"Trou ?rou"
Augustin Daly
V
THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
NO. CGCLIX
FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAMA.
FROU FROU;"
A Play of Powerful Huma^i Interest,
BY AUGUSTIN DALY, ESQ.,
AUTHOh OF
the Gaslight," "Flash of Lightning," " Leah the Forsaken," " Griffith
Gaunt," "Taming a Butterfly," &c., &c.
: according to Act of Congress in the year 1870, by AUGUSXIN DAL.T,
in Out Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Unit'd State*,
for the Southern District of Ntiv Tor}'
\ COPYRIGHT, 1897, BY AUGUSTIN DALY.
NEW YORK
5AMUEL FRENCH
PUBLISHER
WEST 38TH STREET
LONDON
SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD.
26 SOUTHAMPTON STREET,
STRAND
CAST OF CHARACTERS. [FHOU FBOU.]
At origirully produced at the Fifth Avenue Theater, Tuesday, Feb. l&th, 1870
HKNBI SARTOR YS, (The Husband of the Future) ____ Mr. George Clark*.
BRIQARD, (A Papa of tlie Present) .............. Mr. W . Daridge.
COMTE D* VALREAS, | ^ " S^ f "* \ Mr. G. Parks.
BARON D CAMBRI, (The Husband of the Future) . .Mr. James Lewis.
VINCENT, .................................. Mr. George Jordan, Jr.
ZANETTO, (.4 Sunny Italian) .................. Mr. W . Bcekman.
GILBERTE, [" Frou Frou ") ................. Miss Agnes Ethel.
LOUISE, (Her Sister.) ........................ Miss Kate Newton.
BARONNX DE CAMBRI, (A Woman of the Future). .Mrs. G. H. Gilbert.
PAULINE, (A Maid of the Present) .............. Miss Fanny Davenport.
THE GOVERNESS, ............................ Miss Emilie Kiehl.
A>GELIQUE, ................................ Miss Amy Amea.
ACT I.
m
iCENE. Drigard's house at Charmarettes. Parlor of the Chateau tpenmg
on the terrace by three arches which cross the stage at back from n. 2, E. to
L. 4 X. A table between each arch occupied with bronzes, flowers, tie. A
pedestal with a t*ise of flowers, a table and a sofa on the L.
PAULINE is discovered as the curtain rises, to merry music, arranging a bouquet
in the vase at L. The noise of a whip is heard and she turns and looks off
i B. through the arc.W
{} Pauline Who's coming now ? [Goes to the arches and looks off.} Why,
>. If it isn't Mademoiselle Gilberte and that charming M. de Valreas.
ze What on earth can le the matter that they are galloping in that
way? Ah, Monsieur might have spared his horse. Mademoiselle
always comes in first. Now he's assisting her to dismount. They
. are coming here ! [She runs to the vase of flowers again.] How long
? they are ! [Turns.] Mademoiselle must have gone to her room
direct. [Returns to arci\ c.] That's certain, for here comes M. de
j Valreas alone. How gi acefully he bears defeat.
Enter VALREAS, R. c. looking back.
Valrtat Beaten again ! [Sees PALLINE."" You there ! You aee,
Pauline, your handsome mistress and I have had another race.
Pan I Laughing.] And my handsome mistress come in ahead.
Val As usual ! [Throws hat and whip on sofa.} Yes, I acknowledgt
Fu beaten, and wtui'l more, Pauline, I don't regret it.
fa [Coming do,\ c.] You don't! Why not?
451881
I FROU FROU.
VcH Because it's infinitely more agreeable to gallop behind than
before her. She has such an adorable way of sitting a horse and
to see her ah, delicious little Frou Frou ! [Grosses to L. H.
Pau What, Monsieur? You call her by that familiar name?
Mademoiselle Gilberte would be very angry if she heard you call her
Frou Frou.
Val Why, it's her name.
Pau It's her name for her father and her sister, but for you
Val For me too ! What name could I give her, indeed, ;uore
appropriate than that which seems to have been invented for the
delicious little creature who bears it ? What else is she but Frou
Frou? A noisy, bustling, busy little fairy ever rustling, rustling,
like the leaves stirred by a gentle wind. Frou Frou, always ; Frou
Krou, everywhere ! In the house a do:T opens and down the stairs
romes a rustle of skirts like a whirlwind. Frou Frou, Frou Frou!
I Imitating rustle of silk.] She bounds into the room with a joyous burst !
(Tie runs here and there rummages about, disarranges everything
ifowns. laughs, talks, sings, plays, jumps, and whisks away again.
Frou Frou, Frou Frou, always Frou Frou ! And I am sure, that
while she sleeps, the angel that watches over her waves its rustling
wings with that dear little sound, Frou Frou ! [Crosses R.
Pau Oh, indeed ! [Looking offi.] Well, you'd better stop and be
proper, for her father is just dismounting at the gate.
Val So I will, for I've something to say to him so prodigiously
serious, so prodigiously proper, in fact, [Laughing] that I don't
know how to begin.
Pau Something to say to Mademoiselle Gilberte's father?
Val Yes, to him, and then to her. Pauline, you are a young girl
and you know what love is, don't you ?
Pan Ob, I ve had an ordinary education, sir, and love is one of the
primary studios for girls.
Val Of course it is. It's addition isn't it? Or is it multiplicaton?
Pau Yes, sir two and two make one.
Val Well, then, you can appreciate my feelings when I tell you
that I adore her I have adored her ever since
fin Two days ago, going on three ! Here comes M. Brigard, sir ;
you'd better finish your declaration to him. Crosses to B.
Enter BBIGABD with BABOXESS, in riding habit, c. from I-
Brigard [c.] Hallo, Valreas, what did you and Guoerte mean Dj
running off and leaving us two alone to follow you ? But then [Look
ing at BARONESS irith a look of gallantry ] I don't complain !
B'ness [L. c.] Well it would be strange if you did.
[Sits on sofa and fans lierself with paper that 's lying there.
Val [R. c. ] Why, it was a wager between Mademoiselle Gilberto
and me as to which should get here first, and when we did, she went
to her room *o dress for dinner while I waited for you.
FROU FROU 8
Brig And amused yourself talking to the maid about aer. ful-
ine, what's he been saying/
Pau [R. n. corner.] Saying, sir ? [VALBEAS notion* her to stop
Brig [Sitting c.] Yes, saying.
Pau He called Mademoiselle Gilberte Frou Frou, and asked if eh
bad a heart.
Brig [Prc'.en^ing seriaujnexs.] What?
Val I didn't say anything.
Brig [To PAULINE.] That'll do. Go to Gilberte! [Exit PACUXB,
H. 1 E.] So you've been trying to find out whether Gilberte has a
heart, eh ? [Looks at BARONESS and pauses.] Weft, I'll talk to yoo
presently ; I must go and dncss, and mind, before I come back, don't
make anatomical investigations through any of the other servants.
[Exits R. 1 K.
Val [Following him to the door .] Well, it's no harm, everyone has a
heart. I didn't ask about her fortune or anything else that was
mean.
B'ness Oh, Valreas! Valreas !
Val [Assuming air of gallantry.] Well, what have I done now ?
[Crosses to c.
B'ness [Looting at Mm through eye-glass.] I have known you for foul
years now, and if I were called upon to say what you are, I should
be puzzled for an answer.
Val [Making a gesture of surprise.] What /am?
B'ness Yes, what you are.
Val [Approaching her.] I am only a poor devil who is dying of love
for you.
B'ness Yes, I know- you've said that for four years and I see you
are alive yet.
Val For four years and no intermission for refreshments.
B'ness Nonsense ! you've been here two days and, during that time
you've done nothing but make lovu to little Gilbtirte.
Val [Sitting beside her.] Don't you see that was only a little
maneuver of mine ?
B'ness To make me jealous?
Val Yes.
B'ness But how about that widow ?
Val Widow? What widow? *
B'ness Who is dying of love for you, who is determined to get
husband and who has followed you from Paris down to this place.
Don't deny it. I know.
Val You know? [BARONESS nods yes.] Who told you?
B'ness Aha ! [Rises and cresses a.
Val [Aside.] It's that rogue Brigard ! [Rising.] Ah, I see you
won t believe iu the deep ardor of my affection. You won' t.
B ress [Meeting him c.] No I won't.
Val Decidedly?
B'ness Decidedly !
Val Then I'm perfectly right in lavishing the ardor of my affeo-
6 FROTT FROTJ.
tion <>u Brigard'd little daughter. Aud you know what the oonfle
quetifcs will be ?
B'nexs [/A JtappJM.] The consequences ?
V<>1 Yes ! a wedding.
Ifiiess What? You marry? [VALREAS nods.] You marry?
Vat Certainly ! Won't she make a delicious little countess? and
the day we are married, what a gay, delightful, happy, joyous wed
ding we will have with
B' Hess With music by Offenbach?
Val well, why not ? And then there are typographical and geo
graphical reasons why we should marry. [Goes up to c. arcli.] There
on the rigiit, is the chateau of our friend Sartorys; at the left,
yonder, mine ; anl this one we arc in makes a tliird, which my friend
Brigird bought two years ago. Doesn't it strike you as odd now, aa
a sort of destmy, that Brigard, with his two marriageable daughters,
shoull com-j and settle here, between two bachelors Sartorys and
myself?
B'rtets It's quite delightful to hear you, I declare.
[Returns to sofa.
Val jc.l You must acknowledge that Providence never more clearly
manifested its intentions. Neither Sartorys nor I will oppose fate.
First mairiage, Md'lle Louise Brigard and Mon. Henri Sartorys;
music by Haydn, solemn, grand ; a union of wisdom and reason.
Second marriage, Md'lle Gilberte and your humble servant ; a union
of just the opposite.
fi'nest How do you know, sir, that M. Sartorys loves Louise and
wishes to marry her ?
Val How do I know ? Why has he who never before spent a fort
night down at his chateau, now remained here let me see more
than two months ? Why, unless he wishes to marry her, does he
come here every day ?
B'ness [Ruing.] Well, that's something.
Val [Crossing t.] And then he's so well suited to her. EU's so
quiet and she's so quiet.
B'ness [c.] But suppose that
Val [Coin j to her quickly.] What?
Enter BARON DE CAMBRI, L. c , carrying a tin loz, such as Botanists collect
iheir Iterla in, on his shoulder. Wears a wide, *hite hat.
B'ness [Quietly.} Nothing.
Baron Here I am, my dear.
Val Ah ! good raorcin^, Baron. What bave you brought bock
from your early botanical excursion ?
Baron Weil, not much luck to-day. [To BARONESS.] Here, my
love, is something which I selected for you. [Offering an insignificant
black fiou-er.] Ugly, but very rare. I dug it out of a mud-bank, my
darling:, at the risk of my life.
B'trtis Dug it out of a mud-bank for me ? Really, you are too good
I don't care to rob the mud-bunk.
FEOU FROU. T
Boron But, my dear, you don't know what this is it is ihe far-
famed Achyrophorous Calendula Borkorsia Alpina.
Val What?
Baron The far-famed Achyrophorous Calendula Borkorsia Alpina.
B'ness I don't care what it is. What have I told y:ra, sir, re
peatedly ?
Baron Told me, my anout to say, just now
B'ness {Crossing L.] I? When?
Val When I spoke of a marriage between Louise and Sartorys
B'ness Oh, yes, I remember. I was about to say that it is evident
you are in love with Gilberte, even if he be not with Louise. But I
must go dress for dinner.
{Curtseys elaborately and exits L. 1 . B. laughing.
Val [Taking the stage to R.] Certanly I am in love.
Re-enter BARON unthout box.
Baron You see, my love, that it is only necessary for you to
express a desire for to
[Sees, for the first time, that the BARONESS has departed.
Val She's gone, Baron. [Sits R. beside table.
Baron Gone, eh ! well that's just like her. It's the Baroness all over.
You enter the room "Go out" she says, "and don't return until
you have done this or that for penance." " You go out, you submit.
You come back only to find that she's gone out herself and there
are you, as it were, completely wrung out. That's my wife.
Val Ah ! indeed !
Baron Don't sit there and say "ah! indeed!" in that way. You
know it as well as I do.
Val Who? I?
Baron Oh, yes ! you, and a good many others. [VALRKAS leant
forward.'] You are not the only one who has been trying to make
love to her. [VALREAS draws back.] Oh, I've had my eye on all
your maneuvers.
Val [Laughs.] What an interesting subject of contemplation.
Karon Oh, yes! I've watched you all and I've pitied you. VAV
EEAS becomes serious and angry ] Oh ! I could tell you some of the
drollest things about the other poor devils. [Laughs andthen suddenly.']
But it would take too long. Let's speak of you alone Now, for in-
tance
Val [Assuming virtuous air.] Me! Never! never!
Barnn Oh, yes, you ! You have tried three times to make love to
my wife The first attemot. as was natural, the day after that on
8 FROU FEOTJ.
which Untroduced you to her. The second two years nfterwaidi
at the races. You remember, you rode a yellow horse tLere, as an
amateur jockey, and you thought that by exhibiting yourself in an
orange-colored jacket without any tails, and on a yellow horse, you
could make an impression, ha ! ha ! Well, the Baroness and I had a
good laugh over you that day. The third attempt, you have made
here in this house. [VALREAS utirts.] And it was because rour third
attempt was as unfortunate as the two first that you have commenced
to adore little Frou Frou.
Val Pooh ! You' ve been dreaming.
Baron Oh, you're ri^ht to give up the idea. The Baroness is not
the woman to be made love to. Her temper is is so so well,
it's tremendously unpleasant for me, but it reassures me as to every
other man. [Rising.
Val [Rising.] I congratulate.
Barm Oh! you needn't be sarcastic. T don't mind your temper,
any more than your love making [Crosses to L.] It's no go, my
dear boy, it's no go ; BO don't waste any more time over it.
[Saunter* o/, L. 1 B.
Enter BRIGARD, R. 1 B., dressed for dinner.
Brig Hallo, are you still there ?
Val Yes, I waited, because I wished to speak with you.
Brig Well, it's about time we had a little serious conversation.
Val I really believe it Ls.
Brig Gilberte has been telling me that while you were riding with
her this morning, you began to talk in a singular manner about
hearts, and affections, and other etceteras. Now what have you
been saying to her ?
Val Nothing thj.t a young lady could not listen to.
Brig Oh ! you think so do you ?
Val Certainly, since I have made a resolution to turn over a new
leaf and mako amends for all my past follies.
Brig What?
Val Yes, I've made up my mind to marry.
Brig You many ?
Val Yes. why not ? I was never more serious.
Brig That's not saying much. Now listen to me. my boy, I like
you very much, really, very much. I've been about town with you
for a couple of years; in fact, T showed you life when you first cam 9
to Paris. We've had jolly times together, and I like no one better
than you. But as for giving you my daughter, never, as long as 1
live, friend of my bosom.
Val Why not? I would make her perfectly happy. In the firel
place, she wo aid be a countess.
Bng [Crojsinj to so/a, T,.~| Oh ! that's noticing.
Val Why not ?
Brig ^Pilt'ing hix hands in hi* pockets and unintentionally jingling money.]
Ton know, my dar fellow, if 1 chose, I could have a duke. [Sits.
FROU FROU.
Vat Humph! well it's rather bud t.i te to jingle your mor/ey in
that way at me.
J.iri}i Why, I never dreamed of such a thing, especially to you,
who are richer than I. Besides, I take it all back about the duke.
Val [c.] And you will give me your daughter?
Brig What ! my little Frou Frou ? My little tempest ? My little
darling ? Most certainly [VALREAS jumps towards him as BRIGARD rises.]
not!
Val [Nettled.'] Why so, since you like me?
Brtg It's precisely because I do like you, or rather on account of
the reasons that I like you. You see ? You are too jolly a com
panion to be trusted as a son-in-law ? Besides, there's that widow
who is after you.
Val Devil take the widow. For two days I have taken refuge
under your roof to avoid her. Doesn't that prove there's nothing
serious in that quarter 1
Brig Ah ! you rogue. You can't tell me. Widows don't run
about after handsome boys like you without encouragement.
Val But I'm determined to have nothing to do with her, to be-
tx>me a new man. I really believe if I had some friend who would
staud by me now I might become worthy of existence and not the
cursed nonentity I have been.
Brig [Eying him closely.'] You really wish then
Val [Grasping his hand warmly. ~\ Will you ?
Brig [Bursti g out laughing.} Oh, anything to oblige a friend.
Val What do you mean t
Brig Oh ! nothing. I'm going to drive the widow away.
[Going 0.
Val That's right, and when you return I will address you formally
with my request.
Brig [Stops .] What request ?
Vd Why, my request for your daughter, of course.
Brig What ! you' ve got back to that again, have you ?
Enter LOUISE, n. 1. s.
Ah ! Louise, you've just come in time. [To VALRBAS.] Now talk
to her about your preposterous ideas.
Louise [c.] What ideas?
Brig Come, out with it.
Val [B. c.] Oh ! you needn't try to frighten me.
Brig [Returning, takes LOUISE'S hand.] It is perfectly well understood
In this household, that in this little brain [Tapping her forehead.]
dwells all the wisdom of the Brigard family ; and* that all question*
of serious import must be referred to Louise.
Louise Well ? [Seriously.
Val Well, I've just asked of your father, the hand of Md'llfl
Gilberte in marriage.
Louise The hand of Gilberte ? [Surprised and ther smiling.
t r al [Seriously.] What do you answer, Mademoiselle ?
10 FROU FROU.
Louise [c.'J My answer is, that if you do not make haste and die*
fcr dinner, the same thing will happen to-day that occurred yester
day you will be late.
Brig [L. c.] There, are you satisfied?
Val Very well, as no one will listen to me seriously
Louise [Grossing L.] Go and dress for dinner.
Brig [Aside to VALREAS.] You still authorize me to go to the
widow.
Val [ With dignity.} Certainly, sir.
Brig Then I'm going. [Exits o. and L.
Luuist [To VALREAS.] Havn't you gone yet ?
I shan't go until you tell me why you oppose my marrying Gilberte.
Louise Well, I suppose I must, or you'll never be ready.
Enter VINCENT, L. c.
Vincent Mon. de Sartorys.
LOUISE rises and turns towards c. and L. as if icith pleasure as SABTOBTI
enters o. , and VINCENT goes out.
Sartorys Mademoiselle. [Bows to LOUISE.
Louise Did you see my father ?
Sar I've just met him. [To VALREAS.] I hope you are well, Paul
Val [Mournfully.'] Very well that is, when I say very well ah
my dear friend, if you only knew how they treat me in this house.
Louise [To VALREAS.] You'll never be ready for dinner.
Val [To LOUISE, who loolx at him, laughing.} I'm going ! I'm going
[Exits L. 1 E. , sighing.
Louise [To SARTORYS.] How late you are to-day !
[Her manner must evince love for him and pleasure in his company. Sht
motions to a chair ; they sit.}
Sar [Seriously.] I suppose I'm late, because I left home earlier than
usual. [LOUISE laughs.} I'll explain. I was in such a hurry to get
here that I started from the Chateau at a full gallop : but, when I
got within a hundred paces of the gate, I stopped, turned my horse,
and for a whole hour, walked him about the neighborhood. I came
back to the gate three times and three times turned away again.
The fourth time, however, I did like all cowards when they make up
their minds to be brave. I plunged in head foremost and here I
am a little later than usual, perhaps, but still, here I a:n.
Louise [Who has followed him with interest and laughingly, but now b+
finning to show her emotion.] What was the cause of this hesitation ?
Sar It is because I have decided to say something to-day that I
have wished to say for the last month. That is the reasoi why I
trembled all the way hero and why I still
Louise [Confused.] If what you have to say is so very seiicus
' Sar [Earnestly.] It is.
Louise [Moved.] Perhaps you had better wait
Sar Oli no, I must positively go through with it to-day, lienaes.
before i speak I can gain courage by remembering how good yoi
FROU FROU. 11
bave always been to me. And then, your fathei authorized me to
Louise Oh ! if papa
Sar He did ! and more than that, fie said I must first speak to you.
Louise [Deep emotion.] To me !
Sar [Taking her hand.] Have you not guessed ? 1 am in love.
Louise [Scarcely audible.] You love !
Sar Yes ! I love, madly, devotedly your sister ! Gilberte !
) LOUISE as if petrified, at first says nothing, simply raises her eyes to SAB-
TORY8, then
Louise Gilberte !
Sar Did you not suspect it ?
LOWM [Breathless.] No.
Bar [ Without looking at her and as if speaking to nimself.] It seemed to
me as if everybody must have noticed it.
Louise You love my sister ?
Sar Yes, and that is why I appeal to that friendship which you
fcave always shown me. Tell me, then, what you think of this
avowal which I have just made? [Pause.] You do not answer.
Louise I understand you perfectly. You love Gilberle and you ask
me
Sar If you approve of this marriage.
Louise [Crossing before him.] I approve I approve of it.
Sar [Rising.] You will be on my side then ?
Louise Yes, for 1 know of no man more worthy, no one who could
better than you
Sar [Interrupting her a;id taking her hand, which she withdraws in pain.]
Thank you, Louise, thank you.
Louise [Slowly and looking at him with a melancholy smile.] At first I
was surprised, you understand ? It is necessary, you know, to be
come accustomed to an idea. And now I am so. [This said after a
ttruggle with her own emotions, which she conceals from SARTORYS.] You
are just the husband I would have chosen for her, for I have often
thought of Gilberte' s marriage, and sometimes with fear. Her wil-
fulness and frivolity have made me tremble for the future
[Sits on sofa.
Sar Ah!
Louise And I have never thought until this moment, that in order
to save her from any danger, it was only necessary to give her to a
man like you.
Sar Do not let us blame what you call her frivolity, for I confess to
f ou it is a little on account of that I love her. Still, if you think it
best, I will try to teach her but by degrees
Louise How much you love her !
Sar Yes.
Louise But why did you come to me ?
Sar Because your father told me it was you I must speak to
Louise Well, you have spoken to me and I have answered you
and now, [SAKTORYS sits betide her.] what more?
Sar You you w'll spoak to her, to Gilberte for oe f
Lauist II
12 FROU FKOU.
Szr It I tried to speak myself, the same thing w juld happen that
happened a while ago, I should go wandering wildly about, afraid to
come boldly up to the gate I mean the point. Or, if I did speak,
what I would Kay might be more disastrous than my silence. Sh
might laugh, and then I prefer that you should speak to her. Tell
her all the good you can of me, and even a little more that will do
no harm. But, I beg of you, don't say that my character is serious
or severe ; there is the greatest danger. Tell her that, in spite of my
appearing quiet, and grave, and awkward, that I love her as madly
as any of the young fellows who surround her. [Rising.] Oh ! it
you only knew how I have envied \ alreas, who can make love to a
dozen women, one after the other. Tell her, above all. not to think
me stupid; for, by an unfortunate fatality, those who can love the
most are always the ones who know least how to speak of love.
Louise [Rising] Yes, yes I promise.
Sar [c 1 You will speak to her? When ?
Louise [L. c.] As soon as I see her. In a few minutes.
Sar [Agitated.] In a few minutes?
Louise Do you not wish me to ?
Sar Y es, but not while I am here.
Louise Certainly not ! But what will you do while I am pleading
your cause ?
Sar I will go out there in the park and walk up and down. I
will not lose sight of this room. [Jai/ously.] If the answer be ' yes,"
you will have but a sign to make ; if it be " no " [Sadly.
Louist If it be no ?
Sar I will mount my horse and return home.
I/nuse [Holding out her hand.] Without a farewell ?
Sar Ah, Louise! all my life hangs on yes or no. [Listening off E.
Music.] dark ! do you not hear her ? Her footsteps on the staircase?
The rustle of her skirts ?
Louise Always the same noisy Frou Frou.
Sar She comes like a little tempest. [Gets R. c. 8.
Enter GILBERTS in dinner toilet, like a whirlwind, R. 1 E. holding a bracelet
in her hand.
Gtt [c.] Louise, fasten me this?
Louise What? [SARTOR YS gets down R. gradually.
GU This bracelet ! I can't ! [Holds out her left arm ; LOUISE fattens tht
bracelet.] Good gracious ! how your hand trembles ! What is the
matter with you ? [Seeing SARTOHTS, extends ler right hand to him,
LOUISE still retaining the left.] Your servant, Mon. Sartorys !
Stir [Taking her hand.] Mademoiselle. [Sows.
Gil Why, your hand trembles too ! [SABTORTS and LOUISE look take part in private theatricals.
[Rises.] But they all do the last all. [Goes to piano and touches it.]
Good instrument musical taste, evidently. [Yaicns.] T wish some
one would come. I've been waiting five minutes since I sent up my
card. [Adjusts eye-glass and looks from picture to picture.] Not bad not
bad.
Enter PAULINE, L. I.E.
Pauline Madame will see you, sir, in a moment. She expected
you. Monsieur Pitou, is it not ?
Pitou Yes, Mademoiselle. M. Pitou, of the Theater Palais Roval
Pau Oh, yes 1 you have been anxiously expected by Madame ! she
wishes to see you about about pshaw, about
Pitmi \Dryly.} You dor.'t know why? [PAULINE shakes her head,}
You her maid, and not know what she's doing ?
Pau Oh. I know wh'jn she goes out to walk with M. de Valreas.
Pitou M. de Vulreas ! 9 a charming gentleman. He adores Madam*
Butorys' eh?
raou FKOU. IT
Pau He may do what he pleases, hut Madame adores only nei
husband.
Piiou And does her husband approve of this little aflair ?
Pau What lit tie affair?
Pitou Why, the private theatricals that Madame and the Baroness
de Cambri and M de Valreas are getting up.
Pan Private theatricals ! oh, that Baroness ! she never gives a poor
girl a chince to learn anything that she's up to. So quiet so sly !
Pitou Yes, very quiet now. Once on a time, when I was a little
younger, she was the belle of Paris such adventures, too ! Ha !
Pau And so they are getting up private theatricals ! and is my lady
going to act in them ?
Pitou I should think so ! I bring her the prompt-book and music
to-day for her part.
Pau And what is her part ?
Pitou Cleopatra, in the burlesque Vaudeville entitled "Antony
and Cleopatra." Do you know it? [PAULINE shakes her head.] Why,
Cleopatra is a little grisette who lodges in a garret. Antony is a
poor devil of a, fellow, who lives in the attic next to hers. They
meet at a masked ball they come home together the sheriffs are
about to seize him for debt she lets him out of his attic into her
garret they elope, and the curtain falls.
Pau And is madame a lady rich distinguished the wife of a
Statesman like M. Sartorys going to act the part of such a vulgai
grisette ?
Pitou [Shrugging his shoulders.] It's only private theatricals, you
know. Besides, the Baroness de Cimbri and M. de Valreas se
lected the part. And then, you know, rich ladies like to act the
parts of saucy servant maids in private theatricals. They love to im
itate the low lives they scorn. Now, you you would like the part
of a duchess if yu were to act wouldn't you?
Pau Wouldn't I '( I want to be a queen.
Pitou Why don't you go on the stage? I'll teach you.
You have a good figure, if it's properly dressed ; and a good face, if it
were properly painted.
Pau No, sir ! My face and figure are natural, and T'm proud of it.
Pitou Natural, my dear ! [Eying her through glass, and patting lief
cheek.] You mustn't be proud of nature if you want to be an actress.
No one wants to be natural on the stage, where the daylight is gas-
lamps, the moon green calciums, the landscape painted canvasses,
the gold dutch metal, and the diamonds tin !
Pau But I thought actors and actresses were praised because they
were natural.
Pitou Nature nonsense ! The actor who should strive to be na
tural would be a blundering booby, and the public would like him aa
little as they do raw meat on the table, although meat in a state of
nature is raw. Human taste wants cookery, that's all. Natural
acting, my dear, is only nature, boiled, baked or roasted. [Music.
Gill>erte'[ Without.] Pauline!
Pau Madame !
18 FROU FROTL
Enter GILBERTS c. from L.
Oil Pauline, sen J at once for my dress. I will not dint! at home
to-day, and I must have that dress. I must have it before six
o'clock.
Pau Yes. Madame. [Exit R. 1. E.
Gil [To PITOU.] You have lost no time, sir.
Pilau Not when I knew it was Madame I was to oblige.
[Bows profoundly.']
Gil You know me, then?
Pitou Oh, yes. I also know the father of Madame M. Brigard a
very lively gentleman. He comes very often to our theater ; and
ometimes behind the scenes, and sometimes
Gil That will do. What have you brought me ?
Pitou [Givinrj book.'] Your role in the Vaudeville. If Madame only
knows the part by the printed book, Madame can have no idea of it.
This is the complete part, with all the gags in the margin.
Gil The gags ! [Sits on sofa.]
Pitou [c.] Yes, Madame ; the additions which the actors who
played in the piece have added to their parts.
Git. Very well ; and now we want the music.
Pitou I have copied it. [Giving roll.
Gil [Readout.] Air: " Galop du Tourbillon." What air is that ?
Pitou I will play it for Madame. [Goes to piano.] Like this.
Gil Will I be able to sing that?
Pitou <>h, yes, for Madame can't have a worse voice than some at
our public singers. Will you practice it?
Gil Go on, I'll try.
[A knock ix heard fit the door. PITOU stops. It u repeated.
Gil [Turning towards R H.] Who is there? No one is to come in.
Sar/orys [ Witfumt.] It is only me, dear.
Gil Oh, only you. Come in.
Enter SARTORTS, R. 1. E.
My dear, this fa M Pitou. from the Th3ater. Go on, sir.
Sar From the theater ?
Gil Yes, you know. It's about the little piece I'm to play in for
the benefit of the poor.
Siir I had something to say to you but I'm sorry I interrupted
Gil Oh, M. Pitou can come again. You can come again, M.
Pitou.
Pitou Whenever you please. Madame. You have only to send me
word at the Theater Palais Royal e. [Saluting.] Monsieur Madame !
Fn't play anything she gets it up.
FROU FROU. 19
Sar That'.-? her way.
Gil flow her way 'i
Sar L uieaa that while you and the others are running about, act-
in^ on thj stage, she is sitting very tranquilly in front with the other
gaests, criticisi-ig your performance.
Gil [Siftiat/ nn xof'i.] You don't like her.
Sar 1 don't like her, and I don't dislike her. She is merely a wo
man of the world that is all
Gil And I what am I? {Looking at him roguishly.
S'r [Standing beside her.} The most adorable little actress in the
world
Oil Very pretty, indeed. [Tumi/M tver the leaves of her part.] You
wished to speak with me i
Sir Yes. '
Oil [Taming over 'he haves of her part and speaking heedlessly .] Speak
away.
Sir [Lookiny di*conlentet\ly at the book she is studying.} It was about
something entirely disconnected with this magnificent performance
for tiu bjnc.it of the poor.
Gil [Sfne bus.] SOUK thing serious?
Sar Wry serious ! [Same bus.
Gil [S une bus.] That's nice. Goon.
Sxr [Tikiny chair by so/a.] My darling, I wanted to say
Gil \_ln'.2fi-up'mg him.} Whut is the costume of a debardeur?
Sir [Surprised.] The costume of a debardeur ?
Oil Oh, yo'i can't make me believe you don't know what the cos-
tum3 of a debardeur is.
Sir Why. the costume of a ilebardeur consists of a loose silk shirt
and a -a a pair of little pantaloons of velvet or satin.
Gil A-il whit else?
Sar Hum ! Buttons - plenty of buttons.
Gil And then?
Sar A little cap.
Oil And after that?
Sir Nothing.
Gil Nothing ! Oh, I'll nevei wear that costume not even for the
benefit of the pwr. I must find Eoiuethlng else. And now, my dear,
I'm ready tj listen to you.
Sir I've seen the Minister of State this morning.
Gil [Pii'iiny down book.] You toid him to come, of course.
Sir To come where ?
Gd To our performance.
Sir W ell, no ; but I will tell him ! This morning we spoke of an
appointment they hare for me. They want me to take an embassy
abroad.
Gil [Alarmed. ] Abroad ?
Sar You see, there is nothing in Paris they can give me.
Gil [Pettishly.] And where do they want you to go ?
Sar To Carlsruhe ! Ambassador to Carlsruhe. Isn't that splendid /
Gil Oh, very splendid. And how tar is Carlsruhe from Paris ?
20 FROU FROU.
Sar I don't know e>.acti y three or four hundred miles; nfteen
hours by rail.
Gil As far o3 as Budcn ?
Sar It is very near Baden.
Gil [Rising.] Near Baden! why didn't you say so before. [Crosses
L.] you said it was abroad. I'll tell yon how we'll manage it [SAR-
TORYS rises.} You shall be Ambassador to Carlsru.ie that s settled.
[SARTOR Y3 lakes her hand.] I'll go and p.\cs the summer with you at
Baden, and the balance of the year you will come to Paris and see
me a? often as you can.
Sur How !
Gil [Gleefully and rapid y.] And I may -but mind, 1 don't promise
ft I miy come and surprise you at Caii^ruhe.
Sar [In a tone of disappointment.] Bul--
Gil [Stopping astonished.} Why, you didn't think of taking me to
Carlwuhe ?
Sar Why, yes.
Gil Alone we two way off there - ill the )'ear ?
Sar Why not ?
Gil But that would be to die ot happiness, 1 know but to die,
nevertheless. [Smiling and coaringly. j Come, you were not serious ?
can you imagine Frou Frou without Paris ?
Sar Well to tell you the t r uth, I did! [GILBERTS turns a>cay pet
tishly.} But I see I must do one of two things; go to Carleruhe with
out you, or decline the mission.
Gil [R. u ] Well.
Sar [c.] I have decided.
Gil [Intfrestf4.~] Yon will go without me?
Sar No ; I will decline.
Gil Ah, that will be light. [Goes to him.
Sar Do you think so ? I doubt it myself. But one thing I'm sure
of I haven' t the heart to leave you.
Gil [Putting her arm about him.] You love me, then, a little still,
after four years of marriage.
Sar Yes, Gilberte ! and I am only afraid that I do not know how to
love.
Gil [Archly.] Oh, yes, you ^o. _ou know very well, for the very
best way to love a wife is to let her do everything she wishes be
cause then, you know, the wife is bound in honor to do everything
her husband wishes.
Sar [Taking her hands in his.] Then, if I aske_ you something
Gil After what you have done for me, can you doubt ?
Sar Thon, suppose I ask you not to play at this performance.
Gil [Withdrawing her hands.] Oh, my love.
Sar Well.
Gil I thought you were going to ask me something reasonable. It
is impossible for me to refuse to play now ; and then, you will see
how pretty I will look in a debardeur costume if they insist on it.
But in anything I'm sure to be pretty, and you will be so proud of
me.
FROU FROU. 21
Sar What with the pan taloons ? [Ijooking at watch.] I must go.
Gil Where?
Sar To the Minister, to give my answer. On my way, i will see
our little Gcorgie in the Park.
Gil Isn't Georgie here?
Sftr No ; we took advantage of the beautiful day to carry him out
for a walk. He was ill, you know, this morning.
Gil He was ill?
Sar Didn't you know? But it was nothing. ,
Gil How could I know ? I told them to bring him to my room
even- morning. [Rings Ml on table sharply ] And now I remember I
have not seen him to-day. /
Enter PAULINE, R. 1 .
Pan The dress has come, Madame.
Gil I don't want the dress why was not Georgie brought to me
this morning ?
I'au The nurse brought him to your room, but you were asleep,
and yesterday, when we brought him, we woke you, and you were
angry.
GU How dare you *
Sar [To GILBERTS.] Never mind. [To PAUMN*.] You can go.
Exit PAULINE R. 1 R.
Gil I was angry ! What sort of way is that to speak ?
Sar You see, I wouldn't permit you to be spoken to in that way.
After all, [smiling] she was right, though. [GILBKKTB about to speak.]
Now, I must po.
Gil You will kiss me, at least, before you go.
.Sar [Kissing her forehead and holding her for a moment.} Ah, Gilberte,
Gilberte !
Gil Don't be long. You know I dine with Madame de Cambri.
Sar When to day ? I was not invited, was I ?
Gil Oh. no ! All our husbands are to be excluded, in order that we
may have full liberty to talk about our costumes in the performance
you can dine at the club, can't you ?
S-ir No; I have some writing to do this evening. I'll dine at
home.
Gil What all alone?
Sar Alone? oh, no ! 1 shall have Georgie. Good-by. [Kiuet iur
hand.] Good-by. [Exit c and L.
Gil [Snatching aicay her hand and *tan
sofa.] It looks as if I didn't love my child. [Vifc.J I love him as much
as any of the women that I know love their children. I can't take
him myself to walk in the Park, and carry his hoop. [Laughing and
clapping her hands.] I don't know but that might be a pretty sijiht,
though. It would be a novelty, anyway. [Looking at dork } Bless me,
almost three, and at this hour the Btroness was to be hero with M.
de N'alreas to rehearse our scene. [Jumping up.] and I don't know a
word of my part.
22 FROU FROU.
[Opens the part which PITOC gave her, goes to piano, touches it and recites
" I've a pretty litte waist.
Black hair aud eyes of blue."
BRIGARD appears at C.
Is that you, papa ?
Brig [ Applauding .] Go on, you little rogue, go on !
Gil \Singing.] " I have a heart that burns and
A face that must please you."
Brig Ha, ha, ha ! What are you singing comic opera music for ?
Oil {Going to him, c.] I was studying my part. I'm so glad to see
you and Louise ?
Brig Very well, indeed. I've come to say good-by.
Gil Are you going away ?
Brij Yes to-morrow morning. I'm off ti Bohemia.
Oil To Bohemia ! [Laughs ] Have you been appointed Ambassador
to look after the theaters in Bohemia?
Brig Nonsense, my dear. It's only one of my little freaks. You
know how flighty I am. But I wanted to talk to you about Louise.
Gil You are not going to take her?
Brig No and that's the reason that
Gil I see you want her to come here.
Brig Yes, until I come back. I shall be away three months.
Gil Well, she shall ; but not for three months, nor for six, but for
always. Since she has taken it into her head never to marry, she
shall live with me. You know, papa, how much I love Louise, and
you know how I have tried time and again to induce her to come
and live with me. She has always refused before and I don't know
why.
Brig Don't you? Why, she was afraid of incommodine: y u.
Gil Why, we have four times as much room as we want.
Brig That wasn't it. She was afraid of interfering with your hap
piness.
Gil Oh, that was all very well during the honeymoon ; but now,
after four years
Brig You'd better not talk to her in that style
Gil I know how to talk to her to make her stay with me.
Brig Well, she'll be here to-day; all you have to do is to prevent
her going away again.
Gil I'll do that, if I have to lock the door.
[BARONESS appears at c.
B'ness Can we come in ?
Oil Certainly. [BARONESS comes down, fdlou-ed by BARON.
Brig [R."| I am delighted to see you Madame, since it allows me to
bid you farewell before my departure.
Baron [R. c.] Going to leave us, Brigard ? Where to, now ?
B'ness [c.] To Bohemia. I understand.
Baron I believe Bohemia is celebrated for its hair-dye, isn.t it ?
Brig Well, I'm not going there to lay in a stock of hair-dye, I
assure you.
FROU FROU. 23
Baron Well, I wouldn't go, either, if I wore a wig. [All laugh.
Brig [Grossing up c.] He, he, he! Very funny. Allow me to wish
you good day.
'ness Good-by, Bohemian.
Brig Respect my gray hairs, Madame.
B'ness [Looking through eye-glass.] I don' t see them.
Brig True ; I forgot. I haven't had time to grow any yet.
Biron Bravo ! Repent of your sins, old boy, and turn bald.
[BRIGARD exits c. and L. , followed by BARON.
, B'ness [Sitting on sofook.] Now you open the door between your
apartments.
Gil So I do ! [Goes to chair and stnps.} And what do I say then ?
Baron Why, you say come in.
B'ness No, you don't. You s;ty, " So much the worse. Now let's
be off."
Baron So she does. I forgot.
Gil [Throwing down the middle chair, which represents t fie door.] "So
much the worse. Now let's be off."
Val [Rushing to lier with outst,-etche>l arms, a- if to embrace her.] " Now
we'll be off."
Gil [Eluding him in earnest.] Stop. What are you going to do ?
[ VALREAS psiuxex.
B'ness What's the matter? Goon.
Val [Smiling.] Madame don't seem to be willing.
B'ness [Referring to book.] He's right. The book says, " He kisses
her as they go off. ' '
Gil Does the book say that ?
[Ootnes down to BARONESS, who shows her t/ie book. BAROX also looks over
it icith eye-glass.]
Baron Yes; there it is "He kisses her as they go off." [With
emphasis} I should like to play that part myself. [Crosses to his seat
again.]
Gil [L. c. very promptly.} Well, we'll go off without that.
Val [c. As GILBERTS goes iip.i What ? I agreed to play the part on
that account alone.
Gil Well, perhaps on the night of the performance I may
Val [Sitting down.] Very well ; I'll perform it very badly if I don't
rehearse it.
Baron Oh, he must rehearse it, you know. Here [Going up.] let
me show you.
B'ness Sit down, sir. [BARON subside*.
GU Come, let's go on without the kissing.
Val No I wont go on.
Gil I appeal to the Stage Manager. [Turning to BARONESS.! Ought
he to kiss me at rehearsal ?
B'ness Certainly [GILBERTE nndeciaea, ana turning away.
Besides, my dear, you know it's for the benefit of the poor.
Gil [ With an, emotion witich s/'u- fries to conceal.] Well if you say so.
FROU FROU. 27
Baron [Pitying GILBERTE'S distress.] Oh, well ; come, now ; if ghe
don't want to.
[BARO.;ESS mulcts signs for him to be q speak without a, smile : a frivolous wife and an iudulgtnt
ausbana. They have been seen before they will be seen again : and
that is all there is the matter here 1 The danger is about us. Neither
Gilberte nor 1 cau avert ic ; but I sincerely believe you can defend
as against it.
Louise [In a low voice.] YJ:I think so ?
Sar We must keep you with us. The course pointed out by Gil
bert was rir-ht ; and now you know you have a duty to perform.
Louise [facing him.] A duty?
Sar A duty. And never was an accident more providential than
that which sent you to us.
Lou'ie It is well. I remain.
Sar Thanks.
Enter VINCENT, with a package of letters and papers, and a shaded larrp,
lig/ded, which he places on table R.
Louise [Aside. Grossing to R. H. COR.] This, then, is their happiness!
[Music.
Enter GILBERTE R. IE., "en grande toilette," noisily. GKORGIE, unper-
ceived by her, is holding cni to her skirt, and half hidden by it.
Gil I am late. [To VINCENT.]' Order the carriage immediately.
[VINCENT still fixing papers at table.
Do you hear? immediately! [To SARTORYS.] She will stay, won't
she ? [Exit VINCENT, c.
Sar Yes.
Gil [o.] Then this is a good day's work. I'm so glad. [Goet
towards LOUISE, but perceives thai GEORGIB has hold be sure, but perfectly laughable as a
lover, could inspire a real sentiment, and become well, I won't sa>
dangerous.
GU You may say dangerous. [SmUing
B'ness No I won't. I don't want to say it.
GU Yes, dangerous ! And I' in glad of it. [BARONESS starts.] be
cause the knowledge of this danger th it I run, is the first serious
thought which ever entcreJ :ny head ; [Smilinr/.] and when that en
tered, several others equally serious, slipped in after it.
B'ness [Warningli/ .} Take care, ray dear!
Gil A number of things to which I never paid any attention, ujw
appear to me ta their true light. Do ymi remember what you said to
me the day I told you mv sister was coming to live with us here ?
B'ness What did Is.iy?
Gil You said " Ah 1 "
B'ness Well that wasn't much
GU Well, after Louise had been installed here, I began to perceive
that it was less agreeable to me than I thought at first. When I saw
her take so gently, so aptly, my place beside my child, beside my
basbaiu, ther $ came to me certain thoughts, and I recalled your
tt Ah I" and 1 >eg,m to understand it.
FROU FROU. 86
ffneas Perhaprf tt would have been better if you t*d not
much.
Gil [Resolutely. ] 1 jaw what I ought to see, and nothing more . but
I sha]' put a stop to all this by taking a decisive step.
[Rising excittdly.
B'ness [Alarmed.] \. decisive step ?
I Gil. [Crossing.] Fes.
1 B'ness [Rising.] What step? you frighten me.
' Gil [Excitedly returning and stopping c.J I am determined to regain
the place I have lost ; to commence to live very differently from the
manner in which I have lived up to this day. [BAKONESS smiles incred
tilous'y.] You don't believe that I can ?
B'ness Oh, yes, I believe it.
Gil [Crossing to sofa.] Believe it or not, as you please, I am decided.
[Sii.
B'ness [Going over to her.] A word of advice, my dear Gilberte.
Drop your grand resolutions. Don't become a stupid, jealous wife
don't ! Come with me run in debt live faster than ever show
yourself at the opera in a dress that will draw every eye upon you
or better than that, ride a velocipede in the Park ! Do whatever you
like, but make it something in that line ! People will talk about you,
you will get a bad name perhaps, and every one will believe you are
a gone case, but you will be saved ! At the rate you are driving, you
fear you will be run away with and dashed to pieces ; so you are
frightened and want to jump out. If you do you will be destroyed.
Don't jump out on the contrary, whip up your horses, drive along
faster than ever, and the husbaad of whom you are now jealous will
follow you, will be jealous of you, and 3^011 will be saved. That's
wisdom ! That's my advice. [Rising.] Will you put on your hat, m/
dear, and come with me to see the house where the one poor devil
shot the other poor devil ?
Gil [Plea-antly.] No.
B'ness [Going up c] Well, you're wrong. Good-by, dear.
Gil Good-by !
B'ness [Returning ] Gilberte, I beg of you if you won't follow my
idvice, listen to this, ut least. If I were in your place, I would stay
home for forty eight hours, an 1 during that time, I would think of
nothing, do nothing, but try to become calm.
Gil [Excitedly rising, and crossing abruptly to L.] I have never ueen
calmer, or more tranquil.
'ness Oh ! Then good-by, my dear.
[Exits c. and L. GILBERTE nngs bell on table.
Enter PAULINE L. 1 E.
Pau Madame
Gil Has M. Sartorys gone out yet?
Pau I believe not.
Gi! Say to lu'm I wish to speak with him.
Pat* Yes, Madame. [Eztit L. 1 m.
(?v [Lu.. kiiy dear Gilberte, and tell me if you ever
saw a house better governed than ours since Louise has taken control.
See what care she takes of Georgie, and how well she is bringing up
the child ; and even I mypelf, have yon not noticed that since Louise
has been here 1 bave acquired a certain air of content?
Gil [Earnestly.] But if I really wished if I were really resolved to
become better and wiser, and to govern myself?
Sar Your zeal is too praiseworthy not to be encouraged, and I will
encourage it by all the means in my power, but
Gil But what ?
Sar But if, despite your tesolution and my encouragement. thi
ardor should die out. and at the end of a week, or say a fortnight,
my little Gilberts bo'.omes wearied, don't consider yourself bound to
continue ! Return &s fast as you please to your pleasures, your tri
umphs, and your gaieties ; neither my face nor my silence shall re
proach you, and I shall be content to remain the husband of the
prettiest darling and most adoreJ "if;tle wife in the world.
Gil [Rising nni ^.peaking quietli/.] That appointment which was offered
you, and which you refused on my account ?
Sar No, I can not go there now. Government might have felt hurt
at my refusal, but on the contrary, I have been treated with marked
kindness, and I have now in Paris a position almost equivalent to the
other. All's well that ends well, and so you see, you re.xlly nave not
as much to rfproach yourself with as you thought.
Gil [I/w',s at him peculiarly fur a t:econd t/>d then goei to chair R. of smau
table.] VP.P', I really see is, that all my beautiful projects are rejected.
Sir Oh. I give you full credit for them.
Gil {.Sarcastically.] Really.
Sff [Going to her.] And I wish to reward you fo* tb.& I don't want them now.
Sar [Astonished.] You don't want them ?
Enter BP.IGATCD, c. from i
Bng Good -r^Taina, daughter.
Sar Ah. M. ?r&.ri>
451881
M FROU FROU.
Btlg Good morning, my dear boy.
Sar You .have come just in time. Gilberte is a little nerroua, and
you know how to put her iu good humor.
Brig [71. GILBERTS.] Nervous! Now really.
Gil Good morning, father.
Brig Oh. it won't last ! You must do me a particular favor daugh
ter. The other day when you were skating in the Park, you wore a
uew kind of cap and Madame do Laurens, who sawycu in it, wanta
one just like it. I promised to get the pattern for her ! I knew yoa
wouldn't refuse me, your father, and so I promised her.
[GILBERTS rings bell on table.
You really will ?
Gil I will give orders to have it brought to you.
Brig That's an angel.
Enter PAULINB, L. 1 E. GILBERTE whispers to her. BRIGARD takes SAR-
I-JRYS down R. i. corner.
Brig [Aside to SARTORYS.] Hum! my boy, don't mention Madame
de Laurens or the cap, to any one outside. I'll do as much for you.
[Pokes him in the side.
Sar [Gravely.] As you wish.
[They go up. PAULINE exits L. 1 E. GII.BERTE rrosses to sofa R., and sits.
Sar [To BRIQARD.] I'll leave you with Gilberte. do try and restore
her spirits. I don't know what it is affects her to-day.
Brig All right, ray dear br>y.
[Goes to m mtel L., a:id arranges his hair before glass.
Sar [To GILBERTE.] So thit span of horses ?
Gil No. no ! How many times must I tell you?
Sar [Smiling gaily.} Well, then, yo.i know I um a positive man, and
whether you want them or njt, you shall have them.
[Goe* to R? t inARD c. , and whispers.
Brig She won't have a span? then give her a four-in-hand.
SARTOUYS exits c and L. laughing.
Gil [/iwcfo, feeling.] When I want to come back to him and be
really ant.' v .ruly his wife, that Ls how he treats me.
Brig [Creating to piano ] Do you know, my love, your husband is a
very nice fe'iow ?
Gil After ai\ he is right. Louise is here. I am not needed any
more ! He si-oaks to me as if I were a cliild.
Briij [T)UKhn^' the piano] Very nice fellow ! Very nice! [GILBERT!
bursts into tears. Rising in iistonishment and coming round to her.~\ What,
tears? What d v vjs this mean, Gilberte?
Gil [Turning fn\n him. \ Nothing, father, nothing !
Brig Nothing unions has happened, I hope ! And even if it be,
Am I not here, I, VN ar father ?
Gil [Bitterly.] Oh jes !
Brig "Oh, yes!" What do you mean by "Oh. yes?" I know
that now and tlien 1 \\ay secui to bo a little and then my hair isn't
ccifound it but ti. doesn't prevnt my being your father after all.
FBOD FROU. 88
Enter PAULINE, L. 1 E., with cap.
And as your father, I
Pan Is this what you wished, Madame ?
Gil What's that? Yes that's it. [Takes it, and funds it to hrr father,
and hand holding handkerclticf to her eyes.] That is what you askoJ for f
Brig [Taking the cap, but embarrassed ] Being your father as I said
yes. [Looking at cap ] That's it ! Being your father as I said
Gil Well, what more do you wish ?
Brig Nothing, but
Gil [Smiling in spile of her set 1 '.] But what ?
Brig Well, that' s not the point now. [Giving cap to PAULINE. ] HaT
this taken to my carriage. [Exit PAULINE, c. and L.] Deuce take mo,
it shan't be said I haven't done my duty ouce in my life ! Come now,
daughter, tell me why you were crying a while ago.
Gil For nothing, father.
Brig For nothing ?
GU Yes, you know there are times when we feel so. [Sits c.
Brig Yes, there are moments ! I feel that way myself sometimes.
But tell me ; there is something serious in all this, and the affection
I have for you you don't doubt my affection I hope, and if you have
need of a protector, you wouldn't hesitate to fly to my paternal ; eh ?
And those tears your nerves ; eh ? Oh, yes, that's it, nerves ! I
was sure of it ! Just my way ! We needn't worry any more about
it. And now, let's speak of Louise ; I might as well attend to her
case, now that I am started on family topics. [Sits beside GILBERTS.
GU [Quickly.] Louise !
Brig [Being uncomfortable in chair C. , goes to R. and sits in arm-chair.]
Yes, Monsieur de Villaroel comes here pretty often, don't he? I may
say very often.
Gil [Smiling.] Well, yes.
Brig And you never suspected?
Gil What could I have suspected ?
Brig Well, I didn't suspect either. L have two daughters, and 1
should once in a while suppose that once in a while some one might
fall in love with one as well as the other. And that's exactly what
has occurred. T have just received a visit from M. de Villaroel, anil
the reason why he called here so often was Louise.
Gil For Louise ? He proposed for her ? [Rises and goes to BRIGAHD.
Brig Yes, he loves her, and asks her hand.
Gil [Sitting on BRIGARD'S knee.] Oh, you clear, good papa ! you can't
imagine how happy this news has made me. There can be no reason
for refusing such an offer. Have you spokon to Louise yet.'
Brig No, not yet. I would have done so had she been here and
most likely she would have answered me as she has always done
that she don't want to marry.
GU [Rising andjlrml//.] She must not answer that now.
Brig No, certainly not. She must not ! Strange woman your sis
ter eh ? How she dislikes going into society; and her detenninatio
10 FROU FftOU.
not t< tnany. Do you know what I think. Gilberte? Louise mrut
have loved some one once.
Gil [Deeply mwed and turning away. ] You think so ?
Brig She mu-t once have dreamed of a happiness of which we know
nothing, and which she has lost.
Gil [Turninj sud/e::ly.] Father!
Brig [Rising abruptly and looking at his watch.] Well, just turn it over
:?>&.] You love your paternal parent too much! You
will be happy, if not for your own sake, at least for your dear father's
sake. [Kissing her.] Yt-u promise me, don't you? Good-by. Don't
forget to talk to your sister as soon as she comes in. [About to go.] Ah,
what did I do with that cap ? Oh, I remember, it's in my carriage.
Tah, tan, Frou Frou ! [Exits c. and L.
Gil [Solm c] She will not refuse this time ! She can not rofuse !
But if she should ? If she will not leave us if she will still remain
between me and my happiness ? What shall I do then f Who will
save me from the wretchedness, the fate, to which they drive me. I
have no husband, no father, to whom I can turn ! Ah ! my child,
my child is left me. He is there and near him I can be strong
Enter VINCENT, c. from L.
Gil What is it?
If in {Smiling meaningly.] Monsieur de Valreas [GILBERTS Jtarfc.] He
desires to know if Madame
Gil Valreas I will not [Sees VINCENT smile and look at her in a manner
of peculiar inquiry.] Show in M. de Valreas, and tell Pauline to dresi
Georgie immediately and bring him to me : I will take him out for a
walk.
Enter VALREAS c. from L. VINCENT exits, c. and L. GILBERTS turru
harshly to VALBEAS, who comes forward a single step.
Do you know why I consent to receive you ? Because that servant
FROU FROU. 41
Stood there and seemed to question why I close my doors against j on.
Val {An tirnf tncs*.] 1 have but a few words to say.
Gil So much the better, for I have but a few moments to spare.
[Pautea.] Why have you come here after that letter which I wrote
fou? Could you not understand that we must meet no more?
Val In that letter you ordered me to leave Paris.
Gil Well?
Val 1 leave to-night. Did I not tell you so?
Gil [More harshly.] I know very well you told me so, but what proof
have I ?
Val You have no right to doubt me. To you I never spoke any
thing bnt the truth.
Gil [Srftening.] Very well you will go. I wish it. You should
have gone without trying to see me.
Val I could not.
Gil (Harshly '(Wf Yes, I did love him, but it was you that he loved, and, be
lieving that your happiness depended upon his love, I took your
hand myself, and placed it in his, and that nothing should hinder
your consent to that marriage I pretended to be glad, and yet, at
that very moment, I sacrificed my heart for you for I loved him !
I loved him !
Gil [Sarcastically.] And, by the next day, I suppose, your love had
vanished.
Louise Not so. I suffered long, and perhaps my sufferings and
sacrifice merited another recompense than this. You have forgotten
your repeated efforts to make me come and live with you, and the
surprise that my refusal caused you. You have forgotten that I did
refuse to come.
Gil [Sternly.] But you finished by consenting.
Louise Because I had conquered myself ; because I was sure I no
longer loved him.
Gil [Bitterly.] Indeed ! Was it not rather because you thought
the moment better chosen ?
Louise Gilberte, you shall not speik to me so.
Gil [Commandingly .} It is the truth.
Louise Gilberte ! Sister ! Was it not you who wished me
Gil Ah, you knew well how to make me wish what you desired
most ; you are wise, my sister, and I was but a child in your hands.
You knew well what you were doing after you had married us after
you had sacrificed yourself for us -since you knew one instant would
suffice for you to regain all that you boast you have given me, since
now he is yours.
Louise [Terrified.] Gilbert, I will go I will leave you.
Gil Another sacrifice still. No ! It is not you this time who will
go.
Louise What mean you ?
Gil Heaven is my witness that I was sincere in my effort to resist,
to defend myself ; but I am not strong enough for a lifetime of such
efforts.
Louise [Motionless with horror.] Whit are you about to do?
Gil [Going up c. ] I acknowledge that I am conquered ! Take my
place ! I give it to you.
Louise Where are you going ?
Gil Ask me nothing.
Louise Gilberte !
Gil [In o. doors, turns and faces LOUISE and speaks furiously.] Hus
band, child, everything you have taken from me ! Keep them welli
[Closes the doors.
40 FROU FROU
Lamtf [Running to door and beating against it.] Gilberts! Oilberte !
ACT DROP.
ACT IV.
SCENE. The palace of the Barberini, at Venice. An ancient interior. Tht
archf.i balcony and columned entrance is seen at the L , occupying the ttayt
to 3d grooves. The entrance from the canals is through the arch L. 0. The
entrance and exit for interior is L. 1 E. The canal, ani view of Venice
under a full sunset light, is seen upon fie R. up stiye, and throitjh the bil-
cony off L. Sittge down n. for 2 entrances. Garden, R. H. Garden
tofa, L. H. 1 rustic chiir L. of table, and 1 up stage. ZANETTO discovered
leaning out of balcony L. c. , listening to Bircarole, which is being sung by
a parly passing in go/idol jai back. After Barcarole, enter PAULINE, L. IB.
Pauline Zanetto ! Ah ! there you are, as lazy as ever ! Couv,
stir your idle Italian legs. Madame wants you to run to the lodgings
of the Count, and tell him she will expect him at tea. [Seeing fiat ht
doesn't stir.] Come, wake up look lively run !
Zanetto Run? Whoever saw Zinettj run? It's not my business
to run of errands.
Pau It isn't ? What is your business then ?
2/an My business is to carry with grace the costume of the native
gondolier of sunny Italy ; to sing the national airs, and to eat, drink
and be merry, like a true sunny Italian. Nevertheless, to oblige
Madame, I will carry the message to Monsieur de Valreas.
Pau I thought you would, since he gives its value in gold for every
message you bring him.
Zan [Cimtng do;onc.] Ah ! we descendants of sunny Italy are very
poor, and the Count is very liberal. Not so liberal as your lady,
though. See how beautifully she has fitted up this old palace.
Pau Yes; and she's only been here six weeks, to do : t all. But it
cost her a deal of m mey to make your dirty old palace ^c to live in.
Zan Money! I believe you. AnJ talking of mocit, and observing flat
nritlifr speak while he is present. ]
Zan The sunny Italian is evidently not wanted. [Exits L. 1. i.
Val It feels like home again, to read a Paris paper. Halloa I
first uj.;ht at the Palais Royale. Commences at 8.
(.Hi [Smiling.] We shan't be in time.
Val No ; we're rather far ofl, in the first place and then the paper
is three days old.
Gil {Rising and leaning over his shoulder.'} And what was the newi,
three Jars ago ?
rr al L< '; me see ; Isthmus of Suez visit of the Empress -the rain
has played the deuce with the crops. That's not interesting.
Cil Not very. And what jlse ?
Val More isthmus more ah ! here are the theaters.
(iil Ah ! how I used to love them. What are they playing?
Val " The Last Day of Happiness," urn ! " A Wife's Honor," at
the Od"on, urn ! '-Patrie," at the Porte St. Martin. Ah! [Sighn.]
Gil [Trying to conceal her feelings.] A new opera by Verdi, at the
Italiens
Val And at the Gymnase. Ah ! Gilberte.
[Looks up from paper. Their eyes meet.
Gil [Hands on the back of his chair.] Paul. [Both remain silent for a
moment. The paper falls to his feel ; and he speak* in a vaue grave and tad.']
Val What are you thinking of, Gilberte?
Gil You are not sorry for all this ?
Val Gilberte !
Gil Say you are not sorry.
Val [Throwing ojf his gravity and putting his arm about her waitt as afc
lands beside him 1 Why, certainly not?
Gil And you love ine still, do you not ?
Enter PAULINE, L. o.
Well, what v t, Pauline ?
Pan Th^ Baron de Cambri, Madame ; and the Baroness.
Gil [ Wtt'ijoy, and making step towards door.] Ah !
[The BARONESS enters, and the two embrace long and lovingly.
Bar Yy darling child !
GV {Through her tears.} It was so good of you to come.
P'rttss [Taking her towards sofa, L.] At first the Baron would not
come with me ; but I ran away, and here I am.
[They sit on sofa, their arms about each other :
Enter BARON, L. c., first putting in his head.
Baron Ha ! I thought better of it, and so /came.
Val Ah ! my dear Cambri. [Thei/ sJtake handt.
Baron I say I thought better of it. My wife wanted to come alone;
but I always make it a point, when my wife wants to go anywhere
FROU FROU.
lone, to come after her directly. It is a good deal of trouble, physi
cally, hut it makes my mind easy. When yon are married, follow
my example. Motto for husbands : Be attentive, and you will be
happy.
Val You see, Madame. [BAROX lows to GILBERTE.
B'n'ss Take him away with you, Valreas. He is always in the way.
Baron My love, that's my way. But I say, Valreas, [bringing him
down R. c. , and speakiruj in a low lone.'] Sartorys is here.
Val [Starting.] Sartorys! [Pause; that suppressing emotion, and taking
RAROX'S hand.] I see. You have permitted your wife to come here,
no that if anything should happen. Gilberte would not be left alone.
Baron Exactly !
Val [Aside.] Poor Gilberte !
Baron You don't seem very happy. You must have known, of
course, that he'd come some time. Human nature, you know ;
human nature.
Val There are some things which we are bound to expect, and yet
which seeoi to be always far off; [Smilin:j.] and death is one of them.
[Goes towards ladies.
Baron [Aside.] " And death is one of them." Any man who talks
in such a tone of voice as that, is sure to be popped over at the first
ghot.
Val [To ladies, smiling.] You have much to say to each other, I
suppose ?
B'ness Indeed, "e have.
Val [Taking his hut] We will go, if you like, and leave you to chat
a little.
Gil [Tenderly.] You will return soon ?
Val Oh, yes ! The Baron will come back after Madame, and I will
*etnrn with him.
Barun [Aside. Going up.~\ Yes ; if Sartorys don't finish him.
B'ness Don't be long.
Val Oh, expect us soon. [Bows, and turns to BARON, aside.] Will
the Baroness tell her?
Baron [Same.] The Baroness don't know that Sartorys is here.
Val [Returning to GILBKRTE, and taking her hand over lack of sofa and
kissing it.] Farewell, Gilberte. [With deep emotion.
Gil Until we meet again ?
Val Until we meet again. [Exits L c.
Barm [Aside and following him.} "Until we meet again." If tn*
fonng man don't shoot quicker than he talks, he's a goner.
[Erits after VALREAJ.
Gil [To BARONESS.] Toll me everything. Everything that has passed.
B'ncxs At Paris?
Gil Georgie ! My child !
B'ness He is much better. T saw him in the park.
Gil You have seen him ?
B'nfts Yes ; with his governess I kissed him once for myself, and
I don't km.v how manv times for you.
FROU FROU. II
Gd \PretrinQ her hand silen ly , and turning away for an tr^stani. ] 'I hanks !
thanks t And Louise ?
B'ness She has gone Lac!; to her fatLur's. She went Lack after it
was certain that M. Sart [Checks herself.} after the doctors declared
him out of danger. She and her father have returned to the old
house at Charmarettcs.
Gd [Sad! liertelf iciL't a utiJM sigh.] Dome 1
B'ness Yes.
Gil [After apause] And me ? Do they speak of me ?
B'ness Not a word.
Gil Am I wholly forgotten ?
B'ness Why, you kno\v, n;y dear after six weeks! Of course, for
the first fortnight every one had something to say. But don't be
afraid ; every one too!< your part. And when Sartorys' lawyer told
all Paris how you had sent to him the deeds conveying your entire
dowry two millions, 1 believe to little Georgie well, after that,
nothing was heard against 3 on. The severest among our sex began
to plead your cause. Ah ! si:ch courage is a tine thing, my dear,
and precious rare, too.
Gil \In half tones.] Then I am not overwhelmed with reproaches?
B'ness Reproaches, my dear ! They know that you are happy,
and you are very much envied.
Gil [Drooping her head.] Happy ?
B'ness Of course you are happy !
Gil Yes ; I am happy. [ With a sort of terror] What would become
of me if 1 were not '( [They rise.
B'ness Do you know that you have an elegant place this old
palace ? [Looking off. drowjh her glass.} Delightful view ! You mut
be happy here ! How much he must love you ! i noticed his ex
pression when he left you, now. At tirst, I was afraid to come, for
fear I should find you miser ible ; but it's all right.
Gil Yes ; he loves me. Why did I not marry him when do you
know you recalled it all when you spoke of home a the Char-
Diarettes? You remember five years ago?
B' ness Yes ; I remember.
Gil If I had married him, I would not now be here.
B'ness Ah, my child ! the old regret the old sigh of the broken
heart "It might have been."
[Puts h.r Itandor, GiLBEKiES/iead, kindly ax y/ie buries her face in her hands.]
Enter PAULINE, L. o., in consternation.
Pau Madame ! Madame !
Gil [Rising in alarm.] What is it ?
Pau He is here !
\ Whispers in GILBERTS' s ear, and points towards door. GILBERTS ha{f
stn/'ij"rs agnmt table]
G [2b BARONESS.", Go -I beseech you.
H'-ness Who is it ?
Gil [Printing to door L.] Quick ! Eute r there. Do not come till I
call you.
tt FROr FROP
Pnas [As if comprehending. ~\ Gilberte ! My denr Gilbert* !
Gil [In \er arms.} You will not leave me ? [With tone of terror, .ind
quickly.] 1 may have need of you. Promise me !
B'nesf I promise you. \_Muntc till SAUTOKVS enters.
[Kisses her, and exits L. GILBERTS m Hon.: I'AUUXE tn retire, who gees of
door L. GILBERTF. stands c., leaning againvt tab'e ; tier face up *tng*
toi'-a-^df SARTORYS. who enters L. c.. very pale, and frightfvUi/ changrd.''
Gil [As if shrinking from an apparition.] Yon ?
Sar I.
Gil I knew that you had been very , very sick; that you were almost
Sar Yes, they told me (hat I was so ill. I must not hope. But yon
Me I &m not dead When sufficient of my strength returned to me,
A* I h.ul some business to omciade with you, 1 came.
Gil feme business with Lie ?
Sar Ycv., about [He braces himsjf cgaimt back of chcir. GILBERT!?
goes krtranfc him he recoixr* himelf uilh emotion*} 'Tis nothing. I beg
your parilou. I am still very very -my throat is ou fire water I
can hardly speak
Gil Wul2iT i [Goes to table, pouri water in one of the glasses, and bring*
to SARTOr.'iS, who, noticing the doiibls. set on the talle. points to them and
refuses to t-ike th 1 . y.'ass. GIIBEETE, in Itspctrr^ staggers back to table and sett
down the glasx J Heaven help me !
Sar It was aboui your dowry.
Gil My dowry ?
[^Curning towards him again.
Sar Yes. the money wLich you have sent to Paris. You must take
It back again. I will not leave you exposed to
Gil I have already said I do not need it !
Sar I know, I know, but you mist.
Gil No, I will take nothing
Sar Will you then force me to give you another reason. [GILBERT!
looks at him with friglttened countenance.] 1 do not wish my aon ever to
touch one cent of that money. I will not have it, you understand?
Gil [Sinks i:;ti chair ] Yes.
Sar And so that no one else should be compelled to tell you, 1
have come myself ; and I leave you this.
[Lays large envelope, heavily sealed, on table beside her and takes one step
towards doer.]
Gil You are going ?
Sar Yes, now that everything is terminated
Til [With suddw recollection.] Valreas. You are going to fight him F
Sar Ye:i ! Y^.u c::pectcJ it, did you not? And I swear to you, If
1 had had the strength to ccmc sooner
Gil [c.] You. you fight, and for me? For me? [Hysterical liugh]
Frou Frou ! Think of it Frou Frou meant? frivolity, trifles, di ^.sea
What leurtul fata, is it, then, which throws me amongst things KO terri
ble as bloodshed ;;nd death. [lie starts toward door ; she ilops him by nm-
mng before end throwing herself at his knees, darpiny her hands before him.]
You shall not fight ! What ! a man like you to risk a prenous life,
FROU FROTL M
nd for a woman like me? [Tearfully.] There must be some othel
way to satisfy your honor.
Sar [Bitterly ] My honor !
Gil The world, no matter what you may do, can never doubt youi
courage !
Sar You are mistaken if you believe it is of my honor I think now,
or that I have troubled myself one instant with what the world baa
thought of your fault or what it may thiuk of my vengeance. I am
not a husband who comes to kill the lover of his wife 1 I loved you
you have betrayed me because you love another and I shall try
to kill that other that is all. [Goes toward door.
Gil No, no, I alone am guilty. Crush me, but me alone.
[Takes his hand he tries to release himself.
Sar Leave me.
Gil What vengeance do you want ? I dare not speak of death for
aiyself I would not have the courage to die but there are convents
close by there is one take me there I will go gladly let its
l
minujs as if demented and BARONESS enters ; SARTORYS, without saying a
word, points tc GILBERTE and exits. Curtain
ACT V.
SCENE.- -Same as Act '2d, but seemingly neglected ; no flowers ; no music on
piano; a lighted lamp on small table; doors closed; the picture of FB.OU
F aou, \vhich always stood on the easel, is sovered with a white doth. Tht
GOVERNESS and GEORGIE discovered seated near the tdtte, R. Staff! half
dark. Afufic at rise of curtain.
Governess [Redding from dory l,ook.] "The brave voim.,' prince at
last amvc:l at the gate of the Magician's castle. Thij obstacle would
have arrested his course, since all the art and all the strength of the
world could not open a door which enchantment kept fast closed,
M FROD FROtJ.
had it not been for tin. ri:ig which the Prince wore on nls nngei od
which the fairy ha'l given him to protect him from the evil powtr of
the magician Merlin. By accMent. he placed th-it hand on the bins
of the gate. As soon as the tdLsman t /nche 1 it it opened and the
Priuce continued his journey in search of the Princess. After ha\ ing
Bought for her for two years, all the world over, he at length had the
happiness to find her and conduct her home."
Georgie And why did the Prince seek for the Princess ?
Gov Because he loved her.
Oeorgie And found her at last ?
Gw Didn't you hear? " After having sought for her, all over the
world, for two years, he at length had the happiness "
Georgie [Taking both her hands between his.] Oh, if you only would
but you musn't tell any one !
Gov If I only would '! what, darling ?
Gearpie If you only would we two might start now and go hunt
ing for mamma all over the world.
[GOVERNESS kisses GEORGIK.
Enter AJJGELIQUE, L. 0.
Ang Mademoiselle !
Goo [Turning and closing book.] What is it ?
Ang Pauline Madame' s old waiting maid
Gov [Rising.] Madame's old waiting maid !
Ang [GEORGIE goes forward, listening.'] Yes, she is below and sayi
he would like to see Master Georgie.
Gov [Drawing GEORGIE to tier.] But 1 don't know that I can per
mit it
Ang Ah ! Mademoiselle poor .thing ! She says she will remain
but a moment.
Gov I really don't know if I can allow nor do I know if I can
deny
Enter PAULINE, o.
Pau Mademoiselle, I beg you ! [ANGELIQCE exits, o.
Georgie [Running to PAULINR.] It's Pauline ! Oh, Pauline !
[PAULINE stoops on her knees and covers the child with kiute.
Pau You know me. Master Georgie ?
Georgie Yes, I know you right away.
Pau How tall you have p; own, and how pretty I
Georgie I havun' t seen you for such a long time.
Pau Yes, a long time more than six months.
Georgie Why did you go away 'i
Pau [Looking doiL-n.] Why?
Qtorgit And mamma ? Where is she ?
Pau [Faltering ] Mamma! Georgie?
Enter SABTORYS, L. 11. PAULINE rises hastily.
4br [ To GOVERNESS.] Take Georgie to hi 1 * room, Mademr LselU.
[He kisst
FTvOU FKOTJ. 66
G<* \0romsiny L.] Mon.,L'ur, if I have done wrong.
Sar I do not reproach you.
{Motions for her to remove GEORGIE. and the Go\ KRNESS exits L. 1 K wi*A
t/te child.
Pan [L. c.] I beg pardon, Monsieur!
Sar It is well. How long have you been in Paris?
Pau Since yesterday.
Sar Are you here alone ?
Pau .No, Monsieur ; Mademoiselle Louise is here with M. Brigard
and [Hesitates.
Sar [Moved] She?
Pau [Low tone, eyes on ground.] Yes, Monsieur
Sar [Half mtdibly ] Near me in Paris !
Pau We were only passing through ; to-morrow we goto the South
the doctors say it is absolutely necessary.
Sar The doctors ?
Pau Yes. Monsieur, we stopped here to consult them, and I
thought that if Madame could have news of her child, it would do
her more good than all that the doctors could say to her, so I came
without telling anybody what I was about.
Sar Pauline is she in danger ?
Pau Yes. Monsieur.
Sar Not in dinger of death, however, not in danger of death ?
Pau I think not, Monsieur.
Sar You think not ?
Pau I was more afraid of it six months ago, the day that
Monsieur [Power
Sar Speak, I beg of you, Pauline.
Pau 1 thought Madame was lost ; it listed three days ; Madame de
Cambri a:ul 1 nursed her the best we could, but we thought each
moment she would die. At the end of those three days, Madem
oiselle Louise arrived. Madame did net recognize her at first, but at
last she knew her. Mademoiselle Louise took her ia her arms and
Madame cried ; Mademoiselle Louise kept her clasped in her arms,
and botli crie.l without saying a word. From that mo::ient, my
lady begin to improve ; aftor a while she was able to travel and we
all returned to Charm arettes
Sar And there she contained to improve, did she not ?
Pau Yes, during the first two months ; we hoped, yet she was very
pale, and her smile was very sad. Ah. if you had seen her so ana
with a plain black dress now, which she always wears she who used
to
Sar Yes, yes
Pau And then Madame was always among the poor und tending
the sick. At last, what was inevitable, happened. After having
passed eevcrnl nights with a poor old woman whose life she saved
he fell sic'c herself of the fnver. We called In the phvsicianr- those
down there sent us to those up here- the latter have decided what I
told you a moment ago that she must go to the South that thera
Madame might recover.
FHC FROU.
?rr Yes, Gilberts, with all ray soul. ttutic,.
Gil After pressing her hind to hrr tieirt. as if seized with a sudden pain,
tn/l lien, in a j'ore-'toding voice ] Georgie, my little Georgia bring him
to me-
.ir [Risiiiy ] Yes, I will go for him.
G\l [As if fearful of dying before he corner.] Now now
fS VRTORYS exits quickly. L. ii. LOUISE darts to GILBEHTE'S side.
'ril [_ f )one''oing BEIGABD who is Leaning on mantle, back to audience, j Poor
fatuer !
fr-eni'T SAifWBYS, with GEORGIB, followed by PAULINE, who goes to back of
sofa by GILBERTS.
Gforgie Matuma ! [BreaJcs away from ids father and runs to her.
Gil [With i iv : ld 'ry, h^f rising.] Georgie ! my son ! my child !
[She izkes the chili in, her arm? and keeps him some minutes.
Georgie Y uappy ?
Sar [Taking lier hand and kneeling.] A a, Gilberte. it is not you who
need forgiveness, it is I.
Gil Forgive you for for what? For naving loved me to wall?
Ah ! that has been my misfortune, all La*-> loved me too well.
Lcuise \Sobbiny.] Gilberte !
Gil And that is why I die so happy, [fidf-iiiy I ick.] Ah!
All \B lieviny her dead.] Gilberte !
Gil [Supported by SARTORYS who pi ices his arm 'ewlerly about her as sh*
rais's her fieid.] Louise when- are yon? Louise! LOUISE places a
hand en GILUERTE'S without lifting her hearl.] Jet me tel. you when I
am dead d-jck me out as beautifully as in tne by-gono happy days -
no*, in this Mack robe Among my ball-dresses, you will find a
wbHe one, you know, the skirt is covered with little roses ; that ia
the one I want; don't forget and you will see how handsome I
hall be
Sar Ok ! Gilberte ! D;irliug !
Gil [Sadly smiltnj her eyes upturne'lto his.] You see- -still the eaiat
Frou Frou \Growing insensible.] Poor Frou Frou '
FROTJ FROU. W
he ha* d>ne to others? That does not lessen tL. MOM she has dealt
my heart. Why should I forgive her, because of the good she baa
done thuui ! Will you go ask the poursho aiJed. the siciv slic loaded,
fcaJ. tlic J}'...g v.-::oni slu redeemed to curse her, because of the harm
she has done to me '!
Laui?e [1 'leading .~\ She awaits your forgiveness and she is dying.
Sar \L'ilmer, Imt resolute.} You wish me to utter a falsehood is that
It? Weil 1 will do it. 1 can say that I forgive, but it docs not coma
from tny heart. The wound is too deep, (he sorrow is too great.
Luui* [c.] A sorrow greater than yours has forgiven her.
Sar A greater sorrow than mine '! Of whom do you speak ?
Louise It is your fault alone if I awaken somber memories. 1 spok
f that mother
Sur [SiiJdny into diair again.] Louise !
Louise Whoso sou you killed.
Sur [Struck with remorse. ] Poor Valreas !
Louise iShe saw Gilberte dying, and Gilberte, dying, begged her to
forgive both heioeli tiud you.
Sar An:l that mother forgave?
Louise She forgave.
Sar [liitterly.} Ah ! you women, it is your religion makes you give
the lie to your hearts.
Louise [Seproacltftdfy. j Henri !
for [Coldly, and crossing.] Take thj child with you.
Sider BRIGARD c. lie stops.]
Louise Father !
Sar [Tarni.ng] Monsieur! you here?
Brig She would co.ue. I could not prevent her.
Louise [Excitedly and going toioards BRIGARD.] Gilberte ?
Brig Is there? [Pointing off c. Exit LOUISE, ripidly, c.
Brig [To SARTORYS.] You will not refuse to see her? It is only to
die that she hay returned t~> thio tiiat was once her home. [Music.
'liLBERTE appear," at back supported bi/ LOUISE. Site comes forward a feu
steps and sinks art her knees. BRIGARU takej a step towards her.
Gil [ Waving BuiGAun lick.] Not you, my father, not you 1
[SAKVIUYS springs fcncard and raises her in his arms.
Sar Gilberte! my Gilberte !
Gtl [(jdzin'j tenderly at him and in a Ino tone.} Thank you, tbank you.
[SARTORYS supports her to sofa and kneels beside her. GILBERTE, after look-
vng about her with a childii;h -mile.] At home, at home again.
Sar [Tenderly.] Yes, at home, Gilberte! at home, and you shall
tot die, you shall always remain here !
[BIUQARD and LOUISE Inj mantle, u
Gil [Smiling.] Always?
Sar [Taking Her hand.] Poor Gilberte !
(J-il [Gently pressing hit fore/iead andpufhing back his fiair.~\ Youforgivv
Be, do you not .-
FROTT FttOU.
Enter ANOZUQ'JB, 0.
Any Monsieur, Mademoiselle Louise is helow.
Sar Louise !
Pau [Frightened and taking a step forward to c.] Ah, Monsieur, if iht
hits come here thcie must be
Sar R. c. Wliat do you mean ?
I au [L. c.] Th.it Madame must be very ill.
HIT [Pointing L. H.] There there you will lind Qeorgie. You will
be able to kiss him before you leave. That way go quickly.
[PAULINE crosses and exits L. 1 E. SAHTORTS makes a sign to ANQELIQUK
who exits C.]
Enter LOUISE.
Louise [In doorway c , quickly ] Georgia her child !
Sar [Going a step towards her.] Louise !
.Louise You can not refuse to let her see her child befure she dies!
Sar [Paralyzed.] Before she!
[Presses his hand to his heirt and bows his head suddenly as if a heavy blott
Ltd stricken him.
Louise Yes, before she dies.
Sar [Leaning against chair.] Ah !
Lomse You do not answer ?
Sar He is there. [She makes the step fur ward ; he woven ; nwlionsher ;
t/ie stops ; he r^ngs bell on table.] He will be brought you shall take
him with you
Isouise 1 will take him ?
Sar [Facing penetrating glances upon her.] Is not that what you ask of
me.'
Louise Yes, that is what I asked, bat I hoped you would have re
plied differently.
Sar What else do you desire ?
Jjouist I hoped that you yourself would have taken Georgie to her ;
that you would see her ; and that one word of forgiveness
Sar [Starting back.] Forgiveness !
Louise [Going to him supplicatin^iy.] Henri! [fie turns away] Sh
is dying.
Sar Dying ! Oh, Louise if 1 could ! My heart is torn by the
most terrible sufferings that a in.in can bear but, if by giving my
o\vii life. I could save hers T would not hesitate one moment. I do
not speak falsely when I say that, but I would lie if I said that I for-
giye hr.
Louise Have you not had your revenge? After that comes forgive
ness [SAKTORYS sinks into c/tatr, clenching hands.] Has not the expia
tion been terrible enough ? Have not her sufferings
f>ar Her sufferings! Look around you. at the house- deuolaJte 1
The child deserted. Look at me, and tell me which you think has
Buffered most, she or I ?
Leuise The good she did to those around hr r
Sar [With intensity, and rising.] What have f benefited by the good
LIBRARY
FROTJ FROU. 69
[Iff arm* ntax her Head falU SAUTU^VS la/,* Itr aentlv down and
tabbing aside, j
AT YALE
A Comedy Drama of College Life in Three Acts
By OWEN DAVIS
CAST OF CHARACTERS
DICK SHEELET Yale '05.
MR. CLAYTON RANDAL Of New York.
JACK RANDAL His son, Yale '05.
DAVE BURLY Substitute on Yale Crew.
JIM TUCKER Captain of Yale Crew.
JIMSEY A Telegraph Messenger Boy.
CLANCY A Prize-fighter.
JOHN KENNEDY Coach Yale Crew.
FRANK YOUNG Member of Yale Crew.
ED. SCOTT Friend of Dick and Member of Yale
Crew.
TOM HAYNES Member of Yale Crew.
ROBERT CROSBY Member of Yale Crew.
JEPSON Boatman.
POL
HARRY WILSON
WILL TAYLOR
MRS. RANDAL Jack's Mother.
DOROTHY RANDAL Her daughter.
POLLY BURK A friend of Dorothy.
MAME BRADY A poor girl.
SYNOPSIS OF SCENES
ACT I. Vanderbilt Hall, New Haven.
ACT II. SCENE 1. A Boat House, Gales Ferry.
SCENE 2. The Start. Gales Ferry Quarters.
SCENE 3. The Race. Thames River.
ACT III. Exterior of Griswold Hotel, Eastern Point. New Lon
don. The night of the race.
A Comedy Drama of American College Life In Three Acts, by Owen Davis.
This piece was played with tremendous success all over the United States by
Paul Gllmore. Sixteen males, four females, four of the men being unimportant.
This Is a play with a distinct college setting. In which athletics are prominent:
just the kind of play that Is wanted by nearly every high school and college con
templating putting on a play as part of their commencement exercises. There
are pretty college girls, freshmen, a telegraph messenger boy. coaches, typical
college boys, members of the crew, substitutes, etc. Any number of males and
females can be used In the ensembles. Plays a full evening.
PRICE. 25 CENTS
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Hamlet in Three AcU
GuttU &. Gulnit
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Comedy 1- S Acts
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