MIDNIGHT 
 
 Dramatized oy 
 
 Walter W. Fesslek. 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress in the office 
 
 of the Librarian, at Washington, I), C , 
 
 Nov.#1882, by Walter AV. Fessler. 
 
 Sheuango Valley NeirB Pt, Gvpern'tile, Pa, 
 
 
0* 
 
^\^^A^\"1 ACT FIRST. 
 
 X^ ^\ 
 
 SCENE FIRST. 
 
 Lihmrij lii I. Sir John and Madolin enter 
 L.I. E. 
 
 MadoUn. — Uncle, Elaine wants you, 
 she knows the truth. Sir William Biron 
 told her, she had not many hours to live, 
 and she has taken a strange fancy into 
 her head, one that must be humored, 
 you will go to her at once, and remem- 
 ber above all things, that she must die 
 happily and in peace. No matter what 
 she desires, she must have it. 
 
 Sir John. — That she shall (going R. 
 take care ofyourselfMadolin, you look 
 very ill. (Exit. R.I. E.) 
 
 Sladolin. — I couhl fancy that 1 am 
 dreaming, and yet she is but a child, a 
 simple innocent dying child, was ever 
 any woman asked to do so strange 
 thing before. How can I ask him when 
 1 jemember that but one short week 
 ago, I promised to be his wife myself, 
 yet how can I evade doing so? After 
 all she is but a dying child and it can- 
 Tiot matter. How little I dreamed how 
 dearly she loved him. 
 
 .4/<?6^<r/«.— (Enters R. I.E.) How 's 
 Elaine Madolin ? 
 
 Madolin. — She is still living. 
 
 Aldeniin. — How ill you l-^ok, m.y dar- 
 ling, you have worn yourself out 5 you 
 are tr^^mbling an'^^-old, you'^j^iust take 
 
more <'are of yourself for my sake Mad- 
 oliii, yon belong tome now. (Puts his 
 arm around her.) 
 
 Mmlolin.—Uu^hl 
 
 Al'leniin. — Why, Madolin. yoii are ill, 
 let me bring you a glass of wine. 
 
 Madolin.— IVo, listen Aldewin,! have 
 something so strange to tell you, some- 
 thing winch none of ug suspected. Do 
 yon know that Elaine loves you. 
 
 Aldf'iiiiii, — I believe she loves every 
 one, she has one of the sweetest and 
 most sunsliiny natures that I have 
 ever-met. It seems a thousand pities 
 that she should die so young. Is there 
 no hope, Madolin '? 
 
 Mdnolin, — Xo. The doctors have all 
 said the same thing. She cannot live 
 more than 24 hours longer. 
 
 A hleviin. — Poor child . 
 
 Madolin. — She loves you Alderwin. 
 It seems so strange she is such a child, 
 that I did not think she knew what 
 love meant. I did not know that she 
 had a thought beyond her parents and 
 friends. 
 
 Afdei'uiin. — I am her friend Mado- 
 lin, 
 
 MadoUn. — No it is more than that, she 
 loves you better than any one on earth, 
 better than her own life (lam using her 
 own words) all her girlish heart is given 
 to you Aldewin, all her innocent love 
 and standing as she does now, on the 
 very tbreshold of another world, uhe 
 cannot rest with out you. 
 
 Ahle.min. — Poor Elaine. 
 
3 
 
 MadoJin. — Tell me ANevvin did you 
 ever, when you first oame here, tell her 
 that you admired her, or gpeak to her in 
 8ueh'a way that ghe coi'.ld mistake your 
 words for love. 
 
 Ahlermiii. — No never. I have laugh- 
 ed and chatted with her, she has always 
 seemed to me a simple hearted girl, full 
 of mirth and life. To speak ca^iididly I 
 have never looked up on her as a wo- 
 man, 1 have sung, danced, walked, talk- 
 ed, laughed and jested with her. I may 
 have called her by some pet name as 
 every one else does, but I have never 
 thought of her save as a child. I have 
 never loved, and never shall love any 
 woman but you. 
 
 Madoliv, — I know it is not that, how 
 strangely that she should love you so. 
 that with death so near, she should cling 
 to you she lies thinking of you, she 
 speaks to me of you, she uncxuestionably 
 loves vou dearl}'. 
 
 Aldemin. — Madolin it is strange, that 
 you should say so much to me, of 
 the love of another. 
 
 Madolhi. — I must, I have promised to 
 tell you, that she loves you better than 
 all tiie world beside. 
 
 Aidtmin. — I understand. Poor child, 
 It is a sick fancy, people think strange 
 things when they are ill. 
 
 .\i,:()(,(iti. — Yes it is a fancy — and 
 Alderwin la^t night, as she lay listen- 
 inglslie tells me) to the roll of the wind 
 
in ihe valley, a Rtrano:e sweet idea eame 
 to her, a stranoje loving, tender wish, 
 and i«he assures nie, that she cannot die 
 happy. unless this wish is granted. You 
 know how happj her short life has been, 
 §11 sniiies and sunshine, love and ten- 
 derness. She has literally lived upon 
 love, and now^ it is all over. She lies 
 dyeing and she has but one wish, one 
 great desire. She thinks of it, broods 
 over it, it stands between her and the 
 peaee, thatin death, should be hers — 
 between her and the long sweet sleep 
 that knows no waking. And the gran- 
 ting of this desire — this wish, this pray- 
 er, rests with you Alderwin, with 
 you. 
 
 Aklemiu. — With me? I will do any- 
 thing, you know that Madolin. Poor 
 Elaine, what can I do for her. tell me 
 Madolin. what can I d > for her. 
 
 Ma(h>h'n. — She loves you, can you not 
 guess ? 
 
 AhUmin. — Xo, do you mean that she 
 would like to see me, that she would 
 like me, to be with her at the end ? 
 
 Maddlin — No it is more than that. Oh 
 Alderwin 1 cannot tell you, and yet she 
 made me promise that I would. 
 
 Aldemin. — Madolin do you know that 
 you are smiling, while you have tears in 
 jj^our eyes. 
 
 Ma^oliu. — I know I cannot help it, 
 It is all so sad, so childlike. Any one 
 would both weep and smile. What do 
 you th ink this fancy of hers is A Idew in . 
 
 Aldemin. — I cannot tell. 
 
Madi>li)t. — Romeniberiiig that she 
 loves 3'0ii better than all the world, can 
 you not guess. 
 
 AldiiVJ.in. — I cannot even guess, you 
 must tell me J/adolinand 1 will do any- 
 thing to please you and her, 
 
 Jfxdoliti — Remember anothe]" thing, 
 she does not know that you care for me, 
 or that I love you, or that I have prom- 
 ised to marry you. She loves you witii 
 all her heart, she knows that in a few 
 lioui's she wiilhaye parted from you for- 
 ever, and hei- last wisJi is, that she shall 
 live in the memory of all who knew her 
 as — your wife. 
 
 Aldevim. — Mj"" wife ? 
 
 MaOolu). — YesAlderwin as your wife- 
 She wants the name lliat shall live after 
 lier to be Elaine Carleton. She wants 
 the notice of her death to run — Elaine, 
 the wife of Sir Aldewin Carelton. 
 
 Aldemin. — But 3'ou are to be my wife 
 Madolin, no one else. 
 
 JIadoJui. — So I could be afterwards, 1 
 would nor give you up to any one else, 
 but Elnines case is so ditierent. It is 
 like lending your name for a few hours 
 to please and soothe a dying 'duld, 
 onl3' for a few houi"s, i>efore sunset to- 
 morrow, she will be at rest, ami we 
 should neither of us like to remember, 
 tliat she had been unhappy at the last. 
 
 Aldriain. — It is so strang'e, I can hard- 
 ly understand it. Surely 5 ou Mado- 
 lin my promised wife do not ask me t(> 
 do sr.ch a thing as that. 
 
 JL'd'duu — I tlo ask vou, we liave i)er- 
 
(I 
 haps a long life before us, years in whicJt 
 we can love each other, and be hai)}>3-. 
 I ask you to do it, but 1 tell you, that 1 
 do not like it. I am afraid [ am jealous, 
 lest even the semblance of your name, 
 even the shadow of j-our love should go 
 to anotlier, yet on the other han.d I ean- 
 not council you to refuse Elaine^s pray- 
 er. Tliat must not be, no matter what 
 we suiter, she would be wretclied and 
 die unhapp\'. 
 
 Alderntii). — I cannot grant it, I should 
 loathe myself for being- untrue, it would 
 be a false position, miserably false. I 
 am very sorry for the poor child, but 
 even to please lier, I cannot lose my 
 selt-respect. Do not ask me Madolin, I 
 cannot do it. (crosses.' 
 
 M<Ad(>Jin. — I do ask you, it will last 
 only a fei^" hours. Oh Alderwin if I can 
 lend you, sureh" you may go. The pain 
 will be mine not yours, if 1 cm bear it, 
 surely you may,' she is onh' 18 and 
 dying, who could refuse her last re- 
 quest. 
 
 Akh'UiJn. — It seems to me that a dy- 
 ing child, ought to think of something 
 else. 
 
 Madolin, — You do not understand her, 
 if there were hopes of her recovery, she 
 would never dream of it. Can you not 
 understand the simple love that wants 
 to live through eternity. The heaven 
 she dreams of will hold all she loves. 
 
 Aldei'.i.iii. — I l)elong to you Madolin not 
 to he.i. 
 
MiidnUu. — (Crying.) I liate you to do 
 it, I feel the paiii ami bitterness of it. 
 yet I urge it, I pray yon to yield. Lis- 
 ten Alderwiii — slie'wants to\lie holding 
 your hand, she will feel no fear then, 
 tliink of her' pirj- her, do not be- hard 
 upon iier' 80 young, so lovely, so loving 
 with that one wish in death, (not in life i 
 to bear your name, you must consent 
 Aldewin, 1 cannot take back the an- 
 swer, No, (crossing,) 
 
 Sir John. — (Enters!*. I. E. yuietly 
 .ind places his Iiand onAldewiu's shoul- 
 der.) Madoiin has told you all. Poor 
 child she has loved you all her short life, 
 and wants to belong to you in death. 
 M}' pretty Elaine, no man has ever had 
 so sweet a child, you will do as she 
 wishes Aldewin! (Aldewin looks 
 down and does not reph'.) You cann(»t 
 refuse, you will not refuse. No man on 
 the face of the wide earth could be cruel 
 enough to refuse such a prayer. I can 
 bear to lose her, but I cannot bear that 
 she should end her bright yonng life in 
 bitterness. Aldewin you have been 
 with us now for t lie last year, and we 
 have learned to love you dearly ; 3-our 
 father and 1 were the dearest of friemls 
 from childhood up, I know he left you a 
 large estate and his title, yet 1 will 
 give 3'ou the bulk of my wealth if you 
 will come and be kind to her until she 
 dies (crossing to Madoiin.) Madoiin 
 help me, he nui>t not refuse, tell him 
 Madoiin how we love her, her mother 
 i\\\^\ I, rl;at slie ];a-],een tliu very pride 
 
5 
 
 «:>f our lives. We have been kind to you 
 M.*id(>liii,we liaye treated you, loved j'ou, 
 a^ our own, rep.'iv us now, ple.;id that 
 ourcliild may be niade happy in the 
 .shadow of his love. 
 
 M'.i'h,Jin. — (crossing'.) You will eoii- 
 i^ent dear, 1 ask you tV^r my sake, because 
 I love my cousin so dearly, because the 
 knowledii-e tliat her death was unliappy, 
 wouJd end)itter all mv life. 
 
 Ahlri'iiii. — 8top you need urge notli- 
 ing further, your life shall not be embit- 
 tered M.adolin, I will do what yon ask 
 me. 
 
 SirJ'ihn. — (crosses and takes Aide- 
 wins h;nd.; 1 cannot thank you, ]»ut 
 every day of my life 1 will bless you, and 
 heaven will give you every good gift. 
 She will be so happy, my poor Elaine, 1 
 have .^eut /or the rector — the desire of 
 her heart can be granted, yon can be 
 married when he comes and you will 
 istay by her until she dies. 
 
 AhJcAuin. — (Look.t earnestly at Mad- 
 olin.) Do you wish this — earnestly and 
 truly wish it i 
 
 Madolin, — 1 do. 
 
 Aldeiuhi. — Then it shall be done. But 
 always remember my true Itve, that it 
 has been done at your 
 your desire. 
 
 Sir John. — Going to R. I. E.) Come 
 now ere it will be to late. (They all 
 exit E. 1. E. Enter Tom and Katy R. I. 
 E.) iOhanqi.' of Scene.) 
 
Turn-. — Htir«,' K.-ity, did you ev«'r iK^nrof 
 llie like of a dyin.2: girl wnntiiig to get 
 iiianied. 
 
 Kuti'. — Ain't It tenible Tom, to die so 
 yoniig. Do yon know slie wanted to be 
 inarried i;< the parlor, and they've moved 
 JHM- bed in there. 
 
 TiHii. — How did you know she wanted 
 to marry 8ir Aldewin. 
 
 Kctt/, — 1 overlieard her a.sk Mis8 Mad- 
 olin to tell Sir Aldewin. 
 
 7"o//?.-Katy if you was going to die, 
 would you send for me to marry you ? 
 
 J\ati/,-No, indeed. 
 
 7'oyii.-Ai).d whj'not. 
 
 /\«///.-Because I don't love you. 
 
 Tom.-But I love yon. 
 
 h'litif.-iyo y«^u? 
 
 7o//i.-Yes. 
 
 Ko.ti/.-'ilmn may be J might love 
 you. 
 
 y^tiiii. -But can't you give me a more 
 eonvineing proof ? 
 
 J\ati/.-ln wliat way. 
 
 Torn. -By giving me a kis-i. 
 
 Kilty.- You YvOirt hurt me. 
 
 7V77H.-X0. 
 
 7t'(/f//.-Then here goes (she goes up as 
 if to kiss him, asid slaps his face, and 
 inns off L. 1. E. laughing.) 
 
 2''>/ii<.-( feeling hislace.)Sure that's all 
 the proof 1 want (Exit. L. I.E.) 
 
 I Change of scene (.'. D. Parlors, beau- 
 tifully furnished. ]>ed ^L. (", window 
 K, of C. Doors with Moon-light s^hining 
 through, 2 steps go np to (;. iJooTji bacK 
 tmd \vh<'n the floors are open the bal- 
 
to 
 
 roiiy can be f^eeii runniiig^ across the 
 back, Elaine discovered in bed, Sir Al- 
 dewin in front of the bed holding; 
 Elaine's hand. The Ret^orback of the 
 bed with book in his hand. Sir John, 
 Lady Lynne, Barbara t)ie iinrse, Dr. Bi- 
 row and Madolin around the bedside, as 
 the scene opens.) 
 
 Hector. — 1 now pronounce you man 
 and wife. 
 
 Elaine. — 1 anr^o happy (soft rustling of 
 wind.) Thai is it Aldcwin, the trees 
 are whispering, ?ind the angels c.-illing, 
 listen for my name, (Ahlewin kneels by 
 tlie bedside, Elaine puts her arms around 
 his neck.) I love you so much. (Aide- 
 win sighs, Elaine sinks away, • clock 
 strikes one.) 
 
 Barbara. — (FeelingElaine's forehead.) 
 It is the end sir, I expected it. 
 
 Sir AJde.ujin. — I will not disturb her. 
 
 Madolin, — Speak to her. 
 
 Aldevyin. — Elaine — Elaine — Elaine. 
 
 Elaine. — (Opening her eyes.) You 
 have called me back again ; my spirit was 
 about to take its tlight. (Barbara gives 
 her some medicine in a spoon. 
 
 Dr. Biron. — (Fev'ingof Elaine's fore- 
 head. ; She had fainte«l Sir John; this is 
 noi death. 
 
 Sir John. — Xot dearlj, Heaven be 
 thanked. 
 
 Dr. Biron. — Look, see there is a tinge 
 of color in the face and on the lips, 
 that terrible whiteness has gone. 
 
 Sir John. — (To Alderwin.) If she 
 lives, after heaven we shall owe it toyou. 
 
11 
 
 (Madoliii hides her face in her lianus 
 Sir John touches Aklevvin,) she is pray- 
 ing for her, and heaven always hears 
 such prayers. 
 
 Loxly Lyune. — (To Aldewin) Heaven 
 bless you, my dear, and give you, when 
 you ask it, your hearts desire. 
 
 Aldewin. — (Aside, looking atMadolin.) 
 My heart's desire. 
 
 Dr. Biron. — I am very pleaed to find 
 1 was mistaken, but for this marriage, 
 she would have drifted slowly away, un- 
 doubtedly it has saved her life. 
 
 Lady Lyune. — And now you think she 
 will recover, you give us hope. 
 Dr. Biron. — ^^\'es, I believe now that she 
 will live (Aldewin and Madolin exchange 
 <me long lingering look) There must 
 «till be great care exercised for she is 
 not yet out of danger, out there is rea- 
 son to hope she will soon be well, as she 
 is no\\ sleeping soundly, : would ; Ivise 
 you all to leave her alone with her hus- 
 band. (Exit all.) 
 
 Ltxdy Lynne. — Madolin perhaps you 
 had better remain aiid keep Aldewin 
 company. (Exit.) 
 
 Aldeuin, — (Eising.) Heaven knows 
 Madolin th? !: I do not grudge the fair 
 young child h(-r life, but what am 1 to 
 do, tell me Madolin what 1 am to do or 
 I sliall go mad, 1 must have some words 
 of comfort, come and talk i ^ me. 
 
 Madolin. — (go ug to him.) Talk is 
 useless, there is nothing to be done, (cry- 
 ing)! — Oh Aldewin I did it, and yet I 
 nuist not mind, it has saved her life. 
 
12 
 
 Aldewin. — And ruined ours, 1 am not 
 vexed about it, 1 am glad she sliould 
 live — she is a loving child, but Madolin 
 1 would rather Iiave given my life for 
 her. than my freedom. What can be 
 done, I am a strong man, you a weak 
 girl, yei my strength seems to have 
 failed me, my thoughts pain me, 
 
 Madolin. — (taking his arm.) You are 
 tired; come and rest Aldewin, I will 
 make you some tea, and we will not 
 talk until 3^ou have rested. 
 
 Aldewin. — Madolin do you realize what 
 happened ; I do not myself; 1 can not. 
 Twenty-four hours since I had not giv- 
 en ene thought to any woman in the 
 wide world, bui yourself, niul now 1 
 am married, there must be some way 
 outof it, for I did not mean it, I can love 
 no wife but you. 
 
 Madolin. — We will talk about it later 
 on, not just now. ^Ve must have time to 
 think, and one word may endanger 
 Elaine^s life, she loves you so dearly. 
 We must be patient, we acted as we did 
 for a good purpose, help will come to us 
 sooner or later, but we must be careful 
 for her sake. (Points to Elaine.) 
 
 Vhleunn. — Madolin 1 am heart sick, J 
 am wretched, I see no way out of my 
 cruel position, it is a false position, no 
 man could ever be in one more false, and 
 1, oh Madolin, why did I yield to your 
 wishes. 
 
 Madolin. — We did it for the best, you 
 could not have refused, it would simply 
 kill her. Try to forget, Aldewin, for a 
 
liiu*'. Aide win' Trios I.J kiss hor) \ay 
 you forget dear thru must nor be. 
 
 Aldan'K. — (Drawing ba«'k.) TiMie it 
 must not be. OIi, ]Madolin, if each tear 
 was a tear of blood, it I'onld not undo 
 what you and I have done. My darling 
 we did wrong, an .1 good never comes "of 
 wrong doing, 1 can see it all now, F did 
 not love her, I should not have married 
 her, even to have saved her life, I loved 
 you and 1 have acted falsely. It has all 
 been a terrible mistake ^iadoiin. 
 
 ^lado(i■d,—^ye did it for the l)est. 
 
 Alder.iin. — If it had been the will of 
 heaven, that she sliould die, she would 
 have died. It is nonsense to say that I 
 have helped to save her life. We have 
 done a bitter wrong Madolin 
 
 Mndulin. — It is all my fault, you would 
 not have done it, but for me, you 
 know she loves 3'oupoor child. 
 
 Ahh'Uiin, — I am sorry for her too, 1 am 
 glad her life is spared. But Madoliii 
 you and 1, you and I. 
 
 Elaina. — (waking, calls.) Aldewin, 
 
 Ahlemin. — (Quickly goes to the bed.) 
 Yes dear, what is it, 
 
 Elaiui' — Will you sit by my side, I w;>nt 
 to talk to you (Aldewin sits by the bed 
 side.) Have I deceived j^ou Aldewin, 
 given you life instead of death, I never 
 dreamed ol living, if I had, I never 
 should have done as I did. (EnterLady 
 Lynne, goesto the bedside.) But you 
 are not sorry are you. 
 
 Liidii LijiiiK'. Sorry my darling — why 
 
u 
 
 roriy, what o'reater treasure could any 
 one will than yow. 
 
 EhiJne. — You think so mamma, he- 
 .\-ULseI am all the world to 3^0 u. 
 
 Lad;/ Lijnne, — You are all the w^orld to 
 Aide win. 
 
 Elaine. — You have saved my life 
 twice over, how good of you, Mamma I 
 am sure that I was dying, I could feel 
 it in some strange way, that my spirit 
 was about to depart, when my husband 
 called me. He called Elaine, and I came 
 back at the sound of his voice, but for 
 him, for that one cry, my spirit would 
 have gone out into the great unknown 
 world and I should not be here, so you 
 must love him very much Mamma, next 
 tome will you? 
 
 Lady Lynne. — I will indeed, he knows 
 that. 
 
 Elaine. — 1 am so happy Mamma. Do 
 vou think I shall ever l:>e sorry I did not 
 die. 
 
 Lady Lynne. — You are so fanciful, my 
 darling. This marriage of ?/ours, was 
 but a fanc}', that you should ever be 
 sorry for getting well is a fancy. I 
 could not have lived without you. (Exit, 
 after kissing Elaine,) 
 
 Elaine — How they love me, (putUng 
 her arms around his neck,) and how- I 
 love you my darling. It seems to me 
 that all my life will be too short to love 
 you in. (Madolin all this time has been 
 standing by the window in tlie moon 
 light and droits into a chair with a sigh 
 Aldewin starts.) (Curtain.) 
 
15 
 ACT SECOND.— Scene First. 
 
 Scene same as act 1st 2 years supposed 
 to elapse, 3 or 4 trunks, and shawl 
 straps, lying about the room Katy pack- 
 ing a valise, Tom strapping a trunk as 
 the scene opens, 
 
 Katy. — There, thank fortune, that is 
 the last package. 
 
 Tom. — (strapping a trunk.) That's 
 what it is to travel with a wife, Katy, I 
 believe Lady Lynne, after thinking of 
 her daughter, in every imaginable pre- 
 dicament, has packed up the means of 
 rescue from one and all. (Enter 2 men 
 and carry off th« trunks C.) 
 
 Katy. — And my opinion is they havn't 
 found the right remedy yet. There is 
 only one medicine that will do her any 
 good. 
 
 Tom. — And what is that. 
 
 Katy. — The love of her husband. 
 
 Tom. — Does she suspect, he don't love 
 her? 
 
 Katy. — I think she does, she is jealous 
 of Sir Aldewin and the pain of it is kill- 
 ing her, she don't smile as she used too, 
 and seemingly, cares for nothing but 
 her child. Ah Tom, (picks up v.*»lise) I'm 
 afraid there will be hot water in this 
 family. 
 
 2o>yi.— I expect so Katy, but there is 
 one way to stop it. 
 
 Katy. — How so, 
 
 Tom. — Keep the water cold» rBoth 
 Exit C= with parcels.) 
 
16 
 
 Dr.Biron.—CEntGY^ withLadyLynne.) 
 If Lady Careltou were not your daugh- 
 ter, if she were a stranger, i should mo&t 
 certainly say, that she was ill, rather 
 from something preying on her mind, 
 than from any bodily ailment. No doe- 
 tors can reach the mind, there are only 
 three medicines that ^^ill do it good, 
 kin'^ness, fresh air, and change of scene. 
 If Lady Carelton has anything preying 
 on her mind, one of these things will 
 reach it. 
 
 Ladt/ Lynne. — It is impossible she 
 could have anything on her mind, she 
 is happy, and beloved, and blest with a 
 kind husband, and a dear child, she has 
 not one wish unfulfilled. 
 
 Dr, Biron. — People grow ill some- 
 times for the want of something to stir 
 them into more active life. 
 
 Lady Lynne. — And you really think, 
 this voyage will do her good. 
 
 Dr. Biron. — One thing is very certain, 
 if she remains here, and as she is, she will 
 inevitably fade away. If she travels, it 
 is possible, that in a few weeks, she may 
 become stronger and healthier than 
 ever. Did you notice her strange lan- 
 guor, Lady Lynne? She never raised her 
 eyes to mine, she took far less interest in 
 her own case, than she would have tak- 
 en in that of a stranger. When a sweet 
 sensitive girl like your daughter is lan- 
 guid after that fashion, there is some- 
 thing vitally wrong. 
 
 Lady M. — You ofertainly know best 
 
17 
 Doctor, but why could she not delay her 
 journey a little longer. 
 
 Di. Biron. — Because delay in this 
 case, is very dangerous and th*e next 
 steamer does not sail for three weeks. 
 Take the advice of an experienced phy- 
 sician Lady Lynne, and let your daugh- 
 ter depart to-day, I must go now as I 
 have important business elsewhere, (goes 
 to C. door.) I hope Lady Lynne, 
 upon your daughters return to find her 
 much improved. Good morning. 
 
 LadY Lynne. — Good morning doctor. 
 (Comes down stage.) 
 
 Elaine. — (Enters R.) I am sorry to 
 seethe doctor, Mamma, there was no 
 need for his visit, I am well enough, as 
 well as 1 ever shall be, (?side,) who 
 shall minister to a mind diseased. 
 
 Lady Lynne — But my dear, I am sure 
 you will enjoy the change, and besides 
 Aldewin, Madolin will be a constant, and 
 cheerful companion . 
 
 Elaine. — I suppose so. 
 
 Lady Lynne. — Now my darling cheer 
 up. It w ill only be a short time until you 
 re. urn to us restored in health. (Kisses 
 Klnine.) I'll go now and see that every- 
 thing is prepared for your departure. 
 (Exit. R,) 
 
 Elaine. — After all what does it matter, 
 (goes to table R. sits down and picks up 
 a book, turning the leaves over very care- 
 lessly.) 
 
 Madolin. — (Enters L.) Elaine you 
 look ill, (crossing to her,) are you griev- 
 
IS 
 hi^^ about leaving home ! 
 
 i.laine.—{ThYO\\& the book on the ta- 
 ble.) No Madolin, I was just think- 
 ing. 
 
 jnulolin.—ii^UimVmg beside Elaine 
 wiih one hand on the back of the chair.) 
 Thinking? Of what? 
 
 ii7<a«e.— If 1 should die what would 
 become of little Pearl. 
 
 MadoUn.— But you are not going to 
 die, Elaine, 
 
 Elaine. — If anything should happen to 
 me Madolin, would you adopt my little 
 one, would you love her, and treat her, 
 as your own child ? 
 
 J/«(?o?/)/.— "^lo.st ininly I should. 
 
 Elaine. — You to)*' me once that you 
 would never marry, Madolin, do you re- 
 member. If I died do you think you 
 would change your mind. 
 
 Jladoliii. — My dear Elaine, how can I 
 tell what will happen to me. I do not 
 think I shall marry, because there is no 
 one, whom I care to marry. 
 
 Elaine. — I am sorry 1 did not die, when 
 I was ill, it would have been much bet- 
 ter. 
 
 Madolin. — My darling you must not 
 talk in that fashion. Why do you wish 
 that you had died. How cruel of you 
 to say that, you who are the light of 
 South wold, when we were all ready to 
 give our lives for yours. 
 
 Elaine. — One may give up that which 
 is dearer than life. 
 
 Madolin. — Whit has shadowed your 
 face, Elaine, tell me. 
 
19 
 
 Elaine. — (Passionately clutches Mad- 
 olJn looking up intoher face.) Keep my 
 faith in you alive, Madolin, even if I mis- 
 trust any one else, never let me mistrust 
 you. 
 
 Madolin. — You never shall. 
 
 Elaine. — Madolin do you think Sir Al- 
 dewin loves me ? 
 
 JIadolin. — Yes I am sure he does. sure- 
 ly you have not made yourself unhappy, 
 bydoubtino; a husband, so good and 
 true as yours, have you Elaine? 
 
 Elaine. — (Timidly.) Just a little. 
 
 Madolin. — Then you haye done a\ lOn-^, 
 steel your heart against all doubts of 
 him. Xo wife can do a more Toolish 
 thing than op(>n her heart, to doubts of 
 her husband. Iiis the first step to v> rds 
 misery, that ends in ruin. There Elaine 
 don't make yourself unhappy, any lon- 
 ger, will you ? 
 
 Elaine.— ri\ try not too. 
 
 Madolin. — (Starts to go.) By the way, 
 i'd almost forgotten what I came Ox\ 
 there's a poor old man at the back doo/ 
 who is very much in need of a.-sistarce in 
 the way of elothhi^, and I came to ask 
 yon if Aldewin had any tiling in his 
 wardrobe, that he didn't care for, 
 
 Elaine. — (Rising.) I don't knowMad- 
 olin, but I'll look and see. 
 
 Madolin. — And I'll go and ask him to 
 wait (exit L. Elaine goes to wardrobe 
 opens it and selects an old paii- of pants^ 
 and a coat; folding the pants.) 
 
20 
 
 Elaine. — I don't think Aldewin, will 
 caiefor these(foldiug the coat,) what's 
 that, money, perhaps. (Feels in the 
 pocket.) An old letter addressed to Sir 
 Aldewin Carlton, throws the coat 
 over a chair, looking at tlie letter.) I 
 wonder what's in it. (opens the letter, 
 music.) Di:ar Sir Aldewin^ I lutce done 
 my rcnj best^ I hare talcen the ablest coun- 
 sels opinion in London, I ha-e htoK'ed np 
 authortties, read, and 'hoiujht. I Lave con- 
 sulted bonie of the most eniment members oi 
 the legal profession, all ayree that there 
 is no 2-)0s>iible icai/, of v^'hick i/ou can free 
 yourselj from the marriage you havo con- 
 tracted. If, as an old friend, and a man of 
 thevjorld, I might presume to advise, I 
 should say thai the wisest plan noio, will 
 be to male the best of your lot, as what 
 cannot be cured, must be endured. I am 
 sorry not to be able, to send you news more 
 acceptable. 
 
 Elaine. — (Crushing the letter in her 
 hand. Dated two months after our mar- 
 riage. Why lias no mercy been shown 
 me, why did I not die. (:Sits at table R. 
 short pause, looks at the letter and puts 
 it in her bosom. 
 
 Aldewin. — (Enters C. Elaine I've 
 brought you a bunch of roges, which I 
 know you will admire as they are very 
 choice. (Hands them to her standing 
 back of the chair, Elaine takes them and 
 carelessly throws them on the table.) 
 My gift does not seem to find favor in 
 yonr sight. 
 
21 
 
 Elaine.— (curtly,) It does not, (aside,) 
 why need he pretend. 
 
 Aldewin. — Elaine you haye changed 
 very much to me of late, you look very 
 ill, and very unhappy, will you tell me 
 what makes you so. 
 
 Elaine. — (Rises Aldewin goes down L. 
 (J.) Aldewin I must say to you now, 
 what I have never said before,' My face 
 burns with shame when I think of it. 
 I wish to tell you, that I am very sorry 
 about our marriage. 
 
 Aldewin. — Our marriage? what ©f 
 that. 
 
 Elaine. — I did wrong,and my only ex- 
 cuse is, I loved 3^ou very much, and I 
 quite believed that I was going to die. 
 
 Aldewin. — My dear Elaine, why refer 
 to this, it is all past and gone. 
 
 Elaine. — Xot quite, I have discovered 
 since then, that you do not love me. 
 You married me in simple compliance 
 with my wish, in the full belief that I 
 should die. I cannot forgive myself 
 that I lived. I have been aware for 
 some time that you do not love me. but 
 now I have the pain of knowing, that 
 you have tried to set aside your marriage 
 with me, 
 
 Aldewin. — How do you know that. 
 
 Elaine. — By this (handing him the let- 
 ter.) Did you go to London purposely, 
 to see if you could be freed from me"? 
 
 Aldewin. — Yes I did, I do not attempt 
 10 deny it Elaine. 
 
 Elaine. — Will you tell me frankly, why 
 
.yoti wished to s(jt the marriage aside, Sir 
 xVldewin. 
 
 AJdevln. — Yes, it was because I loved 
 8onie one else very much, and I wanted 
 to 3e free. 
 
 Elaine. — Thank you, you are candid, 
 you foil, d that on no legitimate plea, 
 could this in.'irriage be rendered null 
 and void V 
 
 Ahlevin. — Yes. 
 
 Elaine. — If you still wish it, I will do 
 all I can to hei}) you in the matter. The 
 ui.-jrriage cannot be annulled, but if j'ou 
 would like a seperation, I am willing to 
 agree to it. 
 
 Jl'Jeirin. — My dear Elaine, will you 
 believe uk;, if 1 say, I would have a sep- 
 eration if 1 could. 
 
 Elaine. — Because it would not leave 
 yon free to marry the woman you love. 
 1 understand- I did not mean to tell you 
 anything about tins letter, but the words 
 of it, seem to burn my heart away. 1 
 now want to say this to you, I have 
 caused 3'ou sulfering enough, aud am 
 willing to meet your wishes in regard to 
 a separation. 
 
 Aldewin, — ]My dear Elaine. I do not 
 see what \>ould be gained by that. 
 Think liow distress^-d your parents 
 would be, think of tlie sorrow to all our 
 friends, tliinkof little Penrl. 
 
 Elaine. — But you would be hai)i)y 
 aw.'iy from me. 
 
 Atdev;in. — I do not want to be away 
 from you, and if you are willing, it will 
 
23 
 be better for everything io \y. occed as we 
 clid before. Are you w illin^ Elaine ? 
 
 ^/ai/ie.— (Weaiily.) Yes I am wil- 
 ling. 
 
 Aldewin. — Then my dear yon had 
 better go to your room, and ^ec ready 
 for our departure, as the time is drawing 
 near. (He puts hiS arm around her and 
 leads her to doorR.L.E. she turns at the 
 door looks into his face and he kisse? her. 
 she exits.) 
 
 Lody Lijn,}". (Enters L I.E. .^oonr>; 
 Aldevvin is about centre.) Aldewin the 
 doctor says Elaine mi ?t spend tbe win- 
 ter in a warm dry climate, what do you 
 say. 
 
 Aldewin.- -Whatever you propose foi* 
 Elrtiii - l::< m1. T w I'l MM 1 i-lHM>iTiilh 
 ry oiii. 
 
 Lady Lyme.- -I know you will, o.ir 
 darling is fortunate to find one so good, 
 so generous, and kind, (giving him her 
 h.* nd.) You have taken a gre?t weight 
 fro«i my mind, yet I cannot tell what 
 weight lay there. You are happy then 
 Aldewin? (He kiv 3sherharf\) F^''i»ie 
 will never be se' ish nor inconsiderate, 
 but if ever- if ever Aldewin she does 
 seem to be a little tiresome, you w'U be 
 patient, and gentle will you no^? 
 
 Aldi o-i.u — I will. 
 
 T.'fli; T.ii:-)iip.~'^-u'.\f)\ you SO mile'! 
 !=h(' would tVol uiuMiJib.y word, one im- 
 patient look, trom you n^ore than I c \ 
 tell you. 
 
AWoirjia.- She slijill never have either 
 one, or the other. Yon ' f^n half afraid 
 to trust her with . me, but inOeed you 
 need have no fea^, she ehpU come back 
 to you so siron^^ bO well. £0 happy, that 
 you will hardly know her. 
 
 Lady L i.-, ".. — Listen to my prayers for 
 you, ma3' heaven deal wlili yoii, as yoa 
 deal with he-, may every kiod word of 
 yours, bring a bleasing on you. 
 
 AkJci'-ln.' If it b«pos^ib^eforlv;ndne « 
 audcare to make her happy, she shfill he 
 happy Lady Lynne you may rely upon 
 that. 
 
 Lady Lyme. You hrve made me very 
 happy Aldewin for I see that you love 
 Elaine. (Enter Sir John and Madolm 
 L. T.E.FlMiiicniHl ^T;h1..m;i .■ " or 
 
 traveling. Kary ha« sniaJl bbaw; t uie 
 up in strap 
 
 Elaine, — Now Sir Aldewin I am 
 ready. 
 
 Sir John. — And hero's the carriage, 
 (the caiiiage drives up to C. dc- )rs back 
 so as to be seen from tke front, driver in 
 livery on the box iumps dovMi and opens 
 the door.) 
 
 Me loi I. — It seems so sudden Auntie, 
 but I suppose it is all for the best. 
 
 SlrJoh, Elaine »ny dear, here is a 
 heavy shawl which j ou v\ iH find a :iy 
 n>;(^fnl to yon on thn vo\ , . . (;.nv- Ji 'o 
 her.) JMiist b>' . onic cod -[j.m;; oils p.i; . . o^ 
 
 Ela-'iK'. — Thnnk you pnpa. (Put-* i)or 
 arms around his neek kisses him Go»d 
 bye.) 
 
ACT ni— Scc>n- First. 
 The Steamer Celeste, 
 (The t>leamer Cele^^te. Full stage: hor- 
 izon in the brick g-round. Deck of the 
 steniner is buiit up from L. I. E.' ami 
 runs diaguolly up strige to Horizon on 
 Flat in which tVie balance of the deck is 
 painted in poi-spective. Sea cloth covers 
 The rest of .he st?ig-o fj-om the side of the 
 s..e:injer. The Horizon Flat is partly 
 p.'iijitedon Gauze so that during- the 
 :^rc scene it will be transparent. Sir Al- 
 dewin, Madolin, Elaine, Captain, Sailors 
 and othei's discovered on deck lounging 
 about. Elaine sealed looking over the 
 i?ide of the Steamer. Sliglit storm at 
 rise of curtain. 
 
 yuulolh). — (Goiiig to Elaine.) Elaine, 
 do look a little happier, there is some- 
 thing in your face that frightens me. I 
 promisei! Lady Lymve to look well after 
 you, and 1 h;ive been watching you for 
 the Ijist half hour. There is misery if 
 not de.'- pair, in your face. What brings 
 it there. V 
 
 Eluine. — I c-innot tell. 
 
 ^ladoLi.n. — Elaine, try to be happier, 
 do try. We all love yon so. you must 
 know that your smile is the very sun- 
 shine of home. Let me have the iiappi- 
 ness of taking you back to England 
 strong and well. 
 
 Elaine. — (aside) She cannot mean it, 
 my life stands between her and her love. 
 Shecaanot mean it. 
 
Modo//». — Do not sit here {ilone,Eluine, 
 I^et me r^t.-iy with you niul tell yon what 
 places we pai^s. Let me do fcOniethiiig, 
 anytliing- for you, no matter what, that 
 will brino- a smile to your face, and make 
 you happier. 
 
 Elaiiii'. — You are very kind to mi\ 
 I l^ave a presentmenL that I shall be 
 happier soon. 
 
 ^hul'liii. — Thats right. There is nor, 
 one amouii'st us, who would not undergo 
 a greai deal for you, Elaine, I always 
 tell you so. Now let me stay here by 
 yon*then yoii can notnotthink all kinds 
 of gloomy ihlngs. 
 
 Eh-iiw. — I shall be happier soon, Mad- 
 olin, please go and talk to Aldewin. I 
 want fo iliink, aiid 1 prefer to be alone. 
 
 yif'poU)). — \'ery well, Klaiut", but i 
 ehnll return soon, and i hope I siiall tiiid 
 yoi! in botrer spirits. (going) (aside.) 
 After all, ir seems kinder to watch over 
 her from a distance, than to set there 
 trying to ma.vc her talk, when she evi- 
 dently does not care too. 
 
 Ehiinc. — (Looking into the water.) 
 Deatli is bettei' than life, suppose 1 
 should fall into the sea and sink down, 
 df»wn, througii those clear depths, deej - 
 
 er, and deeper, until the waters no, 
 
 no, I am going mad. I ask for deatn, 
 madness comes in its place. Mo not 
 that, (looking up to the sky) I remember 
 th;it during my long illness I often 
 pictured tlie golden gares ajar. A little 
 hope, a little patience, and I shall be in- 
 
side then. 
 
 Madolin. — Aide win, I want you to 
 look at Elaine. Her face pains nie. I 
 have never seen such an expre^^sion of 
 tire-i sorrow. 
 
 ^[idorii). — Madolhi, Elaine lias no real 
 trouble. One may do battle with real- 
 ities, not with shadows. I honestly 
 think «lio will be better, when she has 
 been more amoiJgs! strangers. Some- 
 times a cold atmosphere is more bracing 
 tliana warm one. She has been so much 
 indulged. 
 
 Madolin. — You think she has been 
 spoiled, and makes her own troubles. 
 
 Aldewin. — I do not. She has a nature 
 sosweet and gentle, that nothing could 
 f-poil it, it might be warped for a time, 
 but never spoiled. I think some serious 
 trouble that none of us understands, is 
 preying on her mind. People seldom 
 I lie of fancies. (Thunder and lightening 
 increases.) 
 
 Captain. — Look alive, .Mates. Stand, 
 clear everybody. 
 
 MadoU.i. — oil I Aldewin, what is 
 it? 
 
 Aldexcin. — I'm afraid we are going to 
 have a storm. (Goes to Elaine.)" Elaine 
 you had better go into the cabin. (Goeg 
 to back of the vessel.) 
 
 MiidijUn, — Yes, come dear, let us go. 
 (Storm increases.) 
 
 Elixiue. — You and Aldewiu go i:i, 1 
 prefer to sit here in the cool 
 air. 
 
MadoUn. — Come, Elaine, you're in 
 (Ijiiiger. 
 
 Ehtine. — What \loe6 it matter. (Thun- 
 derbolt strikes the ship, Madolin 
 screams.) 
 
 Captain. — Every body look out for 
 themselves, the ship is loaded with oil. 
 (Fire breaks out in different parts of the 
 steamer, Sailors and others excit- 
 ed.) 
 
 Madolin. — (Excited.) You must be 
 fi.'ived, Elaine, if every one else perishes, 
 what will Auntie say. (Fire raging 
 more and more.) 
 
 Cujtain. — Xo one need fear, there 
 are three boats so every one can be sav- 
 ed. This part of the sea, is never with- 
 out traffic, and we are sure to be pick- 
 ed up. 
 
 Aldewih.. — (Going up to a sailor.) I 
 must attend to my wife but if you will 
 save that lady, (points to Madolin) help 
 her into the boat, and attend to her, I 
 will reward you handsomely. (Elaine 
 hears this.) 
 
 Madolin. — I'll be back in one moment 
 Elaine, (goes into cabin quickly, Sailors 
 bu.sy lowering boats back,) 
 
 Aldeioin. — Elaine I have made pro- 
 vision for Madolin safety, you will be 
 my care, I shall not be gone two min- 
 ute.<, stand here and do not move, the 
 smoke is so dense, that we can hardly 
 see. stand just where you are, I shall 
 know you, by your white vail, and keep 
 your siiawl over your arm so, (fixes 
 
shawl.) In this din no voice can be 
 heard. 
 
 Elaine. — Kiss me Aldewin. (Re does 
 so. 
 
 Aldfiiri)). — There is no inamediate dan- 
 ger, and we shall all be saved. Cour- 
 age my dear, courage, (goes to the boat 
 baek,)"^ 
 
 Elaine, — (goes to the sailor Aldewiu 
 has spoken to.) You must not take 
 charge of that lady, here is some En- 
 glish gold, (gives purse.) My husband 
 A-ill see to her. (Sailor takes money and 
 goos back. Madolin comes out of 
 cabin to Elaine,) Are you frightened 
 Madolin. 
 
 Madolin. — No my darling, only for 
 you. Thank heaven my aunt knows 
 nothing of this, and will not until all 
 danger is past. 
 (Fire shows through gauze back. 
 
 Elaine, — I am forgetting my instruc- 
 tions, I am to follow Aide wins direc- 
 tions, (takes oft' the vail.) 
 
 MadoHn. — I will not lose sight of you 
 whither you go I shall follow^ 
 
 ^Zrti'te.- -(Excitedly.) You will put 
 us both in danger then, (quickly.) Al- 
 dew.'n gave me every direction, he told 
 me what to do with this, and this, (takeg 
 vail and shawl and places them on Mad- 
 olin as she had them.) When Aldewin 
 comes j^ou are to put your arms around 
 his neck, so, (puts arms around Madolin) 
 and he will carry you safely 
 
 Madolin. — But you, you, Elaine. 
 (E1f ine kisses her quickly.) 
 
Elaine, — I told you I was going to be 
 happier soon, now the time has come. 
 Good bye. Exits back of cabin. Fire 
 bursts form the cabin's roof.) 
 
 Madolin, — (Showts.) Elaine, Elaine, 
 (Aldewin rushes forward lifts madolin, 
 and runs to back. General confusion 
 and quick curtain.) 
 
 Curtain. 
 
31 
 ACT IV— Scene First. 
 
 (Four yefirs supposed to elapse) 
 
 (Elnine enters disguised, witli Mrs. 
 Bird.) 
 
 vs. Bird. — You had better arrange so 
 rs to stay here, the walk to Brookton, is 
 too much for 3'ou every day. 
 
 Elcir,e. — I shall be pleased to do anj- 
 tiling you may like. 
 
 37;;»\i?aY?.— That's right, if you con- 
 tinue to please me in the future, as you 
 have for the past three weeks we shall 
 get nlong all right. We have some la- 
 dies visiting, and I have been very much 
 hurried Intely. (Sinks into a chair.) 
 I am so tired, since 10 this morning, I 
 have been running afterLady Forbes. I 
 wish the visits were over. 
 
 Elaine. — Will your visitors stay long. 
 
 Mrs. Bird. — They will stay as long as 
 they can, if Lady Forbes had her way. 
 Jiihe »nd her daughter would stop all to- 
 gether, just to curry favor with Sir Al- 
 dewin and for no other purpose in the 
 world, she has been trying to make out, 
 Missle's nursery faces the east, and cat- 
 ches the wind. 1 do noc believe myself, 
 that she knows east, from west. (Elaine 
 looks alarmed) As though we would not 
 do,all we could for]Missie,why we are f.'ir 
 more anxious about her, than Lady For- 
 be:> ever could be, 
 
 Elaine. — Is the little one delicate. 
 
 Mrs. Bird. — No she is strong enough. 
 I should have been rhe first to h-ive ta- 
 ken alarm, if there had been any cause, 
 
32 
 There is none. Sir Aldewin is very ibnd 
 of the child, and Lady Forbes knows it 
 and go the ahirm is raised to make him 
 think well of her. 
 
 Elaine. — I should like to see the little 
 lady. 
 
 Mrs. Bird. — She is a lovely little crea- 
 ture, (rising.) If you will come with 
 me 1 will show you, your room, and as 
 Ave 1 ass the nurserv you can see the 
 child. (Both Exit') (Enter Lady For- 
 bes and her daughter Monica. 
 
 Luchj ForhcK. — I have never seen a 
 place 1 like so much as Ash brooke, Mon- 
 ica, what a rent-roll Sir Aldewdn must 
 have 10 keep it up. He must be very 
 werillhy. 
 
 Monica. — He is wealthy, but his wealth 
 by no means the chief thing. I like him- 
 self, 1 think lie is oue of the nicest 
 men I ever met, 
 
 Lad(/ F. — That he is, do you see any 
 4ldiance Monica. You have done what I 
 told you, in always seeming- to be devot- 
 ed to the child. 
 
 Monica. — I like the child mamma, 
 th'^e is no need for seeming. 
 
 Lad)/ F. — So much the better my dear. 
 I should say nothing could please Sir 
 Aldewin more than great love for the 
 little one, and she is not really a tiresome 
 child. 
 
 Monica. — She is not tiresome at all, 
 she is lovely and good. 
 
 La'.Z^ F.—( Smiling.) Of course a real 
 aftection for the child is better than a 
 
S3 
 pretended one. We have been here 
 some time now, do you think there is any 
 chance. Does Sir Aldewin seem to care 
 for you. 
 
 Mo-iica. — Mamma such questions are 
 very tiresome to answer, I really do nut 
 know, Sir Aldewin is very kind to m^, 
 he talks to me, and to a certain extent 
 confides in me. But I cannot be igno- 
 rant of Ovie thing that he is doubly kind 
 when the child is with me. 
 
 La(^y i^.— Evidently the child, is the 
 grert card you must play. (Sighs,) If 
 I were but young and had your oppor- 
 tunities Monica, a widower, young and 
 handsome — such a house —such an in- 
 come, and a child to work on his feel- 
 ing, j with, my dear were I in your place, 
 I should be Lady Carelton in less than 
 six weeks. 
 
 Monica. — I wish you would not speak 
 in that way mamma, I do not like it. 
 You make such a business of marriage, 
 that it would not be wonderful if I dis- 
 liked it all together and gave it up in de- 
 spair. I have some heart, although you 
 never seem to think so. 
 
 Lady F. — (Smiling.) My dear Monica 
 to do any real good in this world, to at- 
 tain any real postition. you should do 
 away with all heart, I must say that 
 looking back on the experience of a life 
 time, I have never known a woman with 
 a heart succeed. Sir Aldewin has net 
 actually made love to you then, 
 
 Monica. — Xo, hehas been very kind 
 
. ..'J 
 irui 
 
34 
 but wo rtlways talk about little Pearl. 
 He is vi ally interested when I talk about 
 her, but not so much in other matters. 
 
 Lfhi'j F. — Do you ever mention your- 
 self to him in any way ? Do you think 
 there is any one else for whom he 
 cares "? 
 
 Mo7iHff. — lam afraid so mamma, there 
 is a ' on sin of his late wife. He speaks 
 of her ver}^ often. Little Pearl calls her 
 Aunt Lina, and I have fancied at times 
 that he like > her vei y much indeed. He 
 has another tone in his voice when he 
 speaks of her. 
 
 Lady F. — You mean Madolin Loraine 
 There is nothing in that, you need fear 
 no rival there, I'm sure. 
 
 Monica. — Whj^ mamma, what makes 
 3'ou think so ? 
 
 Ladu F. — I know that Lord Braden is 
 in love with her. 
 
 Monica. — She may not be in love with 
 him, the ©ne fact need not obviate the 
 other. Two men may easily be in love 
 with one girl, especially if she be an at- 
 iract^veone. Rely upon it, that if I 
 have a rival tofear,it is this Miss Loraine 
 and not the young wife that is dead, yet 
 at times I am be\Nildered, for I think 
 that he loved her too. 
 
 Lady F. — He thinks a g]-eat deal of his 
 If^st wife I am sure, and is not to be won- 
 dered at (enter Aide win C.) 
 
 Aldewin. — I come to see if you would 
 like ^o take a drive ladies, it is such a 
 bea itifnl dav. 
 
3o 
 Lcd'j F. — MoiJ'c:t can do <<s she Nvill, 
 youth is CO Lu age oils we know. for myself, 
 ' shrink fromihe wtivm sun. She may 
 "njoy it. 
 
 'A!'(b'ii-/i'. — Will yoii go. Mis.s Mo 
 ica V 
 
 IMuninu — (Nmiling.) I will go with 
 1 he utmost pie. .sure, on two condition-*. 
 Theiirstis that you allow me to take 
 ^t Jle Penvl in the ix)ny-ehaise, the sei-- 
 odd that you diive ns yourself, I would 
 i!Ot Y\-k ^'o^.r litth^ hcgc . w .'h nnv O'lc 
 p|-e, 
 
 L'jlyF. — (;»-lde.) Wliataelever girl, 
 he really oi'g.i. t > aporeeiate I'e^. 
 
 ^l'<'V"://'.--i will i'KVr you \\ I:*i p! - 
 ure, and Pe;rii ^^ ■'! he deii'>'h':.'d. But 
 Avonld it not bel;;^.l • i > t;' ie the open 
 ('•'i'li.ige y Tijeii T/idv ForluM (-"H'ld go 
 \\ iih n<. 
 
 FAidy F. — (smilino-.j Yon are" vei v 
 kind, Mild I nin muc.i tlatT.ved Sir Aid' 
 win, QUI so wjiiin asunniight lay me u^. 
 I tiiink Monica r.!>h. hut she nlway liiv- 
 ed sunshine. 
 
 Mo;//fr/. — Sodoos lii.Ie Pe.nrl. 1 will 
 go and get my gloves and hat ;ind be 
 with you in ten minules. (Exir C) 
 
 Ladfi /-'.--And you ean remain here, 
 until she reiurns. 
 
 Ahlooi'n. — Wi.h pleasure. (Sits 
 
 down.) 
 
 Lea-;/ F. — By the way Sir "^-ildewi. , 
 whnt has become of that beautitul Mi i 
 Loraine, whom Lorl Br.iden' lov i 
 well. 
 
AlO'vln. — VVliotoM you Lady For'je^, 
 tliat J>oi'{i IJvaden \v;io Mi-.s Loraines 
 lover. 
 
 Kiiilij F. — E . eiy one who knows Lord 
 Braden, knows thai, I heard him speak 
 oiiee of Miss Lor.itne. He said Jittle,l3ut 
 I saw fro II the exi)ression of his face, 
 t /Kit he loved hei . 
 
 AJdeicih. — It is all nonsense," and a 
 mistake. Miss Loraitie has no lover. 
 Lord Braden lias no hope in that quar- 
 ter 1 should .y, theywe-e o^l friend*? 
 that was all. 
 
 La(!i F, — I never met her but once, 
 hut I thought she \,as a br^au.ful girl, 
 your wife must liave been very much a - 
 rac'icd ( ) he v. 
 
 ' Aldeicu/. — Yes they loved eaeh other 
 very much, they were mor.^ like sisters 
 than cousins, MissLoraine was devot- 
 ed to Lady Caileton. 
 
 Lodt/ F,- -And now that Lady Carel- 
 ton is (lead I suppose Miss Lora'ne takes 
 a great interest in little Pearl. 
 
 Aid' i>:i,i. — LittlePearl is a great conso- 
 lation to us all. 
 
 Lo'lij F. — 1 shall feel quite anxious 
 about tliC little darling when we goaway 
 !Sir Aldewin, jou must be quite sure 
 rbut she does not «'o amongst the se - 
 vants. It is so dirricult to manage un- 
 less there is a lady at the head of the 
 iiouse. 
 
 Aldawiii, -Mrs. Bird is very carefr!. 
 she doe j not allow any undue famili.a*- 
 ity. But they are all so fond of the 
 
c'liild t'liit it is (lifin-nlt to koep lier : way 
 tVoiu tlieiii. 
 
 Laclii F, — Difficult yes, but it must be 
 done. Mrs. Bird is most praise v,Oi- 
 thy r know, but really no one can nrjn- 
 age, or understand those things, but ti 
 bidy. 
 
 Ahlewiii. — Perhaps you are right. 
 
 Ladu F.-'( Aside.) Which is it Mon- 
 ica or Miss Loraine (aloud,) I wish 
 Miss Loi-jiine would ui.'ike us a call be- 
 fore we leave. 
 
 Al<J<ii:t.i. — I expect Mi.-^ Lor.iine lo- 
 div, to see Pear'. 
 
 y.'.v<'./ /'\--I\ii sogiad. I shall be de- 
 l\£i"ht xl to see her. ( Knters Monica 
 wi.ii 1 t^Mid gloves ) 
 
 Mc, '■ '.-->NOWhir Aide win I'm ready. 
 
 All iri.i. — (Pising.) Then let ns 
 stai c at o.ce, woirt you go with us 
 Lac'y Fori ?sV 
 
 Ladii F. — Only as far as the door to 
 tee von off. ("Kxitall C. Enter Mrs, 
 Bird aid Flaiae.) 
 
 Mi'fi.Buc. — (To Elaine.) One of the 
 servants has made a large rent in these 
 beai.Uiud curt.anfe, which Sir Aldewiu I- 
 so proud of. If Lady Furbes tinds it 
 out I shall never hear the last of it. Do 
 vou think you could mend it, Mr.-. 
 Moore ? 
 
 £■ // /e. — I will wiih pleasure if I can, 
 what rati [ do. 
 
Jlrs. Birr? — Tiike some of this colored 
 silk, (gi\'es it toElaaie,) ;'. Ivy to re- 
 pf^'rit. I think Avi-.h great care you 
 might mann<i:e+«i do i ,, .<ot} .t it would 
 never be noticed. 
 
 i7/an?e.— I will do mybest. (Goes to 
 the cu»"t:'ins.) 
 
 Mrs, Bird. — Very well, I will leave you 
 alone then. (Exit.) 
 
 I'.iaine. — A\hat would I not give to see 
 my de:ir mother and father. lean realize 
 now what they have sutlered in losing 
 me, since I now know what it is to 
 lose my child. (Pearl laughs outside 
 and runs.) 
 
 Pearl.— {on C.) I'm ready, Papa, 
 (stops and looks at Elaine half frighten- 
 ed.) 
 
 Elaine. — (Great emotion, holding out 
 her hands.) My darling, con-e to me. 
 
 Ptarl, — (Advances timidly. Elaine 
 hugs her and kisses her passionately.) 
 Papa's going to take me riding, did you 
 see hiUi. 
 
 Elaine. — No darling, put your arms 
 around my neck, (she does so.) my baby, 
 (short pause). Say Mamma darling. 
 
 Pearl. — (^Vo^denngl3^) Mamma. 
 
 Elaii<". — .._y God! (kisses Pearl pas- 
 sionately, tiien recollecting heiself.) 
 My (- -ar, will you tell me your name. 
 
 PearL — I have three names. 
 
 Elaine. — AVhat are they. 
 
 Pearl. — I am Victoria — Papa says it 
 is my right nanie. But most every body 
 calls me Pearl and the servants call me 
 
S9 
 W :ie. that is three names. 
 
 LMinc. — You are very ricli to hayt- 
 three names, nn^ beautiful darling. 
 
 Pearl. — I have three names, but 1 lu-ivo 
 no mamma. 
 
 Ehi.iHe.—iVevy 8iK\\y.) No Mamma V 
 Pearl. — My mammti has gone to heav- 
 en, 
 
 Elaine. — To heaven, my darling V 
 Pearl. — Y ^ heaven is ^ 'lere, a long, 
 long way otf. 
 
 Elaine. — Will you c»me and speak to 
 me sometimes? i have lost a little girl, 
 just like you, my swee*:. 
 
 Pearl. — Did she go t© heaven V 
 Elaine. — She is away from me, my 
 darlino-, a fair little child just like you. 
 Slie will go to heaven sometime, 
 Barbara. — (Out.^ide calls.) Pearl. 
 Elaine. — (Very passionately.) My 
 darling will y©u with your own lips, 
 kiss me he. e, dear, on my face, this poor 
 dark f<cet'ial has no beauty left. Oh 
 my little love, kiss me here. (Pearl puts 
 h^rarms around Elaine's neck and kiss- 
 es her.) Go, my darling, your nurse is 
 calling yoa. (Penrliuns oft'C.) Tliank 
 heaven, thank heaven, thrit I have once 
 more spoken to my little child. ( wiping 
 away her tears.) But 1 mus: not let the 
 servants see any traces of tears. (Goes 
 to her work, Mr*. Bird enic.o smilino-.) 
 Jflra. JJira. — 1 have ni:iue 2Ii!>> ic- - 
 smile a little less brightly t;.. tiiOi >• 'm-;. 
 I dislike her a© uuich a.s 1 Jo .k r ut. » 
 She came into the nur^erv, all s/n 
 
be 
 dresLed, because she was goiug U) ttike 
 her out, and Papa would drive them. and 
 I said to myself, no, papa shall not orive 
 you, so I did a mean thing. 1 went to 
 Sir Aldewin and told him that 1 thought 
 a )on;4 c'l Ive to-day would not be good 
 for little Pearl. Lady Forbes lost three 
 of her children Sir Aldewi7\ mine have 
 all grow.i up well and strong I answer- 
 ed. You can't imagine how frightened 
 he looked. He sent word to the nur- 
 sery that Misiie might play on the lawn, 
 but was not to ^,0 out for a drive. I 
 am sure she won't enjoy the ride, as it 
 will te >ch her that Sn- Aldewin cares for 
 his little daughter and not lor her. 
 
 EluAtie. — Then the child is not going 
 ouf. 
 
 .'/>•. Bird. — No indeed, and I am very 
 glad, IS Miss Madolin has come and she 
 is so foiid of little M.issie. 
 
 A'iauii\ — (aside.) Madolin here? 
 
 JJis. Bird. — I just came for my glass- 
 es have you seen them. Ah here ihey 
 are (Picks shem up from table.) If 
 yo.i IK -l anything, Mrs.?.loore, ring the 
 bell. (Ex'tsC.j 
 
 Bhiiite. — Madolin here, if she should 
 lecognize me. The ;-cene when we part- 
 ed i< i:^- i)cfore me, I can see the red 
 llames. the darkening skj' and the star- 
 light waters. Madolin's beautifid face 
 gazing mistfulh' at me, the shawl of the 
 crimson and gold, and the white vail 
 .shinino-iii the liuiitof the confla2:ration. 
 
H 
 IfIcoal(ll)Ut forget it ull. If lieaveii 
 would only h\' luercUal, and let me for- 
 get everything, but the love of my child, 
 (Madolin enters C. Elaine picks up her 
 work.) 
 
 Jladoli)!. — Mrs. Moore the house keep- 
 er tells me tha vou sew verr neatlv. is it 
 trre? 
 
 Elaine. — I endeavor to do so, 
 
 Mcdolui, — I have brought some muslin 
 and l;;?e.>, that my frieiid Lady Lynne 
 v;tlues yery highly. She wished me to 
 see that some j)iett »" dresses were made 
 for h' ie 3li; -j Pea x could you manage 
 \i a 'oyou think? 
 
 Elaine. — (Brightening up.) I will try 
 my best. 
 
 Mml<Ai)i.—V tidnk the child will look 
 so i>retty in light muslin r'ld laf^ dr- s- 
 es. Slu' has aiwa.vs worn black until 
 now. It was a terribly sad thing for 
 tho poor child »o loce her mother at so 
 early an age, (Opjns I-ees and (', sigh- 
 ing.) Poor L;uiy Lynne she pi..3er\ed 
 all these beautiful laces for yeaxs, intend- 
 ing to give them io her daughter, little 
 Pearl's mother, who was lost at sea some 
 four years ago. 
 
 Etui ce. — (Agitated.) Did Lady Lynne 
 grieve ve.y much over her daugh- 
 ter ? 
 
 .^/<f(/"//);.— More tlian I coidd describe. 
 [ do not think she has laughed once 
 since her loss, 'i'hey sit all dtiy, she and 
 Sir 'fohn, t. Iking about their child, re- 
 lating anecdotes to cr^h other of lier 
 
t^oodnessand her beauly. Little Pearl 
 will be very 1^'K'e her. 
 
 Eld i.c>-,- -And Sir John, has he trou- 
 bled aboiU" her ? 
 
 -1/(f'«^^o/(*.;.--Txonble is a mild word, she 
 was the very erre of his heart, an only 
 child atid siich a beautiiul one. how 
 I'otild they do ollieiwlse th.n bewail 
 the-r terrible bereavement. I was with 
 her when she was lost, and I would have 
 ^"ven ivv o.ily I'vec, if 1 had had them to 
 Sc ve hers. 
 
 Elc:. '■. — (aside.) If she knew all, 
 /^earl. — (Euns on C.) Oh auntie, 
 P?pa wor""!." take me ndino-. 
 
 Jiadolin — A> oaldn't he, darling? Well, 
 never mind; you and I will go out some 
 dav. 
 
 Fearl — (Looking at laces) What are 
 tl se for, Ann tie y 
 Madoh::i—'T9 make you some dressgs. 
 Fearl — Won't I look nice ? 
 MadoJir --Yoii «hall have some nice 
 dresses if you will give me three kisses. 
 (Pearl pul^s her arms around her and 
 kisses her. Flaine very much moved.) 
 Peavi — (Folds out her arms to Elaine, 
 aft^rasboit p.ai^e) I remember you; 
 you kissed me and cried over me. (Mad- 
 olin kM->ks astonished). 
 
 EWde — Yes, I did cry over her; I 
 could noii help it. 
 
 Mculol ',i—\ ou are a widow ? 
 Elaine — (Almost sobbing) I have lost 
 Dry husband; and I loved him very 
 much. 
 
4"^ 
 
 2frc^oli.i—(KhuMy) And your little 
 child'? Is she f'ead? 
 
 Ela'ue—X have lost her. 
 
 Madoiiri — You have snflered a great 
 de. 1 for one so young. How soiiy I am. 
 And that is why you love ibis little one 
 so much? I understand. I have great 
 sympathy for those who have lost their 
 dear friends by death. I suffered so 
 much when my cousin, this dear child's 
 mother, died. 
 
 Fearl — My mother is in heaven, 
 
 Jfccloli,i--Y on must come and st^e lit- 
 tle Miss Pearl sometimes. They say 
 that mothers, who have lost children, 
 love all other children for the lost one's 
 sake. Is it so? 
 
 Elaine — I believe it. The happiest 
 moment that has come to me since I lost 
 my little girl, was when I saw Miss 
 Pearl. 
 
 P6'«?V--I like you, too, Elaine, 
 
 Maaolin -(Looking steadily at Elaine) 
 You remind me so much of some one, 
 and I cannot think who it is. 
 
 EU'i.ie — (sadly; I hope there are not 
 many people I'ke me. 
 
 MadoUn — Your voice and your ges- 
 luies are familiar to me. I cannot, how- 
 evei, tell who it is th^ityou resemble. 
 
 Barbara — (enters; Sir Aldewin has 
 leLurned, and wants little Missie. 
 
 Pearl — Oh, Pa^^a, (liuns off with 
 Barbara.) 
 
 J/adolin — You see how dearly she 
 loves her Papa? I'M go now, Mrs. 
 Moore, and to-morrow we w ill commence 
 on the dresses for Pearl. (Exit.) 
 
Elaine — If it was possible for her to re- 
 cognize me, she would have done so be- 
 fore now. But I shall keep away from 
 her as much as possible. I must get this 
 curtain done before Mrs. Bird returns. 
 (Goes to her work. Aide win comes out 
 of the house and crosses the lawn to rus- 
 tic seat beneath the tree R. Elaine 
 looks out of the window.) My husband, 
 and I love him so well. It is so hard. 
 This beautiful home which might have 
 been mine, which is mine by rights, will 
 never know me as its mistress. If Mad- 
 olin only knew all. 
 
 Madolin — (Comes out of the house and 
 speaks to Aide win) Where is Lady 
 Forbes, Aldewin? 
 
 Aldewin — (Rising) Gone with tke fair 
 Monica to make some call, in which she 
 declared I ought to join them ; but I 
 knew better. I said to myself that I 
 would choose the opportunity for half an 
 hour's quiet rest with you. 
 
 yiu(^(din — (gently) Aldewin, I am not 
 unreasonable, but I have told you before 
 that you must not make love to me in 
 your own house, while I am a guest 
 under your roof. 
 
 Aldeioin — Then, my dearest Madolin, 
 the sooner you leave my roof, as you 
 call it, the better ; so that t may follow 
 you. For make love to you, I must. It 
 IS not new love making, you know. 
 
 Madolin — That it most certainly is not. 
 
 Aldeunn — Madolin, what a love story 
 ours has been. I should . think tliat no 
 two lovers ever split upon such a rock. 
 
45 
 
 JIadolin — Do not talk about it, Aide- 
 win; I wish we could forget it. i(Alde- 
 win kisses her hand passionately. El- 
 aine drops her work.) 
 
 Elaine — If Icould only leave this plaee» 
 The green leaves and fragrant flowers 
 are more to them than I am. 
 
 Madolin — Aldewin, if you do that 
 again I shall go home. You forget that 
 I am your guest. 
 
 Aldeicin — I remember that you are my 
 first, last, and only love. 
 
 Madolin — Oh, Aldewin, does ;-Ot the 
 sunshine take you back to those days in 
 Italy ? I Avonder if ever, for one-half 
 hour, I shall forget Elaine. 
 
 Aldewin—Voor, beautiful Elaine. No, 
 Madolin. you maybe quite sure that we 
 shall never forget her, I think of her 
 every day, and every hour. Think of 
 her with a passion of soriow and de- 
 spair and love. Poor Elaine. 
 
 Elaine — (agitated. )Dear heaven; if 
 they only knew all. If they t^oulJ only 
 guess it. 
 
 Madolin — In my thoughts I go over 
 the scene fifty times each day. I wake 
 in the night.'it is always present to me ; 
 her beautiful, sad, loving face, as she 
 kissed me and said, I am going to be hap- 
 pier than I have ever been. She must 
 have suffered much to make her long for 
 death. 
 
 Aldevnn — Do not talk about it, Mado- 
 lin ; I have never wished the poor child 
 any harm ; yet her innocent love has 
 jjeen the bane of my life, 
 
 Elaine — I did not thnk I could suffer 
 
46 ^^ 
 
 more. I was mad to come here. I 
 knew he did not love me. Why should 
 Ihave tortured myself. I knew he car- 
 ed for Madolin. I have been the bane of 
 his life, and all because 1 loved him too 
 well. 
 
 Aldewin — I do not remember, Mado- 
 lin, ever to have heard a story like ours, 
 either in history, fiction, or every-day 
 life. It is all over now. We both did 
 our duty nobly to Elaine while she lived. 
 Xow we must'forget her — that is, forget 
 all the pain uud sorrow, and only re- 
 member that we tried to make her happy. 
 Madolin — (sobbing) If I could do that. 
 Aldeicin — Try, Madolin, will you? 
 J/rtdo/jw— Yes, Aldewin. 
 Aldewin— Froimse me now that you 
 will be my wife. 
 
 Madolin — Oh, Aldewin, I — 
 Aldewin— 'Vhuik, dailing, how long we 
 have waited; how patient I have been. 
 Now make me happy, will you, Mado- 
 lin •? 
 
 Madolin (giving him her hand) Yes, 
 Aldewin. ( lie kisses her.) 
 
 Elaine Oh, heaven! why did you 
 spare my life, when 1 would rather have 
 lost it? 
 
 Fearl (running down) Oh, papa! 
 Aldewin My darling, come here. (She 
 does so) Pearl, I have something to give 
 you to-day. 
 
 Pearl You dear, good papa. 
 Aldewin Somethtng that you will 
 love very much, Pearl; a great, wonder- 
 ful treasure. 
 
 Pearl What is it, papa? A rocky- 
 horse ? 
 
 Aldewin (laughing) I am going to 
 
^7 
 giv« you a new mamma : u kind aiul 
 ceautiful mamma, who will love you 
 very much. 
 
 Feat I (wonderingly.) A new mam- 
 ma ? (Look.< up to the sky.) 
 
 Madolin (taking Pearl in her arm,*.) 
 I understand her, Aldewin; she is won- 
 dering about her own mamma. Your 
 own mamma is in heaven, Pe,-jrl, far 
 away in the blue sky. Your mamma 
 lives' there, my darling, and you must 
 always love her the best, always the best. 
 
 Pearl I will. 
 
 Aldewin See, Pearl, this is your new 
 mamma. Kiss her, and tell her you will 
 always be a good child. 
 
 Pearl I will be good. 
 
 AldeAoin Now, my darling, [ will not 
 have one more tear. From this time on 
 we will have all smiles. Come, let us go 
 in, (Takes Pearl in his arms and they 
 exit inio the house.) 
 
 Elaije — Little Pearl's new mamma. 
 Oh, human love; so soon grown cold; so 
 soon to change; so quick to die. (Enter 
 Lady Forbes and Monica.) 
 
 Lady Forbes — Haye you seen Miss Bri- 
 erton ? 
 
 Elaine — I saw her in the garden. 
 
 Lady F — Was she alone? (sharply) 
 was she alone? I ask you because it 
 seems so strange that Miss Loraine w.-s 
 invited here to meet us, and we never 
 spend ten minutes of the day with her. 
 
 J^/oHica— Mrs. Moore, why do you not 
 answer Lady Forbes, vou hear her ques- 
 tion ? 
 

4S 
 
 Elaine — (quietly) Iain quite williiitj; 
 to answer. When I saw Miss Loraine, 
 Sir Aide win was talking to her. 
 
 Lo'hi /^—(spitefully)" I thought as 
 much; indeed, I felt quite sure of it. 
 Poor little Pearl ; she will soon be as 
 much forgotten as her mother is. 
 
 Elaive. -I am sure you are mistaken. 
 Miss Lorain loves Missie. 
 
 Lady F — (laughing) I am glad you 
 think so. (EL-nne turns to her work.) 
 
49 
 
 Elaine, — Madolin. 
 
 Madol in. —Mrs. Moore, what is the 
 matter? 
 
 Elaine.— (crying passionately) Mado- 
 lin! 
 
 Madolin. —Who are you? You who 
 come to me with Elaine's voice and a 
 stranger's face ? In the name of heaven, 
 who are you? (Elaine crying, does not 
 answer.) Who are you? (Takes Elaine 
 by the hands and looks into her face 
 steadily.) I am alarmed. In the name 
 of heaven who are you ? There is some- 
 thing familiar, yet strange, in your face. 
 You «peak to me with Elaine's voice. 
 For mercy's sake, answer me, who are 
 you? 
 
 Elaive.r—'M.&doWn, do you not know 
 me? 
 
 Madolin. — If it were not that I knew 
 her to be dead, I would say that you were 
 Lady Carleton. 
 
 Elaine. — (humbly.) I am Lady Carle- 
 ton, wretched, most miserable, most un- 
 happy Elaine, 
 
 Madolin, (throws her oft'. — You are not 
 Elaine ; you are an impostor. You have 
 assumed the expression of her face, the 
 tone of her voice. But Lady Carleton 
 lies dead under the sea. 
 
 Elaine. Fervently. — Would to heaven 
 she did ? 
 
 Madolin, (goes up and looks into her 
 fuce.)— It you are Elaine, Elaine come 
 back from the dead, what am I ? 
 
51 
 minutes I will tell you all. (They both 
 sit down.) 
 
 Elaine.~l know, Madolin, that Aide- 
 win loved you, and my only wish was to 
 die, so that you might be free to marrv 
 him. Oh, Lina, why did you bring him 
 to me on that fatal night six years a^o'^ 
 Why did you not say, ''he loves me, ?nd 
 we are to be married !" I should have 
 been pleased that you were to be happy. 
 VV hy did you not do it, Madolin ? 
 
 MadfAin.—lt seemed to me that com- 
 plying with your wish would save vour 
 life. 
 
 ^/ame.--My life? my life has been 
 nothing but a torment and a torture to 
 me. Why did you care to save that ? 
 
 Madolin.— Yon were all the world to 
 us. Let nie understand; you gave up 
 your chance of life for me, hoping that 
 11 you died Sir Aide win would marry me ^ 
 ^Zrtme.— -That is what I hoped and be- 
 lieved. 
 
 Madolin.—Then, when you found your 
 lite was saved against your will, you re- 
 solved to remain dead to the world, and 
 never let us know you lived ? But tell 
 me, how did you escape ? 
 
 Elaine.— ShoTtly after I left vou on the 
 burning steamer, I was struck on the 
 head by ;. falling spar,and the next thino- 
 I remember I was on board of a French 
 vessel bound for Toulon. 
 Madolin.— ^nt how did vou get there ^ 
 Elaine.— '\:hQY said thev found me 
 lashed to a plank in charge of a sailor 
 
52 
 and the moment they pieked us up. the 
 sailor died from heart disease, brought on, 
 no doubt, by the excitement he had gon* 
 through. I was put under the care of 
 an old French woman, who, when we 
 reached Toulon, took me to her own 
 house, and cared for me through a long 
 fever, and when I recovered I found she 
 had cut all my haii off. 
 
 Madolin. — What a pity I 
 
 Elaine. — It had to be done, she said, to 
 save my life. It was not long before I 
 was suificiently recovered to move from 
 my little room, and then I looked into 
 the state of my finances. I found 1 had 
 over 50 pounds in English money. My 
 watch and chain, ear-rings, and a valu- 
 able brooch were all preserved. I could 
 not remain in Toulon, so I went to Paris, 
 and there I disposed of all my jewelry, 
 which brought me quite a sum. I found 
 by living economically that I would have 
 enough to support me for three or four 
 years. I spent most of my time in Paris, 
 thinking of my child, until at last I could 
 stand it no longer. I thoroughly dis- 
 guised myself, came here and applied for 
 some plain sewing, with what result you 
 already know. 
 
 Madolin. — But, Elaine, having done all 
 this, why go to your husband's house, of 
 all places in the world ? 
 
 Elaine. — Can you not fancy, do you 
 noi know, that there is one love, above 
 all other loves, the love that lives? I 
 was possessed by it. My heart was hun- 
 
53 
 giy, thu-sty, lo/igiiig to see little Pearl 
 to hear her speak. It was a passionat, 
 iiong'mg that consumed me by night ane 
 ly tiay. It dragged me here, eved 
 n my will. 1 went because I coulb 
 not helj) it. 1 thought the longing would 
 ce^^e, !fl looked only once on "her. I 
 thought my mind would crow calm, but 
 it tl'diio.. When I had kissed her little 
 f_p I could not leave her. This dear 
 love of one's child is the love that lives, 
 t''!.':j-.ily .ue love. 
 
 wJIcuV'U'n. — To think that I have been 
 O't'i 3'<^u, spoken to you, and never rec- 
 g n-'^^e'^ you; and, bh, Elaine, I gave 
 you m ~>iiey, you allowed me to do that ! 
 
 E(aiii«\--I would not part with that 
 l)c.nk note for anything. How 1 kissed 
 it and cried over it I 
 
 JIadolin. — Still I cannot see why, hav- 
 ing made this r:^soIve to be dead to us all, 
 you should break it. 
 
 Elaine. — Madolin, I have never shown 
 so much love for you as in this moment, 
 when I give up my cherished secret to 
 you, to save you from a marriage which 
 yet would be no marriage. 
 Madolin. — I thank you. 
 Elaine. — I trust you with my secret, 
 but it must never pass your lips. You 
 nuist keep it for me as you would guard 
 the honor of your own soul. This mar- 
 ririge can never be now, and you must 
 break it off,without letting any one know 
 why. It will be hard, I know, but you 
 will hot sutler as I do standing between 
 vou. 
 
 ii7« me. —(dictating) Dear Sir Aldewin, 
 
Madolin. — I believe it. Oh, Elniiie, 
 fiom all the world, why have we both 
 cho^eM one love? You can not spend 
 your life in this disguise; there must 
 come an end to it at last. Let me per- 
 suade you to end this secrecy, and resume 
 j^our name and place in the world. I 
 will help you so that it can be done with- 
 out any scandal or sensation. I will go 
 abroa 1 with you and send for Sir Alde- 
 ^vin. We will give the world a story 
 which shall satisfy it. Will vou consent, 
 Elaine? 
 
 Elaine. — I cannot. I could never en- 
 dure it, to live with my husband again, 
 J^nowing that I am a burden and a misery 
 to him. 
 
 Madolin, — But if he loved you? 
 
 Elaine. r-iVtmfi brightening.) If he 
 loved me, and wished me back, yes. But 
 that time will never come. 
 
 Madolin. — Time alone will tell; you 
 have acted wisely in speaking to me now, 
 but I do not approve of your keeping 
 such a secret. But oh Elaine, how shall 
 I break it to Aide win ? 
 
 Elaine, — Go to him boldly and tell him 
 this marriage must not take place. 
 
 Madolin. — But he will demand an ex- 
 planation. 
 
 Elaine. — Tell him you can give him 
 none. 
 
 Madolin. — I cannot,! have not the cour- 
 age. 
 
 Elaine. — Then write and tell him. 
 
 Madolin. — (Pauses a moment.; I will 
 and at once. (Goes to table on which are 
 pens, ink and paper.) What shall I say 
 to him (sits at table.) 
 
 Elaine. — (dictating) Dear Sir Aide win, 
 
MlJl.J i - .Mv'..'j!»'d 
 
 .'.Ml, . «fn ft'>v<j 
 
 
 
 • (.i^Idut J« «JJr.^ mid 
 
55 
 OLii- marriaore cannot take place. You 
 must accept my decision nothing in the 
 ^;ji'y can induce me to change it. 
 fMadohn writes and puts letter in envel- 
 ope and seals it. Elaine rings the bell 
 servant appears C.) 
 
 ^Zoine.— (handing letter.) Deliver 
 this to Sir Aldewin. (Servant takes let- 
 ter and exiti C. Madolin leans on the 
 table and buries her face in both hands 
 Elaine looks at her for a moment and 
 throws her arms around Madolin and 
 kisses her, then exits C. very slowlv, 
 looking steadily at Madolin who does not 
 move.) 
 
 Madolin.— {Alone) I could not have 
 done it myself. I should neither have 
 had the courage, the originality, nor the 
 force of will to carry me through such 
 an ordeal. Truly it was the love that 
 lived— the love that could not die, that 
 e::isted when all other was dead. 
 
 ^/detom.— (enters C. humedly)Mado- 
 lin, I will not ask you what this letter 
 means, (holds letter in his hand ;) it can 
 mean nothing ; there is no power on earth 
 that can take you from me. 
 
 Madolin. — Hush, you must not sav. 
 that. ^' 
 
 Aldewin. — You have given me your 
 promise and not for anything will I con- 
 sent to release you, say what you will. 
 
 J/ac?o?««,— (Sadly.) It can never be 
 Aldewin; 
 Aldewin.— WiW you tell me why? 
 Madolin. — No, I cannot. I can only 
 tell you this that there is an insurmount- 
 able barrier, what it is I am pledged by 
 my oath never to reveal 
 
 Aldewin.— AW you say seems weak and 
 foolish to a man with a desperate love, 
 and a desperate purpose. I am speaking 
 
Ilii 
 
 "J 
 
 c^ ■• •*« 
 
 .••:»r ^"'* 
 
 ■ 'iM.»'HJ5!<* .:> 'if/'* bn«Ti* 
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 -„; - • . .iJ« 1o 9010l 
 
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56 
 harshly to you,Mndolin . 1 cannot help 
 it. I love yon too well to think of losing 
 yon with ealmness. I have hanJly j)a- 
 tience to ask if it be any absnred idea 
 about my — abont Elaine . You have 
 never disapproved of second marriages, 
 have yon ? 
 
 Miiddh'n.r—'Nc), never. 
 
 Aid'' wi 11. r-lh^\e you heard anythiuo: 
 about me, any slander which I could set 
 Rlrai?^ht, any lie, any fabrication that I 
 can contradict V 
 
 Madflf.). — I have never lieard one 
 word a^uinst yon in all ray life. I would 
 not listen to one. 
 
 Aldewin — Then what is it? Clear up 
 the mystery ; trust me, it shall not be in 
 vain, * 
 
 Madolin, — (Looking earnestly at him,) 
 Aldewin,! have always loved you. I love 
 you now as well as ever, but I tell you, 
 dear,that if a grave were there, and t lay 
 in it, silent, motionless, dead, I could 
 not be parted iVom you more completely 
 than I am now, and the great Power who 
 hears me speak, knows that I am telling 
 the truth. We must part and I can never 
 tell you the reason why. 
 
 Aldewin. — You are cruel to me Mado- 
 ]iu. 
 
 JIadolin.-l am more cruel to myself— a 
 thousand times more. It is harder for 
 me to say go than for you to hear it. I 
 may say this to you. Aldewin, that per- 
 haps in the years to come, you may know 
 why I have done this, then you will have 
 nothing but blessings for me. 
 
 Aldewin. — (Impatiently) 1 will not 
 hear you, you are to be my wife and I 
 will claim you. 
 
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57 
 .¥ado?m.— Listen to me one moment. 
 The reason that seperates us is so grave 
 that, if I thought you would not take my 
 word- if I thought that after all I have 
 said to you, you would still claim the 
 fulfillment of my promise,! should leave 
 England, and go where you could never 
 find me. 
 
 ^^dfeiom.— (Gently) Madolin, I have 
 faith in you. Heaven knows, yet strange 
 thoughts come to me. Have you ever 
 loved any one but me V 
 
 Madolin.— I can give you no answer, 
 neither is there any need to reply to such 
 a question. 
 
 Aldewin. — Were our acquaintance a 
 short one I should certainly say that you 
 had been married before and that your 
 husband had come to light again. 
 
 Madolin. — You must think what you 
 will. I have told you what my consci- 
 ence, ray honor and yours, compel me to 
 eay ; I can do no more. 
 
 ^/de?.oin.— (Crossing angrily.) You 
 have never loved me; 1 cannot tell why 
 you should have deceived me. I begin 
 to wonder that 1 have been such a dupe. 
 When first of all you were to marry me, 
 you forced me to marry some one else, 
 you placed the matter before me in such 
 a light that I could not refuse, and now 
 you do the same thing in another fash- 
 ion. Y'ou refuse to marry on some pre- 
 text or other that you cannot even name, 
 (crossing.) 
 
 Madolin.— YoM will be sorry in the 
 time to come that you have spoken so 
 angrily to me. 
 
 Aldeioin. — 1 am sorry now. Can you 
 not see that I am half mad with wonder 
 and dismay ? Must it be so, Madolin ? 
 can neither tears, prayers, or anything 
 
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Modolin— XP we must say 2:00 1-bye. AMew 
 Aldewin— (takes her hand) You can look at me 
 nd mean it? 
 
 Madolin— I do mean it. (Looks steadily in his 
 face,) 
 
 Aldewin— (throws off her hand) Then I will 
 never look at the face of a woman again! [Exit 
 R C, quickly.] 
 
 Madolin— It was better so, my love. We have 
 parted in anger, we could not have parted in 
 tears. Good bye, my love, good bye! (Looks off 
 C. after Aldewin. Exits in opposite direction.) 
 
 Mrs. Bird— (Enters D. L. with Elaine and rings 
 bell.) I am very glad you will take little Missie 
 out, Mrs. Moore, as she needsjexercise, and the 
 walk will do her good. (Barbara enters C.) 
 
 Barbara— Did you ring, Mrs. Bird? 
 
 Mrs. Bird— Yes; Mrs. Moore is going to take 
 Missie for a walk. Bring her here! [Barbara 
 exits C] I've heard yen say you were fond of 
 flowers, Mrs. Moore; you may gather some as 
 y®u pass through the garden, if you like. 
 
 Elaine-Thank you; you are very kind. 
 
 (Barbara enters C. with Pearl, who runs to 
 Elaine. Elaine kneels by her and kisses her as 
 she is fixing her bonnet . ) Do you want to go 
 walking with me? 
 
 Aldewin— (Enters C. quickly, sees the child 
 and goes to her. Elaine shrinks back.) Come, 
 my dear, I am going for a ride. (Takes the 
 child in his arms.) 
 
 Elaine— Are you going to drive the new pair, 
 Sir Aldewin? 
 
 Aldewin— Yes. 
 
 Elaine— Then I beg of you not to take the 
 child. Oh, do believe me, it will not be saf 4," 
 
he is so young, so timid; do not take her; pray 
 leave her here! 
 
 Aldewin--If I thought there was any danger, I 
 should not take her. I require no one, Mrs. 
 Moore, to teach me my duty as regards my child. 
 
 Elaine— You do not understand, you do not 
 see the danger, and I do. Sir Aldewin, she must 
 not go. 
 
 Aldewin— You are very good to be so anxious 
 about her, although it is no compliment to me . 
 But you must understand that I brook no inter- 
 fereRce. 
 
 Elaine— Pray remember that if you were to 
 lose command of the horses for one moment 
 
 Aldewin — I am obliged to you, but I permit no 
 interference. (Half turns to go.) 
 
 Elaine— (Passionately snatches the child from 
 him.) The child has no mother here to act in 
 her behalf, Sir Aldewin, and I say she must not 
 go! 
 
 Aldewin— (Takes the child; she does not re- 
 sist.) lam going to teach her how to drive. 
 Mrs, Moore, you have exceeded your duty . I 
 win consider whether I can overlook your con- 
 duct. I am inclined to think not. It is an insult 
 to me to suppose that I would endanger my 
 child . (Exits C. with the child and nurse . ) 
 
 Mrs. Bird— (touches Elaine on the shoulder.) 
 You have a kind, tender heart. Cheer up; the 
 child is the apple of his eye, and he will see that 
 no harm comes to her. 
 
 Elaine — (stretching her arms towards C. D.) 
 Oh, tjie loving little child . (Crying.) 
 
 Mrs. Bird— If she were your own child you 
 could not take on more. 
 
 Elaine— My own child? (wildly) My God! (Ex- 
 its C.) 
 
 Mrs. B^rd— (Goes up C, looks after Elaine and 
 then comes down L. C,) Poor lady, how strange- 
 ly she acts ! 
 
Servant— (Enters f.) L >rd Briidon. 
 
 Braden— (Enters C.) Ah, Mrs. Bir 1, delighted 
 to see you! (shakes hands.) 
 
 Mrs. Bird— This is an unexpected visit, my 
 lord. 
 
 Braden— True, but as I leave England next 
 week, I thought I would run down and say 
 good-by . Is Sir Aldewin not at home? 
 
 Mrs. Bird— He has just gone out for a drive. 
 
 Braden— And Madolin, has she gone with him? 
 
 Mrs. Bird— He took no one but his child. 
 
 Braden— I stopped on ray way here to see the 
 Lynnes. Poor old couple, they are not recon- 
 ciled yet to the loss of their child. They told 
 me that Madolin was here, and would soon be 
 married to Sir Aldewin . 
 
 Mrs. Bird— We all thought so, but not an hour 
 ago Sir Aldewin gave orders that the house de- 
 corations should go no furthe r. 
 
 Braden— (surprised) Why, Mrs. Bird, what do 
 you mean? Surely he intends to marry. 
 
 Mrs. Bird — This morning when I asked him a 
 question, he seemed all upset, and said "I do not 
 understand; ask me when I return." I was 
 afraid that he had had news that distressed him. 
 The servant told me that he received a letter and 
 that when he opened it he was for some time 
 like one stupefied. I am sorry, for there is no 
 better master living than Sir Aldewin, (Mado- 
 lin screams outside. Aldewin enters C, fright- 
 ened. Madolin and others follow, Elaine enters 
 C . after others are on ) 
 
 Elaine— (scared) What is it— what is it? 
 Aldewin— The child is hurt, the horses ran 
 away, [servant enters with child ) 
 
 Elaine— (takes the child quickly in her arms.) 
 G», all of you; leave me alone with her: she is 
 
my own child. • 
 
 Aldewin— The woman is mad. 
 
 Elaine— I call heaven to witness that I am the 
 mother of this child, and no other hand shal 
 touch her. Look at your work! (lays child on 
 •sofa R) You who should have protected her; you, 
 who should have kept her safe from all danger; 
 you have killed her. (nurse looking at the child.) 
 
 Aldewin— Heaven knows I am sorry. I would 
 rather have died than have hurt one hair of her 
 little head. 
 
 Nurse— The child is only stunned, and will 
 .soon be all right. 
 
 Elaine— My darling, my baby! 
 
 Aldewin — Who are you, that you call my child 
 yours? 
 
 Elaine— It matters little who I am . 
 
 Aldewin— (looks sharply in her face.) Great 
 heavens, who are you? Answer me lest I go 
 mad! 
 
 Elaine~I am Elaine, your wife, whom you 
 loved so little, that death in life seemed to her 
 better than life with you. (Aldewin weeps.) 
 am sorry you know it, I meant to keep my secret 
 until I died, and I hoped to die soon. I am sor- 
 ry you have found it out . I will go awav and no 
 one need know . 
 
 Aldewin— You will never leave me again, 
 never!— Elaine, my wife, (holding out his arms.) 
 
 (Elaine goos to him and they embrace . The 
 o ther characters iook on in surbrise) 
 CURTAIN-THE END. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
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