ACT III
Scene same as at end ofAct I.At rise of curtain there should be shown on a transparency set, well down stage, a picture of the end of the last act, the snow scene andHoracebending over theTrampandThe Messengersoaring homewards. At the same timeHoracehimself is seen sleeping in his chair, breathing heavily. With the first clanging of the fire-engine bell andHoracewaking up, the lights increase at back and the dream scene fades away. The lamp is now seen to be lighted again, the fire burning brightly, and an “Extra” evening paper lying on table, close toHorace. After sufficient pause after curtain is up, a fire engine is heard rumbling past fromR.toL.outside, and this disturbsHorace, who begins to wake, as the transparency picture fades away.
Scene same as at end ofAct I.
At rise of curtain there should be shown on a transparency set, well down stage, a picture of the end of the last act, the snow scene andHoracebending over theTrampandThe Messengersoaring homewards. At the same timeHoracehimself is seen sleeping in his chair, breathing heavily. With the first clanging of the fire-engine bell andHoracewaking up, the lights increase at back and the dream scene fades away. The lamp is now seen to be lighted again, the fire burning brightly, and an “Extra” evening paper lying on table, close toHorace. After sufficient pause after curtain is up, a fire engine is heard rumbling past fromR.toL.outside, and this disturbsHorace, who begins to wake, as the transparency picture fades away.
Horace.(Looks about him, bewildered, then at his clothes. Gives a short laugh and grunt, and leans back, smiling, with closed eyes.) What a nightmare!
(N.B.If the statue of the Messenger is not used in performing the play, the following will be the correct speech, but if the figure is now on the lamp-stand, reference may be made and addressed to him in the second person.)
(N.B.If the statue of the Messenger is not used in performing the play, the following will be the correct speech, but if the figure is now on the lamp-stand, reference may be made and addressed to him in the second person.)
Horace.Marsy, old boy, you have a lot to answer for! Fancy my dreaming I was hungry! Comes of eating a heavy dinner. (With a sudden thought.)By Jove! (Searches his pockets for his money. Finds it with a sigh of relief. Counts his notes carefully.) Ten, twenty, fifty, and one. All there. (Pulls out some silver from his trousers pocket.) Even the silver. Very careless, very careless of me. I can hardly be trusted out at night with so much. I might in a weak moment hand it over to some hospital amid the admiring cheers of the populace. I must watch myself.
(Loud clang of fire-engine bell as it passes fromR.toL.startles him, and involuntarily he shouts out.)
Horace.Fire! (Then he checks himself.) Hope nobody heard me. My nerves are all on edge. I wish old Marsy would tell me whether that inventive vagabond got over his troubles or peacefully expired in the snow. Poor devil! I almost wish I could meet him again. We call such fellows riff-raff, rabble, but, if the truth were told, might not some of us be found to be the real loafers in the snug corners of Easy Street, of little good to anyone, cumbering up the way till that old patrolman, Death, steps up and bids us “Move on”?
(EnterBellaabruptly and alarmed,R.)
Bella.Oh, sir, did you call?
Horace.Call? (Innocently.) Call what?
Bella.Fire, sir. Fire.
Horace.Fire is all right. Burning nicely.
Bella.Yes, sir. Perhaps it was the fire engine going by.
Horace.Very likely. Very likely. Did one go by?
Bella.Yes, sir—and I was half dozing, and——
Horace.You must have been dreaming, Bella.That’s very wrong. You shouldn’t. It’s a bad habit to get into. However, as you are sleepy you needn’t wait up. I shan’t sleep again. I mean I don’t think I shall feel like going to sleep at all.
Bella.(Aside) As if I didn’t see him asleep. I think I would like to go to bed, sir, if you think Miss Minnie won’t want anything. They can’t be long now, sir.
Horace.No. You go to bed. By the way, did you fill the lamp?
Bella.Yes, sir, and made up the fire, and brought you in your “Extra.”
Horace.Extra? (Almost reeling with nervousness.)
Bella.Yes, sir, I put it on the table. Oh, sir, are you ill?
Horace.Ill? No. What an idea!
Bella.You were so—so busy, sir, when I came in with the oil, I didn’t like to wa—— to disturb you, sir. Good night, sir.
Horace.Good night, Bella. (She exitsR.) Then there was an Extra in reality. That was not all dream. There it is. What made me dream of the bank smash if nothing had been said about it? I dreamt of Mars. I had been reading of Mars. At this moment, great heavens, I may be, in very fact, a ruined man! (Seizes paper with trembling hands and finds the place. Reads.) Not a word! (Wipes his forehead.) Not a word, butthere might have been! And why should this house not be burning as well as the one that is? What would I do? Cut my throat! An arrant coward’s refuge, after all. Ah, from the beggar’s point of view, wealth seemed so flinty hearted, while charity was natural and easy to the poor. (Fire engine.) Evidently no false alarm this time. Somebody sick with anxiety and dread to-night. Heaven help them, whoever they are! What a rap Marsy would give me for thatspeech. He’d say, “Help them yourself. Don’t overtax Heaven.” Pshaw, I’d only be in the way. We have an excellent fire department. Best in the world. And there are so many need helping. How many lines of this paper tell of suffering, and how much may we read between the lines! (Skims over paper.) “Wanted, plain sewing, to do at home.” “Young man wants work. Will do anything honest.” Honest? He is particular for these days. And I swore to Marsy that I wouldn’t take back my money except to share it with others. He might have made favorable terms with me just then. (Sees ring on table.) Minnie’s ring. My trying to bully her. It was the act of a cur! I’ll tell her so. I’ll—(Fire engine passes.) Another! It must be serious. (Looks through curtains of windowC.) What a sheet of flame! It must be in the next street. It may reach here. (Looks intently.) No, the wind’s the other way. (Relieved.) That tenement house, I’ll be bound! Poor people, what will they do this bitter night if they are burnt out? I don’t know what I could do if I really wanted to. I think I’ll put on my coat and hat and go and see. Don’t suppose I’ll do much harm looking on. (Fire-engine bell again. He looks out again.) Ladder escape. (Dresses a little quicker now.) I might take an extra coat for some one. (Goes to closet containing several overcoats and takes one. Hesitates and then puts another over his arm. Is goingR.when another engine passes.) I can’t stand it! (Snatches the last overcoat. Leaves the closet door open and rushes out with coats over his armR.)
(Considerable pause, when front door bell rings. Pause, and then knock heard. Further pause, and knock and bell heard. Voices heard. After further pause, vigorous knocking and ringing heard, and voices in expostulation. Knockingand ringing suddenly stop as door is opened, and then enterAunt, followed byMinnieandDicey, and last byBella, in hastily thrown on gown. They gather round the fire.)
Aunt.Really, Bella, I don’t understand you! We have been fully ten minutes battering at that door, and getting our deaths. I declare my teeth are chattering.
Minnie.So is your tongue, Auntie.
Aunt.Don’t be disrespectful to your elders.
Minnie.Sorry, Auntie. Only a joke.
Aunt.And quite without a point.
Minnie.(Aside) It seemed to prick, though.
Bella.If you please, Madam, Mr. Parker told me to go to bed.
Aunt.Very considerate of him as regards you.
Minnie.Perhaps he meant to lock us out for our sins. It does look like it.
Aunt.Mr. Dicey, you must wait awhile till you get warmed up.
Dicey.It is very late, and I must not intrude. You are safe home now.
Aunt.I am sure we poor deserted females have much to be grateful for to you. You see how the master of the house treats us. Have you any idea where Mr. Parker is?
Bella.No, Madam. He said he was going to sit up for you, and that is why I went to bed. I dressed as quick as I could, Madam.
Minnie.Oh, it is not your fault, Bella.
Aunt.I’ll warrant he has gone to bed. Just like his utter want of thought for anybody. I hope he is sound asleep. He shall explain and apologize. This is going a little too far. Locking us out. Excuse me a moment. (BellaandAuntexeuntR.)
Minnie.Have a little something till Auntiecomes back. Horace ought to be here to thank you for doing his duty.
Dicey.I’m afraid I’m keeping you up.
Minnie.I am too much awake now. I shan’t sleep till daylight. Oh, here are some cigars. Have some?
Dicey.Some? If you are sure I am not trespassing upon your good nature, I’ll start one here and finish it on my way home. (Minniestrikes a light.) Oh, you are too good.
Minnie.We must do something by way of return.
Dicey.Just order the car as if it were your own. I wish it was. It couldn’t have a fairer owner.
Minnie.I was going to pour you out a glass—but I’m a little afraid——
Dicey.All the wines of Bacchus would be less intoxicating than my last waltz with you.
Minnie.Then we must certainly swear off dancing!
Dicey.I’d as soon swear off living.
Minnie.Do you only live to dance?
Dicey.I think I only live to dance with you.
Minnie.Mr. Dicey!
Dicey.Minnie!
Minnie.I wonder what has become of Horace?
Dicey.(As she turns away on pretence of turning the lamp up, aside) Always Horace. Heigho! I must really be going, and thank you so much for all the pleasure—and pain you have given me. (Re-enterAuntR.)
Aunt.He is not in his room. I hammered on his door till my arm ached, and then thinking he was keeping up his joke, I lit a match and marched in. His bed wasn’t crumpled, even. Must you go?
Dicey.I must, indeed; the richer by a cigar, however—(Shakes hands withAuntand turns toMinnie)—the poorer by a heart! Good night.
Aunt.I’ll see you out myself. (Exit withDiceyR.)
Minnie.I like him, but I don’t love him. How strange it is. He would do anything for me, while—well—I don’t supposehe—(MeaningHorace)—would, unless a mountain fell at his feet to start him into action. (EnterAunt.)
Aunt.A very nice young man, but hardly correct of him to come in at such an hour.
Minnie.Oh, Auntie, we made him. But where can Horace be, then? His coat has gone. (Pointing to chair below fireplace where it had been.Auntnotices closet open and empty.)
Aunt.Oh! There have been burglars here! Coats all taken. He has pursued them.
Minnie.He couldn’t wear all his coats at once.
(Sounds of voices at front door heard, growing louder and louder.)
Aunt.They are returning for more plunder.
(EnterR.a crowd of poor people, preceded by a burly working man, half dressed, carrying a child. He advances well toC., the ladies retreating in alarm before him, slightly screaming. He stops short.)
Working Man.Gent told us to come in, ladies. We’re all burnt out by the fire.
Minnie.He has been to the fire!
Aunt.Gather round the fire. Bring the children to the front. This is terrible! Poor little ones!
(The crowd consists of the following: First the man described, whose face is partly blackened by smoke, his child wrapped in a bit of blanket;then a woman wearingHorace’sfur coat over her night dress, and carrying a baby. An old couple, woman wearing a gray overcoat ofHorace’s; a girl wearingHorace’smackintosh over nightclothes; she leads a boy in knee pants, no stockings, and one shoe on; a little girl carrying a baby. She tries to get to fire, but is blocked off by others, so dives under the table with her charge. Others, men and women, may be added, one wearing another ofHorace’sovercoats. Then comes inHoraceand theTramp, carrying an unconscious youth whom they place on the sofaC.Bellaalso comes in, looking rather bewildered.)
Horace.Ah, that’s right, Bella, stir up the fire. Then call all the servants and start fires in all the bedrooms. We must find places for these unfortunate people. Has the doctor come yet? I am awfully afraid this lad is beyond his aid.
Aunt.What is the matter with him, Horace?
Horace.Half an arm burnt away.
Minnie.These tiny tots! Would a little wine help them or you?
First Working Woman.You set us hoping, Miss, so you do. We ought to be thankful for our lives and our babies. Some didn’t get out. I don’t know how many.
Minnie.(Giving wine) Try and not worry. We’ll do what we can.
Horace.Yes, cheer up, folk! We’ll see you on your feet again.
First Working Man.Thank you, Mister. That’s a kind word, no mistake.
Horace.No doctor yet? I’ll go myself. Where is our doctor? (He lifts his fur cap off a child’s head and gets his scarf from another.)
Minnie.Dr. Chapman is only a few doors downon the right. You’ll know the house by the red light. (Horaceis goingR.A knock on front door heard.) Perhaps that is the doctor.
(Horacegoes out and bringsDr. ChapmaninR.)
Horace.This is the worst case, Doctor.
(Dr. Chapmangoes to lad on sofa. EnterBellaR.)
Bella.Some of the rooms are ready, sir.
Horace.Will you dispose them, Auntie? (Apart to her) I ought to apologize to you for bringing in all this crowd without asking you, but you see what a deplorable——
Aunt.(Patting his shoulder) Nephew, I am proud of you!
Horace.Funny! I thought she’d kick.
Aunt.Let this old couple come first, and the children, and you. (Aunt Marthashepherds about half the crowd offR.and exits.)
Tramp.(ToHorace) Boy is in a bad way, Guv’ner, but Doctor thinks he can pull him through.
Minnie.You brought him in. I thought he was your son.
Tramp.No, Miss, I ain’t got no son, only a daughter.
Minnie.Has he no friends?
Tramp.His mother was burnt up, Miss, to-night. (Minnienearly faints, andHoracecatches her. She gently removes herself from his arms.) Excuse me, Miss, I was too blunt with it.
Horace.There, Minnie, don’t give way. They will need your help.
Bella.(EnterR.) The other rooms are ready, sir.
Minnie.Can you walk now better? Don’t cry, we will get you some clothes in the morning.
Second Working Woman.God bless your kind heart, Miss, and you, sir. We’d have died if you hadn’t come.
(Minnieshows them off withBellaR., and exits with crowd.)
Horace.What is to be done, Doctor?
Dr. Chapman.Well, if you wish to turn your house into a hospital, all right. To save his life, he must be put to bed at once, and kept there.
(EnterAunt MarthaR.Sees lad on sofa.)
Aunt.Oh, how could I? I have forgotten the principal sufferer, and there is not another room left.
Horace.Have you used mine?
Aunt.Horace!
Horace.Let him have that. May it save him is all I say! Now how to move him.
Dr. Chapman.Carry him as he is, sofa and all. That will save a good deal of strain.
(Dr. Chapman,HoraceandTrampcarry out boy on sofaR.Minnieenters as they exeunt.)
Minnie.Where can they be going to put that poor boy?
Aunt.Horace insists upon giving up his bed and room to him.
Minnie.(Astounded) No!
Aunt.(Sharing her wonderment) Yes. (They look at each other for a moment in silence.)
Minnie.Well, I can believe it after what he has been doing at the fire.
Aunt.Do you know, Minnie, I hardly think youshould call a man, with a mind rather above social small talk, selfish, because he doesn’t care to go to your balls with you.
Minnie.It was you who said he was selfish. I was willing to give up the dance.
Aunt.I don’t dance. You have misjudged him. He is the soul of generosity. Do you know, he actually began excusing himself to me for bringing the poor people in out of the cold.
Minnie.Fancy those babies sleeping through it all! Weren’t they sweet? (EnterTrampandHoraceR.)
Aunt.And you, my poor fellow! I must find a corner for you somewhere. You have no home now, I suppose.
Tramp.No, ma’m. I’ve done without a home for several moons. So I’m used to it, but it’s tough on those who get it sudden.
Horace.I’m interested in this man. I showed him scant courtesy this evening, and felt sorry for him afterwards. We met again at the fire. He is an inventor, moreover.
Tramp.Ah, Guv’ner, if they had only had my fire-escape there would have been no killed.
Horace.Have you an idea for a fire-escape? By Jove, we’ll patent it! Meanwhile——
Tramp.Will you give me the job of cleaning the snow from your front walks?
Horace.Yes, and I will pay you in advance.
Tramp.Needn’t do that, Guv.
Aunt.You will find a shovel in the coal shed, if not——
Horace.A bit of board will do.
Tramp.Shovel’s best, Guv’ner——
Horace.I mean, of course—oh, yes, a shovel, by all means. The servants are up, and if you don’t object to eating before retiring, for there’s no hurry about the snow——
Tramp.I doesn’t object.
Aunt.Will you show him the way to the kitchen, Minnie?
Tramp.Minnie? Is that her name?
Aunt.Why, yes.
Tramp.I’m looking for a daughter of that name.
Horace.Who were Minnie’s parents, Aunt? Do you know? Can it be possible that——
Tramp.That this young lady is mine? Lor’, no, Guv’ner! My daughter would only be about twelve years old.
Horace.Why, you said she was the image of your——
Tramp.Me? Never, Guv’ner. Never saw this lady before.
Horace.Not you, no, I remember. It was someone else.
Aunt.Your mother knew both Minnie’s parents. Her father was a clergyman.
Tramp.And I ain’t exactly.
Minnie.I am sure you have a brave as well as a kind heart, for I have heard from others what risks you took in carrying them out.
Horace.Well, take a substantial supper—or breakfast, whichever it may be called—and presently we’ll clear that snow off together. (ExitTrampwithMinnieR.)
Aunt.What do you mean by clearing the snow together?
Horace.I fancy the exercise will stimulate thought.
Aunt.My dear Horace, I am truly ashamed of the abuse I heaped upon you this evening. Do forgive me.
Horace.Why, Aunt, I’m sure I had well earned it.
Aunt.What a noble reproof you have administered by this turning of your house into a commonlodging place, you who so dislike being disturbed, and I thought abominated the lower class. I’m afraid I should have hesitated long before I invited them in.
Horace.Not if you had seen them as I did. Oh, Auntie, why have we so little Otherdom?
Aunt.Other—what, dear?
Horace.That is, philanthropy, benevolence, altruism.
Aunt.I am sure you have done your full share to-night.
Horace.It can only be because we never realize how the poor live. In the wise days of old, when men were nearer nature, fast days were instituted, that the Fat might remember the Lean. Now our Fasts are feasts. I wonder what a bonafide all-round forty-eight hour starve, once a year even, would do for our rich friends. Make that a fad, Auntie. You’d revolutionize the world.
Aunt.You are quite right, Horace. We do fall far short of our whole duty. But where are you going to sleep? Will you go to a hotel?
Horace.Perhaps, or in the chair. Don’t bother about me.
Aunt.Kiss me, Horace. Heaven bless you. You have made me very happy to-night. (Exit.)
Horace.The sofa gone. I see nothing for it but to camp on the hearthrug or in the chair. Don’t want that any more. (Turns out lamp.) I wish I could have made my peace with Minnie. But she hasn’t forgotten so readily. She shrank away from me when I caught her. I must just hope for the best. (Settles down in chair.)
(EnterMinnieR.)
Minnie.Light out—then I am too late. He has gone to some hotel. I wonder how the fire is doing? (Goes to window and pulls curtains away, when themorning light falls upon her.Horace, aroused, sees her.)
Horace.I might be dreaming again. Ah, I can read it now! She is my guide—my Marsy—my conscience! Minnie!!
Minnie.(Startled) Horace?
Horace.Forgive me, Minnie! I was a brute to you.
Minnie.I wronged you, Horace. I know I did.
Horace.Never! Never! It was your spirit that changed me, and my purpose in life. Help me to continue.
Minnie.What can I do?
Horace.(Picks up ring from table) Let me put it back on its finger. (Sounds of scraping of shovel outside.)
Minnie.(Goes to window and looks out) It is that poor inventor man shoveling the snow.
Horace.There is good in him, and we will bring it out.
Minnie.And shall we help him to find his Minnie, now that you have found yours?
Horace.That we will, dearest. (Puts on ring.) There it is again, my love, my Minnie!
(Trampcomes into view through window shoveling the snow cheerily.)
CURTAIN