Files
StandardEbooksCollections/tom-taylor/se-ebooks-tom-taylor-xhtml/tom-taylor_our-american-cousin.xhtml

5303 lines
324 KiB
HTML
Raw Permalink Blame History

This file contains invisible Unicode characters

This file contains invisible Unicode characters that are indistinguishable to humans but may be processed differently by a computer. If you think that this is intentional, you can safely ignore this warning. Use the Escape button to reveal them.

This file contains Unicode characters that might be confused with other characters. If you think that this is intentional, you can safely ignore this warning. Use the Escape button to reveal them.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xmlns:epub="http://www.idpf.org/2007/ops" lang="en-GB" epub:prefix="z3998: http://www.daisy.org/z3998/2012/vocab/structure/, se: https://standardebooks.org/vocab/1.0" xml:lang="en-GB">
<head>
<title>Our American Cousin</title>
<meta content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" name="viewport"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/tom-taylor/our-american-cousin/text/single-page" />
<style><![CDATA[
@namespace epub "http://www.idpf.org/2007/ops";
/* core.css */
body{
font-variant-numeric: oldstyle-nums;
hyphens: auto;
text-wrap: pretty;
}
p{
margin: 0;
text-indent: 1em;
}
hr{
border: none;
border-top: 1px solid;
height: 0;
margin: 1.5em auto;
width: 25%;
}
q::before,
q::after{
content: "";
}
blockquote{
margin: 1em 2.5em;
}
h1,
h2,
h3,
h4,
h5,
h6,
hgroup{
break-after: avoid;
break-inside: avoid;
font-variant: small-caps;
hyphens: none;
margin: 3em 0;
text-align: center;
}
/* simulate h3 in an hgroup */
hgroup h2 + p{
font-size: 1.17em;
}
/* simulate h4 in an hgroup */
hgroup h2 + p + p,
hgroup h3 + p{
font-size: 1em;
}
/* simulate h5 in an hgroup */
hgroup h2 + p + p + p,
hgroup h3 + p + p,
hgroup h4 + p{
font-size: .83em;
}
/* simulate h6 in an hgroup */
hgroup h2 + p + p + p + p,
hgroup h3 + p + p + p,
hgroup h4 + p + p,
hgroup h5 + p{
font-size: .67em;
}
hgroup > *{
font-weight: normal;
margin: 0;
}
hgroup > *:first-child{
font-weight: bold;
}
hgroup > p{
text-indent: 0;
}
p.continued,
h2 + p,
h3 + p,
h4 + p,
h5 + p,
h6 + p,
header + p,
hr + p,
hgroup + p,
p:first-child{
hanging-punctuation: first last;
text-indent: 0;
}
cite{
font-style: normal;
}
abbr{
border: none;
white-space: nowrap;
}
blockquote cite{
display: block;
font-style: italic;
text-align: right;
}
blockquote cite i{
font-style: normal;
}
b,
strong{
font-variant: small-caps;
font-weight: normal;
}
i > i,
em > i,
i > em{
font-style: normal;
}
ol,
ul{
margin-bottom: 1em;
margin-top: 1em;
}
header{
break-after: avoid;
break-inside: avoid;
hyphens: none;
text-align: center;
}
header > * + p{
text-indent: 0;
}
article > header + *,
section > header + *{
margin-top: 3em;
}
a[epub|type~="noteref"]{
font-size: smaller;
font-style: normal !important;
vertical-align: super;
}
section[epub|type~="endnotes"] > ol > li{
margin: 1em 0;
}
/* Invert images in dark mode. RMSDK requires a target media as well as a state. */
@media all and (prefers-color-scheme: dark){
img[epub|type~="se:image.color-depth.black-on-transparent"]{
filter: invert(100%);
}
img[epub|type~="se:image.color-depth.black-on-transparent"][epub|type~="se:image.style.realistic"]{
background: currentColor;
filter: none;
}
}
/* se.css */
/* This may appear in the colophon */
abbr[epub|type~="se:era"]{
font-variant: all-small-caps;
}
section[epub|type~="titlepage"] h1,
section[epub|type~="titlepage"] p,
section[epub|type~="colophon"] h2,
section[epub|type~="imprint"] h2{
left: -999em;
position: absolute;
}
section[epub|type~="titlepage"] img{
display: block;
margin: 3em auto auto auto;
width: 100%;
}
section[epub|type~="colophon"],
section[epub|type~="imprint"]{
text-align: center;
}
section[epub|type~="colophon"] header,
section[epub|type~="imprint"] header{
line-height: 0;
margin-top: 3em;
}
img[epub|type~="z3998:publisher-logo"]{
max-width: 25%;
width: 220px;
}
section[epub|type~="colophon"] p,
section[epub|type~="imprint"] p{
margin: 1em auto 0 auto;
text-indent: 0;
}
section[epub|type~="imprint"] p{
font-size: smaller;
text-align: justify;
width: 75%;
}
section[epub|type~="colophon"] p + p::before{
border-top: 1px solid;
content: "";
display: block;
margin: auto auto 1em auto;
width: 25%;
}
section[epub|type~="colophon"] p:nth-last-child(2) time{
font-variant: small-caps;
}
section[epub|type~="colophon"] a{
font-variant: small-caps;
}
section[epub|type~="imprint"] a,
section[epub|type~="colophon"] a{
hyphens: none;
}
section[epub|type~="copyright-page"] p{
margin: 1em auto;
text-indent: 0;
}
section[epub|type~="copyright-page"] blockquote p{
font-style: italic;
text-align: initial;
text-indent: 0;
}
section[epub|type~="copyright-page"] blockquote p span{
display: block;
padding-left: 1em;
text-indent: -1em;
}
section[epub|type~="copyright-page"] blockquote br{
display: none;
}
/* local.css */
[epub|type~="z3998:dramatis-personae"]{
text-align: center;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:dramatis-personae"] ul{
list-style: none;
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:dramatis-personae"] ul li{
font-style: italic;
margin: 1em;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] table{
border-collapse: collapse;
margin: 1em auto;
width: 100%;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] tr:first-child td{
padding-top: 0;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] tr:last-child td{
padding-bottom: 0;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td{
padding: .5em;
vertical-align: top;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td:last-child{
padding-right: 0;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td:first-child{
padding-left: 0;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td[epub|type~="z3998:persona"]{
hyphens: none;
text-align: right;
width: 20%;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:stage-direction"]{
font-style: italic;
}
i [epub|type~="z3998:persona"]{
font-style: normal;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:stage-direction"]::before{
content: "(";
font-style: normal;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:stage-direction"]::after{
content: ")";
font-style: normal;
}
abbr[epub|type~="z3998:stage-direction"]{
font-style: normal;
font-variant: all-small-caps;
}
abbr[epub|type~="z3998:stage-direction"]::before,
abbr[epub|type~="z3998:stage-direction"]::after{
content: "";
}
[epub|type~="z3998:persona"]{
font-variant: all-small-caps;
}
section[epub|type~="z3998:scene"] > p{
margin: 1em auto;
width: 75%;
}
@media(max-width: 400px){
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td,
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td[epub|type~="z3998:persona"],
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td:last-child{
display: block;
padding: 0;
text-align: initial;
width: 100%;
}
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td[epub|type~="z3998:persona"]{
break-after: avoid;
margin-top: 1.5em;
}
/* Rows that are only stage direction get a top margin. */
[epub|type~="z3998:drama"] td:first-child:not([epub|type]) + td{
margin-top: 1.5em;
}
}
/* web.css */
body{
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
font-family: "Georgia", serif;
font-size: 18px;
margin: 0;
line-height: 1.5;
}
main{
flex-grow: 1;
margin: 5rem auto 3rem;
max-width: 55ch;
padding: 0 3rem;
width: calc(100% - 2 * 3rem); /* calc instead of box-sizing: border-box which would make max-width count padding */
}
body > header{
all: unset; /* Remove any properties set by selectors in the ebook itself */
background: #fff;
border-bottom: 1px solid #999;
box-shadow: 0 0 3px #ccc;
left: 0;
position: absolute;
right: 0;
top: 0;
z-index: 1000; /* Required so that SVGs don't scroll over the header */
}
body > header ul{
align-items: center;
display: flex;
list-style: none;
margin: 0;
padding: 1em;
gap: 1.5em;
}
body > header li:first-child{
margin-right: auto;
}
body > header li:first-child > a{
background: no-repeat center / 100% url("/images/logo-full.svg");
display: block;
font-size: 0;
height: 42px;
transition: transform 200ms ease;
width: 180px;
}
body > header li:first-child > a:hover{
transform: scale(1.025) rotate(1deg);
}
body > footer ul{
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
list-style: none;
margin: 0;
padding: 0.5em 1em;
}
body > footer li{
max-width: 40%;
}
body > main > section[epub|type~="titlepage"],
body > main > section[epub|type~="halftitlepage"]{
}
nav + section,
section + nav,
section + section,
section + article,
article + section,
article + article{
box-sizing: border-box;
margin-top: 12em !important;
padding: 0;
}
nav[epub|type~="toc"] ol{
list-style: none;
}
@media(max-width: 65ch){
main{
padding: 0 2rem;
width: calc(100% - 2 * 2rem);
}
section[epub|type~="imprint"] p{
width: 100%;
}
}
@media(max-width: 450px){
body > header > nav > ul{
flex-wrap: wrap;
}
body > header > nav > ul > li > a{
font-size: .8rem;
}
body > header li:first-child > a{
background: no-repeat center / 100% url("/images/logo-small.svg");
width: 31px;
height: 20px;
}
}
@media(prefers-color-scheme: dark){
body,
body > header{
background: #222222;
color: #ffffff;
}
/* These three link colors provide WCAG AAA compliance at 16px */
a:link{
color: #6bb9f0;
}
a:active{
color: #e6cc22;
}
a:visited{
color: #dda0dd;
}
body > header li:first-child > a,
img[epub|type~="se:image.color-depth.black-on-transparent"]{
filter: invert(1);
}
}
/* As of July 2022 Chrome on Android doesn't yet understand `or (pointer: none)`
and will just drop this entire query together if it's included. */
@media(pointer: coarse){
body > header{
position: fixed;
}
body > header li:first-child > a{
height: 21px;
width: 90px;
}
nav[epub|type~="toc"] ol li{
margin-bottom: 2em;
margin-top: 2em;
}
*:target{
scroll-margin-top: 4em;
}
}
@media((max-width: 450px) and (pointer: coarse)){
body > header li:first-child > a{
width: 31px;
height: 20px;
}
}
]]></style>
</head>
<body><main>
<section id="titlepage" epub:type="titlepage frontmatter">
<h1 epub:type="title">Our American Cousin</h1>
<p>By <b epub:type="z3998:personal-name z3998:author">Tom Taylor</b>.</p>
<img alt="" src="data:image/svg+xml;encoding=utf-8,%3C%3Fxml%20version%3D%271.0%27%20encoding%3D%27utf-8%27%3F%3E%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20version%3D%221.1%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201400%20440%22%3E%09%3Ctitle%3EThe%20titlepage%20for%20the%20Standard%20Ebooks%20edition%20of%20Our%20American%20Cousin%2C%20by%20Tom%20Taylor%3C%2Ftitle%3E%09%3Cg%20aria-label%3D%22OUR%20AMERICAN%22%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M287.52%2C91.36c0.00-22.55%2C17.68-39.95%2C38.92-39.95c21.43%2C0.00%2C38.83%2C17.40%2C38.83%2C39.95s-16.65%2C40.05-38.83%2C40.05c-22.83%2C0.00-38.92-17.50-38.92-40.05z%20%20M306.51%2C91.36c0.00%2C11.51%2C5.52%2C23.02%2C19.93%2C23.02c14.04%2C0.00%2C19.84-11.51%2C19.84-23.02s-6.18-23.02-19.84-23.02c-13.57%2C0.00-19.93%2C11.51-19.93%2C23.02z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M437.36%2C52.81l0.00%2C49.78c0.00%2C19.09-10.48%2C28.82-30.13%2C28.82s-30.13-9.73-30.13-28.82l0.00-49.78l17.59%2C0.00l0.00%2C44.63c0.00%2C12.91%2C3.93%2C16.65%2C12.54%2C16.65s12.54-3.74%2C12.54-16.65l0.00-44.63l17.59%2C0.00z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M452.65%2C52.81l27.60%2C0.00c14.32%2C0.00%2C25.17%2C7.77%2C25.17%2C22.92c0.00%2C11.60-6.36%2C19.37-15.81%2C22.36l26.57%2C31.91l-22.36%2C0.00l-23.58-30.50l0.00%2C30.50l-17.59%2C0.00l0.00-77.19z%20%20M470.24%2C87.05l2.06%2C0.00c6.64%2C0.00%2C14.60-0.47%2C14.60-10.11s-7.95-10.11-14.60-10.11l-2.06%2C0.00l0.00%2C20.21z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M594.39%2C52.81l31.16%2C77.19l-18.90%2C0.00l-5.71-15.44l-29.38%2C0.00l-5.71%2C15.44l-18.90%2C0.00l31.16-77.19l16.28%2C0.00z%20%20M594.96%2C99.12l-8.61-22.46l-0.19%2C0.00l-8.61%2C22.46l17.40%2C0.00z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M697.36%2C130.00l-3.65-45.75l-0.47%2C0.00l-15.81%2C45.29l-10.48%2C0.00l-15.81-45.29l-0.47%2C0.00l-3.65%2C45.75l-17.59%2C0.00l6.92-77.19l18.71%2C0.00l17.12%2C44.54l17.12-44.54l18.71%2C0.00l6.92%2C77.19l-17.59%2C0.00z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M771.23%2C52.81l0.00%2C15.44l-26.57%2C0.00l0.00%2C15.35l25.45%2C0.00l0.00%2C15.44l-25.45%2C0.00l0.00%2C15.53l26.57%2C0.00l0.00%2C15.44l-44.16%2C0.00l0.00-77.19l44.16%2C0.00z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M786.33%2C52.81l27.60%2C0.00c14.32%2C0.00%2C25.17%2C7.77%2C25.17%2C22.92c0.00%2C11.60-6.36%2C19.37-15.81%2C22.36l26.57%2C31.91l-22.36%2C0.00l-23.58-30.50l0.00%2C30.50l-17.59%2C0.00l0.00-77.19z%20%20M803.92%2C87.05l2.06%2C0.00c6.64%2C0.00%2C14.60-0.47%2C14.60-10.11s-7.95-10.11-14.60-10.11l-2.06%2C0.00l0.00%2C20.21z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M875.92%2C52.81l0.00%2C77.19l-17.59%2C0.00l0.00-77.19l17.59%2C0.00z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M930.23%2C114.09c8.98%2C0.00%2C15.16-4.77%2C15.16-4.77l7.49%2C14.97s-8.61%2C7.11-25.36%2C7.11c-21.80%2C0.00-41.82-17.78-41.82-39.86c0.00-22.18%2C19.93-40.14%2C41.82-40.14c16.75%2C0.00%2C25.36%2C7.11%2C25.36%2C7.11l-7.49%2C14.97s-6.18-4.77-15.16-4.77c-17.68%2C0.00-25.45%2C12.35-25.45%2C22.64c0.00%2C10.39%2C7.77%2C22.74%2C25.45%2C22.74z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M1003.81%2C52.81l31.16%2C77.19l-18.90%2C0.00l-5.71-15.44l-29.38%2C0.00l-5.71%2C15.44l-18.90%2C0.00l31.16-77.19l16.28%2C0.00z%20%20M1004.37%2C99.12l-8.61-22.46l-0.19%2C0.00l-8.61%2C22.46l17.40%2C0.00z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M1060.55%2C82.09l0.00%2C47.91l-17.59%2C0.00l0.00-77.19l17.59%2C0.00l30.69%2C47.91l0.19%2C0.00l0.00-47.91l17.59%2C0.00l0.00%2C77.19l-17.59%2C0.00l-30.69-47.91l-0.19%2C0.00z%22%2F%3E%09%3C%2Fg%3E%09%3Cg%20aria-label%3D%22COUSIN%22%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M539.57%2C214.09c8.98%2C0.00%2C15.16-4.77%2C15.16-4.77l7.49%2C14.97s-8.61%2C7.11-25.36%2C7.11c-21.80%2C0.00-41.82-17.78-41.82-39.86c0.00-22.18%2C19.93-40.14%2C41.82-40.14c16.75%2C0.00%2C25.36%2C7.11%2C25.36%2C7.11l-7.49%2C14.97s-6.18-4.77-15.16-4.77c-17.68%2C0.00-25.45%2C12.35-25.45%2C22.64c0.00%2C10.39%2C7.77%2C22.74%2C25.45%2C22.74z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M570.49%2C191.36c0.00-22.55%2C17.68-39.95%2C38.92-39.95c21.43%2C0.00%2C38.83%2C17.40%2C38.83%2C39.95s-16.65%2C40.05-38.83%2C40.05c-22.83%2C0.00-38.92-17.50-38.92-40.05z%20%20M589.48%2C191.36c0.00%2C11.51%2C5.52%2C23.02%2C19.93%2C23.02c14.04%2C0.00%2C19.84-11.51%2C19.84-23.02s-6.18-23.02-19.84-23.02c-13.57%2C0.00-19.93%2C11.51-19.93%2C23.02z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M720.33%2C152.81l0.00%2C49.78c0.00%2C19.09-10.48%2C28.82-30.13%2C28.82s-30.13-9.73-30.13-28.82l0.00-49.78l17.59%2C0.00l0.00%2C44.63c0.00%2C12.91%2C3.93%2C16.65%2C12.54%2C16.65s12.54-3.74%2C12.54-16.65l0.00-44.63l17.59%2C0.00z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M762.20%2C151.40c14.04%2C0.00%2C23.95%2C7.30%2C23.95%2C7.30l-7.11%2C14.04s-7.67-5.33-15.63-5.33c-5.99%2C0.00-9.17%2C2.71-9.17%2C6.92c0.00%2C4.30%2C7.30%2C7.39%2C16.09%2C11.13c8.61%2C3.65%2C18.06%2C10.95%2C18.06%2C21.05c0.00%2C18.43-14.04%2C24.89-29.10%2C24.89c-18.06%2C0.00-29.01-10.20-29.01-10.20l8.80-14.78s10.29%2C8.70%2C18.90%2C8.70c3.84%2C0.00%2C11.13-0.37%2C11.13-7.58c0.00-5.61-8.23-8.14-17.40-12.73c-9.26-4.58-14.69-11.79-14.69-19.84c0.00-14.41%2C12.73-23.58%2C25.17-23.58z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M819.22%2C152.81l0.00%2C77.19l-17.59%2C0.00l0.00-77.19l17.59%2C0.00z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M853.04%2C182.09l0.00%2C47.91l-17.59%2C0.00l0.00-77.19l17.59%2C0.00l30.69%2C47.91l0.19%2C0.00l0.00-47.91l17.59%2C0.00l0.00%2C77.19l-17.59%2C0.00l-30.69-47.91l-0.19%2C0.00z%22%2F%3E%09%3C%2Fg%3E%09%3Cg%20aria-label%3D%22TOM%20TAYLOR%22%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M441.29%2C343.68l0.00-11.58l40.70%2C0.00l0.00%2C11.58l-13.75%2C0.00l0.00%2C46.32l-13.19%2C0.00l0.00-46.32l-13.75%2C0.00z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M486.92%2C361.02c0.00-16.91%2C13.26-29.96%2C29.19-29.96c16.07%2C0.00%2C29.12%2C13.05%2C29.12%2C29.96s-12.49%2C30.04-29.12%2C30.04c-17.12%2C0.00-29.19-13.12-29.19-30.04z%20%20M501.17%2C361.02c0.00%2C8.63%2C4.14%2C17.26%2C14.95%2C17.26c10.53%2C0.00%2C14.88-8.63%2C14.88-17.26s-4.63-17.26-14.88-17.26c-10.18%2C0.00-14.95%2C8.63-14.95%2C17.26z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M603.92%2C390.00l-2.74-34.32l-0.35%2C0.00l-11.86%2C33.96l-7.86%2C0.00l-11.86-33.96l-0.35%2C0.00l-2.74%2C34.32l-13.19%2C0.00l5.19-57.89l14.04%2C0.00l12.84%2C33.40l12.84-33.40l14.04%2C0.00l5.19%2C57.89l-13.19%2C0.00z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M644.59%2C343.68l0.00-11.58l40.70%2C0.00l0.00%2C11.58l-13.75%2C0.00l0.00%2C46.32l-13.19%2C0.00l0.00-46.32l-13.75%2C0.00z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M721.10%2C332.11l23.37%2C57.89l-14.18%2C0.00l-4.28-11.58l-22.04%2C0.00l-4.28%2C11.58l-14.18%2C0.00l23.37-57.89l12.21%2C0.00z%20%20M721.52%2C366.84l-6.46-16.84l-0.14%2C0.00l-6.46%2C16.84l13.05%2C0.00z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M739.08%2C332.11l15.86%2C0.00l12.07%2C18.53l12.07-18.53l15.86%2C0.00l-21.33%2C31.93l0.00%2C25.96l-13.19%2C0.00l0.00-25.96z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M815.24%2C332.11l0.00%2C46.32l19.93%2C0.00l0.00%2C11.58l-33.12%2C0.00l0.00-57.89l13.19%2C0.00z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M844.10%2C361.02c0.00-16.91%2C13.26-29.96%2C29.19-29.96c16.07%2C0.00%2C29.12%2C13.05%2C29.12%2C29.96s-12.49%2C30.04-29.12%2C30.04c-17.12%2C0.00-29.19-13.12-29.19-30.04z%20%20M858.34%2C361.02c0.00%2C8.63%2C4.14%2C17.26%2C14.95%2C17.26c10.53%2C0.00%2C14.88-8.63%2C14.88-17.26s-4.63-17.26-14.88-17.26c-10.18%2C0.00-14.95%2C8.63-14.95%2C17.26z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M913.24%2C332.11l20.70%2C0.00c10.74%2C0.00%2C18.88%2C5.82%2C18.88%2C17.19c0.00%2C8.70-4.77%2C14.53-11.86%2C16.77l19.93%2C23.93l-16.77%2C0.00l-17.68-22.88l0.00%2C22.88l-13.19%2C0.00l0.00-57.89z%20%20M926.43%2C357.79l1.54%2C0.00c4.98%2C0.00%2C10.95-0.35%2C10.95-7.58s-5.96-7.58-10.95-7.58l-1.54%2C0.00l0.00%2C15.16z%22%2F%3E%09%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E" epub:type="se:image.color-depth.black-on-transparent"/>
</section>
<nav id="toc" epub:type="toc">
<h2 epub:type="title">Table of Contents</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<a href="#titlepage">Titlepage</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#imprint">Imprint</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#dramatis-personae">Dramatis Personae</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#halftitlepage">Our American Cousin</a>
<ol>
<li>
<a href="#act-1">Act <span epub:type="z3998:roman">I</span></a>
<ol>
<li>
<a href="#act-1-scene-1">Scene 1</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#act-1-scene-2">Scene 2</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#act-1-scene-3">Scene 3</a>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#act-2">Act <span epub:type="z3998:roman">II</span></a>
<ol>
<li>
<a href="#act-2-scene-1">Scene 1</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#act-2-scene-2">Scene 2</a>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#act-3">Act <span epub:type="z3998:roman">III</span></a>
<ol>
<li>
<a href="#act-3-scene-1">Scene 1</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#act-3-scene-2">Scene 2</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#act-3-scene-3">Scene 3</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#act-3-scene-4">Scene 4</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#act-3-scene-5">Scene 5</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#act-3-scene-6">Scene 6</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#act-3-scene-7">Scene 7</a>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#colophon">Colophon</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#uncopyright">Uncopyright</a>
</li>
</ol>
</nav>
<section id="imprint" epub:type="imprint frontmatter">
<header>
<h2 epub:type="title">Imprint</h2>
<img alt="The Standard Ebooks logo." src="data:image/svg+xml;encoding=utf-8,%3C%3Fxml%20version%3D%271.0%27%20encoding%3D%27utf-8%27%3F%3E%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20xmlns%3Asvg%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20version%3D%221.1%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20220%20140%22%3E%09%3Ctitle%3EThe%20Standard%20Ebooks%20logo.%3C%2Ftitle%3E%09%3Cdesc%3EThe%20logo%20portrays%20an%20open%20book%20with%20the%20letter%20%22S%22%20on%20the%20left%20page%20and%20the%20letter%20%22E%22%20on%20the%20right%20page.%20A%20power%20cord%20is%20attached%20to%20the%20bottom%20of%20the%20book%20and%20curled%20beneath%20it.%20The%20book%20is%20surrounded%20by%20laurels.%3C%2Fdesc%3E%09%3Cg%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20167.55764%2C127.47036%20c%200%2C0%206.34186%2C-2.00352%2011.37468%2C-1.41331%207.99011%2C0.93699%208.72666%2C5.89372%208.72666%2C5.89372%200%2C0%20-3.20546%2C1.98854%20-10.08083%2C1.23287%20-8.05429%2C-0.88529%20-10.02051%2C-5.71338%20-10.02051%2C-5.71338%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20178.34253%2C120.06784%20c%200%2C0%205.3446%2C-2.53329%2010.4118%2C-2.49575%208.7725%2C0.0648%209.29842%2C4.72104%209.29842%2C4.72104%200%2C0%20-3.1753%2C2.28931%20-10.20116%2C2.19517%20-8.10213%2C-0.10857%20-9.50906%2C-4.42029%20-9.50906%2C-4.42029%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20186.34693%2C112.28306%20c%200%2C0%205.0819%2C-4.4506%209.99726%2C-5.68138%208.50964%2C-2.13067%2011.32819%2C2.81719%2011.32819%2C2.81719%200%2C0%20-3.16318%2C3.79222%20-9.98901%2C5.45778%20-7.87144%2C1.92066%20-11.33644%2C-2.59359%20-11.33644%2C-2.59359%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20195.36244%2C100.29186%20c%200%2C0%204.34596%2C-4.57773%2010.29519%2C-6.404285%207.76393%2C-2.383771%2011.41327%2C2.296194%2011.51978%2C2.413213%200%2C0%20-3.18137%2C4.001332%20-9.81862%2C5.755492%20-8.90294%2C2.35294%20-11.99617%2C-1.76442%20-11.99617%2C-1.76442%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20199.65955%2C90.749073%20c%200%2C0%204.04754%2C-6.159117%2010.08453%2C-9.066241%205.86529%2C-2.824615%2010.14941%2C-0.41903%2010.25592%2C-0.324297%200%2C0%20-3.01252%2C5.501379%20-8.55494%2C8.137547%20-7.53037%2C3.58188%20-11.78551%2C1.253016%20-11.78551%2C1.253041%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20200.95711%2C82.37493%20c%202.15984%2C-2.030629%202.3211%2C-7.550369%205.40896%2C-12.03011%204.3077%2C-6.249204%2011.41326%2C-5.795888%2011.5196%2C-5.737454%200%2C0%20-0.7607%2C7.785449%20-6.14756%2C12.491004%20-5.72492%2C5.000734%20-10.78118%2C5.27656%20-10.78118%2C5.27656%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20201.56375%2C69.252126%20c%200%2C0%20-0.20971%2C-6.766842%201.57602%2C-11.905489%202.49114%2C-7.168282%209.29154%2C-8.575534%209.40966%2C-8.54741%200%2C0%201.10281%2C7.665027%20-2.83914%2C13.631672%20-4.18925%2C6.341154%20-8.14664%2C6.821053%20-8.14664%2C6.821053%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20198.68215%2C56.570514%20c%200%2C0%20-1.35646%2C-5.680708%20-0.66925%2C-11.076845%201.0357%2C-8.132827%207.36911%2C-9.854463%207.49009%2C-9.842686%200%2C0%202.17115%2C7.532704%20-0.91753%2C13.981783%20-3.28249%2C6.853898%20-5.90321%2C6.937748%20-5.90321%2C6.937748%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20193.10434%2C42.954321%20c%200%2C0%20-2.20566%2C-5.138647%20-1.92307%2C-10.570809%200.39228%2C-7.539089%205.50451%2C-10.724051%205.62584%2C-10.728449%200%2C0%204.92919%2C4.441183%202.09816%2C14.000988%20-1.71731%2C5.798919%20-5.8011%2C7.298444%20-5.8011%2C7.298444%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20185.99306%2C31.759612%20c%200%2C0%20-3.27776%2C-5.045355%20-4.18453%2C-10.408996%20-0.85127%2C-5.035417%201.19313%2C-10.521318%201.64949%2C-11.025466%200%2C0%205.33348%2C2.34233%205.13378%2C11.331776%20-0.13433%2C6.046124%20-2.59881%2C10.102686%20-2.59881%2C10.102686%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20177.2809%2C20.957251%20c%200%2C0%20-3.90819%2C-4.158774%20-4.92619%2C-9.845221%20-0.84371%2C-4.7131323%200.006%2C-9.8339161%200.89489%2C-11.1120250525901%200%2C0%205.09753%2C3.1649371525901%205.46793%2C11.1689440525901%200.27953%2C6.04108%20-1.03234%2C8.916378%20-1.43661%2C9.788128%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20179.16824%2C23.311382%20c%200%2C0%20-3.56254%2C-4.16804%20-9.68431%2C-5.244907%20-4.71873%2C-0.829961%20-8.34634%2C-0.0636%20-10.67537%2C1.292444%200%2C0%203.59305%2C4.600139%2010.4799%2C5.234299%206.02637%2C0.554856%208.99457%2C-0.906855%209.87996%2C-1.28186%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20186.51545%2C32.921523%20c%200%2C0%20-3.39218%2C-3.997979%20-9.51413%2C-5.074672%20-4.71871%2C-0.829961%20-6.98456%2C0.02236%20-9.31359%2C1.377512%200%2C0%202.86962%2C4.387643%209.75646%2C5.021629%206.02638%2C0.554831%208.18607%2C-0.949389%209.07143%2C-1.324395%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20193.6773%2C45.458315%20c%200%2C0%20-3.16891%2C-4.927492%20-8.89888%2C-7.335512%20-5.87153%2C-2.467597%20-8.88727%2C-1.289338%20-11.41262%2C-0.347303%200.80533%2C1.207128%204.10114%2C6.238918%209.44455%2C7.749399%205.82332%2C1.646257%209.93085%2C0.153043%2010.86695%2C-0.06658%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20197.90701%2C56.592403%20c%200%2C0%20-2.80814%2C-5.141356%20-8.35089%2C-7.952828%20-5.67994%2C-2.881012%20-8.77215%2C-1.921337%20-11.35851%2C-1.162258%200.71686%2C1.261612%203.64394%2C6.51611%208.86551%2C8.404801%205.69071%2C2.058257%209.89446%2C0.862558%2010.84389%2C0.710384%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20200.13139%2C69.824672%20c%20-2.43015%2C-3.11341%20-3.7513%2C-6.460533%20-7.49029%2C-9.791855%20-4.60649%2C-4.104214%20-8.55916%2C-2.795795%20-11.24173%2C-2.530752%201.32057%2C2.478554%203.30337%2C6.399415%207.40113%2C9.35352%204.90813%2C3.538079%2010.36968%2C2.942304%2011.33089%2C2.969236%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20199.8449%2C82.016247%20c%20-2.06631%2C-3.365483%20-3.04689%2C-5.988856%20-6.38937%2C-9.717394%20-4.11797%2C-4.593407%20-8.0221%2C-3.77788%20-10.71749%2C-3.814427%201.03476%2C2.610578%202.7788%2C6.515936%206.52015%2C9.909718%204.48112%2C4.064637%209.63462%2C3.487893%2010.58671%2C3.622103%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20197.18239%2C91.737543%20c%20-3.10875%2C-4.79599%20-2.71644%2C-5.881428%20-5.75913%2C-9.858016%20-3.26782%2C-4.270773%20-7.39524%2C-4.153407%20-10.07899%2C-4.405978%200.82188%2C2.685162%202.05015%2C6.317552%205.5335%2C9.975034%203.71488%2C3.900464%207.5789%2C3.398328%2010.30444%2C4.28896%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20192.07642%2C101.26348%20c%20-1.95982%2C-4.243141%20-1.62141%2C-6.8928%20-3.41848%2C-9.900446%20-2.93921%2C-4.919244%20-5.82064%2C-5.131591%20-8.50439%2C-5.384013%202.14062%2C6.128807%201.64506%2C6.157105%204.00154%2C9.890016%202.29296%2C3.632389%205.40862%2C4.121233%207.92133%2C5.394623%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20185.9088%2C109.2739%20c%20-1.11688%2C-4.53817%200.0172%2C-5.92689%20-1.17503%2C-9.22115%20-1.94988%2C-5.387884%20-4.73845%2C-6.143634%20-7.32515%2C-6.901223%200.29745%2C3.616887%20-0.15164%2C5.911565%201.87707%2C9.831903%201.43264%2C2.76837%204.3984%2C4.5631%206.62311%2C6.29047%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20173.50618%2C100.36426%20c%200%2C0%20-2.24005%2C4.32163%20-1.49594%2C9.33029%201.0542%2C7.0967%204.84931%2C8.15993%204.84931%2C8.15993%200%2C0%202.16153%2C-3.22553%201.9418%2C-9.77044%20-0.23466%2C-6.99096%20-5.29522%2C-7.71993%20-5.29522%2C-7.71993%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20165.41752%2C107.59333%20c%200%2C0%20-2.24174%2C4.37552%20-1.7512%2C9.41549%200.62863%2C6.45886%204.16837%2C8.07491%204.16837%2C8.07491%200%2C0%202.22975%2C-3.60561%202.3248%2C-9.04738%200.145%2C-8.30948%20-4.74197%2C-8.44284%20-4.74197%2C-8.44284%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20163.63126%2C8.2524092%20c%203.08011%2C2.0673498%206.48425%2C4.6274188%209.22782%2C7.4828408%204.86788%2C5.06625%209.69563%2C10.777765%2013.84495%2C16.492485%202.80306%2C3.860563%206.43975%2C9.718762%208.42669%2C14.02792%202.64417%2C5.73477%204.21034%2C9.752426%205.66157%2C16.053157%202.04441%2C8.876453%201.76266%2C17.985973%20-0.31394%2C26.573979%20-3.05499%2C12.634629%20-12.83232%2C23.206109%20-22.60276%2C31.787389%20-7.64347%2C6.7126%20-17.91979%2C11.10409%20-26.94876%2C14.32983%20L%20150%2C132.5381%20c%208.94777%2C-3.19642%2018.43037%2C-7.46297%2025.75567%2C-13.90447%209.42279%2C-8.2854%2018.12536%2C-18.39009%2021.88153%2C-30.433496%202.28607%2C-7.330294%202.81688%2C-15.373382%201.61719%2C-23.160669%20-1.05109%2C-6.822569%20-3.69347%2C-13.660144%20-6.26752%2C-19.877025%20-2.11621%2C-5.110523%20-4.58358%2C-9.091657%20-7.59325%2C-13.284791%20-3.81599%2C-5.316808%20-8.0093%2C-10.501765%20-12.46682%2C-15.236115%20-2.88548%2C-3.064565%20-6.74443%2C-5.831267%20-9.84373%2C-7.9114116%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20170.96161%2C14.332197%20c%200%2C0%20-7.44815%2C0.268919%20-11.14989%2C-1.878754%20-4.14358%2C-2.403969%20-8.20982%2C-7.6219207%20-8.53067%2C-9.1451969%200%2C0%206.52351%2C-2.85845332%2012.60585%2C2.3628768%204.59066%2C3.9407119%206.71731%2C7.7691011%207.07471%2C8.6610741%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%3C%2Fg%3E%09%3Cg%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2052.442357%2C127.47035%20c%200%2C0%20-6.34186%2C-2.00352%20-11.374678%2C-1.41331%20-7.990103%2C0.93699%20-8.726658%2C5.89372%20-8.726658%2C5.89372%200%2C0%203.205464%2C1.98854%2010.080826%2C1.23287%208.054298%2C-0.88529%2010.02051%2C-5.71338%2010.02051%2C-5.71338%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2041.65747%2C120.06783%20c%200%2C0%20-5.344595%2C-2.53329%20-10.411797%2C-2.49575%20-8.772506%2C0.0649%20-9.298425%2C4.72104%20-9.298425%2C4.72104%200%2C0%203.175306%2C2.28931%2010.201162%2C2.19517%208.102134%2C-0.10857%209.50906%2C-4.42029%209.50906%2C-4.42029%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2033.653071%2C112.28305%20c%200%2C0%20-5.081896%2C-4.4506%20-9.997263%2C-5.68138%20-8.509632%2C-2.13067%20-11.328184%2C2.81719%20-11.328184%2C2.81719%200%2C0%203.163172%2C3.79222%209.989008%2C5.45778%207.871434%2C1.92066%2011.336439%2C-2.59359%2011.336439%2C-2.59359%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2024.637559%2C100.29185%20c%200%2C0%20-4.345963%2C-4.57773%20-10.295192%2C-6.404285%20-7.763928%2C-2.383771%20-11.4132647%2C2.296194%20-11.5197762%2C2.413213%200%2C0%203.1813723%2C4.001332%209.8186252%2C5.755492%208.902934%2C2.35294%2011.996169%2C-1.76442%2011.996169%2C-1.76442%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2020.340451%2C90.749063%20c%200%2C0%20-4.047536%2C-6.159117%20-10.084531%2C-9.066241%20C%204.3906271%2C78.858207%200.1065077%2C81.263792%20-3.805093e-6%2C81.358525%20c%200%2C0%203.012520205093%2C5.501379%208.554947205093%2C8.137547%207.5303686%2C3.58188%2011.7855076%2C1.253016%2011.7855076%2C1.253041%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M%2019.042895%2C82.37492%20C%2016.883054%2C80.344291%2016.721795%2C74.824551%2013.633931%2C70.34481%209.3262319%2C64.095606%202.2206665%2C64.548922%202.1143291%2C64.607356%20c%200%2C0%200.760697%2C7.785449%206.1475585%2C12.491004%205.7249184%2C5.000734%2010.7811814%2C5.27656%2010.7811814%2C5.27656%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2018.436247%2C69.252116%20c%200%2C0%200.209716%2C-6.766842%20-1.576017%2C-11.905489%20-2.491136%2C-7.168282%20-9.2915374%2C-8.575534%20-9.4096597%2C-8.54741%200%2C0%20-1.1028068%2C7.665027%202.8391377%2C13.631672%204.189254%2C6.341154%208.146639%2C6.821053%208.146639%2C6.821053%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2021.317851%2C56.570504%20c%200%2C0%201.356455%2C-5.680708%200.669252%2C-11.076845%20-1.035703%2C-8.132827%20-7.369109%2C-9.854463%20-7.490091%2C-9.842686%200%2C0%20-2.171154%2C7.532704%200.917531%2C13.981783%203.282488%2C6.853898%205.903208%2C6.937748%205.903208%2C6.937748%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2026.895657%2C42.954311%20c%200%2C0%202.205664%2C-5.138647%201.923075%2C-10.570809%20-0.392283%2C-7.539089%20-5.504512%2C-10.724051%20-5.625841%2C-10.728449%200%2C0%20-4.92919%2C4.441183%20-2.098157%2C14.000988%201.717311%2C5.798919%205.801097%2C7.298444%205.801097%2C7.298444%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2034.006941%2C31.759602%20c%200%2C0%203.277765%2C-5.045355%204.18453%2C-10.408996%200.851271%2C-5.035417%20-1.193133%2C-10.521318%20-1.649487%2C-11.025466%200%2C0%20-5.333481%2C2.34233%20-5.133784%2C11.331776%200.134332%2C6.046124%202.598816%2C10.102686%202.598816%2C10.102686%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2042.719105%2C20.957241%20c%200%2C0%203.908181%2C-4.158774%204.926181%2C-9.845221%20C%2048.489%2C6.3988877%2047.639568%2C1.2781039%2046.750406%2C-5.05259e-6%20c%200%2C0%20-5.097535%2C3.16493715259%20-5.467939%2C11.16894405259%20-0.27953%2C6.04108%201.032346%2C8.916378%201.436613%2C9.788128%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2040.831758%2C23.311372%20c%200%2C0%203.562541%2C-4.16804%209.684317%2C-5.244907%204.718728%2C-0.829961%208.346335%2C-0.0636%2010.675366%2C1.292444%200%2C0%20-3.593047%2C4.600139%20-10.479896%2C5.234299%20-6.026378%2C0.554856%20-8.994578%2C-0.906855%20-9.879961%2C-1.28186%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2033.484552%2C32.921513%20c%200%2C0%203.392183%2C-3.997979%209.514133%2C-5.074672%204.718703%2C-0.829961%206.984559%2C0.02236%209.31359%2C1.377512%200%2C0%20-2.869619%2C4.387643%20-9.756468%2C5.021629%20-6.026378%2C0.554831%20-8.18607%2C-0.949389%20-9.071429%2C-1.324395%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2026.322698%2C45.458305%20c%200%2C0%203.168916%2C-4.927492%208.898882%2C-7.335512%205.871533%2C-2.467597%208.887271%2C-1.289338%2011.412618%2C-0.347303%20-0.805326%2C1.207128%20-4.10114%2C6.238918%20-9.444542%2C7.749399%20-5.823325%2C1.646257%20-9.930855%2C0.153043%20-10.866958%2C-0.06658%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2022.092993%2C56.592393%20c%200%2C0%202.808134%2C-5.141356%208.350885%2C-7.952828%205.679942%2C-2.881012%208.772157%2C-1.921337%2011.358517%2C-1.162258%20-0.716865%2C1.261612%20-3.643942%2C6.51611%20-8.865517%2C8.404801%20-5.690707%2C2.058257%20-9.894456%2C0.862558%20-10.843885%2C0.710384%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2019.868608%2C69.824662%20c%202.430148%2C-3.11341%203.751298%2C-6.460533%207.49029%2C-9.791855%204.606498%2C-4.104214%208.559159%2C-2.795795%2011.241737%2C-2.530752%20-1.320579%2C2.478554%20-3.303373%2C6.399415%20-7.401132%2C9.35352%20-4.908132%2C3.538079%20-10.369681%2C2.942304%20-11.330895%2C2.969236%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2020.1551%2C82.016237%20c%202.066308%2C-3.365483%203.046891%2C-5.988856%206.389373%2C-9.717394%204.117972%2C-4.593407%208.022101%2C-3.77788%2010.717483%2C-3.814427%20-1.034757%2C2.610578%20-2.778796%2C6.515936%20-6.520149%2C9.909718%20-4.481116%2C4.064637%20-9.634617%2C3.487893%20-10.586707%2C3.622103%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2022.817614%2C91.737533%20c%203.108749%2C-4.79599%202.716441%2C-5.881428%205.75913%2C-9.858016%203.26782%2C-4.270773%207.39524%2C-4.153407%2010.078987%2C-4.405978%20-0.821884%2C2.685162%20-2.050148%2C6.317552%20-5.533502%2C9.975034%20-3.714874%2C3.900464%20-7.5789%2C3.398328%20-10.304441%2C4.28896%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2027.923578%2C101.26347%20c%201.959821%2C-4.243141%201.621416%2C-6.8928%203.418487%2C-9.900446%202.93921%2C-4.919244%205.82064%2C-5.131591%208.504387%2C-5.384013%20-2.140623%2C6.128807%20-1.645061%2C6.157105%20-4.001541%2C9.890016%20-2.292956%2C3.632389%20-5.408616%2C4.121233%20-7.921333%2C5.394623%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2034.0912%2C109.27389%20c%201.116879%2C-4.53817%20-0.01716%2C-5.92689%201.175033%2C-9.22115%201.949877%2C-5.387884%204.738444%2C-6.143634%207.325152%2C-6.901223%20-0.297456%2C3.616887%200.151637%2C5.911565%20-1.877079%2C9.831903%20-1.432634%2C2.76837%20-4.398397%2C4.5631%20-6.623106%2C6.29047%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2046.493823%2C100.36425%20c%200%2C0%202.240049%2C4.32163%201.495935%2C9.33029%20-1.0542%2C7.0967%20-4.849306%2C8.15993%20-4.849306%2C8.15993%200%2C0%20-2.161533%2C-3.22553%20-1.941797%2C-9.77044%200.234654%2C-6.99096%205.295218%2C-7.71993%205.295218%2C-7.71993%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2054.582482%2C107.59332%20c%200%2C0%202.241739%2C4.37552%201.751199%2C9.41549%20-0.628626%2C6.45886%20-4.168369%2C8.07491%20-4.168369%2C8.07491%200%2C0%20-2.229755%2C-3.60561%20-2.324805%2C-9.04738%20-0.144998%2C-8.30948%204.741975%2C-8.44284%204.741975%2C-8.44284%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2056.368738%2C8.2523992%20c%20-3.080107%2C2.0673498%20-6.484249%2C4.6274188%20-9.227815%2C7.4828408%20-4.867879%2C5.06625%20-9.69563%2C10.777765%20-13.844954%2C16.492485%20-2.803062%2C3.860563%20-6.439744%2C9.718762%20-8.426691%2C14.02792%20-2.644165%2C5.73477%20-4.210337%2C9.752426%20-5.661568%2C16.053157%20-2.044405%2C8.876453%20-1.762661%2C17.985973%200.31394%2C26.573979%203.054996%2C12.634629%2012.832324%2C23.206109%2022.602765%2C31.787389%207.643469%2C6.7126%2017.91979%2C11.10409%2026.948753%2C14.32983%20l%200.926829%2C-2.46191%20C%2061.052235%2C129.34167%2051.569629%2C125.07512%2044.244327%2C118.63362%2034.82154%2C110.34822%2026.118974%2C100.24353%2022.362802%2C88.200124%2020.076733%2C80.86983%2019.545916%2C72.826742%2020.745613%2C65.039455%20c%201.051092%2C-6.822569%203.693467%2C-13.660144%206.26752%2C-19.877025%202.116208%2C-5.110523%204.583575%2C-9.091657%207.593246%2C-13.284791%203.815991%2C-5.316808%208.009297%2C-10.501765%2012.466818%2C-15.236115%202.885482%2C-3.064565%206.744436%2C-5.831267%209.843737%2C-7.9114116%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2049.038389%2C14.332187%20c%200%2C0%207.448148%2C0.268919%2011.149895%2C-1.878754%204.143581%2C-2.403969%208.209814%2C-7.6219207%208.530666%2C-9.1451969%200%2C0%20-6.523506%2C-2.85845332%20-12.60585%2C2.3628768%20-4.590661%2C3.9407119%20-6.71731%2C7.7691011%20-7.074711%2C8.6610741%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%3C%2Fg%3E%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M103.281%2C32.5L103.656%2C32.75C103.656%2C32.75%20104.735%2C33.446%20106.125%2C34.156C107.482%2C34.848%20109.157%2C35.439%20109.906%2C35.469C109.917%2C35.469%20109.958%2C35.468%20109.969%2C35.469C110.01%2C35.467%20110.052%2C35.467%20110.094%2C35.469C110.099%2C35.468%20110.119%2C35.469%20110.125%2C35.469C110.883%2C35.431%20112.528%2C34.843%20113.875%2C34.156C115.265%2C33.446%20116.344%2C32.75%20116.344%2C32.75L116.719%2C32.5L155%2C32.5L155%2C38.5C157.618%2C38.5%20160%2C40.882%20160%2C43.5L160%2C97.5C160%2C100.118%20157.618%2C102.5%20155%2C102.5L120%2C102.5L120%2C102.822C120%2C105.388%20118.194%2C107.5%20116%2C107.5L111.5%2C107.5L111.5%2C109.25C112.265%2C109.816%20113.045%2C110.361%20113.831%2C110.896C114.182%2C110.743%20114.534%2C110.593%20114.887%2C110.442C117.541%2C109.318%20120.226%2C108.257%20122.986%2C107.42C125.014%2C106.805%20127.085%2C106.309%20129.189%2C106.037C130.077%2C105.923%20130.971%2C105.849%20131.867%2C105.827C132.588%2C105.809%20133.309%2C105.823%20134.028%2C105.877C135.536%2C105.988%20137.032%2C106.272%20138.466%2C106.753C138.809%2C106.868%20139.148%2C106.994%20139.483%2C107.131C139.851%2C107.282%20140.212%2C107.446%20140.561%2C107.638C141.392%2C108.096%20142.148%2C108.69%20142.786%2C109.393C143.458%2C110.134%20143.998%2C110.993%20144.375%2C111.92C144.977%2C113.399%20145.161%2C115.051%20144.852%2C116.621C144.758%2C117.097%20144.619%2C117.565%20144.435%2C118.015C144.23%2C118.518%20143.968%2C118.999%20143.655%2C119.444C143.272%2C119.989%20142.812%2C120.479%20142.295%2C120.899C141.701%2C121.38%20141.035%2C121.767%20140.329%2C122.058C139.882%2C122.242%20139.419%2C122.387%20138.95%2C122.506C137.859%2C122.781%20136.732%2C122.902%20135.608%2C122.909C134.068%2C122.917%20132.531%2C122.715%20131.027%2C122.39C129.073%2C121.967%20127.166%2C121.335%20125.312%2C120.592C123.46%2C119.85%20121.655%2C118.991%20119.891%2C118.06C117.714%2C116.91%20115.599%2C115.646%20113.536%2C114.303C113.037%2C114.525%20112.539%2C114.748%20112.042%2C114.972C110.347%2C115.738%20108.656%2C116.513%20106.961%2C117.279L106.944%2C117.286C107.412%2C117.449%20107.88%2C117.615%20108.347%2C117.782C108.741%2C117.925%20109.135%2C118.069%20109.528%2C118.215C109.846%2C118.334%20110.163%2C118.454%20110.479%2C118.577L110.547%2C118.603C110.707%2C118.679%20110.752%2C118.69%20110.895%2C118.796C111.163%2C118.996%20111.359%2C119.283%20111.447%2C119.606C111.494%2C119.777%20111.488%2C119.824%20111.5%2C120L111.5%2C121.287C111.513%2C121.367%20111.52%2C121.45%20111.52%2C121.535L111.521%2C123.608C114.658%2C124.306%20116.998%2C127.118%20116.999%2C130.491L117%2C134.462C117%2C134.642%20116.838%2C134.805%20116.66%2C134.805L114.109%2C134.805L114.11%2C138.974C114.11%2C139.541%20113.657%2C139.998%20113.094%2C139.998L113.093%2C139.998C112.53%2C139.999%20112.077%2C139.542%20112.077%2C138.974L112.075%2C134.806L107.925%2C134.807L107.927%2C138.975C107.927%2C139.543%20107.473%2C140%20106.91%2C140C106.347%2C140%20105.893%2C139.543%20105.893%2C138.976L105.892%2C134.808L103.341%2C134.808C103.163%2C134.809%20103.001%2C134.645%20103.001%2C134.465L103%2C130.494C102.999%2C127.121%20105.338%2C124.309%20108.474%2C123.609L108.473%2C121.535C108.473%2C121.435%20108.482%2C121.337%20108.5%2C121.242L108.5%2C121.034C106.671%2C120.346%20104.82%2C119.719%20102.961%2C119.12L102.855%2C119.087C102.525%2C119.226%20102.195%2C119.365%20101.864%2C119.503C101.526%2C119.643%20101.187%2C119.782%20100.847%2C119.921C98.212%2C120.979%2095.538%2C121.952%2092.784%2C122.657C90.847%2C123.152%2088.869%2C123.516%2086.872%2C123.646C84.442%2C123.804%2081.978%2C123.602%2079.646%2C122.874C79.225%2C122.743%2078.809%2C122.595%2078.399%2C122.431C78.16%2C122.335%2077.921%2C122.237%2077.691%2C122.121C77.439%2C121.995%2077.197%2C121.848%2076.969%2C121.682C76.51%2C121.347%2076.11%2C120.932%2075.796%2C120.459C75.542%2C120.077%2075.345%2C119.659%2075.21%2C119.221C74.906%2C118.227%2074.934%2C117.141%2075.292%2C116.164C75.45%2C115.731%2075.671%2C115.322%2075.947%2C114.953C76.347%2C114.418%2076.86%2C113.971%2077.439%2C113.64C77.875%2C113.391%2078.348%2C113.208%2078.823%2C113.052C79.613%2C112.793%2080.432%2C112.623%2081.256%2C112.513C82.602%2C112.333%2083.969%2C112.305%2085.325%2C112.363C86.97%2C112.434%2088.608%2C112.618%2090.234%2C112.873C91.926%2C113.138%2093.605%2C113.478%2095.272%2C113.865C97.506%2C114.384%2099.717%2C114.991%20101.912%2C115.652L102.203%2C115.74L102.692%2C115.891C103.201%2C115.671%20103.707%2C115.446%20104.214%2C115.222C104.719%2C114.997%20105.223%2C114.771%20105.728%2C114.544C107.253%2C113.855%20108.775%2C113.159%20110.299%2C112.468L110.625%2C112.321C110.329%2C112.109%20110.034%2C111.895%20109.74%2C111.68C109.54%2C111.532%20109.341%2C111.384%20109.143%2C111.233L109.086%2C111.19C109.037%2C111.147%20108.985%2C111.107%20108.939%2C111.06C108.754%2C110.875%20108.619%2C110.641%20108.551%2C110.388C108.506%2C110.219%20108.511%2C110.173%20108.5%2C110L108.5%2C107.5L104%2C107.5C101.806%2C107.5%20100%2C105.388%20100%2C102.822L100%2C102.5L65%2C102.5C62.382%2C102.5%2060%2C100.118%2060%2C97.5L60%2C43.5C60%2C40.882%2062.382%2C38.5%2065%2C38.5L65%2C32.5L103.281%2C32.5ZM83.942%2C115.338C82.734%2C115.351%2081.515%2C115.438%2080.34%2C115.735C80.022%2C115.815%2079.708%2C115.912%2079.402%2C116.03C79.216%2C116.102%2079.032%2C116.178%2078.862%2C116.284C78.61%2C116.44%2078.395%2C116.653%2078.244%2C116.909C77.937%2C117.431%2077.92%2C118.097%2078.198%2C118.634C78.298%2C118.829%2078.436%2C119.003%2078.6%2C119.148C78.721%2C119.255%2078.856%2C119.346%2078.999%2C119.421C79.165%2C119.508%2079.342%2C119.577%2079.516%2C119.646C79.974%2C119.83%2080.442%2C119.989%2080.918%2C120.123C81.846%2C120.384%2082.8%2C120.549%2083.76%2C120.632C85.839%2C120.811%2087.937%2C120.61%2089.981%2C120.215C92.812%2C119.668%2095.559%2C118.751%2098.247%2C117.722L98.256%2C117.719C95.773%2C117.037%2093.264%2C116.438%2090.727%2C115.996C88.622%2C115.629%2086.492%2C115.365%2084.354%2C115.339C84.217%2C115.338%2084.079%2C115.338%2083.942%2C115.338ZM132.153%2C108.822C131.583%2C108.833%20131.014%2C108.863%20130.445%2C108.916C128.452%2C109.102%20126.486%2C109.532%20124.563%2C110.082C121.938%2C110.834%20119.381%2C111.811%20116.864%2C112.864C117.214%2C113.081%20117.566%2C113.295%20117.919%2C113.507C119.206%2C114.273%20120.511%2C115.008%20121.842%2C115.695C122.87%2C116.225%20123.912%2C116.727%20124.97%2C117.193C125.835%2C117.575%20126.712%2C117.932%20127.6%2C118.257C128.926%2C118.742%20130.281%2C119.159%20131.662%2C119.458C132.784%2C119.701%20133.927%2C119.867%20135.076%2C119.902C135.976%2C119.93%20136.882%2C119.876%20137.766%2C119.699C138.213%2C119.609%20138.657%2C119.491%20139.082%2C119.326C139.615%2C119.118%20140.117%2C118.828%20140.546%2C118.449C140.814%2C118.212%20141.051%2C117.942%20141.25%2C117.646C141.412%2C117.406%20141.548%2C117.148%20141.658%2C116.88C141.757%2C116.637%20141.835%2C116.384%20141.89%2C116.127C141.941%2C115.895%20141.974%2C115.658%20141.989%2C115.42C142.092%2C113.859%20141.465%2C112.289%20140.356%2C111.193C139.987%2C110.828%20139.567%2C110.516%20139.113%2C110.266C138.693%2C110.034%20138.242%2C109.856%20137.791%2C109.694C136.764%2C109.325%20135.695%2C109.081%20134.612%2C108.948C134.004%2C108.873%20133.393%2C108.836%20132.78%2C108.822C132.571%2C108.82%20132.362%2C108.82%20132.153%2C108.822ZM151%2C96.635L151%2C36.5L117.563%2C36.5C117.258%2C36.695%20116.552%2C37.148%20115.25%2C37.812C114.123%2C38.387%20113.33%2C38.924%20112%2C39.218L112%2C77C112.011%2C77.792%20110.793%2C78.521%20110%2C78.521C109.207%2C78.521%20107.989%2C77.792%20108%2C77L108%2C39.218C106.67%2C38.924%20105.877%2C38.387%20104.75%2C37.812C103.448%2C37.148%20102.742%2C36.695%20102.438%2C36.5L69%2C36.5L69%2C96.719L103.25%2C96.719L103.486%2C96.869L105.219%2C97.75C106.233%2C98.268%20107.722%2C98.883%20108.5%2C99.125C110.235%2C99.665%20111.034%2C99.515%20113.969%2C98.094L116.25%2C97L116.301%2C96.999C116.369%2C96.959%20116.406%2C96.937%20116.406%2C96.937L116.75%2C96.719L143.047%2C96.719L151%2C96.635Z%22%2F%3E%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2088.77419%2C52.4998%20c%20-4.66667%2C0%20-9.4386%2C3.43859%20-9.4386%2C8.8421%200%2C3.01755%202.03509%2C5.7193%205.50877%2C7.4386%203.4386%2C1.7193%206.52632%2C2.66667%206.52632%2C4.77193%200%2C2.70175%20-2.73684%2C2.8421%20-4.17544%2C2.8421%20-3.22807%2C0%20-7.08772%2C-3.26315%20-7.08772%2C-3.26315%20l%20-3.29824%2C5.54386%20c%200%2C0%204.10526%2C3.82456%2010.87719%2C3.82456%205.64912%2C0%2010.91228%2C-2.42105%2010.91228%2C-9.33334%200%2C-3.78947%20-3.54386%2C-6.52631%20-6.77193%2C-7.89473%20-3.29825%2C-1.40351%20-6.03509%2C-2.56141%20-6.03509%2C-4.17544%200%2C-1.57895%201.19298%2C-2.59649%203.4386%2C-2.59649%202.98245%2C0%205.85965%2C2%205.85965%2C2%20l%202.66666%2C-5.26316%20c%200%2C0%20-3.71929%2C-2.73684%20-8.98245%2C-2.73684%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20140.47341%2C52.4998%20-17.16363%2C0%200%2C30%2017.16363%2C0%200%2C-6%20-10.32727%2C0%200%2C-6.03637%209.89091%2C0%200%2C-6%20-9.89091%2C0%200%2C-5.96363%2010.32727%2C0%200%2C-6%20Z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E" epub:type="z3998:publisher-logo se:image.color-depth.black-on-transparent"/>
</header>
<p>This ebook is the product of many hours of hard work by volunteers for <a href="https://standardebooks.org/">Standard Ebooks</a>, and builds on the hard work of other literature lovers made possible by the public domain.</p>
<p>This particular ebook is based on a transcription from <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3158">Project Gutenberg</a> and on digital scans from the <a href="https://archive.org/details/ouramericancousi00tayl">Internet Archive</a>.</p>
<p>The source text and artwork in this ebook are believed to be in the United States public domain; that is, they are believed to be free of copyright restrictions in the United States. They may still be copyrighted in other countries, so users located outside of the United States must check their local laws before using this ebook. The creators of, and contributors to, this ebook dedicate their contributions to the worldwide public domain via the terms in the <a href="https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/">CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication</a>. For full license information, see the <a href="uncopyright">Uncopyright</a> at the end of this ebook.</p>
<p>Standard Ebooks is a volunteer-driven project that produces ebook editions of public domain literature using modern typography, technology, and editorial standards, and distributes them free of cost. You can download this and other ebooks carefully produced for true book lovers at <a href="https://standardebooks.org/">standardebooks.org</a>.</p>
</section>
<section id="dramatis-personae" epub:type="z3998:dramatis-personae frontmatter z3998:fiction z3998:drama">
<h2 epub:type="title">Dramatis Personae</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Lord Dundreary</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Asa Trenchard</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Sir Edward Trenchard</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Capt.</abbr> De Boots</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Harry Vernon</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Abel Murcott</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>John Wickens</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Florence Trenchard</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Mary</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Augusta</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Georgina</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Sharpe</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Skillet</p>
</li>
</ul>
</section>
<section id="halftitlepage" epub:type="halftitlepage frontmatter">
<h2 epub:type="fulltitle">Our American Cousin</h2>
</section>
<section id="act-1" epub:type="chapter bodymatter z3998:fiction z3998:drama">
<h2>
<span epub:type="label">Act</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">I</span>
</h2>
<section id="act-1-scene-1" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3 epub:type="title">Scene 1</h3>
<p>Drawing room in 3. Trenchard Manor, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">C. D.</abbr>, backed by interior, discovering table with luncheon spread. Large French window, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 3 E.</abbr>, through which a fine English park is seen. Open archway, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 3 E.</abbr> Set balcony behind. Table, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr>, books and papers on it. Work basket containing wools and embroidery frame. A fashionable armchair and sofa, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 2 E.</abbr>, small table near <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">C. D.</abbr> Stage handsomely set, costly furniture, carpet down, chairs, <abbr class="eoc">etc.</abbr></p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</b> discovered on sofa reading newspaper. <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Skillet</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Sharpe</b> busily arranging furniture as curtain rises.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sharpe</td>
<td>I dont know how you may feel as a visitor, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe, but I think this is a most uncomfortable family.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>Very uncomfortable. I have no curtain to my bed.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Skillet</td>
<td>And no wine at the second table.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sharpe</td>
<td>And meaner servants I never seed.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>Im afraid Sir Edward is in a queer strait.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Skillet</td>
<td>Yes, for only this morning, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Skillet says he</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 3 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Mind your hown business instead hof your betters. Im disgusted with you lower servants. When the wine merchant presents his bills, you men, hear me, say hes been pressing for the last six months, do you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Skillet</td>
<td>Nor I, that the last years milliners bills have not been paid.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sharpe</td>
<td>Nor I, that Miss Florence has not had no new dresses from London all winter.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>And I can solemnly swear that his lordships hair has been faithfully bound in this bosom.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Thatll do, thatll do; but to remember to check hidle curiosity is the first duty of men hin livery. Ha, ere hare the letters.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 3 E.</abbr>, with green baize bag. <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b> takes bag, takes out letters and reads addresses.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Hah! bill, of course, Miss Augusta, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington, Lord Dundreary, Captain De Boots, Miss Georgina Mountchessington, Lieutenant Vernon, ah! thats from the admiralty. Whats this? Miss Florence Trenchard, via Brattleboro, Vermont.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>Wheres that, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</td>
<td>Why that be hin the United States of North Hamerica, and a main good place for poor folks.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>John Wickens, you forget yourself.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</td>
<td>Beg pardon, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>John Wickens, leave the room.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</td>
<td>But I know where Vermont be though.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>John Wickens, get hout. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit <b epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 3 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>Dreadful low fellow, that.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Halways himpudent.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Looking at letter in <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binnys</b> hand.</i> Why, that is Sir Edwards hand, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny, he must have been sporting.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Yes, shooting the wild helephants and buffalos what abound there.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>The nasty beasts. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Looking off, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 2 E.</abbr></i> Hello, there comes Miss Florence tearing across the lane like a three year old colt.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sharp and Skillet</td>
<td>Oh, Gemini. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Run off, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 2 E.</abbr> <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</b> runs off, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 2 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 2 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">As if after running.</i> Oh! Im fairly out of breath. Good morning, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny, the letter bag I saw coming, Wickens coming with it. I thought I could catch him before I reached the house. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Sits <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr></i> So off I started, I forgot the pond, it was in or over. I got over, but my hat got in. I wish youd fish it out for me, you wont find the pond very deep.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Me fish for an at? Does she take me for an hangler?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Give me the letters. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Takes them.</i> Ah, blessed budget that descends upon Trenchard Manor, like rain on a duck pond. Tell papa and all, that the letters have come, you will find them on the terrace.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Yes, Miss. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Going, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 3 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>And then go fish out my hat out of the pond, its not very deep.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> Me fish for ats? I wonder if she takes me for an hangler? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit disgusted, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 3 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reading directions.</i> Lieutenant Vernon. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">This is a large letter with a large white envelope, red seal.</i> In her Majestys service. Admiralty, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. N.</abbr> Ah, thats an answer to Harrys application for a ship. Papa promised to use his influence for him. I hope he has succeeded, but then he will have to leave us, and who knows if he ever comes back. What a foolish girl I am, when I know that his rise in the service will depend upon it. I do hope hell get it, and, if he must leave us, Ill bid him goodbye as a lass who loves a sailor should.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</b>., <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Capt.</abbr> De Boots</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 3 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Papa, dear, here are letters for you, one for you, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington, one for you, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Capt.</abbr> De Boots, and one for you, Harry. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Hiding letter behind her.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</td>
<td>Ah, one for me, Florence?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Now what will you give me for one?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</td>
<td>Ah, then you have one?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, there, Harry. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Gives it.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</td>
<td>Ah, for a ship. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Opens and reads.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Ah! Mon ami, you are to leave us. Good news, or bad?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</td>
<td>No ship yet, this promises another year of landlubbery. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Goes up.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Im so sorry. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> Im so glad hes not going away. But wheres Dundreary. Has anybody seen Dundreary?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Good morning, Miss Florence.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Comes down, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr></i> Good morning, my Lord Dundreary. Who do you think has been here? What does the postman bring?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Well, sometimes he brings a bag with a lock on it, sometimes newspapers, and sometimes letters, I suppothe.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>There. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Gives letter. <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> opens letter and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b> goes up <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr> <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> knocks knees against chair, turns round knocks shins, and at last is seated extreme <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Thank you. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reads letter.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Capt.</abbr> De Boots</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reading paper.</i> By Jove, old Soloman has made a crop of it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>A—what of it?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Capt.</abbr> De Boots</td>
<td>I beg pardon, an event I am deeply interested in, thats all. I beg pardon.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>Ah! Florence, dear, theres a letter of yours got among mine. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Gives it.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Why papa, its from dear brother Ned.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>From my boy! Where is he? How is he? Read it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>He writes from Brattleboro <abbr class="eoc" epub:type="z3998:place">Vt.</abbr> <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reading written letter.</i> “Quite well, just come in from a shooting excursion, with a party of Crows, splendid fellows, six feet high.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Birds six feet high, what tremendous animals they must be.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, I see what my brother means; a tribe of indians called Crows, not birds.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Oh, I thought you meant those creatures with wigs on them.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Wigs!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>I mean those things that move, breathe and walk, they look like animals with those things. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Moving his arms like wings.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Wings.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Birds with wings, thats the idea.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reading written letter.</i> “By the by, I have lately come quite haphazard upon the other branch of our family, which emigrated to America at the Restoration. They are now thriving in this State, and discovering our relationship, they received me most hospitably. I have cleared up the mysterious death of old Mark Trenchard.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Of my uncle!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reading written letter.</i> “It appears that when he quarreled with his daughter on her marriage with poor Meredith, he came here in search of this stray shoot of the family tree, found them and died in their house, leaving Asa Trenchard, one of the sons, heir to his personal property in England, which ought to belong to poor Mary Meredith. Asa Trenchard is about to sail for the old country, to take possession. I gave him directions to find you out, and he should arrive almost as soon as this letter. Receive him kindly for the sake of the kindness he has shown to me, and let him see some of our shooting. Your affectionate brother, Ned.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>An American branch of the family.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Oh, how interesting!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enthusiastically.</i> How delightfully romantic! I can imagine the wild young hunter. An Apollo of the prairie.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>An Apollo of the prairie; yes, with a strong nasal twang, and a decided taste for tobacco and cobblers.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Florence, you forget that he is a Trenchard, and no true Trenchard would have a liking for cobblers or low people of that kind.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>I hate him, whatever he is, coming here to rob poor cousin Mary of her grandmothers guineas.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Florence, how often must I request you not to speak of Mary Meredith as your cousin?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Why, she is my cousin, is she not? Besides she presides over her milk pail like a duchess playing dairymaid. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Sir Edward Trenchard goes up.</i> Ah! Papa wont hear me speak of my poor cousin, and then Im so fond of syllabubs. Dundreary, do you know what syllabubs are?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Oh, yeth, I know what syllabubs is—yeth—yeth.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Why, I dont believe you do know what they are.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Not know what syllabubs are? Thats a good idea. Why they are—syllabubs are—they are only babies, idiotic children; thats a good idea, thats good. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Bumps head against <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b>.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>No, its not a bit like the idea. What you mean are called cherubims.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>What, those things that look like oranges, with wings on them?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Not a bit like it. Well, after luncheon you must go with me and Ill introduce you to my cousin Mary and syllabubs.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>I never saw <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Syllabubs, I am sure.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, now, dont forget.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>I never can forget—when I can recollect.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Then recollect that you have an appointment with me after luncheon.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Yeth, yeth.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, what have you after luncheon?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Well, sometimes I have a glass of brandy with an egg in it, sometimes a run round the duck-pond, sometimes a game of checkers—thats for exercise, and perhaps a game of billiards.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>No, no; you have with me after luncheon, an ap—an ap</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>An ap—an ap</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>An ap—an appoint—appointment.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>An ointment, thats the idea. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Knocks against <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Capt.</abbr> De Boots</b> as they go upstage.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> That artful girl has designs upon Lord Dundreary. Augusta, dear, go and see how your poor, dear sister is this morning.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>Yes, mamma. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>She is a great sufferer, my dear.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Yeth, but a lonely one.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>What sort of a night had she?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Oh, a very refreshing one, thanks to the draught you were kind enough to prescribe for her, Lord Dundreary.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>What! Has Lord Dundreary been prescribing for Georgina?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Yeth. You see I gave her a draught that cured the effect of the draught, and that draught was a draft that didnt pay the doctors bill. Didnt that draught</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Good gracious! what a number of draughts. You have almost a game of draughts.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Ha! ha! ha!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Whats the matter?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>That wath a joke, that wath.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Wheres the joke? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> screams and turns to <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</b>.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>No.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>She dont see it. Dont you see—a game of drafts—pieces of wound wood on square pieces of leather. Thats the idea. Now, I want to put your brains to the test. I want to ask you a whime.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>A whime, whats that?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>A whime is a widdle, you know.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>A widdle!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Yeth; one of those things, like—why is so-and-so or somebody like somebody else.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, I see, you mean a conundrum.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Yeth, a drum, thats the idea. What is it gives a cold in the head, cures a cold, pays the doctors bill and makes the home-guard look for substitutes? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b> repeats it.</i> Yeth, do you give it up?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Well, Ill tell you—a draught. Now Ive got a better one that that: When is a dogs tail not a dogs tail? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b> repeats. During this <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> are downstage.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, and willingly.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>When its a cart. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">They look at him enquiringly.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Why, what in earth has a dogs tail to do with a cart?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>When it moves about, you know. A horse makes a cart move, so does a dog make his tail move.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, I see what you mean—when its a wagon. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Wags the letter in her hand.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Well, a wagon and a cart are the same thing, aint they! Thats the idea—its the same thing.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>They are not the same. In the case of your conundrum theres a very great difference.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Now Ive got another. Why does a dog waggle his tail?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Upon my word, I never inquired.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Because the tail cant waggle the dog. Ha! Ha!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Ha! ha! Is that your own, Dundreary?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Now Ive got one, and this one is original.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>No, no, dont spoil the last one.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Yeth; but this is extremely interesting.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Do you think so, Lord Dundreary?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Yeth. Miss Georgina likes me to tell her my jokes. By the by, talking of that lonely sufferer, isnt she an interesting invalid? They do say thats whats the matter with me. Im an interesting invalid.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, that accounts for what I have heard so many young ladies say—Florence, dear, dont you think Lord Dundrearys extremely interesting? I never knew what they meant before.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Yeth, the doctor recommends me to drink donkeys milk.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Hiding laugh.</i> Oh, what a clever man he must be. He knows we generally thrive best on our native food. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Goes up.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Looking first at <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b> and then at <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</b>.</i> Im so weak, and that is so strong. Yes, Im naturally very weak, and I want strengthening. Yes, I guess Ill try it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</b>. Business with <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b>, who finally exits and brings on <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Look at this lonely sufferer. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Bringing on <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</b>, seats her on sofa, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr></i> There, repothe yourself.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Fanning herself.</i> Thank you, my lord. Everybody is kind to me, and I am so delicate.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">At table.</i> Captain De Boots, do help to unravel these wools for me, you have such an eye for color.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>An eye for color! Yes, especially green.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Screams.</i> Ha! ha! ha!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">All</td>
<td>Whats the matter?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Why, that wath a joke, that wath.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Where was the joke?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Especially, ha! ha!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Florence, dear, I must leave you to represent me to my guests. These letters will give me a great deal of business today.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, papa, remember I am your little clerk and person of all work.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>No, no; this is private business—money matters, my love, which women know nothing about. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> Luckily for them. I expect <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle today.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Dear papa, how I wish you would get another agent.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Nonsense, Florence, impossible. He knows my affairs. His father was agent for the late Baronet. Hes one of the family, almost.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Papa, I have implicit faith in my own judgement of faces. Depend upon it, that man is not to be trusted.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Florence, you are ridiculous. I could not get on a week without him. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> Curse him, I wish I could! <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle is a most intelligent agent, and a most faithful servant of the family.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 3 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle and hagent with papers.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Show him into the library. I will be with him presently. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b>.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Remember the archery meeting, papa. It is at three.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, yes, Ill remember. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> Pretty time for such levity when ruin stares me in the face. Florence, I leave you as my representative. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> Now to prepare myself to meet my Shylock. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Why will papa not trust me? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</b> comes down, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr></i> Oh, Harry! I wish he would find out what a lot of pluck and common sense there is in this feather head of mine.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Miss Florence, will you be kind enough to tell Miss Georgina all about that American relative of yours.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, about my American cousin; certainly. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside to <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</b>.</i> Lets have some fun. Well, hes about 17 feet high!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Good gracious! 17 feet high!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>They are all 17 feet high in America, aint they, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Vernon?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</td>
<td>Yes, thats about the average height.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>And they have long black hair that reaches down to their heels; they have dark copper-colored skin, and they fight with—What do they fight with, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Vernon?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</td>
<td>Tomahawks and scalping knives.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes; and youd better take care, Miss Georgina, or hell take his tomahawk and scalping knife and scalp you immediately. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</b> screams and faints.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Here, somebody get something and throw over her; a pail of water; no, not that, shes pale enough already. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Fans her with handkerchief.</i> Georgina, dont be afraid. Dundrearys by your side, he will protect you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Dont be frightened, Georgina. He will never harm you while Dundreary is about. Why, he could get three scalps here. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Pulls <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundrearys</b> whiskers. <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</b> screams.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Dont scream, I wont lose my whiskers. I know what Ill do for my own safety. I will take this handkerchief and tie the roof of my head on. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Ties it on.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Pretending to cry.</i> Goodbye, Dundreary. Ill never see you again in all your glory.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Dont cry, Miss Florence, Im ready for <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Tommy Hawk.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>If you please, Miss, eres a gent what says hes hexpected.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Whats his name? Wheres his card?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>He didnt tell me his name, Miss, and when I haxed him for his card e said e had a whole pack in his valise, and if I ad a mine ed play me a game of seven hup. He says he has come to stay, and he certainly looks as if he didnt mean to go.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Thats him. Show him in, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 3 E.</abbr></i> Thats my American cousin, I know.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Romantically.</i> Your American cousin. Oh, how delightfully romantic, isnt it, Captain De Boots? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Comes down.</i> I can imagine the wild young hunter, with the free step and majestic mien of the hunter of the forest.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Outside, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 3 E.</abbr></i> Consarn your picture, didnt I tell you I was expected? You are as obstinate as Deacon Stumps forelock, that wouldnt lie down and couldnt stand up. Wouldt pint forward and couldnt go backward.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 3 E.</abbr>, carrying a valise.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wheres the Squire?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Do you mean Sir Edward Trenchard, sir?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>He is not present, but I am his daughter.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, I guess thatll fit about as well if you tell this darned old shoat to take me to my room.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>What does he mean by shoat?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Taking valise.</i> He means me, mum; but what he wants</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Hurry up, old hoss!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>He calls me a oss, Miss, I suppose I shall be a hox next, or perhaps an ogg.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, darn me if you aint the consarnedest old shoat I ever did see since I was baptized Asa Trenchard.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Ah! then it is our American cousin. Glad to see you—my brother told us to expect you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, yes, I guess you do blong to my family. Im Asa Trenchard, born in Vermont, suckled on the banks of Muddy Creek, about the tallest gunner, the slickest dancer, and generally the loudest critter in the state. Youre my cousin, be you? Wal, I aint got no objections to kiss you, as one cousin ought to kiss another.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</td>
<td>Sir, how dare you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Are you one of the family? Cause if you aint, youve got no right to interfere, and if you be, you neednt be alarmed, I aint going to kiss you. Heres your young mans letter. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Gives letter and attempts to kiss her.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>In the old country, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard, cousins content themselves with hands, but our hearts are with them. You are welcome, there is mine. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Gives her hand, which he shakes heartily.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Thatll do about as well. I wont kiss you if you dont want me to; but if you did, I wouldnt stop on account of that sailor man. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Business of <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</b> threatening <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b>.</i> Oh! now you neednt get your back up. What an all-fired chap you are. Now if youll have me shown to my room, I should like to fix up a bit and put on a clean buzzom. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">All start.</i> Why, what on earth is the matter with you all? I only spoke because youre so all-fired go-to-meeting like.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Show <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard to the red room, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny, that is if you are done with it, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Dundreary.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Yeth, Miss Florence. The room and I have got through with each other, yeth.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> see each other for the first time. Business of recognition, ad lib.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Concentrated essence of baboons, what on earth is that?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Hes mad. Yes, Miss Florence, Ive done with that room. The rooks crowed so that they racked my brain.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>You dont mean to say that youve got any brains.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>No, sir, such a thing never entered my head. The wed indians want to scalp me. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Holding hands to his head.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>The red room, then, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">To <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b>.</i> Hold on! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Examines him.</i> Wal, darn me, but you keep your help in all-fired good order here. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Feels of him.</i> This old shoat is fat enough to kill. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Hits <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b> in stomach. <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b> runs off, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 2 E.</abbr></i> Mind how you go up stairs, old hoss, or youll bust your biler. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 3 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Now he thinks <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binnys an engine and has got a boiler.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, what fun!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Old Mark Trenchard died very rich, did he not, Florence?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Very rich, I believe.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>Hes not at all romantic, is he, mamma?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside to her.</i> My dear, I have no doubt he has solid good qualities, and I dont want you to laugh at him like Florence Trenchard.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>No, mamma, I wont.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>But what are we to do with him?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Ha! Ha! ha!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">All</td>
<td>What is the matter?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Ive got an idea.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh! lets hear Dundrearys idea.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Its so seldom I get an idea that when I do get one it startles me. Let us get a pickle bottle.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Pickle bottle! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">All come down.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Yeth; one of those things with glass sides.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 2 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh! you mean a glass case.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Yeth, a glass case, thats the idea, and let us put this <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Thomas Hawk in it, and have him on exhibition. Thats the idea.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Down <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr> of <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b>, overhearing.</i> Oh! thats your idea, is it? Wal, stranger, I dont know what theyre going to do with me, but wherever they do put me, I hope it will be out of the reach of a jackass. Im a real hoss, I am, and I get kinder riley with those critters.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Now he thinks hes a horse. Ive heard of a great jackass, and I dreampt of a jackass, but I dont believe there is any such insect.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, cousin, I hope you made yourself comfortable.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, no, I cant say as I did. You see there was so many all-fired fixins in my room I couldnt find anything I wanted.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>What was it you couldnt find in your room?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>There was no soft soap.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Capt.</abbr> De Boots</td>
<td>Soft soap!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>Soft soap!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</td>
<td>Soft soap!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Soft soap!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Soft soap!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">On sofa.</i> Soft soap!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Thoft thoap?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, soft soap. I reckon you know what that is. However, I struck a pump in the kitchen, slicked my hair down a little, gave my boots a lick of grease, and now I feel quite handsome; but Im everlastingly dry.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Youll find ale, wine and luncheon on the side table.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, I dont know as Ive got any appetite. You see comin along on the cars I worried down half a dozen ham sandwiches, eight or ten boiled eggs, two or three pumpkin pies and a string of cold sausages—and—Wal, I guess I can hold on till dinnertime.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Did that illustrious exile eat all that? I wonder where he put it?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Im as dry as a sap-tree in August.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Throwing open, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">E. D.</abbr></i> Luncheon!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Goes hastily up to table.</i> Wal, I dont want to speak out too plain, but this is an awful mean set out for a big house like this.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Why, whats wrong, sir?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Why, theres no mush!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Nary slapjack.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Why, does he want Mary to slap Jack?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>No pork and beans!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Porks been here, but hes left.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>And where on airths the clam chowder?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Where <em>is</em> clam chowder? Hes never here when hes wanted.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Drinks and spits.</i> Heres your health, old hoss. Do you call that a drink? See here, cousin, you seem to be the liveliest critter here, so just hurry up the fixins, and Ill show this benighted aristocratic society what real liquor is. So hurry up the fixins.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">All</td>
<td>Fixins?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>What do you mean by fixins?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Why, brandy, rum, gin and whiskey. Well make them all useful.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, Ill hurry up the fixins. What fun! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Oh! I thought he meant the gas fixins.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Say, you, you <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Puffy, you run out and get me a bunch of mint and a bundle of straws; hurry up, old hoss. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 3 E.</abbr>, indignantly.</i> Say, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Sailor man, just help me down with this table. Oh! dont you get riley, you and I ran against each other when I came in, but well be friends yet. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</b> helps him with table to <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">C.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b>, followed by servants in livery; they carry a case of decanters and water, on which are seven or eight glasses, two or three tin mixers and a bowl of sugar. <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b> enters with a bunch of mint and a few straws.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Here, cousin, are the fixins.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Thats yer sort. Now then, Ill give you all a drink thatll make you squeal. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">To <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b>.</i> Here, Puffy, just shake that up, faster. Ill give that sick gal a drink thatll make her squirm like an eel on a mud bank.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Screams.</i> What a horrible idea. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Runs about stage.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, dont mind him! Thats only an American joke.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>A joke! Do you call that a joke? To make a sick girl squirm like a mud bank on an eels skin?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, Ill give you a drink thatll make your whiskers return under your chin, which is their natural location. Now, ladies and gentlemen, whatll you have, Whiskey Skin, Brandy Smash, Sherry Cobbler, Mint Julep or Jersey Lightning?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>Oh, I want a Mint Julep.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Capt.</abbr> De Boots</td>
<td>Give me a Gin Cocktail.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Ill take a Sherry Cobbler.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</td>
<td>Brandy Smash for me.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Give me a Whiskey Skin.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>Ill take a Lemonade.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Give me a Jersey Lightning.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Give him a Jersey Lightning. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">As <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> drinks.</i> Warranted to kill at forty rods. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> falls back on <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</b>.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Closed in.</i>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="act-1-scene-2" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3 epub:type="title">Scene 2</h3>
<p>Library in Trenchard Manor. Oriel Window, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. C.</abbr>, with curtains. Two chairs and table brought on at change.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Sir Hedward will see you directly, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Very well. House full of company, I see, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Cram full, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle. As one of the first families in the country we must keep up our position.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Rubbing his hands.</i> Certainly, certainly, that is as long as we can, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny. Tell Murcott, my clerk, to bring my papers in here. Youll find him in the servants hall, and see that you keep your strong ale out of his way. People who serve me must have their senses about them.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> I should say so, or ed ave hevery tooth hout in their eds, the wiper. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>And now to show this pompous baronet the precipice on which he stands.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter Murcott, with green bag and papers.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Are you sober, sirrah?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Murcott</td>
<td>Yes, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Then see you keep so.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>Ill do my best, sir. But, oh! do tell them to keep liquor out of my way. I cant keep from it now, try as I will, and I try hard enough, God help me!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Pshaw! Get out those mortgages and the letters from my London agent. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Murcott takes papers from bag and places them on table. <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</b> looks off, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr></i> So; here comes Sir Edward. Go, but be within call. I may want you to witness a signature.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>I will sir. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> I must have brandy, or my hand will not be steady enough to write. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr> <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</b> bows.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Good morning, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, good morning. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">With affected ease.</i> There is a chair, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">They sit.</i> So you see those infernal tradespeople are pretty troublesome.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>My agents letter this morning announces that Walter and Brass have got judgement and execution on their amount for repairing your town house last season. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Refers to papers.</i> Boquet and Barker announce their intention of taking this same course with the wine account. Handmarth is preparing for a settlement of his heavy demand for the stables. Then there is Temper for pictures and other things and Miss Florence Trenchards account with Madame Pompon, and</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Confound it, why harass me with details, these infernal particulars? Have you made out the total?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Four thousand, eight hundred and thirty pounds, nine shillings and sixpence.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, of course we must find means of settling this extortion.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Yes, Sir Edward, if possible.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>If possible?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>I, as your agent, must stoop to detail, you must allow me to repeat, if possible.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Why, you dont say there will be any difficulty in raising the money?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>What means would you suggest, Sir Edward.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>That, sir, is your business.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>A foretaste in the interest on the Fanhille and Ellenthrope mortgages, you are aware both are in the arrears, the mortgagees in fact, write here to announce their intentions to foreclose. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Shows papers.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Curse your impudence, pay them off.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>How, Sir Edward?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Confound it, sir, which of us is the agent? Am I to find you brains for your own business?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>No, Sir Edward, I can furnish the brains, but what I ask of you is to furnish the money.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>There must be money somewhere, I came into possession of one of the finest properties in Hampshire only twenty-six years ago, and now you mean to tell me I cannot raise 4,000 pounds?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>The fact is distressing, Sir Edward, but so it is.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Theres the Ravensdale property unencumbered.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>There, Sir Edward, you are under a mistake. The Ravensdale property is deeply encumbered, to nearly its full value.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Springing up.</i> Good heavens.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>I have found among my fathers papers a mortgage of that very property to him.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>To your father! My fathers agent?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Yes, bearing date the year after the great contested election for the county, on which the late Sir Edward patriotically spent sixty thousand pounds for the honor of not being returned to Parliament.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>A mortgage on the Ravensdale estate. But it must have been paid off, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Anxiously</i> have you looked for the release or the receipt?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Neither exists. My fathers sudden death explains sufficiently. I was left in ignorance of the transaction, but the seals on the deed and the stamps are intact, here it is, sir. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Shows it.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Sir, do you know that if this be true I am something like a beggar, and your father something like a thief.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>I see the first plainly, Sir Edward, but not the second.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Do you forget sir, that your father was a charity boy, fed, clothed by my father?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Well, Sir Edward?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>And do you mean to tell me, sir, that your father repaid that kindness by robbing his benefactor?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Certainly not, but by advancing money to that benefactor when he wanted it, and by taking the security of one of his benefactors estates, as any prudent man would under the circumstances.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Why, then, sir, the benefactors property is yours.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Pardon me, the legal estate you have your equity of redemption. You have only to pay the money and the estate is yours as before.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>How dare you, sir, when you have just shown me that I cannot raise five hundred pounds in the world. Oh! Florence, why did I not listen to you when you warned me against this man?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> Oh! she warned you, did she? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aloud.</i> I see one means, at least, of keeping the Ravensdale estate in the family.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>What is it?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>By marrying your daughter to the mortgagee.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>To you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>I am prepared to settle the estate on Miss Trenchard the day she becomes <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Richard Coyle.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Springing up.</i> You insolent scoundrel, how dare you insult me in my own house, sir. Leave it, sir, or I will have you kicked out by my servants.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>I never take an angry man at his word, Sir Edward. Give a few moments reflection to my offer, you can have me kicked out afterwards.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Pacing stage.</i> A beggar, Sir Edward Trenchard a beggar, see my children reduced to labor for their bread, to misery perhaps; but the alternative, Florence detests him, still the match would save her, at least, from ruin. He might take the family name, I might retrench, retire, to the continent for a few years. Florences health might serve as a pretence. Repugnant as the alternative is, yet it deserves consideration.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Who has watched.</i> Now, Sir Edward, shall I ring for the servants to kick me out?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Nay <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, you must pardon my outburst, you know I am hasty, and</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Without.</i> Papa, dear! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enters gaily, starts on seeing <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</b>.</i> Papa, pardon my breaking in on business, but our American cousin has come, such an original—and we are only waiting for you to escort us to the field.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>I will come directly, my love. <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, my dear, you did not see him.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Disdainfully.</i> Oh! yes, I saw him, papa.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Nay, Florence, your hand to <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> I insist.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Papa. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Frightened at his look, gives her hand. <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</b> attempts to kiss it, she snatches it away and crosses to <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Crosses to <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr></i> Come, Florence. <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, we will join you in the park. Come, my love, take my arm. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Hurries her off, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Shallow, selfish fool. She warned you of me did she? And you did not heed her; you shall both pay dearly. She, for her suspicions, and you that you did not share them. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Walks up and down.</i> How lucky the seals were not cut from that mortgage, when the release was given. Tis like the silly security of the Trenchards. This mortgage makes Ravensdale mine, while the release that restores it to its owner lies in the recess of the bureau, whose secret my father revealed to me on his deathbed. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter Murcott, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i> Write to the mortgagee of the Fanhill and Ellenthrope estates, to foreclose before the week is out, and tell Walters and Brass to put in execution today. Well prick this windbag of a Baronet. Abel, we have both a bone to pick with him and his daughter. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Murcott starts.</i> Why, whats the matter?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>Nothing, the dizziness Ive had lately.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Brandy in the evening, brandy in the morning, brandy all night. What a fool you are, Murcott.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>Who knows that as well as I do?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>If you would but keep the money out of your mouth, theres the making of a man in you yet.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>No, no, its gone too far, its gone too far, thanks to the man who owns this house, you know all about it. How he found me a thriving, sober lad, flogging the village children through their spelling book. How he took a fancy to me as he called it, and employed me here to teach his son and Miss Florence. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">His voice falters.</i> Then remember how I forgot who and what I was, and was cuffed out of the house like a dog. How I lost my school, my good name, but still hung about the place, they all looked askance at me, you dont know how that kills the heart of a man, then I took to drink and sank down, down, till I came to this.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>You owe Sir Edward revenge, do you not? You shall have a rare revenge on him, that mortgage you found last week puts the remainder of the property in my reach, and I close my hand on it unless he will consent to my terms.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>You can drive a hard bargain. I know.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>And a rare price I ask for his forbearance, Abel—his daughters hand.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>Florence?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Yes, Florence marries Richard Coyle. Richard Coyle steps into Sir Edwards estates. There, you dog, will not that be a rare revenge. So follow me with those papers. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Crosses to <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr></i> And now to lay the mine that will topple over the pride of the Trenchards. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>He marry Florence! Florence Trenchard! My Florence. Mine! Florence <em>his wife</em>. No, no, better a thousand times she had been mine, low as I am, when I dreampt that dream, but it shant be, it shant be. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Tremblingly putting papers in bag.</i> If I can help her, sot though I am. Yes, I can help her, if the shock dont break me down. Oh! my poor muddled brain, surely there was a release with it when I found it. I must see Florence to warn her and expose <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyles villainy. Oh! how my poor head throbs when I try to. I shall die if I dont have a drop of brandy, yes brandy. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="act-1-scene-3" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3 epub:type="title">Scene 3</h3>
<p>Chamber in <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">3.</abbr> at Trenchard Manor. Large shower bath near <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 3 E.</abbr> Toilet table with draw, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 2 E.</abbr> Small bottle in draw with red sealing wax on cork.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> discovered seated, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr> with foot on table, smoking a cigar. Valise on floor in front of him. <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b> discovered standing by his side.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, I guess I begin to feel kinder comfortable here in this place, if it want for this tarnal fat critter. He dont seem to have any work to do, but swells out his big bosom like an old turkey-cock in laying time. I do wonder what hes here for? Do they think I mean to absquatulate with the spoons? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b> attempts to take valise<b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> puts his foot on it.</i> Let that sweat. Thats my plunder.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Will you have the kindness to give me your keys, hif you please, sir?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>What do you want with my keys?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>To put your things away in the wardrobe, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, I calculate if my two shirts, three bosoms, four collars, and two pair of socks were to get into that everlasting big bunk, theyd think themselves so all-fired small I should never be able to crawl into them again.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Will you take a baath before you dress?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Take a baath?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>A baath.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>I suppose you mean a bath. Wal, man, I calkalate I aint going to expose myself to the shakes by getting into cold water in this cruel cold climate of yours, so make tracks.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Make what?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Vamose!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Make vamose!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Absquatulate.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Ab—what sir?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Skedaddle.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Skedaddle?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh! get out.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Oh! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Going.</i> If you are going to dress youll want some hassistance.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Assistance! what to get out of my unmentionables and into them again? Wal, spose I do, what then?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Just ring the bell, hill hattend you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>All right, come along. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b> going.</i> Hold on, say, I may want to yawn presently and I shall want somebody to shut my mouth. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b> hurries off, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i> Wal, now I am alone, I can look about me and indulge the enquiring spirit of an American citizen. What an everlasting lot of things and fixins there is to be sure. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Opens table draw.</i> Heres a place will hold my plunder beautifully. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Sees bottle.</i> Hallo, whats this? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Comes down.</i> Something good to drink. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Smells bottle.</i> It smells awful bad. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reads label.</i> Golden Fluid, one application turns the hair a beautiful brown, several applications will turn the hair a lustrous black. Well, if they keep on it may turn a pea green. I reckon this has been left here by some fellow who is ashamed of the natural color of his top knot. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Knock.</i> Come in.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe, sir, my lords hown man.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Roll him in. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b> beckons, enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</b>.</i> Turkey cock number two, what is it?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>My Lord Dundrearys compliments and <em>have</em> you seen a small <em>bottle</em> in the toilet table drawer?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Suppose I had, what then?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>My lord wants it particly.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Was it a small bottle?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>A small bottle.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Bottle small.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Blue label?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Label blue.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Red sealing wax on the top?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>Red sealing wax.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Wax red.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Nice little bottle?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Little bottle nice.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, I aint seen it. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> If my lord sets a valley on it, guess it must be worth something.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>Sorry to trouble you, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside to <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</b>.</i> What his hit?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>My lords hair dye, the last bottle, and he turns red tomorrow. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit in haste.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Orrable, what an hawful situation, to be sure.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> So Ive got my ring on that lords nose, and if I dont make him dance to my tune its a pity.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Miss Florence begged me to say she had borrowed a costume for you, for the harchery meeting, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Haint you dropped something?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Where?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>What do you mean by the harchery meeting?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Where they shoot with bows and harrows.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>There goes another of them, oh! you neednt look for them, you cant find em when you want em. Now you just take my compliments to Miss Trenchard when I goes out shooting with injurious weapons I always wears my own genuine shooting costume. Thats the natural buff tipped off with a little red paint.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Good gracious, hed look like Hadam and Heve, in the garden of Eden. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b>.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, theres a queer lot of fixings. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Sees shower bath.</i> What on airth is that? Looks like a skeeter net, only it aint long enough for a feller to lay down in unless he was to coil himself up like a woodchuck in a knot hole. Id just like to know what the all-fired thing is meant for. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Calls.</i> Say Puffy, Puffy, Oh! he told me if I wanted him to ring the bell. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Looks round room.</i> Where on airth is the bell? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Slips partly inside shower bath, pulls rope, water comes down.</i> Murder! help! fire! Water! Im drown.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Skillet</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Sharpe</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr> <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr>, seeing <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b>, all laugh, and keep it up till curtain falls.</i>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Curtain.</i>
</p>
</section>
</section>
<section id="act-2" epub:type="chapter bodymatter z3998:fiction z3998:drama">
<h2>
<span epub:type="label">Act</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">II</span>
</h2>
<section id="act-2-scene-1" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3 epub:type="title">Scene 1</h3>
<p>Oriel Chamber in one.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr>, dressed for Archery Meeting.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>No, my dear Augusta, you must be very careful. I dont by any means want you to give up De Boots, his expectations are excellent, but, pray be attentive to this American savage, as I rather think he will prove the better match of the two, if what I hear of Mark Trenchards property be correct.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Disdainfully.</i> Yes, ma.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>And look more cheerful, my love.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>I am so tired, ma, of admiring things I hate.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Yes, my poor love, yet we must all make sacrifices to society. Look at your poor sister, with the appetite.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>What am I to be enthusiastic about with that American, Ma?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Oh! I hardly know yet, my dear. We must study him. I think if you read up Sam Slick a little, it might be useful, and just dip into Bancrofts <i epub:type="se:name.publication.book">History of the United States</i>, or some of Russells Letters; you should know something of George Washington, of whom the Americans are justly proud.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>Here he comes, ma. What a ridiculous figure he looks in that dress, ha! ha!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Hush, my dear!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b>, in Archery Dress.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>Oh, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard, why did you not bring me one of those lovely Indians dresses of your boundless prairie?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Yes, one of those dresses in which you hunt the buffalo.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Extravagantly.</i> Yes, in which you hunt the buffalo.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Imitating.</i> In which I hunt the buffalo. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> Buffaloes down in Vermont. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aloud.</i> Wal, you see, them dresses are principally the nateral skin, tipped off with paint, and the indians object to parting with them.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Both</td>
<td>Ahem! ahem!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>The first buffalo I see about here I shall hunt up for you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Oh, you Americans are so clever, and so acute.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>Yes, so cute.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, were cute, we are; know soft solder when we see it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> Ma, I do believe hes laughing at us.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Oh, no, my dear, you are mistaken. Oh! I perceive they are appearing for the archery practice. I suppose we shall see you on the ground, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, Ill be there like a thousand of brick.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>A thousand of brick!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Hush, my dear! that is doubtless some elegant American expression. Au revoir, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Which?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Au revoir. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit with <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>No, thank you, dont take any before dinner. No use their talking Dutch to me. Wal, I never see an old gal stand fire like that, shes a real old bison bull. I feel all-fired tuckered out riding in those keers. Id like to have a snooze if I could find a place to lay down in. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Sees curtain on window, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. E.</abbr></i> Oh, this might do! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Pulls curtain, then starts back.</i> No you dont! One shower bath a day is enough for me. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Cautiously opens them.</i> No, I guess this is all right, I shall be just as snug in here as in a pew at meeting, or a private box at the Theatre. Hello! somebodys coming. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Goes into recess.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>My lord</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Business.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>My lord!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Business.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>Your lordship!! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Louder.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>There, now youve spoiled it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>Spoiled what, my lord?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Spoiled what, my lord; why, a most magnificent sneeze!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>I am very sorry, my lord.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Now that I can speak alone with you, tell me about that hair dye. Have you found it?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>Not a trace of it, my lord.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>If you dont find it, Ill discharge you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>Very well, my lord. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Bows and exits, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Very well, my lord! Hes gone and lost my hair dye, and my hair turns red tomorrow, and when I ask him to find it for me or Ill discharge him, he says, Very well, my lord. Hes positively idiotic, he is—Ah! here comes Miss Georgina, that gorgeous creature—that lovely sufferer. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Looking out.</i> Whats the price of hair dye? Hallo! hes coming again with that sick girl.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reenter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Will you try and strengthen your limbs with a gentle walk in the garden?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>No, thank you, my lord. Im so delicate. Oh, my lord, it is so painful to walk languidly through life, to be unable, at times, to bear the perfumes of ones favorite flowers. Even those violets you sent me yesterday I was compelled to have removed from my room, the perfume was too strong for me. Im <em>so</em> delicate.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Yes, Miss Georgina; but theyre very strengthening flowers, you know.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>Yes, my lord, you are always right.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Do you know Im getting to be very robust?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>Would I could share that fault with you; but I am so delicate.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>If you were robust I should not love you as I do. It would deprive you of that charm which enchains me to your lovely side, which—which</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>Oh, my lord, my lord! Im going to faint.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>And Im going to sneeze, you faint while I sneeze.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Taking his arm.</i> Oh! my lord.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Do you know what a sneeze is?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>No, my lord.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>She never sneezed. Ill tell you what a sneeze is. Imagine a very large spider.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Screams.</i> Where, my lord?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>No, no, I dont mean a real spider, only an imaginary one, a large spider getting up your nose, and all of a sudden, much to his disgust, he discovers he has put his foot in it and cant get it out again.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>That must be very distressing.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>For the spider, yes, and not very pleasant for the nose.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>Oh! my lord, do take me to mamma.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>No, you lovely sufferer, lets walk a little more.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>I cant my lord, Im <em>so</em> delicate.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Well, then, exercise, imitate that little hop of mine. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Hops.</i> It isnt a run, its a</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>What is it?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>No, it isnt a what is it. Well, let me suppose I get you an oyster. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</b> shakes her head.</i> Oh! then suppose I get you an oyster.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>No, my lord, Im too delicate.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>How would you like the left wing of a canary bird?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>No, my lord, its too strong for me.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Let me ask you a widdle—why does a duck go under water? for divers reasons. Now Ill give you another—why does a duck come out of the water? for sundry reasons. No! No! see, you live on suction, youre like that bird with a long bill, they call doctor, no, thats not it, I thought it was a doctor, because it has a long bill—I mean a snipe—yes, youre a lovely snipe. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Looking after them.</i> There goes a load of wooden nutmegs. Hello, here comes somebody else.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr>, with paper.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reads.</i> “One who still remembers what he ought long since to have forgotten, wishes to speak with Miss Trenchard.” Florence scratched out, “on matters of life and death, near the orel, in the west gallery.” Written upon a dirty sheet of paper, in a hardly legible hand. What does this mean; it opens like one of <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Radcliffes romances. Well, here I am, and now for my correspondent.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>Oh! for one minutes clear head, Miss Florence.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>I presume you are the writer of this?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>Yes, I am.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>You address me as an old acquaintance, but I do not recognize you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>So much the better. So much the better.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>I hate mystery, sir; but you see I have come to rendezvous. I must know to whom I am speaking.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>As frank as ever. I am Abel Murcott.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Starting back!</i> You?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>Do not be ashamed, I have not the strength to injure you, if I had the evil. In this shabby, broken down drunkard you need not fear the madman, who years ago forgot in his frantic passion the gulf that lay between your station and his own. I am harmless except to myself.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Speak on, sir; I hear you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>I need not tell you by what steps I came to this, you dont know, maybe you never knew, what a maddening thing a passion is when it turns against itself. After being expelled from my tutorship in this house, I lost my employment, self-respect, hope. I sought to drown recollection and draw courage from drink. It only embittered remembrances, and destroyed the little courage I had left. That I have bread to eat, I owe to <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle; he employed me as his clerk. You know he has been with your father this morning. I have come to tell you my errand; are you as brave as you used to be when I knew</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>I fear nothing.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>I come to tell you of your fathers ruin, his utter ruin.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>My fathers ruin? What? What?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>His estates are mortgaged, his creditors clamorous. The Bailiffs will be in Trenchard Manor today, disguised as your own servants. This much <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle has conceded to your fathers respect for appearances.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Then beggary stares him in the face. Poor father, what a sad blow for him. Is that all, sir?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>No; the worst remains.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Go on, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle knows your fathers weakness and as a means of escape from ruin to the verge of which he has brought him, he has this day proposed for your hand.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Mine!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>On consideration of settling on you the Ravensdale Estate.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>And my father, how did he listen to such insolence?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>You know as well as I do how he would hear such a proposal, at first a torrent of rage, then the strong ebb of selfishness set in, and he consented to listen to the terms, to view them as something to be considered, to consider them.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Good Heavens, can this be true? No, I will not believe it of my father, and from such lips.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>You have full right to think this and to say it, but mark your father and <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle today. You will then see if I speak truth or not.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Forgive my distrust, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Murcott.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>I am past taking offence or feeling scorn, I have carried more than can be heaped upon me, but I did not come only to give you warning of your danger.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Can you avert it?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Coming down between them.</i> Wal, stranger thats just the question I was going to ask.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>You here, sir, and listening.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, it wasnt purpose, I went in there to take a snooze, I heard you talking and I thought it wouldnt be polite of me not to listen to what you had to say. Im a rough sort of a customer, and dont know much about the ways of great folks. But Ive got a cool head, a stout arm, and a willing heart, and I think I can help you, just as one cousin ought to help another.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, I do think you are honest.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>Shall I go on?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, we will trust him, go on.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>I found the Ravensdale mortgage while rumaging in an old deed box of <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyles fathers, there was a folded paper inside the deed. I took both to <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle unopened, like a besotted fool that I was. My belief is strong that the paper was the release of the mortgage that the money had been paid off, and the release executed without the seals having been cut from the original mortgage. I have known such things happen.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Have ye, now? Well, if a Yankee lawyer had done such a thing he would have Judge Lynch after him in no time.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>You can but find that release, we may unmask this diabolical fiend and save you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>But, surely, a villain of <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyles stability would have destroyed the paper, the very keystone of his fraud.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>I fear so.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Do you, now, wal, youre wrong, youre both wrong. I guess you aint either on you done much ciphering human nature. The keystone of their fraud is just the point your mighty cute rascals always leave unsecured. Come along with me, stranger, and well just work up this sum a little, two heads are better than one. Yours is a little muddled, but mines pretty clear, and if I dont circumvent that old sarpint, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Well?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Say I am a skunk, thats all, and thats the meanest kind of an animal. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>I owe you much, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Murcott, more than I can ever repay.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>No, no, no, if you did but know the hope of seeing you has roused all the manhood that drink and misery has left me. God bless you, Miss Florence.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>No, you dont call me Florence as you did when I was the truant pupil and you the indulgent tutor. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Offers her hand.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>No, no; for heavens sake do not call back that time or I shall go mad! mad! mad. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Rushes off, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr>, followed by <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b>.</i></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="act-2-scene-2" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3 epub:type="title">Scene 2</h3>
<p>Park in 4. Rural cottage, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr>, adjoining which, and projecting on stage an inside view of a dairy with sloping roof, painting backing to look like milk pans. The whole scene should have a picturesque appearance. Garden fence run across back, ornamental gate or archway, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 3 E.</abbr> Pigeon house on pole near dairy, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. C.</abbr> Spinning wheel inside cottage door, one or two rustic benches, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr> and <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr></p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 3 E</abbr>, with two milk pails on a yoke, puts them down near dairy, then looks off, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 3 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</td>
<td>There they go, thats a bulls eye, I warrant. Dang me though, if I wouldnt rather see Miss Mary than this cock robin sports yonder, here she comes. Good morning, Miss Mary. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter Mary from cottage <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Oh, Wickens, you are there. How kind of you to help me with the milk pails today, when all the lads and lasses have given themselves a holiday to see the shooting.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</td>
<td>Ah, Miss Mary, you ought to be among then, with a green hat and feather, if all had their rights.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Laughing.</i> Nay, ladies without a farthing in the world, ought to put aside their ladyships and make themselves: besides Im proud of my dairy here, just help me with this troublesome fellow, steady, dont shake it, the cream is foaming so beautifully. There. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</b> carries pan into cottage and returns down, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</td>
<td>Now, Miss Mary, what can I do for you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Let me see; well, really, I do believe, Wickens, Ive nothing to do but amuse myself.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</td>
<td>Dang it, Miss, thats a pity, cos I cant help you at that, you see.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Oh! Yes, bring me out dear old Welsh nurses spinning wheel <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit <b epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</b> into cottage, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 2 E.</abbr></i> by the side of which I have stood so often, a round-eyed baby wondering at its whirring wheel. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reenter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</b> with wheel, places it near cottage, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 2 E.</abbr></i> There, that will do famously. I can catch the full scent of the jessamines.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. C.</abbr></i> Anything more, Miss Mary?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>No, thank you, Wickens!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Going.</i> Good morning, Miss Mary.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Good morning, Wickens.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Returning.</i> Is there anything I can get for you, Miss Mary?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Spinning.</i> Nothing, thank you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</td>
<td>Dang me if I wouldnt like to stop all day, and watch her pretty figure and run errands for her. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 3 E.</abbr>, crosses behind fence.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Poor Wickens is not the only one who thinks I am a very ill-used young body. Now I dont think so. Grandfather was rich, but he must have had a bad heart, or he never could have cast off poor mamma; had he adopted me, I should never have been so happy as I am now, uncle is kind to me in his pompous, patronizing way, and dear Florence loves me like a sister, and so I am happy. I am my own mistress here, and not anybodys humble servant, I sometimes find myself singing as the birds do, because I cant help it <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Song, “<span epub:type="se:name.music.song">Maid with the Milking Pail</span>,” can be introduced here.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> through gate, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 3 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Come along, cousin, come along. I want to introduce you to my little cousin. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Kisses <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</b>.</i> Ive brought you a visitor, Miss Mary Meredith, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Asa Trenchard, our American cousin. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">They shake hands.</i> That will do for the present. This young gentleman has carried off the prize by three successive shots in the bulls eye.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>I congratulate you, sir, and am happy to see you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Shakes hands again.</i> Thank you, Miss.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>That will do for a beginning.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> And so that is Mark Trenchards grandchild.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Why have you left the archery, Florence?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Because, after <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Asa Trenchards display, I felt in no humor for shooting, and I have some very grave business with my cousin here.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>You? Grave business? Why I thought you never had any graver business than being very pretty, very amiable, and very ready to be amused.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, Miss, I guess the first comes natural round these diggins. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Bows.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>You are very polite. This is my domain, sir, and I shall be happy to show you, that is, if you understand anything about a dairy.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, by the way, do you understand anything about dairies in America?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, I guess I do know something about cow juice. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">They turn to smother laugh.</i> Why, if it aint all as bright and clean as a fresh washed shirt just off the clover, and is this all your doins, Miss?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Yes, sir, I milk the cows, set up the milk, superintend the churning and make the cheese.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, darn me if you aint the first raal right down useful gal Ive seen on this side the pond.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Whats that, sir? Do you want to make me jealous?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, no, you neednt get your back up, you are the right sort too, but you must own youre small potatoes, and few in a hill compared to a gal like that.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Im what?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Small potatoes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Will you be kind enough to translate that for me, for I dont understand American yet.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, Ill put it in French for you, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">petite pommes des terres.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Ah, its very clear now; but, cousin, do tell me what you mean by calling me small potatoes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, you can sing and paint, and play on the pianner, and in your own particular circle you are some pumpkins.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Some pumpkins, first I am small potatoes, and now Im some pumpkins.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>But she, she can milk cows, set up the butter, make cheese, and, darn me, if them aint what I call raal downright feminine accomplishments.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>I do believe you are right cousin, so Mary do allow me to congratulate you upon not being small potatoes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Well, I must look to my dairy or all my last weeks milk will be spoiled. Goodbye, Florence, dear. Goodbye, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard. Good morning, sir. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit into Cottage.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Following her to door.</i> Good morning, Miss. Ill call again.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, cousin, what do you think of her?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Aint she a regular snorter?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>A what?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, perhaps I should make myself more intelligable, if I said, a squeeler, and to think Im keepin that everlasting angel of a gal out of her fortune all along of this bit of paper here.<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Takes paper from pocket.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>What is that?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Old Mark Trenchards will.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Dont show it to me, I dont want to look at it, the fortune should have come to Mary, she is the only relation in the direct line.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Say, cousin, youve not told her that darned property was left to me, have you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Do you think I had the heart to tell her of her misfortune?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, darn me, if you didnt show your good sense at any rate. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Goes up to dairy.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, what are you doing, showing <em>your</em> good sense?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, you go long.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Say, cousin, I guess Ive got you on a string now, as I heard you say this morning.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, what if you have, didnt I see you casting sheeps eyes at that sailor man this morning? Ah, I reckon Ive got you on a string now. Say, has he got that ship yet?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>No, he hasnt, though Ive used all my powers of persuasion with that Lord Dundreary, and his father has so much influence with the admiralty.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, dint he drop like a smoked possum?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>There you go, more American. No, he said he was very sorry, but he couldnt.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Taking bottle out.</i> Oh, he did, did he? Wal, I guess hell do his best all the same.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>I shall be missed at the archery grounds. Will you take me back?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Like a streak of lightning. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Offers arm and takes her to dairy.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Thats not the way.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>No, of course not. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Takes her round stage back to dairy.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, but where are you going now?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>I was just going round. I say, cousin, dont you think you could find your way back alone.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Why, what do <em>you</em> want to do?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, I just wanted to see how they make cheese is this darned country. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exits into dairy.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Laughing.</i> And they call that man a savage; well, I only wish we had a few more such savages in England.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Without, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 2 E.</abbr></i> This way, lovely sufferer.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Ah, heres Dundreary.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> enters with <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</b>, places her in rustic chair, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>There, repothe yourself.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>Thank you, my lord; you are so kind to me, and I am so delicate.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, you look delicate, dear; how is she this morning, any better?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>When she recovers, shell be better.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Im afraid you dont take good care of her, you are so rough.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>No, Im not wruff, either. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Sings.</i> Im gentle and Im kind, Im—I forget the rest</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, good morning, dear—do take care of her—good day, Dundreary. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit through gate.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Now, let me administer to your wants. How would you like a roast chestnut?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>No, my lord, Im too delicate.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Well, then, a peanut; there is a great deal of nourishment in peanuts.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>No, thank you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Then what can I do for you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>If you please, ask the dairy maid to let me have a seat in the dairy. I am afraid of the draft, here.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Oh! you want to get out of the draft, do you? Well, youre not the only one that wants to escape the draft. Is that the dairy on top of that stick? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Points to pigeon house.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>No, my lord, thats the pigeon house.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>What do they keep in pigeon houses? Oh! pigeons, to be sure; they couldnt keep donkeys up there, could they? Thats the dairy, I suppothe?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>Yes, my lord.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>What do they keep in dairies?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>Eggs, milk, butter and cheese.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Whats the name of that animal with a head on it? No, I dont mean that, all animals have heads. I mean those animals with something growing out of their heads.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>A cow?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>A cow growing out of his head?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>No, no, horns.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>A cow! well, that accounts for the milk and butter; but I dont see the eggs; cows dont give eggs; then theres the cheese—do you like cheese?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>No, my lord.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Does your brother like cheese?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>I have no brother. Im so delicate.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Shes so delicate, she hasnt got a brother. Well, if you had a brother do you think hed like cheese?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>I dont know; do please take me to the dairy.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Well, I will see if I can get you a broiled sardine. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit into dairy.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Jumps up.</i> Oh! Im so glad hes gone. I am so dreadful hungry. I should like a plate of corn beef and cabbage, eggs and bacon, or a slice of cold ham and pickles.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Outside.</i> Thank you, thank you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Running back to seat.</i> Here he comes. Oh! I am so delicate.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>I beg you pardon, Miss Georgina, but I find upon enquiry that cows dont give sardines. But Ive arranged it with the dairy maid so that you can have a seat by the window that overlooks the cow house and the pig sty, and all the pretty things.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>Im afraid Im very troublesome.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Yes, youre very troublesome, you are. No, I mean youre a lovely sufferer, thats the idea. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">They go up to cottage door.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b>, running against <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Theres that damned rhinoceros again. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit into cottage, with <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</b>.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>There goes that benighted aristocrat and that little toad of a sick gal. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Looks off.</i> There hes a settling her in a chair and covering her all over with shawls. Ah! its a caution, how these women do fix our flint for us. Here he comes. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Takes out bottle.</i> How are you, hair dye. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Goes behind dairy.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>That lovely Georgina puts me in mind of that beautiful piece of poetry. Let me see how it goes. The rose is red, the violets blue. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> tips his hat over his eyes.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Repeats.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Repeats business.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Comes down, takes off hat, looking in it.</i> There must be something alive in that hat. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Goes up, and commences again.</i> The rose is red, the violets blue, sugar is sweet, and so is somebody, and so is somebody else.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> puts yoke on <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundrearys</b> shoulders gently. <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> comes down with pails.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>I wonder what the devil that is? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Lowers one, then the other, they trip him up.</i> Oh, I see, somebody has been fishing and caught a pail. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Goes hopping upstage, stumbling over against spinning wheel. Looks at yarn on stick.</i> Why, what a little old man. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Sees <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b>.</i> Say, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Exile, what the devil is this?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>That is a steam engine, and will bust in about a minute.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Well, I havent a minute to spare, so Ill not wait till it busts. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Crosses to <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr>, knocks against private box, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. H.</abbr>, apologizes.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Say, whiskers, I want to ask a favor of you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Attempts to sneeze.</i> Now Ive got it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, but say. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundrearys</b> sneezing business.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Takes his hand.</i> How are you. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Squeezes it.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>There, youve spoiled it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Spoiled what?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Spoiled what! why a magnificent sneeze.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh! was that what you was trying to get through you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Get through me: hes mad.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, now, the naked truth is<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Leans arm on <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundrearys</b> shoulder. Business by <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b>.</i> Oh, come now, dont be putting on airs. Say, do you know Lieutenant Vernon?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Slightly.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, what do you think of him, on an average?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Think of a man on an average?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, I think hes a real hoss, and he wants a ship.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Well if hes a real hoss, he must want a carriage.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Darn me, if that aint good.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Thats good.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, that is good.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Very good.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Very good, indeed, <em>for you</em>.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Now Ive got it. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Tries to sneeze.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, now, I say. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> trying to sneeze.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>What, are you at that again?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> business. <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> bites his finger. <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> goes up, stumbles against chair and comes down again.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Ive got the influenza.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Got the what?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>He says Ive got a wart. Ive got the influenza.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Thats it exactly. I want your influence, sir, to get that ship.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Thats good.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, thats good, aint it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Very good.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, darn me, if that aint good.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>For you. Ha! ha! One on that Yankee.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Well done, Britisher. Wal, now, about that ship?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>I want all my influence, sir, for my own w—w—welations. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Stammering.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh! you want it for your own w—w—welations. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Mimicing.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>I say, sir. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> pretends deafness. This business is ad lib.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Eh?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Hes hard of hearing, and thinks hes in a balloon. Mister.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Eh?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>He thinks he can hear with his nose. I say</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Eh?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> turns <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchards</b> nose around with his thumb. <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> puts his two hands up to <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundrearys</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Now he thinks hes a musical instrument. I say</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>What?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>You stutter. Ill give you a k—k—k</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>No you wont give me a kick.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Ill give you a c—c—card to a doctor and hell c—c—c</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>No he wont kick me, either.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Hes idiotic. I dont mean that, hell cure you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Same one that cured you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>The same.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, if youre cured I want to stay sick. He must be a mighty smart man.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>A very clever man, he is.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, darn me, if there aint a physiological change taking place. Your whiskers at this moment</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>My whiskers!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, about the ends theyre as black as a niggers in billing time, and near the roots theyre all speckled and streaked.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Horror struck.</i> My whiskers speckled and streaked?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Showing bottle.</i> Now, this is a wonderful invention.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>My hair dye. My dear sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Squeezing his hand.</i> How are you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Dear <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Puts arm on shoulder. <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> repeats <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> business, putting on eyeglass, hopping round the stage and stroking whiskers.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Hes mad, hes deaf, he squints, stammers and hes a hopper.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Now, look here, you get the Lieutenant a ship and Ill give you the bottle. Its a fine swap.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>What the devil is a swap?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, you give me the ship, and Ill give you the bottle to boot.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>What do I want of your boots? I havent got a ship about me.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Youd better make haste or your whiskers will be changed again. Theyll be a pea green in about a minute.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Crosses to <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr></i> Pea green! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exits hastily into house.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>I guess Ive got a ring in his nose now. I wonder how that sick gal is getting along? Wal, darn me, if the dying swallow aint pitching into ham and eggs and homemade bread, wal, shes a walking into the fodder like a farmer arter a days work rail splitting. Ill just give her a start. How de do, Miss, allow me to congratulate you on the return of your appetite. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</b> scream.</i> Guess Ive got a ring in her pretty nose now. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Looks off, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr></i> Hello! here comes the lickers and shooters, its about time I took my medicine, I reckon.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter, from <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 2. E</abbr>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Capt.</abbr> De Boots</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">John Wickens</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Sharpe</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Skillet</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</b>, two servants in livery, carrying tray and glasses, a wine basket containing four bottles to represent champagne, knife to cut strings, some powerful acid in one bottle for <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b>—pop sure.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Now to distribute the prizes, and drink to the health of the winner of the golden arrow.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>And there must stand the hero of the day. Come, kneel down.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Must I kneel down?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>I am going to crown you Captain of the Archers of Trenchard Manor.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside to <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b>.</i> Ive got the ship.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>No; have you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Come, ladies and gentlemen, take from me. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Takes glasses, Starts on seeing men in livery.</i> Who are these strange faces?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">In his ear.</i> Bailiffs, Sir Edward.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Bailiffs! Florence I am lost.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b> supports her father. At the same moment <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> enters with letter and money. <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</b> appears at dairy door as <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> comes down, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr> <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> cuts string of bottle, cork hits <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b>. General commotion as drop descends.</i>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
</section>
<section id="act-3" epub:type="chapter bodymatter z3998:fiction z3998:drama">
<h2>
<span epub:type="label">Act</span>
<span epub:type="ordinal z3998:roman">III</span>
</h2>
<section id="act-3-scene-1" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3 epub:type="title">Scene 1</h3>
<p>Dairy set as before in Act 2nd, Scene 2.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> discovered on bench, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. C.</abbr>, whittling stick. Mary busy with milk pans in dairy.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Miss Mary, I wish youd leave off those everlasting dairy fixings, and come and take a hand of chat along with me.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>What, and leave my work? Why, when you first came here, you thought I could not be too industrious.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, I think so yet, Miss Mary, but Ive got a heap to say to you, and I never can talk while youre moving about so spry among them pans, pails and cheeses. First you raise one hand and then the other, and well, it takes the gumption right out of me.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Brings sewing down.</i> Well, then, Ill sit here<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">sits on bench with <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b>, vis-à-vis.</i> Well now, will that do?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, no, Miss Mary, that wont do, neither; them eyes of yourn takes my breath away.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>What will I do, then?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, I dont know, Miss Mary, but, darn me, if you could do anything that wasnt so tarnal neat and handsome, that a fellow would want to keep on doing nothing else all the time.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Well, then, Ill go away. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Rises.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Stopping her.</i> No, dont do that, Miss Mary, for then Ill be left in total darkness. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">She sits.</i> Somehow I feel kinder lost, if I havent got you to talk to. Now that Ive got the latitude and longitude of all them big folks, found out the length of every ladys foot, and the soft spot on everybodys head, they cant teach me nothing; but here, <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Whittling</i> here I come to school.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Then throw away that stick, and put away your knife, like a good boy. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Throws away stick upstage.</i> I must cure you of that dreadful trick of whittling.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, if you only knew how it helps me to keep my eyes off you, Miss Mary.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>But you neednt keep your eyes off me.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Im afraid I must, my eyes are awful tale-tellers, and they might be saying something you wouldnt like to hear, and that might make you mad, and then youd shut up school, and send me home feeling about as small as a tadpole with his tail bobbed off.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Dont be alarmed, I dont think I will listen to any tales that your eyes may tell unless theyre tales I like and ought to hear.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>If I thought theyd tell any other, Miss Mary, I pluck them right out and throw them in the first turnip patch I came to.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>And now tell me more about your home in America. Do you know Ive listened to your stories until Im half a backwoodsmans wife already?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> Wouldnt I like to make her a whole one.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Yes, I can shut my eyes and almost fancy I see your home in the backwoods. There are your two sisters running about in their sunbonnets.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Debby and Nan? Yes!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Then I can see the smoke curling from the chimney, then men and boys working in the fields.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>The girls milking the cows, and everybody so busy.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>And then at night, home come your four big brothers from the hunt laden with game, tired and footsore, and covered with snow.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Thats so.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Then how we lasses bustle about to prepare supper. The fire blazes on the hearth, while your good old mother cooks the slapjacks.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Getting very excited.</i> Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>And then after supper the lads and lasses go to a corn husking. The demijohn of old peach brandy is brought out and everything is so nice.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>I shall faint in about five minutes, Miss Mary youre a darned sight too good for this country. You ought to make tracks.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Make what?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Make tracks, pack up, and emigrate to the roaring old state of Vermont, and live long with mother. Shed make you so comfortable, and there would be sister Debby and Nab, and well, I reckon Id be there, too.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Oh! Im afraid if I were there your mother would find the poor English girl a sad incumbrance.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, she aint proud, not a mite, besides theyve all seen Britishers afore.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>I suppose you allude to my cousin, Edward Trenchard?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, he want the only one, there was the old Squire, Mark Trenchard.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Starting Aside.</i> My grandfather!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh! he was a fine old hoss, as game as a bison bull, and as gray as a coon in the fall; you see he was kinder mad with his folks here, so he came over to America to look after the original branch of the family, thats our branch. Were older than the Trenchards on this side of the water. Yes weve got the start of the heap.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Tell me, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard, did he never receive any letters from his daughter?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh yes, lots of them, but the old cuss never read them, though. He chucked them in the fire as soon as he made out who they come from.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> My poor mother.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>You see, as nigh as we could reckon it up, she had gone and got married again his will, and that made him mad, and well, he was a queer kind of a rusty fusty old coon, and it appeared that he got older, and rustier, and fustier and coonier every fall, you see it always took him in the fall, it was too much for him. He got took down with the ague, he was so bad the doctors gave him up, and mother she went for a minister, and while she was gone the old man called me in his room, “come in, Asa Trenchard, boy,” says he, and his voice rang loud and clear as a bell, “come in,” says he. Well I comed in; “sit down,” says he; well I sot down. You see I was always a favorite with the old man. “Asa Trenchard, my boy,” says he, takin a great piece of paper, “when I die, this sheet of paper makes you heir to all my property in England.” Well, you can calculate I pricked up my ears about that time, bime-by the minister came, and I left the room, and I do believe he had a three days fight with the devil, for that old mans soul, but he got the upper hand of satan at last, and when the minister had gone the old man called me into his room again. The old Squire was sitting up in his bed, his face as pale as the sheet that covered him, his silken hair flowing in silvery locks from under his red cap, and the tears rolling from his large blue eyes down his furrowed cheek, like two mill streams. Will you excuse my lighting a cigar? For the story is a long, awful moving, and I dont think I could get on without a smoke. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Strikes match.</i> “Wal,” says he to me, and his voice was not as loud as it was afore—it was like the whisper of the wind in a pine forest, low and awful. “Asa Trenchard, boy,” said he, “I feel that Ive sinned in hardening my heart against my own flesh and blood, but I will not wrong the last that is left of them; give me the light,” says he. Wal I gave him the candle that stood by his bedside, and he took the sheet of paper I was telling you of, just as I might take this. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Takes will from pocket.</i> And he twisted it up as I might this, <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Lights will</i> and he lights it just this way, and he watched it burn slowly and slowly away. Then, says he, “Asa Trenchard, boy that act disinherits you, but it leaves all my property to one who has a better right to it. My own daughters darling child, Mary Meredith,” and then he smiled, sank back upon his pillow, drew a long sigh as if he felt relieved, and that was the last of poor old Mark Trenchard.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Poor Grandfather. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Buries her face and sobs.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">After business.</i> Wal, I guess Id better leave her alone. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Sees half-burned will.</i> There lies four hundred thousand dollars, if theres a cent. Asa Trenchard, boy, youre a hoss. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Starts off, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 C.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>To me, all to me. Oh <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard, how we have all wronged poor grandfather. What, gone? He felt after such tidings, he felt I should be left alone—who would suspect there was such delicacy under that rough husk, but I can hardly believe the startling news—his heiress—I, the penniless orphan of an hour ago, no longer penniless, but, alas, an orphan still, <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b></i> with none to share my wealth, none to love me.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Throwing arms around Marys neck.</i> What treason is this, Mary, no one to love you, eh, whats the matter? Youve been weeping, and I met that American Savage coming from here; he has not been rude to you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>On no, hes the gentlest of human beings, but he has just told me news that has moved me strangely.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>What is it, love?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>That all grandfathers property is mine, mine, Florence, do you understand?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>What! he has popped, has he? I thought he would.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Who do you mean?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Who? Asa Trenchard, to be sure.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Asa Trenchard, why, what put that in your head?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Why how can Mark Trenchards property be yours, unless you marry the legatee.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>The legatee? Who?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Why, you know Mark Trenchard left everything to Asa Trenchard.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>No, no, you have been misinformed.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Nonsence, he showed it to me, not an hour ago on a half sheet of rough paper just like this. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Sees will.</i> Like this. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Picks it up.</i> Why this is part of it, I believe.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Thats the paper he lighted his cigar with.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Then he lighted his cigar with 80,000 pounds. Here is old Mark Trenchards signature.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Yes, I recognize the hand.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>And here are the words “Asa Trenchard, in consideration of sole heir”<abbr>etc.</abbr>⁠—<abbr>etc.</abbr>⁠—<abbr>etc.</abbr></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Oh Florence, what does this mean?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>It means that he is a true hero, and he loves you, you little rogue. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Embraces her.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Generous man. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Hides face in <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchards</b> bosom.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, wont I convict him, now. Ill find him at once.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Runs off, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 3 E.</abbr>, Mary after her calling Florence!!! Florence!!! as scene closes.</i>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="act-3-scene-2" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3 epub:type="title">Scene 2</h3>
<p>Chamber as before.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</b>, and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Yes, my child, while <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> De Boots and <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard are both here, you must ask yourself seriously, as to the state of your affections, remember, your happiness for life will depend upon the choice you make.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>What would you advise, mamma? You know I am always advised by you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Dear, obedient child. De Boots has excellent expectations, but then they are only expectations after all. This American is rich, and on the whole I think a well regulated affection ought to incline to Asa Trenchard.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>Very well, mamma.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>At the same time, you must be cautious, or in grasping at Asa Trenchards solid good qualities, you may miss them, and De Boots expectations into the bargain.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>Oh, I will take care not to give up my hold on poor De Boots till I am quite sure of the American.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Thats my own girl. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr></i> Ah, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard, we were just talking of your archery powers.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, I guess shooting with bows and arrows is just about like most things in life, all youve got to do is keep the sun out of your eyes, look straight—pull strong—calculate the distance, and youre sure to hit the mark in most things as well as shooting.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>But not in England, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard. There are disinterested hearts that only ask an opportunity of showing how they despise that gold, which others set such store by.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, I suppose there are, Miss Gusty.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>All I crave is affection.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Crosses to <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">C.</abbr></i> Do you, now? I wish I could make sure of that, for Ive been cruelly disappointed in that particular.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Yes, but we are old friends, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard, and you neednt be afraid of us.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, I aint afraid of you—both on you together.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>People sometimes look a great way off, for that which is near at hand. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Glancing at <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> alternatively.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>You dont mean, Miss Gusta. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</b> casts sheeps eyes at him.</i> Now, dont look at me in that way. I cant stand it, if you do, Ill bust.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Oh, if you only knew how refreshing this ingenuousness of yours is to an old woman of the world like me.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Be you an old woman of the world?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Yes, sir.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>Oh yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Well I dont doubt it in the least. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> This gal and the old woman are trying to get me on a string. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aloud.</i> Wal, then, if a rough spun fellow like me was to come forward as a suitor for you daughters hand, you wouldnt treat me as some folks do, when they find out I wasnt heir to the fortune.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Not heir to the fortune, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, no.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>What, no fortune?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Nary red, it all comes to their barkin up the wrong tree about the old mans property.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Which he left to you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, no.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>Not to you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>No, which he meant to leave to me, but he thought better on it, and left it to his granddaughter Miss Mary Meredith.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Miss Mary Meredith! Oh, Im delighted.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>Delighted?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, you both look tickled to death. Now, some gals, and mothers would go away from a fellow when they found that out, but you dont valley fortune, Miss Gusty?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside, crosses to <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</b>.</i> My love, you had better go.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>You crave affection, <em>you</em> do. Now Ive no fortune, but Im filling over with affections which Im ready to pour out all over you like apple sass, over roast pork.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard, you will please recollect you are addressing my daughter, and in my presence.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, Im offering her my heart and hand just as she wants them with nothing in em.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Augusta, dear, to your room.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>Yes, ma, the nasty beast. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>I am aware, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard, you are not used to the manners of good society, and that, alone, will excuse the impertinence of which you have been guilty.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Dont know the manners of good society, eh? Well, I guess I know enough to turn you inside out, old gal—you sockdologizing old mantrap. Wal, now, when I think what Ive thrown away in hard cash today Im apt to call myself some awful hard names, 400,000 dollars is a big pile for a man to light his cigar with. If that gal had only given me herself in exchange, it wouldnt have been a bad bargain. But I dare no more ask that gal to be my wife, than I dare ask Queen Victoria to dance a Cape Cod reel.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>What do you mean by doing all these dreadful things?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Which things.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Come here sir. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">He does so.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Whats the matter?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Do you know this piece of paper? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Showing burnt paper.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Well I think I have seen it before. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> Its old Mark Trenchards will that I left half burned up like a landhead, that I am.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>And youre determined to give up this fortune to Mary Meredith?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, I couldnt help it if I tried.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, dont say that.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>I didnt mean to do it when I first came here—hadnt the least idea in the world of it, but when I saw that everlasting angel of a gal movin around among them doing fixins like a sunbeam in a shady place; and when I pictured her without a dollar in the world—I—well my old Adam riz right up, and I said, “Asa Trenchard do it”—and I did it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, I dont know who your old Adam may be, but whoever it is, hes a very honest man to consult you to do so good an action. But how dare you do such an outrageous thing? you impudent—you unceremonious, oh! you unselfish man! you! you, you! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Smothers him with kisses, and runs off, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, if that aint worth four hundred thousand dollars, I dont know what is, it was sweeter than sweet cider right out of the bung hole. Let me see how things stand round here. Thanks to old whiskers Ive got that ship for the sailor man, and that makes him and Miss Florence all hunk. Then theres that darned old <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle. Well I guess me and old Murcott can fix his flint for him. Then theres<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Looks off, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr></i> Christopher Columbus, here comes Mary.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard, what can I say to you but offer you my lifelong gratitude.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Dont now, Miss, dont</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>If I knew what else to offer. Heaven knows there is nothing that is mine to give that I would keep back.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Give me yourself. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Business.</i> I know what a rude, ill-mannered block I am; but theres a heart inside me worth something, if its only for the sake of your dear little image, thats planted right plump in the middle of it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Asa Trenchard, there is my hand, and my heart is in it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Seizes here hand, then drops it suddenly.</i> Miss Mary, I made what folks call a big sacrifice for you, this morning. Oh! I know it, I aint so modest, but that I know it. Now whats this youre doing? Is this sacrifice you are making out of gratitude for me? Cause if it is, I wouldnt have it, though not to have it would nigh break my heart, tough as it is.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>No, no, I give myself freely to you—as freely as you, this morning, gave my grandfathers property to me.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Say it again, last of hope and blessed promise. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Clasps her in his arms.</i> Mary, theres something tells me that youll not repent it. Im rough, Mary, awful rough, but you neednt fear that Ill ever be rough to you. Ive camped out in the woods, Mary, often and often, and seen the bears at play with their cubs in the moonlight, the glistening teeth, that would tear the hunter, was harmless to them; the big strong claws that would peel a mans head, as a knife would a pumpkin, was as soft for them as velvet cushions, and thats what Ill be with you, my own little wife; and if ever harm does come to you, it must come over the dead body of Asa Trenchard.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>I know it Asa Trenchard; and if I do not prove a true and loving wife to you; may my mothers bright spirit never look down to bless her child.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, if I dont get out in the air, Ill bust. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit hastily <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr> pulling <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</b> after him.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr> Drunk.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Calling.</i> <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> HAsa Trenchard, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> HAsa Trenchard! Oh hes gone; well, I suppose hell come back to keep his happointment. <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyles quite impatient. It isnt hoften that han hamerican has the run of the wine cellars of Trenchard Manor, and in such company, too. Theres me and <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, which is a good judge of old port wine, and he knows it when he drinks; and his clerk, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Murcott, which I dont hexactly like sitting down with clerks. But <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> HAsa Trenchard wished it and <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle hadnt any objections, so in course I put my feelings in my pocket, besides, Murcott is a man of hedication, though unfortunately taken to drink. Well, what of that, its been many a mans misfortune, though I say it, what shouldnt say it, being a butler. But now to join my distinguished party. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="act-3-scene-3" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3 epub:type="title">Scene 3</h3>
<p>Wine cellar in 3.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b> discovered. Table <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr>, with two cups and bottles. <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</b> <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr> of table, seated. <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b> back of table. <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</b> sitting on barrel, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr> Door in flat with staircase discovered, dark. Stage half dark. Candles on table, lighted.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>A capital glass of wine, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny, and a capital place to drink it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Without.</i> Bring a light here, cant you. Ive broken my natural allowance of shins already.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enters <abbr>D.</abbr> in <abbr>F.</abbr>, down stairs.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">To <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</b>.</i> Is he tight yet?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>Histered, but not quite gone yet.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Oh, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard, glad to see you, to welcome you to the vaults of your ancestors.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh! these are the vaults of my ancestors, are they? Wal, you seem to be punishing their spirits pretty well.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Wines, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Asa Trenchard? The spirits are in the houter cellar.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Oh, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Asa Trenchard, there is no place like a wine cellar for a hearty bout. Here you might bawl yourself hoarse beneath these ribs of stone, and nobody hear you. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">He shouts and sings very loud.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, wouldnt they hear you? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> Thats worth knowing.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Very drunk—rising.</i> Thats right, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, make as much noise as you like, you are in the cellars of Trenchard Manor, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle. <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, bless you, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle. <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, why his hit <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, I am sitting at the present time, in this present distinguished company? I will tell you, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, hit his because Hi always hacts and conducts myself has becomes a gentleman, hand Hi knows whats due to manners. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Falls in chair.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Steady, old hoss, steady.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Him steady. Hi always was steady. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Staggers across to <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. H.</abbr></i> Him going to fetch clean glasses. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr> 3 R.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Now, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, suppose you give us a song.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Very drunk.</i> I cant sing, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard, but I sometimes join in the chorus.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, give us a chorus.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Will you assist in the vocalization thereof?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Mimicing.</i> Will do the best of my endeavors thereunto.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Sings.</i> “We wont go home till morning.” <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Repeat. Repeat. Falls off chair, senseless.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Finishing the strain.</i> “I dont think youll go home at all.” Now, then, quick, Murcott, before the butler comes back, get his keys. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</b> gets keys from <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyles</b> pocket and throws them to <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b>.</i> Is this all?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>No; the key of his private bureau is on his watch chain, and I cant get it off.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Take watch and all.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>No; he will accuse us of robbing him.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Never mind, Ill take the responsibility. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</b> moves.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>He is getting up.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, darn me, knock him down again.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>I cant.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Cant you? Well, I can.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Pulls <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</b> away. Knocks <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</b> down; is going towards <abbr>D.</abbr> in <abbr>F.</abbr>, meets <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b> with tray and glasses; kicks it, knocks <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b> down and exits up staircase, followed by <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</b>, carrying candle. Dark state. <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b> rises; <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</b> ditto. Blindly encounter each other and pummel soundly till change.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Quick change.</i>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="act-3-scene-4" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3 epub:type="title">Scene 4</h3>
<p>Chamber in 1, same as Scene 2.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr> <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> stops, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">C.</abbr>, and is seized with an inclination to sneeze. Motions with his hand to <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</td>
<td>My lord! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Business <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> sneezing.</i> Your lordship! <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> same business. Louder.</i> My lord!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>There you go; now youve spoiled it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</td>
<td>Spoiled what, my lord?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Spoiled what? why a most magnificent sneeze.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</td>
<td>Im very sorry to interrupt your lordships sneeze, but I merely wanted to express my gratitude to you for getting me a ship.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Sir, I dont want your gratitude, I only want to sneeze.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</td>
<td>Very well, my lord, then I will leave you, and this gives you an opportunity for sneezing. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Crosses to <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr></i> But in return for what you have done for me, should you ever want a service a sailor can offer you, just hail Harry Vernon, and youll find hell weigh anchor and be alongside. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Hitches up breeches and exits, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Find him alongside? What does he mean by a long side? and he always wants to weigh anchor. What funny fellows the sailors are. Why the devil wont they keep a memorandum of the weight of their anchor? Whats the matter with the sailors side? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Imitates <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Harry Vernon</b>.</i> Oh I see, hes got the stomachache. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="act-3-scene-5" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3 epub:type="title">Scene 5</h3>
<p>Library in Trenchard Manor in 3 or 4.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr>, following <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td>A letter, my lord.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Takes letter.</i> You may go. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr> Opens letter.</i> “My dear Frederick.” He calls me Frederick because my name is Robert. “I wrote you on my arrival.” Why, I never heard from him. “But I am afraid you didnt get the letter, because I put no name on the envelope.” Thats the reason why I didnt get it, but who did get it? It must have been some fellow without any name. “My dear brother, the other day a rap came to my door, and some fellows came in and proposed a quiet game of porker.” A quiet game of porker, why, they wanted to kill him with a poker. “I consented and got stuck—” Sams dead, Ive got a dead lunatic for a brother—“for the drinks.” He got on the other side of the paper, why couldnt he get stuck all on one side. “<abbr epub:type="z3998:initialism">P.S.</abbr>—If you dont get this letter let me know, for I shall feel anxious.” Hes a mad lunatic. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Change scene.</i>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="act-3-scene-6" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3 epub:type="title">Scene 6</h3>
<p><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyles Office in 2. High desk and stool, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr> Modern box center against flat. Cabinet, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr></p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> discovered looking over papers on box. <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</b> looking in desk.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Have you found it?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>No, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard. Ive searched all the drawers but can find no trace of it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Whats this?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>Thats a cabinet where his father kept old deeds, the key he always carries about him.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, he does, does he? Well I reckon I saw a key as I came in that will open it. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>Key, oh, my poor muddled brain, what can he mean!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reenters with axe.</i> Heres a key that will open any lock that Hobb ever invented.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>Key? what key?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>What key, why, Yankee. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Shows axe, begins to break open Cabinet.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 2 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Villains! would you rob me?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>Stand off, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, we are desperate. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Now seizes him.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Here it is a sure as there are snakes in Virginia. Let the old cuss go, Murcott.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Burglars! oh, you shall dearly pay for this.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, Ill pay—but I guess youll find the change.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>The law—the law shall aid me.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, perhaps it would be as well not to call in the law just yet. It might look a little further than might be convenient.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>Its no use to blunder, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, you are harmless to us now, for we have that, that will crush you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Well, what are your conditions? money, how much?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, we warnt thinking of coming down on your dollars. But you have an appointment with Sir Edward at two, havent you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Well?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, I want you to keep that appointment.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Keep it?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, and thats all I do want you to keep of his, and instead of saying you have come to foreclose the mortgage, I want you to say, you have found the release which proves the mortgage to have been paid off.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>I accept. Is that all?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Not quite. Then I want you to pay off the execution debts.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>What, I pay Sir Edwards debts?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, with Sir Edwards money that stuck to your fingers naturally while passing through your hands.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">To <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</b>.</i> Traitor!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>He knows all, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Is there anything more!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, I want you to apologize to Miss Florence Trenchard, for having the darned impudence to propose for her hand.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>What more?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Then you resign your stewardship in favor of your clerk, Abel Murcott.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>What, that drunkard vagabond?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, he was, but hes going to take the pledge at the first pump he comes to.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>Yes, I <em>will</em> conquer the demon drink, or die in the struggle with him.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Well, anything more?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, I think the next thing will be to get washed. Youre not a handsome man at best, and now youre awful. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</b> makes a dash at <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</b>. <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> catches him and turns him round to <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr></i> <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, in your present state of mind, you had better go first.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Bitterly.</i> Oh, sir, it is your turn now.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, it is my turn, but you can have the first wash. Come along Murcott. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exeunt, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Change scene.</i>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</section>
<section id="act-3-scene-7" epub:type="z3998:scene">
<h3 epub:type="title">Scene 7</h3>
<p>Library in Trenchard Manor in 3 or 4.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</b> discovered seated <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr> of table.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>The clock is on the stroke of two, and <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle is waiting my decision. In giving her to him, I know I shall be embittering her life to save my fortune, but appearances—no, no, I will not sacrifice her young life so full of promise, for a few short years of questionable state for myself, better leave her to the mercy of chance. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. U. E.</abbr></i> that sell her to this scoundrel; and to myself, I will not survive the downfall of my house, but end it thus. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Raises pistol to his head. <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b> seizes his arm and screams.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Father, dear father, what despair is this? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</b> buries his face in his hands.</i> If it is fear of poverty, do not think of me, I will marry this man if I drop dead in my bridal robes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, sir who has come by happointment.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>I will not see him.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, yes, show him up, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Florence, I will not consent to this sacrifice.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b>, <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</b>, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>How is this <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, you are not alone?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>No, you see, squire, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle wishes me and his clerk to witness the cutting off the seals from the mortgage, which he has been lucky enough to find the release of.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Heavens, is it so?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Yes, Sir Edward, there is the release executed by my father, which had become detached.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">To him.</i> Accidentally.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Saved, saved at last from want!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Meanwhile I have paid the execution debts out of a fine which has just fallen in.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Accidentally. Its astonishing how things have fallen in and out today.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>But your demand here? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Points to <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b>.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>I make none, Sir Edward. I regret that I should have conceived so mad a thought; it is enough to unfit me for longer holding position as your agent, which I beg humbly to resign</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside to him.</i> Recommending as your successor</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>Recommending as my successor Abel Murcott, whose knowledge of your affairs, gained in my office, will render him as useful as I have been.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, just about.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Your request is granted, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>And now, my dear <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle, you may a-b-s-q-u-a-t-u-l-a-t-e.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Coyle</td>
<td>I go, Sir Edward, with equal good wishes for all assembled here. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Darts a look at <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</b> and exits, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Thats a good man, Sir Edward.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, hes a very good man.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, he is a good man.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>But he cant keep a hotel.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Murcott, your offence was heavy.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>And so has been his reparation. Forgive him, papa. <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Murcott, you saved me; may Heaven bless you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Abel Murcott</td>
<td>Yes, I saved her, thank Heaven. I had strength enough for that. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exits <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Youll keep your promise and make <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Murcott your clerk, papa?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, I can refuse nothing; I am so happy; I am so happy, I can refuse none anything today.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Cant you, Sir Edward! Now, thats awful lucky, for theres two gals want your consent mighty bad.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Indeed; for what?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>To get hitched.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Hitched?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes to get spliced.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Spliced?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, to get married.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>They have it by anticipation. Who are they?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Theres one on em. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Points to <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</b>.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Florence! and the other?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Shes right outside. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Exit, hastily, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R. 1 E.</abbr></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Well, and who is the happy man, Lord Dundreary</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Lord Dundreary! No, papa—but Harry Vernon. Hes not poor now, though hes got a ship.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Reenter <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b>, with <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Heres the other one, Sir Edward.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Mary? Who is the object of your choice?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</td>
<td>Rough-spun, honest-hearted Asa Trenchard.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Ah! <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard you win a heart of gold.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>And so does Mary, papa, believe me. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Crosses to <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b>. <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</b> go up.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Whats the matter?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>You make me blush.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>I dont see you blushing.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Im blushing all the way down my back.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, you go long. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Goes upstage.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Hello! heres all the folks coming two by two, as if they were pairing for Noahs ark. Heres <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchestnut and the Sailor man. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Enter as <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b> calls them off.</i> Heres De Boots and his gal, and darn me, if here aint old setidy fetch it, and the sick gal, how are you buttons? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> knocks against <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b>, who is in <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">C.</abbr> of stage.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Theres that damned rhinocerous again. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Crosses to <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr> with <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</b>, and seats her.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Here comes turkey cock, number two, and his gal, and darn me, if here aint Puffy and his gal.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Vernon, take her, shes yours, though Heaven knows what I shall do without her.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Rising.</i> Ah, Sir Edward, that is just my case; but youll never know what it is to be a mother. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Comes down, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L. C.</abbr></i> Georgina, Augusta, my dears, come here. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">They come down each side of her.</i> Youll sometimes think of your poor mamma, bless you. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside to them.</i> Oh, you couple of fools.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Bumps their foreheads. <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b> has business with <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</b>, then leads her to a seat, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr></i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Capt.</abbr> De Boots</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">To <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b>.</i> Why, Fred, were all getting married!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Yes, its catching, like the cholera.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>I ope, Sir Edward, theres no objections to my leading Miss Sharpe to the hymenial halter.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Sir Edward Trenchard</td>
<td>Certainly not, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Buddicombe</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">To <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b>.</i> And Skillet and I have made so bold, My lord</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Yes, you generally do make bold—but bless you, my children—bless you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Say, you, lord, buttons, I say, whiskers.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Illustrious exile? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Comes down.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Theyre a nice color, aint they?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>Yes, theyre all wight now.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>All wight? no, theyre all black.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>When I say wight I mean black.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Say, shall I tell that sick gal about that hair dye?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>No, you neednt tell that sick gal about that hair dye!</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, I wont, if you dont want me to.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Aside.</i> That man is a damned rattlesnake.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Goes up, sits in <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Georginas</b> lap—turns to apologize, sits in <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Augustas</b> lap—same business with <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</b>, then goes back to <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</b>.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Miss Georgina. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">She comes down.</i> Hows your appetite? Shall I tell that lord about the beefsteak and onions I saw you pitching into?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>Please dont, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard, Im so delicate.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, I wont, if you dont want me to.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Georgina</td>
<td>Oh, thank you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td/>
<td>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Backs upstage and sits in <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundrearys</b> lap, who has taken her seat.</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Miss Gusty. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</b> comes down.</i> Got your boots, haint you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td>Yes, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>How do they fit you? Say, shall I tell that fellow you were after me first?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Augusta</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Extravagantly.</i> Not for the world, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Trenchard.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Mimicing.</i> Wal, I wont, if you dont want me to.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">To <b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</b>.</i> <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchestnut.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Coming down.</i> Sir, I havent a chestnut to offer you, but if youd like some of your native food, Ill order you a doughnut?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>I dough not see it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Laughs.</i> Thats good.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Yes, very good.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td>For you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Oh, you get out, I mean the old lady.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington, this illustrious exile wishes to see you. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</b> comes down.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, old woman?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Old woman, sir?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Got two of them gals off your hands, havent you?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Im proud to say, I have.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Shall I tell them fellows you tried to stick them on me first?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mrs.</abbr> Mountchessington</td>
<td>Youll please not mention the subject.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, I wont, if you dont want me to. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Backs up;—curtseying;—knocks back against <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b>, who is stooping to pick up a handkerchief. They turn and bunk foreheads.</i> Say, <abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Puffy. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction"><b epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</b> comes down.</i> Shall I tell Sir Edward about your getting drunk in the wine cellar?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>You need not—not if you dont like unto.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, I wont, if you dont want me to.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>Remember the hold hadage. “A still tongue shows a wise ead.”</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>X Qs me.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona"><abbr epub:type="z3998:name-title">Mr.</abbr> Binny</td>
<td>O, I, C. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Goes up.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Comes down, <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">L.</abbr></i> Well cousin, what have you to say to us? <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Mary comes down <abbr epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">R.</abbr> of <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</b>.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, I aint got no ring, to put in your noses, but Is got one to put on your finger. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">To <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Mary</b>.</i> And I guess the sailor man has one to put on yours, and I guess you two are as happy as clams at high water.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>I am sure you must be very happy.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td>Wal, I am not so sure about my happiness.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>Why, you ungrateful fellow. What do want to complete it?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Asa Trenchard</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">To Audience.</i> My happiness depends on you.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Florence Trenchard</td>
<td>And I am sure you will not regret your kindness shown to <i epub:type="se:name.publication.play">Our American Cousin</i>. But dont go yet, pray—for Lord Dundreary has a word to say. <i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Calls <b epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</b>.</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td epub:type="z3998:persona">Lord Dundreary</td>
<td><i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Sneezes.</i> Thats the idea.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
<i epub:type="z3998:stage-direction">Curtain.</i>
</p>
</section>
</section>
<section id="colophon" epub:type="colophon backmatter">
<header>
<h2 epub:type="title">Colophon</h2>
<img alt="The Standard Ebooks logo." src="data:image/svg+xml;encoding=utf-8,%3C%3Fxml%20version%3D%271.0%27%20encoding%3D%27utf-8%27%3F%3E%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20xmlns%3Asvg%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20version%3D%221.1%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20220%20140%22%3E%09%3Ctitle%3EThe%20Standard%20Ebooks%20logo.%3C%2Ftitle%3E%09%3Cdesc%3EThe%20logo%20portrays%20an%20open%20book%20with%20the%20letter%20%22S%22%20on%20the%20left%20page%20and%20the%20letter%20%22E%22%20on%20the%20right%20page.%20A%20power%20cord%20is%20attached%20to%20the%20bottom%20of%20the%20book%20and%20curled%20beneath%20it.%20The%20book%20is%20surrounded%20by%20laurels.%3C%2Fdesc%3E%09%3Cg%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20167.55764%2C127.47036%20c%200%2C0%206.34186%2C-2.00352%2011.37468%2C-1.41331%207.99011%2C0.93699%208.72666%2C5.89372%208.72666%2C5.89372%200%2C0%20-3.20546%2C1.98854%20-10.08083%2C1.23287%20-8.05429%2C-0.88529%20-10.02051%2C-5.71338%20-10.02051%2C-5.71338%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20178.34253%2C120.06784%20c%200%2C0%205.3446%2C-2.53329%2010.4118%2C-2.49575%208.7725%2C0.0648%209.29842%2C4.72104%209.29842%2C4.72104%200%2C0%20-3.1753%2C2.28931%20-10.20116%2C2.19517%20-8.10213%2C-0.10857%20-9.50906%2C-4.42029%20-9.50906%2C-4.42029%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20186.34693%2C112.28306%20c%200%2C0%205.0819%2C-4.4506%209.99726%2C-5.68138%208.50964%2C-2.13067%2011.32819%2C2.81719%2011.32819%2C2.81719%200%2C0%20-3.16318%2C3.79222%20-9.98901%2C5.45778%20-7.87144%2C1.92066%20-11.33644%2C-2.59359%20-11.33644%2C-2.59359%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20195.36244%2C100.29186%20c%200%2C0%204.34596%2C-4.57773%2010.29519%2C-6.404285%207.76393%2C-2.383771%2011.41327%2C2.296194%2011.51978%2C2.413213%200%2C0%20-3.18137%2C4.001332%20-9.81862%2C5.755492%20-8.90294%2C2.35294%20-11.99617%2C-1.76442%20-11.99617%2C-1.76442%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20199.65955%2C90.749073%20c%200%2C0%204.04754%2C-6.159117%2010.08453%2C-9.066241%205.86529%2C-2.824615%2010.14941%2C-0.41903%2010.25592%2C-0.324297%200%2C0%20-3.01252%2C5.501379%20-8.55494%2C8.137547%20-7.53037%2C3.58188%20-11.78551%2C1.253016%20-11.78551%2C1.253041%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20200.95711%2C82.37493%20c%202.15984%2C-2.030629%202.3211%2C-7.550369%205.40896%2C-12.03011%204.3077%2C-6.249204%2011.41326%2C-5.795888%2011.5196%2C-5.737454%200%2C0%20-0.7607%2C7.785449%20-6.14756%2C12.491004%20-5.72492%2C5.000734%20-10.78118%2C5.27656%20-10.78118%2C5.27656%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20201.56375%2C69.252126%20c%200%2C0%20-0.20971%2C-6.766842%201.57602%2C-11.905489%202.49114%2C-7.168282%209.29154%2C-8.575534%209.40966%2C-8.54741%200%2C0%201.10281%2C7.665027%20-2.83914%2C13.631672%20-4.18925%2C6.341154%20-8.14664%2C6.821053%20-8.14664%2C6.821053%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20198.68215%2C56.570514%20c%200%2C0%20-1.35646%2C-5.680708%20-0.66925%2C-11.076845%201.0357%2C-8.132827%207.36911%2C-9.854463%207.49009%2C-9.842686%200%2C0%202.17115%2C7.532704%20-0.91753%2C13.981783%20-3.28249%2C6.853898%20-5.90321%2C6.937748%20-5.90321%2C6.937748%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20193.10434%2C42.954321%20c%200%2C0%20-2.20566%2C-5.138647%20-1.92307%2C-10.570809%200.39228%2C-7.539089%205.50451%2C-10.724051%205.62584%2C-10.728449%200%2C0%204.92919%2C4.441183%202.09816%2C14.000988%20-1.71731%2C5.798919%20-5.8011%2C7.298444%20-5.8011%2C7.298444%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20185.99306%2C31.759612%20c%200%2C0%20-3.27776%2C-5.045355%20-4.18453%2C-10.408996%20-0.85127%2C-5.035417%201.19313%2C-10.521318%201.64949%2C-11.025466%200%2C0%205.33348%2C2.34233%205.13378%2C11.331776%20-0.13433%2C6.046124%20-2.59881%2C10.102686%20-2.59881%2C10.102686%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20177.2809%2C20.957251%20c%200%2C0%20-3.90819%2C-4.158774%20-4.92619%2C-9.845221%20-0.84371%2C-4.7131323%200.006%2C-9.8339161%200.89489%2C-11.1120250525901%200%2C0%205.09753%2C3.1649371525901%205.46793%2C11.1689440525901%200.27953%2C6.04108%20-1.03234%2C8.916378%20-1.43661%2C9.788128%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20179.16824%2C23.311382%20c%200%2C0%20-3.56254%2C-4.16804%20-9.68431%2C-5.244907%20-4.71873%2C-0.829961%20-8.34634%2C-0.0636%20-10.67537%2C1.292444%200%2C0%203.59305%2C4.600139%2010.4799%2C5.234299%206.02637%2C0.554856%208.99457%2C-0.906855%209.87996%2C-1.28186%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20186.51545%2C32.921523%20c%200%2C0%20-3.39218%2C-3.997979%20-9.51413%2C-5.074672%20-4.71871%2C-0.829961%20-6.98456%2C0.02236%20-9.31359%2C1.377512%200%2C0%202.86962%2C4.387643%209.75646%2C5.021629%206.02638%2C0.554831%208.18607%2C-0.949389%209.07143%2C-1.324395%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20193.6773%2C45.458315%20c%200%2C0%20-3.16891%2C-4.927492%20-8.89888%2C-7.335512%20-5.87153%2C-2.467597%20-8.88727%2C-1.289338%20-11.41262%2C-0.347303%200.80533%2C1.207128%204.10114%2C6.238918%209.44455%2C7.749399%205.82332%2C1.646257%209.93085%2C0.153043%2010.86695%2C-0.06658%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20197.90701%2C56.592403%20c%200%2C0%20-2.80814%2C-5.141356%20-8.35089%2C-7.952828%20-5.67994%2C-2.881012%20-8.77215%2C-1.921337%20-11.35851%2C-1.162258%200.71686%2C1.261612%203.64394%2C6.51611%208.86551%2C8.404801%205.69071%2C2.058257%209.89446%2C0.862558%2010.84389%2C0.710384%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20200.13139%2C69.824672%20c%20-2.43015%2C-3.11341%20-3.7513%2C-6.460533%20-7.49029%2C-9.791855%20-4.60649%2C-4.104214%20-8.55916%2C-2.795795%20-11.24173%2C-2.530752%201.32057%2C2.478554%203.30337%2C6.399415%207.40113%2C9.35352%204.90813%2C3.538079%2010.36968%2C2.942304%2011.33089%2C2.969236%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20199.8449%2C82.016247%20c%20-2.06631%2C-3.365483%20-3.04689%2C-5.988856%20-6.38937%2C-9.717394%20-4.11797%2C-4.593407%20-8.0221%2C-3.77788%20-10.71749%2C-3.814427%201.03476%2C2.610578%202.7788%2C6.515936%206.52015%2C9.909718%204.48112%2C4.064637%209.63462%2C3.487893%2010.58671%2C3.622103%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20197.18239%2C91.737543%20c%20-3.10875%2C-4.79599%20-2.71644%2C-5.881428%20-5.75913%2C-9.858016%20-3.26782%2C-4.270773%20-7.39524%2C-4.153407%20-10.07899%2C-4.405978%200.82188%2C2.685162%202.05015%2C6.317552%205.5335%2C9.975034%203.71488%2C3.900464%207.5789%2C3.398328%2010.30444%2C4.28896%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20192.07642%2C101.26348%20c%20-1.95982%2C-4.243141%20-1.62141%2C-6.8928%20-3.41848%2C-9.900446%20-2.93921%2C-4.919244%20-5.82064%2C-5.131591%20-8.50439%2C-5.384013%202.14062%2C6.128807%201.64506%2C6.157105%204.00154%2C9.890016%202.29296%2C3.632389%205.40862%2C4.121233%207.92133%2C5.394623%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20185.9088%2C109.2739%20c%20-1.11688%2C-4.53817%200.0172%2C-5.92689%20-1.17503%2C-9.22115%20-1.94988%2C-5.387884%20-4.73845%2C-6.143634%20-7.32515%2C-6.901223%200.29745%2C3.616887%20-0.15164%2C5.911565%201.87707%2C9.831903%201.43264%2C2.76837%204.3984%2C4.5631%206.62311%2C6.29047%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20173.50618%2C100.36426%20c%200%2C0%20-2.24005%2C4.32163%20-1.49594%2C9.33029%201.0542%2C7.0967%204.84931%2C8.15993%204.84931%2C8.15993%200%2C0%202.16153%2C-3.22553%201.9418%2C-9.77044%20-0.23466%2C-6.99096%20-5.29522%2C-7.71993%20-5.29522%2C-7.71993%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20165.41752%2C107.59333%20c%200%2C0%20-2.24174%2C4.37552%20-1.7512%2C9.41549%200.62863%2C6.45886%204.16837%2C8.07491%204.16837%2C8.07491%200%2C0%202.22975%2C-3.60561%202.3248%2C-9.04738%200.145%2C-8.30948%20-4.74197%2C-8.44284%20-4.74197%2C-8.44284%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20163.63126%2C8.2524092%20c%203.08011%2C2.0673498%206.48425%2C4.6274188%209.22782%2C7.4828408%204.86788%2C5.06625%209.69563%2C10.777765%2013.84495%2C16.492485%202.80306%2C3.860563%206.43975%2C9.718762%208.42669%2C14.02792%202.64417%2C5.73477%204.21034%2C9.752426%205.66157%2C16.053157%202.04441%2C8.876453%201.76266%2C17.985973%20-0.31394%2C26.573979%20-3.05499%2C12.634629%20-12.83232%2C23.206109%20-22.60276%2C31.787389%20-7.64347%2C6.7126%20-17.91979%2C11.10409%20-26.94876%2C14.32983%20L%20150%2C132.5381%20c%208.94777%2C-3.19642%2018.43037%2C-7.46297%2025.75567%2C-13.90447%209.42279%2C-8.2854%2018.12536%2C-18.39009%2021.88153%2C-30.433496%202.28607%2C-7.330294%202.81688%2C-15.373382%201.61719%2C-23.160669%20-1.05109%2C-6.822569%20-3.69347%2C-13.660144%20-6.26752%2C-19.877025%20-2.11621%2C-5.110523%20-4.58358%2C-9.091657%20-7.59325%2C-13.284791%20-3.81599%2C-5.316808%20-8.0093%2C-10.501765%20-12.46682%2C-15.236115%20-2.88548%2C-3.064565%20-6.74443%2C-5.831267%20-9.84373%2C-7.9114116%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20170.96161%2C14.332197%20c%200%2C0%20-7.44815%2C0.268919%20-11.14989%2C-1.878754%20-4.14358%2C-2.403969%20-8.20982%2C-7.6219207%20-8.53067%2C-9.1451969%200%2C0%206.52351%2C-2.85845332%2012.60585%2C2.3628768%204.59066%2C3.9407119%206.71731%2C7.7691011%207.07471%2C8.6610741%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%3C%2Fg%3E%09%3Cg%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2052.442357%2C127.47035%20c%200%2C0%20-6.34186%2C-2.00352%20-11.374678%2C-1.41331%20-7.990103%2C0.93699%20-8.726658%2C5.89372%20-8.726658%2C5.89372%200%2C0%203.205464%2C1.98854%2010.080826%2C1.23287%208.054298%2C-0.88529%2010.02051%2C-5.71338%2010.02051%2C-5.71338%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2041.65747%2C120.06783%20c%200%2C0%20-5.344595%2C-2.53329%20-10.411797%2C-2.49575%20-8.772506%2C0.0649%20-9.298425%2C4.72104%20-9.298425%2C4.72104%200%2C0%203.175306%2C2.28931%2010.201162%2C2.19517%208.102134%2C-0.10857%209.50906%2C-4.42029%209.50906%2C-4.42029%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2033.653071%2C112.28305%20c%200%2C0%20-5.081896%2C-4.4506%20-9.997263%2C-5.68138%20-8.509632%2C-2.13067%20-11.328184%2C2.81719%20-11.328184%2C2.81719%200%2C0%203.163172%2C3.79222%209.989008%2C5.45778%207.871434%2C1.92066%2011.336439%2C-2.59359%2011.336439%2C-2.59359%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2024.637559%2C100.29185%20c%200%2C0%20-4.345963%2C-4.57773%20-10.295192%2C-6.404285%20-7.763928%2C-2.383771%20-11.4132647%2C2.296194%20-11.5197762%2C2.413213%200%2C0%203.1813723%2C4.001332%209.8186252%2C5.755492%208.902934%2C2.35294%2011.996169%2C-1.76442%2011.996169%2C-1.76442%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2020.340451%2C90.749063%20c%200%2C0%20-4.047536%2C-6.159117%20-10.084531%2C-9.066241%20C%204.3906271%2C78.858207%200.1065077%2C81.263792%20-3.805093e-6%2C81.358525%20c%200%2C0%203.012520205093%2C5.501379%208.554947205093%2C8.137547%207.5303686%2C3.58188%2011.7855076%2C1.253016%2011.7855076%2C1.253041%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M%2019.042895%2C82.37492%20C%2016.883054%2C80.344291%2016.721795%2C74.824551%2013.633931%2C70.34481%209.3262319%2C64.095606%202.2206665%2C64.548922%202.1143291%2C64.607356%20c%200%2C0%200.760697%2C7.785449%206.1475585%2C12.491004%205.7249184%2C5.000734%2010.7811814%2C5.27656%2010.7811814%2C5.27656%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2018.436247%2C69.252116%20c%200%2C0%200.209716%2C-6.766842%20-1.576017%2C-11.905489%20-2.491136%2C-7.168282%20-9.2915374%2C-8.575534%20-9.4096597%2C-8.54741%200%2C0%20-1.1028068%2C7.665027%202.8391377%2C13.631672%204.189254%2C6.341154%208.146639%2C6.821053%208.146639%2C6.821053%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2021.317851%2C56.570504%20c%200%2C0%201.356455%2C-5.680708%200.669252%2C-11.076845%20-1.035703%2C-8.132827%20-7.369109%2C-9.854463%20-7.490091%2C-9.842686%200%2C0%20-2.171154%2C7.532704%200.917531%2C13.981783%203.282488%2C6.853898%205.903208%2C6.937748%205.903208%2C6.937748%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2026.895657%2C42.954311%20c%200%2C0%202.205664%2C-5.138647%201.923075%2C-10.570809%20-0.392283%2C-7.539089%20-5.504512%2C-10.724051%20-5.625841%2C-10.728449%200%2C0%20-4.92919%2C4.441183%20-2.098157%2C14.000988%201.717311%2C5.798919%205.801097%2C7.298444%205.801097%2C7.298444%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2034.006941%2C31.759602%20c%200%2C0%203.277765%2C-5.045355%204.18453%2C-10.408996%200.851271%2C-5.035417%20-1.193133%2C-10.521318%20-1.649487%2C-11.025466%200%2C0%20-5.333481%2C2.34233%20-5.133784%2C11.331776%200.134332%2C6.046124%202.598816%2C10.102686%202.598816%2C10.102686%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2042.719105%2C20.957241%20c%200%2C0%203.908181%2C-4.158774%204.926181%2C-9.845221%20C%2048.489%2C6.3988877%2047.639568%2C1.2781039%2046.750406%2C-5.05259e-6%20c%200%2C0%20-5.097535%2C3.16493715259%20-5.467939%2C11.16894405259%20-0.27953%2C6.04108%201.032346%2C8.916378%201.436613%2C9.788128%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2040.831758%2C23.311372%20c%200%2C0%203.562541%2C-4.16804%209.684317%2C-5.244907%204.718728%2C-0.829961%208.346335%2C-0.0636%2010.675366%2C1.292444%200%2C0%20-3.593047%2C4.600139%20-10.479896%2C5.234299%20-6.026378%2C0.554856%20-8.994578%2C-0.906855%20-9.879961%2C-1.28186%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2033.484552%2C32.921513%20c%200%2C0%203.392183%2C-3.997979%209.514133%2C-5.074672%204.718703%2C-0.829961%206.984559%2C0.02236%209.31359%2C1.377512%200%2C0%20-2.869619%2C4.387643%20-9.756468%2C5.021629%20-6.026378%2C0.554831%20-8.18607%2C-0.949389%20-9.071429%2C-1.324395%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2026.322698%2C45.458305%20c%200%2C0%203.168916%2C-4.927492%208.898882%2C-7.335512%205.871533%2C-2.467597%208.887271%2C-1.289338%2011.412618%2C-0.347303%20-0.805326%2C1.207128%20-4.10114%2C6.238918%20-9.444542%2C7.749399%20-5.823325%2C1.646257%20-9.930855%2C0.153043%20-10.866958%2C-0.06658%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2022.092993%2C56.592393%20c%200%2C0%202.808134%2C-5.141356%208.350885%2C-7.952828%205.679942%2C-2.881012%208.772157%2C-1.921337%2011.358517%2C-1.162258%20-0.716865%2C1.261612%20-3.643942%2C6.51611%20-8.865517%2C8.404801%20-5.690707%2C2.058257%20-9.894456%2C0.862558%20-10.843885%2C0.710384%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2019.868608%2C69.824662%20c%202.430148%2C-3.11341%203.751298%2C-6.460533%207.49029%2C-9.791855%204.606498%2C-4.104214%208.559159%2C-2.795795%2011.241737%2C-2.530752%20-1.320579%2C2.478554%20-3.303373%2C6.399415%20-7.401132%2C9.35352%20-4.908132%2C3.538079%20-10.369681%2C2.942304%20-11.330895%2C2.969236%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2020.1551%2C82.016237%20c%202.066308%2C-3.365483%203.046891%2C-5.988856%206.389373%2C-9.717394%204.117972%2C-4.593407%208.022101%2C-3.77788%2010.717483%2C-3.814427%20-1.034757%2C2.610578%20-2.778796%2C6.515936%20-6.520149%2C9.909718%20-4.481116%2C4.064637%20-9.634617%2C3.487893%20-10.586707%2C3.622103%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2022.817614%2C91.737533%20c%203.108749%2C-4.79599%202.716441%2C-5.881428%205.75913%2C-9.858016%203.26782%2C-4.270773%207.39524%2C-4.153407%2010.078987%2C-4.405978%20-0.821884%2C2.685162%20-2.050148%2C6.317552%20-5.533502%2C9.975034%20-3.714874%2C3.900464%20-7.5789%2C3.398328%20-10.304441%2C4.28896%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2027.923578%2C101.26347%20c%201.959821%2C-4.243141%201.621416%2C-6.8928%203.418487%2C-9.900446%202.93921%2C-4.919244%205.82064%2C-5.131591%208.504387%2C-5.384013%20-2.140623%2C6.128807%20-1.645061%2C6.157105%20-4.001541%2C9.890016%20-2.292956%2C3.632389%20-5.408616%2C4.121233%20-7.921333%2C5.394623%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2034.0912%2C109.27389%20c%201.116879%2C-4.53817%20-0.01716%2C-5.92689%201.175033%2C-9.22115%201.949877%2C-5.387884%204.738444%2C-6.143634%207.325152%2C-6.901223%20-0.297456%2C3.616887%200.151637%2C5.911565%20-1.877079%2C9.831903%20-1.432634%2C2.76837%20-4.398397%2C4.5631%20-6.623106%2C6.29047%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2046.493823%2C100.36425%20c%200%2C0%202.240049%2C4.32163%201.495935%2C9.33029%20-1.0542%2C7.0967%20-4.849306%2C8.15993%20-4.849306%2C8.15993%200%2C0%20-2.161533%2C-3.22553%20-1.941797%2C-9.77044%200.234654%2C-6.99096%205.295218%2C-7.71993%205.295218%2C-7.71993%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2054.582482%2C107.59332%20c%200%2C0%202.241739%2C4.37552%201.751199%2C9.41549%20-0.628626%2C6.45886%20-4.168369%2C8.07491%20-4.168369%2C8.07491%200%2C0%20-2.229755%2C-3.60561%20-2.324805%2C-9.04738%20-0.144998%2C-8.30948%204.741975%2C-8.44284%204.741975%2C-8.44284%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2056.368738%2C8.2523992%20c%20-3.080107%2C2.0673498%20-6.484249%2C4.6274188%20-9.227815%2C7.4828408%20-4.867879%2C5.06625%20-9.69563%2C10.777765%20-13.844954%2C16.492485%20-2.803062%2C3.860563%20-6.439744%2C9.718762%20-8.426691%2C14.02792%20-2.644165%2C5.73477%20-4.210337%2C9.752426%20-5.661568%2C16.053157%20-2.044405%2C8.876453%20-1.762661%2C17.985973%200.31394%2C26.573979%203.054996%2C12.634629%2012.832324%2C23.206109%2022.602765%2C31.787389%207.643469%2C6.7126%2017.91979%2C11.10409%2026.948753%2C14.32983%20l%200.926829%2C-2.46191%20C%2061.052235%2C129.34167%2051.569629%2C125.07512%2044.244327%2C118.63362%2034.82154%2C110.34822%2026.118974%2C100.24353%2022.362802%2C88.200124%2020.076733%2C80.86983%2019.545916%2C72.826742%2020.745613%2C65.039455%20c%201.051092%2C-6.822569%203.693467%2C-13.660144%206.26752%2C-19.877025%202.116208%2C-5.110523%204.583575%2C-9.091657%207.593246%2C-13.284791%203.815991%2C-5.316808%208.009297%2C-10.501765%2012.466818%2C-15.236115%202.885482%2C-3.064565%206.744436%2C-5.831267%209.843737%2C-7.9114116%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2049.038389%2C14.332187%20c%200%2C0%207.448148%2C0.268919%2011.149895%2C-1.878754%204.143581%2C-2.403969%208.209814%2C-7.6219207%208.530666%2C-9.1451969%200%2C0%20-6.523506%2C-2.85845332%20-12.60585%2C2.3628768%20-4.590661%2C3.9407119%20-6.71731%2C7.7691011%20-7.074711%2C8.6610741%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%3C%2Fg%3E%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M103.281%2C32.5L103.656%2C32.75C103.656%2C32.75%20104.735%2C33.446%20106.125%2C34.156C107.482%2C34.848%20109.157%2C35.439%20109.906%2C35.469C109.917%2C35.469%20109.958%2C35.468%20109.969%2C35.469C110.01%2C35.467%20110.052%2C35.467%20110.094%2C35.469C110.099%2C35.468%20110.119%2C35.469%20110.125%2C35.469C110.883%2C35.431%20112.528%2C34.843%20113.875%2C34.156C115.265%2C33.446%20116.344%2C32.75%20116.344%2C32.75L116.719%2C32.5L155%2C32.5L155%2C38.5C157.618%2C38.5%20160%2C40.882%20160%2C43.5L160%2C97.5C160%2C100.118%20157.618%2C102.5%20155%2C102.5L120%2C102.5L120%2C102.822C120%2C105.388%20118.194%2C107.5%20116%2C107.5L111.5%2C107.5L111.5%2C109.25C112.265%2C109.816%20113.045%2C110.361%20113.831%2C110.896C114.182%2C110.743%20114.534%2C110.593%20114.887%2C110.442C117.541%2C109.318%20120.226%2C108.257%20122.986%2C107.42C125.014%2C106.805%20127.085%2C106.309%20129.189%2C106.037C130.077%2C105.923%20130.971%2C105.849%20131.867%2C105.827C132.588%2C105.809%20133.309%2C105.823%20134.028%2C105.877C135.536%2C105.988%20137.032%2C106.272%20138.466%2C106.753C138.809%2C106.868%20139.148%2C106.994%20139.483%2C107.131C139.851%2C107.282%20140.212%2C107.446%20140.561%2C107.638C141.392%2C108.096%20142.148%2C108.69%20142.786%2C109.393C143.458%2C110.134%20143.998%2C110.993%20144.375%2C111.92C144.977%2C113.399%20145.161%2C115.051%20144.852%2C116.621C144.758%2C117.097%20144.619%2C117.565%20144.435%2C118.015C144.23%2C118.518%20143.968%2C118.999%20143.655%2C119.444C143.272%2C119.989%20142.812%2C120.479%20142.295%2C120.899C141.701%2C121.38%20141.035%2C121.767%20140.329%2C122.058C139.882%2C122.242%20139.419%2C122.387%20138.95%2C122.506C137.859%2C122.781%20136.732%2C122.902%20135.608%2C122.909C134.068%2C122.917%20132.531%2C122.715%20131.027%2C122.39C129.073%2C121.967%20127.166%2C121.335%20125.312%2C120.592C123.46%2C119.85%20121.655%2C118.991%20119.891%2C118.06C117.714%2C116.91%20115.599%2C115.646%20113.536%2C114.303C113.037%2C114.525%20112.539%2C114.748%20112.042%2C114.972C110.347%2C115.738%20108.656%2C116.513%20106.961%2C117.279L106.944%2C117.286C107.412%2C117.449%20107.88%2C117.615%20108.347%2C117.782C108.741%2C117.925%20109.135%2C118.069%20109.528%2C118.215C109.846%2C118.334%20110.163%2C118.454%20110.479%2C118.577L110.547%2C118.603C110.707%2C118.679%20110.752%2C118.69%20110.895%2C118.796C111.163%2C118.996%20111.359%2C119.283%20111.447%2C119.606C111.494%2C119.777%20111.488%2C119.824%20111.5%2C120L111.5%2C121.287C111.513%2C121.367%20111.52%2C121.45%20111.52%2C121.535L111.521%2C123.608C114.658%2C124.306%20116.998%2C127.118%20116.999%2C130.491L117%2C134.462C117%2C134.642%20116.838%2C134.805%20116.66%2C134.805L114.109%2C134.805L114.11%2C138.974C114.11%2C139.541%20113.657%2C139.998%20113.094%2C139.998L113.093%2C139.998C112.53%2C139.999%20112.077%2C139.542%20112.077%2C138.974L112.075%2C134.806L107.925%2C134.807L107.927%2C138.975C107.927%2C139.543%20107.473%2C140%20106.91%2C140C106.347%2C140%20105.893%2C139.543%20105.893%2C138.976L105.892%2C134.808L103.341%2C134.808C103.163%2C134.809%20103.001%2C134.645%20103.001%2C134.465L103%2C130.494C102.999%2C127.121%20105.338%2C124.309%20108.474%2C123.609L108.473%2C121.535C108.473%2C121.435%20108.482%2C121.337%20108.5%2C121.242L108.5%2C121.034C106.671%2C120.346%20104.82%2C119.719%20102.961%2C119.12L102.855%2C119.087C102.525%2C119.226%20102.195%2C119.365%20101.864%2C119.503C101.526%2C119.643%20101.187%2C119.782%20100.847%2C119.921C98.212%2C120.979%2095.538%2C121.952%2092.784%2C122.657C90.847%2C123.152%2088.869%2C123.516%2086.872%2C123.646C84.442%2C123.804%2081.978%2C123.602%2079.646%2C122.874C79.225%2C122.743%2078.809%2C122.595%2078.399%2C122.431C78.16%2C122.335%2077.921%2C122.237%2077.691%2C122.121C77.439%2C121.995%2077.197%2C121.848%2076.969%2C121.682C76.51%2C121.347%2076.11%2C120.932%2075.796%2C120.459C75.542%2C120.077%2075.345%2C119.659%2075.21%2C119.221C74.906%2C118.227%2074.934%2C117.141%2075.292%2C116.164C75.45%2C115.731%2075.671%2C115.322%2075.947%2C114.953C76.347%2C114.418%2076.86%2C113.971%2077.439%2C113.64C77.875%2C113.391%2078.348%2C113.208%2078.823%2C113.052C79.613%2C112.793%2080.432%2C112.623%2081.256%2C112.513C82.602%2C112.333%2083.969%2C112.305%2085.325%2C112.363C86.97%2C112.434%2088.608%2C112.618%2090.234%2C112.873C91.926%2C113.138%2093.605%2C113.478%2095.272%2C113.865C97.506%2C114.384%2099.717%2C114.991%20101.912%2C115.652L102.203%2C115.74L102.692%2C115.891C103.201%2C115.671%20103.707%2C115.446%20104.214%2C115.222C104.719%2C114.997%20105.223%2C114.771%20105.728%2C114.544C107.253%2C113.855%20108.775%2C113.159%20110.299%2C112.468L110.625%2C112.321C110.329%2C112.109%20110.034%2C111.895%20109.74%2C111.68C109.54%2C111.532%20109.341%2C111.384%20109.143%2C111.233L109.086%2C111.19C109.037%2C111.147%20108.985%2C111.107%20108.939%2C111.06C108.754%2C110.875%20108.619%2C110.641%20108.551%2C110.388C108.506%2C110.219%20108.511%2C110.173%20108.5%2C110L108.5%2C107.5L104%2C107.5C101.806%2C107.5%20100%2C105.388%20100%2C102.822L100%2C102.5L65%2C102.5C62.382%2C102.5%2060%2C100.118%2060%2C97.5L60%2C43.5C60%2C40.882%2062.382%2C38.5%2065%2C38.5L65%2C32.5L103.281%2C32.5ZM83.942%2C115.338C82.734%2C115.351%2081.515%2C115.438%2080.34%2C115.735C80.022%2C115.815%2079.708%2C115.912%2079.402%2C116.03C79.216%2C116.102%2079.032%2C116.178%2078.862%2C116.284C78.61%2C116.44%2078.395%2C116.653%2078.244%2C116.909C77.937%2C117.431%2077.92%2C118.097%2078.198%2C118.634C78.298%2C118.829%2078.436%2C119.003%2078.6%2C119.148C78.721%2C119.255%2078.856%2C119.346%2078.999%2C119.421C79.165%2C119.508%2079.342%2C119.577%2079.516%2C119.646C79.974%2C119.83%2080.442%2C119.989%2080.918%2C120.123C81.846%2C120.384%2082.8%2C120.549%2083.76%2C120.632C85.839%2C120.811%2087.937%2C120.61%2089.981%2C120.215C92.812%2C119.668%2095.559%2C118.751%2098.247%2C117.722L98.256%2C117.719C95.773%2C117.037%2093.264%2C116.438%2090.727%2C115.996C88.622%2C115.629%2086.492%2C115.365%2084.354%2C115.339C84.217%2C115.338%2084.079%2C115.338%2083.942%2C115.338ZM132.153%2C108.822C131.583%2C108.833%20131.014%2C108.863%20130.445%2C108.916C128.452%2C109.102%20126.486%2C109.532%20124.563%2C110.082C121.938%2C110.834%20119.381%2C111.811%20116.864%2C112.864C117.214%2C113.081%20117.566%2C113.295%20117.919%2C113.507C119.206%2C114.273%20120.511%2C115.008%20121.842%2C115.695C122.87%2C116.225%20123.912%2C116.727%20124.97%2C117.193C125.835%2C117.575%20126.712%2C117.932%20127.6%2C118.257C128.926%2C118.742%20130.281%2C119.159%20131.662%2C119.458C132.784%2C119.701%20133.927%2C119.867%20135.076%2C119.902C135.976%2C119.93%20136.882%2C119.876%20137.766%2C119.699C138.213%2C119.609%20138.657%2C119.491%20139.082%2C119.326C139.615%2C119.118%20140.117%2C118.828%20140.546%2C118.449C140.814%2C118.212%20141.051%2C117.942%20141.25%2C117.646C141.412%2C117.406%20141.548%2C117.148%20141.658%2C116.88C141.757%2C116.637%20141.835%2C116.384%20141.89%2C116.127C141.941%2C115.895%20141.974%2C115.658%20141.989%2C115.42C142.092%2C113.859%20141.465%2C112.289%20140.356%2C111.193C139.987%2C110.828%20139.567%2C110.516%20139.113%2C110.266C138.693%2C110.034%20138.242%2C109.856%20137.791%2C109.694C136.764%2C109.325%20135.695%2C109.081%20134.612%2C108.948C134.004%2C108.873%20133.393%2C108.836%20132.78%2C108.822C132.571%2C108.82%20132.362%2C108.82%20132.153%2C108.822ZM151%2C96.635L151%2C36.5L117.563%2C36.5C117.258%2C36.695%20116.552%2C37.148%20115.25%2C37.812C114.123%2C38.387%20113.33%2C38.924%20112%2C39.218L112%2C77C112.011%2C77.792%20110.793%2C78.521%20110%2C78.521C109.207%2C78.521%20107.989%2C77.792%20108%2C77L108%2C39.218C106.67%2C38.924%20105.877%2C38.387%20104.75%2C37.812C103.448%2C37.148%20102.742%2C36.695%20102.438%2C36.5L69%2C36.5L69%2C96.719L103.25%2C96.719L103.486%2C96.869L105.219%2C97.75C106.233%2C98.268%20107.722%2C98.883%20108.5%2C99.125C110.235%2C99.665%20111.034%2C99.515%20113.969%2C98.094L116.25%2C97L116.301%2C96.999C116.369%2C96.959%20116.406%2C96.937%20116.406%2C96.937L116.75%2C96.719L143.047%2C96.719L151%2C96.635Z%22%2F%3E%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%2088.77419%2C52.4998%20c%20-4.66667%2C0%20-9.4386%2C3.43859%20-9.4386%2C8.8421%200%2C3.01755%202.03509%2C5.7193%205.50877%2C7.4386%203.4386%2C1.7193%206.52632%2C2.66667%206.52632%2C4.77193%200%2C2.70175%20-2.73684%2C2.8421%20-4.17544%2C2.8421%20-3.22807%2C0%20-7.08772%2C-3.26315%20-7.08772%2C-3.26315%20l%20-3.29824%2C5.54386%20c%200%2C0%204.10526%2C3.82456%2010.87719%2C3.82456%205.64912%2C0%2010.91228%2C-2.42105%2010.91228%2C-9.33334%200%2C-3.78947%20-3.54386%2C-6.52631%20-6.77193%2C-7.89473%20-3.29825%2C-1.40351%20-6.03509%2C-2.56141%20-6.03509%2C-4.17544%200%2C-1.57895%201.19298%2C-2.59649%203.4386%2C-2.59649%202.98245%2C0%205.85965%2C2%205.85965%2C2%20l%202.66666%2C-5.26316%20c%200%2C0%20-3.71929%2C-2.73684%20-8.98245%2C-2.73684%20Z%22%2F%3E%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22m%20140.47341%2C52.4998%20-17.16363%2C0%200%2C30%2017.16363%2C0%200%2C-6%20-10.32727%2C0%200%2C-6.03637%209.89091%2C0%200%2C-6%20-9.89091%2C0%200%2C-5.96363%2010.32727%2C0%200%2C-6%20Z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E" epub:type="z3998:publisher-logo se:image.color-depth.black-on-transparent"/>
</header>
<p><i epub:type="se:name.publication.book">Our American Cousin</i><br/>
was published in <time>1869</time> by<br/>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Taylor">Tom Taylor</a>.</p>
<p>This ebook was produced for<br/>
<a href="https://standardebooks.org/">Standard Ebooks</a><br/>
by<br/>
<a href="https://astart.ca/"><abbr epub:type="z3998:given-name">B.</abbr> Timothy Keith</a>,<br/>
and is based on a transcription produced in <time>2002</time> by<br/>
<b epub:type="z3998:personal-name">The Levin family</b> and <b epub:type="z3998:personal-name">David Widger</b><br/>
for<br/>
<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3158">Project Gutenberg</a><br/>
and on digital scans from the<br/>
<a href="https://archive.org/details/ouramericancousi00tayl">Internet Archive</a>.</p>
<p>The cover page is adapted from<br/>
<i epub:type="se:name.visual-art.painting">Self-Portrait with Flowered Wallpaper</i>,<br/>
a painting completed between <time>1848</time> and <time>1850</time> by<br/>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Caton_Woodville">Richard Caton Woodville</a>.<br/>
The cover and title pages feature the<br/>
<b epub:type="se:name.visual-art.typeface">League Spartan</b> and <b epub:type="se:name.visual-art.typeface">Sorts Mill Goudy</b><br/>
typefaces created in <time>2014</time> and <time>2009</time> by<br/>
<a href="https://www.theleagueofmoveabletype.com/">The League of Moveable Type</a>.</p>
<p>The first edition of this ebook was released on<br/>
<time datetime="2019-02-15T21:50:30Z">February 15, 2019, 9:50 <abbr class="eoc">p.m.</abbr></time><br/>
You can check for updates to this ebook, view its revision history, or download it for different ereading systems at<br/>
<a href="https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/tom-taylor/our-american-cousin">standardebooks.org/ebooks/tom-taylor/our-american-cousin</a>.</p>
<p>The volunteer-driven Standard Ebooks project relies on readers like you to submit typos, corrections, and other improvements. Anyone can contribute at <a href="https://standardebooks.org/">standardebooks.org</a>.</p>
</section>
<section id="uncopyright" epub:type="copyright-page backmatter">
<h2 epub:type="title">Uncopyright</h2>
<blockquote epub:type="z3998:verse">
<p>
<span>May you do good and not evil.</span>
<br/>
<span>May you find forgiveness for yourself and forgive others.</span>
<br/>
<span>May you share freely, never taking more than you give.</span>
</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Copyright pages exist to tell you that you <em>cant</em> do something. Unlike them, this Uncopyright page exists to tell you that the writing and artwork in this ebook are believed to be in the United States public domain; that is, they are believed to be free of copyright restrictions in the United States. The United States public domain represents our collective cultural heritage, and items in it are free for anyone in the United States to do almost anything at all with, without having to get permission.</p>
<p>Copyright laws are different all over the world, and the source text or artwork in this ebook may still be copyrighted in other countries. If youre not located in the United States, you must check your local laws before using this ebook. Standard Ebooks makes no representations regarding the copyright status of the source text or artwork in this ebook in any country other than the United States.</p>
<p>Non-authorship activities performed on items that are in the public domain—so-called “sweat of the brow” work—dont create a new copyright. That means that nobody can claim a new copyright on an item that is in the public domain for, among other things, work like digitization, markup, or typography. Regardless, the contributors to this ebook release their contributions under the terms in the <a href="https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/">CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication</a>, thus dedicating to the worldwide public domain all of the work theyve done on this ebook, including but not limited to metadata, the titlepage, imprint, colophon, this Uncopyright, and any changes or enhancements to, or markup on, the original text and artwork. This dedication doesnt change the copyright status of the source text or artwork. We make this dedication in the interest of enriching our global cultural heritage, to promote free and libre culture around the world, and to give back to the unrestricted culture that has given all of us so much.</p>
</section>
</main></body>
</html>