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 Montagu and Co.; an original comedy in fo 
 
 3 1924 013 481 373 
 
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 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
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MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 AN ORIGINAL COMEDY 
 
 IN FOUR JICTS 
 
 \/\{ i\\»ct i/-n CAREW HAZLITT 
 
 LONDON 
 
 GEORGE REDWAY 
 
 1897 
 
hsl^^''^ 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Scene. — London, Rotterdam, and Streatham. 
 Time. — The Present. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 Scene i. 
 
 A man'servant in black clothes discovered standing 
 with folded arms at the back of a chair near 
 the table to l. in a dining-room furnished in the 
 usual style. A looking-glass over the mantel- 
 piece and oil-paintings round the room. 
 
 Serv. {unfolding his arms and coming forward a 
 little). Well, I don't understand that saying, " Be-, 
 tween two stools a man comes to the ground." 
 A man doesn't come to the ground any more 
 because he's between two stools. Therefore it 
 is nonsense : therefore it is impossible : therefore 
 it means something else : therefore it means, 
 " Between two fools a man comes to the ground." 
 I know who the two fools are — they're my masters ; 
 
2 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 and as for the man, that's me. Thfe saying is, 
 " Two of a trade never agree ; " no more do my 
 two masters; they're always at it. There's my 
 young master has no money, and my old master 
 says that he hasn't any. A pretty dilemma for 
 me, with a name to keep up ! But, Lord bless 
 me ! as the quarters come round, the tin comes in : 
 and what I say is, that there must be gold-diggings 
 in the coal-cellar, or Mr. Percival the Helder, as 
 we call him for short, is what I should name a 
 humorous humbug. There's a good deal about 
 Mr. Percival the Helder which, if I was an 
 empanelled jury of my countrymen, would strike 
 me as ridic'lous affectation. But I hear Mr. 
 Percival the Junior's footstep. 
 
 Enter Charles Percival in morning dress from r. 
 Serv. retires slowly up. 
 
 Chas. p. A-hem ! 
 
 Serv. (hurrying forward). Yes, sir. 
 
 Chas. P. Post ? 
 
 Serv. No, sir. 
 
 Chas. P. Damn ! 
 
 Serv. 'Least, I mean there's a goodish few, 
 accordin' to habitude, from Mr. Percival the 
 Senior, sir. 
 
 Chas. P. Damn ! 
 
 Serv. Yes, sir. 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 3 
 
 Chas. p. Breakfast? 
 
 Serv. In the study, sir. 
 
 Chas. P. Ah, that'll do. 
 
 Serv. Yes, sir. [Ext'i Serv. l. 
 
 Chas. P. (throwing himself into a chair). Dear, 
 dear ! 'tis only twelve, and here are six letters, 
 special messages, telegrams, and the devil knows 
 what, from my uncle. He's what they call a good- 
 hearted sort of fellow, that is, he does the right 
 thing when his esteemed nephew, the present 
 deponent, has the slightest possible difficulty in 
 regulating the balance between supply and demand 
 until something turns up, has one foot in Bedlam 
 and the other in the Bankruptcy Court with worry 
 and duns. He occupies a room in my house till 
 I'm married, — or he is. He is a gay old bachelor, 
 and I'm a melancholy young bachelor. Yet why 
 should I be melancholy, pshaw? The question 
 is, why shouldn't I ? 
 
 ■p, 3 Enter Servant. 
 
 Serv. Letter for you, sir. {Aside.) From the 
 old gentleman. What a rum fist he writes, too ! 
 Wonder, poor gentleman, whether he was hard 
 up for a pen and used his toothpick ? \_Exit. 
 
 Chas. P. Good heavens ! another despatch from 
 my uncle — this makes seven. (Holds it in his 
 hand.) First, let me see, he was coming home 
 
4 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 to-night; then he wasn't; then he thought that 
 he should go to the theatre, and we were not 
 to lock the street-door; then he thought that he 
 should enjoy a turn at backgammon, and he would 
 be with me punctually at eight ; then he made up 
 his mind (for the eight-and-fortieth part of a solar 
 day) to run down to Blackheath, and see whether 
 a sniff of the country air wouldn't take away that 
 odd feeling he had in his left thumb; then he 
 recollected that he had forgotten his portmanteau, 
 and had only sixpence in his pocket, and resolved 
 (for precisely thirty minutes, I'll lay a wager) to go 
 half-price to the play, if he could borrow a clean 
 collar from Chaffers, and two shillings and four- 
 pence from somebody else. {Opens the letter^ 
 Let us see what's the latest change in the tem- 
 perature. {Reads.) " My dear Charles, — Your 
 situation is truly distressing. I should recommend 
 you to look out for a nice room somewhere, where 
 you can manage to live on — say, thirty shillings a 
 week" (Wonder he didn't make it a month) "till 
 things look brighter. For my own part, I have 
 asked some people to take chambers for me in 
 the Temple, and to arrange so that I may pay 
 for the necessary furniture by easy instalments. 
 I have borrowed a pound and a shirt of Jones, 
 and shall go to Brighton by the afternoon train. 
 I may return on Friday; but if you can let my 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 5 
 
 room to a desirable person on more advantageous 
 terms, I can easily manage to go elsewhere. — Your 
 affectionate uncle, H. Percival." What an ex- 
 traordinary effusion ! I wish I had some one to 
 lay odds with that the next, which is due in forty- 
 three minutes, will come by special messenger, and 
 contradict every word of this. {Gets up and rings 
 the bell) 
 
 Enter Servant. 
 
 Chas. p. Go over to the Clarence, where Colonel 
 Honeywood is stopping, and tell him that, as my 
 uncle does not return to-night, I can give him 
 a bed. He mayn't be up yet, for these military 
 chaps are late dogs. 
 
 Serv. Wouldn't it be more grammatical, Mr. 
 Charles, asking your pardon, to say, these military 
 dogs are late chaps ? 
 
 Chas. P. As why ? 
 
 Serv. It'd take too long to explain my reasons, 
 Mr. CharleSj so s'ppose I write them out. 
 
 Chas. P. There, be off, and — I had almost for- 
 gotten what I was talking about. 
 
 Serv. Yes, sir. 
 
 Chas. P. Oh, I remember; — tell the Colonel 
 that I shall be happy to see him here about a little 
 matter. 
 
 Serv. Wouldn't it be better to pretend, Mr. 
 Charles, that it's a. great matter ? Perhaps he won't 
 
6 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 come if I say it's only a little matter. You can 
 let the cat out of the bag when yer get him here. 
 Chas. p. Have done ! have done ! \Exit Skrv. 
 
 Enter Colonel Honeywood, ushered in by Serv. 
 
 Serv. (aside). Well, I was right ; he «!f a military 
 dog by his hair. \Exit. 
 
 Col. H. Ah, my dear fellow, most fortunate; 
 I was just coming over. 
 
 Chas. P. Very glad to see you, Colonel; you 
 were one of my poor father's friends (they both dash 
 away a tear, the Colonel following suit). Break- 
 fasted yet ? 
 
 Col. H. (eagerly). No, by Jove ! I thought 
 there was something. I'll go back, and 
 
 Chas. P. Couldn't think of such a thing, my 
 dear sir. / haven't breakfasted. 
 
 Col. H. Most singular ! 
 
 Chas. P. You'll take a bit with me presently ; 
 it's laid in the study. 
 
 Col. H. Charmed, am sure. 
 
 Chas. P. But there was a matter on which I 
 wanted first to take your advice. (The Colonel 
 bows acquiescence.) I hope that you won't be 
 offended if — if I mention to you that — I — I — in 
 fact, that I am desirous of getting married ! 
 
 Col. H. Offended, my dear fellow ! Why should 
 I be ? Delighted to hear of your resolution. Girl 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. ^ 
 
 with a little money, perhaps, and handsome, I'll 
 swear, into the bargain ! Ah ! that's where you 
 young dogs have us poor old fellows. Why, the 
 girls won't look at me now. Gave up looking at 
 me ever since they found out that I hadn't saved 
 money in the Punjaub, and had three grey hairs 
 in my left whisker. Heigho ! (Chas. P. looks 
 rather confused and blushes.) Not what we should 
 call a fortune, Charlie, eh? (Col. H. hums an 
 air and twirls his moustaches indifferently.) 
 
 Chas. P. {mysteriously). Well, perhaps so — ^per- 
 haps not; and the fact is, between you and me, 
 that — that the lady has been asked, but — but 
 
 Col. H. Her papa and mamma have not, eh? 
 Haven't I hit the nail on the head? But what 
 can I do, my boy ? 
 
 Chas. P. Well, I don't mind telUng you that 
 it's the daughter of some people of the name of 
 Montagu. 
 
 Col. H. Montagu! Montagu! Not old Cecil 
 Montagu, of Montagu Brothers, London and 
 Rotterdam ? 
 
 Chas. P. {nervously). Yes, the same. 
 
 Col. H. Why, they're one of the richest houses 
 in England, and Cecil is the head of the firm. 
 They've only one daughter. I know Montagu 
 well, and his wife, too. I confess I could never 
 make out why they hadn't half the peerage on the 
 
8 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 hungry look-out for Cecilia; but they don't see 
 much company somehow. Mrs. M. is 
 
 Chas. p. I don't like her altogether so well 
 as I could wish to do. 
 
 Col. H. (confidentially). Insincere. 
 
 Chas. P. Just so. 
 
 Col. H. Rather a flirt still. 
 
 Chas. P. I don't know but what she is rather. 
 
 Col. H. Paints horribly. 
 
 Chas. P. Expect she does. 
 
 Col H. In fact, an odious old creature. (Chas. 
 P. looks at him.) Oh, don't be offended, and after 
 all, it's charming Cecilia that you have in view. 
 Miss Montagu can't help her mother being this or 
 being that. I'll do my best for ye, my boy. {Takes 
 Chas. P.'s hand warmly and shakes it.) I'll go to 
 Russell Square to-morrow and open the campaign, 
 and then I'll report progress. I've a letter to write, 
 by-the-bye ; you won't mind my running across 
 to the hotel, and I'll join you at the breakfast- 
 table in a quarter of an hour. \^Exit to r. 
 
 ( The voice of Mr. Percival is heard inside to 
 L.) Confound those military men, eating me out 
 of house and home ! That Colonel What's-his- 
 name is always here. Cuss the Army ! Bah ! I've 
 knocked my thumb for the fortieth time. (Enters 
 with a portmanteau in hand from L.) Ah ! 
 (greeting CnAS. P.) 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. Q 
 
 Chas. p. Ah ! {returns the salutation). 
 
 Mr. p. There's a van-load of things coming 
 directly. I want to furnish that room upstairs as 
 a study for myself. I'm going to read j it's a new 
 idea, for which I'm rather obliged to Thingamee. 
 
 Chas. P. {aside). Shouldn't have thought the 
 article was so uncommon as that. {Addressing his 
 uncle.) But you said, sir, that I was not to expect 
 you till Friday, and I have told the Colonel that 
 he can occupy the spare room. 
 
 Mr. p. Eh? 
 
 Chas. P. Of course, if I had expected you, I 
 would have let him stop over the way. 
 
 Mr. p. Ah ! (Throws his portmanteau on the 
 table and rings the bell.) 
 
 Enter Servant. 
 
 Mr. p. Take the portmanteau up into my 
 room, and let Colonel What's-his-name 
 
 Chas. P. Honeywood. 
 
 Mr. p. Honeyman know that he can't have a 
 bedroom here to-night, as Mr. Percival 
 
 Chas. P. But, please 
 
 Mr. p. I give information ; I do not ask for it. 
 Let James act on my instructions. 
 
 Chas. P. This is my house, sir. 
 
 Mr. p. But I pay the rent, sir. 
 
 Chas. P, This is my servant, sir. 
 
12 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Mr. p. Impertinence! 
 
 Chas. p. As why? I merely repeat what you 
 said yourself a moment ago. Why, you're spoilt, 
 you know. There's your handsome sinecure, on 
 which I could live like a prince, and look at what 
 poetry brings me in ! Next to nothing. 
 
 Mr. p. (contemptuously). Ah ! 
 
 Chas. P. But it is an ennobling occupation. 
 I delight in depicting the careers of our great 
 dead in verse. 
 
 Mr. p. Hang poetry ! Hang the great dead ! 
 If you want to get your bread and cheese, which 
 I take it you do (Chas. P. bows slightly), I should 
 advise you to look to the living and not to the 
 dead. They speak of the "mighty spirits of the 
 departed," but I could never see the point thyself. 
 I detest everything connected with literature down 
 to goose, which is another name for quill-pens and 
 indigestion. 
 
 Chas. P. Ha, ha! Well, for a sort of dry 
 humour, a kind of a laugh which would be a 
 laugh if the salt-box hadn't been spilt over it, I 
 never saw your match, sir. 
 
 Mr. p. I'm very much out of sorts, and by 
 no means in a humoristic vein (pettishly). This 
 Miss What's-her-name 
 
 Chas. P. Montagu. 
 
 Mr. p. Montagu, — seems to be a fair kind of 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 13 
 
 person, and what's more essential, she will pro- 
 bably have a good deal of money, which in your 
 case I take to be extremely desirable. You had 
 better see about it {laughs drily). 
 
 Chas. p. (calmly). Would you wish me, sir, to 
 wait upon Mr. Montagu, and state to him, as a 
 man of business, that I intend, by his leave and 
 Mrs. Montagu's, to pay my addresses to Miss M., 
 but that, meanwhile, in consequence of the de- 
 pressed condition of literature, I should be glad 
 of an advance of £,20 ? (Mr. P. writhes a little, 
 and performs manceuvres indicative of inquietude.) 
 Am I right in conjecturing that this is your view ? 
 (Mr. v. paces the stage from r. to l.) 
 
 Mr. p. {stopping short with his back turned to 
 Chas. P.). Ah, well, perhaps it wouldn't quite do. 
 
 Chas. P. Perhaps not; but you've greater ex- 
 perience than I have. My own notion is, sir, I 
 frankly tell you, that the best way in these matters 
 is to cut a dash 
 
 Mr. p. {aside). Another cheque ! 
 
 Chas. P. {continues). For instance, I ought to 
 be able to present myself to the family of my 
 intended wife in suitable costume, and I cannot 
 very well order any fresh things of my tailor till 
 I have squared his account. 
 
 Mr. p. How much may that be ? 
 
 Chas. P. {pulls a bill out of his pocket). 
 
14 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 ;£s6, 14s. 6d. (Mr. P. groans.) Then one ought 
 to have proper supplies of boots, hats, gloves, and 
 so on. 
 
 Mr. p. {satirically). Oh, yes, and so on. Is 
 there anything else, sir ? 
 
 Chas. p. Why, no gentleman wears the same 
 cravat (Mr. P. stares at him with increasing amaze- 
 ment), or the same studs, or the same — in fact, 
 anything twice running. 
 
 Mr. p. Oh, dear, no ; no gentleman does, I'm 
 aware. / do ; but that's another matter. 
 
 Chas. P. I meant no disrespect to you, sir; 
 I merely intended to say that in my peculiar 
 situation it was necessary 
 
 Mr. p. To appear better off than you really 
 are — to let people suppose that you are a person 
 of independent property — which I wish were the 
 fact — and to favour the fallacious impression that 
 you have expectations from me ! 
 
 Chas. P. As you please. Oh, as you please, sir ; 
 only I was going to observe, that supposing this is 
 to be done, a man can't visit such a house as the 
 Montagus' without making occasional presents. 
 
 Mr. p. (aside). Ah ! 
 
 Chas. P. A box at the opera now and then 
 
 Mr. p. (aside). It's getting very late. (Looks at 
 his watch.) Pheugh ! 
 
 Chas. P. (pretending not to notice him). A set 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. IS 
 
 of emeralds given at the right moment has been 
 known to clinch an afifair of this kind. 
 
 Mr. p. {smiling ironically). Has it ? I don't think 
 that I shall try the experiment. 
 
 Chas. p. Then, to do the thing properly and 
 carry matters with a high hand 
 
 Mr. p. {aside). Properly ! With a high hand ! 
 
 Chas. P. One ought to lay on some sort of trap 
 for the time. 
 
 Mr. p. {aside). Good God 1 
 
 Chas. P. {affecting unconsciousness). If it was 
 only an ordinary case, a gig or a drag might 
 do ; but where one plays for high stakes, there's 
 no use in looking at a few pounds more or 
 less 
 
 Mr. p. Oh, none at all ! 
 
 Chas. P. And I should recommend the regular 
 thing. 
 
 Mr. p. Perhaps you will have the goodness to 
 explain, for my information, what you mean by the 
 regular thing ? 
 
 Chas. P. Oh, a pair — a pair, of course. Powder 
 isn't necessary, but 
 
 Mr. p. {sarcastically). Not while we're about it ? 
 You think it might possibly clinch, h — m ? 
 
 Chas. P. Of course, I don't mean to say that 
 the thing couldn't be managed more economically 
 (Mr. p. smiles and coughs) ; but I was sketching 
 
l6 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 out what struck me as the best road to success 
 with Miss Montagu. 
 
 Mr. p. I see no harm in that. 
 
 Chas. p. Oh, my dear sir, you're too good ! — 
 I didn't expect 
 
 Mr. p. (drily). No harm, I mean, in your sketch- 
 ing this out. 
 
 Chas. P. (yvith a disconcerted air). I misunder- 
 stood — I'm very sorry. 
 
 Mr. P. You appear to me to regard my re- 
 sources as inexhaustible and as simply held in 
 trust for you. 
 
 Chas. P. (aside). Hope they are ! No such luck, 
 I fear ! 
 
 Mr. p. {continues). Now, I find {takes out his 
 banker's book and refers) that I have let you have 
 all that I intend to give you except ;£i3, 19s. 3d. 
 How far do you consider that that amount will 
 go towards the accomplishment of the interesting 
 programme you have just drawn up ? 
 
 Chas. P. {reckons). Six times four and three- 
 pence make precisely twenty-five shillings and 
 sixpence ; that's six pairs of gloves, which will last 
 me three days. Frock-coat, five guineas : that 
 makes seven pounds and sixpence. Carriage and 
 pair and etceteras for week, six pounds eighteen 
 shillings and ninepence : Total, ;^i3, 19s. 3d. 
 Wouldn't go very far, sir ! (Mr. P. gives a pro- 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. \J 
 
 longed whistle, and retires up and leans out of the 
 window. Chas. P. looks after him, shrugs his 
 shoulders, and then proceeds.") I know what's in my 
 uncle's mind as well as if I was there listening. 
 He'll grumble and pay up. Not that I intend to 
 bleed him so extravagantly as I pretended just now, 
 not I. If Cecilia won't have me as I am, why 
 there's an end of it. Hang it ! a man who has 
 been described in print as one of the four leading 
 poets of Great Britain, ahem ! isn't to be despised. 
 I want money, and they want, ahem ! — Well, it's 
 a fair exchange. The Colonel, besides, '11 be a 
 capital pioneer. Ah, here he comes. 
 
 Enter Colonel Honeywood_;^(?w r. 
 
 Col. H. I'm almost ashamed of myself. 
 
 Chas. P. Don't mention it, my dear Colonel. 
 Hope you have been attended to ? Did you find 
 all you wanted ? 
 
 CoL. H. Breakfasted like a prince, dear boy — 
 like a prince. (Mr. P. turns round at window and 
 looks at the Colonel through his spectacles.) By- 
 the-bye, I thought you wouldn't mind me writing 
 a few letters, and asking your man to put stamps 
 on and let them go to the post ? 
 
 Chas. P. Of course not, of course not 
 
 Mr. p. {aside). Confounded effrontery ! 
 
 CoL. H. And, by-the-bye, I asked James to 
 
I8 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 lend me your portmanteau. (Mr. P. starts, but 
 checks himself.) He has taken it over to the 
 Clarence for me. (Chas. P. looks rather serious.) 
 If you mind, you know, dear boy, I can send it 
 back, but 
 
 Chas. P. Oh, no ! oh, no ! {Aside.) Cool ! but 
 it won't do, I s'ppose, to kick up a row. 
 
 Col. H. You don't happen to have any change 
 about ye, dear boy? Off to Portsmouth to-night, 
 and nothing about me but d — d country drafts. 
 Back to-morrow on your business. We'll pull 
 through there, dear boy; trust old Bob Honey- 
 wood ! Ah ! you lucky dog ! 
 
 Chas. P. Well, Colonel, I'm rather short my- 
 self, but if {pulling a couple of sovereigns out of his 
 pocket) that'll do 
 
 Col. H. Splendidly, dear boy, superbly. Re- 
 turn them to-morrow. 
 
 Chas. P. {aside). What a genial way he has ! 
 
 Mr. p. {aside). These military humbugs ! I 
 ought to look upon it as an honour, forsooth, to 
 pay this person's travelling expenses down to 
 Portsmouth. He'll go first class, no doubt; I 
 always go second. 
 
 Col. H. Thankee, dear boy. Depend on me 
 to-morrow. Hope I shall have to congratulate 
 you and your esteemed parent (Mr. P. uses a 
 gesture of disgust and resentment). A man of high 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. IQ 
 
 principle, but — (Chas. P. hushes him, puts his 
 arm through his, and exeunt to l. both whispering 
 and looking otier their shoulders at Mr. P. Exit 
 Mr. p. to R. looking over his shoulder at them). 
 
 CURTAIN AND END OF ACT I. 
 
20 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Scene i. 
 
 A boudoir in Russell Square. Mrs. and Miss 
 Montagu. The latter is at the piano and 
 sings. Miss Montagu's maid is seated at 
 the window r. side embroidering. 
 
 A fair girl sat by a leafless tree ; 
 Her cheek on her hand was pillowed : 
 And all that I heard was, " Woe is me I 
 My love is dead ! " 
 
 Miss M. {rising and sitting by Mrs. M.) Ah, 
 well, that is enough. I really think, my dearest 
 mother, that Uncle Ralph might be more consider- 
 ate than to teaze us with so many letters of introduc- 
 tion. He is so terribly anxious to get me married, 
 that he no sooner meets with some notability or 
 other on the Continent, than he despatches him 
 post-haste to Russell Square, Bloomsbury, with a 
 passport to us, just to see whether he will do. 
 
 Mrs. M. i^ho is rather deaf, imposing her hands, 
 as if in the act of benediction) My darling Cecilia ! 
 
 Miss M. It is really becoming dreadful. I 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 21 
 
 am sure that I shall end by doing something 
 which will create an immense sensation — throw 
 myself into the Regent's Canal or marry a cor- 
 poral in the Grenadiers. 
 
 Mrs. M. My darling Cecilia ! (deprecatingly, 
 with the arms imposed as before). 
 
 Miss M. (mischievously). Mrs. Corporal SmithJ 
 I am sure it would sound highly respectable. 
 
 Maid. Oh ! Miss, don't talk so horridly. 
 
 Miss M. Horridly? Why, what can be worse 
 than Mrs. Bread -and-Butter? (The others look 
 inquiringly, Mrs. M. assuming an air of bland 
 benevolence. ) Yes, to be sure, that Mynheer Butter- 
 brode, who is one of the desirable alliances thrown 
 in my way by my Uncle Ralph — his name is Dutch 
 for bread-and-butter. 
 
 Maid (aside). He looks to me as if he was 
 Dutch for bread-and-butter ! 
 
 Miss M. (aside, Mrs. M. looking on with an air 
 of imperturbable serenity, but only catching a word 
 here and there) Then my beloved parent is so 
 deaf unhappily, and papa is engaged all day at the 
 Bank, so that it falls upon me to receive these dis- 
 tinguished persons, to ask them who they are, what 
 they want, whether they are respectable, whether 
 they are rich enough to keep a wife — of course all in 
 a most roundabout and genteel manner ; for I would 
 not give Uncle Ralph's friends offence for the world. 
 
22 MONTAGU AND CO.. 
 
 Mrs. M. (with unlimited benignity). My darling 
 Cecilia, no offence, I am sure. (Miss M. bows 
 acquiescence.) 
 
 Miss M. {aside). Poor dear! — It's a sort of 
 march past, and I am expected to select the for- 
 tunate candidate. Uncle Ralph's ideas of a 
 suitable match for a girl with no inconsiderable 
 prospects must be rather singular. I declare I 
 could have found it in my heart to box his ears 
 the other day, if he had been within reach, when 
 he sent that frightful Prince Pippinhofif with a 
 letter assuring papa that all Vienna was in love 
 with him, and that, if some mines of his turned 
 out well, he would be the richest man in Austria. 
 What did you say, Jeannette ? 
 
 Jeann. Oh, nothing, Miss. {Aside.) All I know 
 is, I saw him borrow two pounds of master the 
 other night when he dined here — to carry on those 
 mines, I shouldn't wonder. If some people are 
 not credolous! {To Miss M.) Oh, Miss, I see 
 Colonel Honeywood coming up the other side of 
 the square, and he has just crossed over, as if he 
 was coming here, Miss. 
 
 Miss M. Colonel Honeywood, mother. 
 
 Mrs. M. {rising with tranquil deliberation). De- 
 lighted, my dear Col 
 
 Miss M. {laughing). No, no; not yet. I said 
 he was coming. Jeannette sees him in the square. 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 23 
 
 (Mrs. M. imposes hands on Miss M. and Jean- 
 NETTE and resumes her seat.) I cannot quite make 
 him out. Not that he often presents himself here, 
 and when he does, it generally turns out that there 
 is some object. (Miss M. retires up, and reclines 
 on sofa.) 
 
 Enter Servant. 
 
 Serv. (to Mrs M., who smiles benignly, but does 
 not appear to hear). Colonel Honeywood, madam. 
 He wishes to know if it will be convenient for you 
 to see him ? 
 
 Miss M. Ask the Colonel to come up. Mamma 
 does not hear. \^Exit Serv. 
 
 Enter Colonel Honeywood /wot r. 
 
 Col. H. {springing forward to l., where Mrs. 
 M. has risen to receive him). It is always, my dearest 
 madam, one of the greatest pleasures of my life to 
 see you in the enjoyment of your usual health and 
 spirits. I hope (turns round slightly) — but I see 
 that Miss Montagu is present. Double pleasure ! 
 (Goes up to sofa, and is met by Miss M.) My dear 
 Miss Montagu, I am charmed to see you looking 
 so well — charmed. 
 
 Miss M. You are a perfect stranger. Colonel ; 
 it seems an age since you were here. You re- 
 mind me of the comets. (Mrs. M. retires to 
 window and converses with Jeannette.) 
 
24 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Col. H. My dear Miss Montagu, I bring with 
 me a tale, which I trust will not be so powerful 
 for evil as the tails of the comets are sometimes 
 said to be. 
 
 Miss M. Nor so long, Colonel, eh ! But, to 
 be serious, what tale do you refer to. A tale of 
 knight-errantry perhaps ? 
 
 Col. H. Well, I am doing an errand for a 
 friend, but I do it in the morning ; therefore mine 
 may be called a tale of morning-err andry. {Aside.) 
 I meant that for a joke, but I see she does not 
 take it. Well, well ! 
 
 Miss M. You're still mysterious. Colonel. Who, 
 then, is your friend ? Do you expect me to draw 
 you out ? 
 
 Col. H. Briefly, the matter stands thus 
 
 Enter Servant. 
 
 Serv. {to Mrs. M.) The Prince Rhodomontados 
 waits below, madam. 
 
 Mrs. M. {returning to her seat) Let the Prince 
 be asked up. My darling Cecilia ! 
 
 Miss M. {affecting surprise) Yes, my dearest 
 mother. 
 
 Mrs. M. {with slight warmth) His Highness, 
 child. 
 
 Miss M. Very well, my dearest mother. {Aside.) 
 This is the Athenian hero, Prince Themistocles 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 25 
 
 Rhodomontados, who presented his credentials 
 lately to papa from Uncle Ralph. How absurd to 
 think that I should ever marry such a man ! He 
 scarcely knows a word of English, and I scarcely 
 know a word of Greek, except hie, hcec, hoc. 
 
 Col. H. Well, another time I may hope to 
 have the pleasure — {Draivs designs on the carpet 
 with his cane, and prepares to take leave.) {Aside.) 
 Most opportune, by Jove ! I was beginning at the 
 wrong end. That deaf old woman put my ideas 
 all out of my head. People oughtn't to be so 
 deaf. {To Mrs. M.) My dearest madam, just one 
 moment. Have you seen the Percivals lately ? 
 
 Mrs, M. {with matchless suavity, but unconscious 
 of the Colonel s question) My dear Colonel ! 
 
 Miss M. Mamma does not quite catch what 
 you said. Colonel Honeywood. She was saying 
 only the other day, that she wondered Charles or 
 his uncle had not been here. 
 
 CoL. H. {agreeably). Rather odd sort of people ? 
 — I speak under correction — I have heard as 
 much. 
 
 Miss M. The uncle — yes. But Charles is a 
 fine, open-hearted, frank fellow. 
 
 Col. H. Doubtless ; like all the young, he's 
 fond of society, partial to spending money — {aside) 
 when he can get any, — a leetle gay, like most of 
 us before we sober down. 
 
26 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Mrs. M. But you do not mean to say, my 
 dearest Colonel 
 
 Col. H. Oh, no, by no means, madam. I 
 never cast imputations. Oh, yes, Charlie — I call 
 him Charlie — I was his father's friend {brushes his 
 eye) — is an excellent chap, and frank, as you say, 
 frank — to a fault ! We happened the other day 
 to be speaking of you. He said he wished there 
 was more sincerity in the world — less humbug, in 
 fact, was his phrase. 
 
 Mrs. M. But you do not mean 
 
 Col. H. Dear, dear, no, madam. I hate de- 
 tractors above everything. I would not take away 
 a man's character for the world. I was merely 
 giving an instance of his candour. He also said, 
 I remember, that it was perfectly ridiculous to see 
 how some old ladies of one's acquaintance tried 
 to make themselves look young. 
 
 Mrs. M. But I hope, my dear sir 
 
 Col. H. I assure you, my dear madam, I have 
 the greatest detestation of personalities. Ah ! and 
 he happened — I merely mention it en passant as 
 an illustration of his fine open character — (Mrs. 
 M. bows; Miss M. averts her head as if in dis- 
 pleasure) — that it was a pity to see ladies who 
 were old enough to be grandmammas putting on 
 juvenile airs. 
 
 Mrs. M. But, my dear Colonel 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 2/ 
 
 Col. H. Of course not, my dear Mrs. Montagu. 
 I have the strongest dislike to tittle-tattle and 
 scandal. 
 
 Mrs. M. (imposes her hands, but Miss M. smiles 
 satirically aside. Col. H. retires up, and looks out 
 of window, slipping something on the way into 
 Jeannette's hand.) Ah ! I see it doesn't rain. 
 (Bows to ladies, moves over to L. and exit.) 
 
 Jeann. {aside). There's something very superior 
 in these officers. A fiver ! Young Percival never 
 gave me a shilling in his life. Don't believe 
 myself he was a University man. (Mrs. and Miss 
 M. converse in an undertone.) 
 
 Enter Servant, ushering in the Prince 
 
 RH0D0M0NTAD0Sy9-(?»« R. 
 
 Serv. His Highness the Prince. 
 
 Mrs. M. (advancing. Prince, this is too great 
 an honour ! 
 
 Miss M. [somewhat distantly) I trust your 
 Highness is well. {Aside.) How much better I 
 love the good English faces ! 
 
 Pr. R. {in broken English). I am sharmed, 
 mesdames. Madame Montagu, your omble sarvant. 
 Mademoiselle Montagu, your omble sarvant. I 
 called at you for to sartify that my bohx at opera 
 is wacant this efening, and is at your total dis- 
 position. If you shall go, I vill be entranced. 
 
28 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Mrs. M. My dear Prince, you are too good. 
 (Imposes hands on the Prince.) 
 
 Miss M. {aside). Oh, deliver me from these 
 foreign invaders ! {To Pr. R.) How delightful ! 
 
 Pr. R. Veatter jolly fine ; almost, I think, too 
 jolly fine. I eat strawberry other day, and he give 
 me stomach-ache ! (Mrs. M. and Miss M. use 
 deprecatory gestures.) Vish you joy, mesdames, of 
 your bohx, and make you sure of my distinguished 
 consideration. Bon jour. [JSxit. 
 
 Miss M. These foreign gentlemen are strangely 
 distasteful to me, my dearest mother, and father 
 and Uncle Ralph have such an opinion of them ! 
 {Aside.) That Colonel Honey wood — I don't know 
 why I should suspect it, but I do — was trying 
 to prejudice mamma against Charles Percival. 
 There's something about the Colonel which I 
 don't like. I wonder what it can be ? 
 
 Mrs. M. We have lived longer in the world 
 than you have, child, and know better what is for 
 your happiness. You have unlimited opportunities ; 
 wealth and rank are at your feet. If you do not 
 admire the Prince Rhodomontados, my dear 
 
 Miss M. (aside). That I certainly don't. 
 
 Mrs. M. Or Mynheer Butterbrode 
 
 Miss M. (aside). The horror ! 
 
 Mrs. M. Why, there is the Earl of Ambleside, 
 young, handsome, and accomplished; and has 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 29 
 
 not your Uncle Ralph promised to get him made 
 a Duke and a Knight of the Garter, if you will 
 have him ? 
 
 Miss M. And is not Charles handsome and 
 accomplished too, my dearest mother ? 
 
 Mrs. M. Charles? 
 
 Miss M. Charles Percival, to be sure. You 
 know whom I mean, mother, don't you ? 
 
 Mrs. M. Charles Percival, Cecilia, is certainly 
 young; whether he is handsome, is a matter of 
 taste ; whether he is accomplished, I am not com- 
 petent to decide; but he is not an Earl, and — 
 in short, your father and myself look upon the 
 connection as objectionable. Those very poor 
 persons are never desirable, ray dear ; they have 
 always a something about them. 
 
 Miss M. But I never understood that the 
 Percivals were so very poor, my dearest mother; 
 and besides, why could not uncle have Charles 
 made an Earl, then a Marquis, finally a Duke and 
 K.G. ? It is so easy now. 
 
 Mrs. M. a couple of penniless adventurers 
 baiting a trap for an heiress, my darling Cecilia. 
 {Aside.) That young Percival must be a very ill- 
 bred and impertinent fellow. The Colonel has 
 quite opened my eyes. 
 
 Miss M. Old Mr. Percival is certainly a little 
 eccentric 
 
30 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Mrs. M. Very much so, my dear — viciously so. 
 People in their humble circumstances have no 
 right to be eccentric. 
 
 Miss M. At any rate, Charles is not. {Aside.) 
 That wicked Colonel! How I scorn a back- 
 biter ! 
 
 Mrs. M. I have less confidence in his principles 
 than I could wish. You had better turn this 
 matter over seriously, my dearest ; but I should 
 recommend you to give up all idea of the Percivals. 
 The alliance shall never have my approbation, and 
 I think you are acquainted with your father's 
 views. Let us drop the subject for the present. 
 It is almost time to dress for dinner. [Exit. 
 
 Jeann. {advancing from window). You look 
 pale. Miss, this afternoon ! You are not ill ? Let 
 me get a chair. 
 
 Miss M. {laying a hand on her arm). Oh, no, it 
 will be over presently ; merely a passing faintness. 
 The sultry weather, I dare say. There, it's gone. 
 {Brightens up.) Look here, Jeannette. 
 
 Jeann. Yes, Miss. 
 
 Miss M. Listen to me, Jeannette. 
 
 Jeann. I do, Miss. 
 
 Miss M. But listen to me, Jeannette. 
 
 Jeann. I am all attention. Miss. 
 
 Miss M. Well, now, Jeannette, tell me, what do 
 you think of the Prince ? 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 3I 
 
 Jeann. Oh, Miss, it's not my place to offer an 
 opinion. 
 
 Miss M. When I call upon you, Jeannette, it is. 
 
 Jeann. Well, Miss, I should say he hadn't had 
 the best masters. (Miss M. smiles.) He's better 
 than Mynheer Butterbrode, though; or than that 
 Herr Schmidt. But oh, Miss, Colonel Honeywood 
 for me ! 
 
 Miss M. Y ox you, Jeannette? 
 
 Jeann. For you, Miss, I meant. No, he's too 
 old for Pie. He might be my — papa, Miss. 
 
 Miss M. {smiling). A very proper objection, 
 Jeannette. But Colonel Honeywood is not a 
 foreigner, you silly ! 
 
 1'EJCin'S. (consideringly). No? But he has served 
 in foreign parts, Miss. 
 
 Miss M. He has your good opinion, I see, at any 
 rate. Mamma is not very well, I think, to-day. 
 
 Jeann. (archly) She talked very crossly about 
 Mr. Charles, Miss, I thought. Now, if the Colonel 
 wasn't in the case, I should have said that Mr. 
 Charles 
 
 Miss M. (sharply) The Colonel in the case? 
 Who ever authorised you to suppose that he was 
 in the case? 
 
 Jeann. No offence, I hope, Miss. Really, it 
 seemed to me 
 
 Miss M. Yes, I'm vexed with you, but never 
 
32 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 mind; there, don't cry — (Jeannette/«^j her hand- 
 kerchief to her face and sobs) — there, it's all forgotten 
 (soothingly). I don't know what has come to you, 
 Jeannette. (Aside.) It seems as if everybody was 
 turning against us. I wish Charles would write 
 some great poem that would create a furor. I 
 will tell him to. I declare I never thought of it 
 before. Then, again, I wish that old uncle of his 
 wouldn't be so absurd, but would learn to behave 
 himselflike other people. (7(? Jeannette.) Come, 
 come, Jeannette, and help me to dress for dinner. 
 Oh ! (she screams.) 
 
 Jeann. Oh ! (screams.) 
 
 Charles Percival springs in at the window. 
 
 Chas. p. Hush ! for goodness-sake. Be still as 
 mice, both of you. 
 
 Miss M. Oh, Charles ! 
 
 Chas. P. I climbed up by the water-pipe and the 
 trellis-work, and broke my arm as near as a toucher 
 against the window-ledge. But never mind. Jean- 
 nette, lock the door, and don't say a word ; that's 
 a brick. (Jeannette looks at her mistress and 
 hesitates ; Chas. P. hastens to the door and secures 
 it himself^ There ! I've not a moment to lose, 
 Cecilia. (He speaks in a hurried undertone. 
 Jeannette has retired up a little, and looks from 
 one to the other in amazement^ I have a scheme 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 33 
 
 in my head. I am off to Rotterdam by the next 
 steamer. I shall see your Uncle Ralph. I shall 
 explain to him how matters stand. He was always 
 very civil to me, you know, Cecilia, and does not 
 think me such a bad fellow 
 
 Miss M. Such a bad fellow, Charles ! 
 
 Jeann. I think I hear a footstep. I think I 
 hear two. 
 
 Miss M. Heavens ! Charles, for pity's sake, 
 go. But how will you go? There is only that 
 door. 
 
 Chas. R Go ? Via water-pipe and trellis, to be 
 sure. If your uncle is favourable, I shall form 
 some plan in concert with him ; if he is unfavour- 
 able 
 
 Miss M. What then, Charles ? 
 
 Chas. P. I shall go to America, and try to 
 forget that I ever loved a rich man's daughter. 
 
 Miss M. {reproachfully) Oh, cruel, cruel ! If 
 any one should come ! {She joins her hands in 
 terror.) 
 
 Jeann. I'm sure there's somebody ; it is a man's 
 tread. {Puts her ear to the keyhole^ 
 
 Chas. P. Cecilia, I did not mean that; I was mad 
 when I said it. I meant that I should endeavour 
 to overcome my presumptuous passion for one so 
 much above me. God bless you ! {Kisses h^r, while 
 Jeannexte is intent on the door.) I shall be back 
 
34 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 in three or four days. {Hastens to the window ; it 
 has grown darker ; the sound of footsteps on the stairs 
 becomes more distinct ; Miss M. follows him to the 
 window^ Now for it ! By Jove ! no such easy 
 matter. There! (Gets a footing on the trellis, and 
 half disappears ; a tap comes at the door.) 
 
 Jeann. What is it ? 
 
 Mrs. M. (without). Let me in instantly. 
 
 Miss M. (making a gesture to Jeannette) Why 
 don't you open the door to mamma ? Have you 
 hampered the lock ? (Looks down to see if Chas. P. 
 has alighted safely, and makes a sign to Jeannette 
 to open the door.) 
 
 Chas. P. (from below). God bless you ! See you 
 again soon. Hope for good news. 
 
 Enter Mrs. Montagu hurriedly. 
 
 Mrs. M. Whose voice was that ? A man's ? 
 
 Jeann. Perhaps mine, ma'am ; I'm a little hoarse 
 to-day (coughs). 
 
 Miss M. I was a little faint, and thought the 
 air might do me good. Perhaps it was a man in 
 the street whom you heard, my dearest mother. 
 In our noisy neighbourhood, it is difficult to 
 •account for every sound ; is it not, Jeannette ? 
 
 Jeann. (hoarsely). Very, Miss. 
 
 Mrs. M. (imposing her hand). I suppose it was 
 a mistake of mine, my dear Ceciha. You will 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 3$ 
 
 keep everybody waiting, if you do not prepare for 
 dinner, child. Come. [£xif. 
 
 Miss M. (aside to Jeann.) Run to the street 
 door, and see if you can distinguish anything of Mr. 
 Charles, Jeannette. If anything were to happen 
 to him while he is away — God forbid ! — I should 
 love you all the better, Jeannette, for being the last 
 who saw him. I must follow my mother. \Exit. 
 
 Jeann. {aside). How heavy that five-pound note 
 I had from the Colonel lies on my conscience ! 
 I think, if I ever become a rich woman, and could 
 do without it, I will give it to the poor. My young 
 mistress is a bit crazy about young Percival, and 
 perhaps it would not be wise for me to stand out 
 too much for the Colonel. Time may bring the 
 young man to a sense of his duty ; at any rate, I'll 
 give him one more chance. \^Exit. 
 
 Scene 2. 
 
 Manager's parlour at the Bank of Montagu 
 Brothers, Lombard Street. Mr. Cecil 
 Montagu, the head of the firm, discovered in 
 consultation with his head-clerk. He is seated 
 at a table covered with papers ; the clerk stands. 
 
 Mr. M. Well, Travers, I think we must break 
 off for to-day. I have to be home early. Good- 
 
36 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 day to ye — good-day. I hope Mrs. Travers and 
 the children are quite well ? 
 
 T. Thankee, sir, quite well. That eldest boy 
 of mine 
 
 Mr. M. I'm very glad to hear it — good-bye. 
 
 [Exi( Travers. 
 
 Mr. M. (solus). He's a very worthy fellow, but 
 he is unfortunately one of those men who have 
 got an eldest boy, and keep him constantly in 
 ambush, ready to spring out at one like a Jack- 
 in-the-box. The worst of it is, if you give the 
 youngster a desk, you don't get rid of the affair, 
 for the gap is filled up like clockwork by the 
 eldest boy ai home. Travers has twelve boys — 
 a somewhat alarming prospect. I think I must 
 recommend a colonial career for some of them, 
 get him to recruit the Line with a few, to send 
 a careful selection to sea, and so on. Well, well, 
 time will show, and just now, to say the truth, I 
 have my own little troubles, or rather my one 
 great trouble — the settlement of my girl somehow. 
 If I was a poor man — my brother Ralph and I 
 were poor enough when we began life, God 
 knows ! — there'd have been no difficulty. I should 
 have looked for some honest young fellow with 
 a clear head and a pair of strong arms, and if 
 Cecilia and he loved each other, he should have 
 had her, with my blessing — all, perhaps, that I 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 37 
 
 should have had to give. But, as we bankers 
 say, circumstances alter cases. Cecilia was always 
 a most dutiful child, and I have often heard her 
 say that it would cut her to the very heart to 
 contradict her mother or me, or run counter to 
 our wishes. Yet the little gipsy, to my knowledge, 
 has been her own mistress ever since she left off 
 pinafores; does exactly as she pleases, and what 
 is more, makes us do exactly as she pleases. But, 
 as we bankers say, a line must be drawn some- 
 where ; and Mrs. M. and myself strongly object 
 to this proposed alliance with young Percival. 
 The young fellow himself would be all very well, 
 but he has an intractable oddity in the shape of 
 an uncle, who has hitherto defied with complete 
 success all our attempts to make head or tail of 
 him. It is by all accounts a singular household ; 
 they appear to have no relations; they see no 
 company; Charles has no profession and no 
 means. I am sorry for the poor fellow, who has 
 plenty of natural talent and engaging manners ; 
 but his father — a most worthy man, without a 
 particle of this unfortunate eccentricity — died 
 when he was very young — a mere child. Soon 
 afterwards he lost his mother, and my brother 
 Ralph, who had known the family in our humble 
 days, when he was glad enough to be asked to 
 the Percivals on Sundays, felt an interest in the 
 
38 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 little orphan, and offered to bring him up. But 
 this uncle, the same with whom Charles still 
 lives, objected, threw difficulties in the way, and 
 the proposition of the banker's clerk (my brother 
 was at that time nothing more) was somewhat 
 rudely, as I have always understood, rejected. 
 Yet, for the sake of old associations, Ralph, a 
 soft-hearted fellow — he and I might have stood 
 quite at the top of the tree, I have told him 
 over and over again, if we had not done in our 
 time so many rash acts of generosity — Ralph, I 
 say, kept up the acquaintance of these Percivals, 
 uncle and nephew, and when he went out to 
 Rotterdam to establish a branch of our house 
 there, recommended them to us as people of 
 whom it was his express desire that we should 
 see as much as possible. Why? Because, for- 
 sooth, of those Sunday-dinners he ate at Charles's 
 father's, when they were well-to-do sort of folks, 
 and he was a poor and struggling man ; and he 
 has said to me over and over again : " Cecil, the 
 Percivals must never want while Montagu Brothers 
 have a sovereign in the till, for you and I have dined 
 at Mr. Percival's when we had hardly the money 
 in our pockets to buy a meal elsewhere.^' Well, so 
 it was that Charles came to be intimate at our 
 house, and that Cecilia and he knew each other 
 as boy and girl. Heigho ! I have come round 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 39 
 
 to the opinion, some time ago, that we men of 
 business are shrewd fellows in our counting-houses 
 and fools by our own firesides. To think that I, 
 with all my practical experience and knowledge 
 of the world, should have been blind to the wide 
 disproportion which years would create between the 
 circumstances of the two ! that I should not have 
 foreseen, till it was almost too late, what an unwise 
 policy it was not to sever the kind of romantic 
 tie before it grew too strong and rooted itself too 
 deeply. My wife was right. Women, I have ob- 
 served, are generally very right — or very wrong. 
 How often she has warned me ! But I was proof 
 against all she could say, because I feared that 
 Ralph would take it unkindly, and because — well, 
 Cecilia was not indifferent to him. Then, when 
 my brother at last perceived that some serious 
 disadvantages might arise from the connection — 
 mere money was not in his thoughts, but Henry 
 Percival the uncle's strange ways, and poor 
 Charles's want of status — the mischief was done ; 
 Cecilia had grown up into womanhood, and instead 
 of the child's love she had had for Percival, we 
 could very well see there was the woman's love. 
 We encouraged other suitors, and tried to dis- 
 countenance Charles's visits ; but it was of little 
 use. Our thought was that she might find a 
 suitable home, where, in the society of a husband 
 
40 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 worthy — well, why should I not say of her good 
 
 fortune ? — she would forget gradually this youthful 
 
 fancy, this passion of her girlhood. But no ! She's 
 
 as hard to move as an Ecclesiastical Commission, 
 
 and has as many reasons at her back as a Spanish 
 
 Jesuit 
 
 Re-enter Travers. 
 
 T. Young Mr. Percival is in the outer office, 
 sir, and wishes to see you, if convenient. 
 
 Mr. M. Eh? eh? who? {Rises and paces R. 
 to L.) Deuced awkward ! What does he want ? 
 
 T. I don't know, sir. 
 
 Mr. M. Hang it, man ! what does he look as 
 if he wanted ? 
 
 T. {smiling). I am no physiognomist, sir, and 
 really cannot tell. 
 
 Mr. M. D'ye think it'd do to tell him I can't 
 see him ? 
 
 T. Very great friend of Mr. Ralph's, sir. 
 
 Mr. M. What the devil do you mean, sir, by 
 telling me that? as if I didn't know it. {Aside.) 
 That's just where it is. I suppose I must see him. 
 Perhaps he is short of money, poor fellow ! {To 
 Travers.) Does he look as if — as if — he was 
 
 T. No, sir, I don't think he does. He's not 
 dressed well enough for that. I think, sir, if it 
 was t/iat, he'd have taken more pains with himself. 
 I have noticed, in the course of my forty years' 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 4I 
 
 experience, that the happiest faces and the nappiest 
 coa.is^{t:/tei:ks himself on seeing that Mr. M. has 
 a remarkably cheerful expression and a very new 
 coat). 
 
 Mr. M. Yes ! 
 
 T. I was going to say, sir, were not invariably 
 
 Mr. M. Just so ! We must not keep Mr. Perci- 
 vSl' waiting — ask him to step in to me. 
 
 T. Very good, sir. {Aside.) Poor Mr. Charles 
 looks terribly disconsolate. I'd lay an odd thou- 
 sand he's had a tiff with Miss Cecilia. I saw her 
 pass up the street just this moment, walking as if 
 she had been a mere common lady, and as grave 
 as a goose in the rain. There's something in the 
 wind ; hope it isn't a double murder and suicide, 
 because that'll be bad for the reputation of the 
 Bank. 
 
 Mr. M. (who has resumed his seat, looking up). 
 What ! haven't you 
 
 T. Going, sir. [^Exit. 
 
 Enter Charles Percival, very quietly dressed in 
 morning costume. He appears to be in low 
 spirits. They exchange bows, and then shake 
 hands. 
 
 Mr. M. {rather coolly). It is not often that I 
 have this pleasure, Charles. I conclude that some 
 little matter of business 
 
42 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Chas. p. Y — y-es, it was some— little matter of 
 — business, Mr. Montagu. Perhaps, I ought rather 
 to have said — a — great matter of — business — 
 hem ! 
 
 Mr. M. a great matter — of — business ? Hem ! 
 hem! 
 
 Chas. P. Hem ! hem ! {He plays with the rim 
 of his hat and seems at a loss how to begin.) 
 
 Mr. M. (rubbing his hands with assumed geniality 
 and cheerfulness). Not any little money affair. 
 Always most delighted 
 
 Chas. P. {with forced gaiety) Oh, no ; oh, dear, 
 dear, no, my dear sir. I assure you 
 
 Mr. M. {in a good-natured tone, but still formal). 
 I'm pleased to find it is so. I only thought that 
 there might be something of the sort, and that 
 you might have a delicacy 
 
 Chas. P. {who still stands with one hand resting 
 on the table). No; the fact is, Mr. Montagu, I 
 came to you to-day on a very different and, as I 
 conceive, a much more important, errand. (Mr. 
 M. Mughs.) I — that is, I mean, your daughter 
 Cecilia — that is — (Mr. M. looks up with a sarcastic 
 expression on his countenance!) There is an attach- 
 ment, Mr. Montagu, of old standing between us. 
 
 Mr. M. {distantly). I am aware of it, sir, and 
 you, I believe, as well as the lady, are aware of 
 my sentiments in regard to it. 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 43 
 
 Chas. p. But might not those sentiments be 
 changed by circumstances ? 
 
 Mr. M. They might, I allow; but where are 
 the circumstances ? I beg that you will be seated, 
 however ; pray, excuse 
 
 Chas. P. i^ith scarcely perceptible irony) Oh, 
 thank you very much, I'm sure, for being so 
 thoughtful. (They both bring chairs to the front.) 
 Well, the circumstances are these. With my 
 uncle's concurrence and help — (Mr. M. arches 
 his eyebrows very slightly) — I propose at once 
 to seek a partnership in a wealthy concern. If 
 I succeed, of which I have every expectation, 
 I should at once secure position and means; I 
 should no longer be what I have been, what I 
 am — a person without a calling and without a 
 shilling of my own. I should feel myself worthier 
 of Miss Montagu; I should feel that I was not 
 asking her and you, and Mrs. Montagu, to make 
 so great a sacrifice either for her sake or for mine. 
 I should feel that I had something more than my 
 heart to offer her ; and though I could not make 
 her a princess, Mr. Montagu, I would try hard to 
 make her happy — happier than she is. 
 
 Mr. M. (calmly) It is your opinion, I am to 
 infer, that at present my daughter is not happy ? 
 
 Chas. P. It is. 
 
 Mr. M. Then, sir, what I say is, damn your 
 
44 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 opinion. (Chas. P. starts and draws his chair 
 back.) {Aside.) Dare say he's not far wrong. {To 
 Chas. P., satirically.) Pray, sir, is this opinion of 
 yours professional or unprofessional ? 
 
 Chas. P. Unprofessional, Mr. Montagu, and, if 
 you please, worthless. 
 
 Mr. M. Thank you. Did you not speak just 
 now of a partnership, a-hem ? 
 
 Chas. P. I did. 
 
 Mr. M. In a wealthy concern, a-hem ? 
 
 Chas. P. Yes.^ 
 
 Mr. M. In this country, a-hem ? 
 
 Chas. P. Abroad. 
 
 Mr. M. Partnerships in wealthy concerns are 
 not very easily procured, I believe. Are they, 
 Mr. Percival? 
 
 Chas. P. You ought to be a better judge, sir, 
 than myself. But not to detain you unnecessarily, 
 the object of my visit is to ascertain from you 
 whether, in the event of my attainment of a share 
 in this house, which I am not at liberty to name 
 at present (Mr. M. bows assent), you will consent 
 to our union ? 
 
 Mr. M. I may say at once, certainly not. 
 
 Chas. P. Then, Mr. Montagu, our interview 
 may be considered at an end {rises as if to take 
 leave). I quite counted on your readiness to re- 
 consider 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 45 
 
 Mr. M. That is a different question. 
 
 Chas. p. (with ill-disguised eagerness) That is 
 all I ask. 
 
 Mr. M. Have you any means of forming an 
 approximate idea of your prospects under these 
 new auspices ? 
 
 Chas. P. The business is said to be worth 
 ;£'4oo,ooo a year, with an invested capital of six 
 millions. (Mr. M. opens his eyes, and squares 
 round in his chair to Chas. P., who smiles 
 faintly?) 
 
 Mr. M. Are you aware, Mr. Charles, that the 
 figures you give represent rather more, if anything, 
 than the assets of the Bank of Montagu Brothers ? 
 We would not give a man a partnership in our 
 house if he were to offer to lay down ;^5oo,ooo. 
 
 Chas. P. {placidly') I hope, Mr. Montagu, by a 
 little favour, to obtain what I seek for a somewhat 
 smaller consideration — somewhat smaller. (Aside. ) 
 Very much smaller. 
 
 Mr. M. In a very large way, of course. 
 
 Chas. P. Yes. A leading banking-house. Your 
 line, you see. (Looks at Mr. M. with an air of 
 complacency.) Cecilia would feel thoroughly at 
 home, my dear sir. 
 
 Mr. M. (rather mystified) In-deed ! A ban — 
 ban 
 
 Chas. P. Banking-house, yes. ^^400,000 a 
 
46 , MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 year, with six millions of invested capital ! What 
 do you say, sir ? 
 
 Mr. M. ;^4oo,ooo a year, with six millions of 
 invested capital, is, a-hem ! a very good thing. 
 The house of Montagu, Charles, was half-a-century 
 building up such a fortune, and all I can tell you 
 is, that if you can step into the same ready-made, 
 you may consider yourself a devilish lucky fellow. 
 
 Chas. p. You are incredulous, Mr. Montagu ? 
 
 Mr. M. {deliberately) I am, Mr. Percival. {Rises 
 as if desirous of terminating the interview.) 
 
 Chas. P. But one word more. I appeal to you, 
 sir (Mr. M. inclines his head slightly). All I 
 demand — at least, solicit, I would say — at your 
 hands is this : to promise me that, if within a 
 month from the present time, I am prepared to 
 lay before you the deed of partnership, you will 
 withdraw your opposition to my wishes. 
 
 Mr. M. [after a pause) I may say that on 
 those terms I consent. But understand distinctly : 
 I pledge myself alone. {Gets his hat down from 
 the rail, and begins to brush it with his sleeve.) 
 Myself alone. 
 
 Chas. P. Accept my very best thanks, Mr. 
 Montagu. I will observe the condition you have 
 imposed on me; but let me now impose a con- 
 dition on you, that is, that you will regard this 
 conversation as strictly private ? 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 47 
 
 Mr. M. On all accounts I am willing to do so. 
 My train leaves for Streatham in a quarter of an 
 hour ; you must excuse me. 
 
 Chas. p. {moving off) Good-bye. {Aside.) So 
 far, so good. \_Exit io R. 
 
 Mr. M. {moving off and aside) If that young 
 man doesn't tell a different tale when we next 
 come across each other, I'm strangely mistaken. 
 Some practical joker at the bottom of it, I sus- 
 pect. {Claps on his hat and hurries out to L.) 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 Scene 3. 
 
 Morning-room at Mr. Percival's. Room dis- 
 covered with luggage scattered about the floor, 
 on the chairs, dr'c. Servant discovered brush- 
 ing clothes busily. 
 
 Serv. They say that listeners never hear any 
 good of themselves. What if they don't ? They 
 hear plenty of bad about other people, which 
 makes up for it. Besides, I like to listen. It 
 gives one an insight into human nature. One gets 
 a knowledge of character. - Without listening life 
 would be a burden. As if a man could live on 
 brushing clothes and handing potatoes, reading 
 
48 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 the newspaper and looking in the glass, shaving a 
 man who is as smooth as a teacup, and being 
 called a d — d fool a hundred times a day for 
 twenty pounds a year without extras. Listening's 
 my only perquisite ; it is the working-man's friend, 
 the slave's luxury. I heard the other day (lowers 
 his voice and puts his hand to his mouth) a tre- 
 mendous secret. Old master, in an uncontrollable 
 impulse of romantic generosity, has given young 
 master a ten-pound note for the purpose of 
 enabling young master to establish himself in a 
 wealthy concern, which is worth eight hundred 
 million a year and twenty thousand of invested 
 capital ! I'd give something for a draught of good 
 ale after that ; it makes a poor man wonderful dry 
 to have such mythological figures passing through 
 his mouth ; they lap up all the moisture as they 
 go. I heard old master say to young master, too, 
 that ten pounds was ten pounds, which I think 
 old master must have caught from some sharp 
 chap or other on 'Change, or else 'tis his natural 
 talent. Well, young master's off to the Continent 
 to-morrow, and is perfectly wild with excitement. 
 " Oh,'' says he, " never mind the money. Brush my 
 blue suit; buy me a one-and-sixpenny travelling- 
 cap, and take my passage in the Rotterdam boat, 
 fore-cabin." In fact, young master has become 
 quite an altered man within these last few days ; 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 49 
 
 "and I have always observed that, when these 
 metamorphoses take place (lowers his voice, and 
 puts his hand to his mouth, looking round him) a 
 woman's in the case. (Chas. P. enters unperceived.) 
 Ha ! ha ! Mr. Charles, I see what your little 
 game 
 
 Chas. P. (confronting him suddenly). What the 
 devil do you mean, sir? 
 
 Serv. (terrified out of his wits). Ho ! dear me, 
 sir, how you frightened me ! I was just going to 
 say 
 
 Chas. P. Hold your tongue, sir, and don't tell 
 me any of your damned lies. Luggage not ready 
 yet ? What, in the name of Beelzebub, have you 
 been doing all the morning ? (Passes r. to l. and 
 L. to R. in a state of irritable excitement.) Idle 
 hound ! useless incumbrance ! (Serv. recedes up, 
 as Chas. P. throivs his arms about and makes as 
 if he was going to strike him.) Infernal blockhead ! 
 (Throws a carpet-bag at Serv., who darts through 
 the open window.) I'm distracted ! my brain 
 swims ! I feel already as if this great venture 
 of mine was turning my head. But I must go 
 through with it. Neck or nought. It is a question 
 of life or death. I haven't a moment to lose. I 
 had a hurried note last night from Cecilia to say 
 that the Colonel is gaining ground fast with her 
 mother ; that she detests the man, but that extra- 
 
so MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 ordinary pressure is being put upon her. My 
 father's friend indeed ! Hypocrite ! He infatuates 
 the old woman, Cecilia says,- with his attentions, 
 and his big talk about his immense possessions 
 in the West Indies (a paltry falsehood !), and his 
 doings in the Punjaub, and his family, in which 
 he has induced her to believe there is a dormant 
 barony ! She actually snubbed the Greek prince, 
 it seems, and the Dutch burgomaster, when they 
 came the other day. So much the better ! As for 
 the Colonel, now that he has seriously entered the 
 field and got Mrs. Montagu's ear, he's a more for- 
 midable rival, but I'll be a match for him yet 
 
 [Exit to L. 
 
 Enter Mr. Percival from r. 
 
 Mr. p. (nearly stumbling over a portmanteau) 
 Good God ! what's the meaning of this ? My 
 dining-room turned into a luggage-van ! I was 
 expecting to find lunch on the table, and instead 
 I see nothing but a hat-box and a railway-rug. 
 I'm hanged if they're not my hat-box and my 
 rail way- rug ! ( Turns over the various things.) Why, 
 the impudent young dog has appropriated my 
 best portmanteau ! And my patent what-dye-call- 
 it ! And my last new umbrella ! This is more 
 than I can bear. {Rings the bell and begins to pace 
 the room.) 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. SI 
 
 Enter Skrvant. 
 
 Serv. (aside). I see what's coming ! No joke 
 to be baited alive by wild masters like this for 
 twenty pounds a year and no livery ! 
 
 Mr. p. Get these things out of the way forth- 
 with and lay luncheon. Whoever saw such an 
 infernal confusion ? _ . 
 
 Serv. It was Mr. Charles's express order that 
 they should remain here, sir. 
 
 Mr. p. And it's my express order, sir, that they 
 may be removed instantly. 
 
 Serv. (with an air of perplexity). Mr. Charles 
 told me it was as much as my place was worth to 
 touch anything. 
 
 Mr. p. (peremptorily). And I tell you, sir, that 
 it is as much as your place is worth to leave any- 
 thing here. Take them away — take them away. 
 {Kicks the luggage about.) 
 
 Serv. {in an agony of despair^ Mr. Charles will 
 give me notice if I do. 
 
 Mr. p. And I will give you notice if you don't. 
 [Servant in a phrenzy snatches up port- 
 manteau, throws it over his shoulder, 
 and is going out to r. when he runs 
 over Charles Percival entering. 
 
 Chas. p. What the dickens are you about ? I 
 thought I told you — {sees his uncle, who has retired 
 up.) Ah! 
 
52 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Mr. p. Ah ! 
 
 Chas. p. Thought you had gone to East- 
 bourne. 
 
 Mr. p. Imagined you were off to Rotterdam. 
 {Servant profits by opportunity and exit.) 
 
 Chas. P. But I suppose you're going ? 
 
 Mr. p. Not till the morning. I suppose you 
 are? 
 
 Chas. P. Not till the morning. 
 
 Mr. p. (muttering aside). Damn ! 
 
 Chas. P. {muttering aside). Damn ! 
 
 Mr. p. But I have asked Humphreys to occupy 
 the spare room to-night, fancying it would be 
 vacant ! He was particularly anxious to see me 
 before I went to Eastbourne. 
 
 Chas. P. Most singular coincidence ! I have 
 asked Harrison to occupy the spare room to- 
 night, fancying it would be vacant ! He had 
 a special desire to say good-bye before I left for 
 Holland. 
 
 Mr. p. Well, all I can suggest is that Harrison 
 should get a bed at the Clarence. 
 
 Chas. P. I was just about to remark that Hum- 
 phreys had better secure a bed at the George. 
 
 Mr. p. Ah, bah ! I know Humphreys too well 
 to dream of offering him such a slight. 
 
 Chas. P. My intimacy with Harrison enables 
 me, my dear sir, to state most confidently that 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 53 
 
 knocking Him down would be a trifle compared to 
 making him such a proposal. 
 
 Mr. p. I shall be very glad to see this affair of 
 yours settled. 
 
 Chas. p. (aside). So shall I, by Jove. 
 
 Mr. p. Then I suppose I shall have to sleep at 
 the Clarence to accommodate Harrison ! 
 
 Chas. P. And I suppose I shall have to go to 
 the George to make room for Humphreys ! 
 
 Mr. p. {between his teeth). Damn ! \^Exit. 
 
 Chas. P. (quickly) Hang it, -what a bore ! 
 
 \Exit. 
 
 CURTAIN. END OF ACT II. 
 
54 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Scene i. 
 
 Drawing-room at the Montagus' as before ; Miss 
 Montagu and Colonel Honeywood discov- 
 ered at the piano ; Mrs. Montagu at zvindow. 
 
 Miss Montagu sings. 
 
 Hence, all you vain delights. 
 As short as are the nights 
 
 Wherein you spend ymr folly ! 
 
 There's naught in this life sweet. 
 If men were wise to 'see't. 
 But only melancholy, 
 
 Oh, sweetest melancholy ! 
 
 Miss M. How do you like that, Colonel 
 Honeywood ? 
 
 Col. H. Oh, I like it — yes, I like it; yet 
 somehow, I don't know how it is, but there's 
 something about it I don't like. 
 
 Miss M. How inconsistent gentlemen are ! 
 Like and don't like ! Well, I found it in a book 
 of old songs, and it took my fancy. " Ah ! sweetest 
 melancholy ! " {Aside.) It seemed to be in keep- 
 ing with my thoughts. 
 
 Col. H. {jauntily) Oh, you are young, Cecilia, 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 5 5 
 
 nd have life before you ! Why should you be 
 id ? Cheer up, cheer up ! I seem to have 
 ntered into a new existence since your dear 
 lamma persuaded you to listen to my suit. 
 Vhat happiness is before us ! (SAe does not appear 
 ■> hear, and after a pause he adds.) Why, what is 
 le matter ? A penny for your thoughts, my dear ! 
 la, ha, ha ! 
 
 Miss M. I beg your pardon. Colonel, I'm sure, 
 t was most stupid of me, but I was going off in 
 
 sort of dream. Happiness, I think you said? 
 Vith you, I think you said ? Oh, yes, yes, I see — 
 
 understand. I was quite forgetting myself 
 Rises from the piano and joins Mrs. M. at window 
 ' L. They talk sotto-voce.) 
 
 Col. H. (seating himself on sofa to r. and raising 
 is voice ; he speaks with an affected drawl). By- 
 ye, seen anything of those people lately who 
 sed to be here so much? 
 
 Miss M. Perhaps you mean our friends the 
 'ercivals ? 
 
 Col. H. Ah, to be sure, Percival was the 
 ame. Young man gone abroad, I hear. 
 
 Miss M. {drawing nearer) I believe so (with 
 n assumed air of indifference). Have you heard 
 here he is ? 
 
 Col. H. (rising) Oh, no, no, no ! Some new 
 latrimonial spec, suppose. 
 
56 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Miss M. {rather warmly) Indeed? I under- 
 stood that he had gone on business. 
 
 Col. H. (arching his brows significantly) Just so. 
 
 Mrs. M. (coming down) Have you asked our 
 dear Colonel, my darling Cecilia 
 
 Miss M. Yes, mamma, but he doesn't appear 
 to 
 
 Col. H. Well, the truth is, I did not exactly 
 like 
 
 Mrs. M. Yes? (Miss M. hangs upon his words.) 
 
 Col. H. Did not like to repeat the story which 
 goes about ; but it is reported that Charles Percival 
 is on the track of a great foreign heiress, with I 
 don't know how much a year, and I don't know 
 how much capital besides ! 
 
 Mrs. M. Prodigious, my dear Colonel ! (im- 
 poses her hands.) 
 
 Miss M. (aside) Oh ! Charles ! No hope, no hope ! 
 
 Mrs. M. (to Miss M.) You ought to consider 
 yourself very fortunate, my dearest, in having 
 escaped from a man who evidently looks at marriage 
 as a mere medium for improving his fortune. ( The 
 Colonel seetns a little uneasy; Miss M. smiles 
 coldly and casts a side-glance at him.) Give me the 
 man who marries a girl for her own sake. 
 
 Miss M. (aside) This is almost too much. 
 
 Col. H. I am a great admirer of disinterested- 
 ness myself — (aside) especially in other people. If 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 5/ 
 
 I don't take care, this young fellow will bowl me 
 out yet. I must give that girl of Cecilia's another 
 refresher. A deuced dear game, egad ! {Retires up 
 with a self-satisfied air, and leans out of window 
 to R.) 
 
 Mrs. M. The sooner you are married, my 
 darling Cecilia, the better, I think. Our dear 
 Colonel is very anxious that there should be no 
 further delay. I shall speak to your papa this 
 evening, my dear. 
 
 Miss M. Where do you think, mamma, that 
 the Colonel talks of taking me for the honeymoon ? 
 Oh, to the English Lakes. I have heard that 
 they are not to be seen in full perfection till later 
 on in the autumn. It would be a pity to hurry. 
 {Aside.) If I could only gain a little time ! 
 
 Mrs. M. Your papa and I, my dear, are con- 
 templating a tour this summer in Switzerland, and 
 I should like to have your marriage over before 
 we go away, darling. {Aside.) The little puss is 
 temporising. 
 
 Miss M. {half -reproachfully.) So soon? I must 
 entreat dearest papa to intercede for me. {Aside.) 
 I will give Charles time, whatever it costs. 
 
 Mrs. M. I know you too well, my dearest, to 
 believe that you will oppose our wishes, your 
 father's and mine. 
 
 Miss M. {taking her mother's hand) Has it not 
 
58 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 been one of the studies of my life to obey you 
 botli, my dearest mother? 
 
 Col. H. (returning from window) I see papa 
 coming; he looks as beaming as possible — in a 
 downright good-humour. 
 
 Mrs. M. {aside) I shall easily get him over to 
 ifiy way of thinking, then. 
 
 Miss M. (aside) I shall have no difficulty in 
 coaxing him out of this hasty marriage, then. 
 
 Enter Mr. Montagu //(?« l. They all advance to 
 greet him. He kisses Mrs. and Miss Mon- 
 tagu and shakes hands with the Colonel. 
 
 Mrs. M. My dear Cecil, you look hot. 
 
 Mr. M. It's everybody's business to look hot 
 in this sort of weather, my dear. Nobody has a 
 right to look anything else. Colonel, what do you 
 mean by looking so cool ? 
 
 CoL. H. Ha, ha! not so bad! not so bad! (To 
 Mrs. M.) He will have his joke ! 
 
 Mrs. M. My dear Cecil, I desire to speak with 
 you for a moment. (Mr. M. appears the least trifle 
 bored.) Cecilia, my dear, leave us for a little; you 
 can introduce our dear Colonel to some of the 
 beauties of the prospect. 
 
 Miss M. (aside) A splendid prospect ! Twenty 
 square feet of what looks like brown paper in the 
 distance, but turns out to be grass on a closer 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 59 
 
 inspection : a weeping ash, a parched poplar : and 
 two boxes of sundries ! 
 
 [Mr. and Mrs. Montagu draw chairs to the 
 front; Miss Montagu and Colonel 
 HoNEYWooD retire up, and converse at 
 window seated. 
 
 Mr. M. Now, my dear, what is it ? No time to 
 lose. 
 
 Mrs. M. My dear Cecil, you have the whole 
 evening before you. 
 
 Mr. M. So I have — for dinner. 
 
 Mrs. M. My dear Cecil, I have been telling our 
 dear girl that I am of opinion that the sooner she 
 is established the better it will be on all accounts. 
 Her mind is very unsettled at present. 
 
 Mr. M. Hem ! Well, the man likes you, and 
 you like the man, and I like the man so-so. The 
 question is whether Cecilia likes the man, and 
 whether the man likes her ? 
 
 Mrs. M. The Colonel is a man of excellent 
 position, and moves in the best society; what 
 more can you expect, my dear Cecil? On suc- 
 ceeding to the property, he thinks that ministers 
 could not do less than restore him to the barony 
 of Glengarry. A coronet would set off our dear 
 girl's features admirably. She has just that sort 
 of face. 
 
6o MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Mr. M. (dryly) Not an uncommon sort of 
 face, I believe. (Turning round.) What is that? 
 \A tap is heard at the door to l. ; Miss 
 Montagu rises to open it; Jeannette 
 puts a paper in her hand, which she glances 
 at hastily, and then squeezes hurriedly into 
 her pocket, her countenance brightening. 
 
 Miss M. (advancing) Jeannette brought some- 
 thing for me, that was all. Did you see Charlie 
 Percival before he went, papa ? 
 
 Mr. M. I did. 
 
 Miss M. Did he say where he was going to ? 
 
 Mr. M. He did. 
 
 Miss M. (eagerly) Where? 
 
 Mr. M. He desired that it should not be 
 known. 
 
 Miss M. But surely he would not mind our 
 being told. 
 
 Mr. M. It was his last request to me that, 
 whomever I informed, I should not tell you ! 
 
 Miss M. (turning half away disappointed and 
 distressed) How strange! (Aside.) I would give 
 my eyes to read that paper; it is a telegram — 
 from him. How can I slip away ? (Retires mid- 
 way up to L. with back to stage.) 
 
 Mrs. M. Perhaps you might take the Colonel 
 into your little study, and talk about the settle- 
 ments before dinner, my dear Cecil ? 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 6l 
 
 Mr. M. {facetiously) After dinner is considered 
 the best time for settlements, my dear. 
 
 Mrs. M. This is a very important business, my 
 dear Cecil ; it is no joking matter. 
 
 Mr. M. (aside). Decidedly serious for me. (To 
 Miss M.) Well, what does Cecilia say? 
 
 Miss M. (advancing to front) I say that, for 
 my own part, I cheerfully renounce all claim to the 
 noble fortune which you inherited from grand- 
 papa, and which you have increased so largely 
 by your own industry. Leave it to charities ; a 
 more modest lot will satisfy me. Think of the 
 great reward elsewhere, which would wait upon 
 such a disposition of the estate hereafter. As far 
 as the Colonel is concerned, supposing he were to 
 honour me under the altered circumstances with 
 his preference, I am sure you need fear no 
 obstacle, for he has just told us that he is a great 
 admirer of disinterestedness ! ( The Colonel 
 glances sharply round for a moment unperceived.) 
 
 Mr. M. (after a pause) Do you hear this. 
 Colonel ? 
 
 CoL. H. (starting as if surprised) Beg pardon ! 
 I was listening to the songs of the birds; I did 
 not catch what was said. (He leaves the window 
 and comes down.) 
 
 Mr. M. Why, my daughter has been saying that 
 she proposes to give up all her interest in my 
 
62 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 property, and desires me to bequeath it to charit- 
 able purposes ; and she believes you will have no 
 objection — that it will make no difference in your 
 feelings ? 
 
 Col. H. (appearing to consider). Well, that is 
 my view— that is quite my view ; yes, that is 
 entirely my view. {They all seem to be taken by 
 surprise.^ 
 
 Mr. M. {warmly) Cecilia is a fine noble- 
 hearted girl, and you are worthy of her. Cecilia, 
 he loves you for your own sake, you see. (Miss 
 M. smiles and bows, but makes no reply.) 
 
 Col. H. {passionately). For her own sake, dear 
 girl ! May I be permitted to have the honour ? 
 {Stoops down, takes Miss M.'s hand, and raises it 
 to his lips.) {Aside.) Got out of those confounded 
 settlements ! A splendid fluke ! 
 
 Mrs. M. My dear Cecil, after what has passed, 
 I conclude the question may be regarded as 
 settled ? 
 
 Mr. M. I should almost prefer two or three 
 days for final consideration, since this new point 
 has been raised. {Aside.) Percival's month is up 
 the day after to-morrow. 
 
 Miss M. {aside). Thank heaven ! Charles may 
 return before then. 
 
 CoL. H. I will look in again — say, on Friday. 
 Adieu, my dearest madam. Adieu, Cecilia. My 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 63 
 
 dear sir, au revoir. {Shakes hands with them all.) 
 
 (Aside.) Not a moment to be lost. [Exit. 
 
 [Miss M. retires up and appears to look out of 
 
 window to r. She snatches the telegram 
 
 out of her pocket and reads it. 
 
 Mrs. M. {folding her hands before her raptu- 
 rously^ My dear Cecil, our dear Colonel's affection 
 for our dear girl is something beautiful. So unsel- 
 fish, so devoted ! I quite look forward to Friday. 
 Let us hope that there will be no further delay. 
 
 Mr. M. We shall see, my dear. 
 
 Miss M. {aside, at window). "All going well," 
 he says ; " keep up your spirits. Don't be pre- 
 cipitate." That's all ; he doesn't say where he is 
 or when he will be back. How vexatious ! {Puts 
 the paper back in her pocket and turns to window.) 
 
 Mrs. M. Come, child, give me your arm ; we 
 must be thinking of our toilettes. (Miss M. comes 
 down.) Why, you look quite grave. You ought 
 to be as happy as the day is long. You may be 
 Lady Glengarry yet ; who knows ? \Exit to l. 
 
 Miss M. Ah ! who does ? Wonders never 
 cease. {Aside.) The Colonel was too sharp for 
 me ; I must try again. [Exit after Mrs. M. 
 
 Mr. M. {solus) My wife seems to be thoroughly 
 infatuated with the new notion. The Greek prince 
 and the rest of Ralph's friends have had their 
 conge, and the house rings with the praises of 
 
64 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Honeywood. He seems a simple-minded sort of 
 man, without that eye to the main chance which 
 one finds in people of the world. At any rate, 
 Mrs. M. seems to have set her heart upon it, and 
 if Cecilia does not revolt at the last moment, or 
 that young Percival doesn't turn up, like the hero 
 of a novel, just as the bride is going to be given 
 away, and carry her off in triumph, I suppose 
 it will be a match. Well, we shall see what we 
 shall see, as we bankers have it. For my part, 
 I don't much wonder at the girl hankering a bit 
 after Charlie, as I half believe she does yet. If 
 I was a young girl — but what's the use of specu- 
 lating ? [Exit. 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 Scene 2. 
 
 T^e Bank of Montagu Brothers at Rotterdam. 
 Mr. Ralph Montagu's private apartment, 
 looking over the principal quay. A breakfast- 
 room with French windows and finished in. the 
 French style ; view of the canal and shipping 
 from windows. Charles Percival discovered 
 alone, pacing the room. 
 
 Chas. p. I wonder what's going on at home! 
 Honeywood won't leave a stone unturned to gain 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 65 
 
 his object. He is a thorough man of the world ; 
 and not over-scrupulous, neither. I asked my 
 uncle to look in at the Montagus' and telegraph 
 me any news ; but I know well enough he won't. 
 He eyed me with an expression of the wildest 
 consternation, when I told him, that a telegram 
 wouldn't stand him in no more than a sovereign or 
 so. That fellow has had time to announce me by 
 this time ! Ah ! here he comes, I think. 
 
 Enter Servant. 
 
 Serv. My master's kind regards to you, sir, and 
 will be down in five minutes ; hopes you'll make 
 yourself comfortable ; quite expects you to remain 
 to breakfast with him. 
 
 Chas. p. Thankee, thankee. (Exit Serv.) Well, 
 he does not forget me, at all events : the only son 
 of his dearest friend Robert Percival. It's a bold 
 stroke ; but there's something which seems to tug 
 at the skirts of my coat, whenever my heart fails 
 me a little, and whispers in my ear, Venture and 
 Win ! Yet I feel deucedly nervous at times ; I feel 
 that if any one were only to cry, Hal it would 
 frighten me out of my wits. (Mr. Ralph Mon- 
 tagu enters unperceived, and slaps Chas. P. on 
 the shoulder^ 
 
 Mr. Ralph Mont. Ha ! 
 
 Chas. P. Ho ! Good gracious, how you frightened 
 
66 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 me ! I didn't hear you coming. The sea-voyage 
 has 
 
 Mr. R. M. Ah ! I shouldn't wonder ; it often 
 does. Well, what wind blew you here ? How did you 
 leave them all — your excellent uncle, my brother, 
 and the rest of them? I am really delighted to 
 see you. No, I don't find you altered in the least, 
 except that you are taller and bigger, and have 
 taken to wearing trousers, which makes a differ- 
 ence. You haven't breakfasted ? 
 
 Chas. p. Well, no 
 
 R. M. That's right ; we'll have a chat over tea 
 
 and toast. I live, you know, in the good old 
 
 English fashion. Well, I'm very pleased to see 
 
 you. 
 
 Servant enters and lays breakfast. 
 
 Chas. P. (in a hesitating manner) Thanks, 
 thanks. I — I was in this neighbourhood — I 
 mean, I was in Holland, and I — I thought I 
 would look in. 
 
 Mr. M. I should have been very much con- 
 cerned indeed, if my dear friend's son had come 
 my way, without doing so. 
 
 Chas. P. Yes, of course — I should never have 
 thought of coming round this way without looking 
 in. {Aside.) What a devil of a mess I'm getting 
 into. {Aloud.) I shall really enjoy my breakfast. 
 The sea-air 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 67 
 
 Mr. M. I always found it so myself. What'U ye 
 take ? I can recommend that. The coffee'll be 
 here directly. Pray, begin. 
 
 Chas. p. Thanks. Oh ! I left Mr. Cecil and his 
 family much the same as usual, and as to my 
 uncle, I don't think you'd see any great alteration. 
 
 Mr. M. a good man, your uncle, a very good 
 man ; but, if my memory does not fail me, I have 
 sometimes known him odd. 
 
 Chas. P. {aside). So have I. 
 
 Mr. M. But, Lord bless me, we all have our 
 faults. 
 
 Chas. P. True, true. Ah ! you were inquiring 
 what wind blew me here ? (Mr. M. assents.) Well, 
 I must tell you : a little business affair. 
 
 Mr. M. If I can be of use to you, command me. 
 {They rise, and bring chairs to front ^ 
 
 Chas. P. Thanks. To tell you the truth, my 
 dear sir, I'm thinking of going into business. 
 
 Mr. M. You do surprise me. {Aside.) He has 
 evidently heard I'm thinking of a partner. 
 
 Chas. P. Commercial life will be an agreeable 
 change. I'm tired of knocking about. 
 
 Mr. M. But your uncle is very well off? 
 
 Chas. P. {hesitatingly) Oh ! y-es, yes. 
 
 Mr. M. And will leave you everything ? 
 
 Chas. P. Y-es, yes ; I've no reason to suppose 
 otherwise. 
 
68 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Mr. M. And in the meantime makes you a 
 handsome allowance, no doubt ? 
 
 Chas. p. {dubiously) Yes — yes — oh, yes, he 
 does. 
 
 Mr. M. What more, then, d'ye want ? 
 
 Chas. P. You see I'm getting on, Mr. Montagu, 
 one can't be always young ; and I want to settle, 
 in short ; in short, I wish, in short, to get married, 
 in short. 
 
 Mr. M. a lady in the case ! Of course, your 
 uncle would be prepared to lay down a fair sum 
 for the purchase of a share in some first-class 
 house ? 
 
 Chas. P. Well, I don't know. {Aside.) He 
 has heard that I am on the look-out for a part- 
 nership. 
 
 Mr. M. You've some friend, then, who would 
 advance the money ? 
 
 Chas. P. I don't know anybody. 
 
 Mr. M. Your father-in-law proposes to help you, 
 I presume ? 
 
 Chas. P. He gives me his daughter. 
 
 Mr. M. {smiling) A very precious gift, I've no 
 doubt, Charles, but hardly a negociable security ! 
 
 Chas. P. I'- submit, sir, that that may depend 
 on circumstances. {Aside.) He's evidently pump- 
 ing me ! 
 
 Mr. M. I understand you ; she is an only child. 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 69 
 
 (Chas. p. bows assent.) {Aside.) Hem ! Some- 
 thing in that! {To Chas. P.) Rich people, I 
 presume ? 
 
 Chas. P. One of the wealthiest families in 
 London. {Aside.) I must not let him see all 
 my hand at once. 
 
 Mr. M. Hem ! {Aside.) It won't do to seem 
 too eager. {To Chas. P.) When, pray, does the 
 affair come off — your union with this lady ? ' 
 
 Chas. P. When I have obtained my partnership. 
 
 Mr. M. If I put you in the way of getting what 
 you desire, what guarantee would you be prepared 
 with? An ante-nuptial settlement to a suitable 
 amount would meet the case. I must be armed 
 with full particulars, my boy, full particulars, or I 
 can't act. 
 
 -Chas. P. You have a partner for me ift your 
 eye, then, Mr. Montagu? 
 
 Mr. M. {musing) Well, I have. I think I know 
 a gentleman, who would not object to the intro- 
 duction of new blood and additional capital into 
 his business — of course, if proper security was forth- 
 coming. 
 
 Chas. P. Quite so. My father-in-law infuturo 
 is a banker of old standing. 
 
 Mr. M. Strangely enough, my friend is precisely 
 in the same line of business. 
 
 Chas. P. The house is commonly reported to 
 
70 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 be worth half-a-dozen millions, and to have an 
 income of _;^400,6oo a year. 
 
 Mr. M. (aside) We should just double our 
 capital. {To Chas. P.) Commonly reported, a-hem ! 
 Six millions, a-hem ! ;^40o,ooo a year, a-hem ! 
 Would it be premature to mention names? — 
 {Observes that he is embarrassed.^ Ah yes, probably, 
 probably. 
 
 Chas. P. The gentleman, whom you propose 
 to introduce to me, my kind friend, might, if it 
 did not trespass too much on his time, accompany 
 me back to London, and judge for himself. The 
 whole thing, I undertake, could be settled in half- 
 an-hour. 
 
 Mr. M. I'm going to London, by a remarkable 
 coincidence, in a few days ; suppose we all travel 
 together? {Aside?) I shall surprise him, when I 
 shew him his partner ! 
 
 Chas. P. Agreed — oh! of course, with the 
 greatest pleasure, my dear sir. {Aside.) He'll be 
 rather astonished, when I present him to the lady ! 
 {To Mr. M.) You've a nice view from the window, 
 by-the-bye. {Retires up, and looks out.) 
 
 Mr. M. Ah, yes. (^«ye.) Who would ever have 
 dreamt of this young fellow, whom I haven't seen 
 or heard of for twelve years or more, turning up 
 so unexpectedly, and, above all, coming to consult 
 me on the very subject, which I had uppermost in 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 7I 
 
 my mind ? The figures are heavy, decidedly so ; 
 but what of that ? as we bankers have it, so much 
 the better. Not that we want money. Not that 
 we don't ! I shall have to institute strict inquiries, 
 when I get to town, but of course my brother will 
 be well acquainted with the parties. I don't know 
 how it is, that these young chaps get hold of the 
 young girls ! I never get hold of them ! How- 
 ever, it's not a bad morning's work altogether. 
 {Slaps his knee approvingly.) 
 
 Chas. p. {coming briskly down) My dear sir, 
 nothing serious, I hope? 
 
 Mr. M. Serious ? Oh ! dear no. I merely 
 slapped my knee ; it's a thing I do sometimes. 
 [Chas. P. seats himse/f in front ; Mr. M. rises, 
 and retires slowly up to window. 
 
 Chas. P. (aside) Who would have thought that 
 I should have pulled thrpugh so easily ? Not I, 
 for one ! It is the most extraordinary piece of luck 
 that I ever met with. I'm hanged if it's not rather 
 suspicious ! He evidently wants to get a partner. 
 Why does he want to get a partner, that's the 
 question ? But no ! absurd ! it can't be. The 
 only thing is, I'm a deuced fortunate fellow. By 
 Jove, I feel almost beside myself with joy. {Laughs 
 out.) [Mr. Montagu returns down. 
 
 Mr. M. What's the matter ? 
 
 Chas. P. Matter ? I was only laughing at some- 
 
72 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 thing that struck me. It's a thing I do some- 
 times ! 
 
 Mr. M. (smiling somewhat disconcertedly) Oh ! 
 — Well, when shall we start ? 
 
 Chas. p. I'm completely at the service of your 
 friend and yourself. 
 
 Mr. M. Suppose we say the day after to- 
 morrow ? 
 
 Chas. P. Good. 
 
 Mr. M. Meanwhile, you must make my house 
 your home. I shall shew you all the lions of 
 Rotterdam. 
 
 Chas. P. Thanks, thanks. 
 
 Mr. M. Come and see my conservatory and 
 books, will you ? 
 
 Chas. P. With the greatest pleasure. {Aside.) 
 The only literature I care about just now is a deed 
 of partnership, original MS. on vellum, as they say 
 in the catalogues, very legibly written. \^Exeunf. 
 
 curtain. 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 73 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 ' Scene i. 
 
 Morning-room at the Percivals'. Mr. Percival, 
 Senior, discovered in his dressing-gown at 
 breakfast, turning over the leaves of a Brad- 
 shaw. 
 
 Mr. p. Well, there's Mayence ! One hears a 
 good deal about Mayence. Egad ! I'll go to May- 
 ence for my autumn tour. No ! I won't. There's 
 the South of France. What's-his-name told me he 
 lived capitally for eighteen-pence a day, including 
 vin du pays, at what's-its-name. Egad ! that's not 
 a bad idea. No ! They talk a good deal about 
 Buxton ; never been there ; egad ! I'll try it. No ! 
 I dare say it'll be confoundedly expensive ; I won't 
 go anywhere. I hate the sea : it makes one sick. 
 I hate railways; they're organised swindles. I 
 hate coaches ; they're a detestable affectation of — 
 thingamy. I hate walking; it sets one's corns in 
 a flame. I hate riding ; the saddle wears out one's 
 things 
 
74 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Enter Servant. 
 
 Eh? 
 
 Serv. a gentleman, sir, wishes to see you. 
 
 Mr. p. Has he no name ? 
 
 Serv. I don't think he has, sir. At least, I 
 mean 
 
 Mr. p. What the devil do you mean, you block- 
 head ? 
 
 ^erv. I mean he only called himself a gentle- 
 man, but he's the same party that called himself 
 Colonel Honeywood, when he came here before. 
 
 Mr. p. Why the devil didn't you tell me that 
 at first ? 
 
 Serv. Because I thought he was making an 
 incognito of himself 
 
 Mr. p. Does he ask to see me ? 
 
 Serv. He asks to see my master ; I says to him. 
 Which my master, the Senior or the Junior? He 
 wishes my eyes bad luck, and says. Mister 
 Percivalj I don't know, he says, anything about 
 any other master 
 
 Mr. p. Ah ! Shew him up, shew him up. Why 
 the devil don't you shew him up ? 
 
 Serv. Going, sir. (Steps back.) Did you under- 
 stand me, sir, that the gentleman used violent 
 language ? 
 
 Mr. p. Yes, what of that ? 
 
 Serv. He swore at me, sir. 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 75 
 
 Mr. p. {raising his voice) Did he, sir ?' 
 
 Serv. (energetically) He damned my eyes, sir. 
 
 Mr. p. {still louder) I'm very glad to hear it, 
 sir. Be ofT with you, and tell him to walk in, or 
 I'll do the same. 
 
 Serv. {aside) Give me these aristocracy to 
 swear ! {Holds up his hands, and exit.) 
 
 Mr. p. Now I shall get some news of Charles, 
 no doubt. The young rascal hasn't written to me, 
 since he left. A good-hearted lad, but horribly 
 eccentric. 
 
 Enter Colonel Honeywood^owz l., hat in hand, 
 bowing deferentially. Hastens up to Mr. P. 
 
 Col. H. My dear sir, don't rise. {They shake 
 fingers.) It rejoices me to see you well. But you 
 are breakfasting — it may be inconvenient ? 
 
 Mr. p. Thankee, no, I've done. {Aside.) Dare 
 say he came with the idea 
 
 Col. H. I presume you've heard from your dear 
 nephew, my dear sir? {Aside.) Shouldn't wonder 
 if he thought 
 
 Mr. p. No, sir, I have not. 
 
 Col. H. He must be enjoying himself im- 
 mensely. {Rubs his hands.) 
 
 Mr. p. Not in a position to say. 
 
 Col. H. a pure matter of recreation, of course. 
 
 Mr. p. Well, I believe he had some object as 
 
76 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 well. {Aside.) I hope he'll succeed in it, too, and 
 be able to repay me my ten pounds. 
 
 Col. H. Ah ! combining business with pleasure ! 
 What does the poet say? Utile Dulcil {Aside.) 
 The old fool doesn't know anything about it 
 evidently ! 
 
 Mr. p. Ah! {Aside.) The old fool thinks I'm 
 going to tell him all I know ! 
 
 Col. H. Mine has been a varied career, Mr. 
 Percival, do you know ? 
 
 Mr. p. {languidly) Indeed ! 
 
 Col. H. I may call it romantic almost. (Mr. P. 
 seems a little bored.) Do you know how I began 
 life? 
 
 Mr. P. Not unless you began it by being born ! 
 
 Col. H. Ah, very good, very good indeed. You 
 remind me of your dear nephew — ^ 
 
 Mr. p. Do I ? 
 
 Col. H. Very much, my dear sir; he's a dry 
 dog. 
 
 Mr. p. Then I suppose I'm to conclude that 
 I'm a dry dog, too ? 
 
 Col. H. {apologetically) I would not for a 
 moment permit myself to suggest such a thing. 
 I merely spoke figuratively. 
 
 Mr. p. I see. 
 
 Col. H. Well, I began life by robbing an 
 orchard 
 
MONTAGU AND CO, 77 
 
 Mr. p. a bad commencement, but a good 
 ending. 
 
 Col. H. {pleasantly inquisitive) How's that, 
 how's that ? 
 
 Mr. p. I mean that people who start by robbing 
 orchards often come to higher preferment {performs 
 a dumb-show descriptive of a man being hanged). 
 
 Col. H. (warmly) Mr. Percival, is that an in- 
 sinuation ? 
 
 Mr. P. {coolly) No, I merely spoke figuratively. 
 
 Col. H. {looking rather foolish) I see. Well, 
 my dear sir {recovers his usual manner), what 
 should you say now, if I told you that I was going 
 to be married ? 
 
 Mr. p. 'Pon my word, I don't know. 
 
 Col. H. But what' would you say ? 
 
 Mr; p. I think I should say, Oh ! 
 
 Col. H. Hem ! — to a very pretty girl ? 
 
 Mr. p. At your time of life — I should say, No. 
 
 Col. H. Hem ! — of very large expectations ? 
 
 Mr. p. That alters the case. 
 
 Col. H. And whom you know very well indeed 
 — Miss Montagu ! 
 
 Mr. p. Miss Montagu ? By Jingo ! — {Restrains 
 himself on consideration.) 
 
 Enter Servant bearing a letter. 
 Serv. Telegram, sir. \Exit. 
 
78 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Mr. p. (opening if) Ah ! from Charles. Excuse 
 me. {Reads to himself, the Colonel tnanauvring 
 all the time to endeavour to catch a glimpse of the 
 contents) "C. Percival at Rotterdam to H. Percival, 
 Esq., at London. Detained unexpectedly two 
 days. Gain time for me at any price." {Aside.) 
 Dear, dear, dear ! The devil ! the devil ! Ah ! I 
 have a good idea. 
 
 Col. H. Intelligence about our young friend 
 abroad perfectly satisfactory, I hope ? {Endeavours 
 to edge himself round so as to get a sight.of the paper, 
 which Mr. P. holds loosely in his hand.) 
 
 Mr. P. {after a slight pause) To tell the truth, 
 not quite so satisfactory as I could wish. He 
 writes to me from — let me see — ah, Zurich, to 
 say that he is ill, and wants me to go over to him. 
 But my own engagements make such a thing 
 impossible — impossible. Now, it has just occurred 
 to me, that you might feel disposed — to take a trip 
 — next to myself, perhaps, there is no one for 
 whom my nephew entertains a warmer regard — 
 and as for your expenses — of course, you must 
 consider me your banker — what d'ye say ? {Puts 
 telegratn in his pocket. ) 
 
 Col. H. This news is very distressing, my dear 
 sir. {Aside!) Rather opportune ! out of the way 
 just at the right moment ! {Aloud) My only 
 doubt is as to time. This affair of mine comes 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 79 
 
 off in a week. I should not be able to spare 
 more than a couple of days 
 
 Mr. p. That would do capitally — I was just 
 going to mention a couple of days. {Aside.) He 
 would be out of the way just at the right time ! 
 {Aloud.) When will you go? 
 
 Col. H. This evening, of course. 
 
 Mr. p. Come and dine with me, and then you 
 can start afterwards ; I shall make a point of 
 seeing you off. You may be considerably out of 
 pocket; so I will give you fifty pounds for your 
 expenses, when we meet on the boat; and will 
 order my bankers to see that you have fifty more, 
 when you get to your destination. 
 
 Col. H. (indifferently) Oh, that's of no con- 
 sequence ; any time will do. {Aside.) About 
 twenty '11 answer my needs ; twenty '11 stop Chor- 
 ley's mouth, till the thing's over; and the rest's 
 all swag. {Aloud.) I shall see you again ; for the 
 present, adieu ! [Exit to l. 
 
 Mr. p. {solus) Ah ! I'll put it down, while I 
 think of it. {Takes out a pocket-book, and writes :) 
 Memo. — jQioo to Col. H. for C. P. — Zurich. — 
 To ask C. P. to repay same — say, by one hundred 
 yearly instalments. — To tell James not to let the 
 Colonel in, when he returns from what's-it's-name 
 — to see Monta 
 
8o MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Enter Servant /ram r. 
 
 Mr. p. gu. Eh ? (Pushes the book into his 
 
 pocket.) 
 
 Serv. Mr. Montagu, sir, wishes to see you. 
 
 Mr. p. (aside) Curious coincidence, egad ! One 
 goes out, and t'other walks in. It looks as if one 
 was rather in request, egad! (To Serv.) Shew 
 Mr. What's-his-name in. 
 
 Serv. Yes, sir. \_Exit. 
 
 Mr. p. (solus) There may be some confederacy, 
 egad ! I must be on my guard. (Buttons up his 
 trousers' pockets.) 
 
 Enter Mr. Montagu/;-^/w r. 
 
 Mr. M. (advancing briskly) I'm truly pleased 
 to see you again, sir. I hope you're well ? 
 
 Mr. p. Ah ! thankee, so-so. (They shake hands!) 
 (Aside.) I don't altogether like this cordiality. 
 
 Mr. M. We seem quite strangers; I hope it 
 won't be so for the future ! 
 
 Mr. p. Ah ! well, I don't know how it is. I — 
 yes, •^€^-^— (Aside.) He's leading up to something. 
 
 Mr. M. (taking a chair) Affairs in the City, for 
 the last three months, have been extremely critical, 
 my dear sir. 
 
 Mr. p. (taking a chair, and aside) He has 
 heard that I have put by a few pounds, and has 
 come to borrow them ! (Feels his pockets.) 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 8l 
 
 Mr. M. But I am very thankful to say, that our 
 house has passed through the difficulty quite un- 
 scathed. 
 
 ~ Mr. p. I'm delighted to hear it. (Grasps him 
 by the hand.) (Aside.) Vast relief! 
 
 Mr. M. You see, sir, our firm is one of those 
 old-established businesses 
 
 Mr. p. Which are literally independent of com- 
 mercial fluctuations, you were going to say. I 
 understand you, I understand you.' (Aside.) I feel 
 much more comfortable. 
 
 Mr. M. It really takes a great deal to touch an 
 establishment which 
 
 Mr. p. Has more than six millions of capital. 
 I understand you, my dear sir, I understand you 
 (Aside.) One must approach one's subject delicately. 
 
 Mr. M. (smiling) Well, you seem to have our 
 balance-sheet at your fingers' ends ; however, the 
 capital of the larger City houses is pretty well 
 known as a rule, I believe, within a few thousands. 
 I shall not dispute your figures. But the fact is 
 that what I particularly wished to refer to, the 
 point indeed, to say the honest truth, on which 
 I came here to consult you (Mr. P. resumes for a 
 moment his former expression of solicitude), was the 
 sort of understanding your nephew, my old-young 
 friend Charles, arrived at with me, when we were 
 last together. I was to hear from him in a month 
 
82 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 from that time, whether or no he could negotiate 
 a certain advantageous partnership in some house 
 abroad ; an important question for us both hinges 
 on this ; and Master Charles's time is up to-morrow. 
 Is he on his return, pray ? 
 
 Mr. p. He telegraphed to me to-day — I had 
 the message an instant ago — ^just as you came in. 
 Two days, he said, would see him here. 
 
 Mr. M. The day after to-morrow. How vexing ! 
 I have promised to give another gentleman a 
 decisive answer on Wednesday morning — a gentle- 
 man, who is also a suitor for my daughter's hand. 
 You know him — Colonel Honeywood ? 
 
 Mr. p. Ah, yes. But is a day so important ? 
 
 Mr. M. Pardon me, sir, a London banker's 
 word is his bond. 
 
 Mr. p. I think I see a way of removing your 
 scruples completely. 
 
 Mr. M. {a auk eagerly) How ? 
 
 Mr. p. Honeywood will not call on you to- 
 morrow to fulfil his engagement. 
 
 Mr. M. You surprise me. Explain. 
 
 Mr. p. Nothing more easy ; he has left the 
 country. 
 
 Mr. M. Left the country ? I'm amazed. 
 
 Mr. p. He starts for Zurich this very day in 
 search of my nephew. (Aside.) He'll be a long 
 time finding him there. {Aloud:) He goes on my 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 83 
 
 own account ; I handed him not long since his 
 expenses. {Aside.) Moving a little ! 
 
 Mr. M. Dear, dear ! you take my breath away 
 almost. I can scarcely believe my ears. However, 
 all that I can say is, that, as both the gentlemen 
 are likely by your account to be behindhand, the 
 first-comer shall have the lady, so far as I am 
 concerned. 
 
 Mr. p. Is that a bargain, sir ? 
 
 Mr. M. a bargain — so far as I am concerned. 
 Mrs. Montagu and the Colonel are great friends, 
 let me tell you ; but I won't answer for it that 
 Charles, if he comes home with a partnership in 
 his pocket, will not carry the day even in that 
 quarter. I conclude your nephew has spoken to 
 you freely about this ? What facilities has he, let 
 me ask, for obtaining what he seeks ? In my young 
 days, such prizes were few and far between. 
 
 Mr. p. To be frank with you, I haven't a ghost 
 of a notion. He asked me for ten pounds, and 
 said, " Leave the rest to me.'' 
 
 Mr. M. Well, we shall see what we shall see, 
 sir. Ah ! Mr. Percival, Mr. Percival, you know all 
 about it 
 
 Mr. p. I assure you 
 
 Mr. M. Ah ! well, I don't blame you ; you're 
 perfectly right. Let me see, what was I going to 
 say ? Oh ! I was going to say that Honeywood is 
 
84 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 a gentleman by birth and education, and heir, as 
 he tells us, to a peerage. (Mr, P. smiles scepti- 
 cally!) Ah ! well, that may be so, or may not. 
 (Rises to go.) Good day to you. \Exit. 
 
 Mr. p. What a deuced bore, having to make 
 oneself agreeable for the sake of one's posterity ! 
 
 \Exit. 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 SCENK 2. 
 
 Park-avenue of Mr. Montagu's country residence 
 at Streatham. A vista of trees up. Gates of 
 house seen midway up to l. 
 
 Enter Miss Montagu, apparently in a very dis- 
 tressed state of mind, through gates to l. 
 
 Miss M. Oh dear, what shall I, shall I do? 
 The dreadful day is close at hand. It seems to 
 hang over me like a drawn sword. I cannot bear 
 the sight of this Colonel Honeywood, and half 
 that he tells us about himself I believe in my 
 heart is a wicked story. Yet my mother is in- 
 fatuated with him : he holds her in a complete 
 spell. Oh ! Charles, Charles, why do you not 
 come, and save me ? Ah ! how strange everything 
 looks ! {Faints.) 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 85 
 
 Enter Mrs. Montagu, _^vot r. 
 
 Mrs. M. (rushing forward with her hands ex- 
 panded as usual) What is it, what is it ? {Receives 
 Miss M. in her arms.) Help ! help ! 
 
 Miss M. {rallying) I'm better now, I shall be 
 all right presently. I feel quite strong again, 
 I do, indeed I do. There, don't go for any one. 
 I was only a little faint for the moment ; it is a 
 sensation which comes over me now and then. 
 The fresh air will take it away. 
 
 Mrs. M. Lean on my arm, my child, and let 
 us return into the house. 
 
 Miss M. I think, mother, the pleasant breeze, ' 
 which has just sprung up, will do me more good, 
 I do. 
 
 Mrs. M. It is nothing more than excitement 
 at the delightful look-out before you, my darling 
 Cecilia. The happy day draws near. I have no 
 doubt that our dear Colonel will be here to-day 
 to sign the necessary papers ; he ought to have 
 been with us yesterday ; but you cannot expect 
 rigid punctuality from men of such high position. 
 Ah ! my dearest Cecilia, our dear Colonel is one 
 of those rare beings 
 
 Miss M. {interrupting peevishly.) Oh ! let us 
 talk of something else, dearest mother. When do 
 you fancy that Charles will be back ? 
 
 Mrs. M. {drawing herself up) Charles Percival ? 
 
86 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 I don't know, I am sure. I believe Charles Per- 
 cival, my dear, to be an adventurer and- a visionary. 
 Our dear Colonel is a man of very different stamp ; 
 a gentleman in every sense of the word, my dear, 
 and I should not at all wonder, if he made you 
 Lady Glengarry some day 
 
 Miss M. But Charles, mother, is going to get 
 a partnership, and then 
 
 Mrs. M. And then ? A partnership, indeed ! 
 A fiddledee ! It is my belief, my dear, that this mis- 
 guided young man (Miss M. bites Jier lip) has gone 
 abroad solely that he may come back with some 
 cock-and-a-bull-story, and persuade your father to 
 agree to his proposal. But he won't persuade Me, 
 my dear. Never! {Draws herself majestically up .) 
 
 Miss M. {aside) Is it not enough to make one 
 undutiful ? Hark ! I hear some one approaching ! 
 
 Enter Mr. Montagu. 
 
 Mr. M. Well, ladies, what do you think is the 
 latest news ? (Mrs. and Miss M. look inquiringly.) 
 Charles Percival returned from abroad yesterday. 
 
 Mrs. M. In charge, I hope, of our dear 
 Colonel ? 
 
 Mr. M. You are mistaken, my dear ; he is 
 accompanied by the gentleman who has accepted 
 him as a partner. 
 
 Mrs. M. Who may this gentleman be, pray ? 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 87 
 
 Mr. M. He does not name him, but says that, 
 when we nieet, he will explain everything. 
 
 Mrs. M. Some Continental impostor, I have no 
 doubt, who is in league with these Percivals to 
 entrap our dear Cecilia into a fatal marriage. 
 
 Miss M. {aside) Oh ! for shame ! 
 
 Mr. M. a very pleasant supposition, my dear, 
 but I'm sorry to say that, so far as we are at pre- 
 sent advised, it is entirely gratuitous. I have just 
 received a letter from Charles to say, that he is 
 on his way here to pay his respects to us, and to 
 introduce the gentleman who accompanies him. 
 
 Mrs. M. Some foreigner of distinction, my 
 dear Cecil, I make no question. Well, well, bear 
 in mind that our poor girl's future happiness hangs 
 upon this ! The Continent swarms with pretended 
 grandees, my dear 
 
 Miss M. {archly) Such as Prince Rhodomonta- 
 dos and Baron Butterbrode, do you mean, mother? 
 (Mrs. M. bows benignly, not having heard.) 
 
 Mr. M. {playfully) You saucy puss ! Your 
 Uncle Ralph should hear you ! 
 
 Enter Mr. Percival, Sen., from r. He appears to 
 be unusually cheerful, wears his hat on the back 
 of his head, and brandishes an umbrella about. 
 Mr. p. shakes hands with them all successively. 
 
 Mr. p. {removing his hat, which he keeps in his 
 
88 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 hand). And how d'ye do ? And how do you do ? 
 And how do you do ? 
 
 Mr. M. (Jocularly for him) Why, Percival, 
 you're cutting capers like a blue lamb at an elec- 
 tion meeting ! I would to heaven, man, I'd got 
 half your spirits. 
 
 Mr. p. Ah! well — ye see — yes — ah! — {Aside.) 
 I see my way to getting my hundred pound back 
 much clearer than I did yesterday, by gum ! 
 
 Miss M. We are expecting Charles and the 
 gentleman whom he has brought with him, Mr. 
 Percival, almost directly. Have you seen Mr. — 
 Mr. ? 
 
 Mr. p. No, my dear young friend, I've not 
 seen Mr. — Mr. 
 
 Mrs. M. {aside) Of course, a mere man of straw, 
 as I suspected. 
 
 Mr. p. I beg your pardon, madam ? 
 
 Mrs. M. {blandly) I am afraid that you will 
 catch cold without your hat. 
 
 Mr. M. Suppose we go in, then. Percival, we 
 can give you a bed to-night. 
 
 Mr. p. Thankee, thankee. 
 
 Mr. M. Charles and his friend '11 be here by 
 dinner-time at latest. We shall be quite a pleasant 
 party. 
 
 Mrs. M. I wonder where our dear Colonel is. 
 
 Mr. p. {chuckling) Oh ! ma'am, he's enjoying 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 89 
 
 himself in the best inn at Zurich by this time. 
 (Aside.) Confound him ! at my expense, too. 
 
 Mrs. M. He's too much of a gentleman, I'm 
 sure, not to keep his engagement. I shall wait 
 dinner for him. [Exit into house. 
 
 Mr. M. {aside) I shan't. {Follows her.) 
 
 Miss M. Oh ! Mr. Percival, when do you think 
 that the two gentlemen will be here ? We shall be 
 so pleased to see Charles again. It seems quite 
 an age since he left. He will come back so 
 proud with his partnership, that he will scarcely 
 deign to speak to poor little me ! 
 
 Mr. p. My dear, be assured that he will be 
 the same as ever. Don't tell me, don't tell me 
 {shaking his finger at her playfully) ; I know what 
 I know. Ha, ha ! {Exeunt into house also.) 
 
 A man, suddenly restored to consciousness, enters at 
 back from R. stealthily, walking on tiptoe. He 
 looks round him, and then beckons to somebody 
 behind. Enter a second man in a greatcoat, 
 with a handkerchief wrapped round his throat 
 for partial concealment. He approaches the 
 first circutnspectly. They both presently retreat 
 on hearing a sound of advancing footsteps with- 
 out speaking. It appears to get darker. 
 
 Enter Charles Percival /w« l. 
 Chas. p. {looking about him) Well, there's no 
 
go MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 one here, after all. I certainly thought, as I 
 walked up the drive, that I saw some one or other, 
 and I took it to be him. He ought to be here to 
 meet me. He must have lost his way, confound 
 it ! I will go and look. [Exii. 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 Scene 3. 
 
 Boudoir at Mr. Montagu's, Russell Square ; a 
 family group, Mr., Mrs., and Miss Montagu 
 discovered, the former seated and conversing, the 
 last pacing the room slowly. Immediately the 
 curtain has risen. Colonel Honeywood 
 introduces himself, and hurries up to Mrs. 
 Montagu. She greets him cordially, Mr. and 
 Miss Montagu are more distant. 
 
 Col. H. My dearest madam, I trust I have not 
 inconvenienced you by this slight delay ? You're 
 looking charming — as usual, my dear lady, as 
 
 usual. How do you do, my dear Ce Miss 
 
 Montagu — if I may judge from appearances, never 
 bonnier. And you, my dear sir ? 
 
 Mr. M. {formally) Pretty well, I thank you 
 very much. I must implore you 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. Ql 
 
 Col. H. Do not condemn me unheard, my 
 dear sir. I was going to explain. 
 
 Mr. M. I must implore you 
 
 Mrs. M. Let the Colonel at least speak, my 
 dear Cecil. I am surprised at you, my dear. 
 
 Col. H. The fact is, my kind friends, that we 
 had a terrible passage in the steamer, and had 
 to put back, and lie by for several hours, or I 
 should have been here yesterday. {Aside.) Can 
 anything have got abroad ? 
 
 Mr. M. {rather coldly) Indeed ! Just so ! 
 {Aside.) A pretty dilemma I'm in ! 
 
 Miss M. How very disagreeable, to be sure ! 
 {Aside.) Another complication, I declare, when 
 everything seemed to be going on smoothly ! 
 There's no getting rid of this dreadful man. 
 
 CoL. H. {with affected diffidence) I seem to feel 
 as if I was in a somewhat awkward situation, 
 a-hem ! I fear I'm intruding? (Mr. and Miss 
 M. do not dissent.) 
 
 Mrs. M. Surely you jest, my dear Colonel? 
 Most delighted to see you once more among us, 
 are we not, my dear Cecil? (Mr. M. acquiesces 
 ambiguously.) Be seated, pray ? 
 
 Col. H. Thank you very much ; you look 
 younger than ever, my dear madam. {Seats him- 
 self.) The fact is, we had a very bad passage in 
 the boat 
 
92 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Mr. M. (dryly) I think I recollect your making 
 the observation before ? 
 
 Col. H. Ah ! to be sure ; how ridiculous of 
 me, now ! But I was going to say, that I went 
 to Zurich 
 
 Mrs. M. In Holland? 
 
 Mr. M. My dear, don't expose your ignorance 
 unnecessarily. Don't you know that Zurich is in 
 Italy? 
 
 Col. H. So I thought, till I found it was in 
 Switzerland. (Mr. and Mrs. M. exchange looks.) 
 Well, I went there on a sleeveless errand for our 
 friend Percival, who said that his nephew, young 
 Charlie Percival, was laid up there at the sign of 
 the Golden Fleece. When I got there, devil a bit 
 Golden Fleece I found, and of course devil a 
 bit Charles Percival. The whole thing was a 
 hoax. 
 
 Mrs. M. I call that a very ungentlemanly de- 
 ception, my dear Colonel. Confiding people like 
 you and me are terribly imposed on by design- 
 ing persons, who shall be nameless. 
 
 Mr. M. At any rate, Honeywood, you'll be 
 sorry to hear, that poor Charlie has been in real 
 danger from severe injuries he lately received. 
 
 Col. H. No?' Where? How? 
 
 Mr. M. Why, outside our own house at Streat- 
 ham, the other night — the other evening, rather, 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 93 
 
 for it was scarcely dark — he was assailed by two 
 cowardly ruffians, and nearly strangled. They 
 were startled by a noise, and made off, leaving the 
 poor boy half dead on the ground. 
 
 Col. H. (losing colour and voice) No ! 
 
 Mr. M. One of them, a fellow of the name of 
 Ghorley, an innkeeper in the Borough, has been 
 apprehended at Rochester; but his companion 
 has not yet been found. It is hoped that Chorley 
 will turn Queen's evidence. 
 
 Miss M. (aside). Poor Charles ! 
 
 Mrs. M. Rash young man | 
 
 Col. H. I am truly concerned, my kind friends. 
 I think I saw some account of the matter in the 
 papers; but, if I recollect, no names were men- 
 tioned ? 
 
 Mrs. M. Perhaps not ; I dare say you will like 
 to be left alone, you gentlemen. Come, Cecilia, 
 my child, we will take a turn in our little 
 garden. 
 
 \The ladies rise and exeunt, bowing to Colonel 
 HoNEYWOOD, who rises, and opens the door 
 for them. 
 
 Col. H. (aside, returning to his seat) Atrocious 
 predicament ! I must lie close — I trust, my dear 
 sir (to Mr. M.), that the slight delay 
 
 Mr. M. Oh, do not mention it, Colonel ; but, to 
 be frank with you, the fact is, that — that — I — I — 
 
94 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 The door is quietly opened, and a man dressed in 
 plain black enters. He walks up straight to 
 Colonel Honeywood, who rises mechanically. 
 
 Stranger. I am a superintendent of police, and 
 hold a warrant for your apprehension, Captain 
 Slingsby. Resistance is useless ; I have help close 
 at hand. You're wanted on a charge of treason- 
 felony and assault. 
 
 Col. H. {with self-possession) What do you 
 mean, sir, by this proceeding ? 
 
 Mr. M. There must be some mistake, sir; this 
 gentleman's name is not Slingsby. This is Colonel 
 Honeywood ? 
 
 Officer (smiling). Doesn't make any difference, 
 sir, what he calls himself — Honeywood, or Slingsby, 
 or Crocker, or FuUarton, or half-a-dozen others. 
 (To CoL. H.) Are you ready. Captain? I'm a 
 little pressed. 
 
 Enter Mrs. and Miss M. in great excitement. 
 
 Mrs. M. What's the meaning of all this? I 
 demand an explanation. Cecil ! Colonel ! You 
 sir ! (Mr. M. and Col. H. are too much preoccupied 
 to answer^ 
 
 Officer (to Mrs. M.) I am a police ofiScer, 
 ma'am, and have arrested this gentleman, Captain 
 Slingsby, by virtue of a warrant. Here it is. 
 (Holds it before her.) 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 95 
 
 Col. H. I shall not go ; look to yourself. {Pulls 
 out a revolver and fires three times at the officer, but 
 misses him.) 
 
 Officer. Here, Robinson ! Cleasby ! Come in. 
 
 Two Constables rush in and seize Colonel Honey- 
 wood after a severe struggle. Mrs. Montagu 
 faints, and is carried out between Miss Mon- 
 tagu and Mr. Montagu. Exeunt Police 
 with Colonel Honeywood handcuffed. 
 
 Re-enter Mr. Montagu and Miss Montagu. 
 
 Mr. M. Does your mother seem better, my 
 dear? 
 
 Miss M. Oh, yes, papa; she has been terribly 
 shaken, though, by this extraordinary business. 
 Did you ever know such a thing ? 
 
 Mr. M. All my other feelings are drowned in 
 my thankfulness for your escape, my girl. In the 
 world, we never know, you see, whom we harbour, 
 who are our friends, or what our friends are, scarcely. 
 However 
 
 Enter Servant. 
 
 Serv. Mr. Ralph Montagu, sir, and Mr. Charles 
 Percival. 
 
 Mr. M. (aside) My brother ! I did not know 
 he was coming to England ! (To Serv.) Oh, shew 
 them up, of course. 
 
g6 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 £nfer Ralph Montagu and Charles Percival. 
 T/ie brothers greet each other cordially. Ralph 
 Montagu kisses Cecilia. The latter gives 
 both her hands to Charles Percival. The 
 two brothers converse together for a moment in 
 an undertone, explaining by gestures what has 
 Just occurred, &'c., and also Charles Percival 
 and Miss Montagu. 
 
 Re-enter Mrs. Mxyfitkoy), fanning herself briskly, 
 and not appearing to notice any one. 
 
 Mrs. M. a pretty exposure ! A pretty dis- 
 grace ! I'm quite sure that I shall never get over 
 it. Never. 
 
 Ralph M. (advancing) Well, you don't seem to 
 see me, my dear. 
 
 Mrs. M. {with affected wonder) Can I trust my 
 eyes? Is that you, Ralph? {They shake hands.) 
 When did you come over ? 
 
 R. M. Yesterday only ; partly on my own busi- 
 ness, and partly on this young gentleman's. {Points 
 to Chas. p.) 
 
 Mrs. M. What, you returned? I had no idea 
 of it. {They shake hands.) You see us in a moment 
 of sad confusion 
 
 Chas. P. Ah ! poor Colonel 
 
 Mrs. M. Don't mention his name; he has 
 terribly deceived us. What is more, I'm afraid 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 97 
 
 he'll be hanged. (They all turn round to her) Yes, 
 I'm afraid so, and next to being hanged oneself, 
 the worst thing in the world is to have an acquaint 
 ance hanged. People talk so ! 
 
 Chas. p. {to Mr. M.) The circumstances, sir, 
 are somewhat distressing, but I think I must avail 
 myself of the present opportunity to communicate 
 to you and all those who are here, the successful 
 result of my journey. I have accomplished, Mr. 
 Montagu, the purpose with which I set out. I 
 now call upon you to perform your part of the 
 engagement. Allow me to introduce you to my 
 partner, Mr. Ralph Montagu, of Rotterdam ! 
 
 Mr. M. My brother ? 
 
 Miss M. {wonderingly) Uncle Ralph ? 
 
 Chas. P. And, Mr. Ralph Montagu, now let 
 me introduce you to the lady. Miss Montagu — 
 Mr. Ralph Montagu ! 
 
 R. M. My niece ? 
 
 Mrs. M. Cecilia? 
 
 Mr. M. (to Mrs. M. and R. M.) This youngster 
 has been too sharp for us, you see ; he has outwitted 
 us all ; and I am not sure it isn't for the best. 
 
 Chas. P. (to R. M.) I told you, that if I could 
 procure a partnership, I had an opportunity of 
 marrying a lady of good expectations ? {All look 
 towards Miss M., who hangs her head down in 
 confusion.') 
 
98 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 R. M. Yes ; I had better confess at once that I 
 swallowed the bait. 
 
 Chas. p. (/o Mr. M.) And you may recollect, 
 perhaps, my dear sir, that you promised, if I was 
 successful in obtaining a share in a good concern 
 abroad, you would waive your only objection to 
 our union, and stand my friend ? 
 
 Mr. M. I did, I did. 
 
 Mrs. M. May I ask, why / was not consulted 
 throughout this delicate negotiation ? 
 
 Chas. P. I will deal with you in perfect frank- 
 ness, my dear Mrs. Montagu. I knew that you 
 had been prejudiced against me — that you were 
 strongly prepossessed in favour of Colonel Honey- 
 wood, as he called himself, and that it was of no 
 use for me to put forward my suit to you 
 
 Mr. M. Well, certainly, there was a time when 
 my wife thought that Colonel Honeywood, as he 
 calls himself- 
 
 Mrs. M. There, there, my dear Cecil; I have 
 been punished quite severely enough, I'm sure. 
 Spare my feelings. I judged wrongly, I allow, 
 my dear Cecil. 
 
 Chas. P. That man, who would have ruined 
 me, if he could, has met his deserts. 
 
 Mr. M. And you have met yours, Charles. 
 {He takes his daughter's hand.) She loves you, 
 my boy, and you are worthy of her. You have 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 99 
 
 our free consent to your marriage. {Puts her hand 
 in Charles Percival's.) 
 
 Chas. p. Gratitude and joy choke my utter- 
 ance. (Silently takes Miss Montagu's hand, and 
 raises it to his lips.) 
 
 Enter Servant. 
 
 Serv. (to Mrs. M.) A jeweller is downstairs, 
 ma'am. He has come with Mr. Percival senior's 
 compliments, to bring a tray of rings for Miss 
 Montagu's inspection. (Exit -amid a general 
 murmur of surprise^ 
 
 Enter another Servant. 
 
 2nd Serv. (to Miss M.) A large parcel of per- 
 fumery has arrived from Rimmel's, Miss, for you, 
 with Mr. Percival senior's compliments. (Renewed 
 expressions of astonishfnent and pleasure.) There 
 is also a person with a box of India shawls for 
 your selection; he has orders to leave them tilf 
 it suits yours convenience. Miss, to look at them. 
 
 [Exit. 
 
 Miss M. (to Chas. P.) Upon my word, Charles, 
 I hardly know where I am. I never expected 
 this ; what does it all mean ? Is it real ? 
 
 Chas. P. I'm not in the conspiracy, I assure 
 you, Cecilia ; it's all my uncle's doing. 'Pon my 
 word, he's turning out a regular brick, eh ? 
 
lOO MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Mr. M. Very generous to be sure, but really, I 
 don't like, my dearest Cecilia 
 
 Mrs. M. Nonsense, my dear Cecil. I'm sure 
 that Charles's uncle would feel quite affronted 
 
 if 
 
 Enter another Servant. 
 
 All. Well, what next ? 
 
 Serv. a coach-builder from Long-Acre has 
 called, with Mr. Henry Percival's compliments, to 
 know when Miss Montagu will be pleased to give 
 her orders for carriages. \Exit. 
 
 Chas. p. This is beyond everything ! My dear 
 old uncle is coming out strong. {Aside,) I always 
 thought he'd got plenty of tin in the background. 
 
 Enter Mr. Percival, as if from a walk, with a 
 brown-paper parcel under his arm. They all 
 advance to greet him, which he seems to resent. 
 
 Mr. p. (scratching his ear, and dropping the 
 parcel, which every one runs to pick up, Cecilia being 
 f^st.) Ah ! thankee; it's only a lobster I've bought 
 for my supper. Wasn't dear at a shilling ! {whistles 
 to himself). 
 
 Mrs. M, My dearest sir, we're all mu£h over- 
 come by your great kindness 
 
 Mr. p. Oh ! they sent, did they ? I thought 
 about this time it would be all right. Lucky 
 escape ! 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. lOI 
 
 Mrs. M. How? What? 
 
 Mr. p. {fulling the evening newspaper out of his 
 pocket, and dropping the lobster again, which falls out 
 of the paper.) Why, that what-d'ye-call-him — turns 
 out to be — one of the Fenian Centres (sensation). 
 — A reward of ;^Soo for his apprehension — (reads 
 from paper) — Concerned in a murderous assault 
 on a young gentleman at Streatham a few nights 
 since 
 
 All. Charles ! 
 
 Mrs. M. He was one of the men who attempted 
 our precious Charles's life ! Horrible villain ! I 
 always had my suspicions. 
 
 Miss M. {much agitated) Oh! Charles, Charles! 
 
 Chas. p. (vehemently) Why was I so blind ? I 
 could have sworn it was Honeywood. I recognised 
 his voice, half stupefied as I lay on the ground, 
 and tried to recollect where I had seen that 
 peculiar stealthy tread before, but I was too weak 
 from loss of breath. The rufiSan in front held 
 a gag in my mouth, while his confederate did his 
 best to throttle me from behind (sensation). 
 
 Mr. p. (deliberately) May I resume ? 
 
 Mr. M. What else does the paper say ? 
 
 Mr. p. It appears that this Honeywood owes 
 his capture to the confession of one Chorley, a 
 publican in the Borough 
 
 Mr. M. {interrupting) By God ! — pardon the 
 
I02 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 exclamation, but I can't help it — I was repeating 
 the particulars of the capture of Chorley to Honey- 
 wood himself the other day only, and I observed 
 that he seemed confused, and changed colour a 
 little ! And he was the accomplice, after all, of 
 this Chorley? 
 
 Mr. p. May I resume? (Mr. M. bows assent.) 
 Oh ! I see that's all. 
 
 Mr. M. (smiling) Ah, well, well. This is a 
 most singular affair — what I call a providential 
 deliverance. I wonder what'U be the end of that 
 fellow 
 
 Mr. p. a rope's, if he has his deserts. (Moves 
 to go.) 
 
 Chas. p. It was very lucky that my uncle got 
 him off to the Golden Fleece at Zurich ! 
 
 Mr. M. Most providential. A capital device !- 
 (To Mr. p.) Allow me, my dearest friend, to 
 thank you in all our names for saving my beloved 
 daughter from ruin. (Be grasps Mr. P.'s hand, 
 and Miss M. rushes up and throws her arms round 
 his neck, and kisses him in silence.) Well, my dear 
 sir, I hope you'll stay dinner this evening; I can 
 drive you up in the morning. We never dress 
 (Mrs. and Miss M. exchange looks), and there is a 
 bed at your service. 
 
 Mr. p. (huskily) Thankee, no; not very well 
 — let me see — ah, much obliged (Miss M. hands 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. IO3 
 
 him his lobster) — shall have it for supper, — and 
 then retire to my couch. {Mutters to himself.^ 
 Ah ! Carriages — say two, ;£^45o ; Indian shawl, 
 £io—£s°°\ rings, say four, £i.So— £(>i,o ; 
 Rimmel's account, £,j,Ti I4'''- i^-\ £fi^1i "^^^^ 7>^- 
 What's his name — Charles's outfit, and a lot of 
 confounded et ceteras, £2^0 — say, _;^iooo. By 
 Jingo ! I must retrench. {Aloud!) Well, good 
 day to ye ; I'm off to-morrow to Vichy. 
 
 Mrs. M. But, my dearest sir, you'll be present 
 at the marriage ? 
 
 All. Of course, of course. 
 
 Mr. p. Eh? what marriage? (Chas. P. tears 
 his hair. ) 
 
 Mr. M. {pleasantly) Why, of Charles and 
 Cecilia ! 
 
 Mr. p. Ah ! I'll see. Stop, let me make a 
 memo of it, or I may forget. {Takes out a pocket- 
 book.) When is it, then ? 
 
 Mrs. M. My dearest sir, we cannot fix these 
 things with absolute certainty off-hand. In about 
 a fortnight, Cecil, should you not say ? 
 
 Mr. M. If you say so, my dear 
 
 Mr. p. About — a — fortnight — Marriage — Mon- 
 tagu — Iniquitous extortions of infernal revenue — 
 deed of gift — annuity to self — {Puts book in his 
 pocket.) That'll do ; good morning. 
 
 \Exit whistling! 
 
I04 MONTAGU AND CO. 
 
 Chas. p. {apologetically) I fear you'll think my 
 uncle awfully odd in his manner ? 
 
 All. Oh, no, no. 
 
 Mr. M. He's a kind-hearted, generous, and 
 honourable man, like his noble and dear brother, the 
 friend of my youth; it's only his way, and between 
 ourselves I take him to be a very rich fellow. 
 
 Mrs. M. I quite worship eccentricity, for my 
 part. {Aside.) I burn to see those rings. What 
 a dear man ! 
 
 Chas. P. {aside) The most remarkable case of 
 table-turning I ever knew ! {Aloud.) My uncle 
 only pretends to be indifferent ; he will be with us 
 on the joyful occasion. 
 
 R. M. He was a good hand at speechifying, I 
 remember, in his younger days. 
 
 Mr. M. Ah ! then he'll be an acquisition at the 
 breakfast. We may look for some dry fun ! 
 
 Mrs. M. {wko has not quite heard) It seems to 
 be a very serious matter. Fun, indeed ! With 
 all his little faults, he was a gentleman by birth, 
 and heir to a peerage, {aside) which is more than 
 some people can say. {The rest smile.) 
 
 Miss M. {in a whisper) Charles ! 
 
 Chas. P. (pending down to her) What is it, 
 dear? 
 
 Miss M. {in a whisper). Oh ! I'm so, so happy ! 
 {He squeezes her hand.) 
 
MONTAGU AND CO. 10$ 
 
 R. M. My old friend Percival will do the busi- 
 ness as neatly as any man I know, when he pro- 
 poses, ahem ! the health of the, ahem ! young 
 couple, ahem ! 
 
 Mr. M. Why, Ralph, what a fellow you are with 
 your Hems I There's another toast comes into 
 my mind, that some one will have to name, and 
 we shall all have to drink — Long success to 
 Montagu 
 
 Chas. p. Brothers ! Hurrah ! So say I. 
 
 Mr. M. Not so fast, my young friend. What 
 do you take me for ? No, no ; what I was going 
 to say, was — Long success — and' (turning to 
 audience) I hope you will join us in this — to 
 Montagu and Co. 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 THE END. 
 
 P^/w/ff/^y Ballantyne, Hansok & Co. 
 Sdinhurgk and London 
 
BV THE SAME AUTHOR 
 Just published, in one volume, crown Sva, cloth, pi-ice ts. 
 
 LEISURE INTERVALS 
 
 I. EARLY POEMS. 
 
 II. POEMS WRITTEN BETWEEN 1866 AND 1876. 
 TIL LATER POEMS. 
 
.ililiii 
 
 'III I 
 
 mi 
 '11 
 
 
 
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