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KANCY 
 
 ■ AND 
 
 COMPANY 
 
 iJV ECCENTRIC PIECE IN FOUR ACTS 
 
 (Fboh the German of KOSEN) 
 
 BT 
 
 AUGUSTIN DALY 
 
 As First Acted at Daly's Theatre, Wedmesdat, Febrtjart 34, 1886 
 
 NEW YORK, 1886 
 Phintkd as Manxtscbipt for the Author 
 

 COPTBIOHT, 1S85, 
 
 By ATJGTTSTIN DALY. 
 
 TROWS 
 
 PRmTlNQ AND BOOKBINOINO COMPANV, 
 
 NEW YOftK. 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 THE FIRM. 
 
 Original Cast at Daly'i Theatre, 1886. 
 
 MR. EBENBZER GRIFFING : a Caution and a Warning to Par- 
 ents and Guardians Mr. James Lewis 
 
 KEIPE O'KEIFE, Esq., in thrall to the " Griffing," as well as to 
 
 his fair Niece Mk. John Drew 
 
 CAPTAIN PAUL RENSELLER, U.S.A., laying siege to the 
 "Griffing's" daughter, and to the "GrifEng" him- 
 self Mr. Otis Skinnek 
 
 YOUNG MR. SIKES STOGKSLOW: a "Lamb" from the 
 
 Street Mr. George Parkes 
 
 TIPPY BRASHER: a well-managed husband.. Mr. William Gilbert 
 
 JULIUS : a bell-boy at the Windsor Mr. John Wood 
 
 MRS. HULDAH DANGERY : a species of " Safety Deposit 
 
 Company " for a valuable Niece Mrs. G. H. Gilbert 
 
 ORIANA : her Daughter and his Niece Miss Virginia Drbher 
 
 DAISY GRIFFING: his Daughter and her Niece .. Miss Edith Kingdon 
 
 BETSY : the " new girl " at Grifang's Miss May Irwin 
 
 NANCY BRASHER Miss Ada Rehan 
 
 \* The action of the piece is comprised within eleven hours. 
 
 ACT L— NOON ! The Scent of the Jessamine ! 
 
 ACT IL— AFTERNOON ! The Firm of NANCY & CO. gets into Hot 
 Water. 
 
 ACT IIL— EVENING ! Several People are made to " Toe " the Mark. 
 
 ACT IV.— MIDNIGHT ! Love's labor's won exactly as you like it, and 
 all's well that ends well after The Tempest. 
 
ACT, I. 
 
 Scene : — Reception room at Geiffing's. Arch l. c. for gen- 
 eral entrance. A window down l., above it a door lead- 
 ing to Daisy's room; at r. down stage, a door leading to 
 O'Keife's room ; at b. c. up stage an arch leading to 
 Geiffing's apiartnients ; a mantel and fireptlace, c. In c. 
 a table, sofa at r., and easy-chairs at l. ; an air of luxury 
 about everything. 
 
 The curtain rises to a lively air {BouHd Sojer Boy). Door- 
 bell is heard to ring. Betsy crosses at back from e. c. to 
 L. c, and preiently re-enters followed by Captain Ren- 
 
 SELLEE. 
 
 Captain. Mr. Griffing at home ? 
 
 Betsy. Yis sor — what name, p] ease ? 
 
 Captain. Captain Renseller ! \_Putting his hat down c. and 
 looking at Betsy.] Ah ! you're a new girl. 
 
 Betsy. I've only been here since yisterday afternoon, sor. 
 
 Captain. Exactly, otherwise you would know me. Take in 
 my name, please. [Betsy exits e. c. He sees her off, then 
 hurries to the mantel, looks into the vase and says, delighted.] 
 A letter ! Daisy is an angel. [Jt^isses and pockets the letter ; 
 then produces another from his pocket.'] Here's one by return 
 post. [Puts it into the vase.]. Be faithful to us, beloved let- 
 ter-box, and let nobody else appropriate your contents. Some 
 one coming! \^Crosses to c. hurriedly and sits 'l. c.; Betsy 
 and (jKiTYYfiG enter at e. c. Renseller sjfrings up to meet 
 hitii.] Ah ! my dear Mr. Griffing, good morning. 
 
 Griffing. \_A very excitable ynan / constantly moving / full 
 of sarcastic humor ; at 2}resent his tone denotes inward anger, 
 although he speaks very politely.] Good morning, Captain. 
 [Betsy exits.] 
 
 Captain. Allow me to shake your honest hand. 
 
 Griffing. \_JEvading the shake.] Yes, exactly. \_Forced 
 shake.] What can I do for you this morning ? 
 
 Capitain. I merely looked in to ask after your health. 
 
 Griffing. Humph ! you are too kind. You've done the 
 same thing every day for three months. 
 
 Captain. Until it has become an affectionate necessity. 
 
6 NANCT AND COMPANY. 
 
 Griffing. You're too good. Don't trouble yourself any 
 longer. I've enjoyed the best of health— for years. 
 
 Captain. When I first met you, three months ago, you 
 seemed indisposed. Miss Daisy thought so too. 
 
 Griffing. You seem to attach a great deal of importance 
 to my daughter's opinions. 
 
 Captain. The greatest importance. 
 
 Griffing. Indeed ! Well, since you come right out, so will 
 I. Please be seated. YBoth sit.^ 
 
 Captain. You're very kind. 
 
 Griffing. You were introduced to us last summer at Sara- 
 toga, by an old friend of mine. 
 
 Captain. Yes, Judge Moob}'. I can never repay him. 
 
 Griffing. Nor I either. Since that time you have followed 
 us as if we were your flag. 
 
 Captain. I was drawn irresistibly. 
 
 Griffing. But I observed that you generally came to see 
 me when I was out. 
 
 Captain. That was my misfortune. 
 
 Griffing. And you preferred to converse with me through 
 the intermediary of my daughter. 
 
 Captain. I wanted to make my comminiications as agree- 
 able as possible. 
 
 Griffing. Thanks for j'our consideration. As I was blind 
 enough not to appreciate your attachment to me, I left the 
 Springs and returned to tlie city. 
 
 Captain. It was a hard blow. 
 
 Griffing. Which you parried strategically — by following 
 us. 
 
 Captain. I have six months' leave of absence. 
 
 Griffing. And nothing to do but inquire after my health. 
 
 Captain. It is a pleasure, not a duty. 
 
 Griffing. [TJises.] Stuff! 
 
 Captain. Stuff, my dear Mr. 
 
 Griffing. Stuff and nonsense ! Whenever we meet, we 
 feed each other with polite phrases. I, because you're a 
 gentleman and an officer ; you, because Daisy is my daughter. 
 Now let's drop all that and speak our honest sentiments. 
 
 Gap>tain. \^Rises^ I ask nothing better. 
 
 Griffing. Now, your honest sentiment is about this : " I 
 don't care a rap for you, old fellow — all I want is Daisy." 
 
 Captain. \^Admiringly.'\ How on earth did you- ? 
 
 Griffing. Guess it ? Because my sentiment is simply 
 this: "No popinjay in uniform shall have my daughter!" 
 [ Crosses, n.] 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 7 
 
 United States — a small but respectable class of citizens. 
 [Sits L. of table.] 
 
 Griffitig. Heaven forbid that I should insult our small 
 but respectable army. I love the army — and the navy, too. 
 I'm the first to appreciate them in times of war, street riots, or 
 other dangers. But not when I want to marry my daughter. 
 
 Captain. What objection have you to me ? 
 
 Griffing. Because you're a sad dog. 
 
 Captain. Oh ! oh ! 
 
 Griffing. I've been making inquiries about you. Your 
 father has had to pay your debts twice. You're fond of 
 champagne, cards, and sport generally. 
 
 Captain. I'll reform. 
 
 Griffing. My son, we never reform, I know. I've been a 
 sad dog in my day, too. 
 
 Captain. You too ? 
 
 Griffing. Me too. 
 
 Captain. Impossible ! 
 
 Griffing. That is, in theory. 
 
 Captain. Oh ! you've been a sad dog in theory only. 
 
 Griffing. Yes. [Jienseller laughs.] Just as I was about 
 to be engulfed by the vortex of folly, I was saved by a lucid 
 interval. 
 
 Captain. Indeed ! and what particular folly were you 
 most inclined to? 
 
 Griffing. Being a widower, my folly was beauty. If it 
 hadn't been for my lucid intervals, I should have been lost. 
 
 Captain. How singular ! That's my particular folly, too. 
 How did yoic save yourself? 
 
 Griffing. My treatment wouldn't do you any good. You 
 haven't the moral strength. But it's no secret. Whenever I 
 found myself bewitched by the siren of the hour, I procured 
 her photograph. 
 
 Captain. Her photograph ? That's nothing extraordinary. 
 
 Griffing. \_Artfully.] But what did I do with these pho- 
 tographs ? [Paaise.] I put them into an album. 
 
 Captain. Even that has been attempted before. 
 
 Griffing. Now comes the point. In my lucid intervals, I 
 placed my own portrait next that in the album, and contem- 
 plated the two side by side. Then I pictured myself taking 
 the adored one to the altar as my second wife. In a moment 
 1 could hear the comments of my acquaintances — the pity, the 
 sarcasm, the contempt, the derision ! — until I got so furious 
 that I alvvays tore out my own picture and tossed it into the 
 fire. And that's the way I managed to remain a widower. 
 [ Walks up and down.] Which is the main thing. 
 
8 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Captain. [^Eying him through his glass.] It isn't every- 
 body can do that successfully. You have the advantage of 
 most men. 
 
 Griffing. I have a great advantage, for I know that I am 
 neither handsome nor young. But I'm not reformed. I spend 
 a lot of money on photographs yet. I've got ten albums full. 
 I keep the last under lock and key. 
 
 Captain. [Hising.] Well, in your case that's a very harm- 
 less amusement. But now, to go back to our starting-place. 
 
 Griffing. Well ? 
 
 Captain. You deny me every hope ? 
 
 Griffing. I won't trust my daughter with you. [ Crosses, 
 L.] You're too great a favorite with the fair sex. I won't 
 have my girl devoured by jealousy. 
 
 Captain. Is that your only reason ? 
 
 Griffing. No. I've promised her to somebody else. 
 
 Captain. Oh ! old and ugly ? 
 
 Griffing. No, but not dangerous. Nobody could possibly 
 try to deprive her of any part of his affection. 
 
 Captain. Who is he ? 
 
 Griffing. I suppose you want to frighten him off. 
 
 Captain. Certainly not — if Miss Daisy loves him. 
 
 Griffing. Daisy is a child — and loves toys. He will buy 
 her richer toys than yoM could. [ Crosses, e.] So don't waste 
 your precious time. Give us up. 
 
 Captaiti. Am I never to ask after your health again ? 
 
 Griffing. Not for the present. When Daisy is married, 
 you may resume if you care to. 
 
 Captain. Thanks ! Thanks ! And now, farewell forever. 
 
 Griffing. [Shaking his hand.] If you wish to be happy, 
 break yourself of being so attractive. 
 
 Captain. [Shaking his hand.] You will think with some 
 regret of me when I am at a distance. 
 
 Griffiiig. The greater the distance — the less the regret. 
 
 Captain. Farewell ! Farewell, — farewell ! [Exits, L. c] 
 
 Griffing. Well, I've got rid of that pest at last. Now he's 
 out we'll keep him out. [ Touches bell on table.] 
 
 Setsy. [Entering, l. c] Was it you was afther ringing, 
 sor ? 
 
 Griffing. [Aside.] Yes. [Struck by Tier appearance — after 
 a pause.] Our new girl ! Remarkably pretty. Quite an air, 
 too. 
 
 Betsy. Was it you rung, sor ? 
 
 Griffing. You saw tliat military gentleman who just left ? 
 
 Jietsy. Yis, sor, I seed him. 
 
 Griffing. I'm never at home when he calls. 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 9 
 
 Betsi/. Yis, sor ! [ Going.'] 
 
 Griffing. Stop a moment. \^^Yalkmg round her.] How- 
 do you like your new place ? 
 
 Jjetsy. Oh ! I think I'll like it very much, sor. 
 
 Grijfing. Indeed ! 
 
 Hetsy. I think I'd better be going, sor. 
 
 Griffing. \Gruffly.] Ugh ! Don't be scared. I want to 
 speak to my daughter. 
 
 lietsij. Shall I call Miss Daisy ? [ Cro««es, l. ] 
 
 Grijfing. Yes. [£etsg goes.] Stop a moment more. 
 [Smiles at her.] 
 
 JBetsy. [Hesitating, astonished.] Ye — yes — sor ! 
 
 Griffing. [Beckons her to him. She steps back timidly.] 
 Have you got a photograph ? 
 
 Betsy. S — sor ? 
 
 Griffing. It is a rule of my house, not only to require cer- 
 tificates of character with my servants, but their photographs 
 as well. So if 3'ou haven't one already, go and have your 
 portrait taken at once at my expense. 
 
 Betsy. [Blubbers.] It's not a thief that I am, and I won't 
 be stuck up in the Rogues' Gallery. 
 
 Griffin. [Laughs.] Pooh ! [Sweetly.] It's only a mark 
 of regard for my faithful domestics. 
 
 Betsy. [Aside:'] Well, I never ! Did you ever hear the 
 bate ov that ? I wonder if he's in earnest. [Exits, L.] 
 
 Griffing. Pull up, Ebenezer ! I begin to feel myself drawn 
 in by the vortex. Oh, beauty — beauty ! Even in the house- 
 maid thou art omnipotent. 
 
 Daisy. [Entering \..v>., with Betsy.] You want me, papa? 
 [Drawling tone.] 
 
 Griffi^ng. Yes. [ Crosses c] Betsy, leave us ! [ JV'i?iks 
 at her and motio7is her away.] 
 
 Betsy. [Excited, makes a bolt toward hint.] Hem ! 
 [Coughs, and approaches him, aside.] Sor ! Sor ! Carte de 
 visite — vignette — or cabinet ? 
 
 Griffing. [Confused.] Whatever you like. Go away. 
 
 Betsy. Then I'll have an imperial panel. [Exits, l. c] 
 
 Daisy. What does she want, pa ? 
 
 Griffing. She ? — Oh ! Betsy ? She — a — boiler is burst, or 
 something. But no matter now. I want to talk to you seri- 
 ously. Captain Renseller has been here again. 
 
 Daisy. [Pouting, looking round.] Why didn't you let 
 me know ? 
 
 Griffing. Here! HereJ! What's this? 
 
 Daisy. [Earnestly.] You must call me the ne.xt time he 
 comes. 
 
10 [nancy and company. 
 
 Griffing. \_Angrily.'] He'll never come again ! 
 
 Daisy. Oh ! pa ! [Alarmed.'] 
 
 Griffing. I requested him to favor us vfith his forgetful- 
 
 J)aisy. Why ? 
 
 Griffing. Because he pays you too much attention. 
 
 Daisy. Is that a crime ? 
 
 Griffing. I don't like him. 
 
 Daisy. But I like him ! I'm sure he's perfectly amiable 
 and well-bred. 
 
 Griffing. We're all amiable and well-bred before marriage. 
 Besides, I've got the very husband for you in my mind's 
 eye. 
 
 Daisy. [Pleased.'] For me ? Who is it ? 
 
 Griffing. The son of my old friend Stockslow, the broker, 
 who retired with two millions. 
 
 Daisy. [Pettishly.] What? Little Siksey Stockslow ! That 
 conceited, insufferable goose, that every girl laughs at ? 
 [Crosses, l.] 
 
 Griffing. Don't give 'em a chance to catch him, or they'll 
 laugh at you. He's rolling in money. Such men are never 
 ridiculous. 
 
 Daisy. [Romantically.] I could never love him in this 
 world. 
 
 Griffing. Oh ! rubbish ! He'll build you a splendid house, 
 filled with frescoes and electric lights, and all the modern im- 
 provements ; give you a satin-lined carriage, and ten ser- 
 vants to dance attendance on you. 
 
 Daisy. I don't like that kind of ballet. [Seroiccdly.] Bet- 
 ter a tallow candle and true love, than electric lights and dark- 
 ness here ! [Hand to her Jieart.] 
 
 Griffing. Bosh ! With electric light you can't have dark- 
 ness anywhere. Come ! If you have formed any other ideas, 
 put them out of your head at once. No one but young Sikes 
 Stockslow shall have my blessing. 
 
 Daisy. Why can't 1 be as happy as my cousin Oriana— 
 Aunty lets her have the man she wants, although he is only a 
 poet. 
 
 Griffing. She hasn't got him 3'et. I've got him — under 
 probation, locked in that room yonder. So far, the fellow has 
 behaved very well, I admit. But sooner or later I'll detect 
 him in something — give him his walking papers, save your 
 cousin, and laugh at her foolish mother. 
 
 Daisy. [Half erying.] Pa ! you're cruel ! [Throws herself 
 into chair, r. of table.] 
 
 Griffing. No, I'm not. I'm an exemplary parent. Shall 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. H 
 
 my daughter tremble at every rumor of the redskins rising on 
 the plains? No — she shall live in the shadow of marble ])il- 
 lars — under^ frescoed ceilings and gilded cornices, with her 
 placid broker. That's what I call repose. [Mints, e. c] 
 
 Daisy. [Risingl] I don't want repose. [Stamps her foot 
 pOKtinffli/.] I won't have Siksey Stockslow, if I have to die 
 an old maid. I love my darling captain, and papa has got to 
 give way at last. So he was here ! [A smile breaks over her 
 face, she glances toward mantel c, then runs to the vase and 
 takes out the letter.'] I knew I'd find traces of him. [ Opens and 
 reads.'] " My adored girl." [Kisses the letter.] " Your father 
 will probably interdict my visits." — He foresaw it ! — "After this, 
 therefore, 1 shall have to call upon some other inmate of your 
 house. I have selected j'our lodger — Mr. Keife O'Keife, the 
 poetical gentleman. See him at once, my darling. Tell 
 iiim that I am the most intimate friend of his youth — that I 
 cannot exist without his company, and that I shall call on him 
 every day, and entreat him to read all his plays and poems to 
 me, for several hours every day." Capital. So the captain will 
 still come to the house, and our correspondence won't be in- 
 terrupted. \_R>(ns to door, u., and calls off softly.] Keife — Mr. 
 Keife ! One minute, if you please. Steal out softly, so papa 
 won't hear you. He's in his observatory. 
 
 Keife 0^ Keife. [A rather elegant gentleman, enters on tip- 
 toe froin E.J What is it. Miss Daisy? 
 
 Daisy. Mr. Keife, you've heard me speak of Captain Ren- 
 seller ? 
 
 Keife. Never ! 
 
 Daisy. Well, it don't matter. We met at Saratoga. Anv- 
 how, he's an old college chum of yours, who hasn't seen you 
 for ten years. Only to-day, for the first time, he learned 
 you were living with us. Of course' he'll call on you. He'll 
 call every day. Yes. And you'll read your plays to him for 
 hours and hours. 
 
 Keife. Well ! But I don't know any person of his name. 
 [Crosses, l.] 
 
 Daisy. But you must know him. See here, haven't I as- 
 sisted you and Oriana ? Remember how you gave pa 3'our 
 word of honor not to correspond with her for three months. 
 
 Keife. Well, haven't I kept my word. 
 
 Daisy. By m\ help. [He takes her hand.] Oriana wrote 
 to me ; 1 read her letters out to you ; and then I wrote back 
 to her what you confided to me. Now I'll make you a fair 
 ofl'er : You begin to remember your old friend. Captain Ren- 
 seller, instantly, and I'll read you a letter I just received from 
 Oriana. 
 
12 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Keife. I begin to see daylight, but there's a slight mist 
 yet. Please explain 
 
 Daisy. You, a poet ? Where's your imagination ? Pa 
 has requested Paul — that's my captain — to discontinue his 
 visits to Mm ; so he'll call on yon ! Understand now ? 
 
 Keife. [Jllumi/ted.] Ah, I see ! You love the captain/ 
 
 Daisy. I didn't say anything of the sort. [ Crosses, l.] 
 But Vm glad to find you can guess something. Now decide : 
 are you and Paul old college chums, or are you not ? 
 
 Keife. Chums ! friends ! twins ! Why, 1 love him like a 
 brother ! — like a twin brother ! Now are you satisfied ? 
 
 Daisy. Perfectly. And for your reward, I'll inform you 
 that Aunt Huldah and Cousin Oriana will be here to-day. 
 
 Keife. \_Dclighted.'\ To-day ? Before my time of proba- 
 tion is over? Is the time of my torment to be shortened ? 
 
 Daisy. Has your stay in our house been so very painful, 
 then ? [Jlirows herself on the sofa, k. He sits e. of centre 
 tahle.^ 
 
 Keife. Excessively ! Your father is worse than a grand 
 inquisitor. As I am a literary person, he looks upon me, with 
 his mercantile senses, as a sort of outcast or pariah. Ever 
 since the fatal day I loved your cousin and asked for her hand, 
 and pledged myself to submit to any test he chose to propose, 
 he has kept me here as a captive guest, to study my charac- 
 ter, disposition, and habits, as a condition of giving his consent. 
 I have to hold out a fortnight longer, now ; but what haven't 
 I endured for the last ten weeks ! \^Itisinfj.^ He has estab- 
 lished an observatory and quarantine adjoining my room. He 
 receives my guests ; he has my every move and step dogged 
 and watched ; converses with me for hours to try and wring a 
 confession of former errors and escapades from my innocent 
 lips, and upbraids me for hypocrisy when I disappoint him. 
 
 Daisy. \^Rising.^ Pa has his little eccentricities, certainly. 
 Look how he treats me. [Crosses, l.] 
 
 Keife. And so Oriana is coming to-day ! To-day! [With 
 meaning.'] That's a good omen. 
 
 Daisy. A good omen of what? 
 
 Keife. I can't tell you that ; but do you think you could 
 induce Oriana to go to the theatre to-night .^ 
 
 Daisy. To the theatre to-night ? 
 
 Keife. To the theatre to-night ! 
 
 Daisy. [Wotideringly.] Why, there's a new play pro- 
 duced to-night. You wrote it. [Poi7itediy.] 
 
 Keife. No, no ; I didn't write it. But I wish her to see 
 it. 
 
 Daisy. [Laughing.] Are you sure it is not by you ? 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 13 
 
 Keife. It appears to be an anonyuious production. 
 
 Daisy. Oh, indeed ! How do you do, Mr. Incognito ? 
 
 Keife. Daisy, you're mistaken. 
 
 Daisy. Never mind. We'll all go to the theatre to-night. 
 \Crosses,'R.,andlistens.^ Sh ! I think I hear pa coming. Don't 
 forget ! \_Crosses hach, l.] Captain Renseller is your oldest 
 and dearest friend. Good-bye, Mr. Anonymous. \Exits, l. d.] 
 
 Keife. I'm afraid I betrayed too much of the secret there. 
 She has guessed" that I am concerned in the new plav, and will 
 tell it every where. \S,its on edge of table, l. c] Especially to 
 Oriana. Oriana ! my muse ! my goddess ! If my probation 
 were only over ! 
 
 Griffing. [Enters from above, R.] Hollo ! hollo ! what's 
 this ? Wandering about the house ? Remember your pledge ! 
 What are you doing here ? 
 
 Keife. \_IIesltating, risesi\ I don't know. I must have 
 stepped out in a fit of abstraction ! 
 
 Grijfing. Indeed ? Humph ! Hah ! well [Suddenly.] 
 
 There was a visitor called here to-day for you ! 
 
 Keife. [Hurt.] And j'ou sent him away ? 
 
 Griffing. Yes I sent him away, .ffiwi was a lady ! [.ffeen^y.] 
 
 Keife. [3Iild surprise.] A lady ? 
 
 Griffing. A beautiful lady ! Tall, fine eyes, musical voice, 
 elegant figure, striking appearance ! 
 
 Keife. [Jjooks at him.] Who can it be? [Turns away, 
 thinking.] 
 
 Grijfing. Exactly. Who can it be? Can't you think ? 
 
 Keife. [Krankly.] Not the remotest suspicion. 
 
 Griffing. She perfumed the air with jessamine. Don't 
 you know any lady who uses jessamine for a perfume ? 
 
 Keife. None. 
 
 Griffing. That's very strange. She vpanted to see you par- 
 ticularly. I told her that you received visitors only in my 
 presence. 
 
 Keife. How could 'you ? What will people think of me ? 
 [ Crosses stage, l. ] 
 
 Griffing. I don't care what they think. I hold the reins 
 for the present, and I don't intend to let up on such a liard- 
 hoiled sinner as you are for a moment. 
 
 Keife. This is simply degrading. 
 
 Griffing. [Digs him in the side.] Come, now, confess — 
 Who is she ? 
 
 Keife. Don't I tell you I don't know? 
 
 Griffing. Look among your old photographs — [Archly.] 
 you may find her. 
 
 Keife. Did she leave no message? 
 
14 NANCT AND COMPANY. 
 
 Griffing. Yes. When she was going, she said she must 
 see you alone. You'll admit, I suppose, that this sounded 
 suspicious ? 
 
 Keife. I admit nothing. You may suspect what you 
 please. It's a matter of perfect indifference to me. 
 
 Griffing. [JSi/es him.] Hypocrite ! 
 
 Betsy. \_Enters, L. c] Young Mr. Sikes Stockslow jist 
 called, sor. 
 
 Griffi'ng. Show him in. [Betsg e.viis, l. c] Oblige me 
 by retiring to your room, my dear fellow, but make no attempt 
 to receive the suspicious lady with the jessamine perfume. 
 I'll be on the watch. 
 
 Keife. Sir ! \^Outburst.'\ When is this thraldom to end ! 
 YExits, K. D.] 
 
 Griffing. It will end as soon as I have proven you to be 
 no better than the rest of us. 
 
 Young Stockslow. \_Enters, l. c. Jle is a blase young 
 man, dressed in exaggerated fashion.'] Morning, little papa ! 
 [Titters.] 
 
 Griffing. Not on 'Change to-day ? 
 
 Stockslow. -Made a pretty little pile by a nice little spec 
 yesterday, so gave myself a little rest to-day, and thought 
 I'd come to have a little talk over matrimony with little 
 papa. 
 
 Griffing. Gootl ! Sit down. 
 
 Stockslore. [Sits r. of table.] Well ! [Titters.] How 
 about little daughter? 
 
 Griffing. [Sits on sofa, e.] Oh ! she's agreeable. 
 
 Stocksloio. Fond of me — little bit ? 
 
 Griffing. Oh ! we couldn't ask her that, you know. 
 
 Stock.slovx It'll come when she sees my little house. She'll 
 have one little room Louis Quinze ; one Japanese with two 
 trumeaux, with frames that wide ; French rideaitx with 
 Brussels lace ; Lyonese covers ; little panels by Coleman ; 
 little picture by Vedder ; my photo in little parlor, life size, 
 on horseback, bv little Sarony— -wonderful likeness, nice little 
 horsey. 
 
 Griffing. [Aside.] He thinks more about the house and 
 the horse than he does about the wife. 
 
 Stockslow. Little country place, too ; little garden, little 
 trees — a hundred feet high ; two little busts on gate — nice 
 little heads. 
 
 Griffing. Why, have you moved into your new house yet ? 
 
 Stockslow. Move in on wedding-day. Living now at nice 
 little hotel ; little Windsor. 
 
 Griffing. Well, when would you like to speak to Daisy ? 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 15 
 
 Stocksloio. Right now, on the spot. That's the sort of lit- 
 tle m.-in I am. 
 
 Betsy announcing, l. c. 
 
 Betsy. Captain Renseller. 
 
 Griffing. \Bounds up.^ Not at home. 
 
 Betsy. \Stoittly.'\ Och ! it's not yourself he's after. 
 
 Griffing. Who, then ? 
 
 Captain enters, l. c. 
 
 Captain. Good morning, again. Oh ! you secretive man ! 
 You Egyptian sphinx ! Here have I been visiting you for 
 months, and just learned by chance that the friend of my 
 youth, the one person I have yearned to see for 3-ears, is living 
 in your house. 
 
 Griffing. [Testily. "[ You promised me 
 
 Captain. Not to inquire after j'our health again. I don't. 
 Your health is quite indifferent to me. I've come to see my 
 old friend Keife. Where is Keife ? [71:) Betsy.] Which is 
 Mr. O'Keife's room ? [Betsy points e. and exits, l. c] Ah ! 
 
 Griffing. [Meditatively.'] So you know Mr. O'Keife, eh? 
 
 Captain. Do I know O'Keife ? Why, we were almost 
 rocked in the same cradle. Keife, mv dear fellow, where are 
 you ? O'Keife ! 
 
 O'Keife enters from b. d. 
 
 G' Keife. I believe I hear my name. [Aside.\ A stranger ! 
 This must be my old college chum. 
 
 Griffing. [ Who has been eying both."] Well, well — don't 
 you recognize your old friend, who was rocked in the same 
 cradle with you ? 
 
 O'Keife. [Assuming surprise.'] Can it be possible ? 
 
 Captain. Doesn't your heart answer ? [Opens his arms.] 
 
 Keife. [ Opens his arms.] My long lost foster-brother. 
 [They meet.] Ah ! [They embrace.] Griffing gets e., 
 Stockslow, l.] 
 
 Captain. [Aside.] Much obliged, old fellow. 
 
 Keife. [Same.] Command me. 
 
 Caj)tain. [Pretending to wipe his eyes.] How the tears 
 will come at such a moment. [Grosses to Griffing.] My 
 dear sir, you have gained another lodger. From this moment 
 I shall remain day and night with my long lost friend. He 
 must read all his works to me, as he did in infancy. Come, 
 my dear friend, let's celebrate this meeting alone. [Exeunt 
 
16 KANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 with O'Keife, arm, in arm. Embrace again at door.l 
 Ah ! 
 
 Griffing. That's all a trick ; too much, ah ! There's some 
 plot hatching. 1 must hurry this marriage. [7b Stockslow.] 
 Do you know Captain Renseller? 
 
 Stockslow. Only by sight — a nice little fellow. 
 
 Griffing. I believe he's in love with Daisy. 
 
 Stockslow. Has he got the snug little pile that I have? 
 [ Crosses, e.] 
 
 Griffing. No. So you're not jealous ? 
 
 Stockslow. Not of a fellow who can't drive her out in his 
 own little dog-cart. Not much. 
 
 Gi-iffing. I'll call Daisy. You must speak to her at once 
 — but cautiously. If she takes fright and runs away, you are 
 smashed up, dog-cart and all. [Goes to door, l., and calls.'] 
 Daisy ! 
 
 Stockslow. [JSxamining himself in glass.] Hope I look 
 fresh from little band-box. 
 
 Daisy re-enters timidly from l. d. 
 
 Daisy. [Sees Stockslow, and aside, pettishly.] Oh, dear ! 
 [Aloud.] What is it, pa ? 
 
 Griffing. I needn't introduce young Mr. Stockslow, mv 
 love ; you know him. He has something to say to you. 
 Listen attentively, and answer him like a good and dutiful 
 daughter. [To Stochs'low, aside.] You had better begin by 
 telling her all about the house. Take her mind off yourself as 
 much as possible. [JSxits, e. c] 
 
 Daisy. Whj', pa ? 
 
 Stocksloio. [He boics to her. She turns her back on him. 
 He regards her. Aside.] Awful nice little girlie ! [Titters. 
 She starts aioay.] Make awful nice little wifey ! She'll dress 
 up my housey splendidlj'. [Titters.] 
 
 Daisy. [Aside. Her back to him.] Paul is here. He 
 must have an explanation with Mr. Stockslow immediately. 
 They must settle it between them. 
 
 Stockslow. [Followiiig her as she retreats gradually to l.] 
 Hem ! I suppose little papa told you what I came for. 
 [Titters.] What the little attraction is ? 
 
 Daisy. Oh ! yes. And I'll inform you at once what the 
 counter-attraction is. [Crosses, e.] 
 
 Stocksloio. [Tittei's.] Don't understand little joke ! 
 
 Daisy. No ? Wait a minute and you will. [Goes r. and 
 opens 0' Keifis door^ 
 
 O'Keife. [Is heard declaiming iiiside.] 
 
an 
 
 NAJSTCT AND COMPANY. 1 / 
 
 " The blossoms fall and nightingales are mute, 
 As through the trees forsaken by their song 
 The chilling blasts of autumn sweep along ; 
 And to my happiness I sing my last salute." 
 
 Daisy. [ Calling of.'] Hist ! Hist ! 
 
 O'Keife. [Inside.] " O for the lost and blissful hours of 
 love ! " 
 
 Captain. [Steals to door.] What is it ? 
 
 CKeife. [Inside.] " O happy hours we spent in yonder 
 (jrove ! " 
 
 Daisy. [Whispering.] Tell Mr. O'Keife to go on reading, 
 
 d you come out, [Renseller kisses her and goes back.] 
 
 CKeife. [Inside.] 
 
 " Oh, shady foliage that concealed our kiss ! 
 Oh, murmuring leaflets rustling at our bliss ! " 
 
 Captain reappears and closes door after him. 
 
 Captaiti. Here I am. 
 
 Daisy. [ To Stockslow, tcho has watched her op>erations in 
 astonishment.] Mr. Stockslow, this is Captain Renseller. 
 [To Captain.] Pa wants me to marry him. I won't. Break 
 it to him gently. [Aloudi] As you gentlemen have impor- 
 tant business together — good-morning. [E.vits, L. d.] 
 
 Captain. [ Very polite^ You are a friend of Mr. Grif- 
 fing's ? 
 
 Stockslow. I am going to marry his daughter. 
 
 Captain. So am I. 
 
 StocMoic. Both of us? Oh, no. [Titters.] The little 
 grand jury would object. 
 
 Captain. Not at all. I intend to marry her first. 
 
 Stockslow. See here ! you're joking ! 
 
 Captain. No, sir, I'm not. 
 
 StocksJote. I have papa's word. 
 
 Captain. I have daughter's ! 
 
 Stockslow. Little daughter will do what little papa says. 
 [Titters.] 
 
 Captai?!. Ordinarily. But in this instance I doubt it. 
 [ Crosses, l.] 
 
 Stocksloic. See here, little chappie ! You wan.t to get up a 
 row witli me. 
 
 Captain. [Daws.] Permit me to disclaim any intention 
 of inflicting personal injury upon you. 
 o 
 
18 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Stockslow. [Bows, tries to take his hcmd.] I reciprocate 
 your sentiments cordiallj'. 
 
 Ccqytain. Only you mustn't be offended if I steal away the 
 bride. 
 
 Stockslow. I won't give you the chance. 
 
 Captain. Shall we make a bet ? 
 
 Stochslow. Don't care ! What is it ? 
 
 Captain. The one who gets left shall be best man at the 
 other's wedding and pay for the bachelor supper. Is it 
 agreed ? 
 
 Stockslow. \_Shaking hands.^ Done. 
 
 Captain. Come and lunch with me. AVe'll seal the bar- 
 gain over a bottle of Cordon Rouge! 
 
 Stochslow. I'm agreeable ! [Struck with an idea.'] And 
 after lunch I'll show you my little housey ! Her little housey ! 
 
 Captain. Good ! Come along ! \Exeunt, l. c] 
 
 O'Keife is heard reading. 
 
 " Oh, shady foliage that concealed our kiss ! 
 Oh, murmuring leaflets rustling at our bliss ! " 
 
 Griffing. [He-entering .] That fellow reads beautifully. 
 I wouldn't have thought he had it in him. [ioo/iS around.] 
 But Where's that booby ? and Daisy? I hope she hasn't re- 
 jected him. Perhaps they've gone in to hear the reading. 
 [ Goes softly to O'Keife's door and op>ens it.] 
 
 Keife. [Declaiming, inside.] 
 
 " The lightning strikes and thunder-clouds are flying, 
 And storms are raging- through the lonely grove." 
 
 Griffing. He's alone. Not even the Captain with him. 
 What's become of them ? [To O'Keife.] I say — come here ! 
 Keife. [Enters, finishing his declamation.] 
 
 "The youngness of the beautiful grows old, 
 And on thy lips the bride's sweet lips seem cold ; 
 And in the crowd of joys — upon thy throne 
 Thou sit'st in state and hardenest into .stone." 
 
 Griffing. [Takes the book.] What is that ? [Heads title.] 
 You've been reading somebody else's poems. 
 Keife. [Placidly.] I ahvays do. 
 Griffing. [Giving book back.] That's why I liked them. 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 19 
 
 Where's that other fellow, who was almost rocked in the same 
 cradle with you ? 
 
 Keife. [(grosses, l.] Isn't he hero ? I never noticed his 
 going'. 
 
 Griffing. I see. You were reading for my benefit while 
 he sneaked off to find my daughter? \^F'uriousJ\ It was a 
 plot ! You shall pay me for this ! Do 3'ou hear ? You are 
 the chief conspirator, and I promise you I'll make the last 
 daj's of your probation worse than a congressional investiga- 
 tion. [Crosses l., at door, calli/u/.^ Daisy ! 
 
 Daisy. [Entering, l. d.] What do you want now, pa ? 
 
 Griffing. Where is Mr. Stockslow ? [Keifb goes tq) c, 
 then drops in chair hij table, reading.] 
 
 Daisi/. I left him with Captain Renseller. 
 
 Griffing. [Alanned.] Good gracious ! That fellow will 
 murder him ! 
 
 Daisy. I think not. I saw them both going away arm in 
 arm. 
 
 Griffing. Arm in arm ! Worse and worse ! [^IszV^e.] 
 Stockslow is an ass, and the Captain is more dangerous than 
 I thought. [To Daisy.] Did Mr. Stockslow propose? 
 
 Daisy. [Crosses, e.] Oh, no, pa ! He knew I wouldn't 
 accept him. 
 
 Griffing. This is open rebellion. Now I'll quarantine you. 
 
 Daisy. [Indignant.] You mean to say that I'm to be 
 locked up, pa ? 
 
 Griffing. I mean to say that I won't have you plotting 
 with this double-dyed hypocrite. [Points to O'Keife.] I'll 
 let you both know that I won't be trifled with. 
 
 Daisy. Pa, I am your daughter, and I can be just as deter- 
 mined as you can be. I love Paul, and I can't be happy with 
 any one else. It lies in your power to refuse him — but you 
 can't compel me to marry a ninny who values a wife according 
 as she harmonizes with his bric-a-brac and his Louis Quinze 
 rooms. There ! And now — Lock me up ! I'm ready ! 
 
 Griffing. This is riot — felony — mobs — where's the military ? 
 
 Keife. The military is on the side of the rioters. 
 
 Griffing. [l.] Don't you be so funny ! I'll attend to 
 you. 
 
 Betsy. [ Outside, l. c] Right in there, ma'am. 
 
 Oriana. I'll go up. 
 
 Mrs. Dangery. You needn't announce us. 
 
 Daisy. It's Oriana ! [Runs to c] 
 
 JTeife. The sun rises ! [Runs to r. c] 
 
 Griffing. [^Angrily.] They couldn't come at a worse time ! 
 [ Goes toward front, l.] 
 
20 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Oriana. \In eler/ant street-dress appears, l. c, and embraces 
 Daisy.] My dear Dais)' ! 
 
 Daisy. I'm so glad to see you. 
 
 Mrs. Dangery. ^A hearty, gentle old lady, enters.'] We 
 have surprised you, brother. \Comes to him and tries to take 
 his hands.] 
 
 Grijfing. Yes, you have. Women always make blunders. 
 
 Daisy. [To Keife and Oriana.] Don't stand there like 
 sticks — 3'ou two ! When an engaged couple meet after nearly 
 three months' absence, I should say a vcee bit of a kiss was 
 allowable. > 
 
 Keife. [Opening his arms.] I'm dying for it ! 
 
 Oriana. Oh ! well 
 
 Griffing. [Goes iqj and stepis between them.] Not a foot ! 
 His probation hasn't expired. 
 
 Keife. Barbarian ! 
 
 Oriana. [Down l. c] Have j-ou discovered much wick- 
 edness in him, uncle ? 
 
 3Irs. Dangery. [ Crosses io O'Keife.] I hope not. [Shakes 
 Keife's hand.] 
 
 Grijfing. Up to this time I have no proof. But I have 
 clews — and I believe I am on the verge of an awful discovery. 
 
 Oriana. [Lai(g?is.'\ You terrify me. 
 
 Daisy. It's all papa's imagination. 
 
 Keife. [Crosses, c] Like the advertisers of fancy soaps — 
 I solicit a trial. 
 
 Grijfing. [Preventing their meeting.] We shall see — at 
 all events, before the three months are up, not the slightest 
 familiarity is permissible. Even this meeting is against the 
 agreement. Mr. O'Keife will go to his room. 
 
 Oriana. Oh ! Shame ! 
 
 Daisy. Oh ! pa ! 
 
 Keife. [To Oeiana.J You trust me ? 
 
 Oriana. With my life. [GmversG pndls her away.] 
 
 Keife. [Mock resignation, to Geiffing.] Then I go re- 
 signedly. You may rage — but " I am armed so strong in 
 honesty " — you know the rest. [Digs him in the side.] 
 [Aside, to D.ii.SY.] Don't forget about this evening — the 
 theatre. [E\>vts, e. d.] 
 
 Grijfing. [Crosses <o Daisy.] What's that he whispered ? 
 Something about this evening. 
 
 Daisy. [ Crosses <o Oeiana.] A secret which none but 
 cousin Oriana must hear. Come, coz — I'll tell you. [Exits, 
 icith Oriana, l. d.] 
 
 Mrs. Dangery. [Sits e. of table.] Why don't you stop 
 your nonsense, Ebenezer, and give your consent to this mar- 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 21 
 
 riao-c ? Mr. O'Keife appears to be a perfectly model young 
 man. 
 
 Griffi/ii/. {_Siis on sofa.] There are no model young men. 
 There isn't a man fit to be trusted. 
 
 3frs. Dangery. A very poor compliment to yourself. 
 
 Griffinff. I admit it. ]3ut I'm better than the rest. I'm 
 satisfied with photograplis. 
 
 Mrs. Dangery. What has the young- man done ? 
 
 Griffing. Nobody can find out what he has done get. But 
 patience. 111 get at it. 
 
 31rs. Dangery. You seem to be in one of 3'our very worst 
 humors. 
 
 Griffing. I'm simply furious because I can't bring any- 
 thing home to the rascal. Then Daisy won't marry young 
 Stockslow, and insists on enlisting the military, and now you 
 come pounding in upon me like a water-spout [Mrs. Dangery 
 rises], and against our agreement. [Crosses, l.] I wonder 
 where I'll stow you away ? How am I to keep those lovers 
 apart ? 
 
 31rs, Dangery. You needn't disturb yourself. Oriana 
 and I are stopping at the Windsor Hotel. Of course, she 
 couldn't remain under the same roof with Mr. O'Keife. 
 
 Griffi.ng. It's some consolation you can see t/iat. 
 
 JBetsg. [E?itei's, l. c, loith card.] Excuse me, sor, but this 
 gintleman is standing foreninst the door and [hands card] 
 wants to see you particularly. 
 
 Griffing. [Jieeids card.] " Brasher ! " [Asto7iished.] 
 What on earth brings him to New York ? [ Crosses to Mi;s. 
 Daxgery.] 
 
 3Trs. Dangery. Mr, Brasher ! Tliat's your friend from 
 Ohio, isn't it ? Perhaps he's on his wedding-tour. You told 
 me he got married. 
 
 Griffing. But that was nearly six months ago. Show Mr. 
 Brasher in. [I^xit Detsy, l. c] I've heard that his wife is 
 very fascinating. 
 
 3frs. Dangery. Well, I won't stay. I'll get Oriana and 
 Tce'll do a little shopping. You'll call on us at the hotel, 
 won't you? No. 115, third floor. [Going.] 
 
 Griffing. Why don't you live on the roof at once ? 
 
 3Irs. Dangery. Take the elevator. [Exits, l. d.] 
 
 Tippy Brasher enters, well dressed, impulsive, yet shy — a 
 qiiick, nervous manner, yet thoroughly gentlemanly. 
 
 Griffing. By Jove ! How you look ! Why, what's the 
 matter with vou ? 
 
22 NAKCT AND COMPANY. 
 
 Brasher. [After glancing all around timidly, gets to him 
 excitedly — grasps both his hands, and says tremhlingly.] I'm 
 in an awful trouble ! awful ! 
 
 Griffing. You alarm me ! 
 
 Brasher. [ 2hkes both Griffing's hands, then sinks on the 
 sq/a.] My wife has bolted. 
 
 Griffing. Impossible ! 
 
 Brasher. Did you know Nancy? [Starts np.^ 
 
 Griffing. No — 1 
 
 Brasher. Then don't say anything was impossible to 
 her. 
 
 Griffing. I was prevented from accepting the invitation to 
 your wedding. 
 
 Brasher. I wish T could describe Nancy to you : She's an 
 angel. Beautiful as a sunny day. Hair like melted gold. Eyes 
 deep and clear — just like a mountain-lake. Her figure like a 
 pine-tree. Her disposition that of a child. Her brain equal 
 to ten men. That's my wife. [ Crosses, l.] That's my Nancv. 
 [Sinks iti chair l. of tahle.^ 
 
 Griffing. Allow me. You forgot something. You left 
 out the " foot of the gazelle " — that pirobably caused her to 
 bolt. [Sits -R. of tablc.^ 
 
 Brasher. [Starting up.'\ Then she has bolted ? 
 
 Griffing. So you say ! 
 
 Brasher. I only surmise it. [-Sm^'s back and puts his hat, 
 a white hat, on the table.'] Listen ! We married for love. Do 
 you know what that means ? 
 
 Griffing. I have ten volumes of photographs. 
 
 Brasher. We lived like doves ! My wife was playful as 
 an infant. Suddenly she changed : grew silent and fond of 
 solitude. Took to sitting up whole nights ! What for? To 
 write ! Write what ? That's a secret. She begged, and 
 wheedled, and pouted — until I let her alone. Yesterday she 
 told me she wanted to visit a sick relation in New York ; 
 would only be gone two days. I offered to go with her, but 
 she wouldn't have it. Insisted on going alone. Asked me if I 
 didn't trust her ? if I doubted her love aijd fidelity ? if I 
 wanted to kill her with suspicion— and with that she flung 
 her arms round me. [Fiercely.] I had to g-ive in, hadn't I ? 
 
 Griffing. You had ! Anybody would ! 
 
 Brasher. [Controls himself with an cffoii.] 1 did give in. 
 Saw her off to the train myself and let her go. She did seem 
 agitated at the last. After she was gone, I began to think 
 I had been duped. I went to her room. Everything in order. 
 [Grasps Griffing.] Suddenly my eye fell upon the grate! 
 
 Griffing. Yes. 
 
NANCY AND COMPANT. 23 
 
 Brasher. Here, among the ashes, was a great heap of 
 burnt papers. 
 
 Grijfing. I see. You rushed for the poker and rummaged 
 among 'em. 
 
 Brasher. I did — and found nothing. Suddenly I saw a 
 piece of paper lodged in the flue, where it had been carried 
 by the draught. 
 
 Grlffing. I see. 
 
 JBrasher. [Rises and jyuUs a half-burnt enveloj^e out of his 
 pocket.^ It was a half-burnt envelope addressed [j-eacfo] 
 " Stanley Thorn." [Jicpeats, lookinff at Griffing.] Stanley 
 Thorn ! Who is Stanley Thorn ? What business has he witii 
 my wife — or she with him ? [ JValks up and doivn.] 
 
 Griffinc/. \_T'urns over the envelojye.^ The address is burnt 
 off. Is tliis her writing ? 
 
 Brasher. \St02}S.] No. [ Walks up and doion.'] 
 
 Griffing. Then she don't write to him ? 
 
 Brasher. \_Stops.^ No ! Worse ! She's gone to hi 
 
 xm 
 
 Her agitation, her secrecy, my fears — all point to this. I have 
 followed — you shall help me to find them. 
 
 Griffing. [Glasses o«.] I know this writing. 
 
 Brasher. You do? [Grasps him.] Whose is it ? [Fiercelg.] 
 His name ? 
 
 Griping. Gently ! gently ! my dear fellow ! I've seen tliis 
 handwriting, but where? [Crosses, e.] Let me think ! 
 
 Brasher. Yes, think, but think quick. 
 
 Griffing. Perhaps my file of letters will assist me. Come 
 to my room, where we'll look over several hundred I have on 
 file from different people. [Goes to door.] 
 
 Brasher. [Sinks into chair.] What am I to do while 
 you are looking over several hundred letters? Man alive, I'm 
 ready to explode ! 
 
 Griffing. Take a g'lass of water, and sit in a draft to cool. 
 Come along ; we'll find the writer. [They exeunt, e. c] 
 
 Betsy. [After they are v-ell off, enters cautiously, L. c, 
 looks round, then goes on tip)-toe to O'Keipe's room, and 
 knocks.] Sor ! sor ! [He ajjpears at the door.] A lady wishes 
 to see you. 
 
 Keife. A lady ! [Staggered.] 
 
 Betsy. A nice one ; all over perfumery. [She goes back 
 to L. c, and beckons off.] Nobody in the way. Yee's can 
 come in. [Nancy enters, l. c, anxiously.] 
 
 Betsi/. [Significantly.] I'll stand guard outside. [Exits. 
 
 Nancy. [Aside.] My heart is beating with great thumps ! 
 [Breathless to O'Keife.] You are Mr. Keife O'Keife ? 
 
24 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Keife. That is xny name. Will you be seated ? 
 
 Nancy. I called once before to-day. [^Looking round.'] 
 
 G' Keife. [Aside.'] She disseminates an odor of jessamine. 
 She's the one ! 
 
 Nancy. An old gentleman refused to announce me unless 
 I saw you in his presence. 
 
 Keife. That's all right. "We let him go about loose ; he's 
 perfectly harmless. \Crosses, E., to conceal his rage.] 
 
 Nancy. I went away, watched my opportunity, saw the 
 servant at the hall-door, and gained her assistance, for I must 
 have a private interview with you at once. 
 
 Keife. You are having it now. Pray be seated. What 
 can I do for you ? 
 
 Nancy. [_Sits e. of taUe, 7nyst.eriously.] A new play is 
 produced at the theatre to-night — bv you ? 
 
 Keife. \_Draioing his chair back.] By me ? You are mis- 
 informed. 
 
 Nancy. [Dratcing nearer.] True, the plot, incidents, and 
 characters are by Stanley Thorn ; but the masterly construc- 
 tion is yours. 
 
 Keife. [Drawing farther aioay.] Who told you tliis? 
 
 Nancy. Four months ag-o j'ou received a letter signed 
 Stanley Thorn. It contained the sketch of a play and a re- 
 quest for your assistance in giving it shape and getting it pro- 
 duced. You were taken with the plot, accepted the offer, and 
 communicated with Thorn. He exacted one pledge : that no 
 one should know your collaborator until after the first produc- 
 tion — and you promised, on your word of honor, not to betray 
 him by word or writing, no matter what should happen. Is 
 this true ? 
 
 Keife. \JDrawing hack.] My dear Miss 
 
 Nancy. I am married ! 
 
 Keife. Then, my dear Madame — what relation are you to 
 Stanley Thorn ? 
 
 Nancy. [After looking roimd cautiously — then drawing her 
 chair closer.] Stanley Thorn is myself. 
 
 Keife. [Starting uj), crosses, l.] By Jove ! 
 
 Nancy. [Getting excited by degrees!] Listen to me, and 
 I'll explain everything. I am married. I love my husband 
 devotedly. But I love to write — to see myself in print ; above 
 all, I'm mad to see what I have written acted and spoken on 
 the stage by real flesh-and-blood actors. My husband is one 
 of the very smartest and cleverest of men in the world, but he 
 don't understand ray passion. I have had to keep my secret, 
 and I must conquer him by a great success or suffer defeat in 
 silence. You wrote to me that you had secured a reading for 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 25 
 
 my — for our play, then that it was accepted, then that it was 
 in rehearsal, then that it would be played on the 24th, that's 
 to-night ! Since then I've been mad with anxiety and sus- 
 pense. I can't eat, I can't sleep, I couldn't wait to read of it 
 in the morning papers — I must know all about it at once, to- 
 night, on the spot, at the theatre. Vou must take me. We 
 are partners in its fate. You must sit by my side until all is 
 over. 
 
 Keife. \CrQsses, e.] Excuse me, Madame, I can't do any- 
 thing of the kind. 
 
 Nancy. I am stopping at the Windsor Hotel under an as- 
 sumed name, so nobody knows me. 
 
 Keife. But I'm engaged to be married, and everybody 
 knows that fact. 
 
 Nancy. I can't see that that makes a particular differ- 
 ence. 
 
 Keife. You can't ! May I tell my fiancee who you are? 
 
 Nancy. \^Alar)7ied.'\ Not a word before the end of the 
 jjerformance. I have your word of honor. 
 
 Keife. Cut the happiness of my life is at stake. 
 
 Nancy. So is mine. 
 
 Keife. This is absurd! If I had known that Stanley 
 Thorn was— — [ Crosses, l.] 
 
 Brasher. [ Outside.'] That looks like it ! 
 
 Nancy. Sh ! [lyistens.] I hear voices in the ne.\t room. 
 
 Keife. Very probable. 
 
 Grijfing. [Outside.] That's more like it ! 
 
 Srasher. [Outside.] Let me see ! 
 
 Nancy. [Approctches door.] That voice! [Starts.] Heav- 
 ens, it cannot be ! My — my husband ! 
 
 Keife. Your husband ! With my jailer ! Things are im- 
 proving. 
 
 Na7icy. If he finds me here, there'll be a tragedy. He is 
 absolutely deaf to reason when his jealousy is aroused. We 
 must go ! 
 
 Keife. [ Crosses, e., avoiding her, walks round chair, she 
 following him.] Tou must, certainly. 
 
 Nancy. Would you let me go alone ? Your partner, too ! 
 A defenceless woman in a strange place ! Come, take me 
 back to my hotel ! 
 
 Keife. [Crosses, l., dodging round table.] 1 won't go to 
 your hotel. 
 
 Nancy. You must ! I have a thousand things to ask you 
 that I'm dying to know. 
 
 Brasher. [Outside] It's not there ! 
 
 Griffing. [Outside.] Oh, we're not half through. 
 
26 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Nancy. \_Startsr\ Some one's coming ! Let us go ! 
 \&eises O'Keife's arni^ 
 
 Keife. [Crosses, e., dro2)s into chair, n. c] But I have 
 no hat. 
 
 Nancy. Here's one ! \_Seizes Beashee's hat from table, 
 and puts it on his head.'] They're coming ! Fly ! [Drags 
 him off, c] 
 
 Brasher. [Enters, e., excitedly.'] What do you keep that 
 rubbish on hand for, when it's no use ? [GEiFFiNG/b^to?t's 
 him in.] We've lost precious time, I tell you ! [Stops .nid- 
 denly, and sniffs about hint.] 
 
 Griffing. What are you doing ? 
 
 Srasher. Don't you smell anything ? 
 
 Griffing. [Sniff's, turning round to R.] No ! Yes ! It's 
 jessamine. 
 
 Brasher. My wife's favorite perfume ! 
 
 Griffing. Your wife's ! 
 
 Brasher. She's been here ! 
 
 Griffing. [Suddenly exultant.] She has ! [Jiicshcs to 
 Keife's room, darts in — utters a cry, then re-enters.] Gone ! 
 Both gone ! Never mind ! We're on the track ! 
 
 Brasher. [Crosses, E.J On the track ! [Rolling up his 
 sleeves and throinng back his coat-collar.] 
 
 Griffing. We'll find 'em both ! Come on ! 
 
 Brasher. Where the devil's my hat ? Some one's stolen 
 my hat ! 
 
 Griffing. Never mind your hat ; keep your head ! We've 
 got 'em ! Aha ! And I've got you, young man, tight. 
 [Drags Beashee of.] 
 
 CUETAIN. 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 27 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Scene. — Parlor JSTo. 117, Windsor Hotel. The door c. leads 
 to the corridor. Doors k. and l. lead off into other 
 rooms, though there are bolts on both. The bolt on the 
 door L. is draien y the door e. is closed, and a handsome 
 sofa partly covers it. Cabinets and other articles of fur- 
 niture about the apartment. Pictures on the walls. 
 Divan and table, c. / easy-chairs, e. 
 
 At rise of curtain the stage is deserted. After a short pause 
 knocking is heard softly at door l. It is rejyeated tico or 
 three times. At last the door opens a little, and Oeiana 
 2mts in her head. 
 
 Oriana. Anybodj' at home? \Enters and loolcs around?[ 
 Nobody here ! 
 
 Daisy. \Enters after her. She is in street-dress.'] Has 
 she gone out ! 
 
 Oriana. The hall-porter said he hadn't the key, so tlie lady 
 must be in. 
 
 Daisy. \^Crosses up to door c. Obi an a gets to l.] She 
 may have taken the key with her. \^Goes to door c. and tries 
 to open it.] Locked ! 
 
 Oriana. What a pity ! I would have liked you to make 
 her acquaintance. She's a charming woman ! 
 
 Daisy. What's her name ? 
 
 Oriana. Well, really now — I don't know. 
 
 Daisy. When did you meet her"? 
 
 Oriana. At breakfast, in the dining-room, down-stairs. 
 We were at the same table, and got into conversation. Her 
 manner captivated mother and me, and when we discovered 
 we had adjoining rooms she proposed to leave the door be- 
 tween our rooms unlocked, so we could enjoy each other's 
 company during- our stay. 
 
 Daisy. That's very imprudent. There are so many inter- 
 esting strangers who are very dangerous people. 
 
 Oriana. I won't let you insult my latest friend. [ Crosses, 
 R. ] Let's return to mamma ! 
 
 Daisy. [ITolding her back.] As we're here, let's stay and 
 
28 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 have our chat out. I have not told you yet that I 
 
 [Sif/hs.] 
 
 Oriana. That you what ? 
 
 Daisi/. [Si{/hs.~\ Something has liappened ! 
 
 Oriana. What ? 
 Daisy. [»SVf//;s.] I've lost something. 
 
 Oriana. [Lookiiir/ for the things.^ Your locket ? 
 
 Daisy. \_tSighs, turns a little away.] If that were all ! 
 
 Oriana. Your watch ! 
 
 Daisy. [Another step atcay.] Oh ! more, much more ! 
 
 Oriana. Your diamond-ring ? 
 
 Daisy. Oh, pshaw — can't you guess ? [ Crosses, e.] 
 
 Oriana. I can't imagine for the life of me. 
 
 Daisy. Indeed ! You think you are the only girl tliat can 
 fall in love. 
 
 Oriana. Oh ! it is your heart you have lost. '[Laitghs.'\ 
 Who is the finder? Has he claimed his reward? 
 
 Daisy. [Hattiiny off.] I'll tell you all about it. [Doth on 
 divan.] You know him ! We met him at Saratoga — Captain 
 Renseller. Don't you remember — last summer ? 
 
 Oriana. [l.] What does j'our papa say to it all ? 
 
 Daisy. Oli, of course, papa's opposed. He wants me to 
 have that creature, Siksey Stockslovv — and has forbidden Paul 
 the house ; but Paul hit on a capital scheme. He thought of 
 your Keife, and he became his old college-chum immediate!}', 
 and now they're inseparable. 
 
 Oriana. So my Keife is in the plot. 
 
 Daisy. Oh, he's a perfect darling. [Oeiana groios ttn- 
 easy.] But stop — before I forget it — he wants us to go to 
 the theatre to-night to see the new play. 
 
 Oriana. The new play? That's strange! [Crosses, e.] 
 You're the second person who has sjaoken of the new play to 
 me. 
 
 Daisy. The second ? 
 
 Oriana. My unknown friend here mentioned it at break- 
 fast. Now I remember, she got quite animated about it. 
 
 Daisy. Indeed ! Do you know I don't like all this ? [His- 
 ing.] 
 
 Oriana. Why ? 
 
 Daisy. How does the play concern her ? Your O'Keife is 
 the author. 
 
 Oriana. No, it's anonymous — she told us. 
 
 Daisy. Well, he betrayed himself to me. 
 
 Oriana. You must be mistaken, dear. Mr. O'Keife is a 
 well-known author. Why should he conceal his name, when 
 publicity would help the piece ? [ Crosses, l.] 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 29 
 
 Daisy. I'm not mistaken at all — and what I want to know 
 is, how this person here came to be interested in it ? I hope 
 she isn't an old flame of Mr. O'Keife's. 
 
 Oriana. \^Alartned.'\ Daisy, j-ou frighten me ; I feel a dart- 
 ing pain right through my heart. Can he have deceived me? 
 
 Daisy. There certainly is a mystery. 
 
 Oriana. No, I won't mistrust him. He never loved a creat- 
 ure before he met me. 
 
 Daisy. Oh ! of course. 
 
 Oriana. Would you suspect your Paul ? 
 
 Daisy. That's a different thing. [Oeiana tos.^es her head 
 and crosses, e.] My Paul's a soldier, and soldiers are more 
 reliable than authors. 
 
 Jlrs. Dangery. [ Outs^de^^ Oriana ! Daisy ! \Enters, l. 
 D.] What are you doing in here ? 
 
 Daisy. We are gossiping, auntie. 
 
 Mrs. Dangery. What ! in your neighbor's room ? — in her 
 absence ? 
 
 Oriana. She won't object. 
 
 Mrs. Dangery. ^Crosses, c] I'm expecting my brother. 
 He'll never come up here. We must see him in the parlor. 
 So come with me at once. 
 
 Daisy. [ Crosses, c] We'll go down by the elevator. It's 
 such a heavenly feeling to glide down. I wish we lived at a 
 hotel, if only for the elevator. 
 
 3Irs. Dangery. Daisy — you're a baby ! Well, come, let 
 us go and glide. [Exits, l. d.] 
 
 Daisy. [7c> Oriaxa, loho stands lost in thought^ Have 
 I disti'essed you, coz ? 
 
 Oriana. \Emhracing her?[ Oh, no ! but I can't get to- 
 night's play out of my head. \They exeunt, l. d.] 
 
 The stage remains empty for a moment. Then a key is heard 
 grating in the lock of c. door ; the door opens ; then 
 Nancy and O'Keife enter. The latter reels in, almost 
 crushed in spirits. Nancy takes the key out of the lock, 
 inserts it on the inside, closes and locks the door. O'Keife 
 staggers down to divan, and sinks on it, laying the lohite 
 hat on table, c, as he passes down. Nancy lays aside 
 her wrap and hat, and confronts O'Keife. 
 
 JVcNicy. [On entering.] Here we are ! [Cowizh^ <o O'Keife.] 
 Whnt's the matter '? 
 
 O'Keife. \_0n divan'.\ 0, nothing ! I'm out of breath. 
 You simply flew up-stairs — and I had to fly after you. 
 
30 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 N'ancy. [k.] I shun the elevator. It's easier to avoid ob- 
 servers on the stairways. They are generally deserted. 
 
 Keife. What on earth had we to hide for ? 
 
 Nancy. Remember the danger. My husband has evidently 
 suspected something, and has followed me. I know him. 
 [ Wrings her ]ianxls.'\ lie's cruel ! cruel ! 
 
 Keife. \_0n dioan.^ Very. He declines to be deceived 
 and blindfolded. These husbands are really absurd in their 
 pretensions. 
 
 Nancy. If he learns that you and I have business with one 
 another, unknown to him, and finds us together, what shall 
 we tell liim ? [ Crosses, l.] 
 
 Kclfe. \Itcsolutehj , rising^ Let us see him at once, and 
 tell him the truth. 
 
 Nancy. Not before the play is over. Remember your 
 promise. 
 
 Keife. If he finds us first, he'll listen to nothing. M^hat 
 will he think? Now, j'ou know, you are rathera good-looking 
 woman. 
 
 Nancy. And you're not such an ugly-looking man. 
 
 Keife. Thank you ! Now, what do such a couple generally 
 seek in each other's society? 
 
 Nancy. [Laicghs.] Love, of course. [Crosses, n.,laughmg 
 loudly.] 
 
 Keife. Don't laugh ; I'm serious. 
 
 Nancy. [Tho^ighffuUy.] You're right ; he'll believe the 
 worst. 
 
 Keife. He won't stand it. 
 
 Nancy. He'll be furious. 
 
 Keife. Ar^d very properly. 
 
 Nancy. He'll proceed to extremities. 
 
 Keife. Shoot me first, and allow you to explain afterward. 
 
 Nancy. [Fiercely.] Well, wouldn't you ? 
 
 Keife. Don't mention it. [Sinfcs on divan, c] 
 
 Nancy. [Sits beside him, takes his hand, and strokes it.] 
 Ktq you afraid, my dear partner ? 
 
 Keife. [e.] I wouldn't be if I deserved it — but I don't. 
 
 Nancy. [Strokes his hand.] Calm yourself. 
 
 Keife. Don't take hold of my hand — it makes me feel as if 
 I ought to be shot. 
 
 Nrncy. [Takes his hand again.] Let us look at it calmly. 
 [Sits closer beside him — he edges of.] The city is wide, and 
 days might elapse before he finds a trace of me. Meanwhile, 
 the veil falls to-night with the curtain, and then we can lift 
 our heads in the proud consciousness of innocence. 
 
 Keife. I hope we may. [Starts ««/>.] 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 31 
 
 Nancy. \Retaining his hand.'] Now tell me about our 
 play ? Does it promise well ? 
 
 Kejfe. Yes — \'es — I think it'll be an immense success. 
 
 Nancy. \_Greatly rJelighted, and forgetting hei-fear.'] Tell 
 me all about it. \_Pulls him doton beside hei-.'] Oh ! if you 
 only knew how every word thrills me. 
 
 Keife. [Growing enthusiastic, and also forgetting his 
 fears.] Yes, we're on the eve of a great victory. 
 
 Nancy. Do they think the plot a good one ? What do 
 they say about it ? 
 
 Keife. The manager tells me that the critics are racking 
 their brains to discover tlie author. Every one asks : "Why 
 don't he reveal himself ? " " Is it a man or a woman ? " 
 
 Nancy. [Clasps her hands.] It's lovely ! Oh ! I'd like to 
 be a little mouse and listen to all their talk. How does the 
 love-scene in the third act go ? 
 
 Keife. Oh ! that's grand ! Grand ! 
 
 Nancy. Remember, that's by me. 
 
 Keife. I can compliment you on that scene. Every word 
 is a spark — every breath is fire. Tliere's an atmosphere of 
 passion pervading it through and through. 
 
 Nancy. To write like that one mnst feel it. 
 
 Keife. By Jove 1 A certain husband is to be envied. 
 
 Nancy. And the situation at the end of the fourth act, 
 will that take ? 
 
 Keife. Oh! that sensation will make a great hit. • That's 
 mine, you know. 
 
 Nancy. Yes, yes. And the ladies ! I do hope they'll 
 dress well. If they wear anything unbecoming, it will ruin 
 the whole piece. 
 
 Keife. Oh ! they won't. The manager pays, and they 
 don't stint themselves a bit, you may be sure of that. 
 
 Nancy. And the person that plays my heroine, is she 
 young and pretty ? 
 
 Keife. Oh ! charming ! The most dashing creature you 
 ever saw. 
 
 Nancy. I hope she's not too lively. The character repre- 
 sents a woman of languid intensity — emotional strength, with 
 apparent physical weakness, you know. 
 
 Keife. Oh ! she'll do it to the life. Looks as if she were 
 going to faint away in every scene. 
 
 Nancy. Mercy ! I hope she won't — the part requires last- 
 ing- powers. 
 
 Keife. She's got 'em ! She's as strong as a horse. 
 
 Nancy. Oh ! I wish I were seeing them all acting now. I 
 long for to-night like a child. [Takes his hand caressingly.] 
 
32 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Keife. [Drawing his hand aioay.'] If we are to do any 
 more plays together we must consult by letter. This sort of 
 thing is too dangerous. [Rising.^ 
 
 Nancy. \Laughingi\ You're a perfect bo}' ! 
 
 Keife. You may laugh. You're married ! I have my 
 wife to earn yet, and by the strictest circumspection. 
 
 JSfancy. Oh, yes. You told me. You're engaged — is she 
 handsome ? 
 
 Keife. Very. A different style from you — but in my 
 opinion better designed for lasting happiness, \_fiits again.^ 
 
 Nancy. How strange life is. [ Going to take his hand, he 
 withdraws it.'] Here we are sitting together — I a loving wife, 
 you a faithful _/!Vwice — conspiring like a couple of guilty plot- 
 ters ! It's lovely, isn't it ? 
 
 Keife. [jSniilingly.] Well, it's certainly not disagreeable. 
 [Abo2tt to take her hand. A knock is heard at c. d. They 
 start, and stand staring at door. Pause, then another Jcnock.^ 
 
 Nancy. [Soft.ly.'\ Some one is knocking. 
 
 Keife. [ Vrhis2iering.'\ So it seems. 
 
 Nancy. \_Sanie.'] Shall we open ? 
 
 Keife. [Same.] Perhaps it's one of the bell-boys. Ask 
 him what he wants. 
 
 Nancy. You mustn't be astonished if he tells that I regis- 
 tered as Mrs. O'Keife. 
 
 Keife. [Staggering back.] What in Heaven's name did 
 you do that for, eh ? [Knock.] 
 
 Nancy. I couldn't think of any other name, and I had to 
 act in a hurry. [Another knock heard.] Sh ! [Finger to 
 lips to Keife, and she asks softly.] Who is it ? 
 
 Brasher. [Outside.] Nancy! 
 
 Nancy. [Staggers back, and faintly.] My husband ! 
 
 Keife. [Jn alarm sinks on divan.] This is a nice mess ! 
 
 Urasher. [ Outside.] It is I, your husband. Don't you 
 know your husband? 
 
 Keife. [LoiK, stopping her as she gets near c. d.] Don't 
 let him in ! For Heaven's sake, don't let him in ! [Knock 
 again, and he runs do ton front frightuned.] 
 
 Nancy. [Motions Keife to be silent, then.] You here ! 
 What brings you here ? 
 
 JBrasher. [A?igrily.] Open the door, or I'll break it in ! 
 
 Nancy. Ye-es ; wait a minute. [Goes to door, l., looks 
 off, and motions Keife to enter, l., and he totters feebly off, 
 with a desperate glance at Nancy. She then goes to c. door, 
 and opens it coldly.] You may come in. 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 33 
 
 Beasuer rushes madly in, leaving a black hat which he wears 
 on chair near door. Looks ahorU in all corners, and 
 then confronts Nancy, breathing heavily. 
 
 Kancy. [ Very defiant.'] Well ? 
 
 Brasher, [e.] Well ? 
 
 JVancy. [Same.l Wiiat's the meaning of this ? 
 
 Urasher. You have deceived me ! 
 
 Nancy. \_Calm.'\ About what? 
 
 Brasher. \_^hows her the envelope.] Look at this ! 
 
 Nancy. A burnt envelope. [^Recognizes it, then disdain- 
 fully.] You have been searching- through ni}' papers. [i?e 
 takes stage, e.] Shame ! 
 
 Brasher. [ Calming himself] Where is that sick relation 
 you came to visit ? 
 
 Nancy. [After x>ause, turns on him.] Dead! 
 
 Brasher. Since when ? 
 
 Nancy. She never lived. 
 
 Brasher. I thought so! [ C?'0sses, L.] Then why did you 
 leave home ? Why did j'ou deceive me ? Nancy, answer me. 
 The blood is mounting to my head. My eyes see a thousand 
 sparks, and a million bees seem liumming in my brain. Some- 
 thing terrible will happen ! [Sinks onto divan.] 
 
 Nancy. [Goes to table, ^jours out a goblet of water, and 
 offers it to him.] Drink that ! Cool off ! 
 
 Brasher. You are making fun of my anger. 
 
 Nancy. I know what's best for you ! [Imperiously.] 
 Drink ! [Beasher involuntarily puts the glass to his ilpis.] 
 Aren't you afraid I've poisoned it ? [Scornfully.] 
 
 Brasher. [Puts glass on table.] If you had, it would have 
 been a relief to me. [ Crosses, e.] 
 
 Nancy. Are you done with your accusations? [He sinks 
 into chair, e.] Well, I confess I have deceived you. [He 
 starts up>.] I had to come to the city. I had to come alone, 
 and I needed a pretext, and I thought of a sick relation. I 
 have a secret. You have a right to know it — for you are my 
 husband, I shall not keep it from you. [He advances eagerly 
 to her.] To-morrow you shall know all. Perhaps to-night. 
 Are you satisfied ? 
 
 Brasher. Nancy, only tell mo. 
 
 Nancy. Not a syllable now. To-night everything. What 
 have you been thinking of me ? Haven't I loved you ? 
 Haven't I made you happy ? And now, because I keep a 
 secret from you for a few hours you think the very worst of 
 me. Oh, Tippy, Tippy ! j^ou have wounded me deeply. 
 [Turns from him with a sob, sinks on the divan.] 
 3 
 
34 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Brasher. {Half won over, tenderli/.] Now, Nancy, don't 
 
 Nancy. [Ciyinc/.^ I can't help it. You see how I'm dis- 
 tressed. I've missed you dreadfully since 1 left home, and 
 here you break in upon me without a word of preparation, and 
 overwhelm me with iusulting suspicious. [Sobs.^ 
 
 Brasher. I'm wrong ! I know it ! Don't go on so, Nancy. 
 [Pause.] I apologize. [I<}:(lls on his k7iees.] You did per- 
 fectly right. 
 
 JSTancy. {Tenderly, her arm over his neck.] You great, 
 clever, good old goose. Did you think I was running away 
 from you? [Draws him beside her on divani] Come, now, 
 sit down sensibly. By and by you'll see I couldn't act other- 
 wise. [Head on his shoulder.] Do you still love me? 
 
 Brasher. [Catches her head, in ecstasy.] Do I ? [Holds 
 back.] That perfume ! How did your jessamine get into old 
 GriflSng's house ? It was that set me on your track. [iStarts 
 up.] 
 
 JVancy. That's part of my secret. 
 
 Brasher. [Advances to her.] Is that old fellow in it ? 
 
 Nancy. M'^ait until to-night. Don't torment me with ques- 
 tions I cannot answer. [Embraces him.] We're reunited — 
 we've embraced — we are proof against every suspicion ! Very 
 well ! Now, until midnight I have no husband. I'm single 
 once more, and you're a bachelor, just as you were when you 
 came, saw, and conquered poor me. 
 
 Brasher. [Rises, crosses, e.] You single and I a bachelor 
 again — w-what do you want me to do ? 
 
 JVancy. Why, you must go away, of course, and not come 
 near me until night. Where is your sense of propriety ? 
 
 Brasher. [Crossing, l.] Oh ! hang it, this is like play- 
 acting, and you know how I hate and despise a sensible woman 
 doing that stuff. 
 
 Nancy. It's for your happiness, too. And now please 
 go. 
 
 Brasher. Go ! Where in thunder can I go ? [Stage, R.] 
 
 Nancy. Go walk about. I must be alone. Do you stilL 
 mistrust me ? 
 
 Brasher. No. But it's hard not to. [Takes up the hat 
 which O'Keife left.] 
 
 Nancy. [Kissing him.] Until midnight, then. 
 
 Brasher. [ Besigned.] All right ! [2\irns the hat mechan- 
 ically, and suddenly recognizes it^/lares up.] What's this ? 
 
 Nancy. What's what ? 
 
 Brasher. [In fury, showing hat.] Look here ! 
 
 Nancy, "\^'ell ? 
 
KANCY AND COMPANY. 35 
 
 JJrasher. I lost this hat at Griffing's, and now I find it 
 here. [Staffe, e.] 
 
 Nancy. [Aside.] Oh ! dear 
 
 JSrasher. You've got a man somewhere about here. 
 [Searches room af/ain ; %tp e. atid down l.] 
 
 Nancy. Well ! This is the last straw ! I was at Grif- 
 fing's, as you know, and I found your hat there, and I took 
 it to confront you with as a proof of your jealousy and mis- 
 trust. 
 
 lirasher. To confront me with it ? I like that ! [Point- 
 ing R. and L.] What doors are those ? 
 
 Nancy. They are ordinary hotel-doors, I suppose, and 
 locked. 
 
 Brasher. [Getting round to l.] I'll break them open. 
 
 Nancy. [Terrified.] Do! Make a disturbance! Rouse 
 the whole hotel, and accuse your wife before the servants. 
 What do j'ou care for my reputation ? What do you care if 
 our happiness receives a blow from which it can never recover? 
 You don't love me, you never loved me ! [Gradually going 
 from sobs to tears.] You are trying to bring about a separa- 
 tion. Go on. I wont stop you ! I can do nothing ! [Sits, 
 c, and loeej^s.] 
 
 Brasher. [Controlling himself with an ejfort.] Very well, 
 I'll go ! But 1 don't believe you, and I think you're play-acting 
 to gain time. I know there's a man about here somewhere, 
 and I'll find him — for I'll watch in the passage, and shan't take 
 my eyes from your door. [Going to door.] When he comes 
 out, don't you follow, for it'll be no place for ladies ! [Exits, 
 slamming the door after him.] 
 
 Nancy. It's a shame to worry him. [Locks door.] 
 
 Keife. [Rushes in violently from l. d., and stands against 
 it.] Oh, Lord ! how's this going to end ? 
 
 Nancy. What's the matter now? 
 
 Keife. Somebody's coming into that room. 
 
 Nancy. You look frightened to death. 
 
 Keife. It's enough to turn a man's hair white. Just as 
 your esteemed husband was bellowing his loudest in here, I 
 heard a key put into the other door of that room, and then a 
 voice which made my heart jump into my throat, the voice of 
 the woman I'm to marry. 
 
 Nancy. [Astonished.] Miss Dangery ? 
 
 Keife. Yes ; Oriana. Imagine my position. In here, your 
 husband ready to kill me ; and my fiancee coming in tiiere to 
 discover me hiding and cast me off forever. It was a delight- 
 ful alternative — finally I preferred certain death, and here I 
 am. [ Crosses, E.J 
 
36 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 N^ancy. You're not safe now. Your Oriana may step in 
 here any moment. 
 
 Keife. [Going, c.J I can get out that wa}^ 
 
 JSTancy. No, you can't ! Othello is outside waiting for you. 
 
 Jxeife. Thanks for the cheerful information. Can you sug- 
 gest a solution of the difficulty? 
 
 JVanci/. I have an idea. [Goes to door, e.] Help me. 
 
 Keife. What are you going to do ? [ Goes to her.'\ 
 
 Nancy. Don't you see ? Move this sofa from the door. 
 
 Keife. [After assisting Aer.] And now, what ? 
 
 JSTancy. [After imholting the door.'\ Now knock. Per- 
 haps the occupant is in the room. 
 
 Keife. It's a last hope ! [Knocks?^ 
 
 Nancy. They seem to be deaf. Knock again. [He does 
 soi\ 
 
 Stoclxslow. [From the other side of the door.l IIullo, 
 hullo, there ! Who's making that little noise? 
 
 Nancy. Please unlock your door ? 
 
 Stocksloio. [Inside, titters.] What for ? 
 
 Nancy. A lady wishes to see you immediately. 
 
 Stocksloio. [Inside.] Ah, very well, I'll move my little bu- 
 reau first. [Apiece of furnitivre is heard moving.] 
 
 Keife. It seems to me I know that little voice. [Gets, l.] 
 
 Stocksloio. [Enters, e. d.] Now, ma'am ! [Sees Nanct.] 
 B3' Jove, a pretty little lady ! 
 
 Keife. [Aside.] The stock-broker. [Aloud and embar- 
 rassed.] The fact is, Mr. Stockslow- ■ [Crossing, c] 
 
 Stocksloio. Oh ! was it you knocked ? 
 
 Nancy. [7h Keife.] Introduce me to the gentleman — 
 brother. 
 
 Keife. [Puzzled.] Eh !— what? Bro-brother ? 
 
 Stocksloio. [Crossing, c] Oh ! you're his little sister? 
 
 Nancy. My poor brother is a little confused. You see, he 
 is in danger of being surprised here, and can't make his es- 
 cape because the doors are watched. So I took the liberty of 
 appealing to you to ask if j'ou would give him shelter for a 
 short time. 
 
 Stocksloio. Oh ! [Hegins to smile.] I begin to see. 
 
 Nancy. Do you understand ? 
 
 Stocksloio. Perfectly. [2'itters.] Of course it would be 
 very dangerous for little brother to be caught with little sis- 
 ter. [Titters.] 
 
 Nancy. [Aside.] Now I've ruined everything. 
 
 Keife. [Aside, down e.] She makes the worst blunders I 
 ever knew. 
 
 Nancy. At all events, you'll grant my request? 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 37 
 
 Stocksloto. Of course ; one little fellow must oblige another 
 little fellow. I may have a little sister myself some day. 
 
 [Digs Keife's ribs. 
 Kcife. \Farious. 
 
 Come, brother ! 
 
 Stop that, sir. \Stochslow gets on his e., 
 and repeats the action, tittering.] I resent your conjectures, 
 sir. 
 
 Stock.ilow. [Tb Nancy.] Funny little brother ! [Digs him 
 in. the side again. O'Keife starts away to l.] 
 
 Nancy. Go — go — gentlemen ! [Grosses, c] Don't waste 
 precious time. 
 
 Stocksloie. Bye-bye, little sister — if you want another lit- 
 tle brother, think of me. [£^xits, E. D.] 
 
 ICeife. I'll go with you. [Crosses, e.] But I tell you you're 
 entirely mistaken. [Stocksloio laughs, 02<tside.'\ His mouth 
 must be stojiped, or old Gritfing will know everything. Oh, 
 Oriana, Oriana, you are floating away from me — I feel it ! 
 [jE.rits, R. D.] 
 
 ]Va?icg. [Closing the door.] I'm afraid I've made a bad mess 
 of it. [£jnocki>ig heard at door, i..] But it was high time; 
 someone is coming. Come in ! [Oeiana a?id Daisy enter, 
 L. n.] 
 
 Oriana. Are you in at last ? I've told my cousin so much 
 about you, that she insisted on coming. [Introducing,'] 
 Miss Daisy Griffing — Mrs. — Mrs. — I've really forgotten your 
 name, do you know. 
 
 N'ancy. [Pretending not to hear, crosses, c] If your 
 cousin resembles you, I have made two charming acquaintances. 
 
 Oriana. You're very kind. 
 
 Daisy. [Aside.] Strange she won't mention her name ! 
 
 3Irs. Dangery. [Enters, t,., followed by G'RiY'Fi'tfQ.'] Fair 
 neighbor, my brother wants to be introduced to you — to thank 
 you for your attentions to us. 
 
 Griffing. [ Crosses, c. ] Madame, I [Recoqnizes her.] 
 
 The devil ! 
 
 ISFancy. [Aside, crossing, e.] How unfortunate ! [Boios.] 
 
 3Irs. Dangery. Why, what's the matter, Ebenezer ? You 
 stand there thunderstruck. Has her beauty overcome you ? 
 [Aside to him.] Would you like her photograph, too ? 
 [Oeiaxa gets round to Daisy.] 
 
 Griffing. 'Sh ! [To Nancy.] It's no empty phrase, 
 ma'am, if I say I'm awfully glad to meet you. [Sniffi,ng the 
 air.] Jessamine ! got her at last ! [Jiubs his hands.] 
 
 Kancy. I'm happy to make your acquaintance. 
 
 Griffing. To make it ? Is that the right word ? 
 
 Daisy. So you've met before ? 
 
 Nancy. [Quickly.] Your father is mistaken ; we have not 
 
38 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 met before. [ Volubly ; crosses to Mrs. Dangeet.] Have you 
 done much shopping yet, Mrs. Dangery ? 
 
 3Irs. Danger)/. No ; I've only paid a few visits so far, Mrs. 
 — Mrs. — dear me, do you knov? I've forgotten your name. 
 
 N'ancy. \Lai((jh!ng.'\ It's wonderful hov? time passes in 
 a large city. We country people really live much longer. 
 
 Oriana. [Aside.^ She won't give her name. 
 
 Waiter. [Knocks at door, enters from l. d., ^oith a card on 
 a saloer.^ 'Souse me. I found nobody in No. 115. But 
 there's a lady down-stairs who axed me to bring up dis yer 
 card to dat room. 
 
 3Irs. Dangery. \Tahes card?[ Let me see ! [iJeacfe.] 
 "Mrs. Snooksberry ! " How glad I am! [2b Nancy.] 
 Please excuse us. An old friend. \^To Waiter.] Show 
 the lady up. Come, children. \Exits after Waiter, l. d.] 
 
 Daisy. [To Oriana, as they go off.'\ It's very strange. 
 [T/tey exeunt, after looking back suspiciously at Nancy.] 
 
 Grijfing. [ Closing the door after them, laughing, and then 
 facing Najstcy.] So I've found you out. 
 
 JVancy. [Straightens herself up, n.'] What do you mean 
 by that ? 
 
 Griffing. Oh ! you may save yourself the trouble of deny- 
 ing. 
 
 Ifancy. What do you mean by this tone, sir ? 
 
 Griffing. I know everything — Mrs. Tippy Brasher. 
 
 Nancy. Everj^thing? Every what thing ? 
 
 Griffing. Your husband is outside. 
 
 Nancy. I know that. 
 
 Gri'ffvng. He is infuriated — wild. 
 
 Nancy. [Smiling]. No. I've tamed him. [ Crosses, l.] 
 
 Griffing. Don't you think that's rather strong ? 
 
 Nancy. I am not afraid of anyone. 
 
 Griffing. Not of me either, perhaps. 
 
 Nancy. Of you — not at all. 
 
 Griffing. You forget, I know your secret. 
 
 Nancy. What secret ? 
 
 Griffing. Your relation with Mr. Keife O'Keife. 
 
 Nancy. Keife O'Keife ? Who is he, pray ? 
 
 Griffing. [Aside.'] By Jiminy, she's Isold ! Awful bold ! 
 [Admiringly^ So you didn't call at my house this morning ? 
 You didn't inquire for Mr. O'Keife ? and you didn't want to 
 see him privately ? You didn't leave an odor of jessamine 
 in my parlor ? You didn't 
 
 Nancy. Didn't — didn't — didn't ! Anything more ? My 
 dear sir, it's plain to see that you know in reality nothing, and 
 that vou are trving to fish. 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 39 
 
 Griffing. Very clever ! But it won't do ! \,Tovially.\ 
 Come- — suppose we have a little chat ! Sit down side by side, 
 and listen quietly to an old and worthy person. [Site 07i 
 divait.^ Will vou, please ? 
 
 Nancy. {Aside.} Old fox ! But wait ! [Aloud.] I 
 obey. [Sits beside him.] 
 
 Griffing. Your husband is my friend. You left the poor 
 fellow under false pretences, and he has every reason to be 
 anxious and suspicious. But he loves you. It's easy to make 
 a lover believe black is white. Now, ni undertake to con- 
 vince him that you are perfectly innocent and blameless — on 
 one condition. 
 
 N^ancy. [Pretending deep emotion.] My dear old friend 
 — let me say father ! — if you would but do that ! 
 
 Griffing. I think I can manage it. [Aside.] Her toucli 
 is like an electric batterer. I feel a tingling in every finger. 
 [Aloud and smilingly.] Yes, I think 1 can convince him. 
 
 JVancy. [Pretends overwhelming Joy and takes his hands i?i 
 hers.] You're an angel ! 
 
 Griffing. I am. [Snuggers %q) to her.] 
 
 Nancy. [Drai/ji»ig off".] And your conditions ? 
 
 Griffing. Only a trifle. In return for my aid, you must 
 confess everything connected with that hypocrite, O'Keife — 
 and if necessary, furnish me with the proofs. 
 
 Nancy. What's that for? 
 
 Griffing. That's mv business. Service for service ! 
 
 Nancy. [Aside.] Wait, old gentleman, I'll lead you a 
 pretty chase. [Aluud and as if usl tamed.] You can't really 
 want me to tell you 
 
 Griffing. I'll make it easy for you. I'll ask and you'll an- 
 swer. [^is«f?c.] She's a whole perfumery counter. 
 
 Nancy. [Eyes loiccred.] Ask me, then. 
 
 Griffing. You have known that rascal for some time? 
 
 Na?icy. Yes. 
 
 Griffing. Since when ? 
 
 Nancy. [iSame.] For months. 
 
 Griffing. You have corresponded? [She nods.] The vil- 
 lain ! Are you in his power? [/She nods.] The scoundrel ! 
 Why don't you cast him off? 
 
 Nancy. I cannot. 
 
 Griffing. Why not? 
 
 Nancy. [As before.] I can't tell you. 
 
 Griffing. Whisper in my ear. [She does .so ; it tickles, and 
 he rubs his ear.] Louder. [She rcjyeats.] You tickle me. 
 [She repeats. lie rises.] I can't hear ; but go on. 
 
 Nancy. I dare not. [Pises, e.] 
 
40 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Griffing. [Excited.] Come. You promised to tell me 
 everything. [ Pp to her, slyly.'] Have you any of your photo- 
 graphs with you ? 
 
 Nancy. No. 
 
 Griffing. That's a pity. 
 
 Na}icy. Why ? 
 
 Griffing. [Slaps his chest.] Pull up, Ebenezer ; beware of 
 — the vortex. [Coldly.] No matter. Can you furnish me 
 proof of all this ? 
 
 Nancy. The whole dreadful tragedy will be revealed to- 
 night. 
 
 Griffing. [Appalled.] A tragedy ? [Crosses, r.] 
 
 Nancy. [Seizing his wrist.] To-night ! at midniglit ! 
 
 Griffing. [Staggered.] Gracious Heavens ! [Nanct 
 laughs in his face.] What are 3'ou laughing at ? 
 
 Nancy. [Langhing.] I wish you could see yourself now ! 
 [Laughs.] You must manage more cleverly, old gentleman, 
 if you want to pump me. 
 
 Griffing. [Aside, e.] I see. She's changed her mind. 
 But it won't do. [Aloud.] It won't do. I know enough, 
 and I pity that poor husband of yours. 
 
 Nancy. [Sternly.] If you become impertinent, sir, I'll 
 show you the door. 
 
 Mrs. Dangery. [Enters l. d., followed by Oriana and 
 Daisy.] My visitor has gone. Come, brother, you've had a 
 long tSte-d-tSte ; we mustn't weary our friend any longer. 
 
 Nancy. Oh, we've had a delightful chat. I don't know 
 when I've enjoyed myself so much. 
 
 Griffing. [Aside.] No, I don't think you do. 
 
 Captain. [Entering from l. c] Excuse me, but I found 
 nobody in No. 115. 
 
 Daisy. [In delight.] Paul ! 
 
 Griffing. [Angrily.] What do you want here, sir ? 
 
 Captain. I did not come to ask after your health, sir. [To 
 Mrs. Dangert.] I was looking over the register below, and 
 saw your name. You were so kind to nie at Saratoga that I 
 couldn't deny myself the pleasure of paying my respects. I 
 hope j'ou are very well. And Miss Oriana too ! 
 
 Mrs. Dangery. Thank you, yes. [To Nancy.] Allow 
 me [Introducing.] — Captain Paul Renseller. 
 
 Nancy. [Bows^] Charmed ! 
 
 Griffing. [Tb Daisy a/i(Z Oeiana, osjiie.] You must leave 
 this person's room at once. 
 
 Daisy. We are not afraid, papa. 
 
 Captain. [To Nancy.] Pardon me, madam, I didn't quite 
 catch your name. 
 
NANCY AND C05IPANY. 41 
 
 Nancy. [Not heedin(/.'\ Won't you be seated, Mrs. Dan- 
 gery [Crosses, c] and young ladies ? [Crosses pastMns. Dan- 
 
 GERT.] 
 
 Oriana. [Aside to Geiffing.] Isn't it strange she won't 
 tell her name ? Do you know her ? 
 
 Grijfing. Yes. She is your O'Keife's old sweetheart. 
 [Oriana screams cmd half faints in chair, 'l.'] 
 
 J/rs. Danger)/. [Huns to her.] What has happened ? 
 
 Nancy. [Also runniny to her.] She has fainted. 
 
 Mrs. Danyery. Water, somebody ! [Nanct pours out 
 loater.] 
 
 Oriana. [ Convidsively.] Take me away from here ! I'm 
 choking ! 
 
 Mrs. Danyery. Come to our room. [Taking her in. her 
 arms and going l.] 
 
 Nancy. [Rim s ahead.] I'll open the window. [Exits, 'l.d.] 
 
 Mrs. Danyery. My poor child ! [Exits, l. d., with Oei- 
 
 ANA.] 
 
 Daisy. [Going l.] Pa, what was it you said to her? 
 
 Captain. [Following round tahle.] Perhaps I can be of 
 assistance. [Also going to x. d.] 
 
 Griffing. Daisy, stay here. [Putting her to e.] • 
 
 Daisy. They may want me. 
 
 Griffing. Stay where you are. 
 
 Captain. [2\trning back at door.] Perhaps I'd better 
 staj' where I am, too. A man would only be in the way. 
 
 Griffing. Here, you ; what do you want here ? 
 
 Captain. Allow me to ask what you want here. We're 
 both on somebody else's premises. 
 
 Griffing. You persecute my daughter. 
 
 Captain. Miss Daisy, do I persecute you ? [ Crosses, c] 
 
 Daisy. Not at all. 
 
 Captain. You hear, sir ! [ Whispers to Daisy.] I have a 
 letter for 3'ou. 
 
 Daisy. [ IVhispers, sa7ne.] So have I- — for you. 
 
 Griffing. [Crosses, c] Here ! here ! no whispering there. 
 
 Captain. Make your mind easy, sir. I'm not actuated by 
 selfish motives. My poor abused foster-brother has written a 
 long epistle to Miss Oriana, and I undertook to deliver it. 
 Please hand this to your cousin. Miss Daisy. [Hands Daisy 
 a letter quickly ichich she seizes and hides.] 
 
 Griffing. [Ste})s beticeen them.] What a dear self-sacrific- 
 ing friend you are. My daughter's no lamp-post — I mean no 
 post-box, sir. [To Daisy.] Give me that letter. [To Cap- 
 tain.] Do your own letter-carrj'ing, sir. 
 
 Daisy. [Hesitating while changing the letters.] But, pa 
 
42 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Griffing. Out with it. [Daisy, with apparent reluctance, 
 hands him her own letter, which he passes over to the Captain.] 
 Here is your epistle back again. [ With a siieerJ] If you 
 want to get ahead of me, young fellow, you must get up earlier 
 in the morning. \^Turns up stage.^ 
 
 Captain. \^As he looks at the letter, and pockets it.l Thank 
 you. I believe I did oversleep myself this morning. 
 
 Grijfing. Now, don't you think we'd better leave ? We're 
 on somebody else's premises long enough. 
 
 Captain. My very thought. 
 
 Grijfing. As my future son-in-law, little Stockslow, stops 
 at this hotel, somewhere along this corridor, I think, I'll paj^ 
 him a visit. Daisy, go to your aunt ; make the Captain a nice 
 bow and go. 
 
 Daisy. Good-morning, Captain. \_Asidc.^ I have his 
 letter ! \^I}x.its, l. d.] 
 
 Griffing. {^Points to door, c] If you please. 
 
 Captain. After you. 
 
 Griffing. I don't like to lose sight of you. [ Unlocks the 
 door, c] 
 
 Cap)tain. You shall never, as long as you live. \_Exits, c] 
 
 Griffing. Conceited puppy ! \_Exits, r. c. Immediately 
 Gexffing is off', Brasher utters a loud, Jierce cry and ex- 
 claims : " I've got you."] 
 
 Captain. [ Outside.'\ But, sir ! 
 
 Griffing. \^Outside.\ My dear Brasher ! \^Captain dashes 
 in, endeavoring to shake Brasher off'. Griffing follows, 
 trying to explai7i.^ This is Captain Renseller, United States 
 Army. [Brasher bows an apology and shakes hands with 
 the Captain, and all three exeunt. Brasher, last, " I'm wrong 
 this time, but I'll watch 'em and catch 'era yet."] 
 
 Enter Oriana and Nancy, l. d. 
 
 Nancy. You wish to speak with me alone ? 
 
 Oriana. [Excited.'] Yes, for I must clear up a terrible sus- 
 picion. 
 
 JVctncy. You alarm me. 
 
 Oriana. I'm engaged to be married. Enviable destiny, is 
 it not ? I thought so once, for I loved the man of my choice, 
 and believed I was the idol of his thoughts. 
 
 Nancy. Calm yourself. [Both sit.] 
 
 Oriana. [l.] I was warned; reminded that men of genius 
 were fickle and inconstant. I remained deaf and blind. But 
 my uncle, who hears and sees everything, only a moment since 
 whispered to me that it is you he loves, and not me. 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 43 
 
 JVanry. Who, j'our uncle ? 
 
 Oriana. No — my lover. \^Rises mid crosses, ■r.'\ 
 
 Nancy. \_Proudly.^ I permit no one to love me but my 
 husband. 
 
 Oriana. Is there such a person ? 
 
 Nancy. Well, upon my word. 
 
 Oriana. Why are you here? Why do you speak of that 
 play to-night ? 
 
 Nancy. \^Confused.~\ The play ? 
 
 Oriana. You can't deny you were all on fire about it to us ; 
 and it is his play — you understand — his play ! 
 
 Nancy. II is play ! \_Angrily.'\ Did he tell you ? 
 
 Oriana. Never mind — I know. And novr tell me, hon- 
 estly — as one woman to another — do you know, do you love, 
 Keife O'Keife ? 
 
 Nancy. [Z'ectffcf?.] No. 
 
 Oriana. Oh ! Thank you ! Thank you ! [^Grasps her 
 hand — as the door k. is opened leildly, and O'Keife rushes in 
 and closes it madly after him, Nancy starts away.'] 
 
 O^Kcifc. Hide me ! Hide rae ! Old Griffing is coming 
 into that room. \Goin.g doiiinto'HKTSC\i\ Hide me quickly ! 
 \tiees Oeiana, wlio has dropped Nancy's hands.] Good 
 Heavens ! [Stands j^etrified.] Oriana ! 
 
 Oriana. [At first sjjeechless, then with growing agitation.] 
 You don't know him ! And yet he rushes into your room and 
 asks you to hide him ! 
 
 Keife. [One step forward?^ Oriana! 
 
 Oriana. \_Recoiling.'\ Don't approach me ! Don't insult 
 me by further attempts at deceit. You have acted your part 
 well for three months ; you must be weary of it at last. Be 
 what you please, and to whom you please ; as for me, all is 
 over between us forever ! [Exits, l. d., slamming door.] 
 
 Keife. [About to folknoT] Oriana ! [Sinks on the tete-d- 
 tSte.] 
 
 Griffing. [Appears i'/i. doorway, e., slani)ning door after 
 him, crosses to Keife.] Stop ! After what has occurred, Mr. 
 O'Keife, you will not be surprised at my requesting- you to 
 leave my house. [Turning to Nancy, who glares at him.] 
 You will hardly be at a loss for a home. 
 
 Keife. \ Exploding.] I tell you, sir, it's a mistake! A 
 damnable mistake ! 
 
 Griffing. Oh ! no. The only mistake was in your suppos- 
 ing that you could hoodwink Ebenezer Griffing. I give you 
 half an hour to go home — pack up and get out. 
 
 Keife. [Going, c, and utterly dejected.] I'm lost ! 
 Nancy. My poor friend ! * 
 
44 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Keife. You can save me. Speak one word 
 
 Nancy. To-nig-ht. 
 
 Keife. To-night it'll be too late. It's almost too late now. 
 [ Goes, c] 
 
 Griffing. [Hursts out laughing, on divan. '\ He's dead as 
 a hammer. The husband on the other side of that door. \_Gets, 
 L. As Keife is about to open, the door, c, it is violently 
 dashed in his face, and Beashee appears with waiter carrying 
 the office register.'] 
 
 Srasher. Aha ! I've found you at last ! Your name ! 
 
 Keife. It's none of your business. 
 
 Brasher. Your name ! 
 
 Naiicy. [e.] Don't tell him. 
 
 Gri'ffing. [l.] Keife O'Keife — that's his name. 
 
 Brasher. yGrasping the register.] I thought so. My wife 
 is registered here as your wife. \_Raises the book to strike. The 
 servants hold him.] Let me get at him ! [O'Keife dodges 
 and crosses, e. Beashek fres the book, and it strikes Grif- 
 fing.] O Nancy ! Nancy ! 
 
 Nancy. Fly! [O'Keife cZas/ics oi^^q/'c^aor, c, a« Brasher 
 breaks from Nancy, icho has flung her arms about his neck. 
 The other doors open. Stockslovt aptpears, e., and Mrs. 
 Dangeey and Daisy appear, l. d.] 
 
 Curtain. 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 45 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 The same scene as Act I. Time, evening. Lamp lit on table, 
 c. N^ot quite half dark. In front of table a large valise 
 open. Several books and pamphlets and rolls of 3ISS. 
 on the table, and on the floor near it. On the easy-chair 
 are some articles of O'Keife's clothing and a large travel- 
 ling rug of fur or plaid. On sofa, E., is his heavy ulster. 
 O'Keife's hat on the table. 
 
 O'Keife is discovered packing books, etc., in his vcdise, at c. 
 
 CKeife. [Scratching his head, after a glance round, while 
 on his knees.^ Everything' was in here once, but how am I 
 going to get 'em in again ? 
 
 Griffing. [Enters from e. c, loith an open letter in his 
 hand; stands a moment, contemplating O'Keife.] Aha! 
 Packing tip to move ? [O'Keife continues his loork in 
 silence.} You don't answer ! [Sits e. of table.} 
 
 O'Keife. No. 
 
 Griffing. Why not? 
 
 O'Keife. You're my enemy. 
 
 Griffing. I'm down on hypocrisy, tliat's all. 
 
 Keife. You talk rubbish. [Continues to pjack.} 
 
 Griffing. You wrote this letter to my niece asking for an 
 interview. [O'Keife looks up, and then resumes piacking.] I 
 might oppose it, but I don't. Your request is granted. 
 
 Keife. [_Getting up.] She consents ? 
 
 Griffing. She consents to hear what you have to say in ex- 
 culpation. I'll be present, of course. 
 
 Keife. [ With a sneer.} Of course. 
 
 Griffing. The fact is, I'm curious to hear how you will 
 wriggle out of it. 
 
 Keife. You've done me injury enough, without adding in- 
 sult. 
 
 Griffing. Now don't froth up. Your guilt is beyond 
 doubt or contradiction. The lady's own confession establishes 
 that. 
 
 Keife. What confession ? That woman's capable of any- 
 thing:. 
 
46 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Griffing. Now, don't attempt too much. Don't ask my 
 niece for forgiveness, or I may be unable to restrain myself, 
 and demand your correspondence. 
 
 Keife. I'll show you every one of her letters. 
 
 Griffing. I don't mean her letters ; I mean yours. So take 
 a gentlemanlj'' and respectful leave of Oriana. That's all I'll 
 allow. \_Eises.'] 
 
 Keife. \_Angry, rising.'] You've nothing to allow. If you 
 remain, you will sit down and be quiet, for I shall address 
 nothing to j'ou. If you intend to interrupt the conversation 
 whenever you please, I shall decline the interview. [^Crosses, 
 
 K.] 
 
 Griffing. Oh, I won't interrupt. Tm only too anxious to 
 hear everything you've got to say. 
 
 Keife. I hold you to that, then, remember ! 
 
 Griffing. \_Goes to arch, e., and calls off.] Oriana ! [Dei- 
 ana enters frotn arch, e.] 
 
 Keife. My dear Oriana ! 
 
 Oriana. [ Very reserved, l]. What have you to say to 
 me, sir ? 
 
 Griffing. Please to remember that my niece is not your 
 dear Oriana any longer. I want that understood to begin 
 with. 
 
 Keife. [Crosses, c, gently pushing Geiffing aside ; Geif- 
 FiNG, staggering, falls on the sofa.] Miss Dangery, I beg you 
 will ask your uncle to be quiet. His remarks incense me — 
 the}' make my blood boil, and deprive me of the calmness I 
 wish to observe in speaking to you. 
 
 Griffing. \ Crosses, c, to interrupt.] Well, I 
 
 Oriana. [To Geiffing, seriously ^^ If I am to remain, I 
 must request you to be silent. 
 
 Griffing. [Testily:] Well, I'll keep still ; but don't let 
 him presume on his past rights ; they're all gone. [Looks on 
 from one to the other. Ktsive pushes him back.] 
 
 Oriana. [To Kisifb.] Go on, please. 
 
 Keife. [Tenderly and entreating.] Shall I remind j'ou, 
 Oriana, how we first met — how the same spark of love ignited 
 our hearts together ? Shall I describe the lamb-like patience 
 with which 1 have endured the refined tortures of that man 
 during the three months I have been under his roof and in his 
 power ? 
 
 Orifflng. No! [Checks himself. Keife pushes him 
 back / he staggers to chair, near fire.] If I hold in any 
 longer, I'll explode ! 
 
 Keife. My enemies have wrested the most trivial circum- 
 stances to mv iniurv. You have lost faith in me. 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 47 
 
 Grtffing. Small loss! [Keife fooA's ai hbii — he changes 
 position, and begins to stir thefire.'\ 
 
 Keife. You may well ask me, then, what it is I ask of 
 you. 
 
 Griffing. \^As before.~\ Yes; that's what we all ask. \^llut- 
 tles poker on the bars.'] 
 
 Keife. \_As before.'] It is my last request. I ask you to 
 give no thought to me or my affairs until to-morrow morning, 
 to believe nothing j'ou hear or have heard against me until 
 then. After to-night, I shall scatter the calumnies of my 
 enemies as the sun scatters a fog. [Glares at Griffing, who 
 groans and rakes the fre.] If to-morrow moi-ning 1 do not 
 stand before you justified in every way — then turn your charm- 
 ing head from me forever, then believe all they tell you of my 
 deceit, and repulse the hand I stretch out to claim you. Say 
 — will you trust in me until to-morrow morning? 
 
 Oriana. \_Has stood witJi headaverted, now turns to him.] 
 I would gladly — if 
 
 Keife. I entreat you as if I pleaded, not for justice, but 
 for mercy. 
 
 Oriana. Well, until to-morrow. Oh ! if I could only bury 
 myself until then, so I might see and hear nothing. 
 
 Keife. Thank you ! Thank you ! {Kisses her hand.] 
 
 Grifjing. [ Comes between them, poker in hand.] Here ! 
 That'll do ! That'll do ! To-morrow morning won't save you. 
 Answer me one little question now : Do j'ou know Nancy 
 Brasher, or do you not? Have you had dealings with her, or 
 have you not? 
 
 Keife. [T'o Oriana.] Slialll answer? 
 
 Oriana. [Calmly.] Answer nothing. 
 
 Griffing. [Working himself up to fury.] Perhaps you 
 don't know the jessamine wiiich gives that person's presence 
 its intoxicating perfume ? or the magic of her sparkling con- 
 versation ? or the fire of those eyes which she sinks into your 
 very soul ? or the electricity of her fascinating fingers ? or 
 
 Keife. No ; but you seem to know so much that I begin 
 to suspect that you — yourself 
 
 Griffing. [Coughs.] How, sir? Me — I [Goes up, 
 
 raking fire furiously. ] 
 
 Oriana. Mr. O'Keife is right, uncle [crosses, c] ; vou spent 
 considei'able time in the lady's society this afternoon. At all 
 events, your statements are to be received with caution. [To 
 O'Keife.] Until to-morrow. [Exits quickly, e. c] 
 
 Keife. [Calling after and crossing.] Until to-morrow! 
 
 Griffing. You shall pay me for that last shot. I'll wind 
 the net round and round you before to-morrow. 
 
48 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Jxjiife. Unless you wind yourself up in it, I simply defy 
 you. 
 
 . Betsy. [Enters, c; makes a holt toioard Or iffi,i7g.\ Young 
 Mr. Sikes Stockslow wants to see Mr. O'Keife. Is it in I'll 
 show him ? 
 
 Griffin.ff. Of course it's in _vou'll show him. 
 
 Hetsy. Very well, sor. \To Stockslow] This way, sir. 
 [Admits Stockslow and exits.'] 
 
 Stocksloic. Good-day, little papa ! Your little servant, 
 brother ! 
 
 Griffing. Well, out with it. What do you want with him ? 
 Let me tell you it won't help you to be too friendly with 
 him. » 
 
 Keife. [To Gkipfing, e.] I believe I have still the right 
 to receive a call here. [ To Stockslow.] What can I do for 
 you, sir ? 
 
 Stocksloxo. Well, it's a very disagreeable little commission, 
 and no money in it for me. But we can't say no when another 
 little chap makes it a point of honor. 
 
 Keife. Please come to the point. 
 
 Stockslow. You know Mr. Tippy Brasher, I believe? 
 
 Keife. Very slightly. 
 
 Griffin.g. [Sits 'l. of tahlei\ That's true ! He knows him 
 very slightly. 
 
 Stockslow. Well, he thinks there's something between you 
 and little — little — sister, you know. [Titters-I 
 
 Keife. Does the man want to call me out? 
 
 Stockslow. Yes. He wants me to be his little second. 
 
 Keife. Stuff. 
 
 Stockslow. He's very game stuff. You are to have the 
 choice of little thingembobbies. 
 
 Keife. Very good. Say revolvers. Across a handkerchief 
 — to-morrow morning. Handkerchiefs are worn quite small 
 now — less chance of missing each other. 
 
 Stockslow. You really accept? 
 
 Keife. It would be extremely ill-bred to refuse so polite 
 an attention. 
 
 Stockslow. You're too funny ! Who's your little friend? 
 
 Keife. [Crosses, c, to Geiffing.] Will you oblige 
 me ? 
 
 Griffing. Certainly not. I'm no little friend of j'ours. 
 [Rises.~\ 
 
 Keife. It's immaterial — arrange the matter entirely as you 
 please, Mr. Stockslow, and let me hear from you to-night. 
 
 Stockslow. Then I'm through. 
 
 Keife. With me — yes. 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 49 
 
 Stockslow. He, he ! [Titters, then crosses, c, to Geiffixg.] 
 How's Daisy? 
 
 Griffiiiff. Out shopping! for her wedding. [Claj^s him 
 on the shoulder.^ I admire your pluck. I didn't think vou 
 had so much fight in you. 
 
 Stockslow. Oh ! I don't have to fight. 
 
 Griffing. No, but as his second j'ou will have to hold one 
 end of the handkerchief, and as they'll both be shaking a little, 
 you may come in for some of the pepper. 
 
 Stockslow. [Scared, then titters.^ I guess I'll get a little 
 table-cloth. [Exits, c. R.] 
 
 Griffing. [To Keife.] Well, I begin to pity you myself. 
 You really are getting into deep water. Well, you'll have to 
 swim for it ; and make your mind easy, I won't jump in after 
 you. [Exits, E. c] 
 
 Keife. All's well ! To-morrow will settle everything. When 
 the curtain falls to-night, a weight falls from my heart ; the 
 scales fall from everybody's eyes — Oriana falls to me, and 
 then huzzah for happiness ! [Resumes his packing, c] 
 
 Captain. [Enters, l. c, after looking in.~\ How are you, 
 foster-brother ? Nobody here but you ? 
 
 Keife. You're just in time to help me move. 
 
 Daisy. [Enters quickly and softly, l. d.] Mr. Keife, did 
 Paul — Oh, there you are ! 
 
 Captain. [Opens his arms.'\ Daisy ! Fly to me ! 
 
 Daisy, [liashfuily.] The idea ! 
 
 Captain. What's the harm ? We're alone. [Crosses, l. c] 
 
 Keife. Here, I like that ! 
 
 Captain. [Holding Daisy's hand?^ I'm sorry, O'Keife, but 
 we can't recognize your existence. We don't know when we 
 shall succeed in meeting alone again, and I have very important 
 matters to communicate to Daisy. 
 
 Keife. [Taking his hat^ My time is limited, but I can go 
 out for five minutes. 
 
 Capjtain. Noble character ! 
 
 Daisy. [To Keife, bringing him doion e.] No, no — you 
 must remain. [Takes his hat and puts it doion.'\ I have no 
 objection, however, to your putting your head occasionally 
 into your valise. [Gets, e.] 
 
 Keife. All right ! I'll dive into the trunk as often as my 
 necessity for breathing will allow. [Kneels and resumes 
 2}acking.'\ 
 
 Captain. [To Daisy.] You read my letter ? 
 
 Daisy. Yes ; what was it you had to tell me ? 
 Captain. You have often wondered, I have no doubt, why 
 I never came out boldly and asked your father for your hand. 
 4 
 
50 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Daisy. Well, I thought you knew best -when to speak. 
 
 Captain. I did, and I \Yas waiting for only one thing. 
 You know how small my pay is. It wouldn't support the 
 smallest mite of a wife in the world. 
 
 Daisy. I never thought your pay was an objection. 
 
 Captain. It's my only shortcoming. Well, I've written 
 my father all about my love and our distress-^and I've just 
 received his answer. 
 
 Daisy. \^Infea7\'\ Oh, dear ! what does he say ? 
 
 Captain. If I drop the army, marry a good wife, and come 
 and live with him, he'll attend to all the rest. Isn't he a 
 father ? 
 
 Daisy. [Delighted.^ He consents ! Did you mention my 
 name ? 
 
 Captain. Yes. He told me to give you his love. [ Opens 
 his «r»is.] Here it is ! 
 
 Daisy. \^Loohs at Kbife.] 
 
 Keife. I dive ! \Pops his head in valise.'\ 
 
 Captain. [^Embracing Daisy, and turning her to his h.] 
 Daisy ! my own ! 
 
 Daisy. No, I'm not your own yet. There's my pa. 
 
 Captain. What objection can he possibly make if I give 
 up my shoulder-straps ? 
 
 Daisy. I don't know. He's the greatest inventor of ob- 
 jections that ever lived. 
 
 Captain. Courage ! Before a month's passed we'll be man 
 and wife. 
 
 Daisy. It makes me shiver all over. [Getting away from 
 him.] 
 
 Captain. Warm yourself at my heart. [Opens his arms. 
 She looks around at Keife.] 
 
 Keife. I pop ! [Dives into valise.] 
 
 Captain. My darling, my darling ! I'll ask my father to 
 come on to-morrow, and we'll turn the matter over to him. 
 
 Daisy. We haven't a day to lose. 
 
 Keife. [Head in valise.] If I'm not greatly mistaken, 
 some one is coming out. I hear footsteps. 
 
 Daisy. From where ? [Keife points toward the parlor, 
 c] The parlor? Mr. Stockslow's in therewith papa figuring 
 over my dowry. 
 
 Captain. The cold-blooded monster! [Crosses,!..] I'll 
 step in here. 
 
 Daisy. No ! Pa gave that room to auntie and cousin 
 Oriana. 
 
 Captain. But I must hide somewhere. [Goes, e.] 
 
 Daisy. That's papa's room ! 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 51 
 
 Keife. Get in the valise. 
 
 Captain. That's your divinsT-oTound. I'd rather sit. 
 \_Talces the ulster off sofa, e., and covers hitnse/f.] How's 
 that ? 
 
 Daisy. You'll suffocate ! 
 
 Captain. No. I'm very warm and comfortable. 
 
 Juiife. [c] The steps come nearer. 
 
 Daisy. Blow out the light ! [Eiins out, l. d. O'Keife 
 bloiBs out lamp — sta^e dark — moordight from loindow, l.] 
 
 Wancy. \_Enters, l. c] Pst ! pst ! are you there? [Doicn 
 R. c] 
 
 Keife. \StacigeredI\ What on earth brings 3'ou here ? 
 
 N^ancy. I had to come. I can't content mj-self. The girl 
 here let me in without a word. 
 
 Keife. Sh ! not so loud ! \^Draios her doion l.] 
 
 Nancy. Aren't you alone ? 
 
 Keife. Yes ; but some one might overhear from the ad- 
 joining rooms. 
 
 Kancy. \Following him, l.] You will take me to the 
 theatre, won't you ? I can't ask my husband. He's a smoul- 
 dering volcano. 
 
 Keife. Yes. He's a nice fellow ! Just sent me a chal- 
 lenge. Expects to shoot me to-morrow. 
 
 Nancy. So soon ! Can't you get him to postpone it ? 
 
 Keife. Why should I ? We drop tlie veil of mystery to- 
 night. 
 
 Nancy. Yes, if the play makes a hit. If not — I dare not 
 tell him. 
 
 Keife. Oh ! now ! come, I say ! You distinctly agreed. 
 Think of me ! [Crosses, l. | 
 
 Nancy. How selfish you are ! \_Seizes his hand.^ Listen 
 to me ! We're on the brink of failure. 
 
 Keife. Nonsense ! 
 
 Nancy. I have just come from the theatre. I heard there 
 that they may have to postpone the pla\-. Their principal 
 comedian has been suddenlj' seized with hoarseness. 
 
 Keife. Impossible ! He rehearsed this morning. 
 
 Nancy. Can't you go and see liim ? Beg him to recover 
 his voice just this once, to oblig'e a lady. 
 
 Keife. He shall play if he has to do it in pantomime. \^Go- 
 iny, L. c] _ 
 
 Nancy. [Following him, sto^j>s.] Some one's coming ! 
 
 Keife. Go away, quickly ! 
 
 Nancy. I can't ; I must wait till you come back. My 
 agitation and anxiety are too great. 
 
 Keife. If you're found hei-e, there'll be no explaining. 
 
52 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 N'ancy. But I won't be found ; I'll hide. [Goes down-L., 
 and takes up lap-rug from chair.l I'll sit here as quiet as a 
 mouse. [»SJte and conceals herself.^ 
 
 Keife. \Entreating.'\ No — no — you must go away ! I beg 
 of j'ou — oh, Lord — too late ! 
 
 Griffmg. \Enters, e. c] Haven't you done packing yet ? 
 
 Keife. [Taking his hat from c] If I go — what will hap- 
 pen here? \Looks from e. to chair, not heeding Griffing.^ 
 
 Griffing. Going out ? 
 
 Keife. Heavens! What a night ! \^Goes vj?.^ After me, 
 the deluge ! [Rushes out, l. c, crushing his hat on his 
 head.] 
 
 Griffing. He's wandering ! He's crazy ! [JLooIcs around.] 
 I'll have his things packed and stored. What's all this trash ? 
 [jBends over vahse, c, and looks at scattered objects utitil his eye 
 rests on Nancy's feet, which arepieeping out from the rug. lie 
 vripes his glasses ancl scrutinizes.] A foot ! A human foot ! 
 and, to judge by its dimensions, a lady's foot. [Goes nearer, 
 and aside.] A very pretty foot ! Covered by that hypocrite's 
 rug. [Comes, c] It's she ! [Mubs his hands gleefully.] Aha, 
 my dear Mr. O'Keife, we won't wait until to-morrow to clear 
 you up ! We'll do it to night— right away ! I'll bring Oriana 
 and show her that foot and its fair owner. [Going, e. c] So 
 that's why he was so confused. Oh ! the double-dyed dyna- 
 miter ! [He steeds off softly, r. c. When he' swell off, the rug 
 and cloak are pushed aside. Nancy and the Captain emerge 
 and look after Geiffing, then tm-n and face each other.] 
 
 Nancy. Ha ! 
 
 Captain. By Jove ! [Tliey conceal themselves as before. 
 After a moment they emerge again from the other side of the 
 covering.] 
 
 Nancy. Sir ! [Rising.] 
 
 Captain. Captain Renseller ! [Rising.] You remember, 
 this afternoon ? 
 
 N'ancy. Oh !yes, yes ! In ambush ? [Half laughi] 
 Capitain. No, skirmishing ! And you, Madame ? 
 
 Nancy. On the retreat ! 
 
 Captain. [ Offers his hand.] Are we enemies ? 
 
 Nancy. On the contrary, we must be allies. 
 Captain. Then we must cover our movements carefully, 
 for the enemy is returning to the attack. Change places with 
 me. [He goes hurriedly to her seat, and she to his. Roth cover 
 themelves as Griffing enters, e. c, bringing in Oeiana.] 
 Oriana. Unc-le, what is the matter? 
 
 Griffing. [ On tip-toe.] Sh ! You're not to speak ; only 
 to look ! 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 53 
 
 Oriana. ['Wliispering.'] But tell me 
 
 Griffing. Stand there ! [Places her doien, c] and cast 
 your eye this way. [Points to, l., choir.^ 
 
 Oriana. What for? 
 
 Griffinxj. Behold ! [Suddenly throws off the rug and dis- 
 coi'ers Captain.] The devil ! [Drops into chair l. oJ' table-] 
 
 Oriana. What's this? 
 
 Captain. Good evening ! 
 
 Griffing. H — how did you get here? 
 
 Captain. [As both rise^ I heard your footsteps, and not be- 
 ing prepared to ask after your health again, I thought I'd 
 try to pass unmolested. 
 
 Griffing. [Gasping.] What do you want ? 
 
 Captain. [Gets to o.] To help my old friend O'Keife to 
 pack. [Ktieels by valise.] 
 
 Oriana. [Crosses, l.] For shame, uncle ! You suspected 
 ]Mr. O'Keife had somebody else behind this rug. I see it all. 
 You needn't trouble yourself any further. I will wait until 
 to-morrow. [Going.] 
 
 Griffing. [Getting round table.] Send Betsj' in with a 
 lamp ! We want more light ! [Oriana exits, l.] 
 
 Captain. This constant excitement on your part must be 
 very injurious. 
 
 Griffing. If I get a fit of apoplexy, it's on your conscience. 
 
 Petsy. [Eniei-s, L., with a lighted lamp.] Good evening! 
 [Puts lamp on table and closes jjorti&res at window, l. Gap- 
 tain is kneeling at valise, back to audience.] 
 
 Griffing. [Loolcing at Captains feet.] He hasn't a very 
 big foot — and yet I can't make it out. 
 
 Petsy. [ Comes to Geiffing, r. c, tcith a photograph.] I 
 found an old photograph of mine in my chest. It was taken 
 a twelvemonth or so ago, but it looks first-rate. I wore my 
 hair a la Langtry then. If you like it you can kape it. [Cap- 
 tain laughs.] 
 
 Griffing [ Confused.] Your picture ! [ Ct-osses, c] What 
 do I want with your picture? [Takes an uneasy glance at 
 Captain.] 
 
 Petsy. Sure, you asked me for it. 
 
 Captain [Laughing.] I see — Volume X. You are adding 
 to vour collection. I congratulate vou ! 
 
 Petsy. [b.] Me, sir ? Why ? 
 
 Griffing. [Crosses, l.] The Captain's fond of making- 
 very poor jokes. Turn that lamp up more, and then go. 
 [Betsy _/7'«es lampi.] 
 
 Ca2jtain. Everything's fish that comes to your net, 
 eh ? 
 
54 NAKCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Griffing. [Seated, l. of table.] I don't understand you. 
 
 Captain. Allow me to take this opportunity to propose 
 for the hand of your daughter. [Still kneeling.] 
 
 Griffi/ig. You select a fine moment. 
 
 Captain. I'vq just discoverd that you possess a remark- 
 ably tender heart. 
 
 Griffing. Will you be quiet ? 
 
 J3etsy. [Has fixed the lamp, and now lifts the corner of the 
 cloak as if to fold it — discovers Nancy.] Oh ! [She drops 
 the corner.] 
 
 Griffing. [Crosses, u.] What's that ? 
 
 JBetsy. I — I — hurted myself with a pin. [Runs out, l. c] 
 
 Griffing. [Sjyeaking after her.] I told \o\i to go ! 
 
 Caj>tain. Now, sir, your answer ! 
 
 Griffing. [Looks at chair, e., and sees Nancy's foot 
 again.] Aha ! 
 
 Captain. What's the matter ? Have you scratched your- 
 self with the same pin ? 
 
 Griffing. No, no ; nothing ! [Aside.] That foot ! Tliis 
 time she shan't escape me. [Ruhs his hands gleefully.] My 
 dear Captain — I'm not in a frame of mind to answer you at 
 present. So we'll make it another time. 
 
 Captain. I love Daisy ! [Jizsc^.] She loves me ! Think 
 of two weddings on the same day. O'Keife leading your 
 niece to the altar — I leading Daisy. Two bridals — and only 
 one breakfast. There's a chance for you to save money ! 
 
 Griffing. [Cunningly.] Would you be satisfied to be mar- 
 ried on the same day O'Keife marries my niece ? 
 
 Captain. Do you consent ? 
 
 Griffing. [Turning half away.] I consent. 
 
 Captain. [Clasping his shoulder.] My father ! 
 
 Griffing. Not just yet ! We don't know what may hap- 
 pen. 
 
 Capttain. But I have your word ! 
 
 Griffing. Oh, it's a bargain. When my niece marries that 
 reprobate, you may have my daughter — not before. [Turns 
 his back to him.] 
 
 Captain. [ Violently embracing his back.] I'm wild with 
 joy ! [Goes, c] Papa ! [Exits, l. c] 
 
 Griffing. I'll kill two fine birds with one stone. [Looks 
 at chair, e., as he goes, l.] I'll summon my whole family 
 to see the fun. [Exits, l. d.] 
 
 Xancy. [Peeps, and sees him off; then rises.] How un- 
 fortunate ! And nobody here to help me ! [Bkashee's voice 
 heard outside. She starts.] Heavens ! Tippy back here 
 again ! Where can I go ? [Looks toward the windoio, l.] 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 55 
 
 Ah, the window ! \_IIides behind the curtains as Brasher 
 enters, c. i.., in disorder.] 
 
 Srasher. I've been walking the streets for three hours, 
 and everything swims before me. I've been fished ovit from 
 under yellow cabs at every crossing. This is where that 
 wretch is stopping. How hot ! I'm suffocating ! I must 
 open that window. \^Malces a few stejis toward it ; the cur- 
 tains are seen, to move very violentbj.] Ah ! the curtains are 
 blowing — the window must be open. The heat's in here. 
 [Taps his hcad.\ What do I want here, aiij'way ? [*Si7s.] 
 I remember ! I went back to the hotel. She had gone out. 
 The hall-porter asked me if I was Mr. O'Keife. [Laughs hys- 
 terieally.] I, Mr. O'Keife ! Then he asked me if I were a 
 friend of his. I — I — his friend ? [Sardonic laugh.'\ And I 
 answered yes. Then he told me the lady in No. 117 had left, 
 and she had gone to call on him. The lady in No. 117 ! 
 That's my wife ! Yes, yes, now I remember ! That's what 
 brought me here. I want to surprise them — to confront them 
 — convict them — then ! [Controls himself l\ But she hasn't 
 got here yet ! Nor he ! I'll wait ! 
 
 Griffiny. [Outside.^^ Come in, all of you ! 
 
 Mrs. Danyery. [Outside^^ What's your hurry? Give a 
 body a moment ! 
 
 Brasher. They're coming ! I'll observe. [Covers himself 
 icith the cloalc on sofa, r.] 
 
 Griffiny. [Outside.] Come in, all of you, and convince 
 yourselves ! 
 
 3Irs. Danyery. [Enters, l. d., vnth Griffing, followed by 
 Oriana and Dalsy ; in a tchisper to him.'] What is it any- 
 way ? 
 
 Griffiny. We're going to bag a poet. 
 
 Mrs. Danyery. Brother, you are all the time seeing ghosts. 
 
 Griffiny. Not exactly a ghost this time, Huldj' — a fairy ! 
 Or, to be more exact, Mr. O'Keife's fairy. 
 
 Mrs. Danyery. Girls, he's got 'em ! The spirits are ap- 
 pearing to him. 
 
 Griffiny. Huldah, remove the cloak from that sofa. [Mrs. 
 Dangert yoes over to r.] The feet are still there, but they 
 seem to have grown a second time. 
 
 3Irs. Danyery. [Removes eloaJc and discovers Bkashek.] 
 What's this? [77ie two yirls lauyh at l.] 
 
 Griffiny. Tippj^ Brasher ! 
 
 Brasher. [Hisiny, yruffly^ Good evening ! 
 
 Mrs. Danyery. Mr. Brasher ! 
 
 Oriana. Is that all for to-night ? [Crosses p>0-st Daisy.] 
 Uncle, I am really becoming very tired. 
 
56 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Griffin ff. [To HuAsii^K,, ftirioiis.] What brings you here ? 
 
 Uras/ier. [liishiff.'j If you take that tone, I can go. 
 
 Griffing. ^Crosses to him soothingly.'] No, no ; I didn't 
 mean it. 
 
 jBrasher. [Gloomily.] I'm a,iter her and him .^ 
 
 Griffing. [7b Oeiana, triumj^hantly, crossing from one to 
 another.] You hear, you hear ! he's after them both ! [To 
 Brasher.] She refuses to believe one word against them. 
 
 Brasher. [Crosses to Oriana.] Shake hands with me, 
 miss ! I wish I could say the same — but I found them to- 
 gether, found her registered in his name, found his writing 
 in her papers ; and yet, when she says to me, " Tip, you're 
 a fool. It's all right ! " I'd give my life to say, " Nancy, I 
 know I'm an ass ! " [ Crosses, r.] 
 
 Griffing. Soft ninny ! [Gets, l.] 
 
 Oriana. Do as I do ! Be patient, and wait till to-morrow ! 
 [O'Keife appears, l. c] 
 
 Daisy. Here he is ! 
 
 Keife. [Half aside ^ The whole gang ! [In dismay.] 
 
 Brasher. Sir, where's my wife ? ' 
 
 Keife. You're going to shoot me to-morrow, so you've no 
 right to question. 
 
 Brasher. Will j'ou or will you not 
 
 Keife. Excuse me ! I shall be at everybod^f's service after 
 twelve o'clock to-night. 
 
 3Irs. Dangery. [As the clock commences to stril-e.] Well, 
 that's only four hours off. [Trijing to jiacify'Q'RX&Yi'E.u.] We 
 can wait four hours. 
 
 (/Keife. Eight o'clock ! I must go to the theatre. 
 
 Oriana and TJaisy. Take us ! Take us ! 
 
 Griffing. We'll all go ! 
 
 Nancy. [Steps from behind the curtain.] No ! you must 
 take me ! 
 
 All. Nancy ! 
 
 Nancy. [Passing in front and i(p.\ To the play, come ! 
 [Drags O'Keife off, c. Oriana shrieks ; Daisy tries to quiet 
 her. Brasher gasps ; Griffing tries to quiet him. Mrs. 
 Dangery busies herself rmwiing from one group to the other.] 
 
 Busy Tableau as Curtain falls. 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 57 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 Scene. — Same as last. Alidnight. Just as the curtain is 
 about to rise, the music becomes a tremolo, atid a clock 
 distinctly strikes the hour of twelve. Lighted lamp dis- 
 covered on centre table. 
 
 After this, Betsy enters, l. c, followed by Captain Renseller, 
 who deposits his hat and coat on a chair. 
 
 Captain. Turn the lamp up ! Let us have more light ! 
 
 JSetsy. The lady seems to be very hysterical. 
 
 Captain. I hope it will soon pass over. Is that ice-water ? 
 \Examines carafe on c. table.'] 
 
 Setsy. Yis, sor. I brought it up a few minutes ago. 
 
 Captain. I suppose there's a doctor in the neighborhood, 
 in case of need ? 
 
 JBetsy. Yis, sor ; there is one forninst the corner. Shall I 
 run and ring him up ? 
 
 Captain. No. Wait and see. [Hurries to door, c] Here 
 they come ! [Nancy hurries past him all excitement and hys- 
 terical. O'K-EiFE follows, and he and the Captain come down. 
 She clasps her hands to her face, quite hysterically, and re- 
 mains motionless.^ 
 
 Captai?i. [ToKeife.] Well? 
 
 Keife. [Finger to lijjs.^ Hush ! [Nancy shoios by her 
 trembling that she is sobbing violently.'] 
 
 Captain. She is weeping ! 
 
 Keife. Thank goodness ! She'll get over it now. The 
 strain' has been fearful. [Gets, e. To Nancy.] Will you 
 drink some water ? 
 
 Nancy. No. 
 
 Keife. Shall we send for a doctor ? [Betsy exitsP[ 
 
 Nancy. [Taking her hands from her eyes, showing traces 
 of weeping.] What for? I am not ill. 
 
 Keife. Then why these tears ? 
 
 Nancy. [As if to herself] I had to weep. Now I feel 
 relieved. What a night ! I sat in my box and dared not 
 look around. My husband was at the other side of the theatre 
 with his eyes riveted on me. The performance commenced. 
 
58 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 I felt as if I were going to die. People came in late, and no- 
 body seemed to pay anj' attention to the stage. At last every- 
 thing grew quiet, and tiie play began, as I thought, to make 
 an impression. But the curtain fell on the first act amidst a 
 dead silence. The air felt awfully close. It seemed to me as 
 if the whole audience had but one pair of eyes — the eyes of my 
 husband — and they never diverted their gaze from me' during 
 the whole wait between the acts. Then the curtain rose for 
 the second time. People commenced to grow warmer. There 
 was a little applause. Only my Tip sat immovable, and looked 
 at me instead of the stage. The interest rose from scene to 
 scene. Mj' heart first grew quick, then excited, and finally it 
 throbbed as though it would break through my side. The ap- 
 plause rose to enthusiasm. The enthusiasm kept on increas- 
 ing, and yet I kept on asking myself — " Is it a success? Is it?" 
 Once I almost cried aloud — for I looked at Tip. He had for- 
 gotten me, and his jealousy and his fancied misery — and had 
 eyes only for the stage. They called for the author. They 
 shouted and, screamed. You appeared ; j'ou said : " I can 
 accept only a small portion of this honor, for I had a helper 
 — a lady whose name, if she permits, I shall announce in to- 
 morrow's papers." You looked involuntarily toward my box, 
 and everybody looked up, too. I lied to the back of the 
 box. They couldn't see me, but thej^ applauded, and you ap- 
 plauded. But I sat there and couldn't stir. I felt a silence 
 like death within me. The goal of my girlish ambition was 
 reached — and suddenly I felt a dart through my heart. Every- 
 thing I had done to gain this triumph appeared before me ! I 
 felt the wrong I had done my husband ; the torments of doubt 
 to which I had consigned him for a whim — a caprice. [ Walks 
 up and doion.^ And I could have wept in remorse, but I had 
 not a tear in my eyes ; and then I looked out ag'ain, but the 
 house was empty ; Tij) was gone ! Oh, Tip ! good, sensible, 
 loving Tip ! [2() Keife.] Where is he? Go find him ! Bring 
 him to me ! Oh, Tip ! Tip ! Where are j'ou ? 
 
 Keife. YGeiitlyJ\ We will both look for liim. Dispose 
 of . us as you please. [77(.e Captain gets his hat and 
 coat.~\ 
 
 Nancy. [Jiishiff and giving Keife her hand.] Brave, 
 noble partner ! Good, generous heart ! I've used you shame- 
 fully, and yet you are ready to help me — the cause of all your 
 troubles. I'm a horrid, selfish creature ! But I can mend 
 everything. I need only speak a word to the dear girl in 
 there [pointing and crossing, l.], and you'll be happy. I'll 
 say that word to her at once. [Goes to l. door and knocks.] 
 Oriana ! No answer, but I hear footsteps. Some one is in 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 59 
 
 there. [JS?!Ocfc« again.'] Oriana ! Open ! It is I ! You 
 needn't wait till to-morrow for the truth. It's all out, noio ! 
 \^Stamps her foot angrily.'] Open, I say ! Do you want to be 
 miserable all night, when you can be happy at once? [The 
 bolt is drawn.] She's there ! You wait ! You shall be happy, 
 too ! both of you ! [JExits, c.' l.] 
 
 Captain. [To O'Keife.] Accept my congratulations, my 
 dear fellow, both as author and bridegroom. [Keife stands 
 near door, listeJiing and not heeding Captain.] Your play is 
 charming ! I shouted myself hoarse, too. I never saw an au- 
 dience so warm. It's good for the balance of the season. 
 You'll be as rich as you are famous, too ! 
 
 Ixeife. [Not heeding?^ Strange I don't hear her voice. 
 And now her footsteps are silent, too. 
 
 Captain. [ 'With a shrng.] He doesn't hear a word I say. 
 [Goes nj) stage and throws himself in chair.] 
 
 Keife. I hear faint breathing at the other side. She's 
 listening ! Perhaps she wants me to call her. Oriana ! irty 
 darling! It's I ! [The door opens suddenly and almost 
 strikes him on the nose. He puts his hand to his face, as 
 Geipfin'g enters, l. d.] 
 
 Griffing. [ 'Very gruffly.] Did it hit you ? 
 Keife. I should say so. 
 Griffing. You're wanted in there. 
 Keife. I fly ! [Exits, l. d.] 
 
 Griffing. [Ill-humoredly.] It seems I've made a confounded 
 fool of myself. I'm completely humbugged, and can't blame 
 anyone. That's where it cuts. This infernal hypocrite has 
 turned out to be the soul of honor — just to aggravate me. 
 Now for reconciliation — ecstasies — embraces — and kisses — 
 Pah ! 
 
 Keife. [J?rside.] Oriana ! My own ! my own ! 
 Grijfin.g. He's got her ! As soon as they collect their 
 senses, they'll turn on me. Of course, I'm an old bear ; and, 
 worse than that, I suppose they'll begin to talk over the pho- 
 tographs. O ! they won't spare me. They're all relatives. I 
 expect no mercy.' [Turns and confronts Captain, who laughs 
 at him.] That settles it ! It only needed you to make the 
 thing complete. 
 
 Capitain. Good evening, papa ! 
 
 Griffing. What the — [Rememhers.] The man's right ! 
 He's got to have Daisy, as long as her cousin marries the 
 other chap. I'm caught in my own trap. 
 
 Captain. I hope I may now inquire after the state of your 
 health ? [Sits, e. c] 
 
 Griffing. [Sits, l. c] Thank you ! I'm pretty miserable. 
 
60 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 Are you aware that I have to explain this little arrangement 
 to young Sikes Stockslow ? 
 
 Captain. Don't give yourself the slightest concern about 
 that. What am I here for ? I'll take that on myself. 
 
 GriffiiKj. Will you ? \Takes both his hatu/s.] 
 
 Captnin.. C'ertainly. Siksey and I have another little ar- 
 rangement which meets this very emergency. We'll settle it 
 on the spot. He came from the play with us, and is waiting 
 down-stairs. Permit me to send for him. Or perhaps I'd 
 better find liim before he sees you and make the announce- 
 ment. [Exits, c. L.] 
 
 Griffing. There's no denying — he's a dashing fellow ! 
 Bold— quick — and full of expedients. But he'll turn any 
 house he lives in upside down. Much as I love my daughter, 
 I think }'oung married people ought to begin house-keeping 
 apart from their parents — as far apart as possible — and as 
 soon as possible. 
 
 StocJ^slow. [ Ovtside?^ Oh ! but I say 
 
 Captain. [Outside.'] But, old chap 
 
 Oriffing. [Listening.^ Now they're at it ! 
 
 Stocksloio. [Outside.] It's an outrage ! 
 
 Griffing. I'm going to catcii it ! [Stocksi.ow enters, fol- 
 lowed by Captain.] 
 
 Stoclsloio. [To Griffing.] Why, it was only this even- 
 ing you and I settled the little preliminaries. 
 
 Griffing. Hem ! Well, you see — my dear friend ; in a mo- 
 ment of over-confidence, I staked j'our happiness, my own 
 ■wishes, and my daughter's prospects, upon a single contin- 
 gency. The contingency has eventuated, and we have lost. 
 
 Stockslow. And you've lost the best little son-in-law you 
 ever saw, if I do say it. [Crosses, e.] 
 
 Griffing. Well, if you come to that, you've lost the best 
 little father-in-law that was ever given to a conceited little 
 monkey, if I do say it. 
 
 Captain. [Crosses, c.\ Don't quarrel, gentlemen. May 1 
 ask where Miss Daisy is? 
 
 Stockslow. She's down-stairs with her aunt — complaining 
 of fatigue. I was just going to say good-night and leave, 
 when you came for me. 
 
 Captain. [To Griffing.] Would you have the goodness 
 to call Ijer? 
 
 Griffing. [Tn a temper.] Well, I 
 
 Captain. Thanks, I thought you would. [Taps bell on 
 table, Betsy enters, c] Will you kindly tell Miss Griffing 
 that her papa wants her ? 
 
 Griffing. [Furious.] You young — will you 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 61 
 
 Betsy. [Giving GniFFiifG a j^hotograph.] Here's a better 
 one. [Griffixg snatches the picture from her and tears it. 
 £.cit Betst, l. c] 
 
 Captain. [^Takes him by both hands.] You shall behold 
 our young friend from Wall Street resign her to me with the 
 best erace in the world. 
 
 Griffiny. What ? 
 
 Captain. He's going to be my best man. 
 
 Griffing. \_Crosses to Stockslow.] You'll be his best 
 man ? 
 
 StocJcslov}. W^ell, you see, in a moment of over-confidence, 
 I made a little bet with him on a certain contingencj', and as 
 the emerg-ency has transpired, I have got to assist in my own 
 defeat. [Titters.] 
 
 Griffiny. Don't say another word. AVe've both been too 
 rash. 
 
 Daisy. [Entering, l. c] What is it, papa ? [Mrs. 
 Daxgeey follows.] 
 
 Captain. Daisy, will you give Mr. Stockslow your hand? 
 [Stockslow crosses to her, holds his hand out.] 
 
 Daisy. Never ! 
 
 Stocksloio. [To Captain.] She don't catch ! 
 
 Captain. It's for our happiness. 
 
 Daisy. I won't ! I can't bear him — and he knows it. 
 
 Stockslow. But I'm to be the little best man. 
 
 Daisy. Oh ! that's it ! 
 
 Captain. Yes, that's it ! 
 
 Mrs. Dangery. [ Crosses to e. c] Do you consent at 
 last? 
 
 Griffing. Oh, yes ; and little Siksey will lead her to her 
 fate. 
 
 Daisy. Well, I won't be led. [All in dismay.] 
 
 Mrs. Dangery, Captain, and Griffing. [Together.] What? 
 [Griffing crosses, c] 
 
 Daisy. I'll come alone ! [Goes to Captain.] 
 
 Captain. My own sweet bride ! [Embraces her. Stocks- 
 low embraces Griffing, "who throws him offi'.] 
 
 Griffing. Don't bother me ! [Tip Brasher appears at c, 
 and looks on.] Here comes the biggest fool of the lot — not 
 counting mj-self. 
 
 Brasher. Hist ! [Beckons Griffing, icho goes to him. 
 Tip whispers to him, • then they both shake hands.^ 
 
 Griffing. There's a pair of us. 
 
 Brasher. That's all right ! [ Whispers again to Griffing ; 
 he nods approrml, and beckons to Mrs. Dangery and ichis- 
 pers to her. Mrs. Dangery returns and whisp>ers to Daisy, 
 
62 NANCY AND COMPANY. 
 
 who in her turn whispers to Captain, who whispers to 
 Stockslow. Tip then beckons off stage, and Betsy brings 
 on an immense floral ornament / other servants appear 
 laden loith every conceivable shape of floral ornament: 
 baskets, ships, harps, wreaths, which they place about the 
 stage as Mrs. Dangekt directs. Captain lights the chan- 
 delier. All this done very quickly and with animation. Cap- 
 tain and Daisy and Mks. Dangeey assist. Stockslow con- 
 stantly getting in the icay, and is p^ushed from side to side. 
 77te stage flnally presents a floral and festive scene.'] 
 
 Griffiiig. She'll be knocked over completely. 
 
 Jirasher. She's coming ! Hide me ! [Mes. Dangbey', 
 Daisy', Stockslow, and Captain form a barricade, e., and 
 he conceals himself behind them, as Oeiana appears leading 
 Nancy and follov}ed by O'Keife. All on the stage clap their 
 hands.^ 
 
 Betsy. \_Aptp)laMds vigorously.'] Hi, Hi, Hi ! [Geiffing 
 takes her by the nape of neck and runs her off, l. c. ] 
 
 Nancy. What's all this ? Who's this for ? 
 
 Griffing. For j'ou — for your triumph. 
 
 Nancy. You did it ? [Geiffing shakes his head. She 
 turns to O'Keife.] Then you did? {^He shakes his head.] 
 No ? then you ? [To Captain.] 
 
 Captain and Daisy. Guess ! 
 
 3Ii-s. Dangery. AVho would run out of the theatre when 
 the curtain tell and send messengers to ring up every florist 
 far and near, and plunder every hot-house for you ? 
 
 Nancy. It was Tip ! My own old big-hearted, clever Tip. 
 \Calls?\^ Tip ! Where are you '? 
 
 Brasher. [Showing his head.] Here ! 
 
 Nancy. Come to me this instant ! 
 
 Brasher. I'm afraid ! 
 
 Nancy. Tip ! Dear old Tip ! [He emerges, pntshed for- 
 toard by the others. She clasps him in her arms and turtis 
 him round.] Oh ! 3^011 dear, big goosey ! You trust me now, 
 don't you ? 
 
 Grifling. I would like to have her photograph just so. 
 
 Brasher, [l. o/' Nancy.] I was bound you should have 
 more flowers than anybody on the stage ever got. I guess 
 I've done it. Let 'era match this. [Sees O'Keife, and ad- 
 vances to hiin.] Sir! [Nancy urges him on by pulling his 
 elboic. 
 
 Keife. I suppose now that j-ou're forgiven — /'?« forgiven, 
 [Crosses to Beashee.] 
 
 Brasher. Lord, yes ! [B effect ively.] So vou write plays, 
 too? 
 
NANCY AND COMPANY. 63 
 
 Keife. A little. 
 
 Srasher. But you never made suoh a hit as you and she 
 did to-night. [Xaxct tries to restrain Ai/x.] 
 Ke,ife. Never ! 
 
 Erasher. You authors must be glad to get a smart person 
 to help you now and then. [Nancy pulls him round and ex- 
 postulates icith him.^^ 
 
 Keife. He's right! [ C?'osses <o Nancy, takes her hand.] 
 Ladies and gentlemen, let me present the member of the firm 
 who's entitled to all of the credit. [All clap their hands.] 
 
 Griffinc/. Speech ! Speech ! [Mes. Dangery remonstrates 
 with him.] 
 
 All. Yes! Yes! Speech! \^a.scy looks at U'Reife anc? 
 Bkashee aj^pirehensivcly.] 
 
 Brasher. Oh ! you must ! {He leads her to the footlights. 
 The rest group for final tableaux. Gkiffing «?it? Mrs. Dan- 
 GEEY', L. Oeiaka and O'Keife, l. c. Captaix, Daisy, and 
 Stockslow, e. Beashee, e. c] 
 Nancy. 
 
 Accustomed though I am to public speaking. 
 This friendly demonstration sets me quaking. 
 I know your plaudits for the authors are — 
 But don't forget the busy actors' share — 
 So, if our little play has seized your fancy. 
 
 The credit's to the Compan}^ 
 
 Keife. And Nancy ! 
 
 Curtain. 
 
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