LOVE IN '76 _AN INCIDENT OF THE REVOLUTION_ [Illustration: OLIVER BELL BUNCE] OLIVER BELL BUNCE. (1828-1890) The name of Oliver Bell Bunce is not prominently connected with theAmerican Theatre. Authorities have taken little or no trouble tounearth his association with the plays and players of his time--themid-period of the nineteenth century. Yet they all agree that, asillustration of "parlour comedy, " his "Love in '76" is a satisfactoryexample of sprightliness and fresh inventiveness. For this reason, thesmall comedietta is included in the present collection. It challengescomparison with Royall Tyler's "The Contrast" for manner, and itsvolatile spirit involved in the acting the good services of suchestimable players as Laura Keene, Stoddart, and Ringgold. In thecast also was J. G. Burnett, author of "Blanche of Brandywine, " adramatization of a novel by George Lippard, also produced by LauraKeene. "Love in '76" was given its première at Laura Keene's Theatre, NewYork, on February 28, 1857, for the benefit of the Shirt Sewers'Union; and was the second offering of a double bill beginning with"Faust and Marguerite. " Though the critiques of the time recognizedin it a "nice little play, " they balked at what was considered to bea foolish nomenclature, "Comedietta. " What was liked about it, particularly, was the absence of patriotic fustian, for the nationaldrama of the time seems to have been loaded down with long flightsof fancy on the subject of liberty. Others hailed it as smart in thesocial sense. As late as March 31, 1892, the little play was revivedby amateurs for the benefit of a monument to be erected over theneglected grave of Washington's mother. This was not the first time Bunce had appeared as a playwright. Therehad been seen, on June 10, 1850, at the New York Bowery Theatre, atragedy entitled "Marco Bozzaris; or, The Grecian Hero, " and in thecast were J. Wallack, Jr. , and his wife, together with John Gilbert. It was not based on the poem by Fitz-Greene Halleck, but, for itscolour and plot, Bunce went direct to history. For Wallack he alsowrote a tragedy, entitled "Fate; or, The Prophecy, " and, accordingto Hutton, during the summer of 1848, the Denin Sisters produced his"Morning of Life, " at the New York Chatham Theatre. Such was the extent of Bunce's drama writing. His life was not cast inthe dramatic field, but rather in the publishing world. The playswere done in his early manhood. But he was pledged in interest to thetheatre, and there are many significant criticisms and descriptionsin print which convey an excellent impression of his attitude towardplays, players, and acting. Bunce was a self-made man, with an excellent grasp of literature, which served him well in his various literary ventures. His mind wascast in channels of originality, and the history of book publishingin New York must needs consider the numerous suggestions, which, as literary adviser at different times for the houses of Harper andAppleton, he saw to successful fruition. In 1872, he became Editor of_Appleton's Journal_, and it is to the files of this magazine we mustturn to extract his frank reaction to the theatre of his day. He wrotenovels, stories, essays, editorials, everything to win him the name ofjournalist; once he had a publishing house of his own, doing businessunder the firm name of Bunce & Co. He was always cordial toward everymove to further the literary interest of the country, and was amongthe first to welcome the founding of the Authors Club. It may be thathis "Love in '76" was a by-product of a book written by him, in 1852, and called "Romance of the Revolution. " Bunce wrote well on theatrical matters; he is much more vivid andhuman than many a better-known critic. Here, for instance, is animpression of the old Park Theatre, New York, in 1846. "That was the time, " he writes in "The Editor's Table" of _Appleton'sJournal_ for October, 1880, "when the theatre had a pit, where criticsand wiseacres were wont to assemble and utter oracular things aboutthe plays and the performers. The actors were in those days afraidof the Pit, especially at the Park, of the fourth bench from theorchestra, where the magnates of the pen sat watchful, and where oldNestors of the drama delivered their verdicts in terms that no onedared to gainsay. The Pit was entered by cellar steps, and through ahalf-lighted, subterranean passage. Decorative art, as we see it nowin the full bloom of the Madison Square auditorium and Mr. Daly'slobby, had not even given a hint of its coming. " In _The Galaxy_ for February, 1868, Bunce ventures to survey "Someof Our Actors" from the standpoint of deploring the pre-Raphaeliterealism of the modern school. He scored the attempted "truth" and"fidelity" of Matilda Heron, and, in considering Maggie Mitchell's_Fanchon, _ he bespoke the cause of ideality, as necessary in _Fanchon_as in _Juliet. _ "Modern comedy acting, " he declares, "is usually abright, brisk touch-and-go affair, suited to modern plays; but to themellow and artistic style of a former generation, it is as the lightclaret wines, now so much in use, to crusty old port. " Except in the instances of our comedians, like Murdoch, with his"lightness of manner, that grace, which I have described elsewhere assnuffing a candle in a way to make you feel that snuffing candles isthe poetry of life;" Harry Placide, with whose retirement went theretirement of _Sir Peter Teazle_ and _Sir Harcourt Courtley_, ("WhenPlacide and Gilbert are gone, " he writes, "Sheridan will have to beshelved"); Holland, with his intense fun in eccentric bits; Brougham, without whom "The Rivals" is difficult to endure--apart from these thestage of the time, to Bunce, was not all it should be. He valuedat their worth the romantic extravagances of the Wallack family;he applauded the sound judgment, and deplored the hard manner ofDavenport; he viewed calmly what he regarded to be an overestimationof Edwin Booth--one of the first criticisms of an avowedly negativecharacter I have seen aimed directly at this actor. In other words, Bunce fought hard against the encroachment of the new times upon theacting of his early theatre days. The epitome of his old-time attitudeis to be found in _Appleton's Journal_ for April 3, 1869. His bettermood was to be met with in his discussion of the players of EllenTree's type. Here are his words of censure against the new order: "If we old files are to be believed, the art of acting is dying out, and the very tradition of the stage disappearing.... Very likely thespirit, which in painting we call pre-Raphaelism, is obtaining itsinfluence on the stage, and that some of the actors are turning out ofdoors the traditions and formal mannerisms of the schools, and goingback to nature and truth for their inspiration.... There were veryartificial methods, no doubt, among the old actors, but there was alsoa very consummate knowledge of the art, a great deal of breadth, force and skill, and a finished training, which the new schools donot exhibit. In aiming to be natural, some of our actors seem to haveconcluded that their profession is not an art. They grow heedlessin the delivery of language, weakening or obscuring its meaning, andmissing its significance; and in some way lose that rich and mellowcolouring that characterized the bygone performers. So marked is this, that some of the old dramatic characters are abandoned altogether, because in the hands of the Realists they fade away into ineffectiveand colourless forms. The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir AnthonyAbsolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resourcesof the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, canpersonate them. In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the oldschool, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregardthe skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; norforego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage. " Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's playshad characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family. And being such a lover of old English Comedy accounts for some of thespirit of "Love in '76. " His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that hasbeen on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920). It is astrong valuation of tradition--the jade who is looked at askance bythe amateur players of the "little theatres, " and too exacting for theaverage player on the professional stage. Bunce was a New Yorker, born in that city, February 8, 1828, and dyingthere on May 15, 1890. LAURA KEENE'S NEW THEATRE, 624 BROADWAY. NEAR HOUSTON STREET. MISS LAURA KEENE SOLE LESSEE AND DIRECTRESS MR. THOMAS BAKER MUSICAL DIRECTOR Change of Time. Doors open at half past Six. The performance willcommence with the Overture at a quarter past Seven. * * * * * BENEFIT OF THE SHIRT-SEWERS' UNION Sixth time of the Dramatic Poem, in three acts, entitled FAUST AND MARGUERITE The Drama having been misapprehended by one or two critics, it isrespectfully stated that the translation has not been made by aresident dramatist, as inferred, but by the celebrated Europeanscholar and linguist, Jonathan Birch, whose translation has beenrecognized by Frederick William, of Prussia, as the best rendition ofthe original of Goethe's Faust ever given in English to the public. The play has been taken bodily from this translation, published byBlack & Armstrong, London, and F. A. Brockhaus, Leipsig, without anyalteration other than is necessary to bring it within the bounds of anevening's performance. To produce the poem as written by Goethe, wouldrequire at least three nights in performance. By reference to theedition mentioned, it will be seen that there has been no deviationfrom the original, except as above specified. The fall of Marguerite, in the poem, is much more sudden than in theplay, and, indeed, the exceptions taken generally to the drama concernthe original author, Goethe, rather than the translation. Great carehas been taken to produce the play with strict fidelity to the author, following in the architecture, costumes and groupings the celebrated_chefs d' oeuvres_ of REIZSCH, who devoted the best years of his lifeto illustrate this great work; and it should be added, also, thatevery note of the music in this piece is from SPOHR. Music by Spohr, arranged by Mr. Thomas Baker New Scenery by Messrs. Hawthorne and Almay New Wardrobe by Mr. Bullock and Assistants Machinery by Mr. Smart and Assistants Properties and Appointments by Mr. W. Duverna Under the personal supervision of MISS LAURA KEENE. * * * * * First time of a New American Comedietta, In two acts, by a Citizen ofNew York, entitled LOVE IN '76 * * * * * SATURDAY EVENING, FEB. 28th, 1857 Will be presented the great Dramatic Poem by Goethe, translated byJonathan Birch, Esq. , and produced for the SIXTH TIME, as now adaptedand arranged for this artistic work under the title of FAUST AND MARGUERITE DISTRIBUTION OF CHARACTERS: Faust, an aged scholar Mr. C. Wheatleigh Mephistophilies Mr. George Jordan Wagner, a student, friend to Faust Mr. Stoddart Valentine, a soldier, brother to Marguerite Mr. Lingham Brandor, a soldier, friend to Valentine Mr. Alleyne Frosh Mr. Hayes Siebel Mr. Reeve Fritz Mr. Harcourt Students Messers. Carpenter, Jackson, Carter, Kellogg Altmayer Mr. McDonall Beggar Mr. Beneon Marguerite, a young peasant girl Miss Laura Keene Martha, her confidante Mrs. H. P. Grattan Lizzie { Companions } Miss Alleyne Barbara { of Marguerite } Miss Howell Witch, creature of Mephistophiles Mrs. Attwood Spirits of Good Miss Howell, Miss Wall, Miss Berkowitz, and Miss Rosa Berkowitz Peasantry, Chorus of Demons, etc. , etc. , SCENERY IN THE DRAMA: ACT I. Scene 1st--Faust's Laboratory By Almy Scene 2nd--Street in Wittenburg By Hawthorne ACT II. Scene 1st--Pavillion and Garden of Marguerite By Hawthorne ACT III. Scene 1st--Street and Cathedral in Wittenburg By Howthorne Scene 2nd--Rocky Glen By Hawthorne Scene 3rd--Prison By Almy Scene 4th--Street and Cathedral--Apotheosis of Marguerite By Hawthorne To conclude for the FIRST TIME with a New American Comedietta, in TWOACTS, by a Gentleman of this city, called LOVE IN '76 Mr. Elsworth Mr. Stoddart Lieutenant Harry Elsworth Mr. Ringgold Captain Walter Armstrong Mr. Lingham Major Cleveland Mr. Burnett Captain Arbald Mr. Benson Lieutenant Marvin Mr. Hayes Apollo Metcalf Mr. Johnston John Mr. Harcourt Corporal Mr. Leslie Soldiers Messers Jackson and Kellog Rose Ellsworth Miss Laura Keene Kate Ellsworth Miss Alleyne Bridget Miss Howell A Grand Scenic Drama, called THE SONS OF NIGHT, has been in rehersaland will be produced immediately. ADMISSION Drama Circle and Parquette 50 Cents Balcony Seats 75 Cents Family Circle 25 Cents Orchestra Stalls One Dollar Private Boxes Six and Eight Dollars Box Office open from 8 in the morning throughout the day. Children in Arms not admitted. This regulation will be rigidly enforced. Treasurer Mr. W. W. Gray Box Bookkeeper Mr. F. N. Cartland LOVE IN '76 _AN INCIDENT OF THE REVOLUTION_ A COMEDIETTA IN TWO ACTS _By_ OLIVER BUNCE AS PERFORMED AT LAURA KEENE'S THEATRE NEW YORK, FEB. 28, 1857 [The acting edition of this play, with the relative positions of the performers on the stage, is published by Samuel French. ] COSTUMES. MR. ELSWORTH. --_Shad-cut brown coat, brown or black breeches, shoe-buckles. _ LIEUTENANT HARRY ELSWORTH. --_Red, turned up with blue, buff breeches, high boots. _ CAPTAIN ARMSTRONG. --_Blue, turned up with buff, white top boots. _ MAJOR CLEVELAND. --_Red, turned up with white, breeches, high boots. _ CAPTAIN ARBALD. --_The Same. _ LIEUTENANT MARVIN. --_The Same. _ APOLLO METCALF. --_Gray shad, square-cut suit. _ THE LADIES. --_The costumes of the period of '76. _ LOVE IN '76. ACT I. SCENE. _The drawing-room in the residence of_ MR. EDWARD ELSWORTH. _Garden seen through doors. _ ROSE ELSWORTH _occupied at a small table, stitching. _ KATE ELSWORTH _stretched languidly upon a sofa, with abook in hand. _ MR. EDWARD ELSWORTH _in an easy chair, with newspaperin his lap. Writing materials on table. _ KATE. Oh, dullness! dullness! I do wish Harry was at home, or SirWilliam would march some of his troops this way! What's the use of anarmy in the country, if one can't have a dance once in a while? ROSE. What, indeed! All I desire is, sister, that they should be[_Enter_ SERVANT _with letters for_ MR. ELSWORTH. ] left to the dance!That much they do very well. KATE. I'm sure, Rose, I can't see what you find in these rebels toadmire. As far as my observation has gone, they are only so manyboors. There was Captain Arthur. Was there ever such a dunce? He hadno manner whatever. He attempted once to walk a minuet with me, andI really thought he was a bear accidentally stumbled into coat andslippers. ROSE. You're quite right! he never should have got his appointmentuntil he had served a campaign in the drawing-room. If I were theCongress, I'd appoint none who could not bring diplomas from theirdancing-masters. ELSWORTH. Ha? 'pon my word! Very extraordinary news. [_All coming forward. _ ROSE. What is it, papa? ELSWORTH. There has been a battle. ROSE. Is it possible? Oh, where, sir? ELSWORTH. On Long Island. [_Reading. _] Washington has beendefeated--has evacuated the city--is retiring northward. [_Speaking_. ]I feel, my daughters, that our situation is becoming here unsafe. Weshall be continually exposed to the assaults of marauders. It wouldbe wiser, in the present aspect of affairs, for us to seek a securerresidence in New York, now so fortunately in possession of Sir WilliamHowe. ROSE. I should prefer remaining here. ELSWORTH. Would it be safe, Rose? ROSE. Yes, for we neutralize each other. Your loyalty will secureyou with the Tories, and my Whiggism will protect us with the otherfaction. ELSWORTH. Your Whiggism, Rose? You shock me by such an avowal; andyour brother, too, an officer of the King. KATE. I don't think there is much danger, if Mr. Armstrong is near toprotect us. ELSWORTH. Mr. Armstrong? KATE. Oh, yes, papa! He's got to be a captain. ELSWORTH. Not a rebel, I trust. ROSE. Not a traitor, I thank heaven. ELSWORTH. You confound terms strangely. A traitor is one false to hisking. ROSE. False to his country, sir. A king is a creature of to-day--yourcountry a thing of immortality. ELSWORTH. Your King is your sovereign, by divine right and truesuccession. ROSE. Then, sir, serve the Stuarts. How came the house of Hanover uponthe throne? You see, sir, that if you zealous loyalists could shiftoff James, we, with less belief in the divine right of kings, canshift off George. _Enter_ MR. APOLLO METCALF. METCALF. Good day, Mr. Elsworth. Good day, young ladies. "Good day"all, I may say. ELSWORTH. Have you any news of the war, Mr. Metcalf? METCALF. News--plenty of it, and mad. The country is depopulated. There isn't a youth with the first hope of a beard upon his chin, whohasn't gone with young Armstrong, to join the army. ELSWORTH. Young Armstrong? METCALF. To be sure, sir. He's turned out a fiery rebel, afterall--and a captain, to boot. ELSWORTH. Heaven bless me, but this is very sad. A promising youthto be led astray! Dear me, dear me! Rose, I am very sorry to say thatthis is certainly your fault. You have filled him with your wild, radical, and absurd heroic rhapsodies. You have made him disloyal tohis King. You have put a dagger in his hand, to stab at the heart ofhis country. Alas! I see what the end will be--disgrace and death, ignominy and the gallows. [ROSE _walks back to the window_. KATE. Mr. Metcalf, how are your little charges? How flourishes thebirch? METCALF. They've all caught the spirit of the rebellion, marm, and areas untractable as bulls. Bless you, there isn't a lad over fourteenwho hasn't abandoned his horn-book and gone off with Armstrong. Andas for the girls, they're greater rebels than the boys. What do youthink, marm? The other day they came marching in procession, anddemanded to know on which side I was. I said "God save the King;"whereupon they fell upon me like a swarm of bees, armed with athousand pins, and so pinched, and pricked, and pulled me, that therewasn't a square inch of my skin that wasn't as full of holes as aten-year old pin-cushion. And I do believe they never would havestopped if I hadn't cried, "Huzza for Washington!" ELSWORTH. I hope, sir, that you will not be compelled to follow theexample of your scholars, and turn soldier. METCALF. Never, sir. I content myself with teaching the young idea howto shoot, without indulging in such dangerous practices myself. ROSE. [_From the window_. ] Why, there's Harry--father, Kate--Harry isdismounting at the door. ELSWORTH. Bless me! Is it possible? [_All gather around the window_. KATE. It is, I declare--and how splendid he looks. Harry! Harry! [_All salute him, and shake their handkerchiefs. _ METCALF. [_Aside to_ ROSE. ] Hist! Miss Elsworth! ROSE. Eh! METCALF. Walter is near--a note-- ROSE. [_Seizing it, and reading hurriedly. _] Will be with you to-day-- KATE. [_Looking towards right, at the window_. ] Doesn't he look fine?There's his step in the hall. [_They all go towards door_. ROSE _conceals_ WALTER'S _note_. HARRY. [_Within_. ] Rose, Kate, father! _Enter_ LIEUTENANT HARRY ELSWORTH. _All gather around him withexclamations of welcome. _ METCALF. [_Aside_. ] I'll take occasion to steal down-stairs, andplague Bridget into a kiss or two. Delicious Bridget! [_Exit_ METCALF. ELSWORTH. Harry! My brave lad! ROSE. Dear brother! HARRY. Dear sister! Father! ELSWORTH. Stand aside, girls. Let me have a look at him. Harry! Harry!You are a splendid-looking fellow, you are. Ha, ha, ha! Your hand, myboy. You look like a soldier, sir. HARRY. I have good news for you. I have just rode on before toacquaint you that Major Cleveland will honour your roof to-day. ELSWORTH. He shall be welcome--open doors and open hands. HARRY. He will remain until to-morrow. Now, girls, some of us youngfellows are dying for a dance--can't we extemporize a ball? ROSE. Good gracious, Harry! You will have to pit coat againstcoat--where are your ladies? HARRY. Oh, we'd drum them up. There are a dozen families within asmany miles. ROSE. A mad idea. HARRY. A wild one, I confess. ELSWORTH. It would be a suitable festivity in honour of our LongIsland victory. Come girls, you have my consent. _Enter_ SERVANT, _announcing_ CAPTAIN ARMSTRONG. _Enter_ CAPTAIN WALTER ARMSTRONG. ALL [_but_ ROSE]. Captain Armstrong! ARMSTRONG. Captain Armstrong! ALL [_but_ ROSE]. In the Continental service? ARMSTRONG. In the Continental service! ELSWORTH. I am somewhat surprised, sir, at this visit. When you were aloyal gentleman my doors were always open to you--now, in that dress, I cannot consent to receive your visits. In happier moments you werea companion of my daughters--a friend of my son--you have selected acourse which must terminate that connection with my family. ARMSTRONG. You will pardon me, sir, I trust, for this intrusion. Ihave reached this place with some danger, for these parts abound witha set of fellows who have a fancy for wishing everybody else's skinthe colour of their own coats. Mr. Elsworth, my sense of duty hascompelled me to pursue a path which has estranged me from yourfriendship. Let me ask frankly, sir, if it must separate me from onewho has honoured me with her consideration and affection? ELSWORTH. You allude to my daughter--to Rose-- ARMSTRONG. I do, sir. ELSWORTH. _Mister_ Armstrong--for I acknowledge no title bestowed byan unlawful authority--I would rather wed my daughter to a Turk thanto one who had so forgotten his duty to his country. [_Goes up_. --ARMSTRONG _bows_. HARRY. Walter, we were friends once, but, as His Majesty's servant, I can offer no compromise to a rebel. _Now_ you must not think of aunion with our family. [_Goes up_. ROSE. This is nothing but blind prejudice. It has neither sense norjustice. Hear me. That for which you discard him places him higherin my esteem--shows me how worthy he is of the respect and honour ofevery true woman. My greatest pride is that he to whom I have pledgedmy hand wears those colours. ARMSTRONG. Generous girl! ELSWORTH. Rose, you pain me inexpressibly! ROSE. I am not a giddy girl, sir. I'm a woman--old enough to knowmy own heart, and to decide between right and wrong. Walter, go, andcarry with you assurances of my unwavering fidelity. _Enter_ BRIDGET, _hurriedly_. BRIDGET. Oh, my good gracious! dear me, good gracious! gracious, goodness, me! Such a lot of soldiers--all coming down the road. ARMSTRONG. Eh? Red or blue? BRIDGET. Bless me, goodness gracious, you here, Mr. Armstrong? You'dbetter look out, sir, for they are red coats, and there's a big numberof them, too. ARMSTRONG. I must vanish. [_Running to the window_. ] Why, we'resurrounded on every side. By Jove, I'm in a trap! ROSE. What will you do? ARMSTRONG. To the north of the house. Perhaps I can reach the forest-- BRIDGET. They're all around that way, sir. HARRY. I wish that you could escape, Walter, without my knowledge. This is the regiment to which I belong. You were foolhardy to venturehere. ARMSTRONG. I believe I'm caged, that's certain. And I've no desire tobe caught either, for they bear especial malice against me. If theyshould know me for the fellow who played a certain trick upon them, an hour's time would suffice for them to make me an ornament to one ofyour old oaks on the lawn--a style of decoration that might suit theirtaste, but which wouldn't accord with my fancy. ROSE. Do they know your person? ARMSTRONG. From description, probably. ROSE. We must conceal you, then. ARMSTRONG. If you've a rat hole into which you can crowd me. HARRY. I must be ignorant of your movements. I will go and receivethem. [_Exit_. ARMSTRONG. Whose command is it? ROSE. Major Cleveland's. ARMSTRONG. Eh? The man of men who itches to get hold of myinsignificant person. He has offered £50 for it. KATE. [_At the window_. ] Away! They are dismounting at the door. ROSE. You, Bridget--I can trust you--quick, to the loft with him. KATE. [_Still at the window_. ] Quick! quick! ARMSTRONG. Stow me away among your rubbish. [ROSE _urges them off_. WALTER _snatches a kiss from_ ROSE'S _hand ashe exits with_ BRIDGET. KATE. I do declare Captain Arbald is below, and I am sadly deranged. ROSE. Oh, fearfully! Run to your glass, by all means. Set yourspringes, for these red birds are rare game. KATE. Sister! But I'll be revenged. [_Exit_ KATE. _Enter_ MAJOR CLEVELAND, _ushered in by_ LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH, _whowithdraws_. ELSWORTH. My dear Major Cleveland, let me welcome you zealously tothis abode. CLEVELAND. A great many thanks, my dear Elsworth. I'm delighted tomeet so true-hearted a loyalist. We pushed our march to partake ofyour hospitality. Ah, Miss Elsworth! How shall I express my delight infinding that Time, who deals so inexorably with us, has been inducedto favour you. It gives me infinite pleasure, Miss Elsworth, to meetyou once again, for the recollection of the occasions we have metpreviously are bright spots in my memory. ROSE. Oh, sir, I thank you. ELSWORTH. And how, sir, comes on the royal cause? Will it be long erethese rebels are taught their duty to their King? CLEVELAND. Have no apprehensions, my dear Elsworth. Another campaignwill scatter them to the mountains, and a live rebel be so great acuriosity, that to cage one and exhibit him would make a showman'sfortune. ROSE. [_Aside_. ] If he knew there were a caged one here now! ELSWORTH. But come, Major Cleveland, where are your companions? I mustsee why they have not followed you. CLEVELAND. They are delayed for a moment with the troop. By the way, Miss Elsworth, I believe that there are a couple of gentlemen without, who are old admirers of yours--Captain Arbald and Lieutenant Marvin. ROSE. Old, Major! You flatter my taste. CLEVELAND. Why, with beauty I thought the conquest of the morningstale matter by night. ROSE. Oh, sir, if staleness went to make their age, they would beproverbed instead of Methuselah. CLEVELAND. They took very much to you. ROSE. So did the measles, sir. CLEVELAND. They are desperately enamoured of you--would do anydifficult thing--even die for you. ROSE. So they once told me, but I courtesied, and replied that Ishould prefer a live rebel to even two dead loyalists. CLEVELAND. And then-- ROSE. They vowed to live for me. I begged of them to put themselves tono such inconvenience; that I wouldn't trouble them to do anythingof the kind; that if they didn't think it worth while to live forthemselves, I shouldn't intrude upon any suicidal intention they mightentertain. CLEVELAND. And so they lived-- ROSE. But I had no hand in it; I am innocent; my skirts are clear ofthe melancholy fact. CLEVELAND. They are noble gentlemen, Miss Elsworth. You must bear withme if I defend them. They are good soldiers, and fine-looking fellows. ROSE. For which I thank their tailors. CLEVELAND. Gay, dashing; brave of heart, and witty of tongue. ROSE. Then they have been studying the almanac. When I saw them last, they hadn't a grain of wit--not even by scratching. CLEVELAND. Really, Mr. Elsworth, your daughter has a sharp tongue. ELSWORTH. It is her humour, sir. Her passes are but play. CLEVELAND. I'll be sworn her heart is as true as her wit. She is-- ROSE. Rebel, sir, from top to toe! [_Enter_ ARBALD, MARVIN, _and_ HARRY. ] Ah, gentlemen, my best welcome. My father will be proud to greet you-- ELSWORTH. And most happy to know you, gentlemen. [_Enter_ SERVANT, _with wine_. ] Major Cleveland, will you do me the honour-- CLEVELAND. Sir, I esteem it an honour. Gentlemen, I hope you will allfill in honour of our host. [_They gather around, fill, and drink to_MR. ELSWORTH. ] Fill again, gentlemen, and honour the toast I am goingto propose. The ladies! speedy priests and rings. ROSE. A doubtful compliment, Major Cleveland. CLEVELAND. Can you think so? ROSE. Ay, sir; for marriages, though called matches, are mostly sadpatch-work. CLEVELAND. And the unmarried-- ROSE. Oh, they are even worse. Old maids and old bachelors are thetossed about odds and ends of humanity. CLEVELAND. [_Going over to her_. ] The happiest wit, madam, I everheard. ROSE. Captain Arbald, will you grant me your arm? I'm sure you wouldlike a turn in the garden. I shouldn't wonder if my sister were uponthe grounds. Lieutenant Marvin, will you go with us? Kate is dying forthe sight of a red-coat. [_Exit_. CLEVELAND. A merry-hearted woman, Mr. Elsworth. There is a touch ofsly deviltry in her composition. ELSWORTH. I fear lest her indiscreet tongue-- CLEVELAND. Not at all, my dear friend! Lieutenant, I have beeninformed within an hour, that one Captain Armstrong has been seen thisday within five miles of this place. On account of his connection witha certain affair, I wouldn't let him escape me at any sacrifice. Ihave already dispatched dragoons in his pursuit. At earliest dawn Ishall expect you to head a detachment in his search. Meanwhile, sir, Ishould be grateful for an opportunity to repair my toilet. HARRY. This way, sir; I myself will conduct you to a chamber. [_Exeunt_ CLEVELAND _and_ HARRY. ELSWORTH. This is a situation, indeed, for a royalist gentleman!My house filled with the King's officers, and a proscribedrebel concealed above. If discovered, I tremble to think of theconsequences. [_Exit_. _Enter_ ROSE. ROSE. Thank heaven; I am rid of them. Now to Walter, and learn hisfull danger. [_Enter_ ARMSTRONG. ] Are you mad? What are you here for? Back to your hiding place at once. WALTER. No, Rose; I shall not go. ROSE. Why--what-- WALTER. Hear me, Rose. Ask yourself if it is an honourable course forme, a proscribed and hunted rebel, to suffer myself to be concealedin your father's house when my discovery would involve him in terribleconsequences. I cannot consent to expose him to those consequences. Iwould rather openly deliver myself into the hands of Major Cleveland. ROSE. Foolish man! You are ruining all. Walter, for my sake go backagain. This is a ridiculous and false sense of honour. WALTER. No, Rose, I am resolved-- ROSE. Walter, I implore you-- [_Enter_ MAJOR CLEVELAND. ] [_Aside_. ] Ha! Lost! [_Aloud_. ] Oh, Major Cleveland, how opportune. Pray let me make you acquainted with Captain Fuller. A friend of myfather's, sir--a neighbour. Captain Fuller, Major Cleveland. Allow meto commend you, gentlemen, to each other's better acquaintance. CLEVELAND. A rebel officer. This is very extraordinary. ROSE. Let me see you shake hands, gentlemen, for here, you know, youmust be friends. If you like to cut each other's throats elsewhere, sobe it; but, of course, you sheathe your swords, and swear peace in thepresence of a lady. CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth well rebukes us. Captain Fuller, for thetime being, the red and the blue rejoice under a common auspices--MissElsworth smiles. [_They shake hands ceremoniously_. ROSE. Now, gentlemen, sit down. You, Major, shall have a seat uponthe sofa by my side. Captain Fuller, please, take the chair near you. [_The gentlemen seat themselves_. ] Now, you see, I am between you, andshall prevent warfare. I here proclaim a truce. The Captain, Major, wants to join our ball to-night. I have promised him my hand the nextafter yours. CLEVELAND. [_Scrutinizing_ WALTER _closely_. ] I'm quite ready, MissElsworth, to laugh at a joke, but really I cannot understand-- ROSE. Why two gentlemen cannot meet under my father's roof, as hisguests, and not fall to tearing each other to pieces? Is it the modernway to make war in parlours, instead of the field? CLEVELAND. Strange, very strange. Your pardon, Captain Fuller, but Icannot help remarking that you closely resemble a description I havereceived of one Captain Armstrong. ROSE. Dear me, and who is Captain Armstrong, pray? CLEVELAND. A rebel, madam. ROSE. I like him for that. CLEVELAND. A spy. ROSE. But what has all this to do with Captain Fuller? I have knownthe Captain, Major, for some years, and I think you can take my wordfor it, he is no spy. CLEVELAND. Do Captain Fuller and Captain Armstrong wear the samecolours? WALTER. All Continental officers wear the same colours. CLEVELAND. Are they all of the same complexion, height, and [_Risingand going over to him_. ] do they all wear the same love tokens? DoesCaptain Fuller wear Captain Armstrong's sash, worked with CaptainArmstrong's name! WALTER. [_Aside_. ] The sash Rose worked and gave me. Fool! fool! CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth, I'm under the necessity of a disagreeableduty. I am compelled to consider our truce at an end. Young sir, youare my prisoner. WALTER. [_Drawing and rushing between the_ MAJOR _and the door. _]If you speak aloud or attempt to call aid, I will strike you dead. Ishall not yield without resistance. If you molest me, blood will beshed. CLEVELAND. [_Drawing a pistol. _] I am better armed than you supposed, sir. It would be awkward for any collision to occur in the presence ofa lady, and yet I shall not hesitate to do my duty. If you are reallyCaptain Fuller, I shall be very glad to shake hands and drink a glassof wine with you; if Captain Armstrong, you _must_ become my prisoner. ROSE. [_Standing by her chair, trembling. _] Gentlemen! Gentlemen! WALTER. I have but one reply to make: if you attempt to arrest me, Ishall defend myself--and will escape if I can. [_Several shots fired within_. _Enter_ MR. METCALF _suddenly, pursued by_ TWO SOLDIERS. CLEVELAND. Ha! METCALF. [_Not seeing_ CLEVELAND, _and rushing up to_ WALTER. ] Blessme, Captain Armstrong. CLEVELAND. Oh, then he is Captain Armstrong. ROSE. [_With great suddenness. _] Captain Fuller, Mr. Metcalf--don'tplay your jests here--Captain Fuller, sir. METCALF. Eh! Eh! [_Looking confused from one to another. _] A jest, Captain Fuller--capital--ha, ha, ha--[_Aside to_ ROSE. ] What mischiefhave I tumbled into now, and who is that fellow in a very red coat anda very white wig? ROSE. [_Aside to him. _] Major Cleveland. METCALF. Major Cleveland! We are all hanged and quartered--though forthe matter of that, in my capacity of expounder of the alphabet, I've been quartered--on the neighbourhood, these ten years past. Yourobedient servant, sir, your very obedient-- CLEVELAND. That will do, fellow. What was the cause of those shotsjust now? [_To_ SOLDIERS. METCALF. 'Pon my word, sir, it was the guns. CLEVELAND. Pshaw! SOLDIER. This fellow attempted to pass without the countersign. METCALF. You see, sir, I was just about to enter to call on my friend, Mr. Elsworth, to sip an afternoon glass with him, when a big-bootedfellow cried out, halt. Now, sir, the idea of asking a man wellin both legs to halt, is preposterous. So I said, and walked onas straight as I could, when bang, bum, whiz, came one, two, threebullets scattering after my hide-- CLEVELAND. Have done, sir. [_To_ WALTER. ] I am desirous of givingyou, sir, every opportunity to disprove your identity with CaptainArmstrong. I chance to know that gentleman's handwriting. There is adesk with pen and ink. Will you stand that test? WALTER. [_Aside to_ ROSE. ] That would never do. There isn't one of mypot-hooks that wouldn't hang me. ROSE. [_Quickly_. ] Really, Major Cleveland, you might require a morereasonable test. Don't you see the Captain has a rheumatic hand? CLEVELAND. For a rheumatic hand, Miss Elsworth, he handled his swordsomewhat skilfully, just now. You see, sir, resistance is useless. Youwill resign your sword, I trust. [_The two_ SOLDIERS, _at a sign from_ CLEVELAND, _have come up behind_WALTER. _He is seized_. WALTER. Ha! I am your prisoner, sir. _Enter_ MR. ELSWORTH _and_ HARRY. ELSWORTH. What's this? CLEVELAND. I regret to say, my dear Elsworth, that this gentlemanmust, for a few hours, remain my prisoner. A mere form, sir. He will, doubtless, be free in a few days. I shall have to make use of one ofyour barns, sir. It is really a pity that the Captain must be deprivedof the dance to-night, but I will take care that his confinement shallnot be severe. ROSE. This, sir, is a shameful breach of hospitality. CaptainArmstrong is my father's guest, no less than yourself. Everyconsideration of delicacy and honour requires you to consider him so. CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth, I could wish you not to consider me wrong orcruel in this. ROSE. I judge, sir, by what I see. CLEVELAND. You are severe. ROSE. I am glad you find me so. CLEVELAND. Will you not say peace? ROSE. War, Major Cleveland, to the last. ELSWORTH. Daughter, more courtesy. ROSE. Oh! father, they may chain and bind our poor country, but theycannot find a way to chain a free woman's free tongue. CLEVELAND. Lieutenant Elsworth, I place the Captain in your charge. Conduct him to a safe place. HARRY. This is the hard necessity of duty. ELSWORTH. And this will really be nothing serious? CLEVELAND. A bagatelle, I do assure you, sir. WALTER. [_Aside_. ] I thank him for calming the fears of thefamily--but I know how hard it will go with me. HARRY. Walter-- WALTER. I go, Harry. Rose! ROSE. [_Aside, with a sudden thought_. ] Go! Say nothing. WALTER. Come, sir. [_To_ HARRY. ROSE_ assumes an air of cool indifference, and flings herselfcarelessly in a chair. _ MAJOR CLEVELAND _appears astonished_. MR. ELSWORTH _and the others look surprised and incredulous_. PICTURE TO CLOSE OF ACT. ACT II. SCENE. --_A Garden. --House in the background, illuminated_. _Enter_ ROSE _and_ MAJOR CLEVELAND _from house_, ROSE _hanging on the_MAJOR'S _arm_. ROSE. It was really absurd--was it not?--to think me the championof that country clown. Poor fellow! I couldn't bear his discomfitedlooks, Major, and so, out of old companionship, what could I do lessthan stand up for him? There won't be anything positively serious, will there, eh? I should be sorry to have it so, inasmuch as he fellinto the trap under my father's roof. But don't you think I made agood champion? It was really presumptuous for the fellow to come here, though. These rustic clowns thrust themselves everywhere. CLEVELAND. What, Miss Elsworth, Captain Armstrong, then, is nothing-- ROSE. Nothing in the world, I assure you, but a harmless country lad!Do tell me, Major, am I not a good actor? CLEVELAND. Excellent. I really could have supposed that this Americanstood high in your esteem. ROSE. Oh, I like him well enough. He is among the best the countryaffords, but that is very bad, you know. CLEVELAND. Then you bear me no malice? ROSE. Not enough to kill a gnat. CLEVELAND. Ah, Miss Elsworth, this assurance gives me the greatestpleasure. ROSE. Don't hurt the poor fellow though, Major, I beg of you. I shouldbe quite sorry if anything happened to him. He is a good-natured, useful neighbour enough--an unpolished jewel, papa calls him. Ah, Major, our social wants in this community are lamentable enough, whenwe are obliged to content ourselves with such a poor substitute as youhave seen, for all the polish and manner of London circles. CLEVELAND. Lamentable, indeed, Miss Elsworth! ROSE. The war brings one boon, at least, --the society of gentlemen. CLEVELAND. Very true, indeed. ROSE. [_Aside. _] Hem! Major Cleveland, I'll so wheedle you this nightyou shall cry enough to a woman, even if it so happen that you havenever done it to a man. So look to it, my valiant Major! Look to it! CLEVELAND. Do you know, dear Miss Elsworth, that I could wish to seeyou in these troubled times united to some one who could afford youthe protection which only a husband can extend? ROSE. [_Behind her fan. _] Oh, Major! CLEVELAND. [_Taking her hand. _] I cannot be mistaken in the surmisethat you love already. ROSE. [_With a sigh. _] Oh, sir! CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth! Rose! Confide in me! I am your friend. ROSE. [_With affected confusion. _] I believe you, Major Cleveland. I--I--really, sir--I implore you to believe me--I have nothing toconfide. CLEVELAND. Do not be offended, Miss Elsworth. I have your interestat heart. Pardon me--but Captain Arbald--[ROSE _starts and appearsagitated. _] believes, or at least hopes, that he is acceptable to you. I am very deeply his friend--very deeply yours. ROSE. It is very pleasant to hear you say so, Major Cleveland. CLEVELAND. Then you do look upon him with favour? ROSE. Alas, Major Cleveland, these wars, these wars! CLEVELAND. They separate us from those who are dearest to us--theycome between us and our hearts' affections. ROSE. Do they not daily threaten us with a heart widowhood? CLEVELAND. Ah, Miss Elsworth--Rose, let me call you--I see you arethinking of the young Captain. You love him! ROSE. [_Aside. _] Walter, I must save you by whatever means! [_Aloud. _]Oh, Major, let me beg of you one thing--let me hear you promise what Iwill ask you. You assure me you are my friend. Then grant me a pledge. Promise me to--to protect-- CLEVELAND. The Captain-- ROSE. Who is to be my husband. CLEVELAND. You delight me. Are you then pledged? ROSE. We are. CLEVELAND. The young rascal. He never told me so. And jealous enough, I'll be sworn he is, to see me monopolize your society, as I do. ROSE. His life is almost in your hands. Often you can save him fromdanger. CLEVELAND. You will marry him? ROSE. [_Abashed. _] Yes. CLEVELAND. I give you the pledge, then, you ask. Make him yourhusband, and for your sake I will defend and protect him to the extentof my power. ROSE. Oh, sir, you make me happy. I am, Major, a foolish girl. Iplace, perhaps, absurdly, so much confidence in your ability to rescuehim from many dangers--that I should like--should like, sir, to wearthis ring [_Slipping one from his finger. _] as a friendly pledge thatyou will be his guardian, his watchful protector. CLEVELAND. Let me kiss the ring upon your finger as a formal seal tomy pledge. ROSE. It becomes an oath now. CLEVELAND. It does--sworn upon this hand. ROSE. That you are his friend--ever to be my husband's friend. CLEVELAND. That is the oath. I take it again! ROSE. [_Aside. _] Now, Major Cleveland, I have you! CLEVELAND. [_Aside. _] She shall be his--then--why then to make hermine. ROSE. [_Aside_. ] There is some libertine scheme behind all this, Ifeel assured. He is playing the villain. Well, well! Shall we go in? _Enter_ ARBALD. CLEVELAND. Ah, Arbald. We have been looking for you. ROSE. I believe, Captain, that I am pledged to you for the next dance. ARBALD. It is my happiness to recollect it. But one dance is missed. ROSE. Let me make amends. _Enter_ MARVIN, _hurriedly_. MARVIN. Sir, the rebel has escaped. CLEVELAND. Ha! What do you mean? How? MARVIN. It is uncertain how. CLEVELAND. He must be about the grounds somewhere. Put your fellowsupon his track. Hunt him out! I wouldn't lose my hold upon him for thevalue of a dozen ordinary rebels. [_Crosses_. _During this speech_ ARMSTRONG _glides in behind, among the shrubbery, and touches_ ROSE. ROSE _starts, and slightly screams. All turnquickly toward her. She, hastily and unseen, unclasps a bracelet fromher arm, and flings it behind her_. ROSE. Gentlemen! gentlemen! gentlemen! I've lost my bracelet--avalued bracelet. Five minutes ago I had it on my arm. MajorCleveland--Captain Arbald--I beseech you to search for it. What couldhave become of it? CLEVELAND. Your bracelet? ROSE. Gentlemen, I implore you to search for it. Major, it may havebeen dropped in the bower. Go look for it, sir. Captain Arbald andLieutenant Marvin, why do you stand idly there? Do you refuse tosearch for my jewel? I've lost a bracelet, I tell you, sirs. Is thisthe way you attend upon the wishes of a lady? CLEVELAND. Really, Miss Elsworth, duty-- ROSE. Don't talk to me of duty, sir. I would not lose my bracelet forthe wealth of the world. A valued token from a dear friend; I sworenever to part with it. Oh, indeed, you are gallant gentlemen! Youlet me lose a precious jewel, and you stand staring by. I tell you, Ivalue that bracelet with my very life. CLEVELAND. But the escaped prisoner? ROSE [_Passionately_. ] What is the prisoner to me? What is he to mybracelet? Must I lose my bracelet for the sake of a runaway rebel--amiserable clown, who may either hang or run, I care not? Some one willtread upon my bracelet, [_Walking up and down impetuously_. ] one ofthe common soldiers will find and keep it. I would not lose it forworlds. -- ARBALD. Indeed, Miss Rose, I assure you-- ROSE. Oh, no assurances, sir. Where is your devotion to me? Where yourwillingness to sacrifice everything for me, as I have heard you swearmore than once? If you ever expect to come into my presence again, youmust first clasp that bracelet on my arm. I will hear nothing, listento no excuse; and if you refuse to obey me, never let me see youagain. CLEVELAND. [_Aside_. ] I must not lose my hold upon her, by offendingher. [_Aloud_. ] Gentlemen, do you remain with Miss Elsworth, andsearch for the lost jewel. I will myself give the necessary order forthe search for the missing prisoner. [_Exit_ CLEVELAND. ROSE. You, Captain, search yonder bower. ARBALD. Were you there? ROSE. Or I should not send you. [_Exit_ ARBALD. ] Marvin, go hunt therooms--I cannot say what moment I dropped it. MARVIN. I obey Miss Elsworth. [_Exit_ MARVIN. ROSE. Where can he be--if my _ruse_ has only given him time. [_Enter_ WALTER, _hurriedly_. ] Good heavens! Not off! Here yet! WALTER. Every outlet is guarded: could I reach the house-- ROSE. This way--we may steal in-- WALTER. I found your jewel, Rose! [_As they are hurrying off, enter_ MAJOR CLEVELAND. ] Caught, as I'm alive! ROSE. Quick! away-- WALTER. It shall be so--[_Rushes off in an opposite direction. _ CLEVELAND. Ha! ho! Guard! Corporal! [_Enter_ CORPORAL _and_ GUARD _rapidly, with torches_. ] That way is your prisoner. Find him, I charge you. [_Exeunt_ CORPORAL _and_ GUARD. ] What am I to think, Miss Elsworth? ROSE. [_Vehemently_. ] Think! That I would give the world for CaptainArmstrong to escape. CLEVELAND. Humph! The gift would be useless. Look for yourself. ROSE. [_Looking off; then suddenly burying her face in her hands_. ]Good heavens! CLEVELAND. [_In her ear_. ] How's this, Miss Elsworth? [_She starts up, proudly. _] [_Enter_ SOLDIERS, _guarding_ WALTER. ] I rejoice, sir, that we meet again. SOLDIER. A jewel, sir, found upon the prisoner. CLEVELAND. Ha! what's this? [_Reading the inscription by a torch_. ]"To Rose, from Walter!" Madam, I understand you now. I was deceived. Permit me to be the means of restoring this valued token from a dearfriend. Would it not be a strange vicissitude if the finding ofthe trinket should be the means of losing the friend? Conduct yourprisoner hence. [_Exeunt all but_ ROSE _and_ CLEVELAND. ROSE. Major Cleveland, Captain Armstrong must be allowed to go free. Ihave your promise. I hold you to it. CLEVELAND. My promise-- ROSE. Look! [_Pointing to the signet received from the_ MAJOR. CLEVELAND. Aha! Then it was Captain Armstrong, and not Captain Arbald, to whom you alluded in our interview. I was beginning to suspect thetrick. ROSE. Your shrewdness would have done you more credit if you haddetected it before. As it is, I have your signet and your promise tosave Captain Armstrong. CLEVELAND. But the promise referred only to your husband. ROSE. Captain Armstrong is my betrothed husband. CLEVELAND. Ay, but at present is a prisoner. You see, madam, I holdthe cards. ROSE. Your pardon, sir, but I have the game. CLEVELAND. Eh! Is not the Captain in my hands? ROSE. Before to-morrow morning he shall be in mine. CLEVELAND. Confound it, madam, I'll keep so strict a guard upon him, afly sha'n't light upon him without my knowing it. ROSE. Do so, and if you were argus-eyed into the bargain, I'd marryhim before to-morrow morning. CLEVELAND. Ha! is it come to that? I'll march this hour. ROSE. It would be too late. CLEVELAND. This moment, then. ROSE. I would anticipate you. CLEVELAND. Zounds, madam, you talk idly. ROSE. Zounds, sir, you talk without reason. CLEVELAND. I'll go to him at once--put a pistol to his head--blow hisbrains out, and-- ROSE. Make me his widow. CLEVELAND. Deuce take it, you're mad. ROSE. Mad if you will, Major Cleveland. It is a struggle between us. Look to it, sir. You may be bold, valourous, cunning--vastly so; butyou have a woman's wit against you--so look to it! CLEVELAND. Confound it. ROSE. Bravo! bravo! Your passion, sir, well becomes you-- CLEVELAND. Deaths and devils! [_Exit_. ROSE. Ha, ha, ha! [_Enter_ METCALF. ] Here! Here, Mr. Metcalf--follow Major Cleveland; watch every step;don't lose sight of him for a moment. METCALF. Trust me; I'll be his shadow from this time forth. [_Exeuntseparately_. _Enter_ CAPTAIN ARBALD _and _KATE. ARBALD. Really, Miss Kate, you do me injustice--but if I could onlyinduce you to intercede-- KATE. Plead your cause for you. [_Aside_. ] Blind and stupid! Can't hesee that I am dying for that my sister laughs at. ARBALD. If I could but find that lost bracelet-- KATE. Hush! Who comes here? [_They withdraw_. _Enter_ MAJOR CLEVELAND, MR. ELSWORTH, LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH, _and_METCALF _behind_. ELSWORTH. Declared to you that she would marry Captain Armstrong-- CLEVELAND. Yes, my dear sir, and I felt it my duty to acquaint you. HARRY. I will go to the Captain and demand a satisfactory-- CLEVELAND. Your pardon, young gentleman. Captain Armstrong is now myprisoner; and I shall hold him safe for my own purposes. ELSWORTH. In face of my commands this day pronounced. It is monstrous. I must seek out Rose, and have an explanation. [_Exit_. KATE. [_Aside to_ ARBALD. ] You see, sir, how little the bracelet wouldplead in your cause. ARBALD. I do, indeed. [_They saunter off_. HARRY. I do not, sir, often ask favours of you. This day my fatherforbade Armstrong from entertaining any intentions relative to mysister. He has insulted me, my father, and Rose. I wish to chastisehim, sir. CLEVELAND. Tut, tut! I will not give his cunning a chance to plananother escape. The best thing you can do is to help me to prevent thepossibility of the marriage. HARRY. You are my superior. I have no choice but to obey. But I longto inflict the punishment due to his treachery. [_Exit_. CLEVELAND. Pest on't, I love the wench. I thought, if married toArbald, and frequently near me, my suit might flourish. But thecunning vixen caught me in my own trap. If I could only trip her now;let me see--let me see. _Enter_ ARBALD. CLEVELAND. Ah, Arbald, come hither. How flourishes your suit with MissElsworth? ARBALD. Badly, I must confess. CLEVELAND. Unless we prevent it she will be married to this Armstrongbefore morning. ARBALD. Is it possible? CLEVELAND. I have my own reasons for desiring to break up the matchbetween them--to prevent their marriage. Nothing occurs to me at allfeasible to that end, but some plan to get introduced into Armstrong'spresence a woman disguised as Rose. ARBALD. And marry them? CLEVELAND. Ay. Armstrong is on the alert for some scheme to rescuehim--would fall into such a net as fishes do--and think it was hismistress' cunning to serve him. ARBALD. But where is the woman? CLEVELAND. Rose has a girl in attendance upon her who is near her sizeand figure--a mischievous wench, or I am no judge of physiognomies. METCALF. [_Who has been listening, aside_. ] Oho! [_Exits hurriedly andsecretly. _ ARBALD. Bridget, they call her. CLEVELAND. Send her to me. Fifty pounds will be more than her fidelitycan stand. Luckily we have the Chaplain with us. Have him ready. ARBALD. I'll hunt Bridget up at once. [_Exit_ ARBALD. CLEVELAND. The plan is a good one. Now, Lady Wit, those who win maylaugh. But I was a blind fool ever to allow her to obtain that promisefrom me. _Enter_ METCALF. METCALF. Hist! Major Cleveland. CLEVELAND. Well, good fellow. METCALF. [_Aside_. ] Fellow! It is remarkable now that I, who dailymake a score of urchins tremble in their shoes at the frown of myportentous brow, can't in the least make these people afraid of me. Let me see what effect one of my frightfully severe looks would have. [_Walks up to him_. CLEVELAND. Well, sir, have you any business with me? METCALF. No, no, sir. [_Aside_. ] I suppose my urchins feel as I donow. [_Aloud. _] I've got an idea, sir, about the Captain. CLEVELAND. Well, what idea? METCALF. [_Aside_. ] Here comes Rose--the very image of Bridget--allI wanted was to give her time. [_Aloud_. ] An idea--[_Aside_. ] to trapyou with sword, coat, and all-- CLEVELAND. There she is--begone, fellow--you intrude upon me. _Enter_ ROSE, _disguised as_ BRIDGET. ROSE. [_Curtseying_. ] Your Honour sent for me. METCALF. Ha! ha! ha! Trap to catch foxes--ho! ho! ho! [_Exit_. CLEVELAND. You look a lively, quick-witted lass. ROSE. [_Aside_. ] Now for the airs of your true lady's lady. CLEVELAND. Do you know how to keep a silent tongue? ROSE. Bless us! Haven't I always been in practice? Ain't I mum to whatall the fine gentlemen say about the bouquets, the presents, the lovenotes-- CLEVELAND. How would you like to make twenty pounds? ROSE. Oh, sir, I am quite invincible. CLEVELAND. But twenty pounds? ROSE. Say twenty-five. CLEVELAND. To be paid when the contract is performed. How would youlike to marry? ROSE. Oh! good gracious! CLEVELAND. Hush! Why the deuce do you raise that clatter? ROSE. Lor, sir, we always do. CLEVELAND. Be silent, or the twenty pounds-- ROSE. Twenty-five-- CLEVELAND. Twenty-five then. Marriage in jest. ROSE. Oh! CLEVELAND. Only in jest--to decide a wager. You must disguise yourselfas your mistress, when you will be admitted into the presence ofCaptain Armstrong. ROSE. Captain Armstrong. --Goodness gracious! CLEVELAND. Hear me out. A pretended chaplain will be by, and a shamform of marriage will be gone through with-- ROSE. Only in jest? Why, what a funny joke! CLEVELAND. Capital! capital! Ha! ha! ha! ROSE. Ha! ha! ha! A splendid joke, sir. But I don't quite understandit. CLEVELAND. Oh, you understand enough. You must not speak above thelowest whisper, nor let the Captain see your features. A few words andthe--the--ha, ha, ha--the joke is through with-- ROSE. I see--I see. CLEVELAND. And then to-morrow when he comes to know it--don't yousee--we will have a run on the Captain--'twill be the rarest sportwhen found out. ROSE. But suppose now it should turn out to be a real no-mistakemarriage. CLEVELAND. But it can't. The priest is a sham--that's the point of thejoke. ROSE. That's the point of the joke, eh? CLEVELAND. Come, will you do it? ROSE. Well--I am doubtful. CLEVELAND. Only carry it out well, and you shall have fifty pounds. ROSE. I am convinced, as old intrigues are dull, I want pastime, andwould like to earn fifty pounds, and if my chances in other quartersare uninjured, why-- CLEVELAND. You will do it? ROSE. Will the Captain think it a jest? CLEVELAND. He thinks there is a plan on foot to introduce yourmistress to him for a similar purpose. ROSE. And when he finds that he has married plain Bridget instead ofMiss Rose--what a rage he will be in! Oh, what a delightful jest-- CLEVELAND. The funniest you ever heard of. Such laughing as there willbe! ROSE. Fifty pounds--all in gold--is more than I can stand. CLEVELAND. Then meet me in five minutes, by yonder tree. ROSE. I'll slip on one of my mistress's dresses, and in five minutesbe ready--but remember--_fifty pounds_! [_Exit_ ROSE. CLEVELAND. [_Rubbing his hands_. ] The best of tricks. Ha! ha! ha! [_Exit_. _Enter_ METCALF _and_ ELSWORTH. ELSWORTH. Ha, ha, ha! Bravo, Metcalf! a good jest, sir. --Bridgetdisguised as Rose--ha! ha! ha! METCALF. It's exquisitely funny, sir--only I think you don't quiteunderstand it-- ELSWORTH. It's you, Metcalf, that don't understand it. It's nothingbut a piece of military deviltry. Why, my innocent sir, Armstrong'sconfinement is only a sham--it doesn't mean anything--Cleveland toldme so himself--he will be free to-night. I shouldn't wonder if theywere drinking and carousing together now. Bless you, Metcalf, it'sonly one of Cleveland's practical jokes. But I must go and find Rose, and tell her all about it--it will give her such a laugh. How theCaptain will stare when he finds it out, to be sure! [_Exit. _ METCALF. Well, wise one, if you insist upon having it in that way, why, do so--I suppose Miss Rose can fight her battles without yourhelp. It was devilish lucky, though, I overheard that plan of theirs, or the Captain would have been victimized--damnably--ay, damnably--ifit be swearing--and a capital crime at Fidlington School. I wonderwhere Bridget is--Bridget _bona fide_--I mean--a delicious girl, --Ilove her--I will conjugate her. Nobody in the walks--the marriage notover yet--bless me! I do believe that I am trembling like a refractoryscholar with a prospective birching. If it should fail--but it won't, it can't--Rose is a girl to carry anything through. _Re-enter_ MR. ELSWORTH. ELSWORTH. Where can Rose be, I wonder! I can't find her anywhere. Everybody inquiring for her--everybody laughing too about thejest upon Armstrong. Ah, these military fellows are such practicaljokers--so full of deviltry, to be sure! Who could have thought ofsuch a trick? METCALF. No civilian, you may be sure, sir. [_Aside, looking off_. ]Eh? There they are. The deed is done. It's all right, ha! ha! ha!I'll cut. That Major has a sanguinary way of contemplating me that hasblood in it--blood! [_Aloud. _] I think I saw Rose in this direction, sir, with the Major; I dare say we can find her, if we go along. ELSWORTH. Come, sir, then. [_Exeunt_. _Enter_ MAJOR CLEVELAND. CLEVELAND. It's done, and they are fast married. Aha, my lady, who nowhas the game? Armstrong looked astounded, but, expecting some plan toaid him, he fell into the trap without asking a question. Now, now, mycourse is clear! _Enter_ ELSWORTH. ELSWORTH. Where can Rose be, to be sure? The guests are leaving, andI must find her to give them a good-night. Ah, Major! Have you seen mydaughter? _Enter_ LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH. LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH. Sir, sir, do you not know that Rose hasclandestinely been introduced into the presence of Armstrong-- ELSWORTH. No! has she, though? You d-o-n-t say so! Let me whisper aword, Master Harry--a beautiful joke--it was Bridget-- LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH. No, sir, it was Rose herself. CLEVELAND. The young man is right. ELSWORTH. How! What do you say? CLEVELAND. Simply, sir, by the richest scheme in the world, thisrebel's union with your daughter is rendered impossible. I told youthe marriage was a jest--a sham. It was not--quite the contrary. ELSWORTH. Do I understand you to say, sir, that you have reallytricked Captain Armstrong into a marriage with-- CLEVELAND. To be sure, sir. It will be the sport of the whole army. The disgrace you feared cannot now occur. Miss Elsworth can never bethat rustic's wife--thanks, sir, to my splendid idea. Aha, it was aglorious thought, glorious! ELSWORTH. Now, damn all respect for the red-coats. CLEVELAND. Ha! ELSWORTH. Sir, you have been guilty of a vile scheme. You have putmy house to a dishonourable use. You have betrayed one of my guestsinfamously. Oh! that one of His Majesty's officers could lend himselfto a scheme like this. CLEVELAND. Why, sir, I thought-- _Enter _ROSE _and_ WALTER, _back_. ELSWORTH. That I would sanction such a plot. Major Cleveland, yourconduct has made me half a rebel. It was devilish--diabolical, sir! CLEVELAND. But-- _Enter_ METCALF, _dancing_. METCALF. Armstrong has escaped. CLEVELAND. Escaped! Again! Impossible! METCALF. He has, or may I be birched. _Enter_ LIEUTENANT MARVIN. MARVIN. Sir, the prisoner has escaped--and the woman-- CLEVELAND. By heaven! it shall not be--a hundred pounds reward forhim! ROSE. [_Approaching with_ WALTER. ] I claim the reward, MajorCleveland. CLEVELAND. You! The prisoner here! How came he free? ROSE. By your signet. The sentry knew and acknowledged it. CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth? ROSE. Mrs. Armstrong, by your kind assistance. CLEVELAND. Ha! What do you mean? ROSE. Permit me to present you to my husband. CLEVELAND. Your husband! What does this mean? ROSE. I _did have_ the trump card, sir, and have taken the trick. CLEVELAND. I am bewildered--I cannot understand-- ROSE. Can't you see? [_Imitating him. _] "How would you like to maketwenty pounds? Ha, ha, ha! only as jest! a splendid jest! we'll havesuch a run on the Captain! As I want pastime, and my prospects--" CLEVELAND. The wench has betrayed me. ROSE. You never spoke a word to Bridget. I was the only person yousaw. CLEVELAND. You! ROSE. Even I. Did I act it to the life? CLEVELAND. Caught! Tricked! Fool! By--! Madam, this is a farce. ROSE. Sir, I know it, but it has been played out, and you unwittinglyhave acted the clown. ELSWORTH. I am confounded. CLEVELAND. The end is not yet. I refuse to be governed by a forcedconstruction to a promise which I meant to apply differently. Therebel is still my prisoner. He is surrounded. ROSE. If your promise is not observed to the letter, I'll proclaimyou through the army. I'll degrade you in the eyes of every Englishofficer and gentleman in the land. You disgrace your sword, sir, bythis very hesitation. Your bitter, unsoldierly, and dishonourablehatred and persecution of an honourable prisoner, drove me to anextremity which nothing but a question of life or death could havepersuaded me to undertake. My womanly modesty I was forced to outrage. You compelled me to stoop to things which I abhorred. But I have abrother who is an English officer; a husband who is an American one. Be careful, sir, in what way you use my name in connection with thisnight's work, for, be assured, they will not fail to punish a ribald, a slanderous, or a libertine tongue. Consent to Captain Armstrong'srelease, and your discomfiture remains a secret; refuse, and with oneword, I'll have all our guests upon the spot and a public confession. CLEVELAND. It's absurd to suppose that I'm to be bound by suchfigments as you have woven. The thing is too ridiculous! ROSE. You acknowledged the binding nature of your promise, when youattempted, with such heartless cruelty, to entrap the Captain into amarriage with a servant. How would that story sound, think you? Andwhat would be said of the sagacity and discernment of an officer whocould allow such a deceit to be practised upon him as I practised uponyou? Dear me! I think, Major, that you are in a quandary. METCALF. [_Aside_. ] In a ditch! ROSE. We await your decision. Shall the Captain be free and thislittle jest go no further? CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth-- ROSE. Excuse me if I assist your memory--Mrs. Armstrong. CLEVELAND. Madam, I yield to a woman. You fight with weapons I do notunderstand-- ROSE. With wit, eh? CLEVELAND. [_Aside_. ] There is no hope for me. She has me at everypoint. I may as well yield with what grace I can. [_Aloud_. ] MissElsworth, I am at your mercy. May not this night's work be forgotten?Captain Armstrong, I swore if ever I caught you, that you shouldpay dearly for that daring trick of yours--that bold capture of afellow-officer, sleeping by my very side--but this lady has checkmatedme. WALTER. Checkmated you, sir, and mated me. CLEVELAND. Both were done by the same move. ELSWORTH. And you are married, Rose? ROSE. I will bear Walter's name when we are publicly married, sir--which now, I trust, will be with your sanction. ELSWORTH. You have it. You have won a husband, if ever woman did. LIEUTENANT ELSWORTH. Walter, if you were only more true to the right-- WALTER. Oh, Harry! We will discuss that question yet. I shall make you[_In his ear. _] a convert; be sure of it. _Enter_ CAPTAIN ARBALD _and_ KATE. KATE. Why, the company is breaking up. We missed you all, sadly. Herecome the guests. CLEVELAND. Ah, Arbald, I'm afraid you will have to forego Miss Rose, here-- ARBALD. To pluck a flower no less sweet. ROSE. What? Why, Kate-- ARBALD. I have your sister's consent, Miss Elsworth, conditioned onlythat you all accord with her decision. ROSE. And so you have been making love under the _rose_ all thiswhile. Do not doubt our good wishes. METCALF. I wonder where Bridget is. I'll pop the question beforemorning. ELSWORTH. Rose, you have neglected your friends. Let us go in. ROSE. Our first duty is to the friends before us-- WALTER. To which faction do they adhere--red or blue? ROSE. True blue and rebel, I'll be sworn--but I will ask them! [_Comesforward. To_ ARMSTRONG. ] You see, sir, they respond already. [_To theAudience. _] Do you approve the Whiggish maid, and sanction her schemesso boldly played? The heart of love is heroic in every age; and afterall What difference can we affix, Twixt love to-day, and Love in '76? CURTAIN. _The End. _