LANCASTER Advice to Husbands m -^^« PR 4865 L47A3 ^Cc^ SPENCER'S BOSTON THEATRE No. CIII. ADVICE TO HUSBANDS. gin Original C0mt^i^tta, IN ONE ACT. •WKITTEN BT CHARLES SEARS LANCASTER. WITH OMOINAL CASTS, COSTUMES, AND THE WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS, CORRECTLY MARKED AND ARRANGED, BY MR. J. B. WRIGHT, ASSISTANT MANAGER OF THE BOSTON THEATRE. BOSTON: "WILLIAM V. SPENCER, 128 Washikgtom Street, (cornee op Water.) ^ r i4" 1 i >t '" r r d^^5 1 1 cq k - - ^ J 2 •^ S s _c 3m C3 o != •3 Op -: ? s e C. 02 £ 8 pi pi •2 >- d ,3 X i-« ^ " S ^'.-O i>. "o I. o *i TO -p e -. >. ^f r. d 2 = Ci. < cl^HS s ^ 5 m iSa; S ^ ' ^ - kl 2; o C i.-^ a etc &4 > 1 ■■||iJ Cx'JO m i'^ s s :: 3 s ii to 12 >. "o ^ ^'■ < E — s "3 S ^ fcj ^ g > S |l > ._p •-S ^1 - - 3m - ^ ^ '3 .= 'H '= 5 t- to s a !•§ X. >x=: = w fcr = C 1-; X r^" = 2 .J^ 1. ^ ^ ^ ^ S o 5 .* - « ^ J. ^ o S O sc rt o s ^ > w o ^ — ' • Q 5 'S'^fs Q^ ti. >iso esV sis.? W to B «=§'-« : ^^ C it. 'X 1 n o > H ei • Eh CQ H " S S ^S Id js Eh ■a j3 03 O : i O ® IT ' — o w z i: H = z «; " o — w BS -^ o s O fc. fe fa *= (2) ' ^ tl.NiVl.KSl iV Ol' CALIFORNIA '4^(ob ' SAMA BAKliARA L'iy Ah ADVICE TO HUSBANDS. Scene I. — A Shady Lane, with Latidscape, in 1 o. Enter Two Footpads, l. h. 1 e. Isf. Footp. Two whole days, and not a single customer ! I ■won- der what the profession will come to next ? 2d. Foofp. I know what we shall come to if Ave travel the same road much longer. Ist. Footp. What ? 2d. Footp. The gallows ! Isf. Footp. You're a fool ! Our forefathers earned a reputable live- lihood on the highway, and were respected by all who met them. 2d. Fontp. Now the confounded railroads let nothing go ahead but themselves. There was some chance of a gang overhauling a mail coach ; but, hang me, if you will find a troop with pluck enough to stop a railway train. For my part I hate steam. It's an imposition, and interferes with our riglits. \st. Footp. I'm longing for a bold deed ! 2d. Footp. (^L'lokimj ojf, L. H.) There's one to your hand. 1«^ Footp. Where ? 2d. Footp. Crossing the third stile, you'll observe \st. Footp. No : he won't do. 2d. Foofp. Why not ? He's well dressed. \st. Footp. Yes ; but he wears mustaches. 2d. Footp. What of that ? 1st. Fuofp. Mustaches tights ! 2d. Footp. Does they ? • 1st. Footp. {Lofikuig in another direction, R. H.) There's one more to my taste — a handsome girl. 2d. Foiitp. That's the charitable young widow, Mrs. Trevor, Gen- eral Leslie's daughter, that lives at the big house here. 1a^ Fur'p. They say she always carries plenty of money. 2d. Footp. Yes, to give away. l-it. Footp. More foul she. Besides she won't miss it : it can but go once. 2d. For/tp. Yes ; but she's just come out of widow Frecland's cot- tage. The children are all ill, and she risks infection for the sake of doing good. (3) 4 ADYTCE TO HUSBANDS. 1st. Fooip. Hold your peace, and stand back. 2d. Footp. {Obeying suUenhj.') I'll have no hand in this ! \st. Footp, Then I'll do it myself. {Conceals himself behind wing, ». H.) {Exit 'Id Footpad, l. h. 1 e.) Enter Mrs. Teetor, r. h. 1 e. Mrs. T. I forgot to tell the poor woman I would return to-morrow. Shall I go back ? No — I have never missed a day yet : she will be sure to expect me. How clear and fresh the morning, and what a tranquil spot ! How like my own heart once ! Not now ? Alas ! half the charm is faded ; it stUl beats calmly ; but its freshness is gone ! \st. Footp. {Advancing, R. H.) Now for a bit of the polite. Ex- cuse me, yoimg woman, I'll trouble you for your money. Mrs. T. You ask roughly. I have httle left ; but that you are welcome to. Isl. Footp. {Seizing her.) Then give me your watch. Mrs. T. Unhand me, and you shall have all. Is^. Footp. I'll help myself. Mrs. T. {Struggling.) Help — help ! 1st. Footp. There's no use in struggling. {Shows a clasp kni/e.^ Enter Colonel Rashleigh, with a pistol, l. h. 1 e. Col. M. Coward — stand off! ( Throws him back.) Mrs. T. O, Heaven ! I shall bring destruction upon another. Col. R. Fear not for me, madam. I will make short -work with him.. {Cocks the pistol — the Footpad springs vpon him, and grasps it.) \\'e\\, if you're fond of wTestling, have with you ; but, if the East have not spoiled me, this shall be your last exploit ! {Exeunt, struggling, R. H. 1 e.) Mrs. T. I may yet be in time to send assistance. Help — help ! {Exit, L. H. 1 E. A shot heard without, R. H.) Reenter Coloxel Eashleigh, hastily, R. h. 1 e.) Col. R. Faith, this is occupation for cooler weather ! I beg your ?ardon, ma'am ; but — eh ? fled, and left me alone with my glory ! expected a more amiable companion. She had a form to love with once gazing on. But that's passed with me. I have loved — been cruelly deceived — had every hope dashed and — pshaw ! "Will my heart never be at rest ? Enough — she was a woman, and Avanted protection — perhaps may do so still. I saw two fellows lurking about. She can't have gone that road without stumbling over one, so I'll e'en take this, and follow her, for her safety demands it. {Exit, L. H. 1 e.) ADVICE TO HrsBANDS. Scene II. — A Dratcinc/ Room, tcith French tcindotos opening on a laicn. Table and two chairs on L, H. ; table and two chairs on R. H. ; sofa on L. C. ; C. d. practical. Enter Mrs. Trevor, hurriedly, from the lawn, c. d. l. h. Mrs. T. O, that dreadful pistol ! The report still rings in my ear — the knell of one — perhaps my preserver ! To be even the in- nocent cause of harming a fellow-creature is insupportable ! Enter Colonel Rashleigh, /rom the latcn, c. d. l. h. Thank Heaven, he is safe ! Co/. R. (l.) Pardon, madam, this immannerly intrusion. I did not perceive you until so near the house that I feared my retiring ■would create suspicion and surprise. I followed solely for your pro- tection ; say that my object is accomplished, and I will at once withdraw. Mrs. T. (k.) Nay, sir, my heart is too full for adequate thanks. Pray stay, my father's coming — he would not be happy without press- ing the hand of his child's preserver. {^Going, r. h.) Col. R. Thanks are superfluous for an act that carries its own re- ward. But you wish it, and I obey. Mrs. T. (^Aside.) His voice seems like a memory of other days. — {Aloicd.) Excuse me, sir, I — pray, sir, be seated. (Colonel Rashleigh advances, and appears to recognise Mrs. Trevor, who courtesies and exit, R. H. 1 e.) Col. R. Powers of mercy, it is she ! Yes — I cannot be mistaken. The same enchanting harmony of form and feature — the same in- tense brilliancy of eye — the same haliness of expression ! It is she — it is my wife ! {Recovering his emotio7i.') Shall I stay to be her spoil ? Shall years of disgrace and mental suffering be burned away by a single glance of an inconstant woman ? No — we have met for the last time ! {He quits the room hastily, c. d. ; returns, and pauses on the threshold.) Yet, stay. {Advances slotclg.) She appeared not to recognize me ; she could not do so, and meet my injured gaze ! She is little changed; but time and climate have done their Avork on me. I should like to know if she is happy, and to look once more upon features that have been to me, for so many j-ears, as a beautiful and melancholy dream ! Gen. L. {Without, R. H.) Leave the house unthanked ! Were there no other way of detaining him, I'd knock the generous rascal dOAATi ! Col. R. Her father's voice ! He was no party to her gtiilt. He left England immediately after our marriage. Enter General Leslie, r. h. 1 e. Gen. L. {Speaking as he enters.) Where is this modest youth? Hejday ! I tliought to find a stripling, not a hero ! Are you the pre- server of my poor girl ? I * O ADVICE TO HUSBANDS. Col. R. {Formalhj.') Opportimity, sir, has happily thro-\vn me into so enviable a position. Gen, L. A brother soldier, and fear to face a volley of gratitude from an old man and a lovely woman ! You have laid us under a debt beyond our means to paj- — do not make wsfcel bankrupt by re- fusing the small instalment of our thanks. Your hand, young man. Accept the bluff but deep acknoAvledgment of one who never uttered a sentiment he did not feel. (Shakes Colonel Rashleigh xcarndy by the hand.) If you knew my daughter — her gentleness — her tender- ness — her charity — her piety — you would think her a being rather sent to teach than to suffer, and wonder how a stony-hearted, doating old father could have his child saved from death, and press the hand of her preserver without a tremor or a tear ! I'm as hard-hearted as an old gun flint ! {^IVipes his eyes.) Col. R. I once knew such a being — I once ( Turns aside to hide his emotion.) I cannot speak of her ! His words bring back so Strong a tide of memory that my very thoughts almost choke me. Gen. L. Y^ou are moved — ill — nay, nay, no disguise, man. (^Again putting his handkerchief to his eyes.) The strongest of us may have our hearts unstrung by the excitation of a moment. Y''our strug- gle, too — perhaps you are hurt ? Col. R. No — not hurt. I am, by nature, light of spirit, which a recent affair has clouded. I am now en route to a distant part of the countr}\ Excuse my tarrying longer. I feel that the delay of a single hour may change the complexion of a life. Gen. L. How : Not stay to witness the result of your morning's ■work ? The eye that you have brightened — the cheek that you have tinted — egad, the escape of my dear daughter, makes me talk to you as freely as if you were my son. — (^Aside.) I wish he were ; for he's a fine fellow, and that's the truth on't. Col. R. (^Aside.) Shall I at once declare myself? Gen. L. {Aside.) He seems in grief: perhaps for the loss of some relative. Col. R. (Aside.) Should she be again married ! O, that thought is insupportable ! — (Aloud.) Sir, you may deem the question I am about to ask strange — impertinent — but I have a strong, an uncon- trollable motive for asking it. Has your daughter (Pauses.) Gen. L. Speak on, sir. I admire frankness. Col. R. (After a struggle.) Has your daughter — a husband ? Gen. L. (Seriously.) She has not, sir. Col, R, Nor ever had one ? Gen, L, (Warmly.) Never! Col. R. Never ? Gen. L. "What are the duties of a husband? To love and cherish the gentle object confided to him — to nurture and direct her opening mind, to watch over and protect her name and iaxne, and, should calumny assail, to stifle its very breath ere it grew into the form of words ! No, no — she never had a husband. Col. R. You speak with deep meaning, and raise an inexpressible interest. Dare I ask Gen. L. I have nothing to disguise. There was one who professed to love her. ADVICE TO HUSBANDS. 7 Col. R. (Aside.) Professed ! Gen. L. He seemed a fine, noble, generous fellow, just such an- other as yourself. (Observing him minutely.) Your name, young man ? Col. R. Rashleigh — Colonel Rashleigh. Gen. L. You have done well, sir, for your country in the east. I have heard your name associated with deeds of greatness. ( With emo- tion.) You resemble Frank Trevor so much, that you might pass for his elder brother. Col. R. (Aside.) He forgets the effect of seven years. Gen. L. (Recovering himself.) Six months after their marriage affairs of importance di-ew him to London, and then — suffice it — •we never saw him more ! Col. R. Nor heard from him ? Gen. L. {Struggling loith his feelings.) Why should I conceal it ? He was a scoundrel ! Col. R. A scoundrel ! Gen. L. Ay, sir — a scoundrel ! Col. R. (Aside.) Could I have been deceived ? Alas ! no. De Vere fell beneath my pistol, avowing his treachery ! Gen. L. One letter reached us containing charges against his spot- less wife that he lacked courage to utter. Col. R. (Hastily.) Was there no excuse — no palliative ? Might he not be the dupe of a designing knave ? Gen. L. He lied the test of scrutiny. Col. R. (Eagerly, and much impassioned.) And the charge was false ? (Genekal Leslie makes a moveinent towards Colonel Rash- leigh, stops, and partly recovers himself.) Gen. L. ( With great determination.) Y'oung man, did not an hour since make my life a debt to you — for mine is WTapped in hers — an- other hour would, perhaps, end fatally to one or both of us ! Col. R. Forgive my anxiety. Nothing was more distant from my thought than to make a charge a father should blush to hear. Your threat, general, was premature. Gen. L. (Endeavoring to speak with composure.) To doubt honor is to wound it. Shall I not avenge myself on the traducer of my child ? You are too young — too inexperienced to know the refined torture that a chance word may inflict upon a parent's heart. Col. R. (Aside.) I will not — cannot longer delay the avowal. — (To General Leslie.) I dared to breathe a thought in his de- fence, knowing that that man — that he himself is Gen. L. Dead ! Col. R. Dead ? Gen. L. I knew what you were about to urge. (Reflects for a moment.) He died — and not by my hand — that is my reproach ! Col. R. And she — his wife — his widow I Did she, too, cherish a bitter feeling against him ? Gen. L. (Much moved.) AVe will not speak of her. Change of scene was resorted to — there was a blank in her life, and ^he has never uttered his name since ! ADVICE TO HUSBANDS. Enter William, l. h. 1 e. Wil. The messenger has returned, sir. Gen. L. Let him wait. {Exit William, l. h. I e.) I sent him to a neighboring magistrate with information of the attack in which you were a conspicuous actor. A few moments, and I will return. {Crosses, L. h.) Your hand once more. We shall not be worse mends for you having defended the dead and / the living ! {Exit, L. H. 1 E.) Col. R. Well may they say that life is a melancholy jest. Here am I, a dead man and a confirmed scoundrel — compelled by circum- stances to hear all sorts of charges, to endure all sorts of hard names, and to find that my sole redeeming act is an unsuccessful effort at a post tnortem defence. After all, I feel my heart most wonderfully Ughtened. The thought of my wife's truth comes like a rainbow to wrecked hope ! Still are there many clouds to dissipate. What course shall I take ? What if I begin afresh — once more turn lover, and try to win the heart I owned ? What if I be successful ? Humph ! the result is mortifying : at best, I triumph over my former self — so, in either case, one of us must be cast into the shade ! Well, self-victory is the hardest to attain — so say the wise ones. Be it my lot to make the attempt. Redtiier General Leslie, l. h. 1. e. Gen. L. I am once more at your service, and hope our momentary difference will not prevent a friendship commenced jinder cii'cumstan- ces so deeply interesting. . Col. R. My dear general, reflection has so increased my interest in your family, that I have resolved on a few days stay in the village to give me an opportunity of proving my respect and esteem. Gen. L, You are a man after my own heart — ever ready for ac- tion, yet never bearing malice. A flash — a burst — and then as cool as a gun barrel. Col. R. I wUl just step to my hotel Gen. L. You are in it. This house is your hotel, and I the ready host ! Determined not to lose you, I took upon myself to send for your baggage. Come, sit down. — {They sit.) Being particularly anxious to introduce you to an agreeable acquaintance Col. R. Y''ou mean your daughter, I prestune ? Gen. L. O, no — a gentleman. Col. R. Indeed ! — {Aside.) I'm growing fidgety already. — {Aloud.) An acquaintance, may I ask, or friend ? Gen. L. The latter : I may say a relative. Col. R. {Aside.) That's an equivocal animal. — {Aloud.) Not a cousin, I hope ? Gen. L, O, no — a son-in-law. Col. R. A what ? Gen. L. A son-in-law. Col. R. I beg pardon. — Have you another daughter ? Gen. L. You saved my only child. ADTICE TO HUSBANDS. 9 Col. R. (Aside.) O, I am on the rack ! — (^Alcud.) I under- stood you she was a widow ? Gen. L. Ay — teas. Col. R. And is she not ? Gen. L. And is for the present. I call him son-in-law. The bond of affection wants but a word to make it perfect. Col. R. (^Bitterly.) True — words are wax, and change their form at pleasiu-e. Is it with j^our consent ? Gen. L. Undoubtedly. Col. R. (^Aside.) She has not suffered as J have suffered, else could she never give her heart again. " Frailty, thy name is woman ! " Gen. L. He will have to thank you for the brightest earthly gift a man can receive — a good wife ! Col. R. (Aside.) Curse his thanks ! Gen. L. What a gratification must such a thought afford you. Col. R. Overwhelming ! — (Aside.) Have I found a lost gem to see it worn by another ? I'll die first ! Gen. L. You are grave. Do you disapprove of second marriages ? Col. R. If a woman can love twice, it is well. Gen. L. She was but eighteen when she sacrificed herself — at five and twenty she may have learned wisdom. Col. R. (Aside.) Perhaps this is a marriage of compulsion — there is yet hope. — (Aloicd.) Is your daughter left to follow the stream of her affections ? Gen. L. Heaven forbid that I should tamper with things so sacred ! I am gi-owing old, and must anticipate that my child will soon be deprived of her only earthly protector : enough that the dutiful girl entered into my views, and fixed this day for her decision. Col. R. And that decision is Gen. L. Wholly miknov\Ti to me. Col. R. (Aside.) I breathe again ! My mind's made up. I'll enter the lists against him. — (Aloud.) When is the vital decision to be given ? Ge7i. L. (Looking at his watch.) In an hoxxr from this time. Col. R. One hoiur ! — (Aside.) The fate of an empire has been decided in less time ! Gen. L. My consent is given ; and the bridegroom, that is to be, confidently awaits her compliance. Col. R. (Rises. — Aside.) So, then, it seems I am to make love to my own wife, with only an hovu to do it in, and the odds against me ! — (Aloud.) General, what class of beings are we most apt to love ? Gen. L. Those for whom we have sxiffered, or who have received our protection. Cul. R. You speak my own thoughts. Gen. L. Well, and what follows ? Col. R. This simple answer. I have protected your daughter, therefore I love her ! Gen . L. The deuse you do ! Col. R. Ay, sir — love her deeply, madly, devotedly : love her as if she were my wife ! — (Aside.) That's an unfortunate simile ! Ge7i. L. I'm thunderstruck ! 10 AD\-1''E TO HUSBANDS. Col. R. In plain terms, general, I at once declare myself your daughter's suitor, and shall devote the coming hour to the advance- ment of my suit. Gen. L. You take me by surprise. What shall I say to her old lover r Col. R. Leave that to me. / will settle with him in any case. Gen. L. Consider my honor Col. R. Shall I not consider my o^fra. ? I have taken a prize. — Shall I yield her tamely ? No, general ; the arm that fought for her can and will do so again, if occasion need it. Grant my request, and, upon the honor of a soldier, the instant the dial hand points to the moment of decision, I will quit this roof forever, save at the de- sire of your own child. Gen. L. Humph ! I like your spirit — I like yourself. But Alice is not the girl to be lightly won. You shall have the opportunity you ask for. I will in no wise seek to mfluence my daughter, but simply bring her here. — (Crosses, e.) You are a courageous fellow. I have myself done a daring act or two since I entered the service, and I sup- pose all brave spirits are of one family. (^Chuckling .^ Attempt to win a girl in an hour, from a suitor of seven years' standing ! A bold, conceited, impudent, noble-hearted coxcomb! {Exit, it. H. 1 e.) Col. R. What if she loves this man ? Shall I step between to rob her of the happiness she sought in vain with me r Will it not be more kind, more gi-nerous, more honorable, to retreat? She believes me dead ; and shall I not be amply repaid in seeing her smile upon one she loves ? No — curse me if I shall ? I will employ the few re- maining minutes in urging my, I fear, hopeless suit. O, that I could dream for the next half hour ! I would give five years of my life to have it over ! Enter William, l. h. 1 e. Wil. Sir, the hot water is ready. Col. R. Confound the fellow ! I've been in nothing else since morning ! {Exeunt William and Col. E., l. h. 1 e.) Reenter Mrs. Trevor, r. h. 1 e. Mrs. T. Gone ! and -s^-ithout seeing me ? It is well. "WTiy be surprised that he feels no interest in me r Why regret it, since I must not feel interest in him ? And yet he saved my life. {Crosses to a sofa on L. h.) What is the gift worth r {Rests her head upon her hand in reverie, L.) This day completes my five and twentieth year, and puts its seal upon the seventh of my loneliness ! This day," too, must I confirm or destroy the strongest hope of a dear and indulgent parent. {Fames.) It is not for us to judge, although it is hard to bear a decree that checks the current of youthiul feeling, and sobers a joyous girl into a bereaved matron ! ' Reenter General Leslie, r. h. 1 e. Gen. L. I have just sent for you, my dear Alice, and am glad to ADVICE TO HUSBANDS. 11 find you here. Our guest, Colonel Rashleigh, is desirous of an interview. Mrs. T. With me ? For what purpose ? I mean — when ? Gen. L. Immediately. Mrs. T. Not before Captain Thornton's visit ? Gen. L. He is still in the house, and made that a point. Mrs. T. How strange ! Have you explained to him my exact position ? Gen. L. Yes — without mentioning the captain's name. I am confident that Colonel Rashleigh is a man of honor : the rest I leave wholly to that excellent monitor — your own heart. {Exit, 1 E. R. H.) Mrs. T. {Sits on R. h.) This is a trial I little anticipated and less desired. It calls up too many recollections of scenes now past recur- rence. {Leans her head upon her hand, R., absorbed in thought.) Reenter Colonel Rashleigh, l. h. 1 e. • Col. R. {Looking at Mrs. Trevor, unobsei-ved.) AVhat a sweet picture ! I could fancy, for the moment, that years were annihilated, and I stood in doubt before her once again a lover. What have I to answer for r There is no time for self-reproach. I must strain every thought to the attainment of the one absorbing object. {Advances.) Madam ! — {Aside.) I would give my commission to know the oc- cupant of her thoughts ! — {Aloud.) Madam ! Mrs. T. Sir! {Rises.) Pardon me — I did not observe your presence. Col. R. It is I who should apologize for an unannounced intrusion. I wished, madam, to see you — alone ; and having a few words to say, and but few moments to shape them in, I thought our introduction of the morning, however informal, would plead an excuse. Mrs. T. That circumstance alone induced my consent to an inter- view at the present moment. Col. R. And — as moments — as — as moments are precious Pray, madam, be seated. {Hands Mrs. Trevor a chair ; she motions for him to be seated also.) As I said, madam, moments being precious — I {Aside.) She is a lovely creature. — {Aloud.) I — I {half aside) haven't a word to say for myself ! Mrs. T. I am all attention. Col. R. At the moment of my life when I would give gems for words The fact is, madam, try me upon any other subject, and I can discourse most eloquently ; but now — the truth is, that with those two lustrous eyes looking into my very soul, I can only, without the aid of ornament, in the plainest terms, repeat the avowal. Mrs. T. {Smiling.) You have made none yet. Col. R. Then, madam, take the will for the deed ; for if ever a man admired, loved, honored, reverenced, idolized a woman, he had but a faint notion of the overwhelming thrall which a single glance has wound around one who has not words to express a twentieth part the extent of his bondage I Mrs. T. Your dumb eloquence has speedily found a tongue. The 12 ADWrE TO HUSBANDS. nature of our introduction alike excuses your hasty protestation, and my not unwilling attention to an avowal which would otherwise be as ill judged as immature You may think I speak too calmly upon a subject so vital to the interests of those Avho discuss it ; but, unhap- pily, I have already once Enough, sir, that — that — {aside) — keep from my heart ! — (^aloud) — that duty has defined a course which inclination dares not swerve from ! CoL B. I feel that I have deser\'ed this by speaking hastily — per- haps with levity ; but if the offer of a life's devotion Mrs. T. Proceed no farther : pray do not — you embarrass me. Col. R. Promise me but one thing — that you will not give my rival a decisive answer. Promise this, and Mrs. T. I cannot — I must not ! Col. R. Say but that I may revert to the subject Mrs. T. Colonel Rashleigh — to you I owe the life that I would rather part from than tamper with the love you have generously proffered. Col. R. (^Mournfully.) You reject me,' then ? Mrs. T. {After a moment's /lesitation, with deep determination,') I do! Col. R. {Rising.) Then there remains but little peace for me on earth ! I have suffered years of misery only to be succeeded by others of still deeper agony ! But know, madam, that he whom you have sacrificed to a rival Mrs. T. {Rising.) A rival ? {With pride.) Y''ou have none ! Col. R. How ! Mrs. T. I said my duty forbade it. I have been a wife ! Col. R. (Impressively.) The grave absolves all ties. Mrs. T. Do we owe no duty to the dead ? None to their memory? Col. R. {Delightedly.) You abjure, then, all ties? Mrs. T. Give me a moment to collect myself, and you shall see my heart. {Sits and loeeps.) Col. R. {Resuming his seat.) O, madam, I have been premature — rash — a fool : forgive me — forgive me ! ^Jrs. T. (Collecting herself.) Yon hive earned a right to my con- fidence, and shall share it. You see before you one who yet young in years is old in grief. Before my eighteenth year 1 became a wife ; and although my fate was linked to one scarcely three j'ears my senior, I looked up to him as a being alone of his kind — the one star before which all others faded; and, in the fulness of my joy, I felt that for me, at least, earth had its Eden ! Col. R. (Aside.) How the very depth of her love chides me ! Mrs. T. Six months passed thus : hours to those that followed ! I cannot speak in detail. We parted ! The moment for his return arrived, and brought with it, — not himself — not a missive of affec- tion to tell of his delay, — but a cruel and cold-hearted letter, which spoke of things that thought itself should blush to meditate. I pe- rused it once — the shock struck home ; and then — for many, many weeks — I was the only one who felt not that the srm of my happines3 had set forever ! Col. R. Your feelings were overwrought. Y''ou do not — do not mean that — — I cannot bear even the asking ! ADVICE TO HUSBANDS. ^3 Mrs, T. (Bisinf/.) Yes — I was mad ! (Colonel Rashleigh starts up; Mrs. 'iKEVon pauses , seemingly unconscious of his presence ; abst}-actedly.) Look yonder, where a little mound of earth shows fresh with flowers. They may tell me it is his grave — but no — I never wept over — never saw the turf that keeps him from me. My hand never planted those sweet remembrances of young affection — and who else is there in the world that loves him well enough ? His grave ? No ; it is the spot where first his words taught me how briglit a thing is the twining of two souls ! And then the ivy clings about the tall tree in memory of it ! Methinks I hear the organ's pealing note — his voice, too ! And then the holy man who pronounced the vows that affection leaps to echo ! He joined us in the name of Him who knows our inmost thoughts ! (Pauses.) The tie is indissoluble, and yet they would tear, me from his very memory ! But they shall not — they shall not ! Col. R, {Much moved.) Calm yourself, madam : there are none to harm you here. Mrs. T. {Partially recovering.) That voice speaks Hke old mem- ories ; and, hearing it, I could weep till my heart burst ! {Crosses to Xj., presses her eyes, looks up, and endeavors to rouse herself.) I have been weeping ! A veil is before my eyes, and thought is benumbed ! {Turns io Colonel Rashleigh.) Ah! I remember — I was speak- ing Col. li. When you are more composed. Mrs. T. No — hear me on. {Sits, L.) I feel that I can bear it, and something whispers that you should know all. {Pauses.) Four years elapsed, during which time I clung to a hope never to be real- ized. He came not ! Then was the fatal blow struck — he died, and I became a widow. O, the desolation of that word ! The utter lone- liness of a heart without a kindred stem to cling to ! Col. R. {Aside.) And this is the being I have suspected ! (Anxiously.) Had he still lived — still loved Mrs. T. He love? Can the ruthless rending of the holiest tie be called by such a word ? He never loved ! Col. JR, Madam, it is hard to judge the absent — difficult to guess emotions we do not witness ; but, if ever wife was beloved, you were by my friend, Frank Trevor. Mrs. T, (Rises, hurriedly.) Who utters that name ? Col. R. (Rising.) Colonel Rashleigh — his fellow soldier ! Mrs. T. (With emotion.) His fellow soldier! You can, then, speak of him ? Col. R. I can. Of his truth — his sufferings ; but your excited feelings Mrs. T. O, no. I am calm now ; and, although he is dead, you are the first who has spoken of him in tones of gentleness. Col. R. You were in his memory in the time of peril — in the hour of sickness. Even when writhing under the anguish of a desperate wound, he clasped, blood- dyed as it was, the miniature you placed within his bosom, and prayed but for sight to gaze upon it to the last ! Mrs. T. You saw this — and avouch it ? (Anxiously.) He spoke of me — his wife ? 2 14 ADTIOE TO HUSBANDS. Col. R. O, madam, he loved Mrs. T. {Mournfully.) And left me ? Col. R. Listen. Shortly after Frank Trevor arrived in London, a dear friend — who must himself have been deceived — reported the fatal untruth that made the too credulous husband resolve to confront the -vvife he supposed had betrayed him ; but, as he stepped into the carriage, the very man report associated ^\ith your name crossed him. An instant challenge was given, and his opponent fell ! Your hus- band, feeling that his hearth was desecrated, travelled to the East, under an assumed name, and sought to obtain in the grave the peace his home denied him ! Mrs. T. All this was kept from me — or never known. Who could dare to circulate a calumny so bitter ? Col. R. Your husband sought not to learn, for he suspected no one. That his motives might not be misconstrued, he left his fortune, with a slight reservation, in your father's hands. Knowing the fancied sting that urged him to the fatal course, do you still reproach him ? Mrs. T. I never reproached him — I felt his act too deeply ! What ! Deem impure the soul to which his had clung, under the high sanction of Heaven itself, upon the poor word of a vain boaster ? and without one question ? Had the whole world rung witli his errors, I would have sacrificed my life rather than condemn him unheard ! Col. R. {Bitterli/.) And he could wrong a nature like this ? O, fool — O villain ! Mrs. T. Peace ! You forget to whom — of whom you speak ! (JVith deep emotion.) He was my husband : he /* dead ! (Crosse*, r.) Col. R. (^ After a pause, sinks upon /lis knees.) Alice! M)-s. T. Whose voice is that ? Hush ! Answer me not — the air is dense and hot ; and a word may press too heavily on reason ! I feel more than hope dares confess — more than thought can compass and retain its faculty. One question, and all is over ! [Shwli/ draivs a tniniature from her bosom, and tremulously shows it to Colonel Rask- LEiGH.) Is that your gift r Col. R. It is ! Mrs. T. ( Uttering a half-suppressed cry.) My husband ! (Falls upon his neck.) Enter Gexeral Leslie, e. h. 1 e. Fire and thunder ! Do you do every thing by steam ? Give me joy, general ! I no longer dread a rival ! {To Mrs. Thevor.) And you have decided in favor My husband — Frank Trevor. Your husband ! I knew that he was some mysterious, ood-for-notbiig sort of a nondescript ! But how have I to I can't shoot the rascal who has saved your life. Enter William, l. h. 1 e. Wil. {To General.) A letter from Captain Thornton. Col. R. {Surprised.) Captain Thornton ! Gen. L. Col. R. Gen. L. of Mrs. T. Gen. L. generous, go receive him ADVICE TO HUSBANDS. 16 Gen. L. (^Crosses to William.) My daughter's suitor. (£xt!! William, 1 e. l. h.) Col. R. (r.) He vras my friend — mj second — the adviser of my flight ! Gdu. L. (l.) The news-bearer of your death ! Let us see what the rascal says for him>elf. (Heads.) " My having Itarncd there- turn of Frank Trevor, will at once account tor my not presenting my- self. I loved your daughter unsuccessfully : in revenge I circulated a base falsehood. I persuaded De Yere to meet Frank Trevor — the pistols were not loaded with ball, and the true result was concealed. The only atonement 1 can now make is a frank, though tardy con- fession." Col. JR. AVife ! Mrs. T. Husband ! Col. R. What can amend to thee the misery of the past ? Mrs. T. The happiness of the future ! CH. R. Have all these long years been endured in vain ? Mrs. T. Not wholly — they are a lesson to young hearts. Col. R. Teaching husbands the folly — the injustice — of judging, unheard, the nature that is in purity, so far beyond their own. Mrs. T. And wives, that when others condemn, if they abide by their sacred vow, and reproach not the errors of those to whom Heaven has linked them, the same Power will sustain them under their trials, and lead back the truant that otherwise had been lost forever ! Col. R. Having now frankly acknowledged and endeavored to atone for my hasty error, I hope our friends will look with an indul- gent eye upon past scenes, and not wholly disapprove our Mrs. T. Hints to wives Col. R. And " Advice to Husbands." SITUATIONS. Mrs. Trevoe. ■&. ■&• ^' a. CUBTAIN. ulord ■ EDY BINDER Syrocuse, N. Y. 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