Part 4

[_Haughtily._] I'm aweer, miss; but Sir William was egstremely rood to me dooring dinner, over that mis'ap to the ontray----- [_A bell rings violently._] S'william!

[_He goes out. The rain is heard pattering against the window panes. Rose goes from one window to another, looking out. It is now almost black outside the windows._]

_Rose._

[_Discovering her friends._] Ah! yes, yes! ah--h--h--h! [_She snatches an antimacassar from a chair and jumping onto the couch, waves it frantically to those outside._] The dears! the darlings! the faithful creatures----! [_Listening._] Oh------!

[_She descends, in a hurry, and flings the antimacassar under the couch, as Miss Gower enters. At the same moment there is a vivid flash of lightning._]

_Miss Gower._

[_Startled._] Oh, how dreadful! [_To Rose, frigidly._] The Vice Chancellor has felt the few words he has addressed to Arthur, and has retired for the night. [_There is a roll of thunder. Rose alarmed, Miss Gower clings to a chair._] Mercy on us! Go to bed, child, directly. We will all go to our beds, hoping to awake to-morrow in a meeker and more submissive spirit. [_Kissing Rose upon the brow._] Good-night. [_Another flash of lightning._] Oh----! Don't omit to say your prayers, Rose--and in a simple manner. I always fear that, from your peculiar training, you may declaim them. That is so out of place--oh!

[_Another roll of thunder. Rose goes across the room, meeting Charles, who enters carrying a lantern. They exchange significant glances, and she disappears._]

_Charles._

[_Coming to Miss Gower._] I am now at liberty to accompany you round the 'ouse, ma'am----[_A flash of lightning._]

_Miss Gower._

Ah-----! [_Her hand to her heart._] Thank you,

Charles--but to-night I must ask you to see that everything is secure, alone. This storm--so very seasonable; but, from girlhood, I could never---

[_A roll of thunder._] Oh, good-night!

[_She flutters away. The rain beats still more violently upon the window panes._]

_Charles._

[_Glancing at the window._] Ph--e--e--w! Great 'evans!

[_He is dropping the curtains at the window when Rose appears at the folding-doors._]

_Rose._

[_In a whisper._] Charles!

_Charles._

Miss?

_Rose._

[_Coming into the room, distractedly._] Miss Gower has gone to bed.

_Charles._

Yes, miss--oh----! [_A flash of lightning._]

_Rose._

Oh! my friends! my poor friends!

_Charles._

H'and Mr. Briggs at Cremorne! Reelly, I should 'ardly advise you to wenture h'out, miss----

_Rose._

Out! no! Oh, but get them in!

_Charles._

In, Miss Rose! indoors!

_Rose._

Under cover---- [_A roll of thunder._] Oh!

[_Wringing her hands._] They are my friends! is it a rule that I am never to see a friend, that I mayn't even give a friend shelter in a violent storm? [_To Charles._] Are you the only one up?

_Charles._

I b'lieve so, miss. Any'ow the wimming-servants is quite h'under my control.

_Rose._

Then tell my friends to be deathly quiet, and to creep--to tip-toe-- [_The rain strikes the window again. She picks up the lantern which Charles has deposited upon the floor, and gives it to him._]

Make haste! I'll draw the curtains--[_He hurries out. She goes from window to window, dropping the curtains, talking to herself excitedly as she does so._] My friends! my own friends! ah! I'm not to sneeze in this house! nor to sing! or breathe, next! wretches! oh, my! wretches! [_Blowing out the candles and removing the candlesticks to the table, singing, under her breath, wildly._] "Ever of thee I'm fondly dreaming----" [_Mimicking Sir William again._] "What are ye upon the floor for, my dear? Have we no cheers? do we lack cheers here, Trafalgar----?" [_Charles returns._]

_Charles._

[_To those who follow him._] Hush! [_To Rose._] I

discovered 'em clustered in the doorway----

[_There is a final peal of thunder as Avonia, Gadd, Colpoys, and Tom Wrench enter, somewhat diffidently. They are apparently soaked to their skins, and are altogether in a deplorable condition. Avonia alone has an umbrella, which she allows to drip upon the carpet, but her dress and petticoats are bedraggled, her finery limp, her hair lank and loose._]

_Rose._

'Vonia!

_Avonia._

[_Coming to her, and embracing her fervently._] Oh, ducky, ducky, ducky! oh, but what a storm!

_Rose._

Hush! how wet you are! [_Shaking hands with Gadd_] Ferdinand--[_crossing to Colpoys and shaking hands with him_] Augustus--[_shaking hands with Tom_] Tom-Wrench--

_Avonia._

[_To Charles._] Be so kind as to put my umbrella on the landing, will you? Oh, thank you very much, I'm sure.

[_Charles withdraws with the umbrella. Gadd and Colpoys shake the rain from their hats on to the carpet and furniture._]

_Tom._

[_Quietly, to Rose._] It's a shame to come down on you in this way. But they would do it, and I thought I'd better stick to 'em.

Gadd.

[_Who is a little flushed and unsteady._] Ha! I shall remember this accursed evening.

_Avonia._

Oh, Ferdy----!

_Rose._

Hush! you must be quiet. Everybody has gone to bed, and I--I'm not sure I'm allowed to receive visitors----

_Avonia._

Oh!

_Gadd._

Then we are intruders?

_Rose._

I mean, such late visitors.

[_Colpoys has taken off his coat, and is shaking it vigorously._]

_Avonia._

Stop it, Augustus! ain't I wet enough? [_To Rose._] Yes, it is latish, but I so wanted to inform you--here--[_bringing Gadd forward_] allow me to introduce --my husband.

_Rose._

Oh! no!

_Avonia._

[_Laughing merrily._] Yes, ha, ha, ha!

_Rose._

Sssh, sssh, sssh!

_Avonia._

I forgot. [_To Gadd._] Oh, darling Ferdy, you're positively soaked! [_To Rose._] Do let him take his coat off, like Gussy----

_Gadd._

[_Jealously._] 'Vonia, not so much of the Gussy!

_Avonia._

There you are, flying out again I as if Mr. Colpoys wasn't an old friend!

_Gadd._

Old friend or no old friend----

_Rose._

[_Diplomatically._] Certainly, take your coat off, Ferdinand.

[_Gadd joins Colpoys; they spread out their coats upon the couch._]

_Rose._

[_Feeling Tom's coat sleeve._] And you?

_Tom._

[_After glancing at the others--quietly._] No, thank you.

_Avonia._.

[_Sitting._] Yes, dearie, Ferdy and I were married yesterday.

_Rose._

[_Sitting. _] Yesterday!

_Avonia._.

Yesterday morning. We're on our honeymoon now. You know, the "Wells" shut a fortnight after you left us, and neither Ferdy nor me could fix anything, just for the present, elsewhere; and as we hadn't put by during the season--you know it never struck us to put by during the season--we thought we'd get married.

_Rose._

Oh, yes.

_Avonia._.

You see, a man and his wife can live almost on what keeps one, rent _and_ ceterer; and so, being deeply attached, as I tell you, we went off to church and did the deed. Oh, it will be such a save. [_Looking up at Gadd coyly._] Oh, Ferdy------!

_Gadd._

[_Laying his hand upon her head, dreamily._] Yes, child, I confess I love you--.

Colpoys

[_Behind Rose, imitating Gadd._] Child, I confess I adore you.

_Tom._

[_Taking Colpoys by the arm and swinging him away from Rose._] Enough of that, Colpoys!

_Colpoys._

What!

_Rose._

[_Rising._] Hush!

_Tom._

[_Under his breath._] If you've never learnt how to behave----

_Colpoys._

Don't you teach behavior, sir, to a gentleman who plays a superior line of business to yourself! [_Muttering. _] 'Pon my soul! rum start!

_Avonia._

[_Going to Rose._] Of course I ought to have written to you, dear, properly, but you remember the weeks it takes me to write a letter--- [_Gadd sits in the chair Avonia has just quitted; she returns and seats herself upon his knee._]And so I said to Ferdy, over tea, "Ferdy, let's spend a bit of our honeymoon' in doing the West End thoroughly, and going and seeing where Rose Trelawny lives." And we thought it only nice and polite to invite Tom Wrench and Gussy----

_Gadd._

'Vonia, much less of the Gussy!

_Avonia._

[_Kissing Gadd._] Jealous boy! [_Beaming._] Oh, and we have done the West End thoroughly. There, I've never done the West End so thoroughly in my life! And when we got outside your house I couldn't resist. [_Her hand on Gadd's shirt sleeve._] Oh, gracious! I'm sure you'll catch your death, my darling---!

_Rose._

I think I can get him some wine. [_To Gadd._] Will you take some wine, Ferdinand?

[_Gadd rises, nearly upsetting Avonia._]

_Avonia._

Ferdy!

_Gadd._

I thank you. [_ With a wave of the hand._] Anything, anything----

_Avonia._

[_To Rose._] Anything that goes with stout, dear.

_Rose._

[_At the door, turning to them._] 'Vonia--boys--be very still.

_Avonia._

Trust us!

[_Rose tiptoes out. Colpoys is now at the card-table, cutting a pack of cards which remains there._]

_Colpoys._

[_To Gadd._] Gadd, I'll see you for pennies.

_Gadd._

[_Loftily._] Done, sir, with you!

[_They seat themselves at the table, and cut for coppers. Tom is walking about, surveying the room._]

_Avonia._

[_Taking off her hat and wiping it with her handkerchief._] Well, Thomas, what do you think of it?

_Tom._

This is the kind of chamber I want for the first act of my comedy-----

_Avonia._

Oh, lor', your head's continually running on your comedy. Half this blessed evening----

_Tom._

I tell you, I won't have doors stuck here, there, and everywhere; no, nor windows in all sorts of impossible places!

_Avonia._

Oh, really! Well, when you do get your play accepted, mind you see that Mr. Manager gives you exactly what you ask for--won't you?

_Tom._

You needn't be satirical, if you _are_ wet. Yes, I will I [_Pointing to the left._] Windows on the one side [_pointing to the right_], doors on the other--just where they should be, architecturally. And locks on the doors, _real locks_, to work; and handles--to turn! [_Rubbing his hands together gleefully._] Ha, ha! you wait! wait--!

[_Rose re-enters, with a plate of biscuits in her hand, followed by Charles, who carries a decanter of sherry and some wine-glasses._]

_Rose._

Here, Charles-----

[_Charles places the decanter and the glasses on the table._]

_Gadd._

[_Whose luck has been against him, throwing himself, sulkily, onto the couch._] Bah! I'll risk no further stake.

_Colpoys._

Just because you lose sevenpence in coppers you go on like this!

[_Charles, turning from the table, faces Colpoys._]

======== below this needs correction ===

_Colpoys._

[_Tearing his hair, and glaring at Charles wildly._] Ah--h--h, I am ruined! I have lost my all! my children are beggars----!

_Charles._

Ho, ho, ho! he, he, he!

_Rose._

Hush, hush! [_Charles goes out laughing. To everybody;_]Sherry?

_Gadd._

[_Rising._] Sherry!

[_Avonia, Colpoys; and Gadd gather round the table, and help themselves to sherry and biscuits._]

_Rose._

[_To Tom._] Tom, won't you-----?

_Tom._

[_Watching Gadd anxiously._] No, thank you. The fact is, we--we have already partaken of refreshments, once or twice during the evening----

[_Colpoys and Avonia, each carrying a glass of wine and munching a biscuit, go to the couch, where they sit._]

_Gadd._

[_Pouring out sherry--singing._] "And let me the canakin clink, clink---"

_Rose._

[_Coming to him._] Be quiet, Gadd!

_Colpoys._

[_Raising his glass._] The Bride!

_Rose._

[_Turning, kissing her hand to Avonia._] Yes, yes [_Gadd hands Rose his glass; she puts her lips to it._] The Bride!

[_She returns the glass to Gadd._]

_Gadd._

[_Sitting._] My bride!

[_Tom, from behind the table, unperceived, takes the decanter and hides it under the table, then sits. Gadd, missing the decanter, contents himself with the biscuits._]

_Avonia._

Well, Rose, my darling, we've been talking about nothing but ourselves. How are you getting along here?

_Rose._

Getting along? oh, I--I don't fancy I'm getting along very well, thank you!

_Colpoys. and Avonia._

Not----!

_Gadd._

[_His mouth full of biscuit._] Not----!

_Rose._

[_Sitting by the card-table._] No, boys; no 'Vonia. The truth is, it isn't as nice as you'd think it. I suppose the Profession had its drawbacks--mother used to say so--but [_raising her arms_] one could fly. Yes, in Brydon Crescent one was a dirty little London sparrow, perhaps; but here, in this grand square----! Oh, it's the story of the caged bird, over again.

_Avonia._

A love-bird, though.

_Rose._

Poor Arthur? yes, he's a dear. [_Rising._] But the Gowers--the old Gowers! the Gowers! the Gowers I [_She paces the room, beating her hands together. In her excitement, she ceases to whisper, and gradually becomes loud and voluble. The others, following her leady chatter noisily--excepting Tom, who sits thoughtfully, looking before him._]

_Rose._

The ancient Gowers! the venerable Gowers!

_Avonia._

You mean, the grandfather-----?

_Rose._

And the aunt--the great-aunt--the great bore of a great-aunt! The very mention of 'em makes something go "tap, tap, tap, tap" at the top of my head.

_Avonia._

Oh, I am sorry to hear this. Well, upon my word----!

_Rose._

Would you believe it? 'Vonia--boys--you'll never believe it! I mayn't walk out with Arthur alone, nor see him here alone. I mayn't sing; no, nor sneeze even----

_Avonia._

[_Shrilly._]Not sing or sneeze!

_Colpoys._

[_Indignantly. _] Not sneeze!

_Rose._

No, nor sit on the floor--the floor!

_Avonia._

Why, when we shared rooms together, you were always on the floor!

_Gadd._

[_Producing a pipe, and knocking out the ashes on the heel of his boot._] In Heaven's name, what kind of house can this be!

_Avonia._

I wouldn't stand it, would you, Ferdinand?

_Gadd._

[_Loading his pipe._] Gad, no!

_Avonia._

[_To Colpoys._] Would you, Gus, dear?

_Gadd._

[_Under his breath._] Here! not so much of the Gus dear----

_Avonia._

[_To Colpoys._] Would you?

_Colpoys._

No, I'm blessed if I would, my darling.

_Gadd._

[_His pipe in his mouth._] Mr. Colpoys! less of the darling!

_Avonia._

[_Rising._] Rose, don't you put up with it! [_Striking the top of the card-table vigorously._] I say, don't you stand it! [_Embracing Rose._] You're an independent girl, dear; they came to you, these people; not you to them, remember.

_Rose._

[_Sitting on the couch._] Oh, what can I do? I can't do anything.

_Avonia._

Can't you! [_Coming to Gadd._] Ferdinand, advise her. You tell her how to----

_Gadd._

[_Who has risen._] Miss Bunn--Mrs. Gadd, you have been all over Mr. Colpoys this evening, ever since we----

_Avonia._

[_Angrily, pushing him back into his chair._] Oh, don't be a silly!

_Gadd._

Madam!

_Avonia._

[_Returning to Colpoys._] Gus, Ferdinand's foolish. Come and talk to Rose, and advise her, there's a dear boy----

[_Colpoys rises; she takes his arm, to lead him to Rose. At that moment Gadd advances to Colpoys and slaps his face violently._]

_Colpoys._

Hey----!

_Gadd._

Miserable viper!

[_The two men close. Tom runs to separate them. Rose rises with a cry of terror. There is a struggle and general uproar. The card-table is overturned, with a crash, and Avonia utters a long and piercing shriek. Then the house-bells are heard ringing violently._]

_Rose._

Oh----! [_The combatants part; all look scared. At the door, listening._] They are moving--coming! Turn out the----!

[_She turns out the light at the table. The room is in half-light as Sir William enters, cautiously, closely followed by Miss Gower. They are both in dressing-gowns and slippers; Sir William carries a thick stick and his bedroom candle. Rose is standing by a chair; Gadd, Avonia, Colpoys, and Tom are together._]

_Sir William._

Miss Trelawny----!

_Miss Gower._

_Rose._----! [_Running behind the screen._] Men!

_Sir William._

Who are these people?

_Rose._

[_Advancing a step or two._] Some friends of mine who used to be at the "Wells" have called upon me, to inquire how I am getting on.

[_Arthur enters, quickly._]

_Arthur._

[_Looking round._] Oh! Rose----!

_Sir William._

[_Turning upon him._] Ah--h--h--h! How come you here?

_Arthur._

I was outside the house. Charles let me in, knowing something was wrong.

_Sir William._

[_Peering into his face._] Troubadouring-?

_Arthur._

Troubadouring; yes, sir. [_To Rose._] Rose, what is this?

_Sir William._

[_Fiercely._] No, sir, this is my affair. [_Placing his candlestick on the table._] Stand aside! [_Raising his stick furiously._] Stand aside!

[_Arthur moves to the right._]

_Miss Gower._

[_Over the screen._] William----

_Sir William._

Hey?

_Miss Gower._

Your ankles---

_Sir William._

[_Adjusting his dressing-gown._] I beg your pardon. [_To Arthur._] Yes, I can answer your question. [_Painting his stick, first at Rose, then at the group._] Some friends of that young woman's connected with--the playhouse, have favored us with a visit, for the purpose of ascertaining how she is--getting on. [_Touching Gadd's pipe, which is lying at his feet, with the end of his stick._] A filthy tobacco-pipe. To whom does it belong? whose is it?

[_Rose picks it up and passes it to Gadd, bravely._]

_Rose._

It belongs to one of my friends.

_Sir William._

[_Taking Gadd's empty wine-glass and holding it to his nose._] Phu, yes! In brief, a drunken debauch. [_To the group._] So ye see, gentlemen--[_to Avonia_] and you, madam; [_to Arthur_] and you, sir; you see, all of ye, [_sinking into a chair, and coughing from exhaustion_] exactly how Miss Trelawny is getting on.

_Miss Gower._

[_Over the screen._] William----

_Sir William._

What is it?

_Miss Gower._

Your ankles---

_Sir William._

[_Leaping to his feet, in a frenzy._] Bah!

_Miss Gower._

Oh, they seem so out of place!

_Sir William._

[_Flourishing his stick--to the group down L. _] Begone! a set of garish, dissolute gypsies! begone!

[_Gadd, Avonia, Colpoys, and Wrench gather, the men hastily putting on their coats, etc._]

_Avonia._

Where's my umbrella?

_Gadd._

A hand with my coat here!

_Colpoys._

'Pon my soul! London artists----!

_Avonia._

We don't want to remain where we're not heartily welcome, I can assure everybody.

_Sir William._

Open windows! let in the air!

_Avonia._

[_To Rose, who is standing above the wreck of the card-table._] Good-bye, my dear----

_Rose._

No, no, 'Vonia. Oh, don't leave me behind you!

_Arthur._

Rose.

_Rose._

Oh, I'm very sorry, Arthur. [_To Sir William._] Indeed, I am very sorry, Sir William. But you are right--gypsies--gypsies! [_To Arthur._] Yes, Arthur, if you were a gypsy, as I am, as these friends o' mine are, we might be happy together. But I've seen enough of your life, my dear boy, to know that I'm no wife for you. I should only be wretched, and would make you wretched; and the end, when it arrived, as it very soon would, would be much as it is to-night-!

_Arthur._

[_Distractedly._] You'll let me see you, talk to you, to-morrow, Rose?

_Rose._

No, never!

_Sir William._

[_Sharply._] You mean that?

_Rose._

[_Facing him._] Oh, don't be afraid. I give you my word.

_Sir William._

[_Gripping her hand._] Thank ye. Thank ye.

_Tom._

[_Quietly to Arthur._] Mr. Gower, come and see me to morrow----- [_He moves away to the door._]

_Rose._

[_Turning to Avonia, Gadd, and Colpoys._] I'm ready----

_Miss Gower._

[_Coming from behind the screen to the back of the couch._] Not to-night, child! not to-night! where will you go?

_Avonia._

[_Holding Rose._] To her old quarters in Brydon Crescent. Send her things after her, if you please.

_Miss Gower._

And then----?

_Rose._

Then back to the "Wells" again, Miss Gower! back to the "Wells"----!

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

THE THIRD ACT.

_The scene represents an apartment on the second floor of Mrs. Mossop's house. The room is of a humbler character than that shown in the first act; but, though shabby, it is neat. On the right is a door, outside which is supposed to be the landing. In the wall at the back is another door, presumably admitting to a further chamber. Down L. there is a fireplace, with a fire burning, and over the mantelpiece a mirror. In the left-hand corner of the room is a small bedstead with a tidily-made bed, which can be hidden by a pair of curtains of some common and faded material, hanging from a cord slung from wall to wall. At the foot of the bedstead stands a large theatrical dress-basket. On the wall, by the head of the bed, are some pegs upon which hang a skirt or two and other articles of attire. On the right, against the back wall, there is a chest of drawers, the top of which is used as a washstand. In front of this is a small screen, and close by there are some more pegs with things hanging upon them. On the right wall, above the sofa, is a hanging bookcase with a few books. A small circular table, with a somewhat shabby cover upon it, stands on the left. The walls are papered, the doors painted stone-color. An old felt carpet is on the floor. The light is that of morning. A fire is burning in the grate._

[_Mrs. Mossop, now dressed in a workaday gown, has just finished making the bed. There is a knock at the center door._]

_Avonia._

[_From the adjoining room._] Rose!

_Mrs. Mossop._

[_Giving a final touch to the quilt._] Eh?

_Avonia._

Is Miss Trelawny in her room?

_Mrs. Mossop._

No, Mrs. Gadd; she's at rehearsal.

_Avonia._

Oh----

[_Mrs. Mossop draws the curtains, hiding the bed from view. Avonia enters by the door on the right in a morning wrapper which has seen its best days. She carries a pair of curling-tongs, and her hair is evidently in process of being dressed in ringlets._]

_Avonia._

Of course she is; I forgot. There's a call for _The Peddler of Marseilles_. Thank Gawd, _I'm_ not in it. [_Singing._] "I'm a great guerrilla chief, I'm a robber and a thief, I can either kill a foe or prig a pocket-handkerchief----"

_Mrs. Mossop._

[_Dusting the ornaments on the mantelpiece._] Bless your heart, you're very gay this morning!

_Avonia._

It's the pantomime. I'm always stark mad as the pantomime approaches. I don't grudge letting the rest of the company have their fling at other times--but with the panto comes _my_ turn. [_Throwing herself full length upon the sofa gleefully._]Ha, ha, ha! the turn of Avonia Bunn! [__With a change of tone.__] I hope Miss Trelawny won't take a walk up to Highbury, or anywhere, after rehearsal. I want to borrow her gilt belt. My dress has arrived.

_Mrs. Mossop._

[_Much interested._] No! has it?

_Avonia._

Yes, Mrs. Burroughs is coming down from the theatre at twelve-thirty to see me in it. [_Singing. "Any kind of villainy cometh natural to me. So it endeth with a combat and a one, two, three----!"_] *

_Mrs. Mossop._

[_Surveying the room._] Well, that's as cheerful as I can make things look, poor dear!

* These snatches of song are from "The Miller and His Men," a burlesque mealy-drama, by Francis Talfourd and Henry J. Byron, produced at the Strand Theatre, April 9, 1860.

_Avonia._

[_Taking a look round, seriously._] It's pretty bright--if it wasn't for the idea of Rose Trelawny having to economize!

_Mrs. Mossop._

Ah--h I

_Avonia._

[_Rising._] That's what I can't swallow. [_Sticking her irons in the fire angrily._] One room! and on the second floor! [_Turning to Mrs. Mossop._] Of course, Gadd and me are one-room people too--and on the same floor; but then Gadd is so popular _out_ of the theatre, Mrs. Mossop--he's obliged to spend such a load of money at the "Clown"----

_Mrs. Mossop._

[_Who has been dusting the bookcase, coming to the table._] Mrs. Gadd, dearie, I'm sure I'm not in the least inquisitive; no one could accuse me of it--but I should like to know just one thing.

_Avonia._

[_Testing her irons upon a sheet of paper which she takes from the table._] What's that?

_Mrs. Mossop._

Why _have_ they been and cut down Miss Trelawny's salary at the "Wells"?

_Avonia._

[_Hesitatingly._] H'm, everybody's chattering about it; you could get to hear easily enough----

_Mrs. Mossop._

Oh, I dare say.

_Avonia._

So I don't mind--poor Rose! they tell her she can't act now, Mrs. Mossop.

_Mrs. Mossop._

Can't act!

_Avonia._

No, dear old girl, she's lost it; it's gone from her--the trick of it----