character prompted by a pure and loving heart; the expression of high and lofty thought—all of which impressions have sunk so deeply into my being that they seem a part of myself. Miss Lowville, I use no honeyed words, but I offer you the heart and hand of an honest man, who will love, honor and shield you through all the walks of life.

Adri. [Rises.] Mr. Maitland, you honor me with the offer of such a noble heart as yours, and could I accept it, I should be proud to wear it in my bosom. Such noble love requires a noble love in return. But I cannot.

Reg. Perhaps—in time—

Adri. Alas! I cannot give you hope. But friends we shall ever be. [Reginald turns away.] Will you accept the hand of friendship?

Reg. Yes! Yes! Pardon me! Friends we shall always be. [Exit Adrienne, R. 2 E.]

Enter Coriolanus, R. 4 E.

Cor. Sir Reginald, your honored aunt awaits your coming in the conservatory.

Reg. I will attend her immediately. [Exit Reginald, R. 2 E.]

Cor. [Coming down C.] Coriolanus, I am proud of you—you have acquitted yourself nobly—you have made an impression upon her maiden heart, I feel assured. She recognizes the true nobility that is hidden under the garb of the menial. How I hate these clothes! Oh! Anastasia, thou knowest true worth when thou see’st it. [Walks to right.]

Enter Dollerclutch, L. 4 E. Comes down C.

Dol. Well, I’ve got here at last, and if I can only manage to meet Hilda. But how shall I contrive to see her? [Looks around and sees Coriolanus.] Ah! there’s one of the servants! I’ll question him. [To Coriolanus.] Hey, there, you clown! Come here. [Coriolanus turns.] Coriolanus, by all that is wonderful. Well, this is particularly gratifying. But, how is it that I find you here? Have you left the other place?

Cor. I am a visitor here! I have escorted Miss Maitland to the grand reception.

Dol. Oh! I thought you were going to say you owned this place. However, you are just the person to do me a little service. Run to the mansion and tell Miss Lowville’s maid to step out here a moment, that a gentleman wishes to speak to her. [Coriolanus about to go in high dudgeon.] Hold on! That won’t do—it will attract attention—a few lines will be better. [Pulls out tablet and writes.]

Cor. [Aside.] I’m no common servant! Such impudence, to ask a gentleman like me. No, thank you! [Exit in high dudgeon, R. 2 E.]

Dol. There, I guess that will do! [Folding up note.]

Enter Anastasia, R. 2 E.

Dol. Here, you clown, take this note and mind—

Anas. Sir!

Dol. The devil! [Aside.] Where did that infernal rascal get to! [To Anastasia.] I beg a million pardons, madam! [Aside.] Confound that rascal! [To Anastasia.] Pray pardon me, madam—a mistake, I assure you—mistook you for another.

Anas. Oh!

Dol. [L. Aside.] What an amiable creature!

Anas. [R. Aside.] What a charming personage, and so very polite—Hem!

Dol. Did you speak, madam?

Anas. Such a beautiful evening!

Enter Ralph, L. 4 E. He pauses at C.

Dol. Why, yes! and doubly so since the arrival of such charming simplicity.

Ralph. Ha! ha! ha! [Comes down C. Anastasia and Dollerclutch are startled. Anastasia Exits R. 2 E., with great dignity.]

Dol. [L.] Were you laughing at me, sir?

Ralph. Yes! at the picture of charming simplicity. Ha! ha! ha!

Dol. Hem! perhaps your name is Paul Pry?

Ralph. Perhaps it is! [With a shrug.] If you have any grievance, there’s my card. [Hands him card, and is about to go.]

Dol. [Looks at card. Aside.] Ralph Murdell?—the devil! [To Ralph.] Well, I thought you were either a Paul Pry or a villainous rascal!

Ralph. [Turns suddenly.] What did you say?

Dol. I say we are often mistaken. [Crosses to R. Aside.] I’ll keep my eyes on you, my fine bird. [Exit R. 2 E.]

Ralph. [Looking around.] Where is Hilda? I did not like the look in her eye! I must be careful, or she will upset all my plans. She comes.

Enter Hilda, R. 2 E.

Ralph. You are late!

Hil. I am, sir! but not too late for what I have to say. Think you I will stand calmly by and witness your villainy and allow you to deceive another as you have basely deceived me? No! If I am not your wife in law, I am in the sight of Heaven, and I dare you to make another victim.

Ralph. [L., aside.] I must pacify her somehow. [To Hilda.] Hilda! [Takes her hand and leads her to bench L. 3 E. Enter Adrienne in background R. 5 E. She listens behind statue L. 4 E.] I have repented saying those harsh words. I did not mean it. It was in anger I spoke.

Hil. Oh, Ralph! if I could only believe you.

Ralph. You can; and if you could but look into my heart you would know that you, and you only, are the one for whom its pulses beat.

Enter Reginald and Anastasia R. 2 E. Adrienne comes down C. majestically. Ralph and Hilda rise. Anastasia R., Reginald R. C., Adrienne C., Ralph L. C., Hilda L.

Adri. Reginald Maitland, you offered me your heart and hand and I refused. I have reconsidered my refusal. If you still honor me with the offer, I accept. [Tableau. Enter all quickly. Dollerclutch, R. 3 E. Coriolanus, R. 2 E. Sammy and Adolphus, L. 3 E. Hilda and Anastasia faint. Anastasia falls into the arms of Dollerclutch. Coriolanus looks on with envy. Sammy and Adolphus try to support Hilda. Comic business. Reginald accepts Adrienne’s hand eagerly. Adrienne, with heaving bosom, majestically defiant to Ralph. Ralph disconcerted.]