LOYE AND PIOI^SE, COPYRIGHTED. c, X^^ «^ V h h ^A DRAMAr- Taken fram facts in my DAx/n life, and arranged for llie SUPPORT OF MYSELF AI2D i.)HiLDI^E-N, and as a Tx/arning to my sexj trnsUng, vjhh the iielp ut G-od, to savE my "weak and thouglitlEss sisters ■- '■ irum a life of MISEf(Y, SHAME AND REMORSE BY MRS. E. ADAMS. 7 '■ ^ CLEVELAND, ().: KENNKOY .Vr JlOTV, PKINTKKS AND STATIONKliS, oWJ FK Afc 1? hfT™" 1SS5. >w INTRODUCTORY SCENE. I A beautiful home, with ek-gant aiul extensive grounds : with all the surroundings denoting wealth and luxury. Three beautiful children, two girls and a boy, playing on the lawn; whose very countennnees beam with happiness and delight, as their busy little hands twine into garlands for their mamma, the daisies and forget-me-nots their little brother has showered in their laps, and around them, laughing the while, with innocent glee at the pleasure and surprise that awaits mamma, when she shall see the work of their little dimpled fingers. Even Rover, the large Newfoundland, looks on with satisfaction, as he follows his little master hither and thither over the grounds. "AtTeetioiis Eye is ever watclil'ul.'' Mama conies out on the lawn, looking for her chihlien, and to enter into their childish sports. The little ones, forgetful of (n^ery thing else, clap their hands with delight, and shout aloud, when they see mamma, the center oi all their joys, coming toward them — for they have finished their work and are ready with loving hands to crown the one most beloved by them on earth — Love, the watchword of home and hearth, beams on every counten- ance and gleams from every eye. No thought of sorrow mars the present no future evil is anticipated in that loving home-nest, for as yet no enemy has intruded their happy home. The children lead mamma and seat her in a swing and proceed to deck hev with flowers. V Master Charlie — "O I wish papa tould see you mamma, you look so nice, with all these pritty fowers. Now I want Rover dessed up too — " [Proceeding to place a garland of flowers around Rover's neck] "Now Rover must be a dood dody, for you look just like mamma." (Pai>a, wlio, has intlie iiieantinie heeji standing in the background, watching the happy group, heard the expressed wish of his little son, and silently lifts his heart in thanksgiving to (xod for giving hiui so nnich living lia|)i)iness. He now steps fortli and joins the little groui», with a [tleasant surprise for all, as he unfolds to them his jilans for the morrow— a [tleasure trip on tlie Lake. ) Papa — "Well my children, have you been trying to make a flower- queen of mamma ?" Mama —"Affection has woven for me this garland of flowers, moi-e precious than wealth or renown." ' \Master Charlie-" Don't you think niammaooksdesike Rover, Papa?^ Papa — "Well my boy, you are very com])limojitary ; but lAliave a pleasant surprise for you all. There is to be an excursion to Put-In Bav to-raorrow, and 1 have secured tickets for us allHind hope it will be a pleas- ant day, for it is a delightful trip to the Bay if tlie weather is fine7'\ , Eftif (jl>iecls. I "But pajci, willdr.til w.iiil ii^i to go to Put-In-Bay on Siuidav, aii'l not to go to Sunday-school ?" ^rvsiKH (.'ir.VKLTK — "Fse afraid Dod wouldn't do, if he was a little boy —and maybe dere is dreat big whale.s in the lake, and if I'ze wicked, Dod might think [ was louah and frow ine overboard. " P.vi'A — Why ('liarlie, my son, you will not be afraid if papa and mamma - are with you?" Chaiilik — -Maud tan do if she wants to, toy. she's a littli- dirl, and whiles w.>n't t.i k ' her- -but I an a little boy like Jonah wasnud I dess, EtHe, you and I will do to .Sunday-stool." '. Pai'A — ''Well, well, my children, may you ever l)e kept as})ure and I'.n- eontaminated as \ou are to-day. Yon mux go to Snuday-school and pray for papa, mamma and little sister, but come, my little treasures, and sing for [)apa his favorite song." iChildien in cjiorus > ^'es. papa." ( I'apa leads them in and they sing.) Song. 2nd scene. In Scene 2n(., .Maud })er.hcd .scorn and contempt upon him. (ti:xt — "H:i! li;i! my Hi\e lady! S(i you sc'oni iiic, do you? —Well never woman ,iTii — "()!iiaminn I did you see that nice genth ,iian looking at yon and " Mam.ma — "Hush mv dear! let us gu in ?e-ireli of papa — lint here comes our friend, Mrs. (tirard, and Bessie." [They approach.] .Mr8. (jiu.\i;n — "Why my )nsense! It is nothing of ilie kind, nothing whatever. 1 should be ashamed of any such weakness, butoh! that ten-ible man ! tho. — "His |»owers to fa.-inate im\y not be exerted ovei- all alike.1' / >[amma — "Heaven forbid! but wlici'c are oiu' little ones. () Kditli, m\- child, where are you ?" ^ [She starts in .search of Ivlitli, who she finds on tln' deck with this gentleiuan. Edith starts in glal suiprise, towards nianuna, i-elaining the hand of this man, and says: [He comes with cotuitenan- e beaming with delight, at the thouuht of his .schemes working .so well.] "() maninui, see what this idee gentleman has given me" [and tniiis to him exclaindng] "( "onie :vnd see my mamma, von will like her, too, I know vou will if von like me." Mamma sees them, and in an undertone exelaiins : "O! what do I see? My child with that man; and see, she is bringing him this way. The meeting is inevitable. Oh Heaven help me !" [Edith as they approach,] "This is my mamma." [Gent bowing low,] "I have taken possession of your child, madame, for whose company I should thank you — for I assure you I have been highly entertained." Mamma — "I fear Edith, you have been a burden to this gentleman. Let me thank you, sir, for your kindness to my little daughter. Come, my dear, let us go and find papa.''_ Edith — "O mamma, this gentleman wants me to be his little girl too, and I told him I would ask you and papa." (She turns to gent,) "Come with us and see what papa says." i Mamma, who is excessively annoyed,) "Why, Edith, my child, how rude ! Please pardon her sir, and remem- ber she is but a child." (Gent, very graciously,) "I must congratulate you, madame, on her womanly sweetness'; though but a child, I have been delighted with her musical talent. Her vocal powers are excellent, and she has promised with mamma's consent, to come to my office aiKd sing for me; which conseiit I shall also ask you to grant* I assure you I shall be perfectly delighted. Perhaps mamma will accom- pany you my little girl." [Turning to Edith ,ji moment, then to mamma again and with great impressment, at the same time handing her a card bearing the name of Mr. C. Beardsley.] "Pray do come with your little daughter, madame." [Lady's husband sees it all.] [Mamma, with great dignity,] "Pray excuse me sir, I cannot accept your invitation to call upon you — you, sir, are a stranger to me." [Gent, with urgency.] "Let me assure you, madame, there will be no harm in your compliance with ray request. None whatever. I must become acquainted with you, for I feel as though I had known you for years, or will you permit me to call upon you. I must call and see my little girl occasionally. Please be generous and ask me to come." [Pleadingly.] ) [Husband approaches slowly with jealous eye who hears this man's in* » vitation and sees the caid.] "Ah! ha! I will watch this proceeding and see how it ends. That man isavillian. Surely my wife will not give her consent to such a proposal, [advances.] "Well my dears you seem to be enjoying yourselves." ^ [Edith, all excitement.] "Oh, papa! this gentleman says I must be his little girl, and I told him if papa and mamma said so I would4-and see, papa, he gave me all this nice candy and wants me to come to his office and sing for him, and says mamma must come too." [Husband, coldly, and witii distant bow to Mr. B.] "We will make arrangements about going to iiis office some other time- Come, Nellie, let us retire to the cabin. (Mr. B. bids adieu, lifting his hat with great dignity, and leaves the group.) [Husband resunies.] "["Before joining the crowd let me make one request of you, Nellie, have nothincr niore to say to that man. He is a villian, apoiislied scoundrel, and mv wife must not be seen talking to iiim." ^Iamma— "Have no fears, my dear husband, 1 could not avoid meeting him, and let me assure you that with all liis fine apparel and polished man- ners, I ie-av h'uv [ not only fear him, but 1 thoroughly destest him. ^ He seems to take quite a fancy to our child, and asks permissicm to call and see her occasionally." Hl'BBANi) — "And ilid you gi'ant this re(iuest ?" Mamma — "No, my dear, I did not." ^* > Husband, very much excited.) "My curse upon the vile wretch! His object is base and villainous and should he ever cross my threshold, to destroy thepedce and happiness of my fire-side, I shall not hesitate to shoot him down as I would a dog. Oh ! what is this terrible cloud that seems to hang- above me and my loved ones." ,(Manuna, with grave and saddened countenance gnd with intensity of expression.) ,. "Why, husband, I never saw you in such a frenzy before — but I con- fess that I, too, i'eel as though there was a heavy pall falling around me which seems to envelope me in a cloud of darkness. Oh ! I feel as though .some impending danger was very near, that cannot be averted, and as thouo-h this stranger was in some way connected with it." [Edith looking off towards home.] "Oh! see, papa, mamn a, we are sailing into the harbor. Oh! I am so glad, for now I shall get home to dear little Effie and Charlie." [Husband and wife stand with Edith looking homeward. Doors slide or boat disappears.] 3rd act. At home in parlor. Husband reading, wife embroidering. Children playing with their dolls, Charlie with Rover. [Husband lays asiell for help. [He heeds her not.] Sir, 1 comnuuid you to ring for help! [He is frightened to see her so enraged and rings so violently, the servants rush up in great trepidition and gaze in horror upon the ghastly and frightful scene.] Close the doois quick! Hasten to me Nora, and assist me, while you, James, call a closed carriage to carry this man to his home — a^sk no tpiestions and answer none. .James you have always been a faithful servant and I can lely upon you. [James retires.] N(»ra, bring in my wraps, and I will ac- company this man-."' ' ■ ■■' [Norareiires as bid'len.] HlshanI) — "Hold! wife, I forbid such proceet after all part with those precious children for one morsel of bread. Oh! how c;in 1 send them oi'.t among strangers? (and yet, 'twere better thus than to feel that they were dependent upon that man for support.) Where! oh where! shall I look for honor, and upon whom am 1 depend? [She here [)laces lier hands upon heart with great intensity, of feeling.] Oh! this teirible knaw- ing at my vitals, for want of a crust of bread, is nothing compared to this knowledge that my confidence has been betrayed. Oh, Edith, my Heaven- ly minded child, would I had a faith like thine! that I could go like your self to God, and ask him to direct me." ^ [Edith comes [u tind mamma tells her the necessity of sending them to the Orphan Asylum.] P^DFi H — "Why, mamma dear, what have you been crying al)oul? Your eyes look so sad and weary.' [Mamma puts her handkerchief to her eyes and weeps.] Edith — "Please mamma, do not cry, and tell your Edie why you are so s-ad." Mamm.-^ — "Edie deal', you love mamma veiy much, and you like to stay with maiiim;i, but, tny child, if you tliought it would be best for you and little brother and sisteis to go to the Orphan's Home for a while, would you be willing to go? Mamma saw the lady, who is very kind, and will be good to you, and you, my little (hiughter, can look after the children, and mamma knows dear, that she can depend on you." Edith — "Yes, mamma dear, T will go if you want me to, but if I could take you along with us, how much nicer it would seem. When will this lady come for us, mamma?'' Mamm.\ — '•! am looking for her any hour. Now my dear, to-morrow mamma mu*t move to other and cheaper rooms; my rent is due and the « landlord is very harsh and unkind." EDiTH^"Oh, mam nia dear! God 1 am sure will take care of you." Mamma — "Yes, my dear child, God will surely answer thfi prayers of my little girl — but hark! I hear a knock, go Kdith, and see who it is." [tnter lady. Mrs. Hastings, (he matron of the Orph'an Home.] "Goo(l afternoon, my dear, is mamma at home?" [Edie invites her into the room where mamma is Se\ying.] ilAM]\|A — "Good afternoon, Mis. Hastings, pray be siateromiso my little Edie anything. What is it, dear, you would have nie do?" Edie — '"You like my mamma, and m.imnia likes you, and you will never let my manuna suffer any more, will you?'' [She takes his hand and places it in mamma's hand, and asks him to promi>e to be good to her and care for her.] "Now you must promise to be good to mamma." Mil. B. — "Ye.-', Edie, 1 will be gopd to mamma and to Edie too." Edik — "Then kneel here with me, and promise before God, that you will never let mamma sulfer,"' [Mr. B. is very i-eluctanl to kneel hi so humble an altiuide, and she begged him to do so.] "Please kneel here an[r. B. sinks upon the sofa, and raises his handkerchief to his eyes for a moment. Mamma seats herself at the stand and rests her head in her hands; he rises antl goes over to her and lays his liand upon her head. "Cheer up, Nellie dear, you have every reason. to regret this separa- tion. I never knew before wliat a treasure your little Edie was, and I never in all my life had anything affect ine so before, and what could have ever influehced that child but a higher power? It has made a lasting impression upon me. Cheer up, dear! cheer lip, 1 have finer apartments for you, and 1 will keep my proinise faithfully. So good-bye for the present^' [Curtain drops.] SCENE 5th. Lady is sitting in an elegantly furnished })arlor and is dressed in silks and diamonds, with no traces of i)overty and want as in the past. [Mk. B. enters:] "Well Nellie, my dear, how are you this' evening?- You are looking quite happ}'^ and how much nicer this is than to live in those small tipart- ments. You may thank me, Nellie, my pet, for this delightful change in your circumstances. Do you feel now, Nellie dear, that you would have been happier with your family around you than with me?" [Laay, with saddened expression:] "You have been"* very kind, and generous by -plating me in these apart- ments and I. gratefully appreciate all you have done, but if you insist on an answer, I must confess I was happier two years ago than I am now." Mr. B. — "How very foolish for you to think and f(el as you do, when you know, my dear, there is nothing I would not do for ^'ou. You know too, how true I am to you, that you are not sharing my love heart's purest affections with any other woman. You have my undivided affection." Mamma — "You know, do you not, how implicitely I have trusted you? which I could not have done had I not have loved you, and I believe now that you have given me all your heart, and of late all your attention, and you cannot censure me for requiring all the attention you would bestow upon a wifey since you have no ties to bind j'ou." [A knock is heard and he rises bfushing, as a lady whom he recognizes enters the door. He seems confused and bowing low takes his leave with- out much ceremony,] Mrs. Hastings — "How do you do, my dear? It has been a long, long time since I had the pleasure of seeing you. But what was that man doing here? and are you acquainted with his wife?' Mamma — "His wife! his wife!! Why, what is this you are saying? Do you know this man? Why, what do I hear? My brain is in a whirl. Surely vou are mistaken in your recognition of this man." Mrs. H. — "Oh! no! I am not mistaken in the least, and I will convince you of the fact of his being a married man with a fainil\', nnd nut only that, but you, my poor deluded woman, are not the only one who is sharing his purse, and who has lavished upon her more in one month than you have .,,ali had, all the time you have been under his inHuence. For my dear girl, you are held by some irresistable influence,-a facination. You never could of your own free vv'ill permit your.-.elf to be bound down to such abject slavery. ■ [Mamma looks at Mrs. H. in consternation.] Ma.mma— "Mrs. Hastings, 1 believe you to be a true friend to me, and if such is the fact, from this day henceforth, I shall be a different woman. Hard, bitter, relentless, desperate! In the room of love shall reign haie, and '1 shall dedicate ray future to revenge." Mrs. H. — "My dear child, will you ask him the next time lie comes here if he is not a married man? Also ask him it' he does not know me, and if I am i*ot in the habit of visiting his wife?" Mamma — "Most assuredly, Mrs. Hastings, 1 shall do as you wish, and if you 'know the other party you speak of who receives his attentions, I Ijeg of you to help me track and confront him right in her presence. Will you do this for me?' Mrs. H. — "Yes, my })o()r wonian, I will dare or do anything for your sake. You are imposed upon, 1 feel it! I tvuow'it. \V'e will dress in disguise and follow this fine gentleman some of these days, when he thinks himself perfectly secure. Uut 1 cannot lemain wiih you longer; 1 knew your anxiety about your little ones and dropped in to tell you they weie happy, though lOd ith is not very well —but you need givi- yourself no uneasiness about her, as~4 thiidc it is only a slight cold, and she will soon recover." [Very kindly and with great s} ujpathy in voice.] ^[AMM.v — "1 received a tilegra.n this morning from my ni(jther to come immediately to her sick, and perhaps dying bed, but if my clnld is sick I must go to her." ,. Mks. H, — "Oh, no! your child shall have the best of caro, and you can go with salety. 1 must bid you good-bve," [She rises, prepairing to leave, when a knock is heard. Mamnni opens the door and Mr. 13's. wife enters, fliiough seems exciteo. and does not see Mrs. Hastings, who takes her leave.] "Wife — "How do you do, madanie? Are you Mrs. Adams?" Mamma — "Yt-s, I am; pray be seated. C'an I do anything for you?" [Wife seats herself.] "I came here, madame, to ask you if a relative of mine calls here." [Mamma, with eyes dilated with surprise at the absurd inquiry.] "I confess, madame, I am greatly puzzled to know how to ansAver you. I do not know who you ai-e, consequently I do not know who your relatives are." Wife — "To make my business plain, I refer to my husband. 1 am in- formed that my husband visits you, and all his proceedings are made known to me." [Mamma, with great dignity:] "Wlio is your husband, madame?- What is his name, pray tell? I am not monopolizing the time or society of any woman's husband, to my knowl- edge." WiFK — "What is my husbund's name, do you ask? ^V by, what should it be but iMr. C. Beardsley. I have come prepared for you madame, and now it shall l)e your life or mine. He never would have been the guilty wretch that he is, were it not for your artfulness, and had you not by your winning ways enticed him away." « [Raises and points a (his) revolver at mamma.] [Mamma, very tragically:] "Hold! woman, do you think I am afraid of your threats? Not from a woman would I cower and tremble beneath such threats as tliat, were you ten thousand times his wife. . 1 command you to drop that weapon, this in- stant. Drop it I say, and listen to mq!'.' [Wife drops the revolver in abject terror of the lady who dares her so defiantly.] Mamm.^^ — "Do you take me, a woman like j^ourself, for a hardebed, un- svmpathizing creature, that you come into my presence in this manner, to threaten me with my life? Have you no pity in your heart? If your hus- band has forsaken you for my society, may kind Heaven pity you. Listen to me for one moment and \k- convinced that I uui not the base woman you think me. If, as you say, you are Mrs. Beardsley, 1 will answer you truth- fully — your husband does, indeed, visit me, but I swear before high Heaven I did not know him to be a married man 'lill to-day. I am expecting l)in*i here very soon, and if you will ste]) behind yonder screen, you shall be con- vinced for yourself that this sin lies not at my door alone." [Wife looks at this woiiian with wo<^lering, steadfast gaze, and slowly says in an undertone: "Can it be true ihat this woman is willing I ^hould confront my hus- band face to face, in her presence. That at least looks honorable in her and is not what I should have looked for, but I will act upon her suggestion." [The door bell ring- and she has barely time to step behind the drap- eiy, when her husband is ushered in.] Mr. B. — "He}' dey! Nellie my pet, how are you today? This has been a terrible long morning, and 1 thought I should never find time to come to you — but, my dear, you look sad and worried about something. What is it that troubles my little girl?'' Mamma — "I received a telegram this morning, stating that my mother is lying very ill, perhaps dying, and requestiug my presence immediately; also, Mrs. Hastings called hei*e and says my little Edith is quite unwell, which worries me very much; but she tells me to^go to my mother's dying bed, that she will do all that a mother could do for my child." Me. B. — "At what time will you start, Nellie dear? Mamma —"At 7 o'clocR this evening." Mr. B. — "Here, Nellie dear, is a roll of bills for spending money —take them, and I will go and buy your ticket." MaMiUa — "No! I do not want those bills, and I never can accept another favor from you financiall'. ." Mil. .B.—" Why, Nellie, what do you mean?" ^[amma — "I n)ean, sir, just what I say, but I wish to ask you if you arc; acquainted with Mrs. Hastings, the lady wlioni you saw here yesterday? and do you ontinue to visit that woman on iSherift" street, the woman whose husband ;ind brother f()rbade you the house? Ali, sir! 1 am acquainted with th3 circumstances, though you tbld me' tlje/ were your brother and son." Mr. B. — "\Vhy, Nellie, how very absurd you do talk! No, dear, I have no other woman but yourself, and have not had for years." MamdJia — "How are you going to convince me of your truthfulness? How do I know that your statements are not false?" Mr. B. — "My dear Nellie, I would do anything that lies in my [jower to convince you." Mamma — "Will you get down on your knees and swear before high Heaven that your statements are true?" - . *i' . [He bends before her and with hands upraised to Heaven, exclaimed :] "Anything my dear to convince you. Yes, my pet, I swear. I hope the curses of Heaven may fall upon my head, if I have seen this woman or any other but you; furthermore, I ask God to utterly paralyze me if I am swearing to an untruth. I do not want to see any one else but my little Nellie, and there is no power on earth that can keep nie from you. Is that all my darling would ask of me?" Mamma— "No! Are you a married man?" ^ [He hesitates, and mamma urges him to speak.] "I insist upon your speaking the tr\ith, no matter how dark it may be." Mr. B. — "Well, yes then, if I must speak the truth. Yes! I am mar- ried, but she is no wife to mo. She is nothing more to me than my old house-keeper. That is one latal mistake of my life time, marrying a woman I do not love. I confess, darling' Nell, I should have told you before this. Had my home-ties have been congenial, I never would have been the vile wretch you are forcing me to confess Tri}splf to be, and } ou are the first and only woman that could ev«r force me to humbie myself on my bended knees before. 1 must leave you now, but Nell, you have humbled me." Mamma — "Wait just a moment, I have .-romething to show you." [She steps aside, and lifts the drapery, revealing to his astonished gaze his wife, mamma exclaiming as she did so:] "Ah! ha! sir, the tableau is not quite finished." [Wife steps forward, with enraged countenance.] "Your old house-keeper, indeed! This is the way you have been de- ceiving me, is it? You have been lying to me, sir, and 1 have caught you at last." Mr. B. — "You go to the infernal regions, d— n you." [He turns to mamma] "You traitress! you hide this woman here to betray me? d — n you and her too. ' [Turns to his wife and says:] "Here, woman, come along with me, these are not fit apartments for you." [As they go out:] "Would to God, wife, you had never come to this house." [Placing his arm around her as they go out, she looks up to him and asks:] "Tell me, husband, that you do love me more than that woman, and promise me that you will not go to see her again." Mr. B. — "How can you think for a moment I could ever darkcn^ her door again after using such language to her as I did, and my darling, my precious angel wife, is it true that I am necessary to your happiness? Is it indeed true that you can freely, fully forgive my sinful past and be again my loving wife, as in the olden xime." ^ ' Wife — "I have never ceased to love you, husband, | during all these days of anxiety. Now let us burry these sad and painful memortes, and from now henceforth forget, forgive, and trust each other, as I am confident we may —and my clear husband >there is nothing but truthfulness beams forth from those loving eyes of yours." [Mr. B. calls at mamma's house again as soon as he gets rid of wife.] Mr. B. — "Well, Nellie, my darling, I have got rid of that old hen, at last; but why did you do such a thing as that?" Mamma — "Coward, miserable coward! 1 know the truth at last, I know no.wJLh£-deceplion you have used, and uliat do all your oaths amount to? How many times have you sworn upon your honor, that you had no ties to bind you, and here comes your wife to my house to heap abuse upon me, and even attempt to take my life. You ixsk why I concealed her? To let her know, sir, that although I must take the blame, I am not quite the vile wretch she thinks me." Mr. B. — "Well, Nellie, she is my wife, but I had to act the way I did in order to get rid of her. You, my little pet, have reigned in my heart su- preme, as a white winged angel over all my hopes, my aspirations, my love and my reverence, and as Heaven hears me, I swear I love you better than life; better than anything in this world. You surely cannot doubt my sin- cerity. Come, couie! Nellie, forget the transactions' of this evening. You, my dear, cannot awe or discourage me, for I have never yet found the heart that could successfully defy my worship, and even after all this scene, you cannot remain indifferent. Forgive! Oh do forgive me, my darling Nellie, and you shall never find me capable of committing such a dishonorable act again." MammA; — "I heard before your wife came in that you were married, through Mrs. Hastings; also, of your unfaithfulness to me, and she had hardly left, the house until your wife was announced. She came with a re- volver (your revolver) upraised to put an end to my existence. You knew, no doubt, where your revolver was, and perhaps with what intent she re- taineil it in her possession. Do you asK why I secreted your wife? Do you think there is any need to ask why?" , [Mamma turns with clasped hands:] "Oh! can it be possible there is so much deceit among mankind? Oh God! shield me from the deceivers power?" [She turns to him;] "I have been deceived, basely deceived .sir, but Oh! I pray you never wound another heart as you have mine." [He advances and clasps her in his arms, and lays her head ujion his breast and pleads for forgiveness, swearing ever to be true to her henceforth.] Mamma — "Oh! how many times have you sworn and have I trusted, yet in vain, still my heart pleads with me for love's sake to foi'give — though it belOtimesT — you cannot doubt my affection for you; you gained my heart's best and pui-est affections for you, though I knew not 'till to-day I was loving another woman's husband. I cannot forget you or lay aside that love, aa I would cast off an old garment. Forgive you? Yes, I must forgive, but go to your wife. My life is ruined, my happiness is wrecked and friends I have none. I have deprived myself of every pleasure, of society, of everything in the world that brings joy and happiness for your sake. You were my life, ray joy, ray Heaven on earth, ray all and in all — I give up everything now and sit nie dowji to dwell upon my wrongs, and eke out my miserable existence in wretchedness and woe." J Mr. B. — "Oh! Nellie, my precious darling, do not, I pray, say such dreadful things to me. 1 know you k)ve me, but not more than I do you. But oh, spare me Nellie! Do not drive me from you, for should you do this 1 shall surely put an end to my wretched life, for wretched it will be, indeed, without the society of my darling Nellie, alid mark my words, you do not know what a desperate man you have been dealing with. Weigh well every word I have uttered to you this day; I am going now, will see you soon again, so good-bye." [Mamma, wringing her hands and walking the floor:] "Forget him? Oh! I cannot forget, I must forgive and trust him again. My love for that man is too strong to permit me to do otherwise." [She seats herself in a chair and leaning her head ba,ck closes her eyes for a moment, when she suddenly starts and in an attidude of wonder, she stands spell-bound, and listening while a faint yet distinct sound [singing behind the scenes now commences] comes to her — as of heavenly music — singing "Mamma dear, I will Guide thee," and then she starts more violently and drawing her hands across her eyes, as if to wipe away a mist from before her eyes, exclaiming:] "What can it be? There seems to be a mist before my vision, and — I see the form of [looiis a moment] an angel — with — a face so pure — so — Oh God! it is the face of my darling, little Edith — and — what is this I now hear — [singing again behind the scenes]^lt is "Safe in the arms of Jesus" —Oh my God! what is the meaning of this vision?" [Servant here enters and hands her a telegram; she reads and with hasty steps rushes out of the room exclaiming: ''Edith ray child! Oh my child!" [Curtain drops.] A SCENE 6th. -' ' Hospital— Edith sitting on the stairs holding her aching head, when her little brother Charlie comes into the hall-way looking for her. Charlie — "Oh Edie dear, where has you been, all is long time? Ise been ooking for you, all over the house, and I wanted oo so very bad. [Very sorrowful:] Does oo headache, sister dear? Tarlie is so sorry fov oo." Edith — "Yes Cliarlie, my dear little brother, Edie is not well, her head- aches badly, and she feels feverish, and I guess Edie has dyphtheria; the -Dr. says so, and 'my dear I want you to come htsre and sit beside me, and- listen to all I have to say to \ ou, for Mrs. Hastings is going to taKe me up to the hospital, and 1 may never see you again, and Charlie I want you to tell mamma every word I say. Tell mamma, Edith has been a good girl and read her bible and said her prayers every day, and tell her Ivlie took good care of Charlie, just as I promised mamma I would; tell her how much Edie loves her and how she wishes she could see- her to-night. (My mam- ma! Oh my precious mamma.) Now Charlie, do you think you can remem- ber all Edie has said to y6u, and tell it to mamma?" Charlie— "Yes l^die, I tan 'member every word." Edith— "Now Charlie dear,'l want you to get down on your knees and say your prayers [he knfeels] just as you used to kneel by mamma's knee. Now Charlie, Edie wants to tell you something. You must always ask God" if you want anything, and if you do God will hear and answer your prayers. Always be a good boy, Churlie, and God will love you and take care of you. Now say your prayer little pet." [An actual occurence.] [He clasps his little hnnds and asks God:] "Oh! Doa, make Tarlie a dood boy, and bless mamma and Edie, and help Tarlie to 'member what sister Kdie says. Amen." l'>DiTH—"*NoAV Charlie you will have to go (iown stairs lor Edie is very sick, and she feels as though she was not going to get well, but, my sweet little pet, Edie is a good girl and if she dies ^he will go to Heaven and will be :in angel, and if you aie good you will come to Edie sometime— Edie will always l>e with } ou and mamma, and watch over you. Now kiss Edie and run away." [They kiss good-night.] [Enter Mrs. Hastings, the matron.] "Here conies Mrs. Hastings to put me to bed." [Sliding doors opens in this room, -forming an alcove, disclosing a bed where Mrs. Hastings leads and proceeils to place Edith.] Mrs. Hastings — "Come, Edith my child, this must not be, you are sit- ting up and talking beyond your strength and the Dr's orders must be obey- ed. Come dear, and I will help you to bed, and a good night's rest will do "^ou good." Edith — "Dear Mrs. Hastings, you are so good to me and I love you so much —God wd! be very good to you. [She sighs as she lies down.] Oh! how I want to see my mamma." [Mrs. H. goes to the table, prepares some medicine for her and arranges her wearing apparel, smooths the bed clothes and brings Edith her bible at her request. [Edith turns to Mrs. H.:] "Please tell me what time it is. Uo you think my mamma will be here before 4 o'clock?" Mrs. H. — "It is nearly morning, my dear, why do you ask?" Edie — "I hope ray mamma will come before 4 o'clock." Mrs. H. — "There, there my dear, close your eyes and try to sleep." [She closes her eyes a moment only.] Edie — "What time is it now?" Mrs. H. — "It is 4 o'clock, my dear." Edie — "Will you ring for one of the servants and have them bring lit- tle Charlie to me? I want him to come and sing with Edie." Mrs. H.— "Why Edie dear, what strange whim is this?" Edie — "Please, Mrs. Hastings, bring my dear, little brother.' [The child is brought in with night-dress and bare feet.] Edie — "My dear, little brother, Edie is going to go to God, and he will let her be an angel up in Heaveu, to watch over you and mamma, and if you ai-e a good boy, when you die God will let you coi^e to Edie. Now my pet, Edie cannot stay any longer with you, and she uaivts you to sing with her "Safe in the Arms of Jesus." [They raise their voices together, and afier singing, she kisses him and says:] "Charlie, remember Edie's dying words." [They cover her face and lead the child out. The room is vacant and presently Charlie comes to an opposite door and pushes it open gently and comes in on tip-toe — looks in awe all around, saying as he does so:] "I'se dot nothing to live for, now Edies done, and Fse doing to ask Dod to send me my mamma — Edie said Dod would hear ittle boys praj'ers." [He looks around and very cautiously ci'eeps up into a large, arm chair and clasj)s his little hands. Mrs. Hastings enters and gazes in wrapt atten- tion as he prays:] "OlrDod! send me my mamma, please send my mamma." A[rs. H. — "Why Charlie, my dear child, what are you doing here?" CharjJE — "I'se asking JJod to send me my mamma, and I know my mamnux will com,e, for he always answers ittle boys' payers." Mrs. H. — "Yes, my dear little boy. God does hear and answer little boys' prayers, and no doubt he has heard you, and answered you too, for here is your mamma now, [adding in undertone:] "Oh! God give her strength to bear her burden of sorrow. She knows not what awaits her." [Mamma enters and Chivrlie rushes up to her and cl(\^ps his arms around her neck and says:] "I Knew you was toming, mamma." Mamma —"Why, my child, how did you know I was coming?" (Jharlie — "Tos I wanted my mamma, and I asked Dod to send me my mamma, and he always answers ittle boys' prayers — Edie told me so," Mamma — "There my child, run away now, I must go and speak to Edith, [turns to Mrs. H.:] "How is my little daughter this morning?" Mks. H. — "Be calm! my dear woman, Edith is past all her earthly woes; she is gone! She passed away at 4 o'clock this morning, singing: "Safe in the Arms of Jesus." [Mamma stands like one paralyzed— like a piece of statuary, with a va- cant stare. All at once the truth penetrates her heart — she reels and lalls to the floor in a death-like swoon. Restoratives are applied, and every ef- fort is brought forth to restore her to consciousness. She revives, exclaim- ing:] "Edith, my child! my precious child! Oh take me to my child! [She i"ises with the assistance of her attendants and staggers to and sinks down on her knees at the bedside of her dead daughter, and there makes a vow to God over her body, and asks for strength and wisdom to guide her aright.] Mamma —"Oh Edith, my angel child! Last night thy spirit face came to me, as in a cloud^ taking the form ai an angel and heavenly music was wafted to my ears in sweetest strains. Singing as never angels sang before, "Dearest Mamma, I will Guide thee,"' and this was the^token given me to warn me of approaching death to one so dear to me. O God! thou hast taken this, my earthly treasure from me, and must it be the sacrifice of this* my innocent's life, to lift the shadow from my blighted heart and home— to save me! To guide me! Oh! why CDuId I not have seen my wav clearer? I am like one groping in the dark- — I am utterly powerless. O dear God! help me to find and walk in the right way. Here upon my bended knees I make my vow to thee, to relinquish ^from i;iy heart and my thoughts,^ this living curse; this destroyer of my home and happiness; and give me strength and wisdom, and grant me the guardian spirit of this, my angel child, t(i ever be around and about me — that I may ever feel her presence as a shield in the lonely hours of darkness. Let me keep the image of my little daughter ever before me, as I saw its look of compassion and yearning love bent upon me, in the vision of last night. Oh! it is this memory alone that will enable me to keep my vow to the bitter end, and grant Heavenly Fath- er to restore to me my remaining little ones and cast u[)on us the sunshine of thy presence." [She 'Inirys her face in ihe bed-clothes in silence and the curtain drops — and raises upon SCENE 7th. [At hinne — mamma enters her parlor dressed in deep mourning — seats herself languidly in a chair and leans her head upon her hands, denoting by every look and movement dee[) distress and sorrow. Servant enters with a card bearing name of Mr. Beardsley. She looks at it and requests Nora to show the gentleman in. She does not look up or rise to greet him and he frowns in anger.] Mr. B. — "Well Nellie, what are you pouting about now? What does this mean, you are dressed in deep niournfng? Why is this?" Mamma — "Yes! while I was entertaining you here in this room last night, Ediih uiy darling, was taken away! — Yes, she died among strangers with no mother's loving hand so smooth her dyinir pillow, and why did you not come in answer to my tlispatch? You received it and yet you came not, and now you ask me why I am in mournhig." [She looks him in the, face 'till he hangs his head in confusion and is compelle*! to own up, in a blundering way, in the following manner:] Mr. B. — "Well, yes, 1 did'^receiye the dispatch, but my dear, I was so pressed with business I could' attend to nothing else. I presume everything passed off all right and was attended to properly as though I were ther«." .MA]V^MA — "Attended to properly! And this is the respect you show to my little Kdith's me||iory, after all your protestations of love for her. Fie upon such love as thai!" I requested you, as 1 had a right to, to send me means to bury my child, but you utterly ignoi'ed my request. I had not the lueans to hire a carriage and l)ecause you refused me help, was obliged to biiiy her is. the pottersiield — but she shall \ et have an elegant I'esting place, if these bauds ol in.ine are spui'ed to earn it, no matter how manual llu' labor musi be to accomplish it. Talk not to me of love for her memory." ^ii. l^. — 'Well, if I have not so very much love for her as you seem pleaded to thiilk, I have for inaiiiina; but you ndstake me, darling." Majmma — "Ah! do I mistake you? Sir, I can see your heart more plainly, through tht' dead face of my little Edie, than I ever could before. It st-ems to stand out before me like an open book —you are reaay to pet and caress one moment, and the next to denounce and curse me, with the fury of ten thousand demons." . » Mr. B.— "Oh Nellie! how ca you denounce me so? I really do not deserve it, and you know you are the life of my soul, and I cannot live with- out you. Yon, and you alone, ar^ all I have in this world, to make life a pleasure to me. Darling 1 am gong to leave you now, for business — very urgent business, indeed — that cannot be postponed, must deprive me of a more lengthy interview, but my dear, I will see you again this evening." [Mrs. Hastings is announced— Mr. B. looks confused as she speaks to him and asks about his wife. He hurriedly bids adieu and goes.] Mamma — "Good afternoon, Mrs. Hastings — this is an unexpecte'd. pleasure to me^in all my trouble.' Mrs. H. — "I hastened to you as soon as I could conveniently do so. You art' aware, my dear, how many cares I have- -but do you still allow that man to continue his visits here, after I have warned you of his insin- cerity to you? I can convince yqu of his deceitfulness, and if you will go with me this night I will take you into his presence, but not his presence alone. He is now enjoying himself in another Avoman's society juat as he is ia the habit of doing every evening at this hour. He goes every day from you into her presence. I beg of you, my dear, to put an end to this trust- ing, trusting, trusting, and denounpe and ■ deny him your house at onceA Come dear, and let us disguise ourselves,- and see what our little adventure will bring to light. Listen! an idea suggests itself: you can speak German, and you shall disguise as a German woman Jiud I will dress as a gypsy." Mamma — "But who will purchnse the di«guisds?" Mr.s. Hastings — "I have come prepared to go with you. See here what I have in my basket. My dear woman I heard your earnest pleadings with God, over ihe dead body of your child, and I eame^to help you out of the toils of this polished villian." {Hf'-*^ [Mamma turns and puts her arms around her friend, and kissing her exclaims with eyes upraised:] "P God, I thank thee for one true friend." Mrs. H. — "Come now, we are ready." ['Hiey go out the door and the slide doors are drawn, leaving a space before "the 'footlights. Mr. B. ancW strange lady appear, walking along very slowly, and he is bending v(^^ low and lovingly over her with many protestations of love. He is heard to say to her:] "No! no! indeed, my darlirtg, how can vou accuse me of visiting her, • when you know I love you so dearly, and how could I find the time to visit you both. You know, my dear, I am with you every day of my life. Please do put away these idle fancies." [Mrs. Hastings and mamma follow, unseen by them, and overhear their conversation.] ^[R. B. — "1 am yours, devotedly yours, and yours alone: believe me, dearest. Oh! how delightful your society is. To-morrow evening we will take our moonlight ride." [Mamma hears the proposition, and with loud and taunting laugh:] "Ha! ha! ha! How very delightful it will be, with his lying mouth all fresh with dewy sweetness, extracted from other lips than thine." [Mr. B. starts violently, and looks around, exclaiming:] "O my God! I know that voice." Strange Lady — "What is it, dear, that startled you so? You are trembling." Mr. B. — "O nothing, n.ithine: at all. The night air has chilled me tu my very heart. Come, let us go to your home, and to-morrow you shall see me again without fail." [Mrs. Hastings turns to lady:] "Are you convinced?" Ma.mma— "lam. I have now seen, with my own eyes, that another .woman receives the caresses that once made Heaven in my heart. They have left us, and we will return home." • [They walk out of sight and the doors slide back, showing the parlor again. They enter in their disguises from the street an(rdisrol)e.] Mamma — "() Mrs. Hastings, my dear friend, how much I thank you for the interest you have nmnifes^d in my behalf. You are my only .sympa- thizing friena in my bereavement. ' The only earthly friend to whom I can turn for sympathy and help." Mrs.1I. — "God alone knows' the heartfelt sympathy I feel for you and n)y confidence in yoift' desire to do right. I will await the arrival of thi« fine gentleman in the adjoining room,- and with you meet him face to face." [A ring is heard at the door bell, and they hasten to remove all traces of their adventure — Mrs. H. barely makes her escape.] [Mr. B. is' ushered in.] 4 Mr. Bo — "Was my little K ell -growing impatient wiili waiting? 1 was! MoreJJian impatient, I was really becoming desperate with being detained from you so long. When I left you I found my business even more "press- ing than I had anticipated, and every moment seemed an hour. Come, sit beside me and let me hold your liand upon n^y brov. — it will chase away all cai'e 'and- iHixiety from my brain and heart, and soothe me into forgetfulness , of all my earthly woes, iwhich no other hand or presence caii do." CMa^mma — "Well! well! it seemed to me, when you were gone, as though I should like to be a sculptress, and chisel a statute of purity, au(\ give it your countenance." Mr. B. — "Ho^" you do love me, don't you Nell? Mamma — "Are 'you so very, very tired with your evening's work, that you really think you need soothing into forgetfuluess? Pfay exchse me a moment before I exert my mesmeric powers upon you." [She leaves the room.] Q ^ ,- Mr. B.— "What means all the fire that I see smouldering in that wo- man's eye to-night?' Curse the little vixen, I will break her haughty spirit or break her heart. II I thought she suspected me I would kill her. I do" wonder how she measures time? A moment, inatiently.] "Why is it that voice 1 heard this evening, in the park, haunts me so persistently? Could it be — but no! Nell would never leave the house, lor have I not forbidden her going out at that hour. Ah! she dare not disobey my orders. Here she comes at last. But no— yes — why Nellie, is that you, dressed in that rodiculous manner?" [Co/nes in as a German woman.] Mamma — "Veil, yes! dish ish your leedle Irauleiu Nellie, vat vants to know maybe you go mit me walking oud a leedle, and moonlight riding, do- morrow evening oud. Ha! ha! ha!" [Mr. B. stamp.s with rage and astonishment, and with countenance of soiiie wild beast or demon:] "What in the name of high Heaven does all this masquerading mean? Are you bereft of your senses?" ' c [Mamma calmly re[)lies:] "Why, no my dear, I just came in as a subject for yonr artistic criticism' How do you like me? But if it is not your ideal of a woman's toilet 1 will lay it aside. [tShe here disrobes.] I think, sir, you saw the .same style of d'fess in the park this evening.'' Mr. B.— "Great God! I am lost, I am lost. [In shame and terntr.] Nell, are you going to betray me? Hate me, scorn me, despise me if you will, but madam, dare not betray me to my wife. ' , [Mamma, with contempt:] "Betray you to your wife? No indeed! not to the won«an who aimed your revolver at my heart for the misdeeds of her guilty husband, v\honi I was told, and by yourself, that you were a single man. [Very ironically.] Betray you! and do you deny me the privilege of betraying you to the wo- man you spend S(j much of your honeyed time with? If you are at all aull oi comprehension — I mean the woman you were walking with this evening — you, that w'as the king of my waking thoughts and. the God of iiiy dreams,) — after all this deception, this double-dyed villinany, talk of be tray al?\, Be- tray you to your wife? No! I will not only betray, but I will denounce you to the whole world." [She fetauds, ivhile uttering the above, proudly an.d as brave as a n)artyr at the stake, while he was quivering in every fibre of flesh and sinew, with suppressed fury, and grasping her arm tightly he hisses between his closely shut teeth words of deadly menace:] "You shall never leave this roon) alive. [His ra,ge increases.] I am reckless alike of the laws of both God and man, and I am resolved that my life shall never be exposed to the world, let it cost what it may." [He raises his gold-headed cane and strikes her a blow that fells her to the tioor, while the blood Hows slowly over her face and neck.] [He exclaims:] "No danger now thai those white sealed lips shall ever unclose to de- nounce me to the world. She has brought her death upon herself. . She would have carried into execution her threat of betraying nie to the world if I had not silenced her, and I was obliged to buy my life at the sacrifice of hei-s. It is, a clear case of self-defence or self-preservation. I will lay her in such a position that when she is found, it will naturally be supposed that she fell and struck her head, and it proved a fatal fall. I will cai-efully lock the door and Jeave the house." [.He advances toward the door, key in hautl, when Mrs. Hastings steps into the room dx'essed in gypsy costume. He knows he saw the woman in the park with Nellie, and feels undone.] Mrs. Hastings —"Not so fast, sir! I have been a witness to this night's proceedings, and you had better niake your peace with God, tor the laws of . our country ;\yill show y()u iio.mercy, and 1 will Hnish up the work ,of this poor, murdered. )5(^;n^n^j^"^^^ .^, f^di ,-d?? [Mr. B. ill abje.ct terror:] "§pare me, yet a little longeiv If there is one spark of pity in yoin heart, spare nie.". .. , f f.:;,, .: Mrs. H. — "Spare-you? .fY,ou nii^^er.al)!^ coward! You are utterly heuri- less and cruel as the gra.ve^yQu had better plead for mercy at the hands of Cjod, who will judge ycm ac.'ording to youi' sins. I; have no pity, only for that poot', murdered wqinun lying at your feet." .. [He starts and looks at his victim and bends ovtu- her as he sees signs of returning life, ejacidating with emphasis:] "TJiank Heaven, she is notdead — siie lives — bring a restorative, quick!' [Mrs. H. bathes the bleeding forehead, and commands .hiui to lay her upon the sofa, when she proceeds to restore her. She slowly opens her eyes and Mr. B. steps up to her side.] Mr. B. — "Nellie dear, will you forgive and forget the transactions of this evening, and pray God to subdue this evil passion. I would ])art with my life before 1 would vv'illingly hurt you." # i [She arose and stood before him, her beautiful eyes dilated with scorn and slumbering fire, meeting his own iioldly and fearlessly, now that her weakness was gone.] Mamma — "I do not fear you, sir! This is the way you have kept your vows made on your bended knees to my little daughter, my darfing Edilh, now lying dead and cold in her lonely grave. Had you killed me, the proof of your crime would have lived after me, and my spirit would have followed you always, as the spectial hounds pursued Action, even to the depths of Hades!" ' Mr. B. — "O my God, woman, what more terrible thing could happen to me than the loss of your love?" Mamma — "Love for you sir, is a thing of the past. Go worship at ilie shrine of your godess of this evening, as the Pagan worships liis idol — as for myself, I have loved you too insanely to ever forgive. There is no weakness in my soul to-night, and the only service you can render me is to keep out of my sight." Mr. B. — "O pitiless avenger! If I thought I could win you back at the cost of my immortal t;oul, I would not hesitate to pay the price. Great God! there is no word in our language to express the agony I am enduring." Mamma — "May kind Heaven grant that the agony you are enduring may be turned to remorse, and my prayer to God shall be that it may con- tinually knaw at your heart, murderer that you are. I have been patient and uncomplaining, but 1 can endure this life no longer. You think me relentless and vindictive. Sir, there are trials that do not purify, and sor- rows that do not elevate; there are pains and privations that harden the tender heart, without softening the stubborn will. Of such is the warp and woof of my ill-fated life. At the side of my dead child I vowed a task, cost what it might, I would accomplish my revenge. I have this night accom- plished the end, and now sir, go! and never let me see your face again." [He starts as though to leave her presence, then makes a movement to con)e to her again, i)ut suddenly makes another decision, and with head bowed upon his breast, walks slowly out fiom her presence. As he goes he says from the depths of his soul:] "O my God! the agony of this moment is killing me. Driven from her presence never to see her again, and I must submit to my fate." [Turns with one lonp-, wishful look at her, unutteiably afraid of a nameless something that seemed to threaten him with retribution.] [Cui'tain drops.] TABLEAU. Mamma surrounded by her children and Edith appears above their heads in the form of an angel, in a halo of blue Heavenly light. During the tableau singing in heavenly strains behind the scenes — words — "Mamma dear, 1 will Guide Thee." \ Chorus of "Precious Promise."