BY FORCE OF IMPULSE p s 635 A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. HARRY V . V O G T PRICE, 15 CENTS. NEW YORK: HAROLD ROORBACH, PUBLISHER, 9 Murray Street. Class PS h , 3 5 . Book. . Z fi V 7 5 GopightN? COPVRIGHT DEPOSrr. By Force of Impulse. CAST OF CHARACTERS. MORRIS MAITLAND, A Stern Puritan, with unbending will, whose word is law, REGINALD MAITLAND, - His Son; one of Nature's noblemen. HENRY LOWVILLE, True as Steel; a little soured against the female sex, and a hater of "fashionable society." RALPH MURDELL, - A polished, smooth tongued scoundrel. COLONEL MORRELL, A True Soldier, with a keen sense of duty. GEO. WASHINGTON DOLLERCLUTCH, An Eccentric Lawyer of the " Old School," who possesses a large, sympathetic heart. SAMMY DEWDROP, The Son of a Millionaire; fresh from college, full of romantic nonsense. ADOLPHUS SOFTHEAD, His Chum, whose mental faculties have not kept pace with his physical. CORIOLANUS WELLINGTON, Who never smiles, and who thinks he was born to fill a higher station in life than that of menial. ADRIENNE LOWVILLE, A Proud, Impulsive Beauty, who loves not wisely but too well. HILDA WALLACE, Her Maid, whose birth is obscure. An inno- cent victim of misplaced love. ANASTASIA MAITLAND, A Gushing Maiden of Forty-five Sum- mers; very susceptible. Guests, Soldiers, Etc., Etc. SYNOPSIS. ACT I. LOVE VERSUS IMPULSE. ACT II. THE SEPARATION. ACT III. DUTY VERSUS IMPULSE. ACT IV. THE RECONCILIATION AND SEQUEL. ACT V. DIVINE IMPULSE. TMPg2-007595 By Force of Impulse. 3 COSTUMES. MORRIS MAITLAND.— Act II.— Plain dark suit, white cravat, long haired gray wig, quarter bald, close shaven face ; change coat . for long wrapper in 3d Scene. Acts IV. and V. — Plain gray business suit, light slouch hat. REQINALD MAITLAND.— Act I.— Black dress suit, black slouch hat. Act II. — Dark traveling suit. Acts III., IV. and V. — Uniform of a Private, U.S.A. Cloak to throw over uniform in 4th Act. HENRY LOWVILLE.— Act I.— Rich hunting suit, gun, game bag, etc. Act II. — Uniform of a Recruiting Officer, U. S. A. Acts III. and V. — Uniform of a Captain, U. S. A. RALPH MURDELL.— Act I.— Black dress suit, silk hat. Act II. — Genteel sack suit, derby hat. Acts III., IV. and V.— Uniform of a Major, U. S. A. COLONEL MORRELL.— Uniform of a Colonel, U. S. A. GEO. WASHINGTON DOLLERCLUTCH.— Acts L and II.— Dark pants, dark cutaway coat, white vest, high collar and cravat, white silk hat, nose glasses, black crop wig, bald, close shaven face. Acts III., IV. and V.— Uniform of a Private, U. S. A. A cloak to throw over uniform in 4th Act. SAMMY DEWDROP. — Act L— Dark foppish suit, showy jewelry, stand-up collar and flashy necktie, cane, glasses, silk hat with narrow brim, red crop wig, close shaven face. Act II. — White linen suit, small brimmed straw hat with white band. ADOLPHUS SOFTHEAD.— Act I.— Dark frock suit, small derby hat, very large stud in shirt front, heavy watch chain, large bouquet in button-hole, blonde crop wig, close shaven face. Act II.— Light sack suit, straw hat with blue band. Acts III. and V. — Uniform of a Private, U. S. A. Change coat and cap in 3d Act for a Rebel's. CORIOLANUS WELLINGTON.— Act I.— Very seedy suit, a la shabby genteel, long haired black wig. Change in last scene to tight- fitting black suit, ruffled collar and cravat, white shoe guards, black square-crowned hat. Act II. — Same as second change In ist Act, but change necktie during Act to a ridiculously large red necktie. Acts III. and V. — Uniform of a Private, U. S. A. ADRIENNE LOWVILLE.— Act I.— Rich evening dress. Act II. — Handsome traveling dress. Acts IV. and V. — Plain white morn- ing dress. HILDA WALLACE.— Act I.— Very plain black cloth dress, no jewelry or ornaments, derby hat ; change in last scene to white aprou and frilled cap. Act II.— Same as ist, and change as before in last scene. Act IV. — Same as before, with slight changes. Act V. — Plain silk dress. ANASTASIA MAITLAND.— Acts I. and II.— Old-fashioned black silk dress, large bonnet, large parasol and fan, wig with curls. Change bonnet in 2d Act for a frilled cap. Acts IV. and V. — Same as before with some changes. By Force of Impulse, PROPERTIES. ACT I. — Scene I. — Writing materials, books, etc., on table. Lawyer's bag, papers, memorandums, etc., for Dollerclutch. News- paper with written paragraph, also sealed letter, writing materials, etc., on desk. Baby dress and money for Hilda Wallace, Lunch for Coriolanus to bring on. Scene 2. — Sign on tree. Segar-case and match-box for Reginald. Scene 3. — Small valise with smelling-bottle in it for Coriolanus. Matches for Sammy Dewdrop. Memorandum tablet and pencil for Dollerclutch. Card-case for Ralph. ACT IL — Scene i. — Bell on table. Knitting for Anastasia. Bun- dle and wraps for Hilda. Scene 2. — Roll of draft, pencil and pistol for Henry. . Scene 3. — Memorandum tablet, pencil and baby dress for Dollerclutch. Letter for Anastasia. Pistol and roll of draft for Henry. Basket with broken glass off L. 2 E. ACT III. — Card photograph for Reginald. Rebel hat and coat and whiskers and pieces of rope in L. 3 E. for Adolphus. Switch in L. 3 E. for Coriolanus. Pistol and baby dress for Dollerclutch. Large wallet containing two special papers, etc. ; also, six letters for Ralph to bring on. Cloak in tent L. 4 E. for Dollerclutch, and one in tent L. 5 E. for Reginald. ACT IV.— Scene i.— Pen, ink and paper on table. Knitting and letter for Anastasia. Scene 2. — Cloak and two special papers and baby dress for Dollerclutch. Scene 3. — Candles on table. Letter for Adrienne. Ring for Dollerclutch. ACT V. — Map on table for officers. Bundle containing letter and envelope, with blackened paper and bullet in it, for Coriolanus to bring on. Seal ring and Ralph Murdell's left shoulder strap for Dollerclutch. Revolver at prompt R. 2 E. Two handkerchiefs for Adolphus. One handkerchief for Ralph. By Force of Impulse, SCENERY. ACT I. Scene i. — Dollerclutch's Office in 4th Grooves. S.IK INTERIOR BACKIffG "XGT" 1 "I 1 CHAIfi , . \h^ ^ /^^ CHAIR ^fAljj- frABLi) O C. door in flat. Door, R. 4 E. Fireplace, L. 3 E. Window, L. F. and L. 4 E. Book-case against R. F. Hat-rack, R. 3 E. Desk and chair, L. C. Table and chairs, R. C. Scene 2. — A Wood-pass in 2d Grooves. Sign on tree, R. F. — ♦'Beware ! Do not disturb the Deer. Wm. Lowville." By Force of Impulse. Scene 3. — (Entire Stage.) — Grounds adjoining Wm, Lowville's Mansion. Illuminated by colored lamps. Flat in 5th Grooves repre- senting a terrace. The wings represent trees. /Gr S£.f{, ', FlOn£R^\ rtO"f '?r~^ufl/' '. O^ BAC/3r>c scrH.i»> .1 a*. I 'EL. Picket fence, with gate in C, in the background. Rustic bench against tree, R. C. By Force of Impulse, 9 ACT III. Camp Scene. — (Entire Stage.) — Scene representing a rocky ravine. 5. E.R.;' |tewt.| B 4 £.R, I »-«i>v CAMP D 14-6. H • ^ ;^a?:- 3 ER X X XX 1 \ 1 • X XX X irj^r-vJ CAMP CAMP CAtvip 2. E R. n D S.TOOU. □ STooU. 1 < ""A IE R. IE L / R. ^_ c. _^ L.^ High set rock, L. 5 E. Cannon and cannon balls, L. 5 E. Tent, C, near flat. Tent, R. 5 E. and L. 4 E. Camp stools, R. C. 4 E., R. 4 E., R. 2 E., R. C. 2 E., L. 2 E. Camp-fire, R. C. 4 E. Stack of guns, R. 3E. ACT IV. Scene i. — (Same as 1st Scene, 2d Act, with addition of child's crib, L. 4 E.) Time, morning. Sunlight effect back of 4 G. Scene 2. — ^Wood-pass in i G. Time, night. Scene 3. — (Sime as ist Scene.) Time, night. Moonlight effect back of 4 G. ACT V. Camp Scene. — (Same as Act 3d, with addition of table and three camp stools R. 2 E.j lO By Force of Impulse, STAGE DIRECTIONS. The player is supposed to be facing the audience. C, centre. R., right. L., left. R.C., right of centre. L.C., left of centre. D., door. R.D., right door. L.D., left door. CD., centre door. F.D., door in flat. R.F.D., door in right flat. L.F.D., door in left flat, i E., first entrance. 2 E., second entrance. U.E., upper entrance, i G., first groove. 2 G., second groove. R. R.C. C. L.C. L. NOTE. The character of Coriolanus Wellington, to carry out successfully the idea of the author, should be played with an extreme degree of solemnity, so as to appear ludicrous. His action should be of the lofty and dignified order, but greatly overdrazan, and he should be decidedly mechanical in his movements and gestures. By Force of Impulse. ACT I. Scene i : Dollerclutch's Office. Enter Dollerclutch, D. R. 4 E., with lawyers bag. He empties his packets 0/ papers, etc, , on desk, L. 3 E,, while speaking. Dol. Now if that isn't confoundedly provoking, I'd just like to know what is. There I've been on a ninety- mile journey ; and what did I gain ? Nothing, absolutely noth- ing, and just to think of throwing away so much money for railroad travel, only to have the satisfaction of knowing that you have added to the pile of monopoly and have nothing in return. Confound these railroad companies anyhow ! Honest people subscribe to the stock and build them; then come along these ''stockjobbing sharks," who corner the stocks and put the road in their vest-pockets. And they call that business; but it's only another name for d — n robbery. But where is that confounded Coriolanus t {Calls.'] Coriolanus ! Coriolanus ! Just like the rascal. When- ever you want him, now^here to be found. When he is about, what good is he with his stuck up manners and airs? Thinks himself born to fill a higher sphere in life. But the only thing he's good for is to stand him in the entry and use him for a hat rack. Confound him anyhow! {Calls.\ Coriolanus! [Listeiis.'] Where the deuce can he be .^ To 12 By Force of Impulse. gratify him I answered an advertisement for a position, which, he says, would be more suitable for his intellectual and genteel qualities — and, if it is only successful I shall be well rid of the rascal. {^Picks up letter.'] Hello ! just the thing, by jingo! [Reads.] " Terms satisfactory. If con- venient come at once. The position is man-servant ; but, as I am away at business during the day, I want a reliable and intelligent person to supervise the work about the premises, and be a protector to the females." That will just please him, and it will just please me to get rid of him. [CoRiOLANUS puts his head in C. door. ] Cor. Was I mistaken, or did the sound of your voice penetrate the cavity of my ear .? Dol. Did I call? Well, if that ain't cool! Call? Of course I did ! — and why the deuce didn't you come imme- diately ? CoRioLANus Enters. Cor. Because, my dear sir, I was otherwise engaged, and I felt assured that you would indulge me to that extent and postpone your desires to my especial accommodation. Thank you ! [ With a wave of the hand.] Dol. Oh ! and how in thunder were you engaged ? Cor. [Loftily. ] I was paring my finger nails. Dol. Oh! Oh! [Fallsin chair at desk.] This is too much. To return travel-wearied and hungry, and be made to wait by such a jackass. And I must be at court at ten, and [pulls out watch] it's nine now. [Starts up in a rage.] I'll not stand it, sir ! I'll throw you out of the window ! Cor. [R. C. ] Indeed ! Then I should be at a loss to wonder what could be the matter with the door. Stay your temper, sir ! It is decidedly unbecoming a man of your years. Preserve a calm dignity such as I furnish a striking example of. By Force of Impulse 13 Dol. [Disgusted.] There, sir ! [Hands him leiier.] This is the gratitude I receive for what I have done for you. Read it, and I hope you will have as much joy of it as I have in getting rid of you. Cor. Thank you ! Thanks ! You have performed your duty well. Some day I will return the kindness ; I shall engage you as my lawyer. Dol. Get out, or I shall be tempted to do you an injury. Get your things ready to leave to-night, sir ! I'll not put up with your nonsense and impudence another day. Now go, sir! and order a lunch for me at the restaurant, to be sent here — and mind you see that I am not disturbed until court time. I've got more than I can do to prepare my cases for this morning's court. I may forget the flight of time, in which case you will please come in and remind me of court time. Cor. Your wishes shall be obeyed. I fly to execute your orders. [Exit I). R. ^ E.^ Dol. [Ai desk L. 3 E.~\ George Washington, you're a fool — your magnanimous nature has suffered you to be im- posed upon — you're a — [Coriolanus puts his head in D. R. \E.-\ Cor. I beg your pardon, sir ! [He Enters. ] In the ex- citement of the moment I neglected to inform you that a lady called to see you. I informed her that you were out of town. She was much distressed at the information. She waited for you until eight o'clock, when she left in a state of great mental excitement. She's been waiting since six o'clock this morning, waiting your arrival. Dol. If she comes back don't let her in. Tell her to come to-morrow morning. I cannot attend to any more business before court. [He busies himself among papers.^ Cor. [Bows.'] I fly! [ExitZ>. R. \ E.'\ Dol. Egad ! Some people must think lawyers are made of iron and work like machines I No ! I'll listen to no 14 By Force of Impulse. more cases before court. I've only got one head and one pair of arms. [Coriolanus puts his head in D. R. 4 ^. lo CoRiOLANUS.] Well, sir! What now.? Cor. [Enters.] She's come back! I delivered your message. She wrung her hands and said she came eis-hteen miles to see you, and she must return at noon. Dol. I can't help it ! She must come another time. I positively decline to see any one before court. Cor. I quicken ! [Exit D. R. a E.] Dol. Some one without money to try to enlist my sympathies in helping some scalawag out of trouble. Not long ago 1 defended a tramp whom I thought unjustly used. I helped him out of the scrape and gave him a bowl of soup and some alms to help him on — and how did the rascal serve me } He published it about the town, and for two weeks I had every tramp from fifty miles around at my door begging for soup and alms. You don't get George Washington DoUerclutch in such a scrape again. [Sees newspaper.'] Hello I what's this.? [Picks up paper andad- (usis spectacles. Reads.] " On the Brink of a Civil War." Lord bless us ! [Adjusts his glasses.] " Slavery and Anti- Slavery." " The Inauguration of Lincoln." Ah! That's my man— Old honest Abe ! He'll show those rascally slave masters a thing or two before he's done with them. [Reads.] "Firing on Fort Sumter." ''Major Ander — " [Drops paper.] Hang it all ! I cant get that girl out of my mind. What the dickens did she want to say that for, anyhow? [^^^^5.] Well! Well! [Picks up paper and reads.] "Major Anderson with seventy men, after a brave resistance of three hours against five thousand Secession- ists, w^as finally obliged to surrender." Eighteen miles to see me ? It must be an important case. [Rises to his feet. ] Confound it anyhow ! Why did I let it slip ? [Calls.] Coriolanus I By Force of Impulse. 15 Enter Coriolanus, D. R. 4 E. Cor. You have called ! I have obeyed your summons. Dol. Hold your tongue ! Just go at once, and run after that girl and bring her back. Cor. [B(rws.] I quicken ! [Exit D. R. 4 ^.] Dol. Why the dickens does she want to come here and upset my peace of mind .? Enter Coriolanus, D. R. 4 E He goes to R. C. Doller- CLUTCH C. Cor. In compliance with your desire, I have brought her back and left her on the door-step. Dol. You thundering blockhead ! Why didn't you bring her up here } Why the devil did you send her away in the first place? Here I'm losing all this valuable time. Usher her up at once. Cor. I quicken ! [Exit Coriolanus, I). R. 4 E, Dol- lerclutch busies himself among his papers.^ Dol. Perhaps she's a fine rich lady, and I'll have a fat case. If not, I'll have nothing to do with her. I'll hus- tle her off in short order. I'll crush her with a look. Enter Coriolanus, D. R. a E., bowing in Hilda. Dol. [Aside, looking «/ Hilda. ] H'm ! No money in her case. I'll have nothing to do with it ! Cor. [A/E. R. 4 E] My mission I've fulfilled; your pleasure I await Dol. [7b Coriolanus.] Get out ! Didn't I tell you not to let me be disturbed before court? Cor. I'll make an honorable retreat. [Exit E. R. 4 E.] Hil. [C] I beg your pardon, sir! Are you not Mr. Dollerclutch, the lawyer? 1 6 By Force of Impulse. Dol. Now, ain't you ashamed of yourself hanging around a gentleman's door and carrying on in such an outlandish manner, when I'm so busy, eh ? Hil. I am very sorry, sir, but — but — Dol. But what? Hil. Oh, sir ! I— I— Dol. It's no use ! It'll cost you two hundred dollars to look at me. Take my advice and go home and leave law alone. I dismiss the case. I'll not charge you a cent for that advice. Don't you say another word — good day ! [ Waves his hand. He busies himself among his papers. Hilda wrings her hands. After a pause. ] Well, why don't you say something ? What's your name ? Hil. Hilda Wallace, sir ! Dol. Humph ! Trying to raise a subscription for an able-bodied invalid, I suppose .? Hil. Oh, no, sir ! I come to see if you could not help a poor girl out of a sad trouble. Dol. [Aside.] I thought so ! Trying to work the sym- pathetic dodge. [To Hilda.] What! Do you want to get a divorce ? Hil. No, sir ! I came to see if you could find out who my parents are, and, also, whether I am married or not. Dol. Lord, bless us ! The girl must be crazy ! Hil. [A/ desk.] Oh, sir! just listen to my story, and I know that you will be able to help me in this, my sore trouble. Dol. [Crosses io R., pulls forward two chairs^ and motions Hilda to he seated.] Well, well! go on! [Aside.] There's the morning's court business, and not a thing done. [Hilda sits L. C. Dollerclutch R. C] Hil. I was brought up by a family named Wallace, who live in Norfolk, Virginia, and I supposed that I By Force of Imptdse. \j was their daughter, until a discovery I made two years ago convinced me that I was not. Dol. [Geiiing interested.^ And what discovery did you make ? Hil. [Unfolding a package.^ I found this dress hidden away in one of the bureau drawers. [Hands it to him.'] Dol. Lord, bless me ! Why, it's a baby dress. Hil. Yes, sir ! and when I made inquiries about it I learned that it was one I wore when a child. Dol. Well, there was nothing strange about that.? Hil. No, sir ! But on examination, I found these initials, A. M., which you see worked in it ! Dol. Ah ! yes ! Precisely ! Hil. And when I called their attention to it they seemed confused and did not know what to reply. I kept the dress, determined to find out more, if I could ! Dol. And you did .? Hil. No, sir! but I learned since that the man I married could unveil the mystery which shrouds my birth. Dol. And won't he enlighten you,'' Hil. No, sir ! all my attempts have proved futile. Dol. But did you not say that this man was your hus- band .? Hil. Yes, sir! But he must have some object in keeping my identity secret. Dol. But how did you become acquainted with this man, and how did you come to marry him } Hil. He was a regular visitor at our home, and I noticed on many occasions that he paid Mrs. Wallace money. However, I fell desperately in love with him, and w^hen he proposed that we get married, I, of course, was only too happy to consent, Dol. And his name .? 1 8 By Force of Impulse. Hil. Ralph Murdell ! Dol. Ralph Murdell ! Humph ! I don't like the name — got a bad sound to it. Hil. He took me to a little village in the suburbs about four miles from Norfolk, where we were married in a little chapel by an old country preacher. Dol. And you were happy, I suppose? Hil. Yes, until about two weeks later, when he was about to leave me. He said he had to go North to attend to some business. I would not listen to it, unless he took me with him. Dol. That's right, my girl ! And he took you, of course 1 Hil. Yes ; but it was on condition that I should keep the marriage a secret, and not recognize him in the pres- ence of others. Dol. And what the deuce was that for .? Hil. He said his family were very proud, and he wanted to gain their consent before he made our marriage public. Dol. Oh, the rascal ! And you listened to him ? Hil. Yes, sir ! To my sorrow, I did. He recom- mended me to a young lady who wanted a lady's maid. I accepted the position on his assurance that he would soon claim me before the world as his wife. Dol. And who is this lady with whom you now are .? Hil. Adrienne Lowville ! Dol. What ! The daughter of Wm. Lowville, who owns Beachwood, eighteen miles from here, on the Essex road.? Hil. Oh, yes, sir! Do you know him.? Dol. Well, rd like to know who don't ! Got a rail- road in each pocket. But, about your husband — is he ac- quainted there .^ By Force of Impulse, 19 Hil. Alas ! yes ! He is a constant visitor, and I more than suspect that his attentions to my mistress imply more than he wishes me to believe. Dol. {Throws baby dress on table, J?. ^ F.] Oh ! That's his game, is it? A case of throwing you over for her, eh? Hil. I fear so, sir; for she is madly in love with him, and thinks him a saint. When I called him to account for his actions, he laughed at me. He then informed me that he would do as he pleased, and that I was not his wife at all; that ours was a mock marriage. Dol. {Jmnps up.] The deuce he did! Oh, the villain, to take advantage of a poor innocent girl. Hil. [Rises. ] Oh, sir ! but it was legal— it— Dol. [DoLLERCLUTCH Z. C. , HiLDAi?. C] Have you got your marriage certificate ? Hil. No, sir ! I never thought of that, sir. Dol. Then, what proof have you ? Hil. Alas, none! But, oh sir ! can't you investigate it? There surely must be a record kept of all marriages. Can't you get a copy of the church register, where it must have been entered? Dol. That's so ! I never thought of that ! But, my dear girl, that will be a difficult matter, now that the country is in ^furore and on the verge of a civil war; and it will cost money to do it, my dear girl; money. Hil. [Crosses to desk L. i E.] Oh, sir ! 1 thought of that ! Here are twelve dollars that I saved out of my scanty earnings. Won't it be enough, sir? Dol. [^C] Enough? Why, it wouldn't pay for dip- ping a pen into the ink, to say nothing about the trouble of licking a postage stamp. Hil. [Sobs.] What shall I do— what shall I do? Dol. [Taking out handkerchief.] Take up that money and put it in your pocket immediately ! I'll not take a 20 By Force of hnpulse. cent of it. I never was so insulted in my life. [Crosses lo R.] Hil. [C ] Oh, won't you help me out of my trouble .? Dol. Help you.? Of course I will! Who said I wouldn't.'' Do you think I'll stand by and see an innocent girl wronged in this manner.? No ! I'll see this thing through, if it costs me a fortune ! Oh, the villain ! [Dollerclutch ai desk, Hilda at table R. 2 E.'] Enter CoRioLANus, D. R. \ E., with lunch. Cor. Your lunch, sir ! [Puts it 071 desk.'] Dol. D— n the lunch ! Get out ! Cor. I quicken ! [Exit D. C. Hilda sobs. She picks up baby dress from table.] Dol. [Down C ] What are you crying about.? Hil. I am so grateful to you, sir, for taking a poor girl's trouble to heart. Dol. Now, don't you be deluding yourself with any such idea. This is business, I tell you; business. What do you know about business, I'd like to know .? Hil. I beg your pardon, sir ! Dol. Why do you come and arouse my sympathetic heart, and upset all my court business .? Hil. Can I do aught, sir.? Dol. No — yes — that is — shut up ! Give me that dress ! Now, you go back and don't let that husband of yours sus- pect anything. [Puts 011 his hat, etc. Dollerclutch at desk, Hilda C] Hil. Are you going out, sir ,? Dol. Hold your tongue ! This is the way I prepare my- self for court business; and there's my nice lunch, too ! [Stuffs baby dress 171 his bosor7i, leavi7ig a part sticking out. ] Now, go home and don't bother me till you hear from me. I'm going to take the lirst train for Norfolk I By Force of hnpulse. 21 Enter Coriolanus at door C. Cor. It's time to go to court ! Dol. D — n the court ! I'll see this thing through. [He boils /or the C. door and upsets Coriolanus in his haste to get out. Exit through C. door. ] Cor. The court is sitting! [Coriolanus C, Hilda Z. C. Whistle sce?ie.] Scene 2: Wood-pass in the Neighborhood of William Lowville's Residence at Beachwood. Enter Henry Lowville, J^. 2 E., with gun resting on arm. Hen. [^Looking off L. E.'\ The guests are beginning to arrive, and I suppose I must, as a member of the family, be on hand and help do the honors of entertaining the motley crowd. [^Sighs.^ Ah ! how I hate the hollow mockery of fashionable society — how I hate to mingle in the giddy deception hidden under the guise of polite gen- tility—bah ! Enter Reginald, L. 2 E. Reg. Why, how now, Henry ! One of your melancholy fits again ? Ha ! ha ! ha ! [^Shakes hafids.] Hen. Yes, confoundedly so ! I've got the blues with a vengeance. Reg. Come, come, old fellow, shake off this feeling. Why, you look as if you had buried your best friend. Come, have a weed ! [Offers segar case.] Nothing like asmoke, you know, to calm a perturbed mind. Hen. [Lights segar.] Yes, there is a certain soothing influence about it; that's a fact. Reg. Ah ! now you look more like yourself. But how is this — why are you not at your post, doing the honors to the guests ? 22 By Force of Impidse. Hen. Because I hate these empty shows. What are all these receptions but one maze of dissipation, whefe every- body seems to outdo the other in silliness ? Reg. I agree with you there, Henry. There are many sins and much hypocrisy and deceit practiced under the veil of studied politeness, and the sacred bond of friendship becomes a mere matter of form to further the ends of frivolous and sordid desires. Hen. And the women ! All deception, heartless, fickle. Show me a woman in this gilded age of fashion devoid of fashion's impress — devoid of- — Reg. Nay, Henry ! You are prejudiced — all women are not so. There are still many who possess all the noble attributes that Heaven instilled in her heart, that make her all that is beautiful and endearing in the eyes of a true man. Hen. Yes; but artificial show has supplanted her — I know not the ideal. Reg. Aye ! but I know one. Hen. And she is — Reg. Your sister Adrienne ! Hen. Oho ! I understand. Ha ! ha ! ha ! Well, well, there's my hand on it. I give in. There is no one in the wide world that I w^ould be more pleased to call brother. Reg. \Confused.'\ You misunderstand — you- — Hen. Well, well ; so be it. But I had better go up to the mansion and make the guests comfortable, and help Adrienne complete the arrangements for the grand ball this evening. Will you come.? {Crosses to L. Reginald to 7?.] Reg. Not just at present I want to have a little quiet stroll in these grand old woods ; besides, I want to finish my weed. Hen. Well, I'm off! [Exit Z. 2 ^.] By Force of Inipulse. 23 Reg. As good a fellow as ever lived; with a tinge of melancholy in his make-up, and a little bitter against the female sex in general. Heigho ! Probably a victim of a heartless coquette. Hum ! That awkward slip of the tongue has betrayed me. He has discovered my feelings toward Adrienne. '[Leans against tree, L. 2 E., in a study. ] Enter Sammy Dewdrop a7id Adolphus Softhead, R. 2 E. They do not perceive Reginald. Sammy. [C] Hang it all if T don't think we've lost the way ! S^Looks around.] Adolphus. \R. C ] Why didn't you listen to me and come by the regular road ? Oh, Sammy ! What if night should overtake us .? Oh ! oh ! [Sammy scratches his head. Reginald perceives them. ] Reg. [^Aside.'] Two big school-boys ! Sam. Now, look a'here, Adolphus ! How did I know we'd get in such a pickle.? \^Sees sign on tree R. E] Hurrah ! We're all right ! Here's a finger-post ! [Sammy R. C. Adolphus C. Reads .] "Beware!" [Adolphus y«;7z/)s in terror.] "Do not disturb the deer." Oh, pshaw ! What shall we do? Add. I wish I'd stayed home ! Sam. It was all your fault that we came. You said there would be lots of nice girls there, and we should be sure to fall in love with ever so many. Reg. Ha! ha! ha! Adol. [Scared.] Oh! oh! Sam. [Clutches kxiQ\.vm:s fearfully .] What was that.? Reg. [Comes forward, smiling. Adolphus R. C Sammy C. Reginald Z. C] Gentlemen, you seem distressed. Can I serve you .? 24 J^y Force of Impulse. Sam. [^Brightens up suddenly. To Adolphus. ] Oh ! you coward, to get frightened like that ! Why c^n't you be brave like me ? Adol. You were just as afraid as I was. Reg. \_Laughs.'] Have a smoke? [Offers cigar-case to Sammy. ] It will help to quiet your nerves. Adol. [To Sammy, aside.'\ Oh, Lucifer! I never smoked in my life. Sam. Neither did I ! But we must take one, you know ; it isn't polite to refuse — besides, all men smoke. Adol. Black as ink ! Strong as old Nick, I bet. Reg. You seem to have lost your way. Sam. We were on our way to Holly Mansion, when we lost our way in this confounded jungle. Reg. Ah ! Then I can be of service to you. That is my destination, also, and if agreeable, I shall be most happy to guide you. [ With mock politeness. Sammy a7id Adolphus both try to shake hands with Reginald at once. They both speak together.'] Sam. You're a trump Adol. Put it there, old boy ! Reg. This way, gentlemen ! [Exeunt, Z. z E. Whistle scene. ] Scene 3 : Garden Adjoining Wm. Lowville's Mansion. Enter Anastasia Maitland, and Coriolanus with valise, L. zE. Anastasia. Well, I never ! Not a soul about to receive me. And after all that jaunt from the station, too. I declare it's an outrage. They could have sent their carriage to the station for me, to say the least. If there was somebody about, I should feel inclined to faint. [Sits on bench, L. Z E.] Coriolanus ! By Force of Impulse. 25 Cor. [At R. C, Bows stiffly.'] Your pleasure, madam ! Anas. Get my smelling-bottle out of the valise — be quick ! Cor. [Flits down valise. ] I quicken ! Anas. And there's Reginald ; why was he not at the station ? He knew I was coming. [Cgriolanus hands smelling-hottle. ] Won't I give him a piece of my mind ! [Music heard at distance.] Well, I declare. [Rises.] If they haven't commenced dancing already ! Coriolanus, go at once and announce my arrival. Cor. Madam, I obey ! I will go in advance and have the servants to announce us. [Exit R. 2 E.] Anas. Announce us I Did I ever see such impudence — announce us I Just as if he, a. common servant, was such a distinguished personage as I am. Oh 1 it's disgust- ing ! [Exit R. 2 F] Enter Adrienne a/id Hilda, R. 4 F. Adrienne. Did you arrange the flowers on the table, as I desired ? Hil. Yes, my lady ! Adri. [Sits on bench, R. i E.] What a beautiful evening ! All nature seems hushed, as if it had gone to sleep on the broad bosom of the day. [Sighs.] Hilda, were you ever in love t Hil. [Standing L. of bench.] Yes — no — that is, I — I — Adri. [Laughs. ] Why, you silly little goose. You act as if it were a crime to be in love. You tremble like a leaf. Hil. I — I am cold. The night air is chilly. If you'll excuse me, I will go in and get a shawl. Adri. Oh, certainly. [Hilda is about to go.] Hilda, when you go in, peep into the parlor and see if Ralph— I mean, Mr. Murdell, has arrived. 26 By Force of hnpulse. Hil. Yes, madam! \^R. C. Aside.] She loves him; she cannot hide it. [Exit R. $ E.] Adri. He is late ! What can detain him ? He begged for the honor of the first dance. The third has already been danced and he is not here. Oh ! how slowly the minutes gHde. Ah ! he comes at last. Enter Ralph, Z. 2 E. Ralph. [Z. of bench.] This is an unexpected pleasure! Adri. Truant sir ! This is punctuality ! Ralph. Allow me to offer my humblest apologies for my offense, and if a life's devotion could repay it, com- mand me. Adri. Still the disappointment would remain. Ralph. Then you were disappointed, Miss Lowville? Adrienne ! ^Takes her hand.] Adri. Certainly ! [ Wiih draws her hand. ] Why shouldn't I be when I was debarred from the pleasure of ihe first dance, simply because it was pledged to one who did not fulfill his promise .? [Music heard. ] Hark ! That's the quadrille I have given to Mr. Maitland. [About to go to R. ] Ralph. [Takes her hand and gently forces her to bench. ] Nay, Adrienne ! Do not go. Adri. And would you have me be a truant like you } [They sit.] Ralph. Yes, because I cannot let you go. Adrienne, long have I sought for such an opportunity [Enter Hilda R. 4 E.] to pour into your ears the passion that is consum- ing me. Adri. Ralph, hush ! Some one approaches. Hil. [Comes forward C. ] Madam ! Mr. ]\Iaitland was inquiring for you for this quadrille. By Force of h/iptilse. 27 Adri. I almost forgot it. [Aside io Ralph.] I'll be back presently. [7b Hilda.] Come, Hilda ! [Bo.'h Exeunt R. 2 E. Ralph Exits L. 2 E^ Enter Sammy and Adolphus, L. 2 E. Sam. [Looking after the girls. ] Did you see her } Oh, what a heavenly being ! ^[y heart goes after her, and I guess I'll follow my heart. [^About to rush after. Adolphus pulls him back. ] Adol. No you don't ! If anybody goes, it's me. [About to go. Sammy pulls him back. ] Sam. I want to pour my heart in her ear ! Adol. And I want to let my soul mingle with hers ! Sam. Well, we can't both make love to her at once. I have it ! We'll draw lots ! [Pulls matches from pocket. J Who draws the short stick proposes first, and if she refuses the short stick then the long stick will have a chance. Adol. Oh, Sammy ! What a head you've got. Sam [Holds sticks towards hxio\.v'i\Ms.^ Draw! [Adolphus draws long stick. ] Adol. Just my luck ! Sam. Ah ! Now, Dolphy, I'll show you how to do it. Hush ! She's coming back ! Now you hide behind there. [Pointing Adolphus hides behind flower urn, C. ] Enter Adrienne, R. 2 E. Sammy falls on his knee. Sam. Most adorable angel, whose liquid eyes do pene- trate the inmost depths of my entranced soul, listen to one who has loved you from his childhood. Fill me with ecstasy by the avowal from thy honeyed lips that you will be forever mine. Adri. [Laughs heartily.] Rise, you foolish boy, and go home and tell your mother to put a mustard draft on your feet and give you a dose of paregoric. 28 By Force of Impulse. Sam. [Gets up and scratches his head.] Squashed, by Jupiter ! [Ife walks to L.] Adri. \^R. Aside.] Where is Ralph, I wonder ! Adol. [^Coming forward, C. To Sammy.] Go home, you foolish boy, and get some paregoric and let Adolphus take off the prize. [Adrienne turns. Aboi.vb.vs falls on his knee.] Adri. Another proposal ? Adol. Fairest of the fair and fairer yet, take this my heart and do with it what you like. It's yours forevermore. [Enter Reginald, J^. 2 E., who takes Adrienne's place. Adrienne i?., Reginald i?. C, Adolphus C, Sammy Z.] Play with it, use it for a foot-ball — do with it what you like, as long as you take your true Adolphus with it. My father owns sixty-eight brick houses, twenty race horses, three hun- dred slaves, and one-quarter of an acre of good farming land — besides — {^Discovers he is talking to Reginald.] The devil ! [^Starts and rushes off L. 2 E, Sammy runs after him. ] Sam. Who had better take paregoric now ? [Exit Z. 2 E. Adrienne and Reginald laugh.] Reg. Two foolish, overgrown boys, whose mental powers have not kept pace with their physical. Pray be seated. Miss Lowville. [Adrienne sits, bench R. 3 E. Reginald remains standing. ] Adri. Mr. Maitland, I owe you an apology. I promised you a quadrille, but I regret having disappointed you. Reg. Don't mention it. I willingly submit to the dis- appointment, since it has afforded me the pleasure of en- joying a few moments' quiet conversation with one whose amiable disposition and lofty sentiments command my profoundest respect and admiration. Adri. You flatter me, sir ! Reg. Nay, Miss Lowville, believe me, I am sincere. I have watched the development of noble traits, the unfold- By Force of Impulse. 29 ingf of a noble character prompted by a pure and loving heart ; the expression of high and lofiy thought — all of which impressions have sunk so deeply into my being that they seem a part of myself. Miss Lowville, I use no honeyed words, but I offer you the heart and hand of an honest man, who will love, honor and shield you through all the walks of life. Adri. \^Rises.'\ Mr. Maitland, you honor me with the olTer of such a noble heart as yours, and could I accept it, I should be proud to wear it in my bosom. Such noble love requires a noble love in return. But I cannot. Reg. Perhaps — in time- — Adri. Alas ! I cannot give you hope. But friends we shall ever be. [Reginald turns away.] Will you accept the hand of friendship ? Reg. Yes ! Yes ! Pardon me ! Friends we shall always be. [Exit Adrienne, i?. 2 £\ ] Enter Coriolanus, 7?. 4 E. Cor. Sir Reginald, your honored aunt awaits your com- ing in the conservatory. Reg. I will attend her immediately. [Exit Reginald, i?. 2 E.] Cor. [Coming down C] Coriolanus, I am proud of you — you have acquitted yourself nobly — you have made an impression upon her maiden heart, I feel assured. She recognizes the true nobility that is hidden under the garb of the menial. How I hate these clothes ! Oh ! Anastasia, thou know^est true worth when thou see'st it. [ Wa/ks to right.] Enter Dollerclutch, L. 4 E. Comes down C. Del. Well, I've got here at last, and if I can only man- age to meet Hilda. But how shall I contrive to see her.? 30 By Force of hnpulse. [Looks around and sees Coriolanus. ] Ah ! there's one of the servants ! Til question him. [To CoRiOLANUsr] Hey, there, you clown ! Come here. [Coriolanus /ur?is. ] Corio- lanus, by all that is wonderful. Well, this is particularly gratifying. But, how is it that I find you here ? Have you left the other place ? Cor. I am a visitor here 1 I have escorted Miss Hait- ian d to the grand reception. Del. Oh ! I thought you were going to say you owned this place. However, you are just the person to do me a little service. Run to the mansion and tell Miss Lowville's maid to step out here a moment, that a gentleman wishes to speak to her. [Coriolanus abou/ to go i?i high dudgeon. ] Hold on ! That wpn't do — it will attract attention — a few lines will be better. [Pulls out tablet and writes. '\ Cor. [Aside.] I'm no common servant! Such impu- dence, to ask a gentleman like me. No, thank you ! [Exit in high /iudgeon, P. 2 E.'\ Dol. There, I guess that will do ! [Folding up ?iote.] Enter Anastasia, F. 2 F. Dol. Here, you clown, take this note and mind — Anas. Sir 1 Dol. The devil ! [Aside.] Where did that infernal ras- cal get to ! [To Anastasia.] I beg a million pardons, madam! [Aside.] Confound that rascal! [To Anas- tasia.] Pray pardon me, madam — a mistake, I assure you — mistook you for another. Anas. Oh I Dol. [Z. Aside.] W^hat an amiable creature ! Anas. [F. Aside.] What a charming personage, and so very polite — Hem ! Dol. Did you speak, madam ? Anas. Such a beautiful evening ! By Force of Impulse, 31 Enter Ralph, L. 4 E. He pauses at C. Dol. Why, yes ! and doubly so since the arrival of such charming^ simplicity. Ralph. Ha ! ha ! ha ! yComes down C. Anastasia and DoLLERCLUTCH are startled. Anastasia Exits R. 2 E., with great dignity. ] Dol. [Z. ] Were you laughing at me, sir? Ralph. Yes ! at the picture of charming simplicity. Ha ! ha ! ha ! Dol. Hem ! perhaps your name is Paul Pry.? Ralph. Perhaps it is ! [ With a shrug. ^ If you have any grievance, there's my card. [Hands him card, and is about to go. ] Dol. [Looks at card. Aside.] Ralph Murdell .? — the devil ! [To Ralph.] Well, I thought you were either a Paul Pry or a villainous rascal ! Ralph. [Turns suddenly.] What did you say ? Dol. I say we are often mistaken. [Crosses to R. Aside.] rU keep my eyes on you, my fine bird. [Exit R. 2 E.] Ralph. [Looking around.] Where is Hilda.? I did not like the look in her eye ! I must be careful, or she will up- set all my plans. She comes. Enter Hilda, R. 2 E. Ralph. You are late ! Hil. I am, sir ! but not too late for what I have to say. Think you I will stand calmly by and witness your villainy and allow you to deceive another as you have basely de- ceived me } No ! If I am not your wife in law, I am in the sight of Heaven, and I dare )'ou to make another victim. Ralph. [L., aside.] I must pacify her somehow. [To Hilda.] Hilda! [Takes her hand and leads her to bench 32 By Force of Impulse. L. 3 E. Enter Adrienne in background R. 5 E. She listens behind statue L. A E.] I have repented saymg those harsh words. I did not mean it. It was in anger I spoke. Hil. Oh, Ralph ! if I could only believe you. Ralph. You can; and if you could but look into my heart you would know that you, and you only, are the one for whom its pulses beat. Enter Reginald and Anastasia R. 2 E. Adrienne comes down C. majestically. Ralph and Hilda rise. Anas- tasia R., Reginald R. C, Adrienne C, Ralph Z. C, Hilda Z. Adri. Reginald Maitland, you offered me your heart and hand and I refused. I have reconsidered my refusal. If you still honor me with the offer, I accept. [Tableau. "Knt&T all quickly. Dollerclutch, R. ^ E. Coriolanus, R. 2 E. Sammy and Adolphus, Z. 3 E. Hilda a?id Anastasia faint. Anastasia falls into the arms of Dollerclutch. Coriolanus looks on with envy. Sammy and Adolphus try to support Hilda. Comic business. Reginald accepts Adri- enne's hand eagerly. Adrienne, with heaving bosom, ma- jestically dejiant to Ralph. Ralph disconcerted. ] Reg. Adri. DoLLER. Ralph. Anas. Sam., Adol. CoRio. Hilda. R. L, a Quick Curtain. By Force of Impulse. 33 ACT II. Scene i : vSitting Room of the Maitland Cottage. Anastasia discovered knilting, seated at table^ L. C. Corio- LANUS at door, R. 3 E. Anas. Coriolanus, have you ordered the carriage to the station .? Corio. Your orders have been obeyed, madam ! [ With bow. Crosses to C. ] Anas. Then everything is in readiness for the reception of the bride and groom. You may retire, Coriolanus, and be pleased to announce them as soon as they arrive. Corio. I will hold myself in readiness to gratify your desires. [Goings aside.] The darling creature ! She can- not trust her feelings when alone in my presence. Every look, every action, speak of the great admiration she has for me. Anas. Well ! ^Impatiently, ] Will you go .' Corio. I quicken ! [Exit D. R. ^ E.] Anas. The stupid dolt, with his stuck-up manners. I hate him ! I wonder whether Mary has attended to the room. {Goes to door, L. 2 E., and calls.] Mary! Mary! \Mkk^ answers off entrance, "Ma'am."] Have you tho- roughly aired Reginald's apartments ? [Mary, as be/ore, ** Yes, Ma'am." Anastasia c/oses door.] So ! Reginald and his bride will soon be here, and they will find everything well regulated, thanks to my personal supervision. I 34 By Force of Impulse. can't say that I like Reginald's choice. The bold thing, to throw herself upon a man like that, and before e\^rybody, too ! It's outrageous — not a bit of maidenly modesty — I shall hate her, I know I shall. And Reginald was so pleased to accept the proud thing. What fools men are ! Well, well ; I hope the dear boy will not be disappointed in her and live unhappily. \^She sighs heavily and resumes knitting.A^ What a strange thing love is, to be sure. Who could that stranger have been I met in the garden — such a splendid man ! So full of good sense ! So polite ! Oh, perfectly lovely ! I could fall in love with such a dear man. [Enter Morris Maitlaxd, D. R, 2 E.] I Morris ! Mor. [C] Not yet arrived? H'm ! The train must be late. Has the carriage gone.? Anas. Yes, brother ! I gave Coriolanus strict orders to attend to it ! Mor. Well, I suppose they will get here in good time. But it's getting late — past nine o'clock. [At fable, L. C. ] Sister, you will do all in your power to make Reginald's wife comfortable and receive her with the respect due the wife of my honored son. Anas. I will do my part, IMorris, provided she does hers. But I'm afraid Reginald has made a poor choice. Mor. Sister, you are prejudiced. Reginald is an honest, sensible and dutiful son. Although her connections are very aristocratic, more so, in fact, than I could cordially approve, yet, I have faith in him to believe that his choice has been wise, and that she will prove an honor to my son and the pride of his father's heart. Anas. Well, I have no more to say. I hope that she will fulfill your expectations. Mor. She is now my daughter and shall receive a hearty welcome into the bosom of our famil3^ By Force of Impulse. 35 Enter Coriolanus, D. R. 3 E. Corio. Reginald and Adrienne Maitland ! [Morris at L. C. ; Anastasia rises and goes io fireplace, L. ^ E.^ Enter Reginald, Adrienne and Hilda, D. R. 3 E. Hilda, R., Adrienne, R. C, Reginald, C, Morris, Z. C , An- astasia, Z. Mor. \Emhraci?ig Reginald.] My son ! welcome to your paternal home. Reg. Father, allow me to bring to you a daughter, my wife. [Leads her io him, then crosses to shake ha?ids with Anastasia. ] Mor. My daughter, welcome to our humble home — re- ceive the blessing of— Adri. [Coldly.'] Thanks ! You honor me. [Crosses to Z.] Reginald, [wearily] I am tired. [Morris retreats painfully. Anastasia exchanges looks with him and draws herself loftily erect.] Reg. Adrienne, my aunt — Miss Maitland. Adri. [Bows haughtily.] We've met before. [To Reginald.] Conduct me to my room. [Reginald bows. Exeunt Adrienne a?id Reginald, D. L. 2 E. Hilda fol- lows with wraps, etc. Morris crosses to R. Sinks i?i armchair R. of table.] Anas. H'm ! I thought so ! An iceberg. Proud ana dignified. Above such humble surroundings ! Brother 1 Mor. My son ! my son ! Anas. Did I not tell you .? Perhaps you'll give me cred*' in the future for a little sense. Mor. [Stertily.] Anastasia! Leave me. Anas. Well, you needn't bite my head off because I spoke the truth. [Exit in dudgeon, D. R. ^ E.] Mor. My fondest expectations blighted. Heaven grant they will be happy ! but — [shakes his head] I doubt it — I doubt it. 36 By Force of Imptdse. Enter Reginald, D. L. 2 E. He approaches fable slowly. Morris rises and turns away. Reg. Father ! Mor. {Turns suddenly and embraces him.'] Oh, my son! I had such hopes for your future happiness 1 But alas ! Reg. Why, father, can you for a moment doubt it? [Morris shakes his head.] Adrienne is fatigued — worn out — weary from travel. Our journey has been extensive. In the morning she will be herself again. Mor. I sincerely hope so, my son ! but I fear you have made a great mistake. You may have loved well, but I fear too unwisely. Reg. Father, you are mistaken in Adrienne. She is all that is noble — as free from deceit and the taint of the world as a child unborn. No, no, father ! she is all that an honorable man could wish. Mor. For your sake, I wish I could think as you do, but I cannot. Did she love you as a wife should, she would honor her husband so much as to show her respect, at least, to his father. Reg. You had a right to expect a warmer acknowl- edgment of your welcome. But consider her fatigue. Time will command the respect and love due her husbands father. Mor. Love is a spontaneous outburst of the heart. It is not of gradual growth. It takes not time to discover true innate worth in a person. Love detects it at a glance, and time only confirms the first impression. My son, is she all that you desire ? Reg. Yes, father, all. Mor. And are you sure that she loves you ? Reg. [Con/used. ] Yes, father — that is — I — Mor. Why this confusion ? Reg. I think she does. By Force of Impulse, ^ Mor. Think? Why, did she not tell you as much ? 'I Reg. Father, we will not discuss this subject any fur- ther. Suffice it to say that she is my wife, and I have sworn to love and honor her till death do us part, and I will do my duty, sir ! Mor. So be it, my son ! and ma^/ Providence, who watches over us all, grant you a happy life. Heaven bless you, my son ! [^Clock slrikes.] The hour for retiring is at hand. You will call your wife to attend our usual family devotion in the library ere retiring for the night. Reg. I attend your pleasure ! [Exit D. L. 2 E. Morris strikes bell o?i fable.'] Enter An astasi a, /bllowed by Coriolanus, D. R. 3 E. Cor- lOLANUS R. , AXASTASIA C. , MoRRIS Z. Anas. Shall I call Reginald's wife ? Mor. Reginald has gone to do so. Anas. Oh ! Mor. Please retire to the library; I will follow shortly. [Exit Anastasia, /allowed bjy Coriolanus, D. R. $ E.] Enter Reginald, B. L. 2 E. Morris crosses to R. C. Reg. [L. C. ] Father, Adrienne wishes to be excused ; she is too tired ! Mor. My son, you know the laws of this house. All the members of the family must attend family prayer. This law has ever been kept inviolate by my ancestors, and it shall not be broken in this instance. You will in- form your wife that I insist upon her attendance. [Exit Reginald D. L. 2 E. Morris walks the floor. 1 38 By Force of Impulse, Enter Adrienne quickly, D. L. 2 E., followed by Reginald. She crosses to table, L. C. Morris R. C. Adri. Sir, in answer to your request, I asked to be ex- cused; nevertheless, you insist upon a sacrifice of my own inclinations and desires. In this matter, I wish to inform you, I will suit my own pleasure. Good-night, sir ! [ Going. ] Mor. Madam, I respect your desires, and as the wife of my son, I honor you. But there are certain rules in this household from which there is no departure, and this is one. From time immemorial has this custom been a law at our fireside. As you are now a member of our family, I ask of you, [Adrienne turns away] nay, I beg of you, be not the first to violate this rule. Adri. [Haughtily. ] I refuse to comply ! Mor. [Sternly.] Then, madam, you compel me to assert my authority. As the master of this house, 1 insist upon your attendance at family prayer ! Adr. [Drawing herself erect.] Sir! Reg. [At fire-place. ] Father ! Mor. Nay ! I command you ! Adri. [To Reginald.] Will you stand by and allow this indignity 1 Reg. Adrienne — I — Mor. [Crosses to D. R. $ E.] Enough! 1 await your presence in the library. [Exit B. R. 3 £. Adrienne sinks into chair on R. of table. Reginald in a pleading atti- tude. Whistle scene.] Scene 2: A Street in is/ Grooves. Enter Ralph, L. i E. Ralph. Confound it, I cannot bear it any longer. This wandering around, nursing my wrath, is becoming unen- durable. After having won her love, to be snatched from By Force of Impidsc, ^o me by that infernal Maitland — curse him! — and all through that she-devil, Hilda — curse them both ! Oh ! I could tear them to pieces ! Enter Henry, R. i E., in officer's ufu'form with paper in hand. Ralph turns away. Hen. [Aside.] Ralph Murdell ! I never liked the looks of that man. [To Ralph.] Hello! Lost your tong-ue .? IJ?. C] Ralph. [C] No! but I lost something else! Hen. Lost a love, perhaps ? Ralph. No ! I've lost my temper ! Hen. [Aside.] Was spooney on Adrienne I [7b Ralph.] Well, Lm glad you lost it ! Ralph. Glad I lost what.? Hen. Your temper. Ralph. Oh ! I didn't understand. Hen. Why, if you lost your temper, you are well rid of it, and ought to be jolly. But you look as if you had it still. Ha ! ha ! ha ! Ralph. Confound your jokes ; Lm in no humor for levity. Hen. No, I guess not. But where have you kept yourself buried.'' I have not seen you since my sister's Grand Ball. I suppose you know she's married to Mait- land ? Ralph. Yes ! yes ! I wish her much joy. What are you doing in that uniform.? Hen. Oh ! I've enlisted in the army and was made a recruiting officer. There is going to be a hot time. The rebels have taken possession of all the prominent mili- tary stations in the South. And when Lincoln made a call for three hundred thousand volunteers, I could not 40 By Force of Impulse. resist the desire to do my duty and help preserve the Union. Besides, I was getting tired of the lazy, drone- like life of society. Ralph. And are you seeking volunteers? Hen. Yes ; besides, I am looking up a lot of individ- uals whose names I have here. Ralph. Volunteers.? Hen. No ! The President has ordered a draft to be made for men, and I am on the look-out for some. Ralph. Have you got me down in the draft.? Hen. No ! You are one of the lucky ones ! Ralph. Indeed ! But it would have pleased me if you had. Still, you can accept me as a volunteer. Hen. [Aside.] H'm ! his disappointment has made him desperate. [To Ralph.] You surprise me, Mur- dell — you have more patriotism than I gave you credit for. Ralph. This sort of life is too tame for me. I long for excitement ! Hen. [Hands him papef and pencil ] You will please sign here ! Ralph. [Signs paper.] And when shall I report for duty .? Hen. To-morrow morning at ten o'clock, at head- quarters. Ralph. All right ! I'll go and make the necessary preparations. I shall be on hand. [Exit R. i E.] Hen. [Crosses to Z. ] I'm glad Adrienne did not marry that chap, for I did think that she thought a great deal of him. But you can never tell anything about women. They never do what you think they will. However, I am more than pleased that things have turned out as they did. A better or truer man never lived than Reginald Maitland. By Force of Impulse. 41 Enter Sammy and Adolphus arin in arm, R. i E. They do not perceive Henry. Sam. I for one am getting discouraged. I've proposed to twenty-three women in two weeks and been rejected twenty-three times. \yiY.^'^Y examines paper.'] Adol. And I've been rejected as many times as I've pro- posed. If I only had the courage I'd drown myself. Sam. And if I only had the chance I'd enlist. But come, let us drown our troubles in a glass of soda water. [Going towards L. \ E.] Hen. Halt ! [Sammy and Adolphus clutch each other in terror. ] AdTl 1^^' ^^' [Adolphus ^2^^ Sammy C. Henry Z.] Hen. [7b Sammy.] Your name ! Sam. Sammy Dewdrop ! Hen. Right! [7b Adolphus.] xAnd yours? Adol. Adolphus Softhead ! Hen. Right again ! Gentlemen, I am happy to inform you that you have been drafted ! [Sammy and Adolphus collapse, terror-stricken.] Adol. Oh ! I shall die ! Sam. {Trying to brace up, hut shakifig like a leaf.] Why don't you take it bravely like me.'' [7b Adolphus.] Adol. I can't. I'll never come back alive — I know I shan't Sam. {Brightening up suddenly.] I have it. Happy thought. [7b Henry.] But they won't take me — I am in the last stage of consumption. {Coughs.] And they don't take consumptives. Adol. {Eagerly.] And I have got — {Beckons Henry to come nearer — he whispers in his ear. ] Hen. Very well, gentlemen. If that is so, you are ex- empt. [Sammy and Adolphus elated, about to go.] Halt ! You 42 By Force of Impulse. will first accompany me to headquarters, where you will be examined by the doctor ; and then, if yoa are in the condition you say you are, you will be allowed to go. [Sammy and Adolphus get weak in the knees. ] Sam. [To Adolphus.] It's no use, Dolphy, the jig's up! Adol. Why was I born ? Hen. About face ! Forward, march. [Exeunt all L, I E. Whistle scene.] Scene 3 : Outside of the Maitland Cottage. Enter Hilda, Z. 2 F. Hil. Oh ! what shall I do ! my mistress is so unhappy. She is pining- away day by day, and all for love for that worthless villain, Ralph. Oh, if I could only unburden my heart to her and tell her all ! If she only knew how base he is she would not grieve so. Sometimes, when I see her silent despair, I feel tempted to tell her all. But I promised to keep silent until I heard from Mr. DoUerclutch. I fear he also has deserted me. Here comes my mistress ! I will avoid her ! I cannot witness her misery — my heart goes out to her. [Exit ^. 2 Jl.] Enter Adrienne, Z. 2 Z'. She is veiy pale. Sits on bench R. a Adri. When will this torture end .? Could I but recall the fatal words that doomed me to a loveless life ! I can only blame my impulsive nature. I knew not what I did — I was mad — and I must suffer the bitter consequences. Oh, cruel, cruel fate ! [Her head sinks on her arm, which is rest- ing on hack &/bench.^ Enter ^loKKis/rom cottage on Z. Mor. [At L. r.] IMadam ! By Force of Impulse 43 Adri. [Starts and rises haughtily.] Your pleasure, sir ! Mor. There is a matter I wish to speak to you about. Add. Proceed, sir ! Mor. It is about my son. [Adrienne braces herself.] Until your advent into our family all was peace and sun- shine ; but now all is mystery and clouds. And you, madam, are the cause of this condition of affairs. [Adri- enne /r6'55es her hand to her heart.] I speak in behalf of my son. Since his marriag-e to you I have noted a chang-e in him. There is something weighing heavily on his mind. Adri. And has he sent you to plead his cause } Mor. No, madam ! He has defended you in every particular ; he has tried to hide the true state of affairs. His sense of honor is so high that he would not listen to a word against your action. His vow at the altar is sacred to him ; he would suffer anything without a murmur, and he will ever defend his wife from the sneers of the world. Adri. Will you enlighten me, sir, as to the nature of my offense .? Mor. You have destroyed the happiness of my son's life. He cannot hide the disappointment of his honest heart from the searching gaze of a father. Adri. Sir ! It is best that we understand each other. I decline further to listen to your upbraidings. You have no right to question my actions. I forbid you ever to broach this subject again. The die is cast. I know my duty as a w4fe ; and to my husband, and to him alone, will I hold myself accountable for my actions. [Exit majestically L. 2 E. Morris looks after her. ] Enter Anastasia, R. 2 E. Anas. Brother Morris, I'll not put up with it any longer. Things are getting to be in a pretty strait when a person of 44 By Force of Impulse. my standing must submit to such snubbing — yes, brother, I repeat, snuhhing. Mor. Don't bother me ! [Exit into cottage.'] Enter Dollerclutch, gate C. Anas. [Looking a/te?- Morris, angrily.'] Well, I never ! another snub ! Dol. [DownR.] Ahem! Anas. [Turns suddenly.] There's that sweet man again. [She affects shyness.] Dol. I beg your pardon, madam ! but allow me to ex- press my pleasure in being so fortunate as to meet your lovely self under such auspicious circumstances. Anas. You flatter me ! Dol. By no means, madam ! — by no means. That is something I would not be guilty of. What I said came from the heart, madam — from the heart ! Do you under- stand } Anas. I think I do, sir ! [Aside.] Perfectly captivat- ing ! Dol. Allow me to conduct you to a seat, you are tired suinding. [He leads her to befich R. C. They sit at each end of hench and gradually move up closer to each other dur- ing the i,:'bsequent dialogue. Comic business. ] Anas. [Aside.] I believe he is going to propose ! If he does, I'll accept him on the instant. Dol. [Fidgeting.] Madam, I — I — really I have not the pleasure of your name. Anas. Anastasia Maitland, sir ! Dol. Anastasia ! What a beautiful name ! Anas. Thank you ! Dol. And so appropriate to your charming self. It v.'ill always remind me of an angel. Anas. Did you ever see an angel •! By Force of Intptilse. 4^ Dol. Yes, many a one — but they were all painted ! Anas. Oh ! But I really forgot what you said your name was ! Dol. George Washington Dollerclutch, at your service, madam ! You may call me Father of my Country Doller- clutch for short. Anas. Such a grand name ! It is so poetical ! Dol. {Nudges up closer. '\ Ahem ! Anas. [Aside.] The declaration is coming! I will fall in his arms as soon as he makea it. Dol. Madam — I- -I — [Pulls out baby dress instead 0/ handkerchief and wipes his face.] Anas. My heart goes pitti-di-pat 1 [Sees baby dress.] Oh ! [She turns away.] Dol. [A^otices it for the first time. Aside.] Confound it! 1 thought I had my handkerchief. [71? An astasia. ] I beg your pardon, madam I [Puts it aivajy and gets his handker- chief Anastasia smiles sweetly and bows her head.] Ahem! as I was going to say — Enter Coriolanus, L. 2 E. , Dol. You are — you are — [.Se^s Coriolanus. ] The devil! [Starts up. Coriolanus holds himself proudly erect. Anas- tasia Exits with dignity ijito cottage.] Cor. [Aside.] A rival.? Dol. Playing the eavesdropper, eh! [Aside,] I'll bounce the rascal ! [Leaps upon him suddenly and runs him off R. 2 E.] I'll teach you better manners. [ Walks dowji stage.] Enter Hilda, R. 2 E. Dol. Don't come back or I'll — [Sees Hilda.] Oh ! Hil. [Comes forward quickly.] Oh, sir! You have come at last. What news have you — is it good or bad? 46 By Force of Impulse. Dol. My dear child, I have both good and bad. I have searched the church register, but found no fecord of the marriage. Hil. Alas ! Then I have no hope. {Sohs.\ Dol. [Pulls oul handkerchief.] Now don't you cry — if you do I'll throw up the case. [She continues to sob.] Didn t I tell you my news was both good and bad? Hil. [Looks up hopefully.] Yes ! Yes ! Dol. But I found that about the time you were married a leaf was torn out — and V\\ stake my life that it was the record of your marriage. Hil. But who could have done such a thing .? Dol. I strongly suspect that infernal villain of a husband of yours, to hide the evidence of your marriage to him ! Hil. Then I am lost ! for he surely must have destroyed it. Oh, what shall I do— what shall I do ! Dol. Shut up ! If you get me all excited, I'll have noth- ing to do with it. I don't believe he has destroyed it at all, but has it in his possession. I'm going to do a little detect- ive work, and I warrant you that I'll spare no money to gain my point. I said I'd see this thing through, and hang me if I don't go my length in it. Hil. Oh, thank you, sir ! Dol. Now listen to my plan. [Noise heard, L. 2 £.] Hil. Some one approaches ! Let us walk on a piece, where there is no danger of being overheard. [Exeunt Hilda and Dollerclutch, J?. 2 E.\ Enter Axastasia, L. 2 E., with letter in hand. Anas. [Looks around. ] I have written a few lines to the dear man, just to encourage him a bit — he seemed so confused. I will leave it here on this bench. [Lays it on hejich R. C. ] He will surely come back and find it. George Washington Dollerclutch ! Oh ! he must be a brave man to By Force of hnpnlse. 47 have such a grand name ! \^Noise heard, R. 2 JS.] I hear footsteps ! It must be he returning — I'll retire for a few moments. [Exit L. 2 E.'\ Enter Coriolanus, R. 2 E. Cor. How dare he lay violent hands upon me — a gentle- man of nobility ! I cannot suffer such indignity to pass un- noticed. [Sees letfer on befich.'] What s this ! a letter? — and her handwriting, too ! [Reads.] *'To one I love'' — hem ! that's me ! [Opens it — reads.'] ''Thou adorable one with the brave sounding name," — she likes my name! **Ever since our first meeting have you made the pro- foundest impression upon my heart. " — I knew it! "Maiden- ly modesty has prevented me from making an open ex- pression of my affection. My heart expands within my bosom. If you love me wear a red necktie and smile upon me when next we meet. With all maidenly reserve, I am yours, A. M." I will procure the necktie at once, and pre- pare to satisfy the longing of her heart with the knowledge that her love is returned. [Exit Coriolanus, L, 2 E.] Enter Henry, ga/e C. Hen. [ Wi'/h draft in hand. ] I think I have secured all the persons in the draft but two, and they are Coriolanus Wellington and George Washington Dollerclutch. That Dollerclutch has led me quite a chase — been looking for him two days. Wherever I've looked for him I was in- formed he had just left. I believe the rascal is dodging me. But I guess I'm sure of the other chap — he's a ser- vant here with Adrienne's father-in-law. Til go in and secure him. [Exit into cottage.] Enter Dollerclutch and Hilda, R. 2 E. Dol. Now you leave everything in my hands and I'll see that I bring you through your trouble all right. I've got all 48 By Force of Impulse, the points on this paper. Now go into the house before we are discovered. Til soon bring the smiles back again. Hil. Oh, thank you ! Heaven bless you for befriending a helpless girl. [Exit Hilda into cottage. ] Enter Anastasia, L. 2 E. Dollerclutch puts paper into pocket. Anas. [Aside.] He has just read my letter. Ahem! Dol. [Turns.] My dear madam! Pray be seated ! [Leads her tohe7ich R. C] I regret extremely that our last inter- view was so abruptly terminated by the advent of that ignorant jackass — Enter Coriolanus, L. 2 E., wearing a ridiculously large red necktie. He strikes dignified attitudes and tries to attract Anastasia's attention to it. He tries to smile — but they are very sickly smiles. Anas. [Stares at Coriolanus. ] Oh I Dol. [Aside.] There's that confounded idiot again. Look at the grinning hyena. Anas. Well, I never ! The man must be crazy. Dol. [Rising.] Madam! with your permission, I will crush the rascal. [Anastasia nods asse?it. Dollerclutch bounces him — they struggle off L. 2 E. Sound 0/ broken glass. Dollerclutch returns, his clothes ruffled. ] I guess I fixed him that time — I landed him in the hot-house. Anas. [Admiringly.] I knew you were a brave man ! Dol. Well, I must say I am rather proud of my bravery. I was not named George Washington for nothing. Enter Henry /row cottage. Hen. [Aside.] At last! [To Dollerclutch.] George Washington- Dollerclutch, I beg to inform you that you are drafted. You will accompany me to headquarters. Dol. [Terror-strickeit.] Oh, Lord! By Force of Impulse. 49 Enter Coriolanus, Z. 2 E.^ face and hands cut—his clothes disordered. Anastasia R., Dollerclutch R. C, Henry C. , Coriolanus Z. C. Cor. What ! I calmly submit to this outrage ? Never 1 I'll tear him to pieces. Hen. [Seizing- Coriolanus.] You are drafted to help preserve the Union. [Coriolanvs is frighte7ied. During tht above Anastasia pa7itomimes to Dollerclutch to follow her and escape. Exit Anastasia R. 2 E. Dollerclutch about to follow her. Henry se^s him and points revolver at him.'\ Halt ! [Dollerclutch turns and sees revolver and is frightened.^ Advance three paces — halt ! About face ! [Coriolanus takes position on his right.'] That will do. Now, gentlemen, before we go to headquarters, you will accom- pany me into the house until I get some lunch ; then we will proceed on our journey. Left face ! Forward march ! [Exeunt all into cottage.'] Enter Adrienne, followed by Reginald, Z. 2 E. Reg. Adrienne ! Adri. [R. C. Turns. ] Your pleasure, Reginald ! Reg. [Quietly, but firmly.] Adrienne, I desire a few mo- ments' conversation. What I have to say is for your ears only ! Adri. Proceed, Reginald. I hear you ! Reg. Adrienne, the time has come when I must speak — I can no longer bear the cold, dignified reserve with which you treat me — your husband. There is a motive for all things — and there must be a motive that prompts your action. We are man and wife, and open candor and frank- ness should exist betw^een us. Adri. Have I not fulfilled my duty, sir ? Have I not shown you the honor and respect that you have a right to demand from a wife ? 50 By Force of Impulse. Reg. You have honored and respected me, Adrienne, but I have a right to expect even more. Adri. I do not understand ! Reg. I have a right to expect your love ! [Adrienne retreats a step, her hand pressed to her heart.'] Yes, Adrienne! Marriage is a holy act which ought to be based on the rock of love ; else it becomes a sordid and disgraceful bar- gain, devoid of sacredness and heavenly sanction. \^She recoils. ] When I led you to the altar it was with the firm be- lief that our marriage would be a holy and sacred bond, founded upon the eternal principle of love. But your man- ner since has caused me to doubt the sincerity of your heart. Adri. {Haughtily. ] Did I, when I accepted your hand, say that I returned your love ? Reg. No 1 In my eyes you were an ideal woman, of the highest and noblest sentiment — devoid of worldly ambi- tion and desire. That was sufficient. Could I then doubt the feeling which actuated your acceptance of my heart and hand ? [Slight pause.] Adrienne! say that I am not disappointed in you — say that your sacred vow at the altar, " to love, honor and obey," was not a hollow sham — speak, Adrienne, speak ! [Pause. Reginald turns away. ] Adri. [Recovering slowly.] I will be honest with you, sir ! You have a right to know. Could I but recall those fatal words that bound me for life to one I can never love, I would willingly lay down my life. I refused you when you first offered yourself, because I loved another. When I witnessed his perfidy, a few moments later, in a fit of pique, I accepted you. When I recovered from the mad impulse that swayed my being, I awakened to the misery into which I had plunged myself, and I almost hated you for tempting me to this agonizing bondage. Reg. [ With intense feeling suppressed. ] Madam, the die is cast 1 You bear my name — you are my wife — that can- By Force of Impulse. 51 not be recalled, for that is recorded above. You will ever receive at my hands the respect that is due my wife. I shall provide for and protect you as long as He, in His good mercy, does grant me life. You will always find this, my paternal home, yours to enjoy. Adri. [Alar?ned. ] What would you do .? Reg. Madam, it must be evident to you that my hopes in life are blighted; that I would not weary your sight with the presence of one who would be a constant re- proach to your misery and folly. I will leave you. Per- haps the day may come when your heart may change and turn toward the husband. If so, the words, "Res-- inald, I love you — come back," will bring to your bosom the husband, who will always be true to his sacred vow at the altar. [^Crosses to L. ] Enter Henry, Dollerclutch and Coriolanus, followed by Anastasia, Morris a?id Hilda, from cottage. Henry hack of bench, R. Dollerclutch and Adolphus, R. Morris and Anastasia, up C. Hilda crosses to Adri- ENNE. Adrienne ^5 overcomc. She sinks on bench, R. a Reg. [To Henry.] Henry, accept a new recruit, who is ready to fight for the preservation of the Union and protect the Stars and Stripes. [Takes roll and pencil and sig7is it.~j Adri. [Starting up^ with outstretched hands.] Reginald, stay ! Hen. Too late ! [Adrienne faints. Hilda attends her at be?ich, R. C. ] Tableau. doller. corio. Hen. Morris. Hil. Adrl Reg. Anas. Curtain. 52 By Force of Impulse. ACT IIL A Lapse of Four Years. Scene i ; A Camp in the Army. Discovered at rise of curtain : Henry in Captain's u?iiform, and Reginald as a private, both seated on camp-stools^ R. 2 E. CoRiOLANUS, as private, sitting near the fire, R. C. Dollerclutch, as private, asleep in front of tent, L. 4 E. Adolphus, as p7'ivale, doing sentinel duty, L. i E. Hen. When did you hear from home last, Reginald ? Reg. A week ago. Hen. And how is your little Alice? Reg. When last I heard, she was well. Oh, Henry ! she is the only joy in my life. The future of my child is the ©nly thing that keeps me from despair. I live in hopes that I shall one day clasp my child to my bosom. Oh, the yearning of a father's heart ! And now that we are so near to her, I almost feel tempted to shirk my duty and satisfy the longing to see my beloved child. Hen. We are only six miles away from your home, I believe you said.? Reg. Yes ! day by day have we been drawing closer to it. And it is nearly four years since I left the scene, never to return to it again. \_He turtis azvay.^ Hen. Reginald, I sincerely sympathize with you in your trouble. [Takes hitn by the hand.^ Adrienne has wronged you deeply. She By Force of Impulse, 53 Reg. [Checks him.^ Henry, she is your sister, but do not forget that she is my ivi/e. I cannot hsten to her condemnation even from you. Hen. Well, Reginald, I respect your wishes. But cheer up ! I have faith to believe that all will be right again — that some day will see you reunited and happy. Reg. [Shakes his head. ^ This will be my only happi- ness, Henry. [Shows picture of child. '\ Hen. Is this the picture of my niece.? Why, she doesn't look a bit like Adrienne ! Reg. No ! the resemblance is to 7ny family. I can now readily understand why my father wrote to me, soon after the child's birth, asking the privilege of naming it. She bears a striking resemblance to my little sister. Hen. Your sister ! I never knew you had a sister ! Reg. No ! because that is the skeleton in our family closet. Her name was Alice. When but three months old she was stolen from the cradle. All effort to recover the child proved fruitless. Her disappearance has since remained a mystery. Grief over our loss brought my mother to an early grave. My father sacrificed his all in the hope of recovering the child, but all his efforts proved unavailing. This happened eighteen years ago, and we know not whether she be living or not, but we mourn her as dead. Hen. And had you no suspicion as to who stole the child.? Reg. None. My father did not think ne iuid an enemy in the world. Ken. Strange ! very strange ! The ways of Providence are mysterious, and we must bow with resignation to His Divine Will. One moment, Reginald. [To Adolphus.] Adolphus ! Adol. [Salutes. ^^ Captain, I await your orders. 54 I^y Force of Impulse. Hen. Go to the officers' tent and inquire whether the mail has arrived. Add. ISahdes.'] All right, Captain! [Exit Z. \ E,^ Hen. [Tb Coriolanus. ] Coriolanus ! [Coriolanus rises and salutes.'] Take his post as sentinel! [Coriolanus salutes and takes his post. To Reginald. ] It is remarkable what a change there is in Adolphus. When I drafted him I thought he would make a poor soldier, he was so cow- ardly ; but he has turned out to be one of the bravest men in the regiment. A soldier's life has made a man of him. Reg. It has, indeed ! I have often wanted to ask you what ever became of his chum, Sammy. I thought you had drafted him, also. Hen. I did ; but he had plenty of money, and fur- nished a substitute. I wish the mail would arrive. \^Rises. ] By the way, Reginald, did your last letter men- tion anything about any of the rest of your household.? Reg. {Rises.^^ For instance, Hilda.? Ha! ha! ha! Oh, you sly rogue ! Henry, I remember a conversation we had, when you asked me to show you a woman devoid of fashion's frivolities — ha ! ha ! ha ! Perhaps, now you can show one — ha ! ha ! ha ! What ! Henry, the recluse, the woman-hater, in love with a woman ? Wonderful ! Ha! ha! ha! Hen. Well, I'll acknowledge the corn ; but I didn't know a sensible woman until I met Hilda Wallace, whose quiet and unassuming manners struck the chord of affinity in my nature. Reg. [ Takes him by the hand. ] Well, well, I'm glad of the transformation, and I hope your future will not be marred by disappointment. [Dollerclutch snores.^^ Enter Adolphus, L. i E. Hen. [7b Adolphus.] Well.? By Force of Impulse. 55 Adol. [Salutes.] The mail has not arrived, Captain! [Reginald Exits i7ifo tent, C. Dollerclutch snores. ] Hen. Pshaw ! just tickle that fellow with your boot ! [Adolphus about to do so. ] Dol. [Dreaming.] Oh, Anastasia ! [Adolphus, L. C. Henry, C. Dollerclutch asleep, L. Coriolanus, down Z.] Hen. Listen ! He's dreaming ! Dol. Anastasia, beloved ! oh, fly — fly to my arms ! Hen. Ha ! ha ! ha ! I wonder whether she's got wings ? [Dollerclutch talks again.] But, listen ! Dol. [Starting.] The rebs are coming — the rebs are coming! Where shall I hide myself? I'll be killed if I stay here. [Sits upright. ] Don't shoot ! [He fights im- aginaiy rebels.] Don't shoot — don't ! [Awakes.] Hen. Look out ! the rebs are coming ! Ha I ha ! ha ! Dol. [Getting on his feet. Aside.] Confound it all! I must have been dreaming. Hen. Ha ! ha ! ha ! We've found you out at last, old Dollerclutch. You are a braue man, George Washington. I thought I never did see you when we went into an engagement — now I can account for it. Dol. [Z. C. ] Sir ! I have always been where the fight was thickest. Cor. [Aside.] After it was over. Hen. Fou mean George Washington was — but I mean George Washington Dollerclutch. Dol. Sir ! Do you mean to insinuate that my bravery is a matter of doubt .'* You wrong me, sir! You wrong me, I can assure you. My deeds of valor have saved the day many a time — many a time. Do you understand.? But my modesty won't allow me to speak of them. Even in my childhood was I noted for my bravery. I took Mrs. Winslow's soothing syrup with the most unflinching cour- 56 By Force of Impulse, age. Nothing would delight me more than a hand-to- hand encounter with a whole regiment of reb'els. I would glory in the chance, sir ! I have smelt powder many times. \^He shoots off his revolver, smells the smoke from the barrel, and st?-uts the stage. Henry whispers to Adolphus and points to Dollerclutch. ] Adol. lAside to Henry.] All right, captain; I under- stand ! [He steals off cautiously, L. 2 E. Henry beckons to CoRiOLANUS to follow him, eiijoining caution. Exeunt, R, 2 E, All this is done unperceived by Dollerclutch.] Dol. To take me for a coward — bah ! Gentlemen, you don't know! you — [Turns and finds them gone.~\ Hello! where the deuce did they go .? [Looks around in the differ- e7it tents. ] Enter Adolphus, L. 2 E., in a rebel suit, with gun and false whiskers. He is not noticed by Dollerclutch. Adolphus brings his gun to shoulder and points it at Doller- clutch. Adol. [L. C] Halt, and surrender. [Dollerclutch at tent, R. 5 E. He turns suddenly in a fright — his knees knock together — he raises his hands aiid tries to speak.^ Don't move a muscle or I'll bore you. Dol. [C. ] Don't shoot ! Oh, please don't shoot. Please, Mr. Rebel, I have sixteen small children. Oh ! consider what will become of them when I am taken from them ! [Adolphus drops his gun. Aside. ] Ah ! that melted him ! [Adolphus raises gun again. ] Oh ! oh ! Adol. Remove your cap ! [Dollerclutch complies with all. ] Place it on the ground. Take off your coat. Place it with your cap ! [Adolphus takes off his cap and throws it to him.'] Put it on ! [Takes off his coat and throws it to Dollerclutch.] Put it on ! [He gathers up Doller- ciXTcn's clothes.] Now sit down. [Dollerclutch ^oes/c?/' By Force of Impulse. 57 stool ] No, no, on the ground ! Take hold of your toes 1 Now sit there till I come back. [Exit L. 2 ^.] Dol. {Looking around.^ This is the toughest scrape I was ever in. The camp has been surprised by the rebels. They are all captured. Oh, Anastasia, Im done for ! Enter Henry, R. 4 ^. , >/te'^c/ ij^ Coriolanus. Adolphus re-enters, L. 2 E., in his regular uniform. Hen. [CoRiOLANus i?., Henry R. C, Dollerclutch C, Adolphus L. C. Pounces upon Dollerclutch.] I've got the rebel, boys. Get some cords, quick ! [Adolphus gets them, L. '^ E.^ Dol. [Struggling ] Hold on, Captain ! Let me go ; it s me! • , XT ' Corio. Let's hang the rebel to a tree, Captani ! Hes a spy ! . ■■ 3 Dol. I tell you. Captain, it's me— don t you hear me.-' Adol. Let's tie him to a stake and riddle him with bullets. . Corio. lAside.^ I'll get even with him now for the m- dignity he heaped upon me four years ago. Dol. [Struggling.] Oh! Hen. I'll tell you what we'll do ! We will give him a sound switching first. Then we'll hang him for a spy. Corio [Eagerly.] Let me do the switching, Captam. [Gets switch, L. z E. Aside.] Lll give it him hot 1 Dol. Oh, Lord ! I shall die ! [Coriolanus returns.] Corio. Now, you rebel, [cuts him with switch] how does that feel ? Dol. You infernal rascal ! I'll- [Coriolanus cuts him agaifi.] Oh ! Corio. Fits close, eh ? [Cuts again.] Dol. [Struggling.] Oh! oh! [Pleads.] Good Corio- lanus, please-please don't! [Coriolanus cuts again.] Oh ' Don't you know vour old friend, Dollerclutch .? 58 By Force of Impulse. Corio. Dollerclutch ? You ? Oh, no ! you're not Dol- lerclutch. Dollerclutch is a brave man. Oh, no ! you're a black-hearted rebel. ^Cufs him again.] Dol. Oh ! oh ! Hen. [7b Coriolanus.] Hold! Let me look at him ! Ha ! ha ! ha ! It is Dollerclutch, by all that's wonderful ! [i?e/e^ses Dollerclutch. ] Ha! ha! ha! a good joke! Dol. [Rises to his feet.] A joke, sir? Do you call that a joke .? But, I'll now give you an exhibition of my bravery, sir ! [Pounces suddenly upon Coriolanus. They struggle off, L. 3 E. All laugh. ] Add. I guess we've taken the conceit out of him, Captain ! Hen. Yes, I hope it will prove a wholesome lesson to him. Enter Ralph, L. 2 E., with letters, which he pulls from his poctzet. A large wallet drops unnoticed by him from his pocket, near stool, L. 2 E. Ralph. [C] Good afternoon, Henry ! Hen. [Aside.] The mail at last! [To Ralph.] Good afternoon, Murdell ! The mail.? Ralph. [R. C] Yes! [Sorting letters.] Any news from the front ? Hen. Yes ! Grant has flanked Lee and is pressing him hard. Ralph. Good ! He'll worry him out soon. [Hands letter to Henry. ] Re-enter Dollerclutch, L. i E.\ Coriolanus, L. 2 E. Hen. Thanks, Major ! [Retires up stage and reads letter.] Ralph. [Reads from envelope.] Adolphus Softhead ! Adol. [Co??ies forward.] Thank you. Major ! [Salutes, and retires up stage reading. J By Force of Impulse. 59 Ralph. l^As he/ore.^ George Washington Dollerclutch. Dol. \Comes down.'] That's me, Major! \^He takes letter^ salutes and sits on stool, near which pocket-hook lies.'] Enter Reginald, from tent. Reg. [/?. C, to Ralph.] Anything for me, Major? \_Salutes. ] Ralph. [Coldiy.'] Yes! {Hands him letter:] Reg. Thank you, Major! [Salutes and retires upstage reading. ] Ralph. [^Looking after him. ] Curse him ! How I hate him ! The proud fool ! Satisfied to remain a private ! If he'd accepted promotion, as it was offered him from time to time, for his gallant bravery in the field, he would be my superior officer. As it is, he prefers to remain a private, because, as he says, his ambition does not aspire to receive the plaudits of his country. The commanding officers cannot find praise enough tor his heroism in action. Curse him ! [To Henry on right.] Lowville, you will meet the officers in a half hour from now, for consultation. Hen. All right, Major! [Exit Ralph, Z. 2 E.] Reg. [Looking at letter.] And yet no word from Adrienne ! [Exit into te7it, R. ^ E.] Dol. [At stool, L. 2 F., reads.] "I long for the time w^hen this cruel war is over, when I may receive my brave Dollerclutch to this maiden heart. " Oh ! this cruel war, to keep such fond hearts apart ! Hello ! Here is somethino- on the other side — [reads.] " Hilda tells me to write you that she has not forgotten you, and God bless you ! " No, nor have I forgotten her ! Poor girl ! I've watched him and pumped him, but I can't find out anything — he's as close as an oyster with— ^[Sees wallet 071 growid.] Hello ! What's this.? [Picks it up.] "R. M." Why, it's his! [Looks around.] H'm ! I'U investigate! [Opens it and 6o By Force of Impulse. pulls out papers. He unfolds one aiid jumps up exQi'/edly.] Hurrah ! Hilda's marriage record, by the jumping jingo ! [He looks around, places it in his pocket?^ Good ! [Unfolds another.'] H'm — 'tis part of a letter — [reads] "of old Maitland" — something torn off and then — "of old Mait- land" — [reads further] "Revenge is sweet. I can fancy how he grieves for his lost Alice ! " [Studies. ] Maitland ! The devil ! That's Reginald's name ; but he says old Maitland — he's young; but he's got a father. Of course he has, and he's older than he. Certainly he is ! How stupid I am ! [Studies again.] H'm ! [Pulls out baby dress from his bosom and examines initials.] A. M. ! [fumps up.] Eureka! by the jumping jingo! A. — Alice! M. — Mait- land ! That's Hilda's name, I'll stake my life ! Here comes the rascal back. [Dollerclutch puts letter in his pocket hastily — he leaves the wallet on the ground, where he found it — goes a little up stage and appears interested in his own letter.] Enter Ralph, Z. 2 E., as if hunting for something, Ralph. Confound it ! I must have dropped it when I puUed those letters from my pocket ! [Sees wallet on gyound.] Ah ! Here it is ! safe ! What a fortunate thmg it did not fall into anybody's hands ! Good ! I'm a lucky dog! [ExitZ. 2 E.] Dol. [Comes down and looks after him.] Yes ! and I'm a luckier dog. I can go you one better, my chap. George Washington, you did that slick — you're a trump ! But how shall I get these papers to the poor girl 1 Confound it, I can't send them to her for fear they'll fall into his hands again. If I keep them he'll soon discover his loss and in- stitute a search. If I hide them, until the war is over, I might get shot by an infernal rebel, and then how will the poor girl know about them ? Now, this is a dilemma ! By Force of Impulse. 6i {^Studies.'] I have it ! It is only five or six miles to the place. I'll take them myself. I'll wait till dark, then I'll slip away. I can be back in three hours ! [Sudden thought. ] What if my absence should be discovered ? Then I'll be in a pretty pickle ! Court-martial — probably shot for a deserter. Ugh! [Sudden determination.^ I'll risk it ; I promised to see this thing through, and, hang it, George Washington Dollerclutch will stand by his word. Besides, I'll have a chance to see my charming Anastasia. That'll nerve me in the undertaking. [Retires up stage and Exits into tent, L. 4 E. During the last speecJi the stage is gradually darkened. Henry comes /o7'ward, C] Hen. Dollerclutch ! [Dollerclutch sticks his head out of tent. ] You will serve as sentinel on the high rock for the night. Maitland, relieve Softhead. [They salute and go to their respective posts. Dollerclutch on high rock, L. 5 E. Reginald, Z. \ E.\ This is going to be a dark night. I'll turn in. [Exit Henry, L. 2 E. The rest retire to their tents.'] Del. Now for my journey ! [He comes down, gets a cloak from tent, L. 4 Z'., and steals aivay cautiously, Reg. [L. C. In a study.'] "Adrienne has taught httle Alice to pray for you." How strangely my father's words move me ! Perhaps — but no ! no !— that will never be ! Adrienne must be forever dead to my yearning heart. When I entered the army I thought I had buried the joy of life forever. But love for my child has sprung from the ashes of my forlorn hopes, to cheer my drooping heart, like the oasis to the weary traveler of the desert. Oh ! the longing of a father's heart ! What would I not give to see her — speak to her. Oh ! I feel as if I could not resist the temptation to go and have if but one look. Yes, yes — a 62 By Force of Impulse. soldier's life is uncertain — it may be the only opportunity to cast my eyes upon my darling Alice ! Enter Ralph, Z. 2 E. He pauses. Reginald at C. Reg. I cannot resist the impulse. I must see my child ! [Exit hurriedly into tent, L, 5 E. Ralph watches him cau- tiously.'] Re-enter Reginald />-o;;z tent with cloak, and Exit hurriedly, R. aE. Ralph. What does this mean .? Maitland leaving his post .? He acts strangely, too ! I'll follow him and see what he is up to. At last I have the opportunity to humble his pride in the sight of the commanding officers ! \He follows Reginald, R. a E.'\ Quick Curtain. By Force of Impulse, 63. ACT IV. Scene i : Sitting-Room in the Maitland Cottage. Anastasia discovered seated knitling atiahle, L. C. Anas. War, and war, and war — and nothing but war ! What earthly sense can there be in a lot of men standing up to be shot at, I'd like to know ? Men making targets of themselves for others to practice shooting at 1 If they w^ant to shoot so bad there are enough shooting galleries, where they can bang away to their hearts' content. But that's just the way with the men. They always will be doing things they ought not to. If the women only had the control of the Government, there would not be any war — never ! Everything would be peace and har- mony. Enter Morris, D. R. 3 E. Mor. [R. C] Good morning, sister ! Where is my little darling Alice ? Anas. Out in the garden with her mother and Hilda. Mor. [^A7ixtously.^ I am almost afraid to let them ven- ture out of the house for fear there might be some rebels lurking in the neighborhood. Anas. [Drops knitting and riscs.'\ Good gracious, brother Morris ! There is no danger of the fighting coming so close.? Mor. It is hard to tell how it will be. Warfare is very uncertain, although I do not think there is any immediate 64 By Force of Impulse, dangler. The rebels are fleeing towards the north-west, out of our track entirely. The Union forces are but six miles to our west. Anas. What if they should turn back } What will be- come of us .? Mor. True ; but I believe the greatest danger is past ! The rebels have a determined pursuer, who will not be forced back. Grant is not the man to acknowledge defeat. He has entered the fight to win, and I have faith in him to believe that he will not turn his back upon the rebels until he has forced them to submission. Anas. Just to think that we might all have been shot and cut up — ugh ! It makes my blood run cold. Mor. But the danger is not entirely over. The enemy is getting desperate. Their suppHes are cut off, and I fear some depredation from foraging parties. I must caution them not to go out of sight of the house, and not to allow Alice out of hearing. It would tear my heart-strings should harm come to my darling little Alice. Anas. Bless the sweet child ! How she does grow. Ah ! brother, she looks more and more like our poor lost Alice every day. Mor. Anastasia ! I beg of you do not re-open the old wound. Revive not the bitter memories of the past, which still have power to renew the agony of a father's woful loss. \^Turns away.^ Anas. Forgive me, brother ! I did not wish to make you feel sad. I'm too sympathetic — I'm — I'm — \^She sits and cries affectedly. ] Mor. There, there ! Don't let us have a scene. John is about ready to start for the post-office. If you have any letters to send, you will please have them ready. I will go and seek my little torment, Alice. [Exit D. R. F.'\ Anas. [Takes letter /ro?n pocket and reads it.^ Ah, how f By Force of Impulse. 65 he loves the child ! Should anything happen to Alice, it would kill him. [Addresses letter?^ George Washington Dollerclutch, Esq. There, you brave man ! I'm so afraid his lion courage will make him too venturesome. History will be full of his great deeds of bravery and valor. But I must hasten, or I shall be too late. [Exit D. L. 2 E.'] Enter Hilda, D. R. 3 E. She goes to chair R. of table. Hil. How cruel is fate ! The friend on whom I had based my hopes to help me sustain an honorable recogni- tion before the world is debarred, by the cruel require- ments of war, from clearing my name of the stain and reproach heaped upon it by a designing and depraved villain. Enter Adrienne, D. R. 3 E. Adri. What ! brooding again, Hilda ? Come, cheer up ! Put a firm trust in the Almighty, and He will help you out of your great trouble. Hil. I do ! [Rises. ] But, oh ! it seems so long to wait ! Adri. Alas, yes ! We are apt to question sometimes, if He has deserted us. But, rest assured, Hilda, He is all mercy and justice, and will, in His good time, bring the balm of peace and joy to the suffering heart. Hil. Thanks, my lady ! You have been so good to me. Adri. Nay, Hilda ! I deeply sympathize with you in your trouble, and I feel assured that your villainous hus- band will, some day, meet the punishment he so richly deserves. Hil. Yes, my lady. How near he came to wrecking your happiness, also. It makes me shudder to think of it. 66 By Force of Impulse, Adri. Yes, Hilda ! but Heaven saved me from such a fate. It is with shame that I must acknowledge that I was so blinded to his real character as to love him. Thank Heaven, my eyes have been opened to his treachery and baseness. Hil. Oh, my lady ! I am so glad to know that you for- gave my silence about his true character. Adri. I could not blame you, Hilda. It was a bitter lesson, and I can only reproach my folly for listening to his ardent appeals of love. I thought him a gentleman of the highest honor, worthy of the love of a virtuous and innocent girl. But your exposure of his utter depravity has saved me from despair. It has awakened me to a keen sense of the great injustice I have done him who has honored me with his name — my husband. Oh, the agony I have inflicted upon that noble, trusting heart ! Oh, that it was I that drove him from me by my wretched cruelty !— perhaps to meet his death upon the gory field of battle. Enter Morris, door in L. F. He pauses and listens. Adri. Oh, may the Heavenly Father spare his life and bring him safely back to this bleeding heart. Hil. Oh, Adrienne ! then you love him .? Adri. Love him, Hilda ! Yea. I worship him. The grand nobility of his soul has inspired my heart with the strong, undying love of the wife. Hil. And does Reginald know of the change of your heart ? Adri. Alas, no ! Pride — foolish pride — has kept me from making the confession to him. Hil. Adrienne, let me beseech you, then, to write to him By Force of Impulse, 6/ at once, and bring- the sunshine of joy to his wretched heart. Do not mar your own happiness by withholding the true state of your feehngs. Think of your child — your darling Alice. Do not deprive her future of the happiness of a fathers love. Adri. I am so unworthy of him. Can he — will he for- give.? [As/de.] His words when he left me — "Perhaps in time your feelings may change; if so, the words 'Reginald, I love you — come back,' will bring to your side one who will forever love you." [To Hilda.] Yes, yes, Hilda, you have taught me my duty. 1 will unburden to him my heart. Iw/Z/say — "Reginald, I love you — come back." [Morris comes forward, Doivn Z. ] Mor. God bless you, my daughter ! Adri. You here } Mor. Forgive me, Adrienne, for being a listener. But I am glad, for it has convinced me 'how much I had wronged you in my thoughts. It has shown me the true and loving heart of a woman — of a true and loyal wife, who can yet be a pride to the loving heart of a husband, and a joy in the declining years of his Father. I have treated you coldly, harshly, unjustly. I knew not the cause — the motive of your action. I looked but upon the result. I now ask, in all humility and deference, your forgiveness. \He kneels to her. ] Adri. Rise, most noble sir ! I have naught to forgive I I, alone, am to blame. I have merited your censure by my conduct. Heaven grant it may not be too late to restore to your arms an honored and dutiful son, and to me a cherished and beloved husband. Mor. [Embraces her.] Adrienne ! [Kisses her forehead.] God bless you, my daughter ! [His head droops on her shoulder. Adrienne gives her handio Hilda, who takes it in both her own. Picture. Whistle scene. ] 68 By Force of Impulse, Scene 2 : Wood Pass in ist Groove. Night. Enter Dollerclutch, R. i E., enveloped in cloak. Dol. I got safely away without being discovered. The camp was wrapped in slumber, not a soul stirring but the sentinels. [Looks aroinid. ] If I'm not mistaken, I must be near the house. Ah ! some one approaches ! [He reli?'es. ] Enter Hilda, Z. r F. Hil. If Reginald could but return, how happy they would be ! I left Adrienne writing to him, pouring out the love which will bring joy to his desolate heart. [Sighs.^ And there's Henry, her brother ! How my thoughts will always revert to him. So manly in his bearing — high in the appreciation of true worth. If I only were — but no ! I must check the feeling that has sprung up here, [Press- ing her heart.] I must not forget that my life is linked to another — Dol. [Aside.] It's she ! I'm sure it is ! Hil. [Alarmed.] What's that! — who's there.'' [Doller- clutch com^sybrzf/^rrf. Hilda reJreats,alar?ned.\ Dol. Don't be alarmed, my dear girl. Don't you know your old friend .'' Hil. [Comes forward doubtfully.] Can it be possible.? Mr. Dollerclutch.? Dol. Yes, my dear girl, your stanch friend, Doller- clutch. [ Takes her hand. ] Hil. I'm so glad to meet you ! But what brings you in this neighborhood ? Perhaps you know — Oh, tell me, sir ! Have you any news ? Relieve my suspense, sir ! Dol. I have news, and good news — I've discovered all; now don't you faint. I've got the record of your marriage By Force of hnptilse. 69 — and I have found your parents. [Hilda gets faint and staggers. ] Oh, Lord ! I told you not to faint — what shall I do? [He supports her.] Hil. [Starting tip.] Tis over, sir ! The sudden joy nearly overcame me. Dol. Now take a strong grip of your nerves — now do — that's a good girl. 1 have not a minute to spare. I must get back to camp before my absence is discovered or I shall get myself in a tight place. Hil. Pardon me, sir ! I will be calm ! Dol. That's right! [Takes papers /'ro?n pocket.] Now listen ! I haven't the time to tell you how I was success- ful — that 1*11 do by letter — but I've got the proofs, and here they are. That is the record of your marriage, and this is part of a letter from which, I think, I have found out that you are the daughter of Morris Maitland. Hil. [Staggers.] Mr. Maitland my father .? Dol. Now be careful, I tell you ! Don't forget your nerves. Now listen to what I say. Take these papers and this dress to Morris Maitland. [Hands her papers and baby dress.] Tell him your story and I'll stake my life on it that he will find a daughter and you a father. Hil. How can I ever repay you for your kindness to me.? You have raised a burden from my life that was crushing me. Heaven bless you, sir ! May you meet the reward that your large and magnanimous heart deserves. Dol. I haven't got any such heart ! you are mistaken — entirely mistaken. My action was in the line of duty — purely in duty, without any kindness whatever, do you understand ? Now go ! lose not a moment and be careful not to lose the papers. [Gently forces her to L. \ E.\ Hil. I will, sir ! and Heaven bless you. [Exit L. \ E.] Dol. Now, I've got that poor girl happy, now for my own happiness. If I could only meet my Anastasia ! Now 'JO By Force of Impulse. why the deuce didn't I ask that gir] to tell her to come out a few moments ? George Washington, you're an idiot to let a little excitement get away with your head. But who comes this way ? [Dollerclutch hides.] Enter Ralph, R. i E. Ralph. So ! Adrienne must be the magnet which drew him from his post of duty. I followed him like a ferret, and Tm sure that we are in the neighborhood of his home. Curse him, he can walk like a race horse ! I had to run, at times, to keep up with him. Go to your Adrienne, you vam fool, go to the wife whose heart enshrines another. I wish you joy! But I too shall, perhaps, see an opportunity to speak to the proud and haughty beauty ! If I do, I'll humble her pride — curse her ! [Exit Z. \ E.'\ Dol. [Comes forward.'] Ralph Murdell, by the jumping jingo ! What brings him to this neighborhood.? No good, ril be bound I If he should run across Hilda before she gets to the house it might upset all. No ! not while old Dollerclutch can prevent it. I'll follow the rascal, and, if he as much as attempts to injure a hair of the girl's head, I'll treat his black carcass to an ounce of lead. Hang me if I don't see this thing through ! [Exit Z. i E. Whistle scene. ] Scene 3: Same as Scene i. kTyKi^^-a^ discovered al fable, L. C, wriling, Alice in crib, L. 4 E. Adri. {Sealing letter.] 'Tis done at last! With what feelings of anxiety shall I count the hours until I have his reply ! Will it bring happiness to my longing heart ? Yes, yes ! His is a love that time cannot change, nor separation By Force of Imptdse. fi dim! [Goes to crib, Z. 4 ^. ] How sweetly she sleeps ! [She kneels in prayer. ] Heaven preserve my darling child! Watch over her with thy faithful love and guidance. Guard the father with thy holy protection from the dangers of this cruel war, and restore him safely to the bosom of his sorrowing family, [Her head droops. After a slight pause she gets up hurriedly. ^^ I will take the letter to John, so that he will be sure to take it to the post-office the first thing in the morning. [Exit Adrienne, D. L. 2 E.'\ After a pause Enter Reginald, D. R. F.; he looks around eagerly; places his gun against chair, R. 2 E, Reg. No one here? How my heart does beat in antici- pation of seeing my beloved Alice. [Looks around.^ Oh, the bitter memories that haunt my mind at the sight of each familiar object ! [Sees crib, L. 4 E. Goes to it eagerly and pulls curtain aside.] My child! my Alice ! Heavenly Father, I thank Thee ! She sleeps. Oh, Thou being of innocence, free from the taint of a deceitful world, I will not disturb the peaceful quiet of thy innocent slumber. Let me feast my eyes upon my sleeping darling ! [He kneels. ] Let the sweet picture of purity and innocence be forever hung in the desolate cavern of my bleeding heart, safely to guide me to that eternal home where the soul can find a haven of peace and rest ! [His head sinks. ] Enter Adrienne, door L. 2 E. She goes to R. C. and sees Reginald. She is alarmed. Adri. What means this .? A stranger ! Reg. [Rises suddenly and turns.] Adrienne! [He turns away. ] Adri. Reginald! [She pauses, with heaving bosom.] Reg. I beg your pardon, Adrienne, for this intrusion. The impulse to see my child caused me to forsake my post ^2 By Force of hnpiilse. of duty. It led me here to have but one look upon her darling form. I have been satisfied and I am ready to return to the stern post of duty. ^He turns to go towards door in L. F. ] Adri. And have you no word for me? [He pauses.] Not a look for the mother of your child.? [Reginald keeps his back towards her. Adrienne stretches her arms towards him. ] Am I so soon forgotten } [He presses his broiv. Pause. ] Reginald, I love you ! come back ! [Reginald turns suddenly and springs towards her.] Reg. Adrienne! [She falls into his arms.] My beloved Adrienne ! Adri. [After a pause.] Now am I happy, indeed ! My prayers have been answered ! Reg. Heaven is, indeed, merciful, in bringing this joy into my dreary existence ! I fulfilled my duty as a soldier more with the desire to die in the service of my country, than to live. But now, I enter the fight doubly armed, for I now know that I have something more to live for be- sides my child — a loving wife. Adri. Heaven grant you will be spared to us, Regi- nald ! Reg. We will put our trust in Him above, who has granted me the boon of this happy hour ! Alas that I must tear myself away from my new found joy ! But duty demands that I return at once to my post. Adri. Nay, Reginald, I cannot let you go again. Reg. Alas ! Adrienne, you must bear the separation calmly, for my sake and for the child's. I left my post without permission, and should my absence be discovered I shall be court-martialed. A few hours ago I feared not the consequences of my rash act. But now I dread it, for your sake. I must return at once, while there is yet time. Let the thoughts of our child be your strength in my ab- sence, as she will be mine in the heat of battle. May the By Force of Impulse. 73 Lord' of Hosts bring this bloody war to a speedy close. [Goes to crib. ^ Farewell! my child ! {^Kisses her. ^^ Fare- well ! my beloved wife ! \Kisses her. She clings to him.'\ Heaven guard and keep you. [Reginald tears himself from Adrienne and Exits door L. F. hurriedly, leavi?ig his gun behind. Adrienne sinks into chair R. of table. ^ Adri. Cruel, cruel fate! \^Her head droops.'\ Enter Ralph, door R. F. Adri. \^Starts up joyfully.^ Reginald! \^Sees it is Ralph. She draws herself haughtily erect. ^^ Ralph Mur- dell! Ralph. \jComes down R. Sneeringly .'] Even I, Adri- enne, your humble servant ! Adri. What means this intrusion, sir, at this hour of the night .'* Ralph. I never had the pleasure of congratulating you before on your happy marriage ! Adri. Sir, you will oblige me by leaving this house ! Ralph. [Aside.] That cut, did it .? [7b Adrienne. J Par- don me, madam, but if you will allow me to offer my sincere sympathy for your loveless married life Adri. Leave this house instantly, or 1 will call assistance to eject you forcibly ! Ralph. Ha ! ha ! ha ! I made sure there was no one about to disturb us ere I entered. Adri. What do you mean ? Ralph. Just this 1 That there is not a soul within the reach of your voice. We are alone. But listen to me, Adrienne. I do not wish you harm — on the contrary, I offer you happiness. Adri. I do not understand you, sir ! Ralph. When you married Reginald Maitland, it was not because you loved him, but to gratify a feeling of 74 By Force of Impulse. pique. You gave him your hand, but not your heart. That belonged to me ! I have watched your husband every day and have read the unhappiness and misery that he tries to conceal. Adrienne, you are unhappy in the bonds that tie you to a loveless life. Therefore, fly v^ith me, and I will show you a life's loving devotion — a life Adri. Enough ! Do not pollute further the sanctity of a true and honest husband's roof with the vile utterances of depraved villainy. My husband I adore, and I will be loyal to him and faithful unto death. Your influence over my heart is forever broken, and I would sooner suffer death, aye, a thousand times, than to listen to another word from you, whom I hate and despise — yea, whom I loathe more than a viper in my path ! Go, and may Heaven have mercy on your soul ! S^She turns away in majestic con- tempt. ] Ralph. \^Sees Reginald's gun and takes it.] Curse you ! Those words have sealed your doom ! [Ife shoots. Adri- enne staggers and /alls.] Ha ! ha ! ha ! Now, my proud beauty, perhaps your pride is humbled ! Ha ! ha ! ha ! [Looks around cautiously, puts out light, then gropes for door. ] Enter Dollerclutch, door R. F. Dol. [Feeling in the dark.] I'm sure he came this way — and that shot ! I'm afraid all is not right. [Runs into Ralph.] Ha! [They struggle. Ralph throws Doller- clutch from him and escapes through door, R. F. ] Con- found it ! He's got away ! But I've got his ring, which slipped from his finger into my hand. He shan't es- cape — I'll have him yet. [Exit hurriedly, door R. F.] By Force of Impulse. 75 After a pause Enter Reginald, door L. F. Reg. The house is dark. Adrienne has retired for the night. In the excitement and haste of my departure I forgot my gun. [lie feels around in the dark. ] I stood it here against a chair ! [Finds it.'] Ah ! It would not do to return without it. I feel almost tempted to call Adrienne, that I might once more clasp her to my heart — but, no ! I have delayed too long already. I will live on the fond remembrance of our happy meeting, and pray that the day be not far distant when I can feast my heart upon the smiles of my beloved wife and child ! [Exit door R. F.'\ Quick Curtain. 'J^ By Force of Impulse, ACT V. Scene i : Camp ; Same as Third Act. Table, R. 2 E. Coriolanus on duty as sentinel, L. i E. Adolphus in front of tent, C, cleaning gun; Colonel MoRRELL, Captain Lowville and Major Murdell at table, R. 2 E., in considtation, as curtain rises. Colonel Morrell. I agree with you, gentlemen, fully, and I have concluded not to advance further until I re- ceive more definite news of the movements of the main body. We will, therefore, continue in camp till I give you further instructions. Hen. According to all reports, the rebs are badly crip- pled, and Lee cannot hold out much longer. At all events, I should not be surprised to hear of his surrender to Grant in the near future. Mor. Yes, there is all prospect of a speedy ending of this bloody strife, and I hope we will soon have peace restored, that we may be enabled to return to our homes and families ! [About to rise. ] Ralph. One moment, Colonel ! before you go ! It is with regret that I must call your attention to a private in our command who deserted his post as sentinel ! Mor. Indeed ! His name ! Ralph. Reginald Maitland ! [Henry r/s^s.] Mor. [fumps up.'] What! Reginald Maitland.? Impos- sible ! Ralph. [Rises.] I beg your pardon, Colonel, but it is a fact ! By Force of Impulse. 77 Hen. Surely, Major, you must be mistaken : Mor. Reginald Maitland— a soldier ever ready to re- spond to the call of duty ; always fulfilling- his orders in the most praiseworthy manner — he desert his post? [^Shakes his Jiead.'] Please explain. Major ! Ralph. 'Tis surprising, indeed ! but, nevertheless, a fact ! I saw him leave myself — he seemed to be greatly agitated. He was absent three hours ! Mor. Enough ! Send for him to report to me at once ! Ralph. [To Adolphus.] Adolphus ! [Adolphus salutes.^ Request Private Maitland to report to Colonel Morrell im- mediately ! [Adolphus salutes and goes to tetit, R, 5 ^. ] Hen. [^Aside.^ Strange ! What can it mean ? Ralph. [Aside.] At last ! Enter Reginald from tent; he comes doivn and salutes. Ralph, R., Henry, R. C, Col. INIorrell, C, Reglxald, L. C, Adolphus, Z. Reg. Colonel Morrell, I'm at your service, sir ! Mor. Maitland, were you not detailed as sentinel last night .? Reg. I was, sir ! Mor. Did you fulfill your duty to the letter .? [Reginald hangs his head.] You are silent ! Speak! Reg. Colonel Morrell, it is with shame I acknowledge that I have proved unfaithful to my duty — I deserted my post, sir ! Mor. Maitland, it pains me to know that you, on whose honor and probity I would have staked my existence, should be guilty of this offense. It is with regret that I am obliged to perform the duty which devolves upon me ! Reg. Colonel, the offense is a grave one. I have merited the punishment it demands. I am ready to re- ceive it. ^8 By Force of Impulse. Mor. What was your motive in forsaking duty ?^ Reg. It was an uncontrollable impulse to see my child, whom I had never seen before, that swayed my being — I knew not what I did ! My heart was filled with a mad desire to see my child. Duty, honor, all was forgotten. I could not resist the longing, the yearning of the father, but I followed the impulse which completely overpowered my reason. Mor. And do you know that the penalty for your offense, according to the rules and regulations of war, is death ? Reg. I do ! and I will not shrink from receiving my pun- ishment. I am ready. Colonel, to receive sentence. Hen. \Aside.^ As fearless and brave as a lion ! Mor. YAside.^ No! I cannot do it ! {To Reginald.] Maitland, under the circumstances, and in consideration of your past praiseworthy service, and your undaunted gallantry in action, I will not execute the punishment which the offense merits. Hen. {Aside.'] Bravo, Colonel! Ralph. {Aside.] Curse his sympathy ! Mor. But I cannot let the matter pass unnoticed. I place you under arrest for three weeks. You will be con- fined in the guard-house under close surveillance. Private Softhead, deprive him of his arms and accoutrements, and conduct him in disgrace to the guard-house. [Adolphus takes Reginald's ^z/7z, etc., and places them on the table.] Ralph. {Aside.] How it cuts his proud nature ! Hen. {Aside to Morrell.] These are hard lines, Colonel ! Mor. {Aside to Henry.] Yes, Captain ! I regret it sin- cerely ! I never before was obliged to do anything that gave me so much pain. But duty, as a true soldier, de- manded it ! By Force of Impulse. 79 Adol. [To Reginald.] Right face! Forward march. [Exit Reginald ^«^ Adolphus, i?. 4 u^. ] Cor. {Looking off L. 2 E.\ Halt! Who goes there.? [Voice off eniraitce, ''Friend bearing dispatches for the commanding officer."] Advance, and deUver ! [Coriolanus g-ets them and hands them to Colonel Morrell.] Colonel, allow me ! [He salutes afid retires to his post. ] Mor. [Opening dispatches, '] What's this ? Can I believe my eyes.? [Reads.] "Adnenne Maitland, the svife of Regi- nald Maitland, was found last night, shot in the head. From the evidence I have collected, I am satisfied that the hus- band is the murderer. I send you the proofs. H. Carson, Chief of Police." No ! no ! I cannot believe that that man is guilty of such an infamous charge. [To Ralph.] Major! read that, and say if that is not the most outrageous lie against such an honorable soldier as Reginald Maitland ! [Hands liim paper. ] Ralph. [Aside.] Ha! ha! ha! Now will I have my revenge. Hen. How now, gentlemen, have you bad news .? Mor. There! [Pointing to paper.] Read for yourself ! [Ralph hands Henry paper.] Hen. Merciful father! Adrienne killed! [Staggers.] My sister shot .? [With force.] Tell me. Colonel, who is the cowardly wretch that committed this deed .? [Ralph shrugs his shoulders.] Mor. [PointiiJg to paper in Henry's hand.] Read! Hen. [Looks on paper.] No ! no! no! What! he guilty of her murder ! No ! a thousand times no ! I would just as readily believe an angel guilty of the crime as I would Reginald Maitland ! No ! I will wager my life on his innocence ! Ralph. [Sneeringly.] But everybody is not likely to share your opinion ! Mor. [Taking YiY.^'&x by the hand.\ Lowville, I agree 8o By Force of Impulse. with you 1 I cannot believe so noble a character invested with so foul a heart I Let us investigate the proofs ! \^He unfolds another paper. Reads.] " I inclose the deposition of Wiiliam Harding, who swears that he saw Reginald Maitland prowling about the premises in a cautious and suspicious manner, and that he saw him enter the house about half past nine o'clock, which was about the time when the deed was committed/' Hen. That evidence proves nothing. Colonel. Ralph. It is very significant though ! Mor. One moment, gentlemen! [Reads.] *' I also in- close a piece of blackened paper, evidently the wadding of the gun — also a bullet which we found imbedded in the wall." [He pulls blackefied paper from envelope — he smells if.] The wadding of the gun ! [He smooths it out.] There is writing upon it ! H'm ! part of a letter. [Reads.] ''i-l-d Alice ! " i-l-d? child Alice, that's it! "loving fath — "' father, I suppose — " Morris Mai — "' the rest is burned away. Ralph. A letter from his father. [To Henry.] The evi- dence is getting strong, Captain, is it not.? [Henry is silent.] Mor. [Takes bullet fr 0771 envelope.] The fatal bullet! [Exa7nines it.] Here are two letters on it, R. M. Ralph. Gentlemen, the evidence is conclusive — he is guilty. Mor. Do not be hasty, Major ! I am not yet satisfied of his guilt. [Aside.] I fear the worst. [To Adolphus. ] Adolphus ! conduct Private Maitland here at once ! [Adol- phus salutes a7id Exits R. ^ E.] Ralph. [Aside.] He cannot escape now. Hen. [Aside.] Alas ! I fear the result ! Enter Reginald a7id Adolphus, R. 4 E. Mor. Maitland, I have evidence here which accuses you of murder ! By Force of Impulse. 8 1 Reg. ^Recoiling.] iNIurder? I, Colonel? I accused of murder? Mor. Yes, you ! Reg. [Quietly. ] Whom am I accused of murdering- ? Mor. Your wife ! Reg. [Siaggers.^^ My wife ? — my wife? my Adrienne murdered ? — merciful father ! [Pause. IVi/h forced cabn- ness.^ I beg your pardon, Colonel, but I pray you make me not a victim of such cruel jest ! [IMorrell turns azvay. ] No ! no ! Tell me 'tis but a jest — tell me it is not true. Oh, Colonel, tell me that my Adrienne lives — lives — lives ! [He is silent. To Henry.] Henry, end this suspense, this torture. Is Adrienne dead? Hen. [Taking his hand.'] Yes, Reginald, it is true ! Reg. Alas ! — alas ! [His head droops. Slight pause. With force. ] Who — who is the hellish fiend that robbed me of my Adrienne ? Tell me, that I might tear his cowardly body limb from limb. Mor. Maitland, you alone are accused of the crime. [To Adolphus. ] Softhead ! you will take down in writing the proceedings of this examination. [Adolphus at table R., Henry, R. C, Ralph near table, Col. Morrell, C. Regi- nald, L. C, Coriolanus, R. To Reginald.] Are you guilty or are you not guilty of the murder of your wife, Adrienne Maitland ? Reg. I murder Adrienne — my wife ? ha ! ha ! ha ! — no ! She, in whose happiness my whole soul was wrapped up ? No — no * Mor. Answer, guilty or not guilty ! Reg. Not guilty ! Mor. [To Ralph. ] At what hour did he desert his post ? Ralph. Eight o'clock ! Moi. [To Reginald.] At what hour were you in com- pany with your wife? 82 By Force of Impulse. Reg. About nine o'clock ! Mor. Did you have your gun with you ? Reg. I did ! Mor. When did you load it last, and where? Reg. Yesterday morning, in my tent ! Mor. Did you discharge it since? Reg. No, sir ! Mor. Is it still loaded.? Reg. It is, sir ! Mor. Major Murdell, hand me Maitland's gun. [^He ex- atJiines it. ] Gentlemen, the gun has been discharged ! ^He hands gun hack — he then ha?ids Reginald blackened paper. ] Do you recognize that paper } Reg. [^Looks at paper.^ I do ! It is part of a letter from my father ! I used it for wadding. Mor. Do you recognize this bullet? \^Hands it.'] Reg. yExa^nines.^^ It is from my mould. Mor. Did you have any ill feeling against your wife? Reg. None ! Ralph. Colonel, I can prove that there has existed bad feeling between them since their marriage ! Mor. Make your statement ! Ralph. They lived unhappily together until an open rupture caused him to leave her and enlist in the army. Mor. Your proof ! [Ralph / Adrienne. ] You are safe, Adrienne. You rushed from the house in your frantic excitement. I feared your mind was wandering. Adri. Nay, Hilda! When I learned that my husband was accused of my supposed murder, I dreaded the consequences, and determined to save him ere it was too late. Hil. They knew not where you had fled. But I knew where your heart would lead you, and I followed. Hen. [Aside.\ What a wealth of true womanly feeling is hidden by her quiet demeanor ! [To Hilda.] Will you be kind enough to enlighten us, how it was that we re- ceived news from the Chief of Police that Adrienne was murdered } 88 By Force of Impulse, Hil. When we found her last night, we supposed her to be dead, until this morning I thought I detected 'signs of Hfe. I begged of them to summon a physician at once. He pronounced her aHve, but in a death-Hke stupor. After hard work she was restored to consciousness. Ex- amination of her wound showed that the bullet had only grazed the head, inflicting a scalp wound, but sufficient to effectually stun her. Hen. Kind Providence turned the bullet s fatal course, but it was almost the means of bringing a noble life to an ignominious end. {^Poinimg to Reginald. ] Hil. Have you discovered the real culprit.? Hen. Yes ! he is there ! {Points to Ralph. ] Hil. {Stagge7's.\ Ralph! — my husband .^^ Hen. Your husband } Is that man your husband.? Hil. Alas ! yes ! With what feelings of loathing must I make the acknowledgment. Ralph. Bah ! you she-devil ! I never married you — you were only a mistress ! Dol. You lie, you black-hearted villain ! Hil. [Producing papers. ] You could ruin my character in the eyes of the world did I not possess this ! [Holding paper aloft. ] The record of my marriage to you. [Ralph recoils. ] Dol. [To Ralph.] And I was the individual who saved that girl from your base villainy ! I — do you understand ? —I! Ralph. Curse you 1 Hen. [Aside.^ Alas for my hopes ! Enter Morris and Anastasia, R. 4 E. Anas. [Goi7ig to Adrienne and embracing her.] You dear child ! How glad I am that we've found you at last ! By Force of Impulse, 89 Mor. Heaven be praised, my daughter, I find you safe. \^He embraces Reginald. ] My son ! Reg. Father ! Mor. I am overjoyed at this happy union of loving hearts. [Tb Hilda.] AHce, my child! [Beckons her to come. To Reginald. ] Reginald, God has been merci- ful to restore to us your lost sister — my darling daughter, Alice ! Reg. My sister .? All. Your daughter .? Mor, Yes ! my daughter ! [Embraces her. ] After many years of suffering and anguish has Heaven sent me the joy that I thought was buried in the past. [Takes DoLLERCLUTCH by the hand.] Here is the instrument of Providence who saved an innocent girl and brought happi- ness to a father s heart. [Hilda converses with Henry. ] Bless your kind heart ! How can I ever repay you .? Dol. Tut ! tut ! tut ! I acted only on business — only on business, sir! — do you understand.? Entirely on business — without any kindness whatever. I am more than repaid when I see the happiness and joy that surrounds me ! [He goes to Anastasia. Up L. C. ] Mor. That man's father [pointing to Ralph] was the wretch who stole the child from our parental bosom ! His father and I aspired for the hand of the same lady — 1 was the successful one. He, being of a very passionate and revengeful nature, darkened our domestic bliss by stealing from the cradle our youngest child, Alice ! I did not think I had an enemy in the world who could be guilty of such baseness, until last night I received the proof which exposed him and restored to me a daughter. All doubts of her identity were removed by the discovery of a mole behind her left ear, which we remembered our child's having. go By Force of Impulse. Morrell. I congratulate you, sir, upon your new found joy! The mills of justice grind slowly sometimes, but they are sure. Righteousness and truth will always receive its blessed reward. \To Coriolanus and Adolphus.] Men, remove the depraved scoundrel to the guard house and see that he is strongly guarded. [ They do so. Exit Ralph, Coriolanus ajtd Adolphus, 7?. 2 £.] It is a pity to mar the happiness of this hour with the presence of such a vile and cowardly rascal! [To Reginald.] Maitland, in consideration of the terrible mistake and injustice by which I almost sacrificed your life, I hereby revoke the order for your disgrace and restore you to honorable rec- ognition by promoting you to the position of Major ! Hen. Bravo, Colonel ! Dol. Good ! your heart is in the right place, Colonel ! [Aside.] And so is mine ! [Turning- to Anastasia. ] Reg. [Taking Morrell hy the hand.] Thanks, Colonel, thanks ! Morrell. Do not thank me, Maitland; you are more than deserving. Had you accepted promotion before when it was offered, for your gallant conduct and bravery on the field, you would long since have been even my superior officer. [A shot IS heard.] What's that.? [All are alarmed and look off entrance. ] Enter Adolphus and Coriolanus, R. 2 E. Adol. [R.] He's done it. Colonel ! — he's done it I Morrell. Done what .? Who .? Adol. Ralph IMurdell ! He pulled a revolver and shot himself through the head. Cor. Yes ! His rash act has precipitated him into eter- nity — he's dead I Morrell. [Shrugs his shoulders. ] Well, he has only saved me the stern duty of condemning him to such a fate. By Force of Impulse, 91 Hen. [Aside.'] His act has freed Hilda from the yoke of misery and despair. [Commotion outside. Voices heat'd crying "Hurrah !" in the distance.] Morrell. What means this excitement? DoUerckitch, go and learn the cause! [Exit Dollerclutch, L. 2 E.^ hastily. ] They are yelling hurrah ! There must be some good news from the front. They seem wild with joy I Re-enter Dollerclutch, Z. 2 E. Dol. [Rushing aj-ound excitedly.] Hurrah ! hurrah ! hurrah ! Morrell. [Stopping hitjt.] Give us the news. Dol. Hurrah ! The war is over ! Lee has surrendered to Grant ! Omnes. Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah! [Wild excitement and joy.] Reg. [Emh7'acing Adrienne. ] Then is our happiness complete. We shall never part again. Dol. And I will, at last, leave my bachelorhood and worship at the shrine of my charming Anastasia ! Anas. [Falls in his arms. ] You dear man ! Cor. [Aside.] She throws true nobility aside [/'(9z>z//;?^/(? hi7?iself] for such a presumptuous old fool ! Oh ! woman ! woman ! [Sighs deeply a?id walks aside.] Hen. [Leading Hilda /brward. To Morris.] If you will allow me, let me add my joy to the already o'er- flowing cup ! Hilda has — [Hilda pidls his coat.] I beg your pardon — Alice has promised to administer to my future joy, with your permission ! Morris. [Joi?is their hands.] Bless you, my children! Adri. [To Reginald.] Dearest Reginald! The joy I have found in thf" new born love for my noble husband 92 By Force of Impulse. will make me never regret that it was by ^ force of impulse that I was led to accept your heart and hand ! Reg. Let the agony of the past be buried in the joy of the present. [Tb audience.^ And if you will forgive the impulse that led me from my post of duty, there will not be a cloud to obscure the sunshine of our future happniess. Morrell. The end has justified the act. Dol. I, too, have left my post of duty — but let the result be an extenuation of my desertion. yiovT€^. \Takes him hy hand, \ Yes! I overlook it freely ! and I feel satisfied that He, who watches over us all, will not censure us for being led by force of impulse ! Tableau. Morris. Reg. Col. M. Adri. Henry. Anas. Hilda. DOLLER. Adol. CORIO. R, C Z. Curtain. NEW PLAYS. PRICE 15 CEXTS EACH. THE TRIPLE WEDDING. A Dr.\M-\, in Three Acts, by Charles E-vr-vard. Four male, four female characters — Leading juvenile man, comic old man, first and second comedians ; leading juvenile lady, two walking ladies and ser- vanL Plain room scene ; modem costumes. The plot is novel and ingenious, the situations well worked out, and the interest continuous. Synopsis.— Act I., The Trust ; Act II., The Search ; Act III., The Wedding. Time of f>erioniiance, one hour and a quarter. SECOND SIGHT; OR, YOUR FORTUNE FOR A DOLLAR. A Farcical Comedy, in One Act, by Bernard Hereert. Four male and one female characters — Light comedian, low comedian. Irish- man. Mexican nobleman and juvenile lady. Scene : A Clair\oyant's Parlor in New York. Time of playing, one hour. The frantic enorts of'Mr. Birdwhistle, a timorous music teacher, to escape the fui-v of Don Fiasco de Caramba, an untamed Mexican ; the dismal predicaments of £)ionysius O. Rourke and the clairvoyant scenes will keep the audience in a continuous ripple. Compianies in search' of a serious piece should not select this play. ' WANTED : A CONFIDENTIAL CLERK. A Farce, :n One Act, by W. F. Ch.apman. Six male characters, z-iz.: Eccentric old man, with a partialiiy for proverbs ; Irishman, '-dude,'"' shabby genteel comedian, talkative " 5fx>rt,"'and clerk- Xo scenery required. Time of playing, thirty minutes. A capital farce, containmg' none but "star" parts, with scope for easv char- acter acting, racy dialogue, funny situations and comical ''business." A LESSON IN ELEGANCE. A Comedy in One Act, by Bekn.ard Herbekt. Four female characters — A butterfly of fashion, comic sei^ant, old lady and unsophisticated young widow. The scene (interior is laid at Newport in the height of the seas'on. Consists purely of light comedy, is bright and brisk in action, with plenty- of "business," and has a cUnou^Tnmt as unexpected as it is welcome. The plavcan be effectively staged and costumed, if desired. Time of representation, thirty' nunutes. BY FORCE OF IMPULSE. A Dr>_va, in Fn-E Acts, ev H. V. VcericKi of the late civil ^-ar, the scene being laid partlv in the armv. Well adapted to the use of G. A. R. posts, though not confined to t£em in interest. The plot is interesr.ng and well developed; thie situations are striking; the " business "' is effective, and every tableau will fetch an eyicore. Time of representa- tion, two hours and a halL Copies of any of the above Plays will be mailed, j>ost-paid, to any address, on receipt of the price. HAROLD ROORBACK, PubUsher, 9 MURRAY STREET, XEW YORK. ROORBACH'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. 43 Illustrated Y^bleaux^ FOR AMATEURS. PNKW scries of Tableaux Vlvants, by Martha C. Weld. In this series each description is accompanied with a full page illustra- tion of the scene to be represented. The introduction of Part I. is the most complete and practical treatment of the subject ever writ- W\\. The books are the best of the kind published, and should be in the hanils of everybody about to arrange an entertainment of this kind. XOW RBAPY, PART I.— MISCELLANEOUS TABLEAUX.— Contains Gen- eral Introduction, 12 Tableaux and 14 Illustrations. Price, 25 Cents. PART II.—MISCELLANEOUS TABLEAUX.— Contains In- troduction, 12 Tableaux and 12 Illustrations. Price, 25 Cents. A Few Opinions. "Excellent Manuals." — Rook Chat. "Two Pretty Little Volumes." — Cincinnaii Inquirer. "Admirably suited for the purpose intended." — Albany At\^us. " Mrs. Weld is a well known adept in this kind of entertainment." — New York Evangelist. "These small volumes form a complete assistant to any one desirous of giving tableaux." — St. luuiis RiJ>ublican. "They will be helpful to young people preparing this j)leasant method of entertainiijent." — Christian JRtg'ister. " Will be of much practical use and value to schools and persons interested in social amusements for cluirch or liome." — N. V. School Journal. "They will be of service for private entertainments. The directions as to dress and posing are full, and the illustrations will be very helpful." — Hart/ord Courant. "They contain all the directions which can possibly be necessary to enable a company of amateurs to successfully present a nuinljer of tableaux of a varied character." — Troy Times. " When we finisheil the second we wished we had a couple more. They are as indispensable to the amateur as a salary and a return ticket are to the profes- sional." — J'uck. " .\s there is just now a revival of the olden time amusement of tableaux, these two little volumes conu- in just at the right time. Nothing pertaining to tableaux has been tor^ottru or left out. To persons interested in this kind 01 amusement, the little books will prove invaluable." — //no Orleans Ticayunt: "To any one who contemplates indulging in tableaux, these little books of Mrs. Weld's will be nivaluable. So clearly dors she explain the minutia', that a man- ager under her guidance mav feel all'the conlidence which experience can bring. The writer is especially explicit in slunving how the eHects of scenery and costume may be secured with the simplest of material, so that the degree of expense may be made a nuitter of c\\o\cl\"— Buffalo Express. ROORBACH'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. 46 MISCEI.I.ANEOUS G0008. S^ An illnstrated descriptive price list of iniscellaneous articles. Wigs, Beards, etc., and Scenery, will be sent to any address on receipt of a stamp. "^^ Lightning for Private Theatricals.. go 25 " Flash Box 50 Colored Tableau Lights 25 " " Fire, per lb 1 75 " " " " by Exp. I 50 Magnesium Lights 25 Carmine 30 Dutch Pink 25 Ruddy Rouge 30 Mongolian 30 Fuller's E^rth 30 Burnt Cork 40 Paste Powder 30 Nose Putty 25 Lip Rouge, domestic 25 " imported 40 Clown White 40 Dry Whiting 25 Powdered Antimony 30 " Blue 25 Spirit Gum 30 Email Noir 30 Joining Paste 25 Moustache Masks 15 Water Cosmetique 25 Cocoa Butter 25 SIS' Canvas Scenery is delivered by Express only. Paper Scenes and the Make-up Boxes can be sent by mail at a slightly increased expense for postage, ^©ft Multiform Cream $0 50 " Powder 25 Artist's Stomps 15 Hares' Feet 50 Powder Puffs 25 Miniature Puffs 15 India Ink 10 Lining Brushes 5 Cosmetique 25 Rouge de Theatre 25 Blanc de Perle 25 Hair Powder 50 Eyebrow Pencils 25 Bleu pour Veins 75 Fard Indien 75 Make-up Boxes $1-50, 4.00 and 5 00 Grease Paints, 30 tints, 8 in. sticks: Flesh Colors 35 Lining Colors 20 Grease Paints, set of 9 necessary colors I 00 Scenery, Printed on Paper, per set $7 50 to 12 00 Scenery, Painted on Canvas, per set $8 00 to 75 00 THEATRICAI. WIGS. LADIES' Court $6 00 Ringlet 5 50 Frou-Frou 5 50 Bourgeoise 7 50 Peasant Girl 7 50 Mother-in-Law 5 50 Witch -..- 3 75 WIGS. Short Curly $5 50 " with Parting 6 25 Plain Long Hair 7 50 Wig made up in Present Fashion . 5 00 Wench 500 Frontals 2 00 46 ROORBACH'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. Court Wig, with Bag or Tie $4 00 Rip Van Winkle 4 00 Peasant 4 00 Monk 4 00 Judge 7 50 Bald 4 00 Comic Bald 4 00 Chinaman . 3 00 Crop 400 Press 4 00 GENTLEMEN'S WIGS. Indian f 3 50 Fright ^, 5 00 Irish 4 00 Yankee 4 00 Flow 5 00 Scalp 2 00 Negro I 00 " Extra Quality i 50 " White or Grey i 50 " with Top Knot 150 BBAROS, l^HISKERS & MOUSTACHBS Full Beai'd, without Moustache, on Wire #1 75 " " " Ventilated ► 250 " with " on Wire 2 00 " " " Ventilated 275 Side Whiskers and Moustache on Wire i 50 Short Side Whiskers on Wire 75 " " " Ventilated 100 Mutton Chop Whiskers, Ventilated i 50 Chin Beard, Ventilated i 00 Moustaches on Wire 35 " Ventilated 40 Imperials 25 Throat Whiskers 75 l^IGS ANO BBAROS TO RENT. For terms and discounts see separate list, which will be mailed to any address on receipt of a stamp. BY FORCE OF IMPULSE. J^ DRA.N4A IM KIVE: AoXS, BY H. V. VOOX. Price, 15 Cents* Vine male, three female characters, viz.: Leading and Second Juvenile iAeu, 0\d Man, Genteel Villain, Walking Gentleman, First and Second Light Comedians, Heavy Character, Low Comedian, Leading and Second Juvenile Ladies and Comic Old Maid. Time of playing, Two hours and a half. SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. Act I. LovB vs. Impulse.— DoUer- clutch's office. — A fruitless journey, a heap of accumulated business and a chapter of unparalleled impudence. — News from the front. — A poor girl's trouble and a lawyer's big heart.— Hil- da's sad story. — *' I '11 see this thing through if it costs me a fortune ! "—A sudden departure in search of a clue — The meetmg of friends. — One of nature's Boblemen.— Maitland betrays his secret by a slip of the tongue. — The ball at Beachwood. — ^Two spooneys.fresh from college.lose their heads and their hearts. — "Squashed, by Jupiter!' — Trusting innocence and polished villainy. — ^I'he interrupted tryst. — An honest man's avowal. — A picture of charmmg simpli- city. — Murdell and Hilda meet face to face. — "I dare you to make another ▼ictim !" — ^A scoundrel's discomfiture. — Tableau. Act n. The Separation.— The Mait- land homestead. — Anastasia's doubts. — A warm welcome and its icy reception. — Forebodings and doubts. — Father and son. — Searching questions.— A domestic storm and a parent's command. — A foiled villain's wrath. — Enlisting for the war. — ^The collapse of the cov/ards. — *' It 's no use, 'Dolphy, the jig 's up !" — Hilda's sympathy and Adrienne's silent «lespair. — The result of impulse. — The father pleads for his son. — Anastasia and Dolierclutch. — Coriolanus comes to grief. — Good and bad news. — Husband and wife. — Reginald demands an ex- planation. — A nand without a heart. — The separation. — A new recruit. — ^Too late; the roll is signed. — Tableau. Act III. Duty vs. Impulse. — Four years later. — A camp in the army. — Longings. — "Only six miles from home !" — The skeleton in the closet. — A father's yearning for his child. — A woman-hater in love. — Dollerclutch's iream. — A picture of camp life and fun. — Coriolanus has his revenge. — News from home. — Dolierclutch makes a big find. "Eureka!" — Proofs of Hilda's jMU-entage and marriage.— A happy old lawyer. — " I 'II take them to Hilda ! " — Detailed for duty. — A soldier's tempta- tion. — The sentinel deserts his post. — The snake in the grass. — "At last, I can humble his pride ! " Act IV. The Reconciliation and Sequel. — At Reginald's home. — News from the army. — " Grant is not the man to acknowledge defeat!" — Adrienneand Hilda. — False pride is broken. — The re- conciliation. — " V/ill Reginald forgive me?" — Dolierclutch brings joy to Hil- da's heart. — "You are the dliughter of Morris Maitland !" — The stolen docu- ments and the snake in the grass. — "Hang me if I dun't see this thing through !" — A letter to the absent one. — Face to face. — The barrier of pride swept down. — "Reginald, I love you; come back!" — ^The happy reunion.— An ominous cloud. — "I have deserted my po&t ; the penalty is death. I must re- turn ere my absence is discovered !" — The wolf in the sheepfold. — A wily tempter foiled. — A villain's rage. — "Those words have sealed your doom !" — The murder and the escape. — Dolierclutch arrives too late. — The pur- suit. Act V. Divine Impulse. — In camp. — Maitland on duty. — The charge of de- sertion and the examination. — "I knew not what I did !" — The colonel's lenity. — Disgrace. — News of Adrienne's murder is brought to camp. — Circumstantial evidence fastens the murder iipon Reg- inald. — The court-mardal. — Convicted and sentenced to be shot. — Preparations for the execution. — ' God knows I am innocent ! " — Dolierclutch arrives in the nick of time. — "If you shoot that man you commit murder!" — The beginning of the end.— "Adrienne lives!" — A vil- lain's terror. — Adrienne appears on the scene. — " There is the attempted assas- sin !" — Divine impulse. — The reward of innocence and the punishment of vil- lainy. — Good news. — " Hurrah, the war is over; Lee has surrendered to Grant!" — The happy denouement ^n6. finale. — Tableau. Copies mailed, post-paid, to any address on receipt of the advertised price. Hi^ROIvD ROORBACH, Piiblishier, 9 nURRAV STT,, IHie^W YORK. -/ -;- V-.'> THE ETHIOPIAN DRAMA. X Robert Make-Airs, s Box and Cox. 3 Mazeppa. 4 United States Mail. 5 The Coopers. 6 Old Dad's Cabin. 7 The Rival Lovers. 3 The Sham Doctor. 9 Toll'/ Millers. 10 Villikins and his Dinah. 11 The Quack Doctor. 12 The Mystic Spell. 13 The Black Statue. 14 Uncle Jeff. 15 The Mischievous Nigger. 16 The Jilack Shoemaker. 17 The Magic Penny. 18 The Wreck. 19 Oh, Hush ; or, The Vir- ginny Cupids. 20 The Portrait Painter, 21 The Hop of Fashion. 22 Bone Squash. 23 The Virginia Mummy. 24 Thieves at the Mill. 25 Comedy of Errors. a6 Les Miserables. 27 New Year's Calls. 28 Troublesome Servant. 39 Great Arrival. 30 Rooms to Let. 31 Black Crook Burlesque. 32 Ticket Taker. 33 Hypochondriac. 34 William Tell. 35 Rose Dale. 36 Feast. 37 Fenian Spy. 38 Jack's the Lad. 39 Othello. PRICE 15 CENTS EACH 40 Camille. 41 Nobody's Son. 42 Sports on a Lark, 43 Actor and Singer. 44 Shylock. 45 Quarrelsome Servants. 46 Haunted House. 47 No Cure, No Pay. 48 Fighting for the Union. 49 Hamlet the Dainty. 50 Corsican Twins. 51 Deaf — in a Horn. 52 Challenge Dance. 53 De Trouble begins at Nine. 54 Scenes at Gumey's. 55 16,000 Years Ago. 56 Stage-struck Darkey. 57 Black Mail. 58 Highest Price for Old Clothes. 59 Howls from the Owl Train. 60 Old Hunks. 61 The Three Black Smiths. 62 Turkeys in Season. 63 Juba. 64 A Night wid Brudder Bones. 65 Dixie. 66 King Cuffee. 67 Old Zip Coon. 68 Cooney in de Hollow. 69 Porgy Joe. 70 Gallus Jake. 71 De Coon Hunt. 72 Don Cato. 73 Sambo's Return. 74 Under de Kerosene. 75 Mysterious Stranger. THE AMATEUR AND VARIETY STAGE. 76 De Debbil and Dt Faustum. 77 De Old Gum Game. 78 Hunk's WlBding Day, 79 De Octoroon. 80 De Old Kentucky HonKs. 81 Lucinda's Wedding. 82 Mum bo Jum. 83 De Creole Ball. 8 Mishaps of Caesar Crum. 85 Pete's Luck. 86 Pete and Ephraim« 87 Tube Hawkins. 88 De Darkey's Dream. 89 Chris. Johnson. 90 Scippio Africanus. 91 De Ghost ob Bon* Squash. 92 De Darkey Tragedian. 93 Possum Fat. 94 Dat Same Ole Coon. 95 Popsey Dean. 96 De Rival Mokes. 97 Uncle Tom. 98 Desdemonum. 99 Up Head. 100 De Maid ob de Hunk- puncas. loi De Trail ob Blood. 102 De Debbil and de Maiden. 103 De Cream ob Tenors. 104 Old Uncle Billy. 105 An Elephant on Ice. 106 A Manager in a Fix. 107 Bones at a Raffle. io3 Aunty Chloe. 109 Dancing Mad. no Julianna Johnson. Ill An Unhappy Pair. PRICE 15 CENTS EACH. Afloat and Ashore. Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. All's Fair in Love and War. Bad Temper, A Babes in the Wood, The Blue- Beard; or, Female Curiosity. Caught in his own Toils. Closing of the " Eagle." Dark Deeds. Eligible Situation, An Fairy Freaks. Fireside Diplomacy. Frog Prince, The Furnished Apartments. Girls of the Period, The Happy Dispatch, The Harlequin Little Red Riding Hood. Harvest Storm, The His First Brief. Ingomar (Burlesque). Jack, the Giant-Killer. Last Drop, The A ny o/the above Katherine and Petruchio (Burlesque). Last Lilly, The Little Red Riding Hood. Little Silver Hair and the Three Bears. Love (Burlesque). Loves of Little Bo-Peep ami Little Boy, The Lyrical Lover, A Marry in Haste and Repent at Leisure. Matched, But Not Mated. Maud's Command. Medical Man, A Mischievous Bob. Mortsteur Pierre. Mothers and Fathers. Out of the Depths. Penelope Ann. Pet Lamb, The Poisoned Darkies, The Result of a Nap, The Robin Hood : or, The Merry Men of Sherwood Forest. Slighted Treasures. Three Temptations, The Tragedy I'ransraogrified. Two Gentlemen at Mivwt**. Virtue Victorious. Wearing of the Green, Wine Cup, The Women's Rights. Wrong Battle, The VARIETY. All in der Familv. Big Bananna, The Decree of Divorce, The Dot Mad Tog. Dot Quied Lotchings. Dot Matrimonial Advertis»- ment. Gay Old Man am I, A Leedle Misdake A Mad Astronomer, A Lonely PoUywog of the Mill Pond, The Mulcahy's Cat. Ould Man's Coat Tails, The Spelling Match, The will be sent by mail on receipt o/the price ^ by P. O, Box 3410. HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, Succesaor to Boobbacb k Qdhfant. 9 Murray Street, New York, ^^./ < LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ^f?S ■<--^.