SOKOOXj &c SOOIj^Xj jdi^j^isj:^. 
 
 THE SPARKLING CUP. 
 
 PS 1534 
 .054 S6 
 
 Copy 1 (^ Jrama. 
 
 T. S. DENISON 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, DE KALB, UA. 
 
 PRICE 20 CENTS. 
 
 CHICAGO : 
 Steam Press of Cushing, Thomas & Co., 170 Clark Street. 
 1877. 
 
 nsro zPL^irs Ex:oH:^isra-:BX), 
 
 /^ 
 
NEW PLAYS. 
 
 Suitable for Schools Exhibitions and Amateur 
 Theatricals. 
 
 NO S CENERY REQUI RED. 
 
 These Plays are written expressly to meet tlie wants of teachers and others who 
 seek interesting amateur plays suitable for production before audiences compo-ied of 
 the best society. They deal with Amnkaii life and manners. The dramas all 
 combine the serious and the humorous. 
 
 The plays are pure in. tone a>i(l language. They are not too difficult for young 
 persons ol ordinary culture and yet they afford opp >rtunity for " acting." 
 
 " If the succeeding numbers are as jfood as the first, we predict for them a large 
 dema.nd." —iValional Teacher's Monthly, New York and Chicago. 
 
 A drama in five acts ; 7 male and 4 female characters. 
 " The combination of characters as a whole is judicious, and the interest is well 
 sustained to the cXos^^— Cincinnati Times. 
 
 '^/la/^^/^i 
 
 A capital short farce ; S male characters. 
 FIRST EDITION SOLD IN A FEW WEEKS. 
 
 A social drama in four acts ; 7 male and t, female characters. 
 " While the plot (in Seth G.) is simple, the interest never flags Pat is a genuine 
 Irishman, running over with sparkling wit."— 0. P. Kinsen, Prof. Eng. Lit., 
 Normal School, Lebanon, 0. 
 
 A highly amusin;^ larcc in two acts ; 4 male, and \ fi male characters 
 
 A spicy little farce, illustrating " the strike" as applied to the family : 3 male an«l 
 3 female characters. 
 
 A thrilling temperance drama in five acts. This play admits of a high order ol 
 acting ; 12 male and 4 female characters. 
 
 Any play on this list by mail, post! aid, 20 cents. Five p'ays lor 75 cents. 
 Address, T. S. DENISON, 
 
 De Kalb, De Kalb Co , III 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP. 
 
 gi ©cm^mnq grama, 
 
 IIT FI^E ^OTS. 
 
 T. S. DENISON. 
 
 Autturr <tf"Odds loith (he Enemy," "Initiating a Granger,^' "3ei-i Greenhaek,'" 
 "Wanted: A Correspondent," "A Family Strike." 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, DE KALB, ILL. 
 
 CHICAGO : 
 
 Steam Press of Gushing, Thomas & Co., 17c Clark StreetT 
 1877. 
 
 Copyright, 1877, by T. S. Dewison. 
 
CHARACTERS. f3 |534 
 
 — .3S4S4. 
 
 Ledger, wealthy business man. 
 John Heartsease, " The drunkard." 
 Trustham, Temperance reformer. 
 Stoughton, Proprietor of the " Shades." 
 
 WiSHALL. 
 
 Charles Winslow, Express agent. 
 
 Pkwtermugg. 
 
 Cantwell, Temperance reformer. 
 
 Billy Stoughton. 
 
 Walter Weston. 
 
 Guzzle. 
 
 Hans Gipfel, Hartsease'b gardener. 
 
 Mrs. Heartsease, ) 
 
 - Enga£;ed in temperance work 
 Mrs. Winslow, ) 
 
 Susie Heartskase. 
 
 Katrina Gipfel. 
 
 A policeman, Freddie Stoughten, a beggar girl, 
 
 Loafers, etc. 
 
 COSTUMES. 
 
 Anv clothing suited to the station of the wearer. 
 
 STAGE EXPLANATIONS. 
 
 R, means right for the actor as he faces the audience; L, left 5 
 C, center. 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP. 
 
 J^CT I. 
 
 Scene I. A room tn Heartsease's houae, elegant Iv furnished • 
 ftctures, etc. ; sofa R ; chairs R and L ; table C, around which 
 are seated at dinner Mr. and Mrs. Heartsease, Ledger 
 WisHALL. WiNSLow, and Susie. 
 
 Ledger. Dear me, daughter {To Mrs. H.), how time flies! 
 Here we are celebrating your thirty-seventh birthday, and I begin 
 to realize that I am an old man. Well, I've seen a goodly share 
 of this world's joys, and some of its trials too; but I've had a 
 little the best of it, and I'm good for a round score of years yet. 
 
 Mrs. H. Certainly, father. You must not think of calling 
 yourself old yet. 
 
 H. Father, don't mention such disagreeable subjects. Bring 
 naught but light hearts to such occasions as this. 
 
 Wtnslow. We can with unfeigned pleasure be light-hearted 
 to-day. 
 
 Ledger. Quite true, sir! Quite true. I don't know what put 
 such disagreeable thoughts into my head, unless it was the remem- 
 brance of the jovial parties that used to meet on your birthday , 
 Hattie. Those were fine old times, but their familiar faces are 
 gone. There! I'm at it again. John, I'll thank you for another 
 glass of that Port. May be that will mfuse a little more geniality 
 into my lazy blood. 
 
 Mrs. H. Dear father, you are always good company, without 
 wine to cheer you. For years you never tasted it, and were then 
 a kind father and a genial friend. You were amiable and 
 
 Ledger. Hold ! daughter, hold! The virtues I possessed must 
 have been more numerous than the evils let loose by Pandora. 
 Am I depreciating.? If so, let ine have good cheer, for wine 
 gives life to sociability, just as the October forests show their 
 most gorgeous colors under the gilding of the sun's magic rays. 
 I'm in the October of Hie. So wine for me, if you please. 
 
 H. Katrina fill Mr. Ledger's glass. 
 
 Mrs. H. But, father 
 
 H. A little for the stomach's sake will hurt no one, wife. 
 
 * Although this play is more effective when appropriate scenery is used, yet 
 amateurs may put it on the boards with very little trouble or expense. A small bar 
 is necessary. To change the parlor scene into a street scene, merely remove all 
 the furniture and the pictures, etc. 
 
no THE SPARKLING CUP. 
 
 {Katrina fills Ledger's glass.) Winslow, this is the royal juice 
 of the grape, from the sunny hillsides of France. Take a little. 
 
 Winslow. No, thank you. I never drink any kind of liquors. 
 
 Ledger. Signed the pledge, eh, and warm up before breakfast 
 with hydrant water.? How exhilirating these cold mornings! 
 Have a glass just to honor this occasion. 
 
 Winsloiv. No, thank you. 
 
 Susie. Grandpa, "He that placeth a temptation before another 
 is guilty if that other fall.'' 
 
 Ledger. Of course, if Winslow is afraid we'll not insist. 
 
 Mrs. H. Mr. Wmslow is not weak in refusing, but strong. I 
 admire his courage. 
 
 Susie. So do I. ( Glances at WiNSLOW.) 
 
 Wnislotu. With such allies I shall certainly withstand all 
 temptations. 
 
 Wishall. My best wishes for the man who can utter a good 
 honest no. 
 
 Susie. And mine, too. 
 
 Ledger. Of course we know, Susie, where your best wishes go. 
 But I'm surprised at you, Hattie. You'il be a crusader next, I 
 believe. 
 
 Mrs. H. I wish I were one now. 
 
 Ledger. Ha! ha! Who would have thought it, that my 
 daughter would count the glasses of wine that her guests drink.? 
 And even wishes to stand at soloon doors and count those other 
 people drink. Here's to many returns of this day {Drinks. 
 WisHAi^L and H. drink.) Well, now, that's a good joke. Ha! 
 ha! Don't you say so, John.'* 
 
 f/. Hattie is in earnest. She furnishes the mathematics of 
 life, and I dispense the humor and poetry. 
 
 Ledger. It's a joke, John, I swear it's a joke. There's a deal 
 of humor about my daughter. She takes it after her father. I'll 
 leave that to Wishall. What do you say, Wishall.? 
 
 W. Sir, I've always thought there was much humor in you. 
 
 Ledger. Ah, I told you so. 
 
 Mrs H. My jest is earnest, father. 
 
 Susie. Grandpa, humor may be of several kinds. 
 
 Ledger. Such as jollv humor, genial humor, affectionate 
 humor, dry humor, and sarcastic humor. 
 
 W. And a deuce of a humor. 
 
 Ledger. Your addition to the list was evidently suggested by 
 the pangs of conscience. Ha! ha! 
 
 W. A jest, like a dream, images the heart. So the speeches 
 and features of our friends are but kaleidoscopes in which are 
 phases of ourselves. We see the ever varying patterns, and 
 unskilled, think them things of beauty; but the heart, sometimes 
 more skillful than the eye, discerns what the creature self would 
 gladly hide, and pierces to the motive, and behold the shuffling 
 beads and bits of broken glass. 1 hus the thoughts and actions of 
 our fellow men reveal us to ourselves perchance embellished, and 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP. Hi 
 
 perchance distorted ; plodding the old familiar paths or threading 
 the mazes of a new delight, or startling us in t\\e toils of a master 
 passion. Your allusion to my conscience is but the echo of your own. 
 
 Ledger. Which means, I take it, that my old familiar path is 
 bad humor. I admit that I have some mettle at times, in tact, 
 I'm proud of it. It was in our family. To some men, it is not 
 best to be too civil. They grow presumptuous on it. , 
 
 W . Indeea! And some men cherish it as the dearest part of 
 their daily creed never to be civil to certain of their friends. 
 
 H. Civility is a good stock in trade in my opinion. 
 
 Winsloiv. And the market is never glutted. 
 
 Ledger. Some men complain of a want of civility in others, 
 when the real difficulty exists in their own peevish sensitiveness. 
 Mr. Wishall, you are entirely too thin-skinned {Louks a/* Wishall.) 
 
 W. But the quills of a social porcupine, or rather an unsocial 
 one, may pierce the thickest skin, Mr Ledger. 
 
 Ledger. Social porcupine! Truly an elegant figure. I'll 
 leave it to the company who is the social porcupine on this occa- 
 sion, yourself or myself, Mr. Wishall. 
 
 Mrs. H. Father! gentlemen! Let not all this pleasantry be 
 misunderstood. 
 
 H. (To Wishall.) It's all a jest, of course. 
 
 Susie. Grandpa will have his say always. But we don't mind 
 him. Mr. Winslow, which do you like best, serious folks or 
 funny people. 
 
 Winslow. I like to see the two combined, so that the serious 
 vein may be just deep enough to furnish soil to support occasion- 
 ally an excellent jest. 
 
 Ledger. A jest, did you say .-* {Pours out more wine and drinks.) 
 Yes: "We'll all be gay and happy." Come, John, give us a 
 song. {Attempts to rise, a7id staggers back into his seat.) 
 
 Mrs. H. Not at the table ! Father, you are ill. 
 
 Ledger. 111! who says I'm ill. Never felt better in my life. 
 Well, we can't sing here; I forgot that. John, we'll smoke if we 
 can't sing. {Attempts to take cigar from his case and drops the 
 case. Mrs. H. -whispers /<? H.) 
 
 H. Father, come to the library, and we'll take a smoke. {Picks 
 up case, and offers his arm to Ledger.) 
 
 Ledger. Yes, certainly! come Winslow, and you, too, Wishail. 
 I'm of a forgiving nature, come on. I wish we had a drop of that 
 glorious old Bourbon that I sampled for Tipple & Co. as I canu- 
 up this morning; glorious it was, I tell you. {Exeunt R^W. and 
 Ledger, latter staggering and leaning heavily on H.) 
 
 Wishall. {Aside, folio-wing.) Must I endure all the ill-na- 
 tured taunts of this drunkard.^ {Exit R. All rise J ram the 
 table.) 
 
 Mrs. H. Misery ! misery ! must my father become a confirmed 
 drunkard.'' 
 
 Susie. Oh, mother! don't call Grandpa a drunkard! It's icni- 
 ble to say that of him. 
 
iia THE SPARKLING CUP. 
 
 Mrs. H. Child, I know it is terrible, but alas! day by day con- 
 viction grows upon me. {Servant shovjs tn Trusi ham, L.) His 
 habit ot drinking grows upon him while he imagines himself safe 
 He would scorn to think that Marcus Ledger, the proud and pros- 
 perous merchant, could fall to the level of a common drunkard, 
 and yet I fear the worst. 
 
 Trusiltam. Pardon my intrusion, Mrs. Heartsease. 
 
 Mrs. H. Don't speak of intrusion. I need the counsel of 
 yourself and your fellow- workers. 
 
 Trustham Mrs. Heartsease, I heartily sympathize with you. 
 I see every day the sad effect.- of rum. Its fascination is more 
 potent for its slaves than the fabied charm of the serpent over its 
 helpless victim. If you would save your father and husband 
 remove the wine from your table. " Enter not into temptation." 
 
 Mrs. H. My husband! May nngels guard him! 
 
 Susie. Mercy, mother! what danger threatens papa.!* What is 
 it, Mr. Trustham.'* 
 
 IVinslow. Be calm, Susie. It's nothing. 
 
 Trustham. Under the Providence of God we'll avert all dan- 
 ger, my child. Mrs. Heartsease, are you willing to make this 
 trifling sacrifice, and remove the tempter far from you.? By so 
 doini; you will array yourself on the side of temperance and 
 morality. 
 
 Mrs. H. Oh, I'll do anything, anything yeu ask, so you may 
 save my loved ones. 
 
 Trustham. God alone can do that. But you must work. Here 
 is a notice of the temperance meeting this afternoon. {Hands her 
 notice ) Come, and, if possible, bring your husband and father. 
 Be strong in the right. 
 
 Mrs. H. {Rings for Katrina, ruho appears R.) My influence 
 must be exerted for or against temperance. I can no longer 
 remain neutral. I will cast my lot with the temperance reformers. 
 
 Kutrinu. Moost I take away te table oond dings.? 
 
 Mrs. H. Yes; remove the things at once. (Katrina busies 
 het self about table. Picks up goblet with wine in it and drinks the 
 wr-ie.) Katrina, we will have no more wine on the table. 
 
 Katrina. No more wine on te table! Vat you say.? Where 
 will we trink him.? In te kitchen.? 
 
 Mrs H. Katrina, we will drink no more wine at all. It is 
 wroni^ to encourage mtemperance. 
 
 Katrina No wine at alls! Vat an itee.? Nopody efer got 
 intemperance by trinkin goot wine oond peer. Pad wiskey gifs 
 peoples dair intemperance. (Laughs heartily ) Vat an itee! Vat 
 jjeoples te Americans bin! {Laugh%.) Hans will never work in 
 tegarten all tay mit no wine or peer. He would get te sunhstrike. 
 
 Mrs. H. But wine and beer lead to brandy and whiskey. It is 
 •afcft not to make the beginning. 
 
 Katrina. Oond vat -will us trink, eh.? Shpring wasser } 
 
 Mrs. H. Yos, pure water supplies man's every want. 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP. 113 
 
 Katrina. So I moost carry vasser, noting but vasscr from te 
 poomp to make dair tea oond coffee, oond to trink raw. Vat an 
 itee! We all ties mit a bad cold, trinken so mooch cold vasser. 
 {Busies herself at table.) 
 
 Mrs H. Don't fear, Katrina; we shall be all the better for it. 
 {Exit R. 
 
 WinsloTv. Yes; water is the great life giver in all nature. 
 
 Susie. I believe Ma is right about wine drinking. But I never 
 thought of it belore. Then pure cold water is so refreshing. 
 Wine always makes my head ache. I wish Pa and Grandpa 
 would sign the pledge. {Exit Katrina.) 
 
 Winsloiv. It is their duty, I think, and for your sake, Susie, I 
 hope they will. 
 
 Susie. {Blushing, drops her eyes.) I hope they will sign it for 
 their own sakes. 
 
 Winsloiv. Yes; they owe it to society. Their influence will 
 aid others, and encourage them to take a decided stand. / feel 
 that I need every good influence, and every possible safeguard. 
 
 Susie. 2^o«, Charles! You, who are above temptation.? 
 
 Winslo-w. No one is above temptation, Susie. To-day I feel 
 an additional safeguard to my footsteps. When I think of the 
 course you have taken it will nerve me up to walk more deter- 
 minedly in the only safe path, the path of purity and honor. 
 
 Susie. I'm glad that my influence can assist anyone. But 
 come to the parlor, Charles. {Rises and leads to R.) 
 
 Winslow. I'm very sorry, Susie, to be obliged to hurry off on 
 this occasion. 
 
 Susie. What do you mean } 
 
 Winsloiv. 1 have pressing business at the office, which I must 
 see to personally. 
 
 Susie. You said nothing about it before. 
 
 Winslow. I didn't know it till this morning. 
 
 Susie. Well, it's too bad anyway! 
 
 Winslow. I must be there at four. {Looks at ivatch.) Adieu. 
 
 Susie. Good day. {Goes to door L.) Next time you must not 
 hurry yourself away like this. {Exit Winslow /,, Susie R.) 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 Scene II. Parlor in Heartsease's house, elegantly furnished : table 
 C. Discovered Susie seated on sofa R. Pewtermugg seated by 
 table C 
 
 Susie. Yes, the cause is gaining every day. There will be a tem- 
 perance mass-meeting to-morrow. 
 
 P. I hope it will continue pleasant weather for the meeting. I see 
 you are very much interested in the subject of temperance. 
 
 Susie. I am. I do not see hou- any intelligent person who has 
 given the subject a thought can fail to be interested. 
 
 P. I've thought much lately upon the subject myself, and my heart 
 
114 THE SPARKLING CUP. 
 
 is with the advocates of temperance. It pleases me to think that my 
 friends are on the right side. I am very glad, Miss Susie, that you 
 and your mother have taken sides with the temperance workers. 
 {Passes io sofa arid seats hirnself beside her.) 
 
 Susie. {Quickly. ) We should not look at it as a matter of friend- 
 ship, but as one of duty. 
 
 P. But friendship and love strew duty's path with down. Love is 
 a subtle force, but it wields a mighty power. 
 
 Susie. So you would call the temperance reform movement a work 
 of love? 
 
 P. Well, yes. But let us talk no more of temperance at present. 
 Miss Heartsease, I wish to say something to you which I have long 
 contemplated saying. 
 
 Susie. {Rising quickly.) Please don't. If it is a secret I shall 
 tell it. You know it is said a woman cannot keep a secret. 
 
 P. (Pises.) You misunderstand me. What I have to say is a 
 secret, I admit. Nevertheless it is something which you can hear only 
 from me. 
 
 Susie. Please let it pass. My curiosity is dull this evening, 
 
 P. But it is a matter of moment, and I must speak. 
 
 Susie. It is quite unnecessary. 
 
 P. Then some other time I will tell you. I'm in no hurry. 
 Come to think of it, I have an appointment down town. I will call 
 again. {Passing' to L.) 
 
 Susie. But in your rounds of temperance work don't come to me 
 with secrets. 
 
 P. Good evening. 
 
 Susie. Good evening. {Exit P, L.) Well, he is a dunce to 
 speak of loxfe in that way. If it was not that he is quite respectable, 
 and really a good meaning fellow, I'd cut his acquaintance on short 
 notice. But if he can take a hint he will not mention that subject 
 again. {Exit R.) 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 Scene I. Ledger's counting-room. Wishall seated by a desk wri- 
 ting. Enter Ledger. 
 
 Ledger. Mr. Wishall, are those monthly statements finished? 
 
 W. Yes, sir, and sent by this morning's mail. 
 
 Ledger. Have the clerks made out the bills of those goods to be 
 shipped to-day ? 
 
 IV. They are hard at work at them, sir. They will be ready in 
 due time. 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP. 115 
 
 Ledger. All right ! All right ! Nothing like promptitude in bus- 
 iness. I made my fortune by it. 
 
 W, Certainly, sir. A business man must attend to business. 
 
 Ledger. It is the only ladder to success for the beginner. 
 
 W. Yes, and attention to business is the only security for the old 
 established house. 
 
 Ledger. Well, that is true in the main. Of course much depends 
 on the kind of subordinates one has. Now I do not give as much at- 
 tention to my business as formerly because I can leave everything with 
 you and depend upon its being done. You have grown up in the bus- 
 iness and understand it from beginning to end as well as a boy under- 
 stands his mother's pantry. 
 
 W. A business should be managed by its owners. 
 
 Ledger. I suppose then that I should attend to this business myself, 
 or admit you as a partner, eh ? 
 
 W . You do not doubt my capability ? 
 
 Ledger. No; but why should I admit you as partner into a lucra- 
 tive business which I have built up myself? An interest is worth 
 money. 
 
 W. I might ask who owns the ground on which these warehouses 
 stand ? 
 
 Ledger. Well, I believe half of it is yours ; or will be, at the ex- 
 piration of my lease, twenty years from now. Your share is made 
 valuable by the improvements I have put upon it. Besides I pay you 
 a handsome salary, and you should be satisfied, 
 
 W. You hold the land rent free and reap a golden harvest. Was 
 it equity to obtain the valuable property at a nominal rate by taking- 
 advantage of father's necessities ? 
 
 Ledger. Your father gave the lease to satisfy an honest debt. The 
 land was valueless then. If I make money out of it whose business is 
 it? 
 
 W. But did not father expect that I would be made partner in your 
 business, and that some benefit would accrue to me as a recompense 
 for the sacrifice which he made ? 
 
 Ledger. Oh, my dear sir, men often have extravagant expectations. 
 Have a little patience, and wait. 
 
 W. {More decidedly?) Mr. Ledger, I've waited now twenty years. 
 In twenty years more I shall be an old man. Then riches will do me 
 little good. I ask, is that justice? 
 
 Ledger. {More decidedly) Wishall, you could have left me at 
 any time and made your fortune elsewhere. I have not detained you. 
 But your insatiable ambition will not let you rest satisfied. You have 
 been promoted step by step to the highest position in the house. Still 
 you are not satisfied. If you were partne; you would wish to be the 
 chief. No, sir, no partnership yet. You have hinted often enough 
 about that matter. Let this be the end of it. When I am ready I 
 will speak. 
 
 W. But don't I deserve it? You know that I have abilities above 
 the average. Have I not really performed the work of a partner ? 
 
ii6 THE SPARKLING CUP. 
 
 Ledger. Sir, I think you rate your abiliries at their full value. Per- 
 haps you do not appreciate mine ? 
 
 W. Mr. Ledger, you are aware that lately you have neglected 
 business. 
 
 Ledger. ( Warmly.) Because I paid you for attending to it. 
 
 W. ( Wartnly. But sometimes you have not been able to attend to 
 it. 
 
 Ledger.- {Jumps up excitedly.) I understand your insinuation, 
 sir. It is not gentlemanly in \ ou to refer to that subject. If I take 
 more wine occasionally than you think is proper for me, that is my busi 
 uess ; and if I neglect business at times, thdt is my affair, not yours. 
 
 W. {Angrt/y.) I claim it is not entirely your own affair. Others 
 have the right. 
 
 Ledger. {In a passiott.) Stop, sir! I won't be insulted. Let me 
 lever again hear of wine or partnerships, or we part at once. 
 Never again, if you please. {Exit, angrily, L.) 
 
 W. Wine is an unwelcome subject to him. Well it may be, for it 
 has soured his temper, dulled his sense of honor, and will soon ruin his 
 fine business, and make him a burden to himself and his friends. 
 {Goes to work at hts desk.) 
 
 Enter Pewtermugg L. 
 
 1\ Good day, Wishall. Hard at work I see. What a busy old 
 hive this is. No drones here. 
 
 \V. Well, I should say not. Take a seat. And the workers find 
 little honey among the gall. 
 
 P. Ah, you poor scribblers do have a tough time of it. I couldn't 
 stand It. Wishall, why don't you go into business on your own ac- 
 count? You have a head for business that would make your fortune. 
 
 W. Well, I had thought of it, but in fact I hoped to do better by 
 remaining here. 
 
 P. Yes ; I understand Mr. Ledger can't spare you ; and then his 
 habits of late will soon compel him to relinquish business. Then you 
 will become partner and the head of the house. 
 
 W. Hold on Pewtermugg. Don't catch your bird till you've made 
 the cage. Ledger intends to be chief here while he lives, fit or unfit. 
 
 P. But it is only a question of time. {Leaning toward W.) Did 
 you know that he had another attack of apoplexy the day after Mrs. 
 Heartsease's birthday dinner ? 
 
 W. [Starting.) No! {Pises and paces the Jloor.) \s \t Ti>o?,s\h\Q\ 
 
 P. His physician says he is liable to have another any time, and 
 that he can't survive many of them. 
 
 W. Horrible ! Horrible ! {Soliloquizing.) He may drop off at 
 any time, and then what means have I of obtaining my just dues.'* But 
 I'll have them, 
 
 P. The assets will certainly be very large. You are needlessly 
 alarmed, Mr. Wishall. 
 
 W. {Recovering himself. ) What was I saying ? Something about 
 the estate, I believe. 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP 117 
 
 P. Yes; and I remarked you need have no fears. lie will leave a 
 large fortune. 
 
 IV. Very large. There are heavy claims, but a large fortune will 
 remain for Mr. and Mrs. Heartsease. 
 
 P. . Excuse me, Wishall. You are solicitous about the management 
 of the business after his death ? 
 
 W. Whether I am or not is my own affair, Mr. Pewtermugg. 
 
 P. I beg pardon. I meant no offence. I have heard it rumored 
 that Heartsease is a silent partner. 
 
 W. And suppose he is ? 
 
 P. He would probably become the head of the firm. 
 
 W. And Charlie Winslow his partner, it I can tell meal from bran. 
 
 P, Do you really think so ? Why do you come to such a conclu- 
 sion .<* 
 
 W. Susie will materially assist in bringing such a state of affairs to 
 pass. 
 
 P, Well, I think you are a little off in your reckoning there. 
 
 W. You are off in your reckoning. Any one could see that the 
 girl likes him, and he'd be a dunce for not loving as fine a girl as Susie. 
 
 P. Don't be too sure. Time will tell. But we must keep Winslow 
 from getting in here if we can. 
 
 Guzzle appears L. He stops at door. 
 
 W. I don't see that I can do anything honorable in that direction, 
 and as for you I think it is none of your business. 
 
 P. But it is my business. I tell you I'll put Winslow in the back- 
 ground there. (Guzzle gives a kno%ving shake of the head and comes 
 forward^ 
 
 Guzzle. How d'ye do? Hope I don't intrusion! 
 
 W. Not at all, Guzzle! 
 
 P. How are the folks up at Heartsease's, Guzzle? 
 
 (iuzzle. I guess that's about what I came in to ask you, Wishall. 
 
 W. What! Don't you live there now? 
 
 Guzzle. Well, no. I've found a higher sphere. 
 
 W. What's the matter? Any trouble? Have you struck for 
 higher wages ? 
 
 Guzzle. Well, you see they had lots of wine the day of the party up 
 there, and it was some new kind. 
 
 P. Old, you mean. 
 
 Guzzle. And all-fired strong. The fact is I took a little too much. 
 Mrs. Heartsease didn't like that, an' got to talkin' temperance next day. 
 That riled me, to hear her talkin' that sort of doctrine when her hus- 
 band hadn't got over his drunk yet. I talked back a little, an' that 
 riled Heartsease. He said he wa'ntgoin' to have no such feller 'round 
 there sassin his wife, an' told me my resignation would be acceptable. 
 The short of it is I don't chore there any more. 
 
 P. So Heartsease was drunk, too. 
 
 Guzzle. Yes ; and he's too good a man for that. It's a darned pity. 
 I sometimes think I could sign the pledge when I see him reeling as if 
 he'd the blind staggers 
 
Ii6 THE SPARKLING CUP. 
 
 IV. I'm sorry. You had better go back. 
 
 /*. But what is your higher sphere, Guzzle ? 
 
 Guzzle. I'm assistant to an architect. 
 
 W. Eh? 
 
 Guzzle. I carry bricks to the third story, and the architect — lays 
 them. You see I'm nsing every day; ha! ha ! But how are they up 
 at Heartsease's? 
 
 W. All well. 
 
 Guzzle. Glad to hear it. That's an almighty nice family. {Exit L.) 
 
 P. {Going.) Wishall, remember what we've spoken of to-day. We 
 will talk it over again. It's too bad to see the way Ledger is rushing 
 to ruin. Heartsease is on the same road. His habits will soon unfit 
 him for business, and that may be to your interests. I'm sorry for 
 Heartsease, too. Guzzle is right. He is too good for such a fate. 
 Now if it were that Winslow, hang him ! But he is too cold-blooded 
 to be led very far, though I've seen him take an occasional glass. 
 
 W. That's nothing to his discredit I take a little myself sometimes. 
 
 P. Oh, of course, in a respectable way. So do I, though my influ- 
 ence has always been on the side of temperance. 
 
 W. Ha! ha! ha! Talk of influence. Influence always leaves 
 precept to follow example. 
 
 P. Has Winslow an appetite for drink? 
 
 W. If he has I hope he will throttle it forever. 
 
 P. Suppose it should be for our interest to invite him to join us oc- 
 casionally in a social glass. 
 
 W, Our interest ! Mr. Pewtermugg, two things I will never do. 
 Never will I weaken any soul's faith, or poach on the purity of a human 
 heart. 
 
 P. Oh, of course not. That would be dishonorable. But if he 
 should indulge in a little youthful folly it's his own matter I suppose. 
 Good day {Going L.) 
 
 W. Go(.dday. {Exit P, L) 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 Scene II. Stoughton's saloon, ''Tke Shades.'' Seated Billy and 
 Guzzle at cards by a table R, Two Loafers by another *able, R 
 playing checkers Stoughton behind the bar. Enter Loafer 
 who staggers up to the bar. 
 
 Stoughton. {In a surly tone.) Well, what do you want now ? 
 
 Loafer. Old rye. 
 
 Stoughton. Get out ; you've had enough to-day. 
 
 Loafer. Nate Stoughton, you did not speak to me so when I wore 
 broadcloth and had plenty of money. Then it was, " How do you do, 
 Mr. Ihirston? Billy, wait on Mr. Thirston. Be quick; the gentle- 
 man 's waiting I" 
 
 Stoughton. Go to the devil ! 
 
 Loafer. Thank you ; I will not visit you till you are at home. 
 
 Stoughton. Get out, before I kick you out ! ( Turns and arranges 
 bottles.) 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP. 119 
 
 Billy, {yumps up.) Euchred, by Jingo ! 
 
 Guzzle. No ; euchred by Guzzle. Set em up? 
 
 Billy. What '11 you have? {^Advancing to bar.) 
 
 Guzzle. A little red-eye. 
 
 Loafer. I'll take some of that, too. 
 
 Billy. I heard father tell you to go, some time ago. 
 
 Loafer. And I'll go, when I get my dram. 
 
 Billy. See here, old " Nubs," I think you had better go at once. 
 Travel, now — lively! 
 
 L.oafer. I won't do it. {Squares in attitude of defense.) 
 
 Billy. Oh, go. (Billy hustles him rapidly out L, scuffling as 
 they go. Pewtermugg ^w/er5 L.) There! I guess you'll go now. 
 We don't want such low fellows as you here. (Exit Loafer.) 
 
 P. Good evening, Mr. Stoughton. 
 
 Stoughton. Good evening, Mr. Pewtermugg ! Glad to see you. 
 
 P. What a trial it must be to have such fellows around. 
 
 Stoughton. Yes; they give 2, respectable place like mine a bad 
 name. 
 
 Billy. Dad's too easy on 'em. It takes me to settle their coffee. 
 {Goes behind bar to mix drinks.) 
 
 Stoughton. {Laughing^ Billy knows how to quiet a rowdy. I'm 
 glad of it, son. It helps me a great deal. 
 
 Guzzle. And if such a man is very drunk, Billy ain't afraid to 
 tackle him. 
 
 Billy. Come, Guzzle; none of your dry jokes. 
 
 Guzzle. Hurry up the drinks, then, if you don't want any more 
 dry jokes. 
 
 P . It is those low fellows who cause all this evil of intemperance, 
 anyway. They know no bounds to their depraved appetites. 
 
 Stoughton. Aye, that's it, exactly. They have gone to such 
 excesses in drinking that many people, now-a-days, are actually 
 ashamed to take a glass of beer in a saloon. It used to be that a man 
 could take his bitters whenever he pleased. Now it is changed, and 
 my business is nearly ruined. In fact, these low drunkards, with the 
 aid of a few canting temperance fanatics, tiave made drinking almost 
 disreputable. 
 
 Enter Walter Weston, Z. 
 
 Walter. Hello ! Stoughton. How are you, pard ? (T'*? Guzzle.) 
 Whose treat now, Billy ? 
 
 Billy. Mine, Walter, — I'll be generous. Shall I mix another ? 
 
 Walter. Well, yes, seeing it's you. 
 
 Billy. What' 11 you have ? 
 
 Walter. Crusaders' terror. 
 
 Guzzle. Hurry up, Billy; Pm as dry as a hen in a meal-barrel. 
 
 Billy. Well, here's confusion to the crusaders. ( They drink.) 
 
 P. I've always been a temperate man, and I advocate temperance 
 principles, but /will drink when I please, if I choose, and stop when 
 I please ; and people may say what they please about it. I'll not sign 
 away my liberty. 
 
I20 THE SPARKLING CUP. 
 
 St ought 071. Ah ! I like to see a man of spirit, who don't carefully 
 weigh evei) irifle before he dares to give his opinion on a subject. 
 Enter Heartsease, L slightly intoxicated. 
 
 H. Good evening, genlmen. 
 
 Stoughton. How are you? I hav'n't seen you for some time. 
 
 Guzzie. By Ginger! He's on another tear. 
 
 H. A cocktail, Stuughton. 
 
 P. I thought you had sworn oflf", Heartsease, 
 
 [I. Well, 1 did sort of promise those blue ribbon fellows. Hav'n't 
 touched a drop for a week, but I met a jolly old clium down town to- 
 night, and we just took a glass for old times, you know. Have some- 
 thing, Pewtermugg? 
 
 /-*. {Pretends to hesitate.) Well, yes, seeing it's you. But I 
 seldom drink nnything stronger than pale ale. 
 
 Guzzle. (Asrde.) Unless you're behind the door. 
 
 //. Take something, Stoughton. {They Jill and drink. Notices 
 Guzzle.) Why ! here you are, Guzzle. I'm glad to see you. {Busi- 
 ness shaking hands.) Mrs. Heartsease wants you to come back and 
 v/ork for us. 
 
 Guzzle. I'd like first rate to oblige Mrs. Heartsease, but I'm 
 afeerd, since you've took to cold water up there, that we wouldn't 
 never git along together. My stomach's kinder weak, and cold water 
 goes agin it. 
 
 H. 'S that so ? Excuse me — won't you take something now ? 
 
 Guzzle. Don't care if I do. 
 
 H. Come, boys — all of you. We don't meet often. {All come 
 forward ; tn their haste one of the loafers knocks the other and the 
 checkers over the jloor.) 
 
 I St Loafer. {On the floor ^ What the devil are you doing ? {Busi- 
 ness in getting up.) 
 
 2d Loafer. Never mind the checkers; I'm dry. 
 
 H. Here's to your health, boys ! Give it bumpers ! I guess the 
 temperance folks won't let me have another spret- . 
 
 Stoughton. " Enjoy the present," is my motto. {The intoxicated 
 Loafer elbows Pr:wtermugg.) 
 
 P. {Disdainfully.) Stand back, fellow. {Aside.) Catch me 
 drinking with that crowd. {All drink but P., who slily throws his 
 liquor into a spittoon .) 
 
 H. That's joUy-hic, boys; j hic-ollyl 
 
 Enter Trustham, L. 
 
 Trust ham. On my life ! John Heartsease ! 
 
 H. Dick Trustham ! How-hic-are you, old boy ?-hic. G-hic-lad 
 to see you. Give us a shake of that old p-hic-paw. {Business shak- 
 ing hands.) 
 
 Trustham. John Heartsease, this is indeed painful. 
 
 H. Painful ! Sick, ch ?-hic. Try a little of Stoughton's pain- 
 killer. {Others all laugh ) 
 
 ist Loafer. I don't want no lectur. Buck, let's go. {Exit 
 Loafers, L.) 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP. 121 
 
 Trustham. Heartsease, think of your family. Spare them. 
 Think of that wife who is now awaiting you at home. 
 
 H. Wailing for me !-hic. I guess not ! She's at-temp-hic-temp- 
 ranee meeting, and they don't go home tillmor-hic-mornin'. Its jolly, 
 boys ! It's jol-hic-jolly ! 
 
 Trusthatn. Mr. Pewtermugg, will you escort him home? I am 
 shocked at this. I can't go with him, as I have an engagement. 
 
 P. Mr. Heartease 1 Heartsease ! Come, let's go home. 
 
 H. Is it mornin'? Yes, we'll all go home in the mornin', C'mon, 
 boys! {He falls over a spittoon. P. and T. assist hm to rise. 
 Exeunt P., and H. Z, H. staggering, ajid leaning on P's arm.) 
 
 Trustham. How easily man may degrade himself below the 
 brutes, when appetite is his master. Mr. Stoughton, I wish to post a 
 notice here. 
 
 Stoughton. {Ironically .) Certainly yoii may. What queer ideas 
 of right you temperance people have ! Ycu come in here with the 
 Bible in one hand, and a tract in the other, preaching charity and good 
 will to men, while your errand is to destroy your neighbor's busniess 
 and ruin him. 
 
 Trustham. Mr. Stoughton, it is not against you that we wage war, 
 but against the nefarious traffic you are engaged in. 
 
 Stoughton. Who is hurt when you take the bread from my family? 
 
 Trusthain. Think of the families whose bread has gone over 
 your bar. 
 
 Stoughtoyi. I don't ask 'em to buy, and I pay a license to sell. 
 
 Trustham. No government can make right what God has made wrong 
 
 Stoughton. Well, I don't propose to argue with you. I never 
 wrote tracts nor lectured. {Steps behind the bar.) 
 
 Trustham. {Turning to the boys) Young men, you are all cor- 
 dially invited to our meetmg. 
 
 Guzzle. I cal'clate we'll be there. We attend meetin's reg'lar. 
 
 Trustham. Mr. Weston, will you come? Think of that mother 
 who is daily praying for you. 
 
 Walter. I believe I think of her about as often as any one does. 
 She's the best mother in the city. 
 
 Guzzle. You're right there, unless it's Mrs. Heartsease. If I had 
 such a mother, I b'lieve I'd quit drinkin' jest for her sake. But, then, 
 I cal'clate I'm a fixture here for some time. 
 
 Trustham. Mr. Weston, think what your mother suffers. Don't 
 break her heart. 
 
 Billy. Hearts will stand a good deal of stretchin', and I s'pose 
 Mrs. Weston's is like other people's, pretty tough. 
 
 Walter. { Warmly.) See here, Billy, you and I are friends ; but 
 I don't allow anybody to make such remarks about my mother. 
 
 Bdly. It seems to me you're mighty techy ! 
 
 Guzzle. Keep cool, boys. 
 
 Trustham. Will you go to the meeting, to-morrow evening ? 
 
 Walter. Maybe if everything is lovely. But I don't jz^«, under 
 stand. I don't see such a terrible harm in an occasional smile. Gov- 
 ernor says it never hurt him. 
 
122 THE SPARKLING CUP. 
 
 Trustkam. And yet it may be destruction to you. " Enter not 
 into temptation," 
 
 Stoughion. Trustham, isn't it enough for you to come in here, 
 sticking up your bills, without meddling with my customers ? I prefer 
 that you do your talking somewhere else. 
 
 Trustham. Certainly, if you prefer it, I will not talk here. Good 
 evening, gentlemen. {Exit L.) 
 
 All. Good evening. 
 
 Walter. Come, boys, let's take a look round town. 
 
 Billy. All right. {Exeunt L. Stoughton behind bar, arranging 
 glasses, etc.) 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 Scene III. Heartsease's /^o?<j(?. Present, seated. Heartsease, L 
 
 of table; Mrs H., R of table; Susie on sofa, R; Trustham L; 
 Hans and Katrina standing L. 
 
 Trustham. Mrs. Heartsease, this is indeed encouraging. Five 
 hundred signers to the pledge in one week ! 
 
 Mrs. H. And then you have met with so much encouragement and 
 sympathy from those who have heretofore stood aloof. I wish I could 
 take a more active part in the work. 
 
 Trustham. Mrs. Heartsease, there is much that you can do. En- 
 courage the fallen ones socially. In that direction lies the secret of 
 our strength. Make them think they are worth saving, and then it will 
 be easier to save them. They need sympathy and kindness more than 
 lectures and advice, though they will need these Mr. Heartsease, 1 
 always carry a pledge-book with me. Will you not sign to day ? 
 {Rises and places book on the table.) 
 
 Mrs. H. Do, husband! Please, do not longer delay. At this time 
 there should be no room for doubt. ( With tears.) Remember poor 
 father's last words. Shall that terrible death-bed scene be forgotten 
 in a few weeks? We saw, alas too late, the evils of intemperance. 
 
 Trustham. It will strengthen your resolutions, and prove a guar- 
 dian, should temptations assail you. 
 
 Susie. Yes, father ; I have signed, and you are left alone. 
 
 H. Where my family goes, I go. {Signs.) 
 
 Mrs. H. Thank God ! saved at last ! 
 
 T7-ustham. Be ever vigilant. Even pledges have failed in the hour 
 of need. 
 
 Susie. Father will never break his pledge, I know. His honor is sacred. 
 
 Hans. {Aside.) Veil, I dond know ; somedimes dot bledge-baper 
 tears pooty easy, {Aloud.) Is dair wine put down in dot bledge ? 
 
 Trustham. It includes all intoxicating liquors. 
 
 Hans. Schnapps ? 
 
 Trustham. Yes. 
 
 Hans ( )ond cider ? 
 
 Trustham. Yes, sir. 
 
 Hans. Oond gin ? 
 
 Trustham. Certainly ! 
 
 Hans. Oond lager? 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP. 123 
 
 Trustham. Certainly, sir. All alcoholic beverages. 
 
 Hans. Gott in himmel ! I signs no bledges. I coot sign a 
 prandy oond luisky bledges, shoost to blease dem demperace beoples. 
 Dimder und hagelvetter ! — vat coot a man drink, mit his pretzels ? 
 Oond no vinegar on his sauerkraut, maype ? Katrina, don'd you sign 
 no bledges, 
 
 Katrina. We don'd need no bledges to keep demperance, ven de 
 wine is dook from de table off. 
 
 Hans. Wine from de table avay ! So ! Oond I bin feelin bad 
 ofer since Ach ! himmel ! Man nefer hear of de like of dot in a 
 sheiUleman's house in faterland. Say, Meester Heartease, moost I 
 hoe, oond trim de vines in de garten all tay, oond trink vasser ? 
 
 Mrs. H. We can't encourage intemperate habits, Mr. Gipfel, in 
 our servants. They should save their money, and preserve their health. 
 
 H'.ins. Oond vat is belts eef a man must be always dry? Mine 
 lager cost me ten cent in de forenoons day, oond ten cent in de after 
 day, if you dakes de wine away. Zwanzig cent I pays efery tay. 1st 
 dot de vay to encourage a poor mans? Dot brakes me alltogedder oop. 
 [Exeunt Hans, R, and Katrina Z.) 
 
 Trustham. This man foolishly spends for lager twenty cents a day, 
 no inconsiderable item for a poor man. 
 
 Mrs. H. And gets for it nothing in return. 
 
 Trust ka?n. Nay, worse than nothing; for even this seemingly 
 harmless lager dulls the intellect, deranges the stomach, bloats the body, 
 deadens the senses, and makes the hapless devotee play the clown to 
 every caprice of a perverted appetite. 
 
 H. Too true. Alas ! too true. {Exit H. and T., L, Mrs. H. 
 and Susie, R.) 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 JLCT IXI. 
 •Scene I. A street. Enter, meeting WisHALL L, Pew fermugg R. 
 
 P. Good evening, Wishall. This is lucky. I've been looking 
 for vou. 
 
 W. Well, what is it.'* I'm m a hurry just now. 
 
 P. Oh, don't be in a hurry. It is only a little matter of busi- 
 ness. 
 
 W. Blow it, I've no time now to talk business. {Attempts to 
 pass P.) 
 
 P. [Crossing before him.) Wait a minute. You remember 
 our conversation some time ago in regard to Winslow.? 
 
 W. I do, and I gave you my answer. I'll be no party to such 
 baseness. 
 
 P. Have 3'ou met him in a convivial way.-* 
 
 W. Yes; but not in the way you suggested, and I never will. 
 
124 THE SPARKLING CUP 
 
 P, JDon't make any rash assertions, for you may change your 
 mind. You are aware that the firm of Ledger & Heartsease paid 
 out several large sums ot money to various parties the day before 
 Ledger's death, and the day of his death. 
 
 W. Well, what of it, Mr. Pewtermugg? 
 
 P, We shall see soon enough. Give me a little time. One 
 check oi $5,000 was paid to you, I believe. 
 
 W. {Starting.^ How did you find that out.? 
 
 P . Th.. you will learn in due time. You received the money ? 
 
 W. 1 aid. 
 
 P. For what did Mr. Ledger pay you so large a sum at once? 
 
 W. ( With dignity.) That is my business, sir! 
 
 P. It may be the business of some one else too. 
 
 W. Ledger owed me, of course, Pewtermugg. 
 
 P. Yes; in justice, but not in law. 
 
 W. (Warmly.) What do you mean sir.!* 
 
 P. Keep cool! Keep cool! You see I know considerable 
 more about some things than you give me credit for. 
 
 W. (Starring,) What! {Recovering.) Yes, by impertinent 
 meddling! 
 
 P. It is better for us to be friends, Wishall, so keep cool. 
 You know my brother is cashier in the Merchants, National Bank, 
 and what he knows of course I'm not entirely ignorant of. 
 
 IV. {Greatly agitated.) Stop! For heaven's sake say no 
 more. 
 
 P. We might as well have a clear understanding. I refer to 
 that check. 
 
 IV. Does the Bank suspect anything.? 
 
 P. Suspect! They know all. Through the intercession of a 
 friend the nxatter is hushed up and the check paid. 
 
 W. I'm a ruined man I Oh that tatal step ! Why did I not 
 trust to the generosity and justice of the new firm. 
 
 P. Hush, man! It is a clear case of forgery, but you are not 
 ruined. As I said a friend has made everything right. 
 
 W\ Thank God for that ! Pewtermugg, give me your hand. 
 (They shake hands .) I can not express my gratitude to you for 
 this. {Enter Gm^taj^ unobserved L.) But I did not know you 
 had ?iO much ready money. You must have wronged yourself 
 in doing this. I'll make it right with you. 
 
 P. Oh, I — don'<^ mention it — I — Yes, I have a little money. 
 Shal; we be friends.? 
 
 W {Hesitating.) Yes. 
 
 P Good! You have influence with Winslow. If he should 
 forrr m. temperate habits, Heartsease will soon see that he is not 
 the man for a partner, or son-in-law either. Heartsease has 
 already badly crippled his business. You are a necessity there, 
 and he knows it. He must soon admit you as partner. When I 
 am a member of his family of course I will stand next in succes- 
 sion, 
 
 W. Yes, if there's anything left by that time. 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP. 125 
 
 P. You must look out for that. Keep an eye on Winslow, 
 {Going I..) antl be jovial in his company. {Exit L. Exit^ . R.) 
 
 Guzzle. Oho! What's old Pewterpot up to now, I wonder .' 
 Settin' up some job on Winslow I'll bet. Darn my socks if Winslow 
 aint the Isest of the two, by a long chalk, if he does take a dram 
 now and then without .goin' behind the door to drink it, as Pew- 
 terface does. I guess I'll jest keep an eye on this ere job. {Exit 
 R.) 
 
 Scene II. A street. Enter Heartsease /?, Cantwell Z,, meet- 
 ing. 
 
 H. Good evening, Mr, Cantwell. 
 
 C. Good evening, Mr. Heartsease. How do you do.-* 
 
 //. Quite well, thank yon. How are you progressing in the 
 temperance work ? All goes well, I hope.^* 
 
 C. {In a tone of canting piety.) With God's grace, it does. 
 This is the Lord's work, and I have never before felt the burden 
 of serving Him so light as at present. It is blessed to give good 
 counsel, and strengthen the doubting one. I really believe I shall 
 take a short trip, delivering lectures in the neighboring villages, 
 if the committee can see the way clear toward paying my 
 expenses. They have it under advisement now. Really, it would 
 be a nice little trip for me. 
 
 H. And you expect the Lord to advance cash to meet current 
 expenses, while you are tilling his vineyard.? 
 
 C. Certainly,' if I donate my time. The Scriptures say the 
 '' Lab(irer is worthy of his hire." 
 
 H. Let's look at that passage in a business point of view. 
 
 C. The Bible is the only safe guide in business or out of it. 
 
 H. But you will at least allow a man to interpret the Scripture 
 in a business-like way. 
 
 C. {Somewhat petulant. \ Bother to interpretation! Plain Eng- 
 lish is not hard to interpret. The good Book says, "The laborer 
 is worthy of his hire," and that is enough for me. 
 
 H. Very good. It also says, ^' He that hath pity upon the poor 
 lendeth to the Lord." Now, Mr. Cantwell, you will admit that 
 drunkards are mostly poor men. 
 
 C. Yourself, for instance ! 
 
 H. {Sarcastically .) Myself ! So you set me down as a 
 drunkard! 
 
 C. Oh, not now, certainly. I do not for a moment doubt the sin- 
 cerity of your reform. I beg your pardon. I meant no offense. 
 
 //. Then don't use offensive language. If you are going to 
 bring up everybody to your stiff-necked notions of propriety you 
 will find that your work as a reformer will be a miserable failure. 
 
 C. Really, Mr. Heartsease, I beg pardon. I do not wish every 
 man to conform at once to my ideas. I am willing to go dozvn to 
 them, and counsel with them, and comfort them. 
 
 JJ. Counsel and comfort are sweet to a starving man ! How 
 
126 THE SPARKLING CUP. 
 
 much did you subscribe to the Library Association fund? 
 
 C. [Suddenly drops his canting tone.) Ahem! ahem! Well, 
 as soon as that is really set on a secure basis, I will help it liberally. 
 
 //. As soon as its success is assured you are willing to help. 
 I'm sorry I could not give it five times the amount I did subscribe, 
 for I think it will prove one ot the most effective agents in the 
 temperance work. 
 
 C. Mr. Heartsease, I certainly am willing to help any laudable 
 enterprise, or any person who really needs help, and is worthy of 
 it. {Resumes canting tone) I am only the steward of what the 
 Lord has placed in my hands. 
 
 H. I am glad you have said so, for I happen to need a small 
 loan myself. 
 
 C. {Feigns surprise.) Tou need a loan! a rich man like you! 
 
 H. Rich men are sometimes embarrassed. 
 
 C Do you speak seriously } 
 
 H. Seriously. 
 
 C. How much do you need.? 
 
 H. I need four or five thousand dollars. One thousand, with 
 some collections I hope to make, would pull me through. 
 
 C. Really, I keep very little money deposited on call. I have 
 made some investments. Now, Shaver would let you have it in 
 a minute. He keeps money for such purposes, 
 
 H. Oh, I see; with your endorsement. Thank you. That 
 will do as well as the cash. 
 
 C. {3uickly.) No! no! you misunderstood me. I made a 
 solemn vow years ago that I would never endorse for any man. 
 
 H. Then I advise you to keep your vow. ( Turns toward L,.) 
 Good evening. 
 
 C. Good evening, Mr. Heartsease. {Exit R.) 
 
 H. I knew before I asked him that he would refuse. If it is 
 so hard for a man of means and good social position to reform, 
 what must it be for the poor miserable outcast! Many of my old 
 and tried friends treat me coolly because ot the stand I have 
 taken, and because my wife is an active temperance worker. 
 Most of my new friends look on me much as they would on some 
 dangerous wild beast they had just captured. It's well enough to 
 use soothing words, backed by formidable quotations, but don't get 
 too near the dangerous beast. Without help, I must go to the wall. 
 I can't stave this off much longer, the way they are pushing me 
 now. {Start? toward L.) 
 
 Enter Pewtermug(; L, meeting H. 
 
 P. Good evening, Mr. Heartsease. 
 
 H. Good evening, Mr. Pewtermugg. Glad to meet you. 
 
 P. And I'm glad to meet you. How's Susie.? 
 
 //. Quite well. Pewtermugg, I'm in a hurry. I must raise 
 some money before ten tomorrow. Do you think I could arrange 
 it with your brother.? 
 
 P. How much do yon need.? 
 
 H. T m7ist have a thousand. 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP. 127 
 
 P. You know I have a little money. I believe I could let you 
 have that amount for a few days. 
 
 H. Hello! You're the man I want. When can I have it? 
 
 P. I'll give you a check now, and you can get it cashed in the 
 morning. Let's go into the "Shades," across the street, and I'll 
 write it out. 
 
 H. I'd rather not go in there. I've signed the pledge. 
 
 P. Tut, inan ! We're not going in to drink. 
 
 H. I know, but some of my old chums will be sure to be there. 
 
 P. What of that.?* You are not afraid of them. Set them an 
 example of total abstinence. Can't you trust yourself.? 
 
 H. I guess I can. I must learn to resist temptation. 
 
 P. You're right there. Come! {Aside.) This loan will bind 
 him to me. I'll secure an interest in the business, and then the 
 girl is mine. {Exeunt L.) 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 Scene III. Interior of the ^'■Shades.'''' Seated by table R^ PiLTiLYi 
 Weston and Guzzle at cards. I^oafers R and L, Billy 
 behind the bar. 
 
 Enter L, Wishall and Winslow, latter slightly intoxicated. 
 
 WinsloTu. {Advancing to bar.) What'li you have, Wishall.? 
 
 W. I'm not particular. 
 
 Winslozu. I am. I want something that will invigorate the 
 system this cold evening. We'll take a little "death on the door- 
 step." 
 
 W. No; not tor me. I'll take a julep. 
 
 Winslow. Of coure you want something mild. Tou have to look 
 after your palpitation a little, old boy. I don't. I've a clear con- 
 science, a light heart, a thirsty throat, and 
 
 Guzzle. (Aside.) And an empty head. 
 
 Winslow. But here goes. There's no time for long stories. 
 {They drink.) 
 
 Enter L, Heartsease and Pewtermugg. 
 
 Winslow. Hello, old pard! {Shakes H.'s hand. Staggers 
 slightly.) How are you.? I haven't seen you for a long time. 
 (P. writes at the bar.) 
 
 H. That's so. Why don't you come up sometimes.? We 
 should be glad to see you. 
 
 Wtnslow. Confound it! I Fact is, I'm too deuced busy. 
 
 Havr a smile.? 
 
 H. No ; I've signed the pledge ! 
 
 Winslow. Bully for you, old boy. 
 
 H. Winslow, hadn't you better go home? 
 
 P. (Aside.) He'll soon be a confirmed drunkard! Then fur 
 my plans. 
 
128 THE SPARKLING CUP. 
 
 Wtnslotu. Home! Did yousav? {Tries to stng '^Home, sweet 
 home;^' fails.) 
 
 Billy, bee here, we can't have tliis racket in here. Winslow, 
 you'd better go home. They're crusadin' to-night, an' I want it 
 quiet 
 
 Winsloiv. Zat so.^* Let em crusade! Say, Jack,, old boy, 
 smile, won't you.? {Noisily ) Set em up, Billy'. Set em up. 
 
 F. {Hands H. check he has -vuritten on the counter.) Here's your 
 check, Heartsease. Why what ails you, man.? 
 
 H. I don t feel well. The smell of the liquors has affected me. 
 My God! why did I risk myseli in here! What will wife say.? 
 I'm 'ick, help me home! {Sinks into a chair.) 
 
 Winsloiv. I say John, old boy, you don't feel well. This is 
 glorious brandy. " It will revive you. Your pledge says nothing 
 about medicine. {Puts glass to H.'s lips. He drinks.) 
 
 Wishall. Winslow, for shame, desist. 
 
 Walter. I say, Winslow, that's too bad. You've ruined that 
 man. 
 
 P. He hasn't violated his pledge yet. He's sick. 
 
 Guzzle. I cac'late he tuill break that pledge- of his'n in two 
 minutes, more or less, when that tiger's milk touches bottom. 
 I've felt jes' so, and it always takes more of the same stuff to set 
 a feller right. Cut for deal. 
 
 H. {Looking -wildly around. ) W here am I i" I remember now. 
 What ails me? My veins are bursting. Brandy! Give me 
 brandy? That will ease my pain {Rushes to comiter and gulps 
 down a glassful.) There! now I fee! better. Glorious brandy! 
 Ah, it lifts a' man from the dull earth to soar among the fleecy 
 clouds. 
 
 Guzzle. To fall into the gutter kerchunk when he lights! 
 
 H. I'm better now. Great God, my pledge! My honor! Oh, 
 it will kill Hattie! I'm ruined! 
 
 Wishall. His words are prophetic. 
 
 Winslow. You're all right, old boy ! 
 
 H. I'm ruined ; give me drink. {Billy pours out another glass 
 of brandy.) 
 
 P. {Aside.) The fool will ruin himself, and spoil my plans. 
 You've had enough. Heartsease. Let's go home. {Attempts to 
 prevent him from drinking.) 
 
 H. I must have it. {Seizes the glass and swallows its contents. 
 Rushes ut R, followed by P. and WiNSLOW.) 
 
 Wishall. Another man gone to ruin! He's too noble by far for 
 such a wretched fate. He is the very soul of honor, and when he 
 realizes that he has broken his pledge I fear ihe consequences 
 will be terrible. Curse the fates that throttle men w iih the demon 
 of drink. And I've stood by and seen these men dragged to ruin. 
 Nay, worse, I have drawn them into the pit by my presence and 
 example, arrant coward that I am. It would take the tongue of 
 a Cicero to heap upon me the scorn of honest men did they know 
 me. The reckoning for this must be terrible. {Exit L.) 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP. 129 
 
 Guzzle. I guess it won't though; nothing but a splitting 
 headache and a curtain lecture. 
 
 Billy. Yes ; you can bet on the lecture when that old woman 
 of his'n finds it out. She's a reg'lar old stump speaker. 
 
 Guzzle. Billy Sioughton, there haint no nicer woman in the 
 town than Mrs. Heartsease, nor a better man than John Heartsease. 
 
 Walter. That's so. 
 
 Guzzle. She's helped me out of many a scrape, and the fellow 
 who runs her down to my face has to be a better man than me, 
 that's all. 
 
 Billy. Humph! didn't you talk about her,? 
 
 Guzzle. That's my business, not yours. 
 
 Billy. And it's my business what / say. My tongue's my own. 
 
 Guzzle. And the darndest, meanest piece of property ever a 
 man owned. 
 
 Billy. Guzzle, you're drunk. 
 
 Guzzle. {Junius uf^ and advances to-ward the bar.) See here, 
 young man, if you know when your pulse is steady, you'll Just 
 close that slit under your proboscis, or I'll close it quicker than a 
 steel trap. 
 
 Billy. If you're too drunk to behave, get out. 
 
 Walter. {Rises, and advances to bar.) Boys, this has gone far 
 enough. 
 
 Enter Stoughton R. 
 
 Stoughton. What's all this row? {To Walter.) Get qiviet. 
 Put away those cards. The crusaders are coming. 
 
 Walter. Not if I know it, I don't. I won't act hypocrite for 
 anybody. 
 
 Stoughton. Devil take the luck ! I wish they would stay at 
 home and attend to their own business. 
 
 E7iter L Mrs. H. and Mrs. Winslow. 
 
 Mrs. H. Mr. Stoughton, we have come to visit your place on 
 our rounds. 
 
 Stoughton. Very well. 
 
 Mrs. W. Have you any objection to our leaving some tracts 
 on vour tables.? We have done so at other places. 
 
 Stoiighfou. I guess there'll be no objection. 
 
 M>s. W. As secretary of the County Bible Society, I wish 
 to leave some copies of the Bible in your place. 
 
 Btlly Oh, yes; Charlie will need them. 
 
 Stouiihton. Boy, remember you are talking to ladies. 
 
 Mrs. //. Mr. Stoughton, I particularly wish you to read this 
 tract on the " Evils of Intemperance." 
 
 Stoughton. I know enough of them already. 
 
 Mrs. H. I daref^ay ; but read the views of others; and you, loo, 
 Mr. Guzzle. {Gives htm a tract.) 
 
 Guzzle. Thank you, Mrs. Heartsease. 
 
 Mrs. H. Mr. Guzzle, you are degrading your manhood m 
 
I30 THE SPARKLING CUP. 
 
 resorting to such places; and you, too, Mr. Weston. Come to 
 our meeting, and sign the pledge, won't you? (Gives him a tract.) 
 Your father has signed 
 
 Walter. Hello! The governor's surrendered at last! That 
 will do for him, but boys like fun. 
 
 Mrs. H. Seek other amusements. I wish I had time to talk 
 to you, boys. 
 
 Billy. Better go home and talk to your drunk husband. 
 
 Stoughton. Billy, confound you. Keep a civil tongue! 
 
 Mrs. H. [Greatly agitated.) Oh, what is the matter.? Some- 
 thing dreadful ! 
 
 Billy. He went home drunk to-night, was all, 
 
 Mrs. H. Merciful Father ! must I drain again this cup of 
 shame and bitterness! 
 
 Mrs. W. Don't despair! There must be some mistake. Let 
 us still hope. 
 
 Billy. No mistake at all, Mrs. Winslow. Your son Charles 
 can tell you all about it. He was in the same boat. 
 
 Mrs. W. Alas, my son! Has he yielded again, despite a 
 mother's warning! 
 
 Mrs. H. Some traitor has betrayed my husband. He never 
 would voluntarily break his pledge. We must go to them at 
 once. {Exeunt L.) 
 
 Billy. I guess that puts an end to their preachin' and singin' 
 for a few hours. 
 
 Guzzle. {IVith anger.) Bill Stoughton, you're a low, dirty 
 skunk, and if ever you talk about them ladies agin, and I hear 
 it, I'll tan your skunk skin for you. Mind that. 
 
 Loafer. Go it greasers ! You're a trump, Guz2le. 
 
 Guzzle. Darn me if I wouldn't sign that pledge now, just to 
 help them women along. 
 
 Billy. You're a healthy specimen to talk about signin' the 
 pledge. You be. 
 
 Guzzle. I cac'late T am healthy. Want to heft me.? Sing out 
 if you do. 
 
 Stoughton. Mr. Guzzle, I don't wish any disturbance here. I 
 don't allow such talk about any member of my family in my 
 presence. 
 
 Guzzle. Come on, Walter. {Going L.) I can't stay here for 
 fear I'll be tempted to slap that consarned mean puppy. Let him 
 insult a woman ! It's safe to do that I calc'late. {Exeunt Walter 
 and Guzzle L. Scene changes.) 
 
 Scene IV. A street. Enter Pewtermugg, Z, -with an old express 
 pouch under his arm. 
 
 P. So Winslow has signed the pledge, and reformed. Well, I 
 suppose his reformation will last about as long as Heartsease's did. 
 But Winslow can't shake off the bad odor of his late revels all at once, 
 I assure him. {Enter Guzzle, unobserved, L.) The old adage, 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP. I3I 
 
 " Give a dog a bad name, and you might as well hang him," will hold 
 good in his case, I guess. His gaming will not help him in case of 
 trouble. The Express Company know of his weakness, and will spot 
 him at once, I took care that they should not remain in ignorance. 
 I've worked up a case for them. This is a glorious night for the trial 
 of my plan. Wishall the coward, wouldn't join me, but his tongue is 
 tied on that little check busmess of his. To-morrow I shall be in pos- 
 session of ^25,000, and Winslow will be in a felon's cell. Then Miss 
 Susie may prate about her heart's being another's, and John Heartsease, 
 the bankrupt, may go to the devil. Susie will be welcome to her jail- 
 bird. He'll have plenty of time and good quarters, to reform in. Now 
 for revenge, and fortune at the same time. It's a bold strike, and the 
 slakes are fortunes and reputations. But I've never failed yet. 
 Heartsease and Winslow have snubbed me like a dog, but I'll be even 
 with them yet. If 1 scent danger, a turn in Europe will be good for 
 my health. Ha! ha! {Exit R.) 
 
 Guzzle. [Coming to C.) Well! Jerusalem Crickets I If that 
 don't beat snake-fightin', as we used to say, down where 1 was raised. 
 What the tarnation is old Pewterpot up to ? Darn me ! if he don't 
 run his ugly mug into something too hot for pewter, I'll treat. {Exit R.) 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 ScENi; I. Interior of the *\Shadesy Card-ptaying at table, R ; at 
 L, seated around a table] Wa-lter, Hans and Heartsease at 
 cards. At left of bar a large placard, containing in large letters, 
 •' %^,ooo Reward ! — Robbery of the American Express Co''' 
 
 i, alter. {Throwing down cards,) Ha! ha! It's your treat, 
 Hans ! Hurry up ! Dutchy, my mouth waters for one of Billy's 
 famous cocktails. 
 
 Hans. My dreat ? How ist dot ? I don'd understhand him. 
 
 Walter. Set 'em up, Sauerkraut, and no music ! 
 
 y>illy. That's all fair, Hans ; you lost. 
 
 H. And don't be so confounded slow making up your mind, Old 
 Kraut Tub ! 
 
 Hans. Veil, vai you hafs, shentlemens ? 
 
 Walter. Old bourbon ! 
 
 //. I'll take brandy, straight. That cuts the red wood every time. 
 
 Hans. Ein glass lager. {All laugh.) 
 
 Walter. Try Saratoga water, Hans. That's good for a weak 
 stomach. 
 
 Hans. Ach ! you fellows tink you are long-headed ; but 1 am tick 
 trou de eyes. 
 
 Billy. Through the skull, you mean. 
 
132 THE SPARKLING CUP. 
 
 Hans. Yaw ! yaw ! trou de eyes, De prandy burns oop te stom- 
 achs oud, oond der lager keeps der indernal arrangemendts cool. 
 Walter. Dutchy, let's have a song. 
 Hans. I sings no songs. 
 
 //. Come, Hans, a song hie for auld-hic lang syne. 
 Hans. I nefer trinks dot 1 Vat ist dot ? 
 
 Enter Guzzle, L. 
 
 Walter. Hello, Guzzle ! where have you been ? I've not seen you 
 for two whole hours. 
 
 Guzzle. I've had a little private cipherin' to do to-day, 
 Walter. Got something on the string ? 
 
 Guzzle. Ves ! 
 
 H . Boys, let's take something. {Fu?nbles in his vest pocket.) I've 
 just five dollars left, but that will last till my friends ante again. Jolly 
 good friends I have- hie. There's Dick Trustham-hic. He gave me 
 this. Jolly old boy, Dick is. Come ! 
 
 Walter. My motto is never refuse wine in Paris. 
 
 Guzzle. Nor whiskey in Cork I 
 
 Loafer. {^Looking up from cards.) The divil ye say ! Bad luck 
 to ye. 
 
 H. What'll you have, boys ? {Beckons to Loafers in R.) Come 
 on, and be social. {All rush up eagerly^ and drink.) 
 
 Walter. Heartsease, give us a song. 
 
 H. By Jove ! I will. Why didn't I think of that sooner ? {Sings 
 in a boisterous manner.) 
 
 " When I was sing^le I made the money jingle, 
 And the world went so easy with me then, O then." 
 
 Billy. See here. Jack Heartsease, if you are going to make a night 
 of it, go somewhere else, and don't disturb a decent neighborhood. 
 
 Walter. Ha ! ha ! Let's drink to the virtues that flourish under 
 the roof of the " Shades." 
 
 ist Loafer. See here ! That point is mine. 
 
 2d Loafer. No it ain't — the last trick was mine ! 
 
 ist Loafer. You 'nigged ! 
 
 2d Loafer. Your' e a liar! 
 
 1st Loafer. You're a cheating blackguard ! ( They begin to fight. ) 
 
 Walter. Go it, plug-uglies ? 
 
 Billy. Look here ! you knock-kneed mule-drivers ! I won't have 
 this row. {Separates them.) 
 
 Enter C ntwell, L. 
 
 C. What a shocking rin^ht for the eyes of an enlightened gene- 
 ration ! 
 
 Guzzle. Of vipers ! Won't you take something ? 
 
 C. Young men, " Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging." 
 " Flee from the wrath to come," I come to you on a mission of mercy, 
 in the name of temperance. 
 
 Walter. A lamb among wolves ! {All laugh.) 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP. 133 
 
 C. Young men, this levity is indeed dreadful among those who are 
 hanging on the brink of such a fearlul precipice. Listen to the voice of 
 truth, and follow the light of reason. 
 
 Billy. Old man, give us a rest on your preachin'. I guess the light 
 of your reason is nothin' but a tallow dip in a tin lantern. 
 
 C. Alas ! are the sacrifices of myself and Mr. Trustham in your be- 
 half all in vain ? 
 
 Guzzle. Don't mention your eftbrts in the same breath with Dick 
 Trustham's. His are at a premium, but your pesky old paper is pro- 
 tested long ago. You like scripture, — I'll give you a text. " Woe 
 unto you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye devour widows' 
 houses, and for a pretense make long prayers.'" You know the rest. 
 Hadn't you better lower your rents before you talk temperance? Re- 
 form like charity begins at home. 
 
 C. {Groans.) Oh, Lord. " They are a perverse generation." Pity 
 these poor blind worms. 
 
 Walter. Deacon, we've heard that about the worms before. 
 
 Billy. Don't worry the poor reptiles and cast up their blindness. 
 They were made blind on purpose so they could'nt see the sins of a 
 preverse generation. Tell us about the wolf in sheep's clothing. This 
 is an experience meetin'. 
 
 C. ( Groans. ) Ripe for destruction ! {Exit L,) 
 
 Enter Pewtermugg, Z. 
 
 P. Heard the news, boys ? 
 
 H. News? Yes-hie; the 'Spress Co-hic-ompany was robbed last 
 night. 
 
 P. Fudge ! Do you call that news ? They've found out who 
 did it ! 
 
 H. Hie- 1 knew that at first. 
 
 P. What ! Who did you think it was ? 
 
 H. The thief, of course ! Gimme 'nother c'nundrum. 
 
 P. Pah! dolt! 
 
 Walter. Who was it, Pewtermugg? 
 
 P. Charlie Winslow! 
 
 All. Charlie Winslow ! 
 
 H. It's too bad. Charlie was a brick at readin' tracts, after he 
 signed. 
 
 Walter. I don't believe it. Winslow was proud of his honor. 
 
 P. And honor requires a man to pay stakes lost. 
 
 Billy. I'm not surprised. Winslow gambled freely. I wouldn't 
 trust him. 
 
 P. Nor I. 
 
 Guzzle. Bill Stoughton, you're a liar and a coward. But it's jest 
 like your sneakin' natur', to strike a man when he's down or drunk. 
 
 Billy. {Blustering.) What's that you say ? 
 
 Guzzle. Oh, don't bluster ! I said you lied, and I'll prove it, 
 if you want me to. 
 
 Billy. Look out, Guzzle ! Don't aggravate me, or you'll rue it. 
 I've seen him gamble, and I'll leave it to Weston. He seen him. 
 
 P. I've seen him lose. 
 
134 THE SPARKLING ^CUP. 
 
 Waiter. 1 never saw him lose very heavily. 
 
 Guzzle. There ! Billy Stoughton, I told you you lied. You are 
 always stickin' in your short spoons where ihey don't belong. 
 Billy. Do you call me a liar ? 
 Guzzle. Don't hzz over like a pop-bottle. Of course I did. 
 
 Enter Stoughton, leading Freddie, L. 
 
 Stoughton. Boys 1 won't have this row. 1 keep a respectable house. 
 
 Guzzle. The devil prides himself on respectability. Nothin' low 
 about him. 
 
 Stoughton. What do you mean ? Is that an insult ? 
 
 Guzzle. No, no. I was only givin' the devil his due. That's all. 
 
 H. Why ! here's Freddie. How are you-hic, bub ? Your visits 
 here are like hie angels', 
 
 Stoughton Yes ; his mother don't allow him to come to the saloon. 
 She's afraid it will spoil him. One of her notions, you know. I hu- 
 mor her in it, for Freddie's her boy, and Billy's mine. 
 
 P. That accounts for their difference in taste. 
 
 Loafer. Here, Freddie, have a drop of my toddy. 
 
 Freddie. Thank you, sir ; but mamma says I mustn't taste 
 strong drink. 
 
 P. Better take her advice, sonny. 
 
 Loafer. Niver a bit will it hurt ye. 
 1^ Guzzle. Curse the man that will tempt a child with whiskey ! 
 
 Loafer. Faith ! an' it's yersilf that's badly fuddled, or ye wouldn't 
 make sich an uncivil spache. 
 
 Guzzle. Would you have him like yourself and myself — objects of 
 contempt to decent people? I'd a darnation sight rather bury him, if 
 he was my boy. 
 
 Walter. Why! what ails you. Guzzle? Blow me! if you don't 
 make a good temperance lecturer. You need something to steady your 
 nerves. Set 'em up, Billy. Come, Heartsease, and Pewtermugg. 
 
 Guzzle. Guess I will. Maybe it will help to smother the devdment 
 I feel in me to-night, bigger'n a dray-mule. Gimme red-eye. 
 
 H. Sheet iron lockjaw ! 
 
 P. A little whiskey-sour ! 
 
 Walter. I'll take brandy straight. Here's to the genial proprietor 
 of the *' Shades !" {They drink , H,'s hand trembles so thai he cannot 
 bring the glass to his f/iouth. He takes his handkerchief, holds one end 
 in the right hand, puts the other round his neck, dra-vs up the glass, 
 and drinks.) 
 
 Billy. There's a trick worth knowin' ! Sleight-of-hand ! 
 
 Walter. Necessity is the mother of invention. 
 
 H. I don't feel just right. My nerves ain't steady-hic. I felt so 
 once before. It's almighty queer. 
 
 Loafer. (Aside.) Snakes in his boots ! 
 
 Guzzle. Let me take you home. 
 
 P. Better take care of yourself first. 
 
 Guzzle. Oh ! I can take care of myself, and some other people I 
 know, too. 
 
 Enter Little Girl, wko sings. 
 
THE vSPARKLING CUP. 135 
 
 SONG.— Air, 'The Beggar Girl."* 
 
 Over the pavements, and in at each door, 
 
 Hungary and barefoot I wander forlorn; 
 My father is dead, and my mother is poor, 
 
 And she gfrieves for the davs that will never return.' 
 
 Pity, kind g^entlemen, friends of humanity. 
 Cold blows the wind and the storm rng-es on ; 
 
 .Give me some alms for my mother for charity; 
 Give me some alms, and then I will be gfone. 
 
 Call me not vagfnbond ; wine the defiler, 
 
 Darkened the home that was hnppv and brigfhl, 
 
 Poor father! he followed the artful bepruiler. 
 Lonelv and weary I'm bepg^ing- to-night. 
 Pity, kind gentlemen, etc. 
 
 Think, while vou revel so careless and free. 
 
 Secure from the wind, and well clothed and fed; 
 
 Should fortune so change it, how hard it would be 
 To beg at a door for a morse! of bread. 
 Pity, kind gentlemen, etc. 
 
 Freddie. Little girl, let me pass round and collect for you. 
 Papa, mayn't I put in the quarter Ma gave me to buy candy? {Drop^ 
 quarter into his hat, and starts around the room.) 
 
 Stouirhton. A penny is quite enough, my son. Don't be extrava- 
 gant, even in your alms. 
 
 Freddie. But she needs it. Papa — she's so poor. I'll do without 
 candy. {^A few throiu in pennies, 7uhich Freddie hands to her.) 
 
 Little Girl. Thank you so much ! You'r so good. 
 
 Billy. Her old daddy will have plenty of punch to-night. 
 
 Little Girl. Please, sir, my father is dead. 
 
 Billy. We've heard that story before, you little reprobate. Now 
 get out. 
 
 Walter. Let her stay, Billy. 
 
 Billy. [Comes from behind the bar, and pushes her toiuard door, 
 L.) Get out! — this is no tramps' lodging-house. 
 
 Stoughton. She'll go directly, Billy. 
 
 Billy. She'll go now. If I've got to keep bar here, I'll keep it 
 quiet. If you don't like that, old boss, just keep your own bar. 
 [Pushes her toward door.) 
 
 Guzzle. Touch that girl again, and I'll knock you into Jamaica, you 
 white-livered coward, you ! {Steps before Billy.) 
 
 Freddie. {Rushes bet^veen Billy and the Little GirL^ Please 
 don't, Billy. 
 
 Billy. Guzzle, we'll soon see who's boss here — you or me ! {Seizes 
 bottle from counter, and attempts to strike Guzzle. Latter wards off 
 blow, and strikes Billy, who staggers, and wildly strikes at Guzzi.E, 
 but hits Freddie with the bottle. Freddie falls, crying, " Billy, 
 /';// killed — don't hit her! ") 
 
 [*] Adapted, from "The Beggar Girl," by permission qf the publishers, 
 Messrs. Oliver Ditson & Co, 
 
136 THE SPARKLING CUP. 
 
 Stoughton. {Rushing forward.) Rash boy ! What have you done ? 
 
 Billy. It wasn't my fault. I didn't see him. 
 
 .Stoughton. {Kneels on the floor, C ; draius Freddie's head upon 
 his knees.) Speak, dnrling ! Are you hurt? My God! — he has 
 ceased to breathe ! He is dead ! Killed by his own brother! .Yiea.\tn 
 pity his mother ! Oh ! wife was it for this that we reared children — to 
 fall by each other's hands ? {Rises, and lays the body carefully upon 
 the floor. ) My sins cry out against me ! Oh, God ! why have you 
 struck him, instead of me ? I deserved it. ( Wrings his hands.) Oh, 
 this is too hard to bear ! 
 
 Guzzle. The fruits of Rum ! God forgive me, and I'll never drink 
 another drop ! 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 Scene II. Room in Heartsease's house. Windoxus in flat, L and 
 R; furniture scanty and meatt, indicating great poverty: sofa R ; 
 table C; chairs R and L; Mrs. H. and Susie sitting by table 
 sewing. 
 
 Mrs. H. Oh, when will your father return ? Will nothing restore 
 him to his senses ? Alcohol has maddened him, and nightly he adds 
 to the burden of shame which has blasted his once fair name, and sunk 
 us into the lowest depths of povertv. Verily, strong drink is a 
 demon which possesses the soul and enslaves the body of its victims. 
 
 Susie. Dear mother, is there no hope for father ? 
 
 Mrs. H. Alas ! I see none. His business has passed into other 
 hands, his property scarcely sufficed to meet the demands of his credit- 
 ors. Everything went wrong, after your grandfather's death. Had it 
 not been for Mr. Wishall's good management, we should not have 
 even this house — robbed, as it is, of all that makes home pleasant, and 
 shared by those who were formerly our servants. 
 
 Susie. {At window, L, looking out.) I cannot hear him yet. 
 
 Mrs. H. He is later than usual, to-night. 1 fear something has 
 happened. To-night he is revehng on the generosity of Mr. Trustham. 
 I fear our few remaining friends will be obliged to abandon us to our 
 fate. But I shall never cease to labor in the cause of temperance. 
 
 Enter Katrina, L. 
 
 Katrina. 1st Meester Heartsease home yet ? 
 
 Mrs. H. No. Why do you ask ? 
 
 Katrina. Hans has peen home more as an hour. I'll ask him if 
 he saw your huspand. {Exit L.) 
 
 Mrs. H. Oh ! that I could persuade him to turn from his ways. 
 Arguments that I daily use upon others, avail naught with him. His 
 only answer is, " My honor's gone, and a man without honor is not 
 worth saving." 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP. 137 
 
 Enter H. L; he stares around the room, then advances toward C. 
 
 H. {Staring at Mrs. H.) Are you ready, Hattie ? I've kept you 
 waiting, have I ? Forgive me, won't you ? But get your bonnet and 
 shawl. We must go. 
 
 Mrs. H. Go where ? 
 
 Susie. What ails you, father? 
 
 H. Hurry up ! They're pursuing us. 
 
 Mrs. H. Lord help us ! He has*|the delirium I There's nobody 
 pursuing you, John. 
 
 .Susie. Be quiet, father ! No one shall harm you. 
 
 H. There ! I told you they would get me I (Glares under sofa, R.) 
 See that fire ! {Points.) See it ! See ! There's a firey serpent 
 in it! He's come for me ! His master's coming, too ! They're com- 
 n g ! See ! {Points.) See that demon I His head is a ball of fire ! 
 His arms are large snakes I {Retreats a step.) Save me, wife ! Susie 
 help me! They've got me! (Drops on the floor, and 7vrithes in 
 agonies.) Take them off ! They're strangling me! {Clutches at his 
 throat, as if pulling off a foe.) (Mrs. H. at door, L, calls, "Mr. 
 Gipfel!") 
 
 Hans a^id Katrina rush in, L, 
 
 Hans. Mine Gott ! Schnakes in his poots ! 
 
 Susie. Help him,'Mr. Gipfel ! 
 
 Hans. Ach ! He gets himself better pooty quick ! (II. sits upright 
 on the floor.) 
 
 Mrs. H. There, you're better, John ! 
 
 Susie. Poor father ! We will protect you. They are gone now. 
 
 fSLOW CURTAIN. 
 
 Scene I. Room in H.'s house, same as in last scene of Act IV; 
 
 seated, M^s. Heartsease, R of table : Trustham, L of table ; 
 
 Heartsease standing before Trustham, C. 
 
 H. Mr. Trustham, I can never express my gratitude for what you 
 have done for me. 
 
 Trustham. Pooh, John Heartsease ! I have done very little, and 
 that was my duty. Thank your wife for your return to reason. 
 
 H. Yes, dear wife, I do' indeed owe it to you that I am still alive, 
 and within reach of hope. I never can repay the devotion that you 
 and Susie have lavished upon me. 
 
 Mrs. H. My reward is great, a husband saved. 
 
 H. Wife, daughter, I've been your unkindest enemy. I've made 
 you beggars. I've ruined my prospects, and alienated my friends. 
 But,Jthank God ! my best friends, a loving wife and a dear daughter, 
 
138 THE SPARKTJNG Cl'P. 
 
 are still spared to me. Mr. Trustham, let me at least thank yoii for 
 your untiring interest in my behalf, e^en when I heaped insult upon 
 you. {Takes Trustham's hand, rveeps^ I have even wasted, for 
 drink, money which you gave my dear wife to buy our bread. Can 
 you forgive me ? 
 
 Trustham. It's all forgiven. Try to forget that, and let your mind 
 dwell on the future. There is much in store for you yet. 
 
 H. I will do as you ask. Last night's horrid delirium has aroused 
 me to a sense of my awful danger. If that terrible scene is ever 
 repeated, I am lost forever. Ugh ! It makes rne shudder to think of it. 
 
 Mrs. H. Husband, will you pledge yourself again ? 
 
 H . Yes, dear wife ; to-night I will publicly sign the pledge, and 
 ake a stand for sf)briety again. I know, alas ! my weakness, now. and 
 T also know who are my friends. I trust I may stand firm this time. 
 
 Trustham. I trust you may. Friends are ready to assist you. I 
 shall meet you at the temperance 'ooms this evening. {Exit />.) 
 
 Mrs. H. Oh, husband ! my joy is greater than T dared to hope. 
 
 Susie. Father, I'm so glad ! 
 
 H. I have most reason to be happy, for what joy is greater 'ban 
 seeing the happiness of loved ones! {Clasps^ them\in his arms: 
 soft ffiusi^. "Home, S7t:eet f/ome.^^"^ 
 
 SLOW CURTAIN 
 
 Scene II. Temperance rcadinQ-room: Jong reading- table. /?, with 
 books and papers : filefi of papers on walls : President's stand rear: 
 small table front of it^ ivith ink. pens, etc: appropriate tem- 
 perance mottoes on the walls : standing round small table, as 
 curtain rises, Mrs. H., Susie, H., Trustham, and Pewtermugg. 
 
 P. So you have concluded to lead a new life. I hear, Mr. 
 Heartsease. 
 
 H. I am determined to try, and will sign the pledge this evening. 
 
 P. That's right! I'm glad to see the good work go on. \^'e 
 need it. God speed it ! 
 
 ^«/,?r WiNSLow and Mrs. Winslow. 
 
 H. Mrs. Winslow, I shall redeem my promise. 
 
 Mrs. W. Heaven be praised for that ! It lightens somewhat my 
 own great grief. 
 
 Susie. Mr. Winslow, I'm so glad to see you. (Offers him 
 her hand.) 
 
 Winslow. Thank you. To \\^zr you say so, is joy to one in despair. 
 
 Trustham. Cheer up, Charles; all may yet be well. You have 
 good friends. 
 
 P. Can I do anything ? I'm willing to Xry. 
 
 Susie. Thank you, Mr. Pewtermugg! Thank you. 
 
 Winslow. I don't see how you can do anything. You did not see 
 anybody take the express pouch last night. It's a dark case for me, I 
 presume I shall be arrested before morning. 
 
 p. {/isidf.) Ha! you're in the toils to stajr, 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP. 139 
 
 Mrs. H. To think that my boy should be accused of robbery ! Oh, 
 the disgrace ! 
 
 H. It is a sad affair, but let us hope for the best ! 
 
 Triisthani. Mr. Heartsease, you may now inscribe your name in 
 this book. I will read the pledge. {Reads.) " I do solemnly prom- 
 ise to abstain from all use of all intoxicating liquors all the rest of my 
 life. Lord help me." 
 
 P. Mr. Trustham, I have never signed this 7texv pledge. I will do 
 so now. I wish to contribute my mite of influence toward the good 
 cause. 
 
 Tricstha?n. Certainly, Mr. Pewtermugg. By all means, sign it. 
 {As Pewtermugg is about to sign, entei- Vo\ACE.UA.i<i, foil owed by Guz- 
 zle, WiSHALL, and Hans. Mrs. Winslow lays her hand on the 
 Policeman's arm, entreatingly.) You have come to arrest him. Please 
 have mercy. Do not blast his fair name. I plead not for myself. He 
 is young, and has all his life before him. 
 
 Officer. Madam, I must do my duty. 
 
 Guzzle. Mrs. Winslow, I reckon you've made a slight mistake. 
 This is the chap the policeman's lookin' for. {Points to P.) Well, I 
 swow ! What's he up to now? 'Taint no use, old boy! I calc'late 
 they'll put you where there'll be no temptation to drink anything stronger 
 than Adam's ale. Reckon they'll keep you tight enough, without 
 whiskey. 
 
 P. {Greatly agitated.) What do you mean, fellow ? 
 
 Officer. It means that you are charged with robbing the American 
 Express Company of ^25,000. 
 
 P. {Pretending coolness.) This is all gammon ! I suppose you 
 are at the bottom of it, Wishall. Remember, I can play at that too, 
 on a little account of yours. 
 
 Wishall. I suppose you refer to my business relations with the late 
 Mr. Ledger, I shall settle that with his partner. John Heartsease, 
 I owe you $5,000. Pardon an erring man ! 
 
 P. Fool ! what do you mean ? Put yourself behind a grating, if 
 you choose. 
 
 H. Mr. Wishall, I understand it all. Mr. Ledger informed me 
 that he intended to pay you the amount you name. He died before 
 doing so. A check purporting to be drawn by him was presented by 
 you for payment, and proved, on close examination, to be a forgery. I 
 declined to push the matter, because you had, by years of faithful labor, 
 earned far more than that paltry sum.' It is yours, and you are welcome 
 to it, though your course was so wrong that I could not admit you as a 
 partner, as I intended doing. 
 
 W. ( With feeling.) And he is the friend who concealed my 
 crime, instead of yourself, base wretch ! 
 
 P. Wishall, are you not equally a base wretch, in betraying what 
 you acceded to ? Traitor ! 
 
 W. I revealed nothing. Should I reveal one-tenth part of your 
 villainy the world would stand amazed. 
 
 P. {Draws a pistol.) Then you will never reveal it. (Officer 
 rt?z<^ Guzzle seize him and handcnf him ; vjomen scream.) 
 
 Hans. Py himmel ! dot bistol might shoot himself off pooty quick. 
 
I40 THE SPARKLING CUP. 
 
 Guzzle. {To P.) Now Boss, I guess we're even! I'll not let 
 Wishall have all the credit of this little job. I've had a crow to pick 
 with you ever since you turned my father and mother out of one of your 
 shanties into the winter's storm. You struck me, because I said you 
 were mean. It ain't always safe to strike a boy, because you can. 
 
 P. What's that to do with the present ? 
 
 Guzzle. Oh, I havn't finished yet ! Maybe you would like 
 to know how I found out that you hired a boy to steal an old express 
 p )uch from the office? An' p'raps, you'd like to know why I followed 
 you up to the depot, that dark night, when the night express came in ? 
 i wa'n't far away when you jumped into the express wagon along with 
 Charlie Winslow, and gave him a nice Havana, to pass away time, an' 
 then threw out the sack in the dark, and slipped your old stuffed one in 
 on the seat beside Charlie. You're darned cute, Mr. Pewtermugg; but, 
 remember that Guzzle's head has something in it, beside the effects of 
 forty-rod whiskey! 
 
 Officer. Come. Mr. Pewtermugg, I must escort you to prison, 
 
 P. Belter death, than such disgrace ! Ruined forever ! {Exeunt L.) 
 
 Mrs. H. Can this be true, or is it a dream? Mr. Pewtermugg was 
 a man of such exemplary morals and excellent habiis, that his fall has 
 made me distrustful of — I had almost said, all mankind. 
 
 Trustham. After all, I always half suspected him to l;e a sly, 
 canting hypocrite. 
 
 Mrs. W. Oh, Charles, what a narrow escape you have had ! 
 
 Winsloiv. And it seems I am indebted to Guzzle for deliverance. 
 
 Susie. Mr. Guzzle, we will never forget that service ! 
 
 Guzzle. To serve you, Miss Susie, is reward enough, without thanks. 
 
 W. Winslow, forgive me for being an accomplice in the plot for 
 your ruin, for I was an accomplice, in not warning you and advising you 
 to beware of the allurements of wine, and the villainies of Pewtermugg. 
 W. I forgive you ! I was most to blame. I thank God, I have 
 escaped destruction ! I shudder at the dark plot, which my impru- 
 dence has made possible. Never again will I taste intoxicating 
 liquors ! (Signs the fledge. ) 
 
 Hans. Meester Trustham, I p'lieve I signs dot bledge I Dese 
 Yankee trinks make me feel so schtupid, oond, would you p'lieves it ? 
 Last night I dreamed of schnakes, oond I told Katrina dees morgens 
 dot r signs dot bledge eef she would. [Signs.) We'll trink frish 
 vasser for a shpell. 
 
 Enter L, Walter Weston aud Stoughtox. 
 
 Stoughton. I've come to sign the pledge. 
 
 Trustham . Nobly said! Stoughton, you're too much of a man for 
 such a vile traffic. 
 
 Stoughton An accursed traffic ! It has ruined my family. One 
 of my poor boys lies to-day in his coffin, and the other, alas ! is worse 
 off. Rum was the destroyer. I'll never sell another drop, or encour- 
 age a human being to partake of the cruel poison, (Signs the fledge.) 
 Walter, take my advice — stop in time. (Exit L.) 
 
 Trustham. There is the pledge for all. Who else will sign ? 
 
THE SPARKLING CUP. 141 
 
 Walter. Guzzle, I'll sign it if you will. I think we've drank enough. 
 
 If murder and villainy follow wine, I will not follow it in their 
 
 company. 
 
 Trnstham. There is no fitter time to turn to the right. 
 
 Guzzle. I've made up my mind to sign the pledge, Walter, and I'm 
 
 glad you have, too. (Walter and Guzzle sign) I guess this crowd 
 
 has sowed about enough wild oats to get up a reputation. I'm goin' 
 
 to be a man, or sell out my canoe and quit . (^All sign) 
 Mrs. H. Guzzle give me your hand ! {They shake hands.) 
 H. {Signs.) Would that this stroke of the pen were a release from 
 
 the memories of the past ! Let us stand united against the tempter in 
 
 the future, and strive to rescue the perishing. 
 
 MUSIC— SLOW CURTAIN. 
 
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