The great adventure; a comedy in four acts

Front matter

A COMEDY IN FOUR ACTS

BY

^^^^^^ ARNOLD BENNETT

Act IV

Lord Leonard Alcar's study. Grosvenor Gardens. \ •

SPECIAL NOTE

Each act is divided into two scenes, separated by a passage of time more or less short. The passage of time is indicated by lowering the curtain for a few moments. No change of scenery is involved.

NOTES ON CHARACTERS IN ACT I

Ilam Carve. Aged 45. One of the best known painters in Europe. Like all first-class artists, he combines marked and subtle personal distinction with boyishness and impulsiveness. All his gestures are invariably distinguished, but his demeanour varies from the very dignified to the childlike. An egoist, of course, but a persuasive one. Charming in manner ; but sometimes fretful. For everything outside his art he is always depending on someone else, and he takes it for granted that people will sympathise with him. Timid, confiding; and naive in unimportant matters. Well but carelessly dressed.

Albert Shawn. Aged 45. His valet. In appearance he vulgarly resembles his master.

Cyrus Carve. Aged 45. His cousin. The successful City auctioneer of real estate. Rude. Thickskinned. No fine perceptions whatever. As ugly as possible.

Dr. Pascoe. The Redcliffe Gardens general practitioner. Aged 50. Overworked. Experienced. His formal politeness masks cynicism. But in a prolonged conversation the sympathetic natural human being will come out. Usually curt in demeanour.

Edward Horning. Aged 30. Dr. Pascoe's assistant. Somewhat dull and shabby.

Janet Cannot. Aged 32. Widow. She belongs by birth and marriage to the lower-middle class. Her dress is not expensive, but is natty and shows a faint originality. Her personality and demeanour are characterised by calm, shrewd coramonsense, and great persuasive charm. Her

NOTES ON CHARACTERS IN ACT I

voice and her gestures cajole. She will make " dry " and even cutting remarks in a tone that robs them of offence. She is never disturbed, never afraid that she will be unequal to any situation that may arise. She is usually very frank and very straightforward, despising conventional pretences. Not a cockney accent, nor a Belgravia accent; rather an honest midland accent.

Act I

Scene. — Front -room on ground -floor at 1^6 Redcliff e Gardens. An apartment furnished richly hut in an old-fashioned way. Fine pictures. Large furniture {Sofa near centre). General air of neglect and dustiness. Carpet half-laid. Trunks and hags lying about in corners, some opened. Men's wearing apparel exposed. Mantelpiece (r) in disorder. At hack double doors (ajar) leading to anotlier room. Door l leading to hall and front door.