[The knocker sounds.
[The knocker sounds.
COTTON. [Sternly.] Betake thyself to thine own chamber with thine unseemly tongue, which so ill befitteth a maid.
[Bettyis very demure, with head slightly bent and downcast eyes; but the momentCottonturns she glances roguishly after his retreating form; then while her glance revolves about the room, she starts slightly as her gaze falls upon the clock. A smile of mischievous delight flits over her countenance as she tiptoes inCotton'swake until the clock is reached.Cotton,unsuspecting, meanwhile, proceedsto do his duty as host, with never a backward glance. While he is out in the hallBetty,with a lingering smile of triumph, climbs into the clock and cautiously peeks forth as her father opens the door and ushers inAdonijah,whereupon the door softly closes.
[Bettyis very demure, with head slightly bent and downcast eyes; but the momentCottonturns she glances roguishly after his retreating form; then while her glance revolves about the room, she starts slightly as her gaze falls upon the clock. A smile of mischievous delight flits over her countenance as she tiptoes inCotton'swake until the clock is reached.Cotton,unsuspecting, meanwhile, proceedsto do his duty as host, with never a backward glance. While he is out in the hallBetty,with a lingering smile of triumph, climbs into the clock and cautiously peeks forth as her father opens the door and ushers inAdonijah,whereupon the door softly closes.
ADONIJAH. Good-morrow, reverend sir.
COTTON. Enter, and doubly welcome.
ADONIJAH. I would inquire whether thy daughter Betty is within.
COTTON. We were but speaking of thee as thy knock sounded. Betty will be here presently; she hath but retired for the moment. Remove thy wraps and make thyself in comfort.
[Adonijahis a lean, lank, lantern-jawed individual, clad in the conventional sober gray of the Puritan, with high-crowned hat, and a fur tippet wound about his neck up to his ears. He removes the hat and tippet and hands them toCotton,who carefully places them upon the table; meanwhileAdonijahlooks appraisingly about him and judiciously selects the armchair by the fire. He pauses a moment to rub his hands before the blaze, and then gingerly relaxes into the depths of the armchair, as though fearful his comfort would give way ere fully attained.Cottonplaces a chair on the other side ofAdonijahand is seated.
[Adonijahis a lean, lank, lantern-jawed individual, clad in the conventional sober gray of the Puritan, with high-crowned hat, and a fur tippet wound about his neck up to his ears. He removes the hat and tippet and hands them toCotton,who carefully places them upon the table; meanwhileAdonijahlooks appraisingly about him and judiciously selects the armchair by the fire. He pauses a moment to rub his hands before the blaze, and then gingerly relaxes into the depths of the armchair, as though fearful his comfort would give way ere fully attained.Cottonplaces a chair on the other side ofAdonijahand is seated.
COTTON. And how is it with thee since I have seen thee last?
ADONIJAH. My business prospereth [mournfully], but not so finely as it might well do.
[The clock strikes four, but is unnoticed by the two men.
[The clock strikes four, but is unnoticed by the two men.
COTTON. Thou hast suffered some great loss?
ADONIJAH. But yes—and no—this matter of lending money hath many and grievous complications, not the least of which is the duplicity of the borrower. I but insist on the thirty pounds to the hundred as my due recompense, and when I demand itthey respond not, but let my kindness lie under the clods of ingratitude. [Straightening up, and speaking with conviction.] They shall come before the council. I will have what is mine own.
COTTON. [Righteously.] And it is not unbecoming of thee to demand it. I wist not what the present generation is coming to.
ADONIJAH. They have no sense of the value of money. They know not how to demean themselves properly in due proportion to their worldly goods, as the Lord hath prospered them. There be many that have nothing and do hold their heads above us that be worthy of our possessions.
COTTON. The wicked stand in slippery places. It will not always be thus. Judgment shall come upon them.
ADONIJAH. Aye, let them fall. I for one have upheld them too far. They squander their means in riotous living, and walk not in the ways of their fathers.
COTTON. There be many such—many such—but thou, my lad, thou art not one of the multitude. As I have often observed to my Betty, thou standest out as a most upright and God-fearing young man.
ADONIJAH. [Brimming over with self-satisfaction.] That have I ever sought to be.
COTTON. An example that others would do well to imitate.
ADONIJAH. [All puffed up.] Nay, others value it not. They be envious of my good fortune.
COTTON. A most prudent young man! Nay, be not so over-blushingly timid. Thou'rt too modest.
ADONIJAH. [His face falling.] But Betty—doth she regard me thus?
COTTON. The ways of a maid are past finding out; but despair not. I think she hath thee much to heart, but, as the perverse heart of woman dictateth, behaveth much to the contrary.
ADONIJAH. [Brightening up as one with new hopes.] Thou thinkest——
COTTON. [Interrupting.] Nay, lad, I am sure of it. Betty was ever a dutiful daughter.
[All unseen,Bettypeeks out mischievously.
[All unseen,Bettypeeks out mischievously.
ADONIJAH. But I mistrust me her heart is elsewhere.
COTTON. Thou referr'st to young Manning without doubt. It can never be. 'Tis but a passing fancy.
ADONIJAH. Nay, but I fear Charles thinketh not so. I have been told in secret [leaning forward confidentially] by one that hath every opportunity to know, that he hath enjoined Goodman Shrewsbury to send for—[impressively] a ring!
COTTON. [Angered.] A ring, sayest thou?
ADONIJAH. [Nodding.] Aye, even so.
COTTON. But he hath not signified such intention here to me.
ADONIJAH. Then there are no grounds for his rash presumption?
COTTON. Humph! Grounds! For a ring! Aye, there'll be no diabolical circle here for the devil to daunce in. I will question Betty thereon. [Rises.] Do thou remain here and I will send her to thee. Oh, that he should offer daughter of mine a ring!
[Cottonleaves the room.Adonijahleans back in his chair in supreme contentment at the turn affairs have taken. The clamorous knocker arouses him from his reverie. He gazes stupidly around. The continued imperious tattoo on the knocker finally brings him to his feet. He goes into the hall and opens the door. His voice is heard.
[Cottonleaves the room.Adonijahleans back in his chair in supreme contentment at the turn affairs have taken. The clamorous knocker arouses him from his reverie. He gazes stupidly around. The continued imperious tattoo on the knocker finally brings him to his feet. He goes into the hall and opens the door. His voice is heard.
ADONIJAH. [Frostily.] Good-afternoon, Sir Charles, mine host is absent.
CHARLES. [Stepping in.] My mission has rather to do with Mistress Betty. Is she in?
ADONIJAH. [Closing the hall door, and turning toCharles,replies in grandiose hauteur.] Mistress Betty is otherwise engaged, I would have thee know.
CHARLES. Engaged? [Bowing.] Your humble servant, I trust, hath the supreme pleasure of that engagement.
[He glances inquiringly about the room, and places the hat on the table beside that ofAdonijah.The two hats are as different as the two men:Adonijah'sprim, Puritanic, severe;Charles'sthree-cornered, with a flowing plume.[Charlesis a handsome chap of goodly proportions, with a straightforward air and a pleasant smile. He is dressed more after the fashion of the cavaliers of Virginia, and wears a long wig with flowing curls. The two men size each other up.
[He glances inquiringly about the room, and places the hat on the table beside that ofAdonijah.The two hats are as different as the two men:Adonijah'sprim, Puritanic, severe;Charles'sthree-cornered, with a flowing plume.
[Charlesis a handsome chap of goodly proportions, with a straightforward air and a pleasant smile. He is dressed more after the fashion of the cavaliers of Virginia, and wears a long wig with flowing curls. The two men size each other up.
ADONIJAH. [Meaningly.] Her father will shortly arrive.
CHARLES. [Impatiently striding forth.] Devil take her father. 'Tis Mistress Betty I would see. Where is she?
[Charlescontinues pacing the floor.Adonijah,shocked beyond measure, turns his back on the offendingCharles,and with folded arms and bowed head stands aside in profound meditation. The clock door slowly opens andBettycautiously peeks out.Charlesstops short and is about to begin a decided demonstration, whenBetty,with a warning glance towardAdonijah,checks him with upraised hand. The clock door closes andCharlessubsides into the armchair with a comprehending grin of delight.Adonijahslowly turns and facesCharleswith a melancholy air.
[Charlescontinues pacing the floor.Adonijah,shocked beyond measure, turns his back on the offendingCharles,and with folded arms and bowed head stands aside in profound meditation. The clock door slowly opens andBettycautiously peeks out.Charlesstops short and is about to begin a decided demonstration, whenBetty,with a warning glance towardAdonijah,checks him with upraised hand. The clock door closes andCharlessubsides into the armchair with a comprehending grin of delight.Adonijahslowly turns and facesCharleswith a melancholy air.
CHARLES. Prithee, why so sad?
[The grin becomes a chuckle.
ADONIJAH. I do discern no cause for such unrighteous merriment.
CHARLES. 'Tis none the less for all of that. I take life as I find it, and for that matter so do they all, even thou. The differencebe in the finding.
[Whistles.
ADONIJAH. [Uneasily.] It is time her father did arrive.
CHARLES. Where then hath he been?
ADONIJAH. He but went in search of Betty.
CHARLES. Ah, then we'll wait.
[He whistles, whileAdonijahmoves uneasily about the room, glancing every now and then at this disturbing element of his peace, as if he would send him to kingdom come, if he only could.
[He whistles, whileAdonijahmoves uneasily about the room, glancing every now and then at this disturbing element of his peace, as if he would send him to kingdom come, if he only could.
ADONIJAH. [After considerable toleration.] Waiting may avail thee naught.
CHARLES. And thee? Nevertheless we'll wait.
[Whistles.
ADONIJAH. [Takes another turn or two and fetches up a counterfeit sigh.] Methinks, her father's quest be fruitless.
CHARLES. [Starting up.] Ah, then, let us go.
[Adonijah.,visibly relieved, sits down in the chair opposite.
[Adonijah.,visibly relieved, sits down in the chair opposite.
CHARLES. [Amused.] Nay? [Sits down and relaxes.] Ah, then, we'll wait. [Whistles.
ADONIJAH. [Troubled.] 'Tis certain Mistress Betty be not here.
CHARLES. Nay, if she be not here, then I am neither here nor there. I would wager ten pounds to a farthing she be revealed in time if she but will it. Wilt take me up?
ADONIJAH. It be not seemly so to stake thy fortune on a woman's whim.
CHARLES. [Laughs.] Thou'rt right on it. If she will, say I, for if she will she won't, and if she won't she will.
ADONIJAH. False jargon! A woman has no will but e'en her father's as a maid, her husband's later still.
[EnterCotton,who stops short on seeingCharles,rallies quickly, and proceeds.
[EnterCotton,who stops short on seeingCharles,rallies quickly, and proceeds.
COTTON. [Stiffly.] Good-day to you, sir.
CHARLES. [Bowing; he has risen.] And to you, sire.
COTTON. [ToAdonijah.] I am deeply grieved to report that Mistress Betty is not to be found.
[Adonijah.steals a sly look of triumph atCharles.
[Adonijah.steals a sly look of triumph atCharles.
CHARLES. [In mock solemnity.] I prithee present my deep regrets to Mistress Betty. I will call again.
COTTON. God speed thee! [And asCharlestakes his leaveCottonplaces his hand affectionately uponAdonijah'sshoulder, saying reassuringly.] Come again, my son; Betty may not be afar off. I fain would have her soon persuaded of thy worth. Improve thy time.
ADONIJAH. [Beaming.] Good morrow, sir; I will.
[As the door closes behind themCottonslowly walks toward the fire, where he stands in complete revery. Still absorbed in thought he walks slowly out the door at the right.Bettypeeks cautiously out, but hearing footsteps quickly withdraws.Cottonre-enters with hat on. He is talking to himself, reflectively.
[As the door closes behind themCottonslowly walks toward the fire, where he stands in complete revery. Still absorbed in thought he walks slowly out the door at the right.Bettypeeks cautiously out, but hearing footsteps quickly withdraws.Cottonre-enters with hat on. He is talking to himself, reflectively.
COTTON. Where can she be? Mayhap at Neighbor Ainslee's.
[He goes hurriedly out through the hall door. The banging of the outside door is heard. The clock door once more slowly opens andBettypeers forth, listening. The sound of a door opening causes her to draw back. As the noise is further emphasized by approaching footsteps, she pulls the clock door quickly to.Charlesenters. He looks inquiringly about, tosses his hat on the table, and goes for the clock. He opens it with a gay laugh.Bettysteps forth out of the clock, very much assisted byCharles.
[He goes hurriedly out through the hall door. The banging of the outside door is heard. The clock door once more slowly opens andBettypeers forth, listening. The sound of a door opening causes her to draw back. As the noise is further emphasized by approaching footsteps, she pulls the clock door quickly to.Charlesenters. He looks inquiringly about, tosses his hat on the table, and goes for the clock. He opens it with a gay laugh.Bettysteps forth out of the clock, very much assisted byCharles.
CHARLES. Blessed relief! Thou art in very truth, then, flesh and blood?
BETTY. And what else should I be, forsooth?
CHARLES. [Laughing.] I marked thee for a mummy there entombed.
BETTY. [Disengaging her hand.] What? Darest thou?
CHARLES. A lively mummy now thou art come to, whilst I [sighs]—I waited through the ages!
BETTY. [Laughingly.] A veritable monument of patient grief.
CHARLES. And Adonijah——
BETTY. Yea, verily, old Father Time but come to life. [Mimics.] Thy waiting may avail thee naught.
CHARLES. In truth, it may avail me naught; thy father may be back at any time, while I have much to say, sweet Betty——
BETTY. [Interrupting.] Nay, sweet Betty call me not.
CHARLES. Dear Betty, then, the dearest——
BETTY. [Quickly.] Yea, call me dearest mummy, Hottentot, or what you will, just so it be notsweet, like Adonijah. It sickens me beyond expressing.
CHARLES. Then,sweetBetty thou artnot, say rather sour Betty, cross Betty, mean Betty, bad Betty, mad Betty, sad Betty.
BETTY. [Suddenly dimpling.] Nay, glad Betty!
CHARLES. Art then so glad? Wilt tell me why? In sooth, I know not whither to be glad, or sad, or mad. Sometimes I am but one, sometimes I am all three.
BETTY. Wilt tell me why?
CHARLES. [Stepping closer and imprisoning her left hand.] Thou wilt not now escape it, for I will tell thee why, and mayhap this will aid me. [Slips ring, which he has had concealed in his pocket, on her finger.] Hath this no meaning for thee?
BETTY. [Her eyes sparkling with mischief.] Aye, 'tis a diabolical circle for the devil to daunce in!
CHARLES. [In astonishment.] A what?
BETTY. [Slowly.] A diabolical circle for the devil to daunce in—so father saith. Likewise Adonijah.
CHARLES. [Weakly endeavoring to comprehend.] A diabolical circle—but what!—say it again, Betty.
BETTY. [Repeats slowly, emphasizing it with pointed finger.] A diabolical circle for the devil to daunce in.
CHARLES. [Throws back his head and laughs.] May I be the devil!
BETTY. [Shaking her finger at him.] Then daunce!
[They take position, as though for a minuet. The knocker sounds.Bettyruns to the window.
[They take position, as though for a minuet. The knocker sounds.Bettyruns to the window.
BETTY. Aye, there'sAdonijahat the knocker. Into the clock—hie thee—quick, quick!
CHARLES. [Reproachfully.] And would'st thou incarcerate me through the ages? [Turns to the clock.] O timely sarcophagus!
[Charlesis smuggled into the clock, andBettyhas barely enough time to make a dash for the hat and conceal it behind her before the door opens and in stalksAdonijah.He looks about suspiciously.Bettyfaces him with the hat held behind her. He removes his hat and tippet and lays them on the table.
[Charlesis smuggled into the clock, andBettyhas barely enough time to make a dash for the hat and conceal it behind her before the door opens and in stalksAdonijah.He looks about suspiciously.Bettyfaces him with the hat held behind her. He removes his hat and tippet and lays them on the table.
ADONIJAH. Methought I heard a sound of many feet.
BETTY. [Looking down.] Two feet have I; no more, no less.
ADONIJAH. [Dryly.] Aye, two be quite sufficient.
BETTY. An thou sayest the word, they yet can beat as loud a retreat as an whole regiment.
ADONIJAH. Thou dost my meaning misconstrue.
BETTY. Construe it then, I prithee.
ADONIJAH. I came not here to vex——
BETTY. Then get thee hence. [He steps forward.Bettysteps back.] But not behind me, Satan.
ADONIJAH. [Coming closer.] And yet thou driv'st me to it.
BETTY. [Backing off.] Indeed, thou hast a nature born todriveand not be driven.
ADONIJAH. [Highly complimented.] So be it, yet I scarce had hoped that thou would'st notice. [Advancing.] Born to drive, thou sayest, not be driven.
BETTY. [Retreating.] Thou hast said it, born todrive. But what to drive I have not said. That knowledge hath my father yet concealed.
ADONIJAH. [Eagerly.] Thy father, then, hath told thee——
BETTY. [Who is retreating steadily across the room.] Thou wert born todrive!
[Strikes settee and goes down on the hat.Adonijahseats himself besideBetty.Bettyis of necessity forced to remain—on the hat.Adonijahslides arm along the back of the settee. The clock door strikes erratically. He jerks his arm back and gazes in the direction of the clock. The clock hands wigwag.Adonijahstares abstractedly and passes his hand over his forehead in a dazed manner.
[Strikes settee and goes down on the hat.Adonijahseats himself besideBetty.Bettyis of necessity forced to remain—on the hat.Adonijahslides arm along the back of the settee. The clock door strikes erratically. He jerks his arm back and gazes in the direction of the clock. The clock hands wigwag.Adonijahstares abstractedly and passes his hand over his forehead in a dazed manner.
BETTY. [Solicitously.] What aileth thee?
ADONIJAH. [Still staring.] The time!
BETTY. [Stifles a yawn.] It doth grow late.
ADONIJAH. But not consistently; it changeth.
BETTY. 'Twas ever so with time.
ADONIJAH. [Reminiscently.] Of a certainty they moved.
BETTY. Yea, verily, 'tis not uncommon.
ADONIJAH. But backwards!
BETTY. [Joyfully.] Why, then, my prayers are answered. How often I have prayed them thus to move! Yet hath it never come to pass.
ADONIJAH. Nay, had'st thou seen——
BETTY. Prithee calm thyself. Thou'rt ill.
ADONIJAH. [Steals his arm along the back of the settee and moves over closer.] Sweet Betty! [Bettylooks away with a wry face.] Thy indifference in no wise blinds me to thy conception of my true value. [Bettysits up, round-eyed.] There was a time when I despaired—[The clock again strikes wildly. The hands drop and rise as before.Adonijahexcitedly points at the clock.] Again! Did'st mark it? Something doth ail the clock!
BETTY. Yea, truly thou art ill. The clock behaveth much more to the point than thou.
ADONIJAH. [Tearing his gaze from the clock.] As I was on the point of saying—[glances at the clock] thy father hath given—[another glance] me to understand—[with eye on the clock he hitches up closer] that thou art not averse to mine affections——
[As he attempts to put his arm aroundBettythe clock strikes a tattoo and startles him excitedly to his feet, as the hands travel all the way round.
[As he attempts to put his arm aroundBettythe clock strikes a tattoo and startles him excitedly to his feet, as the hands travel all the way round.
ADONIJAH. [Pointing.] Now look! Mark the time!
[Cottonenters.
[Cottonenters.
COTTON. Tarry yet awhile, my son, the time doth not prevent thee.
ADONIJAH. Tarry? Time doth not prevent? Little knowest thou! [Gazes abstractedly about. Sights the ring onBetty'sfinger, who in excitement has forgotten to keep her hands behind her back.] Aye, there it is, the diabolical circle. It is a charm. It harms her not, while all about me is askew. Whence came she here? [Points atBetty.] She neither came nor went, and yet she was not there and now she is. A manly form did enter. Yet hath vanished into thin air. Yea, verily, it was none other than the devil himself in one of his divers forms, of which he hath aplenty. The very clock indulgeth in unseemly pranks. A strange influence hangs over me. I cannot now abide. I must depart from hence. My conscience bids me go.
COTTON. [Striving to detain him.] Hold! Thou'rt mad!
BETTY. Nay, father, he is ill.
ADONIJAH. [Wildly.] Aye, if I be mad, thy daughter be to blame. The spell did come upon me. I have seen strange things.
COTTON. What meanest thou?
ADONIJAH. [Pointing atBetty,who regards him wonderingly.] Thy daughter is a witch!
BETTY. [Runs toCotton.] Oh, father!
COTTON. [ConsolesBetty;thunders atAdonijah.] What? Darest thou to being forth such an accusation?
ADONIJAH. Aye, while I yet have strength to order mine own will. We shall see what we shall see when the fires leap round the stake. All the diabolical circles the devil may invent or his helpmeets acquire will be of small avail when the leaping tonguesof flame curl round you, false servant of the devil. I can delay no longer. I will repair to the council at once, and report what I have seen.
[Bettyfaints away.Cottonis at once all paternal solicitude.Adonijahgazes in stupefaction. All unobservedCharlesslips out of the clock. FinallyAdonijah,asBettyshows signs of reviving, turns himself away, only to find himself face to face withCharles.Adonijahstops dead in his tracks, absolutely nonplussed.
[Bettyfaints away.Cottonis at once all paternal solicitude.Adonijahgazes in stupefaction. All unobservedCharlesslips out of the clock. FinallyAdonijah,asBettyshows signs of reviving, turns himself away, only to find himself face to face withCharles.Adonijahstops dead in his tracks, absolutely nonplussed.
CHARLES. Thou goest to the council? Thou lackest evidence. Behold the devil an' thou wilt.
[Adonijah'sjaw drops. He stares unbelievingly.Cottonlooks up in surprise asCharlescontinues.
[Adonijah'sjaw drops. He stares unbelievingly.Cottonlooks up in surprise asCharlescontinues.
CHARLES. An' thou goest to the council with such a message, the devil will dog thy very footsteps. And match word of thine with word of truth in such a light that thine own words shall imprison thee in the stocks over Sunday.
[Adonijahrecovers from his temporary abstraction, and seizing his hat and tippet, tears out the door as if a whole legion of imps were in full pursuit.Charlescontemptuously turns on his heel and goes over toBetty,who is now clinging to her father's arm.
[Adonijahrecovers from his temporary abstraction, and seizing his hat and tippet, tears out the door as if a whole legion of imps were in full pursuit.Charlescontemptuously turns on his heel and goes over toBetty,who is now clinging to her father's arm.
BETTY. [Faintly.] They will not burn me for a witch?
CHARLES. [Savagely.] Aye, let them try it an they will.
COTTON. [Hotly.] Aye—let them! [Then starting suddenly with a new thought.] But how cam'st thou here? Yea, verily, it seemeth to me thou did'st materialize out of thin air.
[SurveysCharleswith piercing scrutiny.
[SurveysCharleswith piercing scrutiny.
CHARLES. Nay, see through me an thou can'st. Thou wilt find me a most material shadow, the like of which no eye hath ever pierced. 'Twas not out of the air, but out of yonder clock that I materialized.
BETTY. Yea, father, I put him there.
COTTON. [Going to the clock and opening it.] Of a truth, theevidence, all told, is here. Thou wert of a certainty in the clock. [Takes out the detached pendulum. Steps back and surveys the timepiece, whose hands clearly indicate a time long passed or not yet come.] And as far as pendulums are concerned [looking ruefully at the one in his hand], thou certainly wert no improve——
CHARLES. Aye, that I'll warrant. And may I never more be called to fulfil such position; the requirements be far too exacting for one of my build and constitution.
COTTON. But what extremity hath induced thee to take up thine abode in such a place?
[Lays the pendulum aside and givesCharleshis entire attention.
[Lays the pendulum aside and givesCharleshis entire attention.
CHARLES. Why, that came all in the course of events as I take it. When I returned a short time ago, hard upon mine heels came Adonijah; and, being loath either to leave the field or share it, I hid within the clock. Once there, the temptation to help time in covering its course grew strong upon me in the hope that Adonijah, misled by the lateness of the hour, would soon depart. Only I looked not for such a departure. Judge me not too harshly, sire, for I love thy daughter, and if thou wilt give thy consent to our marriage I will do all that becometh a man to deserve such treasure.
COTTON. I like not thy frivolous manner of wearing hair that is not thine own; it becomes thee not. And I strongly mistrust thine attitude toward the more serious things of life.
CHARLES. If my wig standeth between me and my heart's desire, why, I'll have no wig at all. [He pulls the wig off and tosses it aside.Betty,with a little cry, picks it up and smooths its disarranged curls.] And as for mine outlook on life, I promise thee that hath but matched the outer trappings, and can be doffed as quickly. I am as serious beneath all outward levity as any sober-minded judge, and can act accordingly.
COTTON. See to it that thou suit the action to those words. My heart is strangely moved toward thee, yet I would ponderthe matter more deeply. [Turns toBetty,who has been absent-mindedly twirling the curls on the wig.] And where is thy voice, my daughter? Thou art strangely silent—[as an afterthought] for the once. But it is of small wonder, since thou hast had enough excitement for one evening. Methinks that scoundrel, Adonijah, needeth following up. Do thou remain with Betty, Charles, and I will hasten after him.
CHARLES. Nay, thou need'st not trouble thyself regarding Adonijah. He hath much too wholesome a regard for the ducking-stool to cause further mischief.
COTTON. Nevertheless, I will away to the council and make sure. [He plants his hat on his head and departs.
CHARLES. [Turning toBetty,who has dropped the wig on the settee, and who is now gazing demurely at the floor.] And now to finish up where we left off. The devil hath led us a merrier dance than we suspected. Thou hast not truly given answer to the question I have asked of thee.
BETTY. What more of an answer would'st thou yet require?
CHARLES. Why, I have yet had none at all.
BETTY. Must tell thee further?
CHARLES. [Gravely.] Thou must.
BETTY. [Mischievously.] Then—put the question once again.
CHARLES. Thou knowest the question, an thou wilt.
BETTY. An' thou knowest the answer.
[Charlestakes her in his arms.
[Charlestakes her in his arms.
BETTY. [Holding up her hand so that the ring sparkles.] Look, Charles—the diabolical circle!
CURTAIN
The Far-Away Princessis reprinted by special arrangement with Charles Scribner's Sons, the publishers ofRoses, from which this play is taken. For permission to perform address the publishers.
The Far-Away Princessis reprinted by special arrangement with Charles Scribner's Sons, the publishers ofRoses, from which this play is taken. For permission to perform address the publishers.
HERMANN SUDERMANN
Hermann Sudermann, one of the foremost of the Continental European dramatists, was born at Matziken, in East Prussia, Germany, September 30, 1857. He attended school at Elbing and Tilsit, and then at fourteen became a druggist's apprentice. He received his university training at Königsberg and Berlin. Soon he devoted his energies to literary work.
His greatest literary work is in the field of the drama, in which he became successful almost instantly. His strength is not in poetic beauty and in deep insight into human character, as in the instance of a number of other German dramatists. He is essentially a man of the theatre, a dramatist, and a technician by instinct. He is a dramatic craftsman of the first order.
His chief one-act plays are in two volumes:Morituri, which containsTeja,Fritchen, andThe Eternal Masculine; andRoses, which containsStreaks of Light,Margot,The Last Visit, andThe Far-Away Princess.
The Far-Away Princessis one of the most subtle and most delicate of Sudermann's plays. Its technic is exemplary.
THE PRESENT DAY:The scene is laid at an inn situated above a watering-place in central Germany.
The veranda of an inn. The right side of the stage and half of the background represent a framework of glass enclosing the veranda. The left side and the other half of the background represent the stone walls of the house. To the left, in the foreground, a door; another door in the background, at the left. On the left, back, a buffet and serving-table. Neat little tables and small iron chairs for visitors are placed about the veranda. On the right, in the centre, a large telescope, standing on a tripod, is directed through an open window.Rosa,dressed in the costume of the country, is arranging flowers on the small tables.Frau Lindemann,a handsome, stoutish woman in the thirties, hurries in excitedly from the left.
FRAULINDEMANN. There! Now she can come—curtains, bedding—everything fresh and clean as new! No, this honor, this unexpected honor—! Barons and counts have been here often enough. Even the Russian princes sometimes come up from the Springs. I don't bother my head about them—they're just like—that!—But a princess—a real princess!
ROSA. Perhaps it isn't a real princess after all.
FRAULINDEMANN. [Indignantly.] What? What do you mean by that!
ROSA. I was only thinking that a real princess wouldn't be coming to an inn like this. Real princesses won't lie on anything but silks and velvets. You just wait and see; it's a trick!
FRAULINDEMANN. Are you going to pretend that the letter isn't genuine; that the letter is a forgery?
ROSA. Maybe one of the regular customers is playing a joke. That student, Herr Strübel, he's always joking. [Giggles.
FRAULINDEMANN. When Herr Strübel makes a joke he makes a decent joke, a real, genuine joke. Oh, of course one has to pretend to be angry sometimes—but as for writing a forged letter—My land!—a letter with a gold crown on it—there! [She takes a letter from her waist and reads.] "This afternoon Her Highness, the Princess von Geldern, will stop at the Fairview Inn, to rest an hour or so before making the descent to the Springs. You are requested to have ready a quiet and comfortable room, to guard Her Highness from any annoying advances, and, above all, to maintain the strictest secrecy regarding this event, as otherwise the royal visit will not be repeated. Baroness von Brook, maid of honor to Her Highness." Now, what have you got to say?
ROSA. Herr Strübel lent me a book once. A maid of honor came into that, too. I'm sure it's a trick!
FRAULINDEMANN. [Looking out toward the back.] Dear, dear, isn't that Herr Strübel now, coming up the hill? To-day of all days! What on earth does he always want up here?
ROSA. [Pointedly.] He's in such favor at the Inn. He won't be leaving here all day.
FRAULINDEMANN. That won't do at all. He's got to be sent off. If I only knew how I could—Oh, ho! I'll be disagreeable to him—that's the only way to manage it!
[Strübelenters. He is a handsome young fellow without much polish, but cheerful, unaffected, entirely at his ease, and invariably good-natured.
[Strübelenters. He is a handsome young fellow without much polish, but cheerful, unaffected, entirely at his ease, and invariably good-natured.
STRÜBEL. Good day, everybody.
FRAULINDEMANN. [Sarcastically.] Charming day.
STRÜBEL. [Surprised at her coolness.] I say! What's up? Who's been rubbing you the wrong way? May I have a glassof beer, anyway? Glass of beer, if you please! Several glasses of beer, if you please. [Sits down.] Pestiferously hot this afternoon.
FRAULINDEMANN. [After a pause.] H'm, H'm.
STRÜBEL. Landlady Linda, dear, why so quiet to-day?
FRAULINDEMANN. In the first place, Herr Strübel, I would have you know that my name is Frau Lindemann.
STRÜBEL. Just so.
FRAULINDEMANN. And, secondly, if you don't stop your familiarity——
STRÜBEL. [Singing, asRosabrings him a glass of beer.] "Beer—beer!"—Heavens and earth, how hot it is! [Drinks.
FRAULINDEMANN. If you find it so hot, why don't you stay quietly down there at the Springs?
STRÜBEL. Ah, my soul thirsts for the heights—my soul thirsts for the heights every afternoon. Just as soon as ever my sallow-faced pupil has thrown himself down on the couch to give his red corpuscles a chance to grow, "I gayly grasp my Alpine staff and mount to my beloved."
FRAULINDEMANN. [Scornfully.] Bah!
STRÜBEL. Oh, you're thinking thatyouare my beloved? No, dearest; my beloved stays down there. But to get nearer to her, I have to come up here—up to your telescope. With the aid of your telescope I can look right into her window—see?
ROSA. [Laughing.] Oh, so that's why——
FRAULINDEMANN. Perhaps you think I'm interested in all that? Besides, I've no more time for you. Moreover, I'm going to have this place cleaned right away. Good-by, Herr Strübel. [Goes out.
STRÜBEL. [Laughing.] I certainly caught it that time! See here, Rosa, what's got into her head?
ROSA. [Mysteriously.] Ahem, there are crowned heads and other heads—and—ahem—there are letterswithcrowns and letterswithoutcrowns.
STRÜBEL. Letters—? Are you——?
ROSA. There are maids of honor—and other maids! [Giggles.
STRÜBEL. Permit me. [Tapping her forehead lightly with his finger.] Ow! Ow!
ROSA. What's the matter?
STRÜBEL. Why, your head's on fire. Blow! Blow! And while you are getting some salve for my burns, I'll just——
[Goes to the telescope.
[EnterFrau von Halldorf,Liddy,andMilly.Frau von Halldorfis an aristocratic woman, somewhat supercilious and affected.
[EnterFrau von Halldorf,Liddy,andMilly.Frau von Halldorfis an aristocratic woman, somewhat supercilious and affected.
LIDDY. Here's the telescope, mother. Now you can see for yourself.
FRAU V. HALLDORF. What a pity that it's in use just now.
STRÜBEL. [Stepping back.] Oh, I beg of you, ladies—I have plenty of time. I can wait.
FRAU V. HALLDORF. [Condescendingly.] Ah, thanks so much. [She goes up to the telescope, whileStrübelreturns to his former place.] Waitress! Bring us three glasses of milk.
LIDDY. [AsMillylanguidly drops into a chair.] Beyond to the right is the road, mother.
FRAU V. HALLDORF. Oh, I have found the road, but I see no carriage—neither a royal carriage nor any other sort.
LIDDY. Let me look.
FRAU V. HALLDORF. Please do.
LIDDY. It has disappeared now.
FRAU V. HALLDORF. Are you quite sure that it was a royal carriage?
LIDDY. Oh, one has an instinct for that sort of thing, mother. It comes to one in the cradle.
FRAU V. HALLDORF. [AsMillyyawns and sighs aloud.] Are you sleepy, dear?
MILLY. No, only tired. I'm always tired.
FRAU V. HALLDORF. Well, that's just why we are at theSprings. Do as the princess does: take the waters religiously.
MILLY. The princess oughtn't to be climbing up such a steep hill either on a hot day like this.
FRAU V. HALLDORF. [More softly.] Well, you know why we are taking all this trouble. If, by good luck, we should happen to meet the princess——
LIDDY. [Who has been looking through the telescope.] Oh, there it is again!
FRAU V. HALLDORF. [Eagerly.] Where? Where?
[TakesLiddy'splace.
LIDDY. It's just coming around the turn at the top.
FRAU V. HALLDORF. Oh, now I see it! Why, there's no one inside!
LIDDY. Well, then she's coming up on foot.
FRAU V. HALLDORF. [ToMilly.] See, the princess is coming up on foot, too. And she is just as anæmic as you are.
MILLY. If I were going to marry a grand-duke, and if I could have my own carriage driven along beside me, I wouldn't complain of having to walk either.
FRAU V. HALLDORF. I can't see a thing now.
LIDDY. You have to turn the screw, mother.
FRAU V. HALLDORF. I have been turning it right along, but the telescope won't move.
LIDDY. Let me try.
STRÜBEL. [Who has been throwing little wads of paper atRosaduring the preceding conversation.] What are they up to?
LIDDY. It seems to me that you've turned the screw too far, mother.
FRAU V. HALLDORF. Well, what shall we do about it?
STRÜBEL. [Rising.] Permit me to come to your aid, ladies. I've had some experience with these old screws.
FRAU V. HALLDORF. Very kind—indeed.