782.8 0£ 2 m 18G2 LOVE BY LANTERN-LIGHT fit $pmtfs IN ONE ACT. Adapted from “ Le Manage aux Lantemes.” BY MESSES. M. CARRE and L. BATTU. MUSIC BY JACQUES OFFENBACH. THOMAS HAILES LACY, THEATRICAL PUBLISHER, LONDON. LOYE BY LANTEEN-LIGHT. First English version 'performed at the Soho Theatre , 1862 . CHARACTERS. GrUiLLOT, a young farmer . Denise, his cousin Eanchette ) young widows of Catherine j the village. Bhral Policeman Villagers, Male and Female. Mr. John Morgan. Miss Mason. Miss Stanley. Miss Payne. Mr. Young. Time in Performance, 1 Hour. COSTUMES. A coloured Lithograph of the “ Lantern Tableau ” as guide to Scene Painter, and Costumier; and an effective announce bill, price 6d. each. The Music on Sale or Hire of the Publisher. 7 * 2.0 OfJm l* LOVE BY LANTEKN-LIGHT. SCENE. — A village street at the bach — at R. 1 . e. the house of Guillot — at l. 1 . e. the entrance to a barn , before ivhich is a large tree , the projecting roots forming a turf bench — a small rustic table before the house. Denise discovered standing pensively against the tree. Guillot enters R. Guil. [sharply) Well ! what in the name of wonder are yon doing there, stuck like a statue against that tree ? Denise. Me ! I’m doing nothing, cousin. Guil. More shame for you to say so. But as you are doing nothing, what mischief, pray, may you happen to be thinking about ? Denise, (hesitatingly) Well, cousin — Guil. Well, ehP you call it well, do you, to stand about, mumping and dumping, and what’s worse than either, idling. What have you done since you turned out ^ this morning ? No good, I warrant me. Have you fed ^ the poultry P Denise. Not yet, cousin, but — c Guil. Not yet. No, I’d have wagered my head upon it. Have you finished darning that pair of stockings you began the day before yesterday ? Denise. Well, no, not quite, cousin. Guil. I knew you hadn’t. It’s seven in the morning already — now just tell me what you have done through ; this blessed day ? How have you got over the time ? Sleeping awake, and dreaming day-dreams, like a fashion - able young miss from boarding-school, full-fledged in the ^ gayest plumage of fancy ? Denise. No, indeed, cousin, I’ve entertained no gay „ thoughts. Guil. Well, to do justice, you certainly don’t look as if you had, and that’s where I find you in fault. If you j would up and stir, you wouldn’t mump and dump. Were 4 LOVE BY LANTERN-LIGHT. we all like you, the farm and everything on it would quickly go to the (points downward) you know. Denise. I guess, cousin. No. 1. Guil. Whence, girl, this, moody air, 1 pray ? Why blooming youth and beauty blight With moping thus in sorry plight From morn till night? Come, rouse you up, look light and gay, Be mirthsome, affable, and smile, In cheerful strain employment wile And thought beguile. Ah! [cadenza.) First Couplet. What have you done since morning dawn ? Clear’d up the farm-yard, swept the lawn, And fed the fawn ? Denise. Oh, yes, cousin. Guil. And in the rack too plac’d the hay, And sheep to pasture for the day You’ve led away. Denise. Oh, yes, cousin. Guil. The tares you’ve in the stable got, And have of soup our daily lot, Now in the pot. Denise. Oh, yes, cousin. Guil. Then you should quite contented be — Why not look cheerful, merry, free. And smile like me. Denise. Oh, yes, cousin. Guil. Yes, you should quite contented be, With aspect cheerful, merry, free, And smile like me. Why not, why not, why not, why not ; Why not, why not, why not. Whence, girl, &c., to end of cadenza. Second Couplet. GuILLOT. The last two hours then it appears, Have passed in nought but shedding tears On groundless fears. LOVE BY LANTEBN-LIGHT. 5 Denise. Oh, no, cousin. Guil. All kindness you must own I am, To you as gentle as is dam To tender lamb. Denise. Oh, yes, cousin. Guil. Then out with truth, and tell me why, In downcast look you pout and cry, With tearful eye. Denise. Well; why, cousin? Guil. Well, never mind, henceforth be gay, It’s my command, I’ll have no nay, So you’ll obey. Denise. Oh, yes, cousin. Guil. Then I’m content hence, idle fears, Let smiles of joy take place of tears, Take place of tears. Of tears, of tears, of tears, of tears. Of tears, of tears, of tears. Whence, girl, &c., to end of cadenza. Guil. And now to business, not in the lackadasical look of a pouting pigeon, but brisk and lively as the rising lark. Denise. ( trying to looh gay) Yes, cousin. (Exit into barn , L., stopping at entrance , to utter a profound Guil. (after watching her in , turns and brealcs out into a sigh. laugh) Ha, ha ! Who that witnessed my manner, or heard my words with that girl would not enter me as A 1 among professors in the art of ingeniously tormenting. But lor ! it’s all for her good; a pleasant way of working her into habits of industry, that’s all. There’s no association between good employment and evil thoughts, so I take care she shall have plenty to do. It’s my duty to look after her, for being the niece of uncle Mathurin, she’s my cousin. Being also an orphan she’s like my daughter. Then our mutual uncle left her in my charge when he set off for Paris, and all went on with satisfaction till within the last fortnight. Then I accidentally caught sight of her posting a letter. That brought on an awful shiver, such as I never before felt, even in a black frost of mid-winter. That scamp, Grevin ! I’m sure it was to him. I don’t dance — he does — and he went through nine quadrilles with her at the Assembly Ball. To whom else could she have occasion to write ? I taxed her with it, she denied, and denies it still. This 6 LOVB BY LANTERN-LIGHT. enraged me, and I’ve led her a fine life from that day to this. She tried tears — I couldn’t stand them at first, but I’m becoming case-hardened. G-revin, indeed ! a scamp, a whole scamp, and nothing but a scamp. No, no ; I must keep an eye on her ; she’s an excellent girl at heart, and if I were only satisfied in the matter of that arch scamp, Grevin. Well, time will show. I’ll go now, and see what she’s about. (Exit into barn, i. E liter Fanchette and Catherine, arm-in-curm, r. tj. e. Fanch. Well, you were saying Cath. That I should like to become a well-to-do lady. Fanch. So should I, and if I could but meet with a wealthy match — one who would make up for the loss of my late dear husband Cath. You were very fond of him, then? Fanch. Of course ; still he was only a peasant. Take my advice, my dear, listen to no sly, insinuating, carney - ing suitor, until your ears have scraped acquaintance with the chii k of his purse. Cath. Never fear, I well know the cue I’m to answer to when terms are rehearsed over to me. Fanch. Thank goodness, and our own good looks, we are in no lack of pretenders. Cath. No, but our pretenders are in desperate lack of money. Fanch. By the bye, what do you think of that ninny, Guillot ? Cath. The nephew of Mathurin ? Fanch. The same. Well, then, I’m dreadfully out in my reckoning if he isn’t desperately in love with me. Cath. With you ! gracious me, my dear ! what could have led you into so awful a mistake ! Why he’s over head and ears with me. Fanch. With you ! you ! ! why he’s been courting me like mad, ever so long, he has. Cath. Ever so long ! is that all ? pooh ! he’s been courting me ever so longer. Come, here’s an incident will set the fact beyond dispute, and bring it to an issue at once. Fanch. Indeed ! pray, let’sjhear it, it must be something more than nothing to work round a point like that. Cath. Compose yourself, be calm, my dear, for I am about to demolish with a breath that delightful castle in the aii', in which you have so long dwelt in deceitful repose. LOVE BY LANTEBN-LIGHT. 7 Listen : The other day, as I was standing on the edge of the horse-pond, he dealt me with his open hand a spanker on the back, that would have sent me face downward into the water, if he hadn’t caught me by the arm, and whisked me up with a jerk that only missed by a hair’s breadth pulling it clean out of the socket. There’s a proof of love for you, match that if you can. Fanch. (with contempt) Match it ! match a fiddlestick ! I can beat it, hollow, hollow as a drum! One night last week we were at the assembly, I had just gone through a long quick step, and almost expiring for breath, seized upon a chair to cast myself into it. Just at the critical moment he snatched it away, and down I came with a plump. Oh ! how the women screamed, and the men crowded round to see what damage the floor had sustained. Cath. Well, that was something, I’m beat, I give in. Take him, he’s yours. Fanch. But what shall I do with him, he’s got no money. Cath. That’s my consolation in resigning him. Fanch. Then he’s too quiet, there’s not much chance with him of enlivening the dullness of married life with an occasional row or a fight. Cath. True, he’s not a bit like my poor late departed— oh, deary me, didn’t he use to — but I’ll tell all about it. No. 2. Cath. Oh ! a sad violent husband I had, In temper frightful, in treatment too bad, He paid me out if I dar’d to complain Taming me down with his supple-jack cane, And I cried, and I cried, oh, how I cried, And I sigh’d, and I sigh’d, day and night sigh’d, When he saw the tears flowing Oh, the too horrid bad man, His face with passion glowing He laugh’d just like a madman A madman ! a madman Ah ! (cadenza.) I wept and complain’d, complain’d, complain’d; But then more he can’d, he can’d, he can’d, In vain I complain’d, Still more he can’d ; Oh, dear how he can’d, he can’d, he can’d, When he saw tears flowing, 8 LOVE BY LANTERN-LIGHT. Oh the savage bad man^ Ah. [cadenza.) With rage his face glowing, Laugh’d like a madman, Ah. [cadenza.) Fanch. Lor bless you, my dear, it was vicey versey alto- gether with us. Second Couplet. Fanch. What a duck of a wife my husband had, Didn’t I lay on him, poor trembling lad, Soundly I whack’d him, and dar’d he complain Taught him what’s what with a well-season’d cane, Oh, how he’d pray while I tann’d well his hide, And to appease all submission, he tried ; Tenderness he’d proffer, For which he’d get a huffing, Kisses too he’d offer Then he’d get a sound cuffing A cuffing, a cuffing ! Ah ! [cadenza. ) He trembled, complain’d, complain’d, complain’d, The more then I can’d, I can’d, I can’d ; In vain he complain’d, still more I can’d, Crimini ! I can’d, I can’d, I can’d ! Tenderness he’d proffer, Then he’d get a huffing. Ah ! [cadenza.) Kisses too he’d offer Then he got a cuffing. Ah ! [cadenza.) Enter Guillot, from barn , with a flagon of wine — he is a little elevated. Guil. What the devil’s become of the wench, she has taken herself off again ! Well, never mind, I’ll go in for the wine, [drinks.) Cath. Talk of the (points down) and he’s at your elbow. Guil. Ah, good morrow, ladies both. Fanch. What’s the matter, Guillot ? [aside to Catherine) He looks a greater fool than ever, [they laugh.) Guil. [aside) They seem merry. Well, they are widows, so they have the laugh on their own side, let them enjoy it. LOVE BY LANTERN-LIGHT. 9 Cath. Is it the wine, Guillot, that makes you look as if you couldn’t help it ? G-uil. Wine ? No, it’s vexation, [puts flagon on table.) Fanch. What has happened to annoy you ? Guil. Nothing. Cath. ^ and > Nothing ! Fanch. j Guil. No — I’m not annoyed at what has happened, but, at what has not happened. I wrote a fortnight ago to uncle Mathurin, and he has not yet condescended me an answer, (passes between them.) Fanch. Very likely, every letter you send him is a demand upon his purse, no wonder he tires of the correspondence. Guil. Bah ! he’s rich, richer than this village put alto- gether. There’s no end to his purse, and I’ve never had a refusal from him yet. Cath. If he could only send you a bag of brains, what a precious gift that would be. [they both laugh.) Guil. Indeed ! you got up early this morning, Madame Catherine, and sharpened your wit. Fanch. An operation there’s no fear you’ll ever rise to perform, [they both laugh). Enter Denise, running , l. u. e. Denise. Cousin, cousin ? Guil. ( harshly ) So, here at last, eh? Where are you sprung from ? What do you want ? Why don’t you speak ? Denise. As I was going along near the post-office — Guil. Post-office ! you are for ever going in that direc- tion. What did you want there, now P Denise. Why, you see, cousin — « Guil. See ! yes, more than I want to see, at times. Denise. The post-master beckoned and gave me a letter. Guil. From Grevin, of course. Denise. No, cousin. Guil. No — you little story — where is it ? give it up. Denise. Here, cousin ; it’s for you. Guil. Forme! ( talcing it ) that’s a horse of quite another colour. Fanch. Perhaps from your uncle. Guil. (with emotion) Yes, it’s from Paris. Denise, (aside) From uncle Mathurin ! has he written to Guillot also ? I hope he has let nothing out. I’ll be off and hide myself in the pantry. (Exit into farm , R. 10 LOVE BY LANTEBN-LIGHT. No. 3, Trio. Fanch. We’re all attention, read out, give us the text. C ath. Something’s amiss, you’re either puzzled or vexed. Guil. (as ide) Yes, I’m in doubt, which way points the dial Does’t rest upon consent, or indicate denial? I dread here to find on my hopes a sadblight. Fanch. Better read it at once. Cath. Better read it at once. Fanch. I feel certain all’s right. Cath. I feel certain all’s right. Guil. Perhaps, perhaps! here goes, (opens and reads) 66 Dear nephew.” Come, It opens well, But then who can tell, Fair promises are sometimes but a hum, (reads.) “ Dear nephew mine, your last demand ’s rather Important, you ask” — Oh, what’s this I see? Fanch. and f Tell us ? Cath. J Guil. He is a second father, This he grants too, hurrah for me. Cath. What is it ? Cath. 'I and f What is it ? Fanch. ) Guil. It’s clear. There, read. ( offers letter , then ivithdraws it) No, listen both, you shall hear. (reads.) “ Unto your wishes, e’er complying,” “ Cash advancing past all measure,” “ This your llkt great request I am far from denying.” ‘ ‘ Inhope ’twill put an end to wishing and to sighing, ” “ I now on you bestow.” Fan. ^ a 7 id r He bestows what. Cath. j Guil. A treasure ! Fanch. A treasure ! Cath. A treasure ! Guil. I’d not change my bliss that’s in store. E’en to be lord of the village, or mayor, Of my wife I’ll take the most excellent care, She as a qneen shall happy be, as a queen, or more. LOVE BY LANTEHN-LIGHT, II Fanch. A treasure ! Cath. A treasure ! Fanch. ^ This luck will to him bring and > More happiness, more joy, than e’er felt king, Cath. j 0, that I but the sweetheart were Of some adventurer bold, He in my lap might haply pour, A shower of precious gold. GuiL. This luck will to me bring, More happiness than e’er yet felt king, I feel as I ne’er felt before ; This treasure makes me firm and bold. And yet there’s one I loved before A mine of precious gold, A mine of precious gold. This treasure, this good luck will bring, More happiness, more joy, than e’er yet felt king. Guil. A treasure ! uncle, you’re a jolly old soul ! I hardly know how to believe in my luck. Fanch. A treasure! Well, really, now the young man doesn’t seem quite such a fool as he looks ! Cath. A fool, indeed ; who ever said Guillot looked like a fool P A better-looking young man I’m sure our village can’t boast. Faugh. What sparkling eyes ! Cath. What an aristocratic nose ! Guil. Ah, I shall be able to fit my fancy with a wife now. Cath. Yes, a rich man can pick and choose wherever he pleases. Guil. That’s exactly my opinion, and I shan’t be long in making my choice. 4 Fanch. If you like a fair one with golden locks, you’ll take a fair one with golden locks. Cath. If you prefer a brunette with raven tresses, you’ll choose a brunette with raven tresses. Guil. Ah well, we’ll see about that when time comes, but just now allow me to reach the end of the letter. The first step towards getting the treasure is to know where- abouts I’m to drop upon it (reads) “ Under the great tree in front of your door at eve when the vesper-bell rings.” (observing the two women watching him) They are jolly curious, but I suppose they wouldn’t be women if they were not. Hurrah for the treasure, and now for a bumper U. OF 1U- LIB. 12 LOVE BY LANTERN-LIGHT. to uncle Mathurin’s health. Come, ladies, you shall join in the toast, (calls) Denise, glasses. Fanch. (aside) Under the great tree, I’ll be there ! Cath. (aside) When the vesper-bell rings, I’ll be there ! Denise, (entering) Yes, cousin inputs three glasses on table) Fanch. \ and > All right, I’ll pour out. Cath. ) Fanch. No, let me have the pleasure of helping G-uillot. Cath. You’ll excuse me, that pleasure must be mine. Guil. Come, come, no quarreling over it. I’ll settle the dispute in a twinkle. Fill the glasses, Denise, (she does so) G-uil. Fanch, Fanch. and Cath. Fanch. Cath. and Denis. Fanch. Cath. Denis. and Guil. Guil. No. IY. — Drinking Song. Soon as night drear the day leaves in lurch, Sheep in the fold, and poultry on perch, Day and its labours gaily I end O’er sparkling wine with a true-hearted friend. Chorus . If Providence forbade us drink It would not wine have flavor’d so — No ! If water makes us sadly think. Wine cheers, not taken in excess — Yes! Drain your glass, drain your glass. | Drain your glass, drain your glass. j Drai^your glass, drain your glass. Drain your glass, drain your glass. (4 times) ! Has Providence forbad us drink ? Oh, no, no. Therefore it wine has flavor’d so, | If Providence forbade us drink J It would not wine have flavor’d so, No, no, no, no, no, no. (3 times) No, no, no — No ! Second verse. Yes, when I’m thirsty I’m surly and sad, But when moist, how light-hearted and glad, LOVE BY LANTERN-LIGHT. 13 Out of wine I’m handy at nought, But when jolly I then can do aught. (Repeat chorus. Third verse . Guil. It’s no matter whatever the name, Claret, burgundy, or champagne, With lack of wine I’m oft dead beat, But when full charg’d — a breech-loader com- plete. (Repeat chorus. Guil. (a little elevated ) Well, what do you think of my song ? And my wine, how do you like that? Ha, ha, ha ! I begin to suspect I’ve taken an extra glass, a turn in the village will soon work the fumes off. Good-bye, Fanchette. (hisses her) Who knows but I may — eh ? Ha ! ha ! ha ! Good-bye, Catherine (hisses her) Who knows but I may — eh ? Ha ! ha ! ha ! (Exit l. u. e. Denise, (aside) Gone, and no kiss for me ! (Exit into house , sadly) Cath. So you allow yourself to be kissed like that, do you? Fanch. So, that’s your way of keeping the fellows at a distance, is it ? Marry come up, what next, I wonder ? Cath. You seem to have quite a fancy for Guillot now that he’s rich. Fanch. That treasure of his has completely turned your poor silly head ! Cath. Speak for yourself, ma’am, if you please. Fanch. I shan’t. Cath. You won’t? Fanch. No, I won’t. Didn’t you te]| me, not half-an- hour ago, that you would like to be a well-to-do lady ? Cath. And didn’t you say you would like to meet with a wealthy match ? Fanch. You fancy you’re playing a deep game, don’t you now ? Bah ! it’s what any simpleton might see through at a glance. Cath. And what simpleton is there in existence that couldn’t see it’s the treasure your covetous eye is on, not the man ? Fanch. Take care of your own eye if you say that again ! You said Guillot was a downright fool ! Cath. Oh you horrid story, it was yourself that said it. B 14 LOVE BY LANTERN-LIGHT. Fanch. It was you. Cath. It was not. Fanch. It was. Cath. Oh you Both, (shaking their fists in the other’s face) It was you — you — you No. Y. — Duet. Both. Ah, the mealy-mouth’d sly puss, She fain would make a fuss, Ah, the mealy-mouth’d sly puss, How innocent her look ! Ah, the mealy-mouth’d sly puss, She fain would make a fuss, Ah, the mealy-mouth’d sly puss, I’ll soon bring her to book. How P Oh, how my hands hanker Soundly now to spank her, How my hands do hanker, Soundly now to spank her. Oh, I hanker Soundly now to spank her. Her I’ll bring to book, Her goose I’ll cook (bis) How my hands do hanker, Soundly now to spank her ! Her I’ll bring to book, Her goose I’ll cook, (bis.) My hands hanker Soundly to spank her. Bring her to book, Her goose to cook ! Her goose I’ll cook! % Cath. When Guillot at romps will play, You’re not one to run away. F anch. My lady fine I see His wife aspires to be. Cath. My lady would rejoice To find herself his choice. Fanch. My lady grieves to see That’s what she’ll never be. (Fanchette executes a cadenza on the last syllable. Cath- erine takes it ujp at the commencement of the third bcv r, and continues mocking her throughout.) Fanch. (continuing) Her smirks and smiles are waste, She’s far below his taste. LOVE BY LANTERN-LIGHT. 15 Cath. My lady’s growing tall Her pride will have a fall. Both. Ah the mealy-mouth’d &c. {Throughout to “ When Guillot , fyc”) Cath. If for that game you’re in, You count without your host, Certain charms must win Which you cannot boast. Fanch. You think his taste you hit, You are in the wrong box quite, When you his fancy fit, Black may pass for white. Cath. Look out for a surprise Take my warning voice. Fanch. He’ll with open eyes Make a better choice. Cath. Guillot past a doubt Knows what he’s about With him, then in hand and heart, You’ll never have part. Both. With him in hand and heart You’ll never have part. Fanch. Her monkey’s up, 1 -n • Cath. Her passions boil. } Both. Say another word, your ugly mug I’ll spoil. Fanch. {taking off a shoe.) Mind your head, here goes my shoe, {throws it.) Cath. {taking off a shoe) Look to yours, here’s mine at you. {throws it.) Fanch. {throwing her other shoe) Look out. Cath. {ditto) All right, take my last one too. A fight I invite. Both. When I fight, my delight Is the foe to surprise, For I tear off her hair Scratch out her eyes. Ah! {cadenza.) Yes, I tear off her hair Scratch out her eyes. They maul and scratch at each other . The Bural Policeman enters , K. u. E., and seeing them fighting interposes between them. He gets a scratch on each cheek, puts up his hand , 16 LOVE BY LANTERN-LIGHT. and faint marks of blood are seen. They cease their combat and stand aghast on seeing him. Police. Women, you’ve scratched the cheeks of the law ! Respect for the majesty of the law, outraged in my sacred person, demands that I escort you both to the guard-house — so, move on there ! ^and 1 No Mr. ^ ura l> an d I’ll tell you all Fanch. > about it. Oath. Nonsense, you shant. I’ll tell it. (they pull him alternately . ) Fanch. You tell it ; you know nothing about it. Cath. Don’t I ; I’ll soon let Mr. Rural see. In the first place, then Fanch. You must know (each pulling him round to her as they speak.) Cath. That farmer G-uillot Fanch. Has received from his uncle Cath. A letter which says Fanch. Under the great tree yonder Cath. Opposite his door Fanch. He’ll find this evening Cath. When the vesper-bell rings Policeman. What P (the house door is opened. ) Cath. ^ and l Hush ! we shall be overheard. Fanch. j Fanch. Come with us, Mr. Rural, we’ll give you the nerfect particulars of this most wonderful event. Come. (They drag him out , R. u. E. — stage darkens. Enter Denise from house , R., a letter in her hand. Denise, (reads) “My dear Denise, I perfectly under- stand the source of your grief. The cure for it is to be found in a good husband (sighs) and I undertake to provide you one. Take your seat at the foot of the great tree before your door, and when the vesper-bell rings.” (speaks.) Bah ! Uncle Mathurin is making game of me. I want no husband — at least, unless — but no, it’s either Fanchette or Catherine that he’ll choose — I see plainly that I’m not to his taste, (looks round — Lights dowyi) It’s night, and the Angelus will soon ring, I’ve a strong incli- nation to take my place at the foot of the tree — who knows ? Uncle Mathurin may be as good as his word — I’ll put it to the proof. (Angelus bell rings.) LOVE BY LANTERN-LIGHT. 17 Bis. No. 6. — Quartette of the Vesper-bell. Denise. ’Tis the vesper-bell, whose solemn sound \ Warns day to flight And summons night. ) (She looks about) No one yet upon the ground, In silent watch, j Each sound I’ll catch. ( sits on bank.) j Bis. Guillot enters with lantern and pick-axe, l. u. e. Guil. and > ’Tis the vesper-bell, &c.,to “ upon the ground.” "Denise. ) Guil. (alone) All’s still, no one yet upon the ground, Thus veil’d by night, ’twill all go right. ’Twill all go right. Fanchette and Catherine enter severally with lanterns. ’Tis the vesper-bell, whose solemn sound'' Warns day to flight And summons night. Fanch. \ and Cath. Guil. and Denise, (All together) We ourselves must keep within bound. J-f I see no one round, Thus veil’d by night All will be right. Denise. My spirits are worn out. (tries to keep awake.) Guil. I’ll try if here it be. Cath. ^ and l ’Tis he ! I’ll watch about. Fanch. ) (hiding their lanterns Denise. ’Tis in vain, I’m tired out. (falls asleep.) Guil. (fixing on a spot to dig) Yes, ’tis here I’ve no doubt. (during a short symphony, he digs.) Nothing ! ’tis useless to dig up the ground here. (digs again) No luck ! how’s this ? where can the prize be ? (digs again, then ceases, and wipes his broiv.) Bother ! there’s nothing but earth to be found here. Fanch. \ and l (apart) I’ll search when he’s gone ! Catii. j 18 LOVE BY LAKTERN-LIGHT. Guil. I nothing see. Plague on the treasure, where can it be ? (approaching the tree. ) Ha ! I’ll be bound, here ! What do I see ? ’Tis Denise ! Cath. Denise ! Fanch. Denise 1 how strange ! Guil. In sleep she’s sound Fanch. In sleep she’s sound, Guil. And on the ground ! Near her, who knows ? the treasure mayhap will be found. No, I’ll not disturb her repose, I’ll wait until her weary eyes unclose. Denise, (in a dream) Guillot ! my own Guillot ! Guil. Am I her dreams engaging p Denise. My own Guillot ! Guil. (leaning over her) Ah ! it’s so ! Cath. (aside) How enraging ! Cath. and Fanch. Guil. (seeing the letter) But what’s here ? a letter ! From Grevin, I wonder ! perhaps he should have met her. Oh the scamp ! can it be so ? Fanch. I’ll draw near. Guil. I’ll soon find out. (takes the letter gently and reads it by the light of his lantern. ) Cath. Then I’ll hear. Guil. Oh what happiness is here. My uncle’s hand, away with doubt and fear, (reads) “ The husband to you most dear, “ When the vesper-bell you hear “Will at your side appear.” Denise, (waking by half) ’Tis the vesper-bell in solemn sound. All. Warns day to flight And summons night ’Tis the vesper-bell in solemn sound Warns day to flight And summons night, And summons night ! How enraging 1 Guil. (reads to himself out of letter) “In giving you to LOVE BY LANTERN-LIGHT. 19 him my darling, I bestow on him a treasure.” A treasure ! my uncle’s right, I understand him now ! Denise, (fully awake) Eh ! who’s there ? is it you, my husband ? G-uil. Yes, Denise, ’tis I. Denise. Guillot ! Guil. (kneeling to her) Guillot, who loves you, my dear Denise, and implores you to become his wife ! ) Bah ! did you ever hear such rubbish ? (both fTnch. * disgusted.) Guil. (turning to them) Catherine, Fanchette, good evening to you both. Allow me to introduce my wife. The introduction to the finale commences here p.p. and con- tinues through the subsequent dialogue. Enter Rural Policeman, l. u. e., then beckons on Peasants who enter after him. Oath. . and [• His wife ! but what about the treasure ? Fanch. J Guil. Oh I’ve got that. Cath. You have ! halves ! Fanch. Thirds! Guil. Quarters, ha ! ha ! ha ! Rural, (drawing near) Fifths! Cath. Here’s Mr. Rural, and the whole village I declare. Fanch. Come on, this way all of you, Guillot has found a treasure. All. A treasure! Cath. It belongs to the whole community, if he won’t give it up, we must take it from him by force. Fanch. To be sure, and share it amongst us. Guil. Share it, eh! Hot an atom of it. (pointing to Denise) This is my treasure, and I mean to keep it entirely to myself. As to the other, dig for it as long as you like, you are welcome to all that you find, (to peasants) Thank you, my friends, for throwing the light of your lanterns on Guillot’ s love and treasure ! (the Peasants all hold up the lanterns.) FINALE. Guil. Friends, the piece is fairly over, Till next eve to all good bye Denise. Let us calmly sleep in clover, Not on thorns and thistles lie. 20 LOVE BY LANTERN-LIGHT. Fanch. Tho’ light and unpretending this is, We hope you’ll not displeasure show. All. No! Cath. Mammas, papas, and lovely misses, Let plaudits your assent express. All. Yes. Fanch. Fanch. and Cath. Fanch. Cath. and Denise. GtUIL. Cath. Fanch. and Denise. Tho’ ’tis a trifle, still we know 0, yes we know, Yes, we know That you will not displeasure show, If ’tis amusing then we know That you’ll be pleas’d and show it so. So, so, so, so, so, so. (3 times.) So, so, so — so ! CURTAIN. i Then all’s right With delight Say hurra ! For the day, Being won Now the play On may run Only say That the play On may run. Characters and chorus. COSTUMES.— Breton. GUILLOT. — Claret coloured cloth jacket, trimmed with slate ; red Breton vest and sleeves ; red gaiters ; slate full trunk-breeches ; buff shoes. POLICEMAN. — Blue body coat; buff breeches; high black boots ; cocked hat. DENISE. — Slate coloured merino dress, trimmed with pink ; Breton cap ; white apron with pockets ; buff shoes. CATHERINE — FANCHETTE. — Dresses of the same fashion, but varying in colour.