HH3I 
 
 fa 
 
 fll4 
 


LIZZIE LTLE: 
 
 OR THE 
 
 FLOWER MAKERS OF FINSBUKT. 
 
 fgU of f rials aiifo toptatkts. 
 
 THREE ACTS, 
 
 BY 
 
 C. H. H A Z L E W D. 
 
 ll 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 Hop-pickers and Gipsies: or, The Lost Daughter; The Return of the 
 
 Wanderer, Jenny Foster, Poul a Dhoil, Mother's Dying Child, 
 
 Lost Evidence, Clock on the Stairs, Harvest Storm, 
 
 Marble Bride, Life for a Life, Lady Audley's 
 
 Secret, Aurora PJoyd, Marriage 
 
 Certificate, True as Steel, 
 
 etc., etc. 
 
 THOMAS HAILES LACY, 
 89, STBAND, LONDON. 
 
:o&3 
 
 DQ 
 
 iOD 
 g P3 
 
 M 
 
 H 
 
 ^ 
 o 
 H? 
 fc 
 
 
 
 Hi 
 <1 
 
 H 
 < 
 
LIZZIE LYLE, 
 
 J, 
 
 S - 
 
 a-.= 
 
 -- c 
 
 LU 
 
 CD 
 
 PH 
 g 
 
 S 
 
 JSJ 
 
 2^ 
 
 53 
 O 
 
 w 
 
 CD 
 
 rP 
 
 1 
 
 ^ 
 
 .s 
 
 ^1 
 
 I 
 
 n 
 
 S 
 
 LU 
 
 N I 
 Nil 
 
 LJ. 
 O 
 
 ^ 
 o 
 
 IH 
 
 fl ^^ 
 
 I IH 
 
 T3 
 
 a 
 
 CD 
 ' 
 fr 
 
 c3 
 
 8 
 
 CD 
 
 o 
 
 O 
 
 coi IH | 
 
 C5 - S ^3 | 
 
 OS 
 
 CD 
 
 Of 
 
 h 
 
 o| 
 
 ii 
 
 01 
 0^ 
 
 0^ 
 
 H-j 
 
 050 
 
 I 
 
 n 43 
 
 11 
 
 c3 T3 
 
 ?l 
 
 OQ Q 
 
 SP 
 5 
 
 W 
 
 CD bO 
 
 hi 
 
 
 
 -s. 
 p 
 
 
 
 1 1 
 1 E*' 
 
 on Th 
 
 H 2 
 
 M50999 
 
LIZZIE LYLE. 
 
 inald, and 
 eeting in the 
 
 f 
 e 
 
 _S 5 
 S 
 
 r- SB 
 
 ^S 
 
 '111 
 
 1 J> ^05 
 
 S-3o 
 
 PQ 
 
 I ^^ 
 I IW 
 
 I rtH 
 I | | 
 
 iSJ 
 
 r jg 
 
 O is! 
 
 fl^ 
 
 i I 
 
 s s 
 
 ink they 
 
 P3 
 
 1 
 
 pq 
 
 1 
 
 g 
 
 21 
 
 
 ^ -3 
 
 z ^ 
 
 UJ 
 
 ^ o 
 O 
 O M 
 or i 
 
 c3 
 
 5 
 
 O 
 
 I 
 
 M 
 ^ 
 
 bo 
 
 rt 
 
 CT 
 O 32 
 
 a 
 
 o 
 bD 
 
 H 
 
 OQ 
 
 9 
 
 g 
 
 a. 
 
 Hfi 
 
 fafii 
 
 rj rn 
 
 1 05 | 
 
 *fi 
 
 fis 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 te 
 
 H 
 
 
 P 
 
 fll 
 
 H 
 
 d a 
 
 O c8 
 
 J. 
 
 . rS 
 
 , 
 
 1 
 _o 
 
 'So Co 
 
 HP? 
 
 Ol s ^ 
 
 -i O 
 
 S to 
 
 S a 
 
This Drama is the Property of T. H. Lacy. 
 
 LIZZIE LYLE; 
 
 OB, 
 
 THE FLOWER MAKERS OF FINSBTJRY. 
 
 SCENE FIRST. Street near the City Road (1st Grooves.) 
 
 Enter BATTER, R. 
 
 BATTER. I declare, if it wasn't for meeting some of the 
 girls as they come home from flower-making, I should 
 feel as lonely as a milestone. Three years have I been in 
 the force, and a woman of fortune hasn't fallen in love 
 with me so far. I've been looking out for a roll of bank-notes 
 without an owner, for the last two years, but I haven't seen 
 'em yet. I fancy there is more chance for a fellow in the 
 army. I wish I was a blue Scotch grey, instead of a blue 
 bobby. A man of my appearance ought to do something ; 
 men of my personal attractions are not picked up every 
 day ; but'^still I don't seem to go off, somehow. Ladies of 
 fortune ! where is your taste ? Open your eyes, some of 
 you, or I'll take a dreadful oath to die single. Ah, it's the 
 dinner hour at Madame Fanchon's, and here come some 
 of her hands. I wish one of them would set me on my 
 legs but, like me, their faces are their fortunes. 
 
 Enter ANNE BROWN, MARY GREEN, CARRY WHITE, and 
 
 others, R. 
 
 Good day, ladies flowers of Nature, who live by making 
 artificial ones. May husbands of a thousand a year marry 
 every one of you, and sprigs of little offshoots blossom in 
 the garden of your happiness. 
 
6 LIZZIE LTLE. [AdT 1 
 
 GIRLS. Oh, beautiful ! 
 
 BATTER. What, me yes, I know I'm beautiful, but I'm 
 born to blush unseen, and waste my sweetness in the desert 
 square Is any of j oa get uncles with money I don't 
 mean pawnbrokers, bui natural born uncles ? 
 
 GIKLS, No! 
 
 BATIEP. N'nrauiits? 
 
 GIRLS. No ! 
 
 BATTER. ISTor grandfathers ? 
 
 GIRLS. No! 
 
 BATTER. Nor grandmothers ? 
 
 GIRLS. No ! 
 
 BATTER. Nor ninety- ninth cousins ? 
 
 GIRLS. No! 
 
 BATTER. Then adoo, and farewell, my dears ! all of you 
 are doomed to remain virgin maidens, as far as I am con- 
 cerned. Go go, my children, (crosses R.) 
 
 GIRLS. His children ! Why, he'll never have the honour 
 of being a father. Good-bye, Blueskin. (exeunt, L. 
 
 BATTER. What, Blueskin ! Come, now, that's too bad ; 
 it's enough to make one wild. Now, here comes a much 
 more civil and pretty girl. I always did like Miss Bobbin 
 but whether that's her surname or her Christian one, I 
 don't know I'll ask her. 
 
 Enter BOBBIN, R. 
 
 BATTER. Ah, Miss Bobbin, how do you do ? 
 
 BOBBIN. Ah, Mr. Batter, how do you do? 
 
 BATTER. Well, just moving on. 
 
 BOBBIN. Not promoted yet ? 
 
 BATTER. No, not made chief commissioner at present. 
 
 BOBBIN. I'm sure you ought to be what's Government 
 thinking of ? 
 
 BATTER, (aside) Now she is a sensible girl if she only 
 had prospects, (aloud) I suppose you haven't got anything 
 in your eye ? 
 
 BOBBIN. Which eye ? Is one of them watering ? (rubbing 
 eyes.) 
 
 BATTER. I don't mean that I mean, have you, at any 
 time, anything likely to be left you? 
 
 BOBBIN. What, money? 
 
 BATTER. Yes. 
 
 BOBBIN. Well, I think some day there will be a little 
 coming to me. 
 
 BATTER. Ah, Miss Bobbin, you don't know what a great 
 favourite you always were of mine. 
 
SO. 1.] LIZZIE LYLE. 7 
 
 BOBBIN. How should I, when you never told me ? 
 
 BATTER. I didn't know it myself till just now. By-the 
 bye, is Bobbin your Christian or surname ? 
 
 BOBBIN. It's both. 
 
 BATTER. Plow can that be ? 
 
 BOBBIN. Why, because my reg'lar name is Bobinette 
 Robins ; my father's name was Robin Robins, and my 
 mother had me called as near after him as possible, by 
 naming me Robinette ; then the girls, for shortness, called 
 me Robin others called me Rob ; some began to call me 
 Bob, and Bob Robbins, until at last it got to be Bobbins, 
 and Bobbins it seems likely to remain. 
 
 BATTER. Now, isn't it singular that both our names begin 
 with a B ? Mine's Batter, and yours is BobbinBatter 
 and Bobbin. 
 
 BOBBIN. Yes, one letter for both names ; and my friend 
 Lizzie Lyle's name is begun both ways with one letter 
 L for Lizzie, and L for Lyle L. L. 
 
 BATTER. You see it hung up in most publicans' windows 
 L. L., which means Lord Lieuteoant's whiskey ; so, 
 perhaps she comes of the same family. 
 
 BOBBINS. Perhaps she does, and she's a genteel girl. 
 She don't write bad neither do I, and if we get hold of a 
 hard word, we mix a lot of letters together to look as like 
 it as possible. 
 
 BATTER. Has she got a sweetheart ? 
 
 BOBBIN. There's one as wants to be Madame Fanchon's 
 clerk ; Mounseer Froggy voo we call him, but Adolphe 
 Durand, I believe, is his correct name. 
 
 BATTER. Does she like Froggyvoo ? 
 
 BOBBIN. Not at all ; and when she goes out he's always 
 following her. (looks R.) He's following her now, although 
 he knows she has only an hour for dinner ; but here I am 
 talking when I've got to get her dinner ready. I wish you 
 wouldn't keep me talking here my time will be up. Good- 
 byethings ought to be done, and time is flying, and dinner 
 ought to be frying this and that put to rights, and I don't 
 know what all. (exit, L. 
 
 BATTER. ButRobinette Robbins Bobbins Rob Bob- 
 stop, a word with you half a word, stop ! (exit) L. 
 
 Enter LIZZIE, R., followed by ADOLPHE. 
 
 LIZZIE. Now, Mr. Durand, what a strange thing it is ; 
 although there are plenty of girls working on our establish, 
 ment, you will always insist on forcing your society upon 
 me whenever you see me alone. Why do you do it ? 
 
8 LIZZIE LYLE, [ACT 1. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Because, ma'amselle, I feel confidant that you 
 adore me. 
 
 LIZZIE. I don't quite the reverse. You are too conceited, 
 and fancy every girl is in love with you ; and, now, I'd 
 better tell you what I've long had on my mind : I don't 
 like you at all in fact, to put a stop to your annoyance, I 
 may say I detest you there ! 
 
 ADOLPHE. Why, you insult me ! Is it insolent in this 
 country to say to a ma'amselle you love her ? This is 
 insult, and insult I take from no one. You despise me, 
 indeed ! and for vhy ? You are no fine lady. I suppose 
 you think some gentleman will offer you his fortune bah, 
 you vill see ! 
 
 LIZZIE, (aside) I have spoken too plainly he has in- 
 fluence with madame, and may injure me in her good 
 opinion. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Despise, indeed ! A moment past I adore you 
 now I hate, and ven I hate it is strong you shall be 
 sorry you shall be punish. Remember, I say it, Adolphe 
 Durand. (crosses, L.) 
 
 LIZZIE. But I didn't mean 
 
 ADOLPHE. Bah ! I know have fear be afraid alvays. 
 (aside) Now I vill set de trap for her she shall be ruin. 
 
 (exit, L. 
 
 LIZZIE. I've made that man my enemy he told me to 
 beware of him. He will be coward enough to set madame 
 against me. Well, let him ; there are more mistresses and 
 masters than parish churches ; so while I am honest and 
 industrious, little need I care for Mr. Adolphe Durand. 
 
 Re-enter BOBBIN, L. 
 
 BOBBIN. Oh, here you are ; I was coming to fetch you. 
 Our dinner hour will be up if you don't make haste. I've 
 bought a mackerel, and put it on to fry. I'm afraid one side 
 will be done too much, and I suppose he won't turn over 
 on his own account. 
 
 LIZZIE. Did madame's clerk pass you? 
 
 BOBBIN. I didn't see him. 
 
 LIZZIE. I told him I didn't like him, and you wouldn't 
 believe how he went on he quite frightened me. 
 
 BOBBIN. I wish I had been here he wouldn't have 
 frightened me. 
 
 LIZZIE. I'm afraid he will do me some injury with our 
 mistress ; I know she listens to what he says. 
 
 BOBBIN. What, do you think he would lose you your 
 work? 
 
SO. 2.] LIZZIE LYLE. 9 
 
 LIZZIE. I really think he's mean enough to do it. 
 
 BOBBIN. Oh, if he does, and I catch him in my workroom 
 I'll give him a French roll all the way down stairs But 
 here I'm talking, and the mackerel's frying himself to 
 death. Come along, let's make haste. 
 
 LIZZIE. I feel rather uneasy I don't think I'll trouble 
 myself about it. 
 
 BOBBIN. I wouldn't. Do your best, my girl, and let 
 your enemies do their worst and Bobbin won't see you 
 done for the mack'rel's sake. Come along. (exeunt, L. 
 
 SCENE 'SECOND. The Lodgings of Lizzie Lyle. Fire* 
 place, R. screen, c., a trunk near it. Door to open, L. 
 Table, c., with table-cloth. Frying -pan on fire with- mackerel 
 in it. Music. 
 
 Enter ADOLPHE, cautiously, doori*. 
 
 ADOLPHE. De key vas in de door, so I open him easily. 
 She shall be despise now. (takes brooch /rom pocket) Dis is 
 madame's gold brooch I have take it out of her room, to 
 hide it in dis. There shall I put him ? Ah, dat box vill 
 be de very ting, (places it in box} Good I get here first, 
 so I must get avay first. Ah, ah ! I have laid de train, 
 and soon shall I fire him. 
 
 BOBBIN, (without) Come along, Lizzie ; I know that 
 mackerel will be spoilt. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Diable! I am too late. Yeresallgo! Ah, 
 here is one screen, (hides behind screen.) 
 
 Enter BOBBIN and LIZZIE, door L. 
 
 BOBBIN. I hope it's all right, (turns mackerel) Yes, it is. 
 Get the plates out, Lizzie, and the knives and forks, and 
 the bread. Potatoes, of course, I didn't have time to cook. 
 The salt, the pepper, and oh i if you love me, don't forget 
 the vinegar. (LizziE gets the things from cupboard, L.) 
 
 LIZZIE. Bobbin, he has certainly made an impression on 
 me. 
 
 BOBBIN. Who the mackerel ? 
 
 LIZZIE. No, our lodger overhead. He that our landlady 
 says is the writer and the poet. Oh, isn't he like Byron ? 
 
 BOBBIN. Which way in his poetry ? (cooking.) 
 
 LIZZIE. No, in his looks ; it struck me so this morning 
 as he knocked at the door to borrow a match. 
 
 BOBBIN. What for to light his fire with P 
 
 LIZZIE. No, his cigar Byron smoked. Then another 
 time he asked me for a drop of hot water to make some 
 
10 LIZZIE LYLE, [Ad 1 
 
 gin and water with Byron was fond of gin and water. 
 Oh, he's very like him. 
 
 BOBBIN. Yes, so far as the cigar and gin and water goes, 
 perhaps. 
 
 LIZZIE. I'm surprised at you ! Our landlady says he's a 
 real poet, and writes beautiful verses. 
 
 BOBBIN. Yes, but there's all sorts of poets ; some write 
 it for blacking-bottles, some for bear's grease, some for 
 tea-shops, other for tailors' shops, for little wax boys to 
 hold in their hands at the door. 
 
 LIZZIE. Absurd ! I'm sure this gentleman does nothing 
 of the kind. 
 
 BOBBIN, (aside] Oh, she's smitten I see. (aloud) Well, 
 I'm sure I don't know what he does I know our mackerel's 
 done so please to bring a dish. (Lizzie does so BOBBIN 
 puts mackerel on it ADOLPHE escapes by door, L.) I know it 
 will be beautiful, Lizzie. 
 
 LIZZIE. Bobbin, you can turn your hand to anything. 
 
 BOBBIN. Yes, either flower-making or fish-frying is all 
 one to Bobbin, (sits R. of table) Which half will you have 
 head or tail ? 
 
 LIZLIE. Oh, which you please. 
 
 BOBBIN. Shall 1 send you the rudder ? 
 
 LIZZIE. The what ? 
 
 BOBBIN. The rudder the tail part. 
 
 LIZZIE. Just as you like, I've no choice. 
 
 BOBBIN. There's less bone in it. (gives it) And it's 
 perfectly opticional which part I have, (they begin to eat 
 a knock heard.) 
 
 LIZZIE, (starts) I know whose knock that is he's come 
 to borrow another match. 
 
 BOBBIN. Oh, drat him, why does he come now ? 
 
 LIZZIE. Don't let him see what we've got for dinner 
 quick, quick ! (throws table-cloth over it.) 
 
 BOBBIN. And it was so nicely browned what a bother ! 
 (knock repeated.) 
 
 LIZZIE. Come in ! 
 
 BOBBIN. Keep out, I should have said. 
 
 Enter BEGINALD, door L. 
 
 EEGINALD. I beg your pardon, could you oblige me with 
 such a thing as a match ? 
 
 LIZZIE. Ob, certainly, (gives box from shelf) Help your- 
 self, sir. (he takes one in his right hand and raises his loft 
 hand to his mouth as if to take cigar from it, and finds none 
 there.) 
 
SO. 2.] LIZZIE LYLE. 11 
 
 REGINALD. Well now, how absurd of me ; I declare I 
 thought I had a cigar there. 
 BOBBIN, (aside) What a pity ! 
 REGINALD. Nice weather ? 
 LIZZIE. It is indeed. 
 
 KEGINALD. Very tiring, though, if you walk as far as I 
 have this morning. 
 
 LIZZIE, (places chair) Will you sit down, sir ? 
 EEGINALD. Thank you. (sits.) 
 BOBBIN, (aside) Oh, my half mackerel ! 
 REGINALD. My dear Miss Lyle, to the point I fell in 
 love with you on the stairs. 
 LIZZIE. Sir! 
 
 REGINALD. I did, indeed the very first time I met you. 
 BOBBIN, (aside) Soft soap. 
 
 REGINALD. No one ever made the impression on me that 
 you have. 
 
 BOBBIN. Gammon and spinnage ! 
 LIZZIE. Oh, sir, this from you an author and poet! 
 REGINALD. Eh? oh, ah! yes I see. I suppose the land- 
 lady told you that I certainly do a little scribbling. 
 
 LIZZIE. Oh, I'm sure, sir, you wrong yourself. I know 
 your writing must be splendid. 
 
 BOBBIN, (aside) Beautiful, I should think, or else he 
 wouldn't live in the attic at half-a-crown a week. 
 
 REGINALD, I'm afraid you'd be very much disappointed, 
 if you were to see some of my effusions. Certainly I have 
 written some lines on my mother that might not be un- 
 worthy your notice. 
 LIZZIE. Is she dead ? 
 
 REGINALD. No, but I shall never see her again, perhaps. 
 LIZZIE. And your father ? 
 
 REGINALD. I neither want to speak nor think of him. 
 BOBBIN, (aside) We shall have the whole family pedigree 
 directly. 
 
 REGINALD. But you are my solace now ; your sweet face 
 has won me for your own. 
 
 BOBBIN, (aside) He's very far gone in a short time. 
 REGINALD. And I feel I could stay and talk to you all 
 day. 
 
 BOBBIN. Oh, don't please, till Sunday, for this is only 
 our dinner- hour and we're two of the slaves that time 
 was made for. 
 
 REGINALD. May I be allowed to look in this evening? 
 LIZZIE. Oh, yes, with pleasure. Bobbin will be here, 
 and 
 
12 LIZZIE LYLE. [ACT 1. 
 
 REGINALD. Bobbin! 
 
 BOBBIN. Yes, that's me, sir ; I'm her guardian dragon 
 of virtue, and fellow-lodger. 
 
 REGINALD, (crosses c.) Dragon of virtue and fellow 
 lodger I hope we shall be friends. 
 
 BOBBIN. I'm always friends with everybody as long as 
 they're worth it, and when they're not, Bobbin winds them 
 up. 
 
 EEGINALD. Oh, we shall get on all right, I warrant. 
 Good-bye for the present ; Miss Bobbin, the same to you. 
 
 BOBBIN. The same to you ditto repeato, all over again. 
 
 (exit EEGINALD, L. 
 
 LIZZIE. Oh, isn't he a nice fellow, Bobbin ? 
 
 BOBBIN. And I suppose you'd like to be a fellow to him, 
 to make a pair ? 
 
 LIZZIE. Well, if he thought 
 
 BOBBIN. That's just it, we can't tell what he thinks he 
 may be a raging lion going about seeking who he can 
 devour. 
 
 LIZZIE. Lor Bobbin, don't talk like that. 
 
 BOBBIN. Talking of devouring let's finish the halves of 
 the mackerel, and be getting to work, (they sit, a knock 
 heard. ) 
 
 LIZZIE. Ho's come back again, perhaps. I wouldn't have 
 him see me eating such as thing as half a mackerel for 
 the world say I've gone to work, (hides behind screen,, 
 knock repeated.) 
 
 BOBBIN. The mackerel wasn't born to be eaten. Come 
 
 in. 
 
 Re-enter EEGINALD DACHE, door, L. 
 
 EEGINALD. I beg pardon, Miss Lyle, but I forgot to say 
 gone ! 
 
 BOBBIN. I wonder you didn't meet her, she's such a one 
 for work, and such company for me at nights ; I'm sure 
 I don't know what I should do without her. 
 
 EEGINALD. What do you mean, is she going away ? 
 
 BOBBIN. Well, I suppose the time will come when you'll 
 take her away, and if it's for her happiness, I'm sure I 
 shan't grumble they say marriage is the best thing for 
 a woman. 
 
 LIZZIE, (aside, looking out) How can Bobbin talk so ? 
 
 BOBBIN. Don't you think it's best for a man too, sir ? 
 
 REGINALD. Oh, I see what you mean by these questions, 
 you think I mean to marry Lizzie Lyle ; but I never 
 imagined such a thing for a single moment ! 
 
SC. 2.] LIZZIE LYLE. 13 
 
 LIZZIE. What does he say? 
 
 BOBBIN. You never thought of it for a single moment. 
 REGINALD. I like her but you don't understand. 
 BOBBIN. It seems I don't, I thought by what you said 
 just now you loved her and wanted her to love you. 
 
 REGINALD. So, in a sense, I do, but you, I'm sure, who 
 must come from a family noble in birth, if not in circum- 
 stances that 
 
 BOBBIN. No blarney for Bobbin, Lizzie's good enough 
 for a king. 
 
 REGINALD. Yes, if worth alone was in question, but I 
 must tell you I am a rich man's only son, and marriage 
 with her wouldn't exactly do. I shall be a man of some 
 position before I die, and a wife like Lizzie would drag 
 me down pray don't put such an idea into her head. 
 
 BOBBIN. Are you quite sure you haven't put it there 
 already ? 
 
 REGINALD. Lizzie wouldn't do for me to look at from a 
 matrimonial point of view, we can be the dearest of friends 
 but man and wife never. 
 
 LIZZIE, (aside) I blush to hear this man. 
 REGINALD. You needn't tell Lizzie what I've said, there's 
 no occasion. 
 
 BOBBIN. None at all ! 
 
 REGINALD. I'll look in again to-night, I want to see 
 Lizzie particularly and bless her little heart ! say I'll 
 never forget her. (exit, door, L. 
 
 LIZZIE, (comes down) But she will forget you. Oh, Bob- 
 bin this will kill me. 
 
 BOBBIN. No it won't, women don't die so easily. 
 LIZZIE. You heard how he spoke of me, he said I waa 
 not a lady ; he looks upon me as a coarse ignorant girl. I 
 despise him, Bobbin. 
 BOBBIN. Well, I hope you do. 
 LIZZIE. At least I'll try. 
 > BOBBIN. Ah, that's another thing. 
 
 LIZZIE. We'll leave this place ; let us give warning at 
 once. I couldn't pass him on the stairs or speak to him 
 again. I must go alone, if you won't go with me. 
 BOBBIN, (takes her hand) No Lizzie, together. 
 LIZZIE. I've got some note paper in my box, I'll write 
 him a letter telling him never to dare mention my name 
 again, for lowly as I am I think myself above him. 
 
 BOBBIN. 80 you are, and when you write that, score it 
 under three times, as if you were scratching it into his 
 memory. 
 
 B 
 
14 LIZZIE LYLE. [Ad 1. 
 
 LIZZIE, (looks in box, with a cry of surprise talces out 
 brooch) Why this is Madame Fauchon's brooch ! How 
 did it come here ? 
 
 BOBBIN. What, don't you know ? 
 
 LIZZIE. I know ! I what do you mean ? 
 
 BOBBIN. Has one of us gone cranky and stolen it. 
 
 LIZZIE. Let us run back with it at once, oh, if they 
 should miss it. (putting on bonnet.) 
 
 BOBBIN. Eun it, run it, before all the other girls get 
 there, (as they are going.) 
 
 Enter MADAME FANCHON, and ADOLPHE DURAND, L. door. 
 
 LIZZIE. Oh, madame, this is your ornament, I found it in 
 my box, but how it got there heaven only knows ! 
 
 ADOLPHE. No, you and Miss Bobbin know ver veil how 
 it did get dere. 
 
 BOBBIN. Don't you say anything that you may repent 
 of Mounseer Spiteful toad of a Froggyvoo. 
 
 ADOLPHE. (takes brooch from LIZZIE) He is de brooch 
 himself, saying more than I can say. 
 
 MADAME F. Oh, girls, whatever has driven you to theft ? 
 If you wanted money would nob I have lent it to you ? 
 
 LIZZIE. But we didn't want money ; and if we had, do you 
 think we should have taken that ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. I think so, if madame do not. 
 
 BOBBIN. Silence you soup-maigre snivelling sneak! I 
 know the spite you had against Lizzie and I suppose this 
 is the way you think to indulge it frog-eater, toad-eater 
 and ape of mischief ! we are not swallowed up yet. 
 
 LIZZIE. We are innocent, Madame Fanchon. 
 
 MADAME F. I shall be most happy if you can prove it, 
 but how will you do so ? 
 
 BOBBIN. Don't you see how things are going against us ? 
 We may say we didn't go and steal the brooch, but who'll 
 believe it ? 
 
 LIZZIE. What's the use of trying to do our best ; every- 
 thing is going against us, it seems just as if we were 
 thieves. 
 
 ADOLPHE. What else can it seem ! 
 
 LIZZIE. Ah, I see that triumph in your glance, that smile 
 of malice on your lips ; I remember your words of threat- 
 ened mischief " remember Adolphe and be afraid," you 
 you, have laid the trap and ensnared us. 
 
 MADAME F. It is my property, and I have hardly the 
 heart to give them into custody. 
 
SC. 3.] LIZZIE LYLE. ]5 
 
 ADOLPHE. No? Why it is madame's duty ; if she fear to 
 do it, I will do it for her. (opens door, calls) Policemen ! 
 
 Enter BATTER, L. D. 
 
 BATTER. Yes, sir. 
 
 ADOLPHE. There are your prisoners. 
 
 BATTER. Where, sir ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. Don't you see do two vomen. 
 
 BATTER. No, no, sir; not them, they are two respect- 
 able flower merchants, makers, I mean. 
 
 ADOLPHE. You give them in charge, do you not madame ? 
 
 MADAME F. Perhaps I had better do so, or nothing on 
 my premises will be safe. 
 
 ADOLPHE. To be sure not ; madame is right, bring them 
 to the station-house. 
 
 BATTER. What, two of the girls I love, I can't do it. 
 (weeping. ) 
 
 ADOLPHE. Do your duty, or your number sail be taken. 
 
 BATTER. Take my number if you like, bat oh, don't 
 ask me to take them, (embracing them) Oh, Lizzie ! oh, 
 Bobbin ! 
 
 BOBBIN. Don't fear, Mr. Batter, we are ready to go with 
 you anywhere ; we may be accused, but we're not found 
 guilty. You, madame, would have shown mercy, but 
 for him. Some day he may want some, and^when he does 
 may it be denied him. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Shall we not be obeyed, are you not a member 
 of de force ? 
 
 BATTER. Yes, but I am so weak at the present moment 
 you wouldn't believe. 
 
 LIZZIE. Courage ! you feel this more than we do ; you 
 think we are innocent but we know ourselves to be so. 
 Come, we are ready. 
 
 BATTER. I haven't the strength to collar you, I haven't 
 indeed ; my arms refuse their office for they know you 
 ought not to be walked down ; take my arm and let us go 
 genteel. Go on, sir, the force is coming with the weaker 
 vessels, (music picture, end of scene.) 
 
 SCENE THIRD. A cell in the police station L. 1 E., 
 LIZZIE and BOBBIN are thrust in by POLICEMAN, in D. p. 
 
 LIZZIE. Oh, Bobbin, you don't know how deep this dis- 
 grace sinks into my soul the horrible walk through the 
 street, the rude mob around us, and the unkind remarks 
 they made, as though we were really dishonest breaks 
 my heart. 
 
16 LIZZIK LYLE. f[Ad 1, 
 
 BOBBIN. Don't think of it, Lizzie, I am not going to 
 let it break mine. No, this shall make it tougher than 
 ever. I want it strong I want it hard ! because when all 
 this is found out, and Mounseer Froggyvoo's time comes, 
 I don't want to feel one touch of pity for him. He's up 
 now, and we're down. The world's always turning round, 
 and I know we shall come out at the right end of it after 
 all. 
 
 LIZZIE. I fancy the very street boys will point at me in 
 the future, and call after me as I pass along that there 
 will always be the belief of my dishonesty in every one's 
 mind ! 
 
 BOBBIN. They'll believe wrong, then ; but there are 
 others who know us who'll believe we never could have 
 done it no not to buy bread ! I know well who did it, 
 and you heard me tell him so to his very head ! 
 
 LIZZIE. And I know why he did it ! I refused to accept 
 his addresses ! I scorned and perhaps insulted him ! 
 
 BOBBIN. I hope you did I glory in it ; I wish I had 
 been there I'd have helped you ! 
 
 LIZZIE. I'm sure we don't deserve this disgrace cast 
 upon us Providence has forsaken us ; we're not good 
 enough to be cared about now! 
 
 BOBBIN. But I say we are. Is a wicked man to trample 
 on our good name send us to the wall, and let disgrace 
 flatten us down? No. I don't believe it! We shall go 
 Tip haven't you seen the cork fly out of a bottle of ginger 
 pop? 
 
 LIZZIE. We may be sent to prison for three months 
 think of that ! 
 
 BOBBIN. Well, if we are, see what it will save us in rent ! 
 Oh, it has its advantages after all ! 
 
 LIZZIE. How can you joke on such a subject ? 
 
 BOBBIN. I am sure I am not going to cry, when laughing 
 is just as cheap ! 
 
 (BATTER is seen through little wicket in door. 
 
 BATTER. Oh, my doves in a cage, how are you getting on P 
 
 BOBBIN. I'm all right, but Lizzie isn't. 
 
 BATTER. I think I can pull you through, my dears. 
 
 BOBBIN. What, through that little door, do you mean? 
 
 BATTER. No, through the charge against you. 
 
 BOBBIN. ) 
 and You do ? 
 
 LIZZIE. J 
 
 BATTER. Yes. Parley voo Frunsey wanted to back out 
 
SO. 4.] LIZZIE LYLK 17 
 
 of the charge, but I said " No, you began it, and you shall 
 go through with ifc." 
 
 BOBBIN. And so he shall, Mr. Batter. Speak up before 
 the magistrate, Lizzie ; give him a bit of your mind, and 
 then I'll give him my opinion. This is a land of liberty 
 everybody is allowed to speak, and I'll do my share with 
 the best. 
 
 BATTER. And more than your share, if it is wanted, won't 
 you, Miss Bobbin ? 
 
 BOBBIN. I will I'll rnn on like perpetual motion. 
 
 BATTEK. Hark ! the magistrate is taking his seat upon 
 the bench, I shall be wanted. I'll say all I can for you. 
 
 LIZZIE. I am afraid you can say nothing, Mr. Batter. 
 
 BATTER. Never mind, I'll say it for all that. My word 
 goes a long way with the magistrate, he's a very particular 
 mend of mine. You'll see, I'll pull you through. 
 
 (exit from wicJcet. 
 
 LIZZIE. The painful moment approaches. Oh, Bobbin, 
 you don't know how degraded I feel. 
 
 BOBBIN. Degraded, indeed! For what? because you 
 are falsely charged ! I'll bring an action for false im- 
 prisonment, and so shall you ; damages laid at a thousand 
 pounds, and not a penny less taken. 
 
 LIZZIE. I should die without you. 
 
 BOBBIN. You shall neither die without me, or with me ; 
 together we will weather the storm, like two sprigs of 
 flower-girls, not yet nipped in the bud, 
 
 Enter POLICEMAN, D. P. 
 
 POLICE. Now then, come on ! 
 
 BOBBIN, (imitating) "Now then, come on!" that's a 
 nice way to speak to victims of unmerited prosecution. 
 Go on, Bobby, we'll follow thee. Lizzie, remember your 
 namesake Queen Elizabeth, be a hero, like her and we'll 
 astonish their cocked hats. (exeunt, D. p. 
 
 SCENE FO CTRTH. Interior of Police Court. MR. FALCON 
 (a magistrate), c. Prisoners 9 bar, R., witness l)ox t L., body 
 : of court, L. c. 
 
 All the WORK GIRLS and MOB discovered. USHER OF THE 
 COURT, MAGISTRATE'S CLERK, OFFICERS discovered, also 
 BATTER. 
 
 MR. F. Bring on the next charge. Silence in the 
 court! 
 
18 LIZZIE LYLB. [ACT 1. 
 
 Enter POLICEMAN with LIZZIE and BOBBIN, in box, R. 
 
 GIRLS. Cheer up Bobbin, cheer up Lizzie you've got 
 friends ! 
 
 USHER. Silence in the court ! 
 
 BOBBIN, (in box) Sisters and fellow countrywomen 
 
 ME. F. Silence prisoner how dare you ? Who bringg 
 this charge who is the first witness ? (MADAME FANCHON 
 enters the box.) Proceed, madame, and tell us what you 
 know of this. 
 
 GIRLS. They didn't do it ! 
 
 USHER. Silence silence ! 
 
 MR. F. Well, madame, go on if you please. 
 
 MADAME F. This morning I missed a very valuable 
 brooch from my room, and from what my clerk, Monsieur 
 Durand, told me, I suspected the prisoners. 
 
 MR. F. Is that your property ? (the brooch is handed 
 
 MADAME F. It is ! (USHER puts brooch back on table 
 
 MR. F. (to BOBBIN and LIZZIE) Do you wish to ask the 
 witness any questions? 
 
 BOBBIN. I do, your worship. Now, Madame Fanchon, 
 I ask you, if all the time Lizzie and I worked for you you 
 ever missed a sprig of flowers, or an odd half inch of wire ? 
 
 MADAME F . No, I can't say I did ! 
 
 BOBBIN. There, your worship, there ! 
 
 MR. F. That is not the question. Have you anything 
 further to ask ? 
 
 BOBBIN. Now, wasn't it that Monsieur Duraud that first 
 put it into your head that we stole the brooch ? 
 
 MADAME F. He came to me and said 
 
 MR. F . We will hear what he has to say from his own 
 lips. 
 
 BOBBIN. So we will your worship hear, hear ! 
 
 GIRLS. Hear, hear ! 
 
 USHER. Silence in the court ! 
 
 MR. F. Have you anything further to ask the witness ! 
 
 BOBBIN. No, your worship. Have you Lizzie ? 
 
 LIZZIE. I would only ask you, madame, whether, in 
 your heart, you really believe either of us to be guilty ; 
 or whether this vile suspicion has been instilled into your 
 mind by others ? I hope and pray you will not be hard 
 against us : for a good name is always dear to a poor 
 working girl. 
 
 MADAME F. What can I say ? Was not the stolen 
 property found in your room ? 
 
SO. 4.] LIZZIE LYLE. 19 
 
 LIZZIE. Yes, and placed there by somebody else. 
 
 BOBBIN. 1 
 
 and > Hear, hear ! 
 GIRLS. ) 
 
 USHER. Silence in the court ! 
 
 MR. F . Is there anything further you wish to say ? 
 
 LIZZIE. No, sir ! because if I was to speak all day I 
 don't suppose you'd think me innocent. 
 
 MR. F. I am not so sure of that ; I can tell better when 
 I have heard the other witnesses. (MADAME FANCHON exits 
 from box, ADOLPHE enters it, all the GIRLS groan at him 
 MADAME FANCHON sits in body of court.) 
 
 USHER. Silence in the court ! 
 
 MR. F. What is your name? 
 
 ADOLPHE. Adolphe Durand. 
 
 MR. F. Let me hear what you know of this ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. I have had my eye on de prisoners for a very 
 long time, and I tink dey have taken many other tings. 
 
 MR. F. Confine yourself to what you know, never mind 
 anything else. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Certainly I sail do so, monsieur, and speak 
 all de truth and nothing else. 
 
 MR. F. I hope you will. 
 
 ADOLPHE. To-day I see ma'amselle Lizzie and Bobbin 
 look about de varehouse ver much cautious, so I vatch 
 dem ; von keep vatch, and de oder 
 
 MR. F. Stay ! which one kept watch ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. I I t'ink it was ma'amselle Lizzie. 
 
 LIZZIE. I ! 
 
 MR. F. You must not think you must be sure. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Ah, yes, now I am sure, it was ma'amselle 
 Lizzie. 
 
 MR. F. You have recovered your recollection very 
 suddenly. Well, proceed, sir. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Lizzie keep vatch, and Bobbin came out of 
 madame's room vid de brooch in her hand, and dey go to 
 dere vork again quite sly, till they go home to dinner, den 
 I tell madam e. 
 
 MR. F. But why did you wait till they went home to 
 dinner ? Why did you not inform Madame Fanchon at 
 once of what you had seen ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. Madame vas busy, and de time pass on, but I 
 tell her as soon as I could. 
 
 MR. F. (to BOBBIN) Do you wish to ask the witness any 
 questions ? 
 BOBBIN, (to ADOLPHE) Now you know very well if you 
 
20 LIZZIE LYLE. [ACT 1. 
 
 had anything to say to madame, you had plenty of oppor- 
 tunities of telling her. 
 
 ADOLPHE. I say I had notI vas busy too, and de man 
 who wastes his employer's time is not good. 
 
 BOBBIN. And the man who hides can find. 
 
 GIRLS. Well done Bobbin bravo ! bravo ! 
 
 USHER. Silence in the court. 
 
 MR. F. Did you follow the prisoners home ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. Me, monsieur ! I know not vhere dey live. 
 
 BATTER. (R.) Oh, come, young man, that won't do, for I 
 saw you come out of their house just before you told me 
 I was wanted. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Dat must have been somebody like me. 
 
 BATTER. Your twin brother perhaps ; but if so, you're 
 very much alike, especially you. 
 
 MR! F. Have you anything further to say ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. No, monsieur, I have tell all I know. 
 
 BATTER, (aside) And a great deal more, it strikes me. 
 
 MR. F. (to LIZZIE) Do you wish to ask the witness any 
 questions ? 
 
 LIZZIE. I do your worship. 
 
 BOBBIN. Give it him, Lizzie ! 
 
 LIZZIE, (to ADOLPHE) Didn't you always insist upon 
 forcing your society upon me ? and didn't I say I didn't 
 like you at all that I detested you ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. I do not remember. 
 
 LIZZIE. You do remember you know it well. Did you 
 not say that I should be sorry that I should be punished? 
 
 ADOLPHE. No, I did not. 
 
 BOBBIN. But I say you did ; Lizzie told me so, and I'd 
 sooner believe her than you, any day. 
 
 MR. F. (to MADAME FANCHON) Did you observe the 
 witness leave your premises before the dinner hour ? 
 
 MADAME F. Well, I certainly did, your worship, and 
 wondered where he could be going. 
 
 ADOLPHE. (aside) Diable ! 
 
 BOBBIN. To bait the trap he hoped we should fall into. 
 
 GIRLS. Well done, Bobbin well done ! 
 
 USHER. Silence in the court. 
 
 MR. F. I think this is a very doubtful charge ; do you 
 wish to press it i 3 (to MADAME FANCHON.) 
 
 MADAME F. No, your worship, I do not. 
 
 MR. F. Would you receive the prisoners again into your 
 employ? 
 
 MADAME F. Not at present; I would rather wait until 
 
ACT 2.] LIZZIE LYLB, 21 
 
 their innocence is fully proved, and perhaps that may 
 shortly be the case. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Dat is right, madame have nothing more to 
 do vid dem. 
 
 MADAME F. Neither will I have anything more to do 
 with you. 
 
 ADOLPHE. What you mean, madame ? 
 
 MADAME F. I know you have told one- falsehood, and 
 how do I know you will not tell me more I discharge 
 you, never enter my house again. 
 
 MR. F. The prisoners are also discharged. 
 
 BATTER J 
 
 and > Hooray ! Hooray ! 
 
 GIRLS. J 
 
 ADOLPHE. But madame but madame 
 
 MR. F. Leave the court, sir. 
 
 GIRLS, (at ADOLPHE) Ah hoo ! a hoo ! (BOBBIN comes 
 with LIZZIE from box.) 
 
 BOBBIN. We've got the day. 
 
 LIZZIE. Don't hurry me, I can bear no more, (faints on 
 BOBBIN'S shoulder.) 
 
 MR. F. Clear the court. (GiRLs hoot ADOLPHE, they throw 
 bundles, bonnets and shoes at him as he escapes from box. 
 Picture. 
 
 END OF ACT I. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE FIRST. Drawing-room in the Mansion of Mr. 
 Dacre. c. , window with curtain. Doors R. and L. Bureau, 
 L. c. Table, c., lighted lamp on it. Pen and ink on table. 
 
 JAMES and GRACE discovered. 
 
 JAMES. Grace, how do you like master's new French 
 valet? 
 
 GRACE. Not at all, I can't bear foreigners ; I think 
 they're awful spiteful if you offend them. 
 
 JAMES. What's his name ? 
 
 GRACE. Adolphe Durand. 
 
 ADOLPHE. (without, R.) Certainly, aare, I sail see ib 
 attended to. 
 
 GRACE. Here comes monsieur. 
 
 Enter ADOLPHE, R. 
 ADOLPHE. (to GRACE) Ah, bon soir, my good friend de 
 
22 LIZZIE LYLE. [ACT 2. 
 
 roses still stop on your cheeks ; yon are blooming, char* 
 mant ! 
 
 GRACE. "Well, I can't return the compliment, for I see 
 no roses on your cheeks. 
 
 JAMES, (aside) No, they look more like cauliflowers. 
 
 ADOLPHE. When Mr. Shepperly, the lawyer, come, he 
 is to be shown in here immediately dere is great business 
 to be done. 
 
 JAMES. T think I know what it is master's going to 
 make a fresh will, I overheard as much. 
 
 GRACE. I hope he will pop us down for something. 
 
 JAMES. And master's son, young Mr. Reginald, is to be 
 popped out of it altogether. 
 
 ADOLPHE. I am afraid he is ; he went against his father, 
 he vould not obey him dat vas bad. Ah, my friends, 
 we should all try to be as good as we can in dis vicked 
 vorld. 
 
 MR. DACRE. (without, R.) Adolphe ! 
 
 ADOLPHE. Yes, sare ! You had better go, my friends, 
 your time is your master's, be honest in all things always 
 go and be good. 
 
 GRACE. He gives good advice, don't he ? 
 
 JAMES, (aside) He does, but as the proof of the pudding 
 is in the eating, so the test of service is deeds not words. 
 
 (exit with GRACE, L. 
 
 ADOLPHE. I slip into dis family most lucky, and wiz a 
 most artful false charactere. My master is most rich de 
 diamonds he have in de house are a fortune of demselves, 
 besides de notes he keep. Dat bureau hold somezing 
 very good, and I must some time see what is inside him; 
 den will I feader my nest, and fly over once more to La 
 Belle France. 
 
 MR. D. (without) Adolphe, I say ! 
 
 Enter NATHANIEL DACRE and MRS. DACRE, R. 
 
 Did you not hear me call before ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. Yes, sare, but I thought it was here you did 
 expect I should wait for you. 
 
 MR. D. Has Mr. Shepperly, the lawyer, been ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. No, sare, he come not yet. 
 
 MR. D. When he calls send him here, directly. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Yes, sare. (aside) Dere is something going on 
 to-night dat I must know all about. (exit, L. D. 
 
 MR. D. What a long, miserable day this has seemed to 
 me. 
 
SC. 1.] LIZZIE LTLE. 23 
 
 MRS. D. And to me also, our son being away from us. 
 
 MR. D. It is no fault of mine. 
 
 MRS. D. Then forgive him, and so much greater will be 
 the merit of your pardon. 
 
 MR. D. You ask me too much. When he returns to beg 
 my pardon, I will forgive him, not till then. 
 
 MRS. D. Then I am afraid he will never come. 
 
 MR. D. Oh, yes he will. I have the talisman that will 
 entice him wealth ! and I can leave every penny as I 
 choose, and I will. Do you forget how he insulted me 
 his own father ? 
 
 MRS. D. Not insulted you, Nathaniel. 
 
 MR. D. Did he not sneer at all merchants as a mere 
 money-getting crew of speculators? Can I forget that 
 insult and from my own son ? No, no, he must beg my 
 pardon not I his. 
 
 MRS. D. You are very stern, Nathaniel. 
 
 MR. D. And he is very obstinate ; don't let us talk any 
 more of this. I am going into my study, and if the lawyer 
 comes let me be sent for at once, for the business I have 
 in contemplation must and shall be settled to-night. 
 
 (exit, i. 
 
 MRS. D. He will disinherit Reginald, our only son. All 
 his childhood I feared to lose him he is my last and only 
 one. Better, perhaps, would ifc have been if child and 
 mother had died together ! 
 
 Enter REGINALD, ivindow, c. 
 
 REGINALD. Mother ! 
 
 MRS.,D. Who's there? 
 
 REGINALD, (advancing) Reginald. 
 
 MRS. D. Reginald! Oh, my son, do we meet at last? 
 It is a whole year since I saw you. 
 
 REGINALD. Where is father ? I don't want him to see 
 me. I am not going to let him humble me. 
 
 MRS. D. Don't talk so, Reginald. I wish I could see 
 you in a calmer state of mind ; you look pale and anxious. 
 
 REGINALD. I've had hard times ; lived in a garret, and 
 scribbled for a little better than dry bread, so no wonder. 
 
 MRS. D. Then while you are here make some concession 
 to your father he is getting old now. 
 
 REGINALD. Never. I'd rather go on as I am he'll come 
 round at last ; there's no other son to take my place. 
 
 MRS. D. Don't be too sure of his relenting he grows 
 sterner than ever, and if he knew you were here speaking 
 to me, and refusing to see him, I dread to think of whafc 
 
24 LIZZIE LYLE. [ACT 2. 
 
 the consequences might be. How did you get into the 
 house ? 
 
 REGINALD. I climbed over the garden wall, as 1 used to 
 do many a time when a boy. 
 
 MRS. D. I hope none of the servants saw you ? 
 
 REGINALD. Only Grace ; but she and I were always good 
 friends I know she'll say nothing. 
 
 Enter GRACE, L. 
 
 GRACE. Sir, master is coming. 
 
 REGINALD. Thank you, Grace, (exit GRACE, L.) I'll gel 
 out of the way. I'll go in your room, for I wish to see you 
 again. 
 
 MRS. D. No ; he will be sure to go in and see you. 
 
 REGINALD. I'll go back into the garden, then. 
 
 MRS. D. It's too late, I hear his step he's here. 
 
 REGINALD. This must do, then, (hides behind window 
 curtains.) 
 
 Ee-enter MR. DACRE, L. 
 
 MR. D. I wish the lawyer would come. I don't feel my- 
 self to-night. I worked hard when I was young, and it is 
 beginning to tell on me now. 
 
 MRS. I). Keep up your spirits, Nathaniel, for what 
 would become of me without you ? 
 
 MR. D. What, do you love the old tyrant still ? 
 
 MRS. D. I never called you a tyrant but I love Reginald, 
 and if he were only here, you could rest again. If Regi- 
 nald was to come in now and offer to do as you advise, 
 you'd welcome him, would you not ? 
 
 MR. D. When he obeys my commands I'll welcome him, 
 not before. 
 
 MRS. D. (takes his hand) Don't agitate yourself in this 
 manner you are feverish. 
 
 MR. D. Feverish ! My veins are running ice. Have a 
 fire lighted in my bed-room I shall not sit up late to- 
 night ; see about it at once. I'd rather see the lawyer v 
 alone. 
 
 MRS. D. Husband ! I pray you in this business be just 
 to Reginald, if you are not generous. 
 
 MR. D. I will be just so leave me, without further 
 argument. 
 
 MRS. D. I am going, Nathaniel. (exit, E. D. 
 
 MR. D. I don't believe in presentiments or else I should 
 fancy some evil threatened me. 
 
SO. 1.] LIZZIE LYLE. 25 
 
 Enter JAMES, L. D. 
 
 JAMES. Mr. Shepperly, sir. 
 
 Mil. D. Don't be out of the way if I should ring for you 
 and Adolphe. 
 
 JAMES. No, sir. (exit, L. D. returns, showing MR. SHEP- 
 PERLY.) 
 
 MR. D. Sit down, Mr. Shepperly. 
 
 MR. S. (sits L. of table) A fine evening, sir? 
 
 MR. D. (sits R. of table) It is cold, I think. 
 
 MR. S. I like the cold ; but perhaps you are not well, 
 sir? 
 
 MR. D. No, I am ill. Shepperly, I have a presentiment 
 that I am going to die very soon. Do you believe in pre- 
 sentiments ? (music tremulous during the following.} 
 
 MR. S. I believe in indigestion ! Bah ! there is no such 
 thing! Calamities come upon us, for the most part, like 
 thunder-claps. 
 
 MR. D. I have heard stories that seem to prove the 
 contrary one of a traveller who, sleeping at a lonely inn, 
 felt so sure that some one was in the room, that he arose 
 three times to search it, he found no one there, and went 
 to sleep, while all the time in an old press, which was 
 bolted on the inside, some one was waiting to murder 
 him. 
 
 MR. S. You want a pill. But I suppose you didn't send 
 for me on purpose to tell me this ? 
 
 MR. D. No, I sent for you that I might tell you I have 
 made my will. Here it is. (gives it.) 
 
 MR. S. A very sensible thing, no one dies any the sooner 
 for doing it, though many think they do. 
 
 MR. D. I am a very rich man, and hoped that when I died 
 my son would carry on the business, and Dacre and Son 
 would not cease to exist with me ; but my son insulted me 
 -my success, and pride in business were flung in my teeth, 
 to follow in my steps would be a degradation I told him 
 to leave my house ; he left it that is twelve mouths ago, 
 and I have not seen him since. You can, perhaps, guess 
 what I mean to do ? 
 
 MR. S. To disinherit him, I suppose ? 
 
 MR. D. I do. 
 
 REGINALD, (aside, looking out) I thought so. 
 
 MR. S. You are fixed on this? 
 
 MR. D. I am; don't attempt to dissuade me from it. 
 
 MR. S. Very good ; we shall require two witnesses. 
 
 MR. D. I have them ready, (rings.) 
 
 c 
 
26 LIZZIE LYLS. [ACT 2 
 
 Enter JAMES and ADOLPHE, L. D. 
 
 MR. S. Will you notice Mr. Dacre sign, if you please ? 
 (MR. DACRE signs) Now, if you please, (they sign.) 
 
 MR. D. (gives lank-notes to each) That is for your trouble 
 also for your secrecy as regards this matter ? Speak not of 
 this to anyone no thanks, not a word go ! 
 
 (exeunt ADOLPHE and JAMES, L. D. 
 
 MR. S. Do you desire me to take charge of this will ? 
 
 MR. D. No, I will keep it myself ; but I desire you to 
 know the place of its concealment, (goes to cabinet) Look 
 here, Mr. Shepperly, (touches a spring, the doors fty open) 
 this cabinet I bought of a Frenchman, who had been a 
 Government spy, it has a couple of secret drawers, (re- 
 enter ADOLPHE, L. D., hehides behind chair) Here with bonds, 
 cheques, diamonds and jewels, will I put my will ; you 
 only know where to find it. If I do not destroy it, here 
 it will be found at my death or here it may be hidden for 
 ever, if I would have it so. (closes door) Will you take 
 some refreshment before you go ? A glass of sherry at 
 least, or some supper ? 
 
 MR. S. No thank you ; a man who needs a cool head 
 must beware of late suppers and late wine. Good-night, 
 Mr. Dacre ; to-morrow I'll look in with the hope of finding 
 you better. Good-night, sir. (exit, L. D. 
 
 DACRE. Good-night, Mr. Shepperly. So, then, that is 
 done, and my mind is more at ease. (exit, E. D. 
 
 REGINALD, (comes down) Now, I know my fate. If I take 
 the will, it is very likely the theft may never be discovered ; 
 or, if it is, who can lay it to me ? My mother will never 
 betray my presence here. Must I be a beggar because my 
 notions do not chime in with my father's ? The doors open 
 easily, and by gliding my hand along the inside I may 
 touch the secret spring. ( ADOLPHE blows out lamp lights 
 down) The light extinguished, but I can tell the paper by 
 the feel, if 1 can touch it. (brings out the will) I have it 
 yes, this must be it. (places it in breast pocket.) 
 
 ADOLPHE. (aside) Indeed ! den he must not take it avay. 
 (seizes REGINALD, and in the struggle obtains the will un- 
 known to him.) 
 
 REGINALD. Who is there? Let me go let me go. 
 (struggles ADOLPHE takes out dagger, attempts to wound 
 REGINALD REGINALD wrenches it from him, ADOLPHE falls 
 as if wounded; REGINALD drops dagger) Oh, horror ! it may 
 be my father I have wounded, perhaps killed ; and I may 
 

SC. 1.] LIZZIE LYLE. 17 
 
 be arrested as his murderer. Oh, unlucky chance ac- 
 cursed meeting ! (exit c. at window. 
 A.DOLPHE. (rises) Ha, ha ! my ruse succeeded. He tinks 
 he has killed his own fader good. I sail profit out of 
 dis. Vere is my poniard ? I must find dat, or it may 
 tell tales against me. (finds it) I have him, and now dis is 
 mine (shoivs will) I must have vat jewels are in dat 
 cabinet, and den my fortune is quite made, (goes to cabinet) 
 Diable ! I cannot find de spring I 
 
 Enter MAT BAUKINS, c., with darlc lantern. 
 
 MAT. Some good Christian has been kind enough not to 
 fasten the window, and that saves a poor man a deal of 
 trouble. Hollo ! I've got opposition in my line his back's 
 towards me ; I wish I could see his face, just to know if 
 he's a pal or not. (hides under table.) 
 
 ADOLPHE. How unlucky dis delay I can't find him at all. 
 
 Enter MR. DACRE, with lighted candle t R. door. 
 
 DACRE. I heard a noise as if some persons were quarrel- 
 ing here. Adolphe villain ! you are robbing me. (seizes 
 him.) 
 
 ADOLPIIE. Let me go. 
 
 DACRE. Never, villain ! Help, help ! 
 
 MAT. (aside, looking out) Here's a row ! I shall be nailed 
 too! 
 
 ADOLPHE. Be silent let me go, and I'll not harm you. 
 
 DACRE. No, rascal ! you shall be given up to justice. 
 Help! help, I say ! 
 
 ADOLPHE. Then let this silence you. (stabs him he falls 
 goes to cabinet.) 
 
 "MAT. (goes to ADOLPHE) Here, I must have a bit out of 
 this. Why, it is my old pal the mounseer ! 
 
 ADOLPHE. Vat Mathew Barkin ! 
 
 MAT. The very same, and not lagged or scragged yet. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Hush ! not so loud. Do you still live in de 
 same place? 
 
 MAT. "Yes. (murmurs heard. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Diable ! de house is alarmed ! Go I vill see 
 you to-morrow. 
 
 MAT. Honour among thieves? 
 
 ADOLPHE. Yes, yes. 
 
 MAT. I'm off while I am safe. (exit at windoiv c. 
 
 ADOLPHE. I sail be seen, (blows out light) I must no 
 longer stop. (exit, L. D. 
 
28 LIZZIE LYLE. [ACT 2 
 
 Enter MRS. DACKE, R. D. 
 
 MRS. D. Are you here, Nathaniel? Is anything the 
 matter ? 
 
 DACRE. Yes, some villain struck me down ; I am dying. 
 MRS. D. Help ! murder ! help ! 
 
 Enter ADOLPIIE, with light, L. D. 
 
 ADOLPHE. For mercy sake vat is de matter ? 
 
 MRS. D. My husband see, he has been cruelly mur- 
 dered ! 
 
 ADOLPHE. Poor gentlehomme ah, who can have done 
 dis ? Friends, I pray you come dis vay, and see vat 
 dreadful sight is here ! 
 
 Enter JAMES, GRACE, and SERVANTS. L. D. 
 
 MRS. D. Search the grounds, the murderer may not have 
 left them, (aside) What horrid thought is this ? Son and 
 father may have met. (stops them from going c.) No, no 
 keep back ! Not this way, not this way ; he could not have 
 passed out here not here, no, no ! (exits .fainting, by win- 
 dow ; tableau of surprise. ) 
 
 SCENE SECOND. Garden wall and country lane. 
 Enter REGINALD, R. 
 
 REGINALD . What have I done ? Was it really my father ? 
 No, the grasp was too strong, and yet who else could it be ? 
 A knife was a dangerous weapon to use in the dark. I am 
 not wounded, but did I wound him ? Is there blood upon 
 , me ? No ; then perhaps whoever it was, fell to the ground 
 with fright. But the will! he may miss it and make 
 another. What shall I do with it? (discovers the loss) 
 Gone ! I must have dropped it. Dare I return to search 
 Cor it ? Shall I venture ? Yes, anything is worth risking 
 to secure the will which dooms me to a beggar's lot. 
 
 Enter MRS. DACRE, R. 
 
 REGINALD. I am here, mother. 
 
 MRS. D. Don't touch me don't call me mother don't 
 come near me. Oh, Reginald, how I have loved you, but 
 it is over now. You are my son, so I will not tell them 
 what I know, How can I ever look at you ? I left you in 
 the room to witness the making of a will a will that dis- 
 inherited you ; it is gone, and your poor father is dead. 
 
SO. 2.] LIZZIE LYLB. 29 
 
 REGINALD. And do you think I killed him ? 
 
 MRS. D. You wenfc to take the will it was that which, 
 caused it. 
 
 REGINALD. Mother, I swear I had no words with my 
 father. Do you think 1 would have raised a hand against 
 him ? It is true I took the will, and at that moment a knife 
 was raised against my life ; there was a scuffle, a fall, and 
 I fled from the house. If my poor father has met his death 
 it is by pure accident, and not by the hand of his wretched 
 son, 
 
 MRS. D. I would give my life to believe this prove it 
 somehow, Reginald. 
 
 KEGINALD. How can I ? "VYere we not alone in the dark, 
 and has not death sealed the lips of my father? Oh, 
 mother, I am not the wretch you take me for. By my visit 
 to the house this night I have profited nothing, for the will 
 I took to destroy is lost. 
 
 MRS. D. Lost ! 
 
 REGINALD. Yes, I must have dropped it when I. left the 
 house. 
 
 MRS. D. I do not care for the loss of the fortune. Come, 
 I will believe you at least, I will try. Come, come. 
 
 REGINALD. I am ready. (exeunt n. 
 
 Enter BATTER, LIZZIE, and BOBBIN, L. 
 
 BATTER, (wipes away a tear) But I must give way. Ever 
 since that unfounded confounded charge could you get any 
 work ? No. Could you get everybody to believe you in- 
 nocent? No. Could I a-bear to see it? No. Could I 
 get you into situations ? No. Would they have you as 
 policeman? No. Very well, then, I must give way I 
 must discharge my tears, or I shall bust out of my uni- 
 form. 
 
 BOBBIN. Don't spoil your uniform that would be a pity. 
 
 BATTER. It would, for I should have to pay for ife. I must 
 say good-bye now, for I've got to go on duty England 
 expects every man to do his duty, and so does the in- 
 spector. 
 
 LIZZIE. We owe you a deep debt of gratitude. 
 
 BATTER. No, you don't you owe me nothing ; and 
 you've paid me. Don't let anything make you go wrong ; 
 I know you were innocent, so be so still don't let'em take 
 you into custody, and in the hour of black misfortune re- 
 member you have a friend in blue. Adoo, adoo, adoo ! 
 
 (exit L., crying* 
 
30 LIZZIE LTLE. [ACT 2 
 
 LIZZIE. Poor fellow. What shall we do ? 
 
 BOBBIN. Our names have got talked about in all the 
 workshops. Well, we must live somehow. 
 
 LIZZIE. They must want flower- makers in the large 
 towns, as well as they do in London ; then let us go into 
 the country I know that wicked Frenchman has turned 
 the trade against us. 
 
 BOBBIN. Well, look here the station's close by; I'll go 
 and see how far, and how much it is by rail to the next 
 great town. 1 think we have got money enough to run to 
 it, and perhaps we may be able to start to-night. I won't? 
 be long ; just observe how quick Bobbin is bobbing off. 
 
 (exit R. 
 
 LIZZIE. We are both orphans nncared for, unloved. I 
 did think I was loved once, and I could have loved him in 
 return, but let him go those who are not worth remember- 
 ing ought easily to be forgotten. 
 
 Re-enter BOBBIN, crying, E. 
 
 BOBBIN. Oh, dear ! oh, lor ! I've lost it I've lost it's 
 gone. 
 
 LIZZIE. What do you mean ? 
 
 BOBBIN. I've lost all the money, purse and all. 
 
 LIZZIE. Never ! 
 
 BOBBIN. I have, I have seventeen and fourpence half- 
 penny, a thimble, three needles, and best part of a ball of 
 cotton oh, oh ! 
 
 LIZZIE. Lost my money and all ! 
 
 BOBBIN. Yes, I put it along of mine. Oh, dear ! oh, I'm 
 ruined I'm dead, and wish I wasn't alive. 
 
 LIZZIE. This last blow will crush us to the ground. 
 
 BOBBIN. It will, and I'm the crusher. I know it was 
 safe the last time I had it oh, oh, oh ! 
 
 LIZZIE. I feel sick at heart, and hopeless now. 
 
 BOBBIN. I must have dropped it somewhere ; let me go 
 back and look oh, oh ! I mustn't cry, or else I can't see, 
 yet I can't help it oh, oh ! (goes off, looking on the ground 
 and crying, L.) 
 
 LIZZIE. All one's ill fortune comes at once I feel 1 can 
 bear this no longer. Oh, if I was only at the bottom of 
 yonder river all my troubles would soon be over. 
 Why should I hesitate ? I have no father, no mother, no 
 friend but poor Bobbin, and she willfget on much better 
 without me ; so welcome Death, you shall rid me of weary 
 life now, before I give myself time to think now, now! 
 
 (rushes off, R. I E. 
 
SO. 2.] LIZZIE LYLE. 31 
 
 'Enter MILPOBD WHARTOH, L. 
 
 MILFORD. Why, what's that girl running off at that pace 
 for? She makes for the water-side, but if she jumps 
 in I'll jump in after her. (rushes off returns ivith LIZZIE) 
 You've had a very narrow escape. Do you know what you 
 were about to do ? 
 
 LIZZIE. Why did you stay me ? All my troubles would 
 have been over by this time. 
 
 MILFORD. My poor girl, your troubles would have just 
 begun. It is only for life that we have troubles here, but 
 beyond the grave it is for eternity. Have you no home 
 no friends ? 
 
 LIZZIE. Only one, and I am a drag to her. I'll leave you 
 now. 
 
 MILFORD. No, not with that crazed look upon your face, 
 you must be calmer before I let you go. 
 
 Enter BOBBIN, L. 
 
 BOBBIN. I haven't got it, Hollo, who's got you? 
 
 MILFORD. I have, she was about to commit suicide and 
 I prevented her. 
 
 BOBBIN. Make away with herself in a felonious felo de 
 see sort of manner ? 
 
 MILFORD. Yes, about to jump into yonder river. 
 
 BOBBIN. What you, Lizzie ? 
 
 LIZZIE. Don't be afraid, I'll never be so wicked again. I 
 shall never forget how good you've been to save my life. 
 
 MILFORD. Enough, I'll trust you. 
 
 BOBBIN. I wish someone would trust me with board and 
 lodging till I can get work again. 
 
 MILFORD. What, you are not deficient in hope, then ? 
 
 BOBBIN. No ; I am deficient in seventeen and fourpence 
 halfpenny, a thimble, three needles, and best part of a ball 
 of cotton. 
 
 MILFORD. Have you been robbed ? do vou know who 
 did it ? 
 
 BOBBIN. I can't tell, sir; all I know I have lost my little 
 store that was to have taken us far away. 
 
 MILFORD. And what were you going far away for ? 
 
 BOBBIN. If you please we've been falsely accused on 
 consumptive evidence of stealing what we didn't take ; 
 we're poor artificial flower-makers, and when our inno- 
 cence was proved, we couldn't get work, we thought it; 
 
32 LIZZIE LYLE. [ACT 2 
 
 better to go where nobody knew us ; but we've lost the 
 means, and now can neither stay here or go anywhere else. 
 
 MILFORD. Humph, something must be done for you. 
 
 BOBBIN. I think we have been done for quite enough. 
 
 MILFORD. (to LIZZIE) What is your name, my dear ? 
 
 LIZZIE. Elizabeth Lyle. 
 
 MILFORD. And yours ? 
 
 BOBBIN. Bobbin. 
 
 MILFORD. Is that your Christian or surname ? 
 
 BOBBIN. Both, sir. 
 
 MILFORD. That's impossible. 
 
 BOBBIN. Nobody calls me nothing else, though I believe 
 Kobinette K/obins is my right one. 
 
 MILFORD. You amaze me in speaking that name. 
 
 BOBBIN. It has amazed others, that's why they called me 
 Bobbin. 
 
 MILFORD. Why your father's name was Eobin Robins? 
 
 BOBBIN. It was ; but how did you come to know that ? 
 
 MILFORD. You had a brother ? 
 
 BOBBIN. I had, but he's dead. 
 
 MILFORD. But he is not dead. 
 
 BOBBIN. He must be, for he wrote to say he was. 
 
 MILFORD. But now he tells you he is alive, for I am that 
 brother ! 
 
 BOTH. You! 
 
 MILFORD. Yes, who left you when a child, and now re- 
 turned to England, rich and prosperous. 
 
 BOBBIN. What do you say, are you rich ? 
 
 MILFORD. I do. 
 
 BOBBIN. Then I'm sure you're my brother, (embrace) Oh, 
 how glad I am to see you Lizzie I have lost seventeen and 
 fourpence halfpenny, a thimble, three needles, and a ball of 
 cotton, but I have found a brother. 
 
 MILFORD. Yes, and you shall bid adieu to flower-making 
 for ever. 
 
 BOBBIN. I am afraid I am in a dream, pinch me. 
 
 MILFORD. No dream but a reality, both your distresses 
 are over, for next to my sister's welfare (to LIZZIE) I will 
 console you. 
 
 LIZZIE. Oh, sir, what can I say; from the depths of 
 despair you raise me to a pinnacle of joy. 
 
 BOBBIN. Heartsease and roses are now the real natural 
 flowers we shall enjoy for the future. 
 
 MILFORD. Come home with me, one roof shall shelter 
 my sister and her friend. (exeunt L. 
 
SC. 3.] LIZZIE LYLE. 33 
 
 SCENE THIRD. The drawing room, as before. 
 
 BEGIN ALD DAC.RE, discovered, seated. 
 
 REGINALD. Had I been more considerate my father 
 would have been alive. Oh, how my conscience will keep 
 whispering to my heart, this is all thy doing. 
 
 Enter ADOLPHE, L. D. 
 
 What is it you want ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. Yon little vord in your ear, suppose de will 
 of your fader is found. 
 
 REGINALD, (aside) What does he mean ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. Suppose de will leaves all de property to a 
 Charity, and leaves monsieur just nothing ; suppose some- 
 one see monsieur steal de will. I see you struggle vid 
 your fader, and you drop de will ; you strike your fader 
 down vid some weapon you carry and you escape. 
 
 REGINALD. It is false, I had no weapon, I did not strike 
 my father down. 
 
 ADOLPHE. If I tell all I know, who vill believe you did 
 not ? I see you come here, I see you conceal yourself I 
 pick up the vill ! If I speak, not only poverty but de 
 scaffold for de murderer of his fader. 
 
 REGINALD, (aside) I feel convinced this man is the 
 murderer, how can I prove it? If I denounce him he will 
 produce the will ! What can I do, must 1 make terms with 
 the villain ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. Does monsieur desire my friendship ? 
 
 REGINALD. Friendship between us! Be plain, how much 
 do you demand ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. I demand to share all vid monsieur, he sail 
 make me his friend, den I vill not speak of a viil that 
 leaves all to a charity. I must be your friend, not your 
 enemy, for if I am dat, avay goes de fortune, avay goes 
 your life. 
 
 REGINALD, (aside) What can I do ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. Monsieur desires time to reflect, he sail 
 have a little time, (goes up.) 
 
 REGINALD, (aside) I feel that I could brave all, if it were 
 not for my mother's sake, it would kill her. I must make 
 terms with him, and if he is the murderer, I may gain 
 time to consider the means by which the villain may be 
 convicted. 
 
 ADOLPHE. (coming down) Has monsieur considered ? 
 
34 LIZZIE LYLE. [ACT 2 
 
 REGINALD. I consent, for you know I am in your power. 
 \aside) Let me control myself till the proper time comes. 
 
 Enter JAMES, L. D. 
 
 JAMES. Mr. Milford Wharton, sir, wishes to see you. 
 
 REGINALD. Show him in. (exit L. D. 
 
 ADOLPHE. (aside) Diable ! I did live with dat man once, 
 and did very much rob him. I must keep my face out of 
 de vay. (ADOLPHE goes up.) 
 
 Enter MILFORD, L. door. 
 
 MILFORD. My dear "Reginald, I have heard of your great 
 loss and have come to offer you what comfort I can ; your 
 poor father came to an untimely end ? 
 
 REGINALD. He did indeed. 
 
 MILFORD. Have you any clue to his murderer. 
 
 REGINALD. No, not yet, but I do not despair of having 
 one at some future time. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Indeed, ve sail see. (aside, steals off L. door.) 
 
 REGINALD. You have come to reside in England perma- 
 nently I hear. 
 
 MILFORD. Yes, for while you have lost a father, I have 
 found a sister ! 
 
 REGINALD. What her you have searched for so long ? 
 
 MILFORD. Yes, long sought for, but found at last. 
 
 REGINALD. Where have you left your sister ? 
 
 MILFORD. She is waiting in the hall with two friends. 
 
 REGINALD. Shall I send for them here ? 
 
 MILFORD. Not just now, I wish to see your mother alone. 
 
 REGINALD. Come then, we shall soon join them. 
 
 (exeunt R. D. 
 
 Enter BATTER, swellishly dressed, LIZZIE and BOBBIN in 
 fashionable dresses, L. door. 
 
 BOBBIN. I don't think there's respect enough shown us ; 
 we're not common flower-makers now, we're ladies. 
 
 BATTER. I'm a gentleman now, made so by you. Didn't 
 I always say I should be taken notice of by a lady of for- 
 tune ? 
 
 BOBBIN. But whoever could have thought that could 
 have been me ? 
 
 LIZZIE, (to BATTER) I know you have a corner in her 
 heart. 
 
 BATTER. Oh, if I've got a corner in it, I don't despair 
 Borne day of being able to occupy the entire beat. 
 
SO. 3.] LIZZIE LYLE. 35 
 
 Re-enter ADGLPHE, L. D. 
 
 ADOLPHE. I do not see here de man I dread to meet. I 
 suppose he have gone good, good. 
 
 LIZZIE. That man here ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. Yes, I am, and why for not? 
 
 BOBBIN. Why its Froggyvoo ! 
 
 ADOLPHE. Come, let us be friends. 
 
 LIZZIE. No, sir, thank you ; when I was poor you were 
 my foe, but now I have protectors I defy you. 
 
 BOBBIN. I'm able to take care of her now, you would 
 have ruined our characters, but in spite of all your villainy 
 the poor flower-makers are still in full bloom. 
 
 LIZZIE, (to ADOLPHE) What brings you beneath the same 
 roof with honest people ? they shall know from me your true 
 character. 
 
 BOBBIN. Let's ring the bell, and have him turned out. 
 
 LIZZIE. Are you Mr. Eeginald Dacre's servant ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. Oui, and his master if he do not mind. 
 
 LIZZIE. This is the house, then ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. As long as he is civil, and ven he is not I 
 vill turn him out. 
 
 LIZZIE. Oh, why did you bring me here ? Reginald will 
 think I have sought him to renew our acquaintance. What 
 terrible secret is there between him and this man ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. Yen I am wanted I am to be found here ; 
 au revoir; all who vish to know 1 refer dem to Monsieur 
 Eeginald, de wealthy heir of his poor late fader. 
 
 (exit L. D. 
 
 BOBBIN. Mr. Batter, don't this seem very strange ? 
 
 BATTKR. It batters me up altogether. 
 
 Enter REGINALD, R. D. 
 
 REGINALD. Oh, Lizzie, I have often thought of you ; but 
 I am sorry that we do not meet under happier circum- 
 stances. 
 
 BOBBIN. You didn't come to help her when she was in 
 trouble, and that's the time to prove who are friends and 
 who are not ; he despises the poor flower-maker now, I 
 suppose. 
 
 REGINALD. No, I do not despise her, I love her still ; 
 when she was unjustly accused I came to this house to 
 procure money that I might provide legal assistance, but 
 what happened on that fatal night prostrated me in mind 
 and body ; I can only ask your pardon for the light manner 
 
36 LIZZIE LYLE. [ACT 2 
 
 I spoke of you ; I can freely offer you my hand now, a 
 home in my heart, a share in my fortune. 
 
 BOBBIN, (aside to her) Take 'em, such things don't go a 
 begging every day ; Bobbins and I will go and see how the 
 weather is come along, Mr. Batter, we're in the way. 
 
 BATTER. In course we are. 
 
 BOBBIN. One and one make two two makes a pair two 
 pairs make four take two from four and two remain. 
 Come along. (exeunt BOBBIN and BATTER, L. 
 
 LIZZIE. Mr. Dacre, there is some strange mystery here. 
 Why is that base man in your house can you be friends 
 with him ? 
 
 REGINALD. Friends with him ? never. 
 
 Enter ADOLPHE, L. D., lie listens. 
 
 LIZZIE. Then if he is your servant, why not discharge 
 him at once ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. (aside) Dat's vhere de shoe pinches. 
 
 LIZZIE. Do you know how he persecuted me how he 
 has sworn falsely against me ? 
 
 REGINALD. Yes, Lizzie, I know all. 
 
 LIZZIE. Then if you have the regard for me that you 
 profess, rid yourself of him, scorn the company of a 
 perjured villain. 
 
 ADOLPHE. (aside) Ah ! how I vill wring your heart for 
 dis. 
 
 LIZZIE. You are silent if you are in any difficulty with 
 regard to this man, why not seek advice from Mr. Whar- 
 ton his clear judgment may aid you. 
 
 REGINALD, (aside) I will ask his advice ; tell him all, and 
 brave the worst come Lizzie. 
 
 (exeunt REGINALD and LIZZIE, R. D. 
 
 ADOLPHE. It seems as if he had made up his mind to 
 some plan. Bah ! what can he do ? If he defies me he 
 vill only find himself a beggar, with a murderer's doom 
 hanging over him. 
 
 Enter JAMES L. D. 
 
 JAMES. Mr. Adolphe, here's a fellow asking for you. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Yat is his name ? 
 
 JAMES. He says it is Mr. Matthew Barkin, and you know 
 him well. 
 
 ADOLPHE. So I do, send him in. 
 
 JAMES. Send him in send him out you mean. Why 
 Mr. Reginald would 
 
 ADOLPHE. (snaps fingers) Dat for Mr. Reginald, I care 
 not for him, my friend sail come in. 
 
SO. 0.1 LIZZIE LYLE. 37 
 
 Enter MAT BARKIN, L. D., flashily dressed. 
 
 MAT. Hear, hear ! that's what I says, and in 1 am ! 
 
 ADOLPHE. Some vine, I say. 
 
 JAMES. You may say it, but I am not going to bring it. 
 
 ADOLPHE. You are not? 
 
 JAMES. K~o, I am not. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Then from this house you sail go at vonce. 
 Ve vill see ve vill see. (exit* L. D. 
 
 JAMES. What, has he really the power to get me dis- 
 charged ? perhaps he has and without a character too ! I'll 
 go and see missus, and. find what all this means, (exit L. D. 
 
 MAT. My pal seems high cockalorum jig here, and I 
 can well guess why ii's by reason of: the paper I hold 
 the will I don't blame the mounseer's confiding it to me, 
 for what wouldn't his master give to get hold of it, but he 
 won't. No, no, it's safely hidden in my secret crib, arid is 
 a bird in the hand that shall hatch us many golden eggs. 
 
 Re-enter JAMES with wine, L. D. 
 
 JAMES. I spoke to master, and he said "yes, give them 
 rope enough " that's just what I'd like to give 'm. (aside) 
 
 MAT. Now then, put it down, will you. 
 
 JAMES. Oh yes, I'll put it down, and so will you, no 
 doubt. 
 
 MAT. Trust rne for that. 
 
 JAMES, (aside) I wouldn't trust }'ou with a secondhand 
 toothpick, as far as I am concerned. I'll go and tell 'em 
 to have the spoons locked up. , (exit L. D. 
 
 MAT. (drinks) My luck's looking up, and its plain I can 
 be up. I have but to put the screw on whenever I like, 
 he has only to put it on somebody else, and there we are 
 tiled in for life, as safe as bricks. 
 
 He-enter ADOLPHE, L. D. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Ha, ha! you see I am somebody here. 
 
 MAT. So it seems, we have both got into a good thing. 
 
 ADOLPHE. (sits at table u.) I tink we have got Monsieur 
 ^Reginald between us you have dat will safe ? 
 
 MAT. Safe why it's stowed away, where not a soul 
 knows of it but myself. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Good ! Because you see my dear friend, the 
 world is ver vicked ; Eeginald might tink, by getting 
 rid of me, he might get rid of de only von who knows of 
 de vill, and ven I am rid of, he has only to search my 
 room or my pockets to find de vill and destroy him ; but 
 
 D 
 
38 LIZZIE LYLE. [ACT 2 
 
 no, no, if I come to harm, you step in you will be as 
 great, a thorn in his side as I am. I sail tell him dat, 
 and den perhaps I may remain safe. 
 
 MAT. But what's to prevent him putting me out of the 
 way as well as you, when he finds I have got him under 
 my thumb. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Dat is vat I vanfc to tell you. (takes out vial) 
 Look at this it is poison it has 110 colour, it has no taste, 
 three drops of dis in any liquid will kill him ; veil, sup- 
 pose I am no more, he vill tinkheis safe ten you must 
 come on de tapis send for him to your house let him 
 know you know as much as I do, and dat you mean to take 
 my place. 
 
 MAT. (points to vial) What has that to do with it. 
 
 ADOLFHE. He may wish to buy de vill of you you 
 agree to dis ask a good price have de money paid down 
 give him de vill den you must propose a parting glass. 
 You somehow pour one, two, three leetle drops of dis 
 into his glass and he vill die so you vill steal de vill, and 
 de money he shall pay you to boot take it. (gives phial). 
 
 MAT. It is a scheme worthy the devil himself. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Aha, if men vill make foes with Adolphe 
 Durand, dey must prepare for de worst. Drink my good 
 friend, (drinks.) 
 
 MAT. No more of wine, I'm not used to it. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Ah ! you prefer eau-de-vie, de brandy. 
 
 MAT. Yes, that's my drink. 
 
 ADOLPHE. And you sail have him, a bottle o de best, I 
 know where to find him, de pure cognac. Patience a 
 moment or two, and it sail be here. (exit, L. D. 
 
 MAT. Why, here's a chance I've got; I've two pulls, 
 one on the master and one on my pal the Frenchman. But 
 suppose he and the young master make it up and become 
 friends, I'm bowled out then. I shan't be wanted, I may 
 be told to go to the devil. Why shouldn't I be number 
 one instead of him, he has no friends, he wouldn't be 
 missed people would think he had committed suicide to 
 escape from being arrested. I'll be number one (looks 
 at vial) he meant this for others let's see how he'd like 
 it himself (pours it in glass) three drops he said there 
 they are then, he placed the means within my hands ah, 
 only just in time, for I hear him coming. 
 
 Ee -enter APOLPHE with bottle, L. door, fills glass of wine. 
 
 ADOLPHE. I drink your health. 
 MAT. You couldn't do better. 
 
SC. 3] LIZZIE LYLE. 30 
 
 ADOLPHE. I have put yon into a good thing. 
 
 MAT. (aside) And so have I you. (pours out brandy) I 
 wish you luck. 
 
 ADOLPHE. So do I you. (drinks) I am sorry you like not 
 dis wine, you get not the same sort every day. 
 
 MAT. (aside) JSTo more do you. I'll go, for who knows 
 how soon the poison may begin to work, (aloud, rising) I 
 am going. 
 
 ADOLPHE. So soon. 
 
 MAT. I've got to see two or three pals we understand 
 each other. Why need I stop any longer ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. Stay as long as you please, for I am master 
 here. 
 
 MAT. I'll drop in another time. 
 
 ADOLPHE. To-morrow come and see me. 
 
 MAT. I will (aside) there will be no to-morrow for 
 you. 
 
 ADOLPHE. You are going ? 
 
 MAT. I am, (aside) and you're as good as gone. 
 
 ADOLPHE. Remember, you must be silent, so must I. 
 
 MAT. Silent as death ; farewell (aside) and for ever. 
 
 (exit, L. D. 
 
 ADOLPHE. What a good friend he is mine, he will stand 
 by me to the last, and if Reginald escape me he will not 
 escape him. Aha! we've got him tight, (lights cigar.) 
 
 Enter REGINALD, L. D. 
 
 REGINALD. The fellow is making a very tavern of the 
 house I must offer him an allowance to keep away from 
 me. 
 
 ADOLPHE. (rising) Ah, mon ami ! A penny for your 
 thoughts are dey sweet or are dey bitter dare you tell 
 me we are not friends ? 
 
 REGINALD. Friends ! We hate each other, and you know 
 it. You have me in your power, and I must pay you your 
 price ; there, let the matter rest, you do not know me yet, 
 there are times when I feel dangerous don't drive me to 
 desperation for your own sake. 
 
 ADOLPHE. I also am dangerous and vill let you see I am 
 your equal. I see you have become great friends with 
 Ma'amselle Lizzie you tink to make her your vife, now 
 dat shall not be so for I mean to marry her myself. 
 
 REGINALD. You! 
 
 ADOLPHE. Yes, and I vill do it if she refuse me I vill 
 publish her all over de town, the flower maker who vas 
 
40 LIZZIE LYLE. [ACT 2 
 
 taken up as a tief I'll swear she vas guilty I vill get 
 others to swear it too. 
 
 REGINALD. Villain ! (seizes him.) 
 
 ADOLPHE. Murderer shall I call you dat ; shall I rid 
 myself of you, for I can let me go. 
 
 REGINALD. Rascal ! (throws him off.) 
 
 ADOLPHE. Hard words break no bones, I drink to de 
 health of my new bride, de fair Lizzie, (raises glass, 
 starts) Ha ! vat was dat somezin^ seemed to strike my 
 heart like a poniard, it vas only one littel spasm von glass 
 more will cure him. (drinks.) 
 
 REGINALD, (aside) Oh, for some way to rid myself of 
 him. 
 
 Enter JAMES, with letter, L. D. 
 
 JAMES. That rascal who was here, gave me this note for 
 you directly, he put it in my hands at the street door, and 
 was off again as though a policeman was at his heels. 
 
 (exit; L. D. 
 
 REGINALD, (reads) " Sir, Don't fear the Frenchman, 
 the poison he meant for you, he has taken himself, it is in 
 the wine he is drinking. I've got your late father's will, 
 it is you and I must come to terms now ; you will soon 
 hear further from a friend." Oh, horror, what have I 
 learnt ? 
 
 ADOLPHE. Your news seems to please you not. I wish 
 you better luck, (about to drink.) 
 
 REGINALD, (seizes his arm) Hold ! 
 
 ADOLPHE. Not I do you grudge your liquor ? it is too 
 late. 
 
 REGINALD. Too late indeed, for death is in the glass. 
 
 ADOLPHE. (starts) Death, ha ! ha ! is it dat feeling dat 
 runs like ice, and then like fire through my heart you 
 must have done this. 
 
 REGINALD. No, not I, your friend; read this, (gives 
 letter.) 
 
 ADOLPHE. (looks over letter) It is not true and yet, why 
 is this burning torture ? (staggers against table.) 
 
 REGINALD. The man is dying James quick, fetch a 
 doctor here quick ! (calls L. D.) 
 
 ADOLPHE. I'm tricked trapped I lose all. 
 
 Re-enter LIZZIE, BOBBIN, BATTER, MRS. DACRE, and 
 GRACE, L. D. 
 
 BOBBIN. Oh, look at Froggy now, he's turning blue. 
 
 REGINALD, (to MRS. DACRE) Mother, the power of retri- 
 bution is in this, that man has met his doom at the hands 
 of his villainous accomplice, he is poisoned. 
 
ACT 3] LIZZIE LYLE. 41 
 
 OMNES. Poisoned ! 
 
 ADOLPHE. Oh, save me, I am not fit to die ; see de old 
 man, I kill him, and now he bid me follow him ; keep him 
 off, keep him off, I must not die, I cannot, he have ^me 
 now let me go let me go, off off ! (falls dead.) 
 
 REGINALD, (stooping over him) The man is dead ! 
 
 OMNES. Dead! (Tableau of surprise.) 
 
 END OP ACT II. 
 
 ACT III. 
 SCENE FIRST. Drawing-room, as before. 
 
 REGINALD and MRS, DACIIE seated at table. 
 
 REGINALD. We are now rid of our chief enemy ; the 
 villain who would have brought me down to his own level, 
 has been laid low himself. You surely do not now believe 
 my father met his death at my hands ? 
 
 MRS. D. 1 do not, Reginald, for my eyes are opened to 
 the villany of that man. 
 
 Enter JAMES, L. D. 
 
 JAMES. Mathew Barkin would see you, sir. 
 REGINALD. Show him in. Every man has his price ; I 
 must see what this man values himself at. 
 
 Enter MAT BARKIN, L. D. 
 
 MAT. Good day, ma'am good day, sir. I suppose you 
 can guess what I've called about? 
 
 REGINALD A certain document, I suppose ? 
 
 MAT. Right you are. 
 
 REGINALD. You come to make terms as to giving it up ? 
 
 MAT. Right you are again ; are you willing to deal? 
 
 REGINALD. Perfectly ; name your price. 
 
 MAT. I want to get away from this country. I shall 
 settle down in a foreign land, become respectable, live on 
 the fruits of my industry, and turn religious. 
 
 REGINALD. Well, you will not be the first knave who has 
 done this to suit his purpose. Come to the point. 
 
 MAT. If you please. 
 
 REGINALD. What sum do you require for the will ? 
 
42 LIZZIE LYLE. [AdT 3 
 
 MAT. It's as good as giving it to you five hundred 
 pounds. 
 
 REGINALD, (aside) It's less than half what I expected. 
 
 MAT. (aside) He bites ! 
 
 REGINALD, (to MRS. DACRE) Shall we not rid ourselves of 
 this man, obtain the will, and then set him at defiance? 
 
 MRS. D. Yes, I will fetch the money for you. (exit, B. D. 
 
 REGINALD. You do wisely in quitting the country, for 
 villain as that man was, you really murdered him. 
 
 MAT. Nobody knows that but you, and if I thought 
 there was danger of being bowled out, I would swear you 
 set me on to do it, and the reason you had for putting the 
 Frenchman out of the way. I'm no hypocrite, but an 
 honest, fair- dealing man. 
 
 'Re-enter MRS. DACRE, with notes, R. 
 
 MRS. D. There is the money, now let this business be 
 settled for ever. 
 
 REGINALD. Come, the will ? 
 
 MAT. Now do you really think I am such a fool ? why I 
 might lose it, or some dishonest persons might take ad- 
 vantage of me and steal it. 
 
 REGINALD. How am I to get it then ? 
 
 MAT. You'll have to come with me to Field-lane, con- 
 tagious to Mutton-hill. 
 
 MRS. D. No, Reginald, don't go. 
 
 MAT. Oh, very well, if it's not worth fetching it's not 
 worth having, (going.) 
 
 REGINALD. Stay ! (to her) Don't be alarmed, you see it is 
 necessary that I should go. 
 
 MRS. D. But had you not better take some one with 
 you. 
 
 REGINALD. How can I, without their knowing what I 
 wish to be kept secret ? 
 
 MRS. D. True, true. 
 
 MAT. Now then, if you're coming, 'cause my time's 
 valuable, I've got two dog-fights and a rat-killing match 
 to come on. 
 
 REGINALD. Good-bye for the present ; don't fear for me 
 I know how how to take care of myself. I am ready. 
 
 MAT. Come along, then. 
 
 (exeunt MAT and REGINALD, L. D. 
 
 MRS. D. I can do nothing, but hope for his safety and 
 pray for his return. 
 
 Enter BATTER, L. D. 
 BATTER. Beg pardon, is Mr. Reginald here ? 
 
SO. 2] LIZZIE LYLB. 43 
 
 MRS. D. He has just left the house, I wonder you didn't 
 meet him. 
 
 BATTER. I wanted to meet him, because I've seen a man 
 watching the house, who's no good ; and mischief follows 
 wherever he goes. 
 
 MRS. D. Do you mean a man called Mathew Barkin ? 
 
 BATTER. That's the individual. 
 
 MRS. D. Reginald has just left the house with him. 
 
 BATTER, (aside) And has he been so green ? (aloud) He 
 hasn't any money with him I hope ? 
 
 MRS. D. Yes, a considerable sum ; why do you ask P 
 
 BATTER. Oh, nothing. 
 
 MRS. D. I should like to confide in some one. Is Mr. 
 Wharton in the house ? 
 
 BATTER. No, but his sister and Miss Lizzie are, they 
 expect him in every minute. 
 
 MRS. D. Will you ask him, when he arrives, to see me 
 in my room ? 
 
 BATTER. Yes, ma'am. 
 
 MRS. D. Thank you. (exit, R. p. 
 
 BATTER. A considerable sum of money with him, and in 
 company of Mathew Barkin it's like a mouse going into 
 a trap after a bit of toasted cheese. I know what I'll do ; 
 I have two old suits of clothes at my lodgings, get Bobbin 
 and Lizzie to put them on, and make them go and watch 
 the little affair it wouldn't do for me to go, having 
 been in the force and get them to meet me at the corner 
 of Chizzleman-street, Finsbury-square. (exit at door, L. 
 
 SCENE SECOND. CJiiswell Street. (1st Grooves.) 
 Enter MAT and REGINALD, L. 
 
 MAT. You're acting on the square, arn't you? You're 
 not playing a double game ? 
 
 REGINALD. What do you mean ? 
 
 MAT. Why, you've not set anybody to watch me be- 
 cause if that's the case, we'll drop the business here. 
 
 REGINALD. You've no cause for alarm, I'm alone in this 
 affair and ready to fulfil my promise, the moment I gain 
 possession of the paper you hold. I await your pleasure. 
 
 MAT. No, I await yours. Come with me, and you will 
 get what I have in store for you. 
 
 REGINALD. The sooner the better. (exeunt, R. 
 
 Enter BATTER, L. 
 
 BATTER. There they go. Where are the girls I wonder ? 
 They ought to have turned themselves into boys by this 
 
44 LIZZIE LYLE. [ACT 3 
 
 time. I hope no dishonest persons has broken into my 
 lodgings and stolen the ragged clothes and birch^brooms. 
 Why, here's a lot of my acquaintance the flower-makers, 
 I declare ! Here's Anne Brown, Mary Green, Carry White, 
 Bella Brill, and the rest of 'em. I can't cut the girls, 
 though I am a gentleman ; no, no, condescension to our 
 inferiors proves us to be superiors. 
 
 Enter all the GIRLS, L. 
 
 CARRY. It is ! 
 
 MARY. It isn't ! 
 
 ANNE. It must be ! 
 
 JENNY. It's his very face! 
 
 CARRY. I'm sure it's Batter. 
 
 BATTER. Batter it is, my flower, but for the future per- 
 haps you will call me Mr. Batter, for my future better 
 half has taken me out of the division. 
 
 ALL THE GIRLS. What Bobbin, ah, tell us all about her. 
 
 BATTER. Not too close, if Bobbin was to see you, Bobbin 
 mightn't like it ; Bobbin had a brother who wrote home to 
 say he was dead at least somebody else did, but Bobbin's 
 brother came back purposely to say he wasn't dead but 
 was alive and rich. 
 
 ALL THE GIRLS. Rich ? 
 
 BATTER. Rich as a magog a nabob I mean and Bob- 
 bin now is rich as a nabobess. 
 
 GIRLS. And Lizzie Lyle, what of her ? 
 
 BATTER. Bobbin has taken Lizzie Lyle by the hand and 
 set her on her legs and me too, I'm on my legs, they're 
 now my own property and no longer in the pay of Govern- 
 ment. 
 
 GIRLS. We must see Lizzie ! we must see Bobbin ! 
 
 BATTER, (aside) Here they come, they'll see 'em sooner 
 than they expect. But I hope they won't knew 'em. 
 
 Enter BOBBIN and LIZZIE, disguised as crossing-siveepers, L. 
 
 Excuse me, my dears, but I've an appointment with these 
 gentlemen. 
 
 GIRLS. Gentlemen, ha ! ha! 
 
 BATTER. And so they are gentlemen, young noblemen 
 in disguise, that I'm going to show a little London life ! 
 
 BOBBIN. Why here are the girls we used to work with. 
 
 BATTER, (aside to them) Keep it up, talk to 'ern in that 
 sort of way girls like you know what 1 mean ? 
 
 BOBBIN, (crosses to them) How are you my dears, how's 
 all your sweethearts ? when are you going to name the 
 
SO. 3.] LIZZIE LYLE. 45 
 
 happy day, and when are they going to buy the ring, eh ? 
 My flowers of flower-makers. 
 
 LIZZIE. Good evening, my dears, I hope you find busi- 
 ness good in all it's sprigs and branches. 
 
 ANNE. Keep off yon ragged little fellow, I don't believe 
 you're any more a noblemen then I am. Come along 
 girls, don't stand talking to him. (exit L. 
 
 MARY. Go home and tell your mother to mend your 
 clothes. (exit L. 
 
 CARRY. And give you a penny to go to the baths and 
 washbouses in Golden-lane. , (exit L. 
 
 JENNY. And mind you're well off for soap. (exit L. 
 
 BATTER. Well, now, doesn't that prove they don't know 
 you. 
 
 LIZZIE. Oh, Mr. Batter, I'm so frightened. 
 
 BATTER. Of course you are, how do you feel, Bobbin ? 
 
 BOBBIN. I don't know, I'll tell you when it's all over. 
 How are we to begin ? 
 
 BATTER. I'll tell you all as we go along. Now, girls, 
 be firm, act like men although you're women. 
 
 LIZZIE. I'll try ; we can do much for those we love. 
 
 BATTER. Miss Bobbin, can you do much for those you 
 love? 
 
 BOBBIN. Who are they ? 
 
 BATTER. Who are they, ain't they me ? 
 
 BOBBIN. Lor so they are ! then 1 will do much a good 
 deal of much, for you, for Lizzie, for Mr. Reginald, and for 
 myself. 
 
 BATTER. Come along, then, and learn your lessons as 
 you go. (exeunt, R. 
 
 SCENE THIRD. A wall eiglit feet high across- stage. 
 Common lodging-houses R. and L., on which are written, 
 6 ( Lodgings for travellers." The scene presents an alley, 
 door in wall c., is unlocked. 
 
 Enter MAT and REGINALD, at door, MAT locks door. 
 
 MAT. Welcome to the neighbourhood of Field-lane, 
 Mr. Dacre ; a beautiful saloobrious bone foiling neighbour - 
 hood. 
 
 REGINALD. That's of little consequence, as I don't mean 
 to stay long in it now to business. 
 
 MAT. By all means, you've the money, of course ? 
 
 REGINALD. When you've the will ready. 
 
46 LIZZIE LYLE. [ACT 3 
 
 MAT. I'll fetch it (aside) and give the office to my pals. 
 
 (exit into house R. 
 
 REGINALD. A disreputable looking place, nothing but 
 my anxiety to possess that will could have induced me 
 to venture here ; but the place seems quiet enough, so what 
 need I fear ! 
 
 He-enter MAT, with will, K. 
 MAT. Here's the will. 
 REGINALD. And here's the money. 
 
 Enter several ROUGH MEN, from house, R. 
 
 MAT. Is the money in notes ? 
 
 REGINALD. It is. 
 
 MAT. I wish you had brought gold, but I suppose I must 
 pocket the affront. Here's the will. 
 
 REGINALD. And here's the money, (offers notes MAT 
 snatches them) Ah, villain ! is it so? (the MEN seize him) 
 Let me go rascals let me go ! 
 
 MAT. Let you go ! Knowing what you do of me ? when 
 your ends are gained by the destruction of the will, you'd 
 split on me for the murder of the Frenchman ! 
 
 REGINALD. No, I will be silent. 
 
 MAT. I'll take precious good care you are. Open the 
 trap that leads to the vaults ; (the MEN raise trap) now 
 bundle him down. 
 
 REGINALD. Villains ! would you murder me ? 
 
 MAT. If you kick up a row we will. 
 
 RIGINALD. Set me at liberty, give me the will, and you 
 shall have double the amount you have taken from me. 
 
 MAT. You don't happen to have it about you, I suppose ? 
 
 REGINALD. No, but it con be sent for. 
 
 MAT. I'll consider and let you know. Down with him. 
 
 REGINALD. Rascal, thief, murderer ! (they force him down.) 
 
 MAT. Break his infernal neck if he won't go quietly. 
 (gives money to MEN) Go down to the "Pig" and have 
 what you like. 
 
 MEN. Thank you, Mat thankee. (MAT unlocks door c. 
 MEN exit he lochs door again, puts key in pocket) Now all's 
 smooth and comfortable, I'll have a pipe and look at the 
 flimsies, (lights pipe looks over notes) One, two, three, 
 four five hundred-pun notes quite correct. How I 
 does admire coves who keep their word. (JcnocJ: heard c.) 
 Who's that ? 
 
 BOBBIN, (outside) A friend. 
 
So. 3.] LIZZIK LYLE. 47 
 
 MAT. I ain't got none ; they was all bung years ago. I 
 want the pass-word before I let you. in do you know it? 
 BOBBIN. Plant and pigeon. 
 MAT. What do you say ? 
 BOBBIN. Plant and pigeon. 
 MAT. That's good English come in. (unlocks c. door.) 
 
 Enter BOBBIN and LIZZIE, c. 
 
 Hollo, }~ou're fresh 'uns. 
 
 BOBBIN. Yes, guv'nor, we've not long taken to the 
 honest trade of prigging, but was told if there ever was a 
 man who could finish the eddication of two novices in the 
 line, that gemman was the respected Mr. Mathew Barkin. 
 
 MAT. They does me proud whoever it was has I the 
 honour of knowing the party ? 
 
 BOBBIN. You has. Yere recommended by Jack Flanagan, 
 of Seven Dials he would have written to you, only he 
 says that he knows as you knows that he can't write. 
 
 MAT. No, he can't his eddication was neglected in early 
 life he can only make his mark, and has lived on the cress 
 ever since ; but he's a nice man. 
 
 BOBBIN. Oh, very; nothing escapes either his obserwation 
 or his fingers. 
 
 LIZZIE, (aside) I see nothing of Eeginald can he be a 
 prisoner here ? 
 
 MAT. Well, I'll see what I can make of you in the morn- 
 ing. 
 
 BOBBIN, (aside) Catch me staying till then! (aloud) Then 
 I suppose I and my mate can lodge here to-night? 
 
 MAT. Oh, yes ; but I shall have to part you and just ax 
 you separately about certain things when I get you alone. 
 
 LIZZIE, (aside) Does he suspect anything? 
 
 MAT. (points 11. Itouse) You'll go in there and snooze 
 you'll see a bed in the tap -room it's well aired, for my 
 dog sleeps in it all day. (to LIZZIE) You'll sleep yonder 
 there's a clean truss of straw in the corner ; make it nicely, 
 and don't ruffie the feathers too much, 'cau^e you'll have 
 a bed-fellow Dick Scraggs, the fighting chummy. 
 
 LIZZIE. If my courage should fail among these ruffians ! 
 
 BOBBIN, (aside) If we're found out, we're in for it. 
 
 MAT. Get in you'll be in the way out here. 
 
 LIZZIE. But I thought 
 
 MAT. Then you needn't I'll think for you. 
 
 BOBBIN. But I've somemut to say to him. 
 
 MAT. I'll say it for you. If I find there is anything 
 
48 LIZZIE LYLE. [ACT 3 
 
 wrong war hawks ! my chickens, to roost with you. (to 
 LIZZIE) You first in with you. 
 
 LIZZIE. Good night I'm going ; good night, Bob. 
 
 BOBBIN. Good night, Jimmy. 
 
 MAT. Bless my eyes how complimentary we is. What 
 boarding-school was you brought up in, I vronder ? I 
 believe I said be off. 
 
 LIZZIE. I'm going, sir, (aside) and perhaps to my de- 
 struction ! (exit inlo house, L. 
 
 BOBBIN. Oh, my isn't things beginning to look serious ! 
 
 MAT. JSTow, then, that's your way. 
 
 BOBBIN. I never felt in a worse one ! Oh, there's a 
 policeman looking over the wall! 
 
 MAT. There is ? (BOBBIN hides behind house, MAT climbs 
 up and looks over wall) None of your lies ! I see nobody. 
 I shall owe you one, young 'un ! (MAT thinks she has none 
 in, lodes door) You'll not come out again for some time ! 
 
 BOBBIN, (aside) I'm not in yet ! 
 
 MAT. Perhaps I'm too fast! The police maybe watch- 
 ing me ; I had better leave here while I'm safe this will 
 will be a fortune to me. (takes will from pocket) As long as 
 I've this I can draw money from the Dacre family ! Mr. 
 ^Reginald's safe in my clutches ! 
 
 BOBBIN, (aside) Oh, he is, eh? 
 
 MAT. This is his pocket-book well lined with bank 
 notes. 
 
 BOBBIN, (aside) Indeed ! That's worth knowing. 
 
 MAT. I might live very comfortably in France. 
 
 BOBBIN. If I allow you to take French leave ! 
 
 MAT. What shall I do ? I'll just have half a pint and 
 think it over ! (lights pipe, puts will and pocket-book into R. 
 pocket.) 
 
 BOBBIN, (aside) There goes the money and the will 
 that's worth the money ! (he puts the keys in the other pocket) 
 Oh, if I dared ! I'll try to get the keys first and set Lizzie 
 at liberty. They say where there's a will there's a way ! 
 (takes keys out of his pocket opens the house door quietly, 
 and goes in.) 
 
 MAT. Yes, I'll look to myself ! The game's in my own 
 hands I'll be off and twig things from afar I'm off 
 while I am safe ! (goes to door, misses keys) Have I 
 dropped them, or have I taken them from my pocket? 
 Perhaps I have been locked in to be nailed here goes 
 over the wall, (begins to climb wall.) 
 
 Enter BOBBIN and LIZZIE. 
 BOBBIN. Open the door, quick ! (LizziE opens door in 
 
SO. 3] LIZZIE LYLE. 49 
 
 wall sees MAT climbing wall) Ah, there he goes, and 
 takes his booty with him I'll have a try for it. (runs 
 up, readies the tails of MAT'S coat, pulls away desperately 
 at them, the tails come away, she utters a cry of triumph 
 makes for door, MAT runs after her LIZZIE gets crowbar and 
 knocks MAT down, and exit through door, locking it after her.) 
 
 MAT. Never mind, I'll have my revenge on the fellow 
 in the vault, (opens trap) Come up, I want a word with 
 you. (REGINALD comes up.) 
 
 REGINALD. Now, villain, name your price. 
 
 MAT. I shan't, till 1 make sure. I've lost one great 
 hold upon you the will ; and I don't part with you till it 
 answers my purpose, 1 can tell you. 
 
 REGINALD. You've lost the will ? 
 
 MAT. Yes, some of your friends in disguise has done 
 that for me. You're my last and only card, and I'll play 
 you well before I let you loose. 
 
 REGINALD. What do you require ? 
 
 MAT. The money you brought me, the five hundred 
 pounds, has slipped through my fingers now I must have 
 double that sum. 
 
 REGINALD. How can I procure it while you keep me 
 a prisoner here ? Set me free, and I'll get it for you. 
 
 MAT. Ah, ah! I dare say wouldn't you like it? You'd 
 go to the nearest police-station, and have me nabbed. No, 
 you must write me a cheque here. I'll find pens, ink and 
 paper, and when I get the cheque, and get it changed into 
 gold, you shall be free. 
 
 REGINALD. But even if I wrote the cheque for you, how 
 do I know you'd ever return when you've got the money ? 
 
 MAT. Oh, what a bad, suspicious world, this is ! Surely 
 my word of honour ought to be enough for any gentleman. 
 
 REGINALD. Shall I risk it ? it's worth the trial; he has 
 no longer the will that renders ine a beggar. I agree. 
 Give me pen, ink and paper. (MAT fetches pen, ink and 
 paper from house, R.) 
 
 MAT. Now go to work. 
 
 REGINALD, Remember your promise. 
 
 MAT. Oh, honour bright and shining! (aside) on a 
 foggy night. (REGINALD writes on chair) 
 
 REGINALD, (gives paper) There ! 
 
 MAT. What a beautiful hand you do write, to be sure ! 
 
 REGINALD. Now, be quick, release me. 
 
 MAT. Oh, oh, what a fool I should be ! 
 
 REGINALD. What do you mean ? 
 
 MAT. To look to myself ! What ! do you think I am 
 
50 LIZZIE LYLE, [ACT 3 
 
 such a fool as to set the man free who could accuse me of 
 the murder of his father? Don't I know you would never 
 rest till I was scragged ? I won't be that while I have the 
 means to help it! (draws knife) I hold the knife in my 
 right hand, and cheque in my left ! It gives me the 
 means ot life . You know too much and this must give 
 you death ! Die ! (raises knife to strike.) 
 
 BATTER rushes on through c. door. 
 
 BATTEK. Ko. Batter to the rescue die yourself ! 
 
 (shoots MAT falls. 
 
 Enter BOBBIN, LIZZIE, and MBS. DACRE. 
 
 BATTER. He's safe he's well ! 
 
 REGINALD. Yes, I'm free from peril and unharmed ! 
 This is the kind friend who saved my life. 
 
 BOBBIN. And I'll save your fortune there's the will ! 
 (tears it) Look Mr. Barkins, we need fear your bark no 
 more, and the Flower Makers are in full bloom after all! 
 
 (Tableau and 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 COSTUMES Modern. 
 
 EXPLANATIONS OF THE STAGE DIRECTIONS. 
 
 D. K. C. ^ ~ > ~ V 
 
 K.U.B. SCENE. L.U.E. 
 
 E.3E. L.SE. 
 
 
 B.IE. 
 
 
 
 B.C. C. L.C. * 
 
 AUDIENCE. 
 ruBiSfn^fEflrwK^^ 
 
 LC LeftCentre wherever the scene maybe 2 E UK it 2nd Entrance 
 
 1 1 K Left First Entrance P L c Door Left Centre it 3 E Kiht Rrd EntWJJ* 
 
 1 2* Left 2nd Entrance c Centre u ft l n ^^J^"/f! MJ 
 
 -** Lea Third Entrant -Right D B c Door KigUt Centre 
 

YB 74473 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY