6?/L- 
 
 FEENCH'S 
 
 NO. 25. 
 
 ©C^tRJDA 
 
 -*-•« 
 
 THE 
 
 GAME OF LIFE, 
 
 AN ORIGINAL COMEDY 
 
 IN FIVE ACTS, 
 
 BY JOHN BROUGHAM, ESQ. 
 
 With Cast of Characters. Stage Business, Costumes , Relative 
 
 Positions, etc. etc. 
 
 AS PERFORMED AT WALLACE'S THEATRE. 
 
 PRICE, 
 
 NEW-YORK : 
 SAMUEL FRENCH, 
 
 121 NASSAi:-STBF,ET. 
 
 12J- CENTS. 
 
 Lr^^/v^ 
 
 
J 
 
FRENCH'S 
 
 AMEEICAN DR^-MA.. 
 
 (Elje Acting IS&ttion. 
 No. XXV. 
 
 THE 
 
 GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 AN ORIGINAL COMEDY, IN FIVE ACTS. 
 
 BY JOHN BROUGHAM, ESQ. 
 
 TO WHICH ARE ADDED, 
 
 A Description of the Costume — Cast of the Characters — Entrances and Exits- 
 Relative Positions of the Performers on the Stage, and the whole of the 
 
 Stage Business. 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in th« Y«ar One Thousand Kight Hundred and Fifty-Six, by John Brougham, 
 in the Clerk s Office of the District court of the United States for the Southern District of New York- 
 
 NEW- YORK : 
 SAMUEL FRENCH, 
 
 121 NASSAU-STREET. 
 
 

 i. 
 
 (East of tye Characters, 
 
 AS ORIGINALLY PERFORMED AT WALLACK's THEATRE, N. Y. 
 
 Adam Greenleaf Mr. Blake. 
 
 Rupert Wolfe, " Lester. 
 
 Dr. Chatterton Drake, ---.." Brougham. 
 
 Meyer Shadow, ------ " Walcot. 
 
 Mr. Smiler, " Dyott. 
 
 Grimm, -- " Rea. 
 
 Mr. IAttell Wyndham, Mrs. Stephens. 
 
 Widow Joybell, - " Brougham. 
 
 Rose Greenleaf, - - - - - - " Conway. 
 
 Mrs. Smiler, - - - - - - - " Cramer. 
 
 Matilda Smiler, Miss Fanny Deane. 
 
 (Game of Life.) 
 
• 
 
 ©OStttme. — Present Tims. 
 
 GREEISXEAF. — Dress of a country gentleman. 
 
 WOLFE. — Ragged, but picturesque. (A returned gold-digger.) 
 
 DRAKE.— Suit of black, cloak, <fec. 
 
 SHADOW. — First : Fashionable dress suit. Second : Walking dress. 
 
 SMILER. — Suit of black, sober cut. 
 
 GRIMM. — black coat, gray trousers, and gaiters. 
 
 WYNDHAM. — First: Evening dress. Second: Walking suit. Third: 
 Dressing-gown, cap, <fcc. 
 
 MATILDA. — Yery juvenile. First: Ball dress. Second: Home 
 dress. 
 
 ROSE. — First : Walking dress, plain. Second: White home dress. 
 
 MRS. SMILER.— First : Full dress. Second: Home dress. 
 
 WIDOW JOYBELL.— First : Full dress. Second: Home dress. 
 
 STAGE DIRECTIONS. 
 
 EXITS AND ENTRANCES. 
 
 L. means First Entrance, Left. R. First Entrance, Right. S. E. L. 
 
 Second Entrance, Left. S. E. R. Second Entrance, Right. U. E. L. 
 
 Upper Entrance, Left. U. E. R. Upper Entrance, Right. C. Centre. 
 
 L. C. Left of Centre. R, C. Right of Centre. T. E. L. Third Entrance, 
 
 Left. T. E. R. Third Entrance, Right. C. D. Centre Door. D. R. 
 Door Right. D. L. Door Left. U. D. L. Upper Door, Left. U. D. R. 
 Upper Door, Right. 
 
 *** The Reader is supposed to be on the Stage, facing the Audience. 
 
 (Game of Life.) 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE L — Octagonal Room. — On one side a Ball Room, on the other a 
 Supper-Room. — A small Conservatory in c. — Music as Curtain rises. — 
 Smiler and Grimm discovered. 
 
 Smiler. Here, my old friend and partner, we can be alone for a few 
 moments. 
 
 Grimm. Pooh ! Don't call me friend ! You know you don't feel 
 it, for I have warned you too often ; but I suppose those smooth- 
 tongued flatterers, by whom you are usually surrounded, are more 
 agreeable to listen to. I presume you know that you are on the 
 verge of ruin! 
 
 Smiler. Certainly — have known it for some time. 
 
 Grimm. And yet we are not out of the sound of the expensive 
 music with which you are tickling the ears of your fashionable 
 friends, not one of whom would stretch forth a finger to save you if 
 you were up to your throat in a mill stream ! 
 
 Smiler. Would any other ? 
 
 Grimm. I don't know that they would — still, you needn't fling away 
 money upon them. 
 
 Smiler. Bless your soul ! I have no money to fling away ! 
 
 Grimm. Bills will come in some time or another. 
 
 Smiler. When they do, it will be time enough to provide for them. 
 
 Grimm. There's a heavy account for wine come in, together with 
 sharp hints from sundry jewellers and other indispensable leeches. 
 
 Smiler. They must be paid ! 
 
 Grimm. A new carriage ordered — surely that is needless ? 
 
 Smiler. Good heavens! you don't suppose I could allow Mrs. 
 Smiler to walk ? 
 
 Grimm. It's my opinion she'll soon learn the way ! 
 
 Smiler. Anything else ? 
 
 Grimm. Yes, indeed, a whole host of small tradesmen's bills. 
 
 Smiler. This is no time or place to talk on such matters. They 
 must wait ! 
 
 Grimm. And yet they need it most. 
 
 Smiler. Can't be helped ! 
 
 Grimm. Ahl rotten — all rotten! I wish I had remained your 
 clerk, for then, whatever I might have thought, I had no right to 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 5 
 
 talk I I had only to do my duty, and keep my regrets to myself.1 
 How is all this going to end ? 
 
 Smiler. How the deuce do I know I So much the better — the very 
 uncertainty gives excitement to existence. But don't be alarmed, 
 you old croaker ! Tilly may, indeed she must, marry a wealthy man. 
 
 Grimm. I know you consider that sweet child only as so much mer- 
 chandize. You might as well put her up at public auction at once. 
 Do you suppose people don't notice the way you look — who'll bid for 
 this superior lot ? 
 
 Smiler. Every body hasn't got such a day-book and ledger-mind as 
 you ! Besides, there's my rich uncle Greenleaf, I know that he has 
 made a will in my favor ! 
 
 Grimm. Lord ! Haven't you seen the paper ? 
 
 Smiler. What paper? 
 
 Grimm. Why, the account of his marriage with a young wife, Miss 
 Somebody or another. 
 
 Smiler. Is it possible ? The confounded old fool 1 So, so, this is 
 bad news, indeed ! [Laughter within, u. e. r. 
 
 Grimm. Ah ! shout away, you thoughtless butterflies ! When this 
 flower has faded away, you can flit just as pleasantly about the 
 next! [To Smiler.] You've nothing to say to me, I suppose ? 
 
 Smiler. Nothing, you confounded old hedgehog, but bring me bet- 
 ter news the next time you come. Won't you go into the drawing- 
 room ? 
 
 Grimm. No, thank you. I'm not a hot-house blossom ! There's 
 nothing of the dandy about me ! 
 
 Smiler. Not a particle, I must confess ! 
 
 Grimm. But I've got a heart. I didn't know it while I was a plod- 
 ding clerk, but the moment you gave me the right to think about you, 
 I felt for you, though I don't know why I should, for you don't seem 
 to care much about yourself, and I won't do it any more ! 
 
 Smiler. Oh yes you will 1 
 
 Grimm. I wont ! [Exit Grimm, l. 2 k. 
 
 Smiler. Don't I care about myself ! Ha ! ha ! You're very much 
 mistaken, my rusty friend ! This is a terrible blow — this marriage of 
 old Greenleaf s ! I must consult with Mrs. S. Some means must be 
 devised ! 
 
 Enter Shadow, "r. h. arch. 
 
 Shadow. Have you seen Drake? I have something delicious to 
 communicate to him, and I know I shall forget it if I don't see him 
 soon ! Stop, I may as well tell you. Capital ! It will make you 
 die of laughing ! You know old what's-his-name, of — never mind the 
 place, that doesn't matter — well, he — well, that's very remarkable ! 
 Dear me ! Just let me consider a moment— ah ! it's gone, but it was 
 glorious ! But, apropos, why do you keep yourself away ? We are 
 positively in despair without you ! 
 
 Smiler. Urgent business must be my excuse. Interminable bore ! 
 but rich, and struck with Tilly ! [Aside.] You are not going away, 
 are you ! 
 
6 THE GAME OP LIFE. 
 
 # 
 
 Shadow. Alluding to the hat ? Oh, no, not for some time ! Our set 
 always carry their hats into the drawing-room— it serves a double 
 purpose. Firstly, it keeps those awkward extremities, one's hands, 
 employed. Secondly, there's no fear of getting an inferior beaver ! 
 
 Smiler. How is the evening progressing? 
 
 Shadow. Oh, deliciously drowsy, and correctly apathetic! The 
 singing people are in great force, but nobody listens to them — that is 
 to say, nobody in our set ! We never pay attention to any thing but 
 celebrities. Talent which commands an extravagant price, we are 
 always proud to acknowledge ! 
 
 Smiler. Although there may be as much promise amongst the les- 
 ser luminaries. 
 
 Shadow. That's no affair of ours! There are newspaper people 
 enough to discover those — it's the business of the gardener to nur- 
 ture and prepare the bouquets, we wear them, and take his word for 
 the quality of the flowers. 
 
 Enter Mrs. Smiler, r. h. arch. 
 
 Mrs. S. [down c] Ah! there you are, truant cavalier! The 
 ladies are absolutely dying for your return ! 
 
 Shadow. Poor dear souls ! I attend the blissful summons ! 
 
 Smiler. The sun is more welcome after cloudy weather ! 
 
 Shadow. Weather — sun ! I don't precisely 
 
 Smiler. Merely a metaphorical remark ! 
 
 Shadow. Ah ! I see. 1 thought it was a quotation from — ah — be- 
 gins: — bless me! that's very odd ! ha — a capital thing, full of thought ! 
 Well, it's gone ! Very strange, whenever I want to recollect a par- 
 ticular matter, the deuced thing won't come! Curious, aint it? 
 
 Mrs. S. Stapleton, dear, you have also been greatly missed. 
 
 Smiler. You flatter me, darling ! 
 
 Mrs. S. They are just going to have the last German cotillion. 
 
 Shadow. Then I must be off ! Wouldn't miss that for the world ! 
 [Music — German Quadrille. — Exit, dancing, r. h. arch. 
 
 Mrs. S. Well, dear ! 
 
 Smiler. Stuff ! Stop that nonsense now ! there's no one here ! 
 
 Mrs. S. Oh, true ! well, I've come to give you a delightful piece of 
 intelligence, I have just received. 
 
 Smiler. There, don't be mysterious, I've heard all about it ! Green- 
 leafs married ! 
 
 Mrs. S. Pleasant, isn't it ? and to that rustic piece of simplicity, 
 Rose May ! A fine match for her ! 
 
 Smiler. And for us ! these parties will have to be given up. 
 
 Mrs. S. Don't be an idiot, Smiler ! They are now more important 
 than ever! Tilly must be provided for ; besides, this is not the time 
 for you to compromise your respectability. 
 
 Smiler. Respectability ! oh, that's sufficiently established ! Don't 
 we patronise the most distingue church ? Don't I subscribe to the 
 most fashionable charities ? Don't I read, I mean take in, the most 
 unexceptionable newspapers? But it is here that some change must 
 be effected — the house expenses must be diminished. 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 7 
 
 Mrs. S. With all my heart, when you give up your extravagant 
 out of door lunches ana suppers. 
 
 Smiler. Mrs. Smiler, I must impress upon you this fact, that I do 
 not suffer my actions to be commented upon ! 
 
 Mrs. S. If you really wish to retrench, set the example yourself ! 
 
 Smiler. Madam, once for all, allow me to observe, that such remarks 
 are impertinent ! 
 
 Enter Drake, l. h. d. 2 e. 
 
 Drake, [aside.] Aha! a tiff ! I thought it wasn't all honey ! There 
 you are, billing and cooing, like a pair of mock turtle doves. Excuse 
 the remark, and pardon the intrusion. Just going round to pick up 
 a few items. By the bye, I have such a bit of fun to tell you ! 
 
 Smiler. Of course }< ou have, Drake ; always so entertaining ! Con- 
 found you ! [aside.] Sally dear ! 
 
 Mrs. S. Yes, darling! 
 
 Drake, [aside.] Gammon! 
 
 Smiler. Return to our guests, love, while Drake and I have a little 
 social chat. [Exit Mrs. Smiler, r. h. u. e. 
 
 Drake, [sees Mrs. Smiler out] What's the matter with you? 
 surely there's something on your mind ! Dull season, eh ? Failures 
 about, business fishy — you'll excuse the remark ! 
 
 Smiler. Oh dear, no ! the height of our busiest time ! 
 
 Drake. Upon my life, I'm glad to hear it ! was almost afraid to 
 touch upon the subject ! I heard so many malicious whispers about 
 you on change. All false ? I thought so, I said so, took your part 
 famously! Told all the grumblers what first rate parties you gave, 
 the lavish expenditure, and exquisite taste of your home ! I made it 
 all right, you may depend upon it ! To be sure, one or two of the 
 unconscionable rascals said the money might be better applied — as if 
 it could be ! Ha ! ha ! queer world, Smiler ! folks will talk — no 
 stopping people's tongues ! 
 
 Smiler. Very true indeed, Doctor! How entertaining you are! 
 
 Drake. I'm glad to hear yoti say that, [music] Ha, you have 
 friends ! — pity my time is so much occupied, I should so like to have 
 made one. 
 
 Smiler. It would have given me much pleasure. 
 
 Drake. Would it ? I live only for my friends, you'll excuse me. 
 [rings bell.] I know I can make myself at home here, [enter servant] 
 Ah! James, looking quite well — let me see, 9 o'clock — when shall I 
 tell him to come ? well, say S. You wont keep it up much longer, and I 
 never like to wear out my welcome. What are you thinking about ? 
 Greenleaf, perhaps. Kow, having cheered you up a little, I must go 
 and see who you've got here, [goes up.] Ah, Shadow, is that you? 
 how are you ? I wonder you have that scandal-bearer at your house : 
 I wouldn't if I were you. Ah, Shadow, glad to see you looking so 
 well [Exit, v. e. r. h. 
 
 Smiler. I'll join you presently! You confounded, chattering mar- 
 plot ! that fellow's breath is a moral pestilence — no one is safe from 
 him ! It's postively infamous in society to tolerate such blighters of 
 
8 THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 reputation ! Let me consider now what's best to be done !f This old 
 dotard must be made to repent the foolish step he has taken, but 
 how ? to fix suspicion upon her would be the surest way. Age is 
 credulous and exacting, she is young and unsuspicious ! that must be 
 my plan of action ! In self-defence all means are justifiable, and 
 there's always a way of warping the most innocent actions! What a 
 malicious scoundrel that Drake is! Now for the world's mask 
 again. 
 
 Enter Mas. Smiler and Matilda. 
 
 Smiler. What's the matter ? 
 
 Mrs. S. Nothing. Don't interfere, if you please ! 
 
 Smiler. Certainly not ; it's no affair of mine. [Exit, u. e. r. h. 
 
 Matilda. I declare, mamma, I couldn't help it ! Frank so pressed me. 
 
 Mrs. S. Why, are you aware who he is, child? He hasn't sixpence 
 in the world, and you are now of an age to know that you shouldn't 
 look, act, or speak, without a motive ! Ah ! if I had had the bene- 
 fit of such good counsel when I was your age, my present position 
 would be far different ! Look at your face ! quite flushed, I declare; 
 and your hair all in disorder ! and for whom ? A nobody ! I'm 
 ashamed of you ! 
 
 Matil. Nobody, ma ! I'm sure he's very good-looking ! 
 
 Mrs. S. Don't talk nonsense, but listen attentively to me. You 
 are very handsome, child, and as far as such flimsy matters go, 
 accomplished. You have been trained to become a rich man's wife, 
 purposely. What useful thing in the world can you do ? Positively 
 nothing ! Therefore you see it's absolutely impossible for you to think 
 of a position in life wherein you may be called upon to assist your- 
 self in any way. 
 
 Matil. But, ma, suppose my heart should be touched ? 
 
 Mrs. S. Good heavens ! what is the girl talking about ? Heart, 
 my dear ? there's no such thing, except in books, and very young 
 people ! You must really be above such childishness. Here are the 
 beaux ! Go, love, to your room ; be a good child ; put a little white 
 on your face, and come in naturally. Depend upon it, all I say, is 
 for your good. Were society differently constituted, we might talk 
 of hearts, but everything is artificial here, darling, and we must regu- 
 late our notions accordingly ! 
 
 Matil. Yes, ma ! Dear me ! I'm so hungry ! I wish it were supper- 
 time! 
 
 Mrs. S. Why, you wouldn't think of eating before people. Fie ! 
 fie ! Go and satisfy your appetite now, and at supper-time, you will 
 be able to dally with the side-bone of a partridge. A sufficiency of 
 food, I grant you, is wholesome, and indeed necessary for some con- 
 stitutions ; but as you value my good opinion, never let any one see 
 you eat ! Ladies should never be suspected of anything so gross. 
 
 Matil. I'll take a good slice, I tell you, ma, for my appetite is ter- 
 ribly unladylike ! [Exit, 2 e. r. 
 
 Mrs. 8. What a heavy responsibility rests upon the mother of an 
 unmarried daughter of limited means. [Wyndham heard without.] 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 9 
 
 Here comes five thousand-a-year, embellishing an exquisite specimen 
 of baby manhood. The down scarcely on his lip — yet he affects the 
 follies and the vices of adolescence ! Apropos — he and Tilly are 
 nearly of an age — it never occurred to me oefore. That must be 
 seen to. 
 
 Enter Shadow and Wtndham, e. h. arch. 
 
 My dear young friend, I trust your time is passing agreeably ? 
 
 Wyndham. And you absent, madam ! How can you ask the ques- 
 tion ! Eh — Shadow ? Come — say something deuced clever, and help 
 a fella' out, won't you ? 
 
 Shadow. Just so — that is — I thought Miss Matilda was with you ? 
 
 Mrs. S. She'll be here in a few moments ; she's so delicate and 
 ethereal ! Poor fragile flower ! how she will ever be able to combat 
 with the world, I really don't know ! 
 
 Wynd. Don't be alarmed, my dear madam ! What are we crea- 
 tures of the sterner sex intended for, except to interpose the shield 
 of protection between the assaults of the rude world and those earth- 
 angels ! 
 
 Mrs. S. And yet, in this progressive age, some of those earth- 
 angels, as you call them, would fain bear the shield themselves! 
 What do you think of them, Mr. Shadow ? 
 
 Shadow. Think, my dear madam ? That they strangely overrate 
 their own strength, or underrate the world's roughness. 
 
 [Music — polka. 
 
 Wynd. Good gracious I look at that extraordinary creature, Widow 
 Joybell ! I declare she hasn't done dancing that polka yet ! She has 
 tired out two or three partners ! 
 
 Shadow. Who has she victimized now ? Drake, as I live ! Why, 
 they are coming this way ! That's delicious ! 
 
 Enter Drake and Widow, polking, r, h. arch. 
 
 Drake. There, I surrender! You've conquered! I haven't anothei 
 inspiration left ! 
 
 Widow. Ah ! you poor, weak, lungless creature, I'm ashamed of 
 you ! I must positively look out for another partner. 
 
 Mrs. S. I'm delighted, my dear, to see you enjoying yourself 
 
 Wynd. It really does a fella' good to see such prodigious spirits ! 
 
 Shadow. Positively bewitching ! as the poet says : " Sure such a — " 
 Bless me ! — something about pears — but no matter. 
 
 Drake. How much I regret being obliged, by severe indisposition, 
 as the play -bills say, to give you up. You have just time for a few 
 more turns around the room before supper, and here are two unoccu- 
 pied young gentlemen, who, I have no doubt, would seize upon the 
 occasion with avidity ! Come, Shadow — Wyndham ! 
 
 Shadow. Just so, I believe, Wyndham — ah ! 
 
 Wynd. My dear fella' ! wouldn't interfere with you for tb» world ! 
 Widow. Come, [crossing to Wyndham.] I don't care which it i»! A 
 thousand pities to let such beautiful music be wasted ! 
 
10 THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 Drake, [to Shadow.] Go along, and use your good fortune dis- 
 creetly. 
 
 Shadow. Confound you, Drake, I shall annihilate you for this ! 
 
 Widow. Come, put down your hat ; I can't dance if you keep that 
 bobbing about. 
 
 Shadow. My dear madam, it's the fashion to — ah — 
 
 Widow. Nonsense ! I dance for the fun, not for the fashion. 
 Pshaw ! don't set about it as if you were going to have a tooth pulled 
 out! One would suppose dancing was an agony, instead of an 
 amusement ! 
 
 [They dance in the Saraco style, once round — Shadow cries out with 
 pain. 
 
 Widow. Oh ! you won't do for me ! Here, "Wyndham; you have 
 more electricity in your system. 
 
 Wynd. I would, with pleasure, but just now a bad accident — a 
 sprain — 
 
 Drake. Sudden and peculiar symptoms ; limping on one leg, and 
 rubbing the other. Mrs. S., did you observe anything going on in 
 the drawing-room ? — no — not a little flirtation ? — no ? Well, if I had 
 a young daughter, I should look carefully after her. By-the-bye, 
 curious affair that about Greenleaf — eh ? Rather too old to marry, I 
 think : however, that's his affair. Bad business for you, though — you 
 expected a heap there, didn't you? He's uncomfortably rich, isn't 
 he ? Ha ! ha ! Young wife will soon cut into that. 
 
 Widow. Ah ! here comes my bright sunny-eyed little darling, Tilly. 
 
 Enter Matilda. 
 
 Come along, my love, and let us show those lazy superfluities, the 
 men, that we can do without them. 
 
 Mrs. S. My dear madam, such unusual gaiety ! 
 
 Widow. Pooh ! what are we here for ? 
 
 Mrs. S. I think, Matilda, dear, you should not dance any more — it 
 may injure your health. 
 
 Widow. What ! dancing ! ha ! ha ! Good gracious ! look at me I 
 Do I look in bad health ? 
 
 Drake. Hum ! Well, if I were called on, professionally — mind, pro- 
 fessionally — I should say rather consumptive. I wonldn't needlessly 
 alarm anybody, but there's no harm in a little caution. 
 
 Widow. Drake, you are a fool ! 
 
 Drake. Of course, I am ! Everybody is who gives good advice. By- 
 the-bye, my love, you look rather feverish. What shoes do you wear? 
 Paper soles, PI be bound ! Pride kills more people than poverty. 
 Many a sweet little creature, like you, my love, by sacrificing comfort 
 to vanity, walk into sickness they never get out of. You will excuse 
 the remark. 
 
 Widow. Now, there, you tiresome people, the dance is over. I 
 declare I don't know what's come to the young men now-a-days ! 
 They crawl about as if it were too much trouble to draw a full breath 
 of real wholesome and enjoyable existence. 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 11 
 
 Shadow. Just so ! I have frequently remarked that myself. Indeed, 
 the other day, I — ah — what were Ave talking about ? 
 
 Widow. Pshaw ! you're just as bad as any of them. 
 
 Mrs. 8. Tilly, dear, your hair is a little disarranged ; come to me 
 [Matilda crosses to Mrs. Smiler.] you thoughtless, silly creature. Quite 
 a child of nature, Mr. Wyndham — unsophisticated as rusticity itself. 
 
 Wynd There is no characteristic in the world makes a greater 
 impression upon a man's heart than natural simplicity. 
 
 Mrs. S. By-the bye, widow, a word with you. Mr. "Wyndham, 
 you'll take care of Tilly. 
 
 [Retire tip — a slight pause between Matilda and Wyndham. 
 
 Wynd. What shall we converse about, Miss Smiler ? 
 
 Matil. I don't know. 
 
 Wynd. What are your favorite tastes ? 
 
 Matil. Candy, for a continuance. 
 
 Wynd. Indeed ! 
 
 Matil. Yes, and ripe fruit, in season. 
 
 Wynd. [gives Matilda grapes and retires up with her.] That's sim- 
 plicity with a vengeance ! [aside.'] 
 
 Drake, [to Mrs. Smiler, aside.] Prudent woman! I saw the 
 manoeuvre ! I see how the land lies ! Young Wyndham — only a 
 boy, to be sure, but no matter for that — a perfect continent of 
 wealth, bounded on all sides by rich relations, but they are all 
 healthy. She don't care about him, though — anybody can see that. 
 
 Mrs. 8. What in the name of wonder are you talking about? 
 
 Widow. When are we going to have supper, good folks ? I am 
 aware that it's rather ungenteel to have an appetite, but neverthe- 
 less, I'm positively hungry ! 
 
 Servant. Supper is served. 
 
 [Four servants throw open doors — a splendid supper-room seen. 
 
 Widow. I declare I'm as good as a time-piece ! 
 
 Enter Smiler, r. h. arch. 
 
 Smiler. Tell the visitors, James. 
 
 Drake. There's a display of magnificence ! I say, Smiler, you 
 commercial Croesus! I wish some of the grumblers, who swear that 
 you are on the verge of ruin, could see that spread ! rather think 
 it would open their eyes ! eh, Mrs. S. ! But there's no keeping 
 people from chattering, is there ? 
 
 Widow. Why don't you set them an example ? 
 
 Drake. II well, upon my word, that's good! Bless your soul, I 
 don't say a syllable ! I never invented a story in all my life ! 
 
 Smiler. The inventor of a falsehood, or an insinuation which, un- 
 noticed, might have perished at its birth, is not half so reprehensible 
 as he, who takes it up, nurses, and carries it about, until what haply 
 was at first an inadvertent word, becomes a terrible denunciation ! 
 
 Drake. My sentiments exactly! Hollo! what are you about there, 
 interfering with my privilege ? , Don't you know I am amateur 
 master of the ceremonies everywhere? I'll see you all pleasantly 
 companioned. Here, Wynny, my boy. take care of Mrs. S. Shadow, 
 
12 THE GAME OP LIFE. 
 
 you escort our dear widow — Smiler, you pair off with Mrs. Chatters 
 — I'll take care of little Tilly myself! Now for a delightful evening ! 
 
 Music. — All go up to supper — Servants in livery attending. 
 
 Act Drop. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE I. — Smiler's Parlor — Folding Doors — Handsome Furniture — 
 Smiler and Mrs. Smiler discovered. 
 
 Smiler. Sallie, no remonstrance ! self-preservation is the first law 
 of nature. The old fool has robbed us of our right, by marrying at 
 his time of life, and revenge is all we have left ! 
 
 Mrs. S. And yet, I shrink from imagining any thing wrong against 
 her. 
 
 Smiler. Pooh ! such inconsistent connections always lead to un- 
 happy results. The old dotard, and his toy-wife, will be here to- 
 day, according to his letter. It was a good idea of mine to invite 
 him to stay with us. 
 
 Mrs. S. Stapleton, take care what you do ! Remember our own 
 child. 
 
 Smiler. Pray allow me to attend to our mutual interests in my 
 own way. 
 
 Mrs. S. "Well, you should know best, certainly, but indeed I am 
 greatly uneasy about Tilly lately! There is evidently some secret 
 preying on her mind. She has lost her color, and her appetite, and 
 that beautiful wave is gone out of her hair. 
 
 Smiler. [rises.] Still thinking of that poor idiot, Noble, I suppose. 
 She must be prevented from seeing him ; a proper regard for her 
 future welfare demands it. 
 
 Mrs. S. [rises.'] My dear, on the contrary, she declared her willing- 
 ness, the other day, to marry Wyndham, who, you know, has pro- 
 posed for her. 
 
 Smiler. Indeed ! Let it be carried through, then, before she wavers 
 in her resolution. 
 
 Mrs. S. Wyndham wishes it to take place at once. 
 
 Smiler. At once be it ! 
 
 Mrs. S. But surely she must have some time for preparation ! 
 
 Smiler. Nonsense ! The main thing is to hook the fish ! "Wyndham 
 is tolerably rich — at all events it will save her from the other. You 
 let her know of it, while I go to the office and see if the ancient 
 Benedick has arrived. 
 
 Enter Matilda, r. h. 
 
 Ah! Tilly, my darling, how charmingly you look this morning! 
 Your eyes sparkle, as though you anticipated the high destiny which 
 awaits you sooner than you suppose, my girl ! But I must away, 
 and wait on our visitor. [Exit, c 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 13 
 
 Mrs. S. So the day is fixed, Matilda. 
 
 Matil. Fixed, mother 1 
 
 Mrs. S. Yes, dear ! In a few days more, you must lay aside the 
 frivolity of girlhood, wear your hair in bands, and assume the steady 
 propriety of a wedded wife. 
 
 Matil. A wedded wife, mother! But I don't know whether I 
 love Mr. Wyndham, or not. 
 
 Mrs. S. Love him! good gracious! what nonsense girls do get into 
 their heads, to be sure ! This comes of those incendiary novels ! 
 Haven't I told you, over and over again, my dear, that the thing 
 fools call love, is only a mythological piece of nonsense, useful only 
 to poets — just like moonshine, and about as substantial. 
 
 Enter Widow Joybell, c. Matilda goes up and sits in chair, r. h. * 
 
 Widow. You don't mind me, I know, so I came in unannounced. 
 Have I disturbed a maternal lecture ? If so, pardon me ! What's 
 the matter, Tilly, dear? You've been saying something harsh or 
 unjust to this girl. I see it in her face. You'll excuse me ! 
 
 Mrs. S. Far be it from me, my dear widow, to be unjust or harsh 
 to one who is the blossom of my life ! Could I, Tilly ? 
 
 Widow. Leading question, as the lawyers say, and I object. Come, 
 Tilly, don't mind me — look upon me as a piece of furniture. There's 
 your mother ; to whom should a child tell all her griefs but to her 
 mother? And that you have a volume of grief within your little 
 heart, your face is the index. Let me lend you a tongue. You're in 
 love ! 
 
 Matil. Ma says there's no such thing! 
 
 Widow. Does she ? then she's an infidel ! Yes, my dear, there is 
 such a thing as love, and a very tyrannical thing it is — most absolute 
 and despotic ! when once it gets firmly rooted, away go all the heart's 
 liberties at once ! 
 
 Matil. [in chair.] Oh, how I should glory in - [jumps up. 
 
 Mrs. S. Matilda Jane ! [Matilda sits. 
 
 Widow. Now do let the girl alone. How you modern modish peo- 
 ple seem to dread a natural impulse ! Take my advice, my love, and 
 speak your mind. Go on, my dear, what were you going to say ? 
 
 Matil. Well, I was going to say that it must be very nice, when 
 married people love each other! 
 
 Widow. What in the name of wonder put that in your head ? 
 
 Mrs. S. Why, don't you know she is to be married in a few days ? 
 
 Widow. Married ! What ! This child married ! You'll excuse me. 
 Who is the favored infant ? 
 
 Matil. Young Wyndham, Ma says, but I'd rather have 
 
 Mrs. S. Matilda Jane, dear ! 
 
 Matil. Oh! I forgot! 
 
 Widow. Well, I always speak my mind, to be sure, but I do believe 
 I won't this time ! You'll stay at school after you're married, dear, 
 won't you? 
 
 Matil. Oh, no ! Ma wouldn't let me stay the last quarter out, 
 though Ma'amselle said I wasn't quite perfect iu my French, and in- 
 deed I think my geography might be improved. As for music, I 
 
14 THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 Mrs 8. Matilda Jane ! remember, child, you are no longer a school- 
 girl! 
 
 Widow. No, poor child, it's a pity she isn't ! Tell me, dear — don't 
 mind me ! — do you like this boy-intended of yours sufficiently to war- 
 rant your risking the happiness of your life in his hands ? Can you 
 look up to him with confidence, devotion and respect ? Can you give 
 up every thought, feeling, impulse, and inclination to him, and him 
 alone ? 
 
 Mrs. S. "What questions to ask a child ! 
 
 Widow. "What a position to place a child in, Mrs. S. ! Excuse me ! 
 Speak out, Tilly ! 
 
 Matil. Well, he's a nice fellow enough ; has such a sweet, delicate 
 moustache, and he polks like a little angel ! 
 
 Widow. [aside.] The mother's daughter, even as I feared! [aW.] 
 Excellent requisites, if life were a ball-room, Tilly ! 
 
 Enter A Servant, c. 
 
 Servant, [announcing.] Mr. Wyndham! [Exit, c. 
 
 Enter Wyndham, c. 
 
 Wynd. [down l.] Good morning, ladies ! 
 
 Widow. Bless the boy ! What a jump forward the rising genera- 
 tion has made, to be sure ! 
 
 Mrs. 8. Won't you sit down, Wyndham ? 
 
 Wynd. Thank you, I'd rather not, at present. I say, mother-in- 
 law that is to be, does that dreadful Widow know my position in the 
 family ? 
 
 Mrs. S. Yes, dear ! 
 
 Wynd. Then why the deuce don't she let a fella' have a chance of 
 a tete-a-tete with his intended ? Ton my life, her remaining here 
 shows a great want of propriety, — and 'pon my life, I don't like it ! 
 
 Mrs. 8. She doesn't mean anything, Wyndham— don't be cross, 
 there's a good boy. I'll take her away, there ! 
 
 Wynd. Well, now do ! A fella', you know, don't like to have a 
 third party present, on such interesting occasions. [crosses to l. 
 
 Mrs. 8. [To Widow.] Come, dear, let us leave the young people to- 
 gether. 
 
 Widow. Oh ! to be sure ! If the children want to be alone, I 
 wouldn't intrude for the world ! So, Master Wyndham 
 
 Wynd. Do you address yourself to me, Madam ? 
 
 Widow. I really beg ten thousand pardons ! Mister Wyndham, au 
 re voir! Well, I always say what I mean, and if these children are 
 thinking of getting married, I don't know which to blame most, their 
 impertinent presumption or the negligence of their respective parents, 
 in not whipping them soundly, and sending them supperless to bed ! 
 [Exit, Mrs. S. and Widow, c. — Matilda sits, r. h. 
 
 Wynd. What the doose is that antediluvian remnant of forgotten 
 ages grumbling about ! [Leans ooer Matilda's chair.] Aw! Glorious 
 weather! [A pause between each speech. 
 
 Matil. Sweet! 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 15 
 
 Wynd. ft ice coat this, ain't it? 
 
 Matil. Delicious! , 
 
 Wynd. So we're going to be married, lilda ! 
 
 Matil. So Ma says. 
 
 Wynd Ain't it funny? Ha! ha! {Icmghir^f. 
 
 Matil. Ha! ha! Ain't it? Ha! ha! 
 
 Wynd. What are you laughing at, Tilda? _ ; 
 
 Matil. I don't know! Ha! ha! [ruing. 
 
 you, let aiiyuuuy o«y «* v,i*^~ .. ~ — , _ 
 
 shall we live ? Somewhere in the country, I think,— sunny spot, you 
 know—flowers, and all that sort of poetical thing ! 
 
 Matil. No, indeed, I hate the country ! _ 
 
 Wynd. Tilda, dear, you know you mustn't hate any thing but me, 
 after we're married ! . ,„',-. -j 
 
 Matil. I shall hate you before, if you talk about that stupid coun- 
 try! Who could live there ? No balls, no opera ! Oh, don t bother ! 
 
 T'tyi PT*OSS * 
 
 Wynd. Come, come, this won't do, Tilda ! You'll have to obey a 
 fella' when you're his wife, you know I ; ^ ,- _ ■ 
 
 Matil Indeed I don't know anything of the kind ! My Ma s a wife, 
 and I'm sure she don't obey Pa, a bit! 
 
 Wynd. But she ought to, I think ! 
 
 Matil. But she don't, I know— and I won t, I m sure ! 
 
 Wynd. You're a little fool, Tilda ! 
 
 Matil. And you're a great brute, Wyndham! 
 
 Wvnd If it were a man who said that, I should know how to 
 chastise him-as it is, I can only say— you shall never see me again- 
 
 there! _ ; ■' - 
 
 Matil. I don't care a bit— not a bit— there ! 
 
 [They make faces at, and laugh at each 01, her. 
 Wynd. [Takes up battledore.] Bo you love this kind of fun, Til? 
 Matil. Umph! 
 
 Wynd. Let's have a game ! . 
 
 Matil. Oh, yes, let's ! [They play away like bricks. 
 
 Enter Drake and Shadow, c, seeing them. 
 
 Drake Bravo ! Bravo ! Triumph of nature over art ! [They hang 
 back abashed.} Just called in with Shadow, didn't forget you as I 
 came along, children ! - -_ ; 
 
 Wynd. and Matil. Children, indeed! What next? 
 
 Drake. Wynny, I've bought you such a famous lot of candy! 
 \ Offering ca?idy, which Wyndham knocks away with cane. 
 
 Shadow. Loot here, Tildv-here's a beauty! One of the very 
 sweetest crying babies ever imported ! 
 
 Matil. Oh ! what a duck ! . . . 
 
 Wvnd. [ToDrakeA Sir !— Mister, what's-yoiir-name— this is apiece 
 of insolence a fella' can't overlook ! Here's my card ! [giving card. 
 
 Drake. What am I to do with it ? 
 
16 THE GAMK OF LIFE. 
 
 i 
 
 Wynd If you don't know the etiquette, sir, amongst men of honor, 
 permit me to illuminate your opacity ! Be so good as to give me 
 yours in return ! 
 
 Drake. Certainly, my dear boy ! 
 
 Wynd. [Reading Drake's card.] " Drake, Dental Operator, Pall 
 Mall. Cavities filled." Pshaw ! This is a business card ! 
 
 Drake. Yes — anything the matter with your teeth ? 
 
 Wynd. Pooh ! No, sir ! You must fight me ! 
 
 Drake. What? Fight! 
 
 Wynd. A duel ! 
 
 /Shadow. I'll be your second ! 
 
 Matil. A duel ! Capital ! Wynny, do shoot him, there's a dear ! 
 
 Drake. A duel ! Ha ! ha ! 
 
 Wynd This absurd levity is unbearable ! Sir, you shall hear from 
 me ! Do you understand? Hear from me ! [Exit, pompously, c. 
 
 Drake. [To Matilda.] Has he been drinking ! 
 
 Matil. Be good enough to speak with more respect ! Excuse me, 
 if I say, that I can no longer be on terms of intimacy with a person 
 who knows so little how to conduct himself towards a gentleman, 
 and a man of honor ! Take your baby ! 
 
 [Exit pompously, c, throwing down crying baby. 
 
 Drake. By the dignity of Dentistry, we're rather in the minority 
 with these precocities ! Grey hairs are dreadfully at a discount here 1 
 Ah ! well, the unfortunate little wretches are going to plunge into 
 premature wedlock ! I'll resign my revenge into the hands of in- 
 evitable fate! 
 
 Shadow. It's really too bad! I intended to have married Tilda 
 myself! 
 
 Drake. And why didn't you ? 
 
 Shadow. Whenever I came here, I always forgot to mention the 
 thing to her ! 
 
 Enter Widow and Mrs. Smiler, c. 
 
 Drake. There you are, incomprehensible enigma ! Pray, tell me 
 why 
 
 Widow. Hold your tongue, if you can, thou sociable raven ! Mr. 
 Greenleaf, our friend's rich uncle, has arrived with his young wife. 
 
 Drake. Apropos, I heard — 
 
 Shadow. Yes, and so did I ! 
 
 Widow. Hush ! 
 
 Drake. Such a capital anecdote about that stupid old — 
 
 Enter Greenleaf, Mr. Smiler, and Mrs. Greenleaf, c. 
 
 Green. Thank you, thank you ! Ah ! Widow, your humble ! Here 
 we are, you see, the old man and his darling, dropped down in the 
 midst of your terrible city ! 
 
 Drake. You may say terrible city ! I really beg pardon ! 
 
 Mrs. S. Mr. Greenleaf, this is our friend, Mr. Drake. 
 
 Green. Sir, your most ! — 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 17 
 
 Mrs. S. Mr. Shadow, Mr. Greenleaf. 
 
 Green. How are you, sir ? 
 
 Drake. How do you like London, Mr. Greenleaf? 
 
 Green. Good gracious, sir! I haven't been in it more than ten 
 minutes ! 
 
 Drake. Oh ! to be sure ! You'll excuse the remark ! 
 
 Shadow. Will you permit me to inquire, — that is to say — what — 
 I mean when — bless my soul ! I declare I quite forget what I was 
 going to say ! 
 
 Green. Don't trouble yourself to recollect it, sir, on my account ! 
 Ladies and gentlemen, this is my darling little wife ! I don't know 
 much about your city ceremonies, but there she is, bless her innocent 
 heart ! 
 
 Rose. Adam ! — 
 
 Green. Ah, well ! I suppose it's not the modish thing to say a good 
 word for one's wife ! 
 
 Drake. Decidedly unfashionable! 
 
 Widow. But naturally honest, and I like it ! 
 
 Drake. Of course, all women do ! 
 
 Green. I'm a man of very few words, mortally hate compliments, 
 flattery, and all that kind of restraint upon our natural impulses, 
 and you could just as easily bind me down to the formalities of 
 society, as you could confine an oak in a cucumber frame ! I'm glad 
 to see you, nephew, niece, all, so is Rose ! We've come to stay with 
 you two or three weeks, perhaps a month. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. S. Oh, longer, dear uncle, longer ! 
 
 Green. That depends upon how you behave yourselves. 
 
 Drake, [aside to Smiler.] You'll never squeeze anything out of that 
 dry chip. 
 
 Mrs. S. I don't understand you, sir ! 
 
 Shadow. [To Mrs. S.] She's a lovely creature, ain't she ? As the im- 
 mortal Thingumbob says ; ah — there ! Beautiful idea gone again ! 
 
 Mrs. S. She's pretty well. 
 
 Drake. [To Widow.] There's some great family coup d'etat in view. 
 
 Widow. Did you ever think well of anybody ? 
 
 Drake. Never, but one. 
 
 Widow. Who may that be ? 
 
 Drake. The humble individual who has the honor to address you. 
 
 Widow. Pshaw ! 
 
 Green. Come, good folks, show us our apartment, and let's make 
 ourselves at home. 
 
 Mrs. S. To be sure, uncle ! Allow me ! [rings bell. 
 
 Green. Do you think I have no strength in my arms? I can help 
 myself, thank you, all the same. Now, Rosy ! 
 
 Mrs. S. [To Rose.] Won't you let me assist you ? 
 
 Rose. You are very good ! Thank you ; it's no matter ! 
 
 Green. Don't fuss about my gentle rosebud, now. She's not much 
 used to strangers. But, bless you ! we'll all be as merry as harves- 
 ters, when we get a little acquainted ! 
 
18 
 
 THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 Enter James, c. 
 
 Mrs. 8. Now, James, send Susan up, directly, to wait on dear Mrs. 
 Greenleaf. Ah I here she is ! 
 
 Enter Susan, c. 
 
 Mr. 8. James, wait on my uncle. 
 Mrs. 8. Susan, attend to the young lady. 
 
 Green. Come, widow, you're one of the women I like. I want to 
 talk to you a little. 
 
 [All exeunt, r. 1 e., except Drake and Shadow — no one noticing 
 them. 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 END OF ACT II. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE. — Interior. Mrs. Smiler and Rose, discovered. 
 
 Mrs. 8. You have no idea how delighted I am, dear, that it has 
 been in our poor power to make your time pass happily. 
 
 Rose. You are kindness itself, my dear Mrs. Smiler. I have not a 
 wish ungratified in existence. 
 
 Mrs. 8. Long may it continue so, darling, although in this change- 
 able and wicked world, such a destiny is enjoyed by few. 
 
 Rose. You speak as though y ou had cause for unhappiness ! I 
 trust it is not so ? 
 
 Mrs. 8. Why, no, my child, experience has made me expect and 
 prepare for clouds upon life's sunshine ; but you, so young, so unused 
 to misfortune! 
 
 Rose. You alarm me ! Do you know of any reason that I should 
 be apprehensive ? 
 
 Mrs. 8. Ah ! my dear child, you cannot be aware, never having 
 had a shade across your bright path, of the dark hours that must 
 o'ershadow even the most fortunate lot! 
 
 Rose. Tell me, I implore you, for I am, indeed, inexperienced, and 
 have not looked, as yet, beyond the surface ! Do you speak thus to 
 warn me of approaching calamity ? Have I any coming event to 
 dread ? 
 
 Mrs. S. No individual one, my dear, that I know of; I simply take 
 a mother's privilege to counsel you, so that if any misfortune should 
 assail you, you would be enabled to nerve yourself with fortitude to 
 bear it ! See what a sensitive creature you are ! If I thought my 
 foolish words would have had such an effect upon your gay heart, 
 they would never have been spoken. Come, come, love ! there may 
 nothing occur to mar your life's happiness ! Are you not married to 
 an excellent man ? — a good, a wealthy man ; not that riches always 
 brings content, but your husband is all you can desire. 
 
 Rose. Indeed ! indeed ! he is the soul of loving kindness! 
 
 — 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 19 
 
 Mrs. 8. To me, he appears as fatherly — I shouldn't have said that — 
 you know what I mean, dear. After all, he isn't so very old, and 
 who would not prefer one, whose mind is matured and steady, to the 
 flighty boys, who buzz about one like so many beautiful butterflies. 
 
 Rose. He is my husband — my young heart's choice ! 
 
 Mrs. 8. The first ? 
 
 Hose, [hesitates.] Yes — the first that judgment sanctioned. 
 
 Mrs. 8. Then there was another, that the judgment vetoed, eh? 
 Come, confide in me, there's a darling ! I might be enabled to give 
 confidence for confidence. I may have a secret as well as you. 
 
 Hose. It is no secret — at least, it should be none ! In my early 
 girlhood, there was one, who — (such memories are painful : although 
 the chain be broken, the heart must bear the sundered links !) — Yes, 
 there was one, I thought I loved, — I did then love, with the ardor 
 of a girl's first passion, until I found that he was all unworthy ! 
 
 Mrs. 8. Then you have*. had a sorrow, my poor child? 
 
 Rose. ISTo, a regret, but not a sorrow ! — regret that changed to joy 
 at my escape from never-ending sorrow, as step by step, he whom 
 I once deemed perfection, trod the downward road to utter degrada- 
 tion ! 
 
 Mrs. 8. Does your husband know of this ? 
 
 Rose. Alas ! he does not ! Day by day, I have resolved to tell him, 
 but at first, I feared to interpose the slightest shadow upon our 
 mutual happiness, until I suddenly awoke to the dreadful conviction 
 that my apprehension was weakness, and delay worse than crime ! 
 Since which, each succeeding hour increases equally my criminal 
 neglect, and great unwillingness to wound so good and true a 
 heart ! 
 
 Mrs. 8. It would, as you wisely say, only make him uncomforta- 
 ble. Old men, you know, are apt to be jealous! Pardon me for 
 saying " old," it escaped me ! 
 
 Rose. It is I who am to blame for not having spoken of it before ! 
 
 Mrs. 8. Nonsense ! I'll warrant me, he has got secrets enough of 
 his own ! Don't look so astonished, my dear! Do you suppose a 
 man has lived all his years, (excuse me!) without little secrets? 
 Therefore, you see the account is tolerably equal, most likely a large 
 balance^ my dear, in your favor ! I declare, here he comes. Take my 
 advice, wait till he begins to divulge, then you may make a clean 
 breast of it! If she tells him now, I'm no diplomatist ! [aside. 
 
 [Exit Mrs. Smller, o. 
 
 Rose. She must have meant this kindly, to forewarn my inexpe- 
 rience, but what a change a few short moments have produced ! — a 
 terror, undefined and shapeless, pervades my senses! More dreadful 
 in its vague incertitude, than the dark outline of some known 
 Calamity: My soul, shut up in its content, never wandered beyond 
 the bounds of present happiness, but now, the barrier is gone ! I* 
 doubt, nay, more, suspect ! " lie may have a secret /" Does she know 
 he has ? Oh ! that I had remained in my contented ignorance, for 
 this is torture ! 
 
20 THE QAME OF LIFE. 
 
 Enter Greenleaf and Smilee, r. h. 2 e. 
 
 Green. Ah ! my heart's sunshine ! what's the matter, Rose? 
 
 Rose. Nothing — that is, I don't feel very well ! I am unjust, I know 
 I am, dear husband, friend ! I will explain all to you when we are 
 alone !" 
 
 Green. Now, now, dear Rose ! come, tell me, what has happened 
 to annoy you ? 
 
 Rose. A foolish, a most foolish thought, which now is gone for 
 ever ! Dear husband, bear with my pettishness, I know you will, for 
 you are all goodness ! I'll come again soon ! [Exit, r. 2 e. 
 
 Green. Bless her sweet, innocent, confiding soul ! 
 
 Smiler. Indeed, you ought to be happy ! 
 
 Green. Ha ! ha ! happy, nephew ! of course I'm happy ! Never 
 intend to be anything else but happy ! There's nothing of the crying 
 philosopher about me ! Why should we not enjoy the bright, 
 beautiful world that lies spread before us, like a perpetual banquet 
 of delight! Does not everything in universal nature set us the 
 example ? It is man alone, the grumbler, who will continue fashioning 
 his own pet discontents ! 
 
 Smiler. It is indeed fortunate that you possess such a tempera- 
 ment ! 
 
 Green. Come with me into the country, nephew, the blessed, 
 placid, simple, cheerful country, away from the moral and physical 
 mud that clogs your city ways, and you'll possess it also ! ha, ha ! 
 
 Smiler. I don't think, uncle, that anything in existence could check 
 that merry laugh of your's ! 
 
 Green. Why should it, my boy ! I confess I can't laugh quite so 
 loud, or so long here ; can't let out my lungs to their full extent, for 
 fear the sound should startle your city propriety ! But you should 
 hear Rosey and me, at home, out in the green fields, where one is 
 certain of an honest echo, where the honest trees bow without 
 sycophancy, and the honest birds warble forth the true sentiments 
 of their merry little hearts ! That's the place to laugh, my boy 1 
 where everything laughs with you ! Ha ! ha ! why, what the deuce 
 is the matter with you ? 
 
 Smiler. Nothing, dear uncle, nothing ! long may you continue to 
 enjoy such a pleasant existence. • 
 
 Green. " Long may I continue !" — why you imperturbable, smile- 
 less, soulless incarnation of day-book and ledger ! I won't have you 
 carry that Gorgon face about in my presence ! If you don't laugh, 
 you villain, I'll anatomize you ! Laugh, you half animated block of 
 city pavement ! 
 
 Smiler. It is impossible to do otherwise when you are near, uncle. 
 Ha! ha! 
 
 Green. Dear me ! That's a very foggy attempt ! Never mind — 
 don't you feel better ? Of course you do ! Talk of doctors — pooh ! 
 
 Enter Grimm, mysteriously, c. 
 
 Smiler. What's the matter now ! 
 Grimm. Enough ! haven't you heard ? 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 7n 
 
 Smiler. What? 
 
 Grimm. " Discount and Bustemup" are gone ! 
 
 Smiler. The devil ! 
 
 Green. Hallo ! here's another city countenance I Who's this ana 
 tomy of melancholy, nephew? 
 
 Smiler. Oh ! you don't know what an agreeable fellow he is, in 
 spite of his solemn looks ! It's Mr. Solomon Grimm, my partner, 
 uncle ! Smile, or I'm ruined ! [aside to Grimm. 
 
 Grimm. Smile ? Certainly — with pleasure ! [grins. 
 
 Green. Ha ! ha ! Agreeable ? He looks it ! 
 
 Smiler. [aside to Grimm.] Say something lively ! Would you de- 
 stroy me ? 
 
 Grimm, [to Smiler.] Lively! Oh, yes, to be sure! You know 
 it's all over, I suppose ? 
 
 Smiler. Never mind that now ! [aloud.] Very good ! Capital ! a 
 good joke ! [to Grimm.] Why the devil don't you laugh ? 
 
 Grimm. I can't do it any better ! I never had any practice ! 
 
 Smiler. If my uncle should suspect the straitness of our circum- 
 stances, we are lost ! Do be funny, for heaven's sake ! 
 
 Green. Any news stirring in your great city, to-day, Mr. Grimm ? 
 
 Smiler. Don't you hear ! Any news ? 
 
 Grimm. Ah ! oh ! yes — Discount and Bustemup — dear me, I forgot ! 
 [<mde.] Ha ! ha ! Capital joke ! You don't see it, I suppose— can't 
 
 say I do exactly — but it's a fact, nevertheless — stock debtor to 
 
 Ha ! ha ! Do you perceive ? [to Smiler.] Will that do ? What is to 
 become of us! 
 
 Smiler. Don't be alarmed — I'll manage it all! Ha! ha! Very 
 good, indeed ! 
 
 Grimm, [to Smiler,] May I go now ? 
 
 Smiler. Not for the world ! Ha ! very good ! I must really tell 
 my uncle that ! 
 
 Green. What is it, boy ? If there's anything in the world I do like, 
 it's a good, hearty, ringing laugh ! 
 
 Smiler. Ha! ha! Mr. Grimm, has just been telling me — but let him 
 tell it himself. I should only spoil it ! So, Grimm ! 
 
 Grimm. What is it ? I don't know what it is ! 
 
 Smiler. There, go along, and say something ! 
 
 Grimm. Well, sir — oh, lord ! — you must know that 
 
 Green. Yes ! yes ! 
 
 Grimm. That— that — [Drake heard without.'] Thank heaven for 
 this relief! Drake will tell stories enough for a regiment ! [aside. 
 
 Drake, [outside.] I must see him! I have something of the greatest 
 importance to communicate ! 
 
 Enter Drake, c. 
 
 My dear boy ! Bless my soul, who would have thought it ! I 
 
 have made such a discovery ! [starts.] You here, Mr. Greenleaf, 
 
 and laughing, as I live ! 
 
 Green. Ha ! ha ! yes, sir ! Is there anything so very remarkable 
 about that? 
 
22 THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 Drake. No, of course not — -at least I should think so, to be sure. 
 
 Green. Go on with your conversation, sir — never heed me — I 
 won't interrupt you ! [Drake pantomimes to Smiler. 
 
 Smiler. "What the deuce are you twisting yourself into a living 
 telegraph about? 
 
 Drake. Hush! nothing! Good gracious, what a question. Bless 
 my soul ! I think it will rain shortly. 
 
 Green. Ha, ha ! I shouldn't be at all surprised. 
 
 Drake. That's right, laugh away ; I beg pardon! Miserable man ! 
 
 Smiler. What do you mean ? 
 
 Drake. Not a word ! 
 
 Green. What's the newest scandal, Mr. Drake ? I'm told that you 
 are its very index — a most flattering distinction, I must say. 
 
 Drake. Perhaps I am. 
 
 Green. Then, sir, you'll excuse the frankness of the remark, 
 when I say, that like an index, you might be torn out of the book of 
 social life, without materially injuring the volume. 
 
 Drake. Witty, decidedly — rational — very ! How I could retort — 
 but I won't ; no, I will not. 
 
 Smiler. You are evidently suffering the tortures of some pent-up 
 secret, Drake ! Out with it : relieve your laboring mind. 
 
 Green. Aye, aye ! What fresh victim has the jackall hunted down 
 for the vile repast ? 
 
 Drake. I've positively a great mind to tell, it's so decidely amu- 
 sing. Only fancy what I've just heard, from undoubted authority. 
 
 Green. Certainly, undoubted ! The veracity of your scandal- 
 monger is never questioned by the greedy listener. You'll excuse 
 the freedom of the remark, doctor. Scandal is one of the few things 
 I cant't laugh at. 
 
 Drake. Bless your soul, I don't mean anything ! I only run round 
 and gather items for the mere fun of it! It's so awfully difficult 
 to raise a laugh out of anything now-a-days ; besides, it's only tit for 
 tat ! everybody does it ! At the last place I visited, I heard a few 
 on dits about your private character ; when I leave here, as a matter 
 of course, you'll riddle mine. But what does that signify ? We call 
 each other dear friend, as usual ; the surface of the visiting world 
 is smooth and unruffled, and who cares about the currents that 
 agitate its concealed depths. 
 
 Green. Wrong, wrong — all wrong ! 
 
 Smiler. There's something on your mind now, let's have it. Uncle, 
 you don't object. 
 
 Green. Oh, no, bless you ! Go on, pursue your estimable vocation, 
 sir. 
 
 Drake. Upon my life I've a great mind — I will. You must know, 
 then, that a certain gentleman of our acquaintance, pretty well 
 stricken in years — that is to say, on the shady side of fifty— very 
 foolishly fell in love with, and hastily married, a little, lively country 
 girl, young enough to be his daughter. 
 
 Green. Ha! ha! Very amusing, indeed, but not at all unusual, I 
 believe. 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 23 
 
 Smiler. Not at all. Ha ! very good — laugh, Grimm ! 
 
 Drake. Now, don't interrupt me 1 Well, not long after the mar- 
 riage, our friend brought his baby- wife to the city, where there hap- 
 pened to live, at the time, a former lover of the young lady, who, out 
 of 'revenge for some slight, determined to destroy the domestic hap- 
 piness of the aforesaid worthy but ill-assorted couple, by means of 
 some injudiciously warm letters, written by the young lady, in the 
 intoxication of a first passion ! 
 
 Green. Very inconsiderate of the young lady, eh, nephew? Ha ! ha ! 
 
 Smiler. Decidedly ! Ha ! ha ! — laugh, Grimm ! 
 
 Drake. I believe that's all that has transpired for the present — the 
 denouement is still to come. But what a chance for rich develop- 
 ments, spicy paragraphs, and all the highly-seasoned condiments 
 wherewith the mental palate of that sensual epicure, the public, is 
 now especially tickled ! Funny, ain't it ? 
 
 Enter Shadow, c. 
 
 Shadow. Ah ! my dear Smiler, I've got such news for you ! Have 
 you heard ? Drake here ! Oh, then I'm too late ! Mr. Greenleaf 
 smiling away the same as ever. 
 
 Green. To be sure, sir. Have you any objection ? 
 
 Shadow. Not the least in the world, if you prefer it. I only know 
 that I don't think I should indulge in quite so much good humor. 
 
 Green. Indeed ! And, sir, have you the superb impudence to sup- 
 pose that any contingency in nature could induce me to take you for 
 an example ! 
 
 Drake. Egad ! that's good ! Ha ! ha ! 
 
 Smiler. Capital 1 Ha ! ha ! — laugh, Grimm ! 
 
 Grimm. Can't, any more — stock's exhausted ! 
 
 Shadow. Can't say I see the point of the joke ! 
 
 Green. Ha ! ha ! Never expected you could ! Well, I'll leave you 
 to enjoy yourselves in your own way, which I must confess is not at 
 all in mine. I must go, and see after my darling Rosey! Nephew, 
 your funny friend's mirth is frightful ! Do look at his face ! What's 
 the matter, friend ; can't you raise a smile in any way ? 
 
 Grimm. Can't, really — overdrawn my account — check refused ! 
 
 Green. Listen to me, sir, and I'll tell you how to accumulate a large 
 amount of real enjoyment ! Admit benevolence and humanity into 
 partnership, and kick unworthy selfishness out of the concern. Don't 
 let the business of your life be contracted to the narrow limits of a 
 counting-house, but open an account current with the wide universe 
 beyond. There is no man living but can do some good, however 
 limited the circle in which he may revolve, and every worthy but 
 heavily laden heart lightened of its burthen, will yield so many sums 
 of joy to be hoarded here, where all demands are payable at sight — 
 my friend, at sight ! That's my system of doing business with the 
 world! Ha! ha! ha! ha! And you see how it pays! Ha! ha! 
 
 [Exit Greenleaf, k. h. 1 e. 
 
 Grimm. Lord bless me ! Fm glad he's gone ! Now I can be off, I 
 suppose ? 
 
24 THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 Smiler. Yes — but mum ! Not a word ! [Exit Grimm, a d. 
 
 Shadow. What a laughing hyena it is ! Don't he know the — a — 
 thingamy 
 
 Drake. Hold your tongue ! You'll spoil every thing ! 
 
 Shadow. I insist upon telling Smiler! 
 
 Drake. Very well — goon! 
 
 Shadow. You must know then, that — you'll laugh like the deuce 
 when you hear it ! Drake here — no — was it you — yes, it was! Drake 
 and I were at what's-his-name's, — there came In such a fellow, and — 
 confound it! — it's very provoking! What was I talking about! 
 Drake, you tell it ! 
 
 Drake, [crosses to a] I knew how it would be ! Well, then, to 
 come to the point at once — do you know to whom I alluded in my 
 story, just now — old man — young wife, <fec. ? 
 
 Smiler. No — haven't an idea ! Why, it can't be 
 
 Drake. Yes, but it is, though ! Your veritable, venerable, indivi- 
 dual, laughing philosopher of an uncle ! Ain't it rich ? 
 
 Smiler. Glorious ! [aside.'] I really can't see the joke ! You forget 
 he is my relative ! It may not be true, sir ? 
 
 Shadow. Oh ! yes it is ! 
 
 Drake. True ! Of course it is ! Didn't we see the fellow our- 
 selves ! A picturesque, bravo-like savage, by the name of Wolfe ! 
 Hadn't I the very letters in my hands ! Apropos, to make all safe, 
 and to prevent any possibility of a mistake, I kept one back just for 
 the fun of the thing ! [shows letter.] Now ain't it time ? Now ain't it 
 rich? 
 
 Smiler. Let me see ! [takes letter.] Pshaw! that's not her hand- 
 writing ! You have been imposed upon ! 
 
 [Throwing it carelessly on table. 
 
 Drake. Oh! don't say that! You'll spoil the best joke of the sea- 
 son! 
 
 Shadow. It would be a positive wrong done to the community ! 
 
 Smiler. I'm very sorry to be obliged to demolish this romance, but 
 so it is ! 
 
 Drake. No matter, Shadow ! We can tell the story, any how ! If 
 it's not true, it's no fault of ours ! We didn't invent it, so we're safe ! 
 Come along ! I say, Smiler, you look grave ! Anything the matter ? 
 
 Smiler. I have a great many things to think of — do leave me to 
 myself — there's a good fellow! 
 
 Drake. To be sure ! Wouldn't intrude for the world! Come along, 
 Shadow ! * [Exeunt Drake and Shadow, c. 
 
 Smiler. Thank heaven ! they are gone ! Now for this precious 
 letter I 
 
 Re-enter Drake and Shadow. 
 
 Drake. Excuse me ! — come back for my letter. Where is it ? — • 
 what have you done with it ? 
 
 Smiler. See, sir, how I treat all such malevolent aspersions! [tears 
 another letter.] Good morning! 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 25 
 
 Drake. Oh! good morning! [going — returns.] You're not angry 
 •with me, are you ? [going. 
 
 Shadow, [returns.'] Or me ? going. 
 
 Drake, [returns.] It's no fault of our's, you know! [going. 
 
 Shadow, [returns. ] We couldn't help it ! 
 
 Smiler. You don't know the mass of business on my hands ! Now 
 do be off! [pushes them off.] Lock that door, John, [reads letter.] 
 "Dearest Rupert!" — Um! — "heart's first choice" — the very thing! 
 all flowers and filagree work — roses, romance, and rhodomontade ! 
 Oh ! thou priceless treasure ! so light, so flimsy, and insignificant, yet 
 soon in the balance of circumstance destined to outweigh the happi- 
 ness of two hearts! My first step must be to find this Wolfe, and 
 then — then — why, let Fortune hold the dice-box! [Exit, c. 
 
 Enter Widow Joybell and Rose, r. h. 
 
 Widow. Sit down, Rose, I want to talk to you. You're not happy 
 — these people are worrying you about something — I know they are! 
 Don't look as though you thought me dreadfully impertinent ! 
 
 Hose. I have no reason to be otherwise than happy, I assure you. 
 
 Widow. Yes, you have ! Don't be alarmed, dear! I am not aware 
 of the particular reason — wouldn't force a confidence for the world! 
 I may be plain-spoken, but I have a heart. That you are unhappy, 
 I can see as plainly as though it were written on your face. Now, 
 some people love to nurse a pet sorrow — it is so interesting to mope 
 about the house, and imagine yourself a victim! A touch of real 
 calamity is the only cure for that whimsical complaint ! Is that your 
 case, my dear ? 
 
 Rose. No, no! indeed it is not! 
 
 Widow. Then forgive me, Rose, for alluding to it at all. Let us 
 speak of something else. When are the young people expected 
 home ? 
 
 Rose. Mrs. Smiler is busy, I believe, preparing their apartments. 
 
 Widoio. Yes, I saw them! very sweet, and baby-housey! How 
 this Boy-and-Girl style of matrimony is carried on, is a mystery to 
 me! 
 
 Enter Drake, c. 
 
 Drake. Ah ! widow, excuse me ! Alone, eh ? Where's Smiler ? I 
 want to see him immediately. Such news ! Heard the particulars? 
 
 Widow. No, sir, nor have I any curiosity. 
 
 Drake. Ah ! Mrs. Greenleaf, there you are, I declare, looking 
 positively — Here's an opportunity ! nothing like going to the fountain- 
 head for intelligence ! Now I shall find it all out! [aside.] Mrs. G., 
 how lovely you look ! By the bye, I heard a little anecdote about 
 you to-day ! Can't be true, of course, and therefore there's no harm 
 in repeating it ! Did you ever know a young gentleman of the name 
 of Wolfe? 
 
 Rose, [faintly.] Yes, sir ! Why do you enquire ? 
 
 Drake. Simply because he's been enquiring for you, that's all! 
 Such a looking scapegrace 1 do you know the fellow says, you were 
 
26 THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 in love with him once ! Ha ! ha ! and can prove it ! Funny, ain't it ? 
 
 Widow. You insensible blockhead ! Do you not see that you are 
 •wounding the poor girl to the heart by repeating such absurd tales ! 
 It is by such ready messengers as you, that slander is made 
 mischievous ! 
 
 Brake. Bless my soul and body ! good gracious ! dear me ! I 
 wouldn't hurt anybody's feelings for the world ! 
 
 Widow, [crosses to Rose.] But one word, Rose, and forgive me for 
 saying it ! Have you cause to fear these slanders ? 
 
 Rose. Ko ! By my soul's hope, no ! 
 
 Widow. Then look them in the face, girl, with the unquailing fear- 
 lessness of truth ! 
 
 Brake. Dear me ! Is there anywhere I can go ? anything that I 
 can do ? 
 
 Widow. Yes ! shut your mischievous mouth, and keep it so ! 
 
 Brake. I'm sure if I thought these letters were of so much 
 consequence — 
 
 Rose. What letters ? 
 
 Brake. Why, your letters to him, when — a long time ago you 
 know ! — 
 
 Rose. I'm lost ! lost ! [aside. 
 
 Brake. Here's one of them, oh ! I forgot ! I gave it to Smiler ! 
 
 Widow. To Smiler ! and he retained it ? 
 
 Brake. ~No, tore it up ! 
 
 Widow. Are you sure ? So, so ! there's a plot evidently ! This wide- 
 mouthed, male gossip, is only a tool! Here's work for me ! [aside.'} 
 Rose, does your husband know of this ? 
 
 Rose. Alas ! that is my crime, he does not ! 
 
 Widow. Almost a crime ! However, it is no time now to repre- 
 hend, rather to retrieve ! He must be told of it at once, and by 
 
 Rose. It is too late! He will know it was forced from me by 
 circumstance ! Ah ! the fatal result of that one concealment ! But I 
 shall humble myself before him at once. 
 
 [ Crosses to c. Enter Servant, with card, which he presents to Rose — 
 She sees name on it, and sinks into chair, dropping card, which 
 Drake picks up. 
 
 Brake. Wolfe ! How remarkably funny ! 
 
 Widow. What? 
 
 Brake. I mean curious ! 
 
 Widow. Eh! 
 
 Brake. No, awful ! that's it, awful ! Only to think ! 
 
 Rose, [with an effort.] Let the gentleman be shown here, I shall 
 see him ! [Exit James, c. 
 
 Widow. Right, my child, right ! 
 
 Brake. Perfectly right ! 
 
 Rose. And alone. 
 
 Brake. Quite proper ! 
 
 Widow. Quite ! Remember, my dear Rose, that crime only is the 
 coward ! Come along, sir. [to Drake. 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 27 
 
 Drake. Oh, never mind me! I'm nobody! I'll skim over this 
 paper, in a corner ! 
 
 Widow. Come, Doctor ! 
 
 Drake. A peep ! only a peep, my delectable widow ! 
 
 {Exit "Widow and Drake, l. 2 e. 
 
 Rose. A vague dread that this terrible day would come, has 
 always risen, like a spectre, before my thought ! At last it has 
 arrived, and the life blood is yet warm about my heart ! I thought 
 it would have killed me ! Ha ! It is his footstep — that memory 
 clings yet! 
 
 {Enter "Wolfe, c. They look at each other, an instant, without speak- 
 ing — she tremblingly curtseys, he boios with exaggerated polite- 
 ness. 
 
 Wolfe, {down l.] "Well, Rose, here I am once more ! the cream of 
 constancy, the very incarnation of fidelity ! The vase may be a little 
 dilapidated, but the scent of the roses still hangs round it, as the 
 poet says! Rather unexpected this visit, I suppose, but we must 
 endeavor to make it as agreeable as possible ! Why, Rose, how is 
 this? have you no warmer welcome to bestow upon your poor 
 knight-errant, after so long, so very long an absence ? 
 
 Rose. Sir — -Mr. "Wolfe — I am now called Mrs. Greenleaf. 
 
 Wolfe. Hum ! — Indeed ! — And I was once called Rupert, with 
 occasionally a yet more familiar prefix ; but I forget myself, and 
 really beg a thousand pardons ! Madam, allow me to congratulate 
 you upon your brilliant and suitable alliance ! It must, indeed, be 
 beneficial to an inexperienced, thoughtless girl, when her husband 
 combines the prudent discretion of age, with the spirit and freshness 
 of youth ! But what am I speaking about ! The elegance of your 
 surroundings, the enviable height of your social position, sufficiently 
 prove that you, yourself, don't lack discretion, and as for disparity 
 of years, what does that weigh against ease and comfort ; and as for 
 love, why, that is only matter for some rhymester's brain ! Is it not 
 so, Rose ? I crave a million pardons, Mrs. Greenleaf ! 
 
 Rose. I must endure your insolence, sir — I have brought it on my- 
 self! — but pray, come to the mischievous intent of this interview, 
 for the boldness of your tone declares you have a purpose here ! 
 
 Wolfe. Nay, nay ! don't cruelly abridge the brief happy moments 
 that your society affords me. You don't know how few the rays of 
 sunlight that have gleamed across my path, or you would not drive 
 me back so soon into the world of shadows ! Rose, wont you shake 
 hands with me ? "With one whom you loved once — with one who 
 will love you ever! Aye, Rose, love you even as the fallen spirits 
 must have loved, although they cursed the Paradise from whence 
 their own misdeeds had banished them ! "Wont you give me your 
 hand ? "Well, perhaps it's better ! There was a time, however, when 
 your delicate nerves would not have shrunk from the contact ! There 
 was a time when those now averted eyes flashed forth in tenderness 
 and joy, when they encountered mine, and drooped in sadness only 
 at the parting! There was a time that heart, so changed and cold, 
 so calculating and so worldly-prudent, bounded with perfect and un- 
 
28 THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 selfish love, when pressed to mine ! Aye ! I know those recollections 
 are unpleasant, but am I the only one to whom remembrance must 
 be agony ? The brightness of your present lot may have quenched 
 such souvenirs — but amidst the darkness of my fate, they blaze like 
 lightning flashes, only to destroy ! 
 
 Rose. What am I to expect ? Let me know the worst ! 
 
 Wolfe. Revenge ! Next to reciprocated love, which you capri- 
 ciously denied me, upon the flimsy plea of my too free a life, the 
 sweetest, most heart-satisfying passion, is revenge ! 
 
 Rose. "Would you destroy me ! 
 
 Wolfe. You have destroyed me, have you not ? then why should 
 I spare you ! 
 
 Rose. For the sake of humanity — for your own hereafter peace ! 
 
 Wolfe. Hal ha! What care you about my hereafter? Egad! you 
 have a pleasant lodging here 1 it's long since I have breathed amidst 
 such luxury. Ah ! I see you are getting impatient, so now to come 
 to business at once, for my necessities have made me very mercantile. 
 Think how I'm changed, Rose, when I can barter even my revenge 
 for gold ! 
 
 Rose. What mean you ? 
 
 Wolfe. I have a secret — a dangerous one, and fain would sell it ! 
 I come to the best market with my wares, you see — for it affects your 
 honor ! 
 
 Rose. Sir! 
 
 Wolfe. Apparently! be calm, and let us make our bargain with 
 deliberation ! See what a walking-ledger I have become ! Some- 
 what of a difference, Rose, since we used to meet at the little garden 
 walk 
 
 Rose. Silence, sir! You are beneath my husband's roof! 
 
 Wolfe. For which, I trust, your husband's roof will allow me most 
 humbly to apologize! I really wouldn't fret so much, and take the 
 thing to heart ! I don't want to see you ruined, unless you insist up- 
 on it ! There's somewhat of the old feeling sticks about me here — 
 strange, is it not ? but what I do particularly want is monej 7 ! Come, 
 what will you give ? 
 
 Rose. Man ! man ! You'll drive me mad ! Heaven help me ! 
 What am I to do ? [crosses to l. 
 
 Wolfe. It's very easy to get rid of me ! Your indulgent lord and 
 master, the venerable Greenleaf, has too much money — I have too 
 little! We must endeavor to atone for the injustice of Dame For- 
 tune, and equalize matters somewhat — you understand ? Come, Rose, 
 be reasonable ! 
 
 Rose. Changed! changed, indeed! Begone, you terrify me ! [crosses 
 toj.] I did not think humanity capable of such baseness ! 
 
 Wolfe. Very well, I'm off! But let me advise you to look at the 
 merchandize before I go! Here is a superior pacquet of daintily 
 flavored epistles — going to the highest bidder ! Look at them ! Do 
 you recognize the hand- writing — neat little, crowquill — quite a pity 
 if they should fall into wrong hands. Shall I read you a few choice 
 extracts? " My own beloved Rupert!" It can't be, surely! Yes, 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 29 
 
 1 pre it is again, and again ! " It seems an age since we met." Oh ! 
 believe me, this is no common nosegay, but a whole garden full of 
 flowery epithets ! Dear me! how sundry high-toned, moral jour- 
 nalists that I could name, would squabble for the right to give these 
 interesting chapters to the public ! Thanks to its peculiar appetite 
 for such high-seasoned food, I need not travel far to find a market — 
 nor need you blush to see yourself in print — a brief day, and you'll 
 be famous! 
 
 Rose. Kupert "Wolfe, by the memory of that old time you spoke of, 
 I implore you not to destroy me, soul and body ! Eestore me those 
 fatal letters, and I shall kneel in gratitude to you, and ever more pray 
 for your future welfare ! You surely cannot be so fiend-like as to 
 rejoice in my agony ! In the deepest humility I sue to you for 
 mercy ! mercy ! [kneels. 
 
 Wolfe. This moment is worth an eternity of torture ! 
 
 Enter at back, Smiler, Drake and Shadow. — Rose screams and 
 falls into Smiler's arms. — Tableau. 
 
 End of Act III. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE. — Wyndham's apartment — Wyndham and Matilda seated back 
 
 to back. 
 
 Matil. I'm sure, if I thought being married was only to be aggra- 
 vated, and tormented, and annoyed, as you do me, I wouldn't have 
 been in such a hurry, I promise you. 
 
 Wynd. And if I had the slightest idea that it would have been so 
 atrociously slow, I should have remained a bachelor until I was 
 twenty. 
 
 Matil. I'm miserable — I know I am. 
 
 Wynd What ! you're not quite certain ? 
 
 Matil. Oh ! don't worry me. 
 
 Wynd. Of what can you possibly complain, Mrs. Wyndham ? 
 
 Matil. Oh ! plenty. In the first place you never take me out for a 
 walk, as you used to do. 
 
 Wynd. Good gracious ! what a primitive idea 1 Man and wife 
 walk out together ! Why the notion is positively antediluvian ! For 
 my part, I can't see what you want, I'm sure ; if you like, you can 
 pass your time in the most agreeable manner. 
 
 Matil. Indeed ! I should like to know how ? 
 
 Wynd. In the first place, you can order your carriage, and pay 
 flying visits, for the purpose of circulating the pleasant little stories 
 which are always current amongst your female acquaintance. Then, 
 have you not the inexhaustible delight of tiring out shopkeepers and 
 other amusing creatures, by tumbling over merchandize that you 
 haven't the slightest idea of purchasing ? 
 
 Matil. Pshaw ! I have done that so often, there's no fun in it. 
 
30 THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 Wynd That's your own fault, Tildy. If you have wastefully 
 expended your small stock of enjoyment, I can't help it. 
 
 Matil. I'm so dreadfully angry with you, I only wish I had some- 
 body to flirt with, only to make you miserable. 
 
 Enter Shadow, l. 1 e. 
 
 Shadow. Aha! fortune favors the — ah — brave, I think, was the 
 poet's observation. I couldn't have arrived at a more auspicious 
 moment. Flirt with me — I'm rather partial to it. 
 
 Wynd. Yes, Tildy, take a lesson from him — he's a professor of the 
 art. 
 
 Matil. And won't you be jealous ? 
 Wynd. Jealous ! what's that, Shadow ? 
 
 Shadow. Ton my life, I don't exactly know ! I believe it's the 
 great staple of all Spanish tales and Italian romances. It's a sort of 
 melancholy, green-eyed monster, as the poet says, pining patiently on 
 some kind of a monument : it's something sweeter than a serpent's 
 tooth, I think the remark is, or an ungrateful child, I don't exactly 
 remember. 
 
 Wynd. Well, au revoir, good people ! Tildy, bye, bye ! I dare 
 say I shall be home to dinner, that is to say, unless there's something 
 very tempting at the club. • [Exit l., humming an air. 
 
 Matil. The club ! Now, isn't it too bad, Mr. Shadow ? 
 
 [Brings down chair and sits. 
 
 Shadow. Unpardonable ! Matilda, did it ever occur, seriously, to 
 you, that you are very pretty ? [sits near her. 
 
 Matil. Sir? 
 
 Shadow. Ton my life you are ! And that amiable little noodle of 
 a husband of yours, don't deserve you at all. 
 
 Matil. I wish you would not jest in this unworthy way, sir. 
 
 Shadow. Bless your simple little soul ! I'm in downright earnest ; 
 it would be very unworthy to jest on such a subject. 
 
 Matil. What do you mean, sir ? 
 
 Shadow. Mean ? Why what should I mean but a little flirtation, 
 that's all ! I'm very much in love with you, 'pon my life I am I 
 
 Matil. Oh ! that s flirtation, is it ? 
 
 Shadow. Decidedly. Society allows it — your excellent little hus- 
 band advised it ! 
 
 Matil. I am exceedingly pleased, sir, to be instructed. So, then, in 
 the fashionable vocabulary, flirtation means, addressing your friend's 
 wife, during his absence, in language you dare not use before his face. 
 
 Shadow. Precisely ! You have quite a proper idea of the thing. 
 You see, it would look impertinent to do so in his presence, though, 
 indeed, that is no obstacle sometimes. 
 
 Matil. You never said as much to me before I was married. 
 
 Shadow. Distinctly not ! Then there would have been no knowing 
 what inconsiderate word might have been construed into a declara- 
 tion ; now there's no fear of such a contingency, — and ah ! perhaps, 
 I may never have a better opportunity of declaring that I positively 
 adore you to the very threshold of desperation. 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 31 
 
 Matil Must I listen -to such language ? 
 
 Shadow. To be sure ! of course ! You must learn to expect it now. 
 You are young and inexperienced, and have evidently yet to disco- 
 ver, that the most glorious privileges of a married woman, are her 
 little flirtations. The marriage certificate is her declaration of inde- 
 pendence I Of course, nobody is in earnest. When I say I love you, 
 I don't mean it a bit. It's only a matter of form that we must go 
 through ! 
 
 Matil. Oh ! then there's no real affection in the ease ? 
 
 Shadow. Certainly not! That apocryphal phenomenon is of en- 
 tirely too absorbant a nature, and limits the sphere of one's happiness 
 most tyrannically. 
 
 Matil. An exception is to be made in favor of one's husband, I 
 presume ? 
 
 Shadow. Urn i Well, that's optional, of course, but I really wouldn't 
 advise itl It is the undoubted duty of every bright and beautiful 
 luminary like yourself, to diffuse as much happiness as you can 
 amongst your fellow beings, and concentrating it all upon one point, 
 would only be to place the social world, of which you are the cen- 
 tre, in one continual, and deplorable eclipse ! 
 
 Enter Drake, l. il 
 
 Drake. Ha ! There you are ! Excuse me — wouldn't have intruded 
 for the world had I known! If I'm de trop, say so, and I'm off! By- 
 the-bye, my dear, just saw your little rake of a husband going out 
 for an airing with Lord Cheatem, the turfman, and two or three other 
 rather rapid characters. Youth's the season made for joy ! Kot 
 quite right, though, to leave his charming young wife all alone ! 
 
 Matil. [aside.] Provoking ! But I must not allow these men to see 
 my mortification ! [weeps. 
 
 Drake. Don't cry, dear — every body does it ! 
 
 Matil. Cry, sir ! Do you take me for a child ! Exit, r. 
 
 Drake. Certainly not ! Wouldn't for the world ! Any news, 
 Shadow ? anything further about the Greenleaf affair ? Hallo ! here 
 comes our lively Widow ! 
 
 Enter Widow, l. c. 
 
 Widow, [aside.] Matilda not here ! What are these ravens about? 
 
 Drake. Good morning, Widow ! Tilda has gone into her own apart- 
 ment. Just observing, Widow, what a censorious world this is, to be 
 sure ! Always busies itself about other folks affairs. 
 
 Widow. It is quite immaterial to me, sir, what the world busies it- 
 self about, therefore you need not take the trouble to repeat it! 
 
 Drake. Very good ! I won't ! Apropos, how goes on that affair 
 of Greenleaf's ? All private here, you know — won't let it go any fur- 
 ther ! Separated, I understand? Pity, ain't it! But really he was 
 too old for her ! Poor soul ! What will become of her ? 
 
 Shadow. What, indeed! It's terrible to tbink of ! 
 
 Drake. Is it true he tried to cut his throat ? 
 
 Sliadow. And being prevented, took poison ? 
 
32 THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 Drake. An overdose which was only partially effective ? 
 
 Shadow. Are his razors removed ? 
 
 Drake. And his bedroom windows barricaded ? Poor old gentle- 
 man ! The world must be a blank to him now — he'll never smile 
 again — never! [Greenleaf laughs heartily outside.] Bless my soul ! 
 how awful ! Didn't know that it had assumed so frightful a form [ 
 Insanity ! "What a paroxysm ! 
 
 Shadow. Straight waistcoats ! What a yell ! 
 
 Enter Greenleaf and Smiler — Drake and Shadow avoid Greenleaf, l* 
 
 Green. Why, what in the name of common sense has come to you 
 all ? Every one looks as solemn in the house, as though it were 
 canopied in thunder clouds ! There's no getting a laugh out of a 
 living soul ! Your confounded city long-faces have infected even my 
 merry-hearted Rose ! Oh, this will never do ! I must away back to 
 my cheerful, joyous country! I haven't had a real, right down 
 earnest, hearty laugh since I left it! Where are the young folks? 
 
 Widow, [aside to Green.] I'm going to speak to Matilda for a few 
 moments — if you wan't me, you'll find me there. Above all things, 
 heed nothing that these scandal-mongers may say ! [Exit, n. 
 
 Green. Heed them, my dear ! No more than I would the chatter- 
 ing of a nest of magpies ! [to Drake.] What the deuce are you bob- 
 bing about there for, sir? Are you afraid I shall bite ? 
 
 Drake. Well, there's no knowing what turn the thing may take ! 
 Will you allow me to have the pleasure of feeling your pulse? 
 
 Green. Ha! ha! What for? Do you see any symptoms of sick- 
 ness about me ? 
 
 Drake. Let me solemnly and seriously advise you to keep up your 
 spirits ! 
 
 Green. Ha ! ha ! Thank you for the hint ! I'll endeavor to do so. 
 
 Shadow. Suffer me to congratulate you upon your equanimity ! 
 
 Green. Sir, you're very kind ! I believe I am generally in the same 
 mood ! Ha ! ha ! 
 
 Drake. Farewell, unhappy man ! 
 
 Green. Unhappy ! You croaking bull-frogs ! [Drake and Shadow 
 run off.] Egad! if he hadn't dodged, I'd have given him cause to feel 
 unhappy ! How is this, nephew ? Is a cheerful disposition so very 
 unusual in your gloomy city, that a man is to be baited for it like a 
 wild bull? What's the meaning of it? 
 
 Smiler. Alas, uncle, it grieves me most unfeignedlyto say that there 
 is a reason — a serious reason — for our sorrowful countenances ! 
 
 Green. Oh ! there is, is there ? I'm delighted to hear it ! I'll swear, 
 now, the stock market is at the bottom of it ! 
 
 Smiler. Worse, six*, worse ! It's a delicate task, most delicate, but 
 to whom could it be entrusted, if not to one whose near relationship, 
 gives him, at least, the right to be sincere and honest, even at the 
 risk of giving mortal offence ! 
 
 Green. What a terrible exordium! And, pray, to whom does all 
 this allude ? 
 
 Smiler. Alas! sir, to you! 
 
THE GAME OE LIFE. 33 
 
 Green. To me ? — Bravo ! go on ! this is delicious ! Rosey's well, for 
 I saw her a few moments ago, and as for the rest, pooh! [aside.'] 
 
 Smiler. Pardon me, sir, and pray abate somewhat of this levity, or 
 the reverse may be terrible ! You know, sir, that I have ever 
 entertained towards you the profoundest esteem and affection ! 
 
 Green. As you have told me often, very often ! Well? 
 
 Smiler. And must be assured that anything which touches your 
 happiness, must endanger mine ! 
 
 Green. Yes, yes, of course ! Ha ! ha ! I can't help laughing at your 
 face ! Excuse me ! there, I'm serious ! so on, come to the point ! 
 
 Smiler. Shall I be frank, it is my onty course ! I will ! 
 
 Green. I woidd, if I were you ! 
 
 Smiler. [they sit] In a word, then, your wife — 
 
 Green. Is she ill ? 
 
 Smiler. No, no, she is well enough, in health ! 
 
 Green. Then all is well ! 
 
 Smiler. Pardon me, uncle, all is not well ! Hard as the task is 
 which fatal circumstance imposes upon me, it is my painful duty to 
 obscure the heaven of your seeming happiness, and clothe your very 
 soul in gloom ! 
 
 Green. "Well, upon my life, and soul, nephew, that's very kind of 
 you ! But I'll give you, and your friend, Mr. Fatal Circumstance 
 long odds, and bet you any amount that you won't do anything of 
 the kind ! 
 
 Smiler. It will be torture to me to undeceive you, but listen ! 
 First, let me ask you to prepare yourself for a fearful shock ! 
 
 Green. There ! I'm ready ! my nerves are braced up ! now for 
 this moral shower bath ! 
 
 Smiler. Wretched man ! behold this letter ! [gives it. 
 
 Green. Why, it's in the hand-writing of my little Rosey! [read's 
 letter.] Dear me ! dear me ! just like them ! poor romantic crea- 
 tures, full of hope, and poetry ! Urn, ran ! upon my life, a very 
 nicely worded epistle, rather warm, but allowances must be made 
 for the fervor of youth ! Is this all you have to tell me about, 
 nephew ? 
 
 Smiler. All ! 
 
 Green. Yes, all! 
 
 Smiler. Do you know to whom that is addressed ? 
 
 Green. Why of course I do ! to that scapegrace Wolfe ! 
 
 Smiler. You know all about it then ! 
 
 Green. You see I do ! Ha ! ha ! now I think I may laugh, eh, 
 nephew ? What a wonderful fellow you are at hunting out secrets 1 
 Ha ! ha ! why, your face is longer than ever ! There, I won't laugh 
 at you any more ! my dear nephew, I knew. all about it, and that the 
 fellow is somewhere about the neighborhood now. Is he respectable 
 enough to ask him to dinner, eh ? 
 
 Smiler. [aside.] Amazement! I trust, uncle, you don't think that 
 any motive, but that of the profoundest regard for you, and the 
 integrity of your honor, led me to — 
 
 2* 
 
34 THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 Green. I know it, boy, I know it ! There, be off, and don't pride 
 yourself any more upon your superior penetration ! 
 
 Smiler. Uncle, I am rejoiced at it exceedingly! It has removed a 
 great load from my mind, [aside.'} Dislike has swollen into hate! 
 if there be a means within my grasp, I'll" pluck her from him yet ! 
 
 [Exit Smiler, c. 
 
 Green. Poor Smiler ! It's really very kind of him to take so much 
 interest about me, and my affairs! What a fuss thej T seem to make, 
 all of them, because my darling Rosey happened to write a few silly 
 letters, to a scamp who was unworthy of her ! At all events I won't 
 let it annoy me! She's full of concern, poor soul, because she didn't 
 mention it to me before. Perhaps it would have been better had 
 she done so, but I suppose, like myself, she didn't think it of sufficient 
 consequence until these fault-finders worried her ! Oh ! city ! city ! 
 what a colony of human buzzards thou art ! Rosey and I had better 
 pack up, and be off, while we have any character left ! [Exit, 2 e. r. 
 
 Smiler watches him off, then enters with Wolfe, c. 
 
 Smiler. Come in ! In this room we shall not be interrupted. 
 
 Wolfe. You are really very obliging ! If you have no objection, 
 I'll sit down, [site.] Not having much to occupy my mind this morn- 
 ing, I took a holiday, promenaded through the principal streets, 
 amongst the gay butterflies of fashion, met numbers of my old friends, 
 whom the blaze of my attire struck with sudden blindness ! Ha ! ha ! 
 I took a strange delight in forcing them to know and speak to me. 
 You would have laughed to see my gravity and their despair — to 
 see those sleek and elegantly clothed friends, shrinking from my rags, 
 as though each rent let out a plague ! 
 
 Smiler. Pray make yourself at home, I beg. 
 
 Wolfe. Such is my intention, worthy sir ! Your hospitality equals 
 the beauty of your establishment ! Upon my life I wouldn't at all 
 mind taking up a permanent abode with you. 
 
 Smiler. Indeed ! 
 
 Wolfe. Ha ! ha ! I read your thoughts. You'd scarcely like to 
 introduce me to your wealthy friends, in this free and independent 
 holiday attire. Pshaw ! Tell them I'm an eccentric millionaire, and 
 they'll look upon each rag as cloth of gold! 
 
 Smiler. Enough ! and let's to business. You have a secret ? 
 
 Wolfe. Yes— to sell ! Will you bid for it ? 
 
 Smiler. Nobly, if it should be to my wish, or could be warped so. 
 
 Wolfe. Ha J then my market's made ! Shall I produce the goods? 
 
 Smiler. Stay! we must have some wine, [rings bell.] You don't 
 object ? 
 
 Wolfe. ISTot I, upon my word ! 
 
 Enter James, c. 
 
 Smiler. Bring some madeira, James. 
 
 Wolfe. Hold, one moment! Might I venture to suggest brandy ? 
 [Exit James, c] And now, my princely purchaser, let us negotiate ! 
 Imprimis ! 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 35 
 
 Smiler. One moment ! This is my daughter's apartment, and there 
 may be listeners ! Caution is never thrown away. 
 
 [Examines room, &c. 
 
 Wolfe. Ha ! ha ! That's your affair. I care not how many ears 
 are glued against the key-holes. 
 
 Enter James, a, with brandy, wine, &c, &c. ; he places them on table, 
 
 and exits, c. 
 
 Smiler. Now, my friend ! 
 
 Wolfe. Friend ! Ha ! ha ! "Well, never mind, it's only so much 
 unexpensive breath ! [fills.] Ha ! that has somewhat of the old 
 flavor. It steals along the vitiated palate, like the vision of a long- 
 forgotten joy, upon a world-clouded memory, — sweet, but fleeting. 
 You see, sir, what a moralist I am ! [drinks.] Ah ! it's gone. I knew 
 it would be so. There was a time when I could roll the delicatest 
 vintage around my tongue, and smack my lips upon its after-taste, 
 affect the connoisseur, and tell its very date ; knew to the faintest 
 breath of a bouquet, each individual perfume, from the rough port 
 that tears the throats of British countrj 7 gentlemen, to the ethereal 
 Burgundy, whose subtle and delicious essence 'scapes even in the sip- 
 ping ! [drinks.] Pshaw ! this is worse than useless. My craving 
 appetite is only mocked by such weak compounds. Give me brandy ! 
 
 Smiler. Here it is, if you prefer it ; drink freely — it is of good 
 quality. • 
 
 Wolfe. You answer to my wish with devilish eagerness. You'd 
 fain unloose my tongue, methinks. Ha ! ha ! the rust is too thick 
 upon it. My prudent self is rather doubtful of its drunken exaggera- 
 tion, and doubly locks my lips upon all secrets ; so, if you are for 
 business, let's about it now. [drinks. 
 
 Smiler. "Well, be it so — hot that the business, as you call it, is of 
 much importance. 
 
 Wolfe. That's a lie ! Come, come, don't frown ! You know it is, 
 and I've no time for compliments ! [drinks.] Ha ! That brandy has 
 the true devil in its stinging fire ! It rushes against my cloyed palate 
 like a surging wave of joy! Give me a moment to feel it! [drinks.] 
 Ha ! I can taste that — it's real, tangible — thrills through my nerves, 
 and hangs like a golden mist before my eyes, through which the 
 world looks glorious ! Too brief, too brief ! The clouds are leaden 
 grey already ! Come, potent wizard, raise that spell once more ! 
 Prudence ! prudence ! Now, let's talk, and to the purpose ! 
 
 Smiler. Then, in two words — those letters ! 
 
 Wolfe. Are here ! [Smiler snatches at them.] Nay, not so fast ! 
 
 Smiler. Fear not, my friend, you'll find that I'm an honorable man ! 
 
 Wolfe. Oh! I can see that at a glance ! Most honorable! So am 
 I, therefore I'll drink your health, and you shall drink mine, and then 
 you'll return thanks for the honor — and we shall both lie socially, 
 according to established usage ! Come, rny head is failing fast ! 
 "What will you give for the merchandize ? 
 
 Smiler. May I not peruse them first ? 
 
 Wolfe. No ! If you fling any gross, peddling, petti-fogging trade 
 
36 THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 craft into the grand villan} T , you'll not do for my market ! There's 
 the crushing of a mortal soul — such a soul — within this hand — the 
 confident outpourings of an angel's heart, that deemed itself then 
 fitly mated! The arch tempter plucked me down from the seraphic 
 height, where she remains — remains, but not for ever ! No ! She 
 must descend as well ! There would be a fierce, devilish joy in 
 dragging her down — down to the level of my base companionship I 
 Ha ! ha ! Come, bid — bid boldly ! 
 
 Hurdler. It's really very awkward 
 
 Wolfe. And unbusiness-like, eh ! You'd have me name a price ! 
 Well — [Smiler leans forward anxiously'] — Ha ! ha ! Strange fancies 
 will cross one's brain at times. Through the haze of my drunkenness, 
 you looked as though you were the enemy of man, bargaining for the 
 reversion of some poor sinner's soul! How do I know you are not? 
 What do you want with these letters ? 
 
 Smiler. If you hate this woman as intensely as I do, I can trust 
 you! 
 
 Wolfe. You hate her with a hate like mine ? Pshaw ! Man, you 
 never loved her ! You did not find the treasure that you deemed 
 locked up within your heart, rent from you in an instant — gone — 
 gone for ever ! You know not what it is to plunge madly into a 
 dismal sea of vice, in the vain effort to extinguish that one burning 
 thought ! No, no ! You have ends and aims, ambition and a future, 
 to divide your hate ! I have none of those ! My life stood still even 
 upon that spot, where I had lost its spring and motive for existence ! 
 All since was chance. The present and the to-come, I know not, 
 heed not — all is merged in that one-absorbing memory, and memory 
 is hate ! 
 
 Smiler. These letters, then, will argue her weak, fond, confiding, 
 loving ! 
 
 Wolfe. Even so ! She did love me then ! Oh ! the agony of that 
 thought ! Have a care ! 
 
 Smiler. But could not they be twisted to express a something 
 stronger and more definite ? 
 
 Wolfe. A shame, as well as folly ? It were a great revenge ! 
 Backed by my word, they could. 
 
 Smiler. Such vengeance would be worth a sturdy oath or two ! 
 
 Wolfe. Pshaw ! a score ! 
 
 Enter at back Greenleaf, Drake, Shadow and Rose — they listen. 
 
 Smiler. And thou couldst swear that Rose was false ? 
 
 Wolfe. Aye ! Til swear it ! 
 
 Rose, [screams.] Heaven help me ! 
 
 Smiler. You may keep your letters, friend. 
 
 Wolfe. Oh! villain! [Tableau. 
 
 END OF ACT. IV. 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 37 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE. — Smiler 1 & Drawing-Room, elegantly furnished — Two Drawing- 
 
 Room Screens. 
 
 Enter Greenleaf and Smiler, 1 E. r. 
 
 Smiler. My dear uncle, this terrible shock has overwhelmed us all 
 fearfully ! 
 
 Green. Be silent ! let me not hear the sound of a human voice — it's 
 hateful to me ! — even your's, nephew — so kind, so very kind as you 
 have been, and so considerate, to ward off and break gently to me 
 this terrible calamity. Rose! darling Rose ! — bear with me, nephew 
 — to you I shrink not from showing the heart-agony which I endure 
 — but don't think that I shall let the brutal world behold my weak- 
 ness. I have strength enough to conceal my torture from the obscene 
 harpies to whom it would be a welcome feast. But the laugh is 
 quenched within me now, nephew — I shall never smile again! — 
 never! never! 
 
 Smiler. Say not so, dear uncle ! Time, the great consoler, will yet 
 visit you with some share of content. Remember, you are not to 
 blame. The shadow of the guiltiness should not reach your heart ; 
 besides, dear uncle, there are others, whose claims upon your love — 
 
 Green. None, now, but you, nephew, — my good, kind friend ! 
 
 Smiler. And, although Rose — 
 
 Green. Silence! nephew — in mercy, silence! you tear the wound 
 afresh — most cruelly. As you may value my small chance of after 
 quiet, mention not her name, or by the remotest shadow of a hint, 
 allude to what has passed ! The monument to my departed happi- 
 ness must be erected from my own griefs, and none shall presume to 
 share them with me. She is no more to me — never can a thought of 
 
 her inhabit my heart again — never shall her name oh! fool ! fool! 
 
 then shall I never breathe, or move, or think, for she was life — is life 
 still — despite of all ! Rose ! Rose ! unkind, ungrateful, see what you 
 have done ! [sits in arm-chair, r. h. 
 
 Smiler. Ah ! she is much to blame ! 
 
 Green. You mustn't say so! — I won't hear it! Have I not told 
 you that I am selfish in my misery ! No one must accuse her in my 
 hearing — none can do so long ; for once away from the accursed city, 
 I'll never look upon the face of man again ! I dare not ; for I should 
 fancy scorn in every eye, or what is more to be feared than scorn, 
 obtrusive pity. No, no — let me gather up the few mementoes of my 
 wretchedness, and begone anywhere — the stranger still the better ! 
 [taking out portrait.] See, nephew, this is her miniature! Look at 
 those features! Who would believe that angel smile was devilish 
 mockery ! Would you not gage the safety of your everlasting soul 
 upon the sinlessness of the volume to which that face is the title- 
 page ! It cannot be ! Nephew, we have been too hasty ! There is 
 some great deception, is there not ? 
 
 Smiler. My dear, injured friend, with my whole heart I wish that 
 I could give you even the slight consolation of a hope ! 
 
38 THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 Green. My poor, poor Rose ! You see, in spite of all, I cannot shut 
 my heart against her, for when I call for curses, pity comes instead I 
 I search for bitter hate, and find nothing, nothing but continued and 
 abiding love ! 
 
 Smiler. Oh, what a heart to be thus sacrificed ! 
 
 Enter Widow, l. e. r. 
 
 Widow. Ah ! I'm glad you're here, both of you. I've been looking 
 for you — I have something to say to you. 
 
 Smiler. [a$ide.~\ What the devil does this woman want? 
 
 Widow. You'll have to excuse me, if my remarks should appear 
 slightly unceremonious, but you know I always say what I mean ! 
 
 Smiler. My dear madam, permit me to suggest that my uncle is not 
 in a frame of mind, at present, to meet society ! 
 
 Widow. I should suppose not ! He's preparing for a lunatic asy- 
 lum, I most sincerely hope ! 
 
 Smiler. A lunatic asylum, madam ? 
 
 Widow. A lunatic asylum. I repeat it, for lunacy is the only rea- 
 sonable excuse he can offer for his great folly ! 
 
 Smiler. My dear uncle, allow me to see you to your own apart- 
 ment. This extraordinary lady will pardon us if 
 
 Widow. One moment, if you please. I haven't done with you yet! 
 You know that I generally speak my mind pretty plainly. 
 
 Smiler. I know, madam, that an indulgent community allows you 
 that license, but it may be over-stepped. 
 
 Widow. Oh ! certainly, I'm aware that it's highly injudicious and 
 unfashionable to speak the truth, but I can't see a dreadful wrong 
 done without endeavoring to right it, and what's more, I won't ! 
 
 Smiler. Pray, madam, to whom and to what, do you allude ? 
 
 Widow. To you, sir, and to the scheme which you have so nearly 
 completed, but which I shall bring to a sudden termination ! 
 
 Smiler. Have a care, Madam! You shall be held legally responsi- 
 ble for your observations! 
 
 Widow. Pshaw ! Big words don't frighten me ! As for you, sir, 
 [crosses to Green. ] you had better go at once to your wife, and beg 
 her pardon for this day's work, if you don't want to add the recol- 
 lection of an innocent heart foully slandered to death, amongst the 
 pleasant memories this gentleman is accumulating for you ! 
 
 Green. Slander ! Death ! You thrill and terrify me at the same 
 instant ! Nephew, nephew, if we do judge wrongly, hastily, re- 
 pentance for us lies not within the range of hope ! 
 
 Smiler. My dear sir, these women invariably assist each other ! 
 You heard with your own ears 
 
 Green. True, true ! Hush ! ISTo more ! 
 
 Smiler. [going with Green.] Heaven knows how gladly I would 
 minister to your crushed heart, but false hope would only lead yo\\ 
 deeper into despair ! [Exeunt, r. 1 e. 
 
 Widow. Foolish, weak old man ! you will repent this when it's too 
 late — you will, be sure, with bitter tears! He won't hear me! 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 39 
 
 That there's a devilish plot, I know, but unfortunately have no 
 power to penetrate it ! 
 
 Enter l. h. arch, Wyndham, Matilda and Shadow, quarreling — Wynd- 
 ham in dressing-gown — has pipe, &c. 
 
 Widow. Why, children, what's the matter now ? 
 
 Matil. I don't love him a bit, and I wont live with him any longer, 
 that's what I won't ! He's a tyrant, and a savage, and — and I'll go 
 — go to my mama. 
 
 Wynd. You may go where you like, madame, but I will be master 
 in my own house, I mean apartment — it's all the same ! 
 
 Matil. You shan't ! 
 
 Wgnd. I shall! 
 
 Drake. Dear me, how dreadful ! Can I suggest 
 
 Shadow. Can I advise ! 
 
 Wynd. I'll trouble you not to interfere between man and wife, 
 sir ! [to Drake. 
 
 Drake. Oh! I beg you ten thousand — [to Tilda.] Be spirited, 
 remember woman's rights ! 
 
 Shadow. [To Wynd.] Be firm now, or she'll wear the thingamies, 
 irrevocably ! 
 
 Matil. [going to c] I'll have you to know, sir, that women are no 
 longer to be considered as nothing in the social scale ! We have our 
 privileges as well as you ! Kature has given man no monopoly of 
 brains ! Our right's must be respected, and our oppression cease ! 
 
 Widow. Dear me ! what strong minded oration has the child been 
 reading ? My poor dear girl, those rhapsodies only proceed from a 
 few mannish individuals, sprinkled here and there amongst our sex 1 
 And with great justice let me tell you, for a few such masculine 
 women are needed, to counterbalance the gossipping, tale bearing, 
 mischievous male things, one occasionally meets in the other. 
 
 Drake. Very true ! Eh, Shadow ? 
 
 Shadow. Distinctly, my opinion exactly! 
 
 Widow. Come, come, Wynny, Kiss and be friends ! 
 
 Wynd. Not a bit of it ! Let her come to me, that's my right I 
 
 Matil. I won't do anything of the kind, that's my pleasure ! 
 
 Wynd. Serves me right for marrying a baby ! 
 
 Matil. And me for accepting a boy ! 
 
 Wynd. Boy, madame ! 
 
 Matil. Baby, sir! 
 
 Widow. Come, come, children ! 
 
 Wynd and Matil. Children, indeed ! 
 
 Wynd. Don't be insolent, madame ! 
 
 Matil. Call my husband, a child ! 
 
 Widow. Bless me ! I forgot — I really have to apologise ! There 
 are no children now ! What's the cause of your dispute ? 
 
 Matil. He will smoke that dreadful pipe ! He's fonder of it than 
 he is of me, I know ! 
 
 Drake, [to Wynd.] Every man of spirit smokes when and where 
 he pleases ! 
 
40 THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 Shadow, [to Matilda.] No lady would allow such a thing in her 
 presence I 
 
 Drake, [to Wynd.] Stick to your fumigator! 
 
 Shadow, [to Matilda.] Banish him to the basement! 
 
 Widow. Ah! my dear girl, be advised by a woman of experience. 
 Never notice small faults, or they may grow into vices. It is only 
 through opposition that ill conduct thrives, but the rare and delicate 
 flower that blossoms into domestic happiness, must be mutually 
 nurtured ! 
 
 Drake. Bless me ! How remarkably arcadian ! 
 
 Shadow. Delicious admixture of poetry and polyanthuses ! 
 
 Matil. [to Widow.] What would you have me do ? 
 
 Widow. Only a little concession now, to ensure a great recompense 
 to come ! Remember, my dear, this is the first chapter of a book, 
 which is to contain the records of a life time, and with yourselves it 
 rests whether it is to be a volume of joy or sorrow ! 
 
 Wynd. Mrs. Lyttle Wyndham, since it's your intention to gratify 
 our friends with these amiable ebullitions of temper, I shall relieve 
 you of the annoyance of my pi'esence ! I'm going out ! 
 
 Matil. Out, sir? 
 
 Wynd. Out, Mrs. Lyttle Wyndham, if you have no objections ! 
 Au revoir, good people ! Tol, lol. [Exit, humming an air, 2 e. r. 
 
 Matil. Now, am I not justified in calling myself the most miserable 
 creature on the face of the earth? 
 
 Drake. Unendurable conduct ! 
 
 Shadow. Atrocious ! 
 
 Widow. And yet the remedy is in your own hands ! 
 
 Matil. Point out the way, and I'll travel hundreds of miles to 
 accomplish it ! 
 
 Widow. You needn't travel quite so far, my love. Just go to your 
 husband's room — tell him you repent the childishness of your con- 
 duct — for you know it was childish. 
 
 Drake. I don't think that advisable. 
 
 Shadow. So very unusual. 
 
 Drake. And undignified. 
 
 Matil. Now, do you know that never once occurred to me. I've a 
 great mind to do as you tell me, only he'll think he has conquered. 
 
 Widow. Let him think so, — you will have achieved a greater con- 
 quest than he ; you will have triumphed over the stubbornness of 
 your own character, and, in the end, that must conquer him. 
 
 Matil. I'll go ! — I will, and thank you a thousand times for putting 
 it in my mind. I feel now that I am doing rightly, and it gives me 
 both courage and delight, whatever may be the result. 
 
 [Exit, 2 e. l., Drake and Shadow, telegraphing. 
 
 Drake. You're a wonderful woman, widow, but it's all useless. 
 
 Shadow. Prodigious ! but it won't do. 
 
 Drake. Those youngsters won't be together a month. 
 
 Shadow. I give them three weeks. 
 
 Drake. However, your exertions are praiseworthy, and we will 
 report you. Ha ! ha ! 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 41 
 
 Shadow. Favorably. Ha ! ha ! 
 
 Widow. Stay, I'm going out — won't you take me with you? 
 
 Shadow. You don't say you'll go*with«Drake ? 
 
 Drake. Ain't you afraid to be seen with him ? 
 
 Widow. Not a bit ! I'm not afraid of either of you. Everybody 
 knows you are dangerous, — therein lies the safety. Ships can sail 
 round exposed rocks, — it's the sunken ones that do the mischief. 
 
 Drake. Rather a rap at my friend, Shadow. 
 
 Shadow. I wonder how Drake liked that ? [Exeunt omnes, l. 1 e. 
 
 Enter Rose, 2 e. r. 
 
 Rose. Not here, not here. Could I but see him. Oh ! yes ; 'tis 
 some good angel that inspires me, for my denial must outweigh the 
 lying breath of that revengeful man. I will know the worst, Adam ! 
 my husband— heaven ! I shall go mad — the blackest certainty would 
 be more easy to endure than this brain-sickening suspense. I will 
 see him ; and yet, how can I dare to look upon him, tainted as I am 
 by that foul pestilence, suspicion? What shall I do? what shall I 
 do ? I vainly strive to think that there is strength in innocence ; but 
 to be pointed at and shunned — to feel that every eye regards me with 
 an insolent or pitying glance. Alas ! the consciousness of truth and 
 honor is but a poor defence against the scorn of an uncharitable world, 
 and that I am not all guiltless, is the greatest sting. 
 
 Enter Mrs. Smiler, 1 e. r. 
 
 Ah ! you are here — welcome, most welcome. It is like a beam of 
 sunlight to behold a friendly face. Advise me what to do, for I am 
 distracted ! Oh ! the fatal consequence of that one indiscretion. 
 
 Mrs. S. My dear girl, you attach too much importance to the affair 
 altogether. Believe me, if you remain quietly by yourself, for a few 
 days, it will all blow over. 
 
 Rose. Had I not better see him now, and seek an explanation, for 
 I know not of what I am accused. 
 
 Mrs. S. A mere nothing, dear, which his ill-temper has exaggera- 
 ted! If I were you, I'd treat both him and his ill-humor with the 
 utmost coolness. You mustn't yield too much to these male crea- 
 tures, for they are cruelly monopolizing. He'll soon be suing for 
 pardon himself — let me but pave the way for you. 
 
 Rose. "Will you ? Ah ! you give me fresh life ! 
 
 Enter James, 8 e. r. arch, 
 
 James. [To Rose.] Mr. Greenleaf wishes to see you, madam, in his 
 room. 
 
 Rose. See me ! Thank heaven ! Instantly, James, instantly! 
 
 [ Going. 
 
 Mrs. S. [staying her. ] Are you mad ? I will not allow you to rum 
 yourself! Are you prepared to meet brutality and harshness? 
 James, tell Mr. Greenleaf, that Mrs. Greenleaf presents her respectful 
 compliments, but is too much indisposed to see anybody. 
 
 Rose. No, no ! my heart revolts at such a message ! 
 
42 THE GAME OF LIFE. 
 
 Mrs. S. Go, James ! [Exit, James] I know better how to manage 
 him than you do ! If you'll take my advice, you'll receive him here, 
 and with proper pride. Kemember, dear, courage, dignity, and cool- 
 ness, and he'll be vanquished ! I'll prepare him for the interview 
 Now to lay a train that will accomplish all we seek ! [aside. 
 
 [Exit, r. 3 e. 
 
 Rose. Heaven grant it may be so ! for this anguish and incertitude 
 is more than I can bear ! 
 
 [Throws herself in Chair — resting her arms on Table. There is a 
 Screen interposes between her and the Table to which Smiler and 
 Wolfe, who enter r. 3 l., go. 
 
 Wolfe, [on entering.] I gay, I'll have no more of it ! 
 
 Smiler. [Rose starts and listens.~\ Speak in a lower tone — do you 
 want all the house to hear you ? 
 
 Wolfe. Aye ! Would that the assembled world could listen to the 
 agony of my remorse ! Malicious, petty-bargaining tempter ! Avhen 
 I entered this place, clothed in the majesty of my own revenge, I felt 
 a devil's pride in the fierce joy of lowering her's ! But you, with 
 your huxtering chicanery, filched the triumph from me, and lavished 
 it upon your own selfish interests ! But it shall not be ! I'll force 
 you to unsay the foul lie, into whose confirmation I was tricked ! 
 The vastness of your infamy, has shown me as in a mirror, the 
 enormity of my own, and, thank, heaven ! not too late. Breathe but 
 a syllable against her innocence and sacred truth, and I stand ready 
 to reveal the heartless plot, through which you meant to compass 
 her destruction ! 
 
 Smiler. Ha ! ha ! It is too late, my conscientious friend ! You 
 have done enough, for which I thank you, and shall reward yoii 
 liberally ! 
 
 Wolfe. Have a care, sir ! Life is valueless to me — if it be worth any 
 thing to you, beware of mockery ! There's danger in it. [crosses r. 
 
 Smiler. My good friend, you misconceive me strangely ! I simply 
 acknowledge the service you have rendered me, and shall 
 
 Wolfe. Silence ! I tell you this shameful deed must not be done ! 
 
 Smiler. It is done, my good friend, and nothing can undo it now! 
 
 Wolfe. Why do I hesitate to choke the lie within your craven throat ! 
 
 Smiler. Because it would do no good ! The lie is not in my posses- 
 sion only — your liberality gave it to the world, through most indus- 
 trious tongues, and the testimony of angels could not shake it now ! 
 
 Enter Greenleaf — Rose restrains him with a gesture of caution. 
 
 Wolfe. Can nothing move you ? Nothing ! 
 
 Smiler. No more than the unflinching rock is moved, when fretful 
 waves against it's summit dash themselves to pieces ! 
 
 Wolfe. Then, by that purity which we have mutually outraged, I 
 dedicate the remnant of my life to you ! Irrevocable as doom itself, 
 I'll hang upon your footsteps, and shout out your infamy in every 
 ear I at home or abroad, by night and by day, like a baleful shadow, 
 you shall find me ever by your side, until, laden with obloquy, men 
 shall avoid you like a living pestilence ! 
 
 — 
 
THE GAME OF LIFE. 43 
 
 Smiler. Ha ! a straight waistcoat, and enforced ablution would soon 
 remedy that ! 
 
 Wolfe. Villain! But mark me— retribution will come, and when 
 you least expect it ! 
 
 Smiler. [Rapidly, with energy and rage m for the first time.] Go! go, 
 prating vagrant! I despise, defy you ! I am not a child to be af- 
 frighted by mouthfuls of air ! Who will believe ^your testimony ? 
 None ! You don't know me, sir 1 Pity cannot sway me, nor com- 
 punction bid me stop ! She was in my way, and like a noxious in- 
 sect, I have crushed her, by a lie, I own — not mine, but yours ! I 
 had the cunning to extract it from you, to make you the tool of my 
 revenge, when you thought you were accomplishing your own ! Be- 
 hold the glory of my triumph ! Although she is angel innocent, yet 
 not all heaven's thunders can persuade her husband but that she is 
 doubly dyed in guilt ! 
 
 z [Rose dashes the Screen aside, and denounces him — Enter at top, l. 
 w., Drake, Shadow and Widow. 
 [Tableau. — Rose falls into arms of Greenleaf — Wolfe drops on 
 his knees, and buries his face in his hands in Chair. 
 
 Green. Rose ! My angel wife ! Darling, look up ! [to Smiler.] 
 Slanderous scorpion ! you have stung yourself ! 
 
 Smiler. [slightlg astonished.] Who has done this? You, or you? 
 What devil has interfered? Oh, I shall have such revenge upon you 
 all! I'm faint — confused ! Let me collect myself! I can explain all, 
 uncle ! 
 
 Green. Hence from my sight, viper ! I can't look at you — Go ! 
 and never dare to call me by that name again ! Rose, darling, one 
 word, one little word, so that it be of forgiveness ! 
 
 Rose. Dear, dear husband ! Nothing have I to forgive, but you, 
 much, much ! 
 
 Drake. Hem ! Smiler, I'm sorry to place an additional weight upon 
 a sinking man's shoulders, but are you aware of the fact, that the 
 indispensable functionary, the sheriff, is down stairs ? 
 
 Shadow. With a body-guard of bailiffs ! 
 
 Enter Grimm, l. 1 e. 
 
 Grimm. It's come at last ! 
 
 Smiler. What ! speak out ! A pint of water pitched upon a 
 drowning wretch, won't sink him any quicker? What has come ? 
 
 Grimm. The crisis ! The house of Smiler, Grimm, and co. is 
 added up, and carried over to the account of smash ! [Exit, l. 1 e. 
 
 Smiler. Well ! what are you staring at, all of you ? I have played 
 the Game of Life boldty, and have lost ! The world is wide enough 
 for me to live in, without rubbing shoulders against any here ! For 
 you, it will satisfy the bitterness of my hate, to know, that I have 
 tainted the atmosphere of your happiness, with the quick spreading 
 poison of suspicion, and to the charitable world, the doubt will be a 
 certainty ! Ha ! ha ! though my bite has not been mortal, it has left 
 some venom in the Avound ! [Exit Smiler, l. followed by Grimm. 
 
 Green, [after a pause offers his hand to Wolfe.] Sir, your hand! 
 
44 THE <*AME OF L'IFE. 
 
 The great good which you have just done, most amply atones for all 
 of evil that has gone before ! It is not for weak and fallible humanity 
 to judge his fellow, or say, that circumstanced alike, he would have 
 acted otherwise ! You have restored to me my wife — her puritj^ 
 and truth established beyond a doubt ! Exposed, and foiled the 
 machinations of my subtle enemy, and to my dying hour, I'll bless 
 you, from my heart, from my heart ! 
 
 They retire up — Enter Matilda and Wyndham, arm in arm. 
 
 Matil. [to Widow.] I've taken your advice, widow, and see the 
 result ! We're never going to quarrel any more ! I intend, for the 
 future, to like whatever he likes, and hate whatever he hates ! I 
 wont scold any more, and he may smoke, whenever, and wherever, 
 he pleases ! 
 
 Wynd. And, therefore, I have given it up altogether. I find, 
 widow that you, Avomen, have a stronger weapon than opposition ; 
 and that mildness, gentleness, and persuasion, can make us men do 
 just as you please. 
 
 Widow. JNow, that's as it should be, and I congratulate every one 
 present upon the prospect of increased wisdom and happiness. 
 
 Green. Yes, widow, and I hope that some gossippy friends of ours, 
 that I know of, have seen too evidently the fearful effects of slander, 
 to aid in diffusing her poison through society any more. 
 
 Shadow. Poor Drake ! he'll never get over that. 
 
 Drake. Rather a stinger for friend Shadow ! 
 
 Wolfe. [To Rose.] And thou, so foully injured, and yet so de- 
 serving ! May I dare to lift these sinful eyes to thine, and meet not 
 my true recompense, contempt, and scorn \ That I may not live as I 
 have lived, part demon, ah! be thou all angel still, and breathe the 
 breath of new-born joy within my breast, upon that blessed word, 
 Forgiveness ! 
 
 [Greenleaf passes Rose to Wolfe ; she extends her hand, which 
 lie presses to his lips, kneeling. 
 
 Hose. I do forgive you, Rupert — freely — fully ! and, the reality of 
 your amendment being manifest, with my own repentant prayers, 
 shall be forever joined sincerest wishes for your future welfare. 
 
 Wolfe, [ardently.] These tears of mingled penitence and joy are all 
 the thanks I have to give ; but they are proofs how deep and earnest 
 are the feelings of my changed heart. A few moments since, and the 
 world, to me, was naught ; the miserably-wasted past, and the all- 
 dreaded time to come, quenched in the mad extinction of the passing 
 hour. But now, the long, long melancholy night begins to break 
 away, and morning dawns at last, with the inspiring thought — I have 
 a Future ! For as benignant heaven imprints upon the darkest shadow 
 of the storm passed over, its own all glorious arch of promise, so does 
 its greater mercy, beaming on man's repentant tears, light up the 
 blackest clouds of retrospection with the soul's bright rainbow — 
 Hope! 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 T n E E N D . ,• 
 
r 
 
 
 L- 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 FREN 
 
 015 971 103 1 
 
 Price 12J Gents each. — Bound Volumes, $1.00. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 1. Midsummer-Night's 
 
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 2. Popping the Question. 
 
 3. La Tour de Nesle. 
 
 4. Deaf as a Post. 
 
 6. *Therese ; or, The Or- 
 phan of Geneva. 
 
 6. Flying Dutchman. 
 
 7. New Footman. 
 
 8. Pleasant Neighbor. 
 
 VOL. II. 
 
 9. *Ireland As It Is. 
 
 10. Game of Love. 
 
 11. Rip Van Winkle- 
 
 12. *Paddy the Piper. 
 
 13. Ernestine. 
 
 14. Dombey & Son. 
 
 15. Seven Clerks. 
 
 16. Bryan O'Lynn. 
 
 vol. in. 
 
 17. *Our Jemima. 
 
 18. David Copperfleld. 
 
 19. Ugalino. 
 
 20. Love and Murder. 
 
 21. Forty Thieves. 
 
 22. *Paddy Carey, 
 
 23. Brian Boroihme. 
 
 24. Two Gregories. 
 
 The above Plays comprise Vols. 1, 2 and 3, of French's American 
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 Vol. I. will contain a Portrait of Mr. Edwin Forrest, with a Memoir. 
 
 Vol. II. will contain a Portrait of Mr. Barney Williams, in charac- 
 ter, and sketch of his life. 
 
 Vol. III. will contain a Memoir and Portrait of Mrs. Barney Wil- 
 liams, in one of her celebrated Yankee parts. 
 
 All plays marked (*), contain portraits of some celebrated actor in 
 character. 
 
 Mr. F. has great pleasure in announcing that he has made arrange- 
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 Mr. & Mrs. Barney Williams. 
 
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