PS 635 
 .29 
 
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 C2S4 I S <^ ^ '^ 
 
 Copy 1 ."Z^ (L^^SA- 
 
 LO^E'S 
 
/^ LOVE'S • 
 
 PiJittj} %\ui^ ^m$t\\\\ 
 
 A COMEDIETTA, 
 
 IN TWO ACTS, 
 
 B| lames 1, (^aFter^ 
 
 AUTHOR OF "CATCHISG A HUSBAND; OR, DTING TO MAItET.' 
 
 WITH THE CAST OF CHARACTERS, STAGE BUSINESS 
 RELATIVE POSITIONS, ETC. 
 
 CINCINNATI: 
 MARSHALL & IIEFLEY, CORNER VINE & SECOND STS. 
 
 1859. 
 
r>. ;\ \^ % •" -^ • fc Ik ' • . / ,\ 
 
 
 J 
 
 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 
 
 " The Hotel Adventure " was played for the first time last 
 night, at the National. It had the rare advantage of being al- 
 most perfectly studied by the persons acting in it: indeed, it was 
 much better done than any new thing that we have ever seen pro- 
 duced on the Cincinnati stage. " The Hotel Adventure " is a bet- 
 ter piece — more quietly pleasing — more satisfactory — than many 
 which have been performed for years. Of course it was, in the 
 term of the day, " successful." — Enquirer. 
 
 " The Hotel Adventure," written by a gentleman of this city, 
 and produced for the first time on Monday evening, at the Nation- 
 al, was received with every demonstration of favor, by a large 
 and attentive auditory. — Cin. Gazette. 
 
 The new Comedietta, by J. H. Carter, of this city, so long and 
 anxiously looked for, was produced at this house [the National] 
 last night; and, if the applause bestowed upon it was any indi- 
 cation, it was highly successful. The author was fortunate, too, 
 in having his piece so well put upon the stage. Never have we 
 seen a new piece produced in which all the characters were more 
 perfect in their parts. — Cin. Commercial, 
 
 TMP92-008807 
 
CAST OP THE CHARACTERS, 
 
 As performed at the National Theater, Jan'y 29th, 1849. 
 
 Mr. Dahlington, a Southern gentleman, Mr. Jackson, 
 
 Mr. Melville, father of Kate, - - . . ^ . . . Mr. Johnson. 
 Haery Walters, lover of Kate, ........ Mr. Brown. 
 
 Mb. Brown, the Landlord, Mr. King. 
 
 Squire Green, - Mr. Mehen. 
 
 Charles Danvers, cousin to Kate, Mr. Edwards. 
 
 Mk. Nabem, a constable, Mr. Lawler. 
 
 Sam, a negro servant to Darlington, Mr. Rodgers. 
 
 Kate Melville, daughter to Melville, Miss Maywood. 
 
 Julia Danvers, cousin to Kate, .--.... Miss Bruce. 
 Rose, Negro waiting-maid at Brown's Hotel, .... Mrs. Mehen. 
 
 LOCALITY— SARATOGA, N. Y. TIME-1840. 
 
 STAGE DIRECTIONS. 
 
 Entrances and Exits. — R. H. means right hand ; R. H. 1 E., right hand first 
 entrance ; L. H., left hand ; L. H. 1 E., left hand first entrance ; 2 E., second en- 
 trance; U. E., upper entrance. 
 
 Relative Positions.— R. means right; L., left; C, center; R. C, right of cent.; 
 L. C, left of center. 
 
 ■^% The Publication. — This play has been published by subscription, by the 
 friends of the author, as a matter of compliment to him, and as a source of 
 amusement and gratification to them. 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, 
 
 By JAMES H. CARTER, 
 
 In the Clerk's Ofiice of the District Court of the United States for the Southern 
 
 District of Ohio. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 This Comedietta was written during some leisure hours of the 
 author, as an " experiment," and is, therefore, his first essay in 
 dramatic writing; and, as his pretensions in that current of author- 
 ship partakes largely of the humble character, he did not dare to 
 offer his composition for the ordeal of the stage, till his play was 
 examined and approved by several experienced and literary gen- 
 tlemen. Through the kind feeling and encouraging deportment 
 of D. Saezedas, Esq., Manager of the National Theater, the play, 
 with the title of " The Hotel Adventure," was produced on the 
 night of January 29th, 1849; and being well put on the stage and 
 performed, was pronounced, at the fall of the curtain, a complete 
 success. The piece was played tliereafter for several nights, and 
 fully received the indorsement of the theatrical public. The au- 
 thor discovered some defects during its presentation, and has en- 
 deavored to correct them; which being accomplished, as he thinks, 
 he now presents his play, under a new title — " Love's Masquer- 
 ade; or, Money Gives Consent" — and hopes that the reader may 
 find some amusement in its perusal. J. H. C. 
 
 Cincinnati, February, 1859. 
 
LOVE'S MASQUERADE; 
 
 OR, 
 
 MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 
 
 AC T I. 
 
 ScENK I. — A room in Brown's Hotel. Mr. Darlington discovered 
 sitting at a table, with a book in his hand and his slippers on. 
 
 Darlington. Well, I must say, that this place has 
 been exceedingly dull since the departure of the beauti- 
 ful Miss Danvers. I am half inclined to start for Albany 
 to-morrow, and spe^d some two or three weeks there. 
 Perhaps I might fall deeply in love with that charming 
 girl and offer her my hand and heart, for I must confess 
 that she is the only creature in the shape of woman who 
 has displayed charms of mind and person sufficient to cap- 
 tivate me in the least degree. Yes — I believe — I will 
 start for Albany to-morrow. 
 
 Enter Sam, negro servant to Mr. D. R. H. 
 
 Sam. Here, massa, is your boots, wid de wery best pol- 
 ish on dem dat Mason's looking-glass blacking will bring 
 out, 'specially wen a person like dis chile has de handling 
 of de brushes. (^Gives Mr. D. his boots.) 
 
 Darlington. Sam ! I 'm going to leave here to-morrow 
 for Albany. {Pulling on his boots and adjusting his pants.') 
 
 Sam. You is ? 
 
 Darlington. Yes, Sam ; I am tired of this place. I 
 wish you to have all my clothes nicely packed in my trav- 
 eling trunk, and see that my horses are in good order and 
 my buggy well cleaned for a genteel departure from this 
 house. 
 
 Sam. Yes, massa, I will give all de tings de proper 
 care, and hab ebery ting in order 'cording to your wishes, 
 massa. (^Aside and going.) I hates to leave dis place. 
 
6 LOVES masquerade; 
 
 dat 's sartin, case I has been most delumshusly situated 
 hea wid Miss Rose ; and den what will Miss Rose do wid- 
 out dis chile ? 
 
 Darlington. I say, Sam, tell Mr. Brown, as you pass 
 through the bar-room, to have my bill made out in full. 
 
 Sam. Yes, massa, I will tend to dat business, also. 
 (Aside.) I does hate to go, de wust kind. 
 
 [Exit Sam. l. h. 
 
 Darlington (musing). Miss Danvers is indeed the 
 only charming woman I have seen during my visit to this 
 watering place, and if she — 
 
 Enter Sam, in a hurry. L. H, 
 
 Sam. Massa, a carriage has just stop at de door, wid a 
 wery han'some lady in it. 
 
 Darlington. Ah! indeed! Let me see her. (Going 
 quickly to the window.') There peeps forth a dear little 
 foot and there follows a neat turned ankle, and here comes 
 
 a face beaming with a 0, confound that thick green 
 
 vail, say I. She seems to be in a great hurry to get into 
 the house. I wonder who she can be. 
 
 Sam. Yes, massa. I tink dere is great hurry, as de 
 horses came up to de door wid de tallest kind of trot. 
 
 Darlington. Sam, you need not commence packing up 
 my clothes yet, nor do any thing in the way of making 
 preparation for my departure, till I say so. I will go 
 down and see what is going on. There may be something 
 to interest me. \^Exit Darlington, l. h. 
 
 Sam. I hope to de land dat massa may change his 
 mind 'bout leabing dis place. I hab not been staying in 
 any house where de cullud gals gibs me so much pleasure 
 in dere s'ciety as dey do hea, more specially dat lubly gal, 
 dat winning creetur, Miss Rose. I tinks de sweets of her 
 full blown lips will compare wid de honey de bee sucks 
 from de flowers dat lie reposing on de soft snowy bosom 
 of Flora, dat 's sartin. (Sam sings.) 
 
 Air — " Dearest Mae." 
 
 Wheneber I tinks of dat sweet lubly Rose, 
 De blood to my heart like a torrent swiftly flows ; 
 And makes me desire to hab her io my arms, 
 Dat I misjht squeeze de gal dat has such witching cliarms. 
 Chorus. Ah, dearest Rose, my sweet, my lubly Rose, 
 
 You is de purtiest flower dat in de garden grows. 
 
 [Repeat chorus.] 
 
OK, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 7 
 
 She 's got de most kinkey and blackest wooly hair. 
 And de sweetest lips dat you '11 find any where; 
 De white of her eye is clear as de fountain, 
 Whose bright waters flow from de top of de mountain. 
 Chorus. Ah, dearest Rose, <fec. 
 
 Like two elastic globes her heaving bosoms swell. 
 Which takes away my very breaf, de cause I can not tell; 
 Dat little chile Cupid, wid his bow and his arrow. 
 Has shot my heart right through the core and knocked out 
 all de marrow. 
 Choeus. Ah, dearest Rose, Ac. 
 
 I wish dat I could only call dat lubly gall my wife, 
 I 'd be de happiest cuUud chile dat ebber came to life: 
 But, wid her smiles and graces, she acts de grand coquette. 
 And keeps dis nigga all de time in de biggest kind of sweat. 
 Chorus. Ah, dearest Rose, <fec. 
 
 As I 've not seen dat gall dis morning, I '11 go and call on 
 her before she dusts de back parlor. [Exit Sam. r. h. 
 
 Scene II. — Ladies' parlor in Brown's Hotel. Enter Mr. Brown, 
 the landlord, introducing Katk Melville, l. h. 1. e. 
 
 Landlord. This way, Miss. Please take this chair, 
 Miss [handing Kate a chair). You must be very much 
 fatigued after your journey. Can I wait upon you in any 
 way, Miss ? 
 
 Kate {sitii7ig dow?i). No, sir, I thank you. I will 
 ring when I desire any thing. 
 
 Landlord. Do so. Miss. I will send to you my col- 
 ored woman. Rose, to wait upon you. 
 
 [Exit Laiidlord. r. h. 
 
 Kate. If Harry does not meet me here agreeably to 
 promise, what shall I do? My father will certainly dis- 
 cover that I have ran away from home and will soon be 
 here after me. I shall then be carried back, to be locked 
 up again in my room, from which I have just escaped, to 
 brood o'er my unhappy fate and my father's determined 
 opposition to my marriage with Harry Walters. 0, that 
 he were here to protect me. [^EiUer Rose., r. h. 
 
 E.OSE. Do you wish me, ma'm, for any ting (curtesy- 
 ing^ ? 
 
 Kate. No, not now. I will call you when I need you. 
 
8 love's masquerade; 
 
 Rose (aside and going). Dat young lady looks mighty 
 troubled 'bout someting. Dere 's someting mysterious in 
 her conduct, I tinks. [Exit Rose. r. h. 
 
 Kate. I have had the courage to run off from my fa- 
 ther's house, prompted, as I have been, by my deep attach- 
 ment for dear Harry ; and I will still endeavor to have 
 fortitude enough to bear me onward. The step I have 
 taken may be deemed imprudent: but what will not love 
 make us do. As I have gone thus far, I am determined 
 to become the wife of Harry Walters before I turn my 
 face homeward, despite my father's opposition. Harry 
 Walters is not rich; and this is the only but great objec- 
 tion of my father to our union. He would oblige me to 
 marry that most odious man, Mr. Danton, because he is a 
 large stockholder in the Merchant's Bank, and, conse- 
 quently, deemed rich. Rather than marry such a re- 
 pulsive man, I would much sooner wed the grave. If my 
 father should arrive before Harry, what shall I do. O, 
 that I could find some worthy gentleman who would act 
 as my protector till Harry arrives. (Enter Air. Darling- 
 ton, quick!]/. L. H.) 
 
 Darlington. Here is one at your service, Miss. But 
 pardon my presumption and boldness. I could not per- 
 mit the latter part of your soliloquy to fall on my ear un- 
 heeded. If I can be of any service to you in any man- 
 ner, I but await your wishes and commands. 
 
 Kate (confused.} Your presence, sir, is very unexpect- 
 ed. I did not suppose that my words were spoken so 
 loud as to be heard by any one. (Aside :) His looks cer- 
 tainly bespeak the gentleman. I think I may confide in 
 him. (Turning to Mr. D.) May I have the pleasure of 
 knowing the name of the gentleman who has so very sud- 
 denly appeared and who offers his services in such kind 
 terms ? 
 
 Darlington. Most certainly, miss. My name is Dar- 
 lington — of the firm of Benson, Darlington & Co., of' 
 New Orleans. I have been spending some six or eight 
 •weeks at this house, enjoying all the pleasures and luxu- 
 ries which the place affords ; and, having become tired of 
 remaining longer, I had determined to leave on tomorrow. 
 But, seeing your arrival, and hearing just now, from Rose, 
 that the young lady in the parlor seemed much distressed, 
 
OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 9 
 
 I had the curiosity to steal a glance at your person ; and, 
 in so doing, overheard your wishes for a protector. And 
 I resolved, on the instant, to offer you my services and 
 postpone my departure. 
 
 Kate. 'T is very strange, sir, that I should entertain 
 a disposition to accept your services, unacquainted, as I am, 
 with your character. But, judging from your earnest 
 manner, that you have spoken truly of yourself, and being 
 in great need of the aid of some honorable gentlemaa, I 
 will accept your very kind offer. 
 
 Darlington. I feel myself most highly honored, miss, 
 by your acceptance ; and I am impatient to begin my new 
 character and prove myself worthy of your confidence. 
 
 Kate. You must know, then, Mr. Darlington, that I 
 have ran away from my father's house, and fully expected 
 to meet Harry Walters here — a gentleman to whom I am 
 engaged to be married. My father is most bitterly op- 
 posed to our union, and we were obliged to adopt this 
 mode as the only one left to insure our happiness. Some- 
 thing has surely occurred to Harry, or he would have 
 been here long before this. I am exceedingly fearful that 
 my father will arrive first, and then our plans may be 
 frustrated, unless you can suggest some scheme to assist 
 us. 
 
 Darlington. Let me see : what plan can we adopt ? 
 {Tkmki?ig.) I have it. You must disguise yourself as a 
 young gentleman. 
 
 Kate. What! dress myself in male apparel? 
 
 Darlington. Yes, miss — that 's it, exactly. 
 
 Kate. I never will be able to do it, Mr Darlington. 
 
 Darlington. Why, it 's not a very difficult matter to 
 do, I assure you. 
 
 Kate. 0, I can not personate the character of a gen- 
 tleman ! 
 
 Darlington. Yes you can. if you will only make the 
 effort; and I think that you will make a very interesting 
 and good looking young fellow. 
 
 Kate. I never can appear before any one, dressed in 
 that manner, Mr. Darlington. 
 
 Darlington. But you must do so, indeed. Only wear 
 the pants a little while before your marriage, and become 
 my traveling companion — and in this way you will be able 
 2 
 
10 love's masquerade; 
 
 to cheat your father out of your identity. (The noise of 
 the arrival of a carriage is heard, and the hosUe/s bell is 
 loudly rung.) 
 
 Kate (running to the window) 0, heavens ! there 's 
 my father! I am lost — what shall I do! 
 
 Darlington. You must become the young gentleman. 
 
 Kate. I will become any thing, rather than be car- 
 ried back to bondage. 
 
 Darlington. Then retire quickly into the adjoining 
 room, and I will send you the suit of clothes immediately, 
 by Rose, which put on — and I will watch the progress of 
 events. 
 
 Kate. I must do as you say, Mr. Darlington, and will 
 trust all to your good management. 
 
 [Exit Kate. r. h. 
 
 Darlington. Well, I am exceedingly fond of adven- 
 ture, and I have now, certainly, placed myself in a most 
 romantic and interesting position. This young lady is 
 very heroic, as well as pretty — and loves Harry Walters, 
 as only woman can love. She shall marry him, or else 
 I 'm no prophet. [Exit Darlington, l. h. 
 
 Scene III. — A hall in Brown's Hotel. 
 Enter Sam. l. h. 
 
 Sam. Massa Darlington does not seem to be in so great 
 a hurry 'bout leaving dis place. Dat makes dis chile feel 
 happy. I wish he not go for three months, for den I 
 would float on de circumbulating air wid de wings of 
 pleasure all dat time, dat 's sartain. [Enter Rose, carry- 
 ing a bandbox, r. h.) What 's de hurry now. Rose? 
 I wants to speak wid you on important matters. 
 
 Rose. I can not stop now, Mista Sam Johnsing, case 
 I must take dis box of clothes to de lady, which arrive 
 here dis mawning, 'cording to your massa's orders. 
 
 Sam. Can 't you stop to let me inhale de oder ob dose 
 sweet, nectar lips ob yours, jis once? 
 
 Rose. 0, do n't bodder wid such nonsense at dis mo- 
 ment, Mista Sam. I 'tend to your case some udder time, 
 
OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 11 
 
 when I has more leisure and nothing better to do. (Rose 
 going.) 
 
 Sam. I say Rose, look hea (showing Rose a ring which 
 he has on his finger). 
 
 Rose. Where did you get dat, Mista Sam (looking 
 eagerly at the ring)% 
 
 Sam. Dat 's not de question befo' de house at dis time. 
 De question am, what culled lady will be the owner of dis 
 jewelry? 
 
 Rose. I can 't tell dat ; but I tinks I knows a culled 
 lady who has a finger dat will fit it zacly. 
 
 Sam. So does I ; but dat finger never wears dis ring 
 till dat lady will promise to take it wid her teeth from de 
 spot where I may put it. 
 
 Rose. Now, Mista Sam, you has no feeling for de sex, 
 or you would take de hint, widout making a lady promise 
 to do such a strange ting as dat. 
 
 Sam. Will you give me four kisses for it, den? 
 
 Rose. No. I do n't sell my kisses in dat common 
 way. 
 
 Sam. Den. if you wants de ring, you must take it wid 
 your teeth, as I befo' spress myself. 
 
 Rose. Well, I will do dat. But make haste, for I 
 must take dis box to de young lady right away. 
 
 Sam (placing the ring helwecn his teeth). Here it is. 
 Come and take it, if you want it. 
 
 Rose (places the band-box on the fioor^ and goes up to 
 Sam and takes the ring with her teeth from Savi's mouth. 
 As she does so, Sam throws his arms arouiid her and gives 
 her many kisses. Rose releases herself from Saints em- 
 brace). Sam, I gives in. You caught me dis time; but 
 de ring is mine any how. (Puts the ring on her finger.) 
 You do n't come it over me again in dat style, Mista Sam. 
 De next kiss you gets from me will cost you someting 
 more, I tells you. [Rose picks up the bandbox and exits. 
 
 Sam (laughing). Hah, ha, ha! Dey say dat stolen 
 fruit am de best. I agrees wid de poet in dat sentiment. 
 Golly ! her lips am sweeter dan honey widout de comb. I 
 tinks I loves dat gal, and den I tinks I do n't love dat gal; 
 and den, again, I does n't know what I does tink. I 
 do n't tink dat I 'm a marrying man, dat's sartin. I will 
 sing what I tinks I am. [Sings.'] 
 
12 
 
 love's masquekade; 
 
 Chorus and] 
 shuffle. 
 
 Chorus, ^c. 
 
 Air — " Jim Crow." 
 
 I is de greatest darkie 
 
 Dat you '11 find in dis land, 
 I reads in de spelling book 
 
 And writes a bully hand. 
 Wid my gingaring, gingaring, gingaring, garoo, 
 Wid my gingaring, gingaring, gingaring, gaboo 1 
 
 De gals ob dis town 
 
 Are all in lore wid me, 
 I kiss dere ruby lips so sweet. 
 
 And makes dem happy be. 
 Wid my gingaring, <&c. 
 
 De gals am always grinning 
 
 When in de street I 'm seen; 
 Dey all coax me to marry dem. 
 But I is not so green. 
 Chorus, ^c. Wid my gingaring, &c. 
 
 Dis chile is not so easy caught, 
 
 I neber takes a wife; 
 So many gals would die of grief, 
 
 I leads a single life. 
 Wid my gingaring, Ac. 
 
 Chorus, ^-c. 
 
 Enter Mr. Darlington, l. h. 
 
 Darlington. I say, Sam, I am not going away tomor- 
 row; nor do I know when I will depart. I have become 
 engaged in a very interesting affair, and will not leave till 
 I go through with it. 
 
 Sam. I 'se glad to hear, massa, dat you has come to 
 dat cornclusion. It is just de ting I was wishing you to 
 do. I likes dat arrangement much, massa. 
 
 Darlington. You must exercise my horses well, to- 
 day, Sam, and give them your best attention, for I may 
 not wish to use them for several days. 
 
 Sam. I will tend to dem well, massa, and no mistake. 
 I tinks too much of dem to let dem suffer. 
 
 Darlington. Very good, Sam. (Aside.) I must 
 now call upon my newly finished young man, and be well 
 prepared for future action. [Exit Darlington, l. h. 
 
 Sam. I wonder what kind of a fair massa has on him 
 hands dat gives him so much interest. I speck it must 
 be a lady fair. 0, dat 's de case, dat 's sartin. But den 
 
OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 13 
 
 I hear him say soraeting 'bout a young man. P'raps he 's 
 goin' to fight a duel. I hopes dat is not de case. I '11 go 
 down to de kitchen and wait dere till Rose comes down ; 
 may be, she know someting 'bout dis business, as she car- 
 ried to de young lady de band-box. and dat may hab some- 
 ting to do wid dis oblivious arrangement. 
 
 [Exit Sam. r. h. 
 
 Scene IV. — Parlor in Brown's Hotel. 
 Etiter the Landlord and Mr. Melville, l. h. 
 
 Melville. I tell you, sir, my daughter must be in 
 your house. 
 
 Landlord. I can not say, sir. The only lady that I 
 have had the pleasure of receiving here to-day, I left sit- 
 ting in this room but a short time since. She may have 
 been your daughter. But she is not here now. 
 
 Melville. Did she wear a light blue dress ? 
 
 Landlord. She did. 
 
 Melville. And a straw bonnet, with a thick, green 
 vail? 
 
 Landlord. She did, indeed. 
 
 Melville. It must be she; and I will not leave your 
 house, Mr. Brown, till I discover her. 
 
 Landlord. If she is iu my house, sir, she can soon be 
 found, and I will give you my aid in the search. 
 
 Melville. The undutiful girl ! I '11 teach her to run 
 away from home again, or there 's no safety in locks and 
 bolts. Come, sir — let us at once to the search. 
 
 Landlord. Please come this way, sir. We will go 
 into the other rooms, and examine thoroughly every part 
 of the house. [Exit Landlord and Mr. Melville. R. h. 
 
 Scene V. — Room in Brotcn's Hotel. Kate Melville, in the dress of 
 a young man, is discovered adjusting a cap on her head. 
 
 Kate (^having fixed the cap on her head to please her'). 
 Well, I declare, I do feel awkward enough in being thus 
 attired. Were it for any other cause than that of love and 
 dear Harry, I should most certainly fail in my assumed 
 
 2* 
 
14 love's masquerade; 
 
 character. I wish Harry would come and put an end to 
 all my uneasiness and suspense. 
 
 Enter Darlington, l. h. 
 
 Darlington. Ah, how do you do, my young friend? 
 How well you look in your new dress. I knew that you 
 would do so. Permit me to congratulate you. [Taking 
 Kate by the haiid.) 
 
 Kate. Do not make sport of me, Mr. Darlington. 
 Perhaps I have been too foolish in thus changing my ap- 
 pearance and character. 
 
 Darlington. I am not sporting with you, my dear 
 Miss Melville ; no, not by any means. I only said what 
 I really think. But let me tell you that your father, in 
 company with the landlord, is now searching every room 
 in the house, insisting that you are here, and swears that 
 he will not leave till you are found. I believe I hear them 
 coming this way, now. 
 
 Kate (alarmed). I leave all to your care and man- 
 agement, Mr. Darlington ; for I fear I can not act my 
 part very well in this disguise. 
 
 Darlington. Please take m}' arm. and we will prom- 
 enade the room. We must appear to be engaged on some 
 most interesting and serious matter whilst your father ex- 
 amines this part of the house. (^Kate and Darlington 
 promenade.) 
 
 Enter Mr. Melville and Landlord, r. h. 
 
 Landlord. Now, my dear sir, are you satisfied ? We 
 have been in all the rooms of my house. If you can see 
 her in this one, it is more than I can do. 
 
 Melville. Where can she have gone to? She came 
 here, for I was so informed by the driver of the carriage 
 who brought her hither. Who are those persons, I won- 
 der? (Going up to Kate and looking at her closely ) 
 
 Landlord (aside). That is a strange gentleman with 
 Darlington. Who can he be? 
 
 Melville (turning to the landlord). I would swear 
 that was Kate in disguise, were it not for an ugly squint 
 I observed, (hooking at Kate again., closely.) 
 
 Landlord (aside). I should not be surprised if that 
 strange young man were his daughter, for 1 do n't know 
 
OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 15 
 
 how he came here. I shall not say a word, though. I '11 
 remain silent for her sake. 
 
 Melville {turning to the landlord again). No, that 
 is not my daughter. Come, Mr. Brown, let us retire. I 
 should like to have some refreshment. I will not leave 
 your house though, sir, till I find my daughter. She must 
 be somewhere about these premises, for she was to meet 
 that insignificant Harry Walters here, and she can not be 
 far ofi". I am determined that she shall not marry that 
 fellow. \_Exit Mr. Melville and Landlord, r. h. 
 
 Darlington [advancing). And I am determined that 
 she shall. Why, how you trembled. Miss Melville, when 
 your father was eyeing you so closely. 
 
 Kate. I thought, Mr. Darlington, he was going to call 
 me Kate every moment, and I came near fainting. I 
 don't wonder that he saw a squint in my eye, for I imag- 
 ined my eyes were about to desert me ; they were so much 
 afiected by his gaze I could scarcely see. 
 
 Darlington. I was almost induced to speak to your 
 father; but, fearing that I would say something that 
 might, in our altercation, cause you to speak, I thought it 
 better for your safety to remain silent and permit him to 
 scrutinize us as he pleased. 
 
 Kate. How rejoiced I am that we have gone thus far 
 without being discovered. If Harry would only come. 
 
 Darlington. Cheer up, my dear Miss Melville, all 
 will yet be right. Let us take a walk through the gar- 
 den to beguile the moments. Harry, no doubt, will be 
 here very shortly, and then all your anxiety and uneasi- 
 ness will have an end. I feel very confident that we will 
 be able to elude the vigilance of your father, and accom- 
 plish all your heart desires. \_Ezeunt. l. h. 
 
 Scene VI. — Bar-room, or reception room, in Broicn's Hotel. Land- 
 lord discovered looking over the Register. 
 
 Landlord. This week bids fair to turn out pretty 
 well, after all. (Shutting up the. Register.) I have some 
 quite interesting people here, just at this time: a runaway 
 daughter and her enraged father. 'T is none of my busi- 
 ness to meddle with any one's affairs. I have as much as 
 
16 love's masquerade; 
 
 I can do to attend to my own ; so I will not let Mr. Melville 
 know my suspicions as to his daughter's disguise ; let him 
 take care of his own affairs. 'T is my place and duty to 
 be obliging to all, and treat all persons well who honor 
 my house with their patronage, charging them a fair price 
 for my services and entertainment. No house enjoys a 
 better reputation than mine, and I am resolved it shall 
 maintain it. Ah, here comes a stranger. (Enter Harry 
 Walters, in haste, l. h, ) Good day to you, sir. You 
 are welcome to my house, sir. 
 
 Harry. Thank you. Can you tell me, sir, whether a 
 young lady, unattended, arrived here to-day? 
 
 L.\NDLORD. Yes, sir ; there was such an arrival, 
 
 Harry. Will you please show me to her. or tell me 
 where I can find her. 
 
 Landlord. I do n't know that I can. Is your name 
 Walters — Harry Walters ? 
 
 Harry. It is, sir. 
 
 Landlord. The young lady you are in quest of is 
 Miss Melville? 
 
 Harry. Yes, sir — the same. Please show me to her 
 at once. 
 
 Landlord. Listen. Her father is here in pursuit of 
 her, and is determined that she shall not marry the man 
 of her choice — which, I suppose is you, sir. But she has, 
 up to this present moment, eluded his search. He is 
 much enraged at being thus foiled, and is using all means 
 in his power to discover her whereabouts. Your only 
 chance of success, sir, is in finding her first. 
 
 Harry. Indeed ! How unfortunate was my deten- 
 tion. But it is no time now to talk. I must away, and 
 seek her. 
 
 Landlord. Well, sir ; I give you free access to all 
 parts of my house. But be careful not to come in colli- 
 sion with Mr. Melville ; for, if he sees you, he will have 
 you arrested for abducting his daughter. 
 
 Harry (goi7ig). Now may fortune aid me in finding 
 her. She shall then soon be mine, in spite of her father's 
 threats and opposition. [Exit Harry, r. h. 
 
 Landlord. I would not tell Mr. Walters my suspi- 
 cions in regard to Miss Melville, for that would have been 
 too much against my own interest. Here comes Sam — 
 
OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 17 
 
 I '11 sound him a little. (Enter Sam. l. h.) Sam, what 
 young man is that your master has become so intimate 
 with, and who occupies so much of his attention? 
 
 Sam. I do n't 'xactly know who dat is ; but I tinks 
 dat de arrangement looks werry suspicious, dats sartin. 
 
 Landlord. I do not wish to know your master's busi- 
 ness, Sam ; I merely wished to see if you know who that 
 suspicious looking young man is. 
 
 Sam. Is dat all. Well, I tinks, and so does Kose, 
 dat — (A bell rings.) Dat 's my massa's bell. I must 
 go. [Exit Sar?i. r. h. 
 
 Landlord. That darkey is a sly fellow, and I should 
 not be surprised if he knew well enough his master's new 
 companion. I will go and see if Mr. Melville is not in 
 want of something. I shall not let him know of Walters's 
 arrival, nor my suspicion of his daughter's disguise. It's 
 well enough for me to make all I can out of this little bit 
 of romance. So I will go and give him my attention. 
 
 \_Exit Landlord, r. h. 
 
 Scene VII. — A room in Brown's Hotel. Kate Melville discovered 
 silting by a table, in a pensive mood. 
 
 Enter Darlington. 
 
 Darlington. Why so pensive, my dear Miss Melville? 
 Do not permit your spirits to be thus cast down. 
 
 Kate. Perhaps some misfortune has befallen Harry; 
 and if this thought should prove true — 
 
 Darlington. Banish such thoughts. I pray you. I 
 was just making inquiries of my servant, Sam, whether 
 he had seen your father, and he says that your father is 
 still making most vigilant search for you. 
 
 Kate. 0, that Harry would arrive ! My impatience 
 and anxiety are becoming almost insupportable. 
 
 Darlington. He must be here soon. I should not be 
 surprised if he were to make his appearance here during 
 the next moment. 
 
 Enter Harry Walters, r. h. Kate attempts to run 
 to him., but Darlington restrains her and motions her 
 to silence. 
 
18 love's masquerade; 
 
 Harry (not seeing Kate or Darlington). If she is not 
 here, then all my hopes of happiness are gone. (^Discov- 
 ers Kate and Darlington.) Excuse me, gentlemen, I am 
 in search of a young lady who arrived here today, and 
 can not now be found. My happiness and hers is closely 
 connected, and depends upon her being discovered by me. 
 Have either of you seen such a lady? 
 
 Kate {aside). I can not endure this any longer. 
 Harry, dear Harry {running up to him) ! do you not 
 know me? 
 
 Harry. Is it possible ! 'T is my own Kate in dis- 
 guise. {^Kate and Harry embrace.') 
 
 Kate. Yes, it is your own Kate. But let me not for- 
 get to introduce you to my friend and protector. 
 
 Harry. Your friend and protector ! 
 
 Kate. Yes, Harry; Mr. Darlington, of New Orleans. 
 {Harry and Darlington approach and shake hands.) Were 
 it not for his most friendly and disinterested aid, I should 
 have been carried back home, long ere this, by my father, 
 and never have seen you more. 
 
 Harry. Indeed ! How can I, dear sir, express my 
 overflowing thanks? {Taking Mr. D. by the hand and 
 shaking it most cordially.) 
 
 Darlington. Never mind that, sir. I have only been 
 too highly honored by Miss Melville in accepting my poor 
 services. 
 
 Harry. I suppose, of course, Kate, that your disguise 
 has been the means of protecting you from your father's 
 search. 
 
 Kate. Yes, Harry — thanks to Mr. Darlington for in- 
 troducing such a plan — it has, together with his good 
 management, fully protected me. 
 
 Harry. We owe you more than we can ever repay, 
 Mr. Darlington. Darlington? Why, that name sounds 
 quite familiar to me. Are you not of the firm of Benson, 
 Darlington & Co., of New Orleans? 
 
 Darlington. Yes, sir, I am. 
 
 Harry. Do you not recollect, some seven years ago, 
 that a young man, poorly clad, came to your store and 
 asked for employment? 
 
 Darlington. Yes, perfectly well. But you are not he? 
 
 Harry. Yes, I am that same young man. You rec- 
 
OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 19 
 
 ollect you gave me employment through pity for my situ- 
 ation, and by this generous act you aftbrded me the means 
 of returning to my own home in a short time. 
 
 Daulington. Yes, I now recollect that circumstance 
 well ; and well do I remember how very useful you ren- 
 dered yourself during the short period you remained at 
 our store — and how you were mainly instrumental in pre- 
 venting our property from being destroyed by fire, by 
 your timely and unwearied exertions. But you have 
 changed very much since then, Mr. Walters. I would 
 not have recognized you, if you had not made yourself 
 known. Hark ! I hear footsteps approaching. Perhaps 
 it is your father. Miss Melville. (Going toward the door, 
 and Kate and Harry quite alarmed.) No, 't is only my 
 servant, Sam, 
 
 Enter Sam, in haste, r. h. 
 
 Sa.m. Massa, I comes to tell you dat Mista Melville 
 has heard dat Mista "Walters is in dis house, and he has 
 jis gone to de Squire's office to get de perliceman wid his 
 writ to seize Mista Walters. Dis is a fac. niassa, dat 's 
 sartin. You know you tole me to watch Mista Melville 
 closely — and I has done dat ting, 'cording to de arrange- 
 ment. 
 
 Kate. 0, Harry, what shall we do! 
 
 Harry. Why, we will at once — 
 
 Darlington. Stop — I have just thought of a plan. 
 Sam, you go and keep strict watch of the doings of Mr. 
 Melville, and give us timely warning of his approach. 
 
 Sam. Yes, massa, I will do dat ting — dat 's sartin. 
 
 [Exit Sam. R. H. 
 
 Darlington. A plan has just opened itself to me. A 
 little novel, to be sure ; but one that will fully carry out 
 all your wishes. And, as I have discovered in you, Mr. 
 Walters, an old acquaintance, I feel doubly interested in 
 you both, and will give you all the aid in my power to 
 baffle Mr. Melville's designs. 
 
 Harry. A thousand thanks, dear sir ! Please name 
 the plan, and let us carry it out at once. 
 
 Darlington. 'T is this. I will induce Rose to bor- 
 row from the landlord's daughter a dress that will fit you, 
 and you must disguise yourself as a female. 
 
20 love's masquerade; 
 
 Harry. That will be novel enough. But I will adopt 
 any plan, Mr. Darlington, you may suggest. Go on, my 
 dear sir. 
 
 Darlington. Well, then, while you are attiring your- 
 self in this dress, I will go and procure the services of 
 'Squire Green, whom I know very well, and return with 
 him for the purpose of marrying you in disguise, before 
 Mr. Melville returns. Should he arrive before the cere- 
 mony is completed, you will still be able to accomplish 
 your wishes, for he will not recognize either of you. After 
 the ceremony is legally performed, you will be beyond the 
 reach of his designs or actions. 
 
 Harry. This will, indeed, be most capital, will it not, 
 Kate? 
 
 Kate. Yes, Harry, it will ; and were it not for the 
 anxiety I feel for our success, I could laugh heartily at 
 the most singular parts we are to perform. But I will 
 restrain all mirthful feelings till I am made yours. 
 
 Harry. And then we must and will have a good, 
 hearty laugh at our masquerade marriage, and the suc- 
 cessful termination of our good friend's plot. 
 
 Darlington. Then you both agree to the plan? 
 
 Harry. Yes, we do, and most willingly. 
 
 Darlington. I will go immediately to Rose, and have 
 the dress sent to you. Be prepared as soon as possible. Do 
 not be too particular about your great resemblance to fe- 
 male figure and delicacy. What we want is disguise. I 
 will have the 'Squire prepared for the emergency, so there 
 will be no delay. Do not forget, Mr. Walters, to have 
 your head and face enveloped in a vail. This will hide 
 your features and give you more the appearance of a wo- 
 man. Miss Melville will arrange you, no doubt, "a la, 
 mode.^^ And now for our plot. [Exit Darlington, r. h. 
 
 Harry. I never dreamed of being transformed into a 
 woman to gain you, Kate. 
 
 Kate. Nor did I ever expect to be changed into a 
 man for your sake, Harry. 
 
 Harry. Changing our sex, Kate, will not diminish 
 our love. So, let us to the next room and await the com- 
 ing of Rose. \_Exeunt. r. h. 
 
OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 21 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Scene I. — A street in front of Brown's Hotel. 
 Enter Mr. Darlington /rom the door of the Hotel. R. H. 
 
 Darlington. I have sent Rose to Harry Walters with 
 the dress, which she succeeded in borrowing from the 
 landlord's daughter. I think it will answer our purpose 
 very well, and all things will soon be arranged for our 
 success. I am resolved that Mr. Melville shall be thwart- 
 ed in his designs, and that his daughter shall become the 
 happy wife of Harry Walters. There is but one thing 
 more to do, and that is to procure the services of 'Squire 
 Green. I hope he may not be engaged. I will go at 
 once to his office. (Is going off.^ l. h., hut is met by the 
 Constable coming in, l. h.) 
 
 Constable. Not so fast, sir ; you are my prisoner. 
 
 Darlington. What do you mean, sir? 
 
 Constable. I mean, sir, that I have a writ for you. 
 
 Darlington. For me, sir? 
 
 Constable. Yes, for you, sir. You need n't seem so 
 innocent about it. 
 
 Darlington. You are certainly mistaken, sir. 
 
 Constable. I tell you, sir, I am not mistaken. You 
 can 't fool me; so come along to 'Squire Green's. 
 
 Darlington (aside). I see how it is. He takes me 
 for Harry Walters. This mistake will be of great serv- 
 ice to Harry, and T must turn it to good account — as 
 there is but one 'Squire in this place — by taking advantage 
 of the delay which this blunder will occasion and secur- 
 ing the services of 'Squire Green. 
 
 Constable. Don't stand there muttering, sir. It's 
 no use. You are bound to go with me, my man. 
 
 Darlington. Well, sir, I am ready to go with you. 
 
 Constable. No shamming, sir, nor attempt to run 
 away ; for it will be worse for you if you do. 
 
 Darlington. Am I not all willingness to go, sir. Lead 
 on. [Exeunt, l. h. 
 
 Enter Sam from the door of the hotel. R. h. 2 in f. 
 Sam. De debil! (Looking after Mr. Darlington.) 
 3 
 
22 love's masquerade; 
 
 Dere goes massa and de police man. I wonder what is 
 de matter now. My massa likes de adventure, as he calls 
 em ; and I tinks dat he is getting him hands full of dat 
 kind of business, dat 's sartin. I must follow arter him 
 and see what de matter is. Dere 's getting too much ob- 
 livion, in dis arrangement, for dis chile's understanding. 
 Rose and I has been trying de hardest kind to keep up 
 wid de wicissumtudes ob de times, but I is almost bewil- 
 dered wid em now. I must follow my massa and see what 
 is to be done wid him I does n't like de looks of dis ar- 
 rangement, dat 's sartin. lExil So.m. l. h. 
 
 Scene II. — Squire Green's office. The Squire is discovered sitting 
 at a tabic with books and papers on it. Ma. Melville is walking up 
 and down the room impatiently : two or three loungers are also in the 
 office. 
 
 Mr. Melville. The constable is so long absent, 
 squire, I am fearful that he has not succeeded in taking 
 this Harry Walters. 
 
 Squire. Mr. Nabem is a good officer, Mr. Melville, and 
 will not fail to bring him hither, if he is to be found in 
 the town. He understands his business well, Mr. Mel- 
 ville, I assure you. Ah, here he comes with the prisoner. 
 Did I not tell you right, Mr. Melville? I knew he would 
 bring him. {The squire looks over his papers. Eater the 
 Constable with Darlington, l. h.) 
 
 Melville (aside and irritated). Confound the stupid 
 constable, he has made a most foolish mistake. 
 
 Squire (looking over his papers and not noticing Dar- 
 lijigton ) Proceed, Mr., Melville with your statement. 
 But, first, let me swear you. 
 
 Melville. I swear, then, Squire, that Mr. Nabem has 
 not produced the right man. 
 
 Squire [looking up and, discovering Mr. Darlington). 
 Why, Mr. Darlington, there is a great mistake here. Mr. 
 Nabem, what's the matter? You have lost your usual 
 sagacity and penetration. 
 
 Constable. Is not this the man the writ calls for? 
 
 Squie-e. No, sir, he is not the man. 
 
OK, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 23 
 
 Constable. Well, then, I have made a miss. ( Turning 
 to Darlingion) Sir, I beg a thousand pardons for having 
 treated you so badly. 
 
 Darlington. Never mind it, sir. There is no harm 
 done. 
 
 Melville. But, I say that there is a great deal of harm 
 done. This foolish blunder will give that Walters time to 
 clear ofiF, and that too with my daughter. Perhaps he has 
 already gone. 
 
 Squire. Mr. Nabem. you will return instanter to 
 Brown's hotel and bring hither Harry Walters, if he can 
 be found. I hope, by your success this time, Mr. Nabem, 
 you may be able to retrieve, in some degree, the error you 
 have just committed in arresting an innocent individual. 
 
 Constable. I will that, Squire, and no mistake. 
 
 [.Exit Constable, l. h. 
 
 Melville. I will go with him. Squire, so that he will 
 not make a mistake this time. I will have Walters arrest- 
 ed and punished, if there is law to do it. 
 
 [Exit Mr. Melville, l. h. The loungers also go out. 
 
 Darlington. Now, Squire, as you are at leisure, I 
 want to employ your services immediately, in a more 
 pleasant way. I wish you to unite instead of disuniting 
 people. In a word, Stjuire, I want you to marry two most 
 devoted and willing hearts. They are both of legal age 
 and entitled to marry, and are, besides, my friends. 
 
 Squire. Well, Mr. Darlington, I have no objections. 
 That is a part of my official duties, and as I can leave my 
 office now for a short period, I may as well accompany you 
 as not. Where do you wish me to go to perform the cere- 
 mony, Mr. Darlington ? 
 
 Darlington. To Brown's hotel, Squire. 
 
 Squire. It is not, I suppose, Mr. Melville's daughter 
 and this Harry Walters you wish me to marry ? 
 
 Darlington. You will see who they are. Squire, on 
 your arrival. I tell you, truly, that they are of legal age 
 and entitled to marry. 
 
 Squire. Well, well, I am ready to go with you, Mr. 
 Darlington. [Squire puts his hat on ) 
 
 Darlington. Let us hasten, then, to Brown's hotel, 
 where Hymen holds his court. [Exeunt, l. h. 
 
24 love's masquerade; 
 
 Scene III. — Room in Brown's Hotel. 
 Enter Julia Danvers and her brother Charles, l. h. 
 
 Julia. I am fearful, brother, that we have arrived too 
 late. 
 
 Charles, It does appear rather deserted about here, 
 I must confess, Julia. 
 
 Julia. If Kate were here, she would most certainly 
 run to meet us. 
 
 Enter Kate Melville, who runs and clasps Julia Dan- 
 vers in her arms and kisses her. Julia screams in afright, 
 not knowing Kate in her disguise. 
 
 Charles. Who dares to act thus rudely? {Taking 
 Kate by the arm and pulling her away.) 
 
 Kate, Is it possible, you do n't know your cousin 
 Kate ? 
 
 Julia. Good heavens ! Is it you, cousin Kate (kiss- 
 ing her^ 1 
 
 Kate. Yes it is, most assuredly. I saw your arrival 
 from the window and ran to meet you. 
 
 Charles. Why, Kate, you astonish me. What is the 
 meaning of this masquerade dress? Do you suppose that 
 we could have known you, not suspecting any thing of 
 this kind. Tell us what it means ! 
 
 Julia. Do, Kate ; tell us, quickly, the meaning of your 
 disguise. 
 
 Kate. To explain to you, then, briefly, my present 
 situation, you must know, that my father soon discovered 
 my flight, and arrived in pursuit of me shortly after I 
 reached here. Through the aid and advice of a friend I 
 adopted this male attire, to deceive my father and escape 
 his search — and have thus far succeeded. But the most 
 novel part of my story is not yet told. Harry AValters is 
 in the adjoining room, also disguised — dressed as a fe- 
 male ; and we are impatiently awaiting the arrival of our 
 friend, who is to bring with him Squire Green to marry 
 us, in our present costume. We adopted this most novel 
 plan, at the suggestion of our mutual friend, as the best 
 and surest mode of deceiving my father and of consummat- 
 ing our happiness. Let this suffice for the present. I 
 
OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 25 
 
 will tell you all, Julia, after a while. But why were you 
 so late iu reaching here. You surely received the note 
 Harry left at your house? 
 
 Julia. You must excuse my detention, Kate ; I was 
 not at home when the note was left and, consequently, did 
 not get it in time to be here as you desired. 
 
 Charles. We hurried off, Kate, as soon as we possi- 
 bly could, after receiving the note. 
 
 Kate. You have arrived in time, as it has happened, 
 to witness our romantic marriage. Harry did not reach 
 here, either, at the proposed hour, or else I would have 
 been spared the anxiety and trouble I have endured to- 
 day. Just as he was on the point of starting, he received 
 a letter informing him of the death of his brother, who 
 has been residing at Havanna for the last ten years. This 
 news occasioned some delay, and Harry, in his hurry to 
 reach here in season, drove his horse so rapidly that he 
 sprained the poor animal's leg, and did not arrive here 
 till some time after my father. Come, let me introduce 
 you to Harry. 
 
 Julia. But, Kate, who is this kind friend you men- 
 tion so often 1 He seems to be acting a very disinterest- 
 ed part. 
 
 Charles. Yes, Kate, who is this mutual friend, who 
 does so much for you and Harry, and seems so interested 
 in your fate ? 
 
 Kate. Never mind him, now, Julia. I will introduce 
 you to him pretty soon ; and perhaps you may be exceed- 
 ingly interested in him, if all he has confessed to me in 
 regard to a certain lady should be agreeably received. 
 
 Julia. What can you mean, Kate? Do tell me, at 
 once, I entreat you. 
 
 Kate. Indeed, I can not tell you now, Julia. The 
 little plot I have just formed will not succeed, if I were to 
 do so. He has been absent much longer than was expected. 
 I was anxiously looking for him at the window when you 
 arrived. Come and let me introduce you to Harry. 
 
 \_Excunt. R. H. 1 E. 
 
 Enter Sam. l. h. 1. 
 
 Sam {laughing most heartily). Bat was a good ting dat 
 happen at de 'Squire's office. My massa was too much for 
 3* 
 
26 love's masquerade; 
 
 dem chaps. Mista Melville has got his danda up now to 
 de high pressure principle. If he do n't lift him valve 
 soon, he will bust his biler, dat 's sartin. I saw him jus 
 now, wid de policeman, searching ebery place in dis house. 
 'T is no go wid him. I '11 run and see Rose, dat eullud 
 angel, and tell her dis last news fust. I 'm no prophet — 
 but I tinks someting will happen 'fore long. 
 
 lExit Savi. R. H, 
 
 Scene IV. — A room in Broicn's Hotel.\ Kate Melville, Julia 
 Danvers, Charles and Harry Walters, are discovered in the room: 
 Harey in the disguise of a lady, with a vail on. 
 
 Charles. I declare, Harry, this will be the richest and 
 most laughable joke of the season. 
 
 Harry. Say not so, Charles, till it is over ; then we 
 all will join and have a merry making. Joy and mirth 
 shall reign supreme, and bid us welcome. 
 
 Kate. 0, I wish they would come ! I am fearful that 
 my father will yet discover us, and then all will be lost. 
 
 Julia. See, Kate — here they come ! I declare, there 
 is Mr. Darlington ! 
 
 Kate. Hush ! Julia. Now do as you have promised 
 me. Keep your face closely vailed, and do not speak, for 
 the world. I have a very particular reason for this, as 
 you will see. presently. 
 
 Julia. Well, I suppose, I must obey you, Kate. [Ju- 
 lia draws her vail closely over her face.) 
 
 Enter Darlington and 'Squire Gtreen. l. h. 
 
 Darlington. Ladies and gentlemen, permit me to in- 
 troduce to you 'Squire Green. (They all boio.) Now, 
 'Squire, as you know the object of your coming, be pleased 
 to begin the ceremony, as time wears. 
 
 'Squire. Which of the persons present, Mr. Darling- 
 ton, are the parties in this case ? {Darlington leads forth 
 Kate and Harry — Harry closely vailed.) 
 
 Darlington. These are the ones, 'Squire. 
 
 'Squire. Do you both affirm, in the presence of these 
 witnesses, that you arc of legal age? {Kate and Harry 
 bow in assent.) If there are any present — 
 
OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 27 
 
 Elder Mr. Melville, in haste, followed by the Con- 
 stable. L. H. 
 
 Melville. Hold! I command you! (Approaches 
 Kate and Harry and looks at them closely.^ I beg par- 
 don, ladies and gentlemen, for having so rudely entered 
 this room and so suddenly stopped this ceremony. I am 
 in search of a person whom I must find as soon as possi- 
 ble, and I thought he might be in this apartment. Go on, 
 'Squire, and do not let me further interrupt the proceed- 
 ings. I must away. Come, follow me, Mr. Nabem. 
 {Going.) 
 
 Darlington. Will you not stop, Mr. Melville, and be 
 a witness to this marriage 1 
 
 Melville. I can not spare the time, sir. 
 
 Darlington. It will take but a moment, my dear sir. 
 
 Melville. Shall we delay that long, Mr. Nabem? 
 
 Constable. Why a moment will not be much loss, Mr. 
 Melville. 
 
 Melville. We will then delay a moment to witness it. 
 Please proceed, 'S(i[nire Green. 
 
 'Squire. If there are any present who have any ob- 
 jections to this marriage, let them now speak, or ever after 
 hold their peace. 
 
 Melville (aside'). As this is a matter in which I am 
 not in the least interested, I, of course, can have no ob- 
 jections. They have my consent to marry as often as 
 they please. If it were only Kate and Harry Walters, 
 how easily I could have them now in my power. 
 
 'Squire (proceeding with the ceremony and addressing 
 Kate). Do you, young man, take this young woman for 
 your wedded wife? 
 
 Harry (answers). I do. (And Kate bows assent.) 
 
 'Squire (addressing Harry). Do you, young woman, 
 take this young man for your wedded husband? 
 
 Kate (answers). I do. (And Harry bows asseiit.) 
 
 'Squire. Then, according to the laws of the land, and 
 in the presence of these witnesses, I pronounce you hus- 
 band and wife. [Darli/iglo)i, walks up and congratulates 
 them.) 
 
 Melville. Come, Mr. Nabem, let us now away to our 
 business (going). But stay, it would not look well for 
 
28 love's masquerade; 
 
 us to depart without first wishing this couple joy. (Aside.) 
 A sort of suspicious feeling seems to be stealing over me. 
 Can it be ! No, no — nonsense ! I am not such a stupid 
 ass as to be so easily imposed on ; and that, too, right be- 
 fore my own eyes. No, no — it can not be. I will go and 
 wish them joy — and then I can see what female face that 
 vail conceals. (^Approaches Harry and takes him by the 
 hand.) I wish you much happiness, madam. (While 
 shaking him by the hand., he removes the vail -with his other 
 hand, and starts back in utter asionishm.ent on beholding 
 the face of Harry Walters: but quickly rallies and says.) 
 Seize this impostor, Mr. Nabem. 'T is Harry Walters in 
 disguise. (The Cojistable takes Harry by the arm.) 
 
 'Squire (aside and in astonishment). Who would have 
 thought it ! 
 
 Kate (running to her father and kneeling). Have pity. 
 dear father, and forgive your daughter. 
 
 Melville. Is it possible ! lam utterly confounded ! 
 Have my eyes been deceiving me all this time? 
 
 'Squire [aside). I have placed myself in rather an 
 awkward situation, here. 
 
 Kate (still kneeling). Forgive us, dear father, I be- 
 seech you. 
 
 Melville. No — never! I have been too grossly im- 
 posed on. 
 
 Harry (tearing himself aumy from the Constable, ap- 
 proaches Mr. Melville and kneels beside Kate^. We jointly 
 beseech your forgiveness, my dear sir. Take this and read. 
 (Hands Mr. Melville a letter.) Do not turn a deaf ear 
 to our supplications, Mr. Melville. 
 
 Melville (taking the letter, opening it and reading 
 quickly.) "Mr Harry Walters: Dear Sir — This is to in- 
 form you that your brother, George Walters, at his death, 
 bequeathed you by will Fifty Thousand Dollars in 
 ready money. The amount is now in my hands and is 
 subject to your order at sight. 
 
 " Very respectfully, yours, 
 
 " J. J. Thompson, Attorney." 
 
 Squire (approaching Mr. Melville). Do forgive them, 
 Mr. Melville ? You witnessed their marriage and made 
 no objections then. 
 
r 
 
 OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 29 
 
 Melville (intently looking over the letter and reading 
 again.) " Bequeathed you by will fifty thousand dol- 
 lars in ready money." 
 
 Kate. Dear father, do forgive us. 
 
 Melville (looking at the letter and then at Kate and 
 Harry.) Rise, my children, rise. You have my full par- 
 don and forgiveness. (Kate and Harry rise.) I must 
 confess, Harry, that I have been altogether too hasty and 
 too much excited in this matter. But you must make 
 some allowances for my conduct ; for Kate is my darling 
 child and it is my greatest wish to see her do well. Be- 
 sides, Harry, I always thought you were a good and wor- 
 thy young man, and now I have proofs that I was not 
 mistaken. Here is my free forgiveness and consent. (He 
 takes them by the hands and, joins them together.) 
 
 Constable. Shall I take him, Mr. Melville? 
 
 Melville. No, Mr. Nabem ; take this (handing him 
 some money). This is much easier to take and will repay 
 you for your trouble. I will now dispense with your serv- 
 ices. [Constable botvs and exits, l. h. 
 
 Kate (goes up to Mr. Darlington). Now, Mr. Dar- 
 lington, I must insist on your fulfilling the promise you 
 made to me, as the opportunity now presents itself. 
 (Leads him to Julia Danvers.) Allow me the pleasure of 
 introducing you to my dear cousin, Julia Danvers. {Kate 
 puts aside Julians vail.) 
 
 Darlington (astonished). Can it be possible? It is 
 indeed ! Miss Danvers, it affords me great pleasure to 
 meet you so very unexpectedly. This is, certainly, an 
 agreeable surprise. 
 
 Julia. I am as agreeably surprised in thus meeting 
 you, Mr. Darlington. It is always a source of pleasure to 
 me, to meet an old friend ; but our present meeting is ren- 
 dered doubly pleasureable, by the friendship you have so 
 kindly shown for my cousin Kate. 
 
 Melville. Why bless me, is Julia Danvers here? (Ap- 
 proaches and takes Julia by the hand.) And Charles, too ? 
 Why, I declare, I am almost bewildered with the many 
 singular developments that have transpired to day. 
 
 Squire. And I have been truly amazed, Mr. Melville, 
 at what I have here witnessed. But as every thing seems 
 to be clearing away to the entire satisfaction of all the par- 
 
30 love's masquerade. 
 
 ties present, I will take my leave. Good day, ladies and gen- 
 tlemen; I wish you all, health and happiness. (Aside and 
 going.) "All's well that ends well" [Exit Squire, l. ii. 
 
 Darlington (addressing Mr. Melville). 'T is now my 
 turn, Mr. Melville, to ask pardon for the part that I have 
 acted in this very novel proceeding, which, I confess, I 
 have been chiefly instrumental in producing. And, as it 
 has terminated to your perfect satisfaction, I will presume 
 it granted. 
 
 Melville. Most cordially, sir. 
 
 Darlington. And, Kate, if Miss Danvers will accept 
 my hand and heart, I '11 now fulfill my promise made to 
 you, by placing them at her disposal. (Goes up to Julia 
 Danvers and takes her hand.') 
 
 Julia. Kate, this is too bad — but I will not prevent 
 your little plot from being successful. 
 
 Dar.lington. This is unlooked-for bliss. 
 
 Melville. As we all now understand each other, I 
 propose that we return to Albany and celebrate, in a suit- 
 able and joyous manner, the marriage of my daughter 
 Kate. 
 
 Enter Sam, quickly. 
 
 Sam. I seconds dat motion, massa. I has de horses 
 and de buggy in tiptop order, and I wants to leabe dis 
 place now. Dat gal. Rose, has run away wid Pete Bender, 
 de barber, and dere 's no more charms 'bout dis house for 
 dis chile, dat 's sartin. 
 
 Darlington. Well, Sam, we are all going. So pack 
 up my effects and have every thing ready for immediate 
 departure. 
 
 Sam. I will tend to dat arrangement right on de spot, 
 massa, dat's sartin. \_Exit Sam. 
 
 Darlington (approaches the audience). 
 
 To you, kind friends, who have attention paid 
 
 To many scenes, in this our masquerade, 
 
 We say " Good-bye:" 
 
 And may those fathers here a lesson learn, 
 
 Who would their daughters' love so rudely turn, 
 
 That love's ingenious, and, in disguise. 
 
 Will cheat the father e'en before his eyes. 
 
 And bach'lors, too, may see by my last act, 
 
 That they '11 be caught by woman's ready tact. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 j li) ."ept.ib^O 1 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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