GIFT or Professor James D. Hart iSEW TEMPjiUiCE PLATS.- 15 Cents Each. iTvrtita?naBarR»i« W M»;r>«th M Temper 42 Kvadne 43 Bertram 64 The Duei»=* W Much Ad>i About Nothing *8 The Cntie VOL. VIII. W The Apostate *tber 40 Werner <9Gisinpn* TO Town and Country Tl King Lear T2 Blue Devil* VOL. X. 73 Henry VT1T 74 Married and Single 75 Henry IV 76 Paul Pry 77 Quv Mrnucrlni; 78 SwestbearU a -. Wives 7B Berir.^s J"»c\i:y 80 She 8*-oop» to Conquer VOL. XI. 81 Julius Csesar 82 Vicar of Wakefield 85 Leap Year 84 The Catspaw 85 The Passing Cloud 86 Drunkard 87 Rob Roy 88 George Barnwell VOL. XII. 89 Ineomar 90 Sketches In India 91 Two Friends 92 Jane Shore 93 Corsican Brother* 94 Mind your own Business 95 Writing on .ne Wall 96 Heir at Law VOL. XIII. 97 Soldier's Laughter 98 Douglas 99 Marco Spada 100 Nature's Nobleman 101 Sardanapalus 102 Civilization 103 The Robbers 104 Katharine and Petruchio VOL. XIV. 105 Game of Love 106 Midsummer Night's 107 Ernestine [Dream 108 Rng Picker of Paris 109 Flying Dutchman 110 Hypocrite 111 Th-rese 112 LtTfour de Xesle VOL. XV. 113 Ireland As It Is 114 sea of Ice 115 Seven Clerk* 116 Game of Life 117 Forty Thieves 118 Bryan Boroihmb 119 Romance and Reality 120 Ugolino VOL. XVI. 121 The Tempest 122*Tbe Pilot 123 Carpenter of Rouen 124 King's Rival 125 Little Treasure 126 Dombey and Son 127 Parents and Guardians 128 Jewess VOL. XVII 129 Camille 130 Married Life 131 Wenlock of Wenlock 132 Rose of Ettrickvale 33 David Copperfield 134 Aline, or the Rose of 135 Pauline [Killarney Jane Evre VOL. XVIII. 137 Night and Morning '38 ^Ethiop 39 Three Guardsmen 140 Tom Cringle 141 Henriette, the Forsaken 142 Eustaehe Raudin 143 Ernest Maltraver* 1*4 Bold Dragoons VOL. XIX. 745 Dred, or the Dismal [Swamp 146 Laei Days of Pompeii 14V Esmeralda 148 Peter Wilkin* 149 Ben the Boatswain 150 Jonathan Bradford 151 Retribution 152 Minerali VOL. XX. 153 Fren-ih Spy lo4 Wept of Wish-ton Wish 155 Evil Genius 156 Ben Bolt 157 Sailor of France 158 Red Mask 159 Life ef an Actress 160 Wedding Day VOL. XXI. 161 All's Fa» in Love 162 Hofer 163 Self 164 Cinderella 165 Phantom 166 Franklin [Moscow 167 The Gunmaker of 168 The Love of a Prince VOL. XXII. 169 Son of the Night 170 Rory O'More 171 Golden Eagle 172 Rienzi 173 Broken Sword 174 Rip Van Winkle 175 Isabelle 176 Heart of Mid Lothian ' VOL. XXIII. 177 Actress of Padua 178 Floating Beacon 179 Bride of Lamermoor 180 Cataract of the Ganges 181 Bobber of the Rhine 182 School of Reform 183 Wanderint Buys 184 Mazeppa VOL. XXIV. 185 Young New York 186 The Victim* 137 Romance after Marriage 188 Brigand d9 Poor of New York 190 Ambrose Gwinett 191 Raymond and Agnes 192 Gambler's Fate VOL. XXV. 193 Father and Son 194 Massaniello 195 Sixteen String Jack 196 Youthful Queen 197 Skeleton Witness 198 Innkeeper of Abbeville 199 Miller and his Men 200 Aladdin VOL. XXVI. 201 Adrienue the Actress 202 Undine ;03 Jessie Brown !04 Asmodeus !05 I5ormons 206 Blanche of Brandywine 207 Viola 208 Deseret Deserted VOL. XXVII. 209 Americans iu Paris 210 Victoriue 211 Wizard of the Wave 212 Castle Spectre 13 Horse-shoe Robinson 214 Armand, Mrs Mowatt 215 Fashion, Mrs Mowatt 216 Gla-_3« at New York VOL. XXVIII. 217 Inconptant 218 Uncle Tom's Cabin 219 Guide to the Stage 220 Veteran 221 Miller of New Jersey 222 Dark Hour before Dawn 223 Midsum'r Nights Dream [Laura Keene s Edition 224 Art and Artifice VOL. XXIX 225 Poor Young Man 226 Ossawattomie Brown 227 Pope of Rome 228 Oliver Twist 229 Pauvrette 230 Man in the Iron Mask 231 Knignt of Arva 232 Moll Pitcher VOL. XXX. 233 Black Byect Susan 234 Satan in Paris 235 Rosina Meadows [essl?)5 The VOL. XXXI. 241 Merrv Wives of Windsor 242 Mary's Birthday 243 Shandy Maguire 244 Wild Oats 245 Michael Erie 246 Idiot Witness 24 r Willow Copse 248 People's Lawyer VOL. XXXII. 249 The Boy Martyrs 250 Lucretia Borgia 251 Surgeon of Paris 252 Patrician's Daughter 253 Shoemaker of Toulouse 254 Momentous Question 255 Love and Loyalty 256 Robber's Wife VOL. XXXIII. 257 Dumb Girl of Genoa 258 Wreck Ashore 259 Clari 260 Rural Felicity 261 Wallace 262 Madelaine 263 The Fireman 264 Grist to the Mill VOL. XXXIV. 265 Two Loves and a Life 266 Annie Blake 2H7 Stewaid 268 Captain K>d 269 Nick of the Wood* 270 Marble Heart 27! Second Love 272 Dream at Sea VOL. XXXV. 273 Breach of Promise 274 Review 275 Lady of the* Lake 276 Still Water Runs Deep 271 The Scholar 278 Helpin : 279 Faust and Marguerite 280 Last Man VOL. XXXVI. 281 Belle's Strata.'.iux 282 Old and Young 283 Raffaella 284 Ruth Oakley 285 British Slave 280 A Life's Ransom 287 Giralda 283 Time Tries All VOL. XXXVII. 289 Ella Rosenburg 290 Warlock of the Glen 291 Zelina 292 Beatrice 293 Neighbor JackwootJ 294 Wonder 295 Robert Emmet 296 Green Bushes VOL. XXXVIII. 297 Flowers of the Fore~l 293 A Baehelur of Arts •299 The Midnight Banquet 300 Husband of an Hour 301 Love's Labor Lost 302 Naiad Queen 303 Caprice 301 Cradle of Liberty VOL. XXXIX. 305 The Lost Shi D 306 Country Squire 307 Fraud and its Victims 308 Putnam 309 King and Deserter 310 La Fiammina 311 A Hard Struggle 312 Gwinnette Yaughaa VOL. XL. 313 The Love Knot [ Judge 314 Lavater, or Not a Bad 236 West End, or Irish Heir 237 Six Degrees of Crime 238 The Lady and the Devil 239 Avenger.or Moor of Sici- 40 Masks and Faces jly Heart (Catalogue continued on third page of cover.) 316 Coriolanus 317 The Winter's Tale 318 Eveleen WiUon 319 Ivanhoe 320 Jonathaa in England NO. IV. WEMYSS' ACTING DRAMA, Hazardous Geomd. %n #rigiita( atmjjtatioit hi ^0ur SUts, From Victoria Sardon's " Nos Bono Villegeios," By AUGUSTIN DALY, Author of '* Under the Gaslight," " Griffith Gaunt," " Taming a Butterfly," etfw AXITHOIfS EDITION. To Managers and Others. — Every Manager and Member of the Theatrical Profession is notified that all of Mr. Daly's Plays are copyrighted, and that no one may produce or play in these Dramas without the permission of the author. Those ignorant of the fact are hereby reminded that by publishing these copy- righted plays, the author loses none of his power over them, and his rights are as 6trong, legally, as in unpublished and manuscript plays. NEW YOEK: W. C. WEMYSS, PUBLISHER, No. 3 Abtor Place. 18G8. CAST OF CHARACTERS.— [Hazardous Ground.] Park Theatre, March, 1367. The Baron Mr. F. B. CoMWAl. Mom. Macaire [A Parisian— seeking in the vil- lage of Bousey,that peace and purit)' which is said to exist only in the country.] Mr. Chippendalh. ■ factor Macaire [his Son.] Mr. Saville. V e Commissary of Police of the district of Bousey . . . Mr. Styles. Fubbard [Apothecary — chief poisoner of the public mind, and head-centre of the great Bousey Rebellion.] Mr. E Lamb. Granchou [The Village Watchman, and chief of the Fire Department of Bousey.] Mr. Wrej?. Piparte [The Blacksmith.] Bobosse [Maker of Candies to the youth of Bousey.] Grono [The Gardener.] Perelte [The Barber of Bousey.] Mr. Parker. Pauline [The Baron's Wife.] Miss Benedict. Aline [Her Sister.] «/.•..»,...«...«.».*..•.•..-... Miss F. B. Conway. La Mariotte. .^. . . . r : .1 . } ... -V.t . ; . I ,\* . : . : . . . Mrs. Henri. Chonchon .*..?.....".. ' «. Mother Perdte m ]^..l.lj>r.**l .;.*.\ \ *. • . « . . X . t"t . .* " 'JMrs. Howard. Entered accorlingto A(\ flf Con5r#>s,1n thle yearl8(!S. of W? C Wemyss. in the Clerk's Office ot the Tinted States for the Southern District of New York. RELATIVE POSITIONS, EXITS, &c. R., means Right; L., Left ; R. 1L, Right Hand; L. H., Left Hand ; C, Centre ; S. E., (or 2d E.,) Second Entrance ; U. E., Up- per Entrance ; M. D., Middle Door ; F., the Flat ; D. F., Door in Flat ; R. C, Right of Centre ; L. C. Left of Centre. R. II. C. C. L.C. I, %* The reader is supposed to be upon the Stage, facing the audience. HAZARDOUS GROUND. ACT 1. SCENE I. — Interior of Perette's Barber Shop. In l. f. an immensely wide icindow opening upon the Village xchich is seen beyond. Aiming over the window outside. Door in R. F. , and over fanlight is painted, Pe- bette. Baeber. Cheap prints on the icalh — washing place near window. Ttco loio barber chairs, r. and l. At rise of curtain, one chair is occupied by Grono, who is being touched up by Pebette, and the other by a small boy, who is being shampooed by Moth- er Perette. Piparte is by window, his feet on ledge, smoking a short pipe, and Bobosse is seated on a three-legged stool, reading an old paper. Lively music, as a party of gaily dressed villagers pass the window outside- • dancing as they go. Fip—S&y, are you going to keep us all day, and the women off to the festival already ? Per [To Mother P.] Look sharp, old lady ! There's no time to spare; we've got half the villagers to shave yet, and it's nearly ten o'clock. Moth P If I hadn't commenced to fuss with this little wretch I might have been through with Bobosse and Piparte by this time. Per You'll never be done till you make that child howl. Stick a, little soap in his eye, and you'll find him ready to get up. Boy You'd better not ; my father's head fireman, and he won't see me abused. Moth P [Lifting him from chair by hair, and dragging him to basin.] There, dip your head in that, and keep your mouth shut. Per Excuse me if I hurry, but on festival day — Gro Oh, hurry as much as you please ; though all I care for is the firewcrks, and they don't come off till night. Moth P [Back to her chair.] Now then, whose turn next ? Bob and Pip [Starting up together.] Mine! Moth P [Stropping razor.] One at a time ! I've got two hands, but only one razor. Bob [a] I am the superior in rank; I'm second marshal in the procession. Pip [a] I was here first ! M105143 4 HAZARDOUS GROUND. Enter Granciiou, in great hurry, divesting himself of his coal and hat. Gran Did I hear Mother Perette calling out for a customer ? J'ip Yes, and she has two. Gran All the better for business ! [Seats himself in chair; at each sidt sterttfBoibssE and,Y.'PAvtE<] pome, hurry, or I shan't be in time for the procession." •'■ ' L '* I ~ Pip I 5eg your pardon ! '[Granchou turns and bows politely.] Bobossc anl r were- just disputing' who sh/ould have the chai?. Gtfi&Aba were vou ? 'Well, I'm glad to settle your dispute so tas-ily. ' n? take it'mysel'f. Bob But that's not fair. Gro [Getting down from his chair.] Fair or not, I'd like to see you budge Granchou when he's once in possession. [Goes up. Pekette puts aivay razor, and prepares to go out. Pip Oh ! I'm not quarrelsome, but the festival — Gran And what would the festival be without its firemen 1 and what would the firemen be without me, their chief ? Pip Bah ! you and your firemen are all very proud because that aristocrat, the Baron, 'has given you new hats and an engine ! If you were a true villager you'd scorn the gift. Gran You talk like an idiot ! Of course, as independent citizens we scorn the Baron, but as poor firemen we take all we can get. Bob If it had been Flibbard, he would have treated the gift with lofty contempt. Gran Ah ! but everybody is not a Flibbard. Pip If we only had him" for our mayor, now ! Bob Instead of this haughty Baron — Pip We would soon take down these aristocrats. Gran Yes, with Flibbard at our head, and Freedom for our watch- word ! [Rising.] Glorious thought ! [Pip and Bob rush for the chair, but Granchou re-seats himself] No you don't. [Exit Grono, laughing. Moth P Come, come, who is to be shaved ? Pip [To Granchou.] Come, give way ! Bob Father Perette, I appeal to you. Gran This selfishness ! Wait till your house burns— Bob and Pip He threatens us ! [Both fly at Aim, Flibbard enters; nose glass on, pen behind ear, apron in front, no coat, documents in hand. Flib Whence this commotion ? Gran, Pip and Bob Mr. Flibbard ! Flib My friends, why will you indulge in these small broils when the great stake is the honor, the virtue, and the prosperity of the whole district of Bousey, — threatened every moment while these aristo- crats are in power. We must be firm ; we must be active. Our liberties are invaded. Bobosse, you are a confectioner ; do the aris- tocrats of this noble village ever buy their candies of you ? Bob No, they send to Paris for them. Flib Our domestic products slighted for foreign importations ! You, Granchou, are a gardener ; does the Baron buy turnips of you ? Gran No ; he grows his own cabbages. Flib Reckless disregard of the commercial interests of the village. HAZARDOUS GROUND. 5 Who have we to thank for all this ? "Who is the haughty tyrant that grinds us under foot ? who is the usurper ! An aristocrat ! a Baron ! Ha ! ha ! our Mayor ! A rich creature who pretends that he is not proud, and insults us by making us gifts, and parades his high birth by being six feet high, when we are only five feet five. Moth P That's so, Mr. Flibbard ! Flib My friends, I am a man of the people, I am one of you. Heaven has made me more brilliant and talented than you ; education has made me n*ore intellectual ; intermixture with society has made me more polished; but do I scorn you for it ? No ! I descend to your level, I mix with you. I say to you, you are my friends, is it not so ? Gran, Pip, and Bob It is ! It is ! [Flibbard goes up and sits in Mother P'b chair, as others gaze ai him. Flib Come, let us be shaved ; the hour passes. Moth P Directly, sir. Flib Not you, old woman ! Where is your husband ? I am a man, and must be shaved by my equal. Gran, Pip, Bob Noble sentiment ! [Exchange looks of admiration. Per [Going off v.. c] Excuse me, Mr. Flibbard, but I have to go out. to shave Mr. Morrison, at the new cottage. Flib Morrison, the Parisian, the neighbor of the Baron ? Gran The new aristocrat, who is so rich and so proud ? Per That's the one, neighbor. Flib Stay, misguided man ! Shave the friend of the people, and let the aristocrats import their barbers, as well as their candies. Gran, Pip, and Bob Beautiful sentiment ! [Same play as before. Per Yes, it's a beautiful sentiment, but the money I shall get will be better. Flib [Sentimentally. ] Lost to patriotism ! Lost ! Choxchox, very frowzy and girlish, entering ; plenty of ribbons. Cho [Running against Perette.] 0, you are always in the way. Per Well, what do you want ? Cho I want my waterfall I left yesterday to be frizzed. [Turns and ,>•<« Graxchou and Bobosse grinning, and boning to her.] La ! are you there ? Per I don't know anything about your waterfall. Mother Per- ette, attend to this goose. [Exit r. c. Gran How lovely you look this morning. Bob You will be the belle. Gran You will dance with me. Oho I shall be very glad, I'm sure, if I get my waterfall. Moth P Come, I'll get it for you. Don't stand fooling there, yon little imp. Lord! just out of short clothes, and making eyes at the men already. [Exit Choxchon in siced confusion, after Mother P., l. 2 e. The men having boiced her old, come down nudging each other. Flib Friends, do not permit the blandishments of women to blind 6 HAZARDOUS GROUND. you to your nobler duties. [Then become grave instantly .] Women are beautiful, but they have no vote. Therefore, useless, and to ho disdained. All Beautiful sentiment ! [Same play]. FUh One more danger threatens. The aristocrats have even en- grossed our friend, the barber. Ah ! if he were a true patriot what a service he could render. Summoned to the Baron— for instance- as a barber, he would have the usurper in his power. The idea is appalling, but vast. [Granchou feels his throat uneasily. Gran Yes, too vast ; don't let us think of it. Pip And then who would succeed him ! All Ah! who? Plib Is there no one you can think of ? Bob [Timidly.] Granchou I Flib [Hastily.'] An excellent man ! but too fiery ! too hasty. We want caution. [Shakes Granchou affectionately by the tend. Gran Piparte, hey ! Flib [Same.] A great man ! a great man ! But the cares -of politics — too exciting ! It would kill him. [Same play with Pipartb. Pip How about yourself, Mr. ? Flib My friends, language fails me in acknowledging the great honor you have done me. To be named by you as the successor of the Baron, as your future mayor, is dignity enough. But to be thus nominated, without a dissenting voice, is a glorious answer to my detractors and calumniators, wherever and whoever they may be. I accept the important trust you have confided to me. You shall be a happy and united people. I— excuse these tears ! My friends— my friends — [Drops his arm on Granchou' s slioulder, arid buries his head in it as ht grasps Pipartb by the hand. Bob But the Baron is mayor yet. Flib That word recalls me. I am a man again. Let the Baron look to himself. Gran Ah ! I can take care of him. If I should only spread a cer- tain report concerning him and his household, he would soon be glad to lly from our scorn and leave the field to us. All A report! Gran Yes, of what happened in his garden last night. Flib His garden ! Pip and Bob Last night ! Gran [After assuring himself that they are alone.] I was crossing his grounds about eleven o'clock last night, to go and fish in his pond, when there jumped over the wall of the private garden, and upon me — a young man ! Flib A villager ! Gran A Parisian — I know by his boots— I felt them. Flib And his face Gran I couldn't see it. As I was picking myself from the ground he knocked my hat over my eyes and was gone. Ffiib Humph ! Gran An hour later I again came upon him. I caught at his coat, HAZARDOUS GROUND. 7 and he knocked me into the water. "When I crawled out. the Baron's wife was just disappearing among the trees, near the house, and the young man was gone. [All look at each other. Flib [Using snuff-box.] The Baron's wife ! Are you sure ? It might have been her sister. You know they are both young, and about the same height. Gran Well, I only saw her walk, and it might have been Flib [Looking around at them.'] No ; the sister has no lover ! If she had, he would come to see her in broad day. The young man who jumps over a wall at midnight comes after another sort of person. I always find that men risk their necks for what they ought not to have. Gran It must have been the wife. Flib This is a serious business. Our purity is invaded. Friends — ■ as members of the common council of Bousey, I address you. [They straighten up.] Is this degradation to be permitted ? Who is this cul- prit — this young man ? Have you no clue, Granchou ? Gran I found in the grass by the pond a hat dropped by the Paris- ian in his fright. [Produces it from his breast. Flib An important detail ; Guard it carefully, and let us look care- fully in the festival to-day, for the owner. Enter La Mariotte, it. c, smartly dressed, bustling, and goes down to chair, seizes razor, and begins, stropping. Dialogue through business. All the men (luster round her. Ciioxcuox, who appears at L. 2 E. , ivith enormous water- fall on, is quite neglected. La M Good morning, friends. All waiting for me. Well, I'll be ready in a turn. Cho Ahem ! ahem ! [Fixing waterfall, no attention paid to her. Flib [To La M.] My child, you look charming. Gran I am down for the first three dances with you at the ball to- night, you know. Flib You are to sup with me, you know. Bob You'll be the prettiest girl out to-day. Cho Oh ! the wretches. I say, Mariotte, you are very busy there, aint you ? he ! he ! La 31 Yes. wouldn' t you like to help me a little at this sort of work, Chonchon ? do Ugh ! you ugly thing ! Everybody is pulling at your skirts — you won't keep them clean long, I'm afraid. G ran [Going up] Why, Chonchon. Cho [Boxing his ears.] Get out of the way. [Exit, with her waterfall coming off. La M Now then, whose turn first ? [Rolls up her sleeves and takes up the lather.] I'm ready to go to work — who is it ? All III! [Grand rush. Fiib [a] One moment! Rank takes precedence every where. The future mayor is to be shaved first. Gran But I thought you insisted on being shaved by an equal ! 8 HAZARDOUS GROUND. Flib Well, Mariotte may not be an equal, tut she's a good match for any man. La M [Making lather vigorously.] Bring on the mayor, then. I'm ready for him. [Flibbard lakes chair with grace. In all the following scene, Flibbard en- deavors to preserve easy grace, while La M. is brusque and mischievous. Gran Do hurry up, Miss Mariotte. Pip It is already time we were off Boh The festival will begin without us. Flib [Who is now entirely lathered, scoops out place to talk, and bolts up.] The festival canuot begin without its grand marshal. [La M. pulls him back, and strcn>s razor to begin. Gran But the young man may escape us. Flib [Same play.] If he escapes to-day, we will find him to-night. La 31 Do be quiet. [Same play — takes him by the nose and commences to shave. Gran Yes, in the Baron's garden— he is sure to be there again. La M [Pausing, and holding nose.] What are you talking about ? The Baron's garden— to-night— a young man ? Gran Perhaps it's your beau ; you wait on the Baroness every night. Does your beau jump over the Baron's garden wall ? L,a M No, nor no other person. Gran Oh ! but I beg your pardon ; I saw him. Flib Excuse me, if this parley is to continue, will you release my nose. La M When did you sec a young man ? Gran Last night. I saw him, and I felt him. La M It is false, I say it is false. You vile slanderers— Flib Be calm, my child ! It is not you who are compromised. La M Who, then? Flib Who but that importer of foreign vices, the compter of social morals — the Baroness. La M [Menacing him with razor.] The Baroness ! I'd as lief you'd abuse me as her. I ought to cut your nose off this moment, you old wretch ! Flibbard starts up in alarm ; the others also scatter in dismay, as she menaces them.] And all of you ! you prying, cowardly, slanderous brutes. The baroness is as virtuous as she is generous; and the Baron is too noble and good to be abused. What have they both not done for you and your children and the poor of the place ? [Threatening, c. Flib [l. c. ; Others huddled about him.] Councilmen of Bousey be firm ! Why, Mariotte, there would be nothing strange if the Baroness did have a beau. The Baron is twice his wife's age. La M Yes, he's forty and she's twenty, and they love each other ko that I begin to think that is the right sort of match after all. [Throwing away razor, and turning down sleeves.] There. You may go withoutshaving to-day, or scrape yourselves. 1 won't ever touch one of you again. And I'll go and warn the Baroness of your spy- ing and lies into the bargain. [Exit Flib [Still lathered, c] We are safe. This girl is in league with tho enemy ; but we must form a plan. We must devote ourselves to th HAZARDOUS GROUND. 9 task. Let us watch the Baron's park night and day, especially night. This young man will go there again. I have always found that when a young man ought not to go somewhere again, he does. You Granchou, and you, my friends, must watch the house; I will aid you. To-night we will begin. If we discover the villain we raise the neighborhood and cover the aristocrat with the shame that must ensue. Then, the municipal reform is complete. We regene- rate Bousey. Is it agreed ? AU It is. Flib Swear. All We swear. [ Very distant festival music. Hector appears at back, looking about him. S&cn through window. Flib [Looking back.] Sh ! a stranger ! A fop ! no doubt a Parisian, one of our hereditary foes. Gran [Same.] Ha ! [Flib and others look at him.] That coat — I know that coat. The garden wall last night ! Flib The cap ! [Granchou j^'oduces it.] We will try it on him ! Fnter Hector, sauntering ; the others retreat, l. Hec Tbis is the shop, but where is the pretty maid ? [Sees others, and bursts out laughing at Flibbard, who tries to ivipe his face.] Who the deuce have we here ? He looks like one of the Alpine hills, whose summit is covered with snow. [Flibbard assumes an air of dignity and suavity, and he and Granchou approach Hector, Granchou holding the cap behmd him. Flib Good morning, sir. You are just arrived in our village ? Hec [Looking suspiciously at him.] Yes. Flib This morning, perhaps. Hec Perhaps. Flib Then you have not been able to see all the beauties of the place. The women of Bousey are said to be lovely. Hec I'm glad to hear it, for the sake of the men of Bousey. Gran, crosses to other side and behind him. Flib And our streets ! our cottages ! our piarks— and gardens ! Gran Particularly the Baron's ! [Hector looks from one to the other, then shrugs his shoulders. Flib By night, the parks are superb. Gran Yes ; about eleven at night ! [Hector glances fiercely at each. Flib But in visiting the parks it is necessary to have a large col- lection of hats — one is so apt to lose them when jumping the walls. [Music increasing. Hec Fellow ! [Aside.] Am I known, then ? Have they recognized me ? Flib Your hat does not seem to fit you ; we have excellent hatters iu Bousey. Granchou, can't you supply the gentleman ? [Hector turns fiercely on Gran. , who presents hat. Gran Try this one. [Hector starts.] I found it last night, in the garden walk, near the fish-pond, about eleven ! 10 HAZARDOUS GROUND. llec [Seizing the hat, and choking Granchou.] Rascal! don't breathe another wonl, or I'll choke you. [Rel:ixing—and low.] Say nothing of this, and if you want money — [Puts hand in pocket. _ Flib [Restraining him ] We are members of the Common Council, and arc not to be bought ! [Hector, in rage, takes r. corner. Gran [Crossing to others, L.] It is he. Ilec [r. c] Hark ye ! my good fellows ! you all seem to be en- gaged in this little comedy. Now, listen to me. If any of you— or you, or you, [Pointing his finger at each.] even cross my road, or breathe a word of me to a single soul, I'll make dead men of you, and put a monument over your graves, inscribed to the memory of meddlers. [Music, forte. Flib The safety of Bousey calls us, my friends ! let us go ! [The village girls seen at the opening, repass at back uith wreaths and banners. The conspirators rushing for entrance, r. c, encounter Hector, who stands in doorway, barring their exit, and bowing to girls. Jlisery of the conspir- ators. Scene closed in. SCENE II. — The Baron's grounds, icith vieio of Mansion in distance through frees. The wall of the private garden at lj. and L. Overhanging trees, and little green gate ; cut wood, 1st grove — twilight. Enter Baron, very richly dressed, with cane ; followed by old Macaire, with fishing rods, flies, and other fancy traps and basket, L. 1 E. Bar So you've had poor luck with your line ? Mac Several bites, but not a catch. I was worried to death by the villagers, who seemed to think my fishing in the waters an outrage. Bar Yes, they consider that such easements should be enjoyed by ns with anything but ease. I tell you, neighbor, one must come to the country to know it. Until I lived in this village I never rightly appreciated the people of the rural districts. Now I do. Such is their love of virtue that they condemn everything from the city indiscriminately, until they succeed in imitating it. My poor wife came here a month ago from her tour of the Pyrenees with her sister. Bousey howled at the length of their trains, and the style of their hair ; and the week after every woman of the place had a train twice as long, and enough curled hair on to stuff a sofa. Mac [Laughing.] Only tell Hector all this, and he will devise some plan to pay back your mischievous friends, I'll warrant. Bar Oh ! Hector is your son, of whom you have spoken to me. Has he arrived yet ? Mac This morning only, fresh from Paris, and came directly to me. Ah ! he loves me so much. Bar He is a student still ? Mac No, already a lawyer, and only twenty-four. B'ir You must bring him to the house. I shall be glad to know him. Mac A. splendid fellow. So noble! so ingenuous-— so truthful so light-hearted, and noif a vice: think of that— not a vice, HAZARDOUS GROUND. 11 and twenty-four. But, [Confidentially.'] He, he— he is in love!' Yes, in love. He confessed all to. me. A charming creature, bru- nette, young, lovely — but then he sighed as he described her. Bar [Smiling.'} Ah ! she does not return his passion. Mac Oh, yes — but an obstacle. I tried to get him to say what kind of an obstacle, but he wouldn't. Then, there is a complica- tion, too. Bar A complication ! Mac Yes ; it seems that the young lady has a sister, and this sister loves him, and it seems he has been so agreeable to the sister — Bar That she fancies he loves her alone ! Mac Exactly ; two sisters and only one beau. It is terrible. Bar No, it is laughable. Which does he love best ? Mac I don't believe he could tell himself. Bar Well, well, we shall soon know. We will subject him to the scrutiny of the Baroness, who is very sage, and to Aline, who is very roguish, and then we must see whether this obstacle can't be re- moved. Mac That is the Baroness herself who comes yonder, is it not ? [Looking r. 1 e. Bar [Sa?ne.] No, but simply, the best little woman in the world — Enter Pauline, r. 1 e., icilh light scarf over shoulders, and in elegant walk- ing dress. Macaire removes his hat and bows. Baron holds out both hands -smilingly, and she goes to him. Bar How lovely you do look, to be sure. Pau That is the tenth time you have told me so to-day. Good day, Mr. Macaire ; have you been fishing on this great festival day in Bousey ? Mac I have been trying to fish, inadame. Pau [To Baron.] And you— why are you not on the great square, receiving the plaudits of the firemen at the head of their new en- gine ? Bar My dear child, I have just returned from my triumphal recep- tion. They cheered me until they were hoarse, but from the loud- ness of the shouts, I felt that the cries came from their lungs, and not from their hearts. Is luncheon ready? Pau [ Who has been looking round absently.] Yes, Aline will be there to pour out your chocolate. Bar Who are you looking for ? Pau Oh! I !— no one— for Aline. She promised to overtake me here. Bar Then how is she to pour out my chocolate, if she is to meet you here? Pau She and I will return together. Bar Then you will both pour out my chocolate, and I shall be the best served gentleman in France. Come, neighbor, let us discuss Bousey together over a cup of chocolate. [ Exeunt through gate, Pauline looking after them 12 HAZARDOUS GROUND. Enter Hector, l, 2 b. Hcc [Cautiously.] Are you alone ? J'aii Imprudent one ! You here again, and so near the house? Ilec Oh, there is nothing to fear, it is only at night there is dan- ger. Pail You were not seen last night ? Ike Quitting the park after the interview I stole so cunningly from you— the first since your flight from me, two months ago, 1 saw the watchman— Pau [Excited.] He discovered you ? Ilec No, hut as I leaped the wall near the stream I tumbled on a man fishing. Pau And then ? Ilec And then — I tossed him into the water, and escaped without heing recognized. Pau Thank Heaven ! and now, sir, you must coine here no more. Nay, you must keep in your house all day, lest you should be iden titled by those who saw you. JIcc Have no fear. We are safe. But I must see you again. Pau No ! no ! Ilec Yes, to-night. I will steal over the little gate again and meet you. Pau You dare not, sir ! Ilec Ah, what is there love docs not dare. Pau Never mention love to me again. I lied from you before when you were pursuing me with your attentions ; yesterday you appeared before me, having tracked me home. I have never been culpable until last night, when I consented to speak with you alone, thinking to persuade you to leave me at peace. I will not be culpable agaiD, neither to-night, nor to-morrow, nor ever. We shall see each othtv no more. Ilec At least— Pau Farewell. Ilec No, not farewell—for we shalll meet again. Pau Do not think it. [Exit through gate. Ilec [Solus.] Of course she couldn't say less than that. She mus/ be coy and backward. But then she remains so— just as when I met her in the Pyrenees— spent a month in her society, and thought my- self in heaven every time she smiled towards me, but never anything but a smile ; no impression in the world apparently. But she fled from me. That told me she feared to trust herself, and said to me all that is needed is perseverance. Then I find her here — coy and backward, and still the same disposition to fly, and no disposition to tell her husband or her sister. Her sister ! Aline ! rosy, happy, roguish ! Now, how the deuce was it that I didn't fall in love with Aline ? At least I did all I could. I pretended to in order to be in Pauline'* company on our travels. Innocent little saint ! It would be motit despicable in mc to deceive her any more. At least I can keep out of her way. HAZARDOUS GROUND. 13 Aline [Outside, l. 2 e.] Baron ! Baron ! wait a minute, I'm out of breath. Hec Fate ! Too late ! [Aline runs in, her hat hanging by ribbon from her neck, ribbons streaming, dressed in white. AH Oh ! Baron, I thought you were lost. Hec For a Baron lost, behold a lover found ! Ali {Joyfully. 1 Oh, is it you? Is it really you ? Jiec It is I. Ali What a surprise ! Oh, I'm so glad to see you again. Hec Of course you say so because I have come. Ali [Primly.] Really ! [As before."] You have not forgotten me, then ? Hec To be sure I've not. Ali I waited so long for you. Hec [Surprised.] Waited.' Ali For eight days after we went away from you so suddenly in the mountains, you never left my mind. Hec It was a magnetic feeling. Ali But come into the house ; we ought not to stop here to talk, like two neighbors, at a gate. Hec But I like to, — and we are neighbors. My father lives just over there. [Pointing l. Ali Mr. Macaire ? Hec Yes. Ali [Clapping her hands.] O-o-h ! Do you ' know 1 was twenty times on the point of asking him if he was not your father, but I was so afraid ! I tried, but I became red all at once ; but we are great friends. He I made him buy his little house. Ali So as to be here? He Of course. Ali Oh, that is so nice ! From my chamber I can look into your garden . Hec You are on the firet floor. Ali No, that is my sister's room, all at the left. Hec Pauline's ? Ali Yes, just over the garden. Hec [Aside.] Ah ! very well. Ali And now tell me — sh ! ever so low, — tell me, have you not said anything to your father of me, — nothing— nothing ! L Hec [Smiling] Not yet. To-morrow. Ali You think I won't please him ? Hec Ah ! what an idea. You ! Ali It must have been instinct, for do you know that every time I met him I answered his salutation with my prettiest smile— and I can smile prettily when I want to, can't I ? [Hector kisses her hand.] When he came to pay my sister his visit of welcome, I tried so to please him, I was so amiable, and so nice, — Oh ! you don't know how gracious I was. [Xestling nearer Hector.] for it seemed to me that a voice said to me, "Aline, try and please this man, for he will make your happiness," and I believe I succeeded. 14 HAZARDOUS GROUND. the I'm sure you did. AH Besides, he is so good. I'm sure he indulges you. Hec A little. Ali And you abuse it. [Parts from him. He Sometimes. AM Fie ! that's wrong. See there how hard it is for one to show how much they love. See what comes of it. I know, so I dissimu- late with you. I make believe I don't care. He Yes, you keep me at a distance ; you are always cold. Ali [Running to him.] Me ! why I thought I was too bold. Hec Ah ! that— Pauline [Outside.] Aline! Ali It is sister calling. I am going. Hec Already ! [Aline runs out through gate.] What a darling little saint ! Can I resist loving her ? but then — [Aline appears looking over the. wall. Ali Go round by the walk, there; sister will introduce you to the Baron. Hec [Quickhj.] No, no ! not vet. Ali [Pouting.] Why not ? Hec I will tell you some other time— to-morrow. Ali But I must tell my sister I have seen you. Hec Why, what need of that ? Ali Oh ! I don't like to fib ; and then what good are these mys- teries ? We have built up a crowd of projects. You are a young gentleman, I am a young lady ; you are going to ask for my hand ; it will be given to you, and we will be happy. Is not all that nat- ural and simple? Hec Yes, yes. Ali Well, then I will go and tell my sister all. [About to go. Hec [Quickly.] Not to-day, I beg of you. Ali [Stojping.] But when ? When will you come and be pre- sented ? Hec As soon as I can. Ali To-morrow, then. Hec To-morrow, yes, to-morrow. Ali With your father. Well, take the hey. [Throws it to him. Hec The key ? Ali Yes, of this little green gate. It shortens the walk for you, [Archly.] and as I hope that after this you will come every day, and oftener— Hec Oh, indeed I will. Ali [Pouting.] Because I don't like to see you this way by stealth. We have the air of loving on the verge of an abyss. Hec Just as we used to on the Pyrenees. Ali At the Pyrenees you gave me your arm, and here you do not tven give me your hand. Hec Oh yes, but I will — [Running to Iter. Mi. Don't ! I don't want you to. Ike Oh yes! Alt >••>. I'm going to run away. Don't look that way. You look HAZARDOUS GROUND. 15 as if you'd eat me. [ Whispers, ai Hector turns away.] Hector, I'm going, I'm going. [Disappears, laughing. Ilec By Jove, when I'm with her a quarter of an hour, it is she alone that I love. [Pause. 1 A reasonable man would not hesitate. He would close his heart to the guilty love, and open it to the pure which offers itself to him so gently. But I'm not a reasonable man. Where is the key ? [Picks it up.] Who ever heard of a young fellow of twenty-three who was reasonable ? And yet Aline ! But I have the key, and to-night, — I leave the rest to to-night. [Exit l. 2 e. ACT II. SCENE . — Drawing Room at the Baron's house. Open doors c. and r, and l. c. , leading to grounds and terrace. Doors to inner apartment, R. and l. Table 0. It is dark, and there are three lamps ligked about the place. On L. table, icith Baron's hat and cane. Lounge R. At table supping choco- late, Pauline, the Baron and the Commissary. Bar And so you have to go to the next village, Mr. Commissary of Police. Com Yes, a dark affair. A jealous husband, who killed a lover of his wife with a scythe. Pau How horrible ! and the wife Com Oh ! he did nothing to her. Bar That was wrong ; because the most criminal of the two was the woman. Com Then you would have spared the lover ? Bar Oh, no ! the woman first — the lover next ; or, even both at once. Your man was a blunderer ; while he was in for it he should have done for both at once. Com You are ferocious ! Does the Baroness recognize her hus- bat d under this aspect ? Bar She is of my opinion. Is it not so ? Pau Doubtless ! Bar Why, what is the matter, my dear ? you are pale ? Pau Yes, this headache which will not leave me, and th^xlor of the cigar Bar [Rising.] Ah, I ask pardon, my darling. I forgot we were in your loom, and two paces from your chamber. Pau No, stay where you are, I will go out in the air. [Exit through grounds. Ccm What a splendid necklace the Baroness has on. Bar Yeg, that amiable Flibbard enlarges upon them in his speeches to the Common Council, on " Luxury in High Places." Alink cn'erivg. L. Alt Where is Pauline ? IG HAZARDOUS GROUND. Com Good evening, Madamoiselle. Bar Your sister is in the park, to take the air. Do you know, my darling, that she does not go to the hall ? Ali [Pouting.'] Then I will go with old Madame Boutille. Bar That will do, and I will go to hed. Ali And let all the villagers say you were too proud to come to their hall. You think you are too popular already ; do you ? Bar You are right. Well, I will go. Ali And you must dance. Bar 0, hy Jove ! All Yes, you must ; just as I'm going to [With an air.] out of devotion to the municipal cause. Com It would he a popular movement, Baron. Bar Well, then, I will dance. Ali Ah ! I knew you would. And I'll run off and finish my toi- let. But you needn't wait for me. Good bye. [Kissing him.] How funny it will he to see you dance with Chonchon. [Exit, laughing. Com And I am off to my unpleasant duty. Bar Come back to the ball when you get through and we will sup together. [Exit Commissary Police, r. c. Enter La Mariotte, l. La M Oh, Mr. Baron, there is a deputation outside come to wait on you. Bar A deputation ! La M Yes, of the Common Council. Bar Good. Let them in, and lock up the spoons. Enter Flibbard, Graxchou, drunk, between Bobosse and Piparte. Bar Well, gentlemen. Flib Mr. Mayor, Ave have come Gran Hear ! hear ! Pip Hush ! Gran Silence ! Question ! Down with aristocrats ! Who has got the floor ? Motion. Bar I think, my good fellow, as you seem to have the floor, you had better make a motion — towards the door. Flib §fb others, aside.] Take that fool out. Gran No, sir ! I will not, sir ! Bar [Going to table and taking his cane.] You will not? Gran Yes, sir, I will, sir! A sense of duty to myself calls me away. [Exit uith Piparte and Bobosse. Bar Ah, you remain, Mr. Apothecary ! [La Mariotte doses door at back, and exits. Flib I remain, Baron, for I have some serious things to say. Bar [Going to table and lighting cigar.] Ah ! Do you smoke ? Flib A thousand thanks, Baron. I never tried but once— ah ! the very thought Bar [Sitting.] Well, sir, aud your errand. HAZARDOUS GROUND. 17 Flib To come to the point, I am delegated, Baron, by the notables of the village, to express to you with every delicacy, the profound antipathy you inspire throughout the district. Bar Thank you for your delicacy. So I inspire antipathy, do I ? Flib 0, tremendous ! But it is not to be avoided. There are some faces that we will not take to — while others — for instance mine 1 I have only to make my appearance ; they adore me ! Bar It is a gift of nature, Flibbard. Flib A gift of nature. Bar Well, to come to the end. You came to propose Flib I came to propose to you in good faith, Mr. Mayor, that you should hand in your resignation. Bar Well, and if I yield to this desire— my successor ; may I ask — who — will it be you ? Fib It will be I. I lead the people. They adore me. You were not at my last conference. Bar No. Flib So much the worse for you. It was a scence. I had some moments of inspiration. [Taking up position.] Thus, when I turned with a menacing gesture towards the bad and mighty city, like this. Bar No ! to the left. The mighty city is upon your left. Flib No ; to the right. Bar Pardon me ; to the left. Flib Never mind ; I menaced this side, anyway. Bar Oh, then you only menaced the insignificant huts at the bot- tom of ray garden. Flib [Shting.] It matters little. Bar On the contrary, Mr. Flibbard, since my arrival here I have seen that Bousey was too narrow for our two ambitions. We are here, we two, like Cresar and Pompey in Rome. Flib [Slapping his breast in pronouncing the name of Cozsar.] Like Cffisar and Pompey, that's the word. Bar And as we have no armies, we will fight alone. Which do you prefer, tomahawks or bludgeons? Flib [Starting up.] Sir, we are not red Indians. Bar You will not consent. Flib As a man, perhaps I might, but as an apothecary — the spirit of my order will not permit me. Bar But I refuse to resign to you. Flib You must. Do not wrestle with fate. The Council are all with me. Being a doctor, I hold the members by their infirmities. Ciianchou by his lumbago, Bobosse by his mumps, Piparte by the teething of his youngest child, Perette by his cramps. Vote for me, I say. or I resign you to your agonies ! Look at this. [Producing paper. Bar A prescription for the mumps? Flib A petition of the whole Municipal Council for your removal. Resign, and you will spare its transmission. Bar Let me see it. Flib [Reading.] "Monsieur Le Prefect." Bar Ah ! it is to the Prefect of Police. IS HAZARDOUS GROUND. Flib To the Prefect! [Continuing reading.] "In presence of the scajidaloua events which afflict the district of Bousey, we hope that the Mayor — " Bar Stop! what scandalous events ? Flib [Smiling.] Ah, that belongs to another order of delicate things. Bir What things? Tell me ! Flib I— I— really, it is unfortunate, the poverty of our language is such that it can't express a thing which is all over town. Bar [Losing patience.] You are mocking me, Mr. Flibbard. Ftib [Frightened ] No, no ! I am not. fie wiU strangle me. Bat Will you tell me, then, once for all? Flib Never ! I will rather leave to events the dutj of instructing you. Let us return the petition. Shall I send it ? Bar [Taking it.] Let me see it. Flib [Sentimentally.] You will spare us then the sorrow— Bar We shall see. In any case, the Prefect ought to see this precious document. Only, let us complete it, for I don't see your signature. Ftib You understand my delicacy, Baron. Bur [Going to table.] We must do things regularly. Here is a pen. Sit. Flib [Sits.] As you like. Bar [Picking up cane as if unconsciously.] And write here, 1 pray yon, "AU the signers of this petition—" Flib The signers ? they are the Common Council— Bar I know ; goon; "AU the signers of this petition, members of the Common Council of Bousey—" [Flibbard repeats writing.] "are rascally knaves." Flib [Jumping.] What ! ! Bar "Rascally knaves." Flib This outrage, sir, to my party — Bar [Tranquilly,— playing with cam.] Remember, it is I that am Caesar. Flib [Intimidated.] It is written! It is written ! [Aside, as he urites.] I won't sen! it, that's all. Bar Sign it. Flib Is that necessary, too ? Bar [Cane play.] Oh, let us sign, I beg. [Flibbard signs.] Thai s it. [Takes paper. /■lib How? Bar [Looking over it.] "All rascally knaves, — Flibbard." This testimony of the character of the Council, from you, my dear Mr. Flibbard, is worth gold. Ftib [Frighiened.] You are not going to send it ? Bar Never doubt me. [Rings — enter. La Mariotte.] Shoiv Mr. Flibbard out. Ha ! ha ! Give my compliments to the Common Council, and don't forget— I am Ca?sar. [Exit to L. La M Now, sir, as soon as you are ready. Fiib [About in consternation ] I'm in a blaze. Bob [Appearing at back n.J Psitt 1 [La MARiom;.?'// >ups. Ftp [At h. back.] Pditt ! [La Mariotte jumps. HAZARDOUS GROUND. 19 Gran [At c] P;>itt ! [Comes down with precaution, others following.'] Well, has he bitten '( Flib Bitten ! Yes, to the bone. But only wait. I'll make such a row for you with your wife, my fine Baron, that you will be glad to pack off. Come, to our posts, to watch, Everybody is going to the festival dance but the Baroness. Our lover will not miss the oppor- tunity to introduce himself here, as he did last night. [Exeunt all, o. I < n. La M [Folloicing and closing the doors.] Some of our Common Coun- cil is very drunk ; but I suppose that's nothing singular. All [Outside, calling.] Pauline! [Entering.] Pauline! where can she be ? [Trumpet heird. La M Lord ! there's the trumpet, and they are commencing to dance without me. Ali What a misfortune ! Has everybody gone ? Li M Long ago. Miss, and all kicking up their heels by this time at the ball. Ali .Well, if all is fastened, you may go too. La M Thank you. Good dancing, Miss. [Exit l. Ali Dear! I'm ail alone. If I was coward, — but I'm not a cow- ard. I wish Madame Boutelle would come. If the air was not so fresh I'd go to seek Pauline, while waiting for her. B-r-r-r ! Where did I put my book ? I will read a little. [Looking for it.] When I say I will read, I mean if I can, for since the last three months, when I try to read, my eyes go the one road, and my thoughts all go an- other. I turn over the leaves, but at the head of every chapter there is always the same word, Hector ! All the characters, Hector ! all the words, Hector, Hector, Hector! and it's wrong. I have scolded myself for it. Where have I put my book ? At least, I will turn over the pages. Ah ! in Pauline's chamber, on the round ta- ble. • [ExitVi. 1 E. Enter Hector, c, cautiously. Ilec No one here. Not a soul to be seen. The Baron is at the ball, and doubtless she is alone [Looking r.] in her chamber. This is an audacious act of mine, and Avill bear as little light as possible. [Puts out two lamps, and while at the third on table c. the center door, which he had left open, slb Pardon me, Mr. Commisary, but the witnesses. t bm The crime is acknowledged— the rest is with the court. Fdb [Meaningly.'] Excuse mc ; but the declaration of a witness may U HAZARDOUS GROUND. enlighten the case from another point. I demand that the witnesses shall he heard. Com Very well! quick, then, arc they piesent? ~La Jf They are, sir. Flib All except the Baroness ! Bar La Mariotte — the Baroness. Fab Now for it. [To others.] Watch me now. lice [Aside.] Again. Enter Pauline, with La M. Com Pardon us, madame, this indispensable formality. In five minutes I will give you back to your slumber in peace. Baroness sits l., near Baron. Flib Now, then ; some one saw the accused introduce himself into the park. (Iran, Pip, and Bob Yes, Mr. Flibbard. Com Who first ? Pip I, Mr. Commissary — I saw him open the green gate. Bar He entered by the green gate. Pip With a key. Bar With a key. Hcc [Quickly.] Yes, sir, a false key. Bar You said you scaled the walls ! Ike It was a falsehood. Bar Another! Bob I saw him first ! Pip No, I did. Gran [Importantly, l. c] Both wrong. Who saw the young man first? I did? Com You? Gran They saw him enter to-day — I saw him enter yesterday. Flib [Emphatically.] Yesterday ! [Movement of all. Bar Yesterday 1 [Quickly, in hoarse voice, clutching Gbanciiou's arm.] You saw this young man yesterday in my park ? Gran As plainly as I see you, though it was dark Bar It was night? Gran On the stroke of eleven. Bar Are you sure ? Gran Sure ? Well, seeing that I have still at home his hat, which he lost, and he knows it well, the rascal — ■ Bar [To Hector.] Then you entered my park last night? Hec Yes. Bar [ With cold anger, that warms, a?id which he seeks to restrain.] So, then all that you have told me is but a frightful tissue of lies. Why were you in my house ? For what purnose ? Speak ! Hec To plan here, what I did to-day Bar The theft of the diamonds? Bee Yes. Bar How could you know yesterday that they existed, since the Baroness wore them to-night for the first time? HAZARDOUS GROUND. 35 Hec I did not come for diamonds only. I hoped to find gold, jewels. Bar At eleven at night, in a habited mansion, when everything was lit up, and the domestics were about. Hec Exactly. I renounced my purpose then, and fled. Gran [ With assumed innocence.] Yes ! He ran away when the Bar- oness went into the house. Bar [After this stroke, runs to seize Granchou by the throat, then sVyps.] Mr. Commissary, I ask you to dismiss every one. I have need of all my coolness. Flib [Taking Granciiou's arm, as all go out] It tells. [Bar., Com., Hec. , and Mac. remain. Bar [After leading Baroness out, and closing door .] Then, having fled last night for some reason, you came again to-night. Hec Yes. Bar And you were seen, and pursued. Hec [Empliasizing.] And then, only, I took refuse in the house, not knowing that the apartment I entered was that of the Bar- oness. Bar Yes, and knowing that you are pursued, you take the dia- monds, in order that you may Lie arrested with your hands full. Hec I still hoped to fly with my booty. I was alone. The neck- lace sparkled so on the table. Bar And why did you leave the ear-rings ? Hec They were not there. Bar I beg your pardon, I saw the Baroness put them in the box. Hec I only saw the necklace. Bar Which was not there, for now that I remember, when I went out, the Baroness had it still on her neck. Hec Nevertheless, I took it from the box, where it could only have been placed by the Baroness. Bar [Going to door, and calling.] Pauline ! [Baroness enters.] Why did you take your necklace off at the moment they cried out in the park, "A thief!" Pau [Troubled.] But I did not, I kept it on. Bar [To Hector.] Ah! [To Pauline.] It was not then in the jewel box? Hec [Aside.] The unfortunate ! [Aloud.] No, it is true, the Baron- ess had it on, still. Bar [Raging.] Ah ! but then ! you were not alone. You were with her ! And all that I have heard is a lie, from first to last. Com Baron ! Bar Oh, let me be ! I want the truth. I want it, and I will have it. How did you get this necklace ? Answer ! I want to know. Hec Well, I did not wish to avow it, because it makes my crime more grave. I tore it from her neck. Bar [Turning to his uife.] And she let you do so without calling for help. Hec She was icy with fear. Pau [Losing caution.] Yes, and in my distress, 'scaring your voice. 3-5 HAZARDOUS GROUND. Bar You fled ! [Silence. Pauline, broken down, drops on chair. Ma- caire crosses between his soti and the Baron, to protect former.] Mr. Ma- cane, have you anything to say to me in defense of your son ? Mac \ Frightened at his look.] Nothing, sir. Bar It is necessary, then, to arrest him, like a miserahle thief and reprobate as he is. [Macaire makes a gesture of mercy.] Neverthe- less, if you assure me that he has not lied at every point, that it was really to save a woman compromised by him — Mae 1 do not say that — Bar Why not, if it be true ? Mae But it is not ! No one says so. Bar [Aside.] Well, the father will not speak, the other must be made to. [To Commissary.] Mr. Commissary, [Indicating Macaire.] this man is a false witness ; he is an accomplice, arrest the father. Ike [Starting before Macaire.] My father— • Bar The two are thieves together. Hec A thief ! You ! He ! Mac [Seeking to calm him.] Let him go on. Hec Arrest you ! A prison ! Never ! Mac [Trying to stop him.] Silence ! Silence ! Jlec Let him kill me if he wishes, but he shall not make you the victim of a theft I have not committed. Bar [Bursting out.] Good ! That is what I wished to get at. [He turns and sees Pauline fall as a corpse. She has fallen from her chair to her knees. He recoils a step. Then in an miderlone to her.] These are the blows that no man expects, and when we meet them, where is our refuge ? [Sorrowfidly.] Ah ! what have I done to merit this ? Com Baron, the people outside. Bar True ! [Composes his face, raises her to chair, dries his eyes, and opens door where villagers are.] Enter ! Enter ! [All come in. Fubbard. Grancuou foncard.] All is over. The young man admits, and, by my faith, liking his frankness, Mr. Commissary, I withdraw iny complaint. Flib What ! You let him go ? Bar Yes ; he is so young, a good lesson will suffice. [Taking the arm of his wife.] Let us go in, you are heavy with sleep. Come, to bed ! [As he crosses and passes Hector.] You will wait for me, sir ! Good night, gentlemen. Gran [Stupefied.] I don't understand. Flib Our first hit is a miss. [Curtain. ACT IV. SCENE . — Same as Second Act. Against the left icall, a desk and chair. AU very dark beyond in the park. La Maiuotte enters with a lighted lamp with shade, which she places on table. The Baron and Pauline follow. Bar [Affecting nonchalance, to La Mariotte.] Has everybody left the house. Mariotte ? [Baroness sits, r. c. HAZARDOUS GROUND. 37 La M Yes, sir, there is ko one but Mr. Hector and his father— who are in the park. The father wanted to lead him away, but Mr. Hector said that he was waiting for your orders. Bar [Carelessly.] "What o'clock is it? La fit Three o'clock, sir. Bar Ah, day is not far off. Aline has not come home from the ball. La M No, sir, but it will be soon over. Bar That'-* well ! [To Pauline.] You need nothing, Madame. No ! [To La Mariotte.] You may go. La fit [Going ] The Commissary has gone off and the young man is not locked ; this is the way they treat thieves, and then wonder that the papers say " crime is on the increase." I think I'd better look after the handsome young robber myself. [Exit, l. Bar [Whose face changes as soon as La Mariotte goes out.] Now, Madame, I am ready to listen to you. [Sits, l. Pau [With effort, rising, c] I have nothing to say; everything accuses me, and what I might utter in my defense, you would not believe. Bar That is to say, this young man is not your lover ? Fan [Quickly.'] No, he is not! [She checks herself at the sight of his ironical smile.] But you see [At if despairing to convince him. Bar Well, at all events, let U3 know on what you base your claim to be considered innocent. Pau I am not altogether innocent. I have committed a fault that I shall atone for with the happiness of my whole life. I was giddy and foolish, and during the voyage that I made with Aline, I did repulse at once, those protestations of love, which I ought not to have even listened to. But while there is that which condemns me, there is also that which absolves me. I saw my peril in time to avoid it by an abrupt departure. But after two months he came again ; he begged me to grant him an interview. "What could I do ? I thought that if I appealed to his honor he would forbear his per- secution. And then, he had letters of mine ; you see I tell you everything ! Letters which you may read, sir, but which I did not desire to leave in his hands ; and therefore it was necessary to see him, and to see him I had to go to the park — at night. And day before yesterday I opened to him, the little gate of the garden. Yes, it is true, I opened it, and I acknowledge it. Bar Go on. Pau It was one fault more. I know it too well, now, but I was mad with terror. He came, and all that could be done to repair a fault I did. I prayed, I supplicated, I wept. He refused to obey me, and to depart— or to give me my letters. I said to him : "You are a villain, and I hate you ; " and I swear to you I spoke truly. [Looking at him.] You do not believe me yet T Bar No ; because you have not explained to me, why, after being repulsed by you the day before yesterday, he came again last night. Pau [Excited.]' It was against my will— in spite of me. Bar And how did he enter the park by the same little gate, if he 88 HAZARDOUS GROUND. had not received from you a key to facilitate this second ren- dezvous ? Pau From me— a key! a rendezvous! Bar Apparently, since he was seen to open that gate. Pau But I protest, I know nothing about that. It was not I — that is all I can sayj But think, how could I have been awaiting him ? I was here with you — here when they came crying : "There is a robber in the park." Bar Yes, and then your countenance changed. Pau Because I said to myself, " It must be he." Bar [Quickly.] So then you did expect him ? Pau [Wounded.] Ah ! after all I have told you. Accuse me, I au- swer no more. Bar I do not accuse you — Pau [On her knees.] Well, kill me ! I prefer death to all the tor- tures I foresee. Bar [Rises, a] For you there is neither death nor torture. Death is for another, and the torture is for me, alone. [Pauline rises.] You have no need to defend yourself ; there is some one who pleads your cause better than you ! It is I. Twice just now a blood-red veil passed across my sight, and the hand which sustained your steps grew cruel ! But I tamed the violence of a second, for I said to myself : " If there be a crime, it is not she who was the first guilty — but you ! ' ' Pau You ! Bar Guilty — because, at an age when one can no longer inspire love, I committed the unpardonable fault of uniting your life to mine. I, almost an old man — you in the springtime of a happy girlhood ; but I loved you dearly, and I did not know then that it is with such love that at my age men make themselves hateful. [Movement of Pauline. He continues without regarding it.] I said to myself, " I will be so good, so tender, so constantly affectionate! I will make myself so young to please her, that in default of love she will show at least some gratitude — and honor doing the rest we will both be safe. I am deceived ; but it was not necessary to punish me so cruelly. I forgive you ; I have against you neither anger nor desire of vengeance. And the only thing which I cannot tear out is a piti- ful sorrow, that I ought to overcome, but cannot. Pau Oh, sir ! I beg you— for our common happiness— listen to me, and believe me. Bar I cannot. If you desire it, we will see later what ought to be decided upon for our common good. For the present I desire to be alone, and if you will go to your chamber — [Fie opens the door. Pau Yes ! [Baron goes to his desk, which he opens. He turns and sees Pauline still there. Bar I have opened the door, madame, why do you wait ? Pau [Supporting herself againd back of arm-chair.] I wait till T have strength. Bar \ fs about to give his arm, then hesitaks.] I will call your maid. HAZARDOUS GROUND. S9 .Pan I will go alone. [Going feebly. The Baron from back makes a step after, thm slops. She exits, r. 1 e. _ Bar [Alone ] It is such a sight as that makes men kill without pity. Miserable wretch ! A drop of his blood for every tear. [Rising and going toicards L. Enter Hector, quickly. It is well, sir, you are in haste, so am I. [Hector is looking round for Pauline.] But we cannot fight before daylight. It will soon be drawn. Here are the weapons. [Opening desk. Ike [Pale and anxious.'] Sir, a single word ; the Baroness — she has told you — has she not ? It is not a demand which I make, but a prayer. Bar Well ! IIcc She has convinced you that there is but one guilty person— mvself. She has told you so, and you believe it ? 'Bar No! Hec You do not believe that she is innocent. Bar I do not recognize in you, either the right or the power to convince me. Ilec So, because by a fatality I have met in my path an honest woman to persecute with my foolish love — because I have been bad enough to come even into your house to renew my odious pursuit — lecause those people cut off my retreat at the moment I was about to leave without having seen her — because of my follies, my crimes, you will make this unfortunate woman bear your anger as well as my persecution. Bar Have done, sir ! Daylight is approaching. Ilec How can I attest my truth — her honor ! what heaven ! what God ! what oath ! Bar None ! Why should I believe you, since I have not believed her ? Ilec [Overcome.'] It is true, sir ; but will no proof, nothing ? — Bar Again ! you weary me. Hec [Hopeful. ] Ah, yes — her letters. [Taking them from his pocket.] See, sir — two letters— which she would have reclaimed. Read, sir, they are the clearest proof her innocence. Bar [Takiiig them coolly.] It is her writing. Ilec Yes, yes ; read, sir ! Bar Why should I ? You give me to read what cannot be read. [Tears them up.] Is that all ? what else have you to offer me ? Ilec [Coldly and resolutely, after a silence.] My life ! Bar [Sardonically.] At last ; here is your pistol and ammunition. You will load, yourself. Hec As you please. Bar You wil.l go into the park. Hec My father is there, anxious and on the watch How shall we avoid him ? 40 HAZARDOUS GROUND. Bar [Indicating l. 1 e.] Cross that chamber ; at the bottom is a little door, it opens on a path which leads' to the extremity of trfe park. Ilec It is well. Bar Follow the stream, and you will come upon a deserted place, where we shall be undisturbed. You have a quarter of an hour to get there ; it will then be daylight. I will leave here ten minutes after you. Get into ambush where you will — for the first who sees the other will shoot — like the Indians. Are you content? Ilec Yes. Bar Witnesses are useless ! Besides, we should not find any to assent to these conditions ; and if you will, be punctual. Bee I shall be there— Bar [Turning mcay.] Then I will detain you no loDgcr. Ilec Pardon me, 1 have a word — to write. Bar [Designating, desk with materials.'] Do it. Ilec [ Writing.'] Will you be good enough to charge yourself with the delivery of this to its address, in case — Bar I promise. Ilec Thanks ! [Folds letter and leaves it on table. Bar In ten minutes — Ilec In ten minutes, sir, I swear to you, vou will find me. [Exit, r. 2 b. [Daybreak at back. Baron takes up pistol and begins to examine it. Aline appears at C , frightened by the rising sun, and dismissing her maid at the door. Ali I shan't want you now. Why, Baron> are you up and about already ? Bar [Hiding pistol behind him.] Aline, child, is that 'you? Good morning. Ali [Taking off hat, veil, gloves, fyc] Oh, dear, I have danced with all the village, and only left off when the musicians cried, "Mercy," what have you got there ? Bar Me? Ali A pistol ; what is that for ! Bar Nothing ; I was about to take the morning air in the park — and if I meet a rabbit — Ali [Laughing.] Hunt rabbits with a pistol — why don't you take a pen-knife ? Bar [Looking at his watch.] It is less troublesome than a gun. Ali You'll never kill anything with that ; mark my words. Bar Be it so- -we shall see. Ali Well, it's your business, not mine. [Falling into seat, c] Lord, how I have danced. [Hums an air, and drums icith her toes on the floor. Bar \ Taking his hat.] You must go to bed. Ali No, indeed ! I have a great mind to take a walk in the park with you. Bar What ! in your ball dress ? Ali Oh! I shan't wear it again ; and the walk would be bo nice. [Rising. HAZARDOUS GROUND. 41 Bar [Quickly.] No, no ; go to bed — you are ready to drop with fa- tigue. Ali [Taking his arm, and detaining him. ,] And if I am, it was all for your sake — and you don't even thank me ! Ungrateful ! Bar For my sake ! [Absently looks at his watch. Ali What is the matter with you ?— you are always looking at your watch. Bar Me ! Nothing. Ali Put down your blunderbuss, and let me hear your thanks for the solid support I have given to your municipal power this glorious night. Bar [Absently and nervous.] How so ? Ali By dancing you into popularity ! You see, in the first place, I would have none but the villagers for my partners, and that tickled them immensely ; besides, I taught them some new steps. First, there was Mr. Cassegraine, he is a grocer, and was perfumed with coffee. I waltzed with him, and as we went round, I looked reproach- fully into his green eyes, and said to him, "Why do you hate the Baron, who is so good to you ?" and then he said — he was very short of breath, and his words jumped out like rabbits at every step. [Im- itating.] ''Me, miss? I don't hate— him ! It's — that— rascal Chipo- teau ! — not me!" Then it came to be Chipoteau's turn. He is a romantic mason and builder. I was very sentimental with him — we had a Danish polka. I said to him, ' 'You are naughty to be an enemy of my brother !" he blurted out— you know the Danish is not a very good measure to talk in, and it was very funny. [Imitating.] "Oh — not — I — miss! It's — that — conceited Loubat over there !" Good ! In the next Lrmciers I balanced to corners where my friend Loubat was, and attacked him. [Imitating.] Never, miss ! the Baron ! I love him ! He's a man among men !" And so I -went through with them all. It was a High Political Ball, and when daylight came I had forty sworn friends — the flower of the Bouseyites, who, if I had said "Which of you will pull Mr. Flibbard's ears for me ?" would lave shouted in a chorus, " All of us! every man !" [Falls on chair laughing. During this scene she dances at times in imitation oj her own manner when talking, and then in imitation of Jier awkward part- ners. Always dancing to the Baron when she represents her own manner. Bar [Tapping her chin.] You are a perfect little diplomatist. [Looks at his tvatch, and tries to get away. Ali Oh, but see now, it is not right to accept my services that way, and then run off. Bar I know, my child— but the hour, the hour. Ali Never mind the hour, the most particular business now is— my reward ! Bar Quickly, then ! what do you wish ? Ali Don't say it that way. [Lowering her voice.] Are we alone ? Bar Yes. Ali Well, then, another would have asked to be allowed to share your power, I am more modest— I only ask your assistance. 4-2 HAZARDOUS GROUND. Bar For what ? Ali [Lowering lier voice.] To be married. Bar Ah, that's too long a story ! a little later ! Ali Well, as you please— hut I'm determined not to leave you. Bar [Trying to get away.] Come, cone, my dear child— Ali I'll cling to you, and I'll follow you into the park— there now. Bar Three words, then— quick. Ali No, six — he loves me ; I love him. Bar Well, what then ? Ali What then ? was there ever ? I'll tell you. He's going to de- mand of you my hand, this very afternoon ! And you will con- . sent ? Bar It is agreed. Ali You can't say "it's agreed," because you don't know him. Bar The moment he pleases you — Ali Oh, as for that, he will please you, too. He is a charming young man, whom Pauline and I met, on our trip to the Pyrenees. Bar [Stopping.] Ah ! Ali And who turns out to be the son of our neighbor. Bar [Quickly.] Macaire ! Ali Yes, Hector ! Bar And he loves you ! He has told you so— he has promised to ask for your hand ? Ali Yes, we made it all up in advance. Bar She too ! The villain ! [Takes up pistol. Mi Well, what's the matter ? — you don't listen to me. Bar [Putting powder and balls in pocket, and going.] Yes, yes, I hear you. [Near door. Ali Then you will promise— even in spite of Pauline ! Bar [Stops and turns.] Why in spite of Pauline ? Ali [Lowering her voice] Because I fear that IhiuYina— [Indicating her chamber.] Sh ! she may hear us. I fear she will be dreadfully op- posed to my marriage. Bar [Looking at her.] And why ? Ali [Seating hen-elf a, and beckoning him to descend.] Why ? this is be- tween us, is it not ? Because I believe that Pauline don't like him much ! Bar [Descending and finally sitting by her.] You believe that — but what makes you think so. ? Ali Oh, a thousand little things. When we first met him Pauline was very amiable with him. She welcomed him to our house very graciously, and I was so happy. Then, all at once, after a week or so, and why I never knew, all changed. She received him still with politeness, but no more. Twenty times he called on us in the mid- dle of the day, and Pauline told the servant to say that "the ladies have gone out to walk," when the fact was the ladies were both at home, and one of them was awfully vexed at it, I can tell you. But 1 didn't dare to say anything. But that wasn't all. The worst was on our departure. [Stopping and getting up.] I weary you with my little *tory '( HAZARDOUS GROUND. 43 Bar No, no. Ali Imagine then, one beautiful morning — at this very hour — Pau- line awoke me, saying, "Aline, we must go !" "What, right off ?" "Right off." Well, you may think I had a heavy heart, for we had just made up for that day a glorious picnic in the woods, and Hec- tor was to be with us. So I said to sister, "At least, let us write to him and notify him !" It was useless. I took twice as long to dress, I was so vexed, and Pauline hurrying me all the time. As we were getting into our carriage, for the purpose of enabling him to follow us I asked Pauline, as loud as I could, before the servants at the door, "Which way are we going?" and she whispered, "Bag- nieres ;" but I was not to be foiled, so I said, "What, that dirty Bagnieres !" Just so ! [Very loud.'] Well, indeed we did take the road to Bagnieres, but half way — chu ! whisk ! we turned off to the left, and away we went to Baste ; just as if she was determined ob- stinately to throw him off the track. JSar [Face brightening.'] Yes, yes. Ali In fact it was a flight ! Bar Yes— yes— a flight. [Aside.] Just as she told me. Ali Then I said to myself, What is to be done ? For it was plain she had taken an aversion to him. That was to be seen, since the further we got from him, the happier she became — she laughed, she sang. Oh, dear. Bar [Happy.] That was so. Ali Yes, and I was very sad — for I said to myself, " I shall see him no more," and I did not, until yesterday, when we met, and he told me he was the son of our neighbor, and then I thought, we are saved, because the Baron will help me ! [Coaxing.] For he can be so good when he wants Jo. And then to enable Hector to— [Stopping.] but ain't you tired ? Bar No, no, go on, dear little one — go on. Ali Well, to help him to get into the park by the shortest way, I gave him — now, don't scold me — I was a little foolish — Bar Say on — you gave him what ? Ali My little key. Bar Your key ? Ali Yes, of the little green gate. Bar It was you then, not Pauline ? Ali Pauline? Bar No, no ! what am I saying ? [Aside.] They spoke truly then She fled from him, and there was no rendezvous. Ali What are you mumbling about ? Bar Nothing. Go on, my child. Well, he took the key, then— Ali And he came — [Blushing ] — yesterday evening. Bar Ah ! you know that he came. Ali I should think so ; he nearly scared me out of my wits. Bar Then you saw him ! Ali [Quickly, and innocently.] Yes, but nobody else did. Bar You are sure ? Ali Oh, yes, I was all alone. Pauline was on the terrace. Bar Pauline did not see him ? 44 HAZARDOUS GROUND. Ali No ! and I'm glad she didn't, for he acted like a crasy man. Once here, he didn't want to go away. I said to him, "Suppose Pauline should come," and he said, "Bother Pauline! who cares for Pauline?" Bar And then — Ali And I said over and over again, "It is very wrong," "It is very wrong," and looked so vexed and grieved, that he was touched with my tears, and then — [Stopping .1— you sec I tell you all, from the moment you promised to be on our side. Bar I will aid you ; but go on, dear child, go on. Ali And then he said, " Yes, you are right, Aline, I am guilty, a hundred times more so than you think — " Bar He said that ? All Yes, and I didn't know very well what he meant. Bar Never mind, I know very well what he meant. Then — go on — Ali "But," — this is he speaking all the time, you know, — "but you are an angel, Aline, and you have saved me." Bar Ah ! he said that, too ? Ali Yes, he said that too, and that's another thing that I didn't very well understand. Bar I understand, I understand ! Finally — Ali Finally, he said, "Aline, take back your little key. Innocent accomplice of my fault, take it back, it burns me." Bar Your key ! Ali Yes. Bar He gave it back ? Ali Yes ; see. here it is. Bar Ah ! that was very well, very well. • Ali Wasn't it? Oh, he's an angel of goodness! and I didn't want to take it back, and I said to him, " No, keep it to come again to-morrow, in open day," and he said, "No, I will not enter this house again, save a*s an honest man, by the great door, and to de- mand your hand in marriage." That I understood, you know. Bar \Radiant.] And I too! I understand all ! Ali [Fouling.] You comprehend everything ! You are very l'or- tunate. Bar Yes, fortunate, darling angel, and happy ! happy for your sake, for his, for hers. I am very happy ! [Embraces lier, and at the same instant a ]ris(ol shot is heard. Ali [Jumping.] Oh ! What is that. Bar [Surprised.] A shot ! in the park ! [Goes up quickly. Pauline enters from chamber, pale, agitated, — does not see the Baron. Pan, Aline ! did you hear? Ali Yes, it was a shot. [Goes up. Vau They are fighting ! My husband ! [Is about to run without hav- ing the strength, and in turning finds herself face to face ivith Baron, who comes dozen on hearing her cry.] Thank Heaven ! you are safe ! [Falls. Bar [Clasping her.] Pauline ! my darling ! my wife ! Pau Ah ! you believe mc now ! HAZARDOUS GROUND. 4$ Bar [Putting his fingers on her lips.] Yes, I believe you. But, before Aline, silence ! Macaire appears on threshold, secJcing Hector. Mac Baron ! My son ! Where is my son ? Bar Your son? [To himself , as if struck icitk a sudden idea.] That shot ! Mac [Doicn c] Where is he ? Bar I do not know. He is in the park. [Macaire goes toward Aline. Baron seizes the letter left by Hector, on table.] That letter ! For you, Pauline. [He opens it, and reads in a low voice:] " Forgive rne the evil I have done, madame, I arn punished !" Pau Ah ! Bar [Stops, t:ike3 her hand, and pursues rending in a tremulous voice.] Your husband would not believe the word of the living, perhaps he will believe the word of the dead, who signs your innocence with his blood." Ah ! the unfortunate ! Pau He has killed himself ! Bar It was my fault. I was merciless. Mac Baron, he was with you ! That letter ! Bar It is not for you. Mac [Striving to take it.] It is from him. Bar You shall not see it ! Mac [Going up c] My son ! Where is he ? Hector ! Hector ! Hec [Outside.] Father! All He is coming, see ! Hector enters, followed by Flibbard, Granchou, who has his Jaw tied up, and black eye, and patch across the nose, and all the villagers, — Aline and Pauline together, down It. Hec Father ! Aline ! [Embraces his father, a?idthey go across scene. Mac My son ! Flib Your son ! He is a bloodthirsty miscreant ! Mr. Mayor, — myself, and the members of the Common Council were secreted in the park, when along came this Guy Fawkes, with a pistol, and a pocket full of powder and shot, out of which, like a Brutus, he is loading the infernal instrument. We spring upon him from be- hind, and off goes the contents in Granchou's jaw. We seize him, . like Cataline, and here he is, like Spartacus, and this makes the fourth time since yesterday, that I have saved the country, like — like — Washington; and Granchou bleeds for his native land. [Gran, mumbles sometvords. Par What does he say ? Flib I think he says that his native land may go to the devil ! Bar Never mind, Granchou shall be next mayor. Flib And now, Mr. Baron, all these good people demand to know •what is to be the fate of this assassin — this— Bar Well, what I propose, is, that we chain him up for the re- mainder ot- his miserable existence. 40 HAZARDOUS GROUND. Flib [To his fellow-patriots.] Good ! [Hector a step forward. Bar [Going to Aline, and bringing her to c ., beckoning Hector.] And it is this pretty jailer who shall hold the chains. All [Stupefied.] Ah ! I fee Ah, sir ! Flib My friends, we have not been saving our native land ? We have only been making a match. Bar Exactly ! [Granciiou mumbles something.] What does he say ? Flib [Who has severely reprimanded Granchou in dumb sliow, then aloud, blandly.] He says that virtue is its own reward. All Long live the Mayor ! Ali [To Baron.] You hear my recruits ? [Baron bows. Hec So I have a rare little politician for a wife ? Then we will make a board of Aldermen at home, of which you shall be chair- man, and I, — for I don't deserve anything better— will be sergeant- at-arms. Ali Then come to order. Order ! All persons stirring will be turned out. I've a word to say. Perhaps you think he doesn't deserve to be so happy ; but then if the men only got what they deserved, we should never get the men. What should a girl do ? Not fall in love till she has demanded her beau's references from his last place ? That would not be love, it would be common sense, which is a different thing. So I think that, after all, if we only love well, something or somebody will take care of the rest. THE END. °\0 c EXD FOR A NEW DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. (Catalogue continued from second page of cover.) VOL. XLII. 329 Ticket of Leave Man 330 Fool's Revenge 331 O'Neil the Great 332 Handy Andy 333 Pirate of tbe Islea 334 Fanchon 335 Little Barefoot 336 Wild Irish Girl VOL. XLI. 321 The Pirate's Legacy 322 The Charcoal Burner \%>S Adelgitha 324 Sen or V aliente 325 Forest Rose 826 Duke s Daughter 327 Camilla's Husband 328 Pure Gold i THE GREAT SECRET OF SHADOW PAN TOMIMES ; or, Harlequin in the Shades. How t ) get them up and how to act them. With full and concise instructions, and numerous Illus- trations. By Tony Denier. Price 20 PARLOR TABLEAUX ; or, Animated Pic- tures, for the use of Families, Schools, and Public Exhibitions. By Tony Denier. Price 25 AJVTATEUR'S GUIDE TO HOME THE- ATR ! uvTLa_n^. How to get them up, and how to act i a them; to which is added, '• How to get up I Theatricals in a Country House," with By-Laws, i selected Scenes, Plays, and everything useful for J the information of amateur societies. Price 25 THE GUIDE TO THE STAGE, by Leman Thomas Rede. Containing clear and full direc- tions for obtaining Theatrical Engagements, with, l complete and valuable instructions for beginners, \ relative to salaries, rules, manner of going through 1 Rehearsals, securing proper Dresses, conduct at a 1 first appearance, &c, &c. Price 15 |:HE ART OF ACTING: or. Guide to the I Stage. In which the Dramatic Passions are de- ' fined, analyzed, and made easy of acquirement; also ihe requisites necessary for performers of both sexes, heroes, gentlemen, lovers, tradesmen, . clowns, heroines, fine ladies, hoy lens, characters of middle and old age, etc. Pricft, , 15 VOL. XLIII. 337 Pearl of Savoy 338 Dead Heart 339 Ten Nights in a Bar-rocm 840 Dumb Boy of Manchester 341 Belphegor the Mountebank 342 Cricket on the Hearth 343 Printer's Devil C44 Meg's Diversion VOL. XLIV. 345 Drunkard's Doom 346 Chimney Corner 347 Fifteen Years of a Drunk- 348 No Thoroughfare fard's 349 Peep O' Day [Life 330 Everybody's Friend Hamlet, in Three Acts Guttle &, Gulpit Cl: MASSEY'S EXHIBITION RECITER AND DRAWING-ROOM ENTER- TAINMENTS. Being choice Recitations in prose and verse. Together with an unique collec- tion of Petite Comedies, Dramas and Farces, adapted for the use of Schools and Families. Two numbers per number, 30 The two numbers, bound in cloth, School style — 7 5 THE OLIO; or Speaker's Companion. A col- lection of Recitations in Prose and Verse, Dia- logues and Burlesques, compiled for the use of Schools, Thespian Societies, etc., and for Publio Declamation or Reading. In three parts. . .each, 15 DRAMAS FOR THE DRAWING- ROOM. By Miss Keating. Two parts, each, 40 PLAYS FOR THE PARLOR. By Miss Keating. Two parts each, 40 ACTING CHARADES. By Miss Picker- ing 40 COMIC DRAMAS, for College, Camp, or Cabin (Male Characters only), four parts each, 40 DRAM A S FOR BOYS (Male Characters only), by Miss Keating .40 HOME PLAYS FOR LADIES (Female Characters only), complete In three parts — each, 40 AN EVENING'S ENTERTAINMENT, an original Comedy, a Burlesque and Farce 40 THE ETHIOPIAN (NEW SERIES.) D RAMA, NO. 1 Blinks and Jinks 2 Lucky Number 8 Somebody s Coat 4 Trip to Paris 6 Arrival of Dickens 6 Black Ole Bull 1 Blackest Tragedy of All Ho. 1 Robert Make- Airs 2 Box and Cox 3 Mazeppa ,4 United States Mail 5 The Coopers '.'.6 Old Dad s Cabin 17 The Rival Lovers ■8 The Sham Doctor ! 9 Jolly Millers 'JO ViMikins and his Dinah El The Quack Doctor §2 The Mvstic Spell Q8 The Black Statue |4 Uncle Jeff B5 The Mischievous Nigger ,46 The Black Shoemaker NO. 8 Tom and Jerry, and Who'; been Here 9 No Tator. or Man Fish 10 Who Stole the Chickens 11 Upper Ten Thousand 12 Hip Van Winkle NO. 1 3 Ten Days in the Tombs 14 Two Pompeys 15 Running the" Blockade 16 Jeen.es the Poet 17 Intelligence Office 13 Echo Band NO. 1 9 Deserters 20 DeafasaPost 21 Dead Alive 11 Cousin Joe's Visit 23 Bo.irding School 24 Academy of Stars 17 The Magic Penny 13 The Wreck | ny Cupids 19 Oh Hushl orTheVirgin- 20 The Portrait Painter 21 The Hop of Fashion 22 Bone Squash 23 The Virginia Mummy 24 Thieves atttie Mill 11 Comedy of Errors 2( Les Miserables 21 New Year's Calls 2fc Troublesome Servant 2!? Great Arrival 3(1 Rooms to Let 31 Black Crook Burlesque 3i Ticket Taker NO. 33 Hypochondriac 34 William Tell 35 Rose Dale 36 Feast 37 Fenian Spy 33 Jack's the Lad 89 Othello 40 Camille 41 Nobody's Son 42 Sports on a Lark 43 Actor tad Singer 44 Shylock 45 Quarrelsome Servants 46 Haunted house 47 No Cure, No.?ay NO. 48 Fighting for the Union 49 Hamlet the Dainty 50 Corsican Twins 51 Deaf -in a Horn 52 Challenge Dance 53 De Trouble begins at Nine 54 Scenes at Gurney's 55 16.000 Years Ago 56 Stage-struck Darkey 57 Black Mail | Clothes 53 Highest Price for Old 59 How Is from the Owl Train CO Old Hunks 61 The Three Black Smiths 62 Turkeys in Season Tony Denier's Parlor Pantomimes.— In Ten Parts, 25 Cts. each. No. I.— A Memoir of the Author. By Sylvester Bleeker, Esq. How to Express the Various \ Passions, actions. etc. The Four Lovers; or, (. Les Rivaies Rendezvous. The Frisky Cobbler j or. The Rival Artisans. No. II.— The Rise and Progress of Pant-mime. , The SchO'>;,iustkr ; or the School in an Uproar. * Belle or Madrid; or, a Muleteer's Bride. La K Statue Blanche j <^r, The Lovers' Stratagem. No. III.— M. Dechalumeau: or, The Birthday Fete. Thf. Demon Lover; or, The Frightened Family. Robert Macaire ; or, Les Deux Fugitifs. No. IV.— Jocko the Brazilian Ape; or, The Mischievous Monkey. The Conscript; or. How to Avoid the Draft. Thf Magic Flute ; or, The Ma- gician's Speh. No. V.— The Vivandiere ; or. The Daughter of the Regiment. Dame Trot and her Comical Cat; or, The Misfortunes of Johnny Greene. No. VI.— Godenski; or, The Skaters of Wilnan. The Enchanted Horn ; or, The Witches' Gift. No. VII.— The Soldier for Love ; or, A Hero in Spite of Himself. Simeon's Mishaps; or, The Hungarian Rendezvous. No. VIII.— The Village Ghost; or, Love and Murder both Found Out. The Fairies Frolic; or, The Good Wife s Three Wishes. No. IX.— The Rose of Sharon ; or, The Unlucky Fisherman. Pongo, the Intelligent Ape, and the Unfortunate Overseer. No. X.— Mons. Toupet the Dancing Barber ; or, Love and Lather. Vol au Vent and th« Millers ; or, A Night's Adventures. Samuel French, Publisher, \ Any of the above sent by Mail or Express, on receipt of price. Vl'l Xassau Street (Up SlAias). New and Explicit Descbipttv3 Catalogue Mailed Free on Request. Jfcw Plays. — Playing with Fire— Flies in the Web— Glin Gatb— Does He Love Me 1 FRENCH'S MINOR DRAM Price 15 Cents each..— Bound Volumes $1. 26. VOL. I. 1 TJip Irish Attorney 2 Boot3 at the Swan 8 How to pay the Rent 4 The Loan of a Lever 5Th*Dead Shot 6 K:s La*t Less 7 The Invisible Frinoe 8 The Goldeu Farmer VOL. II. 9 Pride of the Market 10 Used L'p H The Irish Tutor 12 The Barrack Room 13 Luke the Laborer 14 Beauty and the Beast 15 St. Patrick's Eve 16 Captain uf the Watch VOL. III. 17 The Secret [pens 18 "White Horse of the Pep- 19 The Jacobite 20 The Bo'.tle 21 Box and Cox 9.1 BamboozliDg 23 Widow s V, 24 Robert Macaiie VOL, IV. 25 Secret Service 28 Omnibus 27 Irish Lion 28 Maid of Croissy 29Th60':.! SO Raising the Win! 81 Slasher and Crasher 82 Naval Kugagemensa VOL. V. S3 Oockaies iu California 34 Who Speaks First 35 Boruuastes Furioso 36 Macbeth Travesiie 37 Irish Ambassador S3 Delicate Orouucl VOL. X. VOL. XIX. VOL. x: 7J Ireland aud America 145 ON 217 Crinoline 74 Pretty Piece of Business 140 Harlequin Bluebeard 218 A Family L 75 IrUb. Brooni-ruaker 147 Ladies at librae |2l9A«loptcd Ct 76To Paris and Back for, 148 lhenotuenoninaSmock 220 Turned Me Five Poun(\: 7" That Rested I 79Swiss m Touag Widow VOL. XI 1- ' I Tragedy ghbors J152 Persecuted Dutchman XX, 221 a. Match iu i aby 149( Tragedy 222 Advice to » 223 Siamese Tv 224 Sent to the J VOL. >| 225 Somebody 81 0'FlanniganandtbePa-!l53M 226 Ladies' Bat 8'JIrisaPost ".>vival j227 Art of Actir ■ -hbor's "Wire" t Jack ft Game 228 The Lady ol 84 Irish T 156 A Gentleman from Ire-!2291h; ! 8 5 P . P . , or Man and Tiger! 1 57 Tom aud Jerry I land 86 To Oblige Benson 1 108 Village Lawyer 231 Twi ■: not A .r.iss | (160 Amateurs and Actors |232 Fighting by VOL. XII. 89 A Good 9u Cherry and Fair Star 91 Gale Breezely y> Our Jemimy 'Ji Awkward Arrival iii? the Liue 96 Conjugal Lesson VOL. XIII. 97 My Wife's Mirror 98 Life in New YorJt 99 Middy Ashor-j 100 Crown 10! Two Quei-n'i 103' Unfinished Gentleman 104 Hous- VOL. XIV. 105 The Damon Lever 106 Matrimony 107 la and Out of Place with My Mother S3 The Weathercock [GoldllLO Andy 40 All that Glitters is i'78 [ties vet. xxr. 1(51 Promotion 162 A Fascinating Individ- 163 Mrs. Caudle ■are's Dream • feat ,! Bedchamber 167 Take Care 1C3 Irish Widow VOL. 233 Unprotecte 234 Pet of the I 235 Fjrty and 236 Who Stole) 237 My - 238 L a of Little 1 239 Mr. and Mi i Oha.rleyl.240 A Quiet Faj VOL. XXII. 169 Yankee Peddlar 170 Hiram Hire-out 171 Double Bedded Room 172 The Drama Defended 173 Vermont Wool 174 Ebenerer Veuturc iter plea from Charac> 241 Cool as Cua I icn Th \ for an Oliver |253 Metamora (| -. pTi- £06 Ticklish Til VOL. X5 Minutes! 23S Mi-- of Tacor y>9 A S 260 Servants 1 261 Dying lor y Baker 1 Tom 62 Tl A Lawyers >odles ' VIII. 67MorniugCall 58Popuuigthe C ■ 69 Deaf as a Post 60 New Footman re i ,r NiRi^r Practice HI Turn I J92 Prniy (.iOno.'Sti&berg rt3 Angrlof the Attic 194 Circumstance* Uter Cmn »6 Kan- " J*J6 A Supper in Dixis 128 Illu VOL 129 Mischief • aJA Live Woraan in the I }oreal? ' Ky-Wsys 297 Iciool^rleFraccals 2*»s \\b.- (tilled Cock h>bi» 2S9 DeclaialinD of iodi . rTaila 2U1 Obstinate Fassllj IDS Mv Aiini 303 That R I3C4 Uut Padjj de Sisaa 26iSieholasN} 265 'The Last cj 263 A i ' 270 Pasde Fi 271 RevoluOc 272 A Man Wi VOL. 273 The olio, 274 The Olio, 276 The [ 2". 9 That N< I om Noddj VOL. I Sho:kiDg • I Regul: ii93 Xc-. 1 Round the Corner - Itoe I Tiger ictor Vanquished i Mirror on Boy i pilcodrtj 283 Dick T i-opatra 284 Young j285 Young Ad Yankee u- 287 One Tone! J 283 Two B" COS] V"( ,< I 314 Cousin Fat :?!.> "fist he Dai' 317 ( •d ' 3l!»( [Ac. ;i» Man with til u ever send your, 320 Terrible T3w i era L FRENCH i SON, 122 Ni.ssAO Stbkbt, Nrw Yokk. Photomount Pamphlet Binder Gaylord Bros., Inc. RETU KN TO DbSS BORKOWBD LOAN DEPT. LD 2lA-40m-4,'63 (D6471sl0)476B General Library University of California Berkeley