/ 
 
 2l{ 
 
 THE BEAR LEADERS 
 
THE BEAR LEADERS 
 
 A FARCE IN FOUR ACTS 
 
 By 
 R. C. CARTON 
 
 Copyright, 191 3, by Samuel French, Ltd 
 
 New York 
 
 SAMUEL FRENCH 
 
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 8-30 WEST 38TH STREET 
 
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 LIBERTY HALL- A Play in Four Acts. 
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 LADY HUNTWORTH'S EXPERIMENT. A Comedy 
 
 in Three Acts. 
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 Three Acts. 
 PUBLIC OPINION. A Farce in Three Acts. 
 
 The following One Act Plays, 6d. 
 
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 SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. 
 
 Q)CLD 34814 
 
THE BEAR LEADERS 
 
 Produced on February 1, 1912, at the Comedy Th eatre, 
 London, with the following cast of characters : — 
 
 Duke of Gallmtnster . 
 Sir Kennedy Loomes . 
 Stanhope Molyneux. . . 
 Horace Beckton (the Duke's 
 
 Secretary) 
 
 Edward Petworth . 
 
 Mr. Felgate (of the firm of 
 
 Felgate & Murchison, So- 
 licitors) . . . 
 Anatole Durocq (waiter from 
 
 Pastarelle's) 
 
 Byles (butler) . . .- ... 
 Rawdon (valet) .... 
 Mks. Stanhope Molyneux . 
 Dowager Countess of Grims- 
 
 dal 
 
 Lady Marjorie Hillborn (her 
 
 granddaughter) .... 
 Lady Tuddenham 
 Evadne Tuddenham (her 
 
 daughter) 
 
 Madame Mescale (of Mescale 
 
 et Cie, Florists) .... 
 Lloyd (lady's maid) . 
 
 Mr. Spencer Trevor. 
 Mr. Ashton Pearce. 
 Mr. Edmund Gwenn. 
 
 Mr. Robert Horton. 
 M r. Donald Calthrop. 
 
 Mr. Fred. Lewis. 
 
 Mr. Michael Sherbrooke. 
 Mr. E. F. Mayeur. 
 Mr. C. Lascelles. 
 Miss Compton. 
 
 Miss May Whitty. 
 
 Miss Muriel Martin Harvey. 
 Miss Mary Brough. 
 
 Miss Ada Webster. 
 Miss Margaret Chute. 
 
SCENERY 
 
 Time. — Summer-time. 
 
 ACT I 
 
 Scene. — Drawing-room in the London House, of the .Stanhope 
 Molyneuxs. 
 
 Time. — Midday. 
 
 ACT II 
 
 Scene. — The same — six weeks later. 
 Time. — A fternoon. 
 
 ACT III 
 
 Scene. — Corridor in the Molyneuxs'' house — three days later. 
 
 Time. — Late evening. A ball is in progress. 
 
 A(^T IV 
 
 Scene.— Same as Act I and II. Next morning. 
 
The Fee fof the representation of this play by Amateurs 
 
 is Five Guineas, payable in advance to : — 
 
 MESSRS. SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD., 
 26, Southampton Street, 
 Strand, London. 
 
 or their authorised agents, who will issue a written 
 permission for the performance to take place. No 
 representation may be given unless this written 
 authority has first been obtained. 
 
 In the event of more than one performance being 
 given, the Fee for the second representation is Four 
 Guineas, and for the third and further representations 
 Three Guineas. But this reduction only applies when 
 the performances are consecutive {evening following 
 evening^ or evening following matinee) and at the same 
 theatre or all, 
 
 All costumes, wigs and properties used in the per- 
 formance of plays contained in French's Acting 
 Edition may be hired or purchased reasonably from 
 Messrs. Charles H. Fox, Ltd., 27, Wellington Street, 
 Strand, London. 
 
THE BEAR LEADERS 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 Scene. — The drawing-room in London house of the 
 Stanhope Molyneuxs. A plan of the scene will 
 be found at the end of the book. 
 
 Time. — Midday. 
 
 (At the rise of the curtain Byles enters, showing in 
 Horace Beckton.) 
 
 Beckton. (crosses below Byles to down r. and 
 speaking as he comes on) Is he at home, or isn't he ? 
 
 Byles. Mr. Molyneux is at home, sir ; but I'm 
 not sure if he's receiving. 
 
 Beckton. You go to him and tell him that he's 
 got to receive me. 
 
 Byles. I'll deliver your message, sir ; but 
 
 Beckton. Yes ? 
 
 Byles. (goes step to c.) There's been a bereave- 
 ment in the family. 
 
 Beckton. Quite so ; very pathetic, {goes up 
 into window) But I must see Mr. Molyneux ; go 
 and tell him so. 
 
 (Byles is going.) 
 
 9 
 
10 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 
 
 Is that the Telegraph ? Yes. Thank ye ; tell him he 
 needn't mind hurrying unless he's busy. 
 
 (Byles goes off.) 
 (Beckton proceeds to read the paper. After slight 
 pause Stanhope Molyneux enters hastily. He 
 
 is dressed in deep mourning.) 
 Hulloa ! 
 
 Molyneux. Good morning, (has come to R. of 
 Beckton) 
 
 Beckton. (shakes hands with Molyneux ; speaks 
 cheerfully) How are you, old chap ? 
 
 Molyneux. Moderately well ; 1 suppose you r ve 
 heard about (sadly) our loss. 
 
 Beckton. Byles did just mention it. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes, I know. Byles is a man of 
 callous nature ; but poor old Lapworthy's gone, you 
 know, (indicates clothes he is 'wearing) 
 
 Beckton. Pegged out ? 
 
 Molyneux. Yes ; he pegged out at eleven 
 forty-five the night before last, (crosses up R. by fire) 
 
 Beckton. (follows him up c.) How's Mrs. 
 Molly taking it ? 
 
 Molyneux. Oh, with fortitude ; you know she 
 was his god-daughter and principal legatee. We have 
 been anxiously expecting the sorrowful news for weeks 
 
 Beckton. Quite so, old chap. Well, 1 wouldn't 
 have hunted you up if the matter hadn't been rather 
 important. 
 
Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 11 
 
 Molyxeux. Exactly ; to what am I indebted for 
 the — er — inconvenience of this visit ? 
 
 Beckton. (sitting on front of round table up c.) 
 It's this way : Old Gallminster 
 
 Molyneux. The Duke ? 
 
 Beckton. The Dook — my chief — is in a devil of 
 a state just now. 
 
 Molyneux. Gout ? 
 
 Becktox\ Gout, of course— that's by the way — 
 but you see when his son, poor Lord Elchester, pitched 
 out of his motor and succumbed, as hejvvas the sole 
 heir it left the succession to the title at rather a loose 
 end. 
 
 Molyxeux. The Duke has my sympathy (step 
 towards Becktox), but 
 
 Becktox. The lawyers have unearthed the next 
 heir. He seems to be a kind of great-nephew of the 
 Dook's — named Petworth — Edward Petworth ; his 
 deceased father was a parson, with a living in North- 
 amptonshire, or somewhere ; he's dead and don't 
 matter — but this young cove 
 
 Molyxeux. Master Edward ? 
 
 Becktox. Master Edward — is going to be Duke 
 of Gallminster by and by— and there you are. 
 
 Molyxeux. (crosses towards Becktox) How do 
 you mean there I am ? 
 
 Becktox. There we all are. 
 
 Molyxeux. You know really, Beckton (taking 
 cigarette case out of his pocket), with every desire to 
 — er — to — er — damn Rawdon ! Given me my silver 
 
12 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 
 
 — ah — cigarette case instead of the gun metal one 
 which would have been more seemly — (goes down 
 l. of table r.c.) this one sounds a false note, (putting 
 cigarette case doivn on table by settee r.) Jars terribly. 
 (cross to r., sit R. end of settee r.) 
 
 Beckton. Yes, it does, old chap. Well, now 
 what's to be done about Teddy Petworth ? 
 
 Molyneux. Done about him ? (leans back in 
 chesterfield R.) 
 
 Beckton. Well, he's a cub ; he learnt the wrong 
 kind of thing at a grammar school ; he's always been 
 the unripe apple of his mother's eye ; every corner of 
 him shrieks aloud for wash leather and pumice stone. 
 (change of tone) Now you of course and Mrs. Molly 
 have made a speciality of teaching the young idea 
 how to shoot. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes. 
 
 Beckton. So we thought perhaps you might 
 be persuaded to take him on. 
 
 Molyneux. I couldn't hear of it. 
 
 Beckton. The Dook would make it handsomely 
 worth your while. 
 
 Molyneux. From the moment poor Mr. Lap- 
 worthy's illness entered on its final stage we retired 
 from business. 
 
 Beckton. The Dook is naturally aware that you 
 and Mrs. Molly are at the top of the tree. 
 Molyneux. Yes, yes. 
 
 Beckton. See what you did for Algy Desborough ; 
 to-day anybody might be seen dinin' with him. 
 
Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 13 
 
 Thanks to you, Billy Ransford, born in Queensland, 
 looks plastered all over with Eton and 'Varsity, 
 Then again what a corkin' good job your Missus 
 made of Cicely Mainwaring. 
 
 Molyneux. (moves toward him, loftily) Look 
 here, Beckton (leans over ami of chesterfield towards 
 Beckton), bear-leading is a very arduous profession. 
 I have taken over the male species, as you say, and 
 with the right tailor have trimmed their fur and 
 clipped their claws ; my wife has done the same for 
 the cubbesses — made them presentable before they 
 were presented — trained them — court trained them 
 — and so forth. But now the demise of dear old 
 Lapworthy has given us a rest, and we mean to ' 
 take it. [cleans his eyeglass with his handkerchief) 
 Beckton. It's damned disappointin', because 
 this Petworth business has got itself into an unholy 
 mess ; we've been away at Marienbad and the Dook's 
 lawyer has let the whole thing rip ; the boy's been 
 supplied with coin and he's been loafin' about town 
 with nobody to keep an eye on him. 
 
 Molyneux. I'm sorry, but my wife and I have 
 retired from business. 
 
 (Door opens and Byles co))ies in.) 
 
 (eye glass back) — so our eyes are not available. 
 
 Beckton. Well, it's exceptional disappointin'. 
 (takes out one of Molyneux's cigarettes out of Moly- 
 neux 's case ; leaves case open) 
 
 Byles. Mr. Felgate. 
 
14 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act J. 
 
 (Felgate comes, in ; Molyneux and Beckton rise.) 
 
 Molyneux. {crosses below Beckton) My dear 
 Felgate (shakes hands with Felgate, brings him across 
 to the r. of himself), we've been expecting your 
 arrival— counting the hours. 
 
 (Beckton crosses down to l. of Molyneux.) 
 
 Felgate. You're very good. 
 Molyneux. Not at all. 
 Felgate. Ahem ! 
 
 Molyneux. This is only my friend, Mr. Beckton, 
 who is just going. 
 
 (Molyneux motions Felgate to sit, shakes hands 
 with Beckton, speeds the parting guest.) 
 
 Beckton. How are you ? Yes, I won't detain 
 you. C4ood day, Molly. 
 
 (Beckton turns up stage, Molyneux turns to 
 Felgate, Beckton stops, turns and speaks to 
 Molyneux.) 
 
 Will you think that matter over ? 
 
 Molyneux. (turns to him) With pleasure — 1 mean 
 certainly not. (turns to Felgate) 
 
 Beckton. (up l.) Will you put it to Mrs. Molly ? 
 
 Molyneux. (turns) Yes — no — perhaps — I don't 
 think so. 
 
 Beckton. Well, I shall look her up on the off 
 chance — so long. 
 
 (Beckton goes up l. and off.) 
 
Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. I.-, 
 
 Molyneux. Good-bye. (steps after him, then 
 back) Pray sit down, Felgate. 
 Felgate. Thank you. (sits) 
 Molyneux. So everything is all right. 
 
 (Both smile, then look at each other.) 
 
 I mean at last the blow has fallen. 
 
 Felgate. Yes, that is so. Am I so fortunate 
 as to find Mrs. Molyneux disengaged ? 
 
 Molyneux. Oh yes. (cross behind chesterfield 
 r. to bell belovj fire up R.) I'm certain she'd feel it 
 her duty to be disengaged. I'll let her know you 
 are here, (rings the bell) 
 
 Felgate. Thank you. 
 
 Molyneux. (slightly nettled about it) Of course, 
 Felgate, our dear departed friend was apt to be a 
 little eccentric —wouldn't you say so ? 
 
 Felgate. Yes, I'm disposed to agree with you. 
 
 Molyneux. During his illness he wouldn't lei 
 anybody come near him. 
 
 (Enter Bylss up l.) 
 
 (to Byles in a superior manner) Tell Mrs. Molyneux 
 that Mr. Felgate is here, will you ? 
 
 (Exit Byles.) 
 
 Lapworthy Park lias been barricaded — this state 
 of siege, so far as his relations were concerned, was 
 quite comprehensible' (strokes his moustache), but it 
 would have been a sorrowful pleasure to my wife 
 
16 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 
 
 and myself to have acted as sentinels. Is the date 
 fixed for the reading of the will ? 
 
 Felgate. {pause) Well — not yet. 
 
 Molyneux. Not yet. (going towards him) Ah, 
 then is there any little matter of business you wished 
 to talk over ? 
 
 Felgate. Well — yes, there is — but with your 
 permission I think I'll postpone it until Mrs. Moly- 
 neux is able to be present. 
 
 Molyneux. Oh certainly, by all means ; J don't 
 know what's detaining her. 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux comes in.) 
 
 Ah, here she is. My dear, here is Mr. Felgate. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. So I'm very glad to see. 
 (crosses below Molyneux to Felgate, shaking hands 
 with him) 
 
 (Molyneux gets little more c.) 
 
 How are you, Mr. Felgate ? Just got back, I sup- 
 pose. 
 
 Felgate. Yes, I've only just returned from 
 (thinking about the body) Lapworthy Park. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Sit down again, Mr. Felgate- 
 (turning to Molyneux) I thought Horace Beckton 
 was here. 
 
 Molyneux. So he was. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. What did he want? 
 
 Molyneux. It was a question of the next succes- 
 sor to the Dukedom. Old Gallminster wished us 
 to take him in hand. I said that our shutters were 
 
 
Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 17 
 
 now permanently up. and that we couldn't hear of it. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Oddly enough I've had a wire. 
 (turns and steps towards Felgate) Will you excuse 
 me a moment, Mr. Felgate ? 
 
 Felgate. Certainly, (he gets newspaper from 
 table R.c, sits on chesterfield R.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (goes a little l.c. with Moly- 
 neux) I've had a wire from old Jane Grimsdal 
 
 Molyneux, The Dowager Countess ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneuux. Yes, she'd like us to under- 
 take a similar job in the matter of Lady Marjorie 
 Hillborn — her grand- daughter — a little devil of sorts, 
 who has been keeping the family busy, (she gives 
 Molyneux telegram) 
 
 Molyneux. Have you sent a return wire saying 
 —No ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. It wouldn't have been any good ; 
 old Jane seems to have put a label on her and sent her 
 off without waiting for a refusal. I thought you might 
 have met her at Victoria — turned her head round 
 and sent her back. 
 
 Molyneux. 1 can't get away just now, and we're 
 really forgetting Felgate. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, we are ; I'm quite ashamed. 
 
 (Felgate rises, puts newspaper on table r.c.) 
 
 You wanted to talk to me, Mr. Felgate ? (crosses 
 to Felgate) 
 Felgate. Well, yes 1 did. 
 
 (Molyneux goes up stage a little.) 
 
 B 
 
18 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (sits on settee r.) Please go 
 ahead, then. 
 
 Felgate. {he sits r. of her on settee) I'm sure, 
 Mrs. Molyneux, you must feel it a great satisfaction 
 that the affectionate regard in which you were per- 
 sonally held by your godfather Mr. Lapworth y 
 remained undiminished to the end. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, I'm very glad to think so ; 
 the dear old chap was always very good to me. 
 
 (Molyneux gets chair by table r.c. brings it a little 
 dcun, sits l. of Mrs. Moly^neux.) 
 
 Molyneux. (happily) Felgate sayst he will has 
 not yet been read ? 
 
 Felgate. No, I was about to deal with that 
 quest io n. Nearly a year ago Mr. Lap worthy executed 
 a will in which he bequeathed the bulk — I might 
 really say the whole of his property to yourself, Mrs, 
 Molyneux. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (she nods gravely) I know. 
 
 Molyneux. That was the best of Lap worthy ; 
 he was so thorough. 
 
 Felgate. By his direction I acquainted you with 
 his intentions. I prepared the will ; he signed it, 
 and retained it in his own possession (points this), 
 and 1 feel assured there is no later will in existence. 
 
 (Sigh of satisfaction from Molyneux.) 
 
 The only difficulty is that for the moment we can't 
 find it. 
 
Act THE BEAR LEADERS. 19 
 
 (Pause. Mrs. Molyneux looks at him, then turns to 
 Molyneux, then turns to Felgate, speaks; they 
 both sit up.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Can't find it ? 
 
 Molyneux. Do you mean to sit there — ah — 
 calmly, Felgate, and say the will can't be found ? 
 
 Felgate. I don't say it camH be found ; I only say 
 it hasn't been found yet. 
 
 Molyneux. Have you looked for it ? 
 
 Felgate. Actively, (hasn't spared hint self) I 
 have glanced through his papers myself , and although 
 it is the busy season with us a detachment of my 
 clerks are vigorously continuing the search. 
 
 Molyneux. Without result ? 
 
 Felgate. So far without result; 
 
 Molyneux. (indignantly) Then what's the— 
 ah — careless old fool done with it ? 
 
 Felgate. Not easy to say — after all, a will is 
 merely a printed form like another — a man might 
 inadvertently put it behind the fire in mistake for an 
 ordinary charitable appeal. 
 
 Molyneux. (rises, puts chair back) Put it be- 
 hind the fire, but 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. How do matters exactly stand, 
 Mr. Felgate? 
 
 Felgate. For the moment the inheritance of the 
 estate is — in abeyance. 
 
 Molyneux. {indignantly) In abeyance ; but 
 dash it all we've been living in abeyance for years* 
 
20 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 
 
 Just lately — thanks to the state of Mr. Lapworthy's 
 health — we felt justified in branching out a bit ; we 
 acquired the lease of this house. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Some of the premium is still 
 in abeyance. 
 
 Molyneux. We're not to blame. Quite so ; we 
 haven't been hasty ; it wasn't till the — ah— final re- 
 lapse about three weeks ago, that we bought the 
 motor ; and now a setback of this kind is really 
 tragic, (crosses up to the back) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. You don't think he meant to 
 destroy the will ? 
 
 Felgate. No ! I've no reason to suppose so ; 
 you're not aware of any change in his attitude to- 
 wards you ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No ; he sent us the usual 
 pheasants in October, and the usual hothouse 
 grapes throughout the year. 
 
 Molyneux. (comes down l. of them from the hack) 
 We on our side despatched our usual Christmas card 
 with a verse of poetry in which affection and respect 
 were rather happily combined, (proud of it) 
 
 Felgate. Then I give it up. 
 
 Molyneux. Give it up ! For the love of Heaven, 
 don't say that ! 
 
 Felgate. I mean I can suggest no plausible 
 explanation. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. What happens if we don't 
 find the will ? 
 
 Felgate. Oh well, (casually) In that case the 
 
Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 21 
 
 estate .would go to Mr. Lapworthy's next of kin — 
 his brother. 
 
 Molyneux. His brother ? His beastly grasping 
 stock-broking brother ? (bends over to Mrs. Moly- 
 neux) It's enough to make Mr. Lapworthy turn 
 in his grave. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, but if he did I don't 
 see that it would do us any particular good. 
 
 (Molyneux goes up to window up r.c.) 
 
 Felgate. Well, it's too early to lose hope yet. 
 
 Molyneux. (coming down to back of settee r. ; 
 they turn to him) Too early ? I should think it was. 
 Now please, my dear Felgate, in the matter of clerks 
 don't consider expense ; put them all on to it — even 
 the office boy — and the messengers. Let them ran- 
 sack every corner, crawl through every drain-pipe ; 
 we'll make it up to them, or to their wives and 
 families if they shouldn't survive, (crosses to up l.c.) 
 
 Felgate. (rising) Very good, (he crosses her 
 below her to l. of Iter) I'll do as you suggest. 
 
 (She rises.) 
 
 It is tiresome about the will ; but things do get mis- 
 laid. 
 
 (Molyneux comes down to l. of Felgate.) 
 
 I couldn't find my hat-brush this morning. 
 
 Molyneux. Hat-brush ! (crosses in disgust 
 up to window up l., throws it open, goes on to balcony) 
 
 Felgate. And very nearly lost my early train. 
 
22 THE BEAR LEADERS. |ActI.' 
 
 Good-bye, Mrs. Molyneux ; I'm sorry to have been 
 the bearer of such unsatisfactory news. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Oh, that's all right ; better 
 luck next time you come. 
 
 (They shake hands.) 
 
 Felgate. I hope so. (turns and is going to 
 opening up l.) 
 
 Molyneux. (rushes at him, is l. of him) You'll 
 keep us in touch with affairs at Lapworthy Park ? 
 
 Felgate. Certainly ; you may depend on me. 
 Good-bye. 
 
 (They shake hands, Felgate crosses below him.) 
 
 Molyneux. (doesn't release his hand ; Felgate 
 is pushed back) We shall hear from you ? 
 Felgate. Oh yes, yes. 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux crosses and sits on settee r.) 
 
 Molyneux. Good-bye. 
 
 (Felgate goes.) 
 
 (Slight pause. Molyneux turns from up c.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Well, what do you say to this ? 
 
 Molyneux. I say, Damn ! 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Oh yes, of course ; but damn 
 doesn't take us very far — what after damn ? 
 
 Molyneux. I don't know. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. It seems to me what we want 
 is a tide over. 
 
 Molyneux. Were you thinking of Gallminster 
 and his cub ? 
 
Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 33 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No, I was blinking of Jane 
 Grimsdal— and hers — I expect Lady Marjoric Hill- 
 born will turn up in a minute or two ; under the 
 circumstances perhaps we'd better be hospitable. 
 
 Molyneux. (crosses behind settee R, and works 
 his way later do am to l. of Mrs. Molyneux) I sup- 
 pose it wouldn't do to take them both on ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Too big a risk, don't you think ? 
 The Duke and the old Countess hate one another : 
 there's been a family feud for years. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes. What did it date from ? (sits 
 r. of her on settee R.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Somewhere in the remote past 
 —before anybody was born— -Gallminster nearly 
 married her, and then didn't ; and instead of being 
 grateful to him she cut up permanently rough, so 
 they've been Montague and Capulet ever since. 
 
 Molyneux. If we're careful I don't see that the 
 relations on either side need be any the wiser. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. The point is : would the Duke 
 and the Countess pay up if they found us out ? 
 
 Molyneux. Probably not, and therefore in both 
 directions we must insist that a heavy instalment of 
 our fees shall be paid in advance. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (lightly) Then we chance it ? 
 
 Molyneux. (lightly) We chance it. 
 
 (Byles comes in from up l.) 
 Byles. Lady Marjorie Hillborn. 
 
 (Lady Marjorie comes on.) 
 
24 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (rises, crosses to up c.) Good 
 morning, dear ; you found your way ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Yes, I did ; there was no one at 
 the station to help me to do it. 
 
 (Byles goes out.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. You're only just ahead of your 
 wire, and we happened to be busy. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. You're Mrs. Molyneux, I sup- 
 pose ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes ; this is Mr. Molyneux. 
 (Molyneux steps up.) 
 Won't you sit down ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. No ; I sat down all the time I 
 was in the train. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. One generally does. 
 
 (Lady Marjorie crosses down slowly below settee l. 
 Mrs. Molyneux turns to Molyneux, who steps 
 to her.) 
 
 walks down with Molyneux) Stanhope, Lady 
 Marjorie and I will have to go through the usual pre- 
 liminaries ; so if you've anything to do you may as 
 well go and do it. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes ; I. think I'll get into some 
 different clothes. As matters stand, half mourning 
 would meet the case ; in fact (crosses towards l.), 
 in my present frame of mind, grey trousers would be 
 a safety valve, (from door down R.) How soon shall 
 I come back ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (glancing at Lady Marjorie, 
 
ActL] THE BEAR LEADERS. 25 
 
 who is strolling about the room) I fancy ten minutes 
 ought to see us through. 
 
 Molyneux. All right. 
 
 (He (joes.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. [goes up c. They both look 
 at one another) Now then, Lady Marjorie, we'd 
 better begin to know each other 
 
 Lady Marjorie. I'm not going to like you. 
 (looks away) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I wouldn't be too sure of that, 
 (look bus.) Sit down ; you can dislike me more 
 comfortably in a sitting position. 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux makes a gesture. Lady Molyneux 
 
 looks at her mutinously for a minute, and then sits.) 
 That's better. Well, now, what's all this about ? 
 What's the matter with you ? (looks at her examining 
 her) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. According to Grandmama I'm 
 impossible. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. That's understood — if you 
 weren't impossible I shouldn't have had the pleasure 
 of making your acquaintance ; in what special way 
 impossible ? 
 
 Lady Molyneux. Grandmama gave me this 
 letter for you. 
 
 (She takes out a letter, looks at and Mrs. Molyneux 
 takes letter, opens it, and reads it.) 
 
 I believe it contains references as to character 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. All right ; I'll look at it. Ah 
 
26 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 
 
 yes, I see ; finishing school left you — rather un- 
 finished—a violent temper. How violent ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. My temper gets out of hand 
 sometimes. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (looks at letter) And you are 
 apt to lie on your back and tap the floor with your 
 heels ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. I've known it happen. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Well, it mustn't happen here ; 
 our carpets are beaten when they need it — in the 
 regular way. (looks at letter. Lady Marjorie 
 looks at audience) You break china, don't you ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (looks at her) I have broken 
 china. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. We don't encourage china 
 breaking ; my maid-servants do all that is necessary 
 in that direction. Jane doesn't write very dis- 
 tinctly ; but from what I can make out, you don't 
 want to be married. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. No, I don't. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. There seems to be a Sir Kennedy 
 Loonies, (looking at letter) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Beast ! 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. What? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (looks up) I meant Sir Ken- 
 nedy Loomes. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I'm glad to hear it. Have 
 you seen Loomes— in the flesh ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Yes, but he hasn't any flesh ; 
 he's a long dismal parliamentary brute. 
 
Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. $? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. He might grow on you. 
 Lady Marjorie. Perhaps he might ; he looks 
 like a kind of fungus. I don't want to" marry any- 
 body ; I'm not fit for it. ' , - 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Are you conceited enough to 
 suppose that you're fit for anything else ? I gather 
 Sir Kennedy Loomes led up to the china episode ? 
 (looking at letter) 
 Lady Marjorie. Yes. , 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux (glancing at letter) Two expensive 
 vases. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. {looks at Mrs. Molyneux) 
 And an oriental salad bowl, (to audience) I wanted 
 to go out into the world and lead my own life. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (putting back letter in envelope) 
 Ah, you've been reading the wrong kind of novel. 
 You belong to a great family and a great family has 
 to pay its duties — life duties and death duties. So, 
 on the whole, I'm afraid you'll have to reconsider 
 (shaking letter at her) Sir Kennedy Loomes. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (looking at Mrs. Molyneux.) 
 I want to lead my own life. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes. Well, for the present 
 you've got to lead it with me ; and I have a pre- 
 ference for leading it quietly. 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux rises, goes up by r. end of settee r., 
 pauses, then goes up back of settee r. towards bell. 
 Mrs. Molyneux, after ringing bell, comes toback of 
 settee, leans over back of it r. of her.) 
 
28 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 
 
 If you choose to fall into line you'll find me easy 
 going enough (rings bell), if you don't you will lead 
 your own life in your own room — which is simply 
 furnished with nothing in it valuable except the 
 cheval glass — and if you break that your luck will 
 speedily follow, (crosses towards (c.) Now you'd 
 better have a brush up, and then we'll go and buy 
 you 'something human to wear ; the hat is well 
 intentioned, but it won't do at all. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (rises) Won't it ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No, it won't. 
 
 (Byles comes in.) 
 
 Show Lady Marjorie Hillborn to her room. 
 
 (Lady Marjorie looks at Mrs. Molyneux rebelliously 
 for a moment. Mrs. Molyneux makes a gesture: 
 Lady Marjorie then turns up stage, looks at Mrs. 
 Molyneux over her r. shoulder, and sulkily out.) 
 
 (Molyneux enters hastily by door r. He has put on 
 a fancy waistcoat and grey trousers ; he is also 
 wearing a fink carnation in his buttonhole. Mrs. 
 Molyneux goes up, looks after Lady Marjorie.) 
 
 Molyneux. Well, dear ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (over her shoulder) I shall 
 make a job of her. 
 
 Molyneux. (goes up to r. of her) I suppose you 
 didn't say anything to Lady Marjorie about the 
 future Duke ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (turns to him) No, 1 didn't 
 
ActL] THE BEAR LEADERS. 29 
 
 think there was any hurry for that ; she won't take 
 to him. 
 
 Molyneux. You think not ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Oh no ; she isn't out to like 
 anybody ; she'll end by loathing him quite as 
 thoroughly as she does you and me. 
 
 Molyneux. (relieved) Ah well, that's reassuring. 
 (crosses r.) 
 
 (Byles comes in. Mrs. Molyneux turns up to 
 table R.c, puts down letter.) 
 
 Byles. Mr. Beckton. 
 
 (Beckton comes on. Byles goes out.) 
 
 Beckton. Hullo, man ! you're at home and 
 visible ; that's a bit of luck. 
 
 Molyneux. (comes towards them) So you've 
 forced your way in again, Beckton, you're worse than 
 water rates. 
 
 Beckton. You trot away, old chap (waving 
 him off), andj^leave the Missus and me to talk busi- 
 ness. Why ain't you at Newmarket ? 
 
 Molyneux. I am at home nursing a wounded 
 heart. 
 
 Beckton. Judgin' by the look of you, you seem 
 to be buckin' up— what ? Throwin' things off — 
 your black trousers in particular. 
 
 Molyneux. One can't mourn for ever ! (goes 
 up R. of settee r. to fire) 
 
 Beckton. (takes her arm coaxinghj) Now look 
 here, Mam, are you goin' to take pity on the Dook ? 
 
30 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I., 
 
 Remember he's an old man with one big toe in the 
 grave ; will you take this young bear cub in hand 
 and make somethin' of him, and give Grosvenor 
 Square a chance of simmering down. 
 
 (Molyneux puts newspaper on back of settee r.c.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. What's his name ? (she sits 
 chair by table r.c.) 
 
 Beckton. Petworth. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Christian name ? 
 
 Beckton. Edward. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Edward — well, as he's a bear 
 cub we'd better call him Teddy. 
 
 Beckton. (laughs) As to terms, Mam ? 
 (Molyneux comes down a little.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Terms ? Oh — a free hand— 
 and a blank cheque, (glancing at Molyneux) Eh ? 
 
 Molyneux. (at back of settee r.) Both are abso- 
 lutely essential. 
 
 Beckton. That's perfectly all right ; the Dook 
 wouldn't limit you in any way. 
 
 (Molyneux crosses back to the fire.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Where is the future Dukelet ? 
 Have you got him about you ? 
 
 Beckton. He's downstairs in a taxi ; I'll fetch 
 him up. 
 
 (He goes wp l. off hastily.) 
 Molyneux. (to back of settee R. across table r.c. to 
 Mrs. Molyneux.) Well, we've burnt our boats 
 
Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 31 
 
 now, and vve must hope for the best; everything is 
 blank at present. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (across l. of table r.c.) Includ- 
 ing the cheque, (looks up at him) 
 
 Mojlyneux: Ah, exactly ; that was a timely 
 reminder. I shall have to settle with Beckton ; but 
 you know ii' the two young people took an infernal 
 fancy to eacli other it would be heart-breaking. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Nothing about Lady Marjorie 
 will lead to any kind of heart-breaking ; china is 
 more in her line. 
 
 (Beckton comes in up l. bringing Edward Petworth 
 with him. Mrs. Molyneux rises.) 
 
 Beckton. Here he is. Petworth, this is Mrs. 
 Molyneux ; and, incidentally, that is Mr. Molyneux. 
 Make them a graceful bow. 
 
 (Petworth bo ws a irk wardly and drops his hat. Moly- 
 neux comes down R. of settee r. to front of it.) 
 
 Ah, take care of the pretty hat ! (aside to Mrs. 
 Molyneux) We're feelin' a little shy at first ; but 
 you'll put that right — I'll leave him to you. Oh, 
 by the bye — on the chance of findin' you I wrote a 
 note with a few family directions in it — they won't 
 cramp you — there you are. (gives letter to her) 
 Good-bye, young fella ; mind you do every thin' that 
 Mrs. Molly tells you, and wait till she tells you before 
 you do it. (crosses up l.) 
 
 Molyneux. I shall want two words with you in 
 the library, Beckton. 
 
32 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 
 
 Beckton. You can have three, old chap, if you'll 
 collect 'em at once, because I'm in a bit of a hurry. 
 
 (Beckton goes up to door. Molyneux crosses, 
 turns to Pet worth.) 
 
 Molyneux. [from r. of him, then crosses him to 
 l. of him) I don't think we've shaken hands yet. 
 I'm delighted to know you. How are you ? 
 
 (They shake hands. Petworth again drops his hat.) 
 
 Ah, my fault, (they both stoop to pick it up) § 
 Beckton. He's very reckless with that pretty 
 
 hat. Come along, Molly. 
 Molyneux. I'm with you. 
 
 (They go off.) 
 
 (Slight pause. Mrs. Molyneux watches them off, 
 she and Petworth look at one another ; she smiles 
 at him ; gradually the shy hunted look in his face is 
 replaced by a sheepish grin.) 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Well, Mr. Petworth, friendship 
 
 isn't built in ten minutes — so we won't waste time. 
 
 Could you nerve yourself to come and sit here ? 
 Petworth. Yes. (advances to settee) 
 Mrs. Molyneux. The only thing is : do we 
 
 really want the hat ? 
 
 (He pauses, looks about, and puts it d,own on chair up 
 l. of table up c.) 
 
 That's right ; if somebody sits on it — it may be all 
 
 for the best. Now come along and we'll see where 
 
 we are. 
 
Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 33 
 
 (He (joes over and sits by her.) 
 
 How old are you, Edward ? 
 
 Petworth. I say, don't call me Edward — Edward 
 sounds beastly. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Then we'll make a short cut to 
 Teddy. How old are you, Teddy ? 
 
 Petworth. Twenty- two. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Twenty-two ; that's a ripe 
 age. Would you like to smoke ? . I suppose you do 
 smoke ? 
 
 Petworth. Oh yes, I smoke, (produces cigarette 
 case — ivhich he opens) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Ah ! wrong kind of cigarette 
 case. 
 
 Petworth. Is it ? (holds it open towards her) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, and not quite the right 
 brand of cigarettes. 
 
 Petworth. Aren't they ? (puts case back in his 
 pocket) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No ; but I see Mr. Molyneux 
 has left his case, and 1 believe bis cigarettes are 
 smokable. 
 
 Petworth. (taking one) Bags 1 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. What ? 
 
 Petworth. I said, bags I (he lights cigarette) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. How do you like the notion of 
 being a duke — later on ? 
 
 Petworth. It's beastly, (blows out match) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Why beastly? 
 
U THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 
 
 Petworth. It's such an awful fag ; you see if my 
 people — specially the mater — had had any notion 
 when I was a kid that I'd got this ahead of me — I 
 expect it would have meant Eton — and Oxford ; as 
 it is, Beckton says I'm slack baked. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. We'll put you in our oven for a 
 bit and see what happens. What's your temper 
 like ? 
 
 Pet worth. My late governor used to say I had a 
 sulky temper. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. You wouldn't be sulky with 
 me. 
 
 Petworth. Oh no, I'm going to like you. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Are you ? That's all right. 
 How long have you known about your change of 
 prospects ? 
 
 Petworth. The family lawyer sent for me about 
 six months ago; he's a blighter. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Is he ? 
 
 Petworth. Yes, but thank goodness he's a busy 
 blighter ; so Tve been seein' life. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (looks at him) Have you ? 
 What kind of life ? (he grins) Don't mind me ; 
 what kind of life ? 
 
 Petworth. I dunno. Life. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I see. {smiles at him) Fond 
 of the theatres ? 
 
 Petworth. Some. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Shakespeare ? 
 
 Petworth. Not much. 
 
Act i. 
 
 THE BEAR LEADERS. 
 
 35 
 
 something 
 
 with 
 
 And a few dozen girls ? 
 
 with a smile at him] 
 
 don't 
 
 Nothing- 
 
 present 
 1 think 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yon prefer 
 music in it ? 
 
 Petworth. Yes. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. 
 
 Petworth. No ; 
 care for girls. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. 
 that flaps ? 
 
 Petworth. Nothing that flaps. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I see, well, under 
 circumstances perhaps that's just as well. 
 I'll read this letter of Horace Beckton's if you don't 
 mind ; it's about you. 
 
 Petworth. Is it ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. {reading) " Dear Mrs. Molly. — 
 just a hint or two — first on behalf of his anxious 
 mother — not too much latch key (he smiles), and he's 
 to wear thick jaeger during the autumn and winter 
 months." {his smile jades) Ah, that's in Mr. 
 Molyneux's department, (again reads) " Now on 
 
 behalf of the Duke His Grace feels that the 
 
 family gingerbread wants a little re-gilding — and 
 that the cablet." (turning to Petworth) You're 
 the cublet. 
 
 Petworth. (gloomily) Cheek ! 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (again reading) " The cublet 
 had better marry money — and do it quick. So will 
 you please be at home to Lady Tuddenham ? Tud- 
 denham made a million or so out of something domes- 
 ticated — I think stair carpets ; but, anyhow, there's 
 
30 TH E BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 
 
 a providential daughter — will you take her and 
 Master Teddy by the scruffs of their necks and knock 
 their silly heads together. Your devoted slave. — 
 H. Beckton." (she looks up at him, he turns and 
 looks at her) 
 
 Petworth. What does he blessed well mean ? 
 (cigarette out) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (right at him) You're to wear 
 thick jaeger during the autumn and winter months, 
 and you're to marry Miss Tuddenham — that's what 
 he blessed well means. 
 
 Petworth. (jumps up impulsively, goes to her) 
 
 But — you see, old dear (backs a little) You don't 
 
 mind my calling you old dear ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Not at all ; 1 like it. (she 
 moves to r. end of settee, motions him to sit by her) 
 
 Petworth. (he does so) I hate the notion of 
 marrying this Tuddenham girl, (with hope) Of 
 course there's an off chance she might feel the same 
 about me. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. You're going to be a duke ; 
 1 wouldn't build on it. 
 
 Petworth. Rotten luck having to be a duke. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. You must face your misfortunes 
 like a man. At one time there was a popular institu- 
 tion called the Pillory, in which criminals were pelted 
 with everything that came [to hand. Nowadays the 
 Pillory is reserved for the best people, (hand on 
 his arm) You've got to be a Duke, so you'll have to 
 
Act L I THE BEAR LEADERS. 37 
 
 face the stones, and the broken bottles, and eggs that 
 are over- due. 
 
 Pet worth. I suppose I shall get the hang of it in 
 time. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Of course you will ; we'll see 
 to that. Oh, I may as well tell you we have a girl 
 staying with us — she's in your way of business — 
 grand-daughter of a countess — Lady^ Marjorie Hill- 
 born — a nice girl, but rather quick-tempered. 
 
 Pet worth. Oh. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes. If she should happen to 
 throw a plate at your head you mustn't take any 
 notice ; it's only her way. 
 
 Petworth. Is it ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes ; she wouldn't mean any- 
 thing, (hand on his shoulder ; he turns to her) Well, 
 Teddy, I hope you feel that we shall do our best to 
 make you thoroughly comfortable. 
 
 Petworth. Oh, I do. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. You shall have your latch key, 
 (he smiles again), and then you can start seeing life 
 again ; but, as a rule, I think you'd better try to see 
 it before midnight. 
 
 (Molyneux comes in. She rises, crosses Petworth 
 to Molyneux. Petworth rises.) 
 
 Weil, how about Horace Beckton ? 
 
 Molyneux. (sits on settee l. looking at pocket 
 book) Everything thoroughly satisfactory. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Good. Mr. Petworth has learnt 
 
38 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 
 
 his alphabet, and you can try him with words of 
 one syllable. I must go and look after our other 
 responsibility, (making a movement to up l.) 
 
 Pet worth, {follows her nervously. Goes up to 
 r. of her, cigarette case out) I say, you didn't think 
 my cigarette case was quite the thing ? I shouldn't 
 like Mr. Molyneux to see it ; what shall 1 do with it ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Bags I. (taking it) 
 
 (She goes off up l.) 
 
 (Petworth picks up hat. Molyneux closes book, 
 rises.) 
 
 Molyneux. (clears his throat. Petworth comes 
 down a little. Molyneux goes up l. of him) Well 
 now, Mr. Petworth, we must try to make a duke of 
 you. Let us deal first with essentials. Do you play 
 bridge ? 
 
 Petworth. No. 
 
 Molyneux. Then we'll teach you (touches him), 
 at reasonable points. Billiards ? 
 
 Petworth. No. 
 
 Molyneux. (he needn't repine) Well, you needn't 
 be discouraged ; the same principle applies. Golf ? 
 
 Petworth. I went round the links once. 
 
 Molyneux. That hardly amounts to proficiency. 
 (pause) You don't seem to play anything — with 
 the possible exception of hopscotch. 
 
 Petworth. I have played hopscotch. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes, but even if you were in the first 
 flight it would hardly secure you an entry into the 
 
Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 39 
 
 best houses, (brushes his moustache) Now then for 
 preliminary drill, (drill sergeant) Do me the favour 
 to hold yourself up and face me. (Pet worth does 
 so.) Oh dear ! oh dear ! oh dear ! 
 
 Petworth. What's wrong, sir ? 
 
 Molyneux. Everything ! Your trousers are an 
 outrage, but they're better than the coat. Kindly 
 unbutton it. 
 
 (Petworth does so. He looks round, then puts his 
 hat on l. arm of settee R., turns, unbuttons his coat. 
 Molyneux has turned away to wipe his eyeglass, 
 then turns to Petworth — Bus. when he sees waist- 
 coat.) 
 
 Oh, gracious goodness ! What's that ? 
 
 Petworth. The waistcoat ; the tailor sold it to 
 me for a waistcoat. 
 
 Molyneux. May Heaven forgive him. (hope- 
 lessly) Kindly turn round. (Petworth does so) 
 Yes, we must get our hair cut immediately ; give me 
 your hand. (Petworth does so) Quite so ; we must 
 be decisively manicured without delay, (crosses to 
 l. settee, sits) 
 
 Petworth. (steps to him irritably) Ain't there 
 anything about me that happens to be right ? 
 
 Molyneux. I haven't noticed anything up to 
 now ; can you ride ? 
 
 Petworth. Ride ? 
 
 Molyneux. Yes, I don't mean roundabouts at a 
 village fair — a horse ? 
 
40 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 
 
 Pet worth. No. 
 
 Molyneux. I thought not — well he backs up 
 
 a bit) There is one creditable thing about you — you're 
 most beautifully consistent. Dear me, I'm forgetting 
 the most important point of all — the regulation 
 of your pocket money. Are you well provided at 
 present ? 
 
 Pet worth, (searching his pockets and produces 
 half a sovereign) Half a sovereign, {produces some 
 silver out of trousers pocket) Three half-crowns — and 
 {diving into another pocket) threepence in coppers — 
 seventeen and nine. 
 
 Molyneux. Seventeen and ninepence. What 
 have you done with the rest of it ? 
 
 Petworth. I dunno. (on the defensive) I've 
 been seeing life, and it comes a bit expensive. 
 
 Molyneux. When will the next quarter's allow- 
 ance be due ? 
 
 Petworth. It's about due now. 
 
 Molyneux. (rises) Then write to the lawyers by 
 the next post. You see, what you want is social 
 polish ; you must be taught the art which is not 
 acquired in a moment — of giving the right kind of 
 restaurant dinner to a friend. For the first week or 
 so (ready to sacrifice himself) you can practise on 
 me. (look from Petworth.) We might have begun 
 to-night ; but seventeen and ninepence ties our 
 hands. 
 
 Petworth. The lawyers are mean blighters. 
 
 Molyneux. Are they ! That's a pity. 
 
Act I.J THE BEAR LEADERS. 41 
 
 (Molyneux from l. of him takes Pet worth's arm; 
 they go down a little R.c. together.) 
 
 Because, as it happens, I have a free evening, and the 
 purchase of a couple of stalls at the Gaiety would 
 have been a useful experience for you — and a bit of 
 supper afterwards would have rounded it off. {turns 
 up stage c.) 
 
 (Petworth goes down R. below r. end of settee r.) 
 
 But there's no scope in seventeen and ninepence. 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux comes on dressed for out of doors — 
 
 followed by Lady Marjorie similarly attired. 
 
 Lady Marjorie crosses down l.) 
 
 Well, dear, there you are — going out ? 
 
 (The cubs stare at one another;) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, I've been looking through 
 her wardrobe ; none of it's any good. So we've got 
 a busy afternoon before us. 
 
 Molyneux. My own duties are identical, (he goes 
 to Mrs. Molyneux) 1 suppose they'd better know 
 each other ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, they'll have to. (goes to 
 Lady Marjorie — Molyneux goes to Petworth) 
 Lady Marjorie, this is Mr. Edward Petworth ; he's 
 going to be a duke, but that's not his fault ; he's 
 staying with us at present, so will you try to be 
 moderately civil to him ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. I hate being civil to people ; 
 I'm not used to it. 
 
42 THE RE4H LEADERS. [Act I. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (hands on her shoulders) No ; 
 but you'll make an exception in his favour. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Why ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (turns her round and pushes 
 her up c.) Because I wish it. (to Molyneux, she 
 goes down l.) Ask Teddy to step this way. 
 
 Molyneux. (from l. of him) Go forward and 
 greet Lady Marjorie Hillborn. (there is a pause) 
 What are you waiting for ? 
 
 Pet worth, (aside) I hate girls. 
 
 Molyneux. There's no objection to that ; but 
 surely you can hate her like a gentleman, (mous- 
 tache bus.) Now then, advance with an air of 
 careless haughtiness. 
 
 (Petworth crouches round slowly to centre. During 
 this Mrs. Molyneux has motioned Lady Marjorie 
 to go to centre.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (to Mrs. Molyneux) What's 
 the matter with the young idiot ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. He doesn't care for girls. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Oh, doesn't he ? 
 (The (j look at one another without speaking for a second 
 or two.) 
 
 Petworth. (in a low voice) How arc you ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. What ? 
 
 Petworth. (still in a low voice) How are you ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Speak up ; I can't hear you. 
 
 Petworth. (very loudly) How are you ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (looks at him) Oh, well, if you 
 
Act I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 43 
 
 want to know I'm feeling bored — and tired. I've just 
 come off a railway journey. I've no wish to be 
 introduced to any new acquaintances, and on the 
 whole I should like to go to bed. 
 
 Petworth. I shouldn't think any new acquaint- 
 ance would care to baulk you. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (looks at him) I once threw a 
 Dresden 'cup at the head of a new acquaintance who 
 was rude. 
 
 Petworth. Did you ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Yes, and I picked the shins of 
 another new acquaintance for the same reason ; 
 he was a clergyman ; it was the second time we met. 
 
 Petworth. Was there a third time ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. No. 
 
 Petworth. I'm not surprised. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (bus. and a light pause before 
 she speaks) I'm told you don't like girls. 
 
 Petworth. There are girls — and girls — but take 
 'em all round I hate the lot. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Ah, well, as it happens I loathe 
 schoolboys. 
 
 Petworth. I'm not a schoolboy, (movement 
 towards them from Mrs. Molyneux.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (face to face) 1 particularly 
 loathe boys who aren't at school — and ought to be. 
 (Mrs. Molyneux goes.) 
 
 Petworth. Look here, you know. 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux pulls her round to l. of herself. 
 
44 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act I. 
 
 Molyneux pulls Petworth round to r. of himself.) 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I think that'll do for the pre- 
 sent. Call Teddy off, will you ? Sorry to inter- 
 rupt the duet, but you're both getting a little out of 
 tune. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. I gave him one for himself, and 
 I hope you liked it. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. It doesn't worry me in the very 
 least. 
 
 (During this Molyneux has pushed and guided 
 Pet worth over to r.) 
 
 Petworth. But, here I say. (Mrs. Molyneux 
 goes slowly up c.) 
 
 Molyneux. Yes — but don't say it. 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux and Molyneux come together c.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Very satisfactory for a begin- 
 ning. 
 
 Molyneux. Nothing could be more so. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. So I think — till dinner then. 
 
 Molyneux. Till dinner. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Come along, Lady Marjorie. 
 (goes up to door up l.) We'll go and buy you some 
 clothes. 
 
 Molyneux. Petworth, follow me, (crosses below 
 Petworth to door down c.) 
 
 (As they are going in opposite directions, Petworth 
 and Lady Marjorie turn and glare at each other.) 
 
 Curtain. 
 
ACT II. 
 
 Six weeks later. 
 
 Scene. — Same as Act I. Time — afternoon. 
 
 (Edward Petworth is lying on lounge r. smoking 
 and reading " The Sporting Times." He is more 
 carefully dressed and groomed than in Act I. 
 
 Molyneux enters hastily — and irritably from up L.) 
 
 Molyneux. There you are. (from down L.c. 
 looking at his watch over to fire) Why the devil 
 didn't you turn up at the Carlton ? 
 
 Petworth. (on settee r. puts down paper) You 
 said the Savoy, (over his shoulder) 
 
 Molyneux. Nothing of the kind. I waited till 
 two, thirty, and then lunched frugally at my own 
 expense ; meanwhile I daresay you did yourself 
 thoroughly well at the Savoy. 
 
 Petworth. (lowering his feet to the ground) You 
 told me to live up to my future position. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes, but I never told you to live 
 up to it by yourself, solitary drinking is a disgusting 
 vice — solitary eating is almost as bad. Lady Tudden- 
 ham and Miss Tuddenham will call on us for the 
 first time this afternoon. 
 
 45 
 
4G THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 
 
 Petworth. (rises, goes round settee r. to fire) 
 Oh, blister Miss Tuddenham ! (scowls) 
 
 Molyneux. (fires up) Blister Miss Tuddenham ? 
 Miss Tuddenham is a charming, nice-minded, wealthy 
 girl. Suppose it had been your ghastly destiny to 
 marry Lady Marjorie Hillborn, how would you have 
 liked that ? 
 
 Petworth. (scowl changes into smile) I dunno? 
 (thinks) 
 
 Molyneux. Think of her temper ! 
 
 Petworth. Most of 'em have got a temper. 
 
 Molyneux. But such a plain girl — especially in 
 profile — don't you think so ? (slight pause) 
 
 (Petworth looks up and then away.) 
 
 Petworth. I dunno. 
 
 Molyneux. (goes a little l.) All this is by the 
 way. (turns to Petworth from c.) the burning 
 question — the (turns on him) — ah — scorching question 
 is — what have you done with your last quarter's 
 allowance ? 
 
 (Petworth's face falls again.) 
 
 Wehl hardly skimmed it — and you tell me it's gone. 
 
 Petworth. (goes down to front of settee r. by l. 
 of it) I suppose there was a time — long ago — when 
 you were young yourself. 
 
 Molyneux. The period is not so remote as to 
 put a heavy strain on my memory, (turns away a 
 little) 
 
IL] THE BEAU LEADERS. 47 
 
 Petworth. Oh. well, it's a woman, 
 
 Molyneux. A woman ! (goes to him) Good 
 heavens ! (sits on settee l. of him) When did you 
 meet her ? (eyeglass down) 
 
 Petworth. While ! was on my own— before I 
 came here. 
 
 MOLYNEUX. Where ? 
 
 Petworth. At the White City, she was waiting 
 for friends; they didn't turn up. 
 
 Molyneux. (eyeglass up) They never do ; what 
 happened then ? 
 
 Petworth. We tobogganed together. 
 
 Molyneux. Ah yes ; the downward path is easy. 
 
 Petworth. She's in business ; she's had money 
 troubles, but she's a perfect lady. 
 
 Molyneux. They always are. Did you write to 
 her ? 
 
 Petworth. Yes. 
 
 Molyneux. Anything that could be twisted 
 into a promise of marriage ? 
 
 Petworth. I suppose it could. 
 
 Molyneux. Well, this news will send the gout 
 straight as the crow flies to the D.uke's stomach ! 
 You became infatuated with this commercial female \ 
 
 Petworth.. That's rot ; I've no use for the com- 
 mercial female at all. 
 
 Molyneux. You've done with her ? 
 
 Petworth. Yes (relief for Molyneux) — but— 
 she hasn't done with me. She's spotted who I 
 really am— future Duke, and all that ; and since 
 
48 THE BEAR LEADERS. |ActII 
 
 she found it out her business seems to have required 
 a lot more capital. 
 
 Molyneux. And you expect me to — ah — sym- 
 pathize ? 
 
 Petworth. No, I don't ; if you'd ever got into 
 this sort of mess, you'd understand ; but one only 
 has to look at you to see you ain't built that way. 
 
 Molyneux. What do you mean ? How dare you 
 imply there is anything in my personality that re- 
 moves me from temptation. 
 
 Petworth. Well, but 
 
 Molyneux. I can tell you — that my life has been 
 interspersed with lurid episodes, {catches Petworth 
 grinning at him) I am speaking in the strictest 
 confidence. 
 
 Petworth. That's all right. 
 
 Molyneux. (points this 'weighty remark) The 
 heaviest fall that can overtake a man is when he 
 catches his foot in a lace petticoat. To give you 
 an instance : during the past year I made the acquain- 
 tance of an outwardly charming woman, and it 
 led 
 
 Petworth. Yes ? (grins) 
 
 Molyneux. I can rely on your discretion ? 
 
 Petworth. Yes. 
 
 Molyneux. It led to — gloves by the score — scent 
 by the bucket — boxes at the theatre in which I was 
 not able to show — ah — myself prominently — suppers 
 — lunches — dinners (ahs) ; that's what it led to. 
 
 Petworth. (wistfully) Flowers cost a bit too. 
 
Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 49 
 
 Molyneux. Not in this case ; it would have 
 been coals to Newcastle — the lady is a florist. 
 
 Petworth. (sits up) A what ? 
 
 Molyneux. A florist ; what of it ? 
 
 Petworth. Well, but (waking up) — my — my — 
 er — — (gets a little nearer to him) 
 
 Molyneux. Entanglement ? 
 
 Petworth. My entanglement is a florist. 
 
 Molyneux. You don't say so ! What is her 
 name ? 
 
 Petworth. It isn't county cricket to mention 
 names ; but you're bound to know sooner or later — 
 her name is Mescale. 
 
 Molyneux. (faintly) Mescale et Cie ? 
 
 Petworth. Yes. 
 
 (Molyneux subsides heavily into settee.) 
 You don't mean to say we're under the same umbrella ? 
 
 Molyneux. I'm afraid we are. 
 
 Petworth. Well, this is a giddy thunderbolt — 
 what? 
 
 Molyneux. 1 feel as if I'd stepped off a tram car 
 prematurely. 
 
 (A second's pause ; the two men look at each other.) 
 
 Petworth. Cheer up, old man. (hope for himself) 
 This is an extraordinary bit of luck. 
 
 Molyneux. I don't perceive it. 
 
 Petworth. Why, if she brought any rotten 
 breach of promise against (Molyneux head up) me, 
 my lawyer could put you in the witness box to prove 
 
 D 
 
50 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 
 
 what kind of light-hearted party she really is — and 
 blow her case as high as a kite — how do you feel 
 about that ? 
 
 (Petworth only thinking of himself.) 
 
 Molyneux. I never heard a more appalling sug- 
 gestion. Think of my social and domestic position. 
 
 Petworth. Oh, but you're responsible for me. 
 And it's your duty 
 
 Molyneux. (rising, goes c.) Duty be damned ! 
 (up in tone) 1 shall have to approach our mutual— 
 er 
 
 Petworth. (rises to stop him) Entanglement. 
 (grins) 
 
 Molyneux. (look at ) Entanglement— 
 
 diplomatically — in our joint interests ; meanwhile, 
 not a whisper to anybody. 
 
 . (Mrs. Molyneux comes in from up l.) 
 
 Petworth. (step to him) Righto ! (their heads 
 are together) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Stanhope. 
 
 (They jump apart.) 
 
 Molyneux. (startled) Yes, dear. 
 
 (Petworth strolls a little r.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. 1 want a word with you before 
 the Tuddenhams arrive. Hullo, Teddy! 
 
 Molyneux. How do you like his get-up ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Does you credit. 
 
 Molyneux. I thought I should please yon. 
 
Act THE BEAR LEADERS. 51 
 
 (Petv/orth goes, picks up "Sporting Times'''' from 
 
 floor.) 
 Any suggestion ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. The coat seems to ruck up a 
 little in the waist. 
 
 Molyneux. It does, {'pulls Petworth's coat 
 tails down violently) That's better. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I'm not sure about the collar. 
 
 Molyneux. Coat collar ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Shirt collar. 
 
 Molyneux. I quite agree with you ; go and put 
 on a butterfly. 
 
 Pet worth, (making movement to go r.) Righto. 
 
 Molyneux. I put you through your tea-table 
 drill yesterday morning, handing cake in the way it 
 should be done. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. He can try it again in his own 
 room with the soap dish, {crosses to settee L., sits l. 
 end of it) 
 
 Pet worth. Righto ! 
 
 (He goes off down r.) 
 
 < Molyneux. Well now, dear — you wanted to 
 speak to me. (he goes up for memo block and pencil) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Only about the ball — Thurs- 
 day evening isn't far off. Can you hunt up a few 
 more dancing men ? 
 
 Molyneux. I'll try. (he comes down to her with 
 memo block) The whole thing's a nuisance. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, but old Jane makes a 
 
52 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 
 
 point of it ; she wants Lady Marjorie to come out 
 before the season's over. 
 
 Molyneux. Of course it will only be a " small 
 and early " on Thursday ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. We needn't tell Jane that. 
 
 Molyneux. Oh no — as to the supper ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. That can be small and early ; 
 will you go and arrange a contract with Pastarelli ? 
 
 Molyneux. (sits r. of Mrs. Molyneux on settee 
 l.) How many shall we be? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. About two hundred. 
 
 Molyneux. Two hundred. Ah, then we'd better 
 say supper for — ah — fifty. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I should make it seventy; 
 we ought to do the thing well. 
 
 Molyneux. Perhaps you're right, (pointing this) 
 We are on egg-shell china over this ball. Beckton 
 will met Lady Marjorie. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. He hates dancing ; he won't 
 stay long. 
 
 Molyneux. She ought to be under lock and key 
 while the Tuddenhams are here to-day. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I'll see to that. 
 
 Molyneux. When is her man, Sir Kennedy 
 Loonies, likely to turn up ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. In a day or two ; he's been 
 abroad, when he comes you must take Teddy out. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes, I say — we don't want old 
 Felgate on Thursday. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No. 
 
Act] I.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 53 
 
 Molyneux. (telling the news about Felgate) 
 He only drops in at inconvenient moments to tell us 
 the will hasn't been found. Anything else ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Call at Stimpson & Waygroves ; 
 I suppose we must hire the tiara again. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes ! (making note) Which — ah— 
 tiarah ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. The small one ; the big one 
 looks pasty, and has a habit of falling over my left 
 eyebrow. 
 
 Molyneux. How about palms and flowers ? 
 {rises) Shall 1 call at ((joes up to table c.) 'Fresh- 
 field's? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No ; Ittiline Daleborough put 
 me on to a new shop. 
 
 Molyneux. Ah, splendid ! (tears page out of 
 memo block, puts memo block on table) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Mescale's. 
 
 Molyneux. (stops suddenly as though shot, goes 
 back to page of memo tablet in his hand) What name 
 did you say, dear ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Mescale ; just off Piccadilly. 
 
 Molyneux. (puts paper in his pocket, takes out 
 his handkerchief) Ah, well, yes ; but surely it's 
 rather unfair to Freshfield. (wipes his forehead) 
 He has his faults, but, after all, Freshfield must live 
 — and (fainting a little, waves handkerchief) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. What's the matter with you? 
 Did you let yourself go at lunch ? 
 
 Molyneux. No, a chop and a pint bottle of Pil- 
 
54 THE BEAR LEADERS. [ActIX 
 
 sener ; I lunched alone (stronger), but reverting to 
 Freshfield— — 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (rises) Look here, Stanhope, 
 bother Freshfield, I'm going to deal with Mescale. 
 
 Molyneux. Well, you're running a risk ; her 
 charges may be impossible ; anyhow, I'd better go 
 there and ascertain. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. You needn't do anything of 
 the sort ; I've written to the woman to come here 
 this afternoon. 
 
 Molyneux. Good heavens ! But 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. It's all right ; leave the florist 
 to me. Now you'd better get along. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes, dear, certainly ; I'll go — 
 immediately. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. And when you come back, I 
 should lie down for half an hour and sleep ofr the 
 Pilsener, or you'll frighten the Tuddenhams. 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux goes off down l.) 
 Molyneux. (crosses round to r. and then up, 'putting 
 his notebook away) At this moment nothing would 
 be so welcome to me as an earthquake 
 
 (Lady Marjorie enters up l.) 
 or failing that an inundation, (he turns up and 
 meets Lady Marjorie, who has come on at back) 
 
 Lady Marjorie (pause when they are face to 
 face) Hullo, old Molly, (she faces audience) 
 
 Molyneux. (backs to chair) Old Molly ! I 
 must remind you. (she tries not to smile at him) — 
 
Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 55 
 
 not for the first time — that it's your duty to treat me 
 with a degree of respect almost amounting to — ah — 
 deference ; it is your duty to — ah 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Have you ever had your shins 
 kicked under the table ? 
 
 Molyneux. Never ; why ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. I only asked the question., 
 
 Molyneux. Ah, attend to me ; in a few days the 
 unhappy gentleman who is to be your future husband 
 will be back in England. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Stupid old Kennedy Loonies. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes, stupid old — 1 mean Sir Kennedy 
 Loonies ; and if he dines with us and there is any 
 skin -kicking under the table, you will be carried 
 shrieking to your own apartment by the butler. 
 (butlah) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. I don't like the dye you use for 
 your moustache. 
 
 Molyneux. (quickly puts his hand over his mouth) 
 How dare you ! 
 
 Lady Marjorie. It's darker than nature, and 
 you've left a white line at the roots, like spats on a 
 patent leather boot, 
 
 Molyneux. You are one of the most impertinent 
 (she smiles) and ungrateful girls in the universe. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Ungrateful ? 
 
 Molyneux. You sneer at Sir Kennedy Loonies, 
 but suppose you'd had to marry Edward Petworth— 
 
 (She smiles to herself.) 
 
56 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II 
 
 who is singularly ill-favoured — and has a brain which 
 causes deep anxiety to all his friends. Poor Edward 
 Petworth. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. You mean Teddy kins, (crosses 
 and sits on settee l.) 
 
 Molyneux. Teddykins ! ! Return to your room, 
 which you should not have quitted. 
 
 (Byles enters hastily.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (smiles) I mean to stay here 
 and shock the Tuddenhams. 
 
 (Molyneux, about to continue, crosses to.) 
 
 Byles. You're wanted on the telephone, sir. 
 
 Molyneux. I'll come, (to Lady Marjorie) 
 Go back to your room. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (smiles) Shan't. 
 
 Molyneux. Disgusting ! (step to c.) 
 
 Byles. They seemed rather impatient, sir. 
 
 Molyneux. I'm coming ; I shall return imme- 
 diately, (step tip, then repeats " immediately ") 
 
 (Then he goes off up l. hastily, followed by Byles. 
 
 (Lady Marjorie dances a quiet triumphant waltz 
 round the room to up c. After a second or two 
 Petworth enters from r.) 
 
 Petworth. Hello ! Getting into form for 
 Thursday ! 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Yes, that's it. (she sits on 
 
Act II. 1 THE BEAR LEADERS. 57 
 
 lounge R.) ■ I should like a few minutes' conversation 
 with your Grace that is to be. Pray be sweated. 
 (indicating other end of lounge) 
 
 Petworth (goes to her, looking at lounge, little 
 surprise) All right ! {stops, gets behind r. arm of 
 settee r.) but mind if I come within range — Soccer 
 rules, not Rugger — no hacking. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. I haven't got a hack in me. 
 
 {Petworth makes as though to sit on settee r. ; she 
 makes a movement, uncrosses her legs. He sits r. 
 of her, puts his feet away from her.) 
 
 Petworth. Good ! {pause, they look at each 
 other) Well ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. How pretty you look! Is that 
 all in honour of the Tuddenhams ? 
 
 Petworth. I say, Pax. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Pax it is. {moves his legs) 
 Teddy, the Molyneuxs are having a little game 
 with us. 
 
 Petworth. {little movement) I fancy they are. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. I've found out things ; y on and 
 I are to be kept apart for reasons of stats ; {finding 
 fault with him as a relation) it seems that years ago 
 your great-uncle behaved very badly to my grand- 
 mother. 
 
 Petworth. Did he ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Yes, the Mollys had no business 
 to take us both on at the same time, and there'd 
 
58 THE BEAR LEADERS. IActTT. 
 
 be an awful row if they were found out, An'] that's 
 why they want to put us against each other. 
 
 PETWORTH. I S33. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (with a mischievous smile) 
 That's why Molly pointed out to m.3 
 
 Petworth. Yes ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. That you are singularly ill- 
 favoured, and have a brain which oaiB33 d esp anxiety 
 to all your friends. 
 
 Petworth. Did he? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. He did. 
 
 Petworth. (gives her as good as she gave him) 
 Ah ! then that was the reason he said to ni3 that 
 you were such a plain girl — 
 
 (She turns away from him frowning.) 
 especially in profile. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Did he ? 
 
 Petworth. He did. (slight pause) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Molly's a bsast. 
 
 Petworth. Well, that's their game, (gets nearer 
 to her) What's our game ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (to him) Our game is to 
 spoil their game ; when you and I were introduced 
 to each other it wasn't — on my side — a case of love 
 at first sight. 
 
 Petworth. Same here. 
 
 (She looks at him.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Your new way of doing your 
 hair has partly changed my feelings, but m / affections 
 are well in hand. 
 
Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 59 
 
 Petworth. Same here. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Still, it seems a pity to waste 
 the chance of a general kick up ; and so, Edward 
 dearest, on Thursday evening I will give you six, or 
 possibly seven dances. 
 
 Petworth. Make it seven. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. And we can sit out the rest ; 
 I think that ought to make things comfortable ; 
 it's very sporting' of me, because I can see, by the 
 look of you, you can't dance for nuts. 
 
 Petworth. In our parties at home I was con- 
 sidered rather a dab at it. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (loohs at him, gets up) Well, 
 
 get iip and let's try. 'Now then, don't tread on my 
 
 feet and don't fall over your own. (they wiltz ovsr 
 
 to l.c.) Not bad ; let yourself go a little more. 
 
 (they dance up c. rather more vigorously) 
 
 (Molyneux enters from up l. arid surveys them ivith 
 horror.) 
 
 Molyneux. What the devil is the meaning of 
 this ? (follows them down r.c. round a little) Release 
 him. (touches her) Unhand (touches him) her at 
 once ; you're turning my drawing-room into H imp- 
 stead Heath on a Bank Holiday. 
 
 (They ultimately stop dancing. Molyneux turns her 
 round. Lady Marjorie twists and sits on settee l.) 
 
 .(to Lady Marjorie) Retire — ah — to your room. 
 Lady Marjorie. Shan't. 
 
60 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 
 
 Byles enters up l. Molyneux turns to Petworth, 
 
 who is c.) 
 
 Byles. Mr. Beckton. 
 
 (Beckton comes in.) 
 
 Molyneux. Oh, damn ! (turns up.) My dear 
 Beckton. How are you ? 
 
 (They shake hands.) 
 
 Beckton. Fairly ^so-so.^ (turns, looks at Mirjorie.) 
 Molyneux pulls him across himself sayinq, "Edward", 
 Oh yes, there he is. (nods and crosses to Petworth, 
 looks him up and down, shakes hands with Petworth. 
 Molyneux turns to Marjorie, .motions to her.) 
 
 Molyneux. Yes, what do you think of him? 
 
 Beckton. (turns to Molyneux, who turns to him) 
 Quite good; he's coming on nicaly. (turns, looks at 
 Marjorie again) Who's the young lady ? 
 
 Molyneux. (taking him a little aside and speaking 
 confidentially) She's a poor afflicted girl — very 
 eccentric — and unmanageable ; we're looking after 
 her from kindly motives. 
 
 Beckton. I follow. 
 
 (Molyneux goes rapidly to Lady Marjorie.) 
 
 Molyneux. Now, will you go to your room like a 
 lady? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Who is that man? What 
 were you muttering to him just now ? 
 
 Molyneux. (to her) I suppose I can mutter to a 
 
Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 61 
 
 friend in my own house, (she holes l.) T don' 
 wish to employ force (taking her by the R. arm), butt 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (rises, fulling atvmj from him) 
 Don't touch me ! How dare you take hold of my 
 arm ! 
 
 Beckton. (looking round) Hullo ! 
 
 (Molyneux turns and winks at him and touches his 
 forehead with his finger.) 
 
 Molyneux. Obey me at once. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. I shan't ! I shan't ! I shan't ! 
 (throws him off, turns to Mrs. Molyneux, her mice 
 rises to a crescendo) 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux comes in from down l.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. What's the matter ? 
 
 Molyneux. The matter is 
 
 Lady Marjorie. The matter is — that Mr. Moly- 
 neux tried to kiss me. 
 
 (Molyneux is overwhelmed.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Did he ? 
 
 Molyneux. My dear, she's an unblushing liar. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. He tried to kiss me. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Well, I daresay you deserved it. 
 
 (Beckton goes up to back of settee r. with Pet worth. 
 Molyneux crosses up to Beckton from l. of settee 
 r. Mrs. Molyneux crosses below Marjorie to c, 
 turns to Marjorie from up r. of her.) 
 
62 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 
 
 It's rather convenient because if you behave badly wa 
 shall know what to do. Now you run along to your 
 room, (taking her up, is now on Marjorie's r.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Because you tell me to ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No, because I ask you to. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Oh, that isn't fair. All right ; 
 I'll go. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. There's a good child ; I'll 
 send you up some tea. 
 
 Lady Morjorie. (pausing, looks over her r. 
 ■shoulder) And cake ? 
 
 (Molyneux crosses up to window up l. behind Mrs. 
 Molyneux.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. And — cake— in mo deration. 
 
 (Lady Marjorie goes off up l. Mrs. Molyneux 
 strolls over to Beckton, they m?et c.) 
 
 How are you, Horace ? 
 
 (Petworth goes to fire.) 
 
 Beckton. How are you, Mam ? Rather a 
 jumpy girl — what ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, she is jumpy. 
 
 Beckton. The Tuddenhams are a bit late. I 
 thought I'd turn up arid introduce you. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Very good of you. 
 
 Beckton. (to Petworth) Well, young fella, 
 buck up, your best and brightest girl won't b3 long. 
 
 (Molyneux has strolled up to the back and bzen hiking 
 
AotTL THE BEAR LEADERS. 03 
 
 out of window ; he comes down hastily. Mrs. 
 Molyneux goes up a little by r. of round fable up c.) 
 
 Molyneux. A motor has just driven up, the 
 Tuddenhams have arrived. Now, Edward, when 
 they are announced I want you to advance eagerly 
 with a pleasant smile of welcome — eh ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, that's not a bad notion. 
 
 Beukton. First impressions go a long way. 
 
 (Byles comzs in.) 
 Molyneux. Now then — 
 
 (Beckton pushes Petworth towards Molyneux, 
 who passes him round to l.c. Slight pause.) 
 
 Byles. Sir Kennedy Loonies. 
 
 (Sir Kennedy Loomes enters, advances, and almost 
 collides frith Petworth.) 
 
 Molyneux. Bless my soul, this is — ah — horrible. 
 (goes haslih/ to Petworth and swings him out of the 
 way) Stand aside, Edward, you are always getting 
 in the way. 
 
 (Petworth goes aimlessly up r. Molyneux shakes 
 hands with Sir Kennedy.) 
 
 How do you do? I'm delighted to see you. (to 
 Byles) Bring tea. 
 
 Sir Kennedy, i am addressing Mr. Molyneux? 
 
 Molyneux. You are. (Mrs. Molyneux comes 
 
04 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 
 
 down a little). My dear, my dear, this is Sir Kennedy 
 Loonies. 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux has advanced, Sir Kennedy bows 
 gravely. ) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. How are you ? 
 
 Sir Kennedy. I have returned to England 
 earlier than I expected ; I have been in corres- 
 pondence with the Countess of 
 
 Molyneux. (laughing loudly, crosses to Beckton) 
 Ha, ha— yes, of course — exactly — that would be so. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Won't you sit down ? (indi- 
 cates lounge l.) 
 
 Sir Kennedy. Thank you. (sit together) 
 
 (Molyneux goes over hastily to Beckton.) 
 
 Beckton. Who is he ? 
 
 Molyneux. A doctor — called to see that un- 
 happy girl ; he's a great brain specialist, (tapping 
 his forehead and winking) 
 
 Beckton. Oh, that's it. 
 
 Sir Kennedy. Lady Marjorie is at present stay- 
 ing with you. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, she is. 
 
 Molyneux. (to Beckton) Excuse me a minute. 
 (goes over to window up l. for a moment and stands 
 by lounge) 
 
 Sir Kennedy. Lady Grimsdal suggested that I 
 should call. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, and so far as that goes — here 
 you are. 
 
Act II.} THE BEAR LEADERS. ffi 
 
 >Sir Kennedy. That is so ; she acquainted you 
 with my — hopes respecting Lady Marjorie ? 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes. 
 
 (Molyneux comes down a little towards back of settee l. 
 
 Sir Kennedy. And I think there was an under- 
 standing that you would try to — influence Lady 
 Marjorie on my behalf. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. We bring the conversation 
 round to you whenever we can. 
 
 Molyneux. {down to back of settee l.) We always 
 speak of you in the highest terms, 
 
 Sir Kennedy. Thank you, I suppose I shall enjoy 
 the privilege of seeing Lady Marjorie this afternoon. 
 
 Molyneux. Oh yes, of course you shall have the 
 privilege, (cross back of settee to c.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. And I hope you'll enjoy it. 
 
 Molyneux. She's in her room lying down. 
 (Byles comes in.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. We hope she's lying down. 
 
 Byles. Lady Tuddenham — Miss Tuddenham. 
 
 Molyneux. My dear — the Tuddenhams. (goes 
 up). 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux rises, as does Kennedy Loomes. 
 Lady Tuddenham enters, followed by Miss Tud- 
 denham.) 
 
 (to Byles). For the love of heaven bring tea. (crosses 
 at back of Mrs. Molyneux to r. of her.) 
 
 (Byles turns, looks at c. round table, goes to it, picks 
 
 E 
 
66 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 
 
 up bowl of flowers, pushes memo tablet and photo- 
 graph in frame to back of table, puts bowl on writing 
 table up L. and exits up l. after the Tuddenhams 
 are on.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. 'Ow are you ? Mrs. Moly- 
 neux, ain't it ? 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes. 
 
 {They shake hands.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. I was sure it was. I've 
 been 'oping to call ; but what with one thing and 
 another — you know 'ow it is. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. This is my husband. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. So glad to know yer. 
 
 Molyneux. The rapture is mine. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Let me present my daughter 
 — Evadne. 
 
 Molyneux. Ah ! 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. How are you ? {she bows to her) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. She favours 'er father, {step 
 to Mrs. Molyneux hand on her arm). But she's a 
 dear girl for all that. 
 
 Molyneux. She's a radiant vision, [goes to 
 Beckton) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Kind of you to say so, I'm 
 sure ; we've been 'aving 'er picture down for the 
 Academy ; but she suffers a deal with influenza. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. That's a bad job. 
 
 Molyneux. Martvrdom ! 
 
Act II. | THE BEAR LEADERS. 67 
 
 (During this Beckton has come down r. of settee r., 
 but has failed to catch Lady Tuddenham's eye. 
 Kennedy Loomes sits again settee l.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Won't you sit down ? 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. You're very obliging ; my 
 feet swell so in 'ot weather, (turns and catches sight 
 of Beckton). Lor, dear me, Mr. Becton, is 
 that you ? 'Ow are you ? (they shake hands. Sits 
 on settee r. l. of it) 
 
 Beckton. Wonderful fit, thanks. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. You know Evadne. 
 
 Beckton. How are you ? (shakes hands with her, 
 Evadne crosses below her mother, sits on settee R. R. of 
 her mother) You seemed to be going very strong, so 
 I didn't cut in. How is Sir Francis ? 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. 'E fusses over 'is 'ealth ; Vs 
 so busy with 'is rest cure 'e 'ardly gets a moment to 
 'imself. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (to Molyneux) Fetch Teddy- 
 
 Molyneux. Certainly, (goes and brings Pet- 
 worth firmly by the arm) 
 
 Lady Tuddenha?/t. And — 'ow's the dear old 
 Duke ? 
 
 Beckton. (crosses up r. of settee r. to behind it) 
 Gout- 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Gout ! ah, 'e 'as my sympathy. 
 It's just the same with me ; all my troubles seem to 
 fly to my feet. Of course, when one gets to the age 
 of the Duke of Gallminster — 
 
68 THE BEAR LEADERS. [ActH. 
 
 Molyneux. {laughs loudly) Yes — ha, ha— ex- 
 actly — of course. Here is a young"' gentleman, Lady 
 Tuddenham, who is dying (Bus. Petworth) to be pre- 
 sented to you — and to your exquisite daughter. Mr. 
 Edward Petworth. {pushes Petworth across himself) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham {shakes Jmnds) 'Ow are yer, 
 Mr. Petworth ? I'm very 'appy to know yer, and so 
 is Evadne. Sit down and let's 'ave a cosy talk. 
 
 Petworth. No room, {looks at Molyneux) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. What ? Oh yes, there's 'eaps 
 of room, with a little give and take, (sits sulkily 
 heUveen them) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (to Molyneux) Where's the 
 tea ? 
 
 Molyneux. I don't know, (everything going 
 wrong) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Go and say something plausible 
 to Loomes. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes — confound him, I will, (crosses 
 btlow her, goes over to Sir Kennedy) 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux joins Beckton, who has come round 
 to back of lounge. Mrs. Molyneux, indicating 
 group, goes up with Beckton a little.) 
 
 Molyneux. I'm afraid we've been rather 
 lecting yen, Sir Kennedy ; but we have accepted 
 the charge of a poor young fellow of weak intellect. 
 
 Sir Kennedy. The young man who is seated 
 between those two ladies ? (looking in his direction) 
 
 Molyneux. Yes. 
 
Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. G9 
 
 Sir Kennedy, (rising apprehensibly) I hope he 
 is not violent or dangerous ? 
 
 Molyneux. (fulling Loomes down) Oh no, he's 
 harmless ; we've been taking the straws out of his 
 hair in a pure spirit of charity. 
 
 Sir Kennedy. And the ladies, I suppose, are — — 
 
 Molyneux. Friends from Devonshire (awfully 
 pleased at his bright thought) ; they brought him a 
 junket. 
 (Petworth begins to edge away from Evadne towards 
 
 Lady Tuddenham, who sits back in settee. Evadne, 
 
 after a pause, follows him.) 
 
 Sir Kennedy. You said I might hope for the plea- 
 sure of seeing Lady Marjorie. 
 
 (Byles brings on tea from up l.) 
 Molyneux. Oh, certainly. Ah, here's the tea. 
 (Molyneux and Mrs. Molyneux approach tea-table 
 simultaneously from different sides,) 
 
 (aside to her) Loomes is getting restless, we shall 
 have to send for that little devil. 
 
 (Byles enters with cakestand.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. That'll be all right — I'll look 
 after her. (Molyneux takes stand from Byles — 
 to Byles who is about to exit) Byles, go up to 
 Lady Marjorie's room and ask her to come down, will 
 you ? (pouring out tea) 
 
 Molyneux. (with cakestand in his hand) And 
 say that Sir Kennedy Loomes has called to see her, 
 
70 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 
 
 (Byles goes off l.) 
 
 (Molyneux turns, puts cakestand down by c. table l. 
 of it.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (still aside) 1 shouldn't have 
 mentioned about Loonies ; it may stall her off. 
 
 (Both ladies on settee r. lean over Pet worth, and talk 
 to one another.) 
 
 -» Molyneux. Surely it was too risky to let Loomes 
 burst upon her. (during this Mrs. Molyneux is 
 pouring out tea) 
 
 (Beckton has strolled back to them.) 
 
 Beckton. Now, man, shall I make myself useful ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Thank you, Horace, (gives 
 him two cups ; Molyneux picks up cake and bread 
 and, butter from, stand) 
 
 Molyneux. And now the cake — Edward — (Pet- 
 worth jumps up) Edward — cake. 
 
 (Petworth jumps up eagerly and nearly collides with 
 Beckton.) 
 
 Beckton. (backs up stage a step, Petworth is on 
 his r.) My dear young fella, take care where you're 
 coming to. 
 
 Molyneux. That's zeal — enthusiasm, (gives Pet- 
 worth plate of cake, and retains himself the bread and 
 butter) 
 
 Beckton. (has crossed below Petworth, who goes 
 to Molyneux) There you are, Lady Tuddenham. 
 
Act II. ] THE BEAR LEADERS. 71 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. You're very obliging, Mr. 
 Beckton. 
 
 (Beckton also hands lea to Evadne. Petworth and 
 Molyneux are hovering at the hack of him). 
 
 Molyneux. Now then, Edward, dash right in. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Might I ask for the leastest 
 drop of milk ? 
 
 Molyneux. Milk ? Certainly, (all three men 
 ivalk in single file back to Mrs. Molyneux) My dear, 
 milk for Lady Tuddenham. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. There you are. (giving him 
 milk jug) 
 
 Beckton. The sugar basin might come in handy. 
 
 Molyneux. That is a timely thought. (Beckton 
 gets sugar). Edward, why don't you push the cake. 
 (Petworth goes over to the Tuddenhams — followed by 
 
 Beckton and Molyneux carrying respectively milk 
 
 and sugar. Beckton and Molyneux look approv- 
 ingly at Petworth.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. (to Petworth) You're very 
 obliging, Mr. Petworth — quite the ladies' man. (Bus. 
 with milk and sugar) 
 (Lady Tuddenham takes cake ; Petworth passes on 
 
 to Evadne. Evadne refuses cake ; Petworth 
 
 crosses round bottom of settee ~R.,gets up to tea-table. 
 
 deposits cake on table after Mrs. Molyneux has 
 
 left, helps himself to tea.) 
 
 Beckton. (to Molyneux, who is on his r.) Shall 
 X take the doctor a cup ? 
 
72 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 
 
 Molyneux. Oh no, I'm not sure that he approves 
 of tea. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (goes over to Sir Kennedy, 
 taking a cup of tea with her) Do you play about with 
 tea, Sir Kennedy ? 
 
 Sir Kennedy. Tea is soothing but deleterious. 
 (Beckton takes milk jug from Molyneux.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Most pleasant things are ; (sits) 
 there's milk and sugar in the offing. Stanhope ! 
 
 Molyneux. (crosses Beckton to Mrs. Molyneux) 
 Yes, my dear. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Milk and sugar this way. 
 
 Molyneux. Certainly. 
 
 (During this Pet worth has strolled over to tea-tahl&, 
 and is helping himself to tea. Molyneux is embar- 
 rassed with bread and butter; he turns up, sees 
 Petworth) 
 Edward, what are you doing ? Offer the bread and 
 butter to Miss Tuddenham. (Petworth goes 
 down to r. of Mm) She's just the right age to appre- 
 ciate it. 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Stanhope ! 
 
 (Petworth crosses behind sofa.) 
 Molyneux. I'm coming, dear, (crosses to Beck- 
 ton) 
 
 Beckton. (turns to Molyneux) Shall I take it 
 over ? 
 
 Molyneux. On no account, (takes milk and 
 sugar from him and conveys them to Sir Kennedy.) 
 
Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 73 
 
 (Beckton goes up to back of settee r., talks to Lady 
 
 TuDDENHAM.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. {taking milk jug) Milk? 
 Sir Kennedy. A small quantity. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Sugar ? 
 Sir Kennedy. One lump. 
 
 (Byles has come in, and comes down between Moly- 
 neux and the settee.) 
 
 Molyneux. Ah, Byles — where is Lady Marjorie ? 
 (with jug and sugar basin in his hand) 
 
 Byles. Her ladyship's door was locked, so I 
 shouted your wishes through the keyhole. 
 
 Molyneux. And what happened then ? 
 
 Byles. Her ladyship opened the door about two 
 inches and said — shan't — anything more, sir ? 
 
 Molyneux. Not at present, {puts milk and sugar 
 on table) 
 
 (Byles goes oat.) 
 
 (Molyneux comes down r. of Mrs. Molyneux) Well 
 now, then, what's to be done ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (rising) I'll see to her. (they 
 go up together towards tea-table) 
 
 Molyneux. You heard what Byles said. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, but the difference is that 
 I'm not Byles. (she strolls off up l.) 
 (Molyneux sits by Sir Kennedy. Beckton motions 
 to Petworth, brings him to back to settee.) 
 
 Sir Kennedy. Lady Marjorie was made aware 
 of the fact that I had called to see her ? 
 
74 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 
 
 Molyneux. Oh, yes, but she's coy. 
 
 Sir Kennedy. Coy ? 
 
 Molyneux. Coy ; we alluded to you at luncheon 
 the other day and she at once overturned a decanter 
 of claret into my soup plate — some girls are like that, 
 you know. 
 
 {During this Petworth has several times tried to get 
 away from the Tuddenhams, but has been brought 
 bach by Beckton.) 
 
 Another cup of tea ? 
 
 Sir Kennedy. No, thank you. 
 
 Molyneux. Allow me. {takes empty cup and puts 
 it down on table) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. (to Beckton) 1 suppose we 
 shall meet on Thursday evening, Mr. Beckton. 
 
 Beckton. Yes, I'm hopin' to have the pleasure. 
 
 (Molyneux strolls towards them.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Will the dear Duke be present ? 
 {hands her cup to Beckton ; he passes it to Petworth, 
 who goes up with it to tea-table, meets Molyneux, who 
 pats him on the back) 
 
 Beckton. The dear Dook will have his usual 
 Benger and go to bed at his usual time — in his usual 
 temper. 
 
 (Molyneux clears his throat, comes down l. of Lady 
 Tuddenham.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Oh well, dances are more for 
 young people, aren't they ? Not but what I love a 
 
Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 75 
 
 ball myself. I was just saying, Mr. Molyneux, we're 
 quite looking forward to Thursday. 
 
 Molyneux. You're speaking of our little frisk ? 
 (sits on chair l. of settee) Yes, we like to make young 
 people happy. Edward, take Miss Tuddenbam's cup. 
 
 (Petworth comes down R. of settee r., tafa Evadne's 
 cup, goes back again to tea-table.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. I've been 'opin' to 'ave a 
 little chat with Mrs. Molyneux. 
 
 Molyneux. She has been longing for the chance ; 
 she's gone to fetch an afflicted protegee— her medical 
 man is over there. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Oh, dear, that's very sad. 
 
 Molyneux. Simply heart-rending. 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux returns, followed by Lady Marjorie, 
 who looks very vicious. Loomes rises.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Here we are. (to Molyneux, 
 who rises) 
 
 Molyneux. Are we going to behave ourselves ? 
 Mrs. Molyneux. As to that I wouldn't swear. 
 
 (Sir Kennedy has risen.) 
 Marjorie, here's Sir Kennedy Loomes. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. I see him. 
 
 Sir Kennedy, (bowing, goes step towards her). 
 Good afternoon, Lady Marjorie. 
 
 (Lady Marjorie subsides into a deep curtsey. Sir 
 Kennedy holds out his hand. Lady Marjorie 
 ignores it. Sir Kennedy turns to audience abashed.) 
 
76 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (to Mrs. Molyneux) Are those 
 the silly old Tuddenhams ? 
 
 Molyneux. Ha, ha ! I think we're going to 
 have a change in the weather. 
 
 Lady Molyneux. I want to know the Tudden- 
 hams. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. You're not going to know the 
 Tuddenhams. (pushes her towards the settee l.) 
 You're going to sit down there by Sir Kennedy and 
 go slow. 
 
 (Lady Marjorie looks at her for a moment, and then 
 sits.) 
 
 (To Molyneux.) There isn't any china within 
 reach, so we ought to be all right. 
 
 (Sir Kennedy sits by her ; Mrs. Molyneux crosses 
 over to the Tuddenhams. Petworth goes up to 
 table, she sits on occasional chair.) 
 
 Sorry I was obliged to let you run loose, but my young 
 friend requires a little gentle guidance at times. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Yes, so Mr. Molyneux was 
 telling me — so sad. 
 
 •(Bus. for Molyneux, who goes close up to Lady 
 Marjorie, fist up to her.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. We manage to bear up. 
 
 (Bus. Marjorie looks at Loomes from toe of boot to top 
 of his head.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Of course we can feel for you 
 
Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 77 
 
 because Sir Francis 'as a sister-in-law 'oos wrong in 
 'er 'ead. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Keally ! 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. She swallows packets of pins ; 
 now isn't that an odd fancy ? 
 
 (Beckton and Molyneux go up to fire.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. It does seem rather a singular 
 diet. (Loomes tries to speak) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. She swallows packet after 
 packet, and they work their way out of 'er in every 
 direction. 
 
 (During this Petworth Juis gone up, meanwhile 
 Molyneux has been keeping his eye anxiously on 
 Lady Marjorie.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. It must keep her busy. 
 Lady Tuddenham. Oh, it does, she 'ardly ever 
 'as a dull moment. 
 
 (Lady Tuddenham talks to Mrs. Molyneux con- 
 fidentially. Mrs. Molyneux brings her chair down 
 a little and masks Lady Tuddenham from Loomes 
 and Marjorie.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Why don't you talk. 
 Sir Kennedy. I beg pardon ? 
 Lady Marjorie. Don't you ever talk ? 
 Sir Kennedy. I was mentally endeavouring to 
 select an entertaining topic. 
 Lady Marjorie. All right ; go ahead. 
 
78 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 
 
 Sir Kennedy. I — I saw your dear Grandmamma 
 yesterday. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. That's no good. 
 
 Sir Kennedy. No good ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. No earthly. I don't like your 
 conversation. I shall go and have a chat with Teddy- 
 kins, (rises) 
 
 Sir Kennedy'. Teddykins ? 
 
 (During this Molyneux has gone over to the group. 
 Lady Marjorie goes up and joins Petworth. 
 See that Mrs. Molyneux gets well down with Tud- 
 denhams. Beckton calls her.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Well now, I'm afraid we must 
 be making a move, (she and Evadne rise) 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Don't hurry away. 
 
 (Marjorie crosses above Petworth, gets r. of him.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. You're very obliging. I 'ope 
 you'll excuse this short visit. 
 
 Molyneux. Much too short — absolutely tan- 
 talizing. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. We've other calls to make — 
 (confidentially) and between you and me there's the 
 dressmaker and what not ; you know 'ow it is. 
 
 (Molyneux goes towards Mrs. Molyneux, Beckton 
 goes towards Tuddenhams below settee R.) 
 
 Mrs. Molynel^x. Then it's good-bye for the 
 present, (shaking hands) 
 
Act II. | THE BEAR LEADERS. 70 
 
 Molyneux. (goes over to l.c. back of .settee l.) 
 Where is Edward ? He'll see you down. 
 
 (Tuddenham group get a little more r. together ivith 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Sir Kennedy has risen.) 
 
 Sir Kennedy. I fear I must be going. 
 
 Molyneux. (from up R.c, comes down to him from 
 r. of settee l.) What ? I thought you were busy ; 
 where the devil is Lady Marjorie ? 
 
 Sir Kennedy. She appears to be occupied. I 
 find herattitude a little difficult to understand. 
 
 Molyneux. My good sir, as I said before, she's 
 infernally coy. (glances round and realizes the 
 situation, aside to Mrs. Molyneux) My dear, look 
 at them. 
 
 (He and Mrs. Molyneux go up. Fie takes Petworth 
 -firmly by the arm and leads him down to the Tud- 
 denhams. Mrs. Molyneux (guides Lady Mar- 
 jorie to Sir Kennedy.) 
 
 Come and make your adieus at once to Lady Tudden- 
 ham, like a gentleman. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (to Lady Marjorie) Sir 
 Kennedy wants to say good-bye to you. 
 Lady Marjorie. I'm glad to hear it. 
 
 (Molyneux looks indignantly at Petworth for a 
 moment, then crosses behind Mrs. Molyneux, who 
 goes down a little with Lady Marjorie. Molyneux 
 goes over to bell below opening up l., rings bell. A 
 moment later Byles enters up l. talks to Molyneux 
 
80 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 
 
 up l. when Molyneux leaves Petworth, he crosses 
 
 up to window up r.) 
 
 Sir Kennedy. Our interview has been somewhat 
 abbreviated, Lady Marjorie. I shall hope for a more 
 extended opportunity on Thursday evening. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (a blow for Lady Marjorie 
 and she shows it) Are you coming on Thursday? 
 
 Sir Kennedy. I have every intention of doing 
 so ; till then good-bye. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Be careful not to get run over ; 
 you're not so young as you used to be. 
 
 Sir Kennedy. Not so young as I used to be ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Not nearly. Good-bye. (she 
 gives him two fingers, he bows over them, then crosses her 
 on her r. and goes up with Mrs. Molyneux. Lady 
 Marjorie throws herself lightly on to the settee l.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (to Sir Kennedy) It's only 
 her fun. 
 
 (Byles exits up l.) 
 
 (Molyneux turns to Mrs. Molyneux and Loomes.) 
 Sir Kennedy. I am prepared to make every kind 
 
 of allowance for Lady Marjorie. 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Her grandmother will probably 
 
 see that you do. Good-bye. 
 Sir Kennedy. Good-bye. 
 
 (He goes after shaking hands with Molyneux, who is on 
 her l. up l. There is a little burst of laughter from 
 the Tuddenham group.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. (hitting Beckton with her 
 
Act II. J THE BEAR LEADERS. 8] 
 
 .fan) Oh, Mr. Beckton, you will 'ave your joke. I 
 shall 'ave to tell the Duke of you. 
 
 (During this Mrs. Molyneux has strolled towards 
 them. Lady Tuddenham crosses below Mrs. 
 Molyneux, who is now up c. followed by Evadne.) 
 
 Come along, Evadne — you know what Minchett is 
 like if Vs kept waiting, (moving c.) 
 
 (Evadne crosses Mrs. Molyneux, then crosses behind 
 Lady Tuddenham to above her.) 
 
 Molyneux. (comes down l. of her) Minchett 
 is — er ? 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Our chauffeur- -Vs very 
 "asty tempered — and if Vs crossed 'e always bursts a 
 tyre ; it seems to relieve 'is 'ead. (turns from l. of 
 Mrs. Molyneux ; goes to her) Good-bye, Mrs. 
 Molyneux — so very 'appy to 'ave met you. (shaking 
 hands) 
 
 (Evadne shakes hands with Molyneux, then crosses 
 above him and exits up L.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Good-bye. 
 
 Beckton. (from below settee r.) J 'II see you down, 
 Lady Tuddenham. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. You're very obliging, Mr. 
 Beckton. 
 
 Molyneux. We'll all see you down. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Oh no — (crosses below him to 
 opening up l.) I wouldn't like you to trouble if it 
 was ever so. 
 
82 THE BEAU LEADERS. [Act IT. 
 
 Molyne i .. (is now to the r. of Lady Tudden- 
 ham) Then we'll wave to you from the balcony. 
 Good-bye. 
 
 (The TUDDENHAMS (JO Out.) 
 
 (Petwortu hg§ come down, R. of settee n.,now comes 
 below it and learns against l. arm of settee R. facing 
 audience.) 
 Beckton. {following) So long, mam, so long, 
 
 Molly. 
 
 (He goes up l. out.) 
 
 (Molyneux goes on to balcony and waves his hand- 
 kerchief. Mrs. Molyneux is also up by the window. 
 Pet worth is standing c. Lady Marjorie rises 
 
 and goes to him, looks at window.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Are you disengaged for the next 
 dance. Mr. Petworfch ? 
 Petwortk. I am. 
 
 (They waltz.. Mrs. Molyneux turns and realizes 
 the state of affairs.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Stanhope ! 
 Molyneux. Yes, dear, (coming away from 
 balcony) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. How does that strike you ? 
 Molyneux, Good heavens ! 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux crosses down to front of settee l. 
 Molyneux crosses first in front of Mrs. Molyneux 
 to down r. 
 
Act THE BEAR LEADERS. $3 
 
 They're doing it again. Release one another at once. 
 (follawing litem up as before) 
 
 (Lady Marjorie leaves Petworth and waltzes round 
 by herself till she faces Mrs. Molyneux. She 
 
 stops in front of her. Petworth flings himself on 
 to suttee R. Molyneux sits on chair l. of settee r. 
 mo])pi>>i/ his brow, out of breath.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Well. Mrs. Molly ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Well, you little rascal — feeling 
 pleased with yourself ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. I think so. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. That's all right. But you're 
 in a minority, (sits R. end of settee l.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (step towards head of settee l. 
 to Mrs. Molyneux) Yes, I know I'm not popular ; 
 but I might be worse, (turns, looks at Petworth) 
 I might bo Evadne Tuddenham. 
 
 Petworth. {rises) Oh Lord ! (step to c.) 
 Evadne Tuddenham ! 
 
 Molyneux. (jumps to Petworth) Evadne Tud- 
 denham is a charming modest floweret ; (turns to her) 
 she is -content to blush unseen. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. If I looked like that 1 should be 
 content to blush unseen — 
 
 (Petworth comes towards' c.) 
 
 and — [goes to hiyn) what price Ma Tuddenham? 
 
 (ace i to Mrs. Molyneux, her arms crossed) " 'Appy 
 to 'ave met you, Mrs. Molyneux." 
 
84 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 
 
 Molyneux. Bah ! 
 
 Lady Marjorie. ' ' Very 'appy to 'ave met you — : — " 
 
 Molyneux. Hold your saucy tongue. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (turns round to Molyneux) 
 " You're very obliging, Mr. Molyneux." (to Pet- 
 worth) Teddy, I wish you luck with your Ma-in- 
 law. 
 
 Petworth. (step to her) If it comes to that I 
 wish you luck with old Loonies. 
 
 Molyneux. This is most unseemly. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. What do you mention that 
 dreary old beast for ? 
 
 Molyneux. Dreary old beast ! 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Do you want to spoil my dinner ? 
 
 Petworth. What did you throw Mother Tud- 
 denham and her blessed Evadne at my head fbr ? 
 (They are now very close to one another, face to face) 
 I'm off my feed as it is. 
 
 (Molyneux comes down between them, separates them ; 
 they glare at him.) 
 Molyneux. I have nothing to say to you, Ed- 
 ward, but as for your dinner, you will have a small 
 portion of boiled mutton in your own apartment. 
 
 (Both turn away in disgust. Petworth goes, throws 
 himself in settee R., the r. end of it.) 
 Lady Marjorie. (turns on Molyneux quickly) 
 Then you're swindling, Grandmamma ; 1 was to 
 have had three meat meals a day — and boiled mutton 
 isn't, properly speaking, a meat meal at all. 
 
AcTir.] THE BEAR LEADERvS. 85 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Quiet. 
 
 (Molyxeux goes up to fire.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. {turning to her) What ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux (rises) Quiet — after your exer- 
 tions you must be feeling a little tired — I think I'd 
 go upstairs and lie down. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Well, but 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Come along. 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux crosses up stage c.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (follows- Mrs. Molyneux, gets 
 up l. of her towards opening up L.) All right ; I'll go 
 quietly, (turns to Mrs. Molyneux up l. from l. of 
 her) If you'll answer me one question. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. What is it ? 
 /Molyneux comes down to back of settee r. shakes 
 Petworth.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Why did you marry Mr. Molly ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (smiling) It would take too 
 long to explain. 
 
 (Lady Marjorie smiles at her and goes off up l.) 
 
 Petworth. (to audience) Evadne Tuddenham ! 
 (turns on settee abruptly to Molyneux) Would you 
 care to take her on yourself ? 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux comes down c.) 
 
 Molyneux. That is an absurd question. I have 
 been happily married for twenty years, (goes up to; 
 tea-table up c, preceeds to eat cake) 
 
So THE BEAR LEADERS. ,- II. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. What's the matter ? 
 Petworth. Evadne. (rises, stands front of settee 
 
 R.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (crosses to him, is l. of him) 
 Wait till you see more of her. You'll see more of her 
 on Thursday ;'she won't be wearing that hat. 
 
 Petworth. I don't want to see more of her. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (hand on his shoulder) Look 
 here, old chap, it's our job to bring a particular sample 
 under your notice ; if it doesn't lead to business, 
 that's up to you — anyway, Evadne may be your 
 misfortune — but she isn't our fault. 
 
 Petworth. Righto, old dear, I'll go and have a 
 cigarette and think her over. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Do ! 
 
 (Petworth goes off down r.) 
 
 (goes a little to c, turning to Molyneux) What have 
 you been up to ? 
 
 Molyneux . W nat do you mean, dear ? (small 
 piece of cake in hand comes down to l. of her> wipes 
 fingers with handkerchief. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Those two rascals wouldn't be 
 waltzing together for nothing ; you've mucked it. 
 
 Molyneux. Well now, as it happens, you're 
 exceptionally wrong. I casually pointed out to each 
 of them the glaring imperfections of both. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. That's done it. You've tried 
 to make these two children sick of each other, and 
 the only result is that they are both sick of you. 
 
Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 87 
 
 Molyneux. Well, dear, I'm very sorry, {goes 
 up stage) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (crosses below iiirti td front of 
 settee l.) I shall have to take things in hand as usual. 
 (casually stops, turns to him from below settee l.) By 
 the by, Madame Mescale hasn't called about the 
 flowers. 
 
 Molyneux. Perhaps she mistook the appointment 
 I'll run round to the shop, (is about to go up, she stops 
 him) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I daresay she'll turn up. (goes 
 a step l.) I've made a list of what we shall want, 
 but I'm not sure whether I left it upstairs. 
 
 Molyneux. (down to her a little, is r. of her) ShaU 
 I go and look for it ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No, don't trouble ; it ought to 
 be in the morning-room, I'll go and see. 
 (She goes off l. door down l.) 
 
 Molyneux. [goes down c. and kirns up as though 
 going off up 1.) I think the Club would be a haven of 
 refuge, (as he turns to go Byles Up l. comes in.) 
 
 (Molyneux is shooting his arms out as he goes up.) 
 
 Byles. Madame Mescale. 
 
 (Madame Mescale comes in up l.) 
 
 Molyneux. Oh, quite so. Mrs. Molyneux is 
 occupied for the moment, (goes up towards Byles) 
 Won't you sit down ? 
 
 (Mescale has crossed to chair r., of settee R., now sits 
 
88 THE BEAR LEADERS- [Act IF. 
 
 Thanks.' 1 ^Byles' exit Molyneux, 
 
 having watched him off, comes rapidly back to Jj. of her 
 
 and then speaks.) 
 
 (Byi.es goes out.) 
 
 Molyneux. What the devil are you doing here ? 
 •'Madame Mescale. What the devil is that to 
 you ? Your Wife sent for me to talk business, and 
 I've come to talk it, I'm a business woman. 
 
 Molyneux. I'm quite aware of it. Edward Pet- 
 worth is quite aware of it ; he's staying with us. 
 
 Madame Mescale. I know he is. 
 
 Molyneux. He has confided in me 
 
 Madame Mescale. More fool Edward Petworth. 
 
 Molyneux. He will repudiate his acquaintance 
 with you. 
 
 Madame Mescale. He can't; I've kept his 
 letters. 
 
 Molyneux. I shall interfere on his behalf. 
 
 Madame Mescale. Yon cant ; I've kept yours- 
 
 Molyneux. You're a— — 
 
 (Both their heads together, voices raised.) 
 
 Madame Mescale. What ? 
 
 Molyneux. A good woman of business. 
 
 Madame Mescale. I've just been saying so. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (comes in from down l. speaking 
 as she enters.) I can't find that list, (seeing Madame 
 Mescale, pauses.) 
 
 Molyneux. (turns to her hack up stage a little.) 
 My dear, this is 
 
Act II.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 89 
 
 Madame Mescale. (rises.) I am Madame Mes- 
 cale ; you sent for me about some floral decorations 
 for Thursday evening. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, I did. Have you been talk- 
 ing the matter over with Mr. Molyneux ? I thought I 
 heard what sounded like an animated discussion. 
 
 Molyneux. (hastily) Yes, dear ; I just broke the 
 ice for you. It seemed to me that Madame Mescale's 
 charges were a little exorbitant. 
 
 Madame Mescale. That's a matter of opinion. 
 (turning to Mrs. Molyneux) What would be the 
 extent of the order, madam? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I can't say off hand. I fancy I 
 must have left that list upstairs. Stanhope, will you 
 go to my room and see if you can find it ? 
 
 Molyneux. Certainly, dear, (going up c. pauses) 
 Of course when I said exorbitant I forgot what a bad 
 year it has been for flowers — and — er 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Never mind that, (sits on settee 
 l.r. end of it) Go and find the list. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes, dear. 
 
 (He goes out up l.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Sit down, Madame Mescale. 
 (Madame Mescale sits on chair l. of settee r.) 
 I could give you a general idea of what we shall 
 want. 
 
 Madame Mescale. (taking out notebook) I sup- 
 pose you'd like palms in the hall ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes — and some specially big 
 
90 THE BEAR LEADERS. | Act II. 
 
 ones for the cosy corners in the landings ; we rriust give 
 the sitting out couples a chance. 
 
 Madame Mescale. (laughs and, mtikes a note) Ts 
 it a reception or a dance ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. A dam v. 
 
 Madame Mescale. You'd like a few cut flowers 
 for the supper table, madam ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I should like a lot. 
 
 Madame Mescale. Will there be room ! 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Plenty of room ; well see to that 
 
 (Madame MescAle laughs again.) 
 
 Could you give me a rough idea as to what the whole 
 thing would cost ? 
 
 Madame Mescale. A little difficult without exact 
 details, madam. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, I know ; that's where my 
 list would have come in handy. I could have sworn I 
 put it in my desk, (rises) If you'll wait half a 
 minute I'll have one more look. 
 
 Madame Mescale. I'm not in any hurry. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. All right ; I'll be back directly 
 
 (She goes. Madame Mescale makes notes. Pet- 
 worth enters hastily from down B,.,goes up to ■mantel- 
 piece up r. Petworth turns from above settee R.) 
 
 Pet worth. Left my cigarette case. 
 
 (Madame Mescale looks round.) 
 
 Hullo, is that you ? 
 
 Madame Mescale. Yes, my darling. 
 
Act II. ] THE BEAR LEADERS. . 91 
 
 Petworth. (up to her r. of her, ah v i hi r) What 
 did you come here for ? 
 
 Madame Mescale. Business, but — hot yours. 
 
 Petworth. Not mine ? 
 
 Madame Mescale. Not for the moment, my 
 darling; 
 
 Petworth. You seem to be well provided with 
 darlings — Molly's one of 'em — he told me so. 
 
 Madame Mescale. Molly, luckily for him, is 
 married, and so he's safe ; but you asked me to be 
 your wife — and you put it in writing. Didn't you, 
 darling ? 
 
 (Molyneux comes in hastily from up l.) 
 
 Petworth. Oh, hang ! 
 
 Molyneux. {coming c.) I can't find the infernal 
 list anywhere, {seeing the two crosses to l. of her) 
 Edward, what are you doing here ? 
 
 Madame Mescale. We were talking about you, 
 dearest. 
 
 Petworth. {steps to him) There ! Dearest ! 
 That's what she calls you. 
 
 (Molyneux steps to him over her.) 
 
 Molyneux. For the very first time during our 
 brief acquaintance. 
 
 Madame Mescale. (her hand on his coatsleeve, to 
 Petworth) Don't be jealous, Petworth. 
 
 Petworth. {throws her hand off, angrily) Jealous ! 
 As if I should be jealous. I like that — upon my soul I 
 do. 
 
92 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act II. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (comes in with list from down I*.) 
 What's all the row about ? 
 
 (A second's 'pause, Madame Mescale rises.) 
 
 Petworth. I — I couldn't find my cigarette case. 
 (lifts cushions from back of settee) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. You're taking it very much to 
 heart. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes, [goes up to round table up c.) we 
 were rather worried about it, (turns to her) and I 
 haven't found the list, dear. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I've got it ; it was in my desk 
 after all. 
 
 Molyneux. (crosses behind settee l. to front of it) 
 Oh, that's splendid, (wiping his forehead) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (crossing to Madame Mescale) 
 There you are, Madame Mescale. Will you look it 
 through and send me an estimate to-morrow morning ? 
 
 Madame Mescale. (taking it) Certainly, Madam. 
 Good afternoon, (crosses to bach) Good afternoon, 
 gentlemen. 
 
 Molyneux and Petworth. Good afternoon ! 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Oh, Madame Mescale, I suppose 
 you would send a competent somebody to keep an eye 
 on things on Thursday night. 
 
 Madame Mescale. I shall come myself. 
 (Both men collapse on settee,) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. That will be very satisfactory. 
 Good afternoon ! 
 
 (Exit Madame Mescale.) 
 
 QUICK CURTAIN 
 
ACT III 
 
 Scene. Corridor. Supper time. Before the rise of 
 the curtain a large palm has been overturned. A plan 
 of the scene will he found at the end of the play. 
 
 (As the Curiam rises Lady and Gentleman dis " 
 covered sitting on settee r. Lady and Gentleman 
 (Mr. Dingle) on stairs l.c. Lady on stairs finishing 
 eating an ice. The two couples are laughing, suddenly 
 Lady on settee jumps up and says : "Oh dear, oh 
 dear, this is our dance, I don't want to miss it." 
 Her partner rises, crosses with her towards opening 
 down l. Durocq enters from down l. with tray, steps 
 heloiv opening, bows to couple as they exit and crosses in 
 direction of ^opening down R. Lady on stairs hands 
 ice plate to her partner, Dingle, who calls to Durocq . 
 who is e.g., gives him plate. Durocq exits down r. 
 Lady and Dingle go up towards conservatory up r. 
 As lady passes palms that are banked up by R. side of 
 steps she knocks one over. They go up to conserva- 
 tory where they meet Molyneux, who comes on from 
 up r. They stop.) 
 
 Band playing waltz off stage at rise of Curtain. 
 
 Molyneux. Ah, Dingle, doing nothing and in very 
 charming company — not even supping. 
 
94 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act III, 
 
 Dingle. No, thanks ! Your supper room's a 
 tight fit, old chap. 
 
 Molyneux. Ah, well, perhaps you're right to let 
 the first rush get over. 
 
 (Couple exit through conservatory off l. at back.) 
 
 (Molyneux comes to* foot of steps. Durocq crosses at 
 back from r. to l. Laughter off up l. Molyneux 
 comes, doivn and meets Mrs. Molyneux who has 
 entered from stairs up l.) 
 
 (Waltz dies down and stops little later.) 
 
 Molyneux. Well, my dear, supper time gives one 
 a momentary lull. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I looked into the supper room 
 for a minute ; there didn't seem to be much of a lull. 
 Apparently very few of our guests have lunched and 
 none of them have dined. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes ; it's a brutal way to treat a 
 poor little bit of supper. 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux crosses below him towards settee r.) 
 
 I say, my dear, I like that dress. 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Do you think it's all right ? 
 
 Molyneux. Oh yes, 1 like it. 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux sits on settee) 
 And I don't grudge a penny — 
 
 (Look from Mrs. Molyneux) 
 the Duke and Dowager Countess will have to pay for 
 it. Ah ! 
 
Act III.] THK BEAR LEADERS. 95 
 
 Mrs. BIolyneux. Those rascally cubs have got 
 right out of hand. 
 
 Molyneux. Ah ! I know, dear, (step to her) 
 They're always dancing together. I did get near 
 them once, but the little devil 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Which ? 
 
 Molyneux. (step to her) Marjorie. She stamped 
 carefully on my right foot, which at present is a corn- 
 held, and then they whirled away again. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Oh, did they ? 
 
 [Waltz stops.) 
 
 (Beckton comes on from stairs up l., goes, up stairs r.c. 
 Molyneux moves his foot.) 
 
 Beckton. (coming off steps to c.) Sorry to bother 
 you, mam ; but Lady Tuddenham is getting a bit 
 restive. 
 
 Molyneux. What does she want now ? 
 
 (Beckton crosses to Mrs. Molyneux) 
 
 Beckton. She wants Teddy Petworth to dance 
 with Evadne — 
 
 (Molyneux crosses behind Beckton to l.) 
 
 which he hasn't done yet — failing that she wants 
 her supper, and your supper room is a pandi-bally- 
 monium. Failing both alternatives, she wants to 
 sit down. 
 
 (Molyneux crosses to little table above door down l., 
 picks up programme.) 
 
96 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act in. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Then why doesn't she ? 
 Beckton. Where's she to do it ? In the centre of 
 the ball room on the parquet ? 
 
 (Molyneux with programme goes up stairs l. on to 
 platform. Beckton crosses back to Mrs. Moly- 
 neux. On the stairs) 
 
 Molyneux. Well, Beckton, you might sit on the 
 stairs and take her on your knee. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. That's a good idea. You're a 
 friend of the family, so you wouldn't be misunder- 
 stood, {sees the palm which has fallen doum) Hullo ! 
 this palm seems to have come to grief. 
 
 (Byles has come on down l. with ball programmes on 
 salver which he is about to put on table above door l.) 
 
 Byles. (she rises) 
 
 Byles. Yes, Madam. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Madame Mescale is somewhere 
 about the place. 
 
 Molyneux. My dear 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Will you fetch her ? 
 
 Byles. Shall I see to it, Madam ? 
 
 (Molyneux crosses below Beckton to Mrs. Molyneux, 
 looks at palm. Byles puts down salver and is about 
 to exit.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No ; Madame Mescale doesn't 
 like her plants meddled with, {to Byles) Go and 
 find her. 
 
 (Byles goes off.) 
 
Act III.] THE' BEAR LEADERS. 97 
 
 Come along, Horace ; we'll go and hunt up Lady 
 Tuddenham. 
 
 {Band starts again.) 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux and Beckton, arm in arm, go up 
 stairs and offh., Mrs. Molyneux having crossed below 
 Molyneux. At their exit Molyneux follows them 
 to foot of stairs, then looks off door down l., then turns 
 to go off into conservatory up r. He meets Loomes 
 by settee r. Sir Kennedy Loomes has come on 
 through conservatory.) 
 
 Molyneux. (starting back) My dear Sir Loomery 
 — I beg pardon — I mean Sir Kennedy — not dancing ? 
 
 Sir Kennedy. No, Mr. Molyneux, I am not. 
 (crosses down a little r.) Lady Marjorie promised me 
 the tenth waltz ; but she has danced with nobody 
 except the young gentleman of feeble mind. 
 
 Molyneux. Ah, yes — poor Edward ! This ball is 
 a little treat for him. We asked Lady Marjorie to 
 pay him some attention. 
 
 Sir Kennedy. She pays attention to no one else. 
 
 (Gesture of determination from Molyneux.) 
 
 Molyneux. Come back to the ball room— 
 
 (Byles enters down l., followed by Madame Mescale. 
 Loomes and Molyneux turn inwards to each other 
 and go up stairs l. and are going off.) 
 
 and I'll make her pay attention to me. 
 
 (Byles points out palm to Mescale.) 
 
 G 
 
98 THE BEAK LEADERS. [Act TIT. 
 
 Madam M iscale. (to Byles) All right ; I'll see 
 to it. (she crosses below stair) 
 
 (Byles goes out down l.) 
 (Molyneux is going.) 
 Madame Mescale. Mr. Molyneux. {from r. of 
 stairs) 
 
 (He slops on platform with Loomes.) 
 Molyneux. Er — what ? 
 
 Madame Mescale. Could I speak to you for one 
 moment ? 
 
 Molyneux. Oh yes — I suppose so. (to Loomes) 
 Go oo, Sir Kennedy, I'll join you. 
 
 (Sir Kennedy, sad look, goes.) 
 (xxmes down a few steps) I can't talk to you novj. 
 
 Madame Mescale. No, but I can talk to you. 
 
 Molyneux. [comes off steps to her, she takes his 
 arm) Well. 
 
 (The following to " Then I'll wish you good evening,'' 
 quickly and confidentially) 
 
 Madame Mescale. (going down stage r. a little) 
 You've got the future Duke of Gallminster in tow 
 
 Molyneux. What of it ? 
 
 Madame Mescale. I've got his promise in writing 
 to marry me. What price ought I to get for that ? 
 
 Molyneux. I shudder to think. 
 
 (Duroco enters down L., carrying tray of ites. He 
 goes up stairs, as he is going up hears the voices and 
 
[II,] THE BEAR LEADERS. 90 
 
 ■ his ■-'''■. Turns when on 
 
 tform, looks at them, gives a start when he sees 
 Mo-'^' Its a momeM, then comes down c. of 
 
 stairs towards them.) 
 
 Madame Mescale. It'll be worth your while to 
 back me up, so have a business proposal ready to- 
 morrow morning. I shall be coming here to fetch my 
 plants away. 
 
 Molyneux. Anything further ? 
 
 Madame Mescale. No. 
 
 Molyneux. Then I'll wish you good evening. 
 {turns and nearly collides with Durocq) Take care 
 where you're coming ! 
 
 "Durocq. I am here, my brave oF man. You see, I 
 vatch, 1 hap of you. Yieux cochon ! 
 
 Molyneux. What do you say? 
 
 Durocq. You make your supper at de Savoy vid a 
 Madame charmante — ah, mais charmante ! 
 
 (She noes up stage and watches from exit.) 
 
 ••\ garcon dere — 'ow you say — I spot de both of 
 you. La, la — vieux scelerat ! 
 
 Molyneux. 1 don't understand French, but Vm 
 certain you're saying something offensive. 
 
 Durocq. Scelerat ! Imbecile — la. la ! 
 
 Molyneux. What ? 
 
 Durocq. La, la, la : 
 
 Molyneux. If you make that last remark again 1 
 shall report you to your employer, {with much 
 dignity) Stand out of my way. 
 
100 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act HI. 
 
 (Durocq falls back slightly. Molyneux crosses him 
 loftily and goes out.) 
 
 Durocq. (going to Madame Mescale, s/ae is by r. 
 post of stairs) And you — you, you — vot you say to 
 me — hem ? 
 
 Madame Mescale. I shall say something you 
 won't like if you kick up that row. 
 
 Durocq. You know I am mad for you — at de 
 Savoy you make your supper wid dat old monkey — 
 you dine wid a young monkey — I shall not rest tran- 
 quil, (he crosses on to stairs as though to follow Moly- 
 neux) 
 
 Madame Mescale. (quickly) Don't be a fool ! 
 
 Durocq. (back to her again) C'est ca — I am for 
 you a fool — but take care vot you do — or I spill de 
 soup — 
 
 Madame Mescale. Anatole, (touches his face) 
 I'm playing my game, and my game is your game. 
 I'm working for something that might do us both a 
 bit of good, but if you spill the soup — (crosses down c. 
 a little) it won't be my fault and I shall leave you to 
 wipe it up again. 
 
 (He crosses up stage towards conservatory.) 
 
 Durocq. I am jaloux, you see — jaloux — jaloux — 
 jaloux ! 
 
 (She crosses below him and then up to him, is now l. of 
 him.) 
 
 Madame Mescale. You'd better go back to the 
 
AotI] THE BEAR LEADERS. J01 
 
 refreshment room and be jealous there. Somebody 
 may come, and I can do without your company. 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux appears on the steps, unseen by 
 Mescale . She is followed by Sir Kennedy Loomes. ) 
 
 Burocq. (comes to her. She holds her hands over 
 her ears, comes down a little) Are' you not my vife — T 
 ask of you — my vife — my vife ? 
 
 Madame Mesc ale. Shut up, you idiot ! 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (turns to Loomes, who is on 
 platform and up l. of her) Lady Marjorie doesn't 
 seem to be here, (coming down steps) but we'l' 
 stick to it. 
 
 (She and Sir Kennedy come down steps.) 
 
 Madame Mesc ale. There is somebody — get 
 
 away. 
 
 (Durocq moves aside muttering foreign anathema to up 
 r. into conservatory. Mescale arranges plants.) 
 
 Sir Kennedy. I'm distressed to take you from 
 your guests, Mrs. Molyneux. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (below steps) It's a wrench, of 
 course ; but I shall get over it. 
 
 Madame Mescale. I've arranged the plants, 
 Madam. 
 
 (Loomes off the steps.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (turns to her) Yes, I see you 
 have ; thanks. 
 
 (Madame Mescale retires up r. a little.) 
 
J 02 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act III. 
 
 Come along. Sir Kennedy — Lady Marjorie is a sharp 
 needle in a big bundle of hay, but we'll find her. 
 
 (Band stops) 
 (Mrs. Molyneux crosses over to door down r., followed 
 
 by Loomes. Mescale and Durocq watch them as 
 
 they go out r. Mescale comes to below settee r. at 
 
 their exit. Durocq comes down l. of Mescale level 
 
 with her says " Lucie ! ") 
 
 Madame Mescale. (turns to him) There, 
 another moment and Mrs. Molyneux would have 
 heard you call me your wife — and that's the last word 
 I want you to sling about in this house. 
 
 Durocq. Ah, Lucie, ma belle — I am si jaloux. 
 (Lady Marjorie and Petworth come on above steps 
 but not in sight yet.) 
 
 Petworth. (at back) By George, I want a 
 breather. 
 
 Madame Mescale. Get away, I tell you; here's 
 somebody else. 
 
 (Durocq moves across l. aside, again muttering foreign 
 anathema. Petworth and Lady Marjorie now in 
 sight on top of steps.) 
 Petworth. Has the dress come to special grief ? 
 
 (Mescale again to her palm, then goes up tmmrds 
 conservatory R.) 
 Lady Marjorie. No, I think a couple of pins 
 
 would see me through. 
 
 Petworth. (comes down stairs, quickly foUowcdby 
 
ArTlII.j THE BEAK LEADERS. IQ3 
 
 Lady Marjorie) Righto — I'll get one of the maids 
 to fix you up. (crosses round towards conservatory) 
 Here, I say, (speaking to Madame Mescale, who has 
 Iter back to him ; she turns) Oh, by George ! I beg 
 pardon- 
 
 Madame Mescale. If the lady wants a pin, I've 
 got my pincushion. (Mescale crosses, by R. of settee 
 r. to below it) Let me see to it. 
 (Lady Marjorie crosses below Petworth, who has 
 backed down stage and sits on settee r.) 
 
 Petworth. Oh — er — thanks — thanks awfully. 
 (crosses round Lady Marjorie, wipes his forehead) 
 Phew ! My throat is dry. 
 
 (Durocq goes up stairs slowly, still muttering.) 
 Waiter, bring that tray of yours here, 
 
 (Durocq stops on stairs, comes down l. of Petworth 
 towards him. Petworth takes a step, a$vay down 
 stage from steps) 
 
 I must drink lemonade if I'm drive-) to it. (turns to 
 
 Durocq) 
 
 (Durocq advances and suddenly recognizes him.) 
 
 Durocq. Mon Dieu ! It is de young monkay !. 
 
 Petworth. What's that ? Here, I want some 
 lemonade. 
 
 Durocq. Non — (moving the tray out of reach) I do 
 not give to you limonade. 
 
 Petworth. Well then, an ice. (handout for ice) 
 
 Durocq. Non — (moves step down and away l.) 
 
104 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act III. 
 
 I 'ave limonade — I 'ave ice — strawberri et vanille— J 
 give you noting — you see nosing at all — I go — I leave 
 you wid de parch in your troat — la — la ! 
 
 (He rushes off down l.) 
 
 (During this Madame Mescale has knelt down and 
 finned up Lady Marjorie' s dress. Pause. Pet- 
 worth looks round at Lady Marjorie) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. What's the matter with the 
 waiter ? 
 
 Petworth. L don't know ; the chap seems to 
 have got hydrophobia or something, (crosses a little 
 L., looking at door down l.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. I should have liked an ice. 
 
 Petworth. So should I. 
 
 Madame Mescale. (rising) I think that will hold 
 now. (crosses below her to l. of her) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (rises) Oh yes, that's quite all 
 right ; I'm much obliged, (crosses a little to her) 
 
 Madame Mescale. Not at all ; a pin's a useful 
 institution, (crosses below Petworth) Good even- 
 ing. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Good evening, (she goes c, 
 looking at dress.) 
 
 (Madame Mescale, when she has crossed .Petworth 
 and is at door down l., glances back at him.) 
 
 Petworth (nervously) Good-evening. 
 
 (Madame Mescale goes down l. Lady Marjorie 
 strolls over to stairs and sits.) 
 
Act III. j THE BEAR LEADERS. LOS 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (brightly) Teddy, you dance 
 better than I feared. 
 
 Petworth. (to her, is l. of her) Do I ? (he sits 
 l. of her,, below her) (looks at her) Which is your 
 favourite way of committing suicide ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Well, I shouldn't choose one 
 that would make a mess — what's the matter? 
 Evadne ? 
 
 Petworth. (to her) I tell you what it is. I'm 
 jolly well damned if I'm going to marry Evadne ! 
 
 Lady Marjorie. And I'm jolly well — (pause)— 
 what you said just now — if I marry Loomes. 
 
 Petworth. I think you're right, (looks away) \ 
 couldn't stick him myself, (pause) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (thinking it out) 1 wonder how it 
 would be — if we married each other. 
 
 Petworth. What ? Well, do you know, a week 
 ago I wouldn't have believed it ; but upon my soul I 
 should like to marry you most awfully. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. And what a heavenly dust up 
 our marriage would cause ! 
 
 Petworth. Yes ; (he grins) think of my great- 
 uncle. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (topping each other) And my 
 grandmother ! 
 
 Petworth. And Evadne Tuddenham. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. And Loomes. 
 
 Petworth. And what price Molly ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Molly! (pause) Teddy— we've 
 got to do it ! 
 
100 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act HE 
 
 Petworth. (rising. Goes step down off steps) 
 We will. 
 
 (Petworth turns to her, bends over her, speaks half 
 shyly r. foot up on steps, is still l. of her.) 
 
 Petworth. I say, let's go into the conservatory, 
 and clinch it among the palms. 
 
 (She rises, gets off steps, he goes to her. They link 
 arms as they cross r. They go into conservatory and 
 off up l. at back) 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux and Sir Kennedy come on from 
 down r.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (crosses in front of settee r. to 
 foot of steps) No good up to now, but we'll dig her 
 out. 
 
 Sir Kennedy, (goes up to back of settee r. by r. of 
 it) I admit to feeling somewhat disheartened. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Oh, lord! (goes to Loomes) 
 
 (Molyneux and Lady Tuddenham appear at top of 
 steps.) 
 
 Molyneux. Lady Tuddenham, I'm appalled that 
 you've had no supper, (pointing to settee r.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. (rather irritably) You're very 
 obliging, Mr. Molyneux ; I'll come down slowly if you 
 don't mind, because I think I mentioned — my feet 
 are a trouble to me. 
 
 Molyneux. Oh yes, you did. (Lady Tudden- 
 ham comes slowly down) (Molyneux goes to Mrs. 
 
Act III.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 10t 
 
 Molyneux. Aside to Mrs. Molyneux. My dear — 
 Lady Tuddenham — talk to her for a minute, will you ? 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (aside) Then you talk to 
 Loonies' 
 
 (Molyneux crosses behind Mrs. Molyneux to up.h. of 
 Loomes.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (crosses to Lady Tuddenham 
 who has got down by this time) Lady Tuddenham, 
 you'll find this a useful settee. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Oh, thank you, Mrs. Moly- 
 neux. (crosses Mrs. Molyneux to settee r., followed by 
 Mrs. Molyneux) I shall be glad to sit down ; I'm 
 not the woman I used to be. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (sits on settee r. end of it) Well, 
 I'm sorry your second edition has had no supper. 
 
 (During this Mrs. Molyneux has guided Lady Tud- 
 denham on to the settee. Molyneux and Sir 
 Kennedy have worked their way round at the back to 
 l. Sir Kennedy complaining in dumb show.) 
 
 Sir Kennedy, (facing audience) Thanks to my 
 unsuccessful quest of Lady Marjorie I have not danced. 
 I lay no stress "on the fact that I have not supped 
 (faces Molyneux) 
 
 Molyneux. (faces Loomes) Oh no, there's no- 
 thing in that, (they are face to face) 
 
 Sir Kennedy. But really, you know — really— 
 
 Molyneux. Sir Kennedy — if she's to be found — 
 (crosses to l.) we'll find her. (turns, faces steps) 
 
103 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act III. 
 
 Meanwhile, try what a cheery hearty rest on those'steps 
 will do to brighten you up. 
 
 (Sir Kennedy sits sadly on steps.) 
 
 That's better, {moves away) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. T believe Mr. Beckton is 
 looking after Evadne. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Horace is a kind chap. 
 
 (Molyneux crosses below Loomes to the l. vf Mrs. 
 Molyneux) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Yes, but 'is Grace the Duke of 
 Gallminster led me to expect that 'is great- nephew — 
 
 young Mr. Petworth 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, 1 know. (Lady Tudden- 
 ham turns away.) (to Molyneux) What's 
 happened to Teddy ? 
 
 .Molyneux. I'll find him — or perish. (Molyneux 
 turns, nearly falls over Loomes' feet, gets on to steps) 
 
 (Beckton has appeared with Evadne on his arm from, 
 door down l.) 
 Beckton. Oh, there you all are. (to Evadne) 
 
 Later Evadne is conveyed to her mother, and sits by 
 her.) 
 Molyneux. (on the steps to Beckton) Did you 
 invade the supper room ? 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux rises off settee) 
 Beckton. (up to Molyneux) Not much, old 
 chap. 
 
Act III.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 109 
 
 (Crosses below steps, passes Evadne over to Mrs. 
 Molyneux, who passes her over to settee r., where 
 Evadne sits above her mother. Beckton for the 
 moment remains on Mrs. Molyneux's l.) 
 
 Miss Evadne fancied an ice, (passes Evadne over) 
 
 so we had a dash at the refreshment room, but it was 
 
 no blessed good. 
 
 (Beckton exits in conservatory off up r.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Perhaps you'd like an ice, Lady 
 Tuddenham ? 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Well, I should, if convenient. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (to Molyneux, goes to r. of 
 steps) ■ She'd like an ice — if convenient. 
 
 Molyneux. It's not convenient — but — (on steps) 
 if I could only lay hold of Byles 
 
 (Durocq enters very hastily l. ; crosses the stage 
 rapidly) 
 
 Here, hi ! Bring those ices here — at once, (goes off 
 steps to l. of Durocq) 
 
 Durocq. (stops down r.c, turns) Non, I do not 
 give you ices ; you go your way — I go my way — -you 
 see ? I give you nosing, (tray down) nosing at all. 
 (he holds tray high. Molyneux jumps for it unsuccess- 
 fully. Durocq hurries off down r.) 
 
 (Lady Tuddenham and Evadne's hopes are raised and 
 then dashed to the ground when Molyneux fails to 
 get an ice.) 
 Molyneux. {turning) He's escaped me. (crosses 
 
] 10 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act TIT. 
 
 m\ 'dly up to &. o/Mrs. Molyneux; 4 o Mrs. Moly- 
 neux) Did you notice that man ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. He seemed rather unresponsive. 
 
 Molyneux. I think he must have had a go at 
 Pastorelli's champagne 
 
 (Molyneux goes up stage R. in despair, then to bach 
 of settee r. Bus.) 
 Mrs. Molyneux. If he has — serve hirn right. 
 (goes over to Sir Kennedy) Well, Sir Kennedy. 
 
 (He wakes with a palpable start.) 
 
 I'm sorry. I'm afraid I disturbed you. 
 
 Sir Kennedy. I must apologise ; I had an 
 arduous day at the Board of Trade. 
 
 (Lady Marjorie and Petworth come out from con- 
 servatory from up l. and come down talking together.) 
 (rises) Have you any tidings of Lady Marjorie ? 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Not up to date. 
 
 (Petworth and Lady Marjorie realize the position, 
 and turn round to go back off r. Molyneux catches 
 sight of them.) 
 
 Molyneux. My dear ! The cubs ! 
 
 (Molyneux and Mrs. Molyneux turn up.) 
 
 Stop ! 
 
 (The young people pause. Petworth and Marjorie 
 turn round facing audience.) 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Don't run away ; we've been 
 looking for you. 
 
Act in.] THE BEAK LEADERS. 11! 
 
 Lady Marjorie. gi : Mrs. Molynj 
 
 Oh, have you ? We're sorry. 
 
 Petworth. (goes to l. of Molyneux) Beastly 
 sorry ! 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Prove it. (she guides Lady 
 
 Marjorie round to see Sir Kennedy, who has risen) 
 
 (During this Molyneux has been expostulating in 
 dumb shoir with Petworth.) 
 
 Molyneux. Where the devil have you been ? 
 You've got your tie all wrong, (puis it right. Swings 
 him round) Go and dance with Evadne— and be 
 damned to you ! 
 
 [Mrs. Molyneux and Molyneux meet c.) 
 Petworth. (putting on a glove) May I have the 
 pleasure of dancing the next dance with you, Miss 
 Tuddenham ? t've been looking forward to it all 
 the evening. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. She'll be delighted, I'm sure. 
 Now, Evadne, go and dance with Mr. future Gall- 
 minster. 
 
 (Evadne rise's. Lady Tuddenham arranges Evadne's 
 dress.) 
 
 I mean with Mr. Petworth 
 
 (Petworth takes Evadne on his r. arm on to steps 
 and off slowly.) 
 Lady Marjorie. (to Sir Kennedy) Oh no, I'm . 
 not eng 2 for the Lee, and if I were 1 
 wouldn't let that stand in bhe way 
 
112 THE BEAR LEADERS. Act III. 
 
 Sir Kennedy. I didn't realize the extent of my 
 good fortune. Permit me. (offers his R. arm) 
 
 (Band Forte) 
 
 (Laughter off stage) 
 
 (Petworth and Evadne have preceded them slightly. 
 They follow up the steps and off tip l.) 
 
 (Lady Tuddenham falls asleep on settee r.) 
 
 Molyneux. (crosses below Mrs. Molyneux to 
 l. of her below steps) There ! (they turn to audience) 
 for once the children seem inclined to be good. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. They're too good to be true- 
 (goes over a little r. sees Lady Tuddenham asleep, 
 returns to r. of steps) Lady Tuddenham is still 
 supperless. 
 
 Molyneux. Well, Beckfcon won't try it ; he's a 
 paltry coward ! 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. How about you ? 
 
 Molyneux. .Me ! (backs a little to c. of steps) 
 If I were to go near the supper room I should be 
 lynched, (goes up to steps) 
 
 (Felgate is seen by Molyneux coining on by entrance 
 up l. from ball room. Turns to Mrs. Molyneux) 
 
 Here's that old bore, Felgate ! Did you send him a 
 card ? 
 
 (Felgate appears on top of stairs.) 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No. 
 Molyneux. (goes up on his R., shakes hands 
 
Act III.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 113 
 
 warmly with him) My dear Felgate, how are you ? 
 (they both come down steps together) You never 
 answered our card of invitation. 
 
 Felgate. As a matter of fact, it didn't reach me. 
 I've been dining at the Mansion House, (crossing to 
 Mrs. Molyneux) Good evening, Mrs. Molyneux ; 
 I happened to pass your house on my way home and 
 seeing the awning and bunting I knew some postal 
 error must have occurred. 
 
 Molyneux. (hardly concealing his irritation at 
 Felgate's presence, still las he is here tries to get 
 some news out of him) Well, any news from the 
 search party at Lapworthy Park ? 
 
 Felgate. Not as yet, but everything must have 
 a beginning, (turning to Mrs. Molyneux) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Do you dance ? 
 
 Felgate. Not of late years. 
 
 Molyneux. I suppose you sup ? 
 
 Felgate. (goes to Molyneux, 'is r. of him.) Well, 
 
 yes, I do in moderation 
 
 (Durocq comes on hastily from down R. and is crossing 
 quickly.) 
 
 Felgate. I may be old-fashioned. 
 Molyneux. (to Felgate, pushing him aside) 
 Excuse me. 
 
 (Felgate goes up stage to Mrs. Molyneux, talks to 
 
 her.) 
 (intercepting Durocq) No, you don't. Give me an 
 ice at once. I will have it. 
 
 H 
 
114 THE BEAK LEADERS. [Act III. 
 
 DuftOCQ. [has tried to get behind him, then hacking 
 away from him and holdingjhis tray away from Moly- 
 neux in both his hands) No, you will not 'ave no 
 ice. Scelerat ! Imbecile ! 
 
 (Felgate turns, sees ices within reach, takes ice and 
 proceeds to eat it.) 
 
 Molyneux. Put down that tray ; do you hear me ! 
 
 (Durocq rushes down stage. They dodge one another. 
 During this Felgate has taken ice from the tray, 
 and resumes his dumb show conversation with Mrs. 
 
 MOLYNEUX) 
 
 Durocq. {rushes, tries to get below Molyneux, 
 who gets in his way) I 'ear of you ; but (gelling fast 
 Molyneux rushes, tries to get above Molyneux, who 
 gets in his way by steps) I snap de finger — 1 give you 
 nosing, {rushes and gets below Molyneux by door 
 down l. Flicks his napkin into Molyneux's eye, 
 You see ? Nosing at all. La — la ! 
 
 (He rushes off l. Molyneux follows for a step 
 or two, then pauses and turns) 
 
 Molyneux. (crosses up to l. of Felgate, rubbing 
 his injured eye) The wretched foreign beast must 
 have gone mad ! (opens his eye, sees Felgate has 
 taken an lee) Why, you've got one ! 
 
 Felgate. An ice ? Thanks, yes, I have ; pleasant 
 things this hot weather. 
 
 Molyneux. But, my dear Felgate, our friend 
 Lady Tuddenham — 
 
Act HI. ] THE BEAR LEADERS. 115 
 
 (She wakes up.) 
 is literally fainting for an ice — 
 
 (Lady Tuddenham rises slowly in pleasurable 
 anticipation) 
 
 so ii you'll allow me. (trying to take /• 
 
 Felgate. I'm afraid I've started on this one 
 
 (Molyneux gesture.) 
 
 I'm sorry. 
 
 (Molyneux crosses to l.) 
 
 As I was saying, Mrs. Molyneux (again resumes 
 
 conversation) 
 
 (Molyneux gives gesture of despair.) 
 
 Molyxeux. Well, Felgate, you sup ; you ad- 
 mitted it just now. 
 
 Felgate. Yes. (crosses to r. of Molyxeux) 
 
 Molyneux. (looking . Felgate up and down) 
 My dear (to Mrs. Molyneux), he'd get into the 
 supper room. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (also looking at Felgate) I 
 think he would — weight's bound to tell. (Mrs. 
 Molyneux goes up a little) 
 
 Molyneux. Yes — what those brutes want is a 
 battering ram. (crosses below Felgate to r. of oim) 
 Gome and be introduced to Lady Tuddenham. 
 
 Felgate. With much pleasure, (follows Moly- 
 neux) 
 
 Molyneux. Lady Tuddenham — mv friend, Mr. 
 
tlti THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act HI 
 
 Felgate, will have the privilege of taking you down to 
 supper. 
 
 (Molyneux crosses behind Felgate, who comes to 
 Lady Tuddenham. Molyneux stands l. of 
 Felgate) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. 'E's very obliging. I was 
 beginning to feel quite fainty. 
 
 Felgate. Delighted, I'm sure, [to Molyneux, 
 on his l., handing ice plate) May I trouble you? 
 (offers his r. arm to Lady Tuddenham. They move 
 up slowly) 1 was telling Mrs. Molyneux I have been 
 dining at the Mansion House. 
 
 (Molyneux crosses to l., puts ice plate on table above 
 door.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. 'Ave you ? 
 
 Felgate. They still do you marvellously well. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Do they ? (going up steps 
 slowly) 
 
 Felgate. Yes, I'm afraid 1 must plead guilty to 
 three plates of turtle. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. (stops, pulls him round so 
 that they face the audience) Don't talk like that, 
 there's a dear good man ; I can't bear it. 
 
 Felgate. Three plates of turtle, I assure you. 
 
 (They go out up l.) 
 Molyneux. Well, that disposes of them ; 1 wonder 
 how the rest of the crew are getting along. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I. don't know, and I don't par- 
 
Act III.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 117 
 
 ticularly care. I'm going to have five bars rest. 
 (strolls over and sits on lounge it.) 
 (Beckton enters from r. up r. from conservatory. 
 (He crosses down to l. of Mrs. Molyneux) 
 
 Molyneux. (goes up, sits on step) I'm with you. 
 We'll let 'em all rip. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Ah, Horace, anything the 
 matter ? 
 
 Beckton. I've got an understudy chauffeur 
 to-night — who is more than three parts screwed — an 
 hour or two in your servants' hall ought to round 
 him off nicely. 
 
 Molyneux. Do you mean to say, Beckton, you 
 have deposited an intoxicated chauffeur in ray 
 servants' hall ? 
 
 (Byles comes on down l.) 
 
 Beckton. Where was I to put him ? 
 
 Molyneux. Surely you could have — — 
 
 Byles. I beg pardon, sir. 
 
 Molyneux. (irrilabbj) What is it ? 
 
 Byles. Nearly all the gentlemen guests are 
 leaving. 
 
 Molyneux. Well, don't try to baulk them. 
 
 Byles. There's a good deal of excitement in their 
 cloak-room. 
 
 Molyneux. What excitement ? 
 
 Byles. One of Pastarelli's waiters has been 
 rather peculiar all the evening. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes, he has. (rises, steps to Mrs. 
 
118 THE BEAR LEADERS. [AotIII. 
 
 Molyneux and Beckton) And I shall have some- 
 thing rather peculiar to say to Pastarelli. 
 
 Byles. One of the maids noticed him throwing 
 the coats about and trampling on the hats. 
 
 Molyneux. (turns to Byles) Trampling on the 
 hats ? 
 Byles. So f am informed, sir. 
 Molyneux. I'll go and see into this, [crosses 
 below Byles) Come, with me. (speaks as he <joes 
 off) I may need your protection. 
 
 (He goes off hastily followed by Byles.) 
 Beckton. You see, mam, it's a new 7 motor — 
 (Petworth has come on down the steps) 
 
 and the Dook paid rather a heavy figure for it. 
 
 Hullo, Teddy ; where's Evadne ? 
 Petworth. I dunno ; I mislaid her somewhere. 
 
 (crossing over to Mrs. Molyneux below Beckton and 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux) Oh, I say, old dear, I feel so 
 
 blessed tired. 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Do you, Teddy ? (she moves 
 
 up on settee) Come and sit down. 
 Petw'ORTH. Righto, (sits by her, below her) 
 Mrs. Molyneux. What was all that about the 
 
 motor ? 
 Beckton. It's a corkin' good car, and I don't 
 
 believe this deputy chauffeur is in a state to drive it 
 
 back, (different tone) I went outside about half an 
 
 hour ago, and the drunken hound hadn't even taken 
 
 it to the garage. 
 
ActITL] THE BEAR LEADERS. 119 
 
 Mrs. Molyxeux. Hadn't he? 
 Becktox. No. It's all a noosance. Til go and 
 smoke somewhere. 
 
 Mrs. Molyxeux. Do. 
 
 (Becktox goes off conservatory up r.) 
 
 Petworth. What's that about the chauffeur ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyxeux. According to Horace, he's 
 temporarily drunk, and permanently incapable, and 
 the motor is running loose in the street outside. 
 
 Petworth. Oh, that's it ? I say, isn't life a 
 silly game ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyxeux. 1 suppose you don't want to 
 marry V 
 
 Petworth. Oh, I wouldn't say that. 
 
 Mrs. Molyx"eux. You're young to marry. 
 
 Petworth. (insists on this) That's simple rot, 
 old dear ; if a young man's going to marry, the 
 younger the young man does it the better ; it gives 
 him an object in life. 
 
 Mrs. Molyxeux. You mean Evadne ? 
 
 Petworth. Oh, confound Evadne. 
 
 Mrs. Molyxeux. {rising. Goes towards steps) 
 Well, you said you wanted an object. 
 
 (Strolling towards c. as Madame Mescale comes 
 
 on in hat l.) 
 
 Madame Mescale. I'm going now, Madam. 
 
 Mrs. Molyxeux. Very good. 
 
 Madame Mescale. I shall come round in the 
 
120 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act HI. 
 
 morning to superintend the removal of the plants. 
 Mrs. Molyneux. All rigkv. Good night. 
 
 (As Madame Mescale crosses below Mrs. Molyneux 
 towards conservatory, Mrs. Molyneux goes slightly 
 l., meeting Molyneux, below steps, who comes 
 rushing down l. Mescale keeps her eyes on 
 Molyneux and Mrs. Molyneux keeps just by 
 settee R.) 
 Molyneux. My dear, I've been having a ghastly 
 
 time. 
 Mrs. Molyneux. What's the matter ? 
 Molyneux. Why that — er — {wipes his forehead) 
 
 er 
 
 Madame Mescale. (to Petworth from above 
 
 him) Read that ; it's important. 
 
 (Gives Jiim letter unseen by the Molyneuxs, then goes 
 into conservatory . ) 
 
 Molyneux. {facing audience) That infernal for- 
 eign waiter has mixed the coats and smashed all the 
 hats ; but the men are showing temper, even out in 
 the street, (pleased). However, everybody is be- 
 ginning to go. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (steps doum) Thank Heaven ! 
 
 Molyneux. Would you mind speeding the parting 
 guests ? 
 (During this Sir Kennedy has come on to platform 
 
 above steps. They both twrn inwards, go up a step, 
 
 see him, look at one another, then both turn and hold 
 
 on to the balustrade.) 
 
Act HI.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 121 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Not at all. 
 
 Sir Kennedy. I fear I must be going. 
 
 (Both the Molyneuxs are much relieved.) 
 Strangely enough Lady Marjorie and I missed each 
 other in the ball-room. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux, That's very odd. {up on flat- 
 form r. of Loomes) 
 
 Sir Kennedy. It is very singular. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Gome along, we'll try again. 
 (Taking his arm, they go off — as they <jo.) 
 
 Molyneux. That's all right. 
 
 (Molyneux (joes r.c. and up towards conservatory, 
 where he is met by Madame Mescale, who emerges 
 from conservatory.) 
 Merciful goodness ! 
 
 Madame Mescale. I've left written instructions 
 with Master Teddy. I must have that money to-mor- 
 row. I shall be here in the morning. I'm going now. 
 
 (Is going down towards door down l. He stops her 
 turns her inwards, puts his l. arm round her waist 
 and crosses up ivith her towards conservatory) 
 
 Molyneux. You couldn't do better ; there's a 
 short way out through the — 
 
 (Durocq enters down l. jauntily, is crossing to up 
 r., sees Molyneux with his arm round Madame 
 Mescale's waist, stops as if shot, waits below steps.) 
 
 conservatory and down the side staircase. Good 
 
 night. 
 
122 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act 111. 
 
 Madame Mescale. Good night. 
 
 (She goes out through the conservatory.) 
 (Molyneux turns and {aces Durocq.) 
 
 Durocq. Aha, my brave old man, vonce more 
 you make your court to de lovely ladies. 
 
 Molyneux. You damned impudent jumping frog. 
 
 Durocq. If 1 am frog you are monkay — old 
 monkay, {crosses below Molyneux to l. of Petworth) 
 and dere again is de young monkay. (dashes across 
 to Petworth and snaps his fingers in his face) La — 
 la — la : Now (to Molyneux) I quit your 'ouse and 
 will return to it — nevaire ! (crosses below Molyne ux 
 to down l. of him) 
 
 Molyneux. (goes to him) I'll take care of that. 
 How about those hats ? 
 
 Durocq. 'Ats ? I dance on your 'ats, I mingle 
 your coats in a grand melange — (Molyneux makes 
 a movement, Durocq shoots out his hand) and if you 
 approach me I box your eye. La — la ! 
 
 (He rushes off down l.) 
 
 Molyneux. (following hastily) I'll send for a 
 policeman and withdraw my custom from Pastarelli. 
 
 (He goes off down l.) 
 
 Petworth. (reading letter) " I'm sure you don't 
 mean to keep your written promise to marry me." 
 Oh, Lord ! 
 
 (Lady Marjorie enters from top of stairs up l., conies 
 do, at stairs towards Petworth.) 
 
Act III.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 123 
 
 " I happen to want money, and I'll take a thousand 
 for your letters ; but I must have it quick, or there'll 
 be trouble. Yours, Lucie." That settles me ! 
 
 Lady Mar jorie (front of him) What settles you ? 
 
 Petworth. I'm in a mess. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (goes to him a step) What's 
 the matter ? 
 
 Petworth. I've got a past. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (jumps back) You haven't? 
 
 Petworth. I tell you I have. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (rushes at him) Oh, Teddy, you 
 dear boy. (sits above him, pushes her arm through 
 his, naively) Tell me all about her. 
 
 Petworth. I'll tell you this : she's going to make 
 trouble, and it's sickening, because I'd quite taken to 
 that notion of you and I marrying — see ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Well, there's only one way — 
 (she thinks this out and then points it) we must com- 
 promise each other and force everybody's hands. 
 
 Petworth. That sounds useful. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. We must bolt. 
 
 Petavorth. W^hen ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. To-night. 
 
 Petworth. The midnight trains to everywhere 
 have gone. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Ah, if we could only motor. 
 
 Petworth. We could do that, there is a motor, 
 it's the Duke's, Beckton came in it, it's outside, the 
 chauffeur's drunk and can't drive it back, so with luck 
 we might nip out and collar it. 
 
124 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act III. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Well then, I'll tell you what — 
 (strongly) we'll motor down into the country and 
 come back thoroughly compromised, (she rises) 
 Have you got a motor coat? 
 
 Petworth. (rises) No, I'll take Beckton' s ; he 
 can't want it if we've got the motor ; (crosses beloiv 
 her, (joes up the steps) it's in the cloak-room. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (goes to him, he turns on steps) 
 Fetch it and hide it in the conservatory, (points to it, 
 face to audience) I'll do the same. We can get out 
 that way, and ;I'll scribble a line to Mrs. Molly ex- 
 plaining things and leave it in my room. 
 
 Petworth. (makes much of this bright thought) 
 We'd better lock both our doors and bring the keys 
 away ; it will postpone discovery. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Very well. Now run away and 
 make haste. 
 
 Petworth. Righto ! 
 
 (He goes up the steps, Lady Marjorie goes off R- 
 Molyneux comes on l. Beckton comes on through 
 conservatory.) 
 
 Molyneux. Nearly everybody's gone, it's most 
 satisfactory, (meets Beckton c.) Hullo, Beckton, 
 where have you been ? 
 
 Beckton. (angry with him) In your basement, 
 old chap. Our blessed chauffeur is as drunk as 
 
 Molyneux. As a fiddle ? 
 
 Beckton. A fiddle ! A double bass would be 
 under the mark. What am I to do with him ? 
 
Act III.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 125 
 
 Molyneux. Why ask me ? In any case you 
 must get him up the area steps yourself. I've just got 
 rid of that foreign waiter and these things are ex- 
 hausting. 
 
 Beckton. I know they are. 
 
 Molyneux. Byles kicked him out of the front 
 door, while I stood firmly on the top step and watched 
 him do it. 
 
 Beckton. That's great ; but the chauffeur is a 
 heavy beast. I don't fancy I can lift him. 
 
 Molyneux. Look here, Beckton, I feel this is 
 not the moment for the intervention of a policeman 
 and an ambulance, so as you and I are old friends my 
 coal cellar is at your disposal. 
 
 Beckton. Devilish good of you. Would you give 
 me your authority ? 
 
 Molyneux. I'll come with you and explain. 
 
 Beckton. Thanks, then I'll get my coat. ! shall 
 have to drive the blessed motor myself. 
 
 (Follows Molyneux off l.) 
 
 (Pet worth conies on down steps carrying motor coat 
 and cap, Bus, he dodges back for a moment. As he 
 comes down steps Lady Marjorie comes on, r. 
 carrying travelling coat and hat. Petworth carries 
 his coat on his r. arm.) 
 
 Petworth. There you are, that's ripping. 
 Lady Marjorie. So you found the coat ? 
 Petworth. Yes. {in his l. hand) I found 
 
120 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act III 
 
 Beckton's coat in the cloak-room. Nobody saw me, 
 and I got a cap. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Whose V 
 
 Petworth. (unreasonable 'question) How should 
 I know ? Give me your things, [takes her coat on his 
 L. arm and hat) I'll take 'em into the conservatory , 
 then we must trust to luck to get away. 
 
 (They go up.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. And till then we must play up 
 for all we're worth. 
 
 (Petworth goes up to coyiservatory off l. Mrs. 
 Molyneux comes in from stairs l. followed by Sir 
 Kennedy l. Lady Marjorie comes down 
 stage) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Oh, there you are at last ! 
 Sir Kennedy wants to say good night to you. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. I've been looking for him 
 everywhere. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I'm sure you have. 
 
 (Lady Marjorie crosses below Molyneux to 
 
 LOOMES.) 
 
 Sir Kennedy. My dear Lady Marjorie 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Why did you run away from 
 me ? [ don't think it was quite kind ; the truth is 
 you're fickle. 
 
 Sir Kennedy. Fickle ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Very fickle, that's the way with 
 men who know their power over us. 
 
Act ILL] THE BEAR LEADERS. 127 
 
 Sir Kennedy, {almost like a speech) At this late 
 hour 1 will not attempt to defend myself from such a 
 gratifying accusation, but I shall take an early 
 opportunity of calling and endeavouring to do so. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Oh, I hope you will. Good 
 night, dear Sir Kennedy. 
 
 Sir Kennedy. Good night, my dearest Lady 
 Marjorie. 
 (He raises her hand to his lips, she crosses him below 
 
 him and unseen rubs her hand vigorously with her 
 
 handkerchief.) 
 I am going now, Mrs. Molyneux. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Are you going strong ? 
 
 Sir-Kennedy, (looks towards Marjorie) I really 
 think so. (back to Marjorie) Good night. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. {pause, then) Good-night. 
 
 (Sir Kennedy goes up the steps and off up l.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. (goes to Mrs. Molyneux) 
 Well, how's that ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. You seem to have squared the 
 old gentleman. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. I have ; he has trotted off home 
 to dream of me. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (hand on her shoulder) 1 tell 
 you what it is, my young friend, I fancy one of these 
 fine days you'll give London something to talk about. 
 
 Lady Mar jorie. (thinks of elopement) I wonder ! 
 (Molyneux and Evadne come on l. Lady Marjorie 
 crosses and sits on chair above door l.) 
 
128 THE BEAR LEADERS. j [Act III. 
 
 Molyneux. (crosses towards c. with Evadne on 
 his l.) My dear Miss Evadne, it's all right. Lady 
 Tuddenham is probably here, {takes Evadne over a 
 little) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. What's the matter ? 
 
 Molyneux. I found Miss Evadne hidden away 
 behind the grand piano, (passes Evadne across) 
 Where is Lady Tuddenham ? 
 
 (Evadne sits on settee r. r. end of it, Felgate and 
 Lady Tuddenham appear on steps, she isft. of him. 
 Molyneux and Mrs. Molyneux go up together 
 up R. towards conservatory) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Felgate's got her, hasn't he ? 
 
 Molyneux. I thought so, what's he done with 
 her? 
 
 Felgate. I'm exceedingly sorry about this 
 supper question, Lady Tuddenham. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. I suppose it can't be 'elped. 
 (from top of steps) 'Ulloa, Evadne, where 'ave you 
 been 'iding yourself ? 
 
 Molyneux. (lias come downto r. of steps) Behind 
 the grand piano. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. (coming down steps) We'll 
 get along 'ome I think. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I hope you've had some supper. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. No, indeed I 'aven't. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Haven't you ? 
 
 Molyneux. But why not ? 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. (off the steps, crosses below 
 
 
Act III.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 12» 
 
 Molyneux to settee R.) You'd better ask your friend 
 Mr. Fiddlegate. (sits above Evadne on settee r.) 
 
 (Molyneux crosses to Felgate who is below steps. 
 Mrs. Molyneux comes to Molyneux's r.) 
 
 Felgate. It was a chapter of accidents. I'm really 
 distressed about it. Your supper room was rather 
 congested, but we got in. I deposited Lady 
 Tuddenhamat a small table remote from the buffet 
 and then 3 oraged, but I soon lost heart. The 
 forlorn drumstick of a fowl was no fit offering for 
 a lady, so I dealt with it myself, and a tiny scraping 
 of lobster salad enabled me to get it down. 
 
 Molyneux. Then you found nothing for Lady 
 Tuddenham ? 
 
 Felgate. Practically nothing ; there was half a 
 meringue-, but really that seemed like two bites at a 
 cherry, so I disposed of that also. 
 
 Molyneux. (laughs) Well, upon my soul, Fel- 
 gate ! 
 
 Felgate. However I was lucky enough to come 
 across a glass of champagne which had apparently 
 been poured out for somebody else. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes, well ? 
 
 Felgate. I was conveying it to Lady Tuddenham, 
 when I had a sudden spasm in. the throat, and in- 
 stinctively, almost automatically, I drank it off. 
 
 Molyneux. Did you ? 
 
 Felgate. Yes, it was a long chapter of accidents. 
 
 i 
 
130 THE BEAR LEADERS. |ArTlIT. 
 
 r ' Laj i ' Marjorie, who ' ritl 'ng on 
 chair i>.) 
 
 (Look between Molyneux and Mrs. Molyneux.) 
 Lady Tuddenham. {both rise) 1 think it must 
 bo good-night, now, Mrs. Molyneux ; we should 'ave 
 liked to say oh .revver to Mr. Petworth 
 
 (Petworth enters from up conservatory up l.) 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (goes up towards conservatory) 
 I don't know where Teddy has put himself. 
 
 {During this Petworth has come down.) 
 
 Oh, here he is, Teddy, Lady Tuddenham and Miss 
 Evadne are going. 
 
 (The Tuddenhams get a little down r.) 
 
 Petworth. (on the r. of Mrs. Molyneux) Are 
 they ? Oh, I say, that's rotten luck, (comes down 
 l. of Lady Tuddenham) 1 had a gorgeous dance 
 with Miss Tuddenham and then we missed each 
 other, and I've been trying to find her again ever 
 since. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. {^earning on him) Oh well, 
 accidents will 'appen, as Mr. Fiddlegate was just 
 saying. Good-night, Mr. Petworth. 
 
 Petworth. Good night, (shakes hands eagerly 
 with Lady Tuddenham and Evadne) 
 
 (Evadne shakes hands with Mrs. Molyneux before 
 cross bin her.) 
 Molyneux. (advancing) Permit me, Lady Tud- 
 
THE BEAR LEADERS. kjj 
 
 :' ' ' sure, which ; - a greatonejof 
 
 seeing you to your carriage, {goes on to platform) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Thank you. 
 
 Molyneux. (on the platform, Lady Tuddenham 
 just below him) And this I will say, without fear of 
 contradiction, because I heard it on all sides. Miss 
 Evadne was the belle of the ball. 
 
 (Evadxe smiles.) 
 Lady Tuddenham. It's very obliging of you to 
 say so, Mr. Molyneux. 
 
 {They go off. followed by Evadne.) 
 (Petworth leaning over back of settee R.) 
 
 Felgate. (crosses to l. of her) Good night, Mrs. 
 Molyneux. I'm remorseful that Lady Tuddenham 
 had no supper. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. She was better off than she 
 
 thinks ; it was a contract supper. 
 
 Felgate. (dubiously) Hum — was it really ? 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Good -night. 
 Felgate. Good-night. 
 
 (He (pes up steps. Lady Marjorie has risen, she 
 goes to Mrs. Molyneux) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Good-night, Mrs. Molly. Have 
 I been behaving very badly ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Not worse than usual you 
 danced a lot too much with Teddy, (turning to 
 Mm) who, ] begin to think, is a bad hat. 
 
 Petworth. Oh ! 
 
132 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act III. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. And am I a bad toque ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. You certainly are, but you 
 look all right when you're properly trimmed. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. And yet you like me because 
 you can't help it, and I like you, though I didn't 
 mean to. (reaches up and hisses Mrs. Molyneux) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Hullo ! That's unusual. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Yes, it's a new (looks at Pet- 
 worth) departure (going r., stops, turns from below 
 settee r.) Need I get up early to-morrow ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. The longer you stay in bed the 
 quieter we shall all be. • 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Good-night, Mr. Petworth. 
 
 Pet worth. Good-night, Lady Marjorie. (she 
 crosses him and goes towards the door r. — to Mrs. 
 Molyneux) I say, old dear. 
 
 (Takes Mrs. Molyneux affectionately by the arm and 
 
 leads her ttvo steps l. so that she doesn't see Lady 
 
 Marjorie steal round to the conservatory.) 
 You don't really think I'm a bad hat, do you ? 
 (Lady Marjorie is off l., is patting on her coat and 
 hat.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Not as future dukes go ; you 
 look doggy tired. 
 
 Petworth. I am tired. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Shall I tell you a secret, Teddy ? 
 
 Petworth (nervously half looks round R.) Yes. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. So am I. Good-night. 
 
 Petworth. Good night, old dear. 
 
Act in.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 133 
 
 (They shake hands, she turns towards the steps, he 
 goes r., watching her, and darts round the settee 
 to conservatory, meeting Lady Marjorie, who has 
 put on her coat and hat. As Mrs. Molyneux is about 
 to go up the steps Beckton appears at the top of 
 them : he has a swashed hat in his hand.) 
 
 Beckton. (holding out hat for Mrs. Molyneux's 
 inspection, on the platform) What do you say to that, 
 main ? That's a nice kind of hat, isn't it ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. It's a bad hat ; it's worse than 
 Teddy. 
 
 Beckton. Yes, well, that doesn't matter ; but I've 
 lost my coat. 
 
 (Petworth creeps to r. to steps pulling on coat, Lady 
 Marjorie is on his r.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No, you haven't ; you've got it 
 on. 
 
 Beckton. I mean my motor coat; it's vanished. 
 
 {During this Lady Marjorie helps Petworth on 
 with the coat ; he puts on cap and they go off on tiptoe 
 through the conservatory. Molyneux enters l.) 
 
 Molyneux. At last everybody's gone. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No, Horace wants to take you 
 on. (crosses, sits settee R.) 
 
 Molyneux. What's the matter now, Beckton ? 
 If it's anything more about your chauffeur 
 
 Beckton. It isn't ; but look at that hat. (holds 
 out hat) 
 
134 THE BEAR LEADERS. [AcjtIII. 
 
 Molyneux. (takes it) Well, compared with 
 many of the others, it's in excellent condition. 
 (hands it back to Beckton, laughs) 
 
 Beckton. Yes. (taking hat) But I can't find 
 my motor coat. 
 
 Molyneux. Can't you ? 
 
 Beckton. Of course it ain't really my coat at all, 
 (down a step) it's the Book's, he bought it for tra- 
 velling I borrowed it to-night without his knowing 
 and there'll be a corkin' big row about the loss of it. 
 
 Molyneux. Of course the Duke will be annoyed. 
 (goes a step down stage) With you. 
 
 Beckton. (comes off steps to r. of him) Oh no, 
 that's rot. It was in the care of your servants, a 
 charge like that is sacred. 
 
 Molyneux. I've nothing to do with the loss of 
 something from my house which ought neve]' to 
 have been there, [laughs) I would lend you one 
 of my coats, but it wouldn't fit. 
 
 Beckton. No, I'm dashed if it would. I mast 
 drive the motor home as I am, and I shall be chilled 
 to the bone ; but if the coat should turn up again 
 to-morrow, I suppose you'll look after it for me ? 
 Molyneux. Of course I will. Good-night. 
 Beckton. Good-night. Good-night, mam. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Good-night. 
 
 (Beckton goes.) 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux has gone over and sat on lounge. 
 Molyneux goes over to her.) 
 
Act HI. I THE BEAR LEADERS. 135 
 
 Molyneux. My dear, we've struggled through 
 many vicissitudes, but I hope we shall never have 
 to give another ball. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No, and I hope the old Countess 
 will find this one worth the money. After all, Loonies 
 went away comparatively happy, and our two cubs 
 have gone quietly to bed, so they're off out- minds for 
 once. 
 
 Molyneux. Gone to bed, have they ? After 
 behaving atrociously all the evening. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, all the evening, {slight 
 pause) I ought to drag myself upstairs, but 1 
 simply haven't got the energy. 
 
 Molyneux. (up a bit) 1 didn't lose my temper 
 with Beckton just now, but he's given me a bad 
 time, what with his convivial chauffeur, and his petty 
 irritation at losing a coat that doesn't belong to him. 
 I. was quite relieved when he said a final good-night 
 
 (Beckton has come on again.) 
 
 Beckton. I say, really, you know, Molyneux, 
 (comes down steps to l. of hint) this is getting beyond a 
 joke. 
 
 Molyneux. Far beyond. 
 
 Beckton. Somebody's collared the motor; it's 
 gone. 
 
 Molyneux. Has it ? Well, what then ? 
 
 Beckton. What then ? Damn it all ; it's the 
 Book's new motor. We bought it last week. 
 
 Molyneux. i can't help that, 
 
136 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 
 
 Beckton. It cost fifteen hundred, and was a 
 bargain at that, and it's gone. 
 Molyneux. I'm sorry, but why apply to me ? 
 Beckton. (turns a little to l., takes step to l.) 
 The motor was outside your house a quarter of an 
 hour ago. I saw it there, and I tell you plainly the 
 Dook's sure to hold you responsible. 
 Molyneux. (rise) Me ? How am I responsible ? 
 Beckton. Because it was outside your front door. 
 Molyneux. So is the letter-box — (pause) and 
 the lamp-post — and if any dishonest person took a 
 fancy to either the letter-box or the lamp-post T 
 couldn't be expected to replace them. 
 
 Beckton. Oh well, it's no use wasting any more 
 
 time, (turning up coat collar, (joes up on steps) 
 
 Molyneux. (goes to R. of steps to him) Not a bit. 
 
 Beckton. But I can tell you this, Molyneux, 
 
 (at him) 1 shall take a taxi straight to Scotland 
 
 Yard. 
 
 Molyneux. You couldn't do better. 
 Beckton. I left my loose silver in the motor 
 coat and that's gone too. Have you got any spare 
 change about you ? 
 
 Molyneux. No, 1 haven't ! 
 Beckton. Then I shall bally well walk. Good- 
 night. 
 
 Molyneux. Good-night. 
 
 (Beckton goes off up l.) 
 (turns to Mrs. Molyneux) There ! That's a friend. 
 
Act UI.J THE BEAR LEADERS. 137 
 
 What does it matter to us where he jolly well walks 
 to? 
 
 (Byles has come on from down l., comes to l.c.) 
 
 Byles. I beg pardon, sir 
 
 Molyneux. What is it now ? 
 
 Byles. There is a little unpleasantness in the 
 kitchen. 
 
 Molyneux. (step to him) Not that infernal 
 chauffeur again ? 
 
 Byles. No, sir. 
 
 Molyneux. (obvious statement made casually) 
 He's in the coal cellar, isn't he ? 
 
 Byles. No, sir, he's in the dustbin ; but owing 
 to the effect of the dancing, the kitchen ceiling has 
 fallen. 
 
 Molyneux. (look at Mrs. Molyneux) The 
 kitchen ceiling has fallen ! (turns to Mrs. Molyneux) 
 What shall we do now ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (as she rises) We'll go to bed. 
 
 (Molyneux takes her arm, they go up steps.) 
 Very Quick Curtain. 
 
ACT IV 
 
 Next day. Scene. The drawing-room. Time. 
 Early midday. 
 
 The room is disarranged giving evidence of not 
 having been put in order after last night. Chester- 
 field is c. of room with settee l. alongside of it, two 
 gilt chairs on chesterfield which is covered by a large 
 dust sheet. Two cushions on settee h. Dusl-pan 
 and brush under c. of chesterfield. Windows all 
 closed. Curtains, each pair knotted together to 
 clear floor. Long-handled broom leaning up against 
 c. table. Duster on c. table. Duster on bottom end 
 of chesterfield. 
 
 (Molyneux comes in hastily with open letter in his 
 hand.) 
 
 Molyneux. (looking round) What the devil's 
 the meaning of all this ? 
 
 (Rings bell by fire, after ringing bell looks at pile on 
 chesterfield, pulls settee l. round to its original 
 position, crosses below chesterfield to r. side of it, 
 picks up duster and tivo gilt chairs, is now carrying 
 duster, dust sheet, two chairs, when Byles enters 
 up L.) 
 
 Byles, this is disgraceful. 
 
 138 
 
Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 139 
 
 Byles. Anything the matter, sir ? 
 
 Molyneux. Here, I've had a letter — incon- 
 venient visitors are nearly dne — this room is in con- 
 fusion, and (looking at his watch) it's twelve o'clock 
 in the day. (puts chairs down, one l. of tabic c, 
 other in front of it) 
 
 Byles. You see, sir, there was the ball last night 
 — and we are without a kitchen ceiling. 
 
 Molyneux. The kitchen ceiling has fallen ; you 
 must face the fact like a man, and try to support it ; 
 meanwhile have the goodness to put this room in 
 order. 
 
 Byles. Yes, sir, or shall I summon the maids 
 whose dooty it is ? 
 
 Molyneux. Certainly not ; do it yourself and 
 I'll lend you a hand. 
 
 (Byles stands a moment, looks at Molyneux, who 
 fulls chesterfield round R. to its original position, 
 Byles then goes slowly to settee l. and brings two 
 cushions to chesterfield . Molyneux looks up, speaks.) 
 
 This won't do, 1 can see your heart isn't in it. 
 
 (Byles puts cushions on chesterfield R.) 
 
 You'd better go and ask Mrs. Molyneux to come to 
 me. 
 
 (Molyneux goes up, picks up long broom, sweeps 
 carpet a little, thru speaks ; he is now above By 
 who is by opening up l.) 
 
140 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 
 
 Byles. Yes, sir. (going) 
 
 Molyneux. Wait a minute ; take this broom. 
 (gives him long broom) We shan't require it. 
 
 (Byles takes long broom dubiously and goes off.) 
 
 (Molyneux then goes to work at the furniture by him- 
 self. Molyneux with dust sheet still round himt 
 unties the curtains, opens windows r. and l. Puts 
 gilt chairs to l. of settee, chesterfield r., steps back 
 to look at his work on to dust-pan and brush, gives 
 exclamation, puts dust-pan on chair l. of settee r.> 
 brushes settee n.,then goes to settee l., kneels down in 
 front of it, brushes it, says " That's better." Mrs- 
 Molyneux comes on up l. with open telegram in 
 her hand.) 
 
 My dear, I'm sorry to trouble you, but I've been 
 putting this room straight — a task which is hardly 
 consonant with my position. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I don't know that it's exactly 
 my job either. 
 
 Molyneux. Oh no, dear — certainly not. (goes 
 to her) I sent for you because I've had a letter 
 which is hideously important, (takes out letter) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I've had a wire that will want 
 a lot of beating. 
 
 Molyneux. I'd back my letter against your 
 telegram. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux (sits on settee r.) It's early to 
 gamble or I'd take you. Who's your letter from ? 
 
 Molyneux. Beckton. 
 
Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 141 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Has he begun again ? 
 
 Molyneux. I'll read it to you. (reads, goes to 
 her) " Dear old Moll, the Duke's in a high old 
 temper at the loss of motor ; he's coming round to see 
 you this morning, but not about that ; fact is he's 
 suddenly carting us up to Buxton this afternoon, 
 and he wants to talk over Master Teddy and the 
 Tuddenham alliance. By his orders I'm sending a 
 letter round to Lady T. asking her to meet him at 
 your place, and discuss matrimonial possibilities. 
 Yours, Horace B." There, I call that [nice— 
 thoroughly nice. 
 
 Mrs. Molyxeux. You'll say so when you hear 
 my wire ; it's from Jane. 
 
 Molyneux. The old Countess? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes. f {reads) " Passing through 
 London to-day. Will call to see Marjorie and bring 
 Loomes with me. (she looks at telegram) 
 
 Molyneux. Oh, good heavens ! (subsides on 
 to dustpan and brush which he has put on settee and 
 forgotten) Damn ! 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (still looking at telegram) It's 
 no use swearing ; we've got to think. 
 
 Molyneux. But I sat on the dust-pan. (holding 
 up dust-pan) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (looks at him) Why ? 
 
 Molyneux. I'd forgotten it was there ; well, 
 now then, you see if the Duke and the Countess 
 arrive about the same time our position won't bear 
 thinking of. 
 
142 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 
 
 M is M Jane could hardly- get here this 
 
 morning, and the Duke's going to Buxton this 
 afternoon. 
 
 Molyneux. What is the first thing to do ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Ring the bell. 
 
 Molyneux. {going to bell) Just so, my dear, 
 (rings bell) and when Byles — who isn't quite himself 
 to-day — answer's it, what then ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. We must rouse up the two cubs 
 at once, in case they're wanted. 
 
 Molyneux. Edward in particular, (sees duster 
 on table c, gets it) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, but we. can do with both. 
 (Byles comes on.) 
 Byles, tell Lloyd to wake Lady Marjorie, and put 
 her into something wearable. 
 
 Byles. Yes, madam ; if you will allow me 
 
 Molyneux. And, Byles, tell Rawdon to get Mr. 
 Petworth up at any cost, and 1 should like him to 
 wear his grey suit, with the striped waistcoat. 
 
 Byles. Yes, sir ; I was about to tell you. 
 
 Molyneux. One moment, Byles, you can keep 
 these for your trouble, (giving trim, dust- fan and 
 brush) I've no further use for them. 
 
 Byles. (taking them) Thank you, sir. I ought 
 to mention — Lloyd has been unable to awaken 
 Lady Marjorie ; her door is locked. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Then burst it open. 
 
 Byles. Rawdon was unable to rouse Mr. Pet- 
 worth for the same reason. 
 
ActIV.j the bear leaders. 14:; 
 
 Mo [s Mr. Petworth's door locked? 
 
 Byles. It is, sir. 
 
 Molyneux. Then burst that open too, and put 
 a little spirit into it ; I won't have any drones in 
 this hive ; by the way, what about Mr. Beckton's 
 chauffeur ? 
 
 Byles. He left this morning, sir, after making a 
 hearty breakfast. 
 
 {He goes.) 
 
 Molyneux. Beast ! 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. 1 wonder if this door locking 
 is a, little joke of those two beauties. 
 
 Molyneux. To put us to the expense of a lock- 
 smith ■? Very likely, (sits chair l. of settee) Well, 
 this is disgusting ; here the Duke has been com- 
 fortably bed-ridden for weeks, and is suddenly well 
 enough to be moved to-day ; yesterday or to-morrow 
 wouldn't have mattered. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No, and if sciatica had post- 
 poned Jane's holiday till next week it would have 
 been more convenient. She's been trying a different 
 doctor who seems to have cured her before he knew 
 what he was doing. 
 
 Molyneux. Clumsy idiot ! Of course I did 
 mean to have a little golf to-day. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Did you ? 
 
 Molyneux. Yes ; it can't be helped ; but Jack 
 Phillips, Tommy Podmore, Barty Fitzgerald, and 
 myself would have made an interesting foursome. 
 (Byles comes in Jiastilij.) 
 
144 THE BEAR LEADERS. [AcTtV. 
 
 Byles. I beg pardon. 
 
 Molyneux. (irritably. Rises, goes to him) What 
 is it now'? 
 
 Byles. | Rawdon and Lloyd would like to speak 
 to you for a minute. 
 
 Molyneux. Well, bring them in — we've no time 
 for this kind (walk up) of thing. 
 
 (Byles beckons. Lloyd comes in followed by Rawdon. ) 
 
 Rawdon, what about Mr. Petworth ? 
 
 Rawdon. We bust the door open with some diffi- 
 culty, sir ; I thought for the moment my shoulder was 
 dislocated. 
 
 Molyneux. Never mind about that. 
 
 Rawdon. No, sir ; but Mr. Petworth was not in 
 his room — and his bed has not been slept in. 
 
 (The Molyneuxs look at one another in astonish- 
 ment.) 
 
 Molyneux. (to Mrs. Molyneux, goes to her) 
 But if he isn't there, how did he lock the door ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. There are two sides to a keyhole : 
 he may have locked it and taken the key away. 
 
 Molyneux. But, my dear 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (aside to him) He may have 
 gone out to see life in the early morning. Lloyd, how 
 about Lady Marjorie ? 
 
 (Lloyd has been sniffing during precious dialogue, 
 now gets out her handkerchief and begins to snivel.) 
 
 Lloyd, (between her sobs) It's no fault of mine. 
 
Act IV. THE BEAR LEADERS. 145 
 
 (She is nudged by both the men.) 
 Molyneux. (rapid movement up to r. of BylKs) 
 What is no fault of yours ? 
 
 (Lloyd cries loudly.) 
 Calm yourself. Do you hear ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Bring her over to me. 
 Molyneux. Come this way. 
 
 (Lloyd sobs, crosses to Mrs. Molyneux.) 
 
 And remember that when you quit our service yon 
 will require a reference. 
 
 (Lloyd sobs, louder still.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. It's all right, Lloyd ; what's 
 the matter ? 
 
 Lloyd. After Mr. Rawdon bursted open the 
 door 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes ? 
 
 Molyneux. Yes— well ? 
 
 Lloyd. I went into the room — and the bed 'adn't 
 been slept in — and Lady Marjorie wasn't there. 
 
 Molyneux. Not there ? 
 
 Lloyd. And if you please I thought of the Ser- 
 pentine — and it isn't any fault of mine — oh ! (cries 
 silently again) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Buck up, Lloyd ; did Lady 
 Marjorie change her dress ? 
 
 Lloyd. No, mam, but her hat and coat are gone ; 
 and if you please T found this letter on the dressing- 
 table. 
 
 K 
 
Ill, THE BEAE LEADERS. j Act IV. 
 
 Molyneux. (snot hi tetter) The;; didn't 
 
 you say so before ? • 
 Lloyd. You didn't give me time. 
 Molyneux. There, that']] do. 
 
 (Lloyd crosses bad' to [the men and the three remain 
 in a row.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. What does the letter say ? 
 
 Molyneux. (lie sits on chair l. of settee, reading) 
 " Dear Mrs. Molly, — Teddy and I are bolting off to 
 compromise ourselves, with a view to marriage later 
 on : and the Duke's motto — no — the Duke's motor 
 is very handy for our purpose/' Then they took the 
 motor. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Well ? 
 
 Molyneux. (again reading) " And we intend 
 to be thoroughly notorious before we come back — so 
 that oiu' families won't be able to say ' No ' to us. 
 Love to you, and a kiss to Molly. Yours always, 
 Marjorie." She's an impudent, designing, vexatious 
 little vixen. What's to be done now ? (throws him- 
 self back) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. 1 should tell the servants not 
 to wait. 
 
 (Molyneux turns and realizes that the Servants 
 are still in the room. He (joes to them.) 
 
 Molyneux. Byles, what ar< yon all doing? 
 Byles. Nothing, sir. 
 
 Molyneux. Well, don't do it here : go and do it 
 in the kitchen. 
 
Act THE BEAR LEADERS 147 
 
 [They make movement to go.) 
 A I mark me, (turn their heads) if a whisper should 
 escape you of what you have just overhenrd, it will 
 mean a month's wages in lieu of notice. 
 
 (Lloyd is again affected, and the three withdraw.) 
 
 (goes to her) Well, my dear, this is our position. Lady 
 Grimsdal must be here soon ; the Duke may arrive 4 at 
 any moment. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. And the cubs have bolted. 
 
 Molyneux. Exactly, and that being so — what 
 shall we do ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (rising) We'll go out for the 
 day. 
 
 Molyneux. Magnificent ! 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux (crossing him) And we won't 
 leave word where we're going. 
 
 Molyneux. Sublime ! 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux (from l. of him) t'll go and put 
 my hat on. 
 
 Molyneux. And I will await you in the hall. 
 
 (As they are going up, Byj.es enters.) 
 
 Byles. The Countess of Grimsdal ! 
 Molyneux. Merciful goodness ! Look ! 
 
 (Lady Grimsdal comes in on Sir Kennedy Loomes' 
 arm, supporting herself on a crutch stick.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Good morning. Jane; this is 
 delightful . 
 
 Molyneux. And so unexpected. 
 
148 THE BEAR LEADERS. [ Act IV. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. Why unexpected ? (crosses 
 l to c.) How are ye, Blanche ? ( look) You 
 
 got my telegram, didn't ye ? 
 
 Molyneux. Oh yes, I meant the telegram was 
 unexpected. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. Stupid little man, always was. 
 Here's Loomes. [steps down) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Good morning, Sir Kennedy. 
 
 Sir Kennedy. Good morning. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. I brought Loomes because I 
 didn't forget your stairs. Where am I going to sit ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Wherever you like, Jane. 
 How about that lounge ? (pointing l.) 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. (looks at settee l., then at Mrs. 
 Molyneux) Is it comfortable ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Try it. 
 
 Molyneux. But, my dear, shouldn't we be more 
 cosy in your morning-room ? 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. What's all that ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. He thinks }^ou'd be happier 
 in the morning-room. 
 
 Molyneux. More snug. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. Mind your own business, Moly- 
 neux ; I'll stay where I am. Now then, where's 
 this lounge ? Get me on to it, and don't let me 
 down with a bump. 
 
 {They get her placed on lounge.) 
 [to Mrs. Molyneux) Where are you going to sit ? 
 
Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 149 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. On a chair quite close to von, 
 then I needn't shout. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. Shout ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. You're getting very deaf, Jane. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. Perhaps I am, but I don't like 
 to be told so. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Then you shouldn't come to 
 me. (to Molyneux) Fetch me a chair, Stanhope. 
 
 Molyneux. Yes, dear, (goes up stage, gets 
 chair l. of c. table) 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. I'm going down to Essex — to 
 stay with the Mainwarings. 
 
 (Loomes sits l. of her on settee l.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Are you ? 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. How's Marjorie ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. She's very well. 
 
 Molyneux. (r. of Mrs. Molyneux) Amazingly 
 well. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. Any tantrums ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. A tantrum now and then. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. She's a worrying chit, but 
 she's young. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Tantrums are not peculiar to 
 childhood, (to Molyneux) First or second — 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. What do you say ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. It isn't worth repeating. 
 (Molyneux crosses to r.) 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. (chuckling) Has she broken 
 any china | 
 
150 THE BEAR LEADERS. [AotJV. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Nothing valuable enough to 
 place on a business footing. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. Ah well ! — as she's never likely 
 to be a credit to the family, it struck me she might 
 as well marry Loonies, (she turns to Loomes) Loonies 
 says he doesn't mind. 
 
 Sir Kennedy. I have explained the rapture 
 which 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. That'll do, Loomes ; I don't Hke 
 to be interrupted. 
 
 Molyneux. No chance has been lost of placing 
 Sir Kennedy's credentials in the most promising 
 light. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. What's he say ? 
 
 Molyneux. (crosses behind Mrs. Molyneux io 
 r. of Lady GrimsDal) We've often strained the 
 truth in his favour, (shouting) 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. Get away, Molyneux. 
 
 (Molyneux crosses back to c.) 
 
 You've got a voice like a policeman's rattle. Where 
 is Marjorie ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. At present she's out. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. Out ? 
 
 Molyneux. Thoroughly and completely — out. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. She ought to have been here to 
 meet me. 
 
 (Byles has come on.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. She didn't know you were 
 coming, neither did 1, that's all about that. 
 
Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS I") 1 
 
 Byles. Lady Tuddenham. 
 
 Molyneux. My dear, Lady Tuddenaam. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (aside) Well, look after her; 
 I can't. 
 
 Lady Tuddenkam. Good morning. Mr. Moly 
 neux. 
 
 (Molyneux shakes hands with Lady Tuddenham, 
 draws her across to R. of himself to front of settee r.) 
 
 I'm an early visitor ; but you know the. reason : we 
 'ad a note from the Duke. 
 
 Molyneux. Ha — ha— yes, precisely — but it's 
 never too early — to begin as you mean to go on. 
 (wipes his forehead) 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. Who's this ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Nobody you need trouble about 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. I'm not the first arrival. 
 
 Molyneux No — that is — the — er — Countess of 
 Grimsdal— an old friend — [goes R. with her) old enough 
 to know better than to call before lunch. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. The Countess of Grimsdal — 
 really ? I'm sure Sir Francis would wish me to 
 make her acquaintance. Introduce me if you'll be 
 so obliging, (goes steps to l.) 
 
 Molyneux. She's not in robust health ; any 
 sudden shock might unhinge her. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. We're none of us as well as 
 we could wish to be ; I'll introduce myself, (she 
 pushes past Molyneux to R. of Mrs. Molyneux ). 
 The Countess of Grimsdal. I believe. 
 
^52 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 
 
 Lady Gbimsdal. (to Mrs. Molyneux) What 
 does she say ? 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. T always think members 
 of the aristocracy like us can afford to be 'ail fellow 
 well met ; there's a cammeruderudery which always 
 tells. 
 
 Lady Gbimsdal. I don't know what she's talking 
 about ; but (quicker) you'd better take her away. 
 
 Molyneux. Permit me, Lady Tuddenham ; the 
 Countess is advanced in years, and has called to 
 discuss family affairs ; a little later she will greet 
 you with rapture ; let me find you a chair, {guides 
 her to chair l. of lounge r.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. You're very obliging, but — 
 I've a feeling — I'm not wanted. 
 
 Molyneux. Oh, my dear Lady Tuddenham, 
 what a ludicrously impossible idea. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. {to Mrs. Molyneux) While 
 I'm here you ought to be out to everybody else. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I wish I could be. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. {to Loomes) I can't talk with 
 all that chattering going on. Where's that morning- 
 room of yours ? {rises with help of Sir Kennedy) 
 Take me to it. 
 
 (Byles comes in, stick in R. hand.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. This way, Jane. 
 
 Byles. The Duke of Galliminster 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. {pausing) Galliminster ! Did 
 he sav Galliminster? 
 
Act IV. j THE BEAR LEADERS. 153 
 
 (Molyneux meets the Duke, who has Beckton and 
 two sticks to support him. Lady Tuddenham 
 
 rises.) 
 
 Molyneux. My dear Duke. 
 Duke. How are ye ? Where's your Missus ? 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (steps towards Duke) I'm 
 here, Duke. 
 Lady Grimsdal. Yes, Galliminster — and so am I. 
 
 (Molyneux crosses to r. behind settee.) 
 
 Duke. Who's that? Look, why it's the old 
 Grimsdal woman, what's she doing here ? (crosses 
 towards front of settee r. with Beckton) 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. That's a question I'm beginning 
 to ask myself. Blanche, I don't like the company 
 you keep in these days. 
 
 Duke. Molyneux, (who is bach of settee r.) 
 blaast, ye, what's it all mean ? 
 
 (Lady Tuddenham sits again.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (steps to r.) Look here, Duke — 
 
 (Duke turns, faces Mrs. Molyneux, Beckton gets 
 r. of Duke.) 
 
 if you and Jane want to understand things you'd 
 better sit down and let me explain, but of course if 
 you'd rather go and fight it out in the street you can. 
 Which is it to be ? 
 
 Duke. As I've got here I'll stay. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. I'm not aoins to run away from 
 
154 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 
 
 him. (she is replaced on settee, meanwhile Beckton 
 plants the Duke on lounge R.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Good morning, Duke dear. 
 I've come as you told me. 
 
 (Beckton moves Duke's stick.) 
 
 Duke. I see you have. Mind what you're doing , 
 Beckton, that was nearly my foot. 
 
 (Beckton gets behind settee n.,is r. of Duke at back 
 of him.) 
 
 Sir Kennedx. {rising, to Lady Grimsdal) It 
 would be more congenial to me to retire, and I am 
 due at the Board of Trade 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. Sit down, Loomes ; don't you 
 begin to fidget. 
 
 (Sir Kennedy sits by Iter.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Do you know, Duke, a 
 feeling has come over me that I'm de tropey. 
 
 (Molyneux crosses behind Lady Tuddenham to c.) 
 
 Duke. What are you talking about ? 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. De tropey — French for not 
 wanted. (Duke grunts) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. {sitting) Well, now if every- 
 body is quite comfortable, we'll go on. 
 
 (Byles comes in.) 
 
 What I should like to bring to your notice is 
 
 Byles. Mr. Felgate. 
 
 (Felgate comes in.) 
 
Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS. I5fi 
 
 Molyneux. Good heavens ! (going to 
 My dear Felgate, there's a time for everything. 
 
 Felgate. is my visit inopportune ? (to Mrs. 
 Molyneux) I'll call later. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No, don't go, Mr. Felgate; 
 we've reached a point where a legal opinion might be. 
 useful. 
 
 Felgate. I'm entirely at your disposal. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. Who's this man ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Our lawyer, (turning to him) 
 Mr. Felgate, this is Lady Grimsdal. 
 
 Felgate. Honoured, I'm sure, (botes) 
 
 Mrs, Molyneux. Go over and know the Duke, 
 and then we'll get to business. 
 
 Molyneux. (takes Felgate over to the Duke) 
 This is our legal adviser, Mr. Felgate. 
 
 Duke. I don't care a damn who he is. 
 
 Felgate. (murmurs) Very gratifying. 
 
 Duke. Beckton, blaast ye, I'm slipping. 
 
 (Beckton from the back and Molyneux from l. of 
 him help Duke up.) 
 
 Felgate. (from l. of her) Ah, Lad}^ Tuddenham, 
 quite recovered after a good breakfast. 
 
 (Beckton sits on settee r. of Duke.) 
 
 Molyneux. (crosses behind Lady Tuddenhaim 
 to r. of Felgate) Felgate, my wife is waiting to 
 explain matters. 
 
 Felgate. Surely I'm not interrupting ? I'm 
 quite ashamed, (goes up a little with Molyneux) 
 
156 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Well now then, about two 
 
 months ago 
 
 Duke. Here, hold on, where's my nephew — young 
 Petworth ? 
 Molyneux. He's out for the moment. 
 Duke. Out ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I was coming to him. Two 
 months ago, Duke, you sent Horace Beckton to beg 
 us to put a little gloss on to your great-nephew 
 Teddy Petworth ; we agreed. On the same day, Jane, 
 you confided your grand-daughter, Lady Marjorie 
 Hillborn, to our care — for the same reason. It was 
 rather a tangle ; but we accepted the double responsi- 
 bility. 
 
 Duke. Do yon mean to say that my nephew 
 has been for two solid months under the same roof 
 with a grand- daughter of that — old vinegar cruet ! 
 {to Beckton) 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. Take care, Gallminster; I've 
 been asked to write my recollections, and I recollect 
 a great deal about you ; I should only have to tell the 
 truth. 
 
 Duke. If you dare to tell it about me, I'll pro- 
 secute you for libel, (comes c.) 
 
 Felgate. Ah, that rather familiar phrase rather 
 brings me in. 1 gather there has been a little friction 
 between the two very distinguished families. 
 Lady Grimsdal. Friction ! 
 Duke. Friction ! ! 
 Felgate. Mr. and Mrs. Molyneux tried to help 
 
Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS. 157 
 
 the younger generation to bury the hatchet. If they've 
 not quite succeeded, the Duke can transfer his 
 nephew elsewhere, and Lady Grimsdal can remove 
 her grand- daughter. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. He's right ; send for Marjorie. 
 
 Duke. Fetch young Petworth. 
 
 Felgate. The solution is simple. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No, it isn't; they've bolted. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. Bolted ! 
 
 (Beckton rises, gets to back of settee r.) 
 
 Duke. What together ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Yes, Duke ; it was early this 
 morning after the ball ; they went off in your new 
 motor, and left a letter to say so. 
 
 Duke. My new motor ! That's another pretty 
 damnable thing, (rises) What have vou got to 
 say about that, Molyneux ? (is R. of Lady Tudden- 
 ham) 
 
 Molyneux. (from l. of Lady Tuddenha?>?) I 
 say that Beckton was very much to blame. 
 
 Beckton. (behind Lady Tuddenham) No, Beck- 
 ton wasn't to blame ; the motor was lost outside 
 your door. 
 
 Molyneux. Where it had no right to be. 
 
 Duke. Why not ? You haven't bought the 
 kerbstone and the gutter, have ye ? 
 
 Beckton. And I couldn't bring the thing into 
 the hall like a beastly bicycle, could I ? 
 
158 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 
 
 Molyneux. (to the Duke) I say, Beckton is 
 responsible. 
 
 Duke. I can't stop the motor out (turns) of Beck- 
 ton's salary ; and look here, Molyneux, blaast ye — 
 where's my motor coat ? 
 
 Molyneux. The one Beckton borrowed without 
 your permission ? 
 
 Duke. He's right there, Beckton ; you'd no 
 business to be wearing my coat. • (they ore now all 
 wuml Lady Tuddenham) 
 
 Beckton. I had to wear something. 
 
 Felgate. (to Lady Tuddenham) Yes, unfor- 
 tunately that rule must be observed — even during 
 a heat wave. 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. Could I say a word ? (they 
 all look down at her) 
 
 Duke. What's the matter with you ? 
 
 (Molyneux and Felgate go up a little.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. I "ave a feeling 
 
 Duke, Well? 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. That what with new motors 
 and boltings and one thing and the other I'm not 
 wanted. 
 
 Duke. Telia! (sits down on settee b... helped by 
 Beckton.) 
 
 Lady Tuddenham. (rising) Mr. Edward Pet- 
 worth don't seem to know his own mind — and — I 
 can see you'd all enjoy a quiet talk among yourselves 
 — so 111 "urry 'orne to lunch. Good-day. 
 
Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS. L59 
 
 Duke. Oh, good lay. See after her, Beckton, 
 find then come back and take me away. 
 
 {There is a little general movement, during which Beck- 
 ton pilots Lady Tuddenham out.) 
 
 (Mrs. Molyneux goes to round table up c, joins 
 Molyneux, and Felgate.) 
 
 Sir Kennedy. I also should prefer to withdraw. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. You'll stay where you are. 
 Loonies, and get me down that staircase. 
 
 Duke. Mrs. Molyneux, you and your husband 
 had no right to take on these two young — 
 
 (Miss. Molyneux routes to bad: of chair l. of settee R.) 
 
 idiots at the same time. When you did it you acted 
 like knaves; when you let 'em slip through your 
 fingers you acted like fools, and that's what it comes 
 to. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. For once. Gallminster's right. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. I expected you'd both be nasty. 
 It's an old habit of yours ; but after all why shouldn't 
 Mr. Edward Petworth marry Lady Mariorie Hillborn ? 
 (to Duke) 
 
 Duke. He shan't. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. She shan't ! 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. It doesn't matter to me. {goes 
 
 to Lady Grimsdal, stands back of chair r. of 
 
 l.) But look here. Jane, don't forget that 
 
 Teddy is a nice decent straight boy — I'm a judge of 
 
100 THE BEAR LEADERS. j Act IV. 
 
 boys — and I tell you this : hell do credit to both 
 families. 
 
 (Beckton conies back. Molyneux and Felcate 
 come down stage a little, Molyneux to back of chair 
 L. of settee R.) 
 
 Duke. Well, anyhow after what has been said 
 of young Petworth's character Lady Grimsdal 
 wouldn't have anything to grumble about. 
 
 (Madame Mescale comes on at back.) 
 Lady Grimsdal. (to Mrs. Molyneux) D'ye 
 really think he's good enough for Marjorie ? 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Quite ! 
 
 Madame Mescale. (is standing c.) I'm sorry to 
 interrupt, (they all turn to her) but there's a little 
 business I want to talk over. 
 
 Molyneux. Great heavens ! (pulls chair l. of 
 settee R. to back of settee to below fire and sits on. it for 
 a moment. Is now r. of Felgate) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (goes up a step to her, is l. of 
 her) I can't attend to you now, Madame Mescale. 
 Madame Mescale. Fve brought the bill. 
 Mrs. Molyneux. What do you mean by this 
 intrusion ? Naturally the bill will be paid at once. 
 Madame Mescale. Oh, your bill is of no conse- 
 quence, Mrs. Molyneux ; (look from Duke and Lady 
 Grimsdal) but I've rather a heavy account against 
 Mr. Edward Petworth, and I thought I'd deliver it 
 myself. 
 
 (Molyneux rises in horror.) 
 
Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS. hil 
 
 Duke. What the devil's this ? 
 Mrs. Molyneux. What have you got against Mr. 
 Edward Petworth ? (look) 
 Madame Mesoale. A few letters containing a 
 
 written promise of marriage. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. To you : 
 
 Madame Mescale . To me. (general asto / 1 ish ment) 
 I was told the Duke of Gallminster was here — I should 
 like to have his opinion on its value. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. Is this your nice, decent, 
 straight boy \ 
 
 Duke. This is a pretty state of things, Molyneux, 
 (who is back of settee r. to r. of Duke) — didn't you 
 know about this ( 
 
 Madame Mescale. Oh yes. Mr. Molyneux and I 
 are intimate friends. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Really I 
 
 Molyneux. (goes c. to r. of Madame Mescale. 
 Felgate comes down to behind settee r.) I can explain 
 that — on dear Edward's behalf I felt it an urgent duty 
 to conciliate this lady — I therefore spared no time — 
 and in the matter of dinners and suppers — no expense 
 — in order to arrive at a pleasant understanding. 
 
 Madame Mescale. That's quite true. 
 
 Molyneux. I took it all on myself ; I didn't even 
 share the anxiety with my dear wife. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No, r you didn't, (crosses to back 
 of chair r. of settee l.) 
 
 Madame Mescale. You'd better talk it oyer 
 among yourselves, (she goes up to window) 
 
 l 
 
[62 THE BEAM LEADERS. [Act IV. 
 
 Molyneux. {cor, ' c.) We mustn't let 
 
 ourselves be downhearted— it's simply a question 
 of money. 
 
 Felgate. (comes round settee to l. of it, is -now r. 
 of Molyneux) Quite so, touching these letters — 
 we must consider what is the most the Duke of 
 Gallminster will pay. 
 
 Duke. How much does the woman want '? 
 
 Molyneex. Well find out. (hack up stage a 
 little) 
 
 Felgate. (goes up a little) Madame Mescale f 
 (she comes down to l. of him) 
 
 Madame Mescale. Yes. 
 
 Felgate. What is the small pecuniary solatium 
 you are hoping to obtain for these letters ? 
 
 Madame Mescale. A thousand pounds 
 
 Duke. What ? (sli < h in. Molyneux 
 Beckton help him up) 
 
 Felgate. -Out of the question, (turns to Moly- 
 neux) 
 
 Molynet x. Almost humorous, (gets to back oj 
 settee R.) 
 
 Madame Mescale. (step down) I'm asking a 
 thousand pounds. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (goes step to her) You don't 
 get a thousand pence, (they all look round) 
 
 Madame Mescale. Won't I ? 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No, you won't. Fve a good 
 memory as a rule ; but this morning it has been 
 clogged up with elo] erne As and kitchen ceilings— and 
 
teE-IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS. kk» 
 
 trite of that sort — and so a little duologue I over- 
 heard last night has only just come hack to me. 
 
 Matyyme Mescale. ' What duologue '. 
 
 Mes. Molyneex. It was between you and a 
 rather excitable foreign waiter of Pastarelli's ; I 
 
 a address you as his wife. (G 
 ment. Felgate a step forward) What do you say 
 to that ? 
 
 Madame Mescale. I know nothing about foreign 
 wait 
 
 Mrs. Molyxecx. He could easily be traced. 
 
 Madame Mescale. He may have been intoxicated. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. He may. but if he \ to 
 
 be sober and sure of his facts you would be within 
 easy distance of a prosecution for fraud and black- 
 mail. Eh. Mr. Felgate ? 
 
 Felgate. That is undoubtedly so. 
 
 Madame Mescale. I don't know what you mean 
 by fraud and blackmail, I've something genuine to 
 sell — which ought to fetch its price in the Gallniihster 
 mar' 
 
 (Byles comes in, stops up at bach,) 
 
 Your duologue with a foreign waiter is too thin. Mrs. 
 eux. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Is it ? 
 
 Byles. I beg pardon, madam. 
 
 Mrs. Molyxeex. Well ? {goes up a little) 
 
 Byles. The 'waiter who kicked up so much un- 
 pleasantness last evening has called. 
 
164 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Has he ? That's very odd. 
 
 Byles. He says he has come to make an amond — 
 I don't know if any foreign dish has been ordered. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Bring him here. 
 (Byles goes off.) 
 (Step to Madame Mescale) Now, Madame Mescale, 
 we shall have a chance of testing the thickness of 
 the little duologue. 
 
 Madame Mescale. I shan't stay here to take 
 part in a vulgar discussion with a waiter — you shall 
 hear from my solicitor. (Mrs. Molyneux bats her 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. You're not going. 
 
 Madame Mescale. Why not ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Because we can't spare you. 
 
 (Byles has entered showing in Durocq — Byles goes 
 , out — Durocq bows profoundly. Madame Mescale 
 goes, sits chair up R.c, R. of table c.) 
 
 Durocq. Bon jour, Mesdames. Bon jour, Mes- 
 sieurs. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Good morning. We're speak- 
 ing of ? 
 
 Durocq. I 'ave de honour to name myself — 
 Anatole Durocq. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Really ? 
 
 Durocq. I am here ce matin to make de amende 
 •for all vot I did last night— I 'ad rage in my 'eart — 
 blood — much blood in my 'ead — and jalousie in my 
 stomach. 
 
ActU THE BEAR LEADERS. 1(55 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. You seemed rather upset. 
 
 Durocq. Ah yes, rnaclame, it vos my honourable 
 duty to give ices — strawberri et Vanille — to those 
 who danced and perspired — I gave nosing to nobodie. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. We noticed the omission. 
 
 Durocq. Non — vot I did vos to mingle de coats 
 and jump on de 'ats — but to-day my soul is tranquil 
 — and I am arrived 'ere to demand pardon of all de 
 world. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Monsieur Durocq we will regard 
 the international incident as closed — if you'll answer 
 a perfectly simple question. 
 
 Durocq. . Ah, madame, demandez. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Is this lady your wife ? 
 
 (Madame Mescale rises, she steps bad:.) 
 
 Durocq. {seeing Madame Mescale for the 
 time) Lucie ! (Madame Mescale makes signs) Ah 
 mais Lucie, my angel — vy do you vink ? (Turning 
 to Mrs. Molyneux) Qui — c'est ca Madame, dat 
 lady is my wife. 
 
 Madame Mescale. (crosses her and Durocq-. To 
 Durocq from l. of him) You fool ! You've ruined us. 
 
 (She goes out.) 
 
 Durocq. Ah Lucie, ma belle. (He turns and 
 again bows profoundly) Adieu Mesdames — adieu 
 Messieurs — Lucie — I come — I follow — Lucie ! 
 
 (He goes out.) 
 
lii(» THE BEAR LEADERS. j Act IV. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux, (Jianding tellers to Felgate) 
 
 Well, that settles that. 
 
 Felgate. Finally, (comes down to cJiair) 
 Duke. What d'ye mean by finally ? (to Moly- 
 
 neux) When did the boy get mixed up with that 
 
 woman 
 
 Molyne'ux. It was before he came to us, Duke. 
 (to head of settee l. of it) 
 
 Mrs. MolynEux. It was while you were giving 
 him every opportunity of going to the devil, (goes 
 toward settee l.) 
 
 Duke. Oh, was it ? 
 
 Molyneux. How about the two runaways ? 
 
 Duke. It won't do : they'll have to be stop 
 and brought back. 
 
 (Molyneux goes up by fire.) 
 
 Felgate. (comes c.) Is young Mr. Petworih well 
 provided with money for the little trip ? 
 
 Mcuvyneux. No, he isn't. 
 
 Beckton. There was some loose silver in the 
 motor coat. 
 
 Felgate. Only a little loose silver between them 
 and the railway arches — then no one need worry — 
 they'll come back, (turns to Mrs. Molyneux, they 
 go up stage a little together) And in a contrite and 
 submissive spirit, (eiside to Mrs. Molyneux) To 
 employ a vulgarism — the Duke and Lady (Irimsdal 
 have only to " sit tight." 
 
Act IV.] THE BEAR LEADERS 167 
 
 (Lady Grimsdal speaks to Loomes, Duke to 
 Beckton.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. (aside) Yes — but we don't 
 want them to sit tight in our drawing-room. 
 
 (Byles enters up l.) 
 
 Byles. Mr, Petworth and ker ladyship have 
 returned. 
 
 {General s . Felgate, Molyneux, and . 
 
 Molyneux stand up r.c. back of settee r.) 
 Felgate. There ! What did I tell you ? 
 
 (Every o% \s to look. Petworth and Lady 
 
 Marjorie come in arm in arm. He is without the 
 motor coat; she has her hat on and wzars her coat 
 thrown open. Byles goes oat.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Good morning. 
 
 Petworth. Good morning, {drops her arm) 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. This is nice behaviour ! 
 
 Lady Marjorie. How do you do. Grandmamma ? 
 
 Lady^ Grimsdal. Don't talk to me, you huzzy ! 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Huzzy is a harsh word. 
 
 Duke. Edward Petworth, what have you been 
 doing ? And why did you do it ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Who is the old gentleman with 
 the squeaky voice ? 
 
 Petworth. My great-uncle— the Duke of Gall- 
 minster. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Really? I'm charmed to meet 
 him. 
 
168 THE BEAR LEADER*. T Act IV.- 
 
 Lady Grimsdai;. Haven't you any explanation to 
 offer ? 
 
 Duke. What's the meaning of this all night 
 hanky panky ? 
 
 Lady Marjorie. We've been compromising our- 
 selves, and I think we've done it thoroughly. I 
 wished to marry Teddy, so we decided to bolt and 
 bring everybody to heel. We motored to Tunbridge 
 Wells. 
 
 Pet worth. Put up at the biggest hotel, break- 
 fasted in the coffee-room, wrote our real names in the 
 visitors' book 
 
 Lady Marjorie. And then walked on the Pantiles, 
 where we attracted — (she looks uf to Teddy) a good 
 deal of attention. 
 
 Petworth. We went back to the hotel 
 
 Lady Marjorie. And while Teddy paid the bill 
 — with the money he found in the pocket of the motor 
 coat — I wrote to the principal London newspapers, 
 giving an account of our elopement. 
 
 Petworth. We described it as a daring adventure 
 in high life ! 
 
 Pelgate. Did you again mention names ? (from 
 l. of Molyneux.) 
 
 Lady Marjorie. Oh yes, 1 mentioned all the 
 names. 
 
 Petworth. Mr. Edward Petworth, great-nephew 
 of the Duke of Gallminster, and Lady Marjorie Hill- 
 born, grand-daughter of the Dowager Countess of 
 Grimsdai ; it read most awfully well. I'm sure the 
 
[Act [V. THE BEAR LEADERS. L69 
 
 papers will find room for it in the early ev 
 editions. 
 
 Felgate. Ah, tnat ; .s' awkward, (he turns up 
 stage) 
 
 Petworth. We tried to motor back — but we 
 burst a couple of tyres — so we left the car at a kind 
 of farm. 
 
 Duke. Left my motor at a farm ? Where is the 
 farm ? 
 
 Petworth. (step towards Duke) It's somewhere 
 in Kent — it's across a field. 
 
 Duke. What's the farmer's name ? 
 
 Petworth. That's what I've been trying to 
 remember. 
 
 Duke. Beckton, blaast ye — take me to Buxton. 
 
 Lady Grtmsdal. Loonies, give me your arm. 
 
 Lady Marjorie. May we take it that you've done 
 with us ? 
 
 Duke. Done with you ? Yes, you've disgraced 
 yourselves in public and you can marry and starve 
 in public. 
 
 (Petworth and Lady Marjorie go up stage arm in 
 
 ann.) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. {comes to chair r. of settee l.) 
 We wouldn't let 'em do that — if old Mr. Lapworthy 
 hadn't been so absent-minded. 
 
 Felgate. Lapworthy? (comes to c.) But that's 
 all right. 
 
To THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 
 
 Molyneux. (comes to Felgate to r. of him) 
 
 What's all right ? 
 
 (Petworth and Lady Marjorie go to above fireplace, 
 
 take off coats and her hat and place them on arm-chair 
 
 above fire.) 
 
 Felgate. (to her) Surely I told yon we'd found 
 the will ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. No, you didn't. 
 
 Felgate. But, my dear lady, that's why 1 called 
 here to-day ; you inherit everything. The will was 
 in my office all the time. I suppose the dear careless 
 old man did send it to me — anyhow it was kicking 
 about on my desk — it's a mercy it isn't in the waste 
 paper basket. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. It is rather fortunate. (Fel- 
 gate and Molyneux go up stage) Well, that makes 
 things easy. (She is now c.) Duke, Jane dear — 
 Stanhope and I are now in a position to chuck bear 
 leading. 
 
 (Lady Grimsdal rises and begins to come round with 
 Loomes on her l. to R. of settee l.) 
 
 But we'll take over your two cubs and run them. 
 
 Duke, (rises, moving up). I wish yer joy. 
 
 Lady Grimsdal. Come along, Loomes. (also 
 moving) 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Good-bye, Jane, love to the 
 Mainwarings. 
 
 (Lady Grimsdal grunts. She and Loomes go off 
 
[Act IV. THE BEAR LEADERS. 171 
 
 l. Petworth and Lady Marjoeie are at bmk of 
 lounge R.) 
 
 Good-bye, Duke. 
 
 Duke, {from l. of Mrs. Molyxeux moving up — 
 turns at [door). Good-bye, Mr. and Mrs. Molyneux, 
 don't forget it's your risk ; you'll never get another 
 penny of my money. 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Quite so, Duke, we'll do it for 
 love. 
 
 Duke. Teha ! 
 
 (He (joes off.) 
 
 (Petworth and Lady Marjorie come and sit each 
 
 side of Mrs. Molyneux. Mrs. Molyneux sits c. 
 
 of settee r.) 
 
 Felgate. (gets c, Molyneux r. of him) I'll get 
 along — probate takes time — but I'll prove the will 
 at once. 
 
 Molyneux. Oh yes, at once — sooner if possible. 
 Good-bye. 
 
 (Felgate goes.) 
 
 Now, my dear, I really feel I should like to go and 
 think affectionately and gratefully of dear old Mr. 
 Lap worthy on the golf links. Can I do anything 
 for you on the way ? 
 
 Mrs. Molyneux. Well, you might order a new 
 kitchen ceiling. 
 
 Molyneux. (making a note on cuff) Certainly; 
 anything else ? 
 
172 THE BEAR LEADERS. [Act IV. 
 
 • Mrs. Molyneux. Yes— buy a special licence. 
 j Molyneux. (again makes note on cuff) With 
 pleasure. 
 
 (He l waves his hand to them, and as he is going off the 
 curtain falls.) 
 
 Curtain. 
 
i pi 
 
 J 
 
 < « pq 
 o 
 
FURNITURE AND PROPERTY PLOT 
 ACT I 
 
 Largo Green Pile Carpet down to cover stage. 
 
 Small 4 Flapped Inlaid Table. 
 
 On above : Small Blue and White Bowl with Purple Anemones. 
 
 Tall China Cabinet containing Dresden China figures. 
 
 Small Blue and Red China Bowl containing Rose Leaves. 
 
 Square Inlaid Card Table shut. 
 
 On this : Leather Blotting Book, Tall Blue and White Vase 
 containing Mauve Lilac, 2 Bound Books, Photograph in 
 Silver Frame. 
 
 Carved Walnut Green Seated Armchair by card table. 
 
 Circular Inlaid Table at back c. 
 
 On this : Bowl containing Pink and Cream Roses, 4 Weekly 
 Illustrated Papers, Copy of The Daily Telegraph, 2 Bound 
 Books, Photograph in Silver Frame. 
 
 Square Single Gilt Chair to l. of Circular Table at back. 
 
 Round Single Gilt Chair to r. of Circular Table at back. 
 
 Palm (real) on Pedestal in corner of room up at back r. 
 
 Small Chintz Cohered Armchair above fire up r. 
 
 Oblong Marble Top Table down r. below door r. 
 
 On this : Small Blue and White Bowl containing Pink and 
 Cream Roses. 
 
 Photograph in Silver Frame. 
 
 Large Chintz-Covered Chesterfield down r.c. 
 
 On this : 2 Green Cushions with Lace Covers. 
 
 Small Circular Inlaid Table to L. of Chesterfield. 
 
 On this.: Ash Tray, Matches in Sandstone Stand. 
 
 Square Single Gilt Chair to l. of small Circular Table. 
 
 Small Chintz-Covered Settee down l.c. 
 
 Fireplace up r. 
 
 On Mantelpiece : Large Gilt Clock and Pair of 4 Light Can- 
 delabra with 8 Green Silk Shades, 2 Glass Vases containing, 
 Pink and Cream Roses, 2 Photographs in Silver Frames. 
 
 : i Wooden Hearth. 
 
THE BEAR LEADERS. 1 75 
 
 InFirepl r'H I Plants In Pots and Real Ferns. 
 
 Three Geranium Plants, Pink in Pots on Balustrade. 
 Wicker Waste Paper Basket under Card Table. 
 
 On Walls. 
 
 Brass Bell Push Practical, below opening up i.. 
 Brass Bell Push Practical, above fireplace up r. 
 Oil Painting of Woman's Head in Gold Frame above Mantel- 
 piece. 
 5 3-Light Empire Brass Brackets with 15 Green Silk Shades. 
 3 Pairs of Vitrage Curtains to Windows. 
 Brass Rods and Ends for above. 
 3 Pairs of Green Velvet Applique Curtains. 
 3 Pelmets for above. 
 3 Pairs of Tie Backs. 
 
 In Recess off up l. 
 
 Large Walnut Oblong Table. 
 
 On above: Tapestry Cover, Blue and White China Bowl 
 contains Pink and Red Roses, 2 Photographs in Silver 
 Frames. 
 2 Carved Walnut Chairs with Red Velvet Seats. 
 
 On Walls. 
 
 Large Oil Painting of a woman in Gold Frame. 
 
 1 3-Light Empire Brass Bracket with 3 Green Silk Shades. 
 
 HANI) PROPERTIES. 
 
 Silver Cigarette Case for Molyxeitx. 
 
 Pocket Book for Molyxeux. 
 
 Telegram for Mrs. Molyxeux, 
 
 Written Letter for Lady Marjorie. 
 
 Written Letter for Becktox. 
 
 Metal Cigarette Case for Petworth 
 
 Coins : half-sovereign, 3 half-crowns, 3d. in coppers for 
 
 Petworth. 
 Fancy Hat for Petworth. 
 

THE BEAK LEADERS 177 
 
 FURNITURE AND PROPERTY PLOT 
 
 ACT II 
 
 Same as Act 1 with the following exceptions : — 
 Small Circular Table by L. of Chesterfield struck. 
 Flowers changed to mixed Red Roses in Glass Vases on 
 
 Mantelpiece. 
 Positions of Bowls changed in Room. 
 Sporting Times on Chesterfield. 
 
 Scribbling Pad and Pencil on Large Circular Table up c. 
 Daily Telegraph struck. 
 1 Bowl of Deep Red Roses brought onund placed on c. table. 
 
 HAND PROPERTIES. 
 
 Lighted Cigarette for Petworth. 
 
 On Large Silver Salver the following : Silver Tea Pot, Silver 
 
 Milk Jug, Sugar in Silver Basin with Tongs, 6 Crown D >rby 
 
 Tea Cups and Saucers, 6 Tea Spoons. 
 MaLogany 3-Tier Cake Stand with 3 Crown Derby Cake 
 
 Plates containing Bread and Butter, Biscuits and Cake. 
 List of Flowers on Half Sheet of Paper for Mrs. Molyneitx. 
 Hand Bag with Writing Tablet and Pencil for Madame 
 
 Mescale. 
 
 FURNITURE AND PROPERTY PLOT 
 ACT III 
 
 Parquet Linoleum covers Stage. 
 
 1 Large Persian Carpet in front of Steps L < : 
 
 Persian Rug to Opening down r. 
 
 Persian Rug up at back r.c. 
 
 Small Inlaid Moorish Table above Opening down L. 
 
 Ball Programme on above. 
 
 Single Moorish Chair with Upholster* ' by table l. 
 
 1 8-foot Palm L. of Steps. 
 
 I 4-foot Palm l. of Steps. 
 
 1 8-foot Palm r. of Steps. 
 
 1 4-foot Palm R. of Steps. 
 
 M 
 
I7S THE BEAR LEADERS. 
 
 I 2. ft. 6 Palm r. of Steps. 
 
 1 3ft. 6 India Rubber Plant to it. of Steps. 
 
 2 Built up Banks to carry above Palms. 
 
 1 Small Oriental Cabinet up r ? c, on this a bowl of deep Red 
 
 Roses. 
 Large Wall Ottoman down r.c. covered with Persian Cover- 
 ing. 
 1 12-foot Palm in Tub up n. to k. of opening up r. 
 1 12-foot Palm in Tub up r. to l. of opening up ;>. 
 
 On Walls. 
 
 3 "Liberty" Hangings to c. opening up the Steps. 
 
 1 " Liberty '" Hanging to c. opening down r. 
 
 1 " Liberty " Hanging to c. opening down i . 
 
 Oil Painting, Head of Man in Gilt Frame hanging on backing 
 
 to c. 
 Oil Painting, Head of Man in Gill Frame hanging on wall up 
 
 R.C. 
 
 Gilt Wooden Oriental Lamp hanging in c. opening with Red 
 
 Glass. 
 Oriental Moorish Lamp hanging on wall above, opening 
 
 down i„ 
 Large Oriental Moorish Lamp hanging on wali above opening 
 
 down r. 
 Chinese Lantern hanging in Conservatory at back up R.C. 
 
 On Landing. 
 
 -) large Persian Hugs (one on steps). 
 
 Walnut Carved Chair with Reel Velvet Seat. 
 
 Oriental Pedestal with 3 ft. Palm in Crass jardiners. 
 
 Large Oblong Walnut Table (Act 1), on this: Large Blue 
 
 and White Bowl with Red and Cream Roses, Green and 
 
 Gold Basket (Act 1) under Table. 
 Carved Walnut Chair with Red Velvet Seat. 
 Small Maflble Top Table. 
 Oil Painting Head of Man in Gilt Frame on wall in room L, 
 
THE BEAK LEADERS. 171) 
 
 la Opening off i.. 
 
 Snail Circular Inlaid Table on which stand Ferns and 
 
 Hydrangeas. 
 2 Gilt (1 
 
 //,= Opening off r. 
 
 Occasional Table 4 flaps open. On this: Tall Blue and 
 White Vase with Lilac, Silver Cigarette Box and Metal Ash 
 
 Tray. 
 Carved Walnut Chair with Keel Velvet I 
 
 la ( 'onsi rvatory. 
 
 2 White Wicker Armchairs. 
 
 \ 7 -foot Palm. 
 
 2 Wire Baskets Hanging containing Ferns. 
 
 Stage Cloth. Marble, down in Gonservi 
 
 HAND PROPERTIES. 
 
 Ice Plate, Glass and Spoon for Lady disc \ 
 Small Silver Salver with Ball Programmes for Byles off 
 down l. 
 
 Obi. aig Silver Salver off down l. for Du i 
 
 On above : 2 Glasses of Lemonade, 4 Ices on Class Plates 
 
 and Spoons (.'3 fastened to tray. 1 Ice. Spoon and Plate 
 
 loose). 
 Large Serviette for Dtjtroc >. 
 Fans for Ladies. 
 
 Written Letter for Madame Mescale. 
 Fur Collar Motor Coat off l. for Pet worth, also Cap. 
 Light Tweed Coat off down k. for Lady Mabjqbie. 
 White Silk Muffler and Smashed Silk Top Hat for Eeckton 
 
 Off L. 
 
 Cork Popping effect off up l. 
 
180 the; beak leaders. 
 
 FURNITURE AND PROPERTY PLOT 
 ACT EV 
 
 Same as Acts I and Q with the following exceptions: — 
 Chesterfield and Settee back to back in v. of stage. 
 2 Gilt Chairs on Chesterfield. 
 
 1 Duster on Chesterfield. 
 
 2 Cushions on Settee. 
 
 The whole covered with a Dust Sheet. 
 
 Dust Pan and Brush under Chesterfield. 
 
 Duster on Circular Table by window up c. 
 
 Long Broom leaning against above Table. 
 
 Window Curtains to windows l. and r. tied together to clear. 
 
 ground. 
 Window Curtains to windows c. on c. table. 
 Windows closed. 
 
 RAND PROPERTIES. 
 
 Open Letter for Molly. 
 
 Telegram for Mrs. Molyneux. 
 
 Written Letter for Lloyd. 
 
 Crutch, Ebony Stick for Lady Grimsdal. 
 
 Lorgnettes for Lady Grimsdal. 
 
 Walking Stick for Duke. 
 
 Packet of letters for Madam k M esc ale. 
 
 ELECTRIC LIGHT PLOT 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 1 Circuit White in Ceiling Batten full up. 
 1 Circuit Amber in Ceiling Batten full up. 
 Amber and White in Proscenium full up. 
 3 Circuits White in Footlights full up. 
 
 1 Circuit Amber in Footlights full up. 
 
 2 ( ireuits Lemon in Back Batten full up. 
 
THE BEAR LEADERS. 181 
 
 2 Amber and White Lengths to windows Back. 
 2 Amber and White Lengths in opening up l. 
 1 Amber and White Length in door down r. 
 
 LIME PLOT 
 
 1 Arc Lamp on Back Cloth O.P. side Pale Amber No. 17 
 
 Frost, Flood. 
 1 Arc Lamp through Windows on O.P. side (focus), Frost ; 
 
 Flood. 
 1 Arc Lamp on Back Cloth, prompt Side, Frost only. 
 
 LIGHT PLOT 
 
 ACT II 
 
 Same as in Act I with an additional length to door down l. 
 At Cue- : " Madame Mescale." 
 Everything down slowly to about half up. 
 
 LIME PLOT 
 
 ACT 11 
 
 Same as Act I until cue : " Madame Mescale." 
 
 Flood Lamps on Back Cloth change to Deeper Amber No. 19. 
 
 Focus Lamp through Window is shut off slowly. 
 
 LIGHT PLOT 
 
 ACT III 
 
 Everything full up except Back Batten, which is out. 
 Lengths to Openings down l. and r. 
 Length on Landing off up l. 
 All Hanging Lamps alight. 
 
182 THE BEAR LEADERS. 
 
 LIME PLOT 
 ACT III 
 
 1 Arc Lamp on P side Landing Flood, Frost, No. 3 on backing 
 
 to c. 
 
 2 Blue Limes on Backing to Conservatory. 
 
 1 Focus Lime, blue through opening of Conservatory on to 
 Stage. 
 
 LIGHT PLOT 
 ACT IV 
 
 Everything full up as in Act I. 
 
 LIME PLOT 
 ACT TV 
 Same as Act I. 
 
 ; .. Printed by Butler & Tanner, Frome and tendon. 
 
 BMv'14 ^ 
 

 I