SCENE I.—_CHARLES GOODENOW, R., sits in a chair, tipped back,

gazing thoughtfully into the upper distance. His head rests upon his hands which are clasped behind it. Enter FRANK BURLEY, L._

FRANK. Hallo, Charlie. In the land of dreams? If so I won’t disturb you.

CHARLES (_not answering immediately_). Not exactly dreaming. There was too much reality about my thoughts for that. But sit down, Frank.

F. (_sitting down_). And what were you thinking about, if I am allowed to ask?

C. I was thinking what slaves we were to Fashion and Mrs. Grundy. I don’t know of one of my acquaintances who would have courage enough to do anything which would conflict with the usages of so-called good society.

F. Don’t include me in that category. I have too much independence to be subject to the dictation of others.

C. You think so, my dear fellow; but you don’t realize your own weakness.

F. On the contrary, I am confident of my strength, and am willing to wager you one hundred dollars against fifty that I will follow out any plan you may promise to test my courage.

C. I accept the stakes, and feel sure of winning them. Now what shall the plan be? Let me see. (_Covers face with his hands for a moment—pauses._) I have it. Frank, you must tend a peanut and apple stand in the Park for one whole day.

F. (_quickly_). I am willing to do it.

C. (_emphatically_). Remember, you must tend it the whole day long, without absenting yourself for any cause, except to take an hour for dinner.

F. I agree to that; nay, I will go further, and will promise to dine at the stand.

C. When shall the trial take place?

F. As soon as possible, that you may know how well I shall succeed. Let _to-morrow_ be the day.

C. Very well; but there is to be one condition about the matter. No one must suspect your reasons for doing this, as, in that case, there would be no test at all. If you even hint anything about it, you will lose the wager.

F. I agree to that.

C. Well, I’ll call round on you to-morrow, occasionally, to see how you make out in the new business.

(_Curtain falls._)