iRUE WEALTH: c,fc'^lv> 4^ A DRAMA IN FOUR SCENES. BY REV. H. J.LATOUR. NEW YORK: National Temperance SDciety and Publication House, 58 Reade Street. 1881. TRUE WEALTH A DRAMA IN FOUR SCENES / BY REV, 11. J. LATOUR NEW YORK: ^ National Temperance Society and Publication House, 58 Reade Street. 1881. ^ 75^3 r COPYRIGHT, J. N. STEARNS, Publishing Agent. i88t. TRUE WEALTH: A DRAMA IN FOUR SCENES. DRAMATIS PERSONS. George Allman, a young mechanic. Sam Thomas, son of a wealthy liquor merchant. Squire Clark, a gentleman of the Old School. Mrs. Squire Clark, wife of the Squire, with high notions. Julia Clark, daughter of the Squire. Sambo, a colored servant. Mike, a barkeeper. Jim, Jack, and Pete, saloon loafers. SCENE I— Parlor. A table at center of stage. Squire C. seated on right of table, Mrs. C. at left. Squire reading. Mrs. Clark. — Now, Squire, I won't have it; this thing of George Allman coming here to see our Julia, must be stopped. 4 TRUE WEALTH. Squire C \in suf'J>rise\. — Why? Mrs. C. — ^Vhy, he is only a poor mechanic ! and I think our JuHa can do better ; for example, there is Mr. Thomas : any one can see with half an eye that he is dead in love with Julia. He is young, hand- some, and wealthy ; and, in my estimation, worth ten Georges. Squire C. — That may be, my dear ; but I must say that Sam Thomas does not keep the company or bear the reputation that I would like a son-in-law of mine to have. He is too often found in the saloon and in the company of bar-room loungers. While, on the other hand, no one can say a word against George. Mrs. C. — O pshaw, Squire, you must remember that all young men must sow their wild oats. Squire C. — No, I do not forget that some do sow wild oats ; and I also remember that those who sow wild oats will also reap them, for the good book says, *'Asye sow, so shall ye reap" [rises']. But I must go up to the office — Sam. E?iter Sam. Sam. — Yes, sah. Squire. — Bring my hat and cane. [Exit Sam ; returns with hat and cane. TRUE WEALTH. 5 Scini. — Dab, heah sah, \Exit Squire and Sam. Mrs. C. — Well, what queer ideas the Squire has to be sure, and Julia seems to have inherited them. How hard I have tried to give her proper ideas of her position in life, and the difference between her and the daughters of the poor mechanics around us. Still, she will persist in visiting them, and have them visit her ; for the Squire's sake, I treat them as well as I can, for their fathers and brothers have votes ; but I do wish it was here as it is in Europe, then we -could make them keep their distance. Ah, here comes Julia ; her cheeks rosy from the effects of her morning walk. Well, I declare, if that fellow George Allman has not stopped to speak to her. Such impudence ! I must put a stop to it ; and she seems glad to see him, too. Enter Julia. Julia. — Oh, mamma ! I had such a pleasant walk this morning. The birds are singing, the dew glisten- ing in the sunshine, and the grass and trees are look- ing so fresh and green. But, oh, mother, one thing nearly spoilt my \valk ! A man came out of the saloon drunk ; what a horrid object he was. How thankful I am that father does not get drunk. But I would be happier did he not drink at all. 6 TRUE WEALTH. Mrs. C — Nonsense ; your father drinks only wine> and none but the best at that. Julia. — Yes, mother ; but in our Bible-class last Sunday, we read, *' Wine is a mocker." Mrs. C. — Well, never mind that now. Julia, I wish you would not stop and talk with every one you meet, it is not lady-like. Julia. — Why, mother, I do not stop and speak to every one. Mrs. C. — Well, I saw you talking to young Allman. I think he ought to know better than to stop you on the streets ; but I suppose he never was taught any better. Julia. — You are mistaken, mother, he did not stop me ; I spoke to him first, for I wanted to ask him about his mother ; she is sick, you know. Now, mother, what is there wrong about George ? only last night I heard father praise him for his '* noble charac- ter;" those were father's own words, and surely I ought not to fear or be ashamed of one of whom father thus speaks. Mrs. C. — Your father means well ; but, my dear,, you must remember your station, and choose your associates from among your equals. Now, there is Mr. Thomas ; you scarcely notice him, and his family- is the wealthiest in the county. TRUE WEALTH. 'j Julia, — Oh, mother, what is wealth ? Mr. Thomas' father has a large store in New York, but what are its contents ? Wines and liquors. How has he gained his wealth ? How many households have been ruined, that he might ride in his carriage, wear rich clothing, and build that beautiful mansion on the hill ? Mrs. C. — Why, what nonsense ; where did you learn such stuff? Oh, dear! Oh, dear! see what your low associates have done. Your father must put a stop to these low associations, since they put such ideas in your head. JuHa. — Mother, the associations that would make us better, that would lead us to do all we can to save men from ruin, can not be low. Mother, the drunken man I saw this morning was Sam Thomas. [Curtain. SCENE II— A Bar-Room. Table, chairs, rude counter ; barkeeper behind counter ; roughs seated around on chairs. Mike, the barkeeper. — Well, fellers, you ain't mak- ing much business to-day ; I guess I won't set out any lunch for ye, unless some one comes in and treats. \Enter Sam Thomas]. Hello, Sam ! how are ye I 8 TRUE WEALTH, S(ifn T. — Jolly, old boy ! come, trot out your best brandy ; I have been drinking wine this morning, but it don't taste like anything. Hello, fellers ! step up and drink. \They step tip; glasses are filled ; they d?'ink\. Now, that tastes like it; fill them up again. Now, boys, here's a toast : To the handsomest girl in the village. Mike. — Oh, here ! who is she ? there are lots of pretty girls in our village. [Sambo stands at right side, or window^ looking i?i. Sam. — All right. Here's to Julia Clark, the Squire's daughter, the future IVlrs. Thomas. yiliey drink. Sambo. — I golly, what would de old woman say if she heard this, Miss Julia's name spoked in dis place ? I speck she tink dat rich folks ain't all de best. I golly, dat Massa Thomas am a bad man ; sorry he name is Sam ; must change mine sure, Massa Squire musent call me Sam any more. [Curtain. 1 TRUE WEALTH. SCE:NE III— Same as First. Julia seated at table serving. Enter Sambo with letters. Sambo. — Heah, Miss Julia, is de mail ; dar be two 'l)istles for you. \IIatids tJiem to /ler]. Julia. — Thank you, Sam. .. Sam. — Miss Julia, will you do dis chile a favor ? I doesen't like de name of Sam any moah, and would be berry glad if you call me Sambo for short. Julia. — Why, Sambo, why don't you like to be called Sam ? Sam. — Because, Miss Julia, dah is some white men in dis place dat disgraces de name of Sam, and dar- fore dis chile done discard it, and desclines to belong to it any more. Julia. — Very well. Sambo, I will try to remember ; you can go. \JF.xit Sambo]. [Julia opens letter, reads'] : *' My DEAR Miss Julia : — You doubtless are aware of my consuming love for you ; for though my tongue has not spoken, yet my eyes have not failed to express what my tongue could not utter. I offer you wealth, for you know I am an only son, and my father's for- lO TRUE WEALTH. tune AviU all be mine by right of inheritance. My father and mother approve of my clioice, and will gladly welcome you as a daughter. I will surround yon with all the comforts and enjoyments that wealth can purchase. I will call this evening for my answer. " Your devoted servant, " Samuel Thomas, Jr." \S/>eaks], Well, how highly honored I am to be sure ; quite flattered I ought to be, sure ; " all that wealth can purchase," and the only drawback the thought of the widows' tears, the groans of the orphans, and the bitter curses of the families made desolate^ that the wealth might be won. No ! no ! The draw- back is too great. Mr. Thomas, my answer is ready. But I must not forget the other note. It seems to be George's handwriting; what can he write about ? surely his mother is not worse ? [0/>e;is letter^ reads] : " Miss Julia : — I hardly know how to address you ; pardon me for my presumption, for I have dared to love you. I have no wealth to offer you, only a true, loving heart, that will prompt me to shield you from the world's storms. I know the difference between us, yet I dare hope that I am not altogether without favor in your eyes. You nave known me for years, and I need say no more for myself. I love you, and TRUE WEALTH. II desire your hand and heart for life. I will call this evening for my answer. If I dare hope, wear a white rose in your hair. " Sincerely yours, " George Allman." \Spea/:s]. Well, how blind George must be not to know that he was all the world to me. No wealth to offer — only a true, loving heart. The woman who wins that, has what wealth can never purchase. Yes, dear George, I will wear the white rose. £;i^er Mrs. C. Mrs. C. — Well, Julia, what's the news ? I see you have received some letters. Julia. — Mr. Samuel Thomas has honored me with the offer of his hand and his father's fortune. Mrs. C. — Indeed ! and like a dear, good girl, yon have accepted him ? Julia, — Accepted him ! No, mother ; surely you would not have me risk my life's happiness with him ? Why, the last evening he was here his breath was foul with the atmosphere of the whisky-barrel, and it was all I could do to stand it, even with the window open. Just think of breathing that atmosphere for life ! Mrs. C. — But, , my dear child, he loves you well 12 TRUE WEALTH. enough to be careful not to drink too much ; and if you marry him, I know he will reform, and drink nothing but wine, for your sake. Julia. — Oh, mother, the little foxes spoil the vine ; the drunkard and the wine-bibber walk side by side. And, mother, I — love — some one else ; and he — has asked me too, and I — Mrs. C. — Some one else ? Well ! well ! And who is it, pray ? I can't think of any one in our circle. Julia. — I don't know what you mean by our circle ; but George is worthy of a place in any circle. Mrs. C. — George ! Oh, dear me ! just to think, George, that poor, miserable mechanic ! Julia. — No, mother ; George, the honest mechanic ! rich in industry, honor, virtue, and self-respect ; for these, and these only, are true wealth [door-bell rings]. Ah ! I must get my rose. \^Exit. Mrs. C— Well ! well ! well ! \Exif. Enter Samuel Thomas, shown in by Sambo. Sambo. — Sit down, sah. Miss Julia soon be in, sah. \Aside\. I just wish Miss Julia knowed what I knose. I know what dat fellow w€int, he fixed up awful nice. I gwine to stand close by de door and find out, \Exk. TRUE WEALTH. 13 Enter Julia. fulia. — Good-evening, Mr. Thomas. \BotlL seated. Sam T. — Good-evening, Miss Julia. I suppose you received my letter, Miss Julia, and are prepared to answer ? Julia. — Yes, sir ; my answer is no. I value my future happiness too much to risk it in the hands of one who cares nothing for his own welfare, in this life or the life to come. S. T. — I do not understand you. Julia. — Your devotion to the wine-cup, Mr. Thomas, is what I have special reference to. There are but a iQW steps between the drinker and the sot. You are on the road, and it will be but a short time before you reach the bottom. For your own sake, Mr. Thomas, be warned in time. '5'. T. — Thank you, Miss Julia. I was not aware of the fact that you were one of those temperance fanatics, and I am glad I found it out in time. Sam \1iolding the door ajar]. — I golly ! S. T. [rises, takes his hat\. — Good-evening, Miss Julia. , lExit. Curtaiiu 14 TRUE WEALTH. SCENE IV— Same as First. Table center. George A. at right; ']v\ak at left. Mrs. C, dressed in blacky asleep in easy-chair on left. Efiter Sambo, with paper. Sambo. — Heah, sah, is de Evening Stah, dat twinkles for all. [Exit. Julia. — Sambo loses none of his humor in spite of advancing years. Ah ! it seems but a few days since we were married and father's death. George A. — Yes, the time has passed rapidly, seven years since you took pity on poor me, and six years since father died. Mother seems contented now. Julia. — It was hard for mother to become recon- ciled. But now I believe she loves you almost as well as me. Mrs. C. \awakes\. — Well, George, what is the news this evening ? G. A. — I have not read yet \opens paper'] ; well, I declare ! [Reads] : " Terrible affair last night at Rox- berry ! A fire was discovered in some low shanties on the south side, and in a few minutes they were totally destroyed. A short time afterward, some children playing in the ruins, found the body of a man. On TRUE WEALTH. I5 examination it proved to be the remains of a man by the name of Sam Thomas. Three years ago Thomas became the possessor of quite a sum of money by the death of his father, who was a liquor-dealer in Boston. Being of very dissipated habits, he soon spent hjs for- tune. About a year ago his wife separated from him, his vile habits rendering her life intolerable. He is supposed to have been intoxicated at the time of his death. " Julia.— Ud^Y God have mercy on him ! Ah ! how thankful I am that I learned to value true wealth be- fore he came to me. Mrs. C— And I, daughter, have true reason to be thankful also. \All rise and face audience]. And now, my dear friends, I pray you take heed of the les- son we have tried to teach. Remember, in choosing companions for life, that he and she only are rich who possess Honor, Virtue, Industry, and Temperance. Sambo.--T>3.i's so. [Curtaifh LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS H 017 373 240 '"'s"