.- 1066 U U I O £.11 "^yJsJ «/ Hollinger Corp. pH 8.5 THE TRIPLE WEDDING PS 1066 .B3 T7 1887 Copy 1 ~1l drama in THREE ACTS. CHARLES BARNARD. PRICE, 15 CENTS. NEW YORK: HAROLD ROORBACH, PUBLISHER, 9 Murray Street. s Single Life. * Boarding School. 3 The Spitfire. 4 Irish Dragoon. 5 Srhool for Tigers. i Gabrielle ds Belle Isle. 7 Tipperary Legacy, t Deeds of Dreadful Note. 9 A Peculiar Position. JO A Private Inquiry. II I'll Tell Your Wife. 53 Fast Family. 13 Antony and Cleopatra Married and Settled. 54 My Friend in the Straps. 15 School for Scheming(Love and Money). 16 Our Mary Anne. 17 Miseries of Human Life. s8 An Irish Engagement. 19 How to Settle Accounts With Your Laundress. 9o Advice Gratis. 81 A Hasty Conclusion. aa Weak Points. 33 Grace Darling. «4 A Gray Mare. 55 Middle Temple. a6 The Original. 87 The Sentinel. s8 Tiger at Large. 89 Why Did You Die ? 30 Sayings and Doings. 31 Twin Broth«rs. 3a Ask no Questions. 33 Cure for Coquettes, 34 Cabin Boy. 35 Who Stole the Spoons ? 36 Mrs.Gamp'sTeaandTurn 37 Village Doctor. [Out. 38 Family Pride. 39 Queen Mary. 40 Three Grocers. 41 Race Ball. 43 Presented at Court. 43 A Sign of Affection. 44 Dancing Barber. 45 Who's Your Friend ? 46 Charity. 47 Wicked World. [ingWell 48 Mother and Child are Do- 49 Lying in Ordinary. 50 The Ringdoves, 51 Camille. 52 Lady Clancarty. 53 Ten Nights in a Bar-room 54 Drunkard's Warning. 55 Fifteen Years of a Drunkard's Life. 55 Fruits of the Wine Cup. 57 Aunt Dinah's Pledge. 58 Yankee Peddler. 59 Vermont Wool Dealer. (y Persecuted Dutchman. 6 1 Stage-Struck Yankee. 62 The Limerick Boy (Pad- dy Miles' Boy.) Cj Drunkard's Home. THE ACTING DRAMA. PRICE 15 CENTS EACH. 64 Bachelor's Bed- Room. 65 Perfection(the Cork Leg) 66 More Blunders Than One 67 Whisky Fiend. 68 Quite at Home. 69 Sir Dagobert and the 70 Puttingon Airs. [Dragon 71 A Slight Mistake. 72 Patches and Powder. 73 To Let, Furnished. 74 The Lost Heir. 75 Is thfe Man Mad ? 76 A Trip to Cambridge. 77 Twenty and Forty. 78 Hob-Nobbing. 79 The Great Eastern. 80 Three Guesses. 81 Getting up in the World. 82 Wardrobe. 83 84 A Crumpled Rose I^af. 85 Wild Flowers. [Ladies. 86 Don't all Speak at Once, 87 Woman Nature Will Out. 83 Funnibone's Fix. 89 Child of Circumstances. 90 Women's Club. 91 Shamrock. 92 The Changelings. 93 „ . 94 Matrimony. 95 Refinement. 96 Master-piece, 97 Frenchman. 98 Punch and Judy. 99 My Precious Betsy. 100 Woman of the World, loi Rob the Hermit, loa Love Master, Love Man. 103 Inhuman. 104 Champagne. 105 H M. S. Pinafore. 106 Family Pictures. 107 Prison and Palace. loS The Bailiff's Daughter. 109 La Gigale. no Broken Prom.-fs 111 The Broken Sea.. 112 Betsy's Profile. 113 Going Through Hi»ni. 114 Male and Female. 115 Thoughts Before Mar- 116 Diplomacy. [riage. 117 Our Professor. ii3 Hurrah for Paris. 119 Tittlebat a Father. 120 Cross Purposes. 121 Love to Music. 122 Carried by Assault. 123 The Locked Door. 124 Those "Cussed" Waves. 125 Masquerading for Two. 126 The Love Flower. 127 Oh, My Uncle ! 128 The Dawn of Love. 129 Juliet's Love Letter. 130 Bric-a-Brac. 131 A Cousin to Them All. 32 The Wanderer's Retara. 33 Uncle Jack. 34 The Married Widows. 35 Foresight: or,MyDaufh- ter's Dowry. 36 Muolo the Monkey, 37 Too Windy for an Ura« brella. 38 Beauty and the Beast. 39 Cinderella. 40 Rosebud ; or, the Sleep* ing Beauty. 41 The Princess. 42 Rumplestiltskin. 43 Skinflint. 44 One Must Marry. 45 John Smith. 46 Just Twenty Years Ago, 47 Pipes and Perdition. 48 Under the Curse. 49 Two Drams of Brandy. 50 Don't Marry a Drunkard to Reform Him. 51 Ralph Coleman's Refor- mation. 52 Who Got the Pig ? 53 Money Makes the Maa. 54 Bardell vs. Pickwick. 56 A Pint of Ale. 58 Engaged. 59 My Awful Dad. 60 Out i.i the Streets. 61 The Law Allows It. 62 There's Millions in It, 63 Tootle Tootle Too. 64 A Purty Shure Cure. 6s Let those Laugh who Win. 66 AdarkNoight'sBusine» 67 A Game of Billiards. 68 The Village Belle. 69 Cousin Florence. 70 I Love Your Wife. 71 The Dutchmanin Ireland 72 A Woman Will Be a Woman. 73 Lucy's Love Lesson. 74 Our Utopia (The Mf thetic Cousin). [Stars. 75 The Daughter of th« 76 The Stolen Child. 77 Well Fixed for a Rainy Day. 78 Cross Purposes (A Mis- understanding in I act) 79 The Artist's Stratagem, 80 Picking up the Pieces, 81 Lovely. 82 Irresistibly Impudent. 83 Love's Young Dream. 84 Wooing under Difficulties 85 Rebecca and Rowena. 86 The Shakespeare Water 87 Marion Fay. [Cure. 88 At Sixes and Sevens, 89 Change Partners. Anj' c/the above will be sent by mail on receipt ofthefrice^ by P. O. Box 3410. HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, SacceMor to Boobbach A Compamt. Murray Street, New York, The Triple Wedding, A DRAMA IN THREE ACTS BY CHARLES BARNARD PRINTED FROM THE AUTHOR'S MANUSCRIPT, WITH THE CAST OF CHAR- ACTERS, SYNOPSIS, DESCRIPTIONS OF THE COSTUMES, PROPERTY AND SCENE PLOTS AND DIAGRAMS, RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE CHARACTERS, STAGE DIRECTIONS, ETC., ETC. Copyright, 1883, by Charles Barnard. Copyright, 1887, by Harold Roorbach. NEW YORK: HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher 9 Murray Street. \ The Triple Wedding. CAST OF CHARACTERS. MONDAY GREENFIELD, - A Self-made Man. THEOPULUS VESUVIUS FOGGE, A Lawyer from Australia. FREDERICK DAUDLE, - - An Unfledged Author. CLIFTON MUDDLE, - - -A Would-be Lawyer. CLARA STURGIS, - - - - Leading Lady. CECELY, SALOME, SERVANT, Utility. Her Younger Sisters. [^' S Y N O PS IS.-?'^\^ / ACT I. THE TRUST. ACT II. THE SEARCH. ACT III. THE WEDDING. COSTUMES CLARA STURGIS. — Act I.— Very plain dress, indicating respect- able poverty; partly changed for the better in second half of the act. Act II. — Summer walking suit. Act III. — Evening dress; carries watch. CECELY STURGIS.— Act L— Plain and poor, but neat dress. Act II. — Summer walking suit. Act III. — Bridal costume. SALOME STURGIS.— Same kind of costume in each Act as Cecely's. SERVANT.— Very untidy, unkempt dress. GREENFIELD. \ Act I. — Ordinary morning or business suits. DAUDLE. >- Act II. — Summer traveling suits, hats.and canes. MUDDLE. ) Act III.— Black dress suits. FOGGE. — Act I. — Business suit, overcoat and hat. Act II. — Sum- mer traveling suit with hat. Act III. — Black dress suit. This char- acter wears a brown crop wig up to the close of the third act, when it is to be pulled off, showing the natural hair made gray by the use of rice powder or otherwise. The Triple Weddwg, 3 PROPERTIES. ACT I. — Some coarse sewing materials. Lamp on table. Two visiting cards. Daguerreotype and letter for Greenfield. Will and iegal papers for Fogge. ACT II. — Books and papers, letters and writing materials on table. Gong or bell outside to strike twelve o'clock. Legal papers for Fogge. Telegram. ACT in. — Two bank checks. A marriage certificate. Explanation of the Stage Directions. R., means first entrance right, and right. L., first entrance left, and left, S.E.R., second entrance right. S.E.L., second entrance left, T.E.R., third entrance right. T.E.L., third entrance left. F.E.R., fourth entrance right. F.E.L., fourth entrance left. U.E.R., upper entrance right. U.E.L., upper entrance left. R.F., right flat. L.F., left flat. R.C., right of centre. L.C., left of centre. C., centre. C.D., centre doors. C.R., centre towards right. C.L., centre towards left. Observing you are supposed to face the audience. SCENERY. ACT I. INTER/OR BACKING. C D.. CK««tQ I.E.R, D D TABLE. □ CK. LE.L, Scene : — A Plainly Furnished Lodging Room in a City Tenement. Old table and two cane chairs,C. Chair,behind table. Some coarse sew- ing materials and lamp on table. Entrances, first R. and L., and at back. The Triple Wedding. ACT IT. GARDEN BAGKina O. D. O BOOK OA.&e. CHAIR. [ I lE.R. D TABLE I [chair. t.E.L. Scene : — A Country Boarding House. Room opening at back, on piazza, with view of garden. Neatly furnished. Table and two chairs, C. Sofa up stage, R. Bookshelf up stage, L. Doors open at back. Entrances, first R. and L., and at back. ACT III. <> INTERIOR BAOKINa. ^oTA. I I.E.R. >eA5V CHAIR. CA&y c MA>R.<^\ Scene : — A Wedding Reception Room. Entrances, first R. and L., and at back. Piano, stool and stand, R., up stage. Sofa, L., up stage. Easy chairs, R. and L., down stage. The Triple Wedding. ACT I. THE TRUST Scene : A Plainly Furnished Lodging Room in a City Tenement. Old Table and Three Cane Chairs. Some Coarse Sewing Materials and Lamp on Table. Entrances, First Right and Left and at Back. Time : Night in Winter. Curtain discovers Salome and Cecely Sturgis seated by table sewing. Both plainly dressed. Salome. [ Wearily. '\ Oh, I'm so tired. I hate poverty. I'd give anything or do anything to be rich. Cecely. It is not much we can give. Nobody cares to marry a poor girl. Sal. \_Shivers as if cold.'] Get my shawl, deary. It's dreadfully cold here. Cec. You forget, sister, we ate the shawl for breakfast. Clara sold it yesterday, and the money paid for our milk and oatmeal. It was a rather thin diet, in spite of its origin. I called the oatmeal the shawl, and the milk the trimmings. It was a pity you had a square shawl, for the meal didn't go round. Sal. What do you mean .? Cec. Why, sister Clara had no breakfast. 6 The Triple Weddii\g. Sal. No breakfast — nothing to eat? Cec. Not a thing. She pretended she wasn't hungry. She starved herself to help us. Sal. Do you think Mr. Greenfield intends to marry Clara .? Cec. \^Rises.'\ I'd die before I would marry a man called Monday — or take in plain sewing, which is only dying to slow music. [^Earnestly. Takes s/age.] Oh ! Everything is put together with a lock-stitch. I can't un- ravel our seam. I can only sigh. [Sings.] Sigh for a man — sigh for a man — Sal. My love ! Cec. [Singing.] Sigh for a man — sigh for a mansion and a carriage. Enter Clara a/ back. Appears pale and weary. Very poorly dressed. Sal. [Rising, throwi?ig down her work, and kissing Clara. ] Oh, you precious sister — you little mother ! To think that you had no breakfast ! Cla. That was a small affair, deary. [Takes up work.] Not done yet.'* Cec. There are thirty-two more button-holes to be made, and it's nearly eight o'clock. Cla. [Dropping the work wearily.] What does it matter } Four cents for a dozen button-holes. [Bitterly.] A dozen or two, more or less, will not help us much. Dearies, thje end has come ! This is the worst pass we have come to since father and mother died. I paid all I could on ac- count of the rent to-day, and this is our last night here. I have sold everything. No. There is your mother's por- trait in the next room. I shall sell that to-morrow, and then — [Pause?^ Sal. I do wish our case could be laid before a jury. The Triple Weddmg. 7 Cec. [To Salome.] Too much law has made you mad, Salome. Better think less of Mr. Muddle and more of our position. He doesn't mean anything. He wilU never marry a poor g-irl. Sal. [ Wtlh spirit. ] You needn't edit me, Cecely Sturgis. I daresay your Mr. Daudles intentions are like his books — not published yet. Cla. Oh, girls ! How can you } Neither of the young men who call on you are able to marry, and I sometimes have grave doubts of their sincerity. ^^^Xllndignantly.^ Oh ! Oh ! Enter slatternly Servant R. Serv. {^Laying cards on table.} Two men to see yez. [Exit Servant R.} Cla. [^Reading cards.] Mr. Daudle and Mr. Greenfield. [Pleased. ] My dears, the natural man has a weakness for good clothes. I go to put on such gorgeous raiment as my poverty permits. [Exit Z.] Sal. [Inspecting her dress — to Cecely.] Do you think that darned place in my skirt will show? Cec. [Rornyied.] Oh! Oh! Sal. Mercy ! What have I done ? Cec. [Laughs.] Nothing, you dear innocent. The na- tural depravity of the English language is too much for you — that's all. [Exit back.] Sal. The spiteful thing ! She prides herself on her lan- guage just because her lover wants to be an author. I would like to see the thing laid before a jury. [Exit back.] Enter Daudle and Greenfield R. Daud. [Speaking as he eiiters.] Literature, sir, is one of the noblest of the professions. I mean to follow it as a 8 The Triple Wedding. business. It elevates the mind, clears the heart and softens the head. Green. How comes on your new book ? Daud. Well, you see, I have not yet decided on the style in which I shall write. There is the diffusive-didactic style, and the closely-connected-colloquial style. Which do you prefer? Green. A man who means business makes his own style. Daud. That's just what Miss Cecely says. She said to me yesterday, that if she (meaning me) had anything to say, she would say it. Green. Then I wonder she (I mean you) don't. It seems to me you are playing a rather sorry game here in call- ing on these girls when you cannot marry either of them. Daud. [^Offended.'] Indeed, sir, and may I inquire what are your intentions concerning these poor girls.? Green. I'm glad you put it that way. They are poor and I'm well off. I hope to marry one of them — if she will accept so unfortunate a man as I. Daud. Your style is paradoxical, at any rate. Green. No doubt. I'll make it clear. They call me Mon- day Greenfield. I have no other name. I was born on a frosty Monday morning in the Greenfield Asylum. I got the narfie in derision. I never saw my father or mother. I have an old daguerreotype. [^Takes out picture.'] There it is. [^Shows it to Daudle. ] That is supposed to be my father. The picture was found sewed into the bosom of my mother's dress. Daud. {Looking at picture. ] It looks like Cecely. Green. [Takes picture and looks at it.] I never noticed it before. There is a suggestion of her expression. Quite accidental, of course. [Ptits it away. Takes out letter.] There is part of an old letter, also found among my The Triple Wedding. 9 mother's effects. No name signed, but it appears to be written by the man who was my father. Who he was or whether he really married her or not I never knew. The letter seems to hint that he did not marry her. [Puts the letter in pocket. ] I keep it safe. [Significantly. ] I'm look- ing for that man. Now, I put it to you, have I a right, with all my wealth, to seek any girl's hand .? Daud. Yes; you worked your way up from the orphan asylum. Any woman would be glad to marry the richest mill owner in town. Green. But not IMonday Greenfield, the waif. Enter Clara Z. Partly changed dress. Cla. [Bows to Davdi.^ and taJiesGKETL^Yi'Ei.Ti's hand. ^ Good evening, gentlemen. [7b Greenfield. ] I'm very glad you have come. [To Daudle. ] Salome and Cecely are in the next room, sewing, Mr. Daudle. Will you find your way to them ? Daud. [Moves up.] Thank you. I came to see Miss Cecely. [Exit bacfi. ] Cla. [To Greenfield,] Have you learned anything more about these young gentlemen .? Green. I hear they have no visible means of support, and depend wholly on their parents. They are not bad or vicious, but merely idle and selfish. Cla. I'm glad it is no worse. However, it makes no difference. To-morrow we shall move, and they will not follow us. Green. Why must you give up this comfortable flat .? Cla. Because I cannot pay the rent. Green. [Takes her arm.'] Now, Clara, this has gone far enough. It is time we understood each other. You know my history .? Cla. I know it well enough to respect you, sir. 10 The Triple Wedding Green. {^Earnestly.'] Respect! Can you give me nothing more than respect, Clara Enter Servant R. abruptly, followed by Fogge. Serv. [7b Fogge.] That's Miss Sturgis, mister. It's lucky you came to-night, for she has got to clear out to- morrow. [Exit Servant.] Fogge. Beg pardon ! Any party named Sturgis live here .? Green. [Presenting Clara.] This is Miss Sturgis, sir. Can we be of any service } Fog. [Staring at Clara. Aside.^ Found at last ! [To Clara.] You have your uncle's nose. Important point in the case. Your father's name was John } Your mother was a Mann .? Cla. My mother's name was Anna Elizabeth Mann. Mann with two n's. Fog. [Takes off things and sits R.] Just so. I'm glad of it. Excuse me if I take a chair. I've traveled 15,000 miles, and broke my leg, and been shipwrecked on a desert island for six months, and all for the sake of seeing you. I call it deep devotion. Green. It is, sir. We rather admire it, and will be glad to tell you so when you inform us who you are. Fog. [Aside.'] Lovers! They'll be married within a week when they hear the news. [Direct.^ That is im- portant, I admit. I am Theopulus Vesuvius Fogge, Attor- ney at Law, Melbourne, Australia. I knew your uncle, miss. Tough customer. We called him the American savage. Bless your soul ! good at heart — good as gold. Had it too, in plenty. Made it in sheep. Cla. Are you from my uncle, Edward Mann — my mother's only brother 1 I hope he is well ? Fog. Yes, miss, he is well — that is, he is better off than The Triple Wedding. ii ever before. [Points upwards and raises his eyes solemnly.'] He's changed his cHmate. Cla. Oh ! how sad ! Poor man ! And he sent you to tell us ? Fog. Yes, ma'am. He instructed me to come to Amer- ica and find you and give you his property — a little matter of 50,000 pounds — and here I am. The money is in trust — for his son. Cla. His son, sir } I never knew Uncle was married, much less that I had a cousin. Fog. [Rises.] To make the story short, this money is in trust for the boy till the first of next June. If you fail to find him by noon of that day the money is all yours. Tve been a whole year coming half round the world to find you. If you will call one of your servants to show me the way to the hotel, I'll get the proper documents. Green. I'll go with you to the hotel, sir. Cla. [To Greenfield.] Thank you, Monday. That was kind in you. Fog. [Aside.] Monday ! What a queer name. Who can the young man be .? He reminds me of some one. I wish she'd introduce him. Cla. [Presenting Greenfield.] Allow me to present my friend, Mr. Monday Greenfield. [Gentlemen how distantly to each other.] Fog. [Aside.] Greenfield ! It was there she died. Cla. Mr. Greenfield will return with you ; and if there are any business matters to be arranged, he will represent me in them. [Greenfield turns to speak to Clara.] Fog. [Aside.] I knew they were lovers. [To Green- field.] I'm ready, Mr. Sunday. [7b Clara.] We shall re- turn in a few moments. Cla. I shall be here with my sisters. Fog. Are there sisters ? 12 The Triple Wedding, Green. Miss Sturgis has two younger sisters. Fog. The American savage never mentioned them. I dare say they w^ere born after he left home. Have 'em out I'd Hke to see how they stand the shocking news I bring. Fifty thousand pounds and a lost boy. Exit FoGGE and Greenfield R. Cla. \^Solus.^^ Thank Heaven ! It is not too late. Now that our poverty is at an end, I feel its sting. Poor Uncle ! He led a sad, wild life, but he made amends at the end. He must have repented. If he has left a child it shall be found. Enter Salome at hack. Sal. [Comes down — bitterly.^ I hate it. I hate it. Oh, sister, why are we so poor .? Mr. Daudle made fun of my darned skirt. Cla. [Kisses her.] Bless you, deary, we are not so dreadfully poor. Sal. Anyway, you went without breakfast this morn- ing. Cla. I never did like oatmeal. [Embj-aces her.] Oh, you little simpleton ! Can't you see how happy I am .? Behave with dignity now, while I give you some dread- ful news. Your poor — no, your rich uncle in Australia is dead. Sal. Mother's brother, who ran away .? Cla. Yes. He died more than a year ago, and a man has been here who says Uncle left me a large estate in trust for his son — our cousin. Sal. Isn't it to be all your own .? Cla. I believe not. It is for the son ; but now that we have one loving relative, we can go to him, and he will help us find a place where we can earn a living. The Triple Wedding. 13 Sal. [^Disappointedr\ Earn a living! I don't want to earn a living. I want a nice house and a carriage, and all that. I think Uncle behaved shamefully, and I do wish it could be laid before a jury. Enter Servant R. Serv. Mr. Muddle, to see the ladies. [Exit Servant.] Cla. [7b Salome.] Here's your judge, at any rate. Enter :\Ik. Muddle R. Mud. [Comes dozv?i.] Good evening, ladies. [To Sa- lome. ] Glad to see you, Salome. Sal. Oh, Clifton, such jolly news ! Uncle has died — I never knew him, you know — and left Clara a lot of money. Mud. [F/eased.] Indeed ! I congratulate you. Have you the legal documents here ? Cla. [To IMuDDLE.] Salome is a trifle hasty, Mr. Muddle. The property is all in trust. Mud. [Bejec/ed.] Ah! that's bad — very bad. [Offers card to Clara.] Take my card. Miss Sturgis. You may need the advice of a legal friend. Enter Servant, who holds the door open, R. Cla. [To Muddle.] Thank you, sir. I have already secured an attorney. Here comes my uncle's representa- tive. Enter Greenfield and Fogge. Exit Servant R. Fog. [Conies to table and takes out papers — others gather round — speaks to Clara. ] This thing is very plain. There is your uncle's will, in his own handwriting. By this doc- ument the sum of 50,000 pounds is to be paid to you for his son, with this provision : If you do not find the boy by 14 TJie Triple Wedding. noon of the first day of June, you are to keep all the money. Of course, you are to use all due diligence in searching for the child. Cla. I will do my best, you may be sure. Fog. If the boy is found, he is to pay you for your trouble. Your uncle thought I should tind you within two months, and that would give time for the search. But I slipped and fell, and was laid up three months with a broken leg. When I did start the steamer lost her screw and drifted about in a dead calm till she ran ashore on a desert island. We spent six months on that island, living chiefly on oysters in all styles, till a ship picked us up and set me down in San Francisco, and here I am with the trust nearly run out. I suppose we need no further proof that you are the right Clara Sturgis ? Cla. Oh, now I think of it, my mother and my uncle were twins, and much alike. I have my mother's portrait in the next room. Suppose you look at it .^ Fog. \^Rises and leaves papers on table. ] Good idea ! Let's see if she looks like the savage as I saw him on his ranch. Cla. \_Moves up.'] Come this way. [Exit Clara al back, followed by Fogge, Salome a?id Greenfield.] Mud. {^Lingering behind and looking slyly at papers on table.] It's the biggest thing out. [Tries to read papers.] Can't make head or tail of it. [Lays papers down.'] I suppose it's all straight. Rather fancy I'm in for a good thing. Re-enter Greenfield at back, with daguerreotype in his hand, much excited in manner. Does not observe Muddle. Mud. [Aside. Avoiding Greenfield] Hallo ! What's up? Mr. Monday been drinking.? [Exit slyly at back.] The Triple Wedding. 15 Green. ySolusA^ I knew it in an instant. The two por- traits are as near alike as a man and woman can be. Ah ! The letter ! The letter ! [^Puts away picture and has/ily pulls out letter and compares it with handwriting of will on table.'] It is the same. Every letter is alike. Edward Mann. Edward Mann. Not a bad name after all. Ah ! Then I've found the scoundrel. I am the son — the property is mine. And Clara — my Clara — Cousin Clara ! Poor old father ! I can forgive him now. Cousin Clara — my Clara — my wife ! Ah ! here come the young vampires. They smell the money already. [Moves to leftfront?^ Enter Muddle and Daudle at hack. Daud. What will you do now .? Mud. Sail in, of course. Daud. So shall I. Half a dollar to one cent that I'll be engaged first. Mud. Taken. [-S'ees Greenfield. Aside.] Lookout! That old cat is on hand. He'll have the whole boodle, if we don't look sharp. Daud. Oh, I see him. Confound him ! [Moves to J?.] Re-enter Clara, Fogge, Salome and Cecely. Fogge to centre behind table. Clara to R. of table. Salome to R., up stage. Cecely to L. , up stage. Fog. There is nothing more to be done, but to sign the preliminary papers. Ah ! Wait a bit. There is one mat- ter on which I must seek legal advice. Mud. [Advances to L. and at R. ^ Clara. Confidently.] Perhaps I can help you, I am a lawyer. Fog. [Looks at hi}?L suspiciously.] Ah ! Glad to meet you, sir. It's only a trifling affair and I hardly like to trouble you. 1 6 The Triple Wedding. Cla. {Presents Mumdle.] This is Mr. Muddle, a friend of the family. I dare say he can help you. Fog. Ah, thanke. [Tb Muddle, j Do legal papers have to be stamped in this country .? Mud. No ; I believe not. Yes. On the whole, I think they do. Fog. You don't know, sir. You're no lawyer at all. Green. No stamps will be required. Fog. Ah, thanke. {To Clara.] You solemnly promise faithfully to carry out the requirements of this testament, and diligently to search for the lost child } Cla. I do. {To Greenfield.] You will help me, will you not .? With your aid, the boy can be found and re- stored to his own. Green. {Hesitating. ^^ It is just possible the boy does not care for his own. Fog. {To Greenfield.] Don't be a fool, man ! The poor little devil may be dying to find this pretty girl with a pot full of money. Of course, you will assist in hunting up the little wretch. Green. It will be useless. The boy will never be found. Tableau. FOGGE. Clara. Green. Sal. Cec. Mud. Daud. Curtain. The Triple Wedding. 17 ACT II. THE SEARCH. Scene : A Country Boarding House. Room Opening at Back on Piazza, with View of Garden. RooiM neatly Furnished. Table at Centre covered with Papers. Doors open at Back. Entrances First Right and Left, and Back. Time : First of June, in the Morning. Curtain discovers Clara at table looking over papers. Her hat on table, near by. Summer dress. Clara. Where can the wretched youngster be t He's a most troublesome child. I cannot find him. Inquiries, advertisements, detectives, everything in vain. [Takes up old letter.'] Here is the only clew. She lived in this vil- lage at one time. The records of the village church tell me she was married here — and perhaps she died here. Enter Salome at back in walking suit. Sal. Why do you worry over those wretched papers ? You would drag us up to this poky place, and what have you found } Cla. I have found that Uncle really married the boy's mother, and that is something. Sal. You haven't found the boy. Mr. Greenfield was right. He said you would never find him ; and to-day is the first of June. Cla. It makes no difference, I shall not give up the search. While I live, I shall think of the money as his. 1 8 The Triple Wedding. Sal. [Comes nearer?^ Mr. Muddle is coming to-day, deary ; and he wants me to say when it shall be, and I've turned and turned my thing-s until they are quite worn out. Cla. I cannot help you, sister. Mr. Greenfield and Mr. Fogge both said I might use some of the money for our support while we kept up the search. I can give you no more money. Sal. [Angrily.'] You're a little goose, Clara ! Don't I tell you Mr. Muddle says the money will be legally yours to-day .? Cla. I shall never think of the money as mine till I find the boy or his grave. Sal. [Takes stage, angry. '\ YouVe a — a hateful thing! [Begins to cry. ] Mr. Muddle will soon be here, and you know my hat is — is perfectly — perfectly disgraceful. You're perfectly heartless and selfish — you know my blue serge is — I declare, I've no patience with your finicky notions about duty and all that rubbish. Cla. I dare say not, Salome. You see everything now through legal glasses. I fear, my love, they are a trifle smoky. Sal. [At door at L. ] Oh, you — you spiteful thing. Ah, I wish it only could be laid before a jury. [Exit in a pet, L. ] Cla. [Sadly — sits and takes up papers. ] Money is decid- edly a bitter root. It has brought the first quarrel between sisters. Oh, Salome, if the money were rightfully mine, you should share the last dollar. [Pauses.] Why did I not think of that before .? If she died here, she may be buried here. [Takes up hat, as if to go out.] Perhaps the sleepers on the hill can tell. I will go and sit among them. If she sleeps there she may hear me. She must have loved the boy. She must know where he is now. It's just possible she will whisper something in silence to my heart. [Moves up.] The Triple Wedding, 19 Enter Cbxely R. Sum??ier suit, Cec. Oh, Clara! Clara! wait a moment. Mr. Daudle will be here in a few minutes. I have just time to run over to the village store. I really ought to have a new sash. Cla. I have no money, deary. The expenses of the search have been so great that we really must economize. Cec. Why, Mr. Daudle says all the money will be yours to-day. Cla. I shall not take it. I shall insist on Mr. Greenfield or Mr. Fogge as trustees of the property. I shall take only enough to live upon till I can find something to do. Cec. [Angrily.'] You're — a little fool, Clara. Cla. Sister! Cec. I don't care. You're enough to try a saint, and I hnte you. [Exit R., slamming the door.] Cla. Poor girls ! It is hard for them to be denied every- thing. Now I will speak — in silence — to the sleeper on the hill. [Exit hack. ] Enter Daudle and Muddle, Z., in traveling suits. Daud. I congratulate you, my boy. This is the last day, and I am glad of it — so is my tailor. The fact is, there is nothing quite so soothing to the finer instincts of my nature as a little ready money. Mud. Yes, sir. The legal aspect of the world is greatly improved by a good financial backing. What do you think she will do for us.? Daud. Oh, she's a good girl and loves her sisters — and so do we. Shouldn't wonder if she divided the whole plum on the spot. Mud. Thirds ! Give 'em thirds ! I never knew how dear my Salome had become to me. 20 The Triple Wedding. Daud. Well, my Cecely is rather precious, you may bet your bottom dollar. She's a noble girl — sweet tempered, amiable and — three into fifty thousand — one and carry two — sixteen thousand pounds. Mud. A little matter of eighty thousand dollars more or less, if that rascally mill owner does not put in his oar. Daud. Never you fear him. His mother had no name. He does not dare to offer himself, with all his money. Enter Cecely, R. Cec. [To Daudle, J Oh, Frederick! I'm so glad you have come, I've such dreadful news. [To Muddle.] Morn- ing, Mr. Muddle ! Salome will be here soon. {To Daudle.] Just think, Clara refuses to touch the money. Mud. She must. It is legally hers, and she must be forced to take it. Daud. This will never do. Where is she? We must appeal to the nobler instincts of her nature. She has a soft head and a clear heart. She will not turn a cold ear to our despairing cry — Cec, Oh, Freddy ! You have such a delightfully liquid style. You'll be sure to move her. Let us find her at once. Mud. I fancy, if the legal aspects of the case are laid before her, she will at once consent to divide. Cec. Divide.? Divide what.? {To Daudle.] What does he mean ? Daud. [To Cecely] Never mind, dearest. Where's your sister.? [Aside to Muddle.] Don't be a fool and a lawyer, too. Cec. {Mov:s up.] She's taken her hat. I dare say she's in the garden. Let's go find her. The Triple Wedding. 21 Daud. {_To Cecely.] You mustn't mind what Clifton says. He has an acute legal mind, but he has no command of style. When we meet Clara, let me do the talking. [Exeunt all at hack. ] Enter Greenfield and Fogge Z. Traveling suits. Green. You understand my wishes in the matter .? Fog. Perfectly, sir. I accept your proofs that you are the son, and I admire your disposal of the property. The money is to be paid to the yomig lady according to the terms of my will. Green. My father s will. Fog. [Recovers himself.'] Oh, yes. To be sure. Your father's will. Slip of the tongue — that's all. And now you propose to let the money go by default to your cousin, just as though you had never been found. I de- clare, my boy, it does you credit. Your old father is — I mean w^ould be proud of you if he — well — well ! You mustn't mind the ravings of an old attorney whose heart has grown dusty among his legal papers. Green. [Looks off back.] Here comes my cousin now. [Moves to L. ivhile Fogge moves to R.] Enter Clara at hack. Comes quickly down to centre. Cla. [To Greenfield.] Oh, Mr. Greenfield ! I'm very glad you have come. I have important news for you. [To Fogge.] Good morning, sir. You, too, will be interested in the matter. I have one more clew about the lost child. Fog. Just the way ! A woman always finds something to upset the best laid plans. Have you found the poor little devil 1 Cla. No ; only his mother's grave. 22 The Triple Wedding. Green. [Surprised.''^ Her grave ! My mother ! [Trying to recover Jmnsel/.^ Excuse me. I was thinking of my own mother. Fog. [Aside.'] A worthy son. I can't stand this much longer. [Straightens himself up.] Steady in the ranks ! Cla. You know, I came up here because I learned from my father's papers that poor Uncle lived here at one time. Green. I'm glad you came. I was born in this village. Cla. Then you know the little cemetery on the hill. I found an old man at work there. He remembered my Aunt and took me to her grave, and here comes the strang- est part of all. It has just been marked with a new stone, put up, the man said, by a stranger only a few days ago. Her name is upon it freshly cut and with the date of her death. Fog. You don't imagine she has other friends or relatives living .? Cla. No ; I cannot think who could have done it. Per- haps the son is living. Oh ! That must be it ! The son has done it ! Green. The son knows nothing about it. Cla. Why not .? How do you know .? Fog. [Interposing, to Clara.] My dear Miss Sturgis, what you say seems strange, but no doubt it can be fully explained by and by. . At present we must attend to busi- ness and you can investigate the other matter. I must re- turn home in a few days and this affair of your Uncle's will must be wound up. Cla. Yes, yes, but that is not all. I searched the register in the Town Hall and I found — Green. [Excited.] What did you find.? Cla. The date of her marriage. [Greenfield sits by table overcome with emotion. Clara concerned.] Oh, Mr. Green- field, pardon me ! pardon me ! It was unkind in me to The Triple Wedding. 23 trouble you with these sad things. Of course, you sympathize with the poor woman. I am glad for the boy's sake that the doubt over his mother's name is cleared away. I feel now that I care more than ever for him Fog. {To Clara.] Never you mind him, Miss. It's a fearfully hot day, and on the way up we had — some lemon- ade — it always affects him. It flew to his head. He can't stand such things — the sugar was too strong. Green. {Rises with an effort. ] It is nothing serious. I am perfectly well. I am very happy now — more happy than ever before in my life. Come ! Where are your pretty sisters ? Call them both. We need their smiles upon our business meeting. Cla. {Moves up. ] They may be in the garden. I'll call them. [Exit at hack. ] Green. {To Fogge. ] You must pardon me, sir ; I never knew before that my mother was married. I never knew before where she slept. {Moves up. ] I must go and see the place. Fog. {Going a/ter him.] No, stay here. The vultures are gathered to the feast. The callow lawyer and the un- fledged author are coming. {Speaks off.] Welcome, my gentle lovers. I fear you will find two can play at that game. Green. How so.? Fog. {Aside to Greenfield.] What prevents you now from marrying Miss Clara.? Good, straightforward girl. Said she cared for the boy and you are the boy. Enter Clara, followed by Daudle a/td Cecely, a?id Muddle and Salome. Clara to centre. Daudle and Cecely to R. IMuDDLE and Salome to L. fust here the village clock outside strikes twelve. Fog. There she goes. Twelve o'clock— first day of 24 The Triple Weddirig. June and my duty's done. I'm glad you found your sis- ters, Miss Sturgis. We must have plenty of witnesses when the plot against your happiness is unfolded. Daud. [Aside.] What the devil does the fellow mean.? Fog. [Takes out papers.] The time is up and we will proceed to business. According to the terms of your Uncle's will, the money is now yours. [Daudle and Muddle secretly elated. Salome and Cecely openly pleased. ] Cla, Oh, no, no ! I cannot take it ; it belongs to my cousin. I shall some day find him, and then what can I say if I have spent his property } Fog. He would have no legal claim on you. I dare say the old savage guessed the boy would never be found. [Muddle nods approval. ] If he is anything like his father, he has made a fortune of his own by this time. Cla. [7l9 Greenfield. ] What do you think .? Shall I ever find him .? Green. It seems hopeless. I fear the boy will never be found. [Muddle and Daudle urge Salome and Cecely to go to Clara.] Sal. [Crosses to Clara.] Take it, deary. Why should you care for this unknown cousin ^ Cla. But I do care for him. I have thought of him day and night, and wished I might find him. Poor, forlorn little boy ! I have begun to love him. [Greenfield drops his handkerchief or cane with an exclamation, and Fogge coughs significantly.] Fog. [Aside.] Lucky dog ! [Cecely crosses to Clara, and urges her to take the money by signs.] Green, I think you may take the property. If ever your cousin should want money, you can help him to the full extent of your generosity. Cla. Then I will accept. Must I sign any papers.? Fog. [Off ej'ing papers.] Yes; sign here. [Clara s/^;2S papers and then moves up and speaks to her sisters. Daudle The Triple Wedding. 25 shaken hands with her and then crosses to L. near Muddle. Shakes hands with him. Fogge /o/ds up papers.'] Enter Servant, R. Ser. [Offers letter. '\ Telegram for Mr. Greenfield. [Gives it to Greenfield and theft Exit R. ] Green. [Reads telegram.] Oh ! this is too bad — too bad. Cla. What has happened, sir.? Have you lost anything ? Green. I was thinking of my work-people. There are over three hundred of them depending on my mill for a living. The mill was burned down last night. [To Fogge, aside. ] I suppose I must use a part of the money at once to help my workmen. Fog. [Surprised, aside to Greenfield.] Part of the money, sir.'' Green. [Aside to Yogge.] Why, yes. Part of my inheri- tance. I haven't a dollar now in the world. [Clara and sisters deepty concerned.] Daud. [Elated. J sz'g?^ /o Muddle. ] The fellow is pretty badly winged. Mud. I'm particularly glad of it. [Aside to T)\vdi.e.] Fog. [7(> Greenfield.] It is too late. She has signed the papers. She has your money. Tableau. Clara. Cec. Sal. Fog. Mud. Green. Daud. Curtain. 26 The Triple Wedding. ACT III. THE WEDDING. Scene : A Wedding Reception Room. Entrances, First Right and Left, and at Back. Piano, if Convenient. Rich Furniture. Time : Night. Curtain discovers Cecely and Salome dressed as brides. Song may he introduced here by one o/ the ladies if desired. Salome. [After song. Taking stage and admiring her dress.'] There is something perfectly deHcious in a train. Cecely, [Admiring her dress.] A little real satin goes a great way to make life endurable. Do you think that ridiculous lawyer from Australia will come ? Sal. I'm more concerned about Clifton. I've a haunt- ing suspicion he won't come. I'm sure if there is a time when a man is really wanted it is at his wedding. Cec. [Studying her dress.] Vm so glad the material will turn. It will make a good street dress a year from now, if poor Daudle's book should fail. Sal. Oh, I don't bother about money. Clara will take care of us. [Looks off R. ] Oh ! here come the grooms. Enter Daudle and Muddle, dressed as grooms, R. Daud. The occasion is auspicious. I hear some of the The Triple Wedding. 27 guests are beginning to arrive. I feel I ought to write a poem on it. Cec. {Takes his arm.'] No, sir ; none of your poems just now, if you please. You'll be mooning round the house, tearing your hair for a rhyme, and nobody will be able to find you. Marriage is prose, and you had better attend to me and let style go. Mud. {To Daudle.] She's got the law on you, my boy. Better keep quiet. Sal. [7b Muddle.] No special pleading just now. The judge is in the next room and the jury are beginning to assemble. You are up for sentence. Daud. Suppose we go and see the presents } Sal. Yes, do : I'm dying to see w^hat Clara means to give. She said it would be only paper. Mud. [Tb Salome. ] It's a check, my love. Nothing so soothing in the world as a good check. Sal. I'll have to check you, sir. Poor, dear Clara will be left here all forlorn and I do believe she will half beg- gar herself to help us. [Exeunt all L. , laughing and merry. ] Enter Fogge at R. Dress suit. Fog. {Solus.'] It's the toughest affair I ever got into. The boy would surrender all his property, and now he's dead in love with the girl and can't marry her because she's so rich — on his money. The wisdom of these young people is enough to turn a dry, old sugar-cane like me into molasses. {Looks off. ] Here comes one of the innocents now. Enter Clara, in evening dress, at hack. Cla. {Offering her hand. '\ This is an unexpected pleas- ure, Mr. Fogge. I thought you intended to sail for home 28 The Triple Wedding. a week ago. I'm g-lad to welcome you to our double wed- ding. Fog. Thanke, Miss. I'm happy to be here — that is, as happy as a man can be with bad — bad news. Cla. {Alarmed.] What has happened, sir.? Oh! you have news from the boy 1 Fog. You've said it. Plaguey rough, miserable news. The fact is, Miss Sturgis, I have found the boy. [Clara sits, overcome with alarm. ] Bear up, my dear young lady. You must bear up. I assure you the boy is not like his father. He is more concerned about you than you need be about him. Cla. Tell me about him. Is he poor.? Is he suf- fering for anything } Poor child. He need not fear me. Fog. Oh, I don't think he does. Cla. I will send a carriage for him as soon as the wed- ding is over. Poor boy. I hope he has good, warm clothes this cold weather. Fog. {Aside.^^ Poor little devil — in a dress suit. \^Direct.'\ I've an idea. Why not send for him now .? He's not far away, and I'm sure he would be greatly pleased to see his cousins married. Cla. {^Rises.'\ Yes, do. Take a carriage at once and bring him here. Bring him right to me. Oh, I am so glad we have found him ! Is he a bright boy — a hand- some, manly little fellow .? I feel I could take him right into my arms and kiss him. Fog. {^Aside.'] Just what the poor devil would like. [Direct.'] I'm sure, Miss, this does you the greatest credit. I'll go for the — the heir at once. We'll soon be here. [^Moves to R. ] Keep the supper warm for us. Cla. Everything shall wait till you return. Stay a moment. You know why I took the money. Tell him I shall return it all. Tell him 1 have searched for him and TJie Triple Wedding. 29 welcome him. Tell him — no, bring- him to me. I'll tell him all myself. Fog. That's the best way. He is a noble, generous fellow, and I really believe he loves you already. Cla. Oh, I'm very glad ! I shall love him dearly. Fog. \_Aside.\ I've done it this time. [Direci.] Ask the bridal parties to wait. It will do 'em good to meditate on the situation. [Exit Fogge, R.] Cla. [Solus.^ Poor girls ! I hope they will not be dis- appointed. yXakes out two checks.^ I'm very glad I did not give them the presents. The money rightfully belongs to the boy, and he shall have it. Sisters are all right. They have their husbands, and I can easily earn a living. \_Ptits checks into pocket. ] Enter Daudle a?id Cecely a7id Muddle and Salome at back, talking and laughing together. Cec. [To Clara.] Oh, Clara, the guests are arrivmg in crowds ! I never knew we had so many friends in the world. Sal. I'm sure when we lived in the Harlem flats not a soul ever came near us. Cla. I fear, dearies, we shall have to delay matters for a few moments. There is one guest who has not arrived, and we canot go on without him. Cec. [To Clara.] I'm sure, sister, we need not wait for Mr. Greenfield. Frederick says he never goes out now that he has lost his money. Cla. I do not expect Mr. Greenfield, though he has been invited to come. He is too busy earning an honest living. The expected guest is your cousin. Sal. [^Surprised. ] Oh, impossible ! Cec. [Startled.] Well, I never ! 30 The Triple Wedding. Daud. {^Alarmed. ] Not the lost child ? Cla. The lost boy and heir of all the property. Mud. I can't see how he can have the face to appear here. He hasn't a shadow of claim on the money. The servants should be instructed Cla. {^Interrupts him.'] The servants will welcome him, Mr. Muddle, whether he has a right to the money or not. He is my cousin, and I shall give him the money as soon as he asks for it. {To Salome.] Salome, come with me to the supper room. Everything must wait. [To Cecely.] Cecely, you and Mr. Daudle may remain here till we re- turn. [Exit Clara, followed by Salome and Muddle, both miserable, at back. ] Daud. Well, now. I — I — really, I don't see how we can go on. Cec. [Sharply.] What.? Daud. Now, Cecely Sturgis, you needn't take me up in that style. It's not my fault that the miserable wretch of a boy has been found. Cec. Why, who said it was.? He's my cousin, and I dare say he's a very good little boy. I dare say he knows better than to insinuate such dreadful things. Daud. I hardly know how to express myself under these trying circumstances. Cec. [Angry and beginning to cry.] For mercy's sake, Mr. Daudle, what are you talking about } It will soon be over, and you said only a few moments ago that you en- joyed being married. Daud. Oh ! bother style. Can't you see, Cecely, if this wretched child has been found, he will claim all the money, and Clara, like a fool Cec. [ Veiy angry. ] Like a what, sir } Daud. [Meekly.] Like a good girl, will give it to him, and then what shall we do .? The Triple Wedding. 31 Cec. Do ? Be married and go to housekeeping. Daud. Housekeeping ! Oh, Lord I I haven't a cent. I thought you — no — Clara — would do the handsome thing. Cec. You mean you can't support me, and you want to back out.'' Daud. [/« despair. \ That's it, Cecely. Cec. Well, sir, you cant back out. The minister is here and we must go on, if it kills us. [/// changed manner. ^^ Haven't you a single dollar in your pocket } Daud. Oh, of course I've got something. About two hundred dollars, to pay the minister and our wedding trip. Cec. Give the minister ten. I'll ask Clara to let us stay here to-night— I never did approve of wedding trips — and to-morrow we'll take what you have left and hire a cheap fiat up-town and get a few things. You can write for the papers and I keep house and do the marketing. Daud. \Pleased.'\ No, I'll do the marketing. Of course, we'll put out the washing. Cec. Yes, we'll put out the washing and I'll do the cooking and make the Daud. [^Embracing her. '\ Oh, Cecely, what a treasure you are ! How could I think of leaving you .? Cec. [Pushing him off and brushing dress. ^\^ Don't crush me. It's a lovely material, and I shall take off the trim- mings and use it for a street dress. It will turn beautifully, and I'll make it over for a house dress for next year. We can get a brass-mounted — oh, and I know where to get the kitchen things very cheap. Daud. [Kisses her.] We shall be very happy, my love. Cec. Oh, very — particularly if we get brass-finished — [Sees Salome entering.] Oh — 32 The Triple Wedding, Enter Salome, crying billerly, at hack, Sal. \Cryi7ig.'\ Oh! Oh! Cec. Mercy, Salome! What is the matter? Have you torn your dress ? Sal. Oh, Clifton says — says he— he can't — can't sup- port — can't support me ! Oh, dear ! Daud. This is infamous. You must appeal to the law, and sue him for breach of promise. Sal. Oh, no; I couldn't — I wouldn't submit it to a jury for the world. Enter Muddle, at back, disgusted. Cec. [To Daudle.] My love, let us go see Clara about that matter. [To Salome, J ^ Tell him you love him, you little goose. [Exeunt Cecely and Daudle R. ] Sal. [Sobbing, to Muddle.] You're a — mean-spirited thing, and I hate you. All you wanted was Clara's money. Mud. I confess, Miss Salome, I did hope Clara would do something. Sal. I think it would be more creditable if you did some- thing yourself. Mud. I'm not quite a fool, Salome. I can earn some- thing if I must; but [dejectedly] it will be very hard— very hard. Sal. Can't you give up cigars and your span and your club .? Mud. Oh, come now ! You're hard on a fellow. Sal. It's no harder on you than on me. I haven't a dollar, but I can work. I can make my own dresses and copy your law papers — do anything. Mud. [Earnestly.] Can you make plain cake .^^ The Triple Wedding. 33 Sal. I can make bread, sir. I can go without cake and be happy. Besides, I can broil a steak to a turn. Mud. [Kisses her.] What a treasure you are, my love ! I thought you wanted to board. Sal. I hate boarding. Housekeeping is much cheaper; besides, a boarding-house is horrid for children. Enter Cecely i?. Cec. Oh, Salome, the parlor is just packed. Clara says we must go to the library at once and be ready to go on. Oh, Mr. Muddle, Fred and I are going to housekeeping. Isn't it jolly ? Fred says he is twice a man already. Sal. [Takes Muddle's ar?ft.] Just what Clifton thinks. We don't care a penny for the money. Come, it's time to take the fatal leap, and good-bye to girlhood forever. [Exeunt a// R. ] Enter Clara at back. Cla. [Solus.] I am sick with apprehension. If the child should prove to be some half starved, ill bred youngster, I should die with mortification. [Looks at watch.] I hope they will come soon. I can't keep the people waiting much longer. Enter Greenfield in dress suit L . Green. [Offers hand to Clara.] Good evening, Miss Sturgis. I trust I am not too late } Cla. [Eagerly.] Oh, Mr. Greenfield, I'm very glad you have come. I have most important news. The boy has been found. Mr. Fogge is to bring him here. I have de- layed the wedding till he arrives. Green. [Quite cool] And how does the news affect you } Cla. Oh ! I do not care. I'm glad the trust is over. [Shows checks.] See, there are two checks, each for a 34 The Triple Wedding, third of.the property. I meant to give them to my sisters as a wedding present. Poor girls ! I'm sorry for them. {Gives him checks.'] You take them. Keep them for the boy. I want you to be his guardian. Green. [Takes checks.] I'd be dehghted to take care of the Httle fellow. I'm quite accustomed to that sort of thing. Cla. What are you doing now } It seems so long since we met. Green. [Twisting up checks.] Oh, I'm all right now. I've just come into a very good property. Cla. Why, take care; you'll ruin those checks, and they are valuable. Green. [Kisses checks.] Yes, quite precious; and I'm glad of it, for they enable me to say that I have long wished you to be my wife. I am no longer the waif from the asylum ! Cla. Oh, Monday ! you know I always loved you; only this wretched business came between us. Green. [Kisses her. ] No, it has brought us together. Enter Daudle a7id Salome and Cecely and Muddle R. Sal. [To Clara.] Really, Clara, we ought to go on. The people will wonder what is the matter. Cla. Presently, dearies. First I have to present you to my husband. [Presents Greenfield.] Mr. Greenfield, your brother, sisters. [The young people how rather indif- ferently to Greenfield.] Green. Wait a moment, I have a duty to the brides. [Gives each a check.] There's a trifle from your sister to help you in setting up housekeeping. Daud, [To Greenfield.] I hardly know in what style to thank you, sir. Green. Oh, never mind style. A man who means busi- ness makes his own style. The Triple Wedding. 35 Mud. [71? Greenfield.] The legal complications of the case make it difficult for me — for me to — Green. I suppose your marriage certificate is sealed, my boy } Mud. Signed and sealed with love, sir. Green. Well turned, my son. You're more of a man than a lawyer. [During all this Clara has observed Green- field with increasing surprise. Conies to centre and takes his arm. J Cla. What does this mean, Monday .? Why have you given my cousin's money to my sisters .? Green. My love, that is all right. Do you not yet under- stand .? Cla. {^Breaks away from him and 7noves to L.^ No, no; I do not understand. Mr. Fogge told me the boy had been found. Green. The boy ! The boy has been found.? Cla. Certainly. My cousin. My uncle's son. Mr. Fogge has found the child and has gone to get him and bring him to me. Green. {^Surprised.'] Is it possible there is some mis- take.? Why, Clara — cousin — wife, I am the boy. [Muddle and Daudle laugh insolently, but are checked by Cecely and Salome.] Cla, [Surprised.'] You! Why, it's a boy. He is coming herein a moment. [Looks off L.] Here is Mr. Fogge now with the dear child. Enter Fogge Z. Cla. [7b Fogge.] Where is the child — my cousin.? Why have you not brought him.? Fogge. I have. He's here. All. Here! Fogge. Why, yes. He's certainly in the house some- where. What's the trouble.? 36 The Triple Wedding, Green. Trouble enough, sir. You say you have found the child. Then, who am I.? And who are you, sir.? What evidence have we that you ever saw my father 1 Perhaps you are only his pard and accomplice. I wish you were my father himself, that I might strike you dead with my righteous indignation. Why did your client aban- don my mother.? [Fogge is silent.^ Why don't you speak, man .? What have you to say for yourself in this miserable business .? Fogge. I think the property is pretty good credentials. Green. What is the good of the property if it leaves me the son of a waif without name or reputation } Cla. \_To Greenfield.] Monday ! You know I love you. It makes no difference to my heart who you are. Fogge. My son ! Green. Don't call me your son. I am no son of yours. I have no father; I utterly repudiate him. Fogge. {^Slowly pidls off wig7\ My son ! My punish- ment is greater than I can bear. Forgive me ! {Takes out paper.'] Here is your mother's marriage certificate. I am your father. Cla. {Suddenly embracing Fogge and puiling one arm around his neck. ] Uncle ! Uncle Edward ! Fogge. [ With one arm around her and extending the other hand to Greenfield. 7<9 Clara.] There! there, deary! I know all about it. I congratulate you both with ail my dusty old heart. 'Pears to me I was asked to a double wedding. Why not make it a triple event.? [To Green- field. ] Permit me to present my niece — -your wife. Tableau. Fogge. Green. Clara Salome. Cecely. Daudle. Muddle. Curtain. THE ETHIOPIAN DRAMA. t Robert Make-Ain. ■ Box and Cox. 3 Mazeppa. 4 United States Mail. 5 The Coopers. 6 Old Dad's Cabin. 7 The Rival Lovers. 8 The Sham Doctor. 9 Jolly Millers. 10 Villikins and bis Dinah. 1 1 The Quack Doctor. It The Mystic Spell. 13 The Black Statue. 14 Uncle Jeff, 15 The Mischievous Nigger, 16 The Black Shoemaker. 17 The Magic Penny, z8 The Wreck, 19 Oh, Hush ; or, The Vir- ginny Cupids, to The Portrait Painter, 31 The Hop of Fashion. 33 Bone Squash, 33 The Virginia Mummy. 24 Thieves at the Mill, as Comedy of Errors. 26 Les Miserables. 27 New Year's Calls. 38 Troublesome Servant. 99 Great Arrival. 30 Rooms to Let. 31 Black Crook Burlesque. 33 Ticket Taker. 33 Hypochondriac. 34 William TeU. 35 Rose Dale. 36 Feast. 37 Fenian Spy. 38 Jack's the Lad. 39 Othello. PRICE 15 CENTS BACH 40 Camille. 41 Nobody's Son. 43 Sports on a Lark. 43 Actor and Singer. 44 Shylock. 45 Quarrelsome Serraots. 46 Haunted House. 47 No Cure, No Pay, 48 Fighting for the Union. 49 Hamlet the Dainty. 50 Corsican Twins. 51 Deaf— in a Horn. 53 Challenge Dance. 53 De Trouble begins at Nine. 54 Scenes at Gurney'i, 55 16,000 Years Ago, 56 Stage-struck Darkey. 57 Black Mail. 58 Highest Price for Old Clothes. 59 Howls from the Owl Train. 60 Old Hunks. 61 The Three Black Smiths. 62 Turkeys in Season. 63 Juba. 64 A Night wid Bruddcr Bones. 65 Dixie. 66 King Cuffee, 67 Old Zip Coon. 68 Cooney in de HoUow. 69 Porgy Joe. 70 Gallus Jake. 71 De Coon Hunt. 7a Don Cato, 73 Sambo's Return. 74 Under de Kerosene. 75 Mysterious Stranger. THE AMATEUR AND VARIETY STAGE Dr 7« De Debbil and Faustum. 77 De Old Gum Game. 78 Hunk's Wedding Day. 79 De Octoroon. 80 De Old Kentucky Homa 81 Lucinda's Wedding. 82 Mum bo Jum. 83 De Creole Ball, 8 Mishaps of Caesar CnMB. 85 Pete's Luck. 86 Pete and E^hraim. 87 Jube Hawkins. 88 De Darkey's Dream. 89 Chris. Johnson. 90 Scippio Afncanus. 91 De Ghost ob B«o« Squash, 92 De Darkey Tragedian. 93 Possum Fat. 94 Dat Same Ole Cooa. 95 Popsey Dean, 96 De Rival Mokes. 97 Uncle Tom. 98 Desdemonum. 99 Up Head, leo De Maid ob ds Hitak- puncas. loi De Trail ob Blood. 103 De Debbil and Maiden. 103 De Cream ob Tenors 104 Old Uncle Billy. 105 An Elephant on loe. 106 A Manager in a Fix. 107 Bones at a Raffle. io3 Aunty chloe. 109 Dancing Mad. no Julianna Johnson. Ill An Unhappy Pair. de Afloat and Ashore, Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. All's Fair in Love and War, Bad Temper, A Babes in the Wood, The Blue -Beard; or, Female Curiosity, Caught in his own Toils. Closing of the " Eagle." Dark Deeds. Eligible Situation, An Fairy Freaks. Fireside Diplomacy. Frog Prince, The Furnished Apartments. Girls of the Period, The Happy Dispatch, The Harlequin Little Red Riding Hood. Harvest Storm, The His First Brief, Ingomar (Burlesque). Jack, the Giant-Killer, Last Drop, The PRICE 15 CENTS EACH Katherine and Petruchio (Burlesque). Last Lilly, The Little Red Riding Hood. Little Silver Hair and the Three Bears. Love (Burlesque). Loves of Little Bo-Peep ind Little Boy, The Lyrical Lover, A Marry in Haste and Repent at Leisure. Matched, But Not Mated. Maud's Command, Medical Man, A Mischievous Bob. Monsieur Pierre. Mothers and Fathers. Out of the Depths. Penelope Ann. Pet Lamb, The Poisoned Darkies, The Result of a Nap, The Robin Hood ; or. The Merry Men of Sherwood Forest. Slighted Treasures, Three Temptations, Th« Tragedy Transmogrified, Two Gentlemen at Mivart's* Virtue Victorious. Wearing of the Green. Wine Cup, The Women's Rights. Wrong Battle, The VARIETY. All in der Family. Big Bananna, The Decree of Divorce, The Dot Mad Tog. Dot Quied Lotchings, Dot Matrimonial Advertis*- ment. Gay Old Man am I, A Leedle Misdake A Mad Astronomer, A Lonely Pollywog of the Mill Pond, The Mulcahy's Cat. Ould Man's Coat Tails, Tiie Spelling Match, The A ny of the above will he sent by mail on receipt o/theprice^ by P. O. Box 3410. HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, Succewor to Koobb^ch k Cokp^nt. C Murray Street, New Yprk, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS BY FORCE OF A. Drama in Kive^ Acxs Price7^^c„.1016 211 435 9 Nine male, three female characters, viz.: Leading and Second Juvenile Men, Old Man, Genteel Villain, Walking Gentleman, First and Second Light Comedians, Heavy Character, Low Comedian, Leading and Second Juvenile Ladies and Comic Old Maid. Time of playing, Two hours and a half. SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. Act L Love vs. Impulse.— D oiler- clutch's office. — A fruitless journey, a keap of accumulated business and a chapter of unparalleled impudence.— News from the front. — A poor girl's trouble and a lawyer's big heart. — Hil- da's sad story. — " I '11 see this thing through if it costs me a fortune ! " — A sudden departure in search of a clue. — The meeting of friends. — One of nature's noblemen. — Maitland betrays his secret by a slip of the tongue. — The ball at ifeeachwood. — Two spooneys.f resh from college.lose their heads and their hearts. — "Squashed, by Jupiter ! '—Trusting innocence and polished villainy. — The interrupted tryst. — An honest man's avowal. — A picture of charming simpli- city. — Murdell and Hilda meet face to face. — "I dare you to make another victim !" — ^A scoundrel's discomfiture. — Tableau. ActIL The Separation. — ^The Mait- land homestead. — Anastasia's doubts. — A warm welcome and its icy reception. — Forebodings and doubts. — Father and son . — Searching questions. —A domestic storm and a parent's command. — A foiled villain's wrath. — Enlisting for the war. — The collapse of the cowards. — " It 's no use, 'Dolphy, the jig 's up !" — Hilda's sympathy and Adrienne's silent despair. — The result of impulse. — The father pleads for his son.— Anastasia and Dolierclutch. — Coriolanus comes to grief. — Gobd and bad news. — Husband and wife.— Reginald demands an ex- planation. — A hand without a heart. — The separation. — A new recruit. — Too late; the roll is signed. — Tableau. Act III. Duty vs. Impulse.— Four vears later. — A camp in the army. — Longings. — "Only six miles from home!" — The skeleton in the closet. — A father's yearning for his child. — A woman-hater in love. — DoUerclutch's dream. — A picture of camp life and fun. — Coriolanus has his revenge. — News from home. — Dolierclutch makes a big find. "Eureka!" — Proofs of Hilda's parentage and marriage. — A happy old lawyer. — "I '11 take them to Hilda ! " — Detailed for duty. — A soldier's tempta- tion. — ^The sentinel deserts his post. — The snake in the grass. — "At last, I caa humble his pride ! " Act IV. The Reconciliation and Sequel.— At Reginald's home. — News from the army. — " Grant is not the man to acknowledge defeat !" — Adrienne and Hilda. — False pride is broken. — The re- conciliation. — " Will Reginald forgive me?" — Dolierclutch brings joy to Hil- da's heart. — "You are the daughter of Morris Maitland !" — The stolen docu- ments and the snake in the grass. — "Hang me if I don't see this thing through !"— A letter to the absent one. — Face to face. — The barrier of pride swept dowli. — "Reginald, I love you; come back!"— The happy reunion.— An ominous cloud.— "I have deserted my post ; the penalty is death. I must re- turn ere my absence is discovered !" — The wolf in the sheepfold. — A \ri\j tempter foiled. — A villain's rage. — " Those words have sealed your doom !" — The murder and the escape. — Dolierclutch arrives too late. — The pur- suit. Act V. Divine Impulse. — In camp. — Maitland on duty. — The charge of de- sertion and the examination. — "I knew not what I did !" — The colonel's lenity. — Disgrace. — News of Adrienne's murder is Drought to camp. — Circumstantial evidence fastens the murder iipon Reg- inald. — The court-martial. — Convicted and sentenced to be shot. — Preparations for the execution. — ' God knows I am innocent ! " — Dolierclutch arrives in the nick of time.— t" If you shoot that man you commit murder!" — The beginning of the end. — "Adrienne lives!" — A vil- lain's terror. — Adrienne appears on the scene. — " There is the attempted assas- sin !" — Divine impulse. — The reward of innocence and the punishment of vil- lainy. — Good news. — " Hurrah, the war is over; Lee has surrendered to Grant!" — The happy denouement and^nalg. — Tableau. Copies mailed, post-paid, to any address on receipt of the advertised price. HAROLD ROORBACH, Piablisher, 9 mURRAY ST., PfHliV YORK. >? 7 .^.