PR 5097 .M5 P65 . \, mOORBACH, '^-^:i^^^A\ COPYRIGHT . I6S9. BY «AROLD~ROORBACMJ KoovbarU'S full DcsriiiJtlbcCatalOflUC Of Dramas, Comedies. Comediettas, Farces, Tableaux-vivanfs, Guide-books, Novel Entertainments for Church, School and Parlor Exhibitions, etc., containing complete and explicit information, will be sent to any address on receipt of a stamp for return postage. Address as above. ROORBACK'S AMERICAN EDITION. PRICE, 15 CENTS EACH. Tills series embraces the best of plays, suited to the present time. The reprints have been rigidly compfUed with the oiigmal acting copies, so that absolute purity of text and stage luisiness is xvaryantni. Each play is furnished with an introductioii of the greatest value to the stage manager, containing the argument or synopsis of incidents, complete lists ol properties and costumes, diagrams of the stage settings and practicable scene-plots, with the fullest stage directions. They are hand- somely printed from new electrotype plates, in readable type, on fine paper. Their complete introductions, textual accuracy, and mechanical excellence render these books far superior in every respect to all editions of acting plays hitherto published. 1. ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. A comic drama in two acts. Six male, three female characters. Time, two hours. 2. A SCRAP OF PAPER. A comic drama in three acts. Six male, six female characters. Time, two hours. i. MY LORD IN LIVERY. A farce in one act. Five male, three female charac- ters. Time, fifty minutes. 4. CABMAN No. 93. A tarce in one act. Two male, two female characters. Time, torty minutes. 5. MILKY WHITE. A domestic drama in two acts. Four male, two female char acters. lime, one hour and three quarters. 6. PARTNERS FOR LIFE. A comedy in three acts. Seven male, four female characters. Time, two hours. 7. WOODCOCK'S LITTLE GAME. A comedy-faice in two acts. Four male, four female characters. Time, one hour. 8. HOW TO TAME YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW. A farce in one act. Four male, tvvo female characters. Time, thirty-five minutes. 9. LADY AUDLEY'S SECRET. A drama in two acts. Four m.de, three female characters. Time, one hour and a quarter. 10. NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL. A comedy in three acts. Six male, five female characters. Time, one hour and forty minutes. 11. WHICH IS ""MHICH ? A comedietta in one act. Three male, three female characters. Time, fifty minutes. 12. ICI ON PARLE FRAN^AIS. A farce in one act. Three male, four female characters. Time, forty-five minutes. 13. DAISY FARM. A drama in four acts. Ten male, four female characters. Time, two hours and twenty minutes. 14. MARRIED LIFE. A comedy in three acts. Five male, five female characters. 1 inie, two hours. 15- A PRETTY PIECE OF BUSINESS. A comedietta in one act. Two male, three female characters. Time, fifty minutes. 16. LEND ME FIVE SHILLINGS. A farce in one act. Five male, two female characters. Time, one hour. 17. UNCLE TOM'S CABIN.— Original Version. A drama in six acts. Fifteen male, seven female characters. Time, three hours. 18. UNCLE TOM'S CABIN.— New Version. A drama in five acts. Seven male, five female characters. Time, two hours and a quaver. 19. LONDON ASSURANCE. A comedy in five acts. Ten male, three female characters. Time, two hours and three quarters. 20. ATCHI ! A comedietta in one act. Three male, two female char.acters. Time, forty minutes. 21. VVHO IS WHO ? A farce in one act. Three male, two female characters. Time, forty minutes. 22. THE WOVEN WEB. A drama in four acts. Seven male, three female char- acters. Time, two hours and twenty minutes. '^^'Any ofihc above -mUI he sent hy mail, post-paid, to any address, on receipt .0/ the price. HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, 9 Murray St., New York. ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD OR THE POOR GIRL'S DIARY A COMIC DRAMA IN TWO ACTS ^fiy-i-c BY THOMAS AND J. M. MORTON New American Edition, Correctly Reprinted from the Ori- ginal Authorized Acting Edition, with the Original Casts of the Characters, Synopsis of Incidents, Time of Representation, Description of the Costumes, Scene and Property Plots, Dia- grams OF the Stage Settings, Sides of Entrance and Exit, Relative Posi- tions OF THE Performers, Expla- nation OF THE Stage Direc- tions, ETC., AND all OF THE Stage Business. Copyright, 1889, by Harold Roorbach. NEW YORK HAROLD ROORBACH PUBLISHER \ V 4 ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. aggrieved by treatment she has suffered from the other mill hands, demands her wages and resigns her position, but is persuaded to remain another day on learning who the bride is, it appearing that she knew Lady Valeria intimately some years before. Jasper then learns, to his mortilication and disgust, of Stephen's attachment for Martha; after first refusing his con- sent to their union which would frustrate his plans for Stephen's social advancement, he finally agrees to it on condition that Martha's conduct shall prove irrei>roachal.le for the next three months, Martha being received into his house during that time. This is immediately followed by the arrival of the bridal party and Lady Leatherbridge, Valeria's aunt and chaperone, and an affecting recognition between the two young women, in the course of which Martha marks Valeria's extreme agita- tion at the entrance of Sir Arthur Lassell, a friend of the bridegroom, shortly before their departure for the church. Lassell, a fashionable man, with an assured position in society, is an old lover of Lady Valeria's, and now, after her marriage, plots against her happiness and good name ; with this end in view, he manages to get rid of her husband by securing for him a foreign mission, which is imme- diately accepted on account of its social importance, and Frederick departs for St. Petersburg fifteen days after his marriage, leaving his newly made wife behind. Lassell's design is discovered by Martha, who, from motives of affection and gratitude, determines to defeat it, even at the risk of her own happiness. In the course of a ball at Jasper Plum's house, three months after the wedding, Lassell contrives to get Lady Valeria into an equivocal position from which she is rescued by Martha. But his inteiided victim is convinced of the scoundrel's heartless duplicity only at the cost, apparently, of hopelessly compromising Martha Gibbs, to the unbounded delight of Lady Leatherbridge, who is jealous of Martha, and the open satisfaction of Jasper Plum, who opposes her marriage to Stephen. Just at the point when the prospect seems darkest, in spite of Toby's comicalities. Lady Valeria generously explains all to save the girl who saved her. Lassell is dismissed in contempt, and the poor fac- tory girl becomes the honored wife of the man who had trusted her throueh- out. ^ COSTUMES. Sir Arthur Lassell — Black dress coat, light trousers and vest. Second dress : Ball costume. Jasper Plum.— Black coat, black breeches, white vest, black silk stockings. Second dress : Blue coat with steel buttons, black silk breeches, brown vest, black silk stockings. Stephen Plum. — Dark jacket and vest, corduroy trousers, white German hat, lace up boots, nailed. Second dress : Light blue coat, white vest and trousers, white hat. Third dress : Black coat, white vest, black trousers, silk stockings, and pumps. Frederick.— Black coat, light trousers, white vest. Second dress : Black suit, travelling cloak. Toby Twinkle.— Blue vest, moleskin trousers, apron and sleeves (brown Holland), paper cap. Second dress : Brown coat and vest, large ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. checkered trousers, very light and short, white stockings, and pumps. Third dress : Handsome white livery coat, trousers and vest as before. Harris.— Dark coat and trousers, paper hat, and an apron. Workmen.— Similar dresses to Harris, some in shirt sleeves. Second dresses : Clean modern holiday suits. Two Servants.— Handsome white liveries, red plush breeches. Guests. — Black coats and trousers, white waistcoats, etc. Lady Leatherbridge.— Light-blue dress, bonnet and feathers. Second dress : Pink silk dress, yellow head-dress. Lady Valeria.— White dress, bonnet, etc. Second dress : Figured pink ball-room dress. . Martha.— Slate-colored dress. Second dress : White evening dress. Workwomen.— Various dresses, chintz, etc., with colored handkerchiefs on their heads. Ladies. — Ball dresses. STAGE SETTINGS. Act j_ ,l*5W«, ^— 1 Ao- 1 V Act IL J„Hrior JSnense formality by] \^vis.K, then Frederick rt«r/ Lady Valeria ; Servants in rich liveries preceding, R. u, e, ; Stephen hides amongst the Workmen l. Ste. (L. aside to Toby) I say, Toby, just look at dad ; ain't he domg the polite to the old lady ? Jas. My august Lady Leatherbridge— my lovely Lady Valeria — I can only say — that is— I Ste. I say, Toby, there's dad stuck fast already. Fred. (r. c.) My dear Valeria, how can I express my thanks to you for waiving form, and consenting to proceed to church from my father s factory ? Val. (L. E.) Indeed, Frederick, no trace of a factory is percepti- ble ; every object around blends costliness and taste. (Jasper bows to the ground ; Fred, and Y hi., cross to r., at back). ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. 19 Lady L, {crosses to c.) Oh, quite so, and then I quite long to see your people at work, it must be quite a curiosity to see people work, especially when one has never done anything in the world one's self. Ste. {aside) D'ye hear that, Toby ? Neverdid anything in the world herself? Toby. (L.) I wonder how she set about it. Fred. (r. ) Your ladyship will gratify our workmen by your con- descension ; they have decorated the factory in expectation of your visit. Lady L. (c.) Well, that's very civil of them ; I should like to reward them ; to distribute some beer, some cheese, and some bread among them, and then I should like to have them scramble for some copper coin ; I wish to make a suitable return for the pretty feeling they've got up ! Ste. (l.) Feehng they've got up! I can't stand the like of that ! back me up, Toby. Toby. (L.) I will. Ste. (l., advancing, with lo^Y close to him) You'll excuse me, my Lady — Toby. Yes, you'll excuse us, my Lady Leather — {aside to Stephen) — What's her name ? Leatherbreech ? Ste, Ho, ho, ho. Jas. (l. c, aside to him) Stop that infernal laugh — Toby, {aside to Stephen) 1 say, if his lordship was hke her ladyship, Vv^hata funny old pair of Leatherbreeches they must have made between them. Jas. (l. c.) Now, Stephen, if you must speak to her ladyship try and speak like a gentleman ! Ste. {crosses to c.) I will. (/^jLadyL.) Excuse me, ma'am, but in these parts it's our way to pay working folks for work, and not for feeling; but seeing you never did nothing in the world yourself, we compute it to your ignorance, ma'am ! Lady L. (r. c, looking at him throusrh her eye-^lass) Who is that? What is that? Jas. (r. c.) What is it — why — {turning Stephen o7Jer to l.) — it's a sort of— but your ladyship needn't'mind what it is. Fred, {crosses to L. c, taking Spephen by the hand) This, madam, is my father's eldest son, my dear brother, Stephen. Toby. (L.) Yes, my lady, these are the two chickens, and that's the old cock. {pointing to Jasper, who indignantly silences him) Lady L. (l. C.) That a brother of yours,' Frederick? the infor- mation was needed ; 1 should never have guessed it. Fred. (l. c.) Yes, madam, and a brother I am proud to own ; his industry and talent have doubled the productiveness of this large establishment, and if our workmen are the best in the coun- 20 ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. try, it is because they work to show their love for Stephen Plum ! {placing his hand on Stephen' s shoulder) Toby. (L., enthusiastically) Three cheers for Stephen Plum! ^ [cheers) Jas. [crosses to -L., at back) I must get rid of this fellow. [aloucT) Here, Toby, go into the refreshment room and see if everything is j ready, [driving him to K. v. -E.) , t • i Lady L. Do, it will be an occupation, at any rate ; and I require .^ a little amusement. Toby, [coming dawn) You do? then I flatter myself lean accom- modate you ! [taking pack out of his pocket, and presenting it to Lady L.) Take a card! , . ^ x (Jasper drives htm off, R. H. ) Martha. (L., who has mX&x^d. a short time before, and has joined the factory people, approaching and looking at Valeria) Yes! 'tis she! and how beautiful she's grown ! Ste. (l. seeing her) Ah, Martha ! come here and have a talk with your old friends. Mar. Oh no, Mr. Stephen, I dare not. , .,. Jas (C. in a threatening tone.) No. you d better not. [aside). Now,^ then, to astonish the house of Leatherbridge. [aloud) Fred- erick Wilham, isn't your friend the baronet arrived? Lady L. [coming to L. C.) The baronet? Wliat baronet? Jas. An illustrious friend of Frederick William's who has prom- ised to grace his nuptials ! • , • r Lady L. (l. c.) A man of family ! we 11 await him, of course ; meanwhile we'll accept your arm, Plum, to the refreshments- come, Valeria. t r .,, r i, * 1 Val. (r., crossing to back) Nay, aunt, I prefer the refreshment of a little repose ; I will await your return here, [takes off her bon- net and retires up R., MARTHA advances to receive it) What do I - see'^ is it possible? yes, it is Martha Gibbs— my friend and play- ■ fellow, dear Martha ! [bringing Martha down, l. ) Lady L. And pray who is Martha ? and who is Gibbs ? Jas. (R., /ryzwF /^w/^^f//) Nobody whatever— ^ ,, ^ . Ste. There you're wrong dad— Gibbs is Martha, and Martha is ^ Gibbs. , ^ ^ 1 i.\ (Stephen retires up\^., and crosses to R., at back) Val. (L., to Lady L.) The child of the poor woman your lady- ship has so often heard me speak of. Mar (L ) Yes! [to Lady V.) The poor woman whom your ; mother sheltered and relieved— the poor child, fed. clothed, and ■ educated by your bounty— oh, how happy I am that you have not ' forgotten me ! ^ ,, , Val. I am glad to find that you have not forgotten ;;/£', Martha- Mar. No— one may forget the good one does, but not the good ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. 21 that's done to us — oh, no ! Forgive me if I weep — my heart's so full ! Ste. {aside) Poor tender-hearted lamb ! Jas. (r. C, aside) The sly young crocodile ! Lady L. (l. c.) Now you mention it, I have a sort of recollec- tion about somebody, or something or other, but my nerves won't bear anything like sentiment ; there is nothing in the world so un- wholesome as sensibility— so once more, Plum, your arm to the refreshments. Enter ToBY, R. U. E. Toby. The eatables and drinkables are ready ; there's lots of "em, and what's more, they're as good as they look ! 1 happen to know it, because I've tasted 'em all ! Ste. (r., aside to Jasper) Recollect, dad, about Martha; you've only got ten minutes left. Jas. Begone, Sirrah — begone to your toilette. Allez vous en to your new clothes, [to servants) Lead the way to the refectory — Madam, the honor — [hands Lady L. out at R. u, E., Workmen shout, a;zrt^ exeunt at L. E. in flat) Ste. (r., aside) I say Freddy, you know silk from worsted, you do. [hoking at Y Pi.\.KKiK) Ecod, if you don't mind my having a buss at her, bless you, / don't. Fred, (r.) Hush! the moment she's mine you shaU. Dear Valeria, let me prevail on you to take refreshments. totSte. Yes do, ma'am — just a mouthful of something and a glass f ale forVal. (l. c.) Thank you, gentlemen ; but do not think me rude I prefer to be left alone with my old playfellow, Martha. .Ste. (r. ) You can't do better, ma'am — a chat with Martha will 1 rat your heart good. Come, Freddy, do you go and learn the I doarriage Service out of the book ; and I — yes, I'll go and put on i y new clothes. Come along, Toby. (Exit with Toby, l. e. in flat; Fred, kisses se Valeria's hand and goes out, R. u. e. Mar. (l.) How long it seems since we parted. Lady Valeria! ctnd to think that I should live to see you once more, and see you on your wedding morning ! In a few minutes you will be the happy wife of an amiable and handsome bridegroom — for you know he is very handsome. Val. (r., coldly) I really have thought very little on the subject. My aunt told me I was poor — that Mr. Frederick Plum was rich — that the marriage would revive the fortune of our house^that I ought not to hesitate — therefore I did not, and in less than a week the marriage was negotiated. Mar. I must say, a week's acquaintance seems to me rather short. 22 ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. Val. Ah, Martha, the formula of life, which girls of rank go through, should be better known : at a given birthday the school girl lays aside her books, to go into the world — there she soon meets a man, who seems to realize those visions of perfection we ; all of us indulge — she loves ; but only to be told that the omnipo- ( tent voice of circumstances forbids the indulgence of her affec- ;; tion ; another bridegroom is presented — in the wide world she has ; not one sympathetic bosom to confide in and weep upon — in mere ) despair she throws herself on his. This is the history of many a ■ happy bride, that poverty envies, but should hug its rags for not resembling ! Mar. Why, Lady Valeria, what words i and what a tone ! You are agitated — and I declare, a tear ! [low to her) I am afraid there's some sad secret. Val. No, no ! 'twas but the dream of an hour — the very recol- lection's gone — I must think, I w?// think no more of him. Mar. Of him? of whom? [anxiously) Val. Of no one — I am the bride of Frederick, and as you say, I am happy, very happy— ha, ha ! Mar, [aside) She frightens me — 'tis plain she loves another. Val. Forgive me, Martha, 1 am grown so selfish! I talk of my J own happiness, and have not even asked how I can add to yours \ — you. who have been thrust into the world without a mother's help, without a mother's counsel ^ Mar. No, not without her counsel ; for the very words my poor/ dying mother said to me, are as fresh in my heart, as if I heard/ them now : and do you know, [low) I've found out a way to livie after them. \ Val. A way to live after a dying mother's counsel? Oh, teill me, tell me how ? | Mar. Well, \.o you, only to you. Well then, every night in miy bedroom, I write down in a little book everything I can remembeW of what I've said, done, and thought all day — good, bad, oir indifferent, down it goes in my diary ; and when I've made |i clean breast of it why then I say my prayers. j Val. Indeed ! I Mar. Next morning, the first thing on waking, I read what f - confessed the night before ; for example now, once I was what you ladies call a flirting girl ; at first I wouldn't write it down ; but - one day it led me to do a false and heartless thing — that very night down went the whole story in my little book ; next morning I didn't like to read it — but read it I did, again and again, day after day, and week after week, and at last when I caught myself watch- ing myself, afraid of having such another page as that to write and read, oh, then I knew I was cured : and so, I do believe, the poor • motherless, penniless, helpless factory girl has kept herself honest by keeping her diary honest too ! Oh, blessings on every school ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. 23 in every village of the land, and blessings on the simple words over the door, " Reading and Writing taught here ! " Forgive me, don't I talk more than should be? Val. No — and have you never been in love, Martha? Mar. O bless you, I don't say so. I don't pretend I've never looked and said "there I could be happy," but when I know I can't get there by the lawful high road, I just shut my eyes, or look another way. Val. I admire your courage, Martha, but you shall indulge your attachment, for henceforth it is under my protection ; your master, Mr. Stephen, seems the very soul of good nature; I'll speak to him about it. Mar. O, not for the world ; you don't know — Val. My aunt and the company are returning ; we will talk fur- ther to-morrow. Mar. {aside) To-morrow — alas ! I sliall be far away. Company return. Lady L., escorted by ]Pi.s,vz&. and Fred., R. u. E. ; Stephen and Toby come in l. e. in fiat, in full dress ; To BY bows all round. Fred. (r. C.) The hour come, and Sir Arthur not come; we must proceed without him. {to Toby) My good fellow, desire the carriages to be drawn up to the door immediately. Toby, (r.) I fly. {starts off ; suddenly stops) Fred. Well, why don't you go ? Toby. I have my reasons, {aside) I thought the trowsers were too tight when I put them on. {backs out at, R. u. E.) Ste. (l. c, aside to Jasper) Now, dad, you've had your good forty minutes ; come, your answer about Martha. Jas. (r.) What shall I say, unhappy old Plum that I am! Fred, [advancing] Father, the plan I suggested is the only rational way of proceeding ; I know Stephen's character, he will do what he threatens ; let me speak to him. Jas. Do so ; I give him up. {retires up, C.) Fred. (r. c.) Stephen, my father has told me all, and he con- sents to your marriage. Ste. (r.) Really — ^truly? Fred. On one condition. Ste. Let's have it. Fred. That you postpone it for three months, during which, Martha shall discontinue work and merely superintend the women ; she shall live with us as one of the family, and associate with our friends at home and abroad ; and if during that time her conduct prove irreproachable, and you persist in your determination, my father, I repeat, promises his consent. Ste. Your hand, Freddy, upon the bargain — there's mine. Fred. Meantime, he exacts secrecy — to Martha, above all. 24 ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. Ste. What, mayn't I just give her a httle bit of a hint, eh ? Fred, No. [retires up) Ste. Three months! Lord, Lord, don't I wish the time was come ! {go^t^ bell, R. H.) Jas. {to Fred.) Your noble friend, at last. Fred, [ruiining to window) Yes, 'tis he. Enter Servant, door, R. u. E. Ser. Sir Arthur Lassell ! Val. {\^., starting violently, aside.) Oh, heavens! Lady L. (aside.) Arthur, here — Enter Sir Arthur, r. u. e., and comes down, R. Val. [v.., aside) Yes, 'tis he! Oh, misery 1 Mar. (l., watching her) Lady Valeria! why, what ails you? Val. (l,) Nothing — a little faint — keep near me, Martha — Fred. (r. ) My dear friend, heartily welcome! — we began to despair of seeing you — allow me to present my father — (Jasper bo^tus to the gromid : crosses to L.)— My bride — my Lady Leather- bridge (Sir Arthur crosses to l. c, and bows to all successively) — my brother — Toby, [who gives him a patronising nod) How are you? Lady L. (r. c.) Sir Arthur Lassell! can I believe my eyes? Jas. (r., to Sir Arthur.) What, you know the ladies, then ? Sir A. (l, c.) I have that honor — [bowing to Lady L. r. c.)— that unspeakable happiness — [bowing to Val., l., who starts vio- lently) Lady L. [aside) Be still, little fluttering heart, be still! Fred. 'Tis strange ! I was not aware of the acquaintance. Jas. (r., aside) Indeed! that, certainly, estrange. (Fred, retires up to window) Mar. [l.., struck by Vs.'Cs manner — aside) She grows worse and worse, and can scarcely stand as he approaches her — thismustbe, is the man she loved — I am afraid loves still — I cannot, will not leave her. Ste. [coming down, L., aside to Mar.) Well, Martha what say you now? You'll stay where you are, won't you ? Mar. [eagerly, a7td still watching Wal..) I will, I will — [aside) — to be near her in her 7ieedl Jas. [crossestoY'KEO., who comes down c) And now, my beloved boy, take your old father's blessing — [embraces him) — I've loved you Frederick, like my own life ; your wife will forgive a tear or two at parting [wipes his eyes ; church bells heaj-d at back R. ; Work- people ^7//^?/', L. e., in flat, and when Stephen (7WMartha exeunt, they pass across stage, looking out) Hark, the merry bells invite us ! My Lady Leatherbridge, the honor of your hand ; follow, Fred- ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. 2$ erick, with your lovely bride. (Jasper andhADY L. exeunt af R, u. E. ; Fred. awaitsYKi^.,!.. who is apparently unconscious of what is passing; at last he passes to C. , and touches her hand : she shud- ders, and gives it ; Sir Arthur, k.; catches her eye, and bows; Fred, and Val. go out ; Stephen is about to follow them, when he turns and sees Sir Arthur looking at Martha, l., through his glass ; he runs back, puts Martha's arm in his, and runs gaily out with her at K. u. e. ; Sir Arthur, surprised at being thus left alone, turns and finds Toby close to him. ) Toby, {after a pause, takes pack of cards fromhis pocket, and pre- sents them /(? Sir Arthur) Take a card ! (Sir Arthur /«?(7/&j a^ him with astotishment, and exits, R. u. E., indignantly; Toby fol- lows ; Workpeople laugh— shouts outside, mingled with the bells) CURTAIN. ACT II. Scene — An Apartment brilliantly illuminated, large folding doors at C. , showing a suite of rooms beyond similarly illuminated ; large French [casement) window at R. 3 E. ; door, R. 2 e. ; doors i.. i E., L. 2 E., and L. 3 e. ; sofa, R. ; armchairs, &^c., table, with writing materials, L. Enter Jasper Plum, at C, in evening dress. Jas. Come, I flatter myself my first assembly opens with satis- factory eclat ; everything I see, everything I hear, everything I touch, everything I smell appears to me to have something distin- guishe' about it. What ho, there ! Ices for the ball- room ! Enter To BY at door, R. 2 E., with large tray full of ices ; he is in livery. Jas. {recognising him) Hollo ! how the devil, sir, did you get here? Toby. Why, being naturally anxious to witness the festivities on this occasion, and as you forgot to send me an invitation (no apolo- gies, 1 forgive you), I requested permission of your son Mr. Stephen Plum, to put on the livery of the Plums, {crosses to table L., and places tray on it) Jas. And pray sir, what is it you do? Toby. Why, I do the eating and drinking department; I chose it myself, because I felt competent to do the thing well. 26 ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. Jas. (r.) And pray, sir, is that all you do? Toby, (l.) No; sometimes I vary the monotony of the thing by asking people to take cards, or to let me show 'em a little con- juring. There's one trick, especially, that I'm very fond of doing. I borrow a gentleman's purse, brimful of money, and in an incrediby short space of time I return it to him perfectly empty ; and what's more, he never sees a farthing of his money again. [he retires) Jas. Pshaw! [astdr) Well thought of ; I may make this fellow useful in carrying out my deep-laid plan. It's now two months since I promised that unhappy boy of mine, Stephen, that I \vould transfer this uneducated girl Martha Gibbs from the factory to the salon ; to-night she makes her first curtsey in a ball-room — ■ surely there can be but one result, her head must turn giddy with her sudden elevation, her vulgarity be exposed, perhaps, her integ- rity shaken, and Stephen be cured of his infatuation. I'll set this fellow to watch her. [aloud) Toby, come here. [looking about hhn 7nysteriousIy ; Toby does the same) You seem to have a good pair of eyes in your head. Toby. Well, I hope they are, because I give you my honor they're the only ones I've got. Jas. Listen ; there is a certain person here to-night that I wish you to keep your eye upon. Toby. Somebody you think likely to pocket the spoons ? Jas. Pshaw ! in a word the individual that I wish you not to lose sight of, is your former associate in the factory — Martha Gibbs — hush ! Toby, [aside) What's in the wind now? [loud) Ah, yes ; by- the-bye, sir, the mill folk say that Martha has become quite a grand lady. Jas. That's the point ! I wish to know whether she makes a proper return for the kindness I have shown her; you will, there- fore, watch her closely, and if you perceive the slightest levity of manner, or the most trifling want of decorum in her conduct, inform me instantly. Toby. Of course I will, [aside) Of course I wont ; I know a trick worth two of that, [going to table and taking tray) Jas. And now, Toby, take that load of pine-apple ice into the ball-room, and present an ice to each lady at the end of the Polka. Toby. The Polka! O don't talk about it. [dancing the Polka, and ending with a Pirouette, nearly upsetting the tray) Jas. Zounds! be quiet — and mind you give it with a grace — I hope you give ice with a grace, Toby ? Toby. No, sir, I generally give it with a spoon. Jas. Pshaw I this is the sort of thing I mean, [takes tray, and presents it with a low bow to Toby) ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. 27 Toby, [takes ice, and eats it) Thank you. Jas. Hollo — hollo, sir. Toby. Well, I don't mind if I do — [takes some cake ; eats) there, that'll do for the present ; and now I'll go and take a stroll in the ball-room, [going] Jas. Stop, sir, and take your infernal tray along with you — [ gives To'&Y the tray) — and, Toby, be sure you present an ice to Lady Leatherbridge, spoon and all — Toby, (r.) What, the old lady with a sort of a yellow towel tied ever so many times round her head ? I've given her nine already ; she wanted another just now, but I wouldn't let her have it. {going) Jas. One word more, Toby ; if you should have to announce any one of my guests. Sir Arthur Lassell for instance, mind you do it properly. Toby. O, I know ! {announciftg) Here's Mr. Sir Arthur Lassell. Jas. That's not it at all. [announcing) Sir Arthur Lassell, you blockhead! Now, go along, [as Toby goes toward c. Sir Arthur enters C. from l., meets him, and is about to take ice off tray) Toby, [tumiftg away) Well, I think you might have waited till I asked you. [turning to Jasper, and very loud ) Sir Arthur Las- sell, you blockhead ! (exit C. and L. ) Jas. Ah, Sir Arthur at last. Sir A. I beg to apologise, my dear Plum, but Lord Downing, my uncle, arrived at Clifton but two hours ago — hence my deten- tion. Jas. The Cabinet Minister ! my dear Frederick William's pat- ron, who so condescendingly attached him to a diplomatic mission to St. Petersburg, and sent him off fifteen days after his marriage ; and all, thanks to jfiwr influence, ^o«r solicitations— generous man ! This devotion to the interests of the Plum family is only the more intensely gratifying, proceeding as it does from the observed of all observers — a man who has turned half the female heads in the neighborhood, [aside to him) I'll be bound, you've got half a dozen Uttle love affairs on your hands at this moment. Sir A. You are wrong, [coolly) It is the great moral principle of my life never to exceed two attachments at the same time. Jas. Only two at a time ! Conscientious man ! Sportsmen say, however, when you flush a covey, aim only at one bird. Sir A. (r. ) That rule depends upon the game — it holds good ■with partridges, not women. Listen ; profess love to two women, and you convert them into rivals ; jealousy begets competition, and I need not tell a man of business, that competition always benefits the buyer. Jas. (l. ) Ingenious creature ! and I'll be bound you have put your principle into practice with enviable success, eh ? 28 ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. Sir A. Tolerably so, and entre nous, rather effectively at this moment. Jas. Indeed! let me hear : great creature, let me hear. Sir A. You are irresistible, my dear Plum. Well, then, one of the ladies in question I got acquainted with about two years ago at Ramsgate ; one day during my morning ride I saw a runaway car- riage making for the bank of the cliff ; putting spurs to my horse, I succeeded in stopping a career that in a few moments would have been fatal — Jas. To the carriage ? Sir A. Including the lady. Jas. O, I see — your heroine No. I. Sir A. Precisely ; of course, my acquaintance was solicited, and the romance promised the most interesting results, but, unluckily, my uncle insisted on my visiting the Continent — resistance or delay was impossible ; however, on my recent return to England, I accidentally met the lady again and although there are now other claims upon her, which she chooses to fancy sacred, I hope to supersede them by means of the (jM^-r heroine of the story. Jas. The other ? oh, I remember— No. 2. Sir A. Exactly ; a very noticeable little creature, indeed, who voluntarily throws herself in my way ; of course she must be indulged, especially as she serves my projects with the other. Jas. Poor little No. 2! I'm afraid you'll sacrifice her to No. i. Enter Valeria at c. from l., exclaims "Ah," on seeing Sir Arthur. She is immediately and rapidly followed by Martha. Do you know I'd give the world to see this No. I and No. 2? Sir A. A little patience and perhaps you may. {seeingNK\.., R. ; seeing Mar., l., smiling and looking at each in turn, aside) Here's one, and there's the other ! Mar. [aside) Yes, he's here ; I felt sure of it. Jas. (C.) What do you want, Martha.f* Mar. (l., assuming naivete.) Nothing, I only wanted a rest in here ; it is so hot in there ! Jas. (aside) "Rest in here! Hot in there!" Poor Stephen! that ever a son of mine should marry such language as that ! By the by, Martha, don't forget that my son Stephen and I have busi- ness early in the morning at Gloucester ; we shall start the moment the ball is over ; you had, therefore, better retire early, in order to be stirring when factory work begins. Mar. Very well, sir. (Sir A. shows that this arrattgement has not escaped him) Sir A. (r., to Lady V.) Allow me to reconduct you to the ball- room, [aside to her, and earnestly) I must speak to you alone — hush ! we are observed, [loud) We shall see you presently, my dear Mr. Plum ? [conducts Lady V. out at c. and h.) ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. 29 Mar. (l., aside) Again together! {about to follow) Jas. Heyday, Miss Martha, is that the way you take " a rest in here, because it is so hot in there ? " Mar. [riot minding him and still looking after SiR A. ) He leads her to a retired part of the room — she leans on him for treacherous support — I'll part them at every risk, in spite of him — in spite of herself. My dear departed mistress, help me to save your child ! (Exit C. and L.) Jas. Well, somehow or other I begin to feel a liorrible suspicion that my exceedingly deep-laid plan against Martha will turn out excessively shallow. Enter Lady Leatherbridge hastily C. froitt L. Lady L. The bold impertinent minx ! [walking to L.) Jas. Her ladyship, and apparently in a devil of a passion, [fol- lowing her) Lady L. The pert, presumptuous hussy ! Jas. [still walking after her) You seem agitated ; I dread to inquire the cause. Havn't they given you enough to eat and drink ? Lady L. (l., suddenly tiirniiig upon him: ]\SV'ERjte!nps away) Eat and drink, man ! Do you thinlc I'm a woman to be influenced by confectionery? besides, I've partaken copiously of everything. Jas. [aside) I begin to suspect she has. [loud) What is the matter ? Lady L. [loud and suddenly; ]aspkk jumps away) Plum ! lis- ten. There is a certain young woman, an inmate of your house, report says the affianced bride of your eldest son. Jas. (r. ) I blush to confess it; but only conditionally, on the condition solely of her exemplary conduct. Lady L. (l.) 'Tis on that point I wish to speak, [loud again) Plum ! do you sleep with your eyes open? Jas. Never! Lady L. Because when awake you certainly keep them shut, or you would have perceived long ago the palpable designs of this girl Martha upon Sir Arthur Lassell. Jas. Eh, what? Lady L. To-night she has made herself more conspicuous than ever — Valeria and I have been equally annoyed by her — Sir Arthur can't speak to me but Martha answers — Valeria can't move towards him, but Martha is in the way — in short, her behavior is the common talk of the ball-room. Jas. [k., joyfully) You don't mean it! My dear friend, your mortification gives me unspeakable pleasure, for if I can only fix this scandal upon the girl's character, I shall have the moral satisfaction of turning her out of doors ! 30 ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. _Lady L. Indeed! then I'll undertake to furnish conclusive evi- dence Jas. Only do that, and you'll save the Plums from disgrace — my son Stephen from a coquette — Sir Arthur from a persecution — and — by-the-bye, you seem to take a lively interest in Sir Arthur, Lady L. [simpering) O Plum ! Jas. In fact, it's quite clear you love him Lady L. O Plum ! Jas. As a mother. Lady L. [very iotid) Plum! Sir, I'll leave you to judge of my feelings, when 1 tell you Sir Arthur saved my life ! Jas. Saved jv?/r life, too ? [aside) He seems to have a knack of saving ladies' lives. Lady L. Can I ever forget that memorable morning at Rams- gate, when he arrested my runaway caniage on the very brink of the cliff, and rescued his Letitia from destruction ? Jas. Ramsgate ! runaway carriage! brink of the cliff! [aside) Gracious powers! Sir Arthur's heroine, No. i. Well, I must say he's not particular to a year or two. Lady L. Doesn't the life that Arthur saved, belong to Arthur? Don't you observe his incessant attentions? Is he ever out of the house? O Plum, you know how easy it is to touch a woman's feelings. Jas. I do — ha, ha — go along, do. [slightly nudging her in the side ; Toby appears at c from L., with his tray ; Jasper and'LKXiX L. look embarrassed) Toby. It's all right; I didn't see any thing. Jas. Leave the room, fellow. Enter STEPHEN, Z. from L. Toby, [aside to Stephen) I say, you'd better keep an eye upon your respected sire, because I just caught him tickling old Leath- erbreech. (exit Toby, c. and h.) Ste. [laughing very loud) Oh, oh, oh. Jas. [asiile) That damned laugh again ! [loud ) Well, Stephen, I've scarcely set eyes on you all the evening. How do you like the ball, Stephen? I hope you have been happy and comfortal^le. Ste. (C.) Well, I can't say much for the comfort, dad ; I don't see the comfort of squeezing folks together as tight as cotton bags. Jas. But you forget the young and lovely women, Stephen. Ste. No, I don't ; but there be such a sight of old and ugly ones among 'em. [to Lady L.) Now, I don't say that because of you, my Lady — ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT COLD. 31 Lady L. (l.) Young man ! Jas. (r.) Stephen Plum! Ste. (c.) Well, don't be angry — I'm a going — I've got to dance jolly old English Sir Roger de Coverley. I'd ask you, ma'am, only I'm better engaged. Jas. Engaged? to whom? — to Martha, I'll be bound. Ste. You've hit it. Jas. Then I rather think you'll find that Martha has got much pleasanter company than Sir Roger de Coverley, {loo kitig signifi- cantly at Lady L. ) Lady L. [returning look) Yes — or Mr. Stephen Plum either, I'm afraid. Ste. [suddenly serious) What d'ye mean ? Lady L. [significantly] Nothing. Ste. Nothing ? Then I think it would be just as well to say what you mean. Come, dad, be as straightforward as I be ; consider her ladyship here out of the way, and speak the truth. What's all this about Martha Gibbs ? She be as good and modest a girl as ever trod the earth. Lady L. I really know very little about treading the earth, as I invariably ride ; but a modest girl may be dazzled by an elegant exterior Jas. Flattered by attentions Lady L. Especially from a superior Jas. To whom she's inferior. Lady L. In a word, young man, I advise you as a friend to keep an eye upon Miss Martha Gibbs. Jas. So do I — one eye on her, and one eye on — somebody else. Lady L. And that somebody else — Sir Arthur Lassell ! Ste, The young baronet ? Martha? Ho, ho, ho ! [very loud) Jas. [aside] That damned laugh again ! Ste. Come, dad, and you, my lady, confess you've uttered a cruel calumny against a poor innocent girl, and that you be ashamed of yourselves, as you ought to be. Come, confess it — 'twill do you good, both on you. Lady L. Judge for yourself, [points to Martha, who enters arm- in-arm with Sir Arthur; Lady Valeria, escorted by another Gentleman ; tnale and female Guests, c. from l.) Ste. [aside] Together ! arm-in-arm ! Lady L. [sigtiificantly] Ahem ! [retires to back] Sir A. (r. c. ) Really, my good Plum, your style of doing the thing is by no means bad. [looking round] Jas. (l. c, bowing) My style of doing the thing feels itself highly honored, [aside to him] By-the-by, I've taken the enormous hberty of making a discovery ! I've found out who your No. I is. Sir A. [starts) Indeed! [aside] I hope not ! 32 ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. Jas. {aside) I have— and what's more, I'm happy to tell you she doats on you — in a word, Lady Leatherbridge is yours! [with great earnestness) I happen to know it ! Sir A. [aside) Ha, ha ! [loud) I see I must be cautious when the eyes of so discerning a person as Mr. Plum are fixed on me. (Jasper bows, retires up, and Joins the Guests, at back, Sir Arthur yt^m^ Lady Valeria.) Ste. (l., who has been standing alone and abstracted) I must, I will speak to her. [loud) Martha ! Mar. (r., coming to hitn) Yes, Mr. Stephen. Ste. I've just two words to say to you, Martha. Mar. Indeed !— not now — presently — during the next dance. I hope you remember you are my partner? Ste, Oh, yes! I've no objections to make a fool of myself for once, just to please you. [taking her hand, atid earnestly) Martha ! [observing that she is looking at Sir Arthur, he quietly drops her hand and turns away to hide his emotion) Mar. [watching Sir Arthur and Lady Valeria) He whispers to her again ! Ah, that blush ! that emotion ! I cannot, dare not separate them again — what's to be done ? [suddenly) Ah ! yes, it shall be so. [loud) Mr. Stephen. Ste. [approaching) Well, Martha. (Sir Arthur and Lavy Valeria, who are talking apart, advance down Stage, R. Mar. You'll not refuse me a favor? Ste. I don't think I could if I tried. What is it, Martha? Mar. Why, that you ask your sister-in-law. Lady Valeria, to be your partner for the next dance. Ste. [trying to conceal his vexation) The «i?.r/ dance ! Certainly, Martha, if you wish it ; only 1 thought Mar. That you were engaged to me. So you are — only Lady Valeria is evidently hurt at your want of attention — I see she is. Ste. Is she though ? Lord love her, I'm sure I'll dance with her till I drop, and she too ! Mar. Then make haste, ask her before she is engaged — now go. [pushing Stephen) Ste. [approaches Valeria, slightly shouldering^'SiR Arthur to r) Beg pardon, baronet. Sisfer-in-law, I understand you want to dance with me — I mean, you understand /want to dance with you — that's it. I'm not much of a hand at it ; so if you turn and twist me about too much, down I go, as sure as a gun. However, I'll do my best. Val. [aside) How fortunate ! I can thus avoid the interview Sir Arthur solicits, [taking Stephen's ar?n) I assure you, my dear brother-in-law, I am only too happy to secure you for my cavalier. ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. 33 Ste. Be you, though? then come along. [hnrriesYAi.'EKW out, pushing tiuceremoniously through other Dancers, who follow them off with Jasper, c. and l. ) Sir A. (r.) So, so ! she thinks to escape me. Well, let the poor bird flutter her wings a little longer, and dream of liberty ; my prize may be delayed, but is not the less secure. I'll not lose sight of her. [^here Lady L. puts her arm within his, hiding her face modestly with her fan ; Sir Arthur annoyed goes out rapidly, C. atid L., dragging her after him. Soft Music heard, l. u. e. — " Sir Roger de Couerley.") Mar. [watching him out) Once more I've parted them, and for a short time, at least, she is safe. Would that Mr. Frederick were returned ; for every hour that prolongs his absence gives hope to Sir Arthur, and fear to me ! {looking off C. and 'L.) Ah ! what do I see? Sir Arthur again at her side! How earnestly he speaks to her! and there stands Mr. Stephen staring up at the ceiling like a great simpleton — and now, now — he starts off, dancing all by him- self, and throwing the whole room into confusion. If I could but interrupt them ! Ah, Sir Arthur looks this way ! — sees me ! shall I hesitate ? No — her reputation must be saved though I risk my own. Perhaps a smile even from the poor factory girl will not be lost upon his vanity, [looking off at c, and stniling) Yes, he comes. Did he but know how I despise and hate him ! [seats herself, R. ; Music ceases) Enter SiR Arthur, c.,from L. Sir A. [aside) I was right — she where, and, of course, alone — that alluring smile couldn't be mistaken. As I have never been made love to before, I am rather curious to see how women set about it. [takes book, seats himself at table, i.., pretending to read, but keeps his eyes on Martha) Mar. [aside) He doesn't speak. Sir A. [aside) Not a word ! perhaps a step or two towards the door may assist her powers of articulation, [rises and moves towards door, c. ; meets Toby, who appears, C from L. , with his tray) Noth- ing, I thank you. (ToBY turns and goes out, c.and L.) Mar. [aside) If he leaves me, he returns to her ! [aloud) Sir Arthur Lassell Sir A. Ah, my good Martha Mar. I wish to speak to you ; a few moments are all I ask, you will then be free to return to — another, [with pretended emotion) Sir A. [aside) Jealous ! better and better [loud) Another, did you say ? Mar. [with heavy sigh) Heigho ! Sir A. [aside) Poor'thing! now I look at her, she's really very far from ill-looking ! [going up and taking chair, L. ; Toby again 34 ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. appears with his tray, L. 3 E. ; Sir Arthur sees him ; Toby turns and goes out, L. 3 e.) Damn that fellow ! {approaches Martha with chair, sits, L. c.) Mar. [aside, and watching him) He remains; I thought so. {loud) The conversation which 1 ventured to interrupt, must, doubt- less, have been very interesting ; at least, it appeared so — to the lady, especially. Sir A. Nay, a mere string of ball-room commonplaces. Mar. Why deceive me? In ^(7wr earnestness and //^'a' emotion. I read my own folly — and — its punishment, {turns her head away with pretended emotion) Sir A. {aside) So, so. Now then, effectually to arouse her jeal- ousy, and the victory's mine, {about to take her hand, but stops on seeing; Toby ; who again appears at another door, R. 2 E. ; after a pause Toby turns and goes out again, R. 2 E. ) I shall kill that man presently, I'm sure I shall ! Frankly, then, Martha — dear Martlia — {taking her hand, she shudders) — the earnestness you observed in my manner to Lady Valeria, was tae natural effect of the lan- guage I was addressing her. Mar. {aside) I must and will know the worst, {aloud) O, Sir Arthur," think me mad, if you will, but did she — did she say — {unable to continue : suddenly') — What did she say ? Sir A. {aside) One drop more in her cup of jealousy, and she's mine! {aloud) Her reply is yet to come {low) I have solicited an intei view to-morrow, and when the ball breaks up, should she con- sent to meet me, she will let the flowers which she carries in her bosom, fall to the ground. Mar. {imploringly) O, promise— swear to me that you will not meet her. Sir A. {more boldly and earnestly) On one condition- — and on one condition only. Mar. {hurriedly) Name it. Sir A. Listen, Martha, {about to address her in a half whisper ; sees Toby, who appears at door. L. 2 e. ; Toby turns and goes out again; Sir Arthur watches him out; then low and rapidly to Martha, pointing to window, R. 3 e. ) Yonder casement com- municates with the garden ; the moment Mr. Plum and his son have left the house for Gloucester, let me find that casement open and you here. On that condition, and that only, I will not meet the lady. Mar. {sht(ddering) No, no. Sir A. As you please ; Lady Valeria may possibly be more com- passionate. (Martha about to speak) Nay, I do not require your answer now ; reconsider my proposal, and when the company dis- perse, should you chance to feel less inflexible, recollect you have just taken your first lesson in the sigfiificant language of flowers / { points to the nosegay she carries in her bosom and bows ; at this ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. 35 moment Stephen eniers c. from L., sees him bow and stops ; Sir Arthur going out at L. 3 E., meets Toby, who again appears with his tray) What the devil do you want, sir ? Toby. Why, I've been waiting for a considerable time to ask you, if you'd take an ice. Sir A. No. Toby. Then, perhaps, you'll take a card. Sir A. Begone, booby ! (Exit Sir Arthur, l. 3 e. Towi folloiuing) Mar. {aside) An interview with him alone ! No, no, I'm not prepared for that ! Ste. {k., as t/ throwing off a painful suspicion, and rapidly advanc- ing) Martha ! Mar. [star/itig] Mr. Stephen ! Ste. I've been looking for you, Martha, and I was told by more than one of my father's guests, that the surest way of finding Martha Gibbs, was to look for the man who has just left her. Mar. (l. ) Oh, Mr. Stephen, you do not, cannot suspect Ste. [taking her hand) I never do suspect, Martha — where I place my love, there I place my trust — and now, Martha, there's a secret — a secret that much concerns me and — somebody else, Martha — a secret that I've had locked up in my breast for these three months past, and an uncommon hard matter I've had to keep it there, surely Mar. A secret ? Ste. Yes — [taking her hand, and half timidly') — I'm — I'm going — I'm going to be married, Martha — at least, I hope so Mar. [with emotion, and withdrawing her hand ) Married ! you ! Ste. Don't take away your hand, Martha, but leave it where it is — in mine — as a token and a pledge that you will be my wife ! Mar. Your wife ! [clasping his hand) Ste. My wife, Martha ! Oh, it's all settled long ago ; dad knows all about it, Freddy knows all about it, and soon everybody shall know all about it ; in another week the three months will be out, and then — Lord ! Lord ! it won't bear thinking about. Mar. The three months ! what do you mean ? Ste. Why — [with hesitation) — you see, when I told dad how des- perate fond I was of you, says he to me, •' Harkye Stephen," says he, " let Martha know naught of this for three months, and if during that time she does nothing to forfeit the good character she holds, you shall be a husband, and I'll be a father to her." And now, Martha, you have my secret. Mar. [with a strong impulse of affection) And you shall have mine — Stephen, I love you ! truly, gratefully, dearly love you ! Ste. [clasping her in his arms) Oh, oh! I'm so happy, I don't know what I want to do most — laugh or cry. Lord, lord, what a 36 ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. wedding we'll have ! No fine folks in carriages — no powdered coachmen and footmen, and all that gimcrack nonsense — no, no. Martha, we'll walk to church, arm-in-arm with all the factory at our heels — five hundred of 'em— and every one with a prayer in his heart, and a blessing on his lip, for his young master and mis- tress, [^suddenly trying to look grave) But don't forget, Martha, there be another week to slip away, and mind you be a better girl than ever — if that be possible. (Guests /rt.yj across from l. to r.) Mar. Do not fear. Do but add confidence to love, and what- ever you may see, whatever you may hear, trust me, Stephen, I will be worthy of them both. Ste. Don't I know you will? Look, there be the company breaking up. Not a word afore dad. [retires up R.) Mar. I can scarce believe my happiness ! A few minutes since, and I might have compromised myself and lost the greatest joy that life can give — the honest love of an honest heart ! I now renounce the task I had imposed upon myself! Henceforth Lady Valeria, I can only/ny/ for you. Enter Lady Leatherbridge, Lady Valeria, and Sir Arthur, C. fro7n L. Jas. [without, L.) Where's Lady Valeria? Where's Lady Leatherbridge ? Where's Stephen? Where's anybody ? — where's everybody? {runs vt with open letter iti his hand) News! great, glorious news ! All. What? Jas. He's here — I mean he will be here — he's come back — that is, he's coming back ! All. Who? Jas. (C.) Frederick William! my darhng son ! (/c? V^aleria) Your husband ! (/a Stephen) Your brother! Ste. Brother Freddy coming back — huzza ! Jas. I have just received this letter — my boy is now on his return to England — nay, may be hourly expected here. (Exit c. and L., with Lady L. ) Sir A. [aside] Hourly expected — but not ^^/ arrived; and I not yet defeated ! Mar. (r., aside, and thankfully) Her husband returns and she is saved ! Val. (l., aside) And is mine the only heart that feels no joy ? I cannot — dare not — ivill not meet him ! [starting at seeing Sir Arthur's eye fixed upon her) Mar. (r., aside and obsenn7ig her) What ails her? Ah! the tempter's eye is upon her! She trembles — hesitates — hfe and ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. 37 death, honor and shame are in that struggle! Ah I [seeingV \\^., drop her bouquet ) She's lost ! Sir A. [aside) I triumph ! {s7iiih's significatitly at Martha) Mar. (under strong emotion) She stands upon the brink of ruin ! Shall I not snatch her from destrucUon ? Yes, yes — I will save //t-r, whose mother preserved mine! [looks at Sir A., rt«^ drofi her bouquet) Sir A. (c, aside) A double shot, egad ! Ste. [coming down R. ; picking up Martha's bouquet and present- ing it to her) Martha, you've dropped your nosegay, [seeing her hesitate) Take it, Martha, [in a subdued tone and affectionately pressing her hand ) The next flowers you wear will be a wreath of bridal flowers. (Exit Sir A. and Val., c. andx.. ; as he is going out. Sir A. turns, looks significantly at Martha, and bows to her ; Stephen notices the action and seems struck. ) Mar. [crosses to L. , aside, and shuddering) I am sick at heart ! Ste. [up R., to Martha, who seems absorbed in thought, attd gently touching her arm) Martha, the ball room be nearly empty \ Martha, I say I (Martha covers her face with her hands) This agitation ! This emotion ! What has happened ? Speak ! Mar. (c, in high excitement) I cannot — cannot — Stephen — [unable to proceed) Heaven help me! [rushes out, L. i E.) Ste. [a long pause) This is strange! Very strange! She says she loves me, yet when that man returns — the very man that I've been warned against — she seems bewitched that moment! Her eyes are fixed on him, and not one look for me ! And when I ask her to explain, she hides her face, runs away, and leaves me in this ter- rible cruel doubt, [going to L. IE.) Doubt? Did I say doubt! If I did, I ought to be ashamed of myself — for look — a light in her room and her door open — and there I see her now, sitdng with her book spread afore her, and writing down all she's said, and done, and thought, with Heaven and her own conscience looking on ! Oh, Stephen, 'tis the first doubt of her, that ever came into your heart, and let it be the last! Ah ! she rises — shuts her book and leaves her room! She comes this way ! I'll take the other pass- age ! I must and will read what she has written ! 'Twas there I first learnt her worth ; 'tis there I'll seek her justificadon ! (Exit, L. 2 E.) Enter Valeria, l. 3 e. Val. What can Martha mean? Why the mysterious tone and tenor of her words as she passed me hurriedly in the corridor? She begged, implored me instantly to meet her here — Ah ! she comes ! 38 ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. Re-enter MARTHA, hurriedly, L. I E. Mar. (l., approaching Ya\^.) Oh, thanks, thanks! Val. (r., coldly and 7-c tiring from her) To the business before us — why have you sohcited this interview ? Mar. [with animation) To save you from a villain — yes, lady, if his actions call him villain, why should my tongue do less? (with increasi7ig energy) The man who cheats at cards is struck from the fraternity of gamblers as a wretch too base to mingle even with the base — but what must that man be, who tempts a virtuous wife to a game where she stakes «//and he stakes nothing? Where she, poor cheated thing, madly lays honor, conscience, happiness, heaven itself upon an accursed chance-^whilst he has nothing left to lose, not even his worthless character. Val. [aside) Does she presume to rebuke me ? {aloud) I beg to know the drift of this eloquent invective. Mar. A little patience and you shall, {aside, and looking towards window) Not yet come! {goes up L., and looking towards R., win- dow) Val. You seem expecting some one. Mar. Yes, madam! one who loves me I at least he tells me so! Ah, that noise! {hurries to window atid looks out) My visitor is here, madam ! you may, perhaps, recognise him. {partly with- drawittg curtain) Val. (l. who has gone a few steps up the stage) Sir Arthur, 'tis he! — {to Martha) — and do you presume to say Sir Arthur has asked a secret interview -w'xihyouf Mar. I do. Val. And even pretended love to you ? Mar. I do. Val. I'll not believe it. Mar. You shall hear it from his own hps. Val. Still so confident ? if you prove this — Mar. {hiariedly) I will — I will — but moments are precious — in, in here, {hurries Val. into room, R. 2 E. ; the window is opened, and Sir Arthur looks cautiously in) Sir A. The window open ! then Mr. Plum and his son must have left the house. Martha, are you alone ? Mar. Yes. {aside) Howl tremble, {leans for support on chairs looking anxiously towards the door at which Ya\^. has gone out ; Sir a. enters then, closes window ; at this moment the door, l. 3 e., is cautiously opened, a7id Lady L. looks in) Lady L. {aside) I was not deceived, then ! O the monster ! O the hussy ! {closes door again) Sir A, (r., who turns and sees the motion of the closing door) 'Tis strange ! my presence seems to agitate the very doors. Again ? Ah, that glance revealed a petticoat ! I am watched, what but ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. 39 jealousy can prompt this espionage ? it must be Valeria, {smilijtg) Then I must change my tactics. Audacity befriend me ! [ap- proachiiig Mar., and assuming a cold and constrained manner) Martha, you will think me a strange creature, and so I am ; but in the fashionable world one contracts bad habits, and does mis- chief without intending it. At this evening's ball, for instance, I was betrayed into a tenderness towards you, which, though in every way qualified to inspire it, it is my duty to tell you, you can never create in me. {in a loud tone, and looking towards door, L. 3 E.) Lady L. [looking out) Noble Arthur ! take that, hussy ! Mar. (l. aside) Have I been deceived? [loud) But this inter- view, sir— your own soHcitation — Sir A. Was eminently moral — as my explanation will prove. [directing his speech towards door, L. 3 E. ) My dear young friend, I have long fancied I observed in you a partiality for my society ; which, however flattering to my vanity, honor compels me to sup- press, [loud and pointedly) My heart has long been exclusively devoted to a woman, whose hfe I had once the happiness to save! Lady L. [bobbitig out at door) Extatic recollection ! happy Letitia ! The victory's mine, and now for revenge upon that hussy ! [disappears, closing door with noise) Mar. [aside, and looking towards door where Yai. is) I thought to save her, and I have completed her ruin ! [crosses to R.) - Sir A. [who has observed the closing of the door, L. 3 E,, hurriedly approaches it, and looks out ; aside) Valeria's gone ! she's mine — now for the other ! A little bombast will do good here, [hastening to Mar., and assuming a strongly contrasted manner) Dry the tears that dim those lovely eyes, sweet Martha, and let your ear bear these reviving tidings to your heart — 1 love you ! Mar. (r., aside) What do I hear! [aloud) Indeed! then your love for another Sir A. (l.) Pshaw! a mere lover's stratagem to convince myself of your affection ; and now, sweet Martha banish jealousy for ever, exert your empire over me, and you will find me the slave of your every wish, [about to take her waist; gate bell, R. u. E.) What noise is that ? Mar. [running to windoiv) A traveUing carriage at the door! Jas. [witho2it,'L.) What, oh — John — Thomas — lights here ! Sir A. Plum's voice — the devil ! Mar. Fly— fly^by the garden — quick — Sir A. We shall meet again — Mar. Yes, yes — but fly — save yourself — save me / (SiR A. hur- ries out at windoiv ; at the same moment Val. staggers in door R. 2 E. , pale and almost fainting ; leans on chair for support, R. ) Mar. [running to her) Oh, Valeria — dear Valeria — speak to me. Forgive, O forgive me, for the misery you have suffered. Val, Forgive you, Martha? you who have taught me to loathe 40 ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. this heartless hypocrite, and love the generous husband in whose face I can now presume to look — in whose arms I can now pre- sume to seek shelter! Forgive you? O Martha, my endless grati- tude is yours ! Mar. Speak not of gratitude — say you will love me, lady — let me be your friend. Val. My sister! {/a//ing in Martha' s anns) Mar. And now, dear friend — dear sister — be yourself again. Mr. Plum has this moment unexpectedly returned — hark — he's here ! Jas. [without) Where's Lady Valeria ? — this way — this way ! (Mar., looks at Val., putting her finger on her lip ) Enter Jasper, Lady Leatherbridge, and Frederick, in travel- ling dress, C. from L. Fred. (r. C.) Valeria! [opening his artns) Val. My husband ! [rushing into his arms) Fred. Dear, dear Valeria! what happiness to meet again ! do you not think so, dearest? Val, [with deep emotion, and clasping his hand in both of her s) Yes ; indeed, indeed, I do! [they talk apart) Lady L. (R. C, aside to him) It's all very well. Plum, but remem- ber you have a duty to perform, [pointing to Mar., who is mittely expf'-essing her joy at F'red's return) — There she stands ; how de- mure the Utile hypocrite looks ! do your duty, Plum. Jas. [aside to her) You're sure of the facts? Lady L. Quite. Jas. Then here goes ! [aloud and assuming a seriotis tone) Fred- erick, and you, Lady Valeria — [motioning them to approach) — the day of your return home, my dear boy, should have been one of unalloyed happiness to us all ; but, unfortunately, it is not so ! [looking severely at Mar.) Fred, (r.) Father, what mean you? Lady L. [aside) Now, now comes the triumph of Leatherbridge over Gibbs ! Jas. Martha Gibbs ! Mar. (l.) Sir — Jas. (c.) You have not been alone since the ball broke up. (Mar. and V XI.. exchange looks) Late as it is, you have had a visitor ! Mar. [without hesitation) Lady Valeria — sir — Jas. The visitor, I allude to, is Sir Arthur Lassell — I have proofs — you have been seen together — Lady L, (l. c.) Yes ! I am proud to say I was a listener behind that door! [pointing to, L. 3 E. ; Mar. ajtd Val. agai7i exchange looks ofalarnt) Jas. [to Mar.) You are silent; and to think that you — you ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. 41 whom I should soon, very soon h-ave welcomed as a daughter, should have basely attempted to bring this blight upon the Plums! Lose no time in making the necessary preparations for your de- parture ; in ten minutes you leave this roof for ever. Mar. For ever! — oh, sir! {bursts into tears, and hides her face in her hands) • Val. (r., aside) Accused — disgraced — and for me ! It must not, sha//f2othel [aloud) Hold, sir! (/"ostpai