Angelica ...

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Act I. "she Stoops To Conquer."

Scene — Large room in Lady Margaret Forbes's house in Grosvenor Square, used as a studio. Entrance to room R., entrance to Library l, ; large window at end of room looking out into a towfi garden. Easel and sitter's chair in centre of room; small table near window with engraver's appliances.

Bartolozzi discovered in conversation with Kauffmann.

Bart. Excellently well lodged, friend Kauffmann; good north light for work, ah ! and a convenient tahle for your cameo-cutting and seal-engraving. Comfortable quarters in all respects, I'll be bound.

Kauff. Lady Margaret is very kind to us; — loves Angelica like a sister — would make us stay here till Angelica can get settled in the house she has taken in Golden Square. She loves painting and artists, does my Lady — her love is greater than her art; but her art is good enough for a grand lady, though there's no bread in it: but she lacks for nothing in that way — heaps of money !

Bart. Lucky woman ! Give me bread before art : I've tried art on a lean stomach.

Kauff. And it made yon an artist, Bartolozzi!

Bart. The stomach the seat of genius, hey ? At any rate, it's a clever teacher and a sharp master. But where's Angelica ? I want a word with her.

Kauff. Attending my Lady Margaret, at Mr. Christie's saleroom, the last sale of the Chelsea china — they are inseparable. But she will be here directly to get on with her big picture " Arcadia " (points to easel) which is to compete for membership in this new Royal Academy they are all agog about.

Bart. I'm in for the competition myself. Membership will be a great honour if the thing takes root and lives — I doubt it. Auything stirring with Angelica's love affairs ?

Kauff. Magnificent things! if I could only teach her to play the cards she holds. (Angelica enters l.) Between ourselves, two lovers at her feet.

Angel. Father, you must not talk in this way — nonsense !

Bart. No secrets with your godfather; but first of all, how are you, my child?

Angel. Quite well, dear father Bartolozzi, if it wasn't for this endless bother about love. My father gives me no peace; love is such a plague for a woman ! Why do people love me? This man is nice, the other man is nice, they are all nice altogether, and there it ends. I'm sure I was made without a heart, or at least just enough to circulate the blood : that's all the use I can find for the thing people call a heart.

Kauff. Be serious! Your settlement in life, it's my duty; I'm an old man, I cannot always be your protector. I shall not be happy until you are suitably married.

Angel. What you will, to make you happy — even my marriage! [Kisses Kauffmann.

Kauff. Count Strossman and Sir Joshua Reynolds for lovers — something grand to choose from, if a woman has common wit !

Bart. I've heard the rumour, and I've come with a caution. Not Count Strossman; it's playing with fire. I am told that by the law's of Sweden a noble-

ACT 1.] ANGELICA. 9

man cannot marry a commoner — it's no valid marriage.

Kauff. Are you sure? Count Strossman! It would be such a splendid match for Angelica — my daughter a countess!

Bart. Depend on it, my information is correct; so Count Strossman is out of the reckoning. But Sir Joshua remains — a great artist, and a title to boot.

Kauff. Still a painter's a painter, and counts with their ribbons and their stars —

Angel. But counts die, and there's an end of the stars. I admire and revere Sir Joshua, indeed I do ; but —

Kauff. There's always a " but " in your love affairs. Look you, Bartolozzi, there's a certain young man that comes here, Count Strossman's valet, to sit as a model for the shepherd in the "Arcadia."

Angel, (with warmth). Father! What do you mean ?

Kauff. Where there's a man, you always contrive to flirt; it makes me half mad! He's a good-looking fellow; been brought up as a gentleman, they say — the illegitimate son of some great Swedish nobleman, that's the story.

Angel. Silence ! Father, do you think for one moment that I should demean myself by giving the slightest encouragement to a person in such a position ? I may pity him — I may pity a dog. Keally, you must think your daughter a fool. A valet! Miss Angelica Kauffmann — the valet of Count Strossman! It's a positive insult! (In changed tones:) There, father dear, I know your devotion to me from my earliest days. I will do all I can to please you; but Sir Joshua, I don't believe he really cares for me — just a chat about art — rather animated sometimes, but after all only painting-room talk.

Bart. Trust me, that's how love will begin with Sir Joshua. He's very shy with women, keeps them at a distance with his courtly manner ; but art is his vulnerable point, Cupid's bull's-eye — that's the mark for your arrows, Angelica.

Kauff. Aye, and the fear of a rival. If Count Strossman can't be a husband, he may serve as a rival.

Bart. Curiously enough, I am the bearer of a commission from Count Strossman; they want a pictorial design for their invitation tickets for the big ball they are going to give at the Swedish embassy. Mr. Cipriani was commissioned to send in a sketch, but Count Strossman doesn't like his work — too heavy in character. He directs me to offer you a commission — fifty pounds for a sketch, — a liberal hand, indeed! Something you could knock off in two or three hours, light and bright; only he must have it this evening without fail, to forward it to the Ambassador, who is staying at Bath for the waters, by early despatch to-morrow morning. Cipriani has wasted the time. I'm to engrave the plate; I love to work from your drawings, Angelica mia !

Angel. And sometimes correct the drawing. I shall be delighted; fifty pounds would be very nice — wouldn't it, father ? with all this furniture to buy for the new house. But I was going to see Dr. Goldsmith's new comedy this evening with Lady Margaret — " She Stoops to Conquer," that's the name, isn't it?

Kauff. Take the fifty pounds, my child, and give up the comedy; if the comedy lives, you can see it another night; if it dies, as they say it will, you'll have been saved a dull evening.

Angel. I accept the commission, and give up the play ; I can knock off the sketch by candlelight. And now I'll do a little work on the big picture, finish off my shepherd, or I shall be all behindhand with " Arcadia." [Rings bell.

Kauff. Now you are here, Bartolozzi, I want you to price some old drawings I picked up in Italy. I meant to sell 'em at Christie's — say Carlo Dolce, it's a good name just now to catch the buyers, though I prefer Raphael — but Count Strossman wants to buy them privately. They are in the library.

Bart. Bravo, Mr. Count ! He's a true patron of

ACT l.'J ANGELICA. 11

art ! I'll price your Carlo Dolces, or Carlo anythings you like, that will catch your connoisseurs. The Count can afford to pay a liberal price.

[Exeunt Baetolozzi and Kauffman into library. Enter Servant.

Angel. Tell Count Strossman's valet to wait on me. (Exit Servant. Angelica goes to table, takes up palette, maul-stick, and brushes.) A valet, indeed ! to be accused of thinking for one moment of a valet ! It is true he has much to endure, unfortunate young man; that his manners are those of a gentleman by birth and education. But a valet — if he were not a valet! I am angry with myself; perhaps I have been too condescending in my manner. There shall be no mistake from henceforth.

Fersen enters.

Fersen (bows). I am at your service, madam, your very humble servant.

Angel, (without noticing him, but intent on blending colours on the palette). Take your seat, the same pose as yesterday. No, no, you must hold the crook in your right hand ; don't you remember ? (Takes up a gilt crook winch is leaning against easel and places it in Fersen's hand.) Extend the right arm as I told you. (Returns to easel.) That will do — head turned a little more to the right. [Paints in silence.

Fersen. Madam, what have I done ?

Angel. Done? What should you do ? You have attended according to my directions.

Fersen. But your manner to-day is so different from yesterday, kind and gracious —

Angel. You interrupt my work; pray be silent.

Fersen. Silent ! and my fault unknown, and therefore unatoned —

Angel. Fersen, it is not your place to address me; you forget yourself.

Fersen. I do — I have forgotten myself ever since I met you.

Angel. I forbid you to speak. If you will not be silent, 1 must dismiss you. Presumption is most unbecoming in a person of your station.

Fersen. I pray your pity. Oh, have a little mercy; recollect the story of my life !

Angel. You have told it me more than once. I really have no time to lose in fruitless talk.

Fersen. Are these cold words from the heart that has felt so deeply for my misfortunes — that has encouraged me to tell the tale ? Think of it ! Brought up as befits the heir to a great title and estate, and then, at my father's death, my cruel relations discover that my poor mother was a commoner by birth — that her marriage before men was invalid — cast out with ignominy mother and son into the hard world, without a home, without a name !

Angel. Once and again, you have told me all this, and I have pitied you; can I do more ?

Fersen. I have told you the one dream, the one hope of my sad life — that the nobility of my mother's birth may yet be proved. There are good men, good lawyers, trying to help me in Sweden — Count Strossman even is trying to help me, in his harsh way. Restoration to title and estate ! That large hope helped to support me in my misery — and now I tell you that from henceforth I discard that hope.

Angel. What do you mean ?

Fersen. Bear with me in mercy ! I am half mad ! Your coldness drives me to frenzy! I say I have discarded that hope.

Angel. Why?

Fersen. Because I love you ! If I am restored to title and honour, we are separated for ever. I can never marry you.

Angel. Sir, you talk in a very wild and foolish manner! You dare to talk of love and marriage to me! Count Strossman's valet —

Fersen. I can fling off the plush !

Angel. Be reasonable. A beggar without a name !

Fersen. I can win a name or die — the battle-field. The world's full of war — and then fame and honour at your feet.

ACT 1.] ANGELICA. 13

Angel. Discard such absurd thoughts, and once more, be silent for your own sake, or I must end the sitting; your master, Count Strossman, would be very angry.

Fersen. My master while I choose, but I am not his slave. I cannot be silent ! Come what may, at least you shall know the truth. I love you, wildly, madly, hopelessly, but I love you !

Angel. Leave this room — go, or I shall ring the bell. [ Goes towards the bell.

Fersen. And then they will drive me from this house. But thus much you shall know: that somewhere in this world a heart lives for you alone; that love, honour, and reverence dwell in tbat heart, yours for ever, my gift to you— your possession. Trample on it, if you will; scorn it, if you will; but yours for ever, till death's mercy ends the pain!

Kauffmann enters.

Angel (with agitation). Father, this young man — his language —

Kauff. I overheard his insolence —

Angel. Let him go.

Kauff. His master shall be told of this !

Angel. No, let him go, I say — I insist!

Servant enters, announces "Count Strossnian." Strossman enters, followed by a servant, Hans, bearing a bouquet.

Stross. (boiving to Angelica). Good-day, fair lady — but some commotion, I fear —

Angel. Nothing, Count. I was saying that I shall not require the presence of Fersen for any more sittings —

Kauff. The Count shall know the truth! This young man has forgotten his position, and has dared to address unbecoming language to my daughter, which ought to be punished !

Angel. Not so; a simple rebuke, if you will. As a particular favour, I request that no more notice be taken of this trifling affair.

Stross. At your desire, fair and gracious lady, no undue notice shall be taken. (Calls:) Fersen, my hat and cane.

Fersen. Count Strossman, I am no longer your valet.

Stross. Unwise and hasty — you'll starve !

Fersen. There's bread in the world. I have hands and strength.

Stross. True; but your mother lives on my bounty — is she to starve ? Be wise; you know me. (Fersen irresolute.) Take my hat and cane. (Fersen, after a pause, comes forward and takes Strossman's hat and cane.) Place them on that table, then take that bouquet from Hans and. present it to Miss Kauffmann with your master's devoted service.

[Fersen obeys.

Angel. Spare him, I pray !

Stross. Pardon me, Miss Kauffmann, I must be allowed to have my own way with my own servants. — Present the bouquet.

Fersen. Madam, by my master's command, I present this bouquet to you with his devoted service. [Angelica takes bouquet with reluctance.

Stross. Pray this lady's pardon for your insolence.

Angel. It is nothing, I protest —

Fersen. Madam — I —

Stross. On your knees — obey !

Fersen (with intense effort submits and kneels). Madam, I humbly pray your pardon.

Angel, (deeply agitated). It is granted — freely granted. (Staggers back, letting the bouquet fall from her hand.) Father, I cannot bear this any longer — your arm. (Takes Katjffmann's arm.) Lady Margaret is waiting for me, I must go.

[Angelica and Kauffmann go out by library, he supporting her.

Stross. (motions to Fersen, ivho picks up bouquet. Aside:) So, my fair one loves this young man. Knowledge is always useful. (Aloud to Fersen:) You love this woman, do you ? Sir, your betters first! Fool, have I never flung you my cast-off clothes? Attend: you have the list of the guests in-

ACT 1.] ANGELICA. . 15

vited to my supper to-night; write a letter to each in my name, stating with deep regret that the supper is unavoidably postponed; give the letters to Hans, who will deliver them personally at the theatre. With the exception of the letters, everything as previously ordered.

Fersen. The supper ?

Stross. Strictly according to orders — no change. I shall have one guest, one honoured guest. Go at once and write the letters. By the way, the majordomo tells me he can't sleep o' nights. I've promised him a narcotic ; let him have the bottle from my medicine-chest labelled "Sleep." Poor man, I think it will give him the repose he requires. Go!

Fersen (aside). One honoured guest ! Drugged sleep, he means. Can it be possible ? A plot against her honour ?

Stross. Why do you linger ? Quickly with those letters !

Fersen. At once, your Excellency. The supper?

Stross. I've said so, as ordered — no change. Go !

Fersen (aside). In his hands — Angelica alone! Can it be ? I will save her, if I die! [Exit.

Stross. (to Hans). When you have received the letters from Fersen, go to Covent Garden Theatre and deliver them during the performance — you know all the persons by sight; make no mistake, or you'll suffer for it. You are not to deliver the letter addressed to Miss Kauffmann — destroy it. When you have delivered the letters at the theatre, come on here with my coach; Miss Kauffmann will be ready. When she is safely in the carriage, drive post-haste to Chelsea. Don't fail; be secret and discreet. Above all, not one word to Fersen, he can't be trusted in this delicate affair; some day I shall make you my valet in his place. [Hans bows and goes out.

Stross. To win a woman, is it worth all this trouble ? Why, I might win a diplomatic triumph, outwit cunning ambassadors, with less labour; the process is magnificent, but the result is very small. A straight path to fame and honour, and yet I madly turn aside and pursue a butterfly crushed in the hand that grasps it, and then cast away — a residuum of tears, remorse — the cold ashes of passion — nothing better to show for a triumph. Pooh ! logic to cure madness ! It's all in vain; mine she must be ! (Lady Margaret enters.) Ah! my Lady Margaret, how fares the grand passion ?

Lady M. Ill, Count.

Stross. Sir Joshua is constantly at your house.

Lady M. Angelica is the attraction.

Stross. That's your opportunity ! Turn the attraction to yourself.

Lady M. Sir Joshua is absorbed in his love of art.

Stross. But you are a lady of noble birth, and she is only fit to be your waiting-woman.

Lady M. An artist ?

Stross. What is an artist in comparison with a grand lady? I'm sick of this cant about the nobility of art !

Lady M. But you love her — you say you love her!

Stross. Love her? Yes, love her!

Lady M. But you cannot marry her.

Stross. Marry her! Our law in Sweden forbids the marriage of a noble with a commoner; but, in any event, do you suppose I should stoop to marry a plebeian ? Honour enough for her that I choose to love her, to honour her with my love.

Lady M. But Sir Joshua! You know my secret, for you yourself have guessed it. I love that man — I would gladly marry him; but this woman stands between me and my desperate hope. I entertain her in this house because she serves to bring him here, but I suffer an agony when he comes; sometimes I think it were better to send her away and end it all — the pain is too great!

Stross. What was my pledge ?

Lady M. That she should never marry Sir Joshua, because you love her — always that string.

Stross. I possess another string, which the fortune of to-day has discovered. Take comfort — two strings ! Come what may, I say she shall never marry Sir

ACT 1.] ANGELICA. 17

Joshua Reynolds! (Angelica enters from library. Strossman addresses Tier with gallant air.) Fair lady, a thousand apologies for that painful scene.

Angel. Let it all pass, I pray you; and let me thank you for that liberal commission — far too liberal for the work required.

Stross. And you will execute it this evening ?

Angel. Certainly; to the best of my power.

Stross. It's a whim of mine. I want to show your work to my guests to-night. They shall decide between you and Mr. Cipriani. I wager the victory will be yours, and then I must send it off by earliest despatch to Bath for His Excellency's inspection. We are all impatient for the invitations to be issued for the grand ball; it will be magnificent. All the Court, all the elite of society will be present — and Miss Kauffmann, if she will deign to honour His Excellency with her presence.

Angel. Count, you are too gracious — a humble artist — almost a stranger in England.

Stross. I protest, madam, the honour will be ours. There is no honour too great for Miss Kauffmann. When His Excellency returns to town, I promise you all his patronage and favour ; all my poor influence in society is already yours; the commissions will flock in.

Angel. A thousand thanks for all this unmerited kindness!

Stross. Nay, madam, genius commands; I only obey. There were some drawings by the old masters which your good father promised should be mine. (Kauffmann enters from library.) Ah, Mr. Kauffmann, those drawings — I have your promise.

Kauff. They are yours, Count, at your service. My friend, Mr. Bartolozzi, has just valued them. He names a large sum, I confess — one hundred pounds !

Stross. They are mine. Prompt payment is my maxim.

Kauff. Nay, Count —

Stross. I have the money, I think. {Takes out notes which he gives to Kauffmann.) And now, fair lady, if you will graciously accept at my hands the value of your commission. [Gives notes to Angelica.

Angel {starts). "Why — why — I have no change! It's a note for one hundred pounds ! ( Offers to return note.) Fifty was the sum, and that was too liberal by far!

Stross. Pardon me, that was Mr. Bartolozzi's esestimate; my estimate exceeds his.

Angel. Father, what must I do ? This is robbery!

Kauff. Commit the crime, my child, and thank His Excellency for his generous patronage.

Angel. It shall be my best work, that's all I can say.

Stross. And you will bring it this evening to my supper, where you will reign as queen, crowned with your own laurels. I can promise you the devotion of one loyal subject, your very devoted and humble servant ! [Bows. [Servant enters and announces "Miss Reynolds, my lady." Miss R. enters, Servant goes out.

Miss R. Lady Margaret, your most obedient. Angelica, Count Strossman. (Bows stiffly to the Count.) Lady Margaret, I have come on a double mission. Joshua is finishing off a sitting as long as the light lasts, and then he'll follow me. First, business; I manage all my brother's business arrangements. I have to request you, Lady Margaret, to put off your sitting for to-morrow morning, as Joshua has received a command to attend His Majesty on the affairs of the new Academy. My next mission is pleasure. Joshua has secured one of the best boxes to-night at Covent Garden for Dr. Goldsmith's comedy; he requests Lady Margaret and Miss Kauffmann to share the box with us. We can all go together, and afterwards go to Count Strossman's supper in Joshua's coach.

Lady M. I shall be delighted. Sir Joshua is too good to honour us in this way!

Miss R. My Lady, the honour is his; and you, Angelica?

ACT 1.] ANGELICA. 19

Stross. I am afraid I must interpose with deep regret; but Miss Kauffmann has promised to devote the evening to me, the design for our ball tickets, which is urgent.

Angel. I have given my promise to the Count, but I shall join you all at supper.

Stross. My coach will convey Miss Kauffmann safely to Cheyne Walk. I only regret that I should be an obstacle to this evening's amusement ; but, after all, the amusement seems doubtful.

Miss E. A comedy by Dr. Goldsmith ?

Stross. I hear on the best authority that Manager Colman is in despair; that he has been driven to produce the play against his own judgment; that all the best actors, Mrs. Abingdon to boot, have thrown up their parts — and actors ought to know what a play is. A most absurd plot! Just fancy, a man in his seven senses mistaking a gentleman's country-house for a country inn ! The idea is too absurd for a farce, and what person of refined taste could tolerate a farce which is to last a whole evening? We have not come to that yet, thank the gods!

Miss R. Dr. Johnson thinks the play an excellent comedy.

Stross. Madam, three or four hours will decide between the learned Doctor and your very unlearned servant. (Bows.) But unless I'm a fool, " She Stoops to Conquer" will go out like a damp squib, and be heard of no more in the history of the drama. And now, ladies, duties of state call me away from this delightful society. Your most obedient, au revoir till to-night, when I shall have the honour of playing the host to you in my own inn at Cheyne Walk, Chelsea. [Botvs.

Kauff. Count, grant the favour of a few minutes to inspect the drawings which you have purchased.

Stross. Certainly, if Miss Kauffmann will be good enough to point out their beauties.

Kauff. My daughter will be delighted. In the library, Count. Angelica, my child, show the Count. [Angelica goes out to library followed by Strossman and Kauffmann."

Miss E. I hate that man !

Lady M. Dear madam, I protest ; a man of fashion and a man of taste!

Miss E. I hate him, because he is always paying attentions to Angelica.

Lady M. Her attractions and her talent.

Miss E. He has no right to trifle with her, because he can never marry her — that's the law of his country. Now once more to business. I never had such business on hand before. My Lady, yon must give me all the help you can ; my brother is in love with Angelica, the first woman he has ever cared for, and I'm at a nonplus.

Lady M. What's the difficulty ?

Miss E. Women always frighten him.

Lady M. But he is always so gallant to ladies — compliments and delightful flatteries!

Miss E. That's from fright. It keeps them off. Gallantry is his shield, flattery a coat of mail, and behind the armour sheer fright. But he's in love now — dying to make an offer, and he don't know the way. You see, women have always existed in his mind as ideals, not human beings; so many yards of painted canvas, light and shade, drapery, schemes of colour, bankers' cheques even, but not flesh and blood. Law! "Joshua," I tell him, "talk to her anyhow;" but that's the rub; "anyhow" blocks the way. If I could only make Angelica understand — just a little help over the stones. Couldn't you help us by giving her a hint ? Just a wee, tiny hint; very indirect, of course. I mean a sort of something round the corner.

Lady M. My dear Madam, impossible! I could not interfere in such a delicate affair! I must be pardoned. You must excuse me while I change my dress for the theatre; it's getting late. (Aside:) I must let Count Strossman know that matters are imminent, if he wants to secure Angelica. \Exit.

Miss E. If Lady Margaret won't help, I must tell her myself. It's very awkward — something round the corner is awk ward; but it will be still more awkward if the offer is never made. (Angelica enters from

Act 1.] angelica. 21

library.) Well, I hope you detest that odious Count Strossman; I do!

Angel. Indeed, Miss Reynolds, you don't do him justice! He is vastly gracious and considerate, most liberal in his patronage both to my father and myself.

Miss R. A nobleman, granted; but recollect, he can never marry you!

Angel. The idea of marriage never entered into my head!

Miss R. Well, but there are other people who can marry you — there are other people who would like to marry you — there are other people's sisters who would like you to marry them. (Aside:) I hope that's as clear as the best logic.

Angel. Several husbands, madam ? And all the sisters ?

Miss R. No, one husband, if you are not a goose — saving your presence — and one sister-in-law.

Angel. Madam, I protest —

Miss R. That's just what you mustn't do! You must assent before you are asked, or you never will be asked. You must keep " Yes " ready to jump out of your mouth like a jack-in-the-box ; the slightest touch, snap goes the spring, and presto! there stands " Yes " smiling and smirking on your lips. Mark my words: a nimble " Yes " will make you a lady of title with a fine house, before you know where you are; a lazy " Yes " and you may die a spinster! (Aside:) It's round the corner, but I think I've made it plain enough. (Sik Joshua enters.) Why, here's Joshua come to take us to the theatre! Lady Margaret is beautifying herself before the glass ; Miss Kauffmann can't go because she has a commission to execute for Count Strossman. I'll tell Lady Margaret that you are here — (Aside to Sir Joshua:) and keep her employed. Out with it, Joshua, or Count Strossman will carry her off under your very nose, and then you'll be sorry in vain. Why, it's so easy; four little letters spell love — short and very sweet. [Exit.

Sir J. (with embarrassment). Madam, I must express my profound regret that you are unable to accompany us to the theatre.

Angel. I deeply regret it also; but the claims of art are sacred. You will forgive me for yielding to their demands?

Sir J. Assuredly, my dear lady! To an artist, art must be the one object of life; emphatically, the sole object of existence.

Angel. I feel that.