The Project Gutenberg EBook of Past Redemption, by George M. Baker This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. Title: Past Redemption A Drama in Four Acts Author: George M. Baker Release Date: June 12, 2015 [EBook #49198] Language: English Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PAST REDEMPTION *** Produced by David Edwards, Diane Monico, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net cover PAST REDEMPTION. A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS. BY GEORGE M. BAKER. This play is protected by law, and can only be performed by special arrangement with the author. BOSTON: GEORGE M. BAKER AND COMPANY. 1875. titlepage PAST REDEMPTION. A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS. BY GEORGE M. BAKER. This play is protected by law, and can only be performed by special arrangement with the author. BOSTON: GEORGE M. BAKER AND COMPANY. 1875. COSTUMES. John Maynard. Act I. Mixed pants and vest, blue striped shirt, collar rolled over vest, without necktie, straw hat, bald gray wig, heavy gray side-whiskers. Act II. and IV. Add a dark coat. Harry Maynard. Act I. Neat gray suit, with game-bag, felt hat, leggings. Act III. White shirt without collar, rusty black pants, and coat out at elbows, unshorn face, hollow eyes. Act IV. Light pants, dark vest and coat, with white overcoat, high-colored handkerchief thrown about the neck, felt hat. Robert Thornton. Act I. Light gray suit, leggings, game-bag, felt hat, heavy watch-chain, and full black beard and moustache. Act II. Handsome black suit, black hat, light overcoat on his arm. Act III. Fashionable suit, with a liberal display of jewelry. Act IV. Dirty black pants, torn at the knee, white shirt, soiled and ragged, showing a red shirt beneath; rough grizzled beard and wig; pale and haggard; dark, ragged coat. Tom Larcom. Act I. and II. Rough farmer's suit. Act III. Flashy mixed suit, false moustache and chin-whiskers. Act IV. Neat suit with overcoat and felt hat. Nat Harlow. Neat mixed business suit; a little dandified. Hanks and Huskers. Farmer's rough suits. Capt. Bragg. Dark pants, white vest, blue coat with brass buttons, military stock and dickey; tall felt hat; bald gray wig, and military whiskers. Murdock. Fashionable dress. Daley. Dark pants and vest, white apron, sleeves rolled up, no coat. Stub. Act I. Gray pants, blue striped shirt. Act III. Dark pants, white vest, red necktie, standing collar, black hat, short black coat. Acts II. and IV. Same as first with the addition of a coat. Mrs. Maynard. Acts I. and II. Cheap calico dress. Act IV. Brown dress, with white apron, collar and cuffs. Gray wig for all. Charity, age about thirty-five. Act II. Pretty muslin dress, with a white apron, tastefully trimmed, lace cap, light wig. Act III. Gray dress handsomely trimmed, gray waterproof cloak. Act III. Dark travelling dress, handsome cloak and hat. Jessie. Act I. Muslin dress, with collar and cuffs. Act II. Something of the same kind. Act III. Handsome dress of light color. Act IV. Gray travelling dress, with cloak and hat. Kitty. Act I. Light muslin dress. Act II. Something of the same kind. Act IV. Red dress, white collar and cuffs, shawl and hat. Chorus of Ladies for Act III. Dark and light dresses, with "clouds" of different colors about their heads. PAST REDEMPTION. A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS. Act I.—A Husking at the Old Home. Scene.—A barn. In flat, large door to roll back l., closed; above door, hay-mow, practicable staging, loose hay piled upon it; over that, window, through which moonbeams stream. l., stalls with harness suspended from pegs, bench on which are two basins and towels. r., bins, above stalls and bins, r. and l., hay-mow with hay (painted). r. c., two benches thus: b d a c, on which are seated a. Tom Larcom, b. Nat Harlow, and between them four farmers, three girls; another girl standing c.; beside her on floor, kneeling, a farmer picks up the husks thrown by the huskers, and puts them in a basket. A small pile of corn, d., which the occupants of the benches are at work on, throwing the corn into bins, r.; the husks behind. Just back of b., Hanks seated on a barrel with violin playing, "In the sweet by and by." Stub leaning against wing, l., i e. listening; stool r., i e.; red lanterns hung r. and l., red light from footlights. Hanks [Pg 4] [Pg 5] plays the air through during the rising of curtain. Stub. Golly! hear dat now, will you? D-d-dat what I call music in de har, fur it jes make my har stan' on end, yes, it does. And I feel—I feel jes as dough I was skewered onto dat ar fiddle-bow, an' bein' drawed frou a sea ob bilin' merlasses. Golly, so sweet! Nat. There's a first-class puff for you, Hanks, from the mouth of a critic—with a black border. Tom. You do beat all nater, Hanks, with the fiddle; your hand is as cute, and your ear as fine, as though the one had never held a plough, or the other listened to the jingling of a cowbell. Talk of your genuses. Give me the chap that's a Jack at any thing, from digging ninety tater-hills afore breakfast, to sparking a pretty girl at 'leven o'clock on a starlight night. Stub. Wid de ole man comin' roun' de corner ob de house wid a double-barrel rebolver, "You scoot or I shoot." Don't forget de embellishments, Tom Larcom. (All laugh.) Nat. Ha, ha! had you there, Tom. Tom. What are you laughing at? If old Corum mistook me for a prowler one night, am I to blame? Stub. Coorse not, coorse not, when you didn't stop to 'lucidate, but jumped de fence and scooted down de road hollering "Murder!" (Laugh.) Tom (flinging an ear of corn at Stub). A little more ear and less tongue, Stub. Stub (ducking his head). Don't waste de fodder. Had ear enough dat night. Golly! jes woke de whole neighborhood. Tom. Ah! the course of true love never did run smooth. Stub. By golly! you—you found it pretty smoove runnin' dat night. Tom (threatening Stub). Will you be quiet? Stub. Ob coorse. Don't waste de fodder. Nat. Ah, Tom, Nature never cut you out for a lover. Tom. P'r'aps not; but I've got art enough to cut you out, Nat, if you do make up to my property, Kitty Corum. (Enter Kitty, r., overhearing last words.) Kitty. Indeed! Your property! I like that. And when, pray, did you come into possession? Tom. That's for you to say, Kitty. I'm an expectant heir as yet. Don't forget me in your will, Kitty. Nat. Don't write your will in his favor. Kitty. "When a woman wills she wills: depend on't; And when she won't she won't, and there's the end on't." Tom (sings). "If I could write my title clear." Nat. Give me the title, Kitty. Tom. I'd give you a title—Counter-jumper, Yardstick; that's about your measure. You talk about titles; why, all you are good for is to measure tape and ribbons, cut "nigger-head," shovel sugar, and peddle herrings for old Gleason. Bah! I smell soap now. Nat (jumping up). You just step outside, and you shall smell brimstone, and find your measure on the turf, Tom Larcom. Kitty. There, there, stop that! I'll have no quarrelling. Supper's nearly ready, and the corn not finished. Tom. We'll be ready for the supper, Kitty. If I could only find a red ear. Kitty. And if you could? Tom. I should make an impression on those red lips of yours that would astonish you. Kitty. Indeed! It would astonish me more if you had the chance. (Laugh.) But where's Harry Maynard? Tom. Off gunning with Mr. Thornton. He said he'd be back in time for the husking: they must have lost their way. Kitty. His last night at home, too. [Pg 6] [Pg 7] Stub. Yas, indeed. Off in de mornin', afore de broke ob day. I's gwine to drive dem ober to de steam-jine station. Miss Jennie gwine to see him off; 'spect she'll jes cry her eyes out comin' home. Tom. Well, I can't see the use of Harry Maynard's trottin' off to the city with this Mr. Thornton. Let well enough alone, say I. Here's a good farm, and a smart, pretty girl ready to share life with him; and yet off he goes to take risks in something he knows nothing about. Kitty. Don't say a word against Mr. Thornton; he's just splendid. Chorus of Girls. Oh, elegant! Tom. There it is! Vanity and vexation! here's a man old enough to be your father. Comes up here in his fine clothes, with a big watch-chain across his chest, and a seal ring on his finger, and you girls are dead in love with him at first sight. Kitty. Tom, you're jealous. Harry Maynard is not content to settle down here; he wants to see the world, and I like his spunk. If I was a man I would get the polish of city life. Stub. So would I, so would I. Yas, indeed; get de polish down dar. Look at Joe Trash; he went down dar, he did. New suit ob store clo's onto him, and forty dollars in his calf-skin. He come back in free days polished right out ob his boots. Tom. Well, I s'pose it's out of fashion not to like this Thornton, but there's something in the twist of his waxed-end mustache, and the roll of his eye, that makes me feel bad for Harry. Kitty. You needn't fear for Harry. He won't eat him. Stub. No, sir, he's not a connubial: he's a gemblum. Tom. Ah! here's the last ear, and, by jingo! it's a red one. Chorus. Good for you, Tom! good for you! Nat. I'll give you a dollar for your chance. Tom. No, you don't, Nat; I'm in luck.—Now, Kitty, I claim the privilege. A kiss for the finder of the red ear. (All rise.) Kitty. Not from me, saucebox. Nat. Run, Kitty, run! (Kitty runs in and out among the huskers, Tom in pursuit.) Tom. It's no use, Kitty; you can't escape me. (She runs down r. corner; as Tom is about to seize her, she stoops, and runs across stage, catches Stub by the arms, and whirls him round. Tom, in pursuit, clasps Stub in his arms.) Stub. "I'd offer thee dis cheek ob mine." If you want a smack take it. I won't struggle. Tom (strikes his face with hand). How's that for a smack? Stub. Dat's de hand widout de heart: takes all de bloom out ob my complexion. (Goes across stage holding on to his face, and exits r. Kitty runs through crowd again, comes r., Tom in pursuit.) Tom. It's no use, Kitty: you must pay tribute. Kitty. Never, never! (Runs across to l., and then up stage to back. Door opens, and enter Harry Maynard and Thornton, equipped with guns and game-bags; Kitty runs into Harry's arms.) Harry. Hallo! just in time. You've the red ear, Tom, so, as your friend, I'll collect the tribute. (Kisses Kitty.) Kitty (screams). How dare you, Harry Maynard! Tom. Yes, Harry Maynard, how dare you? (Thornton, Harry, Kitty, Tom, and Nat come down; others carry back the benches, and clear the stage; then converse in groups at back.) Harry. Don't scold, Tom. It's the first game that has crossed my path to-day: the first shot I've made. So the corn is husked, and I not here to share your work. We've had a long tramp, and lost our way. (goes to r. with Thornton; they divest themselves of their bags, and lean their guns against bin. 2d entrance.) Tom (l. c.). Empty bags! Well, you are smart gunners: not even a rabbit. Harry (r. c. Thornton sits on stool, r.). No, Tom; they were particularly shy to-day, so I had to content myself with a deer, your dear, Tom. (All laugh; Nat, l., very loud, Tom threatening him.) Kitty (c.). His dear, indeed! I'll have you to understand I'm not to be made game of. Harry. No, dear, no one shall make game of you; but keep a sharp lookout, for there's a keen hunter on the track, and [Pg 8] [Pg 9] when Tom Larcom flings the matrimonial noose— Kitty. He may be as lucky as you have been to-day, and return empty-handed. Tom. Don't say that, Kitty; haven't I been your devoted— Kitty. Fiddlesticks! (pushes him back, and comes to l. C.) If there is any thing I hate, it's sparking before company. Nat (l.). And there's where you're right, Kitty. As much as I love you, I would never dare to be so outspoken before company. Tom. Oh, you're a smart one, you are! (Enter Stub, r.) Stub. Supper's onto de table, and Miss Maynard, she says, says she, you're to come right into de kitchen, eat all you like, drink all you like, an' smash all de dishes if you like; an' dere's fourteen kinds ob pies, an' turnobers, an' turn- unders, an' cold chicken, an'—an'—cheese— Harry. That will do, Stub. My good mother is a bountiful provider, and needs no herald. So, neighbors, take your partners; Hanks will give you a march, and Mr. Thornton and I will join you as soon as we have removed the marks of the forlorn chase. Stub. Yas, Massa Hanks, strike up a march: something lively. Dead march in Saul; dat's fus rate. Tom (c.). Kitty, shall I have the pleasure? (Offers his left arm to Kitty.) Nat (l.). Miss Corum, shall I have the honor? (Offers his right arm to Kitty.) Kitty (between them, looks at each one, turns up her nose at Tom, and takes Nat's arm). Thank you, Mr. Harlow. I'll intrust this property to you. Nat. For life, Kitty? Kitty. On a short lease. (They go up c., face audience; others pair, and fall in behind them.) Tom (c.). Cut,—a decided cut. I must lay in wait for Yardstick when this breaks up, and I think he will need about a pound of beefsteak for his eyes in the morning. (Goes l. and leans dejectedly against wing. Music strikes up, the march is made across stage once, and off r., Stub strutting behind.) Harry (crosses l.). Why, Tom, don't you go in? Tom. Certainly. Come, Hanks. (Goes over to Hanks.) They'll want your music in there, and I'm just in tune to play second fiddle. (They exeunt r., arm in arm.) Harry (goes to bench l., and washes hands). Now, Mr. Thornton, for a wash, and then we'll join them. (Thornton keeps his seat in a thoughtful attitude. Harry comes down.) Hallo! what's the matter? Homesick? Thornton (laughs). Not exactly; but there's something in this old barn, these merry huskers, this careless happy life you farmers lead, has stirred up old memories, until I was on the point of breaking out with that melancholy song, "Oh, would I were a boy again!" Harry. Now, don't be melancholy. That won't chime with the dear old place; for, though it has not been free from trouble, we drive all care away with willing hands and cheerful hearts. Thornton. It is a cheery old place, and so reminds me of one I knew when I was young; for, like you, I was a farmer's boy. Harry. Indeed! you never told me that. Thornton. No: for 'tis no fond recollection to me, and I seldom refer to it. I did not take kindly to it, so early forsook a country life for the stir and bustle of crowded cities. But, when one has reached the age of forty, 'tis time to look back. Harry. Not with regret, I trust: for you tell me you have acquired wealth in mercantile pursuits, and so pictured the busy life of the city, that I am impatient to carve my fortune there. Thornton. And you are right. The strong-armed, clear-brained wanderers from the country carry off the grand prizes there. You are ambitious: you shall rise; and, when you are forty, revisit these scenes, a man of wealth and influence. Harry. Ah, Mr. Thornton, when one has a friend like you to lead the way, success is certain. I am proud of your friendship, and thankfully place my future in your keeping. Thornton. That shows keen wit at the outset. Trust me, and you shall win. (Rises.) But I am keeping you from your friends, and I know a pair of bright eyes are anxiously looking for you. (Goes to bench, and washes hands.) Jessie (outside l., sings),— [Pg 10] [Pg 11] "In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore," &c. Harry. Ah! my "sweet by and by" is close at hand. (Enter Jessie, r., with pail.) Jessie. O you truant! (Runs to him.) Now, don't flatter yourself that I came in search of you. Do you see this pail? this is my excuse. Harry. 'Tis an empty one, Jessie. I am very sorry you have been anxious on my account; but I'm all ready, so let's in to supper. Jessie. Not so fast, sir: the pail must be filled. I'm going for milk. Harry. Then "I'll go with you, my pretty maid."—You'll excuse me a moment, Mr. Thornton. Jessie. Mr. Thornton!—Dear me, I didn't see you! Good evening. Thornton. Good evening, Miss Jessie. Jessie. Are you very, very hungry? Thornton. Oh, ravenous! Jessie. Then don't wait, but hurry in, or I won't be responsible for your supper: huskers are such a hungry set.—Come, Harry. Harry. Don't wait, Mr. Thornton: it takes a long time to get the milk; don't it, Jessie? Jessie. Not unless you tease me—but you always do. Harry. Of course, I couldn't help it; and tease and milk go well together. (Exeunt Jessie and Harry, l. Thornton stands c.looking after them.) Thornton. Yes, yes, 'tis a cheery old place. Pity the storm should ever beat upon it; pity that dark clouds should ever obscure its brightness; yet they will come. For the first time in a life of passion and change, this rural beauty has stirred my heart with a longing it never felt before. I cannot analyze it. The sound of her voice thrills me; the sight of her face fascinates me; the touch of her hand maddens me; and, with it all, the shadow of some long-forgotten presence mystifies me. This must be love. For I would dare all, sacrifice all, to make her mine. She is betrothed to him. He must be taken from her side, made unworthy of her, made to forget her. The task is easy to one skilled in the arts of temptation. Once free, her heart may be turned towards me. 'Tis a long chase: no wonder I am melancholy, Harry Maynard; but there's a keen, patient hunter on the track, who never fails, never. (Enter John Maynard, r.) John Maynard. Well, well, here's hospitality: here's hospitality with a vengeance. That rascal Harry has deserted you, has he?—you, our honored guest. It's too bad, too bad. Thornton. Don't give yourself any uneasiness about me, old friend. Harry has left me a moment to escort a young lady. Maynard. Ah, yes, I understand: Jessie, our Jessie, the witch that brings us all under her spells. No wonder the boy forgot his manners; but to desert you— Thornton. Don't speak of desertion; you forget I am one of the family. Maynard. I wish you were with all my heart. I like you, Mr. Thornton. I flatter myself I know a gentleman, when I meet him. You came up here, looked over my stock, and bought my horses at my own price, no beating down, no haggling; and I said to myself, He's a gentleman, for gentlemen never haggle. So I say I like you (gives his hand), and that's something to remember, for John Maynard don't take kindly to strangers. Thornton. I trust I shall always merit your good opinion. Maynard. Of course you will; you can't help it. There's our Harry just raves about you, and you've taken a fancy to him. I like you for that too. Then you are going to take him away, and show him the way to fortune by your high pressure, bustle and rush, city ways. Not just the notion I wanted to get into his head; but he's ambitious, and I'll not stand in his way. He's our only boy now. There was another; he went down at the call of his country, a brave, noble fellow, and fell among the first; and he died bravely: he couldn't help it, for he was a Maynard. But 'twas a hard blow to us. It made us lonely here; and even now, when the wind howls round the old house in the cold winter nights, mother and I sit silent in the corner, seeing our boy's bright face in the fire, till the tears roll down her cheeks, and I—I set my teeth together, and clasp her hands, and whisper, He died bravely, mother,—died for his country like a hero,—like a hero. Thornton. Ah! 'tis consoling to remember that. Maynard. Yes, yes. And now the other, our only boy, goes forth to fight another battle, full of temptation and danger. Heaven grant him a safe return! [Pg 12] [Pg 13] Thornton. Amen to that! But fear not for him. I have a regard, yes, call it a fatherly regard; and it shall be my duty to guard him among the temptations of the city. Maynard. That's kind; that's honest. I knew you were a gentleman, and I trust you freely. Thornton. You shall have a good account of him; and 'twill not be lonely here, for you have a daughter left to comfort you. Maynard. Our Jessie, bless her! she's a treasure. Sixteen years ago, on one of the roughest nights, our Harry, then a mere boy, coming up from the village, found a poor woman and her babe on the road lying helpless in the snow. He brought her here: we recognized her as the daughter of one of our neighbors, a girl who had left home, and found work in the city. This was her return. Her unnatural father shut the door in her face, and she wandered about until found by Harry. She lingered through the night, speechless, and died at sunrise. I sought the father, but he had cast her out of his heart and home; for he believed her to be a wanton. Indignant at his cruelty, I struck him down; for I'm mighty quick- tempered, and can't stand a mean argument. I gave the mother Christian burial, took the child to my heart, and love her as if she was my own. As for him, public opinion drove him from our village; and her child is loved and honored as he could never hope to be. Thornton. And your son will marry her with this stain upon her? Maynard. Stain? what stain? Upon her mother's finger was a plain gold ring; and, though the poor thing's lips were silent, her eyes wandered to that ring with a meaning none could fail to guess. She was a deserted wife; and, even had she been all her father thought her, what human being has a right to be relentless, when we should forgive as we all hope to be forgiven? But come, here I am chatting away like an old maid at a quilting. Come in, and get your supper, for you must be hungry: come in. (Exeunt r. Enter l., Harry, with his arm round Jessie, the pail in his hand.) Harry. Yes, Jessie, 'tis hard to leave you behind; but our parting will not be for long. Once fairly embarked in my new life, with a fair chance of success before me, I shall return to seek my ready helper. Jessie. Harry, perhaps you will think me foolish, but I tremble at your venture. Why seek new paths to fortune when here is all that could make our lives happy and contented? Harry. But it's so slow, Jessie; and, with the best of luck, I should be but a plodding farmer. To plough and dig, sow and reap, year in and year out,—'tis a hard life, all bone and muscle: to be sure, rugged health and deep sleep; but there is excitement and bustle, quick success and rousing fortunes. Ah, Jessie, if one half my schemes work well, you shall be a lady. Jessie. To be your own true, loving wife, your ever ready helper, is all I ask. O Harry, if you should forget me in all this bustle! Harry. Forget you? Never: in all my hopes you are the shining light; in all my air-built castles, which energy should make real and substantial ones, you are enthroned my queen. Jessie. Enthrone me in your heart: let me be an influence there, to shield you from temptation, and, come fortune or failure, I shall be content. Harry. An influence, Jessie: hear my confession. Unknown to you, I stood beneath your window last night, as you sat looking up at the moon, singing the song I love, "In the sweet by and by." I thought how soon we must part, and your sweet voice brought tears to my eyes. Jessie, I believe, that, were I so weak as to fall beneath temptation, in the darkest hour of misery, the remembrance of that voice would call me back to you and a better life. Jessie. You will not forget me? Harry. Oh, we are getting melancholy. (Smiles.) Why should I not fear a rival? Jessie. Now you are jesting, Harry. Do I not owe my life to you? Harry. Hush, hush! that is a forbidden subject, and all you owe to me has been paid with interest in the gift of your true, loving heart. (They pass off, r. Enter Capt. Bragg, c.) Capt. Bragg. Well, I never—no, never. If Parson Broadnose himself, in full black, with all his theological prognostications to back him, had said to me, Capt. Bragg, did you ever? I should have fixed my penetrating eyes upon him, and answered boldly, No, never. Slighted, absolutely, undeniably, unquestionably slighted! I, Capt. Nathan Bragg, distinguished for my martial deportment, my profound knowledge, my ready wit, yes, every thing that adds a charm to merrymaking; I, ex-commander of that illustrious corps, the Lawless Rangers, that rivals the grandest European regiments in drill and parade,—slighted at a mean, contemptible little husking. Fact, by jingo! But I'm not to be slighted: I won't be slighted. I am here to testify my profound contempt for a slight. If John Maynard has a husking, and forgets to invite the grand central figure on such occasions, it is the duty of the grand central figure to overlook the little breach of etiquette, and appear to contribute to the happiness of its fellow townsmen. There is an air of gloom about this place, all owing to my absence. They're in to supper: I'll join them, to cheer the dull hearts and (going r.)— Hallo! guns, guns. (Takes up one.) There's a beauty. This reminds me of my warlike days at country muster, and the Lawless Rangers. Ah, those rangers! every man with a Roman nose, six feet high, and a dead shot: not a man would miss the dead eye at [Pg 14] [Pg 15] one hundred paces,—if he could help it. Ah! I can see 'em now as I gave the order: ready—aim—fire (raising gun and firing as he speaks.) Murder! the blasted thing was loaded. (Drops it, and staggers across stage to l., trembling. A fowl drops from r., at the shot. Enter r., Mr. Maynard, Stub, Harry, Jessie, Tom, and Mrs. Maynard.) Maynard. Who fired that gun? Ah, Capt. Bragg, what's the matter? Stub (taking up fowl). Dat ar poor ole rooster am a gone goose. Dat's what's de matter. Harry (taking up gun). Captain, have you been meddling with my gun? Mrs. Maynard. Of course he has: he's always meddling. Capt. Mrs. Maynard, that's an absurd remark. It's all right: one of my surprises. You must know I wanted a rooster for to-morrow's dinner. I'm very fond of them: there's such a warlike taste about them. And we are a little short of roosters; my last one, being a little belligerent this morning, walked into Higgins's yard, and engaged in deadly combat: so deadly that Higgins's fowl was stretched a lifeless corse upon the ground: for Bragg's roosters always lick, always. But in spite of my earnest protest, despite the warlike maxim, Spoils to the victor belong, Higgins shot my rooster and nailed him to his barn door like a crow, and his crow was gone. Fact, by jingo. Maynard. Yes: but what's that got to do with my rooster? Capt. Well, I wanted a rooster: so says I to myself, Maynard's got plenty, he can spare one just as well as not; so I'm come to borrow one. Well, I found you had company, and not wishing to disturb you, and seeing a gun handy, I singled out my dinner roosting aloft there, raised the gun,—you know I'm a dead shot,—shut my eyes— Tom. Shut your eyes! Is that one of your dead shot tactics? Capt. Shut one eye, squinted, of course, that's what I said, and fired. The result of that shot is before you. If you will examine that fowl, you will find that he is shot clean through the neck. Stub. He's shot all ober; looks jes for all de world like a huckleberry puddin'. Maynard. Well, captain, I call this rather a cool proceeding. Capt. Ah, you flatter me: but coolness is a characteristic of the Braggs. When I raised that company for the war, the Lawless Rangers, I said to those men, Be cool: don't let your ardor carry you too far. Tom. Yours didn't run you into battle, did it, captain? Capt. I couldn't run anywhere. Just when the call came for those men, after I had prepared them for battle, and longed to lead them to the field, rheumatism—in the legs too—blasted all my hopes, and left me behind. But my soul was with them, and, if they achieved distinction, they owed it all to my early teaching—to the Bragg they left behind. (Struts up stage.) John Maynard (to Thornton). Ah! he's a sly old fox. Thornton (tapping his head). A little wrong here. Maynard. No, he's a cool, calculating man, but as vain as a peacock. Capt. (coming down). Sorry I didn't know you had company. Wouldn't have intruded for the world. Maynard. It's all right, captain. Join us: we were expecting you. (To Thornton.) I can say that truly, for he's always popping in where he's not wanted. Capt. Ah! thank you. A-husking, I see. What's the yield? Maynard. Excellent. My five-acre lot has given me two hundred bushels. That's what I call handsome. Capt. Pooh! you should see my corn. There's nothing like Bragg's corn. My three-acre lot gave me three hundred bushels, and every other ear was a red one. Chorus. Oh! Capt. Fact, by jingo! (Nat and Kitty enter r., followed by huskers.) Maynard. Come, boys, get ready for the dance.—Mother, you take the captain in to supper. Mrs. Maynard. Come, captain, you must be hungry. Capt. (coming to r.). Thank you, I could feed a bit. But don't stir: I can find the table; and, when I do find it, I shall do full justice to your fare, or I am no Bragg. (Exit r. Harry rolls back the big door, others put out lanterns. Moonlight streams upon the floor. Change footlights.) Thornton (to Jessie). Miss Jessie, shall I have the honor of dancing with you? Jessie. Thank you, Mr. Thornton. (Takes his arm, and they go up. Nat and Kitty come down c.) [Pg 16] [Pg 17] Nat. Ah, Kitty, now for the dance. Of course you will open the ball with me. Kitty (hanging on his arm, looks around, and nods to Tom; he comes down on the other side). Did I promise you a dance to-night, Mr. Larcom? Tom (sulkily). I believe you did: but I ain't particular. Kitty. But I am. Nat. Kitty, dance with me. Kitty. I shall do just as Mr. Larcom says; if he does not wish me, why— Tom. Oh, Kitty, you know I do, you know I do! (Takes her arm, and whirls her up stage. Nat goes over to l., and leans against wing watching them.) Harry. Now, boys, take your partners for Hull's Victory.—Come, mother. (Gives Mrs. Maynard his arm, and goes to door, taking the lead. Tom and Kitty, Thornton and Jessie next, others form in front of them. Stub goes to l. Dance Hull's Victory. When Tom and Kitty come in front, Tom talks with Mr. Maynard, who stands r., and Kitty makes signs to Nat: he comes over, takes her arm, and they go up and off, l. u. e., appearing soon after in the loft at back; they sit on the hay, and watch the dancing. The dance is continued some time, Stub dancing by himself, l. When it is Tom's turn to dance, Stub slips into set, and gives his hand. Tom dances a little while before finding his mistake; then pushes Stub back, looks round and up, descries Kitty and Nat. Goes off l. u. e. Dance goes on. Enter Capt. Bragg, r., with a chicken-bone in one hand, and a piece of pie in the other; stands watching the dancers. Tom appears in loft, behind Nat. Nat puts his arm round Kitty, and is about to kiss her; Tom pulls him back upon the hay, and pummels him.) Nat. Help! Murder! Murder! (Dance stops.) Capt. Hallo! Thieves! Burglars! (Seizes the other gun, raises it, and fires. Fowl drops from l. Stub picks it up; Mr. Maynard seizes Captain's arm.) Stub. Dere's anoder rooster dead shot. Capt. Fact, by jingo! Tableau. Capt. r. c., with gun raised; Maynard c., with hand on gun; Stub l., holding up fowl; others starting forward watching group. Tom has Nat down in the loft with fist raised above him. Kitty kneels r. of them, with her apron to her face. Curtain. ACT II.—Past Redemption. Exterior of Maynard's farm-house. House on r. with porch covered with vines; fence running across stage at back, with gateway c., backed by road and landscape. l. c., large tree, with bench running round its trunk; trees l. Time, sunset. Enter Tom from l., through gate, a bunch of flowers in his hand. Tom. The same old errand: chasing that will-o'-wisp, Kitty Corum,—she who is known as the girl with two strings to her bow; who has one hand for Tom Larcom and another for Nat Harlow, and no heart for either. I'm the laughing- stock of the whole neighborhood; but misery loves company, and Nat is in the same box. If she would only say No, and have done with it, I believe I should be happy, especially if Nat received the "No." She won't let either of us go. But she must. To-night I'll speak for the last time; I'll pop. If she takes me, well: if not, I'll pop off and leave the field to Nat. Luckily I found out she was to help Mrs. Maynard to-day. Nat hasn't heard of it, and no doubt he's trudging off to old Corum's. Here she comes. Lay there, you beauties! (Puts flowers on bench.) Kitty will know what that means. (Exit l. Enter Kitty from house.) Kitty. What a nice woman Mrs. Charity Goodall is, to be sure! so graceful and sweet, not a bit like her big rough brother, John Maynard. But then, she's learned the city ways. A widow, poor thing—and not so poor, either; for her husband, when he died, left her a consolation in the shape of a very handsome fortune. (Sees flowers.) I declare, somebody's attentions are really overpowering. No matter where I am, either at home or abroad, when night comes I always find a bunch of flowers placed in my way. Of course these are for me: no one would think of offering flowers to Jessie. Poor Jessie! 'tis eighteen months since Harry Maynard left home, and six months since a line has been received from him. Ah, well! this comes of having but one string to your bow. I manage matters differently. (Sits on bench. Enter Nat from l., through gate; steps behind tree.) Now, I really would like to know who is so attentive, so loving, as to send me these pretty flowers. [Pg 18] [Pg 19] [Pg 20] Nat (sticks his head round tree, r.). And can't you guess, Kitty? Kitty (starting). O Nat! Tom (sticks his head out from l. Aside.) O Nat! indeed, you owe Nat nothing for flowers. The mean sneak! (Retires.) Nat (coming forward). Now, this is what I call luck, Kitty. I heard you were here, and I think I've taken the wind out of Tom Larcom's sails to-night. No doubt he's tramping off to your house to find nobody at home. Ha, ha! had him there. (Tom creeps out, and gets behind tree.) Kitty. And so I am indebted to you for all these pretty flowers. Nat. Oh! never mind the posies, Kitty. I have something very serious to say to you to-night. (Sits beside her r.) Kitty. Very, very serious, Nat? Nat. As serious, Kitty, as though I were a prisoner at the bar waiting my sentence. Tom. Ah! in that case, there should be a full bench, Kitty. (Comes round and sits on bench, l.) Nat. The deuce! Tom Larcom, what brought you here? Tom. I came to court; that is, to see justice done you. Nat. You be hanged! Tom. Thank you: let that be your fate; and I'll be transported. (Puts his arm round Kitty's neck.) Kitty. How dare you, Tom Larcom? (Pushes off his arm.) Tom. It's "neck or nothing" with me to-night, Kitty. Nat. Tom, you are taking unfair advantage of me. Tom. Am I? How about Kitty's posies, Nat, that I laid upon the bench? Kitty. It's you, then, Tom.—O Nat! how could you? Nat. I didn't: I only asked you a conundrum. All's fair in love. What's a few flowers, any way? Why, Kitty, smile upon me, and you shall have a garden. Tom. Yes, a kitchen garden, with you as the central figure,—a cabbage-head. Nat. Kitty, you must listen to me. I have a serious question to ask you. Tom. So have I, Kitty. Kitty. You too, Tom? A pair of serious questions! Shall I get out my handkerchief? Nat. Kitty, I have sought you for the last time. Tom. Thank Heaven! Nat. Perhaps— Tom. O, Kitty, give him your blessing, and let him depart! Nat. I am on the point of leaving— Tom. Good-by, old fellow. You have our fondest wishes where'er you go. "'Tis absence makes the heart grow fonder"— Nat.—Of leaving my fate in your hands. Tom. Oh, this is touching! Nat. 'Tis now two years since I commenced paying attention to you. Kitty. Stop, Nat. This is a serious business: let us be exact,—one year and ten months. Tom. Correct. I remember it from the circumstance that I had, about a month before, singled you out as the object of my adoration. Nat. "We met by chance." Tom. "The usual way." Oh come, Nat, do be original! Nat. I worshipped the very ground you trod on— Tom. And I the shoes you trod in: that's one step higher. [Pg 21] Nat. From that time— Kitty. One year and ten months. Nat. From that time I have loved you sincerely, devotedly, and— Tom. Etcettery. Same here, Kitty, with a dictionary thrown in. Nat. You have become very, very dear to me, Kitty. Tom. You are enshrined in this bosom, Kitty. Nat. Without you, my life would be miserable—a desert. Tom. And mine without you, Kitty, a Saharah. Nat. I have waited long to gain your serious attention, to ask you to be my wife. Now is the appointed time. Tom (takes out watch). Fifteen minutes after seven: the very time I appointed. Nat. Let me hear my sentence. Tom. Put me out of misery. Kitty. This is indeed serious. Am I to understand that you have both reached that point in courtship when a final answer is required? Nat. That's exactly the point I have reached. Tom. It's "going, going, gone" with me. Kitty. You will both consider my answer final? Both. We will. Kitty. No quarrelling, no teasing, no appeal? Nat. None. (Aside.) I'm sure of her. Tom. Never. (Aside.) Nat's sacked, certain. Kitty. Very well. Your attentions, Mr. Harlow, have been very flattering,—your presents handsome. Nat. Well, I'm not a bad-looking— Kitty. I mean the presents you have bestowed upon me,—calicoes of the latest patterns, sweetmeats in great varieties, which you, as a shopkeeper, have presented me with. Tom (aside). At old Gleason's expense. Kitty. Of course I value them. But a girl wants the man she loves to be a hero: to plunge into rivers to rescue drowning men, and all that sort of thing. Tom (aside). And Nat can't swim. That's hard on him. Kitty. And you, Mr. Larcom, have been equally attentive. Your gifts—the choicest fruits of your orchard, the beautiful flowers nightly laid within my reach—all have a touching significance. Still, as I said, a girl looks for something higher in the man she loves. He must be bold— Nat (aside). Tom's afraid of his own shadow. He's mittened. Kitty. Rush into burning houses, stop runaway horses, rescue distressed females; and I am very much afraid neither of my devoted admirers can claim the title of hero. So, gentlemen, with many thanks for your attentions, I say No. Nat. No! That is for Tom. Tom. No! You mean Nat. Kitty. I mean both. (Nat and Tom look at her, then at each other, then both rise and come front.) Nat. Tom. Tom. Nat. Nat. You've got the sack. Tom. You've got the mitten. Nat. She's a flirt. [Pg 22] [Pg 23] Tom. A coquette. Nat. I shall never speak to her again. Tom. Henceforth she and I are strangers. (They shake hands, then turn and go up to her.) Both. Kitty! Kitty. Remember, no appeal. (They look at her ruefully, then come down.) Nat. Tom, I bear you no ill-will. Are you going my way? Tom. Nat, you are the best fellow in the world. I'm going in to see John Maynard. Nat. We shall be friends. Tom. In despair, yes. (They shake hands. Nat goes up to gate, Tom goes to door r.) Nat. Good-by, Kitty. I shall never see you again. I'm going across the river. Should any accident happen, look kindly upon my remains. (Goes off l.) Tom. Good-by, Kitty. I'm going in to borrow one of John Maynard's razors; they are very sharp. Should I happen to cut any thing, don't trouble yourself to call the doctor. (Exit into house.) Kitty. Ha, ha, ha! They'll never trouble me, never. They'll be back before I can count ten. One, two, three, four, five— (Nat appears l., comes to gate. Tom comes from house: they see each other, turn and run back .) I knew it. The silly noodles! here they are again. (Enter Jessie, from house.) Didn't I tell you my answer was final? and here you are again. Jessie. Why, Kitty, are you dreaming? Kitty (jumping up). Bless me, Jessie, is that you? Jessie. Have you seen Stub? has he returned from the office? Ah! here he is. (Enter Stub, l., through gate, dejectedly. Jessie runs up to him.) O Stub, have you brought no letter? Stub. Jes none at all, Miss Jessie; dat ar' post-officer am jes got no heart. I begged an' begged: no use. Squire Johnson, he got his arms full, an' Miss Summer's a dozen. I tried to steal one, but he jes keep his eye onto me all de time. No use, no use. Jessie. Oh! what can have become of him? Stub. Dunno', Miss Jessie. He was jes de bes' feller, was Massa Harry; an' now he's gone an' done somfin', I know he has. When de cap'n what picked me up in ole Virginny, in de war,—when he was a-dying in de horse-fiddle, says he to me, says he, Stub, I'm a-gwine; an' when I's gone, you jes get up Norf. You'll find my brudder Harry up dar, an' you jes stick as clus to him as you's stuck to me, an' you'll find friends up dar. An' when it was all ober, here I come. An', Miss Jessie, I lub Massa Harry almos' as much as I did de cap'n; an' I'd do any ting for him an' you, who he lub so dearly. Jessie. I know you would, Stub. Heaven only knows when he will return to us. If he comes not soon, my heart will break. (Weeps; goes and sits on bench.) Stub. Pore little lamb! She wants a letter: she shall hab one too. Massa Harry won't write: den, by golly, I'll jes make up a special mail-train, an' go down dere to de city, an' fotch one. It's jes easy 'nuff to slip down dere, an' hunt Massa Harry up, an' I'll do it. Say nuffin' to nobody, but slip off to-morrow mornin' an' hunt him up. (Exit r., i.e.) Kitty (comes down from gate). Jessie, here's a surprise. Mr. Thornton is coming up the road. Jessie (springing up). Mr. Thornton? Heaven be praised! News of Harry at last! (Runs up to gate, meets Mr. Thornton, takes his hand; they come down.) O Mr. Thornton! Harry, what of Harry? Thornton. Miss Jessie, I am the bearer of bad tidings. Would it were otherwise! Jessie. Is he dead? Speak: let me know the worst; I can bear it. Thornton. Be quiet, my child. He is not dead; better if he were, for death covers all the evils of a life,—death wipes out all disgrace. Jessie. Disgrace? Oh, speak, Mr. Thornton! why is he silent? what misfortune has befallen him? Thornton. The worst, Jessie. Perhaps I should hide his wretched story from you; but I'm here to tell it to his friends, and you are the dearest, the one who trusted him as none other can. Jessie, the man you loved has been false to you, to all. He has abused the trust I placed in him. He has become a spendthrift, a libertine, a gambler, and a drunkard. Jessie. I will not believe it: 'tis false. Harry Maynard is too noble. Mr. Thornton, you have been misled, or you are not his friend. [Pg 24] [Pg 25]