:^ • • • , ^-^ « V , , „ *Pt~ ^^ • 1 1 % LOVE AND LAW. AN OI^IGINAL GOMBDY-DI^AMA IN POUl^ AGTS. BY MILTON NOBLES. Entered accDrJing to Act of Congress, in th; Librarian's Offics, at Washington, D. C in the year 1883, by Milton Nobles, as author and sole proprietor. All rights reserved. JUL 10 1884, PHILADELPHIA : LEDGER JOB PRINT. 1884. LOVE AND LAW. A COMEDY-DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS, BY CQiiiTON noBiiES. '■^aS'^y ORIGINAL CAST. RITTA, an Italian Street Singer, Dollib Nobles HEt.EN MONTAGUE, an English Lady of wealth, . Agnes Herndon MRS. TARBOX, Mistress of Bay View Cottage, Florence Vincent KITTY O'ROURKE, servant to Mrs. Tarbox, Jennie Satteklee OLD ROSA, an Italian Crone, companion to Conti, Jennie Carroll Lady Guests at Bay View Cottage. SIR RANDALL BURNS, Bart Mvron W. Leffingwell JASPER CRADDOCK, the Black Sheep of a wealthy English family, . . O. H. Barr SEPTIMUS SAWYER, Attorney-at-Law, New York City, . . . . Benj. G Rogers JIMMIE NIPPER, alias " Cockney Jim," a London Thief, . . . Harry Rainforth GIOVANNI CONTI, an Italian Organ Grinder, George W. Barnum FERDINAND HOFFMEIER, " One of the Finest," Max Fehrmann THEOPHILUS CRANE. Clerk to Sawyer, Edwin L. Mortimer THE " DUDE " BOARDER, Willie B. Wright THE GROCER'S MAN, B. A. Long THE BUTCHER'S MAN, Will B 7hayer JOSEPH SKERRETT, an English Detective Officer, F. I. Ketchum FELIX O'PAFF, Attorney-at-Law, New York City, (late of Dublin,) Milton Nobles Gentlemen guests at Bay View Cottage. SYNOPSIS OF THE SCENERY AND INCIDENTS. ACT I — LOVE — The Intimation. Scene— Bay View Cottage, Staten Island, with a view of New York Bay and Harbor. (Hoyt & Brother. ) ACT II. — LOVE — The Inspiration. Scene — The Den of Giovanni Conti, Crosby Street, New York City. (Thomas Plaisted ) ACT III.— LOVE— The Realization Scene— The Boudoir of Helen Montague, New York City. (Hoyt & Brother.) ACT IV. — LAW — The Consummation. Scene i. — Law Office of Sawyer and O'Paff . Scene 2 — A street adjoining the residence of Helen Montague. Scene 3. — The Den of Giovanni Conti. A lapse of Ten Hours between the First and Second Acts. A lapse of Eight Months between the Second and Third Acts. A lapse of Four Weeks between the Third and Fourth Acts. First produced at the Corinthian Academy of Music, Rochester, N.Y., April 17th, 1884. Fourteenth Street Theatre, New York City, April 21st, 1884. i LOVE AND LAW, An Original Comedy-Drama BY iivd:iXj'X'oi>T asroBLES. ACT I. Bay View Cottage,. Staten Island, over- looking New York Bay and Harbor, handsome set house R., extending up from first grooves. Practical balcony above, door opening on balcony, veranda below, slightly elevated ganze zvin- dow, exposing interior of Cottage to audience. Balcony ornamented with hangi^ig baskets and climbing vines, etc., etc. Bay seen as from an elevation, small profile boats, steam and sail, passing during entire act- Ornamental picket fence at back, crossing stage. Open gate in c. , laige tree set L 2., circular seat aronnd tree, hammock swnng between tivo trees l. 3 e., riistic tables R. a7id L., ricstic chairs, etc., etc. Swing at back R. Liohts all tip, lively music at rise, guests discovered on upper balcony, one on lozver porch, gent in hammock, lady reading to him. Colored porter enters at back, followed by boy, both loaded down ivith marketing, they pass into house R. as Sawyer comes out. Septimus Sawyer, a hale and hearty middle-aged lazvyer, with morning papers in hand, x. to seat L. Sawyer. It looks as though we were going to have a square meal for dinner to-day. \_Sits L. \^Guests gradually saunter off. Gent and lady at ham- mock exit c. I hope I shall be allowed ten minutes quiet here, I can't get it in the house ; if ever I envied Robinson Crusoe his (3) 4 LOVE AND LAW. solitude, it has been during- my visit to this alleged " quiet retreat." I'm fond of music, and I like children, but even " Monastery Bells " and the " Mulligan Guards " pall on one, when compelled to listen to them morning, noon and night, ground out of an old family relic of a cracked piano, by a ten year old "infant phenomenon." I'll see if I can't get time to look over the markets and court reports, [^reads. " Supreme court decisions, case 421, verdict of lower court affirmed." Good. Enter Nicholas Crane, clerk to Sawyer, a jniddle-aged old fellow, eccentric in make iip, through gate at back, he has a green bag filled with briefs. Crane. Good morning, Mr. Sawyer. \^Down c. Sawyer. Ah, Mr. Crane, good morning, what brings you up here? Crane. Business, sir; Business, sir: In the service of our noble profession the law. Sawyer. Yes, yes, I've heard that before. What is it? Crane. Documents : Buncombe vs. Biesley. Mr. S. said it was necessary that you examine them to-day. Saivyer. Of course, that's his idea of a vacation is it? All right, have you breakfasted ? Crane. No, sir, up and doing always. Business first and always, is my motto, in the pursuit of our noble profession the law. Sawyer. You're too zealous Crane, go into the house, they will get you some breakfast, take the papers with you, and leave them in the office. Crane. Yes, sir ; I will sir ; even the greatest of us must eat, it is a duty we owe to society, food stimulates the stom- ach, the stomach stimulates the brain, the brain formulates the law, and the law governs the world. \^Exit Crane into house r. Sawyer. \^Reading\ Case 360 verdict set aside and a new trial ordered. Ha, ha, well that is good. \_Enter from house Mrs. Tarbox. Mrs. Tarbox. Good morning, Mr. Sawyer, anything new in the papers ? Sawyer. Haven't had time to look. I've just been glanc- ing over the court reports and markets. Mrs. Tarbox. Aint they terrible ? Sawyer. What ? LOVE AND LAW. 5 Mrs. Tarbox. Why the markets, butter fifty cents a pound, eggs forty cents a dozen, its terrible. Sawyer. I was not referring to the provisions but to the money market, bonds and stocks. Mrs. Tarbox. Oh yes, of course ; when poor dear Henry was ahve he was the same ; he always wore one. Sawyer. Wore what ? Mrs. Tarbox. Stocks. Sawyer, [y^j'z^.?.] This old woman is a nuisance. \^Aloud^ I think I'll take a stroll. Please be kind enough to tell Kitty to bring my claret and biscuit out here, and when I return I'll take my luncheon. Mrs. Tarbox. \^Going to ho2ise.'] Certainly, Mr. Sawyer, I'll have the claret put on ice at once. [Bxif Mrs. Tarbox info house r. Sawyer. 'Tis no wonder that " poor dear Henry " is dead. What a blessed relief he must have found in "shuffling off." I'll go down to the inlet and anchor myself off in a boat, and see if I can read my paper in peace and quiet there. \_Exit Sawyer, l. i e. Enter at back Helen Montague ««^ Sir Randall Burns, they approach house, Helen offers her hand, Sir Randall Burns takes it and retaining it, speaks. Sir Randall Burns. One moment Helen," do not leave me thus, let me finish now. Helen Montague. Sir Randall why dwell further upon the subject ? It but inflicts needless pain. Sir Randall. Helen I would die sooner than cause you one moment of pain, but I must know upon what grounds your refusal of my suit is based ; sit here for a moment. \She hesitates^ Surely you can grant that trifling request ? Helen. \_Aside, dropping into seat by tree.'] I cannot spare myself one moment of pain. [Sir Randall sits beside her. Sir Randall. Helen, three years ago, in England, I paid to you such attentions as a man pays only to the woman he honestly loves. I did not then plainly speak of my affection, for my circumstances were not such as to warrant me in proposing for the hand of the rich heiress, the idol of our circle, but you knew, all knew, that I loved you. Is it not so? Helen. [ With downcast head.] Yes, Sir Randall, I knew it. LOVE AND LAW. 1 Sir Randall. Once, and once only, did I allow my feelings to get the better of my judgment, I do not know what I said, my words were broken, but they were words of love, and I thought Helen ; heaven help me if hope led me to error, but I thought that in that moment of joy, I recognized a something in your sad sweet face which told me ihat some time I might speak, and not fear your answer. Helen. Sir Randall, I beg you to spare me further recital of that scene. Sir Randall- A few words more and I am silent, I was called to Scotland by the death of a relative, who left me a princely fortune, when I returned rich, and in a position to declare myself, I found that you had gone, where, no one could tell. Selling my commission in the army, I came to America in search of forgetfulness, chance or a blessed fatality again brought us face to face ; but still you are sad and thoughtful, refusing both confidence and consolation. Tell me Helen, what is the cause? Helen. Do not ask me, I cannot speak. Sir Randall. Sir Randall. Your reticence shall be respected Helen, only tell me frankly, can I, may I hope? Helen. Sir Randall, for the present at least, there is no hope that I can offer. Sir Randall. I thank you for your forbearence in per- mitting my attentions, I hope at least to be considered a friend. Helen. [Aside.l Could I but speak. lAlond.^ Yes, as a very, very, dear friend. \_Giving him lirr hand. Sir Randall. \^Taking her ha7id.~\ Even for that I am thankful. Enter Kitty froju house, zvith boUle of claret, glasses and plate of bisc7cit, Sir Randall a7id Helen quickly sep- arate, Kitty x's l., and puts tray on table. Sir Randall. \^In lively tones.^ Remember, Mrs. Montague you promised to back your ponies against my grays for a dozen of gloves. Helen. \^Gaily.'] And I shall win them too, remember twelve buttons. Sir Randall. Oh, I have the size and make. Helen. This afternoon at four on the shore road. Sir Raiidall. I will be on hand, until then adieu. LOVE AND LAW. 7 Helen. Adieu, Sir Randall. \^Exit Helen in lioiise r., exit Sir Randall ihroiigh gate C, a?id off. Kitty. [ Who has been observing them.'] Aha, that's a foine way them illig-ant folks have of saying phat they don't mane, there's more than you kin see wid looking at 'em. A foine illigant couple they'd make, he's a rale lord, he's a rale gintleman too, I can tell that by his always giving me fifty Cents whin I wait on him ; and she's a foine lady, an a widdy too. Oh, dear, but there's something about thim widdy's thet bothers the min entiiely. There Mr. Sawyer, there's your lunch Oh, he's a great lawyer, is Mr. Sawyer, as sits all day on a high binch and sez " are ye guilty or are yez not guilty." \^Enter at back Ferdinand Hoffmeiek, a New York police- man., in undress uniforrn. Hoffmeier. \_At back, over fence.] Hello! Kitty! How was the queen of hearts ? Kitty. Och, there's Mr. Hoffmeier. \_Ciirtsies.'\ Good morning, Mr. Hoffmeier. Hoffmeier. Goot morning. \_Coming downc] How you vas to-day ? Kitty. Very well, I tank you sur. Have ye any news for me to-day ? Hoffmeier. I've got more dan news. I've got de col- lateral. Kitty. Phats that ? Hoffmeier. I've got your vatch, und your rings, und your money. \_Prodnci?ig articles.] Kitty. Oh, Mother of Moses ! An' have I got them all back again ? Hoffmeier. Every ding. \_Givi71g them.] Kitty. The blessing of St. Patrick upon you Mr. Hoff- meier. Hoffmeier. Call me Ferdinand, dots my front name. Kitty. Well, Ferdinand, I'll thank you, an' pray for ye ivery day of my life- How much is to pay? Hoffmeier. Don't thank me, und dere's nodings to pay. Besides, it wasn't me gott de dings back, anyway. Kitty. Wasn't it. Well who was it? Hoffmeier. It vas dot coundryman of yours. Dot lawyer, Mr. O'Pafif. He sawn dem swindlers ven dey vos hanging » LOVE AND LAW. around Castle Garden, robbing de emmigrants, und ven dey gott holt of you, he followed dem, und gott me to help him mit de case. Kitty. Heavens bliss him. That was my mother's wed- ding ring, an' the watch has been in the family a hundred years. Hoffmeier. Veil I should dink so by de looks of it. Mr. O'Paff gott de fellers send oop for two years, und den dere vas some trouble godden the dings again back. You see ve have lots of ret dape in the law bisness oud. Kitty- Yis, I suppose so. Hoffmeier. Bud you got everyding back at last now. De money vas ten dollars short, but Mr. O'Paff made dot up himself; so you have got everyding yust as you lost it. Kitty. Oh, he's a foine man. An' he wouldn't take any pay? Hoffmeier. Nod a cend. Kitty. Oh, this is a great country. Hoffmeier. You bed your boods it's a great coundry, und de next dime vot you emigrate, you yust tooken your money und your vatches und dings, und sew dem up in your stock- ing in. Kitty. Oh, Mr. Hoffmeier. Hoffmeier. Now, Kiddy, dot everyding is settled, vot do you dink about settling down yourself. How vould you like to join de force ? Kitty. Well, Mr. Hoffmeier, I'm very thankful to you for all your kindness; but I'm a little onaisy about policemen. Phen I was workin fer Mrs. Col. O'Mulligan, at Bowling Green, in Dublin, there was a policeman who did his tryin' to coort me there, an' tellin' me quare yarns about his bein' dicinded from the Kings and Jukes of Ireland; an' that he would make me a Quane or a Jukess, an' the way that policeman would ate could vittals, an' make luve an' drink beer. An' all the time he had a wife an' nine childer livin' in Tipperary. Hoffmeier. Dot vos de same mit de Irish policeman here, dey vos a pad lot, look oud for dem. But ven a Dutch policeman talks marry, you bed your boots he means pis- ness. Kitty, But I haven't taken out me papers yit. Hoffmeier. {^Putting his arm aroiaid her.^ I vill nadura- LOVE AND LAW. 9 lize you mit de marriage certificate. \_A7sses her. Mrs. Tarbox appears in door of house ^ Kitty. \_Nestling tip to Hoffmeier^ Is that the way you naturalize DubHn girls in this country? Hoffvieicr. Dots von of de vays. Kitty- Well it's less trouble than. I thought. You can naturalize me again if you have time. \_He is about to kiss her again zvhen Mrs. Tarbox speaks^^ Mrs. Tarbox. [^0)t porch 0/ honse.~\ Young woman, if you think you are naturalized enough, you can come in and set the table for lunch. [ They separate at the sotind of her voice ^ Hojfmeier \_Lnportantlv.'\ Young vooman dit you see anyding of a black und dan dog around here. [ Whistles.^ Kitty. Oh, murther ! murther ! \^R7ms into house R. Hoffnieier. [ Whistling.'] Vere de tuyfel dit dot dog got to? Mrs. Tarbox. I guess your dog has gone to get his natur- alization papers. Hoffnieier. Dot dog is here. I know it. He comes here every day ven de orchestra blays in de pavillion dere. He vos fond of music. Mrs. Tarbox. A dog fond of music. How do you know he is ? Hoffnieier. Because he carries a brass band around his neck. \_Laughs at Mrs. Tarbox f\ Oh go und got natura- lized- Exit, laiighing at Mr.s. Tarbox, gate r. c. Mrs. Tarbox flaunts angrily into house. Felix O'Paff. \_Off L. u. e.] Aisy with that hat box, gently with that umbrella, my man. There you are, never mind the change. Buy a peck of oats with it, and give that old horse a square meal. Music forte, Felix G Paff enters L. c, down, carries hat box, bag, jonbrella, etc , etc; well, bid rather eccentrically dressed. A young, bright, good-looking fellow, with a touch of the brogue. Kitty comes from house. Kitty. Oh, a new arrival. O' Paff. Well I'm here, but where am I ? The place looked inviting and I tried it at a venture. \_Kitty comes dozvn c] Excuse me young woman, but what is the name of this place ? lO LOVE AND LAW. KiUy. Is it the hotel yez mane? O'Paff. House, grounds, demesne, and all the appurten- ances thereto belonging-. What do you call it, when you are under the necessity of giving it a name? Kittv. Well sir, this Hotel is called the Bay View Cottage. O'Paff. Full. Kitly. Sur? O'Paff. Are ye full ? Kitly. Is it the rooms ye mane sur? O' Faff Did ye suppose I meant the boarders ? Kitty. Well, we're pretty well filled below sir, but there's some rooms up stairs. C Paff. Just like my profession. Crowded below, but plenty of room at the top. What are the names of some of your guests ? Kitty. Well, there's Mr. Sawyer sir, a great liyer in New York. Do 5^ou know him ? O'Paff. Well; there are so many great liars in New York. Is it Septimus Sawyer, the criminal lawyer you mean ? Kitty. That's the one sir. And thin there's a rale English Lord. O'Paff. English Lord — some London cab-driver doing the grand, I suppose. Proceed Nora macushla. Kitty. My name is not Nora, it's Kitty. O'Paff. Kitty — Sweet Kathleen Mavourneen \_Si71gs //.] And the ladies Kitty. If I have a strong weakness Kitty, it's for the ladies. Kitty. There's a rich English widdy. O'Paff. A widow ? Kitty. Young and beautiful. O' Paff. \^D)'ops his bag on Kitty s fcet^ Oh ; I beg pardon. \^Picks tip bag?^ A beautiful widow. I'll anchor here. Where there is a young and pretty widow, there is where O'Paff flocks. I'll condole with her upon her recent loss. I suppose it is recent, Kitty ? Kitty. I don't know sur. O'Paff. Well, we'll hope for the best. As a consoler of young widowhood, and a mitigator of lonely grief, I loom up. Kitty. What name did you say sur ? O'Paff. ^Giving cardP\ O'Paff, Felix O'Pafl", Attorney- at-law. New York, late of Dublin- LOVE AND LAW. II Kiity. \^FaI ling 071 her knees and kissing O'Paff's ha7id.~\ Oh, thin you're the kind gintleman who got back all of my money, and my mother's watch and wedding ring. Heaven bless you sir. O'Paff. \_Looking at her.'\Why so it is my Httle Irish wayfarer that fell among thieves. . Kitty. Oh, sir, never a night from that time to this, have I gone to me bed without mentioning you. And I hope you'll recave your reward in the nixt world, as you wouldn't take pay in this. O' Paff. [ With feeling.'] SLand up child. In the course of a vagabond life, I have done many an act of kindness, often at the cost to myself of privation and self-denial, but I have ■ never been repaid with gratitude so sincere as this. Kitty. \_Crying?\ I was a stranger in a strange land. O' Paff. Yes, dear, you were a stranger and they took you in. \^Puts his arm around her.~\ Don't cry, dear, although my great specialty is widows, I am an expert in all branches of the female consolation line. \_Lays her head on his shoidder.A. Don't cry, dear. [ Wipes her eyes ivith handker- chief. Mrs. Tarbox appears on veranda R.] Who ran to catch me when I fell, And kissed the spot to make it well ? \^Kisses her. Mrs. Tarbox conghs — examining Kitty's tooih.~\ Yes, young woman, it must come out or be filled. The molars being in immediate proximity to the incisors, demands prompt treatment. [Mrs. Tarbox coming down. Mrs. Tarbox. Kitty ! Kitty. \Screa?ns and runs up to door R ] Oh, murther ! Mrs. Tarbox. Are you getting another set of naturaliza- tion papers ? Kitty. \_Hand on her jaw.~\ Oh, Doctor ! Doctor! \_Exit into house R. Mrs. Tarbox- Are you a dentist, sir ? O'Paff. [ Who has gathered up his traps^ Not exactly Madam. I'm a lawyer. Yet it's but a step from Blackstone to Esculapius. While one puts a plaster on your back, the other applies a poultice to your pocketbook. \^Handing card to Mrs. Tarbox.] Mrs. Tarbox. You're the second man I've caught kissing that young woman this morning. Kissing servant girls seems to be getting epidermic here' O'Paff. Getting what, ma'am ? 12 LOVE AND LAW. Mrs. Tarbox.. I said epidermic. O'Paff. I wonder when that word was injected into the English language. Is this a public house ma'am ? Mrs. Tarbox. {.Stiffly^ It is sir. O Paff. \^Aside^^ I shall have to mollify the old lady. {^Alo2id7\ Well Miss, could I see your father or mother ? Mrs- Tarbox. [Simperuig.'] Oh sir, I am the landlady. O'Paff. \_Droppi)ig bag on her foot.'] I beg your pardon. \_Picks 2cp bag.] I would'nt have thought it could be possible. Afrs. Tarbox. And you're looking for a genteel retreat? O'Paff. Exactly ; a temporary recreation, I'm completely run down with overwork, cutting off coupons, collecting interest, etc., etc. Mrs. Tarbox. Yes, I know how it is. O'Paff. \_Asidt\'] I wish I did. \_Aloiid.'] What are my chances ma'am ? Mrs. Tarbox. Well I'm pretty full. \_Pause^ But I have a sweet of rooms on the top floor. O'Paff. Rooms en suite eh ? Well I'm sure the rooms can be no more sweet and charming than the hostess. Mrs. Tarbox. Really Mr. O'Patf. O'Paff. I cannot flatter ma'am. Mrs. Tarbox. You so remind me of poor, dear Henry. O'Paff. I beg pardon but Henry is ? Mrs. Tarbox. My late husband. I am a widow. O'Paff. \^n rapping bag on Mrs. Ta7'box's foot.] Oh, I beg your pardon. [^Aside.] Another widow O'Paff ye divil, here is a vast field of usefulness. Mrs. Tarbox. Henry was such a flatterer. He used to call me " Little Goosey," and always declared that I was as beautiful as Venice. O'Paff. He could'nt help it ma'am, the oracular proof was before him ; and like myself, he scorned to flatter. Mrs. Tarbox. I dare say I was not unattractive then. But, I'm no longer a girl. O'Paff- No ! still you were a girl once, there's a consola- tion in that. You were a girl awhile ago, a long while ago. Mrs. Tarbox. Sir ! O'Paff. Girlhood is but fleeting, youth is frivolous. But the ripened charms and stately grace of a perfect woman- hood, fills full the measure of-of-of-of mundane bliss. Mrs. Tarbox. Now that I think of it, Mr. O'Paff, I have LOVE AND LAW. 1 3 a large room vacant on the second floor. It commands a fine view of the bay. OPaff. Good, 1 '11 take it. Mrs. Tarbox. The terms will be O' Pajf. Don't mention them my dear madam, must our delightful conference, our feast of reason and flow of soul be mingled with vulgar dross ? If it were a hundred golden golconda a week, with the happiness of your society it would be cheap. ]\l7-s. Tarbox. [Asz'de.l He must be very wealthy. O' Paff. '[Aside.^ I may as well give the old century plant a good dose of tatfy. I shall have nothing else to give her until my quarterly allowance arrives from Dublin. Jfrs. Tarbox. I'll send the servant for your baggage. O'PaJf. Not at all ma'am, this satchel contains valuable family jcAvels, and I prefer not to trust them out of my hands. M?'s. Tarbox. Oh, very well. \_Gomg io house.'] \Ne lunch at twelve and dine at five. O'Paff. I'll do your dinner justice ma'am. \^Exit Mrs. Tarbox into housed Well that old woman can digest more soft soap than a Chinese laundry. Let me see how the family jewels are coming on. \_Sits on rtisiic scat L. of table, opens bag.] Six paper collars, one ditto bosom, four stock- ings, tooth brush, blacking ditto, Well it's lucky that old woman did'nt insist upon examining my luggage. [^Sees zvine and biscuit on table.] Hillo ! here's a luncheon. Well now that's thoughtful, \Jielps himself to wine, drinks.] Not bad either; try it again ye devil, I will. [Sings.] " For there's whiskey in the jar, and there's more behind the bar." \_E71ter Septimus Sawyer l. i. e. Looks at O'Paff in astonishment^ Sawyer. Well upon my word ! that fellow seems to be enjoying my claret and luncheon. Excuse me sir, but — O'Paff. Don't mention it sir, join me in a glass of claret. Sawyer. [ Taking seat.] You seem to be at home here sir? O'Paff. I am sir, I have a delightful second story front, with a veiw of the face of nature Sawyer. Indeed ! I hope the wine is satisfactory sir ? O'Paff. Only medium sir. Yovi can't expect much in these places. Sawyer. Really ! Well sir, allow me to inform you that I imported that wine myself, for my own private consumption. 14 LOVE AND LAW. O' Paff. I beg your pardon sir, I had no idea that I was trespassing upon private property. Sawyer. \^MolliJied.'] Oh don't mention it. You're quite welcome, permit me to do the honors. \_SariVyer fills glass^ Mr.— Mr— ? OPaff. O'Paff sir, Felix O'Paff, Attorney at Law, New York, late of Dublin Four Courts, at your service. Saivyer- \Surprised.'\ Not the O'Paff who last month conducted the defense in the case of the " Commonwealth vs. Forsdyke "? C Paff. The same sir. Sawyer. I'm glad to know you sir. \_Shaking hands. ~\ Your alibi was one of the completest and best worked up I have ever known. O'Paff. Thank you for the compliment. And you are one of us yourself then, I take it. Saivyer. Yes we are two of a kind. My name is Sawyer, Septimus Sawyer. O' Paff. \Shaking his hand.l Delighted to know one so honored and eminent in his profession. Saivyer. I should judge you were enjoying a large and remunerative practice, Mr. O'Paff. O'Paff. There's no question as to the enjoyment. In regard to the " large and remunerative," silence is golden. Sawyer. Indeed ; you surprise me. O'Paff. I'm glad to know it sir. It confirms the wisdom of my policy. I always make it a rule to keep up appear- ances. Let me fill your glass, sir. I have learned that if a man is poor, and acts poor, the very dogs in the street will bark at him. Sawyer. You're something of a philosopher, O'Paff. O'Paff. I'm an Irishman, the terms are synonomous. Sawyer. You always appeared to be overrun with business. O Paff. A part of my policy, sir, and all a sham. Sawyer. Sham ? O'Paff. Bogus, allow xnQ—^^Fills glass.'] Over this glass of rosy wine I'll let you into the secret of my business activity. My sole capital at present is a smart office boy and a big green bag. The boy is stuffed full of deviltry, and the green bag is stuffed full of old newspapers. I have a desk and several chairs, but they are only hired. And so by dint of keeping up appearances, and seeming not to want it, I'm picking up a stray brief now and then. LOVE AND LAW. 1 5 Sazvyer. There's no fear of your ultimate success, But the problem of living in the interim ? O'PaJf. I'm in receipt of a small allowance from an old uncle's estate. I receive it quarterly. The first two weeks I live in clover. It's during the other eleven that the prob- lem comes in, just at present I'm in the eighth week. A lack of confidence seemed to pervade the boarding houses on my circuit, so I slipped over to the island here in search of a retreat, where my personal charms and conversational brilliancy would be an equivalent for my board until next quarter-day. \_Boih laugh heartily^ By the way Sawyer what sort of quarters are these here? Sazvyer. Oh, so, so. O'Paff. Good provision for the inner man ? Saziyer. Very fair, the old lady provides well, but the cooking is bad, services bad, she means well but don't know. O'Paff. I see, good heart and bad liver. [Both luvgh^. Now with my New York landlady its the reverse. Sawyer. How's that. O^Paff. Good liver, but no heart, no heart, that's why I'm changing. Sawyer. \_La7ighhig, rising and x's io c] Well O'Paff, old boy, you must excuse me, my clerk is waiting for me inside with some briefs for me to look over. O' Paff. Certainly, don't neglect business. Sazvyer. I intended leaving this stupid place to-day, but now that a congenial spirit has been found, I'll stay another week. O'Paff. Stay a fortnight. Sawyer. I'll stay a montli. O'Paff. D — n it we'll stay all summer. \^Both laugh. Saw- yer exits into house 7'oaring.^ It was my lucky star that brought me here, Sawyer is a brick as well as a successful lawyer and I'll cultivate him. Sir Randall ^urns enters at back cotnijig down c. and going toward house. I ought to know that face. I beg your pardon sir — \Sir Randall turns ^ I can't be mistaken. Sir Randall Burns. Sir Randall. \^Surprised7\ What ! Why yes it is. [ Grasps O'Paff's hand.'\ Felix O'Paff! My old Trinity College chum ! • O'Paff. The same, well this is a pleasant surprise. l6 LOVE AND LAW, Sir Randall. Who could have thought of meeting you here? G Paff. Or yourself either. The last time we met, was at the Army and Navy Club rooms in London. It was let me see — Sir Randall. Three years ago, old fellow. O' Paff. Exactly. I remember now, just at that time I was a little— Sit Randall. [^Laiigliing] A little hard pushed financially, I remember. aPaff. Exacdy. Sir Randall. And now ? O' Paff- I'v^e been holding my own bravely ever since. Sir Randall. But your uncle left you a handsome prop- erty ? O' Paff. In trust, with a quarterly allowance. But the time limit expires in six months from this very day, when I shall receive a snug little fortune. Sir Randall. In the meantime you know where you can always find a banker. O' Paff. Meaning yourself, thank you old boy, but I value your friendship too highly, to make myself your debtor. Sir Randall. Still the same old O'Paff. O'Paff. I hope so. A little older and a trifle wiser but unchanged in my first principles. But tell me of yourself Sir Randall. Well you know I bought a commission and went into the army. O'Paff. I joined the bar, and went into bankruptcy. Sir Randall. I served a year, and at Rourke's Drift won the Victc)ria Cross. O'Paff. I practiced three years at the Four Courts and never took a brief Sir Randall. I sold out my commission and made a tour of the watering places in France and England O'Paff. I was sold out by a sheriff, made a delOMK to avoid my creditors, and came to America to retrieve my fortunes. Sir Randall. At Bath, I met my fate in the lovely Helen Montague. OPaff. Poor devil and she jilted you ? Sir Randall Confound it man, no. OPaff. What! You're married ? Worse and worse. LOVE AND LAW. 17 Sir Randall. No! Hang it! Don't interrupt me, where did I leave off? cyPaff. Well I don't know where you left off You began with Helen Montague. Sir Randall. I fell desperately in love with her, and at the very moment when I fancied I had some hope of a return of my affection, she disappeared, leaving no clue behind her_ Judge of my joyful surprise when a month ago, by the merest accident, I encountered her here in New York where she has relatives. O'Paff. Sir Randall personally and professionally, I con- dole with you. There's my card, and if yourself or the lady contemplate an action for abandonment or breach of promise, I'll serve you for friendship's sake. Sir Randall \_Langhing.'] Thanks you rascal, but I'm not likely to need you in fliat direction, though possibly I may in another, I am confident that Mrs. Montague, who is a widow, has some serious family troubles. I know that I am not indifferent to her, yet some secret in her life keeps me at bay upon the subject of marriage. I'll introduce you, and knowing you to be both a lawyer and a friend she may eventually confide in you. O'Paff. Leave it to me, my great specialty is widows, and family mysteries is my strong point. Mrs. Montague appears on Ve7'anda r. Mrs. Montagtie. Back again. Sir Randall ? Sir Randall. Yes, I just ran down to the village for my mail. Mrs. Montague, comes dozvn r.c. Allow me to present a friend Mrs. Montague, an old Dublin College chum, Felix O'Paff. Both acknozvledge iyitroduction- [Aside to Mrs. Montague.] An eccentric fellow but gen- erous to a fault. Well born and a gentleman. Mrs. Montagiie- I shall like him for your sake. Sir Randall. Thank you. O'Paff. Surely it was something more than accident that brought me here to-day. Organ heard off L.u. E., and Ritta siyiging, at end of strain. Mrs. Montague. Music. Are we to have a concert? [O'Paff has gone up c. looking off. Sir Randall. So it seems, by some exiles from Italia with barrel organ accompaniment. 1 8 LOVE AND LAW. O'Paff. I declare its my little protege. \^Co77iing dozcm.l Here's an interesting case, the face of a madonna and the voice of a nightingale and a form as dainty as a poet's fancy. She's the companion of a villanous old organ grinder who ill-treats her. About a month ago I caused the rascal's arrest and prosecuted him myself, I could have given him six months on the island, but I let him off on promise of good conduct. But I've kept him under my eye constantly, for I have felt instinctively that the girl was not his child. Afrs. Alontague. Possibly some waif, that he has picked up ? O'Paff. Or s/ole7i,\v\\&\\ she was too young to remember it. \_Orgaii plays, and Ritta si'no-s, cowing on with last bars of the vmsic, and leaning over the fence, holding ont tam- boicrhie for largess Giovanni Coi^ti follows her, and both are surrounded by a group of village gamins. Guests appear on balcony and veranda of hotel. '\ Ritta. \_Holding out tambourine^ Please Signors, please pretty Signorita remember la pouvra Italiano. O'Paff. Certainly my darling. O'Paff takes her tambourine and passes it ai'ound, and returns it to her. CoNTi seizes the money. Ritta seems delighted and surprised to see O'Ykyy, Conti sullen and afigry. Was I right, Mrs. Montague ? M7's. Montague. You were indeed. Mr O' Paff. The girl is as sweet and dainty as a violet. Do you think she would sing for us ? O'Paff. To be sure, that's what she's here for. Pll war- rant she'll not be troubled with the chronic cold that affects your professional vocalist upon all social occasions. \_Goes up to gate c] Come in dear. [Ritta hesitates frightened and looks to CoNTi for authority 7\ Come child you're among friends here, have no fear. [ Urges her in and dozuji c. Co^Ti follows zvith organ, chil- dre7i bringing 2ip rear.1 The lady would like to hear you sing, dear. Mrs. Mo7itague. Yes, please oblige us. Ritta. I don't a know. \_Looks to Conti. Conti. Si, sing a de song for a de lady. Ritta sings, accompanied by Conti zvith the organ. All applaud. Ritta passes tambourine. Ladies 07i balco7iy d7'op coi7is dozv7i to her. She cic7isies to all. LOVE AND LAW. 1 9 SONG. La Pouvra Italiano. Ai7' : La Donna Mobile — Rigolldto. Ritta. Far over land and sea Lies my sweet country, Where songs of melody, Ever are thrilling-, 'Tho' bright skies ever shine, And flowers and vine entwine, Poverty there was mine, Each young life killing. ^'America's welcome shore, /^'America's plenty store. Gives to the needy Italiano. Pouvra, Pouvra, Italiano, Pouvra Italiano. Ritta. \_As she takes money from each.'] I tank a you, I tank a you, vi ringrazio. [CoiiTifol/ozvs he?' with his eyes savagely, and when she approaches him siezes the money stealthily.] Mrs. Montague. She has an exquisite voice. My child — she really is but a child, who taught you ? Ritta. Taught a me ? Mrs. Montague. Yes who taught you to sing ? Ritta I don't a know. Who teach a de bird how to sing in de tree ? Who teach a de sun to shine ? de rain to fall ? De same a one teach a me. He teacha evera' one to sing in Italia. So fader Conti say. O' Paff. There's an answer full of native eloquence. Mrs. Montague. In what part of Italy were you born ? Ritta. I don't rememb'. Conti. \_Savagely, half aside ] Bugiardo ! Stupido. \_Fazun- ing and sniiling.] Ritta Neapolitan. O'Paff. Let the girl answer for herself. Were you born in Italy, dear. [KviTAfrightoicd looks at CoNTi. He froivning savagely.] Ritta. I don't a rememb'. OPaff. You have no remembrance of Italy. Ritta. \^Frightened.] No. Co7iti. [^Savagely, aside to Ritta] Piccolo bugiardo. [ You little liar. \ Vieni Sciocco. \_Conie azvay you fool.] \^Cringing and s?7iiling.] Buona Sera Signori, come a Ritta. 20 LOVE AND LAW. Kitty enters from house zvildly ri7iging a large dinyier bell, and shouting " dhiner, dhmer," she makes a circtiit of the stage, ringing the bell and shouting and enters house still ringing. Guests all enter house. Mrs. Montagiie. Good bye, Ritta. \^Gives her hand^ You must come and sing for us often. Sir Randall. Here child. \_Gives her large coin.~\ Good bye, petite, come O'Paff. [ Gives his arm to Mrs. JMontagtie, they enter house. O'Paff. I'm with you. Remain here child and I'll send you out a bit of luncheon. \_Speaks. to her aside, Conti watch- ing savagely^ Here's my address child, if this man ill-treats you, report to me promptly. You are not afraid to trust me ? Ritta. Oh no, you are a de first a one to speak a kind to me. It a mak'a me a love you so. Vi ringrazio. \_Shaking his hand, kissing it and concealing card in her breast. O' Paff Wiping azuay a tear, a half comic cry.^ D n it what's the matter with me ? \ Hurries into house. Conti. \Siezes Ritta roughly^ Piccolo bugiardo. What a for a you say you never a was in Italia ? Ritta. Me not a say a so, Conti. Conti. Mentitore. [ You lie.'] What a for a you speak a de Americano ? you some a time meet a him. Ritta. No. Conti. I never a see a heem one time, only wid a you. Conti. You lie, beasta. Give a me a de mon. \_Snatches coin given her by Sir Randall, and rudely pushes her.] You try a deceive a me, I kill a you- You some a time see a de Americano alone. Voi pentirede. [ You shall repent^ Ritta. It isn't a true Conti. I swear a it by a de memory of a my a mother. Conti. Den what a make a heem give a you a de let ? Mee a see. Give a me de let. Ritta. You're a mistake. Dio ! abbia pieta di zuesta orfana. \^God have pity on the orphan?^ Conti. Miserabile impostare. What for a you a say you not rememb' Italia. I always tell a you what a say. You try a make a dem a tink you not my child. Confess a to a me de trut ? Ritta. I have a noting to confess. Conti. You lie, beasta. {^Seizing her roughly^ Give a me a de let, or I a kill a you. \_Savagely^ LOVE AND LAW. 21 O'Paff appears in door of house R. Co^'W passes Ritta, over to L., leaving himself beiivecn O'Paff and Ritta. O'Paff. Stop! you black muzzled villian. Don't dare to lay the weight of a finger upon that child. You've had one taste of the law. The next time you'll not get off so easy. Conti. [^Cringing and smiling.^ Oh, you're a mistake, 1 not a beat a my child. I love a my a child more a dan I love a my a self But some a time she not a mind a me, I a scold a her a little, no a more. De fader must a make a de child mind. O'Paff. Tell me, child, has this man been beating you ? [Ritta wants to speak but fears to do so. Conti. Me a beat a my a child ! Oh, Signor ! Ritta did I a beat a you ? \^Fau'ning^ O' Paff. Silence you blackguard, and let the child speak for herself Look up, child, you are in a land now where the law will protect you, even against your own father. Has he been abusing you again ? [Ritta wants to speak, but Conti is glai-ing at her sav- age/y.'] Pitta. {Sti//e7ilj/.'\ No. Conti. You see a Signor, you was a mistake. Come a Ritta, we must a go a home. \_They pass up c, Ritta looking longiyigly at O'Paff, he presses her hand assuringly.^ O'Paff. You know where to find me when you want a friend or protector. \^She kisses his hand, Conti takes her by the hand. Coyiti. Come a Ritta. Buono Sera Signor. Vieni Stupido. \_Comeaway,fool.'\ lo lo detesto. \ I hate him. ^ \^They exit through gate and off, Ritta looking back longingly, Conti savagely^ O'Paff. I'm not quite sure that I'm doing right in letting the girl continue with the old scoundrel. But I'll keep a close eye on him from this time forward. I don't know what the devil has made me take such an interest in that child. Enter Hoffmeier at back, looks after Conti as he comes down. O'Paff. Hello ! Hoffmeier, what brings you over here ? Hoffmeier. Oh, several tings, but principally I'm piping off your old friend, Conti, dere. 22 LOVE AND LAW. O'Paff. What have you learned about him since I saw you ? Hoffmeier. Veil I haf learned dot he lives in a den in Crosby street, and have learned enough to make me dink de place is a fence aPaff. A what? Hoffmeier. A fence ; receiver of stolen goods. a Faff. Oh, I see Hoffmeier. Und dis organ grinding bisness is only a blind for somding else. O'Paff. But what did you learn about his record here ? Hoffmeier. He came here three years ago von London. O Paff. Did the girl come with him ? Hoffmeier. Yah, und registered at Castle Garden as his child. O' Paff. But there was no mother registered at the time? Hoffmeier. No. There's an old crone called Mother Rosa, who keeps the den in Crosby street for him while he vas away, bud she has only been there aboud six months. The place is a kind of a resort for suspicious characters, such as sneak thieves. O'Paff. I think we have capital enough to start on. Hoffmeier. I'm going to make a round of some ofdem Crosby and Baxter street dens dis evening. Vould you like to go along ? OPaff. I would, as a student. Hoffmeier. Der may be some cutting und slashing. O Paff. All the more interesting. I'm with you. Hoffmeier. Veil you can leave here mit de sefen o'clock boad, und I vill meet you by de Metrepolitan Hodel. O'Paff. All right, Hoffmeier. I'll be there at nine o'clock, sharp. Excuse me old boy, but I -left my friends at dinner. \_Exit O'Paff into house. Hoffmeier. Oh, dots all right. I thought dis place vould suid O'Paff, ven I dold him aboud it. I'll yust slip down around de vater pond, und see if I can get my eye on dot English tief \_Music. Exit Hoffmeier, l. i. e. Enter Jimmie Nipper at back, sneaking, peering about cautiously . Jim. H'all h'pf the swells h'is h'at dinner now h'i guess. \_Looks in at door, then looks i)i through gauze tvindozv facing audience, then goes up at back of house.'] I 'opes as 'ow LOVE AND LAW. 23 there ar'nt no dogs 'ere, for I 'ates dogs, I does. Dogs 'an me 'as a naterel h'antipathy. \^Looking off r.] Vy there's a vindow 'open, h"it must go h'in to a bed-room. \^Looks abo2d.'] Not a blooming' soul in sight, so 'ere goes. yExii off behind house R., music stops. Enter Sk\m\'EK from house, tipsy, napkiji tinder chin, etc., etc.- Saivyer. O'PafF's a brick, hie, very glad I didn't leave to-day as I intended, hie, it's astonishing how that lobster salad affects me, hie, always did, hie. I could'nt stand it in there any longer, hie. What with that jolly Irishman's reminiscences, and the beautiful widow's champagne, hie, — no I mean the widow's beautiful cham, hie, pagne, — no, I was right before, hie — the beautiful widow's cham, hie, she is a beauty. Dear me, hie, it is astonishing about that hie, salad, must have been some new kind of oil in it, hie, it, I'm very weary, hie. \_Drops into rustic seat under window of house.^ I like that Irishman, hie, when my old partner Flint retires next year, hie, damme if I don't take O'Paff in as a full partner. The firm needs some young blood. \^Dosinir off.'] Irish blood, hie, \_Yazv7is.~\ I think I'll take a quiet forty winks. Cnrls up on bench. Ahisic htirry, low at first to sivell forte zt'ith action to end act. Screams heard in ho7ise, cries of ''thief," ''robbers,'' " 7nurder," ' biirglars,'' etc., etc. Guests rush out as if from dinner, with napkins, etc., etc. A terrific glass crash, then working crash, and Jimmy Nipper t^/V^- through the gauze windozv, falling over Sawyer on the bench. A large bull-dog is hanging to the seat of finis pantaloons, his coat is ripped up the back, a fright wig on, fini is yelling, the dog flying in the air behind him as he runs. Sawyer gathers himself up. jMrs. Tarbox and Kitty get to c. of stage Mrs. Tarbox r ajid Kitty l. c. Sir Randall ajid Helen on veranda, other guests filling the stage. Mr. Crane rushes out to L. coR. O'Paff, napkin under chi?i rushes to c. just as Nipper rushes out. The dog ha?ig- ing 10 Jim knocks Kitty ajid Mrs. Tarbox so that they fall into O'Paff's arms, one on each side. Ring On This Situation. 24 love and law. Encore. Sawyer, r., Crane, l., both laughing at O'Paff with the two women. O'Paff gives them both a bounce, throwing Mrs. Tarbox ijito Sawyer's arms, and Kitty i7itc Crane's. Music hurry continues. O'Paff starts up c. Jim with dog hanging to him riishes on L. i. ¥.., yelling, followed by Hoffmeier. They riish up and off Q., the dog hitting O'Paff, he drops into seat R. c, back. A " dude'' fellozv and a lady are coming down c. just in time to meet ]iM, the lady is knocked into O'Paff's lap, and the " dude'" falls across hammock. Screaming and general confusion, kept up tintil cut tain falls on last pictiire. Sawyer struggling to hold up Mrs. Tarbox, Crane same with Kitty, both kicking and screaming Music forte. CURTAIN. LOVE AND LAW. 25 ACT 11. Scene. — The cellar of Giovanni Conti in Crosby Street, N^cii' York. A stone cellar, entrance door in tipper part of flat L. , landing in front of door, stairway leading from landing to c. of stage, with turn so that last tivo steps face audience, strong railing on landing and staii^case, tipper door must open doivn stage towards L, door U7ider landing. \practical^ Set fireplace R. 3 E., with mantel, on which is statuette of Virgin, above matifel. a small panel \_painted in to match scene, \ hinged to opeji dozen, resting on mantel, to open during business of scene, {^supposed to be receptacle for stolen goods~\ . In upper part of R. flat, small semi-circular grated zvindoiv painted in, loiver part of flat an alcove or vault painted as if running tinder sidewalk, zvith old bar- rels, junk, Qfc. Fire bunting in fire-place, table R., stool and commo7i chair, small bar at back ivith glasses, bottles, &c., pitcher on bar, rough benches arotind stage, stool L., lots of rags on stage R. \^Rosa discovered^ Rosa. \_An old Italian crone assorting rags, R.] La Bella Signoritta, quando si returno ? All de day in de street, all de night in de dark room to sleep. Poor Ritta ! she too pretty, too good for dis place, too good a fore dese people. She come a to no good here. Conti villano ? no keep a promise wid Rosa, bring a me here to watch Ritta when he go away- Promise me a every ting, give a me noting, and treat a me like a slave. Ah Sacrista ! I have a one time a little child myself, she die and leave a poor old Rosa alone, long a time ago. But some a time when I look at Ritta, I seem a too see de face of my own innocent child, dead I dead ! dead ! Ah Sacrista ! me a so tired, so tired. \She starts as Cockney Jim appears upon platform i^.fiat^ Who come a dare? \_Recognizes ]iu.~\ Ah! is dat a you, Jim? fim. [^Comi?ig down steps. ^ Vy incorse it is, who did you think it vas, the Lord Mayor ? Bon sour, old mother Rosa, vitch means hTm glad to get home. [ Throughout scene Jim quietly conveys the idea that he is rather sore from the effect of the bull-dog incidetit at end of previous act, using great care to avoid vulgarity ] Vere's old Conti and the pretty kid? 26 LOVE AND LAW. Rosa. Not a come a home yet. Jim. Vat, not g'Ot back from 'is tower hinto the country for 'is 'ealth, veil, 'e h'is a goin' of it. Rosa. Take a chair, Jim, sit a down, resta. Jim Vot ? Rosa. Take a de chair. Jitn. \_Makes motio?i as though to sit down, then stops sud- denly ] No thank you, old voman, hi prefers to stand, hi can digest my wittals better. Hi say, is there anyone 'ere \_Afysterioiis/y^ Rosa. No, me alone all de day, all de night. [^Eagerly. ~\ You have a someting to sell ? Jiiu- Vy incorse I'av. Vot do you suppose I was a doin' of all this time, travelling for my 'ealth ? Rosa. Nobody will a come, [^eageriy^ quick a Jim, what have a you got ? Jim. Now don't get havoricious old voman, vait. \^Goes to sit,J7i7nps 7ip, then very careftilly sits on back of chair, his feet on the seat^ Now then, old voman, what do you say to that pair o' shoes ? As I vas a passin' a shoe store, a daug flew at my calf, hi set another daug to fight with 'im and vile the boy vas a partin' of 'em, I borrowed these for my trouble. 'Ere's a seal-skin cap made of wool as was growed on the back of the royal helephant of Siam. Rosa. \_Eagerly.^ You have a someting more ? Jim. Vy incoorse, 'ere's a nobby locket and chain as I borrowed from a blessed baby as was playin' on a stoop with it, poor little think, it broke my 'eart to do it, and it a lookin' at me so hinnocent like, but hi know if hi didn't take it, some bloomin' willian would come along and steal it, and the blessed hinfant would get walloped for losin' it. 'Ere ve are again, as they say at the show, ha dozen solid silver spoons, as vos presented to me by a lady on Staten Hisland. She vas agoin' to give me the rest of the set, but I 'adn't time to vait- Rosa. You have a something more ? Jim. 'Av I? h'aint I? I've been busy to day. \_PulIs silk handkerchiefs fro7n his neck, sleeves, pants-legs, &c., about ten or a dozen in all^ Silk vipes as was made from lambs as vos exported from H 'Africa, Ten dollars for the lot. Rosa. Oh, no ! no ! no! No good a silk, very bad, tree doll for all, dare. \_Gives coin.'\ LOVE AND LAW. 27 Jim. Vot, three dollars ! Veil this is the most ungrate- fiilest vorld I vos ever in. Vy the shoes is vorth more alone. The man as made em lived with 'is mother, and didn't ]-)ay no board, or hi couldn't sell em for quarter hof the money. Rosa. A you rob a poor old Rosa, dere tak a de tree doll. Jhn. Veil, 'ere's honreasonableness. Takin' adwantap;-e of a poor little horfan as haint got no father nor no mother. There aint no encouragement for business henterprise. It almost tempts me to turn honest. Well, shell out. Rosa. Good boy, Jim. Bona! Bona! you shall have a some a wine wid a Rosa. Jim. Hexcuse me. Hi haint ready to commit susanside yet, ven I ham, hi'll drink some of your wine. Give me the pitcher old voman, and hi'll gee some beer ; beer's 'olesome, vine aint, leastwise not your brand \_She hands hhn stone- pitcher^ Rosa. \_ChnckIing7\ Aha ! Jim too much a particular. Jim. \_Going up steps.'] Praps I his, praps I hisn't. But hi hobjects to bein' pizened vith either wittals or my drinkin'. \_Exit]iM off door i^.Jlat. Music. — Rosa looks hurriedly around, theyi goes to mantel- piece R. 3 E. , removes images, crucifix, &c.J?'om mantel, touches spring, and stone over jnantel Jails down or re- volves, shozving a receptacle into zvhich she places the stolen articles ; then replaces images, ^c. on mantel as bejore, ajter touching spring and returyiing panel to its place. Rosa. \_Gloating^ Aha ! no policeman can find him dere. Aha ! Rosa no fool ; all a safe a now ; all a safe a now. Mvsic.—Enter onto platjorm KittkJoI lowed by Conti zaith his orga7i, he pjishes her bejore him into roovi, and down the stairs, following her savagely. Ritta down L. c, Conti places organ at back. Conti. {Savagely^ So you wont a come home, hey ? Bestia ! You don't a rememb' Italy, hey ? You shall re- pent. Ritta. I have a noting to repent. What for you treat a me so to-day ? I do no wrong. I tell a no story. I give a you all de mon. Conti. You lie, beasta ! you speak a someting secret wid de Americano, den you refuse a tell a me, den you talk of run away. 28 LOVE AND LAW. Ritta. I work a for you all de day in de street, and get hungry and tirsty, and never complain one time, den you beat a me and bring a me to dis miserable den, to sleep on de floor among a de rags and eat like a de dog in de street. You cannot be my father, or you would love a me, and not treat a me so. Conti. \_Savagely?^ Sacra Madonna ! [ Threatening her.~\ Lasciate questa camera ! \_Leave the roo7n.'\ Do me not carry de org all de day ? You have a only to sing a de song, and get a de compliment from a de lady and de gen- tleman. I treat a you too kind, don't me buy you de fine clothes to wear, and me wear de old a won ? via. Ritta. And why do you buy me de fine dress ? Dat I may please de eye of de Signori, dat I may listen to dere insults, and den bring you de price. O, my Mother, whose love I have never known, look a down in pity on your a poor child, whose heart is so sick to-night. Conti. Go to your room for de present. Dis night before you sleep, I will have understand wid you- [Conti sits angrily at tabic R. c. Rata. l^Aside.^ Miserabile Impostare ! I am a determine. Voglio essere libero. \^I will be free ^ \^Looking at O' Raff's card.'} I have de card of de brave Signore, when Jim comes home he shall take it for me ; Jim has good a heart, he will a befriend a me. I never come a back again. l^Rxit door lender stairzvay l. Conti. '[At table, aside.} Avro vendetta. Ritta getting too old for me to trust alone, some a day she leave a me, den my plot and plan I lay so well for all a dese a year, come to noting, and now just when /le has a come back, and I can begin a to play my card for de great property, s/ie, who is to bring a me all, begin to rebel, and talk of leave me. Sacramento ! She must go on de street no more, dis night I conquer her. Rosa. \_Rlacing wine and glass on tabled} Giovanni you come a home late to night. What was a de mat wid Ritta ? Conti. She talk about a leave a me, about a run away. Aha, bestia ! I kill her when she try to run away. Rosa. \^^4.sidc.} Poor Ritta. Conti. \_Asidc.} She shall not a leave me now, just when de time has come dat she can make a me rich, rich, rich, like a de lord. Rosa. {^Ragerly.} Ritta can make Conti rich ; how ? LOVE AND LAW. 29 ConH. {^SavagclV', pushing her away-l Not a your a business. Vui de gui. \_S/a//d aside. ^ Stupido. Rosa. \_Aside.'\ Sacrista ! He treat me like a de dog", lo lo detesto. \_I hate hini.^ Some a day he be sorry villauo. Cockney Jim enters singing, Conti starts. Conti. \ Starting^ Who's a dare ? Rosa. Only Jim, he bring a some a beer. Jim comes down steps zvith beer, singing "^ Pitcher of Beer^' puts it on table zvith last note of song. fini. \_Slapping Conti on back.~\ Vot, my rummy old pal, back from your provincial tower, lots of luck, I 'ope ? Conti. \_S7illenlv^ No, not a much, bad a business. fim. Just the same vith me. Conti. Take a de chair, sit a down. fim. Vot? Conti. Take a de seat. fim. No, thank you, hi prefers to stand hup and grow. Old voman give hus some crystals. [Rosa brings dozvn tumblers and places them on table. ]\M.flls one which Rosa quickly takes and drinks^ Twig the old lady, aint she hartlul. \_Fills other glass for Co'UTi, being 7ione for him- self, takes the pitcher.'\ Ere's success to honest henterprise, hall the vorld hover, says I. \_D rinks from pitcher, CoNTi from glass. Conti. Jim, I see to-day, an old friend of yours, who you tink a ? fim. A hold friend of mine, not the Prince of Vales, I 'opes, for hif Albert should come to New York without a sendin' me 'is card, hi should feel 'urt. Conti. No, not from London, but from Australia, from Swan a River. [Rosa at back listening eagerly. fi?n. Vot, from Haustralia ? Aside to Conti.] Hi say old man, before ve get onto Swan River and Haustralia, don't you think the hold woman 'ad better retire ? Conti. Si Rosa ! Leave a de room. Go keep a Ritta company. Lasciate questo luogo. \^Leave the place:'\ Via ! beasta ! Rosa, [x to L., aside.'] Cosa sara I'intenzione. [ What are they np to^ He mean a some mischief to Ritta, he shall not harm her, he shall kill old Rosa first. Villano ! lo lo 30 LOVE AND I. AW. detesto ! \^I hate him7\ Rosa will a watch. Pouvra Ritta ! you have a ove friend, old a Rosa, old a Rosa. \_Exit Rosa in door zindo' stairway I.. Conti. \_Aside.~\ Old a hag^ ! I believe a she would a betray me too, if she knew the truth. Jim x's to bozv Rosa off at end of her speech, x's to r. of table. Bus. of sitting down and jumping tip qiiickly with '' oh\^' Conti. What for a you jump ? fim. Nothink. [Aside.] Oh, but I 'ates daugs. [Fixes himself on extreme corner of chair. '\ Now then, Conti, fire away, who vas it? Conti. Do you remember the great London crook, Jasper Craddock ? fim. Vot? Do I remember " Gentleman Jasper "? Veil don't hi? Many's the crib I've helped 'im to crack. Vy vots he a doin' 'ere ? He had five years to serve ven I left. Conti. He escape tree years before his time. fim. Veil I'm blowed ! 'Ere's a go ! Vere is he? Conti. Oh, he live a in a great style. Hotel Brunswick. fim. Veil that's just like the Captain. He always vas an airy cove, but he vos a hartist in his business, and halways square vith his pals. Conti. He come a here to-night to see a you. fim Coming to see me ? Veil 'ere's a condescension, hi suppose hi shall 'ave to dine with 'im to-morrow hat the Brunswick. Hi say, Conti, if I vos you, I vould keep Ritta out of 'is sight, the Captain was always nutty on pretty gals. Conti. [Qnickly.~\ He never see her, he never shall, [Aside'] until a de proper time, [Aloud.'] and don't a you dare a to mention her name in his presence. [Slaps table savagely. Jim, who has the pitcher to his mouth drinking, jumps, spitting out beer, then drops back into chair ayid jumps up quickly again. fim. 'Ere! Vots the use of frightening a feller that vay? I shant say a vord, of course I shant. [Aside.] And I'll take precious good care that she gets hout hov the reach of both hof 'em afore many days, even if I have to blow on the old fence and turn honest. During foregoing scene, Rosa has shown her face at door about tiuice, listening. LOVE AND LAW. 3I Conti. Hush ! Some a one come. \^Enter Jasper Crad- DOCK.] It is a de Captain. [Craddock has on a disguise beard, large conwion over-coat, closely buttoned, soft hatptdled doivn over face. '\ Jasper. \_In an assumed voice and manner 7^ My good fellow would you oblige me with a light? Why, what a curious place. \_SigniJicatitly.'\ Is it empty? Conti. Si, empty as a de egg-shell, no policeman near. Jasper. \^Coming down c] Good, glad to hear it, but your friend ? Jim. [x'g to him c] Vy Capting, this his a hunexpected pleasure. [ They shake hands. '\ Jasper. What, Jim ! my young pal, it is you, and Conti was not lying to me. \_He revioves his beard and throws open his coat, revealing an elegant toilet beneath, clothes in latest fashion, rather loud display oj jewelry, diamonds, &c. Jim. Capting, if I'd a knowed as you was a comin', I would 'av 'ad my wally de chamber meet you hat the dock vith my family carriage. Come, Capting, 'ave some beer. Jasper. The smell of the place is bad enough, without adding the fumes of stale beer. I say, Conti, why don't you keep the place clean, bad smells and dirt are not necessary to safety. Conti. [x'g to L. taking seat.l De place is all a right, good enough for me, good enough for my company. Jasper. Good enough for you, no doubt, but i haven't been used to it. Jim. Veil, aint you a going of it. Hi say, Capting, ve didn't 'ave such bloomin' fine quarters in Swan River, and vouldn't ve have given our heyes for a glass of beer or Shandy Gaff, there. . Jasper. Stow that, Jim. It consumed twelve of the best years of my life, and I never want to hear the accursed place mentioned again. Jim. Hall right, Capting, hi don't mean to 'arrow hup hunpleasant memories. Jasper. Jim, I want five minutes talk with Conti, here, iust stand outside and give us the tip for safety, that's a good fellow. Jim \_Going up steps."] Hall serene, I'll pipe hoff the cops vile you chin old maccaroni, but don't keep me long, because my family physician says as 'ow I musn't stand in the draft. 32 LOVE AND LAW. Exit Jim door 7ip l., Craddock sits on table r., Conti seated on stool L. Jasper. Well, Mr. Conti. Conti. Well, Mr. Craddock. Jasper. We meet again. Conti. Noting very strange in dat. People a meet a ever a day. Me never a trouble you Jasper. Possibly not, but my own mind troubles me. Conti. What I got a to do wid your a mind. Jasper. Everything. It is in your power to relieve it. Conti. Well, what you want a wid me? Jasper I want an assurance that you have kept faith with me. Conti. Don't I always keep a fait wid my friend ? Jasper. Oh, see here, Conti, what's the use beating about the bush ? You know what I want to get at. Conti. May be so, may be not. Jasper. Well then, to make sure, I'll freshen your mem- ory. Twelve years ago in London, a rich old man disin- herited his heir, settling a great fortune on his grand-child, in trust to her invalid mother. The old man died, a month later, the child one evening strayed from its nurse, and all search for her proved vain. The invalid mother survived the loss of her child but a few weeks, and then malicious tongues whispered abroad that the disinherited brother had caused the abduction or death of the child, realizing that with father, sister, and niece removed, the property must revert to him. Are these incidents familiar to you ? Conti. It seem a to me, I here some a ting like it. Jasf>er. Oh, indeed. But no evidence could be brought to bear to connect him with the abduction. He was about to lay claim to his father's estates, when his name unfortun- ately got mixed up with others in a large diamond robbery, and with but scant time for preparation he started upon a fifteen years visit to Australia. Conti. Si. he travel for de benefit of his constitution. Jasper. Exactly. He left his place of recreation some three years earlier than was expected of him, and came to New York, where he found an old companion, and said to him : " Paulo Viotti, I am about to invoke the law to secure my father's estates in England. Twelve years ago I gave you one hundred pounds to effectually remove an obstacle ^1 LOVE AND LAW. 33 from my path. Before I could receive your assurance that ycHir work was done, the arm of the law separated us. I now seek the assurance tiiat you have kept faith with me, that there is no living obstacle between me and my hopes. Conti. You tink de Italiano betray his friend, he answcr you, no, [x'g- to Jasper.] he do his work a well. Could de bottom of de river Thames speak aloud, it would tell a you dat Viotti keep a his promise to his a friend. \_They shake hands.'] yaspcr. \_Relieved.'\ Good ! I felt confident that all was clear before me, but I wanted the assurance from your own lips. Conti. Now you are a satisfy ? yaspcr. Yes, now I am satisfied. \_Going r.] Conti. \_Aside^ Some people easy satisfy. {^Going l] yaspcr. \_Ex2dtingIy-] To morrow 1 shall employ counsel to communicate with London agents, and set the train in motion, that is to roll back to me freighted with millions. And once I lay my hands upon my father's estates, with the chink of my gold, I'll silence the tongues that hint at mis- chief, and with the flash of my diamonds, I'll dazzle the eyes that would scan the pages of the past. Conti. \_Asidc l.] Oh, he be a great a man ! great a man ! may be ; what will a Conti be ? yasper. In the meantime I must live, and as usual, I must live like a gentleman, which means I must do a little of the old business until the tide turns. I have spotted a place that I think will yield something handsome. Are you with me ? Conti. Always ready to make a honest penny. yasper. I thought so. [ Whistles a signal.] Jim enters. yim. \_Coming doivyi.] 'Ere we are Capting. yaspcr. Well, Jim, old pard ! Are you game in a little business enterprise ? yint. Vy, Capting, I shall honly be too proud to renew our business relations. yasper. I have a job to-morrow night, a little way out of town. yini. And you want me to vork the old vinder racket I suppose ? yasper. Yes. 34 LOVE AND LAW. yim. Hi 'opes its night vork, Guv'nor ? yasper. Yes, its night work. • yim. I 'opes they aint got no daugs- yasper. Conti, have you got a good set of Safe tools ? Conii. Si, de best in de market always on hand. yasper. Then no more for the present. You two be at the junction of Eighth avenue and Broadway at ten o'clock to-morrow night, and I'll pick you up in my buggy. \^Puts on his beard, bidtoyis coat, &c.^ yim. Hi say, Capting give us a couple of car tickets — Buggy riding makes our feet sore. yasper. \^La2ighs and throzvs coi^i on table. 'YY^v&x^. \^Sta7'ts up steps, old Rosa is seen to peep out of door, Conti sees her and expresses anger in pantonmie.'\ Now don't forget the tools, and ten sharp. Music. — Craddock is abont three steps up, Hoffmeier appears in door in full unifoj'm. yasper. \_Assiimed manner^ Oh, might I trouble you for a light, Mr. — Mr.— Conti. \_Handing him match.~\ Conti, my name a Conti. [returns to seat a^id commences counting over his pennies. Jim, upon Hoffmeier s entrance, pulls out a little pamphlet, and appears absorbed in reading, at table R.] yasper. Oh, officer, making your rounds, eh ? What filthy dens these Italians live in to be sure. I dropped in to light my cigar, but the stench nearly overpowered me. [They are both now on platform.~\ Good evening, Mr. — Mr.— Hoffmeier. [Stiffly ] Hoffiiieier, Ferdinand Hoffiiieier. yasper. Oh, yes ; good evening, Mr. Hoffmeier. [Exit Craddock. Hoffmeier. [ Coi7iin<^ down looking after Craddock^ That's an odd fish for these waters. I bet he's a crook. Well he's a stranger anyhow. [Saunters quietly down beJmid Conti.] Ah, good evening, Mr. Conti. Conti. Buona Sera. Hoffmeier. Business good to-day? Conti. No, Signore, bad a business, bad a business. [Aside.'\ Sacra maladetta. [Sees Rose listening^ The old hag ! She play de spy on me, sacrista. Hoffmeier. [Saunters quietly about room, approaches door tinder stairs, which closes, saunters over to mantel R., looks at LOVE AND LAW. 35 figures on mantel. All very quiet, old Rosa's face is seen watching him as he approaches mantel, CoNTi also savagely observing him. Drops down to table r., at which Jim is seated, stands behind table, looks at him.'] Well, young man ! yi)n. Go avay, please, can't you see hi'm a studying my Sunday-school verses. \^Dives into his book.] Hoffmeier. [^Aside.] They're a sharp lot. No matter how suddenly I drop in on them, there's never any sign of stolen goods. Good evening, Mr. Conti. Conti. Buona notte. Beasta ! Jim. Bonie sour. \_Aside^ 'Ow I 'ates cops. Hoffmeier. [At door.] I wonder where the girl is ? \_£xit. yim. Whew ! 'ow I 'ates folks as comes a snooping around makin, a feller 'old 'is blooming breath for 'alf an 'our. Blest if I musn't 'ave a snooze after that. Conti. \^Aside, seeing Kosx's face at door.] Dat old dia- bolo ! she listen yet, I kill her. fim. \^Pnlls table 7(p back R., and places chair on it for pillotv, a7id climbs onto it.] Hi say, Conti, Susan forgot to put the shams on my pillows. Music — RosAfiuts her head through door, Conti is watching, Conti. Sacra Madonna ! [^Rushes up and drags Rosa out and throws her into L. coj-ner?^ \_Savagely.] What lor you listen all de time at de door ? What for you play the spy ? Rosa. Rosa not a play de spy. Conti. Bugiardo. Rosa. No, Rosa not a lie, me only watch for a de property dere, \_points to mantel^ me no spy Conti. Conti. Miserable liar! You betray me ! Rosa. No, no ; me not a betray you. {^She's close to him on this speech.] Conti. Bugiardo ! \_Strikes her in the face, she falls L., he turns R., grabs chair and is in act of rushing upon her wheti RiTTA rzins between them.] Picture. Ritta. Stop! Conti, stand a back. [RosA^ra^^j- Ritta's ha7id aiid kisses it. ] Rosa. [Aside savagely.] He strike a me, like a dog ! Avra Vendetta ! I have a revenge, I have a revenge. [Rosa x's up back, goes 7ip r. to bar. Jim is now up looking on.] Conti- You play de spy too, you listen at de door ? Ritta. No, me not a listen. Co7iti. How dare you stop a me ? 36 LOVE AND LAW. Ritia. I dare, because only a miserable coward would strike a woman. Conti. Leave a de room. Ritta. I will not leave a de room. Conti. Sacramento ! Piccolo villanno ! \_Little villiaii] You dare to brave a me ? Ritta. Yes, I dare to brave a you, Conti, tvith an aiigry gestiu'e, turns, going tip R., removing his coat as though for a strtiggle, Rosa in action e^itreats him , he repidses her angrily, still working at coat, she half hanging onto him. This action is kept tuitil he receives cue to strike her. fim. \^Who is part zvay up stairs, runs dozvn to Ritta's side.'\ [Aside quickly^ Can I do anything for you, young fellar ? Ritta. Oh yes Jim [gives O' Pajf s card~\ tell him to come. fitn. I'd die for you little feller, but don't give me away. Ritta. No, no ! I pray for you. Jim j'uns tip steps. Conti hits Rosa and knocks her down, then seizes her and drags her over R and throzcs her into room under stairs, closing door. All done very rapidly, turns savagely on Ritta. Conti. Now I break a your spirit, or I break a your neck. [Jim is now just passijig out the door ] Jim, lock a de door, and give a me de key. ytm. Hexcuse me my noble maccaroni chewer, this is a family quarrel, and I don't want to be either a witness or a participitater. [Exit]Wi, closing door. Conti, r. c. Ritta, l. r. Conti. Now you go into dat room, and stay till I call, via ! Ritta. I will not enter dat miserable den again. Conti. Den I settle wid you now. I know de Americano give you let, me see you put it in your breast. Give a me. Ritta. It is not true Conti, I have no let. Conti. You lie beasta, I make a you tell a me de truth or me kill a you. Rtishes at her, Ritta draws stiletto and stands on pictxire. LOVE AND LAW. 37 Riiia. Stand back Conti. \_pa7(sc?\ Me bear a your cruelty no longer. Conti. Me not cruel, me treat you kind and you try to deceive, to betray me, to have a de secret meeting wid de Americano. Ritta. You are miserable liar. When I was little child, I work for you all de day, and all de night, and you starve and beat a me, and I bear it all for I know no better. Ritta is woman now, and I be your slave no more. [Conti springs at her.~\ Stop Conti, or me a strike ! Conti. Sacra maladetta ! You would not dare to use de weapon on your own father. Ritta. You are not my father. Conti. Who tell you dat ? Riita. My own heart tell me. Conti. Den your heart a lie. Ritta. No the voice of nature cannot lie. Conti. Your fadder command a you drop a de stiletto. Ritta. No, you go your a way, I go mine. Do not try to prevent a me. You teach a me de use of dis weapon to de- fend my honor, try to stop me now, you shall see I learn your lesson well. Conti is dozen r. Ritta c backing up tozvard steps. Conti. \_C/ianging manner' and stealthily gathering up bla^ikct on floor by his side.l Why Ritta, your fadder would not a hurt a you. \crawling zip on hej:'\ Me speak only for your good. He throws blanket over her head and seizes her roughly, gets stiletto and throzvs her dozen into R corner, standing on pictitre, betzveen Ritta and stairzuay. Conti Now we see which is de stronger, your will or mine. [Ritta starts up^ Stand a where you are. First I lock a de door. [Conti, starts 7ip steps Ritta. Yes lock a de door ! The God of de orphan will protect me. Conti. \_Riinning 7ip steps.'] We shall see, we shall see. \^As he reaches the door it is throzv7i open and O'Paff con- fronts him. Picture. Conti shrinking back over stair- railing. O'Paff has his overcoat on his arm. Ritta. \^Down r, kneeling.'] Heaven has sent an angel to me. 3« LOVE AND LAW. CoNTi backs stealthily down into room followed by O'Paff. As CoNTi reaches c. R. , Ritta tries to rush by him, he seizes her by the throat and forces her doiv7i at his feet R., standing knife in hand between Ritta and O'Paff O'Paff is on the third step. Conti. {^Savagely. '\ What you want a here ? O' Paff, Speak child, do you want to leave this place? Ritta. \_l77iploringly.~\ Oh yes take a me away from dis place, take a me away from dis man. O' Paf. Mr. Conti, I'll trouble you for that young woman. Conti. And I trouble you to leave dis place, dis is a my house, dis is my child, dis is her home. You have a no right to trespass. You put your foot on dat floor, and I kill a you like I kill a dog. \^He stands with knife hi left hand, holding Ritta at his feet, with right hand dt her throat, o7i the words ''^ kill a dog,'" Ritta bites his hajid, he turns quickly with a c/y of pain, flw^ O'Paff o7t the i7ista7it throws his overcoat over Conti 's head, a7id ju77ips o7ito ///';« like a tiger. O'Paff. Quick, Ritta ; run for your life. [Ritta i^ims up steps.~\ \^St7'uggli7^g.^ Drop that knife you murderin' villian, or I'll strangle you first and kill you afterwards. O'Paff throtvs Conti into r. corner, and runs up steps, Conti gathers hi77iself qzdckly a7id rushes after hi7n. O'Paff is about three steps up whe7i Conti 7'eaches foot of steps. O'Paff deals hi77i a terrible blow full i/i the face. Conti spi)is 7'ou7id like a top, a7id fall at fill le7igth r., near footlights. At sa77ie 7no77ie7it, Hoffmeier appears hi door, receivi7ig Ritta. O'Paff slowly asce7idi7ig stairs. CURTAIN. Encore Picture, Conti is tip a7id sta7idi7ig R. 07i picture of baffled rage. Hoff77ieier half-way dow7i stairs with club upraised. O'^ KYY passhig out door with Ritta. LOVE AND LAW. 39 ACT III. Scene — One year later.- The Boudoir of \{^\j^^ Monta- gue, Madison Ave., New York. Large bow window c, an opening R. c, showing a corridor leading off to the R., a hat-rack in rear of this corridor, with icmbrella-stand and chair beside it. Ha7idsome cur- tains across this entrance, drawn aside and looped up. An opening 1. , of a similar character, which leads to dressing room. The room is seen beyond partially disclosing a dressing-table end looking-glass , with hooks xiponwhich are hung ladies dresses, curtains over this entrance also looped up, a handsome f re-place R., with fire-irons , fender, large soft rug, footstools on each side. A lounge is placed oblique in front of the fire-place. Table by the side of the head of the lounge. Large handsome cloth over the table. Books upon it, a Lady s work basket containing so7ne fancy work, a cottage piano L., across 3 E.. an opening l. 2 e., showing a corridor, also with a single curtain over the opening, drawn aside. Ha7idsome screoi set up stage R., low in height, intending to keep the head from draughts only. Handsome carpet down. Soft rugs at each doorway. Soft lounging chairs scattered around. Music scattered on top of piano. A bookcase by its side. Flowers and shrubs at zvindoiv. Handsome {drop gas) lamp on the table, half turned dozun. Clock on c. , of mantel. Moonlight scejie outside at back. Kitty discovered dozing in an arm chair. — the f'o?it bell at R.u.E. rings, — then a pause — thm rings violently — she jumps up. Kitty. Sure the fire's in the next street, or them fire bells woLild'nt be making such a row and disturbing people. [ Yawning7\ Oh bother, to wake me out of me pleasant nap. Sure they won't be home 'till eleven o'clock, and Iv'e lots of time for a dacent forty winks. [Bell.] \_Settles herself again for a sleep when the bell rings louder. She is now thoroughly azvake^ Bejabers there's the door bell, who can it be? Faith I'm afraid to go to it, and me all alone by meself in the house. \^Goes over to the fire place ^ Ah ! let 'em ring, and just to think that the beautiful widdy should 40 LOVE AND LAW. fancy a poor Irish girl like me and make a French maid of me. {^Looking at clock.'\ Holy Modier o' Moses, it's after eleven — that must be them, and all the while I thought it was the fire engines. Music — Rims q^ r.v.e., reenters immediately, preceding Cockney Jim who is disguised as a seedy clergyman — black frock coat, high hat, ragged black gloves, goggles. Kitty. Phat name did you say, sir ? Jitn. Bilkins, miss, Theophilus Bilkins, marm, as is chairman of the society for the Propagation of the Heathen in furrin parts. Kitty. Well the Misses is'nt in. Jim. Vot? she hisn't. Kitty. Will you sit down and wait, sir ? Jim. I vill, ven Pve viped my feet. \_Rubbing Jeet on carpet. '\ Kitty. The mat is in the hall, sir. Jim. Veil, you need'nt get it for me. [Jim sighs extravagantly as he takes a seat. Kitty. Ain't you feeling well, sir? Jim. Hi suffer. \Sighs^ Hit's a sweet think to suffer, it makes us 'umble. Kitty. Well, he's a peculiar animal anyhow. Jim. Might hi trouble you for a glass of water ? Kitty. IGoing 1^.1 Yes sir — PU not be long. Jim. Don't 'urry on my haccount. Kitty. I don't like that cratur ; if hewas'nt a preacher Pd close the door agin him, but he slipped in before I could. Any way PU lock up those spring chickens, for I heard Mr. O'Paff say that preachers was all fond of spring chickens. [^Kxit L., during above speech Jim has been craning his neck as though taking in every detail of the j^oom. Jim. \_Dropping assumed manner, runs quickly to room R., and takes it in hurriedly ?\ -Just as Conti said — that's the young lady's room vot wears so many sparks — and no man in the 'ouse but the 'ostler, and 'e's in the stable. \_Goes to zuindow c. and tries it.'] I 'ates people vot fastens their vinders. [ Unfastens ivindow, opens it and looks out on bal- cony^ Conti was right again — the vindy opens on a side balcony honly four feet from the ground. Vi hi could strangle the gal and go through the crib now myself; but then she's hout and got her sparks with her. Conti said LOVE AND LAW. 41 there was another voman 'ere for the last week, and both vore lots 'o sparks, and never a man about the 'ouse Vy the job vill be so heasy that it von't be excitin'. \^Loo/cs ojii againJ] Hi can see the guv'nor hin the shadow hot' the vail hover the vay. What a magnificent willan that chap his. \_Hearing sozind, steps inside, hurriedly closes ivindow together, draivs curtain aside and poses extravagantly at zvindow^ looking out. 'Ow beautiful is the voice of natur' in this sylvian spot. \^Corni?ig downJ] \^Kitty re-enters L. ivith glass of water'\ I was a listenin for the vistle of the black- bird Kitty. Here's the water, Mr Jim. Bilkms, — Theopolis Bilkins, President of the society for the Propagation of the Heathen in furrin parts. [ Takes glass.'] There's nothing so good for the youthful blood as a glass hof sparkling water. \^Drinks, makes a wry face — aside.] 'Ow I 'ates vater. \_Feelino in his pockets^ 1 know what is due to a lady of your sex from a gentleman hof mine, and you shall have your reward. S^Still fumbling. Kitty. \_Curtsying and extending hand^ Yes sir. Jivi. Hin the happroval of your conscience — a good conscience is a sweet thing. It's like grease to the boots, hit softens the huppers and makes the rough road of life come heasy. [Bell.] \_Door bell rings R. u. Y.., Jim starts. Kitty. Oh there's the missus — Oh murther ! Jim. Vich is the back vay out ? Kitty. You must vait and see her, or she'll be thinking that I do be having a man here while she's away. Ji77i. Hi can't vait, I must attend a meeting hof the Prop- agation Society. [Bell.] \_Bell rings again. Kitty. Oh my carracter, my carracter. Jim. Vots your carracter, compared to mine? Kitty. Preachers are used to these things and Pm not. Don't you leave this room till the missus comes in. Stay right there now [Bell.] \^Bell rings again.] Coming ma'am. The chickens will be gone now sure. [^J^uns of R. u. E. Jim- Stay here ? not hif hi knows it. I wonder where this door goes tp. [l. u. e.] Hit must lead hinto the garden. PU try. I 'opes there aint no daugs. \_exiti^. 2 E. Kitty re-enters preceding Mrs. Montague, Ritta, Sir Randall ajid O'Paff, all in Jull opera dress, with wraps and overcoats, opera hats, etc. 42 LOVE AND LAW. Kitty. [Astde.l Why the preacher's gone. O' Paff. Ah, this is warm and cozy. Mrs. Montagtic. The fire is pleasant after the nipping night air. Now make yourself at home, everybody. Kitty assist me. Sir Randall. Allow me. \^He takes her opera cloak, pas- sing it to Kitty ^ Mrs. Montague. Thank you. O'Paff. Ritta dear let me be your waiting maid. Ritta. I fear you would not like it at all times. G Paff. I'm willing to engage on trial yLoud, coarse bark like a bull dog's bark off L. u. E. Kitty, [y.., Aside.'] Omurther? The dog has the preacher. Mrs. Montague. Kitty, is Nero loose .-* Kitty. I think he be's ma'am. O'Paff. Well, Nero's bark is untied at all events. Kitty. Will ye's have a lunch ma'am ? There's a bottle of wine and some cold fowl right handy ma'am. Mrs. Montagtie. No, thank you, we lunched at the Brunswick. Sir Randall. But we thank you for the hospitable inten- tion all the same, Kitty. O' Paff. She can't help it, she's Irish, and she's proud of it. Kitty. Faith ! I am. \_Aside7\ Oh he's a foine man, and he came from Dublin too. \_Exit Kitty r i e., with zvraps. Mrs. Montague. Ritta dear, I hope you have enjoyed the evening. Ritta. \_Enth2isiastically ^ Oh yes ! so much ! so much ! no words can tell how much. I never heard tnusic before. O^Paff. Yes, you have dear, whenever you speak you hear it. \^Aside.'\ Or I do. Ritta. Oh when Patti sings I close my eyes and tink I hear all around me, de nightingale. [Sir Randall and Mrs. Montague are r. by fire-place. O' Paff. That's what I used to fancy dear, when I heard you warbling your quaint little Italian airs. I observed one peculiarity, Ritta, that you must overcome. Ritta. In me; what was it? O'Paff. You seemed absorbed in the music — listened with wrapped attention, and applauded in the proper places. Ritta. Was not that right ? O'Paff I dare say it was natural, dear, but it's not con- sidered the correct thing. In order to appear fashionable at the opera, you must pay no attention to the music, but LOVE AND LAW. 43 Stare about you with languid indifference as though the whole thing were a bore. A little animated conversation during the pianissimo passages will also add to your pres- tige. lA/Uaiigh^ Mrs. Montague. You are too severe, Mr. O'Paff, all theatre-goers are not vulgarians. O'Paff. The amendment is accepted, though we must admit that the minority is a very aggressive one. Sir Randall. O'Paff, old boy, you've become thoroughly Americanized, I fear. O'Paff. I hope so. Sir Randall- You're very severe on the aristocracy. O' Paff. You're wrong, Sir Randall. There is but one aristocracy in America — the aristocracy of moral purity and intellectual worth. These qualities I admire, if I don't at all times emulate them. My reflections were directed at the money^X.ocx'BiCY , a distinction with a difference. Ritta. Well, I listen and applaud, because I love the music. Mrs. Montague. And flowers, Ritta. Ritta. \_Looking at her bouquet^ Oh yes and flowers, and pictures, and everything that is beautiful, and the world is full of beautiful things, is it not, my dear good friend ? [/a/^- zVz^O'Faff's hands affeciio7iately . O'Paff. [^Looking into her face.'] Yes, dear it is, although 1 had'nt noticed so much until lately. Ritta. \^Enthiised.'\ Oh to me, each flower, each scene, each new day is more beautiful than the last and some time I think it is too beautiful to be real, and that it is all a dream. O'Paff. [ With serio comic tone.] I've been feeling that way myself dear, lately. I hope no blackguard will come along and wake me. Ritta \_ Jumping up ^ Oh! how bright the moon shines! \_Goes up to window c. O'Paff. {^Following her up.] Yes, dear. It's the kind of night we'd be sliding down hill, if we were only a little boy and girl again. Ritta. [In window.] Can't we be children again, just for tonight ? [Ritta and O'Paff stand in window — the moonlight fall- ing on them.] 44 LOVE AND LAW. Si'r Randall. \_Looking at figures in windozv.'] Happy souls ! See Helen, the moonlight blends their two shadows into one. Mrs. Montague. I see. Alas ! True love often lurks amid shadows ! Sir Randall. True, but the sunshine is always behind, ready to break through. Mrs. Montague. [Sadly.'] Not always. Sir Randall. \_Tenderly.\ Dear Helen, your shadows will depart, whatever they may be, if you but bid them. Mrs. Montague I fear not. I fear not. Sir Randall. Then give me the right to drive them away. Mrs. Montague. Believe me, I am honest when I say, I would if you could, but it is impossible. Sir Randall. To the man and woman who honestly and truly loves, nothing is impossible. Mrs Montague. \_Ahnost in tears.] You cannot dream of what my sorrow consists, or you would see how hopeless is my future. Do not press me further, to-night. [RiTTA and O'Faff come forward. Ritta. And you really think you have a clue ? O'Paff. I know it dear, and a very important one. Mrs. Montague. Have you any late developments in the case, Mr. O'Pafif? O' Paff. In a general way, yes. I have a skillful officer at work on the case in London and expect something definite at an early day. Sir Randall. By the way, O'Paff, when does your partner- ship with Mr. Sawyer, go into effect. O'Paff. Papers were signed to-day. From to-morrow morning the firm will be " Sawyer and O'Pafif." Ritta. Oh how can 1 ever repay you, repay all my loving friends for so much kindness to a poor lost child like me. O^Paff. By saying nothing about it, dear, besides you're not lost, you're found. Think what our little group would have lost, had we never known the joy of your girlish presence, or felt the sunlight of your merry smile. Ritta. You are so kind to say so, oh, could I ever hope that I might in some way repay you. O'Paff You can dear with interest and a bonus. Ritta. Oh tell me how, it shall be done. O'Paff. You're sure you would' nt regret the promise. Ritta. Ouite sure, no matter what, tell me. LOVE AND LAW. 45 aPaff. Well clear, I will. Ritta. \^Eagcrly looking up in his face ^ Yes ! O'Paff. Some other time, dear. [O'Paff x's l. and sits 071 piano stool. KlTT A /ollozcs and stands beside him.'] Ritta. You were goii\o- to tell me something. What was it ? Ought I not to know ? G Pajf. [^Turning over music. ] I think you'll soon guess it, dear. Ritta. I will guess it ! Oh, when? Cy Paff. When you sing me this song, dear. Rata. Which one ? O'Paff This one. \^P lays prelude to song. Ritta. And then I shall know ? O'Paff. Yes! Ritta Sings ballad, accompanied by O'Y'a^y; Sir Randall and Mrs. Montague, form picture in moonlight in bow windozv. Mrs. Mojitague. Thank you, Ritta dear, for your fitting finale to our evening of song. O'Paff. Come Sir Randall, let's be off while the music still lingers in our ears. [Ritta gets O'Paff's overcoat aiid assists him. Sir Randall. [ Takingy[.v.^ gentleman is in a bad a temper a to-night. Craddock. Possibly I am. I've had enough to put me in a bad temper, and I want no more irritation to ma'ice me worse. Come what do you want ? O' Paff. I want to settle de old score. I want a my share. Craddock. Old score ! Your share ! Share of what ? O' Paff. Oh, you know what I mean. Craddock. Haven't I always kept my word with you, and gone snacks in everything we worked together. O'Paff. No, not all a ^e time. Craddock. What job have I failed to divy on ? O'Paff. De great job of all, de property in England. Craddock. The property in England ? O' Paff. Si, you was a to see de lawyer. Craddock. Well, what then ? O'Paff. I was to see de lawyer too, I want a my share. Craddock. Your share of what ? O'Paff. You know, you know, my share of your fader's property. 74 LOVE AND LAW. Craddock. Why, you fool ! I haven't got it yet, and pos- sibly I never shall, besides I paid you all you asked for what you did, you would not dare turn traitor. O'Paff. Call a me what a you like, so long I get a my share. Craddock. See here, Viotti — O'Paff. What for you call a me, Viotti ? Craddock. Well, its your name, isn't it O'Paff. No, not a here. Craddock. It's your name to Wi? at all times. And I've paid you like a prince for every service you have done me. If this is what you got me here for, you might have saved yourself the trouble. Your road and mine lie in different directions hereafter. Stand aside. [Craddock moves to c. O^Paff. Stop ! you shall not a go till you sign a de paper to give five tousand dollar, on a demand. Craddock. You're a fool ! How can I give what I haven't got? aPaff. It is a He. Craddock. \_Moving hand towards pistol pocket^ What ! O'Paff. Yes, a lie. \_0n picture with knife. ^^ I wait a for you to come a back for fourteen year ; you tink now I let a you go wid everyting after I wait for you so long. Craddock. So you threaten, do you? You miserable traitor ! I might have known better than to trust one of your accursed tribe. But what can you say or do ? O'Paff. What can I do ? Everyting. I can a denounce you to de authorities as de abductor of your a sister's child. Craddock. And I can denounce you as her murderer. O'Paff. Well, do ! and we go hand in hand to de scaffold, hand in hand to hell. See who will a be de first a one to cry. Craddock. [Trying- to pass tip c] Stand out of my path, you Italian dog. O'Paff. You refuse a to share wid me Craddock. I refuse to talk to you until you come to your senses, stand aside. O'Paff. Stop ! Craddock. Out of my way !. O'Paff. Stop! \Sava^ely branding his knife^ Hear a me one word more, den you can go. \_Points to paper &c. , 07i table.'] Dere is de paper, dere is de pen. Write on de paper dot so soon you get your fader's property, you give to Paulo Viotti, five tousand pound, for service done to you. Den sign a your name. LOVE AND LAW. 75 Craddock. Why, you're mad. O' Paff. You refuse to write. Craddock. Yes- O'Paff. Den your fate on your own head. Dis night I seek a de friend of de child. Dey will give a me de mon when I give a back de child. Craddock. \_I?i a/arm.^ Give back the child ! what child ? O' Paff. Oh, you know what a child. Craddock. You miserable traitor! do you dare to tell me that my sister's child is living ! that you did not kill her as you swore to me that you had done. C Paff. What for I kill a de child, when she worth a more to me alive. Craddock. Where is she now ? O'Paff. Dat's for me, not for you to know. Craddock. I remember now, Jim told me of a girl you had used on the street, but the law took her away from you. O'Paff. Si, de law take her beyond the reach of my hand, but not beyond the reach of my tongue, when it speak a de truth. Craddock. Bah ! it's a lie — it is one of your own accursed tribe, a partner in a plot in which you hope to frighten me. I can denounce you both as a pair of imposters, and who would credit the denial of a spotted criminal such as you. O' Paff. You tink no one believe a me ? Craddock. No. O'Paff. May be so. But dey will believe dere own eyes, when dey see de mark on de body of de child, which she carry from her infancy. Craddock. \_Starting aside. '\ The burn upon the shoulder ? O'Paff. Si — aha ? de burn on a de shoulder, you rememb ? De burn on de shoulder — it is a describe to day on de record of de London police. Craddock. \_Aszde rapidly. '\ I am at his mercy — oh why did I not kill the brat myself O' Paff. Now you will write a de paper? Craddock. First answer me a question. Does the girl know the truth. O^Paff. No, de secret is wid a me, and wid a you alone. Craddock. You swear it ? O' Paff. I swear it. Craddock. \_Aside^ Then my course is clear. O' Paff. Now you will write a de paper? 76 LOVE AND LAW. Craddock. \_Appearing to yield.'\ Oh, I've no objection. Craddock moves up to table, as though to sit down, and so gets betzueen O' Paff and the stairzvay. O'Paff. Who is de master now ? Craddock. \ Jumping to foot of stairs and drawing large size nickel -plated pocket-pistol^ 1 am, you double dyed traitor. [Picture. O'Paff shrinks. O'Paff. What would a you do ? Craddock. What does the stag do when the hound brings him to bay ? He kills, as I'll kill you. O'Paff. You would not dare to murder me. Craddock. Why should I not ? O'Paff. Because you are a coward, and you dare not face de hangman. Craddock. Bah — the character of this den is known. I will say that you decoyed me here to rob me, and that I shot you in self-defense — the knife in your hand will con- vict you, and dead men make no denials. O' Paff. Stop ! I will leave a de country and trouble you no more. Cj^addock. [Moving up steps-~\ No, I've trusted you once too often. This world is not large enough for both of us. You have sworn the secret was with us two — when you are dead, it will be with me alone. During speech he approaches top of steps, so timing the action that he reaches the door 07i the last word, the pistol covering O'Paff as he ascends. On the words '^ nie alone ^^ O'Paff bloivs police whistle —the door is thrown open and CoNTi stands face to face with Craddock. HoFFMEiER behind — strong calciion thrown on the pict7ire, as though it was the moon, coming in through the open door — Craddock staggers back aghast — Picture. After picture Craddock backs down the steps, looking wildly at CoNTi, then at O'Paff. Conti and W.OYYWE.iYJ^ follozv down steps — they all drop down r. Conti sees O'Paff, stares at him in utter bewilder- Tnent. O'Vkyy quietly removes his disguise as the cal- cium is thrown iipon the group. Craddock lAside.l Fool, blind fool and dupe that I have been. O'Paff. I quite agree with you, Mr. Craddock, although the remark is not complimentary to my skill as a detective. LOVE AND LAW. 77 Hoffmeier. \_Covfri?ig Craddock with revolver.^ Put down that gun. Craddock stdlenly places his pistol on table. Hoffmeier picks it 2ip,puts it in his pocket. Craddock. Your plot was a very clever one, but you forgot one important adjunct. O'Paff. And what was that ? Craddock. Witnesses ! All men are equal before the law, and my oath will weigh against your own. \^Lights all np. RiTTA enters from door iinder stairs follozved by Mrs. Mon- tague, Sir Randall and Rosa, zvlio brings on a lamp. Ritta. But not against ours, Jasper Craddock ! We have heard you convict yourself by your own confession. Craddock. A very clever trick, sir, but it is before the Courts of England, that these charges are to be answered, and you have no authority to bar my passage from this room. Sawyer a«^ Joe Skerrett, an English detective officer, enter onto platform and at once descend steps. Jimmie Nipper on, remains on platform. Sawyer. You're wrong again brother Craddock, allow me to introduce you to Joseph Skerrett, Esquire, special agent of the London detective police, Scotland Yards. Skerrett, Craddock; Craddock,. Skerrett, Skerrett. Train a little late, but I got here on time. \^Pro- diices legal documents^ The extradition papers for Jasper Craddock and Paulo Viotto, duly signed by the Secretary of State. Happy to meet you gentlemen, after so many years. Why I should have known either of you, among a thousand. \^Assists Hoffmeier topitt the double handcuffs on Crad- dock and Contl] Craddock. Well, Conti, there's a consolation in knowing that you did not betray me. Conti. \^Half aside.'] I didn't get a de chance. O'Paff. [ To Ritta.] You thought my plan a desperate one, dear, you see that I was right. Ritta. You are always right, Felix, as you were when you first saw beneath my sun-burned face a something that told you I was not what I seemed to be. O'Paff. It was a sacred instinct, dear, and no credit to myself An All-Wise Providence made the poor, briefless lav/yer his humble instrument- y8 LOVE AND LAW, S/r Randall. O'Paff, old boy, this case is a fortune to yoi if you never win another. Sir Randall and Helen l., O'Paff and Ritta c, Saw. YER R. c, Conti, Craddock, Hoffmeier a7id Skerreti R., a Utile in background. Old Rosa, holding lamp a. back, L. Ritta. \_To O'Paff.] You have won your case and cHen too. Sawyer. On a brief without a flaw. Mrs. Montague. [To Sir Randall.] You've been mos loyal in your love. O'Paff. And now we're all sound in Law. Music. O'Paff embraces Ritta, Sir Randall embrace. Helen, Sawyer slaps his hat down on the floor, rams hi. hands in his pockets, and walks up stage in disgust. Jim MiE dancing. Kitty follozus Jimmie 07i at end, am remains on platform. They embrace as curtain descends Hoffmeier tries to get at them, and is restrained by Saw YER. CURTAIN. WIS «^ *»nO x/ ^^o.^ » « <» *^ .'. Huo^ f k% ^.J" /Jife'v **..** ^:<$iic^". \j '^p^ / **'%. V OKBINOING II 4y/h, o ^ft C? e rantville Pa H X>\T» tf}^ . vP"? ° v5