635 9 495 rUlCE, 15 CENJ8 PER COPY. 1 s^nooBmw^-n»n^ ''^ I AMES' SERIES OF ;i^ ^ — ^ STANDARD AND MINOR DRAMA. m NO. 121. ^ XH THE ^; WILL-O'-THE-WISP &•^ s WITH CAST OK CKARACTKRP, KVTBANCKS, A\l) KXITS. RF.LATIVE POSITfON'S OK THK PKRFOUMKllS ON THK STaOK, MKSCK 1 1'TloN i.f^ COS- TUMES, AND THK WHOt.B OK THK STA-4 7:5 20 lio ,0J 89 8 98 1,3 86 14 22 84 4!) 72 19 42 60 27 13 117 50 24 6' 1.6 52 17 103 76 74 3o 26 47 95 77 11 99 82 9 3 10 I 106 46 91 ■36 88 H4 PRICE FIFTEEN CENTS EACH-CATALOGUES FREE, — * i r» A Capital Match, farce, 1 act. by J. M. Morton „„ .... A Day Well Spent, fitrce. 1 ac, by John Oxenford A Dc^poraU' Game, comic drama, 1 act, by .Morton Adrili. temperance drama, 3 acts, by W. Babcock, M. D Alarmingly Si\spicioiis, comedie ta, 1 act, J. P. Simpson \ Liti''ri Koveiige. drama, 3 acts, by W. E. Snter An Aw.ul criminal, larce. 1 act, by J. I algrave Simpson All lliihaiJ'.iv Pair, ethiopian larce. 1 act, by G. W. H. 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Somers-t 1^" Catalogue continued on next page of cover, ..^ m.T. 3 a 7 5 3 2 6 4 4 3 7 5 3 3 5 3 '6 4 6 3 3 1 5 4 1 1) 2 3 8 1 2 1 1 1 3 1 •4 2 3 3 7 5 3 1 7 1 3 2 13 3 7 8 11 2 2 2 4 2 1 3 1 1 3 1 4 2 11 8 1; 8 5 4 7 ii 2 1 3 2 4 3 5 2 9 4 3 5 3 2 I 5 3 4 3 1 I 4 5 2 (t 3 i 2 a WILL-O'-THE-WISP ; > OR THE SHOT IN THE DARK. A COMEDY DRAMA, IlSr THREE ACTS, Translated and dramatized from Alexander Dumas'' celebrated novels entitled ^'Mattien,^^ By T.^YF. HANSHEW, Author of The Forty Niners, The Tiger Hunter, Follie Farlne, The DeviVs Daughter, Ariadne, Oath Bound, Out of the Grave, Nana, My Uncle, Emotions, Leadville, The White Eat, A Wrecked Life, The Young Detective, Black Mask, Clique D' Or, Frozen Heart, &c., &c. With Cast of Characters, Description of Costumes, Entrances and Exits, Eelative position of the performers on the stage, and the whole of the stage business carefully L/ marked from the author's original 3 / manuscript. Entered according to act of Congress in the year ISS^, by A, D. AMES, in the office of the Libarian of Congress, at Washington. I ' CLYDEj OHIO! A. D. AMES, PUBLISHER. ' ■■ AY' WILL-O'-THE-WISP. Cast of Characters as given at the first production at the National Theatre Coauque, Cincinnati, Ohio, under the management of Mr, Nat Hjams, Monday, December 18th, 1876. Mattien, {The Will- 0' - The- Wisp) Mr. T. W. Hanshew Bernard Watrin, (Honest) Mr. RoUin Howard Jrancois D'Lorme, (True) Mr. Walter Fletcher Father Guillaume, {Faithful} Mr. James Coleman Martin Eaison, {False^i Mr. J. D. Wood Louis Chollet, 'Fickle') Mr. Walter Vaughan Abbe Gregoire, (Pious) Mr. T. J. Haley Melchair, (Hungry) Mr. Geo. A. Beane Eobinean, (Lazy) Mr. W. Wyley Florine Diano, (Pure) Miss Imogene Hyams Dame Marienne, (Obstijiate) Miss Florence Webster DameThellier, [^Devoted) Mrs. Antonio Babet Luvois, (Loving) Miss Fannie Beane Gen. D^armes, peasants, etc. ACT I.— The Serpent on the Hearth. ACT II. —Deceit. ACT III.— Justice. Time about 2 hours. SYNOPSIS. ACT I. — The Serpent ©n the Hearth — Mattien the Hunchbaci-- -The mark- ed bullet — The letter — Revenge — Florine— The meeting of the Rivals — The Abbe's mission — **She ie a Heretic" — The quarrel — "Begone" — The threat —DRIVEN FROM HOME ! ACT II. — Deceit — The false message — Ghollet trapped — The revenge of the Will-O'-The-Wisp— Blow for Blew— Bernard— The Outcast— Mattien at work again — Chellet — Gold — Nine o'clock — Florine — The trap — Bernard's resolve — Alone — "I cannot be an assassin" — The flight — Will-O'-The-Wisp —The gun— THE SHOT IN THE DARK ! ACT III.— Justice— The offer— "I refuse"- The cry— Murder— The tale of Blood — Francois on the tpail — Bernard — The question — "Father, I am in- nocent" — Away to prison — Francois on time— The trail — The murder done with a marked bullet — The story— "I saw him mark it this morning" — The gold — Step by Step — The true story of the crime — Light ; dawning — The self accused assassin — The leap — The confession — Shadow of Death — Justice at last— HAPPY DENOUEMENT. WILL-0'-THE-WIBP. COSTUMES. Mattien. — Ragged blue blouse, torn so as to show bare arms. Tattered dark browu knee-breeches, coarse blue stockings, odd shoes, hump on back legs padded out of shape, the right one being dragged, {paralyzed) Com- plexion verv sallow, freckles on cheeks, wax (black) over front teeth in up- per jaw to represent them as missing. Little tuft of red hair on chin, red wig straggling on shoulders. Head bound up with a scarlet kerchief, which is knotted at back, where two turkey feathers are stuck. No hat. Collar of shirt torn open, showing bare bosom. Voice pitched in a falsetto key. Bernard. — Dark green forester's suit fringed with black, blouse with black belt, shot and powder pouches. Gauntlets, high boots, dark wig and mtts* tache. Francois. — Same. Light wig and beard. Guillaume. — Same. Grey wig and beard. A bbe Gregoire. — Bald wig with fringe of white hair. Blac k domino belted in at waist. Staff, rosary, hat, etc. Louis Chollet. — ACT I. — "White satin knee breeches, blue plush square-cut coal and vest embroidered in silver, jeweled buckles on low black shoea. Hat to match. ACT II. — Black velvet square-cut coat high boots, whip* gaunt'ets. Hat to match. Melchair. — Same as Bernard. Robinean. — Ditto. ' Florine. — ACT I. Jaunty dark traveling suit of the period. ACT II and III. — Plain white merino dress, long trail; blonde wig, etc* Mother Marienne. — Bright figured gown, white kerchief over shoulders^ grey hair, dress short, low shoes, Normandy cap, etc. Dame Thellier. — Same style, only black j white hair. Babet Luvois. — French peasant's dreaa of bright colors^ Iformandj cap^ etc. Gen. D^Armes. — Regulation dress, I^easants. — Ditto. The Will-o'-The-WisD. ACT I. SCENE FIRST.— Interior of GuiHauvie'' s coiiaqe— fourth groovea— 5 ^*^' Door in l. j/iat practicable.— ^re-place R. 2 e.— Window h. 2 K.—practtcable. Table r. with cloth, bottle, and glasses upon it— Neatly furnished tabode of a French villager. Two guns leaning against fire-place— one double barruea. Melchair discovered back of table, r. Melch. {gaping and stretching) ) I'm dying of hunger and for a drink as well, Which is greatest to be wished for, I can't tell. Its five o'clock, I'm first risen, and though by stealth, I'll commence the day wishing my jolly good health {drinlCB I've not eaten a morsel since twelve last night, When caught by Babet, and had such a fright, I thought Father Guillaume had me by the ear — When I saw 'twas sweet Babet, it drove away fear. I was at the turkey, and at once exclaimed, {extravantly Boil'd turkey c;ormand3 know of course, Is exquisite with caper sauce. Francois, {without D. P.) Ho I within there ; Father Guillaume ! Father Guillaume ! • Melchair. (r) I'll get "Father Guillaume," if I'mcaught near that bottle. {hurriedly arranges table and makes extravagant exit L. 1 B. ; Francois. {wit?tout) Father Guillaume, wake up, are you deaf? Open the door ! GuUU {without, E.) Coming, coming. Enter GuMlaume, r. 1 e, crosses to door in flat, Francois, {without) Good-day, Father Guillaume, open the doorj 'tis I. Gailt. Oh, it is you Francois? Ill open the door. F ancois. {without) B-r-r-row 1 It's cold. Guill. {opening door) There now. Come in. Ell ter Francois, n. p. — gun over shoulder, crosses to flre-place, and puts gun against flat c. Enter Melchair with fir&wood L. 1 s., crosses to flre-place, and fixes fire noiselessly. Guill. {to Melchair) Betire. Melchair. Oh I {exit l. 1 a. Guill. ISlow's the time to say a word about the boar, which to-day we hunt. Mattien throws Open window, l. 2 e., and leaps into the room, Francois. Well, this time 1 think we have him. Mattien (o.) Yes, just as you had the last ; ha ha, ha I WILL-O'-THE-WISP* ^uiir^'^' 1 ^*^^^ surprised) Mattiea 1 Mattien. Good day to you both, hal ha I ha! {waddles to Jire-plaet and squats by it) So, you had faim, eh ? just as you had the last? Francois. Oh! that was a diffierent thing, Guill. Where is this creature, this boar? Mattien. In the salt- tub probably, since Francois says he has him. (a. Francois. About a quarter of a mile off, iu the thicket, near the field of Mantant. Guill. Is it a strange boar or one of the old ones ? Francois, (l. c.) 'Tis the one, I encountered the other day ; you re- member, I shot him in the shoulder. The ball did not penetrate the flesh, but remained under the skin, in the fat. It is getting well now and begin- ning to itch, for he scratched himself against some of the trees, and on thera left some bristles and blood. Guill. (o.) Ah ! ray boy, I begin to think we shall have him; {rubbing his hands) Ah I Mattien do you hear this ? Francois could tell ua if a weasel crossed his path, or a squirrel ran up a tree. Mattien. (r) What care I if he can? What use would all this be to me ? You know 1 can't hit an owl at ten paces 1 Guill. Francois, I'll stroll as far as the thicket, but will return shortly. {exit door in^fidt Music — Mattien rises, runs to d. f ., places his ear to the crack, and then at t satisfizd, he rises, crosses to table, a., jumps upon it raises the bottle to hit ips and drains it, Mittien. (a) And to think the stingy old hunks aerer offered lue a drop Francois, (l. 0. ) What are you doing there? Ristily Mattien springs from the table, goes to the Jire-plaee, sits beside it, and begins to sing. Francois. What are you singing for ? Mutien. Why, mayn't I sing? Is that against the law? If it is, Whj don't the Mayor say so ? Fra?icois. Law or no law — I can't endure it ! Mattiin. He! he! he I Why not? Francois. Because it's a bad omen, if the first thing a man sees in the night is a Will-o'-the-Wiap, or the first bird one hears sing in the mora- ing is a screech owl. Mattien. Do you mean to say, I sing like a screech owl ? {Francois turn$) Well, 1 don't care if I do. Hal ha! ha! Francois. Be quiet ! Mattien. Yes, suppose I've something to tell you, what then ? Francois. I haven't time to hear it. Come, do me a favor. Mattien A favor? He! he ! he ! Francois. Do you think you cannot? Mattien. Dunno ! Never tried. What do you want me to do? Francois. Hold my gun before the fire, that it may dry ; as it is WO* from the morning dew. Mattien. Bah ! 'twill not rust, nor fall to pieces. Francois. Do you refuse? Mattien. Will ru3t spoil Monsieur Francois' aim? Francois. No. But the inspector will be around to-day and I want it to look all right. Will you hold the gun? Mattien. No, I won't ! May I be crushed like a worm if ever I touch ft gun again ! •. i. • Francois. Well, it will be no great loss if you never do, by thespeciment you have given of your skill. Mattien. If ever I have need to make use of one for myself Monaieor Francois, vou shall see how I do it ! Francois. I don't think you'll get anything by your shooting. « WILL-O'-THE-WISP. Mattien. No, that's just it ; PatheT Guillaume wants to put me amongst the supernumerary game keepers for a year or two; but I don't like it, because I'd have to work for nothing. I'd rather go and be a seryant at the Mayor's. Francois. What, with Monsieur Raison ? Mattien. Isn't Monsieur Raison the Mayor? Francois. Of course he is, fool I Mattien. Oh, now you're angry ; he! he! hel Francois. Angry I !NotIj I was ooly thinking what would bee(Hne ot
Bernard. Bernard, (c. l.) You are -welcome, holy father, but, may I ask what brought you here, Abbe? Abbe, (r.) Certainly; I only came here to see your father. Bernard, {quickly) Have you seen him yet ? Abbe. Not yet. Bernard. Monsieur L'Abbe, you are always welcome here, but, doubly 80 to-day. I suppose I ought to make a fine speech to you, but it is not my way; I prefer to tell things in a few words. 1 am going to be marriedto Plorine. Abbe. So you love Florine, my boy? Bernard. More than I can tell ! Abbe. And you my dear? Do you love Bernard? Florine. With all my heart 1 Abbe. But, my children, this confession should be made to your parents before it is nciade to me, Bernard. Certainly ,• but you are my father's friend, and what is more, my mothers confessor. We want you to speak to them and get their con- sent, and make two hearts happy. See, here come my father, so now you «an begin ; while Florine and I will go and sing your praises under the forest trees. Come, darling! {exit Florine and Bernard, D. in v. Abbe, [e.] Oh, these children! These children I Enter Guillaurne, l. 1 b. Guill. [l.] Why Abbe, you here? Indeed I'm glad to see you. Abbe. Guillaurne, I have a petition to make to you. Bernard wants to marry. Guill. Bernard? Well, he has my consent to marry whom he pleases, ©yen his grandmother I But who is the girl? Abbe. Florine. Guill. Do you really mean to say they love each other ? Abbe. Yes; do you consent? Guill. With all my heart! But stop a bit, what about the dame? She must be spoken to, it can't be helped ! I'll send her to you, you can man- age her better on that point than I. {exit, l. 1 k. Enter Marianne, L. 1 k.' Marienne. [l.] Oh, Monsieur L'Abbe, if I had known you were here, I shouldn't have waited to be called, I warrant you. Abbe, [r.] I sent for you, dame, that you might give me your opinion upon a most important subject, Bernard wants to marry. Marienne. And whom? Abbe. Florine. Marienne. My Bernard marry a heretic ? Never 1 Oh, Monsieur L'Abbe, you admit of such a marriage? Abbe. Certainly. Marienne. Then allow me to say, 1 think it better to oppose it I . Abbe. Is she not good, pious and modest ? Marienne. Yes, Abbe. Thein I entreat you to reflect. Marienne. Never ! {Guillaurne peeps in L. 1 B. Guill. Has the old fool come 'round yet? Marienne. Bernard! Bernard! You shall never marry a heretic with my consent I Guillaurne {advancing, L.J You hear what she says, Abbe? Abbe. Have patience, Guillaurne — have patience. Guill. [l.] Patience! I wouldn't give a charge of gun powder for -*■ man who would have patience with such a woman! [crosses, B. WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 13 Abbe. [c. R.] She has an exoelleut heart, she will consent soon. Guill. [r.] Now listen to me, Monsieur L' Abbe. If she obstinately pre- siets in her nonsense, and don't consent soon, I swear to you that^ though we have lived together twenty-six years, I'll separate from her, and we shall finish our days apart. Marienne. [^bursting into tears] What does he mean, Monsieur L'Abbe? Abbe. [c. R.] Guillaume, Guillaume ! Guill. [r.] What I say, I'll do! She shall see how obstinate^ I can be 1 Marienne. [l.] Oh ! Bernard my son, what shall I do, what shall 1 do? \weepi Quill. \Ti.f furiously] Did you ever see such a woman ? Enter Bernard, d. in f., comes down o. Albe. [R. c] Hush ! Bernard, [c] Well, dear father- Marienne. [turning 07i him] What do you want ? Nobody sent for you. Bernard, [c] But I have hoped Marienne. [l.] You had no business to hope! I'll not have you inter- fere in this affair I Bernard, [c] What does it all mean, my father ? Mother is weeping,, the Abbe is grave, and even you have tears in your eyes. Abbe. [r. c] Silence, Bernard ! Marienne. (l.) I warn you, Bernard, to get out of my sight I You shall not marry Florine with my consent. Bernard, (c.) Ah ! I see it all now. Marienne. (l.) Do you hear me? Go! Bernard, (c.) I am going, {goes up and pauses at door) But I give you fair warning I will marry Florine in spite of you all. I am twenty-two years of age, and have the consent of the law, if I have not that of my par- ents I I am beyond their control, and I'll prove it! Quill, [furiously) Do you appeal from your parents to the law, sirrah ? Let me get at him ! He is about to rush upon Bernard, when the Abbe grasps his arm and stay & him. Marienne utters a piercing cry and rushing to c, falls on her knees before Guillaume, and raising her hands to his breast, holds him back. Mattien appears at the window, h., Bernard stands defiantly in the door- way. Mattien. (l.) Hal ha I ha! Monsieur Bernard, you do not yet com- prehend the power of the Will-O'-The-Wisp ! PICTURE — QUICK DROP. ACT 11. SCENE FIRST.— A toood in 1st grooves. Enter Florine, r. 1 e. Florine. What does it all mean? Dame Marienne is weeping in the kitchen, Father Guillaume is storming in the parlor, and Bernard has gone off into the forest ! Will any one explain it ? Enter Mattien, l. 1 b. Mattien, Yes; I will explain it, Mademoiselle Florine, with your per- mission. Florine. Mattien, where is Bernard? Why did he go away? Mattien. Because his father turned him out of the house. Flor%ne. Turned him out of the house ? What for? Mattien. Because he wanted to marry you. I was under the window and heard all 1 14 WILL-O'-THE-WISP. Florine. Poor Ben ard ! Mattien. Yes ; and 'twaa all for your sake. Wouldn't you like to see ilim again; just to prevent him doing himself a mischief? Florine. I would give the world to see him. But how can I ? Mattien. He will wait for you this evening — at least, that is what I was ■told to tell you. Florine. Did he tell you ? Mattien. Yes; he said you were to come to the Prince's Fountain to meet him there. Florine. At what time ? Mattien. ISTine o'clock to-night. Florine. I shall not fail. Mattien. Mattien. Mind you don't ; for it would fall heavily on me if you did I Florine. Heaven reward you, Mattien ! Farewell! {exit, Florine, r. 1 v. Mattien. I hope it will ; and somebody else, too. {calling, h.) Monsieur €hoilet I Monsieur Chollet I Enter Louis Chollet, l. 1 B. Chollet. {eaqer'y) Well ? Mattien. All right ; all right! The young ranger has got himself into a pretty fix ; and Florine is heartily sick of him already. Besides, she re- grets Paris. Chollet. Well, what am I to do now? Mattien. Will vou do as I tell you? Chollet. Of course I will. ' _ Mattien. Be off then to the Fete of Corey, fill your pockets with gold ; at eight o'clock be at the dance, and at nine — Chollet. {eagerly) Well, at nine? Goon! Mattien. Florine will meet you at the Prince's Fountain. Chollet. She consents then to go with me? Mattien. It looks very mnch like it. Ha 1 ha I ha ! Chollet. Mattien, if you have told me the truth you shall have twenty- five louis d'or for your pains! (crosses and exit, r. 1 k. Mattien. {solus) Twenty-five louis d'or is a nice little sum without reckoning the cost of avenging one's self! So, Monsieur Bernard, I'm an ugly screech owl, am I ? But remember this. Monsieur, the screech owl can use Its talons, and the Will-O'-The-Wisp lure even unto death ! • {exit, laughing, h. 1 b.- — change ■SCEKF SECOND— Exterior of a Village Inn. Set Inn, r. 3 k., with door practicable. Large set tree, R. 1 e. Set tree c, with elects up the trunk, facing audience. Bet rock with platform and steps, c, in front of tree. Ta- bles and chairs, k. and L. Guests seated at tables ; at rise of curtain Dame TTiellier and Babet running about serving them, Mattien laying on rack, c, -Antoine, BobineaUf Melchair, {who is drunk) seated at table, h. Guests slowly exit. Robinean. (l.) By the way, Melchair, how did you get on with your lawsuit with Lafarge? Melchair. [l.] With Lafarge— (Aic)— the barber ? I lost it I Robinean. What made you lose it ? Melchair. 'Cause— (Aic)— they gave it against rae— [AicJ— I didn't hurt the man. Robinean. Spoiled his nose, that was all. Melchair. I deny— [Ai'c]— that it is a nose — \hic\ — it's a handle I Robinean. Tell us your story, Melchair. Melchair. Cer— [/tic] — tainly ! I'm a poor innocent, respectable — [Ate]— I mean cobbler, with only one child and — [Azc] — three wives! Robinean. What ? WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 1| Melchair. I mean one wife and — [hie] — three children! Robinean. Why, awhile ago you told us you were not marriedt Melchair. How — [hie] — long ago Avas that? Rohinean. About an hour. Melchair. Well, — \htc] — ain't that time enough to get — {hic\ — a wife, '—\Jiic] — now a days? Robinean. Yes, but the child. Melchair. Why,— [/iic]— you fool, I must — [Aic]— have married a widow t Robinean. But to the story. Melchair. Well ; one night— [Ate]— I and the barber went — [Aic]— out for a strool. As we were going along the road, we stumbled — [hicl — over a stone, and in order — [Avj]— to save myself, 1 stretched out my — [hie] — hand and caught the — 7ac] — barber's nose. But as the skin was not of the best — [hie] — kind out of it popped — [hie] — the barber's nose, and over went his — [hie] — body like a fifty pounder. — [hie] — And that gen'lemen is my story I Mattien. (c) I say, Robinean, didn't you say you wanted to see tho inspector of the domain ? ha ! ha I Robinean. (l. ) No my lad. But why did you ask? Mattien. Only because I see him coming this way. Hal ha! Robifiean. Coming this way, phew I Come Antoine let's be off, he mustn't see us here. {exit Robinean and Ajitoine, L. 1 E. Melchair. (l.) Cowards— [Aic] — to flee from wine I Your — [Azc]— health Monsieur Melchair I [drinks Enter Bernard, l. 1 e., his gun over his shoulder, and his hat gone. Comes down, L. B rnard. (l.) Wine! Wine I say I {knocks on table, with gun) Dame Thellier! Winel Am I to wait all night ? EnterDame Thellier from Inn, r., crosses and places loine before him, Thellier. (l. c.) Pardon, Monsieur ! I was obliged to go to the cellar for it, as there was none up stairs. Bless me, Monsieur Bernard, how pale you look ! Bernard, (l.) Palo am I? All the more reason for drinking. Dame. {drinks from the bottU Thellier. Good heaven I You w^ill do yourself an injury 1 Bernard. Never mind, it is the last I shall ever drink! Thellier. What has happened, Monsieur? Bernard. Nothing, nothing ! Give me pen, ink and paper. {exit Thellier into house, E., Melchair. Pens, ink and paper, {hie) Why I thoughtdt was wine, and not ink — {hie) — they sold at a public house ! Re-enter Thellier from Inn, crosses to h., and places pen, ink and paper before Bernard. Bernard. You are in mourning Dame Thellier. For whom '. T'leliier. {sobbing) I am in mourning for my poor Philip, who died only a month ago. Melchair, {singing) *'If I only had a little vine, Down in that litt'e field of mine 1" Bernard. Hold your tongue, or I'll naake you! Melchair. *'If I only had a little vine — " Bernard. Hold your tongue, I say! Melchair. Why the — {hie) — devil should I. No song, no supper, I'm liun-< gry, and I'm singing for my supper. Bernard. Do you not see this woman, she is weeping for her son! Melchair. Poor thing, {hic) I won't sing so loud. "If I only had a lit- tle vine — '* Bernard, Loud or not, you shall not sing I So be off about your businefs. 16 WILL-O'-THE-WISP. Melchair. All right, {hie) I don't like public houses where they cry; I oomo to laugh. {reels oj^ singing, l. 1 e., Bernard dashes down the pen Bernard, (l.) I cannot write. Dame Thellier, will you do me a favor. (l. c.) With pleasure; what is it? It is not far from here to my father's house, is it? Oh no; one mile, that is all. Tlien will you do me the lavorto go there and ask for Florine? What? has Florine returned? Yes; See her, and tell her I will write to her to-morrovf. But, have you no message for any body else? None. Not to your parents? No. Yet stay 1 tell them, they will n«ver see me more. (buries his face in his hand Monsieur, I will do your bidding, {crosses, r. — aside) Some- thing is wrong, I fear, {exit, Thellier into house, and returns with hat and shawl) Poor feliowl h« is ill. However, I will be off as i promised. {exit Thelher, l. v. s. It is no use sighing. I will be gone. {crosses, R. (g.) If I were you, Monsieur Bernard, I wouldn't go just yet. (b.) You here? What were you saying? {Matiien descends and comes downf 8. c Didn't you hear? I heard, but I did not understand. I said ; if I were you, 1 wouldn't go yeU Why not yet? No ; not without Without what? Without being avenged on one or the other of them* What do you mean ? Who? I mean him and her. {impatiently) Whom do you mean? Why, Mademoiselle Florine, and Monsieur Chollet to be sure. Florine, and Monsieur Chollet? Yes ; ha! hal ha 1 Mattien, take care. Oh, I shan't say any more, or I'll get what I got this morning. Never fear Mattien. But speak I In heaven's name speak! Can't you guess? ha! ha I hal How can I? Speak, I command you' I Well, well, Avell ; what is the use of a fine education, if one is blind and deaf with all that? Bernard, Mattien, you have heard something that conperns me. The screech-owl sees by night, when the other birds are asleep. Come, tell me at once, don't keep me in agony thus. Well then, what was the obstacle to your marriage ? My mother. Not a bit of it ; your parents love you, and wish to see you hap- Thellier. Bernard. Thellier. Berjiard. Thellier. Bernard. Thellier. Bernard. Thellier. Bernard. Thellier. Bernard, Mattien. Bernard. Mattien. Bernard. Mattien. Bernard. Mattien. Bernard. Mattien. Bernard. Mattien. Bernard, Mattien^ Bernard. Mattien. Ber ard. Mof ien. Be I ird. Mattien, Bernard. Mattien. Mattien. Bernard. Mattien. Bernard. Mattien, Bernard. It proceeds from some one, who does not love me then. Mattien. There are people, who oansay : <'My d«ar Bernard ; my own Bernard," and yet not feel or mean it. Bernard. Who is this person? Mattien. 1 know you'll choke me if I tell you. Bernard. I promise you, I will not touch you, Mattien. Well then, don't you see ; the obstacle comes from Mademoi- Belle Florine, to be sure, and no one else. Bernard. From Florine? You mean to say she does not love me then? Mattien. I mean that there are young women, who, when once they have been to Paris, would sooner be the mistress of a rich man, than the wife of a poor, but honest one. tVILL-O'-THE-WISP. 17 Bernard. You don't allude by this to li'lorine and the Parisian? Maititn. Who else do you think ? Bernard, Wretch I {^seizes him by the. throat Maitien. Bemeinber your promise! Bernard, {releasing him) Forgive me, Mattien, I was wrong, it was so incredible. But go on, and as you value 3'our life, utter no lie. Mattieyi. 'Twill be time enough to kill me when you find me out in a lie. But as you always begin by getting in a passion, I'll say no more. Bernard. I was wrong, Mattien, I will be calm. Mattien. No, not another word, tor you are as incredulous as St. Thomas himself. You shall see for yourself. Bernard. That will be better still. Mattien, put rae in the way of learning the truth beyond a doubt. Mattien. I am willing ; but on one condition. Bernard. What is that? Mattien. That you see the end, as well as the beginning. Bernard, When shall I know it is the end? Mattien. When you see Mademoiselle Florine come to meet Monsieur Chollet at the prince's fountain. Bernard. Florine and Chollet together at the fountain? When will you shoTT me this? Mattien. It is about a quarter of nine now ; we'll say then, nine o'clock. That's not long to wait, is it? Bernard. Florine meet this Parisian, and to-night, too ? No, no, it can» not be ! Mattien. You shall see, and seeing is believing. Bernard. What can she have to say to him? Why meet him there ? And to-night, tex*? Mattien. Maybe to arrange about their journey. Who knows I Hal ha! ha! Bernard. Their journey ? Heavens ! Is she going away with him ? {Lights down Mattien. I suppose Monsieur Chollet is going away, for he changed all his money into gold, saying it was better for traveling. Bernard. Mattien, you are torturing me, killing me by inches. If it is for your own amusement {Music till curtain Mattien. Look I Ha! ha! ha I {points, h. v. K. Bernard. Louis Chollet I Oh, heaven! Mattien* Yes, Louis Chollet ! But quick, behind yonder tree ; he comes ! {thet/ get behind trie, r. 1 e. Enter Cho"et, l. u. ^., comes down, h. Chollet. (l.) By jove ! This must be the inn kept by Dame Thellier I But hang me if I know where the prince's fountain is. [stage very dark Bernard, (aside) The prince's fountain, then it is true. Chollet. Dame Thellier! Dame Thellier 1 Enter Babet from itm, a., comes, C. Bdbet. (c.) Do you want Dame Thellier, Monsieur? Chollet. Yes, child. Babet. I am very sorry, but she is not at home. Chollet. (l.) Where has she gone? Babet. (c.) To Monsieur Watrin's. Chollet. {aside) The devil she has ! I hope she doesn't meet Florine, and prevent her coming. Ch ild, is it far from here to the prince's fountain ? Babet. Oh no, sir, only a few rods away. You can seo it from yonder rock. Chollet, Show it to me. {they go up c, ascend the rock Babet. (pointing, L.) There it is, Monsieur. Chollet. 1 see it, thank you. {they descend, and come down, c.,) Thi^ )8 WILL-O'-THE-WmP. for your pains, {in trying to gmt a coin from his pocket, he spills a quaniitjf of gold pieces) Hang my awkwardness. I've let all the money fall. Babet. I'll get a light, Monsieur. Exit Babet into inn, r., and returns with lighted candle, they pick tip the pieces, but Mattien creeping from behind tree manages to secure a coin. Mattien. Gold ! gold I Ah 1 what a heap. Oh, to think some people should have so much, and others none at all ! Chollet. That's^all. Thank you ! This for your candle. {he give's her a coin, and replaces the purse in his left breast pocket Babet. Twenty francs, and all for me? You don't surely mean it? Chollet. I do, though ; lay it up against the day you are married. What o'clock is it. Btibet. Nine, Monsieur. Chollet. Nine! 1 was afraid it was much later. Now for the prince's fountain. ^^exit Chollet, l. 1 k, Babet. Now, what'g there in that man for Dame Thellier to dislike? I think he is very nice. Just the sort of a man I'd like for a husband. But no — he wouldn't submit to "petticoat government," and I must wear the breeches. {exit Babet into inn, k., Mattien steals off, R. 1 b. Bernard, {comes from behind tree, and advances to c, calling low) Mat- tien ! Mattien! where are you? J!To answer! He's gone. {Mattien ap- pears behind inn, r. v. k.) He got afraid of his own work, and has flown. {ascends rock, c, and looks of in the direction Chollet has gone) All is silent t If he indeed be Iter lover, then there will beno one to hinder ray revenge ! The Parisian is still alone. What it I have been deceived? Ah, some one ap- proaches — it is a woman — he rises to greet her — she — merciful heaven ! tis Florine ! Oh, I can no longer doubt ! Florine Diano, the crime I am about to commit rest on your head, {raises the rifle to his shoulder— slight pause, and flings it down) I cannot forget my mother's teachings, I cannot, will not be an assassin ! {rushes madly off, r. 1 8. Matiitn oomes from behind inn, jerks up the gun, and after cautiously looking around, ascends the rock, and looks of after Chollet — he raises gun to his shoulder. Mattien. {c.) Aha ! Monsieur Bernard, I have not forgotten that blow I No ; a thousand times, no I True to the good old law, I retaliate — an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth ! Swiftly, surely, will I strike; and deadly shall be the vengeance of the *'Will-0'-The- Wisp !" Fires gun — Florine screams without, and rushing iri, l. 1 e., with dishevelled hair, falls lifeless at the foot of the rock, c, Mattien drops the gun, and S^pringing up the tree, looks down triumphantly at her. PICTURE — QUICK DROP. ACT III. SCENE — Same as in Act Isi. Supper set on table, r. Guillaume, liaison, Abbe and Marienne, at supper at table, r. Abbe. Nay, nay ; 'tis getting late, I must return home. Guill. Not yet, Monsieur L'Abbe, let us drink one more toast. Marienne. But neither Francois nor Florine are here. Guill. Where are they ? Marienne. They both went out one after the other awhile ago ; besides, you know, it is very unlucky to drink toasts when some of the guests have left the table. Guill. Florine can't be far off. Dame ; you had better call her. Marienne. I have called her several times, but she doesn't answer. Guill. And Francois ? WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 19 Maison. Oh, as for Francois, he has gone to help get my carriage ready. Abbe. We will ask heaven to avert the ill-luck. But as I cannot wait I will give you a tohst. GuilL Let us rise to the Abbe's toast. {all rise Abbe. 1 driiik to the peace of the family, the good understanding be- tween raan and wife, the only source of the children's happiness, and of the blessings of home. Raison. Bravo, Abbe ! Abbe. And now, Guillaume, I must trouble you for my hat and stick; and you, Monsieur Raison, to hurry the carriage, for 'tis nine o'clock. JRai.^on. The dame will attend to that, Abbe, whilst'l say a few words to Guillaume. ' Marienne. I think you left them in the other room, your eminence. Abbe. I will follow, dame. {exit Marienne and Abbe, r. 1 B. Guill. Well, Monsieur Raison, let us have your worship's recipe for making a fortune. Raison. First let us shake hands, dear old friend. Guill. With pleasure, {they do so) Now for it. . Raison. You have, I believe, charge of the Royal forest of Pampeaux, for which charge you receive seven hundred and fifty francs a year, and a hundred francs as a gratuity on New Years day. So that it takes ten years for you to get nine thousand francs. Guill. You are as good an arithmetician as Cocker himself, mayor. Raison. That being the case I will show you how to make the same sum in three hundred and sixty-five days. Eo trouble. Only just to wink one eye, and then the other according to where the trees stand, and my men will instantly cut them down and convey them to my timber yard, and no one will be any the wiser. Guill. So that's your game? Raison. Not a bad one, is it? Guill. And you will give me nine thousand francs for winking at the King's expense? Raison. {rising) Four thousand five hundred for the right eye, and the same for the left. Guill. {rising) Monsieur Raison, I don't wink. Ratson. {nervously) What do you mean? Guill. Do you see that window? Well, Monsieur L'Mayor, if you were not my guest, if you had not eaten of my bread to-night, at the first word you spoke I would have thrown you out of that window ! Raison, How dare you speak to me thus ? Do you know who 1 am ? Guill. Oh, yes. You are the Mayor of Gondreville — but you're not an honest man ! Raison. This is too much! Guill. Oh, but I've not done yet I Look around at the threshold of that door, and remember, monsieur, when you have passed it to get into your carriage, you never cross it again, Raiso7i. Sirrah ! Guill. There is no use in letting everybody know 1 have received a thief in my house. I can afford to spare you that mortification. Good night, Monsieur Raison. {crosses to l. and opening door) Go ! {Ratson passes proudly out o. in r. Enter Marienne and Abbe, k. 1 e., coming c. Abbe, (c.) Here I am all ready. Guill. (L.) His worship is prompter than you, he is already outside waiting for you. Abbe. Good night kind friends. Good night, {goes up) Peace be with you. Farewell. {exit Abbe o. in r. Guill. {sitting l. — aside) I've made an enemy to-night, that's sure. But I have upheld my own honor. 20, WILL-O'-THE-WISP. Marienne. (r.) Father ! Guill. (l.) Well, what is it? Marienne. When are we going to have the wedding? ( Guillaume tuvns around and faces her Guill. (l.) So you've come around at last, have you ? Marienne. The sooner the better I say. What do you think of next week? Guill. {rising, comes c.) Give me your hand, dame. You're the best woman in the world — hem — when you listen to reason. Marienne, I pronyse you, Guillaume, always to do so from this day. Guill. So be it. Wipes his mouth and kis.^es her; she begins to clean o^ dishes — he goes back, l. Enter Francois d. in f., crosses to fireplace and taking gun comes back to c, as if going. Quill. Where the deuce af e you going this time of night? Francois, (c.) Well, master ranger, I'll tell you, hut it must be wben you're alone. Guill. (L.) Dame, clear away the things. {Marienne exitf vi. 1 in. ^ with tea things) Now for it. Francois, (c.) Well, ttien, as I was helping to harness the Mayor's horse a short time ago, I think about nine o'clock; I heard the report of ft gun, which I instantly recognized as Bernard's. Guill. (l.) Bernard's 1 What the deuce could he be shooting this time o' night? Francois, (c.) I am positive it was his gun, for you know be uses leatl^^r wads, and that gives a peculiar sound to the report. Gkiill. What can it mean ? Francois. I am at loss to know. {crosses to fireplace^ B» Guill. (l.) Hush! I bear footsteps! Melchair. {without) Oh, lor'! Oh, lor* I Enter Melchair d. in p., biscuit in his hand, his mouth fuH, and very muMih frightened; comes down o, Melchair. Oh, lor'! Oh, dear! Guill. (l.) What's the matter ? Melchair. (c.) I was sitting down on the stile, trying to enjoy a qttiel mouthful, when — whieh! FizI Something all white bounded by me. Guill, A cow, I presume. Melchair. Oh, no ! it was a witch or a ghost — I didn't stop to look, for it followed me all the way heme ! Oh, lor' ! Guill. (l.) Cowftrdly fool I Go to your supper ! Melchair. (c.) Supper! That's the best word I've heard in a fortnight. {knock at d. m f.) Oh, lor' ! here's the witch, which I don't wan't to see. I'm off! {exit extravagantly, L. 1 ■. Thellier. {without) Father Guillaume ! Father Guillaume 1 Be- enter Marienne, b. 1 ■. Marienne, (r.) Who is that calling you, father, at this time ? ( Guillaume goes up and opens door Enter Thellier, she comes down r., Marienne places a chair for her r. 1 k. Thellier. (r.) Good morning to you all. I am out of breath, for I ran all the way from the prince's fountain. Guill. (l.) What brought you out so late. Dame ? Thellier. Well then, you must know it i« your Bernard who sent me. All. Bernard? Tltellier. Yes, Bernard. He came in looking like a ghost. He called for wine, but instesii of pouring it in a cup he placed the bottle to his lips and drank. WILL-O'-THE-WISP. 21 Mnritnne. (r.) Did he Bay anything ? The^ker. He said : "Dame Thellier go to my father's house and tell Florine I will write to her." Guill. and Marienne. Write to Florine? Marienne. I3 that all he said? Thellier. Oh, no; there is a little more. When he gave rae a message I said : "And to your parents have you no message for them?" Guill. (l.) Ah 1 that was right and kind of you, Dame. But what did he say ? Thellier. (r.) He said "Tell them they will never see me more t" Francois, (r. c.) Heavens, the gun I Florine. {without) Help! Helpl All. Florine I The n.iriT. is flung open and Florive, fait and trembling, with dishevcllea t hair, staggers in and down k. to Marienne. Florine. Murder 1 Murder 1 Francois, {crossing h.) In heaven's name who has been murdered ? Florine. (r.) Louis Chollet! Oh, heavens ! Francois, {l.) Who did it? Florine. I do not know ! Oh, oh, oh I It was at the prince's fountain, Francois. The prinre's fountain I How came you there ? Florine. I went to meet Bernard. He sent me a message by Matties. Francois. Mattien I Then there must have been murder? Guill. (l.) Well you went to the fountain Florine. Yes, thinking to meet Bt-rnard, but instead of him walked into the arms of Louis Chollet. I recognized him instantly, and saw that I had been decoyed into a meeting with him. I drew back, and was about to cry for help, when there was a flash — a report — and Louis Chollet threw up his hands and fell lifeless at my feet. Francois. A loud report ! {to Gxtillaume) It must have been the one I heard. Florine. (b.) But oh ! father, where is Bernard T Mattien springs into toindow, h. Mattien. (l.) I know where Bernard is. He's in prison — they've just arrested him. Marienne. Arrested? My child, my child 1 Florine. It is as I feared. Guill. Tell us all you know. {seizes Mattien Mattien. They say there was the report of a gun ; and it appears that Monsieur Chollet has been shot; but the Gen. D'Armes who were return- ing from the fete of Corey, when they heard it, remembered having seen Bernard rushing along the road, so they put spurs to their horses and gallopedafter him. When they overtook him they arrested him and carried him oflF. Florine. Where? Mattien. How should I know? Where they take all murderers, I sup- pose. Guill. (l.) Francois, you think you beard the sound of Bernard's gun? Francois, (l.) I am sure of it. Gvill. (l.) Bernard commit a murder? Impossible! Francois. Give me but ten minutes and I'll tell you if he did. Francoii epens d. in f., is met on the threshold by the Abbe, he bows to him and exit D. in F. Marienne. Oh, Monsieur L'Abbe. Abbe, {comes down l.) I knew you were in trouble and I came. Marienne. Oh, monsieur, it is my fault — all my fault. Abbe, (l.) Guillaunie, the poor boy said : "On your head be the con- sequences." And on your head have they fallen. S2 WILL-O'-THE-WISP. GuiU. (l.) Are you too going to think him guilty? Abbe. That has yet to be seen. Florine. He guilty? Never 1 Though all the world pronounce him so I'll not believe it, but will show them, the depth and purity of a woman's love. Jtaison. (without) Haiti Abbe. They are here 1 JSnter liaison d. in p., he comes down l. c. Enter Bernard in the custody of two Gen. D'Armes, he comes c. Raison. (l. c.) Monsieur Watrou, you had forbidden me your house, but under existing circumstances you must, if you please, excuse my com- ing in. Marienne. My boy, ray boy ! Guill. (l.) Stop, woman ! 'Ere you use that term of endearment let us first know whether it is our boy or an assassin we look upon, {to liaison) *•' Monsieur, I ask your permission to speak a few words to — to your prisoner. liaison. You have it, monsieur. Guill. Bernard Watrin, in the presence of this woman, who is your mother} in the presence of this girl, who is your affianced wifej in the presence of the priest who baptised you ; I, your father, who have brought you up to love and speak the truth, I ask you as you will be asked there, — {points up) — are you guilty or innocent of the crime laid to your charge? Take time — weigh well your words, and look me squarely in the face. {Bernard raises his head and looks Guill. in the face — slight ] ause Bernard. Father, I am innocent! Guill. God bless you, my boy, for you are innocent. Bernard, (c.) As for the proof of that innocence, He will send it in hig own time ; let the justice of man take its course I Florine. (r.) My noble Bernard, I was sure it was not your hand that fired that terrible shot in the dark. Bernard (coldly) Mademoiselle Florine Diano, I have a question to ask you liaison, (l. c.) This is all very well, but if he really did commit the crime you don't think he would be fool enough to proclaim it on the house- tops, do you ? Bernard, (c.) I will speak the truth at all hazards. Monsieur L'Mayor. I tell it, not only to you, but to those who love me. Yes, I was tempted to kill Monsieur Chollet; yes, father, when I saw Florine approach the spot where he was waiting for her, I put my gun to my shoulder and took aim, but as I was about to pull the trigger God had mercy on me, and resisting the temptation I threw the gun from me snd rushed madly from the spot. Not because I bad committed a crime but because I was afraid I should commit one. And as I fled I was arrested. Ratson. Produce the gun. (o Gen. D'Arme shows Bernard's gun) Po you know this gun ? Bernard. Yes, it is mine. Raison. It has one barrel loaded, and one discharged, and was found at the foot of the rock by the prince's fountain. Bernard. It was there I threw it from me. Mattien. (l.) If you please, your worship, I've something to say that may prove poor Monsieur Bernard's innocence. Perhaps, if you were to try to find the wadding that was in the charge you would see the shot was not fired from his gun, for he uses pieces of punched out leather for wad- ding instead of paper, Raison. You hear. Gen. D'Arraes, let the gun wadding be looked for? Mattien. Then there is another thing that might prove his innocence. Raison. Well, go on. Mattien. Why, this morning as Monsieur Bernard was loading his gun to go and shoot the boar, he showed me that he had marked the balls with a cross. WILL-O'-THE-WISP. n Raison. (l. c.) Prisoner, are these two statements correct? Bernard, (c.) They are. Raison. My duty theu is plain. Gen. D'Armes, take away the prisoner. {Gen. D^Armes advance Marienne. My boy, my boy, Avill they take hina away? Raison. Certainly. Florine. But indeed, indeed he is innocent. Raison. My good girl, I have a duty to perform. He must go. Bernard. Farewell, my father. Farewell, my mother. Florine. And to me, Bernard; do you not say farewell to me? Bernard. Florine, perhaps the last hour before I die I may forgive you, now I cannot. Florine. (r.) Ungrateful Bernard. Marienne. (k.) My son, forgive me before you go. {kneels before him Bernard, (c.) Mother, I have done so long ago, and when I die my last words will be for you and father. Francois enters d. in r. and comes down r. c. Marienne. Oh, Francois, they are taking him to prison. Raison. Are we waiting for Monsieur Francois orders ? Gen. D'Armes, your duty. Francois, (r. c.) One moment, I have a word to say. Raison. Keep it until to-morrow. Francois. But it won't keep. Raison. This is no time for trifling; we want positive evidence. Francois. Then you must listen to me, for the evidence I bring is posi- tive! Abbe, (c.) Monsieur Kaison, in the name of the law I demand that you delay. Raison. (l. c.) I see no reason for delay. Ihere ia a dead body which calls for justice, and here is the assassin. Francois, (r. c.) There may be an assassin, but there is no dead body. All. ]No dead body? Raison. {aside) Destruction, {aloud) What do you mean? Francois. I mean that Monsieur Chollet was struck by the ball; that he fainted from the violence of the blow; but the ball encountered a purse of gold in his breast pocket, and did no further injury. Florine. Then he is not dead? Francois. Not at the present speaking. Raison. No matter, there was an intent to kill — it is all the same. Francois. I never said it wasn't. Raison. What do you want to come to then ? Francois. Now for it. Well, Bernard came to Dame Thellier's inn in a state of great agitation; he took long strides, he struck his gun on the table, and, I suppose, called for wine. It is not difficult to find his foot- prints, as they are an inch deeper than any others. Well then. Monsieur Chollet came on horseback, he tied his horse some thirty paces from the inn, and when he passed where Bernard was concealed behind a tree he must have lost something, and looked for it with a candle, for there are spots of tallow on the ground. After he had found what he had lost he went to the prince's fountain, stood there awhile, then took three steps for- ward, was struck by the ball and fell. Raison. To-morrow I will have the ball and wadding looked for. Francois, You need not, I have them both. But that is not all, Mon- sieur Chollet has been robbed as well as shot. Florine. (r.) Which clearly proves Bernard's innocence. Raison. (sarcastically) Well, then. Monsieur Francois, who is the thief? Francois. Ah ! that is beyond me. All I can say is, in running from the mound to the prince's fountain he stumbled over a rabbit burrow and sprained his left ankle. {Maiden starts 24 WILL-O'-THE-WISP. Guill. (l.) Then if he is lame he can't have run away? Francois, (r. c.) He didn't try to run away. He went quietly to a spot near here, and buried the inoney. You may easily know the place, it is the foot of the old birch trt'C. {Mattien ^ttCrts, and creeps inward the window Raison. {sarcasti'cally) Monsieur, yon are quite a lerretj and would do the government serv ice as such. Well, where did he go then? Francois. Ah! there's an*'iend to my story 5 he went on the high road, and that you know, is paved. Raison. Did you bring. the money? Francois. No ; I thought it was better to go to the place with the strong arm of the law. And as the thief hasn't the least idea I know the hiding place, we shall get it in good time. Mattien. (l.) Will you? We shall see! {shakes k's fist at Francois and drops out of window, L., Raison. (l. c.) Have you finished? Francois, (a. c.) Pretty nearly ; what would you say if I were to tell you I know the real assassin ? Suppose for instance, I were to tell you, he was in this room a short time ago- Florine. {nervously) If so wilt he not escape ? Francois. Aye, but suppose I had put Robinean and Melchair, down by the birch tree, and at the very moment the thief puts his hand on the fold, they will put their hands on him ! (pointing out of window^ l.,) And y St. Herbert they have done it! JEnier Mdchair and Robinean holding Mattien, d. f., who has Ghollefs purse in Ms hand, they come, r. c, cast him c. Mattien. {off his guard) Oh! my ankle! Francois, (l. c.) There gentlemen, stands the self-accused assassin! (music — chord Melchair. (r. c.) Yes ; and he was trying to bolt with my supper, come Robinean let us have a drink together! {exit Melchair and Robinean, t>. in f., Mattien. (of.) The game is up, and you hold the winning card ! Yes; I did the deed ; but as the Parisian is not dead, you see its only ten years in the galleys, and that won't kill me! Raison. (l. c) You are mistaken; you meant to kill! The law says, "imprisonment for life!" {Mattien starts, horrified Mattien. Oh, heaven! Imprisonment for life ! Well, Monsieur, {mov- ing towards window) You may imprison me; but first — ha! ha !— you must catch me ! Music — hurry, till shots "fired, Mattien bounds toward the window, l., and springs out. Raison. (l. 0.) Pursue! fire upon him ! ( Gen. D Armes rushes out, d. in v., shots fired without — music ceases Bernard, {up stage) Oh ! I see it all now, how blind I have been, how blind I have been ! Florine, can you forgive me for my cruel suspicions ? Florine. (r.) Aye Bernard, and love you still the same. Bernard. True hearted Florine 1 He extends his arms, and she falls weeping on his breast, 0., plaintive musie till curtain. Enter the two Gen. D'' Armes with Mattien, d. in f., his shirt open, showing his breast on which there is a shot wound, he staggers to c. Bernard, (l.) Great heaven I He is shot! Cannot something be done? Mattien. (c.) Too late, too late, it has gone home I {kneels at Bernard's feet) 1 have been the curse of you all, but Monsieur Bernard, forgive as the great Master in heaven forgives, the unlucky "shot in the dark !" Springs to his feet, presses the wound; gazes fixedly for a moment, and then toith a moan falls dead. PICTURE— SLOW CURTAIN. AMES' PLAYS-Continued. wo. M, r. i9 6 1 ] Mr..' Mrs. Pringle. tarce. 1 acr, by Do 1 T. De Treiiba Coeio 7 i 'W My lleari's ill tlie iligUlaiKU. farfii, I act 4 3 'I'i My Wife's Relations, comedie'ta. 1 ;ict, bv Walter Gordo'n 4 4 '.)" No (. iir ■ No Pay. Ethiopian raree. 1 .ict. l)y G. W. II Gr.tHn 3 i ()l Not as IXnif as lie Seeni<. Ethiopian farce' 1 act 2 r-rr Not ><> had After All. comedy, 3 acts, by Wyhert Reeve 6 5 44 Oliedieiue, Cuniediett-i. I act, bv Il:itt'e L. t''''i''la 1 -2 81 Old Pali'- Birlliday, drama, -2 acts, by J. P. Wooler 5 -2 .i"{ On tile SIv, farce, 1 act. by Jolm Madison Morton 8 2 I(i3 Otinr Peoi)K^\s Children, kthiopian farce. 1 et, by A. N. Field '. 3 2 IJ'i Our D ui:^ iters, .society comedy, 4 acts, by i«^'ed L. Cireeawood. ..... B <> 8.') ODtcasl's Wife, drama. 8 act.s. oy Co+in il. Ilazehvood !•> :j s:^ Out OM the World, drama, 3 acts 5 4 ^\ Our in tbc Streets, temperance drama. ;^ acts, by S. N. Oook (5 4 5T P.ddy Miles' Boy, Irish farce, 1 act. by .lames Pili^'rim 5 i ij.) {'aintl-r of Ghe t", play, 1 act, I'y Doiti^lass .Jcrrohi J 5 -i D-t Pa-;--ioii-, comedy, 4 acts by F". Marmadiiki- Dey 8 4 IS Poaclier's Duom, iiomestic dram , :i acts, by A. D. vnies #8 --^ ^\ K'-', :>y C. ll. Gili)ert .^ 3 ] U) livVfr-e -, domestic ck Allea theorphaD, drama, 1 act. by v\'. llL-iiri Wilkiiis 5 ;i W) Rooms to Let without Board, Kthiopi;in farce, 1 'ict ..1 2 I .")■» Saved, temjjeraiice sketch, 1 act, by Edwin Taidy 2 3 4S Scimaiis, iMUch farce. 1 act, by M.'A. D. Giill'ton 1 1 1 IT chool, Ethiopian farce. 1 act, by A. Newton F, eld 5 1 .") S. H. .\. M. Pinafore, bnilesqii."'! act by W. Henri Wilkins 5 3 .5 S^jiiicb/dy's Nooody, farce, 1 aer, liy 0. A. iMahby 3 2 91 Sixteen Thousand Years ■jro. El hiojjian farce, 1 act 3 'Ih Si)ort with a Sportsman, Ehiopian farce, 1 act [ 2 7!» >py of All ma. military allegory, (i acts, by A. D. A:nes, 25 cents... 14 3 92 Stage Strnck D.irkey, Ethiopian farce, 1 act 2 1 10 Stocks Up, Stocks ]1.)wn, Ethiopian farce, 1 act 2 0- Vyl Ten Nijjhts in a Bar Roo :?. temperance drahva, 5 acts 7 3 ()4 T'i:it iVoy Sam, Ethiopian farce, 1 act, by . L. C'ntl r 3 1 40 That Myst rioii- Bniidle, farce, 1 a; t. I>y II. L Lambla 2 2 38 The liewitc'ied Closet, sketch, 1 act, by II. I.. La iibia. 5 2 57 Tiio r.iter Hit, comedy, 2 acts, by Barham Liviiis 5 2 1 1 The Cominj^ .Mm, farce, I act. by W. Henri Wilkins 3 l »)7 The F ilse Friend, drama, C acis, by Geoiiic s. VitiiTrot G 1 '.»7 1 he Fatal 1 iw, me.odiama. 2 act-, i>y Edward Fit/.ball 7 i 1 10 The Forty-Niners. n- Tne Pioneer's Daughter, border drama, 5 acts, l>y T. \V. Hanshow 10 4 ',)3 Tho Gentleman in lilack. drama, 2 acts, liy W. II. Murray 9 4 :;2 Tm'- New .Magdalen, drama, pro. 3 acts, by A. Newton Field 8 3 US The Popcorn .Man, Etliiopian f.uce. 1 act. by A. Newtnn Field 3 1 71 Tne Reward of < rime, drama, 2 act<. by WT Hi-iui > ilkiiis 5 3 K; 'I he -erf. trauedy, 5 acts, by R. 'i'albot *. G 3 (;8 Tiie Sham Professor, f.iice. 1 act, by F. L. Cutler 4 Q G 'IMie Studio, Etliiopian farce. 1 act 3 102 Turn. of the Tiiie. Lempciance drama, 3 acts. Ity W. Henri VN'ilkin-.. 7 4 ."il Tiie I'wo J . J's, fare , 1 act. by Mar.in Beeclier..". 4 2 7 T!>e Vow of the Ornani. drama', 3 acts, by J. N.*Gotthold 8 1 2S Tb riythree 1 ext Biiibday. farce, 1 act, by M. Morton 4 2 108 Tiij.-^e Awfnl Boys, Ethiopian farce, 1 act, by A. Newton Fiel 1 5 ().} Tiice Glasses a bay, t.ini)erancc drama, 2 acts, W. Henri W.lkins.. 4 2 105 Tiiroiigh Snow and Siin>hine drama, 5 acts 6 4 4 'J'wa.in^s Uovigi l', Et'hopian farce, l act, by A. Newton F.eld 3 1 5 Wlien \V<»men Wiip. C'lncJiutta, 1 act. by J N. Got hold 3 2 5(j Wo >ii!g ! nder D flicniiies, fiirce, 1 act, by J. T. Di>ng!a?s 4 3 . 4! W'li at La.'^t, comedy dranni, 3 act-, by U'ybert Rt-eve 7 3 7< W'li CI will he Marry, farce, I act. by T.i'omys E. Wilks...., 2 8 58 Wr.'cked, leiniKM-ance drama -.i act-, by .A. D. Ames 9 3 111 Vaukee Duelist, farce, 1 att, by A. Newton Field 2" 2 New Music ! Latest and Best ! .4 ITealili t<> Ohb- Hostess. A male quartette, words by W, IJ. Spangler, Jr., Music by F. 0. Wilson. This excellent quartette is sure to please those who order it, cau be sung iu c<.atuine, or used for a ooucort |)iece. Price 40 cents. l>ere Vas Eiai lyeedle I>eitelier Osil. A capital Duti'h song for 111: le voices, wordh by W. H. Spangler, Jr., music by F. O. Wilson. Can be xised as a ^o o, or solo and chorus. Is sur j to please all who purchase it. Price 30 cents. TarsLt riittle .Blnek Miistaelie. — Comi»; Song and chorus, by Jatues M. Dow Very taking, and a great success. Price 30 cents. Fayette Waltz. — For piano or organ, by Will R. Reynolds. Easy an i V. ry pretty. Price 25 cents. Wait for the Xurii «>f the Xiaiigliters. A^society comedy in fnur actf, hy Freci. L. Greenwood '.From the Gern)an) H males, 6 females. Very (deveriy shows the foibles of fashionable society, and is a good modern comedy, and will please an audience. Costumes mod'ern. Time ot production, 2 Ikhiv*. Tlic Iiniig-i';int's I>aujs;liter. A thrilling border drama in 3 acts, by Leu. Ellsworth Tilden, 8 male, 3 fen)ale charjicters. A play which will please any audience, ^""he best border drama ever written. Time about 2 hours. All the above Plays 16 cents each, unless markel otherwise. AddroeP, A. D. AME,^. Pub!i=;hor, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 017 198 482 8