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 SISZEETBRIER 
 
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 THE FLOWER GIRL OF NEW YORK. 
 
 (DRAMA. 
 
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 ALPHABETICAL LIST DP 
 
 iimes' Edition of Plays. 
 
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 U. F. 
 
 DRAMAS. 
 
 A Desperate Game 3 2 
 
 After Ten Years 7 5 
 
 A Life's Revenge 7 5 
 
 Arrah de Baugh 7 5 
 
 Aurora Floyd 7 2 
 
 Auld Robin Gray 25c 13 8 
 
 Beauty of Lyons 11 2 
 
 Bill Detrick 7 3 
 
 Brae, the Poor House Girl.... 4 4 
 
 Brigands of Calabria 6 1 
 
 Conn; or, Love's Victory 11 3 
 
 Dora 5 2 
 
 Driven to the Wall 10 3 
 
 Driven from Home 7 4 
 
 Bast Lynne 8 7 
 
 Emigrant's Daughter 8 3 
 
 Factory Girl 6 3 
 
 Fielding Manor 9 6 
 
 Gertie's Vindication 3 3 
 
 Hal Hazard, 25c.. 10 3 
 
 Heroic Dutchman of '76 8 3 
 
 Henry Granden 11 b 
 
 1 1 ow lie Did It 3 2 
 
 Hiddm Treasures 4 2 
 
 Hunter of the Alps 9 4 
 
 Hidden Hand 15 7 
 
 Lights and Shadows of the 
 
 Great Rebellion, 25c 10 5 
 
 Lady of Lyons 12 5 
 
 Lady Audley's Secret 6 4 
 
 Lost in London 6 4 
 
 Man and Wife 12 7 
 
 Maud's Peril 5 3 
 
 Midnight Mistake 6 2 
 
 Millie, the Quadroon 4 1 
 
 Miriam's Crime 5 2 
 
 Michael Erie 8 3 
 
 Miller of Derwent Water 5 2 
 
 Mistletoe Bough 7 3 
 
 Mountebanks (The) 6 2 
 
 Old Honesty 5 2 
 
 Old Phil's Birthday 5 3 
 
 Outcast's Wife 12 3 
 
 Out on the World 5 4 
 
 Oath Bound 6 2 
 
 Painter of Ghent 5 3 
 
 Poacher's Doom 8 3 
 
 Reverses 12 6 
 
 Rock Allen 5 3 
 
 Spy of Atlanta, 25c 14 3 
 
 Thekla...: 9 4 
 
 The False Friend 6 1 
 
 The Fatal Blow 7 1 
 
 The Forty-Niners 10 4 
 
 The Dutch Recruit 2"c 14 3 
 
 The Gentleman in Black 9 4 
 
 The New Magdalen 8 3 
 
 The Reward of Crime 5 3 
 
 Through Snow and Sunshine 6 4 
 
 NO. U. F 
 
 7 The Vow of the Omani 7 I 
 
 201 Ticket of Leave Man 9 3 
 
 193 Toodles 7 2 
 
 200 Uncle Tom's Cabin.. 15 7 
 
 121 Will -o'-the- Wisp 9 4 
 
 41 Won at Last 7 3 
 
 192 Zion 7 4 
 
 TEMPERANCE PLAYS. 
 
 73 At Last ; 7 1 
 
 75 Adrift 5 4 
 
 187 Aunt Dinah's Pledge 6 3 
 
 254 Dot; the v'iner's Daughter... 9 5 
 
 202 Drunkard [The] 13 5 
 
 185 Drunkar 's \V'arning 6 3 
 
 189 Drunkard's Doom 15 5 
 
 181 Fifteen Years of a Drunk- 
 ard's Life 13 4 
 
 183 Fruits of the Wine Cup 6 3 
 
 104 Lost « 6 2 
 
 146 Our Awful Aunt 4 4 
 
 53 Out in the Streets 6 4 
 
 51 Rescued 5 3 
 
 59 Saved 2 3 
 
 102 Turn of the Tide 7 4 
 
 63 Three Glasses a Day 4 2 
 
 62 Ten Nights in a Bar-Room... 7 3 
 
 58 Wreck- d 9 3 
 
 C0M3EIES. 
 
 168 A Pleasure Trip 7 3 
 
 136 A Legal Holiday 5 3 
 
 124 An Afflicted Familv. 7 5 
 
 257 (aught in the Act. j; 7 3 
 
 248 Captured 6 4 
 
 178 Caste « 5 3 
 
 199 Home 4 3 
 
 174 Love's Labor Not Lost 3 3 
 
 149 New Years in N. Y' .7 6 
 
 37 Not So Bad After All 6 5 
 
 237 Not Such a F ol aa He Looks 6 3 
 
 126 Our Daughters 8 6 
 
 114 Passions 8 4 
 
 219 Rags and Hottles 4 1 
 
 239 Scale with Sharps and Flats.. 3 2 
 
 221 Solon Shingle 14 2 
 
 87 The Biter Bit 3 2 
 
 249 $2,0U0 Reward 2 
 
 TRAGEDIES. 
 
 16 The Serf 6 3 
 
 FARCES AND COMEDIETTAS. 
 
 12t) Aar-u-ag-oos 2 1 
 
 132 Actor and Pervnnt 1 1 
 
 12 A Capital Match 3 2 
 
 166 ATexaii Mother- in-LaWv 4 6 
 
 30 A Day Well Spent _..Tt>..... 7 5 
 
 169 A Regular Fix....... 2 4 
 
 80 Alarmingly Suspicions...- .... 4 3 
 
 78 An Awful Criminal 3 3 
 
 ^^ 
 
 j£ 
 
SWEETBRIER, 
 
 OR 
 
 THE FLOWER GIRL OF NEW /ORK. 
 
 A DRAMA 
 
 IN SIX ACTS, 
 
 -BY- 
 
 LlzzlB May Elw^ynt 
 
 
 TO WHICH 18 ADDED • 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF THE COSTUMES-CAST OF THE CHARACTERS- 
 ENTRANCES AND EXITS-RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE 
 PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, AND THE WHOLE 
 OF THE STAGE BUSINESS. 
 
 3 
 
 ^ 
 
 Entered according to act of Congregs in the year 1889, hv 
 
 AMES' PUBLISHING CO. 
 im- A< office of the Librarian of CongreM cU Waehington, 
 
 -CLYDE, OHIO:- 
 
 AMES' PUBLISHING CO. 
 
 "t=5 
 
SWEETBRIEB, OB THE FLO WEB GIBL OF NEW YOBK. 
 
 CAST OF CHABACTEBS. 
 
 Dkacon Silas IIuxter A miller, 
 
 .Ralph Lixdsky The Deacon^ s son-in-law. 
 
 RoscokLindsky Balph's twin brother, persona timj Balph, 
 
 Earle Lindsey Boscoe's foster son. 
 
 Victor Hendricks Son of Boscoe's accomplice, 
 
 MosE Henry A faithful darkey. 
 
 Blake and Brown Laborers. 
 
 Gentleman Nick ) 
 
 Red Roger [■ Thieves. 
 
 Big Mike ) n 
 
 Carlos Dare Boscoe^s repentant accom,plice. 
 
 Officers, hackmen aud newsboys. 
 
 Pauline Lindsey Sweetbrier. 
 
 Mrs. Alice Lindsey Balph's wife. 
 
 Inez Flint Boscoe's step-daughter. 
 
 Ann Abigail Hunter The Deacon's wife. 
 
 Nancy Moseys mother. 
 
 COSTUMES. 
 
 Silas.— Very corpulent; red face, strongly lined; bald; gray wig; short gray 
 beard. Acl II— Scene /—Trousers and waist coat of dark cloth, sprinkled with meal ; 
 wN^ite' shirt, gingham neckerchief. Act III— Scene I— Ssiine as in Act II. Scene II— 
 So^e as before, with hat and coat. Acts V and F/- Old-fashioned black suit. 
 
 Ralph and Roscoe.— One man should take both parts, with a few alterations in 
 make-up Roscoe, slightly stooping ; hair and beard sprinkled with white ; face 
 very pale and sunken. Ralph, erect ; datk hair and beard ; healthy color. Both 
 fashionably dressed. 
 
 Earlk —Stylish suits. 
 
 Blake and Brown.— Coarse garments. 
 
 Victor Hendricks.— Curly blond wig and mustache ; dressed like a fop. 
 
 MosE.—Acf«//a«.(i//i— Coarse clothes. .4c/ F— Suit of white cotton ; short pan- 
 taloons, with long, loose sandals lacud to the knee; striped turban; white beard. 
 
 Act F/— Dress suit. ' a ^.■^ a a 
 
 Gentlem \n Nick.- Large mustache ; very flashily dressed. 
 
 RedRoger.— Red face, red wig, full red beard, short blouse, overalls with hip 
 pocket ; keys in blouse pocket and revolver in hip pocket. 
 
 Big Mike.— Very large ; coarse suit, slouch hat. f 
 
 Carlos Dark. — Very pale, with dark hair and board ; white shirt, black trouseri. 
 
 Pauline Lindsey.— 4c«/—Huir flowing, a print dress much torn, battered hat, 
 old slippers. Act //—Black dress rattier long, old-fashioned black bonnet, bla<:k 
 .shawl folded cornerwise. Act III— Scene /—Dress of light muslin, hair coiled high. 
 Scene II— Add sun hat. Act IV— Scene /—Scarlet dress, black bodice, black hose and 
 slippers ; a black lace scarf should be thrown over the head so as to partly conceal 
 her face. The dress should be short. Scene II— A sun-bonnet should be substituted 
 for the scarf. ^c< F— A rich evening dress. -. ^ ^. , 
 
 Alice Lindsey.— .4c<« /anci F— Poorly clad ; very pale. Act F/— Rich evening 
 
 dress. ,. , , 
 
 Inez Flint.— A stylish dress. 
 
 Mrs. Hunter.— Rather stout with gray hair done in a neat twst. Act //—Dark 
 print dress and apron, with change for AeU IllartdlV. Acta V and F/— Black dress, 
 old-fashioned black bonnet and shawl. . , , . , , 
 
 Nancy.— Gaily colored dresses and turbans, with white shawl and sun-bonnet for 
 Act V. Act F/— ^Extravagant display of ribbons. 
 
 STAGE DIBECTIONS. 
 
 B means Right; l.. Left; b. h.. Right Hand; l. h.. Left Hand; c, Centre; 3. n; 
 (2d E ) Second Entrance; u. k.. Upper Entrance; m. d., Middle Door; p., tha FUt: 
 ». F., Door in Flat; e. c. Right of Centre; l. c. Left of Centre. 
 
 B. E. c. c. L. c. L. 
 
 ! *m* Ihe raader is supposed to be upon the Stage facing the aadieaoe. 
 
P3 
 
 1 5^1 3 
 
 SWEETBRIER, 
 
 OK 
 
 THE FLOWER GIRL OF NEW YORK. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE 1 — Interior of liognes' Bookery. Conch on floor, ix.; box 
 at L. of couch on lohich are medicine bottles, glasses, a spoov,, a 
 broken pi' cher and an ink bottle; chair i-., over tohich hangs a coat. 
 A few articles of broken furniture. On couch reclines Carlos 
 Dare, with a bundle of manuscript. 
 
 Carlos. It is finished — tlie last work tliat Carlos Dure Avill ever 
 
 do! 
 00m e 
 
 Oh, I'm not tit to live, much less fit to die; yet iiiy hour has 
 and I must die lilie a beast. 
 
 Enter, Mike Eyan, l. 
 
 Mike. Hallo, comrade! an' how is it yer feelin' tliis mornin'? 
 
 Car, No better, Mike; I shall soon be beyond the suftering felt 
 by mortals. 
 
 Mike. Now, now, Carlos; don't ye ho. fur jrittin' low sperited. 
 It's yerself as Avill soon be round agin. "Wlij- you've pulled through 
 many a Avorse turn than this; don't ye remenfber the tomahawk ye 
 got in yer skull out in Dakota? 'Twas a mighty uglier wound than 
 the one you've got now. 
 
 Car. Yes, Mike, I remember, and I wish I had died then. I 
 would rather die in a battle witli Indians than from a gambler's 
 knife-thrust. Had I died ther Pauline would not have been let loose 
 in the streets of New York. Where is my little Sweetbrier? 
 
 Mike, Ye needn't have no fears for that gnl, Carlos, she is of 
 honest stuff" with plenty of grit, an' she'll fight her way through this 
 world an' git into a better one, which is more'n you an' me kin do. 
 
 Car, Yes, Mike, but this is no place for me to leave her. Where 
 is she? I heard a sound like sobbing; is it my child? 
 
 (partly raising himself 
 
 Mike. No, the gal is all right; she has gone to git ye some posies. 
 She tould me to.come an' stay with ye; but I had to lay theould man 
 out — whew I (ctaps his hand over his month) Have ye had yer med- 
 icine? 
 
 Car. Finish up your sentence, Mike. Don't try to conceal any- 
 thing from me. I heard strange noises last night. Out with it, 
 man! 
 
 Mike. Begorra, the gal said as I wa'n't to excite yc, an' by me 
 
4 SWEETDRIEn. 
 
 soul now, yer as wild as a liawk ! H.iv<- some i-onlial. 
 
 {pouring J rain bottle into (jla.-<s and handing to Carlos 
 
 Car. Tell me all ! (drinks 
 
 Mike. Well, ould man Ilcndrleks is dead. 
 
 Co,r. Saul ? 
 
 Mike. Ther same ! ; the pelice shot a nate little howl in the ould 
 mnn last night. Bad luck to them ! 
 
 Car. What was he doing? I've been a had man, Mike, but Saul 
 Hendricks has been ten times worse. 
 
 Mike. He was dodgiLg the beaks with a mighty purty lady what 
 he Avas a takin' ter board. He had been boardin' her at the 'sylum, 
 but somehow her husband got on the scent an' come down on the 
 'sylum with a lot er beaks. But it happened that the ould man an' 
 his nephew, Nick, was makin' a call on the mad doctor, an' they got 
 off with the leddy, but not before Hendricks got a chunk er lead. 
 
 Car. The lady, Mike, I must see her ! 
 
 3Iike. Hey ! 
 
 Car. Can't you manage to bring her here? 
 
 Mike. I suppose I might, but Nick is sot in that direction. 
 
 Car. (groaning) Oh, if I could live, how much evil I would 
 undo ; but my repentance has come too late. Mike, I've been writing. 
 
 Mike. Yes, an' a mighty bad job it is for ye too I Ye'll be for 
 having another hemorrhage. 
 
 Car. These papers are for Sweetbrier. Everybody has supposed 
 ho- my child, but she is not. 
 
 Mike. What! 
 
 Car. fShe is not mine. Her father was Ealph Lindsey. Ealph 
 had a twin brother, Koscoe, who looked much like him ; but Roscoe 
 was a bad one, and in a lit of anger struck his mother so that she 
 never recovered from the effects of the blow. The old squire, his 
 father, turned him from his house and never allowed his name 
 mentioned. After the death of his wife, the squire moved to a 
 country village where nobody knew of his troubles. It was there 
 that Ralph married Alice Hunter. When the old gentleman died he 
 lett tlie bulk of his property to Ralph and a small sum in cash was 
 also left with him for Roscoe, who was in South America. Ralph 
 went to Chilli, where Roscoe was imprisoned for a crime against the 
 government. AVhile visiting him, Ralph was knocked senseless by 
 liis brother, who escaped, by donning Ralph's clothes, leaving him 
 to serve his sentence. Roscoe went) to Ralph's home, but Alice, 
 Ralph's wife, refused to acknowledge him as her husband/ and she 
 was pronounced insane) A. few weeks later Sweetbrier was born. 
 A lid Roscoe laid a plan to get rid of both mother and child. He 
 hired Siuil Hendricks to abduct the mother and imprison her in a 
 mad house, which he did; and hired me to kill the child, which I did 
 not. I threw the b.-iby's blanket into the water, and both Alice and 
 her child were supposed to be drowned, and that little unnamedv 
 baby is my only earthl)'^ treasure, Sweetbrier. (lies back exhausted J 
 
 Mike, (giving Carlos drink) Begorra, ye think it's the gal's 
 mother that young Nick's got here ? 
 
 Car. Yes.' 
 
 Mike. Faith, an' so do I ! but begorra, ye shaU see ! {exit L. 
 
 Car. Shall I have a chance to undo the wrong I did Alice Lind- 
 sey sixteen years ago? (puts vaoers under the. niUmn 
 
SWEETBBIER. 5 
 
 t^ Enter, Mikk and Alice Lindsey, l. 
 
 Mike. Bcgona, (,':iilus; an' it's the same, sure! 
 •Car. Mr=;.' Lindsey ! 
 
 Alice. Cai-los iJare I 
 
 Cor. Madam, 1 iiave sent for you that 1 might partly atone for 
 the wrong that I did you so long ago. Can you forgive me? 
 
 Alice. Atone ! Can you restore to me the child you tore from my 
 arms and east into the water? Can you bring the dead to life, Car- 
 los Dare? Wlien you can do this then will I forgive you. 
 
 (exit Mike, l. 
 
 Car. I will restore your child. 
 
 Alice, Do not attempt to deceive me; my child is dead. 
 
 Car. Your child lives; you will he sure when you see the birth- 
 marlk on her arm. I never harmed your child, but have given her a 
 good education. With a little training she will become all that you 
 could wish her to be. We have led a Bohemian life and she has 
 traveled over nearly all the world. 
 
 Alice. Wliere is she; oh, where is my child? 
 
 Car. She is living in this house ; but I am going to die. I feel 
 that 1 have but a few hours more of life. I have written her history 
 and sliall send my little Svveetbrier with the papers to your father 
 and he will release you. 
 
 Alice. But my child? I »n«sf see her ! 
 
 Enter, Mike, l. 
 
 '^ 
 
 Mike. Cotne ! {catches Alice by the wrist) Nick's comin', an' ! 
 
 the divil will be to pay if yer caught here ! {hurrying out l. ^ 
 
 Pauline, (singing outside) "Oh, let the wide world wag as it 
 will: I'll be gay and happy still!" 
 
 Enter, Pauline, r. 
 
 Patdine. Hallo, pop! wide awake, aren't you ? {flings a bunch of 
 sioeetbriers on the couch) There, see what I have brought you and 
 such a tramp as I had to get them— and don't you think— I've had a 
 pro-po-sal ! {advancing on her toes and swinging her hat 
 
 Oiir. {taking flowers) A what? 
 
 Paul. A bonatide otfer of marriage from that exquisite specimen 
 of humanitj', Mr. Victor Hendricks. 
 
 Car. The wretch ! how dared he ? 
 , Paul. Oh, it was laughable! He spread his handkerchief on the 
 ground and knelt on it, rolling up his eyes, and declared that I could 
 make a man of him or send him to perdition. 
 
 Car. Arjd what did you tell him? 
 
 Paul. Why, I told him that the latter place would afford him a 
 safe retreat, as he was too green to bui*n I 
 
 Car. Oh, I'm afraid, afraid ! 
 
 Paxil. Afraid of what ? 'J'hat bit of pink and white candy ? 
 
 Car. How can I leave my one ewe lamb amongst wolves ? 
 
 Paul. Papa, how pale you are ! You are worse, and I have been 
 chattering so! {looks in pitcher) and Mike did not give you your 
 broth ! I shall scold him well. (takes pitcher and starts u 
 
 Car. Stop ! Come here and hear what I have to say— brino- me 
 my coat. ° 
 
Wr 
 
 SWEETBHIEn. 
 
 Pauline brings coat and Carlos takes a ring box from pocket and 
 ' gives it to her. - 
 
 Car. Here, my child, is your mother's wedding ring; keep it safe- 
 ly, (takes letter from under pilloic) Post this letter and follow it to 
 Silas Hunter's — he — water ! 
 Paul, (giving cordial) Papa, when am I to go, and why ? 
 Gar, When I am dead. 
 
 Paul. Papa ; oh, papa ! But you are not going to die ; you will 
 get well again. 
 
 Car. My child, I — I — look out for Lindsay — he— is bad — papers- 
 will tell — they are 
 
 (holds out hands to Pauline, gasps and falls back 
 Paul. Oh, papa ! papa ! ^ 
 
 [{throws herself beside eouch — Hendricks looks in at back j 
 
 END OP ACT I. 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 ACT ir. 
 
 \SCENE I— Kitchen at Silas Hunter's; fireplace l. c, belloics 
 
 "~ hanging beside fireplace, tongs, shovel, etc.; table l., rocker beside 
 
 tiible, clock n. c, glass over fireplace. Silas Hunter discovered 
 
 asleep in arm-chair, snoring; paper crumpled in his hand, cane on 
 
 floor, spectacles on his headTl 
 
 Enter, Mose, l. 
 
 Ilose. Golly! de ole man's asleep agin ! He am demos' powerful 
 critter ter sleep ebber £ seed, (loud snore) G-oliy, what a noise! 
 Now how I gwine ter gib him dis lettah? If 1 wake him up he shoo 
 fo' ter cane me, an' if I don't gib him dis lettah he shoo ter cane me. 
 What is I gwine ter do? I'll make a noise an' dat'll fotcli him. 
 
 Dances while Silas snores louder than before. Mose gets near Silas, 
 who suddenly seizes his cane and strikes at him. 
 
 Silas. What do you mean by kicking up sich a racket? Yon 
 miserable, black rascal! you— you— Jehosophat! don't you know 
 that I don't allow dancing in my house ? It's works of the devil, sir ; 
 works of the devil ! 
 
 Mose. Yes, sah, but I had a lettah fo' you, sah, an' as you'se 
 asleep, sah, I tinked I better wakes you up gently, sah 
 
 Silas. Asleep, you ignorant jackass ! Asleep, indeed ! I haven't 
 been asleep to-day. I've a mind to cane you— where did you get 
 that letter ? 
 
 Mose. Down ter de ofiflce, sah. 
 
 Silas. Give it to me. (gives letter) You didn't get it this morn- 
 ing for I came from there not an hour ago, and the noon mail ain't 
 come yet. Where did you get this, eh? {threatening with cane 
 
 Mose. (dodging) Don't, massa Hunter, I'll 'fess I tooked it out 
 ob de office las' night, an' I disremembered all about it. 
 
 Silas. You shiftless, good-for-nothing critter; I've a mind to 
 cane you ! (striking with cane — Mose rims out l.) Now Where's my 
 
SWEETBBIEB. 7 
 
 glasses? (hunts abnut) Now v.iiere on airth is tliem glasses? 1 
 iievcr c?n find anjnliinp:. {(/oes n., calls) Abip^ail! Abigail! Ann 
 Abigail H^Juter! Abigail! (stamps about, overtio'ninri everything in 
 his way) ^nit that pesky ob.l woman, she ahvaj's grabs everything 
 I lay (lo\\*iraiid stqjis it away ! (calls) Abigail! I say, Abigail! 
 Ami Abigail Ilunte^ 
 
 Enter, Mr§. Hunter, r. 
 
 Mrs. Hunter. Did you call me, Silas? 
 
 Silas, (mimicking) Did you call me, Silas ? Who did you s'pose 
 Tjyvas calling? Is the world over-run with Abigail Hunters? 
 [Things have come to a prettvpass, that you sit around snoozing, 
 while I'm j-^elling my brains o^J 
 
 Mrs. H. Silas Hunter, ainTyou ashamed to talk in such a man- 
 ner to your own wife? Sounds well, don't it, for a deacon of the 
 church ? 
 
 Silas. Ding it, woman! where is my glasses ? 
 
 Mrs. H. Deacon Hunter, /don't wear your glasses. 
 
 Silas. 'Who in blazes said you did? Can't 1 put anything down 
 in mj' own house but you must snatch and poke it awaj'' where no- 
 body Qan find it! Great guns! I won't stand it! 
 
 (crosses stage excitedly 
 
 Mrs. II. Silas Hunter, I'm ashamed of you, ami if you don't stop 
 using cuss words, I'll report you to the church. Q[I,declare, you are 
 so excitable that j^ou keep me ina flurry all ^ the time — the Hun- 
 ters always was an excitable sg^ (sits in chair and slotoly rocks — 
 Silas examines bellvios) Silas, wTiat on airth do you expect to find 
 in them bellowses? 
 
 Silas. Horned teakittles! What do you s'pose I'm looking for — a 
 gold mine? (hunts about) Like enough you have thrown them 
 glasses in the fire. 
 
 Mrs. H. Oil, indeed! (takes letter and reads) Well, there! I 
 knowed we sliould have companj'^ afore night, for Nancy droj)ped 
 the dish-eloth this morning. 
 
 Silas. Ann Abigail, will you please tell me where to look for my 
 glasses ? 
 
 Mrs. H. Why, yes, you old coot, look in the looking-glass. 
 
 Silas, [looking in glass — taking off glasses) Humph! (looks for 
 letter) Now whore is that letter? (Mas. Hunter passes letter) Old 
 woman, you can't be beaten for cheek. 
 
 Mrs. II. Now, deacon, don't get excited again! And please re- 
 member that I have a christian name. 
 
 Silas. Mighty christian too, if there's any virtue in homeliness. 
 
 Takes letter and reads while Mrs. Huntkr picks up what he has 
 
 overturned. 
 
 Mrs. II. Well, there ain't, or you would a been too virtuous to 
 live, (suddenly Sii as strikes the floor with cane — Mrs. WvNT-EVi jumps) 
 Law me, Silas, whatever did you do that for? Youv'e got my nerves 
 all unstrung with your fidgety ways. 
 
 Silas. Nerves! You've got aboiit as many nerves as that old mill- 
 stone down yonder. Anybody who could read tliat letter without a 
 word, to talk about nerves. Dummit, woman, do you tliinki'm go- 
 
8 ;SWt;KTBl{lEli. 
 
 ing to have my house turned into a hospital or a foundling asj^lum 
 for all the street gamins of New york? Well, I shall not. I've been 
 insulted, imposed upon and I won't bear itl Wasn't it enough tliat 
 Lindsey should quarter hisself [and famil^upon us without having 
 his illegetimate brats left on our nands ? iSich a disgrace as this 
 never happened in ray family afore. 
 
 (walking about — very much excited 
 
 Mrs. H. Silas, it's about noon, hadn't you better harness up the 
 old horse ? Like enough the little gal may have a bundle or some- 
 thing. F , 
 
 Silas. Didn't I say I w^ouldn't have her? lit wasj.enough to take 
 Inez Flint, the sly critter, but this last is tobmuchj (.striking the 
 floor with cane) 1 won't stand it ! 
 
 c 
 Enter, Earlb, 1. 
 
 Earle, What is the matter now, g r a ndfath er? What is it that 
 you won't stand? 
 
 Silas, (tossing letter fo Earle) Bead that I 
 
 Earle. (reads) "Mr. Silas Hunter: I send to you Ralph Lind- 
 sey's child. Take her and care for her till she is claimed by her 
 mother. She will bring papers that explain all. Expect. her by 
 next train. She believes me her father. Yoiirs in death, Carlos 
 Dare." Whew! 1^ I am to have a new sister!} Wei 1, . gi-a ndfathe r, 
 am 1 to go and esoorf her home J? ^^ <^/<s' 
 
 Silas. Escort her Aome/ Humph, humph! Escort her Aowse/ I 
 suppose you may as well take tlie horse — a pretty mess this ! A tine 
 
 time we shall have why don't you start yourselt ? Begone, you 
 
 jackanapes, the child may get lost I It's time tor the coach this 
 minute; away with you! 
 
 Earle. Yes, yes ! (exit, l. 
 
 c; 
 
 {Enter, Nancy, r. 
 
 Nancy. I ain'tagwine terstan' any mo' oh dese city airs an' bossin' ! 
 f yer can't keep dat Flint gal out ob de kitchen whar I hab ter 
 Avork, I'se jess gwine ter gib warnin'. 
 
 Mrs. H. Do calm yourself, Nancy. What has Miss Flint done? 
 
 Nancy. She done jjoke her nose inter tings what don't consarn 
 her, an' I won't stan' it. 
 
 Silas. Shut up, and go see to the dinner! Get something good 
 and a lot of it. Tliere's going to be another city girl to boss you, so 
 hurry up. 
 
 Nancy. Hi ! dat am more dan I kin stan'. You kin git yer own 
 dinner, fo' I'se gwine ter imck right away. 
 
 Mrs. H. Oh, Nancy, Nancy ! sich goings on I never see ; you and 
 the deacon are so excitable you're enough to wear my nerves all out. 
 (moves slowly u.) Come, we must hurry; we shall be late with 
 dinner now. (both exit, r. 
 
 Silas. Nerves! Ha, ha! But, durn it, I feel put outgiith Lind- 
 sey ; who'd a thought it, and he so mighty high headed. Z3 
 
 Enter, Lindsey, l. 
 Lindsey. How dye do? You see I've relwrned like a bad penny. 
 
,S WEETBPJEE. ^ 
 
 How lias everyihing prospered since I've been gone? 
 
 Silas. Huiiiphl Have you pickofl up any street waifs, or any 
 more of vournuinerous progeny? If yon have, bring 'em right 
 along; I think I shall keep an asyhim for the fatherless or a house 
 of correction. /o /^^'-/ /y 
 
 r^ Lind. And do yon intend'bv correcting me? What do you mean? 
 It had no idea that Earle oi'' Inez were offensive to you. You sli^ 
 be amply remunerated for your trouble and we will leave at once. If 
 
 Silas. Bosh! stuff! Nonsense, you know what 1 mean reaa 
 
 that. (passing letter 
 
 Lind. {reads— starts) I— I This is preposterous. What do 
 
 you make of it anyway? 
 
 Silas. AVhat do I make out of it? That you are an infamous ras- 
 cal! Who is the mother of it? Dummit, I'm glad my Alice never 
 lived to know what sort of a man she married ! What have you to say 
 for yourself, sir? 
 
 Enter, Mose, l. 
 
 Mose. A gemman ter see massa Lindsay, sah. 
 
 Enter, Victok Hendricks, l. 
 
 Lind. Hendricks! ' 
 
 ' Hendricks, {bowing low) The same, sir; hope I see you well! 
 • Silas, {to Lindsey) I will leave you now. We will settle our 
 afiair at another time. {exit Mose and Silas, r. , 
 
 Lind. Victor Hendricks, what has brought you here? 
 
 Hend. Well, the steam cars brought me a part of the way and an 
 abominable old stage coacli jolted me the remainder, {sits in rocker — 
 puts his feet on table) Yon don't seem over glad to see me. 
 
 Lind. The devil — no! What have you come for? Your ftither is 
 dead, my dealing with him is over; I wish nothing to do with you. 
 
 Hend. Oh, you don't! Perhaps there are others who will want 
 something to do with me. Now, perhaps the old man who just went 
 out would give considerable to know what became of his daughter 
 Alice; and I've no doubt that the government of South Chili would 
 pay a good round sum for the re-capture of Roscoe Lindsey, the con- 
 vict. 
 
 Lind. Hush ! You need not try that game; everybody knows that 
 7 am Balph. 
 
 Hend. Do they? Eali^h's wife didn't know it, did she? Perhaps 
 it would interest you to know that your twin brother Ralph|j^ho 
 has been serving your sentence^has escaped, and is on the track of 
 his wife. "^ 
 
 Lind. Escaped! How do you know this? 
 
 Hend. Oh, you don't want anything to do with me, {lights cigar) 
 but I've come On a little business with yon! {takes papers from 
 pocket) You see those papers ? Daie is dead and he wrote these 
 papers to send to yonder old man, but I found and kept them. The 
 girl came on the stage with me — and here {slapping his breast pocket) 
 written and signed by his hand, are all of father's dealings "vvjUh 
 you, besides a number of your letters — you see I have you,'|Qjd 
 fellow Now, I propose to take the girl, the real estate and half the 
 personal property — you to take the remainder and skip for parts un- 
 
10 SWEETBrJER. 
 
 known. It's n fnii- offer and you maj^ as well take up with it. Fooner 
 or later yon will have (o get out. Ralph is in New YorU — 1 liave 
 seen iiini — and when he chooses can prove his identity, and send you 
 to prison. 
 
 Lind. Bnt what do you want of the o;irl ? 
 
 Ilen'l. Oh, you see I pass for a s^ood fellow, and if I m.irrj' dare- 
 devil Pauline, her father will come down with the tin — see? 
 
 Lind. We will see about this later on. When you see the girl 
 you may not want her. 
 
 Hend. See her! ha, ha! that's rich ! Why, I've had my eye on 
 lier ever since she was a wee chick. A smart one she is, too ! I 
 shall depend on you to intercede for me. {picks up hat and gloves) 
 I'll see you later ! {boiving) Ta, ta! A/l^ exifL. 
 
 Lind. What si' '! I I do? Curses on 4he-m^9ei<fthle- JapJ I mr.st 
 get those papers from him or I am undone. I dare not try to make 
 way with the girl, for he would betray me. If Ralph has changed 
 much they might not kncJw him, but I have changed, perhaps more 
 than he — but I must not mope here; I must be up and doing. 
 
 (exit L. 
 
 Enter, Silas, e. 
 
 Silas. Botheration! where is my hat? So many folks round up- 
 setting things I can't find nothing, {hunting round, dragging out 
 chairs, table, etc.) Where is that old woman? I'll see if she can't 
 let my things alone. {exit, K,j 
 
 Enter, Mose, l. 
 
 I Mose. Well, I nebber ! Dis yer looks like house cleaning. 
 
 1—— {sits in chair, puts feet on table and sings ^^Down in Dixie^'' 
 
 Enter, Nancy, with broom, R. 
 
 Nancy. Yer good-fo'-nuffin' niggah ! Who ebber seed sich .i 
 Ibokin' house? Didn't yer know better den turn ebry ting upside 
 down? {strikes l^lo&-& loith broom) Takedat! {strikes) an'dat! I'll 
 larn ye ter clutter up fas' as I kin clear tings away. {strikes 
 
 Mose. I didn't go for ter do it, mammy ! {dodges about, Nancy 
 following) I say I didn't! Go hit where yer ough ter ! (darts OMi R. 
 
 Enter, Silas, r. — broom descends on Silas' head^j 
 Enter, Earls and Paulink, l. INancy 9701s out, rJ 
 
 Silas. The devil !— I was going to say. 
 
 Paul. Been an awful thing if you had, governor. Say, are you hav- 
 ing a little domestic row, or is this a game of romps to settle 
 your dinner? 
 
 Silas. None of youi business, you j'oung hoodlum! Good gra- 
 cious, who are you and where did you come from ? You look like a 
 running scare-crow\ 
 
 Pauline. None of your business, you old crosspatch; so there I 
 UtU.\e^ 1^ V^.^i-^'is' >, ■, J' »• (SHtj \-iy-l' {sits 
 
 Earle. Why,,gKjmdfiktl*er. this is my newsisfcef^, youarenotvery 
 complimentary. 
 
SWEETBItlEB. 11 
 
 Silas. Hornedtenkittles! «/iai :i little gal? My stars! she looks 
 like the ghost of her great grantlinother ! What is your name, and 
 how old are you ? 
 
 Paid. I'm most sixteen, and my reed handle is Pauline Dare 
 
 Silas. What? What do you mean? 
 
 Puxd. Can't you understand plain English? 1 say my name is 
 Pauline Dare. Poor papa used to call nii; Swoethrier, because, if 
 meddled with Pm likely to scratch; but in the wild west, also in 
 New York, 1 sjwrted various cognomens. 
 
 Silas. Dear me, how shocking! This beats me. {goes -R.) Abi- 
 gail ! Ann Abigail I 
 
 Enter, Inkz Flixt, u. — clasps his arm icith both hands and puts her 
 head on In's shoulder. 
 
 —Git out! 7)^-1 . /rtH'^£i->. {pushes her away 
 
 Inez. Dear /grandpapa) Avhat is the trouble? Why is everything 
 so overturned-^:: — for pity's sake what is tliis? 
 
 {pointing to Pauline 
 
 Paul. You will find out what it is, you sleek, sly cat. Ough! I 
 could tear you into sausage meat! ^ _ ^ >,c'' - 
 
 Earle. Hush, Pauline ! This is l^ny foster-sisterj Inez Flint. 
 Inez, this is thej^oung lady whom 1 went to meet. I hope you will 
 like each other,^r, you know we are to make one family.T . 
 
 Paul. lAke her! Never! 
 
 Inez. I beg your pardon for my rude speech, {holding out her 
 hand) I am pleased to welcome you. 
 
 Paul. Bah, what a whopper ! You would like to squash me ; I 
 see it in your eyes, but you ca-a-n't do it. {makes a mocking bow 
 
 Enter, Mrs. Hunter, e. 
 
 Mrs. H. Oh-h ! Silas Hunter, have you lost anything more? 
 
 Silas. Blame it all, yes; I've lost my hat. Why can't you let 
 things alone ":■ 
 
 Mrs. H. Oh, dear ! I wish something would calm your excitable 
 disposition. Your hat hangs on the pump, in the back yard where 
 you left it. 
 
 Silas. The dickens ! {exit, l. 
 
 Mrs. H. Deary me, why didn't you introduce the young lady, 
 Earle? 1 hope you will excuse me, dear, I didn't notice you before. 
 {holding out hand) You are very welcome. 
 
 Paul, {shaking hands) Thank you; I am glad to be welcome to 
 such a nice, cosy home. 
 
 Mrs. II. Well, my dear, I dare say you are hungry. Come right 
 out and have some dinner; come, Earle ! 
 
 Paid. Yes, Earle, tjou are hungry, I know, for you were com- 
 plaining on the way home ; come ! 
 
 {catches Eaule's hands and runs out, followed by Mrs. Hunter r. 
 
 Inez. Oh, I shall hate her, 1 know ;' yes, I hate her now. 
 
 Enter, Hendricks, l. 
 
 Hend. Inez Flint! 
 
 Inez. Victor Hendricks, why have you come here? 
 
 Hend. 'i'hat is my business, my dear. Not knowins that vou 
 
■^^ SWEETBBIER. 
 
 ^ewd. Inez, you used to have a good head for business and it did 
 SanJ^'tS i'?wi;,^'^"l'^?^ of business, either. I "hLve k game on 
 you will! worked, will make me rich. You can assilt me if 
 
 c/Tki ^ ^°^'' ^^"^ anything to do with your games. I am in re- 
 d^graS'byyT"'^ "'''' '"' ' ^""'' propose to be dragged in?o 
 
 tofSw ho^^yiSoVL'^'r'''*''*^ ^"''''^' ^'' y^"- ^*P"^^^^« ^« 
 
 T --^^A^' , ^otheJJnarried^r. Lindsey. These old people are Ealnh 
 
 tnl' r?al^l%'nP'^V4 T"' ^'' ^^^PP^"g herrforthe'seasr 
 Wou^tJjlfit-.u '^t Ili«'3sey, and left my cane, {takes cane) 
 Won Lyou walk with me? I want to talk with you. 
 
 ine«. I tell you that I want nothing to do with you. 
 
 wo^Sllke?ot' ^^? • ^-^eallgthatls awfSly cStSr^ufyou 
 would like to hear from your hu&band,f5iy cousin yicklf 
 2ne«. Hush! *-«• — *■ 
 
 ...'^^'L'^' t.^^^^""^^' aw^»"y • I §eazg shall be delighted to inform 
 your husband where to find his Kvin^spouse. He needs a house- 
 keeper, and no doubt will hasten to vojir side at once 
 
 Inez, Victor, do not betray me. Nick is my husband, but I am 
 engaged o marry Earle Lindsey, and nobody shall separate us. KeeT^ 
 my secret, Victor, and ask of me what you will. ^ 
 
 Enter, Eaele, e. e. 
 
 Earle. Woman, I have heard all, but I will keep your guilty 
 secret. I couM curse you, but will forbear. Henceforth let us be 
 as strangers, r I ^, /^^j; , 
 rinez. OhrEarle! ' '^- 
 
 j Earle. Silence! Never take my name upon your vile lips again. 
 ! Enter, Lindset, l. 
 
 Lind. Why, what is this about? 
 
 Send. Aw_the gent is jealous. Come, Inez, we will finish our 
 conversation in a more— aw— congenial sphere. 
 
 r . ■, T^ 1 V, . . .^ , , ^^**"^' Hendricks and Inez, l. 
 
 Lmd. Earle, what is the trouble ? 
 
 Earle. I have broken my engagement with Inez, that is all. 
 choice for yV ' ^ ''^"'^ '^^ that I'm sorry. I've another 
 
 Earle. Another choice? 
 
 Lind. Yes, Pauline Dare ! 
 .^^^arle- Pauline Dare I That bunch of oddities ! Father, are you 
 
 Lind. Insane-no ! But I want to do right by both you and her. 
 I always meant to leave my property to you and by marrying Inez 
 to you, secure her future; but the advent of this girl has chlnged 
 
 Earle. Father, I owe you a debt of gratitude for taking me from 
 
SWEETBRIEB. IS 
 
 the streets and making me what I am, but when you desire to con- 
 trol me in an affair like this I must rebel. By jove ! I'd not marry 
 your illegitimate daughter if she were a lady, which she is not. 
 You've befcn a kind father to me, but this last affair shows you out to 
 be an unmitigated scoundrel. 
 
 Lind. You young whelp, don't you dare call me names ! Marry 
 her or not — but mark this — you shall not have f)ne penny of my 
 property unless you do I {exit, 'l. 
 
 Earle. With no trade, no income and no profession, 1 am indeed 
 a beggar, poorer than the poorest laborer who can use the pick and 
 "shovel. {sits in chair and bows his head on the table 
 
 Enter, Pauline, k. 
 
 Paul. Earle ! (puts her hand on his shoulder 
 
 Earle. ( looking up) Well ! 
 
 Paul. Why, what is the matter ? Are you in trouble ? Oh, 1 
 know ! It's the green cucumbers — awful, ain't it ? 
 
 Earle. {looking steadily at Pauline) You have beautiful eyes, 
 Pauline, prettier than any girl I know. 
 
 Enter, Inez, l. 
 
 Inez. So soon, my knight of honor ? ■) 
 
 END OF ACT 11. 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 Lapse of one year between Second and Third Acts. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE III— Same as Act 2nd. Mose asleep in chair. 
 
 Enter, Pauline, r., with iohisk broom; takes straw from broom and 
 tickles Mose on the ear; Mose stirs, at last aioakes; chases Paul- 
 ine aiou7id the chair, both laughing. 
 
 < 
 
 [Enter, Nancy, r., with dust brush. 
 
 INancy. Laws a mussy, sich a rackit as dem chilluns do make ! 
 Safose. {catching Pauline) I'se done cotched yer now, Miss 
 B rier 
 
 Enter, Earle, r., astonished. 
 
 Earle. Pauline! Such actions are not befitting a lady! Have 
 you no more dignity than to romp with a servant? 
 
 {takes his hat from table and exits L. 
 
 Pauline walks slowly out R. Mose ssit astride a chair. 
 
 Nancy. I'd jes like ter mop de floo' wid he, de good-fo-nuffin* 
 trash I Mose Henry, if you ebber gits a wife an' sarbs her like dat, I 
 will; I'll — I'll mop de floo' wid ye till yer can't see. When a man 
 marries a wife he takes she fo' better fo' worser, an' if he fin's she a 
 little worser 
 
 Mose, 'Taint more den mos' new husbands do, hev. mammv? 
 
Ij^ - SWEETBBIEB. 
 
 Nancy, {striking him with brush) Sliiit up, 3-cr fool iii.-jrgah! 
 Wliiit you know 'bout women anyhow? 
 
 Muse, (rubbing his head) Tinks I ougliter know sumjiii' 'bout em. 
 But Miss Brier don't wback folkses ober ile head, an' I 'spect she 
 wouldn't call her own cbilluns 'fool niggahs!' 
 
 Nancii. You jes shut right up, Mose Henry, an' go git in de 
 mornin's kindliii's afore dark. J 
 
 Enter, Mrs. Hunter, r. 
 
 Mrs. II. Dear me, Nancy, I do feel kind o' skerry to-night. Ain't 
 it most time to light the candles? My nerves are all unstrung. I 
 know something dreadful is going to happen, for old Eover has been 
 howling for nigh an hour. 
 
 Nancy, {placing chair) Ya'as, I heered dat critter, an' it am nutf 
 ter make de shivers run down er buddy's back. Mose Henry, you 
 go right out an' shut dat dog in de barn, (exit Mose, l.) Heah, 
 Missus Abigail, you take yer knittin', {giving knitting) an' you'll 
 leel better. Don't yer go for ter hab de blues, cos deys cotchin'. 
 Now I'se gwine ter do up de clos.j {exit, l. 
 
 Enter, ^Pauline, r. 
 
 Paul, {flinging herself beside Mrs. Hunter) Oh, grandma Hun- 
 ter, how tired of life 1 am! Why can't 1 die? I do not want to 
 live; but {springing to her feet) 1 am strong and well, 1 shall live 
 for years, and drag out a life of misery. {pacing the floor 
 
 Mrs. H. Law sakes, how you do Uustrate a body! VVliat is the 
 matter? 
 
 Faul. Oh, grandma, can you see how I am treated, and you ask 
 what is the matter? [l, the wife of less than a year, ignored for an- 
 other, and that other ^n old sweetheart of my husband's.^ Grandma 
 Hunter, do you know why Earle married me? a^U,C t.a H j/t&.iy/.-^^ 
 
 Mrs. II. Law, no! I suppose because he loved you. I'm sure 
 you might make any man love and want to marry you. ■> -^r^ r,, 
 
 Faul. I tliought he loved me, else I would never have married 
 him, but I was a fool to think so. No man who loves a woman will 
 ask her hand in marriage without a word of loverbnt I thought him 
 
 reserved, and rushed headlong into the sharefiec for me by Earle's 
 
 i^ed 
 
 rrj 
 
 fatherTj Grandma, there is some secret here. |lAre you hiding any- 
 tiiing from me?j <^ 
 
 Mrs. H. Bfes us, child, why should there be a secret? IWhat 
 should 1 hide from yoi{2 
 
 Paul. There is a secret.^ papa told me so when he was dying, and 
 warned me against Mr. Lindsey. There are papers that would reveal 
 the mystery, but papa died before he could tell me where to find 
 them. 
 
 Mrs. H. Well, nobody never got no good a prying into secrets. 
 As tor Kalph, I guess he's as good as most worldly men. He is my 
 son-in-law and foi Alice's sake he must be respected in my house. 
 He has changed since she died — oh, my poor child; ray poor, dear 
 Alice ; without even a decent burial ; lying with her unnamed babe 
 beneath the cold water. {weeps 
 
 Paul, {goes to Mrs. Hunter) Forgive me, grandma; I have been 
 seltish, thinking only of my own sorrovk\ 
 
 Mrs. II. Child, what makes you so unhappy? What can one so 
 young know of sorrow? f— 
 
 Paul. Can't you. see? ^My husband, is ashamed of me. I am a 
 
SWEETBBIEB. 15 
 
 burden of which he would ghidly be rid. 1 can do nothing to please 
 him; he is continually cliiding and correctin"- nie, and, to a girl who 
 lias led a life of freedom, it is simply unbearable. He lias given me 
 no chance to learn the ways of society, keeping me here all this 
 dreary winter, and n owl Inez Flint lias come to spend the summer, 
 and 1 can see tliat slie is trying to win liim bade. Grandma, 1 can 
 not bear it — I sliall go away. 
 
 Mrs. H. Child, don't talk like that — you will break my poor, old 
 heart. You are like a daughter to me. 
 
 Enter, Silas, r. 
 
 Silas. Abigail, I wish you would see if you cantind myspecticles. 
 I had 'em out there in the cook room, when I Avas pickin' over them 
 huckleberries; now I can't find 'em. 
 
 Mrs. H. Dear me, Silas, you are alius losin' something, but if 
 you've lost them specticles without uj)settin' everything afore you, 
 it must be a bad sign; I'm afraid you'll never find 'em. {exit, n. 
 
 Silas. Why, Avhat is the matter with grandpa's little Sweerbrier? 
 (puts arm about Paulixe and lifts her chin) I believe j^ou have been 
 crying. Who has been hurting my little gal? 
 
 Paul. Perhaps it is the briers, grandpa ; I find my path in life 
 (Xuite thorny sometimes. 
 
 Silas. And that Flint gal is the biggest thorn of all, eh ? Don't 
 you mind her, my little gal ; don't you mind her a bit. Earle won't 
 get caught in any of her snares. He told me last night 
 
 Mrs. H. (outside) Silas! Silas! 
 
 Silas. Yes, Abigail ! As I was saying 
 
 Mrs. H. (outside) Well, come along, Silas Hunter, this very 
 minute. 
 
 Silas. Yes, yes! {exit, u. 
 
 Paul. I'm afraid that he is already ensnared by her. 1 wonder 
 
 what he told grandpa 
 
 Enter, Hkkdricks, l. 
 
 Hend. Would you really like to know ■:* 
 
 Paul. Why do you steal upon me in this manner? I do not care 
 for your company, sir. (goes u. — IIendkicks steps before her) Let 
 me pass ! How dare you bar my way ? Stand aside ! 
 
 Hend. 1 have something to say to you, Pauline, and you may as 
 well hear me in kindness as in auger. 1 do not wish to quarrel with 
 you — 1 love you too well for that. ^■..^.^ct.t^f ^ u/., 
 
 Paul. Silence, sir ! Such language is an insult. I am a-w-ile-, and 
 it will not be well for you to forget it. ^ 
 
 Hend. (A. ioife!''^.Maijti&t\ to one who shuns you, despises you ; one 
 who at this moment is talking sweet nothings to your rival. Oh, 
 Pauline, why did you throw me by for such a man? 1 have loved 
 you always— madlj'-, passionately loved you ; j^es, even now, lor one 
 glance of love from those dark eyes, 1 would throw myself from 
 yonder mountain top, and be dashed to pieces on the rocks below 
 
 Paul. Ha, ha, ha! Say, where did you learn that? I hate to 
 compliment you, but you remind me of a bird that i once seen in 
 Australia. His tail is so much like u lyre that lie is called the lyre 
 bird. 
 
 Bend. Oh, may you never know the anguish of unrequited love. 
 (sits in chair and Uoios his head on the table 
 
 Paul. Say I I've an idea — supposing you propose to grandma — 
 
 '^-'XA 
 
 1-0^1 
 
X6 SWEETBBIEB. 
 
 she lost a great sppon yesterday. Likely as not she would take youJ 
 
 {stage begins to darken 
 Hend. (starting up) You may ridicule me all you like, ^s. 
 Lindsey, but it won't save you, the man you love, orjjis miserable 
 fatherH (Lindset at back) 1 hold papers that will ^in them and j 
 make you rich. If you will get rid of Earle and become my wife, 
 you shall have them; if not, I shall destroy thejpapers that prove 
 vour identity in^ publish those that will ruin himTJ 
 Paul. Scoundrel, you have robbed me ! Those papers are mine ! 
 Send. Yes, when you are my wife I p- 
 
 Faul. You know that I cannot marry you. fijiave a bueband* 
 Mend. You can easily procure a divorce on thTElea of abuse. 
 Paul. Never ! Besides Earle has not abused me J 
 Hend. Well^hen you can run away with me^nd let At'w procure 
 the divorce — —J 
 Paul. You vile, insulting wretch ! Leave this room instantly I 
 Hend. You are more enchanting than ever. Anger beautifies 
 you, my love. H^ Mpi•jJ^v>^. sioV :- 
 
 Enter, Eaele, unseen, K. 
 
 Paul. Begone ! Leave me, sir ! {drawing dagger) You see I am 
 not defenceless. 
 
 Hend. I will go now, but I shall see you again. Your mother 
 lives and on you depends her life. Adieu ! {exit, z. 
 
 Paul. My mother living ! Oh, heaven, I must have those papers ! 
 I will have them, if I have to take his life to get them 1 {turns — 
 sees Earle) You here I 
 
 JSarle. I am, but it seems to me that you are getting rather trag- 
 ical, {takes dagger away from her) This is rather a dangerous toy ; 
 where did you get it ? 
 
 Paul. Papa brought it to me from Spain. I always carry it. 
 
 Earle. AVcll, I would rather you did not. It is more fit for a 
 brigand than a woman like you. Quite a fine piece of workmanship, 
 the hilt contains real diamonds ; there is one loose. Shall I take it 
 to my room and make it secure ? 
 
 Paul. I shall be pleased to have it repaired, if it is not too much 
 trouble. 
 
 Earle. Oh, no trouble at all! {places dagger on table 
 
 Paul. Excuse me; I have an errand to the mill, and must be 
 away at once if I would return before dark. {exit, L. 
 
 {hand reaches in at l. — takes dagger 
 
 Earle. Dear little woman, how bravely she defended herself 
 against that wretch. What papers can he have, and what did he 
 mean about her mother? She looked desperate. I'm glad I have 
 
 the dagger, for but here I have taken her only weapon of defence 
 
 and let her go through those woods without offering my company. 
 What a heedless brute I am I I'll follow her I {looks on table) Why, 
 where is that dagger? She must have taken it. 
 
 Enter, Inez, r. 
 
 Inez. All alone, Earle ? I hope I do not intrude ; but I left my 
 book here, {goes to table) Ah, here it is ! 'J'his was a birthday gift 
 
SWEETBHIER. 11 
 
 from you; given win n you respected, if you did not love me. Oh, 
 Earle,'}t was a bitter day \\\\f\\ I lost your respect. 
 
 Earle. T-ongfellow says, "Let the dead past bury it's dead." I 
 think it would be as well. Miss Flint, for I cannot even respect a 
 woman who would bethroth herself to one while she had a living 
 husband. 
 
 Inez. But I thought him dead, and I loved you so well that 1 
 could not reveal my unhappy past to you. 
 
 Earle, AVe will let the subject drop. You revealed the fu-ll 
 depths of treachery and deceit of your nature in the conversation 
 which I heard between you and Victor Hendricks, a little more than 
 a year ago. Such women disgusts me. I have shunned you; but 
 you seek my society and I am forced to speak plainly. I can see 
 that you try to rouse my wife to jealousy ; but understand, madam, 
 with all her faults, I love her; and, while I deplore her failings, 1 
 admire her virtues. Good evening! (exit, i^, 
 
 Inez. Oh, the bitterness of hate ! Scorn me if you will, Earle 
 Lindsey ; but one day 1 will have my revenge on both you and her. 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 SCENE II— Woods; mill stream and mill; stage darkened. Hknd- 
 RiCKS lyintj on ground beside log. 'Pxxji.mE bending over him, with 
 the dagger in her hand. She flings down the dagger and takes 
 papers from his pocket. 
 
 Enter, Earle, l., hurriedly; two laborers, b. 
 
 Brown. What is this ? 
 
 Earle. Great heavens ! . 7"" 
 
 Blake. Looks very much like murder! 
 
 Pavl. Yes; I think the man is dead. {hides papers 
 
 Blake. And, as you were picking his pockets, you must be inter- 
 ested in his death. I think I'll take vou before the magistrate 
 Brown, you look after the body, and I'll' take care of the girl. 
 
 {puts hand on Pauline's shoulder 
 
 Earle. You hound! Don't dare to insult her; she is my wife! 
 Kemove your hand ! 
 
 Brotcn. And who might you be ? 
 
 Earle. Earle Lindsey ! 
 
 Blake. I have heard of you, sir, and am sorry that this must be 
 done. I am Blake, the tithing-man, and as I saw her robbing the 
 body, 1 shall have to take her before the magistrate. Come, woman ! 
 
 Earle. (to Pauline) Why don't you speak? For heaven's sake 
 Pauline, why don't you say that you did not do it? ' 
 
 Paul, {picks tip dagger— holding it towards Earle) I have nothlnff 
 to say. ° 
 
 Blake. Be careful there! Brown, take that knife! (Brown 
 takes knife) Now come along before you do any more mischief! 
 
 ... (takes Pauline by the wrist 
 
 Earle. (springing forward) lou shall not! Here, take me! I 
 did it; she knows nothing about it! 
 
18 SWEETBBIEB. 
 
 Enter, Inez, r, — Silas and Mrs. Hunter, l. 
 
 Inez. It is false! Earle knows nothing about it; she did it. 
 saw tier. 
 
 Silas. What is all this? Great Caesar! Is that Hendricks? 
 What is the matter, I say? What are you doing with ray little 
 Sweetbrier ? 
 
 Paul. Oh, grandpa! 
 
 Brown. It's murder, sir ! We ^heard an awful scream and ran in 
 just in time to see this young woman, with a knife, bending over 
 the body. And this other young woman says that she saw her do it. 
 
 Silas, {to Inez) You she-devil ! So you have got my little 
 Sweetbrier into a scrape at last, {to Pauline) But don't be scared, 
 my little gal, grandpa will get you out o' this. 
 
 Mrs. H. Our Pauline do such a thing as this ! Of course she 
 didn't and if you don't let her go this minute, I'll have you arrested 
 for laying hands on a woman — that I will ! 
 
 Blake. That's for the court to tell, madam. Come, young woman! 
 (Pauline p^lts arms about Mrs. Hunter, and both loeep) Come, 
 come ! 
 
 Faiil. {turns to go) Good-bye! 
 
 All form picture. 
 
 Hendricks, c, /roni;— Pauline, with officer, r. c. Inez, triumph- 
 ant, R. Silas, with out-strectched hands — Mrs. Hunter with 
 apron to eyes, l. Earle is supported by Brown. 
 
 END OF ACT III. 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE— Same as in Act II^Fire in fire-place; log l. of fire. Lind- 
 SEY, with shawl about his shoulders, seated in easy chair beside 
 fire. Earle stands at l. e. 
 
 JAnd. It is doubtful if you again see me alive. I feel that my 
 days are numbered. Can you not say that you forgive me? 
 
 Earle. It is hard for me to say. How can you expect my forgive- 
 ness — you who stole me from my parents and taught me to believe 
 myself an outcast, a street- waif, fatherless and motherless ? Kepre- 
 senting yourself as my benefactor, when you were my enemy. How 
 can you ask my forgiveness ? 
 
 JAnd. But remember that I have always treated you well, and 
 had I been so disposed, I might never have revealed the secret of 
 your parentage. 
 
 Earle. And it is very doubtful if you would have revealed the 
 truth, had I not found that letter in the wood, which, no doubt, 
 Pauline pulled from Victor Hendricks' pocket so long ago. It is a 
 miracle how it was kept so perfect. Providence must have spared 
 it to reveal your treachery. 
 
 Lind. That letter was simply 
 
 Earle. A request for Saul Hendricks to abduct Earle, son of Lord 
 Christopher Wayne, of England, and bring him to you ; written and 
 
 I 
 
SWEETBBIEft. 19 
 
 i •.ned by )'onr liaiul. You were not over careful in those days, 
 
 ir. Lindscy. 
 
 Lind. Ciiu you not wait till I am dead before yon go to England ? 
 
 K'irle, VV:iit — while n»y parents die? No, I start to-night. Why 
 
 () you Ibnr my going to England? Are there more crimes. Ralpli 
 
 i/nidsey, that yon fear may be brought to light? 
 
 Lind. You can be cruel enough, boy. Ralph Lindsey has com- 
 mitted no crime; but go — and may success crown your efforts. 
 Farewell ! 
 
 Earle. If 1 succeed, you shall have my full forgiveness. Good- 
 l.ye! {exit, ^.. 
 
 Lind. Shall I ? Oh, I am cornered like a rat in a hole ! If it wa.s 
 not for tliis accursed weakness, th.«^t keeps me here like a helpless 
 c id man, 1 might get away. 
 
 Enter, Inez, b. 
 
 Inez. Has Earle gone ? 
 
 Lind. Curse him — yes! 
 
 Inez. Gone without a word to me; and I have loved him so! He 
 iias said farewell to even old Nancy ! I alone am neglected. 
 
 Lind. Bah ! Better be looking out for something to keep you in 
 bread and butter! If that young idiot finds his parents, the cat will 
 be out of the bag. 
 
 Inez. How ? 
 
 Lind. Why, Lady Wayne knows that I am Roscoe, not Ralph 
 Lindsey. She was my father's ward, and knows my writing. The 
 R. Lindsey on that letter won't mean Ralph to her. She was with 
 us when my father turned me from his door. Afterward her mother 
 took her to England. 
 
 Inez. Had you let her child alone, you would now be all right. 
 
 Lind. 1 hated her and meant to be revenged. I swore it when I 
 left my father's house, for it was through her tattling that father 
 found out my doings, {shivers) How cold it is I 
 
 Enter, Mrs. Hunter, r. 
 
 Mrs. H. Cold ! why it's jest like an oven here, with it the last of 
 May and a roarin' fire! I tell ye, Ralph, if you'd let them doctors 
 alone and take some of my bitters, your blood wouldn't be a freezin' 
 in yer veins, {looks at log) Laws a massy I Who brought in that 
 big log? 
 
 Inez. Earle brought it from the woods. 
 
 Mrs, U. Why, it's the same log that Hendricks' body lay beside ! 
 
 Lind. (starting tip) Curse it all— burn it! Call Nancy and have 
 it put on the fire ! 
 
 Mrs. II. Law! don't excite yourself so; there's time enough! 
 Come to think on it— nx as jest two years ago to-night that poor 
 little Pauling got out oi j ..1 and drowned herself in the mill pond. 
 
 Enter, Silas, r. 
 
 Silas. Yes; I was jest thinkin' about the poor gal, and a curi's 
 dream I had last night. I dreampt I see Sweetbrier setting on this 
 log with Mose swimuiing beside her in the creek. She and Mose 
 
^0 SWEETBRIEB. 
 
 was both good swimmers, and it alius puzzled me to know the reason 
 that they never riz after they went down. 
 
 Inez. What is the use of raking up those old horrors ? You would 
 better burn that old log and talk of something more cheerful than 
 murders and suicides. 
 
 Silas. P'raps you're right. I forgot that Lindsey was sick and 
 nervous." {goes R., and calls) Nancy! Nancy! 
 Enter, Nancy, r. 
 
 yancy. What am it dat you wants, massa Hunter? 
 
 Silas. Come and help me lift this log on the fire. 
 
 Xanaj. Hi ! No, sah; I ain't gwine for ter tech dat air— not if I 
 knows it. Ough ! (edges off 
 
 Silas. Don't be a fool, Nancy! Come and help me! If you 
 don't I shall leave it here, and you will have to work round it alone 
 to-morrow. 
 
 Nancy. De good laAvs a mussy, massa Hunter; I wouldn't stay 
 long ob dat no ways ! 
 
 Silas. Take hold of it, then. 
 Silas takes one end of the log — Nancy taking the other extreme end 
 xcith the tips of her fingers , — They move towards fire — Nancy sud- 
 denly drops log — both Silas and Nancy fall on their knees on log, 
 crushing it.* 
 
 *The log should be manufactured of small, slender hoops over 
 which may be tightly drawn brown tissue paper. 
 
 Silas. Tlie devil ! {getting up and rubbing his head) Don't you 
 know any better than that, you blundering ignoramus? 
 
 Nancy, {climbing up) Hi I Don't you know better den hit up 
 agin me? 'Spect I'se gwine ter tote der whole ob dat log? 
 
 (Mrs. Hunter starts forward and snatches papers from log 
 
 Mrs. H. What is this? {unfolds paper and reads) "I, Carlos 
 Dare, do hereby (I^indsky starts up — steps forward and falls 
 
 Silas, {raising IjINDSEy^ 8 head) Bring camphire, quick! It's a 
 fit! 
 
 Ines. (kneeling beside Lindsey) He has escaped the consequences 
 of his crime — he is dead ! 
 
 END OF act IV. 
 
 . CURT.MX. 
 
 ACT \ 
 SCENE I— Street in New York. 
 Enter, Pauline, r., with basket of flowers. 
 Paul. Now where in the world isMose? I shall never be able 
 to sell these flowers without him. (sings) Water lilies; who'll 
 buy? who'll buy? (men and toomen pass through) Wild roses! 
 wildro-ses! violets, sir? (sings 
 
 Enter, Mose, l. — he has a pole across his shoulders, from each end oj 
 lohich are suspended, Chinese fashion, baskets of flowers. He also 
 carries a banjo. 
 
 Mose. Oh, lordy ! Mics Brier I'se seed a ghost I 
 FauL Nonsense I 
 
SWEETBBIEJi. 21 
 
 Mo&e. But I has I I'se seed niasea^Ralph *, an' didn't j^er read in 
 de papersSiow lie died of perplexity 'ij (zS^ct'^A-^ ?<.^<t^<.«t/ ? 
 
 Paid, t^poplexj^ Mosejl but 1 also read, one? 111^011 a time, liow a 
 young woman leaped into the water and was drowned ; also lliat her 
 faithful servant lost liis life in trying to save hers. 1 tlon't believe 
 all of the newspaper reports, though 1 would much r/ither you saw 
 a ghost than the living man. 
 
 Mose. {looking behind Itim) Ob — h, Miss Brier, I hadn't ! I'se 
 po'ful scart of ghosteses ! 
 
 Faul. Some one is coming; tune up your banjo, Mose, for I have 
 not sold many flowers to-day. This sweetbrier is badly wilted now. 
 
 Mose plays; Pavlixe sings — people pass through — some take boqucts, 
 tossing money to Paulink. 
 
 Enter, Eai.ph Lndsey, i. ' /L>^dJ f^^ ^^ 
 
 Ilalph. ^lallo Sweetbrier, if I live! (aside) How it reminds 
 rae of home,) (aloud) How much do yon ask for your posies? 
 
 Pauline starts had' — Mose runs, r. — flowers flying in all directions, 
 
 Paul. Ealph Lind.-ey, you know that I am innocent. VViiy do 
 you seek me here? What have I ever done to you, that you long for 
 my innocent life ? 
 
 Ilalph. You ZooA; innocent enongli; but yowv manner is very 
 strange. I simply asked the price of your flowers, iind your com- 
 panion flies like the wind, \\\i\\q you go into tragedy. 
 
 Paul. Very well; Pni willing to be let alone. Good day! 
 
 (turns^ioaving hand 
 
 Palph. {catching Pauline's wrist) AVliere did you get that ring? 
 
 Paul. It is none of your business I Let me :done, sir ! 
 
 Ealph. It was my wife's ring; see! there is her monogram on 
 the seal! 
 
 Pauline leans forward — both look at ring. She suddenly trips and 
 pushes Ralph. He diops her icrist and throws up both hands to 
 save himself fi'om falling. Pauline rtins h. 
 
 Paul. You're an old fox; l^ut this isn't the chicken to be caught 
 napping! 'V yjf,/j s/ /■c/^acy/'/y^.^r f (e.cit-R. 
 
 Ralph. (The little wretch i It is plain that she knew Roscoe, and 
 has mistaken me for him ; Qbut how did siie come with my wife's 
 ring? I'll see her again and force the truth from her.*) Caji* I be on 
 the right trail at last? (exit m. 
 
 Enter, Silas and Mks. Hunter, l. — She loith black leather bag; car^ 
 pet bag and bandbox — he, xvith large covered basket; two bundles; 
 cane and umbrella. 
 
 Silas. I'll be blamed if this ain't the gol darndest place I ever got 
 in! I believe it's agoin' to rain ; but I can't see sky enough to find 
 out. There's so many folks bumping agin me that I've nigh about 
 lost this umbrill more'n a dozen times. Have you got them papers 
 all safe? . 
 
 Mrs. H. Yes; right in this little black bag,( where I've kept 'em 
 ever since I found 'em in that holler log."^ 
 
 Silas. Well, let's see the one that tells where to find our Alice. 
 
SWEETBRIEB. 
 
 ^r^'^ 
 
 Mrs. H. (taking papers frotn bag — gives to Su. as) Ju.-t tliink of"^ 
 it, Silas! Oiir Alice alive; and so m-ar lo us! 1 tlcchired 1 ain't 
 been so flusterated since the day poor little rauling \i-»*i-;«;»-tvted. 
 
 Silas, (sets duwn bundles — puts on glasses and lukes paper) Don't ' 
 talk ai'dut that time, Abigail; it n)akcs an all »;oiie t'eciing in my 
 sioniiicl;. Just think! the poor little critter was our Alice's own 
 child, if we find Alice, 1 expect the news ot that chihl'.s death will 
 nigh about kill her. (^reads) "Pauper's Lane, Kogue's Kookery"— 
 now where is that? 
 
 Mrs. H. Yes, and where is Nancy? 
 
 Silas. Jehosophat! that pesky old woman must be lost! (.takes 
 out large pocketbook and mUs in paper — Rkd Eoger looks in at back) 
 I'll keep these directions; and you stay right here and look out for 
 these things, while I look for Nancy. (exit l. 
 
 Enter, Police, R. 
 
 Police. Come, madam ; move on ! move on ! 
 
 Mrs. H. AVby, deary me! Where shall I move? The deacon 
 told me to stay here till he got back, and if I move I know he never 
 will find me in this big town. 
 
 Police. Where do you wish to go ? 
 
 Mrs. H. I'm sure I don't know. I expected my son-in-law to 
 meet us but lie didn't come. 
 
 Enter, Gentleman Nick, r. 
 
 Nick. Why, how do you do, mother? (loud call of fire, l.) I'll 
 take charge of this lady, officer. (exit, Policeman, l. 
 
 Mrs. H. Why, 1 don't know you ! 
 
 Nick. That is all right! That officer wanted to lock you up for 
 obstructing the highway ; so 1 claimed you for my mother Now let 
 me take your bundles and I'll find a place for you. They don't allow 
 jjcople to stop on the sidewalk. What have you in Ibis satchel? 
 
 Mrs. H. My pocketbook and some pajjers. 
 
 Nick. Let me take that — somebody might snatch it from you. 
 (takes satchel, bundles, etc.) Come; I'll find a place for you, and 
 then I will watch for your husband and tell hiui where your are. 
 
 Mrs. H. LaAV sakes; how kind you be! I'm ever so much 
 obliged to ye. {exeunt R. 
 
 'Enter, Pauline, with flowers — Mose, with banjo, l. 
 
 Paul. Roses, wild flowers and water lilies I five cents a bunch I 
 Ro — ses, five cents! music free! Come, Mose; tune up there! 
 Give us something lively ! (Mose pia^s— Pauline dances 
 
 Enter, Silas, r. 
 
 Silas, (clapping his hands) Well done, gal ! well done I Dancing 
 is works of the devil; but you did it well, sissy ! 
 
 Paul, (aside) Grandpa Hunter ! (aloud) Haveaposey? Only 
 five cents; and I will pin it on. 
 
 Silas. Well, I don't ker if I do — some of that swectbrier there and 
 a pond lily. They remind me of the little gal I lost. Poor Sweet- 
 
iiWEETBBlER. Si 
 
 brier! I s'pose ye air pretty well <.c-qtiainted round these part, ain't 
 ye? 
 
 Paul. You can bet your boot.s on ihar, governor I 
 
 Silas. Oil, 1 Jiiu't llie goveniur ; I'm deacon Hunter, and I don't 
 believe in bettin' ; but p'lhaps yuii ki.o-.v where Paupers Lane is? 
 
 Paul. Do I? Don't i\ Well, 1 smnikl smile I 
 
 Silas. What the devil 1 nigii about said are you going to 
 
 suiile at? 
 
 Paul. Ha, ha, ha ! Paupers' Lane is one of the toughest places 
 in the city. You don't think of going there, do you ? 
 
 Silas. Yes; I do! I guess I'm about as to?fgr/i as anybody ; and I 
 ain't afraid of nothing in broad dayliglit. They have got my Alice 
 shut up in Eogues' Kookery, and I'll have her out or 1 11 make a big 
 row in this town. 
 
 Paul. How do you know that she is there? 
 
 Silas. Because Pve got papers that prove it. Gosh ! I nigh about 
 forgot Abigail, with watching your capers. I must go now, and 
 find my old woman. I told her to stay here ; but 'pears she didn't. 
 (puts hand in one pocket — then in another) Gosh all hemlock! 
 (searching) Girl, Pve been robbed ! It was that red-headed chap 
 that took it, 1 know. (rushes out, K. 
 
 Paul. Hold on! Well, he has gone and nobody knows what he 
 will rush into. I've no doubt that lied Koger picked his pockets. 
 Mose, I'm going to see grandpa in a safe place, and get his money 
 back if possible. If I don't get to our boarding house before ten to- 
 night, you must go to the chief of police and have Kogues' Rookery- 
 searched. You understand? 
 
 Mose. Ya — as; but — I — I don't want nuffin' terdo wid de perlice. 
 Miss Brier ; deed I don't ! I guess massa Hunter kin take ker ob his- 
 sef ! {takes white beard from chin — vieros it 
 
 / Paul, (shakes him) Put that on this minute, and don't you take 
 it off again ! If you get caught now, you will go to prison. 
 
 Mose. I won't do so again; but a little white does change dis 
 chile wonderful. 
 
 Paul. Now remember what I told you ! I am going. (exit r. 
 
 Mose. Now dat gal am bound ter git killed some day, an' I 'spect 
 dis chile am bound ter go wid her. Well, dis am a queer world — 
 'specially de world in JNew York. Guess I'll hab a little music! 
 
 (stakes banjo— plays and sings '^Swanee Hive}-'* 
 
 'Center, Nancy, r.— /otZoioe^Z by boys, hackmen, etc. — she carries two 
 ^ bandboxes; umbrella and carpet bag — boys cry, '■'Smash yer bag- 
 gage!" — men cry, '^Hack! hack!" 
 
 Nancy. Gitoutdar; ebery one ob you ! If yer dare smash any- 
 ting ob dese here, I'll smash yer head — dat's Avhat Pll do ! Clar out 
 I say! What am dat you say? Hack— what yer gwine ter hack? 
 You go ter choppin' inter me or any ob dcse fings, an' you'se gwine 
 ter git de worse ob it ! 
 
 Hackman. Have a bus, ma'am ? 
 
 Nancy. For de good laws ! I'se nebber so insulted in my life ! 
 I'll hab you know I'se no sich ! 
 
 Hackman. Right this way for a first-class bus, ma'am I 
 
 Jlerdic Coachman. Hcrdic, ma'am ! Heidic I 
 
U SWEETi.lUEn. 
 
 Nimc]i. Heard it! 'Course yoii lieinl it— le more sliame to vou 
 too; stand round an' see a ladv in.^uliod like dat? Heard it— deed' 
 I'se IbeJ in deakiu Hunter's family lor thirty yeaiis, an' I'se alius 
 been 'spectable. I'll jess sliow yer iiow a huly "kin tal;e kcer ob her- 
 sef! 
 
 Drops hnfjijmjii—lmjs about loith vmhrelln—men and hoys scatter r. 
 
 and L. ' 
 
 Mose. {loho has been loolunj on vnth open mouth, rushes out—clasps 
 I^A'SCY in his arms) Oh, mammy ! Mammy! 
 
 Nancy, (frees herself— beats Mose with umbrella) You niiserable 
 ole nigger ! take dat ! (io/(«c/t) an' dat! (whack' 
 
 Mose. Look out dar ! Don't yer know me, mammy' 
 ^cncy Don't yer call we mammy, you ole gray-headed villin! 
 Folks tmk I'se ole as Thusla to be mudder ter vou: J'se a voun<r 
 'ooman— lis. Now (whack) clar out! " J « 
 
 Enter, Police, r. 
 
 ^ Police. Come ; move on ! Get out of this or I'll have to take you 
 
 Picture. 
 
 Police, n. Nancy facing Mosk, with u.nbrella held aloff lookinn 
 
 over her shoulder at oj^cer— Mose shrinking— ba^jgage on ground. 
 
 CUKTAIN. 
 
 SCENE II— Interior of Pogues' Eookeryl-table, c, at lohich is seated 
 Ked Koger, with his back towards u.— Gkntleman Nick stands 
 at end of table, holding black satchel.— Silas' pocketbook lies on 
 table before Boomi. —cards; black bottle and glasses also on table 
 Blanket thrown over object R.— window n.— behind Eoger and 
 
 Nick. Yes; I captured the old woman's satchel ; but I had i 
 hard job of It. lii^ Mike pitched in and took the old woman's partV 
 I tell you Koger; Mike ani't to be trusted ; he's getting too fly any- 
 how. W hy, when I made love a little to madam- ^ 
 
 Vl' tPoVSV' V, . ,. K o (^'^^■'^^« ^''^"'•^ 'corner 
 
 Nick. Hallo I what have we here ? 
 
 Boger. An old man who insists that I have his pocketbook, and 
 was bent on searchmg the house for his daughter. The bovs thonahr 
 we ha<l better give him a rest afore he comrnenced. ""^'i^ 
 
 Nick, (going L., and hiding satchel) The deuce*! Wliat shall w*> 
 do with hnn ? (Pauline looks in at ^oindow\ I 
 
 Poger. Sink him, I say ! I've five hundred in this wallet that I'll 
 divide amongst the boys, if he's put out of the way. ]f not Ishall 
 git; for It ain't safe here with him knowing too miich 
 
 Nick. It ain't safe any way ; for if he knows, likely there's more 
 that do. We had better divy up and go in difle^ent direcSons. 
 
 Poger. But what shall we do with the woman •■' 
 
 Nick. I'll take care of lier. 
 
 Pager. No you won't, old boy ! This has got to be a fair divide 
 
 Nick Let's settle it by a game of euchre- the one who wins IhaU 
 have the woman and dispose of the old man. 
 
 Poger. Agreed! 
 
SWEETBIilEE. 26 
 
 Nick rfoes l., brings chair and seats himself at table. JIogeh places 
 pocketbook in hi}:) pocket; 'Nick deals. They begin to plag, occa- 
 sionally drinking from bottle. Pauline raises herself on window- 
 sill; looks about; slides to floor and creeps forward — trtkes pocket- 
 book and bunch of keys from Koger's pocket — revolver from 
 Nick's — disappears under blanket. After a few minutes Silas 
 appears — revolver in one hand and key in the other; creeps totoards 
 door, c. As he reaches door, Kogeii sees him — utters an exclama- 
 tion — all leap to their Jeet. Silas dashes out; followed by Nick 
 ««d EoGER. Pauline comes /rom imder blanket. 
 
 Paul. Cricky ! but that was well done ! Polly, you do credit to 
 your bringing up ! I^t's see what else you can du ! Tliereare those 
 papers — I must liave them! (goes l., takes satchel from hiding place, 
 puts Mks. Hunter's purse in pocket — papers inside of j(ccket) I must 
 sacrifice grandma's satchel! {tossing it back) Now to find Mrs. 
 Alice Lindsey ! {takes bunch of keys — exit, L. 
 
 Enter, Big Mike, r. 
 
 Mike. Well, here's a pretty mess ! What's up, I wonder? Police 
 raided the shanty ? Guess I'd better take a look about ! (exit. c. 
 
 Enter, Pauline and Alice, l. 
 
 Paul. This is hick! I didn't expect to find you without a long 
 hunt. We must get out of this before tliose rascals return ! 
 
 Alice. But who are you and ho vv did you get in? How did you 
 know I was here ? 
 
 Paul. I got in easy enough, and if you had any spunk, you 
 would have got out long ago. I climbed the electric light pole, 
 leaped to this roof, climbed tlirougli the scuttle, then out the win- 
 dow, got a footing on the top of the window below and wlien l got a 
 good chance jumped In here. Now I'm all ready ; come ! 
 
 Alice. Your name! What is it? 
 
 Paul. Botheration ! You ask too many questions ; come along ! 
 Or do you want to stay with Gentleman Nick the rest of your days? 
 
 Alice. No! Oh, no; no! But 
 
 Paul, (seizing her by wrist) No buts now ! This is no time for 
 explanations ! (hurries towards door, c. 
 
 Enter, Mike, c. 
 
 —Hallo, Mike! 
 
 Mike. Well, you young monkey ! So Pin just in time I 
 
 (Alice staggers 
 
 Paul, {shaking Alice) Don't you dare to hiint now! Mike 
 Ryan, do you know me ? 
 
 Mike. Not at all, me gal I 
 
 Paul. Have you forgotten the little girl whom Carlos Dare left 
 to your care, when he was sent to prison — the girl whom your gray- 
 haired mother taught all the good her childhood knew? 
 
 Mike. No; by the holy St. Patrick I hain't! Nor I nevci shall 
 forget her— the little gal who saved my life out thar in Dakota ; but 
 
gg SWEETBRIER. 
 
 the poor child was hunted to death by tliom iDiiiions of the law. 
 though she died game. Poor Sweetbri.r ! 
 
 Paid. Dead! Not much, Mike I {removes bonnet and lets hair 
 fall on shoulders) She is here and at your mercy. 
 
 Mike. Pauline Dare ! 
 
 Alice. My child ! It is my child ! Oh, man ; have pity ! 
 
 {staggers — Pauline puts her arm around her 
 
 Paul. Courage ! 
 
 Mike. Marm, tliis here is yer own gal; Carlos told me jest afore 
 he died. I all's meant ter git ye out o' this when I got a chance ter 
 git off safe myself. 
 
 Alice, {clasping Fwhm-E in her arms) My child! At last I have 
 found my baby ! 
 
 Paul, (much affected) Pshaw! You're making a fool of me! 
 This is no time for sentiment. We shall be nabbed if we are not out 
 of here in a jiffy ! Mike, are you going to let us off without a fuss ? 
 
 Mike. You can go ; but 
 
 Paul, {drawing revolver) Mike, I don't want to hurt you; but 
 we are both going. 
 
 Mike. Go— and be quick ! 
 
 Enter, Nick, suddenly, c. 
 
 Nick. Traitor ! This is the way you betray your comrads ! 
 (joints revolver at Mikb) Die, you dog! [__ .).-Arv - ^ 
 \'Fires — Pauxine strikes up his arm — Mike seizes Nick by throat and 
 '—^ hurls him back. 
 
 Enter, Silas, Ralph and Blake, c. 
 Silas. Here you be, my fine gentleman ! Oflacer, take him I 
 
 {points at Nick — officer handcuffs Mm 
 Palph. Alice, my wife ! 
 Alice. Ralph! 
 
 Silas. My darter !( Silas and Ralph grasp Alice's hand 
 
 Paul, {aside to MiKB) Scoot! {he runs out, c. 
 
 Alice. Father, husband and child all restored to me in less than 
 one half hour ; it's enough to turn my brain. 
 
 Silas. Child? Jehosophat! ((ttrns «o Pauline) Sweetbrier, is 
 this you? 
 Balph. My dear daughter, receive your father's welcQmel 
 
 {going towards her 
 Paul. Got a little off yer base, ain't ye? I'm Polly, the flower 
 girl! 
 Silas. My little Sweetbrier — riz from the dead ! 
 Paul. I'm no ghost, old man! {runs k., but is caught by officer) 
 Scragged again, by jinks! 
 
 Plake. I've caught you, madam, and you don't escape me agin ! 
 I'm Blake what caught ye afore, and I knowed ye the minute I sot 
 my eyes on ye. 
 
 Paul. You inhuman fiend! Are you content? But a felon's 
 death I will not die. I escaped you once — {springing away) I escape 
 you again I 
 
 {puts revolver to her breast — ff,res— falls and is caught by Silas 
 end of act v. 
 CURTAIN. 
 
SWEETDIUI-.n. 27 
 
 ACT VI 
 
 SCENE I^SUting room in Ralvu Ltnusky's house — elegantly fuV" 
 nished. Pauline and 31ose dancing. 
 
 Enter, Mrs. Alick Lixdsky, r., with basket of wools. 
 
 Alice. For mercy's sake, Pauline l/imlpe}^ what are you doing? 
 
 Paul, (sitting hastily un sofa, while Mose runs out', l.) Now, 
 mamma, don't scold ! I'm sure it's not a bit worse than dancing the 
 german with Mr. Featherby, who hasn't half the brains that Mose 
 has. 
 
 Alice. I.amnot going to scold; but I thought — at least, I hoped 
 that you had forgotten those old traits. 
 
 Faul. Mamma, have you had any cause to feel ashamed of me 
 since my first appearance in society ? 
 
 Alice. Why, no; I cannot say that I have, yet lam always afraid 
 that you love of mischief may cause you to commit some breach of 
 cttiquette. 
 
 Paul. Never fear, mamma! The belle of two seasons is not 
 likely to foi-get what she owes society. Yet I do not think I could 
 endure it all, were it not for the lew hours that I have in private, 
 when I can act my own will self. 
 
 Alice. Poor child! are you not liappy? 
 
 Paul. Happy as tfie days are long, mother ! If Earle were onlv 
 here, my happiness would be complete. 
 
 Alice. Yet you have hidden yourself from him and kept everyon«» 
 from acquainting him with the fact of your safety. 
 
 Paul. I wished to make sure of his love ; and, as your daughter. 
 Miss Lina Lindsey, I think I have succeeded. I have no fears that 
 he will not follow ustrom England. We have been home just 
 three weeks, and I shall give him two more to arrive here. Depend 
 upon it, mamma, you will see his lordsliip in two weeks. 
 
 Alice. What stronger proof of his love did you need than that he 
 offered his life for you? It was just that when he accused himself 
 of a crime that he believed you had committed. 
 
 Paul. Yes, I knpw; but you remember that I have every reason 
 to believe that he inarried me to please his foster-father, 
 
 Alioe. Do you know Roscoe's object in bringing about die mar- 
 riage?., G^e would think that he would have insisted upon your 
 marrying Htodricks. 
 
 Pauif H« intended to elude Hendricks, j^et what money he could 
 from faihesr's property, and after inducing Earle to go to England 
 on nia wedding tour, pass me upon Earle's mother as his daughter; 
 thus corapelrng her for Earle's sake, to conceal the crimes of his 
 wife's father. But Earle refused to take me to England and Hen- 
 dricks was not easily eluded. The last of Roscoe's Lindsey 's life was 
 spent in dread and terror. 
 
 Alice. It is sad to think that my husband's brother was such a 
 bad man. 
 
 Enter, Ralph, l. 
 
 Salph. Alone, my treasures? I expected to find father and 
 mother Hunter with you. 
 
 (sits fifiside Alice and takes wool upon his hands) 
 Alice. There; that is better, thank you I {continues to wind wool 
 
SS SWEETBBIEB. 
 
 I expoctetl f.-itlier ftiul inotlK r; but it is getting so late tliat I ilo not 
 think tlicv will come. 
 
 Paul. Oil. yes lliey 'vill ! Ciranilni.a said siioulil coma for Xancy 
 to-iiiglit, and "she always keeps her word. Probably grandpa has 
 lost his hat, and failing lo propitiate grandma witii a sutiicient 
 amount of politonc-ss has liecn nnable to tind it. 
 
 Alice. It was real kind of mother to send Nancy over to help 
 me. Ralph, have you engaged tlie new cook? 
 
 Balph. Yes; she will be here to-morrow. 
 
 Enter, Nancy, followed by Mr. and Mrs. Hunter, b. 
 
 Nancy. Here am de dekin and de dekinis ! 
 
 (extravagant courtesy — exit R. 
 Alice. I am glad you have come. I was just thinking that I 
 should not see you to-night. 
 
 General handshaking— Amcv:. helps Mrs. Uv^ter removes wraps— 
 Kalpii rings bell. 
 
 Mrs. II. Law me! I didn't know as I should get here. Firstly, 
 we had a caller— big— big— eh, Silas? What was his name? 
 
 Silas. Big Mike Ryan '. The fellow is living out west and getting 
 rich on a cattle ranch — so he says. 
 
 Enter, Nancy, r. — takes wraps and with many courtesies, exits^ r, 
 
 Mrs. II. How perlite Nancy has got to be since she came to live 
 with vou. 
 
 Faiil. Yes : she follows the style of my French maid. But how 
 glad I am tiiat Mike is doing so well I Grandpa, come and sit beside 
 me; I want to talk to you. (8ii as sits on sofa 
 
 Mrs. H. But that caller wasn't all that kept us. Silas got a 
 letter from Earle. 
 
 raid. Oh, grandpa! Tell it all quickly! 
 
 Mrs. II. Law, child; don't flusterate a body! Well, you see; 
 Silas lost his spectacles 
 
 Paul. Oh, grandma! What did Earle write? 
 
 Mrs. II. Law, child; how nervous you are getting to be! I 
 brought some catnip in my carpet bag, an I'll put some right on to 
 steep. There's nothing better for the nerves than catnip tea— 
 
 Puul. Oh, grandpa ! 
 
 ,Silas. Yes, child — Earle is coming home to America and will 
 arrive soon. I s'pose I ought to call him Lord Wayne. He writes 
 that his father is dead ; but he has found his mother, and they are 
 coining to America to live — but I s'pose you know all this. 
 
 Paul. I did not know that he would live in America.* I have 
 m«t his loi-dship and his motlier. They were frequent visitors at our 
 rooms in England. 
 
 Silas. I s'pose you'll claim him when he gets back, won't you? 
 
 Paul. I rather think 1 will wait till he claims me. 
 
 3Irs. H. Law sakes ! How kin he when he don't know you'(B in 
 the land of livin' ? We hain't writ a word about ye, cause you 
 told us not to. When Silas found out where he was, he sent the 
 papers that belonged to him ; but never said a word about your 
 papers. I nevel- see sich deceitful carrying on ; and the deacon is as 
 bad as anybody. I doii't know what the world is coming to ! 
 
SWEETBIilEJ?. S9 
 
 Italph. Well, mother, I think our p.-irt of it !;* comiii ;,• together :it 
 last — don't yon? 
 
 Mrs. H. Now, Kalph ! You alliisdid Iriiip,!) at my sayings; but 
 don't, j^ou remember that you cainc b.ick rliroo limes wlien you 
 started for South Ameriea? I told you then you wouldn't have 
 good hick, and you laughed. 
 
 H(dph. Yes, I remember I (to Silas) Fatlier, don't you want to 
 take a look at my horses ? 
 
 Silas. Yes; don't care if I do I (tosses Zeiter to Pauline) Want 
 to read Earle's letter ? 
 
 Faul. Oh, yes ! {exit, Ealph and Silas, r. 
 
 Alice. Well, mother, I suppose you have come to take Nancy 
 home. It was real kind of you to let her stay so long, when you 
 need her yourself. 
 
 Mrs. H. Yes; I do need her for I ain't so spry as I used to be. 
 Have you got all put to rights ? 
 
 Alice. Yes-; come and J will show you over the I'ooms. We have 
 had them all refurnished. {exit Mrs. Hunter and Alice, l. 
 
 Enter, l^A'SCY,folloxoed 5?/ Earle, r. 
 
 Nancy. Here am massa Earle — what It's my born opinion am a 
 rabin manicle— a callin' hisself de lord ! He nebber used ter be on- 
 rehherant, an' I knows fo' sartin he am clar gone crazy ! 
 
 Paul, {rising and offering her hand) Lord Wayne ! This is in- 
 deed a surprise ! When did you come? 
 
 Earle. This afternoon. 1 went up to grandfather's, but found 
 nobody at home so I took the liberty to call here. 
 
 Paul. Of course, my Lord 
 
 Nanci/. Dar you go agin! What you done talkin' 'bout? Sich 
 hlasphibious talk I nebber heerdi 
 
 Paxil. Why, aunty I This is Lord Wayne, of England ! In that 
 country Lord is used as a title, like — like 
 
 Earle. Like deacon, Xancy! 
 
 Nancy. Dealdn! It am bad nough fo' sich trundle-bed trash ter 
 sot up fo' a deakin ; but when yer comes a sotin' yersef up fo' de 
 ruler ob dis yarth an' lieben too, I jess tink yo'd 'spect ter be thun- 
 derstruck! I done 'spec dat gal be gwine ter sot up fo' an angel 
 nex't! {exit, Nancy, r. 
 
 Earle. Yes; she has been set uj) as an angel in my heart from 
 the first. 
 
 Paul. Now sir, don't be 'oniebberant' ! I cannot let you bestow 
 such wholesale flattery. 1 \\\\\ ring for refreshments. 
 
 Earle. Stayi Let me sjieak ! I liave followed you here because 
 I cannot live away from you. I have wealth, honor and a titled 
 name; with a deep, true love — 1 lay them all at your feet, for with- 
 out you I am poorer than a beggar. Miss Lindsej^ — Llna — will you 
 be my wife ? 
 
 Paul. Indeed, my Lord, you are very ardent for so abrupt a 
 wooer. It is no wonder that Avith such combined forces, you found 
 so little difficulty in winning the street waif, Pauline Dare. Keally 
 I feel honored to he your second choice. 
 
 Earle. So you have heard the story of my marriage? But as 
 my wife is dead, I see no reason why you should taunt'nie with my 
 first choice — perhaps you have heard that I was unkind to her 
 
so SWEETBI?If:7?. 
 
 though heaven knows, I did not meaa to be ! For though pride kept 
 nie silent, I truly loved her. 
 
 Faul: It seems that you are a trifle fickle. Lord Wayne, that you 
 can forget your first love so soon. 
 
 Earle. I shall never forget her while you are before me ! You 
 are her living counterpart. Had I not seen her drown, no earthly 
 power could force me to believe you were not my wife. 
 
 Paul. Really, sir; you are complimentary ! A rude, uncultivated 
 girl, the companion of criminals, a murderess — to be upheld as ray 
 exact counterpart ! 
 
 Earle. Great heavens, Miss Lindsey ! How you torture me I 
 
 Enter, Nancy, r. 
 
 Nancy. Wot yo' do wid dat ar' broom, Miss Brier? 
 
 Paul. I — f — do— don't I haven't had it, Nancy ! 
 
 Nancy. Yes yo' has. Miss Brier ! Yo' had it chasin' Mose 
 
 Mose. (outside) Here it am, mammy! 
 
 Earle. Mose ! (catching Paulinb by wrist — turns back cuff) What 
 
 is this ? Have you been deceiving me ? The mark Pauline, my 
 
 wife ! (putting his arm around Pauline) My little Sweetbrier ! 
 
 Enter, Silas, Mks. Hunter, Ralph and Alice, l. 
 
 Silas. Sweetbrier— thorns and all, boy ! How dye do? (shakes 
 hands with Earle) So you've found her out! 
 
 Earle. I don't understand. I feel dazed. Excuse me all — how 
 do you do? . (general hand-shaking 
 
 Balph. You must let the blame rest on Pauline. It was all her 
 fault that we deceived you. 
 
 Earle. Great heavens ! I had forgotten ! You are not safe here. 
 Prying eyes will be quick to know you. Had I not been certain that 
 you drowned before my eyes you would never have deceived me. 
 You must come with me to England — at once. 
 
 Paul. Would you receive and take to your proud mother, a wife 
 with a stain upon her name? 
 
 Earle. You are my wife. My mother will shield you for my 
 sake. As for myself— Pauline, I do not care to live without you. 1 
 can forgive your crime for the provocation was great, and those 
 papers prove*! my birthright as well as yours; b.it 1 wish you had 
 consulted nie. 1 could have taken them from him without resorting 
 to such a dreadful deed. 
 
 Silas. The devil, man ! Are you a natural born fool? Ain't ye 
 more of a man than to stand right up and insult a lady? Do you 
 s'pose that air gal killed a man jest like a hog? Well, then, she 
 didn't! 'Twas that Roscoe Lindsey that you loved so well. 
 
 Earle. What — is this true? Pauline, why did you keep silent? 
 
 Silas. Because she thought you did it, and rather than see you 
 sufter, she bore it herself. 
 
 Earle. Pauline, is this so ? 
 
 Paul. It is. I believed you guilty, till Inez Flint, on her death- 
 bed confessed that she saw Mr. Lindsey do the deed ; but out of 
 revenge she accused me. 
 
 Earle. My poor persecuted wife ! I shall try to atone for your 
 Bufifering; and may your life be as bright in the future as the past 
 has been dark. But how did you escape? We all thought you 
 were drowned. 
 
SWEETBIUEIi. SI 
 
 Paul, rrngs hell) I will let Moso tell j'Oii. 
 
 Enter, Mosi:, l. 
 
 Mose. !><'- gootl laws I Mass:i Etirle, is 3011 coined back ? 
 Earle. Yes, Mose; and I want to know how 5-011 aided yoiu* mis- 
 tress to escape, so long ago. 
 
 Mose. VV^hat you done talkin' 'bout? 
 
 Alice. Oh, you may tell all you know, Mose* it's all found out 
 now. 
 Faul. All but your part, Mose. 
 
 ! Mose. Golly! Dat makes dis niggah's hair shibber when I tinks 
 ob dat 'ar. 
 Earle. Yes ; but how did you get your mistress out of jail ? 
 Mose, "Why, you see dat iiiglit wat dey locks Miss Brier up, 1 
 Mnks it am queer if she gwine ter stay dar ; so I jess goes down ter 
 de jail. It am a tumbly ole ting — an' I took a rope long wid me, an' 
 when I got dar I found Miss Brier roosting on de roof jess like a 
 chicken. I jess frowed up dat rope and she was on it in a jiffy ; but 
 jess as she w'as gwine ter sot she fut on de ground, dat ar jail fellah 
 grabbed she. Dat scalawag done tooked wid wool in de stomick an' 
 Miss Brier an' dis chile clone took to der heels ; but laws! massa, 
 you knows how de cry was rized, an' all de village out in a jiffy. 
 Miss Brier do cry 'de creek!' an' down we jumps in ter de water. 
 Dars a cabe,in dat rock whar de water don't come an' dars whar we 
 stayed till dar was a mo' violent calm in de village. Den we goes 
 fo' York. Miss Brier am a po'ful smart gal, massa Earle ! But dat 
 ar Blake am a debbil ! 
 Paul. He was but doing his duty, Mose. 
 
 Mose. Ya'as; but when Miss Brier done git shooted out in York, 
 de sight ob mass Ralph's money maUed it he dooty ter look todder 
 way while massa toted she ter Englum. He am a mean skunk. 
 Earle. You are a brave boy, Mose, and shall be rewarded. 
 Mose. I don't ax no 'ward 'cept ter stay nigh Miss Brier. 
 Earle, That you shall do and I shall see that you and Nancy are 
 well provided for. 
 
 Nancy. Tank yer, massa Earle, I'se berry fond ob Mi^s Brier; 
 but I'se fond ob odder tings too, an' if you's gwine ter pr.ivide f^^' 
 me, 1 jess wish you would buy me a bunch ob pink ribbon — so piidc 
 dat ar French gal will nigh 'bout die ter look at it! 
 
 Earle. You shall iiave all color.^ of the rainbow, if you like, 
 Nancy ! 
 
 Mrs. H. {to S11.AS) Silas, I wonder it I'm awake! I declare! 
 strange things happen so fast that I'm all in a flurry. Silas, do say 
 something I My nerves are so unstrung that I can't thitdc of a ward 
 to say! 
 
 Silas. It is not the time or place for an old feller like me to make 
 a speech. We have passed through many trials and endured many 
 hours of sadness, but at last, like the breaking of storm clouds, we 
 are passing from gloom to sunlight; and 1 thank the kind Provklence 
 that has spared to us pure, briglit, and though trampled upon, nor 
 crushed, our precious Sweetbrier. 
 
 THE END. 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
LAYS 
 
 PRICE 15 CENTS EACH. 
 
 Here's an afterpiece that will catch 'em! Just out — 
 
 entitled, 
 
 That Awful Carpet-Bag. 
 
 An original farce, in three scenes, three male and three 
 female characters. 
 
 This is an ethiopian farce with an immense nigger — be 
 sure and get this one, 
 entitled, 
 
 THE BEST CURE. 
 
 A darkey servant has an imaginary illness, and the 
 
 way he is cured will keep the aundience in 
 
 an uproar for thirty minutes. 
 
 A Domestic Drama with a good moral — entitled, 
 
 GERTIE'S VINDICATION. 
 
 In two acts. Three male and three female characters. 
 
 JACK, TEE NEQBO, IS IMMENSE! 
 
 KATY, THE IRISH QISL, A GOOD CHARAOTEEl 
 
 Order a copy — It will play 1 1-2 hours, and with an after- 
 piece will make an enjoyable evening's 
 entertainment for an audience. 
 
 This sketch is a stunner! Funny? Don't mention itl 
 
 It will make an audience laugh more and 
 
 harder than any sketch written in 
 
 years — entitled, 
 
 MIDNIGHT COLIC. 
 
 A LAUGHABLE SKETCH. 
 
 /L BED-ROOM SCENE I MUSTARD HAS TAKEN A RISMt 
 "WHERE IS THE FLOURr' 
 
"^ 
 
 iimes' Plays — CantlnuBii. 
 
 KO. 
 
 65 
 31 
 21 
 123 
 
 •i« 
 175 
 8 
 86 
 22 
 84 
 225 
 49 
 72 
 19 
 42 
 188 
 220 
 148 
 218 
 224 
 •233 
 154 
 184 
 209 
 13 
 G6 
 116 
 120 
 103 
 
 50 
 
 14() 
 
 74 
 
 35 
 
 47 
 
 95 
 
 11 
 
 ii9 
 
 ,«2 
 
 182 
 
 127 
 
 228 
 
 1U6 
 
 139 
 
 231 
 
 235 
 
 69 
 
 1 
 
 15S 
 
 23 
 
 208 
 
 212 
 
 32 
 
 186 
 
 44 
 
 244 
 
 33 
 
 246 
 
 57 
 
 217 
 
 165 
 
 19.5 
 
 258 
 
 FARCES OONTINTTBD. 
 
 An Unwelcome Return 3 1 
 
 A Pet 01 the Public 4 i 
 
 A Ronuuit c Attachment 3 3 
 
 A Thrilling Item 3 1 
 
 A Ticket of Leave - 3 i 
 
 Bft*ey Baker 2 2 
 
 Better Half 6 2 
 
 Bliick V8. White 4 2 
 
 CuptHin Smith - 3 p 
 
 Cheek Will Win - 3 
 
 Cupi 8 Cnperg 4 4 
 
 Dor Two Surprises 1 } 
 
 Deuce is in Him « » 1 
 
 Did 1 Dream it 4 3 
 
 Domes ic Felicity...- 1 1 
 
 Dutch Prize Fi;;hter 3 
 
 Diitchy vs. NitiKer 3 
 
 Eh? \V lit Did You Say 3 1 
 
 Fverybodv Astonished...- 4 
 
 FiM.I:iig with the Wrong Man 2 1 
 Freezing ii Mother-in-Law... 2 1 
 
 Fun in a P<>si Ullico 4 2 
 
 Family Discipline I 
 
 Goose with the Golden Eggs.. 5 3 
 
 Give Me Mv Wife 3 3 
 
 \hm', the Dutch J. P 3 1 
 
 Hash 4 2 
 
 II. M. S. Plum 1 1 
 
 [low Sister Paxey got her 
 
 Child Bipti/ d 2 1 
 
 How She ha^ Own Way 1 3 
 
 How He Popped the Quest 'n. 1 1 
 
 How t Tame AI-in-Lnw 4 2 
 
 How Stout Vour Getting 5 2 
 
 in the Wrong Box - 3 
 
 In the Wrong Clothes 5 3 
 
 John Smith - 5 3 
 
 Jumbo .Jum ~~~ - 4 3 
 
 Kill n-- T ine 1 1 
 
 Kittie'- Wedding Cake....- 1 3 
 
 Lick Skillet Wedding 2 2 
 
 Lauderbach's Little Surprise 3 
 
 Lodgings for Two ™ - 3 
 
 Matrimonial Bliss 1 1 
 
 Match for a Mother-in-Law.. 2 2 
 
 More Blunders than one- 4 3 
 
 .Mother's Fool 6 1 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Prijigle 7 4 
 
 Mr. Hudson's Tiger Hunt...- 1 1 
 
 My Heart's in Highlands 4 3 
 
 y Prec ous Betsey 4 4 
 
 My Turn Next 4 3 
 
 M Wife's Relations 4 4 
 
 My Day and Now-a-Daya 1 
 
 Obedience - 1 2 
 
 d Clothes 3 
 
 On the Sly - 3 2 
 
 Oti ello 4 1 
 
 Paddy Mile-!' Boy.- - - 6 2 
 
 Paten- Wrshing Machine — 4 1 
 Pers.cut d Dutchman 6 3 
 
 Poor ' '^^^HK •:•• •• ? 5 
 
 Pr- ^'stnvcntion 5 
 
 NO. 
 
 159 
 
 171 
 
 180 
 
 48 
 
 138 
 
 lift 
 
 66 
 
 24t 
 
 232 
 
 2:.8 
 
 137 
 
 41) 
 
 246 
 
 38 
 
 131 
 
 101 
 
 167 
 
 68 
 
 54 
 
 'IjH 
 
 28 
 
 142 
 
 213 
 
 151 
 
 5 
 
 .56 
 
 70 
 
 135 
 
 147 
 
 156 
 
 111 
 157 
 
 204 
 
 15 
 
 172 
 
 98 
 
 222 
 
 214 
 
 145 
 
 190 
 
 249 
 
 27 
 
 230 
 
 163 
 
 24 
 
 238 
 
 247 
 
 77 
 
 88 
 
 256 
 
 128 
 
 259 
 
 90 
 
 61 
 
 234 
 
 150 
 
 109 
 
 134 
 
 177 
 
 96 
 
 107 
 
 M r. 
 
 Sulet Family 4 4 
 ough Diamond - 4 8 
 
 Ripples 2 
 
 Sen nps _ 1 1 
 
 Sewing Circle of P riod 5 
 
 S. H. A. M. Pinafore 3 3 
 
 Somebody's Nobody 3 2 
 
 Sports on a Lark 3 
 
 Stage Struck Yankee 4 2 
 
 Strawberry Sh^rtcsike 2 
 
 Taking the Census 1 1 
 
 Th t Mysterious B'dle _. 2 2 
 
 Ticket Taker 3 
 
 T e Bewitched Closet...- 5 2 
 
 The Cigarette 4 2 
 
 The CmninK Man - — — .. 3 1 
 
 Turn U.m Out 3 2 
 
 The Sham Prof ssor -. 4 
 
 The Two T. J's -.. 4 2 
 
 Ihe Best Curj 4 1 
 
 Ihirty-three Next Birthday- 4 2 
 
 Tit tor Tat 2 1 
 
 Vermont Wool Dealer — 5 3 
 
 Wanted a Husi.and 2 1 
 
 When A\'o;uen Weep 3 2 
 
 Wooing Under Difficultie — . 5 3 
 
 Which will he Many 2 8 
 
 Widowe 's Tii Is — 4 5 
 
 Wuki g llim Up 1 2 
 
 Why they Joined tho Re- 
 becca — 4 
 
 I'ankee Duelist 3 1 
 
 Ya kee Peddler 7 3 
 
 ETHIOPIAN FARCES. 
 
 Academy of Stars 6 
 
 An Unhappy Pair _ 1 1 
 
 Black Shoemaker - 4 2 
 
 Black Statue 4 2 
 
 Colored Senators 3 
 
 Chops 3 
 
 Cuff's Luck - — . 2 1 
 
 Crimps Tr p , ~. 5 
 
 Double Electi n 9 1 
 
 Fetter Lane to (Jravesend 2 
 
 Hamlet the Dainty 6 1 
 
 Haunted House - 2 
 
 Handy Andy - 2 
 
 Hypochondriac The 2 
 
 lncom|i!ktibility ot Temper... 1 2 
 
 Joe's Vis t 2 1 
 
 Mischievous Nigger- 4 2 
 
 Midnight Che 2 1 
 
 Musical D rkey - 2 
 
 Nobody's Moke 5 2 
 
 No Cure N' Pay 3 1 
 
 Not as Deaf as He Seems 3 
 
 Old Dud's Cabin 2 1 
 
 OldPouipey 1 1 
 
 Other People's Children - 3 2 
 
 Pomp's Pranks 2 
 
 Quarrel ome Servants - 3 
 
 Rooms to Let -— 2 1 
 
 School ~ 5 
 
 jE 
 
gj" 
 
 iimES^ Plays — 
 
 ETHIOPIAN FARCES-CQNT'UED. 
 
 133 SeeingBosting — 3 
 
 179 Sham Doctor 3 3 
 
 94 16,000 Years Ago »3 
 
 25 Sport with a Sportsman 2 
 
 92 Stage Struck Darkey 2 1 
 
 241 Struck by Lightning 2 2 
 
 10 Stocks Up, Stocks Down 2 
 
 64 That Boy Sam „ 3 1 
 
 252 That Awful Carpet Bag 3 3 
 
 122 The Select School 5 
 
 118 The Popcorn Man 3 1 
 
 6 The Studio 3 
 
 108 Those Awful Boys 5 
 
 4 Twain's Dodging _.. 3 1 
 
 197 Tricks 5 2 
 
 198 Uncle Jeff „ 5 2 
 
 170 U.S. Mail - 2 2 
 
 216 Vice Versa 3 1 
 
 206 Villkens and Dinah 4 1 
 
 210 Virginia Mummy 6 1 
 
 203 Who Stole the Chickens 1 1 
 
 205 William Tell 4 
 
 156 Wig-Maker and His Servants 3 
 
 GUIDE BOOKS. 
 
 17 Hints on Elocution 
 
 130 Hints to Amateurs 
 
 CANTATA. 
 
 215 On to Victory ^ 4 6 
 
 TABLEAUX. 
 
 250 Festival of Days 
 
 PANTOMIME. 
 260 Cousin John's Album 
 
 MAKE YOUR OWN WIGS! 
 
 »><.^^«~<o 
 
 PREPARED WOOL. 
 
 PREPARED WOOL IS AN ARTICLE THAT EVERY ONE, 
 
 WITHOUT ANY EXPERIENCE, CAN 
 
 MAKE INTO 
 
 WIGS! 
 
 BEARDS! 
 
 MUSTACHES ! 
 
 ETC., ETC. 
 
 AT VERY LITTLE COST, AND WILL BE SURE TO 
 GIVE SATISFACTION. 
 
 -^^^ PRICE 50 CENTS PER OUNCE, i^-^ 
 
 Address, 
 
 AMES' PUBLIS^T'^^ ^O., 
 
 LOCK BOX 152, .—p^ 
 
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