Dora Thorne; an acting edition as dramatized from the famous novel

Act I

The Lodge and Gates to Earl Manor. (Home of Stephen and Dora Thorne. The proposal, or an insult? ‘-As Ye Sow.”

Time—Early Summer.

Place—Earlscourt By the Sea, England.

AT RISE.

Stephen.—(Enters from Cottage). Strangs notions the wimmen folks to conjur. Git a basin says my Dora, so Young Lord Ronald may wash his ’ands! (Laughs). Young Lord Ronal! Aye the Next Earl in line, a pickin’ straw¬ berries, like a school boy. (Laughs.) Aye on ’is ’ands an’ knees, along side o’ my Dora,, a laughin’ an’ a talkin’ like a commoner, (Sobers.) A fine lad that young Ronald. A fine lad from a fine Lord and Ladtf, But me thinks ’his Fayther ’ud be sore distressed at sight ’o im now. Aye well! Young ’un’s ’ull be young ’uns, spite o’ us ole’ ’uns. (Going up to Gate L.)

Constance.—(Enters R.from Behind Hedge Row to Gate L. She carries Boquet of flowers.) (She laughs merrily.) Good Morning, Stephen Thorne, are you well this beautiful morning?

Stephen.—Quite, I thank ’ee Miss Connie, an’ all the better since ye condescend to notice an’ ole servant o’ Earlscourt. (Bowing low.) ’Lud Love yer’ pretty ’ee’s.

Constance_How long have you been Lodge Keeper at

Earlscourt Daddy Thorne?

Stephen.—Man and boy, these fourty year. Miss Connie, thanks to yer Noble Fayther an’ ’is Fayther before ’um.

Constance.—Forty years? (Stephen nods head.) My That’s a long time, is’nt it?

Stephen_Nearly a life time Miss! But why do ye ask?

Constance_To prove the old adage “History Repeats

itself” As being false.” (Laughs.)

Stephen.—(Seems Dense.) I beg Pawden Miss Connie, But I don’t folly ye!

Constance.—Of course not, (Laughs.) (Stephen seems annoyed.) You surely ought to know what History means, since you yourself are a part of it. (Catches herself.) Of-Of, Earlscourt I mean.

Stephen.—Jess so Miss Connie, Jess So!

Constance.—(Laughs.) Well, then, in all your life did you ever see, an officer of the Queens own, fully attired for a morning stroll-suddenlv leave his companion to indulge in a swim in a Cow Trough. (Laughs.)

Stephen.—Lud, Lud! ’oo could ’ave been so impolite?

Constance.—Why, Captain Dumleigh. Of course!

Stephen.—What, not the young Cap’n as ’us allers at thy heels?

Constance.—(Laughs.) Yes, the same officious and ever attending, staunch and Brave Captain of the Queens own Guards, Worthington Allison Dumleigh, who never fired a gun, or milked a cow*

Stephen_(Laughs quietly.) Weel, Firin’ uv guns, is a

Constance_Yes, so the Captain thinks now.

S iphen_Aye? Did ’ee try it?

Constance_Yes, and that is all he did, was totry It.

(Laughs.)

Stephen.—Coom, coom Miss Connie kiss, tell ’t me ’bout it?

Constance_Well, not satisfied with picking a goodly

amount of your choicest berries, the Captain conceived the idea of finishing his proaching by having Cream, so he went to the Cow-*-

Stephen.—(Laughs.) The Brindle?

Constance.—Yes, the one with the ring in her nose.

Stephen.—(Aside.) Marcy, the Bull! Yes-yes—

Constance.—Well the Captain went for the Cow—

Stephen.—And the Cow went fur the Cap’n, I see— (Laughs.)

Constance.—Yes, with her head down, so, (imitates.) And then the Captain turned to desert, when the cow suddenly assisted him over a fence and the Captain—

Stephen.—Yes, yes?

Constance.—Plunged into the water trough to take a swim.

Stephen.—Marcy, I ’ope ’ee be’nt ’urt!

Constance_Oh, no indeed, nothing but his feelings, and

perhaps his swell Clothing. Oh what a rage he w r ent into when I laughed at him. (Laughs.) And now we have neither Berries or the pail which held them.

Stephen.—Coom, coom, lass gie no though to thet, An’ ye shall have all the berries ye want!

Constance.—Thank you Stephen Thorne. (Stephen exits in Cottage.) What a dear sweet old man he is. (Sits on bench R.) And what a dear demure little creature Dora is! Hardly looks at once when she is spoken too, and just to think she is doomed to marry that awful, burly, surly, man of strength, that beast of a Ralph Holt. ’Ugh, it makes me shudder, I’m glad it is’nt me, I’d rather have the Captain, Funny as he is (Laughs.) (Captain rises above hedge row' near center.) (She continues laughing.)

Cap.—She lof’s, she actually Lof’s at me!

Constance.—(Who does not see him.) He was the most ridiculous thing!

Cap.—She seems duecedly sympathetic, By Jove;

Constance.—He w-as the funniest sight I ever saw! (Laughs.)

Cap.—Funny, funny? I suppose, if I’d broken my neck, I might have been quite amusing.

Constance_I know it was cruel in me to laugh, but I

could’nt help It.

Cap.—There you are! But I really wish I had a dry change of clothing, I do ’pon honor, Don’t che know?

Constance_To see him elevated over that fence. Laughs.)

Cap.—It was’nt the elevation dear girl, it was the sudden stop, don’t cher know? I wish she had 10 suffer these wet trousers awhile—No, No, I mean these wet clothes!

Constance.—Poor old Boy, I’m sorry for him after all.

Cap—Yes, are’nt you? You seem quite pained, you do, Pon honor.

Constance.—Poor fellow, his clothing must be ruined!

Cap.—Quite I assure you. The crease has been hoplessly destroyed, in my trowsers, don’t cher know? Wish I had another suit real handy, I’d change in the barn, rather than she should see me as I am I would ’pon honor!

Constance.—I wonder what is keeping him. (Pause.)

Cap.—A keen sense of Decency my dear Lady, I assure you.

Constance.—Perhaps he w r as seriously hurt! (Starts up stage to gate sees Cap.) (Laughs.) Oh’ there you are? Are you?

Cap.—(Forces a laugh.) Yes, here I am, am I!

Constance.—Oh’ dear! (Breaks into fit of laughter.)

Cap.—If I had been killed, you would have lofed yourself to death, would’nt you?

Constance_I ask your pardon Captain, but I can’t help

laughing—But I am really sorry for you!

Cap.—Yes, so I notice, you appear quite concerned, you do By Jove.

Constance_Now there Captain I promise not to laugh

again, so come here and sit down.

Cap._Really, Miss Constance, I should be more than

delighted, but I cawn’t do it ’ponhonor, don’t cher know?

Constance_Can’t. And Why pray?

Cap._Well, my trowsers are hardly presentable, don’t

cher know?

Constance.—Oh’ I see, because they are all wet,

Cap.—No, because they are torn.

Constance.—(Goes up to gate, Captain immediately shows nervousness and tries to conceal his back.) Why, I don’t see any torn places!

Cap._Of course not dear girl, and I don’tmean you

shall ’pon honor! You shant have another laugh at my misfortune—

Constance—Misfortune? I thought it was you're trowsers (Laughs.)

Cap._Oh’ I say, MissConstance, you’re rather haw'd on

a chap, don’t cher know,

Constance.—You are right Captain, so I will excuse you while you change your wet clothing for dry ones.

Cau._That’s duecedly good of you, but you don’t graw'sp

the situation, I cawnt be seen at the Manor in this plighe don’t cher know?

Constance_And you can’t stand shivering there, unless

vou catch your death of cold.

Cap—Precisely! (Grins.) Is’nt it duecedly awkward?

(Pause.) I say, dear girl, cawnt you help me change my clothes.

Constance_(With surprise.) What!

Cap.—No, no, I don’t mean literally, fiuuratively, don’t cher know.

Constance.—Well Captain Dumleigh, will you please ex¬ plain?

Cap.—Precisely—Cawnt you go to the Manor and git dry clothing for me? I know it’s trying, I do really, but if you will oblige, you will spare me presenting a ridiculous sight to the servants, Really!

Constance.—But after I have returned with your dry clothing where will you change, there is no place!

Cap.—Oh, the barn will answer I think.

Constance.—Very well Captain, I will be one friend, and the barn must be the other. (Goes to Entrance turns.) Oh’ where will I find the dry clothing Captain.

Cap.—In the same closet used by your Brother Lord Donald.

Constance_Oh’ then I shall find them easily, now Cap¬

tain be patience for a moment untill the releif expedition returns. (Laughs and exits.)

Cap.—Don’t be long please for I am fast approaching the north pole don’t cher know? (Shivers.) Here’s a dueced fine go, Really, and just when I was getting on so famously with my love suit—Just when I had secured her feminine interest in my soldierly figure and impressed upon her the fervor of my undying love, then to have a wet blanket thrown over it all. I mean be thrown over a fence into a Cow trough to dampen it all—By jove how she did lof at me, and enjoyed it too, she did ’pon honor. Oh’ thl3 is a devil of a predicament, some one will surely happen this way before she returns, and then I will be the laughing stock of the entire county side. I should’nt mind it so much w f ere it not for the tear in the seat of my trowsers, if there w r as only some way to hide that—(Pause.) 1 have it’ (Takes large w'hite handkerchief and tucks it into his waist band so that it hangs dow r n like a curtain behind and covers the seat of trowsers.) (Then, he goes through gate and struts on stage in full view of Audience.) (Pause.) (Sits on bench.) By jove, I’m a lucky dog after all, for didn’t I enlist the services of my sw'eet heart to help me out? I did ’pon honor, I shall at once get a fitting present for that cow’ as a mark of my appreciation, I will really! By jove, wont there be a sensation in army circles w’hen it is announced, I fawncy I can hear the remarks of me brother officers, when they read, (Reads.) Engagemen extraw-ordinary, it is officially announced that Miss Constance Earl only daughter of Lord Rupert and Lady Helena Earl, is to wed Captain Worthington Allison Dumleigh of the Queens own Guards.

Constance_(Who has entered in time to hear him

speak the latter part of speech.) And how they will laugh when they read of the Cow Trough incident. (She has bundle of Clothing.) Here you are Captain. (Cap. Rises and runs up stage through gate behind hedgp row.) (Con¬ stance laughs.) Do soldiers always run away from the enemy, under a flag of truce?

Cap—Really, Miss Constance, don’t you think you are heaping it on a fellow rather thick?

Constance.—Well, I don’t mean to be rude Captain, but you will insist upon doing such funny things, (Imitates.) Don’t cher know (Gives hi mbundle over hedge row.)

Cap—Thank you Miss Constance, it’s duecedly good of you it is by jove! and I shawnt forget your kindness Really!

Constance.—Oh’ that’s all right Captain, you are under no obligations, it was a pleasure I assure you—There now run to your stall and get your harness changed.

Cap.—Thank you! But I say Miss Earl, you wont tell anyone will you?

Constance.—Of course not Captain, besides you know I only have your word for it!

Cap—Of course, dear girl, of course! (Looks off R.) Good Heavens, some one coming! (To Constance.) Now then young lady, About face! (Constance laughs.) (Turns face down stage.) Forward march! (Constance marches down stage.) Halt! (Constance halts.) (Captain should¬ ers bundle and marches down center turns sharp right wheel and exits.)

Constance.—(As he exits.) And the enemy retired in good order! (Laughs.) Dear old boy, but he does get into so much trouble. (Goes to bench.)

Stephen.—(Enters from Cottage.) Weel, Miss Connie lass, coom wi’ me now, to the berry patch, My Dora will hae’ a goodly lot o’ berries, an’ I’ll gin’ ye all ye want. (Enter Ralph Holt he carries coat over his arm, he comes down center he is sullen and face is clouded.)

Consctance.—Thank you Stephen, but the berries can wait, besides there is a man, who wishes to speak to you I fancy, (Crosses over.) Oh’ what a rain cloud! (Exits in Cottage.)

Stephen.—Just ez ye please Miss Connie! Aye! Good morrow Ralph lad, not i’ the field to-day—What’s the matter lad?

Ralph.—(Throws himself on Bench.) A lot’s the matter.

Stephen.—Well, coom out wi’ it lad, be ye sick?

Ralph._Not in the body but where are you goin’ with the

basket Stephen?

Stephen.—For berries lad. Oh’ ther be a fine crop th’ year, an’ it’s proud I be to rise ’em up to lay at the palates o’ my Lud Earl’s guest’s!

Ralph.—The Manor’s full of Guests I am told.

Stephen.—Aye, lad. Lud Farrington, Lud and Lady Mont¬ rose, Lady Charteris and her beautiful daughter—an’ the funny Captain o’ the Queens own, who likes o'er weel our

Masters darter—me thinks!

Ralph.—Lord Earl does not always entertain this time

of year. 4

Stephen_Right lad! Right. But they do say, that geth-

erin’ be in honor o’ young Ronal’s proposal o’ marriage to Miss Valentine Charteris!

Ralph_(Jumps to his feet.) Ah-ha!

Stephen_Lud, lud, what’s tt* matter ’ith ’ee lad?

Ralph.—(Controls himself.) Nothing Stephen, but has the engagement been announced?

Stephen_Lud no, (mysteriously.) It’s on’y been guessed

at by the common folks!

Ralph—Ah. (Sits again.) Well, then the common folks are bad guessers—and yod the worst of the lot!

Stephen.—Aye? (Pause.) What dost ’ee mean lad?

Ralph_Bah’ any one with half an eye can see that Ronald

Earl’s interest don’t lay in the Charteris girl’s direction. Stephen Thorne are you as blind as the rest?

Stephen.—Blind? Blind to what?

Ralph.—To the purpose of this young aristocrat, who lords it over us all, with his kingly ways!

Stephen.—Tush, tush lad, young Ronal’ be the honest son o’ our honest master!

Ralph.—Honest is he? (Sneers.) And do you call, paying aristocratic court to a lady of title, while he seeks to ruin a commoner’s daughter, being honest?

Stephen.—Take care lad, take care, ye don't know what ye say!

Ralph.—Don’t I? Have you been in the strawberry patch this morning? (Goes up to hedge row.)

Stephen.—Aye, a short time ago!

Ralph.—Who did you leave there?

Stephen.—Why, young Ronal’ Earle, and my Dora!

Ralph.—Aye, and what were they doing eh?

Stephen.—Laughin’ an’ chattin’ like two school childer’

Ralph.—Well, look and tell me what they are doing now? (Stephen goes up.) You see heads so close together, their very thoughts can be felt he holds her hand, and is whisper¬ ing words of love to her, do you see Stephen Thorne.

Stephen.—(Shades his eyes.) Aye!

Ralph.—Then speak—is that the act of a child, or a full grown libertine, who handles an honest girl as he would a play thing?

Stephen.—Stop, young hot head! Thet man be the son o’ one o’ Englands proud Lords—A lord as ’ud dig thet son’s garve wi’ ’is own hands afore he’d see ’im guilty o’ sich a thing. Thet girl be Dora Thorne, the honest darter o’ Stephen Thorne, and thy promised bride, ye must be daft to think o’ sich a thing!

Ralph.—I tell you Stephen Thorne, I am right, Ronal Earle means no good to our Dora. Reason it out yourself, he has known her but a few r short days, while I have loved her all my life. And do you think his proud father will ever consent to his union with his lodge keeper’s daughter'•* Don’t you suppose young Earle knows that! Then why does he soil his aristocratic hands and clothes doing labor in his lordly earth eh?

Stephen.—Take care young Tin, my darter ruined by_by

heaven if ye tell me the truth!

Ralph—It is the truth, my heart tells me so, and when the heart speaks all else is silent, all dead. (Sits on bench.)

Stephen.—(Goes to him and places hands on shoulders.) Coom, coom lad ye be mad Tth jeleousy, but tel’t me what ye have seen?

Ralph—Nothing criminal—no, not that, for when I do there will be one less aristocrat in the world.

Stephen.—Weel, then what have ye seen.

Ralph—Only the things that you yourself can see it you’ll take the trouble to look, things that are driving me mad, things that will force me, to do young Earl an injury if you do not stop them!

Stephen—Have ye said ought to Dora?

Ralph—No, but I mean to this very day, she shall know that I will not stand quietly by, and suffer her to play with my heart!

Stephen.—Pm sorry for ’ee lad, but think ye are mis¬ taken, Why my Dora’s an honest girl, she be thy promised wife, be’nt my word gin’ to ye? Can’t ye trust Stephen Thorne lad?

Ralph.—Yes,' Stephen, I would trust you with my life, but I can see by Dora’s actions that she no longer regards our engagement as pleasant.

Stephen.—Oh’ coom, coom, lad, don’t let the green mons¬ ter run away wi’ yer imagination, rest assured that there be the father’s ahm atween Dora and any sich danger as ye suspect.

Ralph.—Aye, and an honest lovers’ vengeance if thet fathers arm fails!

Stephen.—Don’t ye worry, on thet score, Stephen Thorne never shirks his duty. I’ll talk wi’ the lass, and tcl’t her what young Ronal’s intentions be, she be an honest lass, and will hearken to her ole, fayther — je ll see.

Ralph -No. I wont see, for I’m going away!

Stephen_Aye, what d’ye say, goin’ away—where?

Ralph.—To London, I have an offer of a good sit up there and I’m going to-day!

Stephen_But ye never tol’t me this afore!

Ralph_No, I had no reason to tell you I wanted to

have all the arrangements made, so there would be nothing in the way. I wanted to have every thing ready so that Dora would be pleased— and now—

Stephen.—Well what now?

Ralph.—If I go, I must leave Dora to the flattery of this young devil as will steal her heart against me,

Stephen.—Oh’ tush tush, lad, ye be ailin’ th’ day, Dora shall wed none but ye-ye have my word for It—But coorn Into the Lodge an’ I’ll gle ye a nip as ’ull set ye right, an’ then ye can tell me all ’bout the business up in Lunuun.

Ralph.—All right Stephen! (Steve exit in cottage.) Dora cared for me until this young aristocrat came whit his smooth and oily words, his lordly airs, which fascinated her. And while I am away toiling for a place in the world for her, he will be weaving a net to entangle her soul. But she’s mine, mine, and I’ll have her in spite of all the aristo¬ crats in the Kingdom. (Goes up stage and looks ol't.) Ah’ go on my fine handsome fellow of lordly blood, but be care¬ ful some one don’t find the color of that same life fluid. (Exit in Cottage.)

Ronal.—(Enters with Dora carrying a small basket, they go down R. to bench through gate in hedge row.) I am glad if I have not been in your way this morning Dora.

Dora.—No indeed Lord Earl, I have enjoyed your com¬ pany more than words can express.

Ronald.—Thank you Dora, do you know, I had rather hear you say you enjoyed being with me, than to know the proudest lady in the land was at my feet.

Dora.—(Coyly.) Oh’ Lord Ronald!

Ronal.—It i3 the truth Dora, but please don’t address me as Lord Ronal, it is so cold and formal, besides that title does not come to me until my fathers death you know.

Dora.—But every one speaks of you as young Lord Ronal.

Ronal True. But that is only out of respect, to my

father as well as myself, it is quite correct when I am not present.

Dora.—But I have no right to address you in any other terms.

Ronal_Yes, you have since I not only give you per¬

mission so to do, but request it as a favor.

Dora.—How then, shall I address you?

Ronal.—(Going to her attempts to take her hands.) Just call me plain Ronal! wont you?

Dora.—Very well then, Just—plain—Ronal. (Hangs her head.)

Ronal.—Thank you Dora, now that sounds more friendly.

Dora.—(Looks him straight in the face.) And is’nt there danger in a friendship between us Ronal?

Ronal.—(Seriouly.) Danger, why, what do you mean.

Dora.—You are next in line to a Peerage of one of Englands first families, I am a commoner, your Lodge keeper’s daughter, an uneducated, uncouth Orphan who—

Ronal.—Please stop, what are you going to banish the memory of the happiest morning that I have known, just from the desire to be petulant.

Dora.—No, it is not that, but something tells me tha» — (Pause)

Ronal_What, Dora?

Dora.—That there is a gulf between us, that nothing can bridge over, that I must not listen to you, that we must guard against the friendship you just offered—thai if it continues both our lives will be darkened.

Ronal—Why, what ever put such gloomy thought in your dear little head. Only just a moment ago you were all smiles, and laughter.

Dora.—Yes, then we were in the open sunsnine, and you were on your knees helping me do a task set for me by your mother, Lady Earl, then our object was the same, our cause a common one, now it is different.

Ronal_Why different?

Dora.—Here ore the gates to Earl Manor, here the line of distinction is most rigidly drawn,—your way lies through the gate way of the aristocratic—mine through the door of the Lodge keeper Stephen Thorne.

Ronal.—Am I to understand, because of the difference in our birth’s that you do not value my friendship.

Dora.—No, no not that, I—

Ronal.—Listen to me Dora Thorne. (Quickly though quietly.) Since first I saw you upon my return from college. I have tried all in my power to disabuse your mind of the prejudice that has been instilled by your associates, against the aristocracy, I wanted you to know that even a Lord is only a human being, breathing the same air, seeing the same things, hearing the same sweet sounds enjoyed by the world around him. That is why I have read to you from the grandest masters, because I thought you would realize the truth of Burn’s famous saying “A Man’s a Man for all o’ that.”

Dora.—It is because I do realize, that I fear you!

Ronal.—Fear Me, Dora?

Dora._No I don’t mean that, I should have -‘aid fear for

you.

Ronal.—Why I don’t understand.

Dora.—Listen Ronal, you are the only son of the proudest Earl in England, already your name is mentioned in con¬ nection with one of the highest ladies in the land. I am the poor daughter of your Lodge keeper, don't you see how utterly impossible it is for us to be friends?

Ronal.—But suppose I told you-

Dora._(Quickly.) But you must not tell me. (Enter

Captain.) (from barn.)

Cap._I beg pawdon, Ronal Really I had no Idea you were

here. (His Clothes are ill fitting and he endeavors to con¬ ceal the fact that he had met with an accident.)

Ronal._Certainly old chap, but come out let us have a

look at you, what seems to be the trouble?

Cap._Nothing old fellow—that, is nothing of anv conse¬

quence, you see I had the misfortune to er-ah ! that is I—

Ronal._Want an introduction to Miss Thorne eh? Dora

may I present to you my esteemed friend Captain Worth¬ ington Allison Dumleigh, of the Queens own Guards.

Cap.—But really I-

Ronal._Come out and meet the lady. (Laughs. ;

Cap._(Comes out timidly.) Really Miss Sticker*— I foe*

pawdon Miss Thorue, under more favorable circumstances I should be delighted,chawmed I should say pon honor don’t cher know!

Dora.—(Bows.) Thank you Captain Dumlelgh! (Gets basket.) You will excuse me gentlemen, I must stem the berries, for luncheon,

Ronal.—Surely the berries can wait! (Dora crosses to door.)

Dora.—Lady Helena’s instructions were positive, you will excuse me. (Exits.)

Cap.—Oh’ I say Earl, she’s a dueced pretty girl, don’t cher know!

Ronal.—(Has crossed to bench.) (Sighs.) Do you think so?

Cap.—Yes, do you know I really thought she was some one of consequence, really.

Ronal.—(Paying little attention.) Well, so she is.

Cap.—Really? I understood you to call her name as Thorne.

Ronal.—Correct!

Cap.—Ahe isn’t that the Lodge keeper’s name?

Ronal.—Yes!

Cap.—Ah’ and is the Lodge keeper a person of conse quence?

Ronal_Perhaps!

Cap.—Oh’ By Jove I see, a diversion, a pastime—

Ronal_Stop, Dumleigh, whilet I regard you as my closest

friend I warn you not to speak lightly of Dora Thorne.

Cap.—But really old Chap, you cawnt be serious.

Ronal—I have told you my wishes regarding Miss Thorne you will do well to remember them.

Cap.—Certainly old fellow, but I cawn’t help being sur¬ prised don’t cher know, I cawn’t really.

Ronal.—All right Dumleigh, but I want your word to remain silent upon this subject until I give you leave to speak, do you understand?

Cap.—Of course old chap—I shant say a word, ’pon honor don’t cher know'?

Ronal_Good, But I think I see Constance, and I fancy she

is w'aiting for you.

Cap.—(Going up to gate.) Really! By Jove, you aie right. I’m off old chap! Shall we see you at luncheon?

Ronal.—Surely! (Sits on bench.) (Cap. exits.) The son of the proudest Lord in England. How fearfully true are those words, and how* often have I heard them with pleas¬ ure, Son of the Proudest Earl in all England but how hard a forboding they sounded as spoken by Dora. Just the same I am resolved to wed Dora Thorne if l can gain her consent. (Enter Valentine she stands at Gate unseen by Ronal or Dora.)

Dora.—(Enters from Cottage with basin of water which she places on small bench at side of cottage.; I brought

io some water for you Mr. Earl.

Ronal—(Rising Quickly. Water for me?

Dora_Why, yes, have you forgotten your hands are all

berry stains?

Ronal.—(Looks at hands ; Why, so they are. Cut it is a mark of lionesi toil, and 1 v ish they might remain so for all time to come, just as a :eminder of the peasant time I ahd while getting my hands in this condition.

Dora.—That is a very pretty compliment Mr. Earle, and I thank you, but fancy you would soon tire of making ex¬ planations to your titled friends.

Ronal.—W r hat if I did not choose to explain?

Dora.—Oh’ but there would come a time when you would be compelled to offer some sort of an excuse.

Ronal_Why?

Dora.—Well, would’nt you look rather ridiculous, at supper with Lady Charteris, for instance, you could’nt wear gloves all the time you know.

Ronal.—Well, it would be rather trying under those cir¬ cumstances, so I’ll take your advice and kind offices, and remove the precious stains. (Washes his hands) There! (Holds his wet hands so she may see they are clean.)

Dora.—Why, I’ve forgotten a towel, never mind you may dry them on my apron. (Holds out corner of apron to him.)

Ronal.—But your apron will be soiled!

Dora.—That does not matter, I have many aprons, while you have only one pair of hands.

Ronal.—And even they may not grasp the precious prize they long for!

Dora.—What prize Lord Ronal?

Ronal.—(Wiping his hands on apron.) A prize far greater than all the gold in earth, Grander than all the Titles in England with the Royal Crown thrown in—Dora (passionately.) Will you listen?

Dora._I think father needs me. (Exits quickly.) (In

cottage.)

Ronal.—(Sighs.) Very well, my little strategist, you have only postponed the agony of my love making for I will win you yet!

Valentine.—(Goes down center through gate.) (so to be clear when Ralph goes up.)

Ralph._(Enters from cottage, pauses, advances toward

Ronal. Then turns up stage and strides off through gate R. U. E.)

Donal._(Smiles.) Well, what has disturbed the temper

of that chap I wonder? (Goes up stage sees Valentine.) Ah’ Miss Charteris, where did you come from so silently?

Valentine._Silently? Oh’ dear, (Laughs.) do you mean

to say you did not hear me enter through the gate?

Donal._No, you were furtherest from my mind.

Valentine.—Indeed, and had you forgotten our appoint¬ ment?

Ronal.—For a moment yes though I am ashamen to conii fess it. It’s very good of you to come, wont you sit down? (Offers seat on bench.)

Valentine.—Thank you Ronal. (She sits.) I waited for you in the arbor until it seemed an age had passed beyond the given time, then I ran into Captain Dumleigh who told me you were at the Lodge, so I came on.

Ronal.—Ah’ Valentine, you are a dear good girl, and I hardly know why I should ask you to interest yourself in my affairs, unless it is that I am sure you will understand me fully.

Valentine.—I shall do my best to serve you Ronal.

Ronal_Thank you Valentine—but I am much a harum

scarum sort of chap—

Valentine.—You depreciate yourself Lord Ronal.

Ronal.—Last evening I told you Miss Charteris, that words are always a struggle for me when anything lies deep in my heart!

Valentine_(Aside.) Rather a unique preface to a pro¬

posal. (Aloud.) Well, you are not alone with your failing, I too have thoughts I can not express in words.

Ronal_Thank you Miss Charteris, I have always felt

there was an indescribable some thing that drew us close together, and that is why I asked for this appointment, because I could not say what is necessary at the Manor. (Looks at Cottage and sighs.)

Valentine.—Why do you sigh Ronal?

Ronal_I don’t know, unless it is the usual preface to

the story of a man's love. Valentine I am going to tell you the story of my love, will you listen?

Valentine.—(Drops her head coyly.) Yes Ronal.

Ronal.—And will you promise to keep my secret, until I give you permission to disclose it. (Valentine looks sur¬ prised.) Believe me, my reasons are honorable—Will you promise?

Valentine.—I do, I promise to keep your secret until such time as you give me permission to disclose it. (This speech spoken to imply that she expects a proposal of marriage.)

Ronal_I wonder if you can guess what I am going to

tell you?

Valentine.—(Coyly.) I think I can Ronal.

Ronal.—Then you will not blame me, for my mad love, a love that threatens my future terribly, a love that is so strong, so burning that all else seems consumed, Home, Title, Estates, Friends all sink into utter nothingness.