The diamond necklace, in four acts

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■ 9 192'

MAiv |

Act IV., Scene I

Same as Act III., hat in hand, first entrance; second entrance, hat and overcoat on, satchel in hand. Third entrance, hat and overcoat on; no satchel.

Act III., Scene III James Lester: Black suit, hair and full beard, iron-gray; no hat, diamond rings on fingers, gold watch and chain.

Scene V.

Same, with overcoat and hat on.

Act IV., Scene I.

First Entrance, same as Act III., no hat. Second entrance, same as Act III., no hat. Third entrance, hat on, with riding whip in hand. Fourth entrance, hat and overcoat on, no whip. Fifth entrance, hat and overcoat on, no ivhip.

Act II., Scene I.

Gerald Preston: Black suit, frock coat, dark side whiskers; bright rings on fingers, gold watch and chain, no hat.

Act II., Scene III.

Same, with high hat on, overcoat on arm.

Act L, Scene I.

Count Napley: Black suit, overcoat and soft hat on; black hair and eyebrows, heavy mustache and goatee.

Act II., Scene III.

Same as Act I.,

Act III., Scene I.

Same as Act I.

Scene V.

Bright red knitted tight-fitting suit, with cape over one shoulder, pocket in cape for revolver loaded with blank shots; red face, red mask, red shoes or slippers;' black hair, mustache, goatee and eyebrows.

Act IV., Scene II. and IV.

Same as Act I.

Act I., Scene I

Bill Stuben: Coachman livery dress and cap; clean face.

Act III., Scene IV. Same, with overcoat on

Scene V.

Same as Scene IV.

Act IV., Scene IV. Same with revolver

Act III., Scene III.

Rob Napier: Dress as captain of military; mustache.

Scene IV.

With black mask.

Scene V.

No mask.

Act III., Scene II.

Harry Lester: Twelve to fifteen years old, dark suit, hat on; face pale, walks with crutches.

Act IV., Scene I.

Same, dark suit, no hat.

Scene IV.

With hat and overcoat on.

Act II., Scene I.

Burt Standley: Boy of five years dress.

Act IV., Scene I.

Police Officers: Full beard.

i Scene III and IV.

Same as Scene 1.

Same, but no flowers or mask.

Act IV., Scene I. Same as Act HI., Scene 111

Scene II.

Same dress, with shawl and hat.

Scene III. and IV.

Same, but with no shawl or hat.

Scene V.

Hair loose and hanging down.

Act II., Scene I.

Florence Preston: Bright-colored silk dress, bright jewelry.

Scene II.

Same, with hat and cloak on.

Act III., Scene I

Lawn, large flower stands; shrubbery and trees at back.

Scene II.

Street at I. E., a pair of crutches for Harry.

Scene III.

Parlor table, two rocking chairs, upholstered, small center table, invitation cards on center table; wreath of floivers for Dora and white mask; jewels and letter for Kitty; black domino for Napier.

Scene V.

Landscape; empty revolver for Napier; address card; red mask and revolver loaded with blank cartridges for Napley.

Act IV., Scene I

Parlor suite, chairs, table, lounge, rocking chairs, center table; small basket of keys for Agnes; hand grip for Myers; small vial for Napley; book and pocketbook of money for Dora, whip for Lester; tray, cup and saucer, plate of cake for Kitty.

Scene III.

Handcuffs for officers, paper money for Dora.

Scene IV.

Two revolvers for Stuben, handcuffs for officers.

Act I. Scene I

Room in Ray Standley's house; window in flat, right corner; door in left corner; lounge under window, table and chairs in left corner; Dora and Mrs. Vicor seated at table; boanet and shawl on lounge; lamp and matches on table.

Dora: So Florence will give a grand ball, Mama?

Mrs. V.: Yes, and we are going to have a grand time.

Dora: Tell me all about it, mama; pray do; I am so anxious to hear.

Mrs. V.: My poor Dora. What an interest you take in such things; and here you are imprisoned in this miserable old house, in this desolate country place; you might have had a city mansion and been giving grand parties of your own. Don't it strike you that you made a big mistake when you disobeyed your mother and married Ray Standley.

Dora.: Oh, Mama, don't talk of 'that now. If it was wrong, it can't be helped now, and I did love Ray.

Mrs. V.: Oh, to be sure you loved him; well you've got him. "All for love and the world well lost!" That sort of thing don't pay, Dora. You should have hearkened to me and married James Lester.

Dora: I wish I had, Mama.

Mrs. V.: So I thought. Well, your sister told me to tell you that she especially desires you to come.

Dora: Did she, Mama?

Mrs. V.: Yes; she wants you to come and that's what brought me here today. Now, the question is, have you anything suitable to wear? Mrs. Preston would never forgive you if you came looking shabby.

Dora : Not a thing. My wardrobe consists of dowdy, faded rags.

Mrs. V.: Then you must have something new. Let's see — a maize silk would be very becoming, and you ought by all means, have a set of diamonds. Your jewelry is all sadly common and out of style. Can't you manage to get those things?

Dora: (weeps) It is very unkind of Ray, that it is, considering how much I have sacrificed for his sake; but I asked him for a new dress only yesterday and he denied me. He says his business affairs are so embarrassed that he can't afford to spend a shilling extravagantly.

Mrs. V.: Pooh! They all say that. He is penurious, that's all. He can afford it well enough. In your place I'd have them, to be sure, my dear child! You don't know how to manage men. (Dora weeps). Too late to cry now, child. You wouldn't listen to me when I told you how it would be. Oh, no, you'd break your heart and die if you didn't marry Ray. Well, you've married him. What a fine figure you will make at your sister's ball in an old-fashioned gown and that old Roman jewelry.

Dora : I won't wear it.

Mrs. V.: What will you do? If you stay at home, people will imagine the truth — that you can't appear for want of genteel clothes.

Dora: Mama, couldn't you help me, as I am afraid I shall never persuade Ray to let me have the money? But if you could lend me enough I will pay it back some day.

Mrs. V.: Oh, oh! Lend you the money, you little idiot! I haven't got a hundred pounds in the world. If I had, a pretty fool I should be to deny myself to gratify you. No, indeed! Go to your darling Ray, that you couldn't live without. (Dora covers her face and weeps) Ah, ah, ah! What a little fool, to be sure! Mewed up in this dreary old river house and not a genteel frock to your back! And you might have been Mrs. James Lester, with five thousand a year for pin money!

Dora: Oh, Mama, please don't. You know I hated old Lester, and I loved Ray Standley.

Mrs. V.: To be sure, I know it, and I wish you joy of your choice ! But dare to show your face at your sister's, Mrs. Preston, unless you can come well dressed. And now, give me my bonnet and I will go. This old house with the sound of the river, (Dora gives bonnet and shawl) eternally in one's ears, gives me the horrors, (Mrs. V. puts bonnet and shawl on) and it's getting so very late, it's nearly bed time.

Dora: (savagely) I will have the money and diamonds before this week is out if I have to*

Mrs. V.: If you have to what?

Dora: Oh, nothing; come, let me take you to your carriage.

[Exit Mrs. V. and Dora, L. U. E.]

[Enter Kitty and Will Stuben, R. U. E.]

Kitty: So, Mr. Bill Stuben, you big dunce! You say you will go and enlist in the Militia? Where is all your boasted affection for me?

Will: Well, Kitty, don't you hope I shall fight for our country?

Kitty: Fight, you great guslin; there's very little danger of you fighting. Why can't you stay at home and let a man go?

Will: Say! Say, Stop that! Do you think I am a woman because I wear the pants. Not on your life, Kitty; not on vour life.

Kitty: Well, all I can say is, if our English soldiers are to be made up of such gawks as you, the enemy won't find much trouble in making them scamper.

Will : Now, see here, Kitty Giles ! That kind of talk goes against the grain. If I thought you meant it I'd say good-bye. Of course, you don't want to marry a coward, so consider our little hitching up arrangement null and void, scratched out, and set yourself about to find another feller to dote on, darned quick; but it's my humble opinion that you'd be several long days in finding one that could fill the place of Mr. William Stuben, Esq., head coachman to Mr. James Lester, millionaire, and M. P. (aside) Gee whizz! That knocks her dumb!

Kitty: (excited, to Will) Hush! Hush! 1 can hear Mr^. Standley coming.

Will! What am 1 to do?

Kitty: Get behind that sofa, (Will gets behind sofa, lies down) and stay there until she goes to her room. I'll go down to the kitchen. [Exit R. U. E.]

[Enter Dora, L. U. E., comes center stage.]

Dora: Mama is right. I should have married Mr. Lester. T am unfit to be a poor man's wife. 1 hate this lonesome old house. I want to be back in the City, to have fine robes, and jewels, to dance and flirt and go to the opera. I can't endure this life. I did love Ray, but now I fancy I am growing tired even of him. (Angrily). But I will have a new silk dress and a set of jewels. I will! Mama and Florence shan't think that Ray is too poor to let me have them. I won't go to Flora's ball looking like a fright, and she all dressed in her lace and diamonds . [Enter Ray, L. TJ. E. Dora runs to meet him, throws her arms around his neck and kisses him] I was this minute thinking about you, my dear. I was cross to you this morning and I have been so sorry all day; {kisses him) but you will let me have the new silk dress, Ray. Mama has been here, and Florence is going to give a grand ball and it will break my heart if I don't have something nice to wear.

Ray: (speaking mournfully) Oh, Dora, I hoped you would not ask me again, dear. I gave you the last money I could spare to pay for your black silk and the new pony carriage. I wish I had it, indeed I do, my dear!

Dora: I know you do, and you'll get it somehow, I am sure you will, (kisses him) I must have a nice dress and a set of diamonds, Ray.

Ray: Great heavens, Dora! How can I get them for you? I have told you I have no money. (Dora throws him from her and speaks angrily.)

Dora: You might get it, borrow it, only you don't care. You are mean and miserly and you want to keep me shut up in this old house till my heart breaks. I wish I had never seen you. I wish to my heart I had married old Lester. I do!

Ray: Oh! Dora! I had not dreamed that you were so heartless! I wish I could gratify you. I do, indeed. I am not miserly. It is utterly out of my power. Listen to me, Dora. Come nearer and hear what I never meant to tell you. (Dora goes up to him).

Dora: Well, what is it?

Ray: We have been living beyond our means for the last two years, and you wanted the ponies and carriage so, and I hated to deny you, and — -and — Dora, I used money that didn't belong to me. I didn't intend to steal, heaven knows I mean to replace it, and I have succeeded in part, but don't you see, dear, that I can't spare a shilling. I must put it all back before Mr. Willis returns from abroad, or I shall be found out and ruined and disgraced for life.

Dora: (Laughing scornfully) Ha! ha! ha! So you have embezzled, have you? Well, some five or six hundred pounds more or less won't make your crime one whit worse, and I must have a set of diamonds, do you hear?

Ray: Why, great heavens! I can't raise what I've already taken. Would you have me take more? Would you have me sell my honor for your miserable trinkets.

Dora: You have no honor to sell, or you would never have duped me into marrying you.

Ray: You knew I was a poor man, Dora, and I thought you loved me.

Dora: Love you? Did you ever know love to exist without money. Fiddlesticks. I wish from the bottom of my heart I was James Lester's wife this very night.

Ray: Heaven knows I wish so, too!

[Exit Ray, L. U. E., slowly, head drooping.}

Dora: I loved him so, and sacrificed all my prospects for his sake, and this is my reward. Since he has used some of the firm's money where would have been the harm of using a little more? I'll never forgive him. Onlv to think how Mama and

Florence will laugh at me. Oh, dear! I wish I was dead. [Exit R. U. E.]

Will: {peeps from behind sofa) Oh, pity the sorrows of a poor, married man; that is, if he is born of woman. His days are many and full of — well — some gets full of whiskey so they may be able to stand the ordeal when they get home. {Gets from behind sofa to center of stage.) And the women! I have heard of some that would make the darndest touse and almost cry their eyeballs out, because their husbands wouldn't buy them a new bonnet or some other fixing that they could just as well as not do without, and nine cases out of ten they carry the day. Well, it's a good thing they haven't Billy Stuben to deal with. Well, I better get out of here before Mrs. Standley sees me as she may report me to Mr. Lester and then there will be the devil to pay.

[Exit L. 2. E.]

[Enter Kitty, R. 2 E. knocking heard, L. U. E.]

Kitty: I thought I heard someone knocking. I wonder who can it be, and so late in the evening. I better see. [Exit L. U. E., knocking heard, L. U. E.]

[Enter Kitty and Napley, L. U. E.]

Kitty: Master won't be home tonight.

Napley: I am very sorry to hear it, Miss, as I have lost my way and night has overtaken me. I should like to know if I could remain until morning.

Kitty: I'll speak to my mistress. [Exit R. U. E.]

Napley: How came I to lose my road is more than I can say. If it had not been for the light I saw in one of those windows I should have had to remain out in the cold all night, {looks off R. U. E.) Ah! Here comes the lady herself. [Enter Dora from R. U. E. Count Napley boivs to her, hat o//.]

Dora: My maid tells me you have lost your road.

Napley: {Bows) Yes, my lady. I left Tenbury this evening at 5 o'clock to walk to Leminster, and thinking of saving a couple of miles by coming across country instead of going around the high road, I turned off to the left, thereby losing my way. And since, I have been wandering from one road to another until I saw the lights of this house. Then I made bold to ask for shelter for the night.

Dora: You are a stranger around this part of the country, I presume?

Napley: Yes, my lady. I wanted to reach Leminster tonight, as I have something very valuable I wanted to sell. They are diamonds, madam, real diamonds. (Dora smiles) Oh, you need not smile. I don't mean brass set with bits of red and white glass, but real diamonds of the first water, that once belonged to a crown princess.

Dora: How came you by them?

Napley: I'll tell you, my lady. Before I left France, my grandmother died. She was a very grand old lady, madam, and lived in an old chateau, but when she died, her money was all gone — nothing left but those diamonds that in her will she left to me. Now I want to sell them to some beautiful lady, like yourself. (Napley takes box of diamond necklace from his pocket)

Dora: A very plausible story (Napley shows diamonds.) Why they are real diamonds!

Napley: To be sure! Didn't I tell you, my lady? Now would you like to buy them, cheap?

Dora: What do you call cheap?

Napley: Five hundred pounds. Not one-half their value.

Dora: Oh, dear me! I could never pay that much.

Napley: That's a small sum to pay for a set of diamonds, madam. You'll never have such a chance again!

Dora: Oh, how glorious they are! I would look beautiful with them !

Napley : Beautiful as a queen. I never saw a woman until now, worthy to wear them. Wait until your husband sees you wear them and he'll buy them for you without a word.

Dora: I am afraid not, but I'll risk my life to possess them if you are willing to wait until morning, as I don't expect him home tonight.

Napley: Gladly, madam, if you will allow me to sleep here on this sofa (pointing to sofa).

Dora: You can have a bed and you can have your jewels locked up for you, where they will be safe.

Napley: No need to put yourself out of the way in the least. I will keep my jewels. They will be safe enough. If I lay on the floor, I could rest tonight, as I am so tired, and I am a very heavy sleeper.

Dora: If you go down to the dining room you can get some supper. The servants have not retired yet.

Napley: Thank you, madam. [Napley bows. Exit R. U. E., takes diamonds with him. Dora looks after him\.

Dora: Oh, if they were mine! If I could only have them to wear at Florence's ball! (pause). If they were mine, wouldn't it make Florence and Mama open their eyes! But Ray won't hear of it. I am sure he won't. How provoking, that he won't come home tonight! But that man must not carry those diamonds out o f this house (savagely) they must be mine this very night, even if I have to steep my hands in blood. I could do it, I am sure I could. He is a small man and I am strong and his body once down in the river, who will ever know. He will do just as well dead as alive. I'll do it. [Exit door in flat]

[Enter Ray, L. U. E. slowly; soft music.]

Ray: Home! Home! Oh, how sweet the name sounds! And I must leave it in a few hours, perhaps never to return, never to look upon my loving home again. I must forever be an outcast from society. I have robbed the company's safe tonight of one thousand pounds to gratify the wishes of her, whom I love. My faith in her innocence and love is so great that I could almost sell my soul to please her, and I know my Dora loves me in return. Yes, thank heaven, I have never doubted her! (Looks at door in flat with outstretched hands) Oh! Dora! Dora! If you only knew how I loved you; if you only knew that for your sake I have sold my honor and have become a common thief and am disgraced for life! {Pauses and weeps.) It breaks my heart to leave her without one loving smile, but I will not disturb my sweet angel tonight; no, she shall not know I am here. I will leave her this one thousand pounds and a letter, (puts letter and pocketbook on table) and when she comes down in the morning, she will find it. Now for two or three hours of sleep, and then I'll bid good-bye to England and home. ( Takes overcoat off, puts hat on sofa at foot, lies down on sofa, face outward, covers head and shoulders with overcoat.)

[Enter Kitty with lighted cand'e, she lights lamp on table; stage lights dim.]

Kitty: Goodness, gracious! I didn't know it was so late! Nearly 2 o'clock and everyone in bed. I got so interested in reading that book that Will gave me, I did not think of the time. 1 must hurry to bed. If Mrs. Standley knew I stayed up so late, there would be no end to her scolding.

[Exit Kitty with candle, door in flat] [Enter Napley from R. U. E.]

Napley: Well, well, they have gone to bed and left me by myself. I wish that husband of her's was home. He might buy the jewels for her. She seems delighted at the sight of them. I don't suppose she ever possessed such valuable jewels in her life. Anyhow, I have had a good supper and can afford to wait until madam's husband comes home. {Turns up to sofa) What is this? My bed for the night occupied? Can this be her husband? He seems to sleep like a rock. I won't disturb him; there's a lounge in the dining room that will suit me good enough. [Exit R. U. E.]

[Dim light, Dora opens door in flat, looks in]

Dora: All is still. Every one is having the first sleep of the night from which it is hard to awaken. [Enter Dora from door in flat with her hair loose and, dagger in hand, stands left of door]

Dora: *Now is my time. He said he was a heavy sleeper. All the better, as he won't suffer much. I will do it, and the diamonds shall be mine. I could tell Florence that Ray bought them and make Ray think them a present from mama, no one will be the wiser, for the river (pointing to door) will cover my crime, and he'll do as well dead as alive. Only one blow, and the diamonds are mine. (Soft music; Dora goes slowly to head of lounge and listens; raises dagger and stabs Ray in the back. Ray groans, rot's off the lounge to stage, face down, Dora, excited, runs down stage, drops dagger). The deed is done! I must now throw his body over the cliffs into the river, and then no one will know that anything has happened. (Dora picks up body and drags it off stage through door or L. U. E. Enter Napley, picks up dagger quickly. Exit R. U. E., Re-enter Dora, slowly, stands by table) Oh! I wish I had not done it! It is so horrible. I felt strong before I struck the blow, but now I am trembling and am as weak as a child! Oh! if I could call that man back to life, I would do it willingly. (Trembling, picks up letter off table). Ah! Here is a letter in my husband's hand-writing. He has been here — I won-- der did he see me kill the peddler? (Trembling, opens letter, reads aloud) "My dearest Wife: I love you more than anything on earth, more than my own life, though you may not think so. I would die to make you happy. I ought not to have married you ; you are too beautiful to be poor, but no one in this world will love you as fondly as I have. Dora, you shall have your jewels and your new dress. I won't disappoint you, dear. I have given you the strongest proof of my love. For your sake I have become a common thief. I will not disturb you, but will sleep upon the sofa until morning. Get the trifles you desire. Go to your sister's ball and be happy. When I am gone tomorrow, say that business called me away. If I never return, forgive me, Darling, and sometimes remember me. For your sake I have done that which makes my life worthless. If we never meet again, God bless you. The money you will find on the table. 1 will leave home tomorrow at 5 o'clock." (crushes letter.) At 5 o'clock! And it is only 2! (goes to sofa takes up coat and hat) My husband's coat and hat! (staggers back) Oh! My God! I have killed Ray, my husband! (Falls fainting, center of stage).

[Enter Napley, shows diamond necklace]

Napley: And lost the diamonds! Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!

Act II., Scene I. [Five years between first and second Act

[A room in Gerald Preston's house. Window in flat; sofa, R. chairs L. and R. table C. Dora seated R., fixing five-year-old son, Burtie's tie and collar. Enter Florence L. U. E.]

Florence: My dear Dora! Are you never coming down? Heavens above! You haven't dressed yet, and here the guests and your bridemaids will be coming soon. Will you send that child out of the room and make your toilet!

Dora: (Laughing, to Bur tie) Send you away, my pet? How can Mama? {kisses him) Your Aunt Florence never had a baby of her own. That's what makes her so cross.

Florence: That's true! Depend upon it, you are quite burden enough on the hands of your friends. There was no need of a brat. Morover, the encumbrance will assuredly injure your prospects. Men do not care to have children thrust upon them, and with children of his own. It's a wonder to me that James Lester marries you.

Dora: Mr. Lester can just please himself. You talk like an idiot, Florence. The brat, as you very elegantly term my child, (rising in anger) was not a matter of choice, but a necessity.

Florence: By no means! Mama's suggestion would have done away with all the trouble. She entreated you and so did I, to go into seclusion for a year after your husband's death. There was no need for the world ever to know of the child's existence, and I promised you he should be well cared for; but, as usual, you must have your own way and you'll go on having it to the end of the chapter, I suppose, to your own ruin and the disgrace of your friends.

Dora: I am glad I had my own way! I wouldn't be without my baby boy for the world, and don't fret over my prospects,

Florence! You and mania, I shall outshine you both yet, (aside) and by my devotion to Ray Standley's son, I shall, in a measure, atone for my awful crime. [Exit Dora and Burtie, R. 2 E.] [Enter Mrs. V., from L. 1 E., puts case of jewels on sideboard.]

Mrs. V.: What's the matter, Florence? Have you girls been quarreling again?

Florence: I declare it is insufferable the way Dora goes on, and 1 won't put up with it. One would think, being utterly dependent on us for the bread she eats and the clothes she wears, she would be civil and grateful. On the contrary, no grand duchess ever carried herself more loftily, and Preston upholds her, too, flattering her about her beauty; but I can't see where she looks any better than the common run of women.

Mrs. V.: Oh, my dear, she is a beauty, there is no manner of doubt about that; the sort of beauty, too, that men most admire. She takes after me, you see. She is precisely what I was at her age! {Sits in chair) And, don't you know, dear, this is her wedding night? We must submit to her a little.

Florence: Yes, in a few hours she'll leave my house. [Exit L. 1 E.]

Mrs. V.: (Looking after her) Poor, dear Florence! How hard it goes with her to be so plain! That's the secret of all her bitter feelings. She envies her sister's beauty. Not much wonder! Poor Florence! She takes after her father, poor thing. He was a horrid man to look at, but his money made up for it. [Enter Dora from R. U. E., dressed in white silk, goes to window, opens it, looks out] Dear me! How comfortable we might have been if that fearful panic had not ruined us. However, I have managed to get on quite nicely, owing to Florence's good marriage. [Ray Standley appears at window, white face, no hat; lime light at back; lights dim at front. Dora raises her hands to her neck, moves backward, sloivly to left] And if my hopes of Dora are realized, all will be well.

Dora: (Screams) Oh! heavens! The dead has arisen to accuse me! (falls fainting, Ray disappears.)

Mrs. V.: (Runs to Dora, lifts her head up) Why, what does this mean? How did it happen? [Enter Kitty, R. U. E.]

Kitty: (Excitedly) Oh, madam, is my lady dead? Shall I ring for assistance?

Mrs. V.: (To Kitty) You idiot! Would you alarm the house for nothing? Dora, my dear, are you ill?

Dora: (Sloivly) I say I saw his face! Oh, Mama, I saw Ray's face!

Mrs. V.: (Angrily) His face! Get up this instant! Come here, Kitty, and assist your mistress. [Mrs. V. and Kitty lift Dora up and seat her in chair at L.] Only look at your dress; what a fright it is. We should have gone down half an hour ago. Florence was right when she predicted that you'd ruin everything by your lack of common sense! (To Kitty) Kitty! Stop staring like a fool and hand me those diamonds. [Kitty gets diamond necklace from box on sideboard, brings it to Mrs. V.]