Zi? Langdon.) My very old friend, Mr. Elliot. {To Elliot.) Mr. Langdon has decided to buy Bar- bara's factory, Ned, and we are just about to sign the papers. Elliot. Well, John, my boy, I'm glad to hear it. {To Lang- don.) My friend Allston must regard you as something akin to a ministering angel, sir. Allston. Yes. indeed. After fifteen-years' management of the business for my ward, I am only too glad to dispose of it to her advantage — and to my relief. But that reminds me. With your permission, Mr. Langdon, I will send for Miss Vane, and explain to her what I am about to do with her property. {Rings.') O THE TRUSTEE. Langdon. Certainly. Allston. She has just come of age to-day, and I have some other papers here that need her signature, and I can clean up the whole thing now. {Enter Suzette c.) SuzETTE. Deed you r-ring, Mr. AUstone ? Allston. Be good enough to ask Miss Vane to come here for a minute. (Suzette ^jw/c.) Allston {putting his ha7id ofi Elliot's shoulder). It's good to have you with us again, old man, if only for a flying visit. Elliot. Couldn't let my little friend Barbara's twenty-first birthday go by without juy being here, you know. "Allston. That's right. (Tc" Langdon.) You see, Mr. Lang- don, Mr. Elliot is a great admirer of my ward. Langdon. And with good reason, I've no doubt. El;:.iot. Ah, you may well say so, sir! If I were a younger man, and hadn't vowed to be a bachelor all my life, I'd — {Enter Barbara c.) Barbara. You'd be simply perfect, Mr. Elliot. Elliot {going to meet her with both hatids extended). Thank you, my dear. {Holding her by the hands.) Well, well, well ! How time does fly, to be sure ! Twenty-one to-day, I declare ! Ahem ! Too old for the usual custom, my dear? Eh.? Barbara {laughi?ig). Pm not, if you mean me. Elliot {kissing her). There, you minx, neither am I. Allston {from position by the writing-table). Now, Ned, let that girl alone. Barbara, dear, this is Mr. Langdon. {They bow.) And now come and sit here {placing chair for her by the table), and listen to me carefully, for I intend to tell you all about your own affairs. I want you to understand all about them. (Elliot has seated himself with a book, in an easy-chair at l.) Barbara. Very well, Uncle John, I'll listen, but I won't prom- ise to understand one word of it. ^ Elliot {fro)n chair). That's right, my dear, stick to that! Allston. When your fatlier, who was my dearest friend — Elliot {from chair). And mine. Allston. Yes, and Elliot's. When your father died, fifteen years ago, he left all his money invested in the factory here, and in his will bequeathed the entire property to you as his heir, and named me as trustee to take charge of the business of the factory. To-day you are twenty-one, and I have here all the accounts and THE TRUSTEE. 9 papers to present to the court to show how I have managed this property. Barbara. But, Uncle John, I don't want the factory. What in the world can /do with a factory? Allston. Wait a minute, my dear. That's just what I am coming to. Your father foresaw this difficulty, and by a clause in the will directs me to sell the property at whatever time during the year before or the year after your twenty-first birthday I may con- sider most advantageous for you. When the property first came into my hands, it was appraised at fifteen thousand dollars. To- day, by the books, it is worth sixty thousand dollars. Barbara. Why, Uncle John, how could you do that ? Allston. Never mind, my dear. It's all shown in these papers. During the past year I have been unable to find any one to buy the property at what I considered a fair price ; but to-day Mr. Langdon has offered me sixty thousand dollars, and 1 have sold the property to him. That is all that it is necessary for you to know for the present ; and now I want you to write your name two or three times, and then I won't bother you any longer. {Enter Philip c.) Philip {as he enters). Oh, here you are ! Elliot {still seated). Yes, I am here, my boy. {Holding out his hand.) How do you do .'' Philip {coming to him). Hello, Mr. Elliot. I didn't \inovf yoti were here. Elliot {laughing) . Then it wasn't I you were looking for. Eh ? Well, well, I don't blame you. If I were your age, I suppose I should run after her myself. {During the foregoing, Allston, Langdon, and Barbara have been occupied with the papers at the table.) Allston {placing a paper before Barbara) . Now sign here, dear. There! That's all. Barbara {rising). I had no idea it was so easy to sell a factory. Allstom {to Elliot). Now, Ned ! If you will, please ? (Elliot rises and goes to table, and siojis as ivitness, etc.) Barbara {to Philip, excitedly). O Philip, Uncle John has sold the factory ! Philip. Yes, I supposed he would. Come and take a walk. Bar]5ARA {witJi pretended importajice). You forget that I have a great deal of business to attend to. Philip. Why, they don't need/^/^ any longer. Barbar.a. {bridling). How do you know, sir? My presence here has been greatly needed. Philip. And your presence out there {pointing off) will be greatly appreciated. Barbara. But will it be needed, too ? Philip. Imperatively ! 10 THE TRUSTEE. Barbara. Then I suppose I really oui;ht to go. {Starting toivard door c. with Philip.) Elliot {calling after them). Don't wait for me. I'll find you later. Philip {as he goes out). If you can ! {Exit c. ivitJi Barbara. Elliot shakes his fist at him, laughing good-)iaturedly .^ Laxgdon {^who has been looking over papers with Allston). Now all that you need is sixty thousand dollars from me. I sent my secretary for it, and he should be here now. Excuse me one mo- ment. I will go and find him. {Exit c.) Elliot. Jack, old man, I got your letter about the mine, and went to see your bankers, as you asked me to do. {Putting his hand on Allston's shoulder.) 1 wish I had some encouraging news for you. Allston. Is the rumor true, then ? Is the mine flooded ? Elliot. They say they are not entirely sure of it yet, but that it looks like it. Was all your money in it, John ? Allston. Every dollar, — except wliat's in this house. Elliot. Too bad, too bad ! Allston. Better news may come later. I must at least seem to be in good spirits on Barbara's birthday. Thank Heaven her property is not affected ! . {Enter Langdon c, with Marsh carrying hand-bag.) Langdon {taking bag from Marsh, as he conies dowji). I think this will sui)plv all that is necessary. {Placing hand-bag on the table.) I have here, Mr. Allston, all that is needed to complete what has been to me, I assure voii, a very pleasant transaction. ( Taking several packages of bills from the hand-bag. Marsh looking on with evident uneasiness.) There ! I think you will find that that is the right amount. Allston {taking up a package from the table). But you surely do not expect to ])ay with these? Langdon {excitedly and nervously). Why — yes. Why not? They're — er all right, aren't they? Marsh {aside to Langdon). Keep cool. Keep cool. Allston. Certainly — but I had supposed — Elliot. It's rather unusual to pay such an amount in bills. Langdon {reassured). Well, perhaps it is ; but, you see, being a stranger to you, I hardly liked to offer my check in payment. {Aside to Maksh.) Was that cool? Allston. Oh, well, of course I can't object, Mr. Langdon. The only reason 1 remarked upon the manner of payment is because, in a small town like this we have no banking facilities, and I shall be obliged to take care of all this money until I can send it to the city. Langdon {earnestly). Haven't you a safe — at your office ? THE TRUSTEE. tl Allston. Yes, I have a safe there, but hardly burglar proof. Elliot. Oh, there'll be no danger for one night, Jack. Not a particle. Safe as a church — safer ! Allston. Yes, you're right. No one but ourselves will know that it's in the safe. Besides, Vane will be there. Poor Vane ! (Langdox and Marsh exchange glances.) {Exit Marsh c.) Allston {io Langdon). You must know, Mr. Langdon, that this Mr. Vane of whom we are speaking is a very old and dear friend of Mr. Elliot's and mine, and is my ward's uncle ; for although Barbara calls me Uncle John, I am no relation to her. Well, some years ago Mr. Vane was one of the victims of a railroad accident, and entirely lost his sight, and from that time he has lived alone by himself, until a month ago, when we persuaded him to come to us, so as to be near Barbara. He came, but insists upon sleeping in a room adjoining my office, because, as he says, he can find his way about more easily there. Langdon. And he is there all alone at night, then ? Allston. Yes, poor fellow ! All alone. He will have it so. What is now my office, he used as his room when he lived with us years ago, and I suppose the old associations of it attract him. Elliot. Poor, poor Vane ! I can remember him when he was young, handsome, active — everything to look forward to. And now, all is dark to him. {Enter Miss Allston ^«rt^ Vane c, she guiding him. As they enter, Elliot crosses to l., and stands apart.') Allston {as Miss A. and Vane come down) . Ah , Vane ! Once in a while you let us enjoy the pleasure of having you in the house. This is Mr. Langdon. Vane {bowing, and not seeing Langdon's outstretched hand, turns toward Elliot). Who else is here ? Elliot. See if you can guess ? {Going to him, and taking his right hand.) (Miss Allston is ettgagittg Langdon in cotiversation near the tabic and he does not notice the ensuing.) Vane {his face lightening). Elliot ! Is it you, old friend .^ I know the voice — and the hand. {Holding up slightly Elliot's right hafid, which he has retained in his, and resting his left hand upon Elliot's shoulder.) Elliot {warmly). My dear old Vane! I would lose it gladly, jf— Yan'E {interrupting). Hush! Don't say that. Hands are pre- cious things. {Releasing Elliot's hand, and holding both his own before him.) I see with these ! Miss Allston {crossing to Vane). Now, Mr. Vane, I want you to have a comfortable seat. {Gently guiding him to arm-chair 12 THE TRUSTEE. at L., and in little ways caring for his comfort.') I shall be near you. ^ Vane {seated). You are always so kind, so good to me. Do you pity me ? Miss Allston. With all my heart. Vane {aside). Pity ! I wish it were not pity. {Aloud to her.) Thank you. {Enter Mrs. Allston c.) Allston {with enthusiasm, as he sees his wife enter). Ha ! ha! Here she is. {Going to her and leading Jier down gallantly.) Mr. Langdon, allow me to present you to {proudly) my wife. Mrs. Allston {bowing;). Have you and my husband settled your affairs amicably, Mr. Langdon ? Langdon. Wonderfully so. madam. Mrs. Allston. That is very nice, I am sure. And now I hope you will stay and have a cup of tea with us .-* Langdon. 1 should be most ha])py, but I am afraid Mrs. Peacock, whose guest I am, may be wondering what has become of me. Mrs. Allston. You need not worry on that score. Mrs. Pea- cock and the doctor will soon be here themselves. {Crossing to \ KV.^ and taking his hand.) It"s a great pleasure tons to have you here, Mr. Vane. I wish you would come to the house oftener. Vane. Thank you, my dear. It's not that I don't want to come, but it takes me some time to learn new places. I shall con- gratulate Barbara when she comes, and then I shall go back. {Enter Dr. Peacock c.) Dr. p. {coming down briskly rubbing his hands). Well, well, this is delightful. How are you all ? Mrs. Allston. Very well, thank you, doctor ; and always glad to see /(?;/. Dr. p. {as he shakes hands with her). Sweetly said, my dear Mrs. Allston. Very sweetly said. I may say, as sweetly said as anything I ever heard. Mrs. Allston. But where is Mrs. Peacock? Dr. p. She is coming under the escort of the so-called Judge Pettibone, and it serves them both right. Allston {as if to draw him out, laughing). But he is a judge, doctor ? Dr. p. Now wait, youVe going too fast. {Addressing himself to all.) I agree that he has been appointed to fill the position of trial justice of the township; so far, so good. But does lie fill it? No, sir. He rattles round in it. sir! And even then I doubt if the position is aware that he is in it. sir. Allsto.w Doctor, I'm afraid youVe uncurable. (Mrs. a. and Miss A. are engaged at the table r., arrajiging tea, etc. Elliot standing by Vane, talking with him. Eftter Barbara l.) The trustee. 13 Dr. p. (seeing her as she enters^. Ha ! Here is the fundamen- tal cause of all this excitement. The cause of the — ahem — gathering as it were. Excuse my medical way of speaking, my dear. {Shaking her hand.) Barbara. But what do you prescribe, doctor } Dr. P. .Frequent application of— {Kissi)ig her handi) Elliot {coming up beliitidthetn'). Now, my dear doctor! If you will please call on the next patient ! Dr. p. {with a show of resistance). But, my dear sir, this is a very interesting case, and I — Elliot. But I have a great secret to tell the young lady. Dr. p. Ah ! I'll leave you then. But I'll call again, Miss Barbara. {Crosses to '^.) Elliot {apart to Barbara). Barbara, my dear, when you have time, I want you to feel in the right-hand pocket of my overcoat in the hall. I tliink 1 left something there. {Enter Philip c.) Elliot. You may show it to your friend Philip, and see if he considers it a suitable present for a young lady of twenty-one. '^KVC&PC^K {ecstatically). O Mr. Elliot ! You dear — {Starting toward him.) Elliot. Careful ! Careful ! Here he is himself {Runs away from her, across to R., lai/ohifig.) Philip {at l., apart to her). Barbara, dear {taking her hands), I, too, Iiave a birthday present for you, and if you will accept it you will make me more happy than I can tell you. {During the ensuing dialogtce between Barbara and Philip the others are variously occupied in such ways as ladies and gentle- men would be apt to be at an informal tea.) Barbara. 1 have always liked to receive a present from you Philip. Philip. And will you receive this one, whatever it may be ? Barbara. How can I without any hands ? Philip {letting her rigid iiand fall). You may have that hand {taking a ring from his pocket), but I want this one. {Holding up her left hand.) Bakbara {looking down). Why, what do you mean ? Philip. I mean that I want a birthday too. Not of my love — tliat came long ago; the birthday of my happiness. {Holding tip the ring.) May I ? Barbara. A ring ! {Dratving away her left hand confusedly.) O Philip ! really — I — I — couldn't. Philip. You don't love me, then ? Barbara {eagerly). Oh, I didn't say that. I mean — I — {Starts to run away from him ; Philip catches her.) Philip. Ah, sweetheart, you know you love me. Why not wear the pledge .'' 14 THE TRUSTEE. Barbara {confused^. Philip, clear, please. Let me go now. To-morrow, I will tell you. Philip. Promise ? Barbara. Yes. {Startitig to cross to K.) Philip. O Barbara ! (^She tu?ns.) Will you keep it, or shall I ? Barbara. Oh, well ! perhaps I'd better. {Holding out her /land with averted face. Philip drops the ring into her hand.) You might lose it. Vane {from chair, as she is crossing). Barbara.'' Barbara {running back quickly to him and kneeling by his side) . Why, Uncle Daniel! To think that I should have forgotten /tf« .'' Vane {resting his hand upon Iter head). Never mind, my dear child. I wish you every happiness, every comfort, all peace. {Drawing her to him and kissing her.) May God bless you, my sweet one ! {/Uses as if to go.) Barbara. O Uncle Dan I Don't go yet. Stay and have a cup of tea in honor of my birthday. Please. (Vane resumes his seat, and Barbara crosses to R. Enter Mrs. Peacock <^«^^? Judge Pettibone. They are received pleasantly up stage.) Langdon (axzVj?^). Ha! Good idea. I'll try it. {Goes quickly to Dr. Peacock, who is standing apart at front.) Doctor, do you happen to have some sort of opiate or sleeping-draught about you? Dr. p. {taking from his pocket a tnedicine wallet). Semper paratus. Always prepared for an emergency. What do you want it for? Langdon. I have been troubled for years with sudden attacks of pain, feel one coming on now. {M-^incing.) I must take some- thing, or I sha'n't sleep a wink to-night. Dr. p. Bless me! You're not going to take it now, are you? Langdon. No, no. But the pain may get so bad any minute that I shall have to go to the house. Dr. P. {gi7'ing him a small vial). There! That'll fix you. Twenty drops, and you will sleep like a child. {To himself, as he replaces wallet in his pocket.) Indigestion! Not a doubt of it! {fakes from his pocket a handkerchief with large knot tied in the corner, looking at it.) Hello! Now what the devil did I tie that knot for? {Scratching his head.) Well, it will come to me later. Never knew it to fail. {Crosses to Vane and talks with hifn.) (Langdon. as soon as he receives the opiate, goes quickly to table, R., and gets a cup of tea. Miss Allston being busy pouring out other cups. As the Doctor crosses to Vane, Langdon, with his back to the others, pours so/ne of the opiate into the cup he has taken and crosses to Vane at l.) Langdon {aside, as he pours in the opiate). This will smooth the way to the safe. {Aloud.) Mr. Vane, let me give you a cup of tea. THE TRUSTEE. 1§ Miss A. {who has crossed just behind him, cup in hand). No, no, Mr. Langdon ; excuse me. {Passing between him and Vane, putting her Clip into Vane's hand, then turning to Langdon.) Mr. Vane is so used to me, you know. Keep that for yourself. Langdon {taken aback). But really — you see — I — I — never drink tea. Miss A. Let me have it then, please. (Langdon, confused, hands her the cup.) Here, doctor, do you want some of my tea? Dk. p. {who has been puzzling over the knot). Do I, Miss Eleanor! The idea of your asking such a question. {Takes the cup.) Miss A. Of course I know you like tea very much. Dr. p. Now wait. You're going too fast. There is tea, and tea. Some tea I don't like, but when I get your tea ! Well ! There ! 7'hen I knowyV/j/ what I'm getting. Miss A. Doctor, you're a flatterer. Dr. p. Not at all, my dear Miss Eleanor. Honest admiration of you in all things, I assure you — Ahem! {To call the attention of all hands.) Now, Miss Barbara! At last I have a cup of tea, and can propose a toast. Let me see! In the bev — Mrs. p. {interrupting) . Now, Peacock, if you will be good enough to let some one else say a word. Judge Pettibone has a few remarks to make on this occasion. An occasion of great inter- est to us all. Dr. p. That's more than you can say for his remarks. Mrs. p. {severely). Peacock, you forget yourself. Dr. p. That's more than he ever does. Judge {standingc, with cup in hand, pompously). My friends, on an occasion like the present, when a human being arrives at the period of majority, it seems fitting that I, as the embodiment of the law, should wish that person a life of rectitude, sobriety, and de- corum under the law. May you enjoy all this. Miss Vane, and more. Dr. P. {derisively). More! More! {Holding up his teacup.) Now it's mytwvn. Miss Barbara, in the beverage of the celestials, allow me to pledge a heavenly being. Barbara. Oh, you dear man! Dr. p. May you live forever, entirely free from indigestion. Barbar.a.. Thank you, doctor, but you forget — heavenly be- ings never have indigestion. Dr. p. Now wait. You're going too fast. They do have it, but they never feel it on account of the ether. Very many happy returns of the day, my dear. {Drains his citp.) All. Bravo ! Bravo ! Langdon {aside). I've hit the wrong bird. CURTAIN. l6 THE TRUSTEE. ACT II. Scene. — Office of the trustee. Door c. 71? the left of door c. a large iron safe. To the right of door c. a -window {practical). Another door at L. Open f replace at R. Desks, chairs, etc.^ about the office. A high-backed easy-chair by the fire. Maps, etc. . on the walls. A table at L. c. Vane discovered sitting by the firelight, in the easy-chair, with his back to the window. Vane. Fifteen years ago to-day — fifteen years ! To me it ha?, seemed fifty! The train was rushing on, bearing me, full of happi- ness, flushed with hope, to lay my heart at my loved one's feet. A tremor, a sudden shock, and next — I knew that my sight was gone, my hope was killed. Others died then. Alas ! I must live, a helpless, useless thing {bitterly), a pretty thing on which to ask my lady to bestow her love — for pity's sake. And now again I'm with her day by day. Her voice as clear, as sweet as then; her hand as soft and warm ; her touch, for pity's sake, more tender. My heart as eager in its beat as then, my love for her as true and strong, myself unworthy her acceptance, save for pity's sake. Fool! to come here now to breathe the fragrance of a flower I cannot see to pluck. And yet, I am happier — {The window at R. is softly opened. Langdon ««^/ Marsh cli?nb in noiselessly, and steal on tiptoe to7aard Vane.) — or less wretched — yes, less wretched here. {Suddenly.) I feel a draugiit. {Starting to spring fj-om his chair.) Who's that? (Langdon, from behind, forces Vane back into the chair, and, after a struggle, gags him. During the struggle Vane passes his hand 07'er the sleeve of Langdon's coat, and, in resisting him, holds him by both hands ; but his arms are pulled down by Marsh, and Langdon thus succeeds in gagoing him. He is then bound in the chair. Langdon //?(?// goes to the safe, which he opens by the cojn- bination. Takes the packages of money, Marsh meanwhile keep- ing watch by the window, in evident anxiety. The money taken, Langdon ^/wj part to Marsh, ajid they go out as they came in, closing the window softly after them. The safe doors are left open. Throughout the scene not a word is spoken by either man, and they walk on tiptoe. After a slight pause, during which Vane struggles ineffectually, the sound of a key in the door is heard.) {Enter Philip c.) Philip. Mr. Vane not here? He must have gone to bed. It'-- just as well. {Takes the paper frotn his pocket.) Now for the THE TRUSTEE. IJ combination. {Turns toward safe.) Hello! The safe open! What does this mean 'i The money! {Going to safe, and looking hurriedly throngh it. Then, as he turns.) Gone! Stolen! ( Walks quickly down. Sees Vane.) Ha ! {Rushing to him.) Mr. Vane, are vou hurt? Gai^ged! ( Crumples the paper in his hand, and unconsciously throws it on the floor beside the chair, then quickly uiigags and unbinds him, letting the handkercliief with which he was bound drop itt his. Vane's, lop. Tor a moment N xii^ is unable to speak.) What has happened.'' Tell me. It is I, Philip. Vane. I in, followed by Elliot, puzzled and dis- tressed. Exeunt l.) Vane {aside., shaking his head). No light yet. I am still in the dark. Patience ! Patience ! Miss A. {to Conn). Conn, you are forgetting your duty. Conn {still seated as before). How's that, mum .f" Miss A. I say } ou are forgetting your duty. You must follow Mr. Allston. Conn {still sitting) . Shure I t'ought he'd be back soon, mum. Miss A. You should not let him go out of your sight. Conn {risijig slowly). Well, mum, if it's me juty, I'll do it; but, to my moind, me juty's a dir-r-ty piece o' wor-r-k for the likes o' me to be doin'. {Exit l.) (Miss Allston leads Vane gently to arm-chair at l., and stands near him.) Miss A. {sighing). What can we do ? Vane. He should see his wife. What safer place to go for help ? {Sighs.) His wife ! How much the word means ! She is his help, his hope, his faith, his bosom friend, his all in all ! Miss A. {letting her hand fall up07i his shoulder). Would your wife be all that to you ? Vane. My wife ? There must be no wife for such as I. {Pla- cing his hatid upon hers as it rests upon his shoulder.) Once I should have asked a noble woman to be all this, and more, to me — a woman true as faith, sweet as hope, kind as charity; but now {releasing her hand, she still remaining standing by his side), no wife for me ! I'll hamper no unselfish life with what remains of me. No, no. I'll have no woman waste herself on "me. Miss A. {kneeling beside the chair). Not even if it be her dear- est wish, has always been her dearest wish ? Vane. Does pity prompt her? Miss A. {taking his hands and placing one agaitist each of her cheeks) . Does this seem like pity ? 28 THE TRUSTEE. Vane (rising, aftd drawing her to him). At last. {Looking upward.) I ask no more than this. 'Tis dearer than the light. (Exeunt c.) (^Enter h.\x,sio^, followed by Conn, l.) (Allston has some papers in his hand. Goes to table R. ; sits and arranges them, and writes. CONN resumes former position. Soon leans back in his chair and pretends to be asleep, and snores loudly, then looks round sideways at Allston, who continues writing and pays no attention to what has happened.') Conn. Misther Allston ! Allston {without looking up). Yes, Conn. Conn. Did you hear me shnor-r-e ? Allston {as before). I did. Conn. Well, it's asleep I am, d'ye moind ? Allston {as before). All right. {Continues writing.) Conn {after having leaned back in his chair and pretended sleep for a time, then looking at Allston <7J before, then aside). What's the matter wid the man.'' Shure he has no lirains ! {To Allston.) Hist ! {Pointing over his shoulder with his thumb toward door c.) Now's your chance. Shure it's asleep I am. Get out o' this. (Elliot and Barbara appear at door c. He points to Allston, then gently pushes iter toward him, then disappears.) {Enter Barbara c.) {Aside.) The stoopid looney ! Will I have to trow him out? {Rises, turns, sees Barbara, and resumes original attitude. Barbara goes softly to Allstox ; puts her arm j-ound his neck from behind, and kisses him.) Allston. Barbara ! What do you want, my dear ? Barbara. Nothing, Uncle John, but to say " good-morning." Allston. Thank you, my child. Barbara. I have just left poor Dora. {k\x.%TO^ turns away.) She is so miserable ! She would not speak to me. She had thrown herself upon the floor, and has been lying there for hours, sobbing as if her heart would break. Allston {springing to his feet). Send her to me. Barbara. I will. {Runs quickly off. Exit c.) Allston. She must not suffer so. My poor wife! I must at least be kind. {To Conn.) Conn, my man, will you trust me.'' Will you leave me alone liere for a while ? Conn {springing up with alacrity). Shure I will that, sir, jf ye have the mind lo do it that way, {E\it quickly C. Allston remains seated at table with his back to the door,) THE TRUSTEE. 29 {Enter Mrs. Allston c.) Mrs. a. {standing inside door). I have come, John. Allston {without turning). Come here, by me. I. have some- thing to say to you, my child. (Mrs. Allston goes to him and stands bv his chair.) I have no wisli to give you pain by speaking of what has happened. It is enough for me to say that after what I discovered last night you can never be the same to me again. Mrs. a. {falling on her knees beside his chair., and leaning her head on its arm). Don't say that, John. You will break my heart ! Allston {stroking her hair, speaking very gently). There, there, my child. You must be reasonable. I did not send for you to talk about the past. Merely to say to you that I forgive you. Yes, forgive you freely. Mrs. a. {sobbing violently). Don't speak like that, John ; I can- not bear it. Allston {soothingly). Come, come, this will do no good, Dora. Calm yourself, my child. I can appreciate the temptation you were under, but {breaking down), my darling, my darling! why did you not trust my love ? Why did you not confide in me .'' Mrs. a. {springing to her feet, speaking with spirit). That isn't fair, John ! I would have confided in you. I would have told you all before I married you, but you would not hear me ; you would not listen. Allston (rt'.y/Vt'). I see! She thinks I do not know her con- nection with the robbery. {To her.) Well, well, never mind ; it is past now. I liave said my say. {Turns to table.) Mrs. a. {after walking dejectedly part way to door c, then turn- ing). John! Allston {without looking round). Well ? Mrs. a. You say I can never be the same to you again. 'Twill break my heart, but I will try to bear it. But for the sake of the old love {coming nearer to him), for the sake of the love I shall always feel for you, take back bef'ore it is too late this mad asser- tion that you are guilty. Allston {turtiing and looking at her fixedly). And let my wife take my place? Mrs. a. Take your place? What do you mean? Allston. If I do not plead guilty, I must testify. Mrs. a. What of that? Allston {springing to his feet and catching her by the hand, then almost fiercely). What of that? Will you never understand that I know all {taking the combination paper fro7n his pocket and holding it before her), and that, as a witness, I must show them this? That I must prove jK(7«/' guilt? {Releasing her hand.) Mrs. a. {aside). Philip's paper! I see it all. {To him, breathlessly^ And that is why you feel so toward me? Allston {his back turned to her). And is not that enough ? that you should sacrifice my trust ? 30 THE TRUSTEE. Mrs. a. And it is not my past — my unhappy life ? AllstON {t7i ruing sJuirply). No, no! If that were all, I'd love you more than ever. 'Twould be my greatest happiness to make you forget the past. Mrs. a. {^laughing hysterically, stretching her arms towards hifn). John ! John ! Allston {springing to her and faking her in his arms'). Dora ! What does this mean .'" Have I wronged you .'' Speak to me. iMus. A. {laicghing and sobbing). I gave — that paper — to Philip to get the letter forme — from the safe — I knew nothing of the robbery — nothing. That's all, John. Allston {folding her closely to him). My wife again! My darling! {Turning quickly toward door C, one arm still about her waist, her head upon his shoiildcr, calls loudly, laughing in his excite^nent.) Elliot ! Vane ! Eleanor ! All of you ! Come ! Quick ! {Enter quickly Elliot, Vane, Miss Allston, Barbara, Dr. and Mrs. Peacock c.) Listen to me, all of you. {Enter JVDGE and Langdon. 10/10 stand within the door c.) When I said last night that I was guilty, I lied. I am innocent! I swear it on my honor ! Langdon. That is for the court to decide. CURTAIN. ACT IV. Scene. — The trial justice^s office. Very plainly furnished. A large table, with green enamel-cloth top at back c. Shabby. Be- hind it a chair. At x.., near front, a slightly raised place with rail for witness-stand. A table at R., chairs, and perhaps a settee about the room. The general effect to be that of the office of any trial justice of a smalT country toion. Nothing imposing or elegant about it. Door at back to tight of large table, and win- dows to light of door and behind table. {Enter Judge, carrying bundle of papers, and Langdon.) Judge {as they come down). I quite agree with you, Mr. Lang- don. I can conceive of no reason for his denial of his guilt now, in the face of his previous confession, except that he has succeeded in persuading Vane not to tell what he knows. Langdon. That's the point exactly, judge. The trustee. 31 Judge. But there is one thing that puzzles me, and that is, how can Vane have anything to conceal ? Being blind, he can have seen nothing. Langdon. You forget, judge, for the moment, that the loss of one faculty is sure to make the others more acute. Judge. True, true ; he may have heard something. Langdon. Yes, possibly. But there are other senses besides hearing. Judge {looking v:ry luise). That, too, had occurred to me. He might have smelled something. Langdon. Perhaps so. But there are still other senses. Judge [counting on his fingers in thonght, then suddenly). I have it ! ( Very wisely.) He must have touched something — felt some- thing that he reco;4nized. Langdon {with mock admiration). Wonderful discernment ! Judge Pettibone, 1 am amazed ; yes, sir, amazed at your shrewd- ness, your perception. The idea would have occurred to none but a keen, able mind.' Judge {much complimented). Thank you, Mr. Langdon. But you must remember that the exercise of a judge's duties tends to make the mind alert. Langdon. Allow me to say, judge, that such remarkable alert- ness of mind as your own must have been to a certain extent inborn. (Judge bows complacently.) But I ought to tell you that Suzette, the maid-servant, says that she is sure Allston was not in the house at ten o'clock on the night of the burglary, because his fur-trimmed overcoat was not in its usual place in the hall. Judge. I have an idea. In his struggles with Allston, Vane may have felt some part of this overcoat. Langdon. Wonderful ! Marvellous ! I wonder what became of the handkerchief with which he was gagged .-^ Judge {excitedly). What's that? what's that? The handker- chief? {Wisely.) Ah, yes! I had thought of that top. I shall ask. {Looking at his watch.) Bless my soul ! It is nearly time for the trial, and I must prepare my papers. {Goes to large table at back and arranges papers, etc.) Langdon {aside). His mind'xs already prepared, thanks to his able assistant. {Pointing to himself.) I wouldn't have made such a bad judge myself. {Enter Elliot and Dr. Peacock.) Elliot. Good-morning, Judge Pettibone. I want to say to you that, at my friend AUston's request, I shall conduct his defence. (Elliot goes to table at r. and arranges papers, etc.) Judge. Very well, Mr. Elliot ; but I regret that you haven't a more promising case. Dr. p. Bosh! Judge. What did you remark, Dr, Peacock ? 32 THE TRUSTEE. Dr. p. Nothinj^ of importance, sir. Judge. That's wiiat I supposed, Dr. Peacock. Y>K. v. (^huffily). What do you mean by that, sir ? Do you mean to insinuate — Judge {interniptiiig). I must again remind you, Dr. Peacock, that a judge never insinuates. Dr. p. Humph ! {A'otices that Langdon is laughing at him. To him.) And what do you find to laugh at, I'd like to know? Have a care, sir. or Fll — (Asii/e.) Now wait, Pm going-toofast. Be a sphinx, Peacock ! (Langdon strolls back to Judge, and converses with him apart.) {Enter Barbara. She goes qtcickly to Dr. Peacock, and talks to him aside.) Barbara. Doctor, can't you tell me something about Philip ? He went away yesterday in the train, and Suzette says he took his valise with him. Dr. p. {looking wise) . Probably some important business took him to the city, my dear. Possibly something you wouldn't under- stand. Barbara. . But your wife told me you could tell me all about it. Dr. p. She did, did she ? ' Barbara. She said you could if you would. And O doctor! she didn't say so, but she implied that Philip {sob) had run away. {Sobbing. ) Dr. p. Confound the woman ! There, there, my dear, I don't mean you. {Growing vety uneasy.) There, don't cry — there's a good girl — please don't cry, I — Barbara {between sobs). I wouldn't, doctor, but they will sus- pect him next, and I couldn't bear that. Dr. p. {ttying to comfort her, himself very uneasy). Now wait — there! For Heaven's sake don't cry ! If you cry I'll — you're going too fast. {Suddenly catching her by the arm.) Here, I'll tell you all about it. {Drawing her to one side.) Barbara. Well ? % Dr. p. {I'Cjy mysteriously). He has gone to New York for a detective. There, not a word to a soul ! Remember I Barbar.a. Oh, I am so glad ! Wliom do you suspect ? Dr. P. Hum! Ah! Well! {With great mystery.) Are you sure you won't tell ? BARB.A.RA {eagerly). Yes, ves ; I promise. Dr. p. {aside). Be a sphin.x, Peacock ! {To her.) Hope to die ? Barbara. Yes, yes, yes. Who is it ? Dr. p. My wife. {Aside.) Two can play at that game. {Enter 'Vane and Mi.ss Ai.lstox, followed by Conn and Mr. and Mrs. Allston. then Marsh and Suzette. Allston remains near the door with Conn, others take seats about the rootn.) Ttt£ TRUSTEE. 33 Judge {looking at his watch'). The court is now ready to pro- ceed with the hearing. Constable O'Hara, have you the prisoner here ? (Conn and Allston walk to c, in front of Judge's table.) Conn. He is here, your honor. {Goes back to original position.) Judge. You are here, John Allston, charged with having, on the thirteenth of this month, taken from your own safe the sum of sixty thousand dollars belonging to your ward, and with having assaulted and bound Mr. Daniel Vane, who was in your office at the time, in order that tlie deed might seem to be that of thieves or burglars, and you be thus enabled to use the money for your own purposes. How do you plead in this matter ? Guilty or not guilty ? Allston. Not guilty. {Retjirtis to position beside Conn.) Judge {reading from a paper). Are the following persons pres- ent? Dora Allston, Eleanor Allston. Barbara Vane, Daniel Vane, Lorenzo Peacock, Arthur Langdon, Suzette-er-er-Ek-you-er. SuzETTE. Ecuer. {Pronouncing it properly.) Judge. Never mind about the initials. Philip Broughton. {A paitse.) Philip Broughton not here ? Elliot. He went away unexpectedly before he knew that your honor would require his presence. Judge. Humph ! Be good enough to hold up your right hands {mumbling customary oath, ending with) so help you, God. Mr. Langdon, will you take the stand ? {Indicating witness-box. Langdon crosses, and takes his place as witness.) Did you, on the afternoon of the thirteenth, make a payment to John Allston for the purchase of property belonging to his ward? Langdon. I did, sir. Judge. What was tlie form of tliis payment ? Langdon. It was in bills to the amount of — Elliot, {interrupting). Excuse me, your honor, we admit payment of the money. Judge. Very well. You may stand down, Mr. Langdon. (Langdon takes a chair near witness-stand, slightly beJiind, and to the right of it.) Mrs. Allston, will yoft be kind enough to take the stand? (Mrs. A., standing beside her husband, quickly raises his hand to her lips, then, after a glance at him, fakes her position in the zuitness-stand.) Mrs. Allston, do you know whether or not your husband was in the house at ten o'clock on the night of the thirteenth ? Mrs. a. {speaking hurriedly). He went out just before ten, but it was to look for Dr. Peacock. The doctor had disappeared, and his wife was alarmed about it, and — Judge {interruptitig). Never mind about that. Dr. p. {springing from his chair). But why don't you mind about that? Tliat's the truth. I can explain. Judge {sarcastically). Excuse me, sir, but may I ask whom you represent here ? 34 i^HE TRUStEg. Dr. p. I represent a man called common-sense. Do you know him? Judge. I know a man called uncommon lack of sense, Dr. Peacock. Dr. p. It's a wise man that knows himself. I congratulate you, Judge Pettibone. Judge. If you make any more disturbance, I shall be obliged to have you ejected from the courtroom, sir. {To Mrs. A.) So, Mrs. Allston, your husband was not in the house at ten o'clock on the night of the thirteenth ? Mrs. a. He was not. Judge. Tiiat is all for the present, madam. (.Mrs. Allston resiones her former position.') Soo-zette Ek-you-er, take the stand. SuzETTE {^on her luay to witness-stafid). Ecuer, monsieur. Judge. I don't care whether it's A Q A or X Y Z. You are a domestic in Mr. Allston's house, are you not .■" SuzETTE. I am, sare. Judge. Do you know where Mr. Allston's overcoat — the one trimmed with fur — is usually left by him when he is in the house .-• SuzETTE. He leaves eet on ze ar-rm of a seat zat ees een ze front hall. Judge. Were you in the house at ten o'clock night before last ? SuzETTE. Yes, sare. I was in ze house. Judge. Did you happen to notice whether the overcoat was in the usual place at tliat time ? SuzETTE At ten o'clock it was not zere, but it was zere at after ten a few minutes. Judge {to Elliot). You have the witness, Mr. Elliot. Elliot. How do you know it was ten o'clock? SuzETTE. It ees always at ten o'clock zat I turn down ze light in ze front hall. Elliot. How did it happen that you returned to the hall shortly after ten, when you say you saw the coat ? SuzETTE. I took up-stairs ze sack of Miss Vane, and on my way down again I saw ze overcoat was zere. Elliot. That will do. (Suzette resmnes her seat.) Judge. Mr. Vane, if you please. (Miss Allston leads Vane to witness-stand, then returns.) You were in Mr. Allston's office on the night of the thirteenth — day before yesterday — at ten o'clock, Mr. Vane ? Vane. I was. Judge. Please describe what took place. Vane. I was seated in my chair ; was suddenly seized from behind, gagged by one person, while I was held by another, then bound in my chair. Judge. Ahem ! Then there were two persons. Vane. As nearly as I can tell, there were. Judge. This may account, Mr. Elliot, for the unexpected dhsQUCt of Mr. Philip Broughton. THE TRUSTEE. 35 Dr. p. {jumping front his chair). Oh, you make me tired ! Judge {j'cipping on his table). Silence, silence ! Dr. p. {excitedly) . But I can explain it all. Judge. Be good enough to resume your seat, and keep still. Dr. p. But I know all about it, 1 tell you. If you'll only listen to my story, I'll — Judge {interrupting). Not now. At the proper time you shall be given an opportunity to unfold your tale. Dr. Peacock. (Dr. Peacock resumes his seat in high dudgeon.) Now, Mr. Vane, continue. Vane. I have told you all. Judge. But, during the incident you have described, you may have noticed something? Vane. You forget that I am blind. Judge. Did you hear nothing, then ? Vane. Nothing more tlian the sound caused by opening the safe. Judge. Did you not hear a footstep that you recognized ? Vane. 1 heard no footsteps at all. Judge. Did you touch or feel anything that seemed familiar? Vane. I refuse to answer. Judge. You must answer. Vane {witli reluctance). I felt the coat-sleeve of one of the men. Judge. Well, what was there about it, that you noticed? Vane. It was trimmed with fur. Judge. Did it seem familiar — like a coat you had felt before ? (Vane hesitates.) Well, I am waiting for your answer. Vane. It did. Judge. Like what coat that you had felt before? (Vane hesitates.) Come ! Vane. John Allston's. Judge. What happened after this ? Vane. Philip Broughton came in and released me, and then went for help. Judge. And what became of the cloth or handkerchief with which you were gagged? Do you know? Vane. I put it in ,my pocket. Judge. Where is it now ? Vane. In my pocket. Judge. Produce it. (V kuk reluctantly produces hafidkerchief. Dr. Peacock starts to take it.) Never mind. Dr. Peacock. You may sit down again. (TtiCONN.) O'Hara, please hand that hand- kerchief to Mrs. Allston. (Conn, does so. Mrs. A. steps forward to receive it from him.) Be good enough to examine it, madam. {As soon as Mrs. A. receives the handkerchief she glances once quickly at it, and stifles a scream.) Well, what can you tell me about it? {Mks. A. remain; silent.) You must answer me, madam. Do you know whose handkerchief it is? Mrs. a. Yes. Judge. Well, go on. Whose is it? "36 tMe trustee. Mvis. h. {breaking down completely). My husband's. (Elliot goes to her to reassure her.) Judge. That will do, madam. Thank you. {]L\aaoi leads her back to her former position.) Vane {fiom witness-stand, with vehemence). Hear me. You must hear me. It was John Allston's overcoat, but I know it was not John Allston. / know it. Judge. How do you know that ? . Vane. 1 do not know how I know it, but I am sure of it. Judge. I am afraid that is hardly evidence, Mr. Vane. Elliot (excitedly). All his testimony so far has been his im- pressions. Why is this conviction of his not evidence ? Judge. Because he can give no reason for it. At least, I suppose he cannot. Mr. Vane, can you tell me 7L'hy you are so sure that the man was not John Allston .'' Vane. I cannot. Alas ! I cannot. ( These words to be spoken in a distracted, bewildered, distressed way, as of a mati trying in vain to remember.) 'Ehi.iOT {aside). Poor John ! Poor John ! Judge. That is all, Mr. Vane. (Vane, stepping downfrotn the witness-stand, trips and staggers a few steps forward, and Langdon, who has riscfi from his seat near the witness-stand, and is part way across the stage, turns and springs to support him, catching him by his outstretched hands. Miss Allston, jneanwhile. has hurried to Vane's as- sistance, but, being a little later than hAKGDO'ti, passes behind him atid Vane to Vane's — and the stage — left.) Vane {holding; hard to Langdon's hands, and dragging him toward c, cryiiis; out in intense excitement). Who is this man ? Help ! Hold him ! These are the hands that gagged me. I swear it. (Langdon violenth jerks away his right hand fro7n Wa^^e's grasp, and raises it to 'strike him, Vane still clinging to his left hand.) Mlss a. {thro-vino; her arm across Vane, from her position at his left, and facing; "Lk^GYiOV.). Coward! Isn't once enough ? \.mGV>o^' {turning toward the left to face the Judge). Will your honor convict a gentleman on such evidence as this ? (^/Vane's speech, ''■Who is this man:' etc.. Philip ^«^/ Hunt enter and walk quietly to Langdon's right side, he. in his excite- ment, not noticing t'hem. Hunt stands next Langdon, Philip ne.xi Hunt.) Hunt (/a/Z/V/.^- Langdon on the shoulder). How long have you been a gentleman. Tommy Drake? Langdon {recog^nizino him —aside). Hunt ! T!ie game's up. Hunt. Ever since you left Sing-Sing a month ago? Eh? THE TRUSTEE. 37 (Marsh ama in three acts. 5 males, 3 females. LITTLE MORE CIDER, A. Farce in one act. 5 males, 3 females. LOVE OF A BONNET, A. Farce in one act. 5 females. MAN WITH THE DEMIJOHN, THE. tarce in nne act. 4 males. MY BROTHER'S KEEPER. Drama in three acts. 5 males, 3 females. MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE, A. Farce in one act. 4 males. MY UNCLE THE CAPTAIN. Farce in one act. 6 males. NEVER SAY DIE, Farce in one act. 3 males, 3 females. JTEVADA. Drama in three acts. 8 males, 3 females. 25 cents. NEW BBOOM SWEEPS CLEAN, A. t arce in one act. 6 males. NO CURE, NO PAY. Farce in one act. 1 females. ONCE ON A TIME. Drama in two incts. 4 males, 2 females. ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. Drama in two acts. 8 males, 3 females. ORIGINAL IDEA, AN. Dialogue for a Lady and gentleman. OUR FOLKS. Drama in three acts. 6 males, 5 females. PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE. Farce in one act. 7 males, 3 females. PAST REDEMPTION. Drama in four acts. 9 males, 4 females. 25 CeutS. PEDLAR OF VERYNICE, THE. Bur- lesque. 7 males. PRECIOUS PICKLE, A. Farce in one act. 6 females. PUBLIC BENEFACTOR, A. Farce in one act. 6 males. REBECCA'S TRIUMPH. Drama in three •acts. 16 females. 25 CentS. RED CHIGNON, THE. Farce in one act. 6 females. REVOLT OF THE BEES, THE. Mu- sical alletzory. 9 females. RUNAWAYS, THE. Farce in one act. 4 males. SANTA CLAUS' FROLICS. Christmas- tree entertainment. Many char. SCULPTOR'S TRIUMPH, THE. Alle- gory. I male. 4 females. SEA OF TROUBLES, A. Farce in one act. 8 males. SEEING THE ELEPHANT. Temper- aace farce. 5 males, 2 females. SEVEN AGES, THE. Tableau entertain- ment 7 males, 4 females. SHALL OUR MOTHERS VOTE? Hu- morous debate for 11 boys. SNOW BOUND. Musical and dramatic en- tertainment. 3 males, i fomale. 25 C6nt8. STAND BY THE FLAG. Drama in one act. 5 males. SILVIA'S SOLDIER. Drama in two acts. 3 males, 2 females. TEMPTER, THE. Drama in one act. 3 males, i female. TENDER ATTACHMENT, A. Farce ia one act. 7 males. THIEF OF TIME, THE. Farce in one act. 6 males. THIRTY MINUTES FOR REFRESH- ments. Farce in one act. 4 males, 3 fem. THORN AMONG THE ROSES, A. Com. edy in one act. 2 males, 8 females. TITANIA. Play for children in two acts. Many char. 25 ceUtS. TOO LATE FOR THE TRAIN. Dialogue for 2 males, introducing songs and recitations. TOURNAMENT OF IDYLWENT, THE. .'V'legory for 13 females. VISIONS OF FREEDOM. Allegory for 16 females. USING THE WEED. Farce in one act. 7 females. WANTED, A MALE COOK. Farce in one act. 4 males. WAR OF TFE ROSES. Allegory for 8 females. WE'RE ALL TEETOTALERS. Farce (n one scene. 4 males, 2 females. WALTER H. BAKER, & CO.^ Boston, Mas& LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ILIIJJIiiLUIIllUlll.^, 016 102 478 8 #1 Something New, Funny £ Prof. BAXTER Great Invention, OR OLD nifllDS niflDB NEW. A COMEDY-FARCE IN ONE ACT. By MARY B. HORNE, Author of " IHp. Peak Sistbrs," " Thk Carnival of Days," "The Book OF Drills, Parts 1 and II," Etc. For three male and three female characters. Moilern every-