2Zo3 CAPUS ERI&NOL ANp HISPAU6HTER CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY THE Joseph Whitmore Barry dramatic library the gift of two friends of Cornell University x 934 Brignol and His Daugh- ter : a Comedy in Three Acts: by Alfred Capus: Translated by Barrett H. Clark Samuel French : Publisher 28-30 West Thirty-eighth Street : New York LONDON Samuel French, Ltd. 26 Southampton Street, Strand Copyright, 191S, Bt SAMUEL FRENCH Cornell University Library PQ 2203.C7B8 1915 3 1924 027 276 819 ALFRED CAPUS Alfred Capus — born at Aix, Provence, in 1858 — is one of the most popular and prolific writers of French comedy of the time. Although he has for many years been active in the field of journalism, and is now joint-editor of the Figaro, his plays are seen regularly on the French stage and are ac- counted among the most brilliant and successful. French critics claim Capus as a realist.' He is not a realist in the same sense of the word as Brieux or Curel, for his outlook on life is essentially gay and optimistic. Optimism, together with a generous in- fusion of rather superficial cynicism, is the key- note to his best work. One of his finest comedies, Luck {La Veine) shows how people, merely as a result of waiting for the opportune moment, may be happy and successful with comparatively small effort. Brignol et sa fille, the present translation of which for the first time affords to English readers a glimpse of the comic side of this dramatist, was produced originally in 1895. It is one of the most popular of contemporaneous works. In 1914 Capus was elected into the French Acad- emy. BRIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER PERSONS REPRESENTED ORIGINAL CAST Commandant Brunet MM. Dieudonne Brignol Lerand Valpierre Lagrange Carriard Torin Maurice Vernot Mangin The Concierge Mondolot Madame Brignol Mmes. Samary Cecile Brignol Lecomte Madame Valpierre De Gerardon The Madd Renn Scene: — Is Paris. Time: — The present. BRIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER ACT I Scene : — An office, fitted up with various articles of parlor furniture — rather distinguished- looking. To the right, a table with letter-files and a safe; beside the safe, a bookshelf. At the back is the main entrance ; there are other doors, right and left, one opening upon a bed- room, the other upon the parlor. As the curtain rises, Brignol is sitting at his desk. The Concierge enters. Concierge. I've just seen the landlord, Mon- sieur. He refuses to wait another minute. I ought to say, too, that he is very angry with you. Brignol. That will all be arranged. Concierge. This is the first time a tenant has been three terms behind. Brignol. It's nothing serious. Concierge. Monsieur will allow me to mention the fact that within a few days Brignol. What ? Concierge. The bailiff! You have already re- ceived the first notification, which means Brignol. Don't you think I know all about that ? I know more about it than landlords do; I'm a lawyer S 6 BRIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER. Concierge. I'm going — (Enter Madame Brig- nol) Then you haven't anything special you want me to tell the landlord, have you? Brignol. Tell him I'll pay him to-morrow. Concierge. To-morrow, surely? So far, your furniture hasn't been seized, but Brignol. And rest assured, it won't be. Concierge. Monsieur, your humble servant. — Madame (He goes out, back.) Mme. Brignol. Have you seen the people you ought to have seen? Brignol. Don't fear. I have two or three af- fairs in hand now that are bound to succeed. Mme. Brignol. Remember how last term you were counting on two or three affairs, and that we were unable to pay. Then ! Brignol. That has nothing to do with the case. Don't worry. We have the money — practically. Mme. Brignol. (After a pause) They've just arrived. Brignol. (Absently) Who? Mme. Brignol. My brother and his wife. They're here — They'll come in to kiss you in a min- ute. Now there is to be no quarreling between you, remember : we've agreed to let bygones be bygones. Your daughter and I are sick and tired of this family squabbling — it's been going on for years. Brignol. Is it my fault? It was Valpierre who broke with us, I have no idea what about. Mme. Brignol. Oh! Brignol. Oh yes, now I remember : a miserable few hundred francs he loaned me, and which I didn't exactly return. Mme. Brignol. That is: didn't return at all. Brignol. Relatives oughtn't to quarrel about things of that sort. If he had borrowed money of BRIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER. 7 me, and failed to return it, I shouldn't have quar- reled with him. I'm sure it's all because his wife doesn't like us. Mme. Brignol. And because of your behavior toward them ! Brignol. Well, I shan't hold a grudge against them. (Enter M. and Mme. Valpierre.) Brignol. How are you, my dear Valpierre? — Ah, my dear! How good of you to come! I'm so glad to see you ! Valpierre. (Embarrassed) My dear Brig- nol Brignol. You don't look a day older. What a life you lead in the provinces ! How peaceful ! No news from Poitiers, eh? Mme. Valpierre. Nothing much. Brignol. (Going to Valpierre) — I confess I was in the wrong, there ! Are you satisfied ? We'll settle the account in the near future, I prom- ise. Mme. Valpierre. You were not only in the wrong, you were wrong in every way. Brignol. In every way — I admit it. Mme. Valpierre. And we were wrong in noth- ing — that must be clear. Brignol. It is, without the shadow of a doubt. And now, let us forget the past. — Families shouldn't quarrel ! It's possible to stop seeing one another, but to break off — ! You'll dine with us, won't you? Mme. Brignol. Oh, yes, you must. Brignol. (To Mme. Valpierre) You have no idea how sorry I was not to see any more of you, and how deeply I regretted our misunderstanding. (He shakes hands with her) Mme. Valpierre. It would never have hap- 8 BRIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER. pened if you had left Poitiers under the proper conditions. Brignol. I left Poitiers under very normal con- ditions. It happens every day that people leave the provinces to come to live in Paris. Valpierre. You did not leave Poitiers under normal conditions, allow me to suggest. You left it head over heels in debt, with fifty creditors after you Mme. Valpierre. Who came even to us! Brignol. You should have sent them to Paris: I left an address. Valpierre. If it had not been for my connec- tions and my influence, your name would have been struck from the official list of lawyers — you, the brother-in-law of a magistrate ! It would have been a terrible dishonor! Mme. Brignol. Now, now ! Valpierre. You resigned, and I must say it was about time. Brignol. (Rising) I never wanted to practice — the legal profession is over for me. Valpierre. And the scenes you had, in the streets even, with your creditors ! It is possible that such things are of no importance at Paris, but at Poitiers, they are disgraceful — do you hear? Mme. Valpierre. They reflect on the whole family. Brignol. (To Valpierre) That's an exagger- ation. (To Mme. Valpierre) Adolphe, dear, has always exaggerated ; that has invariably been the source of our arguments. Valpierre. (Rising) I never exaggerate. Mme. Brignol. We have agreed to forget everything, haven't we? Valpierre. I ask for nothing better. It's pre- cisely what I am going to do. I simply wanted to remind your husband that if we have not been on speaking terms for so long, there were good BRIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER. 9 reasons. I am not one of those high-strung and sensitive people who are offended by a chance word. Brignol must certainly have overstepped the limits a long way to force us to resort to these extreme measures. Brignol. Good !' Valpieere. When, a few months after your marriage, you risked your wife's dowry in a ridicu- lous speculation, and lost every sou of it, I did everything in my power to get you out of trouble. Brignol. True, every word of it! Valpierre. Bear in mind also that I did not oppose your marriage with my sister, a marriage which was perfectly absurd, as you had no income. You have nothing therefore to reproach yourself with. Mme. Valpierre. If you had only followed my advice about your daughter's education — ! It was very wrong of you not to have Cecile go in for teaching, — I was just telling your wife. It's some- thing for girls with incomes to fall back on. But no, her education has been hap-hazard. Now Ce- cile is nearly twenty, and she can't even teach! (Enter Cecile at the back, laughing.) Cecile. Why, Aunt, I heard everything! Mme. Valpierre. There is nothing to laugh about. Cecile. Now, really, I can read and write and adu. — Anyway, some day we'll be rich: Papa's promised we shall, a hundred times! Bricnol. And I promise once again. Cecile. I'm counting on it absolutely. Brignol. That's the way to look at things ! Valpierre. Meantime, creditors throng about your front-door. That must be pleasant for the ladies? Cecile. It's not unpleasant, at any rate. I do io BRIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER. wonders for Papa's creditors. When I hear them making a scene with him, I quietly open the office door, as if I wanted to ask him something. The tempest subsides. Brignol. (Laughing) It always works. Valpierre. I can well believe it. — Now, leave us, child. (To Brignol) With your permission, we are going to have a serious talk. Mme. Brignol. Please don't be too hard on him. Valpierre. Hard? I'm not in the least. Mme. Valpierre. We simply want to propose a plan. Cecile. (To Mme. Brignol) A nice little lec- ture for Papa. — Come, we're in the way. '(She goes out, left, with her mother) Valpierre. Come now, what do you intend to do? Brignol. This evening? Valpierre. No : generally speaking. What are you going to do toward getting yourself and family out of this regrettable situation? Brignol. What situation? What are you re- ferring to? Valpierre. Yours. Brignol. But my situation is not in the least regrettable : it is splendid. We happen to be a little hard-pressed for the time being, I must admit, but who isn't, — from time to time? Valpierre. You owe money to the landlord, my sister tells me. You may have your furniture seized any day ; you have any number of credi- tors Brignol. It's troublesome, of course, but not serious. There are in Paris a hundred and fifty thousand people who are exactly in the same situ- ation. In the provinces, too. Mme. Valpierre. Oh, oh ! Brignol. Are there no debtors in the provinces ? BRIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER. n Mme. Valpierre. No — the moment a man is in debt, he is obliged to go to Paris. Valpierre. Now listen to me, Brignol, (Taking Brignol's hand) I am ready to help you. I have done so already and I shall willingly do so again, if you will turn over a new leaf — seriously. Brignol. In what way? Valpierre. You must work, accept a position in an office — anywhere. I'll take care of your credi- tors ; we'll arrange that in time. Mme. Valpierre. There's the proposition my husband wanted to make to you. I think it very reasonable. Brignol. Me in an office, at my age! You're not serious? My talents can be exercised only in large and important transactions, where my ex- perience will be used to advantage. Valpierre. /\t your age? Well, well! (Look- ing at Brignol) You might pass for forty! You look fifteen years younger than I, and yet we're the same age. Are you ever sick? Brignol. Never. Valpierre. Have you rheumatism? Brignol. Not a trace. Valpierre. I have — in every bone of my body. I've grown old, you look like a young man. That's what comes of your crooked life. It's discourag- ing! Then you intend to go on doing nothing at all? Please yourself. Brignol. You're mistaken : I have fifty irons in the fire. If one turns out well, we're saved, rich. Meantime, I have my clients — do you know Car- riard? Valpierre. Who is the gentleman? Brignol. A man who was the occasion of my making five hundred francs last month. You're going to meet him to-night at dinner. I'll probably get a superb position in his factory, or something in that new railway system he's going to build, — 12 BRIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER. not to mention the newspaper he's going to found, which I shall manage. Valpierre. Are those all your clients? Brignol. Did you ever hear of Commandant Brunet? Valpierre. Commandant Brunet of Poitiers ? I know him intimately. Brignol. (Embarrassed) Ah, you know him — Well, you see, my situation is not so bad Valpierre. Is the Commandant one of your clients ? Brignol. Oh, yes. Valpierre. But he's ruined — lost every sou gambling. Brignol. I beg your pardon : the Commandant is not ruined. In short, my dear fellow Valpierre. Yes, I seem to remember the story. He came intq a little fortune two years ago, didn't he? Brignol. Yes. Valpierre. He won a case ia. Poitiers ? Brignol. Yes. Valpierre. Didn't: he lose thac money at bac- cara? Brignol. He doesn't gamble any more now. Valpierre. Do you see him often? Brignol. Quite often. Valpierre. He's a decent enough fellow ; I'd like to see him again. Brignol. Indeed ? Valpierre. Where does he live? Brignol. (Preoccupied) The Commandant? Hm ! I have his address in one of these drawers — I'll give it to you. Valpierre. (After a pause) I wonder what sort of business dealings you can have with the Com- mandant? Brignol. When I spoke of him, I merely wanted to mention another of my clients: I have BRIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER. 13 others, too. It's not so much resources that I lack. You think everything is lost because I'm behind three terms with the rent, and have a few other un- settled accounts. But it's really most exceptional in Paris when a man is not one or two terms in ar- rears. It's all of no consequence. Valpierre. Where will you get the necessary money ? Brignol. I don't know at present, but I'll find a way. The important point is to have the money ; I must have it, and I will have it. Why, twenty times I've been in the same position, and at the last moment I've always come out on top. Valpierre. Do you want to know what I think? A day will come when you can't find the money, and then you will find yourself fearfully compromised. (Brignol shrugs his shoulders) It's almost hap- pened two or three times already Brignol. With me? Mme. Valpierre. How about that affair of the diamonds at Tours? Brignol. There was nothing to that. Mme. Valpierre. And that champagne busi- ness? Brignol. Trifles. No one remembers anything about it. It all comes out in the end — everything always does. Valpierre. You'll see where these ideas lead you! Brignol. Do you think me an ambitious man who wants to make millions, like a great financier? Now what do I ask? I want only a hundred thou- sand francs for Cecile's dowry, and be able to re- tire to the country with ten thousand francs' in- come. Valpierre. (Jokingly) Very modest! Brignol. Now I can make that money here in Paris, but I can't at Poitiers. Valpierre. (By the desk) But, my dear man, 14 BRIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER. I haven't that much money myself, I who have been a magistrate for thirty years ! Now do you mean to say you can make it at a single stroke? Brignol. I do. Do you remember one day when I asked you to loan me 20,000 francs, and you re- fused ? Valpierre. Yes, I do! Brignol. My dear fellow, if you had let me have that money, I should not only have paid you back in a year's time, with interest, but I should have been at this moment richer than you are. Valpierre. Really, now ! Brignol. It was a sure thing. Mme. Valpierre. And you think it kind and natural to become richer in that way than Adolphe, who has worked so hard for thirty long years? I'm very glad he didn't loan you the money ! (Voices heard outside.) Brignol. What's that ? (He listens at the door) Cecile. (Outside) I tell you he isn't at home! Valpierre. What ! Brignol. Sh ! — Ah, he's gone ! Valpierre. Another creditor? — Scandalous! (Enter Cecile.) Brignol. Who was it? Cecile. A M. Vignon. He belongs to your club. Bkignol. What did he want? Cecile. (Smiling) Well Brignol. He's gone now, isn't he? Cecile. Not exactly : he's on the sidewalk, wait- ing for you. He's watching till you come back Brignol. On the sidewalk ? What cheek ! Mme. Valpierre. This is charming! Brignol. I'm going to talk to him ; he's getting a little troublesome. (He goes out) BRIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER. 15 Mme. Valpierre. (To Cecile, who is ing) You think it's funny? Cecile. (Stops laughing) Very! Mme. Valpierre. And this happens every day? Cecile. Nearly every day. Valpierre. (Losing his temper) And your mother is willing to put up with all this? Cecile. What else should she do? Valpierre. Doesn't it affect you? Aren't you tired of the whole thing? Cecile. We are used to it. Valpierre. Don't you dread having to face this for a life-time? Cecile. Papa says it won't last much longer. Mme. Valpierre. It will never end ! It can't ! Cecile. Well, if it can't then it's high time I got used to it. Mme. Valpierre. It's mad, the whole thing! Cecile. But, my dear Aunt, you know I'd rather have Papa rich and I'd like us to be rid of all this trouble! I'd like to have horses and carriages and a country house, and lead that sort of life. But you said just now that that could never be Valpierre. I fear it can't ! Cecile. Then, my dear Uncle, I see nothing else to do but to continue as before. Valpierre. (Walking back and forth, stamping) If you'd only gone into teaching, as I advised a hun- dred times, you would not have had to witness these disgraceful scenes. Cecile. Yes, but it's too late now. I am not a teacher: I'm good for nothing at all — we have no money, and Papa is in. debt. So I'm forced to do my share. Valpierre. If your father had never left Poitiers ! Cecile. But he did. What can you do about it ? Valpierre. If he hadn't been so foolish! If 16 BRIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER. he'd been only a little more prudent! If — if — he might have been a regular lawyer — he argues well. He might have had a position in the world ! Cecile. (Irritably) If — if — if! But he wasn't! I'm sorry, but I'm doing my best. Valpieere. But how will it all end, my poor girl? Cecile. We'll know later. — Auntie, come and see Papa talking with his creditors, on the sidewalk. It's so funny ! (She goes out with Mme. Val- pierre, who exhibits signs of discouragement) Valpierre. This is going to end badly. (Enter the Commandant) Monsieur! (Recognising him) Well! It's you, Commandant? Commandant. Valpierre! Oh, yes, you are a relative of Brignol, aren't you? Valpierre. His brother-in-law. Commandant. Yes. It's so long since I left Poitiers, that I forgot it. I've just seen Brignol on the sidewalk. He told me to come in. Valpierre. He'll be back soon. — And you never come back to Poitiers any more? Commandant. Very rarely. I used to hunt with my nephew who has an estate near there. Valpierre. Next to my own. I've just heard that you had business relations with my brother-in- law ; I am very glad to hear it. He was speaking of you not a minute ago. Commandant. I like him immensely. Valpierre. So — you have business dealings with him? Commandant. Yes. He's been of great service to me in my suit. Valpierre. Indeed? And you're definitely set- tled in Paris? Commandant. Just about. Ah, I understand you, Valpierre ; I know I didn't leave a very savory reputation behind me in Poitiers — is that what you mean ? ERIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER. 17 Valpierre. But no one questions your honor," Commandant. Commandant. Yet I am said to affect the gam- ing tables and to lead the life of a regular clubman. Valpierre. You are chiefly pitied because you've lost your fortune. Your private life, Commandant, in spite of that one foible, is above reproach. Only it cannot but cause your friends pain to see a man of your position fall among people of doubtful standing, spend your nights playing cards, reduced to a miserly little income, after squandering some hundreds of thousands of francs. How did it hap- pen that you, Commandant, who would have pre- ferred suicide a hundred times to the slightest sus- picion of — of indelicacy ? Commandant. (Touched) Thank you, Val- pierre! You have a better opinion of me than I deserve ; I've come to know myself now. Assuredly I do not believe myself capable of committing an indelicacy, but it might be said that later on I should Valpierre. Nonsense ! Commandant. Everything is possible in gamb- ling! Everything! But, thank God, I'm not that far yet ! Valpierre. But didn't I understand Brignol to tell me just now that you had given up gambling? Commandant. As a matter of fact during the past eighteen months I've played only two insignifi- cant little games : Chinese besigue and piquet. I'm so much better since I've given up baccara. Valpierre. Then Commandant. Don't congratulate me, I'm go- ing to begin again to-day. Valpierre. That's bad, Commandant, very bad. Commandant. I hope that since I've stopped playing, my vein of bad luck will have run dry. Do you know d'Alembert's system? Valpierre. No. 18 BRIGNOL AND HIS DAUGHTER. Commandant. (Shrugging his shoulders) It is said to be an excellent one. Valpierre. My poor friend! Don't you ever win? Commandant. No, never. Valpierre. Well, old soldiers never win at baccara Commandant. True. You've noticed it, too? Valpierre. I haven't, only it's a commonly known fact. Commandant. Commonly known! I know it, and yet I keep on playing! Don't you ever play? As a general rule, magistrates are lucky. Valpierre. Ah ? Commandant. I beg your