- 79 M^ 
 
 s' 
 

 O ^ ) 
 
 H 
 
 v_y 
 
 (2, u, cJ^n^^ 
 
 LUCILE .... r^^r^ is a fatality in deeds.— My past has its insuper 
 able barriers .... ACT. III. 
 
^4- 
 
 
 A D R A M A 
 
 IN 
 
 1 
 
 y. 
 
 t'A 
 
 FOUR A.CTI 
 
 vit-A,. 
 
 \ 
 
 <: 
 
 «s^- *Cb> '^- 
 
 uA"*" 
 
 [copyrighted 1885, BY CIARIiES E. LOUIS] 
 
 m 
 
 x-n^~ ^ 
 
 *r 
 
 \ ^ 
 

 r 0> ^' 
 
 LIST OF CHARACTERS. 
 
 LuciLE— (Za Countess,) An Adventuress. 
 
 Salome— Her Sister. 
 
 Anne— Maid to Lucile. 
 
 Matilde— A Nurse. 
 
 Dubois— Editor of La Verite 
 
 Mii.ET — A Banlier. 
 
 Arnaud— A Member of the Assembly. 
 
 Deleykr iSame. 
 
 Menard— A Phj-sician. 
 
 Swords— An Attache of the American Ijegation. 
 
 Paul.— Butler to Lucile. 
 
 Capt. Lytton— Of Her Majesty's Marine. 
 
 Acts I, II and III, transpire in the city of Paris; Act IV in the suburbs. 
 Time, pre^nt. A fortnight elapses between acts I and II; a day between acts 
 II and III, and eighteen months between acts III and IV. 
 
DIAGRAM OF STAGE CARPENTRY. 
 
 a? 
 
 G 
 H 
 
 A. Wall Scene. G. Table, with Lamp. 
 
 B, C an.) D. Doors. H. Round Table. 
 
 E. Mantel and Grate. I. Position of Deleyre. 
 
 F. Easel with Portrait. 
 
DIAGRAM O'^ STAGE CARPENTRY. 
 
 I'^ff; fl (Acts li ami Hi 
 
 /^ 
 
 G 
 
 i \ 
 
 A. VVall 8ce»e. 
 
 H. Street Scene. 
 
 (- and D. Doors. 
 
 E Window. 
 
 F Mantel and (Jrate. 
 
 G. Table; position of Lueil^. 
 
 H. Dresslrif" (,'a.se. < 
 
 I. Cabinet. 
 
 J. f\)uch. 
 
DIAGRAM OF STAGE CARPENTRY. 
 
 E 
 
 W 
 
 FIG. III. Act IV. 
 
 Al 
 
 O 
 
 A. (rarclen wScene. 
 Al. Village Sceue. 
 
 B, C aud D. Doors. 
 
 E. GIas8 Walls of Conservatory. 
 
 Ceiling of Con.'^ervatory in panel. 
 
 F, First position of Lucile. 
 
 G. Second " " " 
 H. Position of Salome. 
 
 Centre door leads down to garden. 
 
 [i^igf/if and ^e/« as used in the directions refers to right and left hand lookiuj 
 toward the stage.] 
 
ACT l.'-Coup d'etat, 
 
 (A stroke of policy.) 
 
 A OT II. — Loup de pTocc, 
 
 { 1 ho fiiiisiiii)>i stroke. 
 
 ACT III. — Ainse in 1<n, 
 
 (Consider the end.) 
 
 ACT IV. — Comme U faut, 
 
 (As it should be. 
 
lA COUNTESS." 
 
 ^CT. I. 
 
 Scene: Salon. [See diagram, Fig. 1.) 
 Time; midnight. Curtain dis- 
 covers Paid asleep before the grate; 
 Anne reading a book. Lights 
 down except lamp upon table at 
 which An7ie is reading. The .street 
 bell sounds. The clock strikes 
 twehe. After a short pause the 
 street bell sounds again. 
 
 Anne. {Looking up.) Dear me, the 
 stupid fellow is. asleep. [Calling) 
 Paul, Paul, Paul. [Paul moves 
 drowsily.) The bell [She resumes 
 reading. Paul risea slowly, yawning, 
 etc. Ihe bell sounds long and loud. 
 Paul appears dazed ) 
 
 Annr. O dear, how impafiont! 
 Looking up.) Don't you hoar the 
 bell, stupid? 
 
 Paul. {Rushing off.) It was the bell 
 then! I thought I was dreamiuf;. 
 
 {Exit Centre.) 
 Anne. Surely it cannot be Madem- 
 oiselle. She would not return before 
 two, ghe said. A stranger, i)erhaps, 
 for Mademoiselle's friends know she 
 attends the bal to-night. 
 
 Del. ( Without.) The rogue has the 
 audacity to say he has been asleep! 
 
 Anne, {leaking up lamp and retreat- 
 ing to door, right.) Deleyre?— That 
 is odd! 
 
 {Enter Arnaud, Milet and Deleyre, 
 centre, the latter intoxicated. Exi^ 
 Anne, right.) 
 
 Del. Here, turn on the lights, you 
 rogue! Do you show gentlemen into 
 a dark room every day? 
 ( Enter Paul, centre. He proceeds to 
 turn up the lights- ) 
 
 Del. Asleep, hey? Perhaps you'd 
 like me to mention the fact to Mad- 
 emoiselle? Ma foil I could box your 
 ears. {He Tnakes for Paul. Milet 
 steps between them.) 
 
 Mil. Come, Deleyre, you are forget- 
 ting yourself. If the truth were told, 
 you are the greater fool of the two. 
 
 Akn. [Stepping 2ip to the easel.) Ah! 
 here is Mademoiselle's Meissionnier 
 picture. When did it come, Paul? 
 
 Paul. To-day, Monsieur. 
 {Milet and Deleyre join Arnaud. 
 Deleyre first scowls at Paul.) 
 
 Akn. Exquisite! What say you, 
 Milet? 
 
8 
 
 Mil. An admirable likeness; but 
 
 slightly pensive, 
 Del. You are both wrong. It is 
 
 neither exquisite nor pensive. It is 
 
 a daub. A daub, sure as I live. 8ee! 
 
 Is that a position? {Arnaud and 
 
 Milet laugh.) 
 Mil. It is your own ill-fated noddle, 
 
 Deleyre. 
 Del. I say the head is illy poised! 
 Paul {To Milet.) Mademoiselle— 
 Mil. We are this moment from the 
 
 bal. — Mademoiselle will be here in- 
 
 an hour. {Paul bows.) Bring table ^ 
 
 and cards, Paul. And say — a sip of 
 
 brandy. Another for Arnaud. 
 Del. And another for me, you rogue! 
 
 Asleep, hey? 
 Mil. You drink nothing, Deleyre, or 
 
 you will miss the fun. Brandy for 
 
 two, Paul. 
 
 {Exit Paul, centre.) 
 
 Del. {Calling after Paul.) Three, yon 
 rogue! Milet, you speak as if I were 
 drunk. Ma foil It is enough to 
 anger me. If you were not my bosom 
 friend, and— and my banker, I should 
 tell you a plain truth: that you are 
 the drunkest man in the room. {Ar- 
 naud and Milet laugh.) I leave it to 
 Arnaud. 
 
 {Enter Paul, with table.) 
 
 No, he is 
 drunk too. {To Paul.) Asleep, hey? 
 Do you bring brandj' for three, you 
 rogue? 
 
 {Paul appeals mutely to Milet. De- 
 leyre drops into a chair and dozes. 
 Milet waves his hand in assent.) 
 {Exit Paul) 
 
 Mil {To Arnaud.) He is probably 
 past enjoying the fun now. [The bell 
 sounds.) That cannot be Lucile? 
 {Lookiug at his watch. ) 8he is not 
 due; — Dor the others. (Laughing) He, 
 he! I split my sides thinking of it. 
 
 {Enter Dubois, centre.) 
 
 Dubois! You 
 are just in season; there is some sport 
 in hand. 
 Dub. So? (Shaking hands ) I hope 
 I find you well, my dear Milet. 
 (Oreeting Arnaud) Ah! Aruaud. 
 Rosy as a peach! (To Milet.) This 
 is shocking bad for rheumatism! 
 
 Mil. You see I am as nimble as a boy. 
 Menard is a great physician. 
 
 Dub. ( 7o Deleyre.) Bon soir!' {All 
 laugh.) {To Milet.) But this sport; 
 what is it? By the way I have news, 
 for you; — but after you. (Noticing the 
 picture.) Ah! (Putting dm glasses.) 
 rhia is the Messonnier picture! A 
 gift from Larboureur, I believe? A 
 munineeiit one, but the money is 
 thrown away. "No fool like an old 
 fool" has found vent in a thousand 
 tongues; at length it is done in colors 
 by Meissonnier. (Laughing.) Ihis 
 old fool is bedridden. 
 
 Akn. (To Dubois). You are something 
 of an amateur, what think you of 
 the picture? 
 
 (Dubois shrugs his shoulders and 
 turns away.) 
 
 Mil. (With raillery). LaVerite will 
 contain a glowing account of ii — nay? 
 
 Dub. VVliy not? It is the fashion to 
 rave at a Meis-sonnier. 
 
 (Enter Paul with brandy.) 
 
 Mil. (To Dubois). You shall drink to 
 the liealth of Deleyre v,ith his own 
 wine. He, he! The poor fellow will 
 not miss his nigiitcap before morning. 
 ( The gentlemen each take a glass 
 from the salver.) 
 
 Dub. ('roasting Deleyre.) May your 
 cares never oppre.ss you more. ( lo 
 the others ) I wish you, Messieurs, 
 nothing less. 
 
 Akn. Vive la Eepublique! 
 
 Mil. Vive La Vetite! 
 
 ( They drink.) 
 
 Arn He shall have a whiff of an 
 empty glass, at least. (Puts his glass 
 under Deleyre' s nose.) 
 
 Del. (Drowsily) Asleep, hey? You 
 rogue! 
 
 (They laugh.) 
 
 Dub. To-morrow, he will .sioear that 
 he (irai)k it. But this sport — I am in 
 great liumor for sport. What is it? 
 (Arnaud seats himself at the table 
 and shuffles cards.) 
 
 Arnaud you are 
 an inveterate gambit r! 
 
 Abn. Nay, I only kill time. 
 
 Dub. You should draft a bill, my dear 
 Arnaud! I fear you lack ambition. 
 But it is so with our wealthy mem- 
 bers. (Draws forth a diary.) La 
 Verite will contain a leader on that 
 theme. (Arnaud and Milet laugh.) 
 Nay, I am serious for all that. Ar- 
 naud, you should draft a bill. Now, 
 
killing time shou'c' be a capital 
 offense. There is matter and an op- 
 pori'wijY^.— Besides, you will have an 
 advantage over our average member 
 — you will know whereof you write. 
 (AU laugh.) But the spoit? 
 
 Mil. Well, there is recently come to 
 Paris a young, handsome and dash- 
 ing— 'I'hat is in good form, nay? 
 
 Dub. (io on, go on. — ^As--^»>«-— »«h»W- 
 Mk^ the news will be old ere it be 
 toid. 
 
 Mil. — A young-, handsome ai<l dasliing 
 scion of her oiajesty'.'* navy. -I may 
 as well tell you his name — a certain 
 Lytton — a Captain, I believe { Arnaad 
 .nods assent) — yes, a Captain Well. 
 t^his young, handsome and dasliing 
 sdlion of her majesty's navy, you 
 must know, is a veritable beau ideal. 
 
 J)UB. Ah! 
 
 Mil. (Laughing) A decent fellow, 
 so to speak — Swords introduces him 
 — He, he! T die laughing wiien I 
 think of it. Well, to make a long 
 ."^tory short, our beau hears of Tjucile 
 and is incredulous. 
 
 Dub. Humph! 
 
 Mil. It appears that Lyiton is enam- 
 ored of a young virgin in the prov- 
 iTices; and she of him —so the story 
 goes. Well. Now his demeanor 
 being in the nature of a challenge. 
 Lucile, something puiued, resolves 
 to bring him to her feet. 
 
 Dub. C est fait de lui. [ft is :-.lI over 
 with him.] 
 
 Arn. O that remains to be seen! He 
 is a champion worthy his adversary. 
 
 DuK. Pshaw! He is alread.y at her 
 feet, if La Countess has decreed it. 
 VVhat man ever escaped upon wiiom 
 she j^- her wiles? [To M Jet.) Have 
 they met? 
 
 Mil. No, they meet to-night for the 
 firnt time. We are to abet her if 
 necessary. — At any rate wt are to 
 look on and enjoy the fun. Apropos, 
 it is odd, Dubois, you happen in to- 
 night? 
 
 Dub I heard Lucile would not attend 
 the bal. 
 
 Mil. She will be here presently with 
 Menard. I forgot to tell you! Lucile 
 and Marlain have quarreled. It is 
 to that good fortune that we owe the 
 enterprise in hand. You do not seem 
 surprised that Lucile and Marlain 
 have quarreled? 
 
 DuB. My dear Milet, we news mong- 
 ers are surprised at nothing. Well, 
 do we pla>? ( 1 hey take seats by Ar- 
 nr/?/d. )—Arnaud is impatient. {To 
 MVet ) About thi'« Lytton.— You 
 have not told me l)y what jeu de 
 theatre [stage trick] he will come on? 
 
 Mil. I WHS about to tell you.— Lueiie 
 re.solved to leave the bal. Swords 
 being present with Iwa protege, I sug- 
 gested that our comedy be put on at 
 once. Thus it is all cut and dried — 
 the mouse has but to put his nose 
 into the trap. 
 
 Akn.— And be CJiught! But you have 
 news for us, you say? [They begin 
 to p'ay ving-tun.) 
 
 Dub Yes. An illegitimate child of 
 the late Count de Brescie has asked 
 for a guardian at law, and will dis- 
 pute the Will imder which Lucile 
 inherits. 
 
 Mil. ami .■\kn. Ah! 
 
 Dub. A despicable scheme of black- 
 mail, 1 tfiink. (Ihe bell sounds.) 
 
 Akn. V'.lial odds I cannot name who 
 comes? 
 
 Mil. Pay attention to (lie game. Give 
 me a card. Another. I am content. 
 
 Dub. 1 am content. 
 
 Akn. {Turning his cards.) I pay 
 twenty. ( Miiet and Dubois pass over 
 their money.) 
 
 Dub. You are a lucky dog! I had 
 
 {Enter Swords and Lytton.) 
 
 Mil. {In an undertone to Dubois and 
 Arnaud.) Act I. Seeue 1. A trap. 
 Enter a mouse. 
 
 Dub. {Same as above) Hercules, 
 Apollo and Mars at once! but I in- 
 sist; Cest fait de lui. [It is all over 
 v.'ith hiin.] 
 
 Swo. {Coming farward.) Messieurs, I 
 give you good morning. {Dubois, 
 'AHlet and Arnaud rise.) Monsieur 
 Dubois! {Shaking hands ) We do 
 not meet in months. 
 
 Dub It is your fault, my dear 
 Swords.— We are in our sanctum 
 early and late, and never too busy to 
 grtet a friend. 
 
 Swo Thanks, I shall make amends. 
 My dear Milet. {Greeting each.) Ah! 
 Arnaud, 1 sa > you at the bal, but 
 you were too much engrossed with 
 the little dark-eyed beauty. Who 
 was she, pray? Oh! never mind, 
 since you blush. Messieurs, allow me 
 
10 
 
 to present a friend. Captain Lj'tton, 
 of her Majesty's navy, Messieurs. 
 Captain Lytton, Monsieur Dubois, 
 the affable aud noted editor of La 
 Verite. 
 
 Dub. {Taking Lytton^ s hand.) I thank 
 Monsieur Swords for his lavish com- 
 pliment; but more for the pleasure 
 he affords me in meeting his friend, 
 Monsieur— Captain Lj'tton. 
 
 Lyt. You are kind, sir. 
 
 Swo. Monsieur Arnaud you will find 
 any day at — (insert the place of 
 assembly of the French legislature) — 
 where he serves his country with 
 dignity and credit. 
 
 Arn. [Taking Lyttoh's hand.) If 
 Monsieur Swords did not mean well, 
 I should have cause to feel hurt at 
 his compliment. Should Captain 
 Lytton do me the honor to present 
 his card at the — (same as above) I 
 will be happy to accord him every 
 courtesy. 
 
 Lyt. I thank you heartily. 
 
 Hwo. And should you at any time 
 need the services of a broker, I am 
 happy to recommend my friend .Miler 
 — Monsieur Milet. 
 
 Mil. {Taking Lytton^s Aand.) — (in- 
 sert a street and number,) Mon.^ieur 
 Lytton. [Ijytton bows to him ) 
 
 Swo. {Placing his hand upon Ar- 
 naud' s shoulders.) What a pity my 
 friend Arnaud, here, is not an Amer- 
 ican! His tout ensemble — no reproach 
 to my friends Messieurs Milet and 
 Dubois! — and, moreover, his extreme 
 passion for cards, fit him for our 
 highest diplomatic service. 
 {AIL laugh.) 
 
 Dub. M3' dear Swords, I protest 
 against seducing any Frenchman 
 with these prismatic reflections upon 
 your Eldorado — much less my fnend 
 Arnaud, who, unfortunately, is so 
 susceptible. 
 
 {All laugh.) 
 {To Swords and Lytton) Will you 
 join us? 
 
 Swo. My friend does not play. But 
 pray goon with your game, Messieurs. 
 
 Dub. You will excuse us? {Lytton 
 bows. Dubois, Milet and Arnaud 
 resume play.) 
 
 Swo. {To Lytton.) Come, I will show 
 you some rare antiques {Noting 
 the portrait ) Ah! this is the much 
 talked of portrait. Here is a likeness 
 of La Countess, Lyiton. And an ex- 
 cellent one it is! {Lytton starts.) 
 
 Dub. {In an undertone.) A good be- 
 ginning! He is smitten with the 
 face. 
 
 Arn. {Same.) "A good beginning 
 makes a poor ending," you know. 
 
 Dub. {Same.) A poor ending for him, 
 yes. 
 
 Lyt. {Aside.) An absurd fancy! Yet 
 it resembles Salome. 
 
 Swo. ( Who has been examining the 
 picture closely) Well, Lytton..__ 
 
 Lyt. Do you know if Mademoiselle 
 has relative-s? — I fancy somewhere to 
 have met a resemblance. 
 
 Swo. I never heard that she had. Per- 
 haps Dubois will know. 
 
 Lyt. No no, do not disturb him. It is 
 a mere fancy; now that I look again 
 it is dispelled 
 
 [Enter Lucile, followed by Menard. 
 Lytton is presented to Menard. 
 Swords, Menard and Lytton remain 
 in a group.) 
 
 Luc. {Coming forward.) Me.ssiturs, 
 you are comfortable? {They rise.) No 
 no. Oh, Dubois? {Oiving her hand.) 
 To wh t do I owe such an unexpected 
 pleasure? 
 
 Dub. You chide me? 
 
 Luc. No, you come often enough. 
 {Arnaud and Milet laugh.) Good 
 friends, wait.— You come oftener than 
 I deserve. Arnaud, (with a sigh of 
 ennui,) you come often enough. (Du- 
 bois and Milet laugh.) 
 
 Mil. Well, fair executioner, my head 
 is upon the block. Let the ax fall— I 
 suffer from suspense. 
 
 Luc Then 1 shall be haunted with 
 your spirit! No, (resignedly,) I pre- 
 fer ?/om, Milet. (They laugh.) Pray, 
 Messieurs, do not be disturbed! (She 
 crosses to the mante' and touches the 
 bell. D., A. and M. resume play.) 
 (Calling.) Menard. 
 ( Menard bows to Swords and Lytton 
 and goes over to Lucile.) 
 
 Mkn. Command me, Mademoisselle. 
 
 Luc. (In an undertone to Menard, 
 whom she engages in some service.) 
 At a convenient opportunity take 
 Monsieur Lytton into the adjoining 
 room. The illumination — you under- 
 stand! 
 
 (Enter Anne.) 
 (To Menard.) Voila tout. 
 (Menard joins Swords and Lytton.) 
 { To Anne, handing her mantle, hood, 
 &c.) You are sleepy, poor girl— go 
 to bed. 
 
11 
 
 Anne. I have a good book, Madein- 
 oiseelle. 
 
 Luc. WeJl, then, wait up for me. I 
 am tired {flinging herself into a chair) 
 — and unhappy. [Rising) I am a 
 baby! {She takes up a cabinet photo 
 from table and tears it in temper, 
 throwing fragments on floor. ) { Swords 
 comes forward.) How good of you, 
 Monsieur Swords, not to speak to me 
 at the bal. 
 
 Swo. Pardon me, Mademois"elle, I 
 sought your eye a dozen times with- 
 out avail. 
 
 Luc. Oh! that was unfortunate. 
 iSwo. We were spectators only. 
 
 Luc. I know, I know.— It has been 
 forgotten, Monsiem'. {In an eager 
 tone ) Your friend is handsome. 
 
 Swo. May I introduce him? 
 
 Luc. {Affectedly.) Certainly. 
 
 {Swords brings Lytton forward.) 
 
 Swo. Mademoisselle, I have the honor 
 to present a friend. Captain Lytton. 
 (LucUe and Lytton courtesy. She 
 takes Swords^ arm aud leading him 
 away to the portrait, appears to whis- 
 per something amusing Lytton is at 
 first abashed; then aflame with anger.) 
 
 Men. {Coming up and putiing his 
 arm through that of J yilon, ivho 
 suffers himself to be led off.) I iiave 
 a rare sight to show you, Monsieur. 
 The illumination — ("complete this 
 speech appropriately; or insert an- 
 other, and make Lucile's speech 
 above, conform.) It may be seen to 
 excellent advantage from yonder win- 
 dow. 
 
 {Exeunt Lytton and Menard left.) 
 {The instant they disappear Lucile 
 rapidly approaches the tab'e where 
 Lnbois, Milet and Arnaud are at 
 play. During the introduction they 
 had been covertly watching, Dubois 
 now and then touching the hand of 
 Arnaud.) 
 
 Luc. {In an undertone to Milet, indi- 
 cating t?ie ex J of Lytton and Menard.) 
 Does Dubois know? [Milet nods as- 
 sent.) Good. {Speaking rapidly and 
 in an und'irtone.) {Swords joins the 
 group.) Here is the plan: An af- 
 front to fire him with indignfition; an 
 opportunity to resent it he cannot 
 forego; I am incensed; but disclaim- 
 ing, he must apologize. Thus the 
 first act. (7b Swords.) Go, now, 
 
 quickly, and relieve Menard. What- 
 ever happens, appear his friend. Go. 
 
 {Swords bows and exit.) 
 
 I miss one. Where 
 is Del eyre? {Noting him, Lucile 
 raises her hands.) That is too bad. 
 He is hot-headed and might be useful. 
 
 Dub. I compliment you, Mademois- 
 eelle, upon your coup d^etat. 
 
 Luc. {Moving away.) Oh, save your 
 compliments, save your compliments. 
 Monsieur. — I may fail. 
 
 Arn. ( This, and two following speeches 
 in undertone.) I wager a thousand 
 francs she does. 
 
 DuB. Are you a friend? 
 
 {Arnaud p'aces his hand upon his 
 
 breast.) 
 
 DuB. Milet, it is a wager. 
 
 {Enter Menard, holding his sides 
 with suppressed laughter. All gather 
 about him.) 
 
 Men. I never saw a man so incensed 
 in all my life. He threatens to leave 
 the house at once. 
 
 Luc. To your places. Messieurs. Come, 
 Menard. {Dub., Mil. and Arn. resume 
 ploy. Lucile takes Menard's arm 
 and saunters off right as Lytton and 
 Swords enter left ) 
 
 Swo. ( Coming up to the table.) A par- 
 don for interrupting you. Messieurs 
 — we are about to leave. 
 
 Dub. {Rising.) You are not serious? 
 {Lytton bows assent.) {Am. and Alii, 
 rise. ) 
 
 Dub. {To Lytton, giving his hand.) 
 \V|;ll, bonsoir. We shall meet again? 
 
 Lyt. I hope so. 
 
 Dub. By all means. 
 
 {A chorus of sahiations between Dub., 
 Mil and Arn.; and Swo. and Lyt.) 
 
 {Lucile and Menard are stationed at 
 th door, a. Lytton ad Swords re- 
 treat. ) 
 
 Swo, ( To Lucile ) Bon soir, Madem- 
 oisselle. (7b Mtn -rd.) Bon soir, 
 Monsieur. 
 
 Luc. ]So, you are not going? {Swords 
 boios.) Well— if you must. Come 
 again. Bon soir. 
 
 Lyt. {To Menard.) Good night, Mon- 
 
12 
 
 sieur. {Menard bows, and Lytton, 
 taking Sword's arm, turns away. 
 Lucile starts, then comet rapidly to 
 the front.) 
 
 Luc. &erait-il possible^ [Is it possible?] 
 {Dub., Am. and Mil. rise i,i conster- 
 nation. Deleyre Awakens. Swords 
 and Lytton turn.) 
 
 Mil. ( 7o Deleyre in an undertone.) 
 The fun is ou; be di.ncreet. 
 
 Luc. {Agitated) Messieurs, I have been 
 grossly insulted in my own house. 
 
 Swo. {Coming forward.) Pardon me, 
 Madenaoisseile, nay friend only re 
 sents a graver offense! It is more to 
 be offended in one's own house. 
 
 Luc. ( With surprise:. ) Offended in 
 one's own house'? { With naivete. ) 
 Have I offended any one? 
 
 Swo. Will you permit me to remind 
 you, Mademoieselle, that j'ou took 
 my arm — on presenting my friend. 
 
 Luc. {Incredulously.) Oh, if I did so 
 I meant no offense. {Distractedly.) 
 I am not myself to-night.) 
 {Lyt. starts, and comes forward.) 
 
 Del. ( Wildly.) Let me at the puppy! 
 Does tie think because he sails a raft 
 under the dirty Engli.sh flag — 
 [MU. jDuts his hand over Del 's mouth 
 and draws him. away. Lytton fooks 
 at him defiantly a moment then, turns 
 to Lucile.) 
 
 Lyt. {With condescension.) I entreat 
 your pardon, Mademoisselle. 
 
 Luc. With all my heart, Monsieur. 
 We are the best of friends. 
 {Lytton bows.) 
 
 Lyt. {To Deleyre.) Monsieur, I have 
 not the honor to know you? 
 
 Mil. Monsieur Deleyre — 
 
 Ly'T. {With mock civility.) Monsieuj 
 Deleyre. 
 
 {Tableau.) 
 { Curtain. ) 
 
^CT II. 
 
 {/Scene: Boudoir. See Diagram, Hg. 
 II. Time, evening. 
 
 {Enter Del eyre, centre.) 
 
 Del.. Milet, Milet ! Are tliere traps 
 in this house that one can vanish so? 
 He is not here. f~tflTJt4-4fw4*«*ai«tl*ef. 
 
 {Exit centre.) 
 
 {After a brief pause, enter through 
 door, left, Mdet, followed by Dubois, 
 the former convulsed with laughter.) 
 
 Milet, He, he! Yes. Htf-^iei— 4 
 Bt»^te H-y<» M Well. Lytton of course 
 picks upon Swords for his second, 
 and I being second to Deleyre-*ii>«, 
 kei^i— I- beift^ see*»ad to DeJeyreT^ it is 
 easily arranged that the pistols be 
 charged with blanks. H^~b^h''''W^iih 
 You should have seen Deleyre as we 
 approached the field. He, he! I 
 think the poor follow contemplated 
 jumping from the carriage, and mak- 
 ing for the wood-. -8TT&h-^ti>-w©e 
 begoftt^€OiHrteuai3ee! -Tfe«*. He, he! 
 "Is there no way of abridging this 
 matter?" he says. "None," said T, 
 "none in the world that is honor- 
 
 able " 'Will I," said he, "for the 
 sake of honor — a mere bauble — con- 
 sent to be shot down like a dog?" 
 •StrphtH" "Deleyre," said I, "honor 
 is no mere bauble; it is dearer than 
 life" He, he! "Besides," said I, 
 "you had the choice of weapons." 
 "Would I choose harpoons?" says he. 
 
 Dub. Ha, iia! 
 
 Mil. He, he! " Would I choose har- 
 poons?" — saj's he — "I chost pistols be- 
 cause theie is some chance he will 
 miss me. i^-ire— w^-e— fts—fetg^-ttS'^a 
 'w43«te7'^-*aysHhe,- "■! should never hit- 
 hini." He, he! Well. We are finally 
 on the grounds, and all is in readi- 
 ne.ss. Lucile is there, admirablj' dis- 
 guised as H surgeon. At the word, 
 botli pistols are discharged. Well, 
 what happens? Deleyre, with an un- 
 earthly yell, falls to the ground. 
 
 Dub. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ho, ho! 
 
 Mil. He, he, l>6r-=fee! "Where are 
 you hit, Monsieur?" says Lucile. 
 ' 'Herev herf^iiere, ' ' ( torching differe.'i^ 
 portions of his person ) "No? Where 
 am r hurt, good surgeon?" says he. 
 \B6th laugh boisterously, embrttc^^ 
 
14 
 
 /h 
 
 A 
 
 '«^fieh'T>ih«^ and fall exhausted into 
 te^tmmiS' chairs.) "Where am I 
 hurt, {?ood surgeon?" {Both laugh 
 some thing as before.) vv'el!. De- 
 leyre declines to stand again, a,nd>rf 
 e*M*r»»' the matter ends. "OAA+reii^Mte* 
 
 Dub. H-ttT-b*** "Where am I hurt, 
 good surgeonV" /\ 
 
 Mil. But mark! the time has not 
 come to open upon Deleyre. First 
 the coup de grace. [Ttre^- i&+H*b+n«r 
 stroke.]- Luciie has promised that 
 to-night she will bring LyttoM to her 
 feel; and we will f)bserve the s})on 
 from yonder room (pointing to door 
 left.) LyttoM, you know, has been 
 calling ottener than becomes so decent 
 a fellow. 
 
 Dub. Arnaud says she is smitten with 
 him. 
 
 Mil. Pshaw! do not believe Arnaud. 
 HeH*arv4M*->mwM(>r — tiefmi€*r74«? has a 
 thousand trancs up with you, which 
 he is sure to lose, and he is but repair- 
 hig his had judgment. No, 'lo; tiust 
 me, Luciie knows better than to 
 make a butt of herself. Here is the 
 plan: Lytton calls to night as usual; 
 Luciie is indis^ osed; tin M 4 Lt*i l t ttfetu»m»- 
 5y:tvth4kt he is to be shown up at once. 
 iShe has never received him in her 
 boudoir. See?/yLot us join Arnaud 
 and Deleyre— the mouse will soon 
 appear. He, he! 1 dare say he will 
 receive a rare and profitable lesson. 
 
 Dub. For which he will not thank 
 us, however. 
 
 Mil He, he! I must tell you! Swords 
 swears he v%ill have no further hand in 
 the affair. It was only by dint of fre©- 
 tt4«TO*it- persuasion that he was pre- 
 vented from exposing the trick. 
 Dub. The Americans are too conscien- 
 tious! 
 Mil. He, he! I wonder what has be- 
 come of his fair inamorata — the vir- 
 gin — she of the provinces? 
 (Exeunt, centre, arm in arm, laugh- 
 ing.) 
 
 {As they go out, Luciie, attired in a 
 neglige, puts aside the curtains of door 
 left, and enters wearily. She sighs, ayid 
 going to the dressing case, contemp'ates 
 herself for a moment in the mirror.) 
 Luc. (Touching bell.) So, Arnaud 
 thinks I love hJm. {She laughs in- 
 credulously, but checks herself sud- 
 denly. ) 
 
 {Enter Anne, center.) 
 
 Luc (Seating herself) Take down 
 my hair, Anne. Wait; give me 
 tiiat book. (Anne hands her a 
 a. book, then 2^''0ceeds to take down 
 her hair. Luciie opens book, looks at 
 it a moment, then lowers it to her 
 lap.). You have read this, Anne? 
 
 Anne. Yes, Mademoiselle. 
 
 Luc. Is it good? 
 
 Anne. S>W— eA«rm*»«g», Mademoiselle. 
 
 Luc. There are lovers in it! 
 
 ANNE. And '♦^W' such lovers. Made- 
 moiselle. Jannet — 
 
 Luc. Do not lell mo the story — I will 
 have no desire to read it. , Did you 
 ever love, Anne? 
 
 Anne. (Blushing.) I — I don't know, 
 Mademoiselle 
 
 l.UC. Tell me all about it. 
 
 Anne. You will not be angry, Made- 
 moiselle? 
 
 Luc Not if you are happj', cijild. 
 
 Anne. Oh, 1 am so happy. Made- 
 moiselle. 
 
 Luc What is it like? 
 
 idi^: — St4t>^ b »p pjr 
 Annk. Oh, Mpdemoiselle, were you 
 never happj-? 
 
 Luc. 01'T7-T«{i,._a-*«3;i»j;>^4-Jiti*eH* I ask 
 to confirm my own feelings. 
 
 Anne. Well, Mademoiselle, (blushing,) 
 I cannot tell exactly, bui there is 
 such a strange feeling here, {touching 
 her heart. ) 
 
 v.*u»«Ts*U*^ (Luciie sighs ) 
 Lkc. Who is he? 
 Anne. P?wt-TMulJr'-M*d©«Te>ie©H»s 
 Luc. Paul and you? 
 Anne. Oh, Mademoiselle, do not be 
 
 angry. 
 Luc. I am not angrj'. Paul is a good 
 
 fellow, but he has nothing. 
 Anne. Oh, Mademoiselle, you do not 
 
 know. Paul is very (*fti'eful, and 
 
 has already two thousand francs in 
 
 bank. / 
 
 ' «. 
 
 *fc«c. - Iud©e4i— 
 
 An«^ ATKi-Xiiave-»4i(ile-«f-Hfty-^WT>5- 
 ■- M«d» «Qi &el4fr^°~-alimH: — a - — t h e wafttrd- 
 
 iiUC. Yttu have <i«o,'-A-nTre> 
 
 Anne. Indeed not, Madefiaoieelie^ 
 
 Luc. ^ Who is your banker? 
 A 
 
15 
 
 Annk. Paul, Maderaoisfelle. He keeps 
 it with his own. 
 
 Luc. Come here. Do you trust inm? 
 
 Anne. Oh. Mademoiselle, I would 
 trust him to the end of the world. 
 
 t/lTCT'^o.— -fe-'-tHePe not a -puTHe-^m 
 
 yonder, drawer? Bring it to me. 
 {Anne hands her a purse). That is 
 
 yours. {As- -.^wugh saying if is not 
 
 mine.) ^^\^ 
 
 Anne. Indeed notVT^tadejiioii'elle. Bee, 
 
 tills has a diamond. 
 Luc. Still it is yours— I have given it 
 
 to you. 
 Anne. Oh, Mademoiselle, thairi^g, 
 
 'co^'^ Luc. 7 You may go now. (Colling her j 
 
 back.) Anne. j 
 
 Anne. Yes, Mademoiselle. j 
 
 Luc (Dratuing Anne doivn by her \ 
 
 side.) You are truly happy? ! 
 
 Anne. Very h-appy, Mademoiselle. j 
 
 Luc Will you kiss my lips? {Anne | 
 
 does so, passionately.) God bless \ 
 
 you. } 
 
 Anne Oh, Mademoiselle, that is my ! 
 
 ])rayer every niglU — Hod hless my i 
 
 dear good Madenif.iselle. I 
 
 Luc. ( Waving her off, and with sup- j 
 pressed emotion) Leave me. {As 
 ^nne go"^ out she shakes Iter Jiead 
 ruefully. ) j 
 
 {Exit Anne) \ 
 
 /f^ {Luetic rises and paces the floor in 
 
 'I mental anguish. A 
 
 Enter Lytton. 
 
 Whom she encounters abruptly.) 
 
 Luc. Oh! Monsieur Lytton. 
 
 Lyt. I was told 3'ou wished to see me 
 here — that you were ill? 
 
 Luc. You were good io come. I am 
 not ill, — not abed you see— more 
 ennui, perhaps, than indisposition. 
 [She seats herse[f.) 
 
 Lyt. T hope your Indi.^iposititvr rsrb«4- 
 »14gl»t; yeir^nui, I fear, is worse — it 
 saps the heart. 
 
 Luc. Do you think .so? There should 
 be none left of mine the?i. 
 
 Lyt. Perhaps you have the happy fac- 
 ulty of smiling at srieP? 
 
 Luc. Yet you would not say I emu- 
 late Patience? 
 
 Lyt. You might, HrnJesd;' Mademois- 
 elle. 
 
 Luc. /tOh Monsieur!— Let us change the 
 subject. Did you enjoy the Matinee? 
 Has not— [insert a noted tenor] a won- 
 derful voice? 
 
 Lyt. I fancied — [insert a noted sopra- 
 no] more. 
 
 Luc. ■Arbj'Kfhe is a woman 
 
 Lyt. And— [insert tenor a^ beft)re ] 
 
 Luc. /(We will not quarrel. Since our 
 first meeting I fear to quar.»el with 
 you. You have such a temper, Mon- 
 sieiu'. - Did you ever kill any one? 
 
 Lyt. Hundreds, Mademoiselle. {She 
 affects to start ) Not in passion, in 
 tlie service of my country, Mademois- 
 elle 
 
 Luc. Oh! You are so good to frighieu 
 one! 
 
 Lyt. {rising and going over to the 
 grate.) Do I, then, look We«ti«4hiTsty? 
 
 Luc. {testi'y.) You will not indulge 
 me at all! yiReally, I had hoped we 
 should be good friends, — the best ot 
 friends. 
 
 Lyt. {coming forward.) Do you mean 
 it Liicile? 
 
 Luc There you are incredulous again! 
 {Lytton sighs, turns, and sits down 
 near the grate, moodily. ) 
 
 I ,v.('. (Aside) He wants a little more 
 coaxing. They {indicating ivith her 
 head the adjoining room) wonder if I 
 will succeed. (A'/ie takes up the book 
 and opening it appears to read. 
 After a moment he rises and 
 comes over to her, standing behind 
 her chair. 
 
 Lyt. Lucile, you would have me be- 
 live you think well of me? I am go- 
 ing away — how long will you re- 
 member me? 
 
 Luc. Not forever, but while I live. 
 
 Lyt. Lucile! 
 
 LuC; But you are not going? That 
 grieves me. 
 
 Lyt. Then — then you love me? 
 
 Luc. That is quite another thmg Mon- 
 sieur. 
 
 Lyt. Lucile, 1 love you! 
 
 Luc. Ha, ha! 
 
 Lyt Lucile, love is a sacred thing. 
 
 Luc. And you make a jest of it. 
 
 Lyt. (Kneeling) Nay, I swear I love 
 you. {A chorus of derisive laughter 
 in adjoining room.) 
 
16 
 
 
 -r- 
 
 / 
 
 Lyt. {rismg quickly and flushing.) 
 Lueile, what does this mean? >iArt4- 
 sw«*~iaa«-./ ( With anger. ) ^A«*ater-*»# 
 •t,»eUe> You knew; you contrived 
 this humiliation? ^Oh lam rightfciiN. 
 ly served. ( Twi lung at th^ door.) I 
 do not complain. (He boivs with 
 mock civility. 
 
 -^ (Exit.) 
 
 ( Dubois, Arnaud, Milet and Deleyre 
 enter through door left, all laughing. 
 Milet and Deleyre fall into chairs.) 
 
 Dub. I coneraiulate you, Mademois- 
 elle. It was well done; upon my soul, 
 admirably done. H'ittc^te— Aaw— ^>«e#* 
 •■p&.ciHff'4h».fioor-m-uffitQ,tio n. f- 
 
 Luc. ( With anger, to Dubois ] O, Bo- 
 rer la pilule! Dorer lOnpihtlrflG'iXd the 
 
 pill! j|U<H4»<r^ i n i] --It is 1 that have 
 to take it. (To all) Ye rob me of my 
 joy, then nioek me? (lo Deleyre and 
 Milet.) Hold your tongues! (All are 
 hushed and contemplate each other 
 in consternation Arnaud touches 
 Dubois on the shoulder.) O, leave 
 me! I»«»ve— «a£T.-^vsaj^«i Ye have 
 abetted me to my own destruction — I 
 love him; now he is gone from me 
 forever! Leave me! Leave me! 
 ( She sinks into a chair and covers her 
 fare with her hands. ) 
 
 ( Curtain. ) 
 (On the curtain rising Lueile is dis- 
 covered alone. She lies upon the 
 floor, her head resting upon the couch, 
 her hands clasped above her head.) 
 
 ( Curtain. ) 
 
A.CT III 
 
 Scene: — Same as Act II. Time; after- 
 noon. 
 
 {Curtain discovers Anne arranging 
 the dresser.) 
 
 Anne. Well I never saw the like: 
 such a change as has come over Mad- 
 emoiaelle! 8he always '^f^s sood, 
 bless her soul! O, I'll bet that Toi^nt 
 turns over in his grave lots of times. 
 What it he did give he'- this hour^e 
 and lots of money? Money don't 
 make peojile happy when they are 
 wrong here and here, {touching her 
 heart and head.) 
 
 {Enter Menard, centre.) 
 
 Men. Well Aune, how is Mudemf>is- 
 
 elle by this time? 
 Annk. a great deal better, Monsieur 
 
 Doctor. 
 Men. Good, good. 
 Anne. She wouldn't lie abed though, 
 
 and an hour ago I had to dress her. 
 
 Men. {In consternation.) What! Up 
 and dressed? Cela est impossible'^ [It 
 is impossible] 
 
 Anne. Indeed, Monsieur Doctor. 
 
 Men. Cela est inoui. J' en suis de' so- 
 le. [It is unheard of. I am quite 
 vexed about it. 
 
 Anne. I couldn't help it— she would 
 get up. 
 
 {Enter Lucile in a Tnorning dress, 
 door left. ) 
 
 Men. {going forward to her.) iMad- 
 emoiaelle, really I am vexed^.,:sB*t-h-; 
 you. {leads her to a choir.) 
 
 Luc. My dear Menard, I took your 
 awful physic without a grimace; ()ut 
 I could not lie abed 'onger. 
 {Exit Anne.) 
 
 Men. You do not wish lo get well. 
 
 Luc. {Sighing) Perhaps that is to. 
 
 Men- You talk like a child, Lucile. 
 
 Luc. Yes? WJia*- reaso«->4^ave~».Glji+- 
 
 Men. Bah! this is folly. 
 
 Luc. Well, life is all a tolly is it not? 
 
 Men. Lucile, I am not a moralist, but 
 as a friend and physician I say aban- 
 don this house^abamion-this life^' 
 
 Luc. {motioning him to silence.) You 
 mean well, Menard. — You mean 
 well, but don't talk so to me. 
 
18 
 
 Men. Then as your physician I com- 
 mand it. You will not live six 
 months; — n&y not three "HKyau*-©m>- 
 
 Luc. Menard, you tell me good 
 news. /| Only three months! {Men- 
 ard is writing a i^rescription at some 
 distance, and pays no attention to 
 Lucile's last ivords. After a brief 
 pause. ) 
 
 Luc. [Calling.) Menard. 
 
 Men. Yes Mademoiselle, [continues 
 writing.) 
 
 Luc. You pa-ss my attorney'.s, do 
 you not? 
 
 Men. [impatiently.) What on earth 
 are you f2;oing to do now? I reli you 
 Mademoiselle, you must not transact 
 business. 
 
 Luc. My dear ^[enard, you are culti- 
 vating such a temper. Do be pa- 
 tient. Sit here; I will veil you. / 
 ivant to tell you [IJe sits near her.) 
 You know I received from Count de 
 Brescie .something? like eight hun- 
 dred thousand francs, [a pause.) 
 He always told me he had no worthy 
 relation, [a pause.) It transpires 
 there is an illegitimate child. 
 
 Men Mj' dear Lucile, I know all a- 
 bout the case. — Its my opinion the 
 child is an imposter. 
 
 Luc. Well, what I was about to say 
 I want the matter investigated, and 
 if it should prove true— 
 
 Men. My dear Lucile, even In that 
 event you will not have to suirender 
 a sou. 
 
 Luc. If the claim should prove true, 
 Menanl, I will surrender every ^ou. 
 
 Men. [Astonished.) Lucile, are you 
 losing your mind? 
 
 Luc. No, I am just coming h> 
 senses. 
 
 Men. [rising.) Well. 
 
 Luc. Will you call, Menard? 
 
 Men. Certainly, if you reqiist it. 
 that event, what amount will 
 retain? 
 
 Luc. Oh there«will be enough for me. 
 [With bonhomie.) And you too, 
 Menard. 
 
 Men. [taking rip his hat.) You are 
 incorrigible — You will put your 
 fi lends to the sword when you die 
 
 Luc. Oh Menard! Am I so deprav- 
 ed? Nay, believe me, I will forgive 
 them, i will even forgive ^?/om, Men- 
 ard, your bad temper and your aw- 
 ful physic. 
 
 my 
 
 In 
 
 you 
 
 Men. [boiving himsetf out.) Adieu, 
 
 Mademoiselle. 
 Luc. Adieu, Menard. 
 
 [Exit Menard.) 
 
 [Lucile laughs slightly; then sighs. - 
 She goes over to the window and looks 
 down upon the street. Turning away 
 and going to the mantel, she picks up 
 the prescription; looks at it;, sighs 
 and rings belt.) 
 
 [Enter Anne.) 
 Luc. [giving her the prescription.) 
 
 Take this to the apothecary, Anne. 
 Anne. Yes, Mademoiselle. 
 Luc. Anne, [as she is going out.) 
 Anne Yes, Mademoiselle. 
 Luc. Tell him if it ia nasty, I will 
 
 not take it. 
 Anne. Yes, Ma<lemoiselle. 
 Luc. [as above.)— Ami Anne. 
 Anne. Yes, .Mademoiselle. ^^ 
 
 Luc. 4 When do you and Paul talk of 'V^ 
 
 getting married? '^^ 
 
 Anne. Oh dear .Mademoiselle! we are 
 
 to speak to you about that. 
 Luc. Choose your own time, dear 
 
 child. 
 Annk. [embarassed.) Well, Madem- 
 oiselle, we thought about Christmas 
 
 time, if you — 
 Luc. Cliri.simas time, — It is .settled. 
 
 You shall have a nice wedding, 
 
 Anne. 
 Anne. Oh Mademoiselle, (bursting 
 
 into tears.) you are so good — so 
 
 kind. I do not deserve this. 
 Luc. There, there, do not cry. '¥tH* 
 ^4e«ei:v«— HfWTFer ( Turning away, and 
 
 10 ith emotion ) You must let me do 
 
 these things, Anne for my bean's 
 
 sake. Oh! it is such a heavy heart. 
 
 Anne [imploringly.) Oh good Mad- 
 emoiselle, do not — do not aay that. 
 
 Luc. [taking Anne in her arms ) Do 
 you feel for me?— Do j'ou pity me, 
 Anne? [Putting her away.) No, no, 
 do not pity me— that I cannot bear. 
 Go Anne to the apothecary. 
 
 Anne. Yes, Mademoiselle. 
 
 Luc. Stay — there is no hurry for the 
 mediciue— I may need you. [Pacing 
 the floor, thoughtfully, then sloping 
 before the grate and 2>en8ively.) Did 
 I ever tell you, Anne, that I have a 
 sister? 
 
 Anne. No, Mademoiselle. 
 
 Luc. yi Nor a mother? 
 
l;t 
 
 Annk. No, Mademoiselle. 
 Luc Iri the under cabiuet there 
 you will find an ebony ease 
 
 — bring it to me. {Anne does so ) 
 (Licci/e takes it, contemplates it a 
 momeut, is about to unclasp it, then 
 hands it to Anne with a sigh.) Look 
 at it, Anne. 
 
 Anne. It is very much faded, iMad- 
 emoiselle. 
 
 Luc. {Pressing her heart.) Faded! 
 ( Grasping tt and yoing to the win- 
 dow ) 0\\\ {Tottering to a chair, 
 she sinks into it.) Anne, that is an 
 omen. 
 
 Annk. No Mademoiselle— I cannot 
 think it. The type is old, and you 
 know they fade. {Lucile raises the 
 jncture to her lips; then presses it to 
 her heart.) 
 
 Luc. Then you do not think it an 
 omen, Anne? 
 
 Anne. Indeed not, Mademoiselle. 
 
 Luc. {Rising and going to the win- 
 dow ) Whicli is myself, AnneV 
 
 ANNE. {Taking the picture and look- 
 ing at it closely for a moment.) Oh 
 this is you, Mademoiselle, — I would 
 know you if I saw this in Siberia. 
 
 Luc. ( Gleefully) Yes, yes. ( Glancing 
 out of the window; then clutching 
 the curtains.) Put it away, Anne! 
 
 — Leave me! {Anne returns the 
 case 10 the cabinet and exit left ) 
 {Lucie remains at the window, hold- 
 ing on to the curtains, her back to- 
 luard the room. After a brief pause 
 Lytton appears at tlie door. He 
 stands there motionless for a few mo- 
 ments; then Luciie turns and comes 
 forward. The appropriate 2)'^nto- 
 mine of these few moments will be 
 suggested to the actors by what lias 
 preceeded and what folloivs.) 
 
 Lyt. {Taking a step forward) Mad- 
 emoiselle, y(>u know why I am here. 
 — In answer to your entreaty. You 
 wished to see me — to explain. 
 
 Luc. ^Vill you be seated? 
 
 Lyt. No — Mademoiselle. 
 {Lucile waves her hand resignedly.) 
 
 Luc. It was considerate of you. Mon- 
 sieur, t«> com* . 
 
 Lyt. It was more than courtesy that 
 brought me. \rirUcUe^'''nyittief*es — t^ 
 
 Luc. I am sorry, Monsieur, for what 
 has happened. {He sneers.) — Believe 
 me, I am. 
 
 LvT. {Stepping up to her.) Will that 
 repair the humiliation? 
 
 Lyt. Then your regrets, if sincere, 
 avail nothing. 
 
 Luc. I know, I know Monsieur. {Ini- 
 p'oringly ) But you will forgive 
 me? (iShe holds out her arms.) 
 
 Ly'T. ( Turning away, and jeeringly. ) 
 Oh Mademoiselle — your artifice is 
 well understood now. Perhaps there 
 was not sport enough last night! 
 Peihups even now yonr accomplices 
 are yonder, {Pointing to door left) 
 prepared to witness a repetition of 
 that scene. 
 
 Luc. Oh Monsieur! — see for yourself. 
 
 Lyt. No, no. — Wbat transpires to- 
 day they may witness That is 
 all .fftli ■huvo-tn.jiifty, Mademoiselle? 
 {She looks at him imploringly; then 
 casts down her eyes.) 
 
 Luc. Yes. 
 
 Ly't. Then, Mademoiselle, ^if — btty - e 
 
 Mu l y to ti<>y, i au - f ^ evair: " 
 Luc. '^I^ JSaH i uff^ } -' Monsieur Lytton. 
 
 {A pause. He waits attentively, yet 
 
 hauyhtUy.) 
 Luc. Monsieur, you said last night — 
 Lyt. Forbear to speak of that. 
 Luc. I must— 1 must— Oh let me 
 
 speak. You said— you said you 
 
 loved me. 
 Lyt. "W-tnrt-trf-^^&«tr?v-That was last 
 
 night. 
 Luc. Ami now you bate me? Oh no, 
 
 no, no — do not hate me, Monsieur — 
 
 tio'm>t 4tate me* 
 Lyt. {^neeringly.) Are you done? 
 
 Luc {lalling upon her knees.) Mou- 
 '^ieur, I implore — do not hate me — 
 Hove you. 
 
 Lyt. {lurning away.) Ha, ha, ha! 
 Oh you are a clever actress! Ha, ha, 
 ha! 
 
 LucUe throws herself ripon the floor 
 with a moan; after a moment, dur- 
 ing which he cuntemp'ates her first 
 with deri.iion, then impassively, next 
 tviih concern, he approaches her.) 
 
 Lyt. Lucile! {she moans.) Lucile! 
 {Raising her, and after a moment 
 folding her to his breast.) Is it true, 
 Lucile, that you love me so'i {They 
 look info each others eyes.) My darl- 
 ing! {Kisses her.) 
 
 Luc. ( Writhing) Oh! 
 
 .^ 
 
20 
 
 Lyt. Forgive me— I did not dream 
 it was so. You love me?— Tell me 
 that again. 
 
 Luc. As I never loved in all my life 
 {Caressing his J ace.) Js it pos- 
 sible that you are mine? Is this 
 real? {He kisses her) Oh 1 am so 
 happy— so happy! What bliss has 
 Heaven re.served for me! We will 
 go to the country, nay my darling? 
 — Far, far away from Paris. I hate 
 Paris now! 
 
 Lyt. Luciie, I am glad to hear you 
 say you hate Paris; for it is my wish 
 of wislies to take you far away from 
 its sins and crimes. 
 
 Luc. Yes, yes my darling- we will 
 g<j — we will go at once. We will go 
 to some quiet, sleepy place. Oh, 
 that is what I long for so much! 
 I SStrt— 4 ftr l i n s . I must tell yc^u— {a 
 pause ) — We will not be so very rich. 
 
 Lyt. Give every sou away, i*mi-+rt 
 vt^H?-^iJmv+t^e-4M^•-y«*^*^ Lucil'e./\I shall 
 ask, and receive, T know, a two years 
 furlough. 
 
 TiUC. {Embracing him more cfosehj ] 
 Oh, what happiness! And alter that 
 '(Jene? 
 
 aheatl — we rreed ivat worry 
 
 Luc. Oh I am sure I will never let 
 
 you quit my side! — I shall be jealous. 
 
 {He smiles.) And you will love me, 
 
 ever? 
 Lyt. Ever. In my love, Jjucile, vou 
 
 will never know a pang. We are a 
 
 world to ourselves.^;pVm<M4*Wi*y-mi- 
 
 Luc. {Drawing away.) You— you do 
 not mean to marry me? 
 
 LvT. T have tliouirlit of nothing else, 
 Lucilf. 
 
 Luc. Oh! { Firt<f enraptured, she 
 c'ingH to him panfionaiehj; next she. 
 contempaU'S him for some moments 
 with anxious concern; then she draws 
 mvay and shakes her head ruefuVy.) 
 
 Lyt. {Approifcfiing her.) Luciie, you 
 wiH\ marry me? {She continues to 
 shake her head ruejutly.) {Half re- 
 proachfully.) And you love me? 
 
 {Luciie with a cry of despair sinks in- 
 to a chair.) Oh Luciie! you break 
 my heart. 
 
 Luc. {Rising, and with forced calm- 
 ■neas ) No Monsieur, do not tell me 
 that It must not be. Do you know 
 what you would do? — 1 am— Oh 
 God! ( Turning away in anguish.) 
 
 Lyt. You are a woman of noblest 
 heart — that is character; you love 
 me ardently. That is euougii! 
 
 Luc. No Monsieur, that is not 
 enougt>. ^r trt Hk t " 
 
 Lyt. Luciie, I care not what the 
 world say.N- 
 
 Luc. {Interrupting) There is a mor- 
 al in what the woild says, that we 
 must heed ( The interpretation of 
 this speech is that of the calm and 
 sublime. The incentive of enobling 
 duty 6 u t«^' «< i ofifkie is greater than the 
 emotion due to self abnegation .) 
 But 'tis not what the world will say 
 of us — it is what oar hearts will say 
 unto ourselves. /\ •>t«-'^* — - woKh ^-i^ — 4«*- 
 HWU:iBH^/H^ei?si6/eHiia»-wfi4w>fy^ There 
 is a fatality in deeds — My past has 
 its i.nsup)erable barriers'. {Moving a 
 step away, then turning, and ardent- 
 ly.) Return to tiiat pure love from 
 which I alienated you. {He starts.) 
 Yes; it was told me. ( With emotion.) 
 Some time when you hold her in 
 pure emorace — no no, do not think 
 of me fheti! 
 
 {A pause; he hangs his head; she 
 moves away; he approaches; takes 
 her hand, and, is about to raise it to 
 his lips; she, ivithout withdrawing her 
 hand, intercepts the act.) 
 
 Luc. 'SV«r--?^TH*UL-^♦r^r-fcWTewwu4r--»pfHrt^ 
 
 {Site withdraws her hand and moves 
 toward the door, left; stops on reach- 
 ing the door, and puts aside the 
 drapery with her right hand. After 
 a moment, Lytton takes a step for- 
 ward, then falters. 
 
 Curtain. 
 As curtain lowers, Luciie glides se- 
 renely through door, left.) 
 
ACT IV. 
 
 4 
 
 Scene; Interior of Conservatory. (See 
 diagram, tig. 111.) Time; morning. 
 Curtain discovers Lucile at l.si posi- 
 tion [See diagram), attired in a 
 white negligee, and occupying a 
 targe reclining chair, »o stationedr 
 that-a ^quavie*'~ pvofi i& o f h sr ^ v *) 'i i \ jn 
 
 {Enter Salome, centre; attired in 
 black, a chip hat hanging about her 
 shoulders, and carrying cut flowers.) 
 
 Sal. ( Coming up to Lucile, and kiss- 
 ing her.) Precious, did you ever see 
 such lovely roses at this season? 
 Here is one I cut on purpose for youi' 
 neck. Isn't it sweet! {Fastening it.) 
 There! Wait, I'll ^et a jjIhss. {She 
 holds a mirror befora LucHe.) 
 
 Luc. How pale I am, Salome. 
 
 t^AT.. {Taking doivn the glass ) Well, 
 Precious, you have been very, very 
 ill. Did you know that it was eight 
 weeks to-day that you were thrown 
 from the carriage? {Lucile nods as- 
 sent.) You keep such strict account 
 of time, don't you? I forget all about 
 dates. — I only remember this because 
 I wrote it down. Poor mamma was 
 the same way. { Putting the remain- 
 
 der of the flowers in a vase upon the 
 table.) I wonder if the doctor will 
 let you go for a drive soon? I mean 
 to ask him when he comes this morn- 
 ing. {Returning to Lucile ) And 
 oh! what grand times we will have 
 when you get strong I have found 
 some of the cunningest nooks, where 
 we can talk, and read, and all that. 
 Precious, shall I read the paper? 
 {Lucile nods assent. Salome goes 
 over to the settee for it and returns.) 
 Isn't there a little too much draft 
 for you here? I'll have nurse move 
 you. {Going to the door, left.) Ma- 
 tilde! Oh! i came near forgetting. 
 The little son of the lady you waited 
 on down at the village came up this 
 morning to ask how you were. Poor 
 little fellow! The tears were stream- 
 ing down his cheeks. He says his 
 mother is very ill. 
 
 {Enter Matilde, left.) 
 Sal. {To Matilde.) I fear th«re is 
 too much draft here, Matilde. {Ma- 
 tilde moves Lucile to 2d position, 
 turning chair so that a three-qnart&p- 
 profile of her face can, be seen. In 
 bringing the chair forward she should 
 draw it, then turn it as on a pivot. 
 
22 
 
 Mat. Can I do any thin ^^for Made- 
 moiselle? 
 
 i^Ai.. I think not. [Appealing to Lu- 
 oi(e, who shakes her head negatively. ) 
 No, Matilde, thanks. 
 
 {Exit Matilde ) 
 Are you comfortable, Sweet? [Salome 
 teats herself, and taking up the pa- 
 per.) A noted banker of Paris is 
 dead— Milet. [Lucile raises her hand.) 
 Did you know him? 
 
 i-.UC. Yes. read it dear. 
 
 i^A.u. (Heading.) "As we go to press 
 the inielligence reaches us of the sud- 
 den death of M. Francis Milet, the 
 well-known banker of (insert street 
 and No.) We are unable to furnish 
 details, other than the deceased was 
 about entering his carriage in com- 
 pany with friends, after partaking of 
 a late supper at the (insert a fashion- 
 able and nuted restaurant,) when the 
 fell stroke came. In M. Milet the 
 community loses one of its most loved 
 and estimable citizens. He was 
 widely known and esteemed for bi©« 
 piety, benevolence and strict integ- 
 rity!" 
 
 ( Lucile raises her hand as if saying 
 that is sufficient.) 
 
 .Sal. Dear! he must have iteeji a good 
 man. 
 
 Luc. Yesn I believe he was. 
 
 Sal. (Reading.) A member of the 
 Assembly has resigned. 
 
 Luc. Who? 
 
 .S.\L. The name is somewhat blurred 
 — Deleyre, I think it is. 
 
 Luc. Bead that, dear. 
 
 Sal. (Beading.) "The Assembly was 
 thrown into something like conster- 
 nation 3'esterday, at the unexpected 
 resignation of M. Deleyre. No cause 
 is assigned, other than that private 
 enterprise renders it inconsistent for 
 him to take active part in the ses- 
 .sions."' 
 
 [Enter Matilde.) 
 
 Ma^'. (Coming up to Lucile.) Here 
 is a letter for you, Mademoiselle, It 
 was left this moment by a messen- 
 ger. 
 
 {Salome looking at newspaper ap- 
 pears suddenly agitated, unnoticed 
 by Lucile, who is contemplating the 
 address.) 
 
 -^AL. [Coming forward. Pressing her 
 heart in an agitated aside.) Mon- 
 .sieur Lytton in Pariel f Reads, 
 
 I aside.) "Captain Eugene Lytton, 
 I commanding her Majesty's ship 
 I Crimea, arrived in Paris yesterday." 
 j {Pressing her heart ) Oh! I must not 
 I let Lucile see me. [Going over to 
 I on diagram, and looking out.) 
 I Luc. I do not recognize the handr 
 i QpetT^-Mj<tttd«T--a«^i--tell'T»«-w^w»«» 
 j St4*HTftBan ( Matilde opens the letter. ) 
 I Mat. It is signed Eugene Lytton. 
 i Mademoiselle. (Lucih starta and 
 grasps the letter. Matilde attends 
 ! her anxiously. Lucile quickly re- 
 ' covers herself, and. pointing to Salo- 
 I rae,who is oblivions of this action, by 
 signs indicates that secrecy is to be 
 observed.) 
 : Sal. (Without turning.) Lncile dear, 
 i I see a little girl at the gate — I'll go 
 Swrr»-and see what she wants. [Lu- 
 cHe indicates to Matilde that Salome 
 is to go.) 
 Mat. [To Salome.) Mademcisslif, 
 yoursister says, very well. 
 ; Hal, (Still without turning.) I'll be 
 back in a few moments. 
 
 ( Exit Salome, centre ) 
 [ Luc. (Handing Matilde the note.) 
 Read it— not aloud.— Tell me, is it 
 irood lews or bad? 
 Mat. The gentleman begs you to re- 
 ceive him today at eleven. 
 Luc. [Excitedly.) What o'clock i.< 
 
 it? 
 Mat. Ten, Mademoiselle. Rut Mad- 
 emoiselle, I must l)eg that you uill 
 be calm. You are doing yourself 
 irreparable injury. Remember you 
 have internal wounrls that may 
 bleed, and that is very dangerous. 
 Luc. Yes, yes. I will — I will. Oh 
 what shall'l do? What shall I say? 
 
 : Mat. There was no ariswer waited 
 for Mademoiselle. 'lYuly, Madem- 
 oiselle, you rnu.st let me decide for 
 you. I judge from your agitation 
 thai you should not see tl)e gentle- 
 man. 
 
 Luc. Oh I must— I must— 7 must. 
 
 Mat. As j'ou love yourself, be eaini, 
 Mademoiselle. 
 
 Luc. I will— I will. Hut Matilde, I 
 must see him. 
 
 Mat. The gentleman. I am sure, will 
 wait until you are safe for such an 
 interview. I judge, Mademoiselle, 
 he would wish it so, if he knew your 
 condition. Please, Mademoiselle, let 
 me decide for yon — 1 know what is 
 best. 
 
Luc. {Calmly.) Now see, good 
 nurse, bow very calm I am. You 
 see it was only a momeut'h- agita- 
 tion. T4+6*e w?k«,_Jjaii3r^-vuj4_.,..^«r»«»n 
 w4*y-'f~&hauki— ItcT^'o ■■(*«! iv il luo . I can 
 see him, good nurs«'? {Drawing Ma- 
 filde down and caressing her.) 
 
 Mat. Monsieur Doctor will be hei'e 
 in half an hour, let him decide, 
 Mademoiselle. 
 
 Li.^C. No no no. Do not mention it 
 to bira. He is so eross, and denies 
 me everything. 
 
 Mat. Mademoiselle, you must par- 
 don me, if I say the responsibiiitv is 
 too great for me to assume. You 
 know I mean for your good. If I 
 thought it would do you good to see 
 Monsieur — 
 
 Luc. {Interrupting.) Tt will, good 
 nurse— it will 
 
 Mat. I shall see then how calm you 
 are while the Doctor is here. If he 
 does not notice that you have been 
 agitated, I think I may trust— 
 
 IjUC. Yes, yes good nurse, you may 
 trust me. Oh 1 feel stronger already, 
 that I have hopes of seeinc him! 
 
 Mat What shall I do with the let- 
 ter. Mademoiselle? 
 
 JiUC. Burn it — No no. Let me wear 
 it next my heart. It will help me to 
 tie s t ro n g— " i t U k - r o -... iia4 i y " ' " gK x H it* ^i u w i g-i 
 t*-«CTW«» {She puts the letter in her 
 botom.) 
 
 {Salome, without, sings a fragment 
 of a bar ) 
 
 Luc. She must be sent away. 
 
 Sal. I understand. Leave it all to 
 me- 
 
 {Enter Salome, centra.) 
 
 Luc. {In an undertone.) I will send 
 her to you in a few moments. 
 
 {Exit Matilde.) 
 
 SaIj {Coming forward.) Poor little 
 thing! Her papa is out of work, and 
 there is no bread in the house. 
 {Sighs.) It must be awful to be so 
 poor — It makes me quite blue to 
 hear of so much poverty. Truly, 
 Lucile, you must have been dis- 
 heartened when you would go the 
 rounds of the poor in the city. 
 Wasn't it awful? — But I must not 
 have you talk so much. I am .so for- 
 getful- — 1 think, from seeing you up, 
 that you must be well. 
 
 Luc. I am much better, Salome. 
 
 Bal. {Kneeling beside Lucile.) Oh I 
 am so happy to hear you say so! 
 You are always so downhearted — I 
 believe if you were cheerful, you 
 would get well in half the time. 
 Won't you try, Precious, for my 
 sake — you don't know how much I 
 love you! 
 
 Luc. {Smiling.) I will try. 
 
 SaL I am so hapj^io hear you say 
 that! I could not love you more! 
 
 Luc. I have long since ceased to fear 
 there might be a barrier to our love. 
 But Salome dear— suppose you want 
 to marry? 
 
 Sal. Oh Precious! don't think of that. 
 I will never marry — I would not be 
 happy to leave you. 
 
 Luc. But love is a strange thing, Sa- 
 lome. Y'ou may, almost unawares, 
 love some worthy gentleman, and — 
 
 Sal, I would not marry anyone, 
 who loved me less because you are 
 my sister. 
 
 Luc. No child, that is not the thing- 
 He might love you rvith all his heart 
 and soul — 
 
 Sal. You would say, because you are 
 my sister, he would not m<.rry me? 
 {Lucile nods assent.) Then. Lucile, 
 1 should spurn, his love, as unworthy 
 of my trust. 
 
 Luc. Are you sure? 
 
 Sal. Sure as there is a God. 
 
 Luc {After a pause.) Salome, did 
 you ever love? 
 
 Sal- {Somewhat embarassed.) No — 
 not very much anyway. 
 
 Luc. Then you have loved? 
 
 Sal. Indeed Lucile— (ZMci/e's look 
 checks her.) Really, I do not think 
 it was love. 
 
 Luc. Tell me about it, Salome. 
 
 Sal. Oh Lucile, it is such a silly 
 affair — You will laugh at me. 
 
 Luc. No, I promise you. 
 
 Sal. Now truly. Precious, you are 
 leading me to think there was some- 
 thing in the affair! It was just a 
 little bit of silly flirtation. The 
 gentleman never said he liked me. 
 
 Luc. What did your heart tell you of 
 
 yourself? How did he look at you? 
 Sal. Well I don't think he looked at 
 
 me, queer, at all.— Just like all men 
 
 look at women. 
 Luc How did you feel when he was 
 
 about? 
 
24 
 
 Sal. Just the same as ever. (Lucile 
 holds up her finger.) Honest! Hon- 
 est! Well maybe just a little difler- 
 ent. 
 Luc. And when he was not near you, 
 
 what did your heart say? 
 Sal.^ It went pit-a-pa^ip-^U^a-psU-, just 
 
 as It always does. 
 Luc. Always does? {Salome casts 
 down her eyes.) Salome, you loved 
 him dearly. {Salome bursts into 
 tears and hides her face in Lucile' s 
 lap.) Suppose you had been affi- 
 anced; then learning all, he should 
 refuse to marry you— what would 
 your heart say then'? {Salome weeps 
 loudly) You'see— I was right. {Af- 
 ter a pause.) Salome, tell me all. 
 Sal. I will, Lucile. {A pause.) 1 
 met the gentleman at a parry — it 
 wasn't much of an affair. He was 
 perhaps a little partial to me, and 
 then I met him twice again. 
 Luc. Go on, dear. 
 Sal. I don't know what else there is 
 
 to tell. I was a little fond of him. 
 Luc. Go on, dear. 
 
 Sal. What else is there to tell, Lucile? 
 Luc. He never said aught to you? 
 Sal. Not a word, Lucile. 
 Luc. Is he rich? 
 
 Sal. I don't know. I don't think he 
 is. Officers hardly ever are, are they? 
 Luc. Is he an officer? 
 Sal. Yes, a Captain in the English 
 
 navy; and oh! so handsome. 
 Luc. ( With great agony.) Oh! 
 Sal. Lucile! Lueile! {Rising.) I must 
 
 call nurse. 
 Luc. No no. {Calming.) I am better. 
 I had such a pain at my heart. What 
 did you say was his name, Salome? 
 Sal. Oh, you frightened me so, Lucile! 
 His name?— why— Lytton. 
 . {Lucile receives the information with- 
 out emotion — rather as in confirma- 
 tion of her conjecture.) 
 Luc. {Aiter a pause.) I wish, dear, 
 you would fix up a little. A gentle- 
 man will call upon me presently— a 
 friend, who has been very kind to 
 me. and I may want you to meet 
 him before he goes away. But re- 
 main close in your room, dear, until 
 Matilde calls you, for if I should 
 not mention you, and he .should 
 chance to meet you in the garden or 
 el.sewhere, he would think it very 
 strange,— and perhaps be very much 
 offended. 
 
 Sal. I understand, dear, but you are 
 talking too much. 
 
 (Salome kises her.) 
 Luc. Send nurse to me, Salome. 
 {Exit Salome.) 
 {Lucile appears as in reverie.) 
 {Enter Matilde.) 
 Luc. {To Matilde.) She will remain 
 in her room — I have arranged it so — 
 and perhaps meet the genilemari be- 
 fore he goes away. Should I put my 
 hand here {af her throat) you will 
 send Salome to me. Sit here, Ma- 
 tilde; I wish to indite a letter. 
 
 Mat. Mademoi.selle are you equal to 
 
 all these tasks? {Seating herself at 
 
 the table and getting writing material 
 
 into shape.) The Doctor is late this 
 
 I morning. 
 
 j Luc. I hope he will not come at all. 
 I {Matilde reproaches her with a look.) 
 No. — He will oul3' irritate me, for I 
 feel I do not want him. But write, 
 IMatilde! It is to my faithful Anne. 
 Say her letters please me very much; 
 but she has offended me in one thing 
 — naming her baby after me. Say 
 that the doctor has promised me 
 speedy recovery, and that I shall ex- 
 pect a vi*it from her soon. 
 
 ( The door bell sounds. ) 
 
 Mat. {Bising.) That is the doctor. 
 Mademoiselle, or — 
 
 Luc. It is Monsieur Lytton — my 
 heart tells me so. {Oiving her hand 
 to M'ltilde.) Am I not calm? You 
 shall be by and see that I will not 
 disappoint you. 
 
 Mat. I pray not. Mademoiselle. 
 {Exit, Matilde, right.) 
 {Lucile remains motionless, with her 
 eyes fixed upon the door, right. Ma- 
 tilde ushers in Lytton, who stops a 
 moment at the door, then comes for- 
 ward.) 
 
 Lyt. Lucile— let me call you so — 
 welcome me. 
 
 {She gives him her hand.) 
 
 Luc l\am happy to see you, Monsieur 
 Lytton, u\mn one condition— ih^X. you 
 assure me you are, what you appear. 
 {Matilde, who has been noting Lucile 
 at a distance, noxv glides out of the 
 room, door left.) 
 
 Lyt. If I love you Lucile, it is with 
 the warranty of Heaven — as the angel 
 of my better peace. 
 
 Luc.'^Then you may sit down. {He 
 brings a chair near her.) Now tell 
 me all about yourself. 
 
25 
 
 IjYT. I "wrty arrived in Paris yester- 
 day, after a long cruise, aud heard 
 for tiie first time of your accident. 
 How did it iiappen, Lucile? Ah, I 
 Icnovv — I have heard — yon were upon 
 a mission of mercy. But tell me, 
 uliat says the doctor? I am deeply, 
 deeply concerned in that? 
 
 Luc. That I will recover; but oh! it 
 will be Weeks ere I can go out into 
 the air. 
 
 Lyt. It will rot seem so long if I may 
 come to you now and then? Trust 
 oae, Lucile! If ever a man received 
 an unwavering impulse to whole- 
 some duty, that man was T; and you, 
 Lucile, were the inspiration. 
 
 Luc. I ara ir'deed iiappy to hear you 
 say that. I have in my heart never 
 doubted it. But bles'jiiigs were not 
 given to you alone. I owe to you a 
 new God, a new life. 
 
 IjYT. [Kissing her hand.) Oh bless 
 you for such words! 
 
 Luc. Let us speak more ot yourself. 
 Where have you been? 
 
 Lyt. To the Indies. 
 
 Luc. And tell me— I sliould like to 
 know — we may talk of such things, 
 for I shall prize your joy — tell me, 
 are you fancy free? 
 
 1..YT. Yes, I believe I am. 
 
 Luc. Let me ask. Monsieur — there 
 need be no restraint between u.s? 
 
 Lyt. It is a voucher of our good 
 faith, Lu>?ile. Ask me what you 
 like, 
 
 Luc. I agree with you, it i.s a voucher 
 of our good faith. What I was about 
 to ask— are you not then reconciled 
 to the young girl yoU loved when we 
 first met? 
 
 Lyt. It was not so much of an affair 
 as you imagined, Lucile. I met the 
 young woman but two or three times. 
 There was no troth Ijetween us— I 
 never spoke to her of my love — I do 
 not know, indeetJ, that she loved me. 
 
 Luc. 1 will not prolong the matter if 
 it is distasteful? I am interested. 
 Tell me what was she like? 
 
 Lyt. VVell, a rather demure little 
 miss, with frank blue eyes and light 
 brown hair — nothing particularly 
 striking. I do not know why I should 
 have achieved a fancy for her, except 
 that she was one of those little souls 
 that ne.stle themselves closely at a 
 man's heait, and strive to make it 
 what God meaut it should be— a pas- 
 ture of earth's sweetest joys. 
 
 Luc. Monsieur Lytton, / think you 
 
 love her yet. 
 Lyt. Oh, perhaps I do. Perhaps, if T 
 
 should meet her again, and she were, 
 
 f-s I, fancy free, I might speak of mj' 
 
 love. 
 Luc. Why do you not visit her? You 
 
 see — I am bound to know everything. 
 
 Lyt. I answer, Lucile, as freely as 
 you ask. I will tell you why — I do 
 not feel worthy of such a woman. 
 
 Luc. If you say th;it, we will resume 
 our old habit of quarreling. At least, 
 I will quarrel with you. Where 
 does she live? Is she rich? Oh, I 
 know you attach no weight to such 
 things. Is her father, too, in the 
 service? 
 
 Lyt. No; Salome is an orphan. The 
 family consist only of mother and 
 daughter. 
 
 Luc. Salonie? That is & pretty name. 
 Is the family old, and— that is, are 
 there no taints? Huch a thing might 
 be, you know, that an uncle, or a 
 great, great grandfather, perhaps, 
 had been led to the guillotine. 
 
 Lyt. [Rising.) Do you think, Lucile, 
 it would matter to me, if I loved a 
 woman, and marriage was consist- 
 ent between ourselves, what was her 
 rank, what her family, or what igno- 
 minies the past or present contained? 
 
 Luc. To a certain extent, no. I be- 
 lieve, though, from what you tell me 
 to-day, that there might be one bar- 
 rier. 
 
 Lyt. Not one, Lucile. 
 
 [Lucile puts her hand to her throat 
 —the agreed signal.) But I am afraid 
 this subject is painful — 
 
 Luc. No Monsieur. Pleaven has 
 thrown such a halo about my heart, 
 that I do not shrink from contem- 
 plating my past. I have learned that 
 there are equivalents for all the mis- 
 fortunes of life, if we but know where 
 to look, and how to persevere. Heaven 
 has been good to me. — Besides you; 
 besides my good Anne; besides my 
 own heart, it has reserved yet a bless- 
 ing for me— that of a close kin— a 
 sister. DldT ever mentwrr her? Nor^ 
 She has done what few women can 
 ^o— forgive a woman herfo/Hes. There 
 are no unhappy restraints between 
 us, Monsieur — we can look into each 
 others eyes. Here she comes— I'll 
 present you. 
 
 [Enter Salome.) 
 
26 
 
 {Lytton raiseB his eyes as Salome's 
 eyes meet his. Both start. Salome 
 casts down her eyes and appears 
 much embarrassed.) 
 Lyt. ( To iMcVe, in xzn undertone^ 
 Does she love lue,- Liucile? {I/udM 
 nods assent.) {Laying his fiand upm^ 
 hers.) Then I.tha/iik you with ath 
 my hear^TFJ {Ooing over to Salome 
 and taking her haffd. Salome, this 
 meeting, J know, is a surprise to 
 both. To me it is a happy one. Will 
 you not say as much? 
 ^BaI:: {After crp&use^j"^^---^ 
 
 {Lucile coughs violently. Both hurry 
 to her) Lucile! Lucile, darling! 
 ( She hurries to door left. ) ( Calling. ) 
 Matilde! Matilde! (She hurries back 
 to Lucile' s side ) Oh Lucile! Darling! 
 
 {Enter Matilde.) 
 "■ {Liieil^Ji£come9'-qui 
 airr)--^ 
 
 {The bell sounds.) 
 
 Mat. That is the doctor, make haste. 
 
 V ( Salome Jtifffries off, right.) -«• 
 
 Luc. [To Lytton.) When— will— you 
 
 — be — married? 
 Lyt. Soon, soon Lucile —Salome shall 
 
 uame-the d?iy. [She takes his hand 
 
 and smiles. ) 
 
 {E'A(€r Menard.) 
 
 {Coming up to the group, he looks at 
 
 Lucile, then taking Lytton' s arm leads 
 
 him a step away. Sal^»tfie falls upon 
 
 her knees at Lucile' s side.) 
 
 Sal. {Crying despairingly.) Lucile! 
 
 Lucile! Lucile! ^*v- -^ 
 
 Men. {To Lytton.) 8he bleeds in- 
 ternally. Lucile is dying! 
 Luc. Comme — il — faut. 
 
 {Lucile expires. 
 ~ {Cu/r4fm%,) ^^ -^^ .^.^ 
 
SX^PI^LEMENT, 
 
 Act. I. 
 
 A. Insert "half" 
 
 B. For "got" read "Bet" 
 
 C. Virifit-uti or Twenty-one. See 
 Ho.vle's (Tiames. 
 
 D. For "nineteen" read "eighteen" 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 A. For "of course" read "so" 
 
 B. In.sert "(Both laugh)" 
 
 C. Innert "Come." 
 
 D. For "the utmost" read "much" 
 
 E. For "Oh! charming,^'' read "Oh 
 indeedV^ 
 
 F. Insert "(A pause)" 
 
 G. Read "(Shyly) Can't you gues.'*, 
 Mademoiselle?" 
 
 H. For "careful" read "prudent" 
 
 I. Add, "And I have abouta thousand 
 francs of my own, Mademoiselle." 
 
 J. Insert "Indeed!" 
 
 K. Read "(Lueile looks at her with 
 mingled awe and incredulity.)" 
 
 L Insert, "(After a pause — ab- 
 stractly.)" 
 
 M. Insert "as" 
 
 N. Insert "(Archly)" 
 
 O. Insert "(Inlerrupting.)" 
 
 P. In.sert "(Archly.)" 
 
 Q. For "blood-thirsty" read "so 
 savage" 
 
 R. Insert "(Regretfully)" 
 
 S. Insert "(A pause. He glares 
 fieieeiyat her. 8he appears unmoved.) 
 ( Moving oft f^nd remorsefully.)" 
 
 T. Read "(Lueile appears somewhat 
 distracted; approaches the window, but 
 turns as Dub. and others enter)" 
 
 U Insert "(iSheri-ses and moves oft.)" 
 
 Act III. 
 
 A. For "with" read "at" 
 
 B. For "in your condition of mind." 
 read, "at this rate" 
 
 C. Insert "(After a pause — musing)" 
 
 D. Insert "(After a }.ause.)" 
 
 E. Insert "(Reverently,)" 
 
 F. Read "(Lueile shakes her head 
 regretfully.)" 
 
 G. Insert "quite" 
 
 H. Read "But 'Gene— May I not 
 call you 'Gene? (He smiles assent.)" 
 
 I. Insert " We shall not ivant means; 
 nor leisure for our love—" 
 
 J. Read "(A pause.)" 
 
 K. Insert "Into our quiet sphere 
 none shall intrude; no, not even to 
 mark the flow our pure love. " 
 
 L. Insert "/iw'se la /?n." 
 
 M. Read "We part, Monsieur, to /or- 
 get.'' 
 
 Act IV. 
 
 A. and B. Note— The chair should 
 be set at an angle of about 45°. At first 
 position seen from rear; at second 
 position seen ^rom front. 
 
 C- Insert "more" 
 
 D. For "happy'' read ''ihankfuV 
 
 E. Read "(Laughing) It went thump, 
 thump,^' 
 
 F. Read "(Lytton takes Lucile's 
 hands between his, presses them 
 warmly and raises them to his lips.)" 
 
 G. Read "(Exit Salome, right, hur- 
 riedly.) 
 
 Luc. (To Lytton, taking his hand,) 
 When— will— you— be— married? 
 
 Lyt. Soon, I hope, Lueile— Salome 
 shall name the day. 
 
 (She smiles.) 
 
 Luc. "Comme — il—faut. 
 
 (Enter? Menard, closely followed by 
 Sal<-me. Coming up to the group he 
 looks at Lueile, then taking Lytton's 
 arm, leads his a step away.) 
 
 S;)l. (Falling upon her knees at Lu- 
 cile's side and crying despairingly.) 
 Lueile! Lueile! 
 
 Luc. (After a brief pause.) I am — 
 better. 
 
 Men. (To Lytton ) She bleeds in- 
 ternally. LucVe 18 dying! 
 
 Luc. (Faintly.) I am— better " -- 
 
 * » S » i * 
 
 (Lueile expires.) 
 (Curtain.) 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 014 211 937 7 # 
 
LiBRftRY OF CONGRESS 
 014 211 937 7 ^